Coffin received the official notification of his promotion to the rank of Commander; and on his arrival at New York joined the Avenger sloop, in which vessel he proceeded up the North River, where he remained some months at the British advanced post; and, in January 1782, exchanged with the present Sir Alexander Cochrane, into the Pachahunter sloop.
From New York, Captain Coffin proceeded to Barbadoes, where he found Sir Samuel Hood about to depart for St. Kitt’s in quest of the French fleet. Hereupon he solicited and obtained permission to serve as a volunteer, and was consequently received on board the Barfleur, of 98 guns, bearing the flag of that excellent officer, who shortly after sailed with the spirited intention of attacking the enemy at anchor. This event afforded Captain Coffin an opportunity of participating in some splendid service, the details of which will be found under the head of Retired Captain John N. Inglefield.
Shortly after the memorable battle of April 12, 1782[1], Captain Coffin, who, subsequent to the extraordinary and glorious achievement at St. Kitt’s, had rejoined his sloop, went with part of the crew of the Santa Ammonica, which had been wrecked at Tortola, to Jamaica; where, through the influence of Sir Samuel Hood, he was appointed Captain of the Shrewsbury, of 74 guns, and confirmed in that rank June 13, 1782.
Previous to this event, while at Antigua, the town of St. John’s caught fire, and in a short space was nearly consumed; but Captain Coffin, with the crew of the Pachahunter and other sailors, collected by his exertions, at length succeeded in arresting the progress of the flames, at the imminent risk of his life. For this service he had the satisfaction of receiving an address of thanks from the legislative body of the island.
In the month of December following, our officer exchanged with Captain Hotchkiss of the Hydra, a 20-gun ship, in which he returned to England, and on his arrival was put out of commission. The next command which he enjoyed was in 1786, when, after spending some time in France, he was appointed to the Thisbe frigate, and directed to take Lord Dor-
