N^o. 73.
My Lord.

The S^t: Pascal of 74 Guns, and the Soledad Frigate are sailed from Ferrol but whither is not known.

Cunningham is returned to Ferrol from his third Cruize having besides the two vessels which in my last¹ I had the Honor to acquaint Your Lordship he had sent in here taken several others and sent them to different Ports of France and Spain. The Hawke Privateer Jeremiah Hilbert has also made great Havock among our Newfoundland Ships bound to Bilboa, and Santander, more than half of which have been taken by the Rebels since the Convoy under Admiral Montague left them. None of His Majesty's Ships appear on this Coast to protect a Trade so extreemly beneficial to the Nation, nor have any been seen by the American vessels that have lately arrived here from Virginia and other Parts of North America. I therefore most humbly beseech your Lordship will be pleased to take in Consideration what I had the Honor to write on this Subject in my Letter N^o: 66,² I humbly conceive a Cutter of equal Force with Cunninghams would render effectual Service if that method was observed.

This Pirate is still in Ferrol and continues to receive every Encouragement that can be given him. his two last Prizes which were taken within Cannon Shot of the Coast have been declared legal, and he is now waiting for Leave to sell them:³ the most false Representations have been sent to Court for that end, and there is no Doubt they will be attended to.

Great Rejoicings have been made by the Americans in this Port at the News propogated by a vessel just arrived from Northampton in Virginia, of General Howe's being totally defeated and driven from Philadelphia on the first of October, and of the total Loss of General Burgoynes whole Army, a Report which I flatter myself deserves no Credit. I have the Honor to be [&c.]