Mr. Hayes subsequently joined a brig under the command of Captain (afterwards Admiral) Cobb, with whom he continued, on the Channel station, till 1790, when we find him entrusted with the charge of a watch on board the Pearl frigate, commanded by his friend Captain G. W. A. Courtenay, whom he ultimately accompanied to the Newfoundland station, as an acting Lieutenant, in the Boston, of 32 guns and 217 men.
In July, 1793, Captain Courtenay proceeded towards New York, in hopes of meeting and trying the fortune of war with l’Ambuscade, a French frigate of 36 guns and 340 men, commanded by M. Bompard, who had arrived on the American coast, with another ship of the same description under his orders, and already committed great depredations upon British commerce in that quarter.
On the Boston’s arrival off Sandy Hook, she stood in towards the shore under French colours, and adopted such other deceptive measures as induced a boat, sent from l’Ambuscade, under the impression that she was a friend, to come boldly alongside with orders for her supposed commander’s guidance. By this stratagem M. Bombard was deprived of the services of a Lieutenant and 12 of his crew; but, unfortunately, Captain Courtenay, in the ensuing action, had also to regret the reduction of his complement, by the absence of an officer and 12 men in a small captured vessel.
Mr. Hayes was now sent into New York with a formal challenge from Captain Courtenay to M. Bompard, who, after consulting with his officers, determined upon putting to sea and engaging the Boston, which he accordingly did on the morning of July 31st, at a short distance from the land. The action was long and bloody, but proved indecisive, although the object of the British was in part accomplished, as the damage sustained by the republican frigate incapacitated her for a considerable time from offering any further annoyance to the English trade. Her loss consisted of about 50 men killed and wounded, whilst that of the Boston was proportionably severe, the gallant Captain Courtenay, a marine officer, and 8 men being slain, and 2 Lieutenants, Midshipmen, and 19 men wounded. The combat was viewed by
