I have to acknowledge rect. of your obliging favor of ulto. for which I thank you very sincerely—

This Continental Packet, commanded by Cap: Barns, came round here from Nantes abouth three Weeks ago, to proffit of the Convoy bound hence for the W. Indies. The Kings Ships now here are l’amazon & la Courageuse of 38 Guns each, a 20 Gun ship & a cutter. La Courageuse sprung her foretopmast in coming in here the day before yesterday—she has another now rigg’d. There is a very large ship now coming in here, wh. hope is to augment the Convoy—There are about 102 Sail—all very valuable.

I am on board Seven days, but can not learn when we are to go—During these last four days the Wind has blown fresh from the Eastward, so that had we proffited of it, we shou’d now be abreast of [Capefinisterre]—We have reports here of the Eng: fleet being out the French Fleet being at Cadiz &c. & that there is a prospect of our remaining here a Month longer—It is in consequence of these reports that I write you, in order that your Grand Father or yourself may still proffit of this occasion of sending Letters to Boston, for which place I am also going— I am very truly Dear Sir Yours &c &c