by John Marshall

“ Towards the latter end of Jan. 1801, the Sirius, in company with l’Oiseau, intercepted la Dedaigneuse French frigate of 36 guns, pierced for 40, and 300 men, from Cayenne bound to Rochefort, with despatches. She surrendered after a gallant resistance, with the loss of several men killed and 17 wounded. Captain Linzee, of l’Oiseau, in his official letter, giving an account of this capture, expressed himself much indebted to Captain King, for his steady and well directed fire, from which the enemy received considerable damage. ”

“ The Amethyst, Captain Cooke, joined in the chace, but was unable to get up until la Dedaigneuse had struck. On this occasion, the British frigates sustained very little damage, and had not a man hurt. ”

“ These ships proved to be the Waakzaamheid, of 26 guns and 100 men; and Furie of 36 guns and 153 men. They had on board 287 French troops, and 4000 stand of arms, besides a quantity of ordnance stores, and had sailed from the Texel the preceding night. The Sirius, whose complement was 261 men, had only one wounded. ”