Shortly after (the 6th of Dec,) the British took possession of Newport. The ship Warren, Ship Providence & Sloop Providence lay near Gould Island, but we made the best of our way to Providence, while the British fleet was running into Narriganset bay: the Sloop Providence had some men on shore on Gould Island cutting wood, I perceived a large quantity of hay stacked up there, ordered one of the men to give me a brand of fire. I stepped into the barge and our Sloop hove too, until I set fire to all the hay on the Island, as I well knew it would fall into the hands of the British, and all I received for this was the loss of a silver knee buckle, and a Waistcoat, but had great contentment of mind, which money cannot purchase, then we hauled our wind to the north end of Jamestown Island, the wind being S.W. as soon as we opened Narriganset bay, there was nothing to be seen but Ships, we under easy sail wishing some of them to give chase, we lay in the way until we gave them 3 shot, when immediately 3 of their ships with all sail they could pack, gave us chase, which we wanted, and we under easy sail stood up for Warwick neck, they finding we intended to get them a ground, signal was given from the Com. of the British Fleet and they gave up the chase, and then we went up to Providence. A short time after, one of our prize Ships running in for New Port, was taken after receiving a number of shot being cut off by one of their Ships near Prudence Island, and carried back to Newport,² so ends this cruise. —