Port L’orient 6th: October 1777.
We have the satisfaction to inform you of the arrival in this
Road of two Continental fregattes one the Rolly of 32 Guns
Capn. Thompson the other Alfred Capn: Hindman of 20 Guns.
Both sailed from Portsmouth the 22d. of August last. They
have brought under our Island of Groix two Jamaica Men belonging
to London taken at the mouth of the channell one
One is a three Decker mounting 16 Six Pounders. Commodore
Thompson has no Dispatches from the States for you
only a private letter for procuring Guns which since Capn.
Thompson has had, he will forward it to you next post being
just come on shore too late to write any particulars. Capn.
Thompson Brings no news. The fleet of admiral Howe was at
sea. The last account was he was standing to the Southward
and no appearance of his going to Boston.
300 Royalists had been Killed at fort Standwick and the
Commander Sir Jn: Johnson had been slain.
Capn. Thompson had taken a Schooner from New York
bound to halifax. Letters and prints give the same account of
the fleet. Nobody Knew where they were gone to. The date
was of 18th: august and will be forwarded to you next post.
The fregattes have several wants of Cables Anchors Sails
Ballast of Iron, Guns and several other things which we will
Provide them with having declared them in such a manner as
to avoid trouble. They want likely to be graved and it will do
well you have the approbation of the Minister that difficulties
may not be started.
We will do our best for the Prizes and dispose of them as
soon as possible as they stand, before the answer of the court,
or any aplication can be made from the Court of England or
the owners and will acquaint you with our progress. We have
the honor to be with much Respect Gentlemen Your most
obedient and most Humble Servants
Messrs. Franklin Deane & Lee & Arthur Lee