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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Letter from prisoner Rousseaulx on HMS Dolphin at Plymouth Dock, dated October 12, 1777, recounts the 7-hour engagement and capture of the American privateer Lexington by a British 14-gun sloop off shore. Lexington lost 10 officers killed, 7 wounded; sank with prize crew aboard. 300 prisoners held, including 200 Frenchmen.
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Dolphin, of 94 guns.
"DEAR FATHER,
"THIS is to acquaint you that I am here a prisoner of war, as are those that
were taken in the Lexington privateer, after an engagement of 7 hours, with
a sloop of war of 14 guns. We engaged her 20 leagues off shore, the day after
leaving our port. This engagement of 7 hours was at two different times,
and after killing all our officers, but Capt. Johnston, amounting to ten, and
wounding 7 men, our ammunition expended, and our ship shattered in such a
manner that we could scarcely keep her above water, were obliged to strike.
However, I have the satisfaction to acquaint you also, that we killed the Captain
and 15 of their men. After which engagement, they took possession of the Lexing-
ton privateer, exchanged us all on board their vessel, saving two Frenchmen, and
put in our stead 17 men; but as God would have it, they all perished at sea,
they not being able to keep the Lexington above water. -In short, here we
are healthy and well, to the number of 300 prisoners, among whom are 200
Frenchmen, some Chevaliers De St. Louis, who are no more noticed than
common men. We are all in confusion, but hope to make our escape before
our winter quarters is over. The English have already proposed to us to list
with them, but no likelihood of their tempting any of us. Never was a nation
more distressed for men. They are obliged to take three battalions of militia
on board their ships, to act as seamen, and notwithstanding, have not a third
part of men enough to man their ships. I conclude, your dutiful son, &c.
(Signed) ROUSSEAUX."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Plymouth Dock
Event Date
October 12, 1777
Key Persons
Outcome
lexington: 10 officers killed, 7 men wounded, ship shattered and struck; killed british captain and 15 men; 17 british prize crew perished at sea; 300 prisoners taken including 200 frenchmen
Event Details
The Lexington privateer engaged a British sloop of war of 14 guns for 7 hours in two bouts, 20 leagues off shore the day after leaving port. After heavy losses and ammunition exhaustion, the Lexington struck. The British took possession, exchanged prisoners but left 17 men aboard the damaged Lexington, which sank with them. Prisoners held on the Dolphin.