Copy of extract of letter dated 4th Jan.follows:- It sometimes happens when no Men of War are here, that ships come out of the Sea, anchor at St Helens, return again, and we know not from whence they came, who they belong to, or whether they are bound, and we have frequently had visits from the enemy by their privateers within the Needles and St. Helens too, for gaining intelligence or Purchase or both. Wherefore that we may be able to give my Lords of the Admiralty notice of such Ships that come within our View of what sort whatsoever they maybe, whether of our own Nation or the Enemies. I humbly propose employing a small boat of about Twenty two or three tons to be always upon the Scout about the Isles of Wight, to enable me to give their Lordships some account of what Ships or Vessels comes within reach of this place, and that the Charge of doing this may be done with greatest husbandry. I have enclosed a Draught of a Boat, which may be built out of Waste Timber about the Yard, and man her with five men from the ROSE Fireship, if their Lordships thinks not fitting to bear that number on her, she will likewise be very useful for the Carrying Packets that come by express from their Lordships or Secretary of State, to their Majesties Ships without, when the Weather is such, that a Pinnace cannot undertake it, and the building it it will be no interruption to the works of greater consequence. Signed Commissioner Tymswell.