Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/526

498 discover another. One, a sloop which bears down upon us ; the other a brig. Make every preparation for an engagement ; but, on approaching and hailing the Sloop, she proved to be the Randolph, Capt. Fosdick from New London, — mounting 18 four pounders, [140 tons.] The Brig, with only two guns, her prize from England, taken at 8 o'clock this morning. — Capt. Fosdick says her Cargo amounted to ₤20,000 Sterling. What good and ill fortune were consequent on that capture ! — Hard for those poor fellows, their tedious Voyage being just accomplished, thus to have their brightening prospect clouded in a moment. If Virtue is the doing good to others, privateering cannot be justified upon the principles of Virtue; — though I know it is not repugnant to, but rather deemed policy amongst warring powers thus to distress each other, regardless of the suffering individual. But however agreeable to, and supportable by the rights of war ; yet, when individuals come thus to despoil individuals of their property, 'tis hard : — the cruelty then appears, however, political.

12th. Early this morning two sail in sight, a Ship and Brig. Chase them chief of the day to no purpose. We conclude they sail well, and may be bound to Philadelphia. — Lat. 39.° 6'. Soundings 19 fathoms. Lost sight of the Randolph by the chase.

13th. A foggy morning and Scotch mist. Clears away pleasant Lat. 39.° 31'. This Afternoon a Sloop discovered under the lee bow standing before the wind : All hands upon deck preparing for the chase : — but little wind so the oars are to be plied. I must go and see how we come on. — Night obliges us to give over the pursuit.

14th. A sail seen from Mast-head ; proves a Ship. We chase. Catch a Herring- Hog, which makes us a fine Breakfast, and dinner for the whole crew. Another sail heaves in sight. Upon a nearer approach the Ship appears to be of the line. Several in sight. Towards evening signal guns heard. We take them to be men of War, standing in, N. W. by W. Longitude by reckoning 73.° 30.' Lat. 39.° 34' 26 fathoms. A pleasant moon-light Evening. Spend it in walking the Quarter Deck.

15th. A pleasant day. See a Sail to windward; as she rather approaches us we lie a hull for her. I think it is more agreeable waiting for them, than rowing after them. Get a fishing line under way : catch a Hake and a few Dog-fish. It being Sunday, try the efficacy of a clean shirt, in order to be something like folks ashore. Give chase, as the vessel comes down rather slow. On approaching discover her to be a Snow. She hauls her wind and stands from us ; — sails very heavy,