Page:History of Paul Jones.pdf/17

 "I am extremely sorry for the accident that has happened, that of losing his Majesty's ship which I had the honour to command; but at the same time I flatter myself with the hope that their Lordships will be convinced that she has not been given away; but, on the contrary, that every exertion has been used to defend her, and that two essential pieces of service to our country have arisen from it; the one, in wholly oversetting the cruise and intentions of this flying squadron; the other, in rescuing the whole of a valuable convoy from falling into the hands of the enemy, which must have been the case had I acted any otherwise than I did. We have been driving about the North Sea ever since the action, and endeavouring to make to any port we possibly could; but have not been able to get into any place till to-day we arrived in the Texel.—Herewith I enclose you the most correct list of the killed and wounded I have as yet been able to procure, from my people being dispersed among the different ships, and having been refused permission to muster them. "R. PEARSON."

"P. S.—I am refused permission to wait on Sir Joseph Yorko, and even to go on shore.

"The killed were:—1 boatswain, 1 master's mate, 2 midshipmen, 1 quarter-master, 20 sailors, 15 marines.40.

"Wounded:—Second Lieutenant Michael Stanhope, Lieutenant Whiteman, marines, 3 Surgeon's mates, six petty officers, 46 sailors, 12 marines.—Total, 69.

"Captain Piercy confirms this account, and adds, that at the beginning of the action he made sail to assist the Serapis; but finding her and the ships she was engaged with so close together, and covered with smoke, so that he could not distinguish