Downs Decr 19/19
Dear Sir,
	I embrace this oppertunity [sic] of writing to inform you that through the mercy of God we have arrived safe hear [sic] after a very hard gale of two days and one night— we sailed from the Downs on Thursday morning and returned on Saturday evening when we heard of the loss of six sail three on the gooding [sic] sands two of three crews perished we have not heard whether the crews of the other ships are saved or not. We have great reason to bless God for his mercy and goodness towards us. My wife, Child and Mayree are very ill at present having caught cold we were oblidge [sic] to sleep on the deck in our cabin there not being any bed place in it be so good as to give our respect to Mrs B & Mr Pratt and all friends
I remain
Dear Sir Your Obe[dien]t and humble  Servery [sic]
John Cowell