Boston 30th July 1778
Honble. Gentlemen,
I have the Pleasure to acquaint you of the Arrival of ye Brig Nancy1 with 2070 Quintals of Fish taken by ye Genl Gates2 in Company with the Brig Hawk,3 which I formerly mention'd, Bound from N Foundland to Dominica, they were left in Chase of five Vessells suppos'd to be West India Ships, and I am hourly expecting the Return of ye Gates with her Prize—Capt. Skimmer writes Me the Brig sails extremely fast, & answers his most sanguine Wishes, his Companion has 10 Guns & 74 Men—he has 16 Guns & 100 Men, the proportion the public draws is 16/27, we paying three single Shares to ye Hawk I hope next post to give you a pleasing Account4 yours &c
J B
LB, DLC, John Bradford Letter Books, vol. 2, p. 148. Addressed at top: "Honbl Marine Committee."
1. Brigantine Nancy, — Montgomery, master, about 100 tons burthen. Independent Chronicle, and the Universal Advertiser (Boston), 20 Aug. 1778.
2. Continental Navy brigantine General Gates, Capt. John Skimmer, commander.
3. Massachusetts privateer brigantine Hawk, Capt. Jonathan Oakes, commander. For more on privateer Hawk, see John Bradford to Continental Commerce Committee, 1 July, and note 23, above.
4. In late August Capt. John Skimmer was killed during an action with brig Montague (12 guns), William Nelson, master, which Continental Navy brigantine General Gates eventually captured. John Bradford to Continental Marine Committee, 2 Sept. 1778, LB, DLC, John Bradford Letter Books, vol. 2, pp. 157–58.
