Sir./.

In answer to your letter dated 15th Febry, concerning my Conduct respecting the French Ship Hercules, whom I boarded in the Night at Sea, as to particulars I must beg you will be pleased to consider the Inclosed from my Lieutenant Mr [Peter] Rainier who I think executed my Orders with Spirit and real Conduct on the Occasion

The French complaind concerning my fireing two Shot I most certainly did, being from my Infancy brought up in the British Navy (which I shall to my utmost Revere) I do not wish to understand that of the French Service, as my Orders in time of War directs not to trifle as Monsr Dubrocque wanted to do with His Majestys Ship which I have the Honor to Command I am Sir with the greatest respect [&c.]

A Copy

[Endorsement] In Vice Adml Gaytons Letter 30th March 1777.

[Enclosure]

Lieutenant Peter Rainier, R.N., to Captain William Judd, R.N.

Antelope Port Royal Harbour
Jamaica March 15th 1777

Sir./.

In compliance with your directions requiring me to relate the particular circumstances that attended my boarding, in the Course of Duty, the Hercules french Merchant Ship Dubrocq Master from Port au Prince to Bordeaux July 9th 1776 (P Log) I beg leave to inform you that I was received onboard with that Civil respect customary with the French on such Occaisions, when I acquaintd Mr Dubrocq with the nature of the Duty I was to discharge, Namely to enquire and examine him Strictly as to his Nation, Cargo, & Voyage, he readily satisfied me under those heads, and produced such Papers as I required to ascertain the truth of his replies, this being over, he told me he thought it strange that we should fire Shot at him as we were at Peace with the French. I answerd it was the Custom of the British Navy, and that the Second Shot was fired because altho' he shortend Sail on hearing the first, he did not bring too, he said that the French Ships of War never fired a Shot at a friend for that purpose, and that his People took us for a Corsair which terrified them so, that one of them got hurt, he did not say the Hurt was Occaision'd by either of the Shot, neither dare he, as I was well convinced they both flew wide of him, being upon Deck when the Shot was fired

I finally replied we were at War, and therefore examined all Ships with great Strictness, when I said we were at War, I only meant with His Majestys Rebel Colonies, and I am almost certain I thus explaind myself to Mr Dubrocq Every Military person knows that the Whizing of a Shot passing by the Ear, always appears, particuarly to those who are not used to it, much nearer the hearer than in fact it is, and I am persuaded was the case with the French Sailors, nothing farther passed but seemingly abundant Satisfaction with my usuage of him, he only beg'd the favor of me to let him Know the Name of My Ship, and the Commander who I came from, which I readily complied with

This is the whole I can recollect as it happen'd Eight Months ago, and as I never thought of being question'd on the Subject my Account may not be so precise as could wish, but I dont think I have omitted any thing Material Dubrocq spoke tolerable good English, and moreover the Midshipman who was with me spoke french so that I am Convinced we perfectly understood each other

It may not be unnecessary to add that it was at 10 P M, of the above mention'd day, we Brought to, and ½ past 11, we got our Boat in, and made Sail I am, with great respect [&c.]

Peter Rainier

William Judd Esqre Commander of His Majs Ship Antelope

A Copy.