Sandy Hook N57West ds^t 278 Leagues

aM D^o W^r. [Pleasant weather with a steady breese.] at ½ Past [missing] saw 2 Sail in the SW Quarter which prov'd to be 2 Rebel Privateers [the] One a Ship of 24 Guns, the other a Brig of 20 Guns, bearing down upon us,¹ which as soon as we perceiv'd We haul'd up our Courses & [ba]ck'd the Main Top Sail, laying too in Order to Receive them, the Ship being foremost fired a Gun to Leward as a friend and Instantly they both hoisted English Colours, we hoisted our Colours immediately which as soon as they perceiv'd the[y] immediately haul'd their wind we fired a Shot Across them instantly in Order to bring them to. they still continuing to make sail we did so likewise Repeatedly firing single shot at the Ship (which was nearest to us) and perceiv'd several of them struck Her, they being Light & Clean Vessels gain'd much Ground of us. when the Brig was got at a Considerable distance from us, she fired a shot at us under English Colours and presently afterwards Hoisted American Colours. we still pursuing the chace. 

Barmudas N88West Dist 112 Leagues

PM. Moderate breeses & Clear W^r. at 10 Lost Sight of the Brig the Ship Stil in sight,²