[<--page 4]
I then received orders to
fit and proceed to Sea, to carry Dispatches to France.
On the 30th of April at Night, got under Sail, and ran out of
the Bay in a Shattered condition having not only had a Severe Conflict with the Lark British Frigate, which had been fitted and
manned purposely to take me in which. I disabled her, but sustained
part of the Fire from seven other Ships of War which I was obliged
to pass. After narrowly escaping a British Ship of the Line the
next day at Sea. I arrived at Nantz, the port of my destination in
26 Days carrying in with me a British Brig laden with Wine. Having
delivered the Dispatches of Congress to their Commissioners at the
Court of France, I received their orders to repair my Ship and to
take in Copper, Arms, Ammunition, and cloathing, and then to
proceed to Brest, there take under my command the Boston Frigate,
and the Ranger Sloop of War, which I did accordingly. And by
their orders Sailed the 26 Day of August for Boston, where we
arrived most seasonably for the Continent on the 13th of October,
having captured three Prizes on the Passage.
The 9th of March [-->page 6]