[Extract]

...a few prizes are daily dropping in. it is reported that a ship with forty light Horse on Board has been taken in the Channel of England by a Salem Privateer after an Obstinate Engagement, in which the privateer lost seventeen men. we are about moveing to Boston haveing taken the Room belonging to the County....

Our Naval Operations are Counteracted and discouraged by many sagacious devises of our Enemies or pretended Friends, but truly the lovers of Mammon, some of which I think should be Immediately remedied. A Vessel is sent out with orders to return directly back, or with Letters of that purpose, but designed only to shew upon a certain Occasion. She is on her arrival in the West Indies, Britain, or some such places Registered in the Name of some Person there, and then is Completely fixed [fitted]. the last is to Guard her against the British Cruisers, and if she is taken by ours, she is Claimed by the Original Owner, and the other said to be only designed for a protection against the Men of war, and to support the pretence the Orders and Letters are advanced. by this means a very profitable Trade is Carried on to Hallifax, Newfoundland, and the W. India Islands, etc., etc., and when they have been taken many of them have been [torn]