Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

CAPTURE OF L'INSURGENTE.

(OFFICIAL.)

Extract of a letter from capt. Thomas Williams commander of the United States brig Norfolk, to the Hon. Benjamin Stoddard, Esq. Secretary of the Navy, dated on board the Norfolk, off Sandy Point, St. Kitts, 11th Feb. 1799

SIR,

Captain S. Barron and myself, receiving a fleet of American vessels of 14 sail under our convoy, while we were waiting at Basse Terre Roads, St. Christopher's for the fleet to come out, saw two sail in the offing. I sent captain Barron to reconnoitre them and speak them, if friends, and join me off St. Eustatia, which he did. The two sail were commodore Truxton and his prize, the French frigate L'Insurgente of 42 guns and 350 men, which commodore Truxton captured on the 9th inst. after a close action of 55 minutes. L'Insurgente had 20 men killed; the Constellation had only three men killed. I understand that L'Insurgente made a running fight for some hours before she came to close action ; but could not get away from the Constellation. No other ships were engaged but those two, nor any others in sight. L'Insurgente is the same ship that capt. Barney had with him so long in Virginia. The French ship lost her mainmast in action and some of her topmasts. The Constellation seems to have lost the head of her fore and mizen topmast, and her fore yard seems to be a jury yard, but her mainmast, topmast and top gallant mast are all well. I am now in sight of both ships, say not more than five miles distance. His flag is flying at his maintop gallant mast head, and L'Insurgente, with the American ensign over the French, under the Constellation's quarter. On capt. Barron's asking commodore Truxton if he wanted any assistance, he answered no, that his ship sailed as well as before, and he had got the prize in a condition that he would soon be in the road of Basse Terre, St. Kitts, which they are now beating up for. His officers are all well and unhurt. My crew are very healthy, but Mr. M'Rea, who is at sick quarters, on shore, and has been sick ever since he arrived here.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,

THOS. WILLIAMS.