Copy.
Gentlemen,

I have the Honor to acquaint You of the arrival here of the Brig Flora, John Robins Master of Topsham with 61 Seamen belonging to the Vessels hereafter mentioned, who were put on board of her off Santander by James Babson and Jeremiah Hilbert, Masters of the Rebel Privateers the General Mercer, and Hawke. Babson also took the Flora, but restored it to the master, in order to convey these Seamen to England, but he supplied them so sparingly with Provisions, that They were obliged to make the first Port, and arrived here in extream great Distress, having had nothing to eat for a considerable time before their Arrival.¹

I sent them immediate Relief, and am providing them with a Month's provisions to carry them to the first Port in England, an account of which I shall take the Liberty to send You. Meanwhile I beg leave to observe, that as the master of the Flora had his vessel restored on Condition of conveying these men home, and that the Provisions have been supplied by me, he cannot expect any further Reward for their Passage. I have the honor &c^a.

The Brig, Minehead, John Mathews of Teinmouth from Newfoundland to Bilboa, taken the 29^th. of November, by the Privateer General Mercer.

The Brig, Mary, William Pearce of Exeter from Newfoundland to Bilboa, taken the 30^th. November, by the General Mercer.

The Snow, Mary, William Ashweek of Dartmouth, from the Coast of Labrador to Santander, taken the 15^th November by the Hawke, Privateer.²

The Brig, George David Elsworthy of Poole from Newfoundland to Bilboa,³ taken the 28^th November, by the General Mercer.

The Brig, Hawke, George Best of Poole, from Newfoundland to Bilboa, taken the 1^st. of December, by the General Mercer.

The Brig, Active, David Mauger of Jersey, taken the 2^d. November, by the Hawke.