Gent —

This morning I Received advice of one of the Enemies Tenders being drove into our Harbour.² I thought it my duty to secure her; being apprehensive that the prisoners might attempt an escape with the prize, I immediately ordered a number of soldiers to embark on hoard boats to take possession of her, and in the interim prepared others to follow: In one of which I went myself; when I came on board I found Capt. [Hercules] Mooney and Major [Caleb] Hodgdon, with a sufficiency of men to bring her to town. We hove her from off the shore and proceeded as far up the River as the tide would permit before it was spent. After which I gave orders for the prisoners to be brought to town, who are now, to the number I think, 43 or 45, under a proper guard, exclusive of five officers who were brought up by Capt. Pinkham (the person who brought her in) and put to Lodge at a public house. The Capt. of the Raleigh ³ order'd a guard on them, for which I am much obliged. This night Capt. [Titus] Salter, in conjunction with Capt. Robt Parker, who I have appointed pilote of her, will bring her to her mooring. I shall be obliged for an order for the Disposition of all the prisoners, excepting those who will be accompanied to Exeter to morrow by Capt. [Ebenezer] Deering to be examined and disposed of as you may judge proper. I am, Gentlemen with due respect [&c.]

P. S. I beg leave to observe that Capt. Pinkham had this vessel delivered to him by the officers and people belonging to her, to do with her as he thought proper, which induced him to make this push. He has libelled her, and applied to a friend to transact his business.