Sir

My confidence in your zeal & fidelity to your Country prompts me in great haste to inform you — that after receiving a pretty little dressing at Machias Sir George Collier in the Rainbow wt Dawson² as an attendant ar­rived in this harbour last tuesday; they took one sloop & attempted another immediately on their coming in — but our people attacked them, killed (as they say) two & wounded several more — since which the Commodore has come to give promises & the militia have gone home — he still lyes here — & it seems probable he has no tho'ts of going off soon — he still acts as if he in­tends another quarrel with us — we hear that three continental frigates are at Portsmouth ready for sea — if they would come here immediately this Ship would be an easy prey — she has but 334 men a fever & flux rages among them; if you would send an express to Portsmo the Country would thank you — & if the Ships come they might more than repair Manly's loss — I communicate this intelligence by Mr Muzzy who will tell you the fate of your express to Machias with great respect I am [&c.]

Boothbay Augt 29th 1777