The Commander of the Hinchinbrook, who arrived [November 17] a few days afterwards, reported however that since the first day of sailing from Boston, when he chased a Pirate into Salem, he had not seen an Enemy. Nevertheless the Admiral being anxious for the Safety of this Vessel,³ and intent upon using every means to prevent her falling into the hands of the Enemy, ordered the Hinchinbrook out again, and the Nautilus; and they sailed accordingly within a day of each other. He determined also that the Lively should follow as soon as possible, and, as the Fowey and Tartar were hourly expected, he designed to make the latter, being clean, relieve the Mercury that was in great Want of careening. These Ships were, agreeably to the Admirals constant Orders to the Cruizers in Boston Bay, to protect and convoy Vessels arriving with Supplies from England, to visit occasionally Marblehead Harbour, and as the Winds and Weather would allow to range close in Shore and endeavour to cut off their Cruizers.*

The Raven that had been at Anchor; in the Lighthouse Passage, for the Guard of the Artificers at work on the Light house Island, was at this time likewise preparing for Sea.

Note.* It may not be improper in this place to take notice that one of these Ordnance Vessels came out from England with three Companies of Artillery, which, had they been distributed, would probably have preserved the whole and every one from being taken.