* * * * * TRANSPORT OFFICE, 10_th September_ 1800. SIR, We inclose for your Information, a copy of a Letter we have this Day received from Captain Woodriff, the Superintendent at Norman Cross Prison, stating the distressed situation to which many of the French Prisoners confined to that place are reduced, from the want of Clothing and by disposing of their Provisions and Bedding. We are, &c., (Signed) RUPERT GEORGE. AMBROSE SERLE. W. A. OTWAY. M. OTTO. {276} * * * * * NORMAN CROSS, 9_th September_ 1800. GENTLEMEN, Inclosed, I transmit a packet for M. Otto from which you will observe, that notwithstanding all I have done, or can do to prevent the Prisoners from selling their ration of Provisions for Days to come, and their Bedding, it has not had, nor is likely to have the desired effect. Since the commencement of the Wet weather many of them have been taken to the Hospital in a very weak state, in consequence of having sold their Provisions and Bedding and One or Two have died. Several of the French Prisoners are without Clothing and having sold their Bedding they are destitute of either, and the present wet weather and the approaching winter will if they be not clothed fill the Hospitals. I have, Gentlemen, thought it prudent to mention these circumstances to you, as I am firmly of opinion, that unless some clothing is issued to the Prisoners who are now destitute many of them will die should the Winter be severe. I have the Honour to be, &c. (Signed) D. WOODRIFF. Commissioners for the Transport Service. * * * * * _Translation_ LONDON 7_th Brumaire_ 9_th Year of the French Republick_ 29_th October_ 1800 _The Commissary of the French Republick in England_, _To the Commissioners of the Transport Office_. GENTLEMEN,