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Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
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During the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, the British ship Loyalist was captured in the Chesapeake. Its carpenter refused Count de Grasse's order to repair the leaky French ship Ardent, enduring four months on bread and water rather than betray his country. Admiral Rodney later appointed him to the Sibyle but the Admiralty offered no further reward.
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On the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, the Loyalist of 22 guns, then in the Chesapeake, became a party in that disastrous event; her crew were immediately conveyed to the Count de Grasse's fleet: of that fleet the Ardent, captured off Plymouth, made one, but then in a very leaky condition. The Count being informed that the carpenter of the Loyalist was a man of genius, and perfectly acquainted with the nature of the chain pump (the French being strangers to the management of that pump) ordered him on board the Ville de Paris, and addressed him thus: "Sir, you are to go on board the Ardent directly, use your utmost skill, save her from sinking, and for that service you shall have a genteel premium, and every encouragement due to the carpenter of an equal rate in the British navy; to this I pledge my honor; and on refusal, during your captivity, you shall be fed on bread and water only."
The honest tar, struck with amaze at his being thus spoke to in his native language, boldly answered; "Noble Count, I am a Briton, and your prisoner. it is in your power to compel me; but let it not be said, that a British sailor so far forgot his duty to his King and country as to enter voluntarily into the service of their inveterate foe. Your fair promises are no inducement, nor shall your threats force me to betray my country."
Persuasive means were tried, but to no effect: the soul of this brave fellow soared above treachery, for sooner than submit he absolutely suffered four months confinement, scarcely being permitted to see the light of another day, and his diet bread and water. On his exchange, Admiral Rodney, hearing of his faithful and steady resolution, immediately appointed him carpenter of the Sibyle, commanded by his son, Captain Rodney, with a promise of recommendation to the Admiralty on his arrival in England; the noble commander performed his promise, but so truly economical are that honorable board, that the honest British tar has not been rewarded with even--the place of a labourer in his Majesty's dock-yard!
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Chesapeake
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Outcome
the carpenter endured four months confinement on bread and water for refusing to repair the ardent; later appointed carpenter of the sibyle by admiral rodney, but received no further reward from the admiralty.
Event Details
On the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, the Loyalist was captured in the Chesapeake and its crew taken to Count de Grasse's fleet, which included the leaky Ardent. De Grasse ordered the Loyalist's skilled carpenter to repair the Ardent, promising rewards or threatening bread and water. The carpenter refused, citing loyalty to Britain, endured harsh confinement, and upon exchange was appointed by Admiral Rodney but not adequately rewarded by the Admiralty.