“It is with the greatest concern that we must advise You that the Nancy & Mary, Thomas Aubin master, coming to us from Newfoundland with about 2,000 Quintals fish, & some oil, was taken the 28 ult^o: by the American Privateer the Neptune Cap^t: Nathaniel Swasey in the latitude 44.15. north, longitude 12 d. West: the prize was sent into Santoña, and the Cap^t: and crew, as also M^r. LeGeyt the agent were sent ashore in one of our Spanish Boats, Six Miles East of this place, they are now here, and I have made them enter a protest which we shall transmit You next post, that You may be able to settle with the Underwriters, wishing heartily our worthy friend M^r. Fiott may be fully covered.” “We are sorry to see the Newfoundland Trade so much exposed, that it is with great difficulty any Vessell coming to this place can avoid falling into the hands of American privateers that infest our Coast, but their force is [so) inconsiderable that a few of Your cutters would soon destroy them. We refer You to our next & Remain &^a. &^a.”

London 4 December 1777. The above is a true Extract of the Letter received by us.