S^t. Croix W½S Dis^t. 7 or 8 leagues

at 1 AM the Pelican¹ brought too one of the Sloops upon our Starboard Beam about ½ Mile in Shore of us; the Brig & other Sloop Kept Close together, to which continued our chace at two D^o. the Sloop finding we gained upon her she haul'd in for the Shore By her sundenly Disappearing we were unanimously of Opinion She must have Run on Shore as we were not more than ½ Mile of[f] Shore, & in 7 Fathom Water kept the Lead Constantly Going all Night Depth of Water from 10 to 4 Fathom at 5 the Chace Hoisted Rebel Colours at 6 Haild the Chace & Orderd her to Strike Her Colours & Stand Immediately of[f] Shore which she Instantly Comply'd with sent the Boat & Brought the Cap^t. & 20 Prisoners on Board Who Inform'd us she was call'd the Boston from Martinaco bound to Boston with Malasses & Bale Goods.