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At two A M. Block Island then bearing N.W. abought eight Leagues, discovered a Fleet on the Weather beam, consisting of seven or eight Sail; tacked and stood towards them, and soon perceived them to be, two, or three large Ships, and other Square Rigged Vessels; Turned all hands to Quarters, and hauled up the Mainsail, and kept standing on to the N .W. with a light breeze, and smooth Water. The Fleet then coming down before it. At half past two a Brig much like t~e Bolton, but larger, came within hail, and seemed to hesitate about giving any answers, but still kept standing towards us, And on being asked what other Ships were in Company with her, they answered "the Columbus and Alfred, a two and twenty Gun frigate." And almost immediately, a hand Granadoe was thrown out of her top. We exchanged our Broadsides, she then shot ahead, and lay on our bow, to make room for a large Ship, with a top light, to come on our Broadside, and another Ship ran under our Stern, Raked us as she passed, and then luft up, on our Lee beam, whilst a Brig took her Station, on our Larboard Quarter, and a Sloop kept altering her Station occasionally. At this time the Clerk having the care of the dispatches for the So Ward to destroy, if the Ship should be boarded, or in danger of being taken, hove the bag overboard with a Shot in it. At four the Station of every Vessel was altered, as the two Ships had dropt on each quarter, and a Brig kept a Stern, giving a continual fire. Bore away, and made Sail for Rhode Island, with the whole fleet within Musket shot, on our Quarters and Stern. Got two Stern chase Guns out of the Cabin, and kept giving, and receiving a very warm fire. At day light perceived the Rebel fleet to consist of two Ships, two Brigs, and a Sloop, and a large Ship, and Snow, that kept to Windward, as soon as the Action began. At half past six, the Fleet hauled their Wind, and at Seven tacked, and stood to the S.S.W. ー Employed, reeving, knotting, and Splicing, and the Carpenters making fishes for the Masts. At half past seven, made a Signal, and fired several Guns occasionally to alarm the Fleet at Rhode Island Harbour. The Rose, Swan, and Nautilus, then being working out.
N.B. We had one Man killed, and three Wounded by the Musketry from the Enemy. Signed Tyringm Howe
