French Privateer & 100+ men captured near Sandwich, 1693

 

Massachusetts Archives Collection

Volume 30 Page 330a

 

Transcribed by J. Bevan July 2014

 

 

To Gov^r. Fletcher

13^th July. 1693.

I have intelligence of a French Privateer [the Trompeuse] from Petit Guaves

that was discovered and chased by their Maj^ties Frigatt the Nonesuch

upon the 9^th curr^t in the Sound between Block Island & Martha’s

Vineyard, and by a Letter received yesterday from Sandwich

I have the acco^t of their Surprizing upwards of one hundred

French which landed on y^e backside of that Town, being now

under Guards conducting to this place, and that the Frigatt

has taken y^e Ship [the Trompeuse] and the remainder of the men left

onboard her. An English prisoner brought in her is come
to Town who acquaints that there are Seventeen Sayle of
Privateers fitted out of Petit Guaves, So that it seems to be very
hazardous to pass to or from the West Indies, and

it’s very probable some more of them may Infest this Coast

Both their Maj^ties Frigatts appointed for this Station are

abroad a cruising, and I hope will be diligent for the

discovery of them and to prevent their makeing any depredations

                                   I am yr. Excy^s humble Servant

[Draft letter, unsigned. Sender is Governor Sir William Phips, in Boston]

.