Sir

The 10th instant saw standing into Salem a Schooner, the one I supposed I was in quest after, and followed her into a little Bay near to Beverley Bar, in which she run ashore, and I got in as near as possible just within Grape; after firing some Shot they left her, as she was aground and very near the beach thought it best to endeavour setting her on fire, immediately hoisted out the Boats, and got Combustibles ready for that purpose, but by this time she was quite dry, and render'd it impracticable, and I continued firing a Number of Shots into her, this Alarm brought great Numbers of armed people to different Stations of Security and a smart fire of Musquetry and Swivels took Place, soon after a fire from Salem Side with three Pieces of Cannon, at different Stations, so well chosen that I could not see them with my Glass; and at such a distance as to put it out of my power to return the Complement with that effect I could have wished, so that after exchanging Shot for some time to no purpose, not being able to destroy the Schooner, thought it time to get under way which could not be effected but by bringing a Spring on the Cable to cast her, as the Wind blew on the Bank to which I was very near, and obliged me to leave the Anchor; notwithstanding this precaution very soon after took the Ground, and, in this Situation received a great many Shot mostly in my Rigging and Sails, about 20 through the Hammacoes and Hull, one Gun dismounted, and a Swivel shot in two; one man has lost his Leg, and another wounded in the Side. 'tis very lucky they fired so high. I have sent in the Charming Polly Schooner with a foreign Cargo of Cocoa.² I am Sir &c