File Clenennau Letters and Papers 27 [RESTRICTED ACCESS] - William Dutson and Lawraunce Prowsse, Hampton, to their friends James Beattes and William Blanche, captain and master of a prize ...,

William Dutson and Lawraunce Prowsse, Hampton, to their friends James Beattes and William Blanche, captain and master of a prize near Pwllheli. They have heard from Richard Darvall of James Beattes and William Blanche's arrival in North Wales and of the great care they have taken to keep everything safe, which William Dutson and Lawraunce Prowsse will repay to the utmost of their powers. Desire that the ship, 'I meanne the prisse', be brought to Hampton, if there is no cause to the contrary. Instructions to speak to two of the best Frenchmen on board and promise each of them 200 French crowns if they will tell truly to whom the goods belong and where the owners live. If the goods prove to be a good prize, the French are to have the 200 crowns apiece, if carefully handled, it will no doubt be a good prize. Let the rest of the French be put ashore 'in sille garnssey or else where you may finde fitt occassion'. Have written to Mr Thomas Gwine to 'serve your tornne' for such victuals as he can provide James Beattes and William Blanche's needs, have acquainted Richard Darvall with their minds concerning Mr Gwine and read the letter to Mr Gwine. Postscript: Wish to be recommended to the ship's company and to tell them that if they come safely to Hampton they shall not want for anything within William Dutson & Lawraunce Prowsse's powers. Let James Beattes & William Blanche choose which two of the French they find most tractable and use them with courtesy. The world is so bad that they have sent only £3 by Richard to serve his turn.