by John Marshall

“ Standing before this honorable court, to answer for the loss and capture by the enemy, of H.M. late ship Java, I cannot but feel myself deeply impressed at the great responsibility that attaches to me, which cannot but affect my mind with the deepest anxiety and solicitude, increased to distress by the untimely fate, and to me the irreparable loss, of my ever-to-be-lamented commander. ”

“ The plan adopted by the Psyché, of pointing every alternate gun upon the broadside at her opponent’s rigging, occasioned the Wilhelmina, from the loss of bowlines and braces, to come to the wind on the starboard tack with every sail aback. While she lay in this unmanageable state, the French ship passed under her stern, and raking the Wilhelmina, shot away the main-top-mast, badly wounded the main-yard, and did considerable damage to her rigging and sails. ”

“ I feel the highest gratification in having the pleasure to enclose a copy of a letter I have very recently received from Captain Henry Lambert, containing the particulars of his success in taking the French national frigate la Psyché, Captain Jacques Bergeret, preceded by a very active pursuit. The loss of men on both sides is great ”