The repeated Captures of American Vessells, many of which notwithstanding the Convoys we have had off this Coast have been taken the day after their Separation, and the Knowledge obtained by Our Enemies of the time of Our Vessells sailing, which induces them to cruize at a greater distance to watch the Moment that the French Frigates part from their Convoy, incline us to wish for more effectual Protection.

In Addition to these Reasons we beg leave to represent, That many American Gentlemen, Several of whom are in the Publick Service and have already experienced the Horrors of an English Prison and others more Than Once taken on their Passages from hence to America and carried to England, propose to embark on board the present Outward bound Vessells: And as well on their Account as the Importance of the Supplies these Ships will carry to Our Country we trust your Endeavours will be joined to ours to obtain from the Minister of the Marine a sufficient Convoy for the whole Voyage.

With a View of giving you as little Trouble as possible we have written to Monseiur de Sartine,1 and We request you to use your Interest at Court to enforce our Petition.2

The Ships here and at Rochelle to the Number of Twelve or more will be ready in the Course of the present Month, by the End of which we hope the desired Convoy may be directed to arrive here.

We have the Honour to be with great Respect Honble. Gentlemen Your most Obedient & most humble Servants

I have received your obliging Favour of the 27 of October,1 and am very much obliged to you for the Trouble you have taken, in sending me the Rum.

I have not yet received it, but as soon as it comes, I will send a Dozen to Dr. Bancroft and a Dozen to Mr. Alexander as you desire: But I must decline accepting the Remainder as a Present, for obvious Reasons, one among others is that there is no Justice in your putting yourself to the Expence of my Maintenance here, whatever occasion I may have for the Charity of my Friends at home. Please to draw upon me for the Expence of this Spirit, and your Bill shall be paid at sight. I am, with much Esteem, your humble servant

We have received your Letter of October the sixth, and wish it was in our Power to do more for officers in your situation than We do, altho that amounts in the whole to a large sum. But as We have al-202ready lent you as much Money as We have lent 1 been able to lend to other officers of your Rank and in your Circumstances, it is not in our Power 2 we cannot without a blameable Partiality to lend you any more. We, are, sir your most obedient humble servants3