Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 3
I sent a Letter to the post Office for you last Saturday, but a Circumstance that happen’d last Evening, relative to our privateers, obliges me to write you again. As Capt. Muckford, (the same that took the Prize Ship on Fast Day) was going out on another Cruize yesterday afternoon being accompined down the Harbour by the Washington Privateer, Muckford got aground by Point Shirley; in this scituation they were attack’d, about 8 or 9 o’Clock in the Evening, by 13 Boats & 3 Schooners belonging to the Man of War. An engagement ensued, in which the Americans, ever noted for their Intrepidity, repuls’d the Enemy with great Loss, their Boats & Dead Men being found in plenty on Deer Island shore this morning, & the Decks of the Privateers where cover’d with the hands & fingers of the Enemy. Our prize Ship is at the Wharf unlaiding her Cargo.
You won’t forgit our Friend Mr. Russell; if their can be such a post as Auctioneer for the Agents in this Provence it wou’d be agreeable to him.
Do be so good as to send me your Philadelphia papers. In haiste I am Your Sincere Friend