Gentlemen/

Haveing this Oppertunity by Capt John Learmonth I shall give you the Best intelligence from here Respecting the pirate ships, — there is one frigate and tenders lyng at the Brown, one frigate and tender in our Road and two frigates that Cruise of and Near the Cape sometimes they Come in and stay a tide and then out to sea. On Tusday last Capt Murphey went up to Cedar Creek to take possession of some Craft that was there that the torrys goe of to the ships to trade with but upon Capt Murpheys Entering the Creek he found a Sloop that had lately Arived from New York with Several Articles such as Salt, Rum, Sugar, Coffee & Tea &c &c, he Boarded her, but the men took to the Marsh that belong'd to her, and Capt Murphey pur­sued them, but Could not over take them however he took four Other Gentlemen that was goeing Down to trade with Bacon Eggs &:c &c the Capt Brought the Sloop out and got Down to Our Creeks Mouth that night but could not get his prize in the next morning there came a schooner tender Belonging to the Ship in our Road and three Cutters, to Retake Sd Sloop upon which a Smart Engagement begun which lasted above half an hour, When to Capt Murpheys Credet be it Spoken that he Made them shear off altho the schooners mettle must have been much heavier than the Bargees the Cutters was obliged to towe the Schooner of and I am Certain that she must have Recd some Considerable Damage, for I was looking with a Glass the whole time of the Action Capt Murphey Recd Very little Damage save being burnt in the face with His own Gun by her Blowing from the Tuch hole — The Sloop he Got safe into our Creek where he would be glad to have Your Orders There is a constant trade from the ships to Ceader Creek and I think if you Could spare one of your small Galleys the Vessels they trade in Might be takeen they are a Sloop and schooner And mount 2 Six pounders and Some Swivels Each they are there once or twice a week Certainly — Capt murphey Desires that you would send him down Powder & Ball as far as Mr John Clowes Near this Place Please to fail not as he is in want of it, Colonel Richardson is Encampd At Mr Clowes about 13 Miles from this he has take up Several of our Damd Rascals of torrys and I beleave he will doe a great Deal of Servise here, Capt Murphey took several letters in the Sloop which he sent to Colonel Richardson to be forwarded to Congress they Are from the infamouse Thos Robinson late of this Place but Now an inhabitant of New York I hope the letters will come safe to hand and shall take it as a favour if Messr Bradfords would have them Put in there useful Paper — I fear Gentlemen that I have tired you with my Long Appistle — hower You Must Excuse Your Humble Servant

[Endorsed] reced August 10th 1777 — laid before Council 11th August