"For these two months past we have had about 12 sail of ships, with slaves on board, sailed from this and the other ports of Africa, bound to the West Indies, eight of whom we have already had advice of being taken by the American privateers, and carried into either Guadaloupe, Martinico, or some other of the French ports; and our Governor¹ has done all in his power to get them delivered up, but the messenger he sent has returned a few days ago, as he could get no answer.

"We now begin to feel the American war very severely, as provisions of all sorts are very scarce and very dear, having had no fresh supplies for several weeks; and if the war continues much longer, we shall not be able to carry on any trade, as the privateers are continually cruising about this place, and give a very sharp look out."