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one from the other; he shortened sail, and engaged the Pallas for near two hours; when, being so unfortunate as to have all his braces, great part of the running rigging, main and mizen topsail-sheets shot away, seven guns dismounted, four men killed, and twenty wounded, and another frigate coming up, he saw it was in vain any longer to continue the contest, and he was obliged to strike to such superior force."
The King was so highly pleased with the behaviour of the two captains, and their officers and men, that he conferred the honour of knighthood on Captain Pearson; and soon afterwards his Majesty made Captain Piercy post-captain, and promoted the other officers.
The service they had performed deserved indeed every reward; and so sensible were the Directors of the Royal Exchange Assurance Company of their obligations to the officers, for protecting the rich fleets under their care, that they voted their thanks to both; and, as a further testimony of their approbation, requested Captain Pearson's acceptance of a piece of plate, value one hundred guineas; and Captain Piercey of another, value fifty guineas.
Although Captain Pearson was not allowed to go on shore in order to make his case known to Sir Joseph Yorke, this ambassador, by his representations to their High Mightinesses the States General, prevailed upon them to cause the wounded seamen of the Serapis, and the armed ship, to be landed; and likewise urged them strenuously to detain, and ordered to be delivered up both the ships and their crews, "which," he said, "the pirate, Paul Jones of Scotland, who is a rebel subject, and a criminal of the state, had taken." They refused to comply with this request; and the
