to retreat. The French also on
their return to Lynhaven Bay unfortunately fell in with the Richmond and
Iris frigates, both of which were captured.

9th.--My duties are very arduous, but honourable, and show the
confidence reposed in me by my superior officer. I went down the river
in the tender to reconnoitre the enemy's fleet, with orders to come
occasionally up in sight of York to signal what was going on among them.
The French fleet from Rhode Island under Monsieur de Barras had now
joined them, making their force consist of thirty-six sail of the line
besides frigates, fire-ships, bombs and transports. During the night I
signalled to York Town that the enemy were at anchor in Lynhaven Bay,
and then I stood off and on in sight of them, watching for any movement
till daylight.

10th.--Observed the enemy getting under weigh from Lynhaven Bay.
Watched them till they stood towards the Shoe. Ran up and signalled
accordingly. Soon after they anchored at that place.

11th.--Calm, moderate weather. At four AM the enemy began to advance
from the Shoe, at which time I lay becalmed about three miles from them,
and as they brought the sea breeze with them while I was without power
of moving, I felt that my time was come, and that I should once more
fall into their hands as a prisoner. Ou Trou and all its horrors rose
up before me. Old Nol looked very grave.

"It's hard times we shall have of it, Mr Hurry, if the breeze don't be
smart about coming, sir," he remarked, shaking his head. "I'd sooner by
half have a chance of fighting, sir, than running for our liberty."

"We have no choice left us, I fear, Grampus," said I. "However, we'll
do our best, and not give in as long as the little barkie can swim."

"That's it, sir, that's the thing. The people will stick by you and go
down in the craft if you wishes it," was his answer.

This being the spirit of my men, my hopes revived. The enemy came on
slowly, but still they were nearing me. With hearty good-will every one
on board kept whistling for a wind, but for all that the breeze did not
come. At six o'clock one of the headmost ships tried the range of her
guns by firing a shot at me. It came pretty near, but a miss is as good
as a mile. There was, however, no time to be lost. Another and another
shot came whistling after me. I cut away my boat, the breeze was
rippling the water astern. I trimmed sails, the wind filled them. Once
more the craft began to