[Extract]

... I wish I .could Entertain you with any News of Importance but I can only tell you of prizes taken. but this is .become so common that we hardly hear of them ourselves, unless they are from Europe with such Articles as we want much, and very rich besides. we have had divers such lately. A report prevails this day that Howe is Embarking his Troops, which occasions.many Conjectures about the place of their destination. I forgot to tell you that this Harbour really looks Brilliant and Grand, as full of Ships as in the most flourishing State of Commerce, and all but a few armed Vessels [are] prizes.