Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp3.djvu/312

 as a point of complimentary etiquette, a thing apparently not much in request, and but little estimated in the vicinity of the Delaware.

“American courtesy I have heard much spoken of; but never experienced it before. After the reception my officer, bearing a flag of truce, met with yesterday, you need be under no apprehension that a ‘second attempt’ will be made on my part to communicate with the town of Lewes. When the government of the United States shall have agents endowed with sufficient energy, and invested with competent authority, to restrain a despicable mob from insulting a solitary individual, in the exercise of an office which sanctifies his person in the eyes of a civilized enemy; then, and not till then, can any amicable intercourse subsist between us.

“When the officer in question appears again before the town of Lewes, he shall most assuredly not be the harbinger of the olive branch. His province is not to negociate, but to fight. He shall ‘labor in his vocation.’ I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

Much as Captain Watts longed for an opportunity to carry into effect the threat contained in this letter, circumstances did not admit of it. The Jaseur, having sustained great damage in her masts and rigging, was forced to bear away for Bermuda, and did not return to the Delaware.

Captain Watts afterwards served chiefly in the Chesapeake, under the orders of Rear-Admiral (now Sir George) Cockburn, and he had the gratification also to obtain that officer’s approbation of his conduct. On the 2d May, 1814, his boats, directed by Lieutenant West, captured and brought out from under a battery, the American letter of marque Grecian, pierced for 20 guns, but only 4 mounted, with 5 swivels, and having on board 27 men. This vessel was subsequently H.M. schooner Grecian.

About the same period. Captain Watts was ordered by Rear-Admiral Cockburn to use his best endeavours to discover a navigable passage through Tangier straits, and to procure fresh provisions for the use of the squadron in Chesapeake bay. He succeeded in establishing himself 15 miles higher than any square-rigged vessel had ever before been, and annoyed the enemy to the utmost of his power. On one occasion, he gave chase to a vessel in person, in his own boat, penetrated 12 or 14 miles up the river Wicomico, and not only destroyed her, but captured and burnt nine others. This affair gave place to such pressing remonstrances