[Extract]

I received a Letter last Evening from the Committee at Plymouth informing me That Two Vessels from Genl [Thomas] Gage under Convoy of an armed Cutter² arrived at Saco with Provisions in Order to exchange for Lumber; The Com through Necessity agreed to the Exchange, but a Misunderstanding arising the Inhabitants seized the two Vessels³ and fired upon the Cutter, who was obliged to drop down the River. In her Way she boarded a small coasting Sloop and took the Captain of her (Toby)⁴ for a Pilot; before they got out of the River they boarded a Schooner Capt. Avery⁵ from Norwich whom they also took on board. In the mean Time the Inhabitants fitted out Two armed Vessels and pursued the Cutter  Soon after getting clear of the Land they discovered and stood for each other. The Capt. of the Cutter threatened Toby with a Pistol at his Breast that he would send a Brace of Balls through him unless he would swear to take up his Gun in Defence of the Vessel; but he nobly refused. Poor Avery threatened in the like Manner was intimidated into a Compliance. The First Volley from our People killed Avery & the Captain ⁶ of the Cutter; upon which the Men ran into the Hold & Cabbin, and the Schooner was carried into Saco. The Number of Men she had is not mentioned. There were found on board 4 Three Pounders, 12 Swivels, 40 or 50 Muskets, as many Cutlasses and a Number of Pistols.

By a Vessel which arrived here Yesterday and left New-York on Wednesday [June 21] We have Accounts that some Transports with about 500 Troops had arrived at the Hook but found Orders there from General Gage to proceed to Boston which they immediately did without going up to the City.