Sir

In pursuance of your Orders of the 21st February, I proceeded to Madeira, where we arrived the 6th, of this Instant.

On the 8th, at Noon we saw a Vessel in the Offing to which we gave Chase, and came up with her at ½ past 5 P M. she had English Colours hoisted, but on our firing a Gun and hailing her to bring too, she made all the Sail she could and hoisted what they call a Provincial Jack. We followed her within Musquet Shot 'till 1 A M at which Time the Breese freshening up, we got close alongside her, and then she Struck. During the Chase we exchanged several Shot, she firing her Stern Chase, and we our bow ones, but with little damage on either side, She proves to be the General Montgomery brigte, mounting eighteen Guns 6 & 4 Pdrs four Cohorns, and three Swivels, belonging to John Pringle and Josh. Deane of Philadelphia, commanded by Benjamin Hill, who had a Commission Signed by John Hancock President to the Delagates of the United Colonies of new Hampshire &ca She sailed from Philadelphia the 6th, of February and had only Arrived off the Island the day before we took her.

When she Sailed from Philadelphia her Complement was a hundred Men, but by Accidents & Sickness it was reduced to 87. ー As there was so many Prisoners and many of them Sickly, I thought it more Prudent to return to Gibraltar than to proceed to Lisbon as your Orders directed me. I have agreeable to Act of Parliamt. compleated my complement (which was 9 short) and some Boys out of her Crew, the rest I have put on a Supernumerary List, and must request your Orders to send the Sick to the Hospital, and how I am to dispose of the Captain, Officers, and the remainder. I likewise beg you will procure their Lordships determinations, whether Gun and head Money is allowed.

I am informed there are near four hundred Commissions given out by the Congress for Privateers; a Number of which it is said will Cruize on the banks of Newfoundland, Coasts of Guinea, Portugal & Spain. I am Sir [&c.]