Sir,

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I wrote you at 3 oClock in the afternoon to which I refer—I am sorry now to inform you of the result of the Engagement that we heard of Last Night; His Majestys Ship the Drake is taken by the Ranger American Privateer Captain Jones of 18 Six pounders, and 140 Men after a Smart Engagement in Which the Cap^t. of the Drake was Killed, & the Lieutenant & 20 men wounded.²— On the part of the Americans one or two is killed and as many wounded, one of their killed is their Cap^t. of Marines.³— I cannot enumerate all the mischiefs that I hear has been done of late by this Privateer, many a Vessel she has Sunk and taken, and I am told the Cap^t. Landed at Whitehaven & with his own hands Set fire to the Vessels in the Harbour than laying a ground. all this News I learnt from a Boat that I spoke just after she left the Privateer, in this Boat were five or Six old men & Boys that Capt. Jones, had set at Liberty to go on Shore.

At Eight oClock at Night the two Ships were laying too between Corshill point and the Mull of Kantyre, The Man of War as the Boat Informed me is so much Disabled that She will not be fit to make much way for another day I am therefore going to run in With this Intelligence to the Man of War at Greenock⁴ as I think there may be a chance of Intercepting her Still, I wish you would send over an Express to Campbelton⁵ to let them know their danger. I saw them take a Brig before Sun Set.

I have taken good care of the Cumbras Wherry for I have still keept at least three miles to the Windward of The Privateer which is a Remarkable fast Sailor. I think the Ships at The Cairn⁶ should all go up to the town; Pray send them Notice for I fear that the Privateer will spend a Nother day or two in this Neighbourhood