Yesterday the Viper's boat 2 went ashore on Staten-island, to get water. A party of riflemen, who were posted there, attacked her, and took all hands prisoners; some say eight, others fourteen. The man of war fired, which the riflemen returned. They were at it all day ー The man of war was obliged to cut her cables and run. ー It is said she fell down with sails furled, and when the men went up to loose them, the riflemen popped them off ー I can't get at particulars ー Our people have since taken up the anchor, and eighty fathom of cable.
1. Pennsylvania Evening Post, April 9, 1776.
2. The Savage; not the Viper.
