Gentelmen

theses are to inform You I had the Misfortune to be Chased on Shore On the Back of Cape Cod, By an English Man of War the 17 of this Inctant at 12 at Night. The Ship Came so Near me, Was oblidge to Quit the Wesel it the Enenimi took Porseson of her Emediatly. it happend Very Luckely to be the Tide of Ebb — they Could not git her off that Night — in the Morning the lnhabatants musterd Very Early. but Not having any Cannon Could not beat off the Boats — at about havlf an hour before high Water We had a small Cannon brougtht at the sight of Wich they Left the Brigg — and I have Run her up as high as I Could and took out the Powder duck and small Arms as Quick as Posibell — and have had it truckd Round to Turo Town, in the Cair of one of the Commite Mr Eapharim hardin, at Majoraty of the People thought as the Ship made off I shouldbe abell to git the brig of[f] With the Remainder of the Cargo, however in the Afternoon We found our self deceved for three men of War Beat up within ¾ of a Mile of the Brig and formd a Line hoiste out all their Boats. and had it not have Came up a hard Gust of Wind to the Northward it is thought they Would have Either Landed have Atemted to have Boarded her again or fired her throug full of Shott holes. I am Much afraid they Will mak another attempt this Morning as they are not above I½ Miles off at this Present. I have imployd a Number of hands and shall take out all the Remainder of the Cargo and if the Brig dose not Bilgde shall Endever to git her of[f] and git her Round in the harbour: The Salt Wich Will be about 600 bushel should think it best (Excpt You should be in great Want of it) to Sell at this Place as the People are in great Want of it and the Expenc of Trucking it and Reshiping it Will be Considarabel — the Oother arti[c]les should think it best You Woud send a small fast sailing Wesell for of a bout 50 tons. The Enemi took about twenty Peacs of Ravan duck out Wile they Were in Prosession. I do not as yet Mis any thing More they took Exept afeu of my small stores—

I am gentelmen With Respect [&c.]