The Virginia Gazette

Part of a letter from Seth Harding, esq. commander of the brig Defence, in the continental service, to the Hon. governour Trumbull, dated Boston, June 19.

I SAILED last Sunday from Plymouth, and soon after heard a considerable firing to the northward. In the evening, I fell in with four armed schooners, near the entrance of Boston harbour, by whom I was informed they had been engaged with a ship and brig, and were obliged to quit them. Soon after I came up into Nantasket road, where I found the ship and brig at anchor. I immediately fell in between the two, and came to anchor about 11 o'clock at night. I hailed the ship, who answered "from Great Britain." I ordered her to strike her colours to America. They answered, asking, What brig is that? I told them, the Defence. I then hailed him again, and told him I did not want to kill his men, but would have the ship at all events, and again ordered them to strike; upon which the major (since dead) said, Yes, I'll strike, and fired in a broadside upon me, which I immediately returned, when an engagement began, which lasted three glasses, when the ship and brig both struck. In this engagement I had nine men wounded, but none killed. The enemy had 18 killed, and a number wounded. My officers and men behaved with the greatest bravery; none could have outdone them. We took out of the above vessels 210 prisoners, among whom is col. Campbell of Fraser's regiment. The major was killed in the engagement. Yesterday a ship was seen in the bay, which came towards the entrance of Boston harbour; upon which I came to sail, with four schooners in company. We came up with her, and took her without any engagement; there were on board 112 Highlanders. As there is a number more of the same fleet expected every day, and the general here urges my stay, I shall tarry a few days, and then proceed for New London. My brig is much damaged in her sails and rigging.