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Portsmouth, December 27, 1776.
GENTLEMEN: This morning I received advice of one of the enemy' s tenders being drove into our harbour. I thought
I am, gentlemen, with due respect, your most obedient servant,
PIERCE LONG.
P˙ S˙ I beg leave to observe that Captain Pinkham had this vessel delivered to him by the officers and people belonging to her, to do with her as he thought proper, which induced him to make this push. He has libelled her, and applied to a friend to transact his business.
To the honourable Council, &c˙, of the State of New-Hampshire.
Colonel Long to New-Hampshire Assembly
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it my duty to secure her, being apprehensive that the prisoners might attempt an escape with the prize. I immediately ordered a number of soldiers to embark on board boats, to take possession of her; and in the interim, prepared others to follow, in one of which I went myself. When I came on board I found Colonel Mooney and Major Hodgdon, with a sufficiency of men to bring her to town. We hove her from off the shore, and proceeded as far up the river as the tide would permit before it was spent, after which I gave orders for the prisoners to be brought to town, who are now, to the number, I think, of forty-three or forty-five, under a proper guard, exclusive of five officers who were brought up by Captain Pinkham, (the person that brought her in,) and put to lodge at a publick house. The Captain of the Raleigh ordered a guard on them, for which I am much obliged. This night, Captain Salter, in conjunction with Captain Robert Parker, who I have appointed pilot of her, will bring her to her mooring. I shall be obliged for an order for the disposition of all the prisoners, excepting those who will be accompanied to Exeter to-morrow by Captain Dearing, to be examined and disposed of as you may judge proper.