... A French Frigate arrived the other day from France, with orders to the General to protect all American vessels: A pilot boat belonging to a merchant in Philadelphia was taken the day before yesterday, and sent to Jamaica; a French frigate of 36 guns and a guarda coasta, which last hoisted Continental Colours, were immediately sent after her, with orders to follow her into Port Royal harbour, if they could not overtake her before, and demand her; what will be the consequences time will discover. The French were very much exasperated at her being taken, which was within two leagues of the land.
1. Pennsylvania Gazette, October 16, 1776.