Mess^rs. Delaps
Gentlemen

We are informed that the Ship Portsmouth, which left Bourdeaux a few days since, made Prize of aVessel from Cork entering the River, with a Pilot onboard & after she had got into the Passage of Grave.¹

This is the Captain's Story, on which his complaint is founded. We ask you to enquire into the particulars of this Transaction and send in the Pilots Acco^t. of it Attested.—Several American Vessels have been taken in the Course of the last Season by the English near the Coasts of France & one or more as we have been informed in near the same Circumstances; You will oblige us by enquiring how near the Land American Ships have been taken bound to your Port & sending us the Acco^t.—We are [&c.]

The Pilots Name is Doussier of Royan a Copy of the Declaration made at the Admiralty is wanted if it can be obtained—