28 guns, Captjun Patrick Fotheringham, in which frigate he proceeded to the Newfoundland station.
On the 8th June following, the Fox fell in with two American frigates; the Hancock 34, commanded hy one Manley, a native of Torbay, in Devonshire; and the Boston 30, under the command of Macreal, another English traitor. Not having heard of any ships so large being fitted out by the rebellious colonists, and therefore imagining that they were British men of war. Captain Fotheringham neglected to get his decks sufficiently clear for action; nor was he convinced of his mistake until Manley hoisted the colours adopted by Congress, and ordered him to “strike instantly.” A running fight then commenced, the Fox endeavouring to gain a little time in order to prepare for closer battle.
Nearly four hours elapsed before Manley could bring his ship fairly alongside of the Fox, when a warm action commenced between them, during which several of the rebel crew shewed strong signs of fear; and her desperate commander, sensible of their dismay, ran contiimally from one end of the ship to the other, without a coat, his ahirt sleeves tucked up to the shoulders, flourishing and swinging a large cutlass round his head, and swearing he would “cut down the first man who should attempt to leave his quarters.” These threats had the desired effect, and the conflict was continued till Captain Fotheringham, seeing that the Fox was very much crippled, thought proper to strike her colours, which he had hardly done before the Boston came under her stern, and gave her a broadside, to the great displeasure of Manley, who inveighed loudly against a proceeding so unfair and unnecessary. Captain Fotheringham and 50 of his crew were then taken on board the “Yankee Commodore,” and Mr. Monke with others removed to the Boston.
On the 4th of the following month, just after they had passed Halifax, on their way to Boston, the Hancock and her consorts were discovered and chased by the Rainbow 44, Captain Sir George Collier, who after a pursuit of 41 hours, and a running fight of 4½, succeeded in obtaining possession of the former. The Fox was likewise secured by Captain
