[Extract]
May it please Your Honrs

Yesterday morning a Small Sloop Commanded by ———— Johnson Bound from Bedford to N. London Was Drove on Shore a Little to the East of my House, by one of the Ministerial Cruisers, which Anchored not a Musket Shot from the Shore, and kept up a Constant fire for Some time,² previous to which A nine pound field piece belonging to this town was moved to the Shore on the appearance of wch She Hoisted Sail without waiting but for one Shot only, the above Said Sloop was Loaded with Rice a few Hhds of Rum, a few Hhds of Sugar, and Some Salt (Chiefly Continent Stores) which are all Safe landed and Stored for the owners, the Vessel is likely to be Lost — Said Ship in Conjunction with one more is Cruising off this Day . . .