Gazette Of The United States

in a night action with a flying enemy, whose rate of sailing is little inferior to her antagonist, to choose her situation; and, when it is remembered how often this ship changed hers in the action, I scarcely need say what great attention was paid to my orders, by every officer under my command.

To lieutenants Pellew, Thono and Norway, my thanks are above expression. Lieut. Williams, of the Marines, and Mr. Bell, the master, who were immediately about my person, rendered me the most essential services. The ship's company, who have been my faithful companions during the war, and are endeared to me by their uniform exertions, manifested on this occasion nothing but ardour and zeal.

But above all other pleasures I feel, is that of informing their lordships, that I have lost neither officer nor man in the contest. The enemy suffered considerably: having 14 or 15 killed, 17 badly wounded, and so lightly: the ship much shattered in her hull, and four feet water in her hold, from shot holes.

I have sent La Concorde to Plymouth with La Virginie, and shall proceed, with the Amazon, who has lost her head, to the same place to-morrow, in order to repair the damages we have sustained in the action.

I am, &c.

EDW. PELLEW.