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The Ranger, a privateer brig of sixteen guns, fitted out here to cruise against the Americans, has brought into Carlisle Bay an American armed schooner of ten carriage guns, from Brest bound to Philadelphia, on board of which were found several letters; amongst others, was one addressed to the Hon˙ John Hancock, Esq˙, from one Mr˙ Hamilton, an American gentleman who has been for some time at the Court of Versailles. I just had a sight of it; cannot remember the particulars, but have, as near as possible, sent you the contents, which are as follow :
" SIR : I have the happiness to acquaint you that you may assure the Congress that the French Ministry perfectly acquiesce with the proposals which Messrs˙ Needham,
" FRED˙ HAMILTON."
Extract of a letter received in London from a merchant at Barbadoes: Capture of an American schooner; intercepted letters
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Gunning, and myself, had the honour to lay before them. They have sent orders for a number of ships-of-war to be fitted for sea with all possible despatch; and a strong squadron will certainly sail from Brest for Philadelphia early in the month of November; and they will also have a very formidable squadron, two bombs, and a fire-ship, ready against Spring, which they intend to send to Quebeck.