Sir

On the 24^th Instant desired you would acquaint my Lords Commissioners of my Intention of proceeding to Sea on the Information of which I inclosed a Copy.— That Evening got under Way with Little Wind & stood down the River Clyde, had little Wind all Night.— Saturday the 25^th. in the morning had Light Breezes & Calms, in the Evening the Wind came at S.W. and blew Fresh which hinder’d us from getting out of the River untill Nine O’Clock. We continued turning down the Frith of Clyde it being thick Weather & blowing Fresh at S:W:

On Sunday Morning the 26^th. Off Lamlash² fell in with the George Revenue Cutter belonging to Greenock who informed that he had seen the Privateer the Evening before at 6 O’Clock & the Drake with her Maintopsail Yard down both Laying too to the Southward of the Mull of Cantire,³ had spoke a Boat that came from the Privateer who told him she was called Ranger the Commander’s Name Jones. The People in the Boat heard the Privateer hail the Drake that the Wind would be to the Southward that Evening & he should go through the North Channell. On Monday 27^th. thick Hazey Weather in the Morning spoke a Sloop from Belfast who said the Engagement with the Drake was on Friday Afternoon.— At Eleven O’Clock spoke with the Boston from the Intelligence which I received from Captain Dudingston⁴ who had come from the Southward & spoke with every Vessel he saw & had no Information of the Privateer, determined me to stand to the Northward[,] desired Captain Dudingston would sail along the Irish Coast, keeping the Scotch Shore myself.

On the 28^th stood for Illa,⁵ in the Morning sent the Boat on Shore at the Entrance of the Sound⁶ who spoke several Vessels that had come through it, & was on Shore & got no Intelligence. Spoke with a Ship from Liverpool bound to Riga, soon after spoke a Snow from Norway who had passed between the Lewis Islands⁷ & Terrey-Rocks,⁸ had spoke the Boston who was standing for Londonderry.— Then determin’d to stand to the Southward for this Place and if there is any further Intelligence of the Privateer shall govern myself accordingly if not shall proceed to the River Clyde to execute the Orders received. Being short of Complement & some Sick on board 25 Men from the Transports & two Master’s came on board Volunteers. M^r. Thomas Fisher Master of the Favorite of White Haven being well acquainted in Solway Frith & the Coast to the Southward, offered to pilot the Ship should she proceed that Way. I likewise took a Pilot for the Coast of Scotland. This you will be pleas’d to communicate to my Lords Commissioners. I have the Honor to be [&c.]