Samuel Tucker to the American Commissioners
ALS: American Philosophical Society
<The Boston, Lorient, July 3, 1778: I arrived here after a cruise
of twenty-four days, during which I took four prizes; one I
sent to Boston and the others here. I returned so soon because
I encountered Capt. Alexander Murray in the brig Saratoga
with dispatches for you and the court and other important
letters, which my officers saw. I started to convoy him, but
went off on a number of chases and did not see him again until
yesterday, bound for Nantes. Mr. Livingston, my second lieutenant,
will present this and give you details.
Tell me whether I must take my prisoners to America. If so
I shall build a prison for them aboard, and for some of my
crew who are disaffected and whom I shall try, if I meet Capt.
Whipple or Jones, and otherwise carry home. I am sorry to
lose Mr. Livingston whose health will not endure another
cruise. I should be glad to accompany Capt. Whipple. On
June 16 I encountered and evaded seven two- and three-deckers
that I took to be the English fleet.>
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