Folios 160-161: Jonathan Knwoles, Guernsey. He reports that a clinker built vessel...

Folios 160-161: Jonathan Knwoles, Guernsey. He reports that a clinker built vessel of about 160 tons has been purchased by the Americans and is said to be on her way to France. He has given this intellegence to the Royal Naval Cruisers so that they can keep a good lookout for her. He remarks that few American ships leave Guernsey that are not searched by British seamen. Although the Masters always swear before the Bailiff not to carry anything forbidden he does not put much store by that neither does the Bailiff. They have arrested some men for breaking the Proclamation and the Laws of Guernsey. Any men who leave their boats, have to go to the Rendezvous and from there there ask the writer for a letter of release before they can return to their ship.

Folios 162-163: enclosure to folios 160-161. A note that Mr O'Neil, an American, has lately purchased a new lugger, built in Guernsey and pierced for 15 guns. The dimensions of the vessel are given. The assumption is she is headed for Morlaix where she will be fitted out as a privateer by a group of American merchants who live in France. They have done this before and their privateeers have been very successful in capturing English merchantmen.