order of battle; for, under the then circumstances of wind and sea, he derived great and obvious advantages from being under jury-masts[1] an officer of family and long rank, adorned with military honours, conferred by his Sovereign for former brilliant services, has sullied his reputation, and, in the eye of Europe, disgraced the French flag, by descending to fight me for above thirty minutes, under the English Colours, and signal of distress, above described; for which act of base treachery, and flagrant violation of the law of nations[2], I have confined him as a state prisoner, until, through your mediation, justice and the King’s service are satisfied.”
From the circumstance of peace taking place just at this period, the above letter was never published. Perhaps, also, from motives of conciliation on the part of Great Britain, it was thought politic not to give it to the world, as it certainly bore extremely hard upon the French Commander.
The congratulations and applause which Captain Russell received, both at home and abroad, on his brave and skilful conduct in the capture of la Sybille, must have been highly grateful to his feelings. The capture was indeed of great importance; as, in consequence thereof, the greater part of her convoy fell into the hands of the British; and prizes, to the amount of more than half a million sterling, were carried into New York, in the short space of about three months. On his return to England, Captain Russell, for his various services, but particularly that of capturing la Sybille, was offered the honour of knighthood; which he modestly declined, as not possessing a sufficient fortune to support the rank with becoming splendour.
The Hussar being paid off, our officer continued unemployed until 1790, in the course of which year he was appointed to the Diana frigate, on the Jamaica station; where, for his conduct during the apprehension of a rising among the negroes, he was twice gratified with the public thanks of the inhabitants.
