[Extract]

The Rebels, for some days past, have been erecting a battery at Phipps Farm, which, it is said, will soon be opened. The new constructed mortar taken on board the Ordnance brig, we are told, will be mounted upon it; and we expect a warm salute from the shells, another part of that vessel's cargo; so that in spite of her capture, we are likely to be complimented with the contents of her lading: for all this we will be indebted to our worthy Admiral. This vigilent officer, ins stead of sending his squadron to proteq the store-ships and transports from England, has, with the utmost prudence, ordered the ships of war in this harbour to be secured with bombs [booms] all round, to prevent their being boarded and taken by the Rebel whale-boats; and for some time past he has never sent a single ship to cruise off Cape Ann, because the Rebels have had some cannon mounted upon it: no doubt the Parliament will thank him on his glorious return for so effectually preserving his Majesty's ships. In town the General acts quite in a different manner: he seems to think it his duty to annoy the enemy. When we discovered the Rebels at work on their new battery, another was immediately raised against thein of twenty-four pounders, and some mortars at Barton's Point. From this battery we have fired upon them for some days incessantly, apparently with good effect, though not sufficiently to make them discountenance their work...

If the Rebels can compleat their battery, this town will be on fire about our ears a few hours after; all our buildings being of wood, or a mixture of brick and wood-work. Had the Rebels erected their battery on the other side of the town at Dorchester, the Admiral and all his booms would havemade the first blaze, and the burning of the town would have followed. If we cannot destroy the Rebel battery with our guns, we must march out and take it sword in hand.