[Newport] 27 Augt About 4 o'Clock this morning a Brig was discovered passing the Battery at Fogland ferry. She had almost passed the battery before she was seen owing to a thick fog, and there was only time to fire two shot at her before she was again observed by it. A few minutes after the Guns were fired: The Kingsfisher Sloop, stationed in the Seconnet, dis­covered a large ship very near her, under a pressed sail. She immediately Slipped, got under way, and fired her bow chace at the Enemy, who immedi­ately altered her course and run directly on Shore to the Northward of Seconnet point. The Kingsfisher followed and came to an anchor at a small distance from her. She then fired a good many shot into the Rebel ship, which having obliged her people to take to their boats and row to the shore, the Kingsfisher sent her boats on board with an intention of bringing her off if possible; but as it was Ebb tide, and she had run on shore with great force, and all sails standing, it was found impracticable, and therefore orders were given to burn her, which was soon done effectually, and about 5 o'Clock she blew up. She proved to be a Rebel privateer, mounting 20.6 prs on her Main Deck, and 2.3 prs on her quarter deck; besides 16 Swivels, and a number of small arms. She was a new ship, well fitted, and clear for action.² Our people found a light burning in the light room in the Magazine. She did not fire a shot; but after her people quitted her, a continual fire of Small arms was kept up from the Shore on the Kingsfisher's boats, without any effect. The brig which was in Company made her escape, as The Kingsfisher was fully employed in destroying the Privateer.³

Great praise is due to Captain Graeme and his ship's Company for their conduct and activity on this occasion. The want of spirit on the part of the Rebels was very conspicuous. It is probable she had not less than 150 or 200 men on board; and for a vessel of that force to run ashore from a Sloop of War of 14 Guns and about 90 men, without firing a shot, was perfectly scandalous.⁴ She was Commanded by one Chase, and it is supposed came down from Taunton River.