by John Marshall

“ He soon after removed into the Hussar, of 20 guns 5 and cruised with considerable success against the enemy, taking and destroying a fine frigate near Boston, laden with masts and naval stores, for the French fleet; a large brig privateer, of 18 guns; a letter of marque, of nearly the same force; and several smaller prizes, beside la Sybille frigate, the capture of which demanding more particular notice, we shall here insert Captain Russell’s official letter relative thereto. ”

“ The assailants fled. Sixty of them, with helmets, &c. were dispersed by the above-mentioned cold shot, and marine musketry. ↑ Now a Vice-Admiral. ↑ The Hussar had only 116 men, thirteen of whom were on the sick list. Her loss in the action consisted of 3 killed and 5 wounded; la Sybille had 42 slain and 1 1 wounded. ↑ At the time when she was taken, la Sybille was considered as the finest frigate in the world. In addition to her very select crew, she had 33 Americans on board, as passengers and supernumeraries. ”

“ Perkins was afterwards made a Post-Captain, and died at Jamaica, Jan. 27, 1812. ↑ See Note at p. 112, et seq. ↑ About this period Rear-Admiral Russell received the following epistle from his old acquaintance Lord Nelson, written in the style that was most congenial with the bluntness of his character; “Here I am, waiting the pleasure of these fellows at Toulon, and we only long to get fairly alongside of them. I dare say, there would be some spare hats, by the time we had done. You are a pleasant fellow at all times ”

“ From the circumstance of peace taking place just at this period, the above letter was never published. Perhaps, also, from motives of conciliation on the part of Great Britain, it was thought politic not to give it to the world, as it certainly bore extremely hard upon the French Commander. ”