The Daily Advertiser

Extract of a letter from Plymouth, to a gentleman in London, dated Feb. 9.

On the night of the 20th ult. a boat went on board his Majesty's ship Druid, from the Bury revenue cutter, with information, that they had seen a large smuggling lugger off the Ram-Head, and which they supposed meant to land her cargo in Cawsand Bay; but that they were afraid to go near her, on account of her being armed. In consequence of this, the Druid manned her twelve-oared boat, under the command of Mr. James Fegan the master, and on his getting down to the Bay, he perceived the lugger just coming in, and on her discovering the man of war's boat, she began a very smart fire upon it; regardless of which he rowed under the smuggler's guns, and immediately boarded her. After gaining the deck, a smart contest was maintained on both sides with great spirit and resolution for upwards of thirty minutes before the smugglers were conquered. During the action the smuggler cut their sheets, haul-yards, rigging, and also the anchors from the bows, which caused the vessel to drive on shore near Cawsand, where it is since lost; but the cargo, consisting of 340 ankers of spirits, and about 2000l. value in dry goods, is all lodged in the Custom-house here. The lugger was reckoned the fastest sailer in England, was pierced for 16 guns, and had six mounted, together with four cohorns and 26 men, her name the Hind, Commanded by the noted Carter (commonly called the King of Prussia). Mr. Fegan had 16 men, one of whom was killed, and six wounded; the smuggler had five killed, seven wounded, and ten taken prisoners; the Captain though much wounded made his escape with the remainder of his men, when the vessel went on shore. Much credit is due to Mr. Fegan and the boat's crew for their spirited exertions.