Honble Sirs.

Cap^t. Watt late of the Ship Jamaica and Cap^t. Hooper of the Nanny both from Jamaica, and Cap^t. Marshall of the Sally from Dartmouth to Newfoundland, and Cap^t. Athens of a Schooner from New York with several other Passengers landed at this Port last night from Port L'Orient having been taken and carried in there by the Raleigh (a Frigate belonging to the Rebells) of 32 Guns under the Command of one Thompson. The two first mentioned Captains informed the Surveyor and Landwaiters, when they were examining their Baggage—"that before they left L'Orient the Cargoes of their Ships were discharging and intended to be Sold. That the Raleigh, and her Consort the Alfred of 22 Guns were landing their Gunpowder and Stores in the King's Arsenal in order that they may go into the Kings Dock—That there was a Frigate at L'Orient ready to be launched for the Rebells, that she was to be Commanded by an Irishman and manned by the French—This Frigate when ready in Conjunction with the Raleigh and Alfred were to Convey from L'Orient to America near Twenty Sail of Ships laden with Stores &c."—We think it Our Duty to Communicate this Information to Your Honours, and are in haste to save Post, with great Respect, Your Honours Most faithful and Obedient Hble Servants

Custom House

Portsmouth

24^th. Oct^r. 1777.¹