[Extract]

Since I wrote you last the Companys stationed upon the coasts both in this Town Weymouth and Hingam were orderd to Nantasket to reap and bring of[f] the Grain which they accomplished, all except a field or two which was not ripe, and having whale boats they undertook to go to the light House and set fire to it, which they effected in open day and in fair sight of several men of war. Upon their return came down upon them Eight Barges, one cutter one Schooner, all in Battle array, and pourd whole broad sides upon them, but our Men all reached the shore and not one life lost, two only slightly wounded in their legs. They marched up a Hill aid drew into order in hopes the marines would land, but they chose rather to return without a land engagement, tho tis Thought they will burn the Town down as soon as our forces leave it. I had this account from Capt. [John] Vinton who with his company were there. These little Skirmishes seem trifling, but they serve to innure our Men and harden them to Danger.