[Extract]

As to news, you must be nearer to its fountain head than I am, if America can be said to have such a place at this time. I can only say A few Gentlemen from Richmond & Essex, have retaken a Prize that a Dunmore Tender impudently came, and took at Hobbs hole (a mere Nest of Tories). As soon as it was known they pursued her in Open boats amidst showers of Swivel balls & bullets; & had well nigh taken the Tender as well as the prize; but she was so well provided aga[inst] boarding, that it was impossible for low sided boats to get on board. An attempt was made to graple at her stern, in which the only man, a poor slave was wounded & lost. We have heard since that we killd her 7 Men, some attempted to Peep at our boats through her netting; and they it is imagined were instantly shot. A brisk gail carryed her away; but it is said An armed Vessel from Maryland took her in the bay, after killing 17 men more; and from that report we have heard of the 7 we killed but I know not the truth of it²