Eagle, Sandy Hook [N.J.] April the 11th. 1778.
Sir,
Being informed that the Difficulties the Rebels find in attempting to make their Returns of Tobacco from Chesepeak Bay, have induced them to prosecute that Commerce through North Carolina; Putting to Sea out of Ocracoke Inlet, and receiving Supplies by the same Channel; I desire You will acquaint Captain Fanshawe1 with my Wishes, that all the Attention which the State of his Force admits, may be had to that essential Object.
I am at the same Time informed, that a French Frigate-built Ship is now, or has lately been stationed in Cape-Look-out Harbour;2 and an uninterrupted Trade carrying on there with the Rebels: It is desirable that the earliest Opportunity should be taken to obstruct this Intercourse also. I am, [&c.]
Howe
L, UkGrNMM, Adm. Viscount Keith Papers, KEI/2/2. Addressed below close: “Honble Captain Elphinstone/Perseus." Docketed: “ Perseus/Lord Howes Order to/obstruct the Rebel commerce/at Ocracoke and Cape-Look-out/11th: April 1778."
1. Capt. Robert Fanshawe, Senior Naval Officer commanding the British squadron patrolling off the Carolinas and Georgia.
2. Ship Ferdinand, Denis-Nicolas Cottineau de Kerloguen, master. It anchored off Beaufort, N.C., and transferred its cargo to that town. See NDAR 11:441-43, 534. See also, Cottineau to Gov. Richard Caswell, 12 May, below.
