(Copy) 
Sir,

After passing the Ship under your Command last Monday, I continued the Chace of the Rebel Frigate the rest of the day, with all the Sail I could croud; but I gained so little upori her by Wind, that I was extremely apprehensive I should lose Sight of her when Night came on, an Hour before Sun-set however she kept away large, and about Midnight, I got within Musquet Shot of her, but it was nine o'Clock in the Morning before I could prevail upon them to Surrender, I found her to be a very large Frigate of 32 Guns and 227 Men called the Hancock, and fitted out by the Congress to cruise upon His Majesty's Subjects, commanded by Manly the Second Officer of Rank in the Rebel Navy.

After taking out the Prisoners I judged it necessary from their Numbers to return to this Port immediately. I am Sir [&c.]

[Endorsed] 3 In Lord Howes Lre of the 28 Augt 1777