Sr

I have communicated to my Lords Commrs of the Admty your Letter of the 14th Inst informing them of the arrival of the Friendship Transport from Quebec, & of his having brought over 17 Men who had been taken Prisoners at Quebec & entered into Col McCanes [Allan McClean] Corps, but afterwards deserted to the Rebels & were again taken Prisoners, who, having their Choice to be tried at a Court Martial, or to be sent to the Coast of Africa, chose the latter, and of your having sent them on board the Barfleur, 'til their Lordships pleasure is known; ² also acquainting them with the arrival of the Surprize from Newfoundland, & with the reasons why the Exeter did not sail sooner to Spithead; And, in return, I am to acquaint you that the Secretary at War is made acquainted with what you represent respecting the aforementioned Men which came from Quebec in the Friendship Transport, and desired to report how he would wish to have them disposed of; And when their Lordships have recd his Answer you will receive their directions thereupon. I am &c

PS. You will have Orders by
the next post respecting the
Marines for the Kent Armed Ship