The Rhode Island Republican

Arrived in this port, on Tuesday last, the sloop Friendship, of Warwick, R. I. under the command of Mr. Wm. G. Smith, (Benedict Arnold, late Captain.) On the 16th inst. in lat. 38, 50, about 35 miles E. of Cape May, fell in with a British squadron of two 74's a frigate and a brig, was captured by the British ship Dragon, 74 guns; Captain Arnold was ordered on board of the man of war, and a midshipman and four hands put on board the Friendship, which was made fast to the 74 by a hawser, and continued in that situation for 24 hours, when a signal was made by the Admiral's ship for a chase, she parted the fast and lost sight of the British squadron at night. The mate, William G. Smith, then advised the man at the helm to alter her course; the midshipman, being entirely ignorant of navigation, gave up the direction of the sloop to the mate who agreed to carry her into Halifax. The first intimation the midshipman had of his being a prisoner was discovering the American flag in the forts in this harbor.

The squadron had taken another sloop besides the Friendship, which they burnt; and were in pursuit of another. It was the intention of the British to burn the Friendship.