I have the honour of informing what I had the pleasure of addressing you ⅌ Duplicate on the 4th. July, 20th. & 31. August & 10th. instant; and at same time to advise you with the utmost regret of the Declaration given in this Consular Office by John Appleton Master of the American Schooner Columbia arrived in this Bay on the 22 inst. from Oporto & which is as follows—

“That on the 21st. inst. at about 11. oClock he fell in with the United States Frigate the John Adams; the Commander informed him that he had spoke an English Vessel who advised him of having met a Moorish Frigate with four American Prizes, and that agreable to the course he gave him he was in Search of the Moor, and expected to be ⟨up⟩ with them on the Same Evening, ordering ⟨Capt.⟩ Appleton to Steer for Cadíz, who requested ⟨of⟩ the Commander to Convoy him, but was ans⟨wered⟩ he could not comply with his request, as wh⟨at⟩ he was in search of, was more interesting. ⟨The⟩ Pilot that brought the Schooner in, told the Capt. that he had seen 2. Boats off Cape Trafalgar, & was most certain they were ⟨Moors.”⟩

In consequence of the foregoing the Masters of Vesse⟨ls al⟩ready in this Bay fearing to Sail, requested I sh⟨ould⟩ forward a petition (Copy herewith) to Commodore ⟨Morris⟩ requesting Convoy, & which was forwarded this very ⟨day⟩ to Gibraltar, the results I shall have the hono⟨ur⟩ of acquainting you in due time. I remain with the most profound Respect Sir, Your most obt. hble ⟨Servt.⟩