Tuesday last arrived safe at Newbury-Port, a Sloop from Tortola and a Schooner from Barbadoes, as Prizes, taken by Captain [Jeremiah] O Brian, in one of this Colony Cruizers, who was left in chase of a Ship when the above Prizes parted with him.
Thursday last was sent into Cape-Ann, a large Jamaica Man, with 500-hogshead of Sugar, besides other valuable Goods, and a large sum of Specie. She was taken by one of the Continental Cruizers, who put the Captain, his Lady, and all the hands (which did not voluntarily enter on board the Cruizer) ashore at New-Providence. The Prize Master of the Ship on his Passage from the West Indies met with a Scotch Vessel of Force with 90Soldiers, bound for Boston, on board of which he Breakfasted, and told the Scotch Captain he was destined from Jamaica for London, but as he thought Sugars would bear a better Price at Boston, he had thoughts of trying that Market first. The Scotchman being a stranger to this Coast desired the Prize Master to Pilot him in, which he agreed to and conducted him almost into Cape-Ann, when he observing two of our Privateers appearing in sight, discovered the trap, and being considerable to the Windward, made the best of his way off.
Friday last the Milford Frigate of 28 guns, came up with the Yankey Hero Privateer, Capt. [James] Tracy, of Newbury-Port, off Cape-Ann, and an obstinate engagement ensu'd, which continu'd near two Hours, when the Yankee Hero was oblig'd to strike to the Frigate, being vastly superior in Force. And on Thursday last Mr. Samuel White and Mr. Martin Brimmer obtained leave of General [Artemas] Ward for a Flag to go on board Capt. [Francis] Banks, and if possible to make an exchange of prisoners of the Yankey Hero. They were very politely received by Capt. Banks, and had his assurance that he wou'd Do all in his power to effect an exchange; that he would send to Halifax to his commanding officer immediately, and as soon as he had his answer would send up a Flag to Town. Capt. Tracy received a wound in his thigh, but no ways dangerous; Mr. Mains the Lieutenant was badly wounded, one Rowe of Cape-Ann, lost his arm, four kill'd in the engagement, one died of his wounds removing from the Hero, and 14 wounded. ー Capt. Tracy informed them that Capt. Banks treated him and his crew with the greatest civility; that they were in want of no one thing; that the Surgeon had taken the greatest care of the wounded. Capt. Banks had heard of the character he had on shore for his ill-treatment to his prisoners, which he said was absolutely false, and apealed to all his officers and to his prisoners who assured them that they were well treated.
The same Day Capt. Daniel Waters, in company with a Marblehead privateer, took a large ship from Scotland, having on board 94 Highlanders and between 30 and 40 sailors for the Ministerial fleet, the ship had 4 6-pounders mounted, but made no resistance; her cargo consisted of provision & cloathing. Capt. Waters with the prize arrived safe at Marblehead last Saturday; and on Sunday they were bro't to Town under a strong guard from Col. [John] Glover's regiment, and lodged in the provost prison. We hear the officers are sent to Concord, and the soldi[ers] are to go to Worcester.
