"Victor" eighteen, besides two others whose names
could not be ascertained. The Americans saw that they had stirred up a
nest of hornets, and sought safety in flight. The three British
vessels whose names are given gave chase. The "Boston," by her swift
sailing, easily kept out of the reach of the enemy. The "Fox,"
however, was quickly overhauled by the "Flora," and struck her flag
after exchanging a few broadsides. The "Hancock" for a time seemed
likely to escape, but at last the "Rainbow" began gradually to
overhaul her. Capt. Manly, finding escape impossible, began
manoeuvring with the intention of boarding his powerful adversary; but
the light winds made this impossible, and he suddenly found himself
under the guns of the "Rainbow," with the "Victor" astern, in a raking
position. Seeing no hope for success in so unequal a conflict, Manly
struck his flag. In the mean time the "Boston" had calmly proceeded
upon her way, leaving her consorts to their fate. For having thus
abandoned his superior officer, Capt. McNeil was dismissed the service
upon his return to Boston.

These losses were to some degree offset by the good fortune of the
"Trumbull," twenty-eight, in command of Capt. Saltonstall. She left
New York in April of this year, and had been on the water but a few
days when she fell in with two British armed vessels of no
inconsiderable force. The Englishmen, confident of their ability to
beat off the cruiser, made no effort to avoid a conflict. Capt.
Saltonstall, by good seamanship, managed to put his vessel between the
two hostile ships, and then worked both batteries with such vigor,
that, after half-an-hour's fighting, the enemy was glad to strike. In
this action the Americans lost seven men killed, and eight wounded.
The loss of the enemy was not reported. This capture was of the
greatest importance to the American cause, for the two prizes were
loaded with military and naval stores.

During the year 1777, the occupation of Philadelphia by the British
army, under Gen. Howe, led to some activity on the part of the
American navy. While Philadelphia had been in the possession of the
Continentals, it had been a favorite naval rendezvous. Into the broad
channel of the Delaware the American cruisers had been accustomed to
retreat when the British naval force along the coast became
threateningly active. At the broad wharves of Philadelphia, the
men-of-war laid up to have necessary repairs made. In the rope-walks