My Lord

My Lords Commrs of the Admty having been informed that there are three American Vessels at Bourdeaux loading with Arms, Salt Petre & Cloathing for a Considerable Number of Men, two of which will be ready to sail in October & the other in Novembr for America & that one American Vessel sailed from Bourdeaux about three Weeks agoe with the like Cargoe, & was to touch at Bermuda for intelligence, and it is supposed will send her Cargoe from thence to the Continent in small Vessels; And their Lordships being also informed that the Continental Congress will have at Sea 22 Frigates from 44 to 20 Guns in the course of the ensuing Winter which are to cruize in Squadrons, and range about the West India Islands;² I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you therewith, And, as the intercepting the four ships abovementioned wou'd greatly distress the Army of the Rebels & hurt their Credit, to recommend it to your Lordships to station some of the Ships of your Squadron in such manner as you may Judge most likely to answer that end, & also to find out, if possible whether the Intelligence respecting the Rebel Cruizers is well founded, And if it is, to use your best Endeavours to take or destroy them. I am &c

By the Mermaid