Sir

I have communicated to my Lords Commrs of the Admty your Letter of the 21st inst informing them that the Jonge Catherina a Foreign Transport late arrived at Spithead from New York, was on the 12 boarded by a Boat belonging to a Large Armed Sloop from Boston commanded by a Spaniard but on her Master shewing him an Amsterdam Pass from Eustatia to St Ubes he left them; And that the Master of the said Ship hath represented to you that the Fowey her Convoy, being on the 11 inst so far a head that he cou'd but just see her from the Mast head, he, in order not to lose the Convoy cut away a studding sail which he therefore desires to be allowed for and in return, I am to acquaint you that the Navy Board are inform'd thereof that they may do what they shall judge proper in the Case.²

Their Lordships farther direct me to acquaint you that, for the reason you give they approve of your having hired Craft to assist in clearing Nine Foreign Transports which are arrived in Portsmouth Harbour in Order to their being discharged the sooner from the Service. I am &c