The Le Brune of 5 or 600 tons & the Le Sage of 3 or 350 tons saild from L'Orient, or rather from a Village near the Mouth of the River. They are navigated with French Men, & loaded with common salt; the former hath 46 Cannon in her hold coverd with Salt; the number of Cannon the other carries cannot be ascertaind: they are bound to America. ]

The Anonime of 450 or 500 tons is loading at L'Orient for the same destination.

The American Frigates, the Raleigh & Alfred, and another, a small Vessel, it is confidently said were to sail from L'Orient the 19^th. Dec^r. It is said they were to steer towards Nantz to join the Randolph another Frigate¹ with three Merchant Ships that are loaded there, & all sail in Company.

The Le Brune is probably Commanded by One Mallet & the La Sage by One Michell. If they meet our Cruizers they will pretend they are bound to S^t Pierre or Miquillon; and the salt will give colour to it

The Beaumond, an old India Ship of 1000 tons at L'Orient had been declard during her lading to be for Cadiz but on the 19 Dec^r. When the Men were to receive their Advance wages, Boston was declar'd to be their destination

18 Dec^r.—

One Nicholson is set out for Nantz to command the Lyon an American Frigate of 36 guns.² He is to sail with the fleet, and it is supposed carries despatches for the Congress. A M^r. Carmichel goes with Him.³

Several People lately pick'd up who escaped from Prison in England are going out in the fleet as Pilots for the coast of America. Their Rendezvous is about Nantz; L'orient; Perhaps Belle Isle.

Mr. Deane's Brother is going with despatches, and embarks on board a Frigate of 36 Guns, which has been sometime laying in the River of Bourdeaux.⁴