[Admiralty Office] 10th March 1777
Sir
My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having received a Letter from Messrs Isa and Ben Lesters Merchants at Poole, transmitting an Affidavit made by the Master of their Ship Margaret taken by an American Privateer and praying for the reasons set forth in the Letter and Affidavit, that protection may be granted to their Trade, particularly in the Harbour at Trinity, at Newfoundland I am commanded by their Lordships to send you herewith Copies of the said Lener and Affidavit for your information and taking such measures as you think necessary for securing the Trade .and property of the Merchants at the Port thereinmentioned. I am &c
P:S:
Vice Admiral Montagu, in Town
1. PRO, Admiralty 2/554, 169-70.