Monsieur Montaudouin has this Day received a Letter from Monsieur Kergariou Commander of the French Frigate L'oiseau off Bellisle, informing him that the Guernsey and Jersey Privateers which infest this Bay, obtain Provisions at Bilboa under the Flag of the United States, pretending to be Americans.

I think it my Duty to give you this Information and hope some Means may be found to prevent further Imposition.

I have the honour to be with great Respect Honble Gentlemen Your most obedient Servant

I have the Honour to inclose to Congress, the latest Gazettes. We have no other Intelligence than is contained in them.

Since the 11. July the Date of Lord Howes Letter, announcing the Arrival of the Compte D'Estaing off Sandy Hook,1 We have not a syllable from America by Way of England. In France We have nothing from America Since 3 July. This long Interval leaves a vast Scope for Imagination to play, and accordingly there is no End to the Speculations, prompted by the Hopes and Fears of the Nations of Europe. We are Weary of Conjectures, and must patiently wait for Time to end them. I have the Honour to be, with very great Respect, sir your most obedient servant2

Yours of the fifth instant1 We have received. We wish better Health to Captain Ayers,2 and a safe Passage to his Vessell, which is at sea 26before now no doubt, if not however she is to sail forthwith, without further orders.

Your Draughts for the Account inclosed will be duely honoured. But you must distinguish that Part of it, which belongs to Mr. Adams in his private Capacity from the other Articles of the Account, and from those which were advanced to him for his own Captain Palmes's and Dr. Noels Expences at Bourdeaux and from thence to Paris.

For the Articles Sent by you, to Mr. Adams's Family in America, to the amount of Eight hundred and Eighty Eight Livres and twelve Sols, together with your Commissions on that sum, you will please to draw on Mr. Adams in his private Capacity who will honour your Draught at Sight. For the Remainder draw on the Commissioners, who will pay the Draught the same Respect.3

This however is not to affect a Question, which remains to be discussed between you and the other Continental Agents, concerning the Amount of your Commissions. Nor is this to be considered as a settlement of your Accounts. You have charged five Per Cent Commissions. But We apprehend this Commission is too high, and that many Persons would be willing to do the Business for Three Two Per Cent. or less.

We are sir, your humb sert