“On the same day, July 30, Captain Courtenay gave chase to a strange vessel off the Long Island shore; and on the 31st, when returning to the spot where he expected to meet with his tender, he was himself pursued for several hours by the above mentioned squadron, consisting of two 74-gun ships, five frigates, and several corvettes. In the mean time, Mr. Hayes had pushed out to sea, but not finding the Boston, and observing l’Ambuscade under weigh, he was obliged to tack and stand in shore again, by which means alone he could possibly hope to save his people from being captured.
“The Boston resumed her station, off Sandy Hook, just before midnight; and on the first of August, between 2 and 3 A.M., a large ship was seen to windward; at day-light she was discovered to be a frigate, distant about 3 miles.
“The stranger now hoisted a blue flag, with a white cross at the mizen peak, and both ships set their courses, jibs, and spankers; but kept three reefs in their top-sails, the wind blowing strong, with a smooth sea. In less than an hour the Boston fore-reached on the other frigate, tacked, and passed to leeward off her. At 6 o’clock, being then on her lee-quarter, we again hove in stays, when she hauled her courses up, wore round, hoisted French colours, and steered for our larboard or weather bow. The Boston’s first fire did but little execution, and it was quickly returned by the enemy’s ship, as she ranged close past us to windward, backing her main-top-sail on the starboard tack.
“Having thus commenced the action. Captain Courtenay directed the helm to be put down, intending to tack under l’Ambuscade’s stern; unfortunately, however, our cross-jack-yard had been shot away, which caused us to miss stays, and we were consequently obliged to wear short round in order to close with her. From this time, 5-10 A.M., the Boston’s main-top-sail was kept to the mast, and we continued warmly engaged for an hour and three-quarters, during which period the enemy made three attempts to board us, and the colours of each ship were repeatedly shot away.
“After being in action more than an hour, the Boston’s main-top-mast fell on the lee-quarter of the main-yard, and caused it to top an end; the enemy’s cross-jack-yard was also gone, and her fore-top-sail-yard was lying on the cap.
“About a quarter of an hour before the firing ceased, an unlucky shot struck the foremost hammock stauncheon on the quarter-deck, which occasioned the death of Captain Courtenay, and the marine officer, who were then walking together. At this time the first and second Lieutenants were below getting their wounds dressed[1]; but the senior, Mr. John Edwards, who- ↑ Lieutenant Kerr, “with the temporary loss of sight in one, and with total blindness in the other, of his eyes.” – James’s Nav. Hist. 2nd. edit, vol. I, p. 145.
