Most Honble Gentlemen

Yesterday, to our great Surprize, arrived at this Port twenty two English Sailors, which made part of the Crew, belonging to the Lady Juliana Captain [Christopher] Stevenson, the Reynolds Captain [Heylock] Rusden, and the Degune [Juno] Captain [Samuel] Marson, which were taken near the Port of Mantanzas, at the Mouth of the Bahama Channel, by two Bostonian Sloops, so well manned and armed that they are able to fight any vessel whatever, as we have been told by the people taken.² These Three Vessels sailed from your Island bound to London, laden with produce and money to a considerable amount; the greatest part of their Crews 8i passengers were kept Prisoners; & the 22 Men which arrived here, were sent ashore by the Privateers in a large Boat, as they chose rather to come here, than go to America; amongst these is the Mate of the Reynolds and Captain Marson, but Capt[ain] Stephenson staid with the Privateers, in order as we imagine not to abandon his Ship, and to have Justice done him, if possible from the Injury he hath sustained from those Pirates, we wish we may not be deceived in this our Opinion. ー

The Privateers still continue cruizing at the same place, that is at the very mouth of the Bahama Channel, in so much, that any Vessel that comes this way, must fall into their hands, as they are not acquainted with the Danger which has engaged us as well as in consideration of your being possibly concern'd in the Vessels, and the benefit it may be to your Merchants in general, to forward you this express by way of Port au Prince, with orders to Charter immediately a small Vessel to proceed to you that you may have the earliest account of this Important news ー We are Gent [&c.]

(A Copy)

[Endorsed] a true Translation from the Spanish ー Clark Gayton