by John Marshall

“ Sir Samuel Hood, who had only twenty-two line-of-battle ships, instantly perceived the great advantages to be derived from this movement, and carried on every appearance of an immediate and determined attack, which drove the enemy farther to leeward, whilst he himself pushed for Basseterre, and anchored his fleet in line of battle a-head, in Frigate Bay. The Count de Grasse, astonished at this excellent manoeuvre, and apprehensive that all communication with the army might be cut off, made a most furious attack upon the rear of the British fleet, commanded by Commodore Affleck ”

“ Some of the bravest seamen, who had hitherto persevered in their sufferings and labour, without a murmur or any expression of fear, geeing that all was over, and being suddenly struck with a melancholy and tender recollection of their country, and of every thing that was most dear to them, burst openly into tears, and wept like children ”

“ Renny, the Master, who was the only officer on deck, and instantly jumped into the boat, followed by that gentleman [3] . The sea ran so high, it was with much difficulty they could get her clear of the ship; numbers of the people who were on the gangway, endeavouring to follow their example, fell into the sea and were drowned. Mr. Robert Baylis, a Midshipman, only, 15 years of age, jumped overboard, and had the good fortune to reach the boat, though it was with some difficulty Captain Inglefield could prevail on his companions to take him in [4] . ”