Sir,

By the Argo I acquiinted their Lordships that the Shark sloop had Engaged an American Privateer off St Pierres Bay, Martinico; and transmitted for their further information Copys of Captain [John] Chapman's Letter to the Governor of Martinico, and his Answer thereto; likewise Captain Chapman's Letter to me on the occasion. Since then, I sent Captain [Thomas] Eastwood in the Pomona Sloop, with a Letter to the Compte D'argout (Governor of Martinico,) Copy of which letter, and of Captain Eastwood's Orders, and Instructions thereon are inclosed, and Marked No 1, & 2; and the Paper marked No 3 is the Compte D'argout's answer to my Letter; by which their Lordships will perceive that all kind of Protection, and countenance, is given to the American Rebels, at the French Islands, and I can likewise assure them of the same being done at the Dutch and Danish Islands: So that I apprehend We shall now be very much pestered with these kind of Armed Vessels, and that they will make no manner of Scruple to Arm and fit them, for Sea, at all the Islands in these Seas, not belonging to Great Britain; as they certainly can more readily procure Ammunition and Naval Stores for them at said Islands, then in America. ー The Vessel I wrote about is now heaving down and Refiting it Port Royal, Martinico; it is said She sails very well, and had taken before her arrival there Three Prizes, Vizt a Ship from Grenada, a Brig from this Island (bound to Ireland, with Rum) and another to Glasgow, all which She sent to America.

Their Lordships I presume will perceive by the Governor of Martinique's Answer to my Letter that any further Correspondence with him (or indeed with any of the Governors at the other Islands) will be useless. I therefore hope they will be pleased to give me such farther Instructions as may be thought proper, and necessary on the present occasion, as by the Kings ー late Instructions We are so very strictly enjoyned to Observe the exactest Neutrality towards the Foreign Ports. ー I likewise wish to receive their Lordships farther directions about that part of the Kings Instructions relating to the keeping the American Prisoners, as they will soon increase here to a considerable Number; and there is no place of Security provided to keep them on shore, neither can it be proper in this Climate to Croud the Ships with them, as that would undoubtedly cause great Sickness to happen onboard, and thereby very much distress the Service. ー I have just now received a Letter from Governor [Valentine] Morris of St Vincent, Copy of which, marked No 4 is inclosed; by it their Lordships may perceive I have not been mistaken in the Surmise I mentioned in the beginning of this Letter. I shall send the Pomona to Sea to morrow, with directions to Cruize between Port Royal Harbour and the Island of St. Lucia, to endeavour to intercept said Vessels, and will write at the same time to Captain Chapman (who was directed by my Orders of the 16th July last to Cruize about those Islands) to assist in the like Service, and I flatter myself they may by keeping a good look out, be enabled to intercept and take the aforesaid Armed Vessels. I am Sir [&c.]