"On the 26th inst. his Majesty's frigates the Levant, Capt. Murray, and Enterprize, Sir Thomas Rich, Bart. sent into this port the Hope, an English merchant ship, loaded with currants, &c. she had been taken two days before by an American privateer (a Folkstone cutter of 22 guns, and 24 swivels, commanded by one Cunningham), he had also taken three other vessels, of which you will see the account at the bottom: he also took the Enterprize tender, and burnt her on the 22d of March. The day following the Enterprize fell in with the privateer, and came up with her very fast, but it falling little wind, she took to her oars, rowed to windward, and escaped through the darkness of the night. On the 24th the Enterprize joined the Levant, in the evening, who had just rescued a salt loaded vessel, bound to Newfoundland, from the clutches of the privateer, and was near enough to see him take the Hope, as above; but little winds, calms, darkness, and his oars, favoured his second escape. In the night the frigates took their separate routs windward and to leeward with every precaution, so as to get sight of the privateer and the Hope in the morning, and have them between them, and were lucky enough to take the latter, but neither saw or heard any thing of the former from any of the vessels they spoke with in the course of the day. The Hope appears to be the most valuable amongst the number he has taken. This ship had ten carriage guns, and was every way calculated to defend herself, but it is reported the men would not stand to their quarters. The two frigates were keeping a diligent look out for Mr. Cunningham, when the Hope left them, and as the Alarm is added to the number, it is more than probable she will be shewn the way to Gibraltar very soon, or driven off the coast.
"Vessels taken by the Revenge American privateer, Cunningham, master, since she left Bilboa, about the 4th or 5th inst.
"11th March, a brig, neither master, owner, nor vessel's name remembered, but sailed in company with the two following.1
"12th March, the Betsey, John Murphy, master, Rich. Godson, owner; a brig belonging to Bristol, lading fruit and barrilla, bound to Newry.
"19th March, the Fanny, Wm. Barb, master, a snow, from Zant, bound to London with fruits.2
"The Enterprise tender, burnt.
"The Hope, retaken by Enterprise frigate, and sent to Gibraltar."
