[Extract]

In the course of the week past we have had a number of our Eastern Wood Vessells taken by a Frigate & some Arm'd Vessells that are Cru[is]ing on the Eastern Shore & in this Bay; the Frigate that took three of 'em, put all the Crews aboard one of the Vessells & sent 'em off, after saying that they must not blame them for taking their Vessells as they were absolutely oblig'd to do it by their Orders & damn'd very heartily both Men & Measures that oblig'd 'em to commit such Pyracies on the Americans. ー We suffer amazingly for want of some heavy Ships to Guard our Coasts....