Bilboa Jan 16th. 1778
Dear Sir/
I received your Letter this Morning and am pleased that you have reason to believe that both you and your People will be released in a few Days.1 Lieutenant Beach2 with a Copy of your Commision saild last tuesday, having on board one hundred and ten Men from the other armed vessels he received upwards of forty, he has already taken a ship3 which is valuable & is at Present in pursuit of the Tobacco Brigg4 which was taken near this Place by a Small Schooner.5 I have not the least doubt but the expedition will meet your approbation, I think it is Probable that I shall spend some weeks here, as I have got a Letter from Mr. Ross at Nants which came by five American Seamen which he sent me, He informes me the Cutter6 will not sail for some time yet. Nothing new besides from your obediant and Humble Servt
Wm Hodge
A Copy
Copy, ScHi, Henry Laurens Papers, SCHS No. 31.
1. Conyngham had traveled to San Sebastián to obtain release of the cargo he had taken from the French brig Gracieux. James Gardoqui to Arthur Lee, 10 Jan., above.
2. Lt. John Beach, Continental Navy.
3. Ship Hope, William Butler.
4. Hooper, William Knapp.
5. Guernsey privateer schooner Active, Peter Agnew, commander.
6. Continental Navy cutter Dolphin.
