Gothenburg 1st. Novr. 1777—
No. 10 My Lord,
I have now to Inform your Lordship that Capt. Woodhouse is now about clear to Sail from Marstrand under Swedish Colours, his masters Name I. Tangren—the vessell under the same discription as already given—the Cargo consisting of Salt, Linnens &ca. to the Extent of circa £3000—
The two Schooners are also about clear to sail chiefly loaded with Teas & I suspect some Powder,—
[T]here was lately Exported from hence to Marstrand in name of the Merchant who is agent for these Ships 60 Casks of Gun-Powder—I gave in a memorial to the Governor concerning it & desiring that he would forbid it being shiped on board of these Americans—which he accordingly did—nevertheless I am well convinced that not only that parcell, but also another much larger, is either intended for the Ships now at Marstrand, or another that is dayly expected—all this I have communicated to Mr. Doerfeld at Stockholm[.] I have found out that the Agent here Henry Greig receives Letters almost evry other post from Dr. Franklin at Paris—I am [&c.]
Thoms Erskine
L, UkLPR, S.P. Foreign 95/127. Addressed at foot of first page: "Rt. Honbl. Earl of Suffolk.” Notation in left margin: “Extract sent to the Admiralty.”