Folios 170-171: Jonathan Knowles, Guernsey. He writes that a Mr Alexander McCullock...

Folios 170-171: Jonathan Knowles, Guernsey. He writes that a Mr Alexander McCullock of the schooner Abigail, owned by Altina of Hambro (Hamburg), to the effect that he was taken into Cherbourg and held there for three months. While he was there he saw many English ships being taken into the port by French cruisers. Their tactic is to sail in the evening to the Isle of Wight and then return in the morning, capturing English ships as they go. When finally he left Cherbourg on 14th November there were two captured English frigates each of 36 guns being held in Cherbourg. In light of this information the writer asks if a cruiser could be sent to be stationed off Cherbourg to try and effect recapture of English vessels. He adds that the French privateers responsible for this are set up to look like fishing boats or pilot boats and have someone on board who can speak English. Finally, he reports that the tender HMS Fly has been sent into port for repairs and is taking on stores before returning to St Marcouf. HMS Charming Molly sailed for St Marcouf a few days ago.