"On the 30th ult. I left St. Christopher's with the Constellation in excellent trim, and stood to windward, in order to gain the station for myself before the Road of Guadaloupe; and at half past seven A.M. of the day following I discovered a sail to the S.E. to which I gave chase; and for the further particulars of that chase, and for the action after it, I must beg to refer to the extracts from my Journal herewith, as being the best mode of exhibiting a just and candid account of all our transactions in the late business, which has ended in the almost entire dismantlement of the Constellation; though, I trust, to the high reputation of the American flag. — I have the honour to be, &c.
Throughout these twenty-four hours, very unsettled weather: kept on our tacks, beating up under Guadaloupe; and at half past seven A.M. the road of Basseterre bearing E. five leagues distance saw a sail in the S.E. standing to the S.W. which from her situation I at first took for a large ship from Martinique, and hoisted English colours on giving chase, by way of inducement for her to come down and speak me, which would have saved us a long chase to leeward off my intended cruising ground; but finding she did not alter her course, I examined her more minutely as we approached her, and discovered that she was a heavy French frigate, mounting at least 54 guns [La Vengeance]. I immediately gave orders for the yards, &c. to be slung with chains, top sail sheets, &c. stoppered, and the ship cleared, and every thing prepared for action, and hauled down the English colours. At noon the wind became light, and I observed the chase, that we had before been gaining fast on, held way with us; but I was determined to continue the pursuit, though the running to leeward I was convinced would be attended with many serious disadvantages, especially if the objects of my wishes were not gratified…"
Main page
link
Amicalement
Armand
paints "four characterful figures that seem to come directly from a vintage vampire movie..."
