On Saturday last the brig Nancy, Captain Montgomery of Wilmington, loaded by Congress with 400 barrels of powder, 50 or 60 small arms, dry goods, 101 hogsheads of rum, and 62 hogsheads of sugar, was drove on shore by the Kingfisher at Cape may; the brig had 6 three pounders mounted; with which, at one time they beat off the boats, and one of their tenders; after which, being assisted by Capt. Barry and Weekes who took out of her in a fog, 62 firelocks, 260 barrels of powder, and some dry goods; but the fog clearing away, the ships came within shot, and sent five barges full of men to attack her; the brigs people finding it impossible to keep her any longer, started 130 or 40 barrels of powder in the cabin, and about 50 weight in the main-sail, in which they wrapped some fire, with an intent to communicate to the powder, and quitted her. One or two of the men of wars boats soon boarded her; one was close under stern, and the others very near. Those on board had given three cheers, and fired their arms at our people, when the fire took effect on the powder, and sent 30 or 40 of them (as is supposed) into the air. Some of them went 30 or 40 yards high, who soon returned to the water, unable to tell who hurt them. They have taken up eleven bodies, two laced hats, and a leg with a white spatter dash; they are both supposed to belong to officers. The water was covered with heads, legs, arms, entrails, &c. one of the boats was towed off in a shattered condition, with only 6 men; Thus did they huzza for a Scotch prize. Some of our people got one or two small cannon mounted on shore, with which they fired at the boats when boarding the brig; the men of war returned the fire, and killed Captain Weeks brother, who was third Lieutenant of the Reprisal, and wounded a boy in the thigh.
