December 1st 1777.
[Extract]
. . . The Pacifique, a frigate of 14 guns, twelve-pounders, and a new ship1 lately launched at Nantes, carrying 24 guns on one deck, are now fitting with the utmost dispatch for Boston and will sail about the 20th of this month. They take in 400 bales of woollen goods, 15,000 suits of ready-made uniforms, and a quantity of arms; they both sail under French colours.
The captains of the American ships of war are gone to Lorient and are ordered to intercept if possible part of the West India convoy. They have received every necessary whatever from the King's stores at Lorient. . . .
The Private Papers of John, Earl of Sandruich, First Lord of the Admiralty, 1771-1782, edited by G. R. Barnes and J. H. Owen, 4 vols. ([London]: Navy Records Society, 1932-38), 1: 255.
1. Frigate Lyon, which would become Continental Navy frigate Deane.
