Navy Board [Charleston] July 15th 1778—
Sir/
Eleven Prisoners of war having made their Escapes last night, have Taken a Sailing boat Belonging to Mr. Redhall and are very probably gone to the Soward; the Commissrs. of the Navy direct that you do Immediately proceed with the Eagle Pilot Boat to the Southward and Endeavour by Every means in your power to Overtake and bring back to Charles Town the said Prisoners1
By Order of the Board
Edwd Blake first Commiss.
South Carolina Commissioners, p. 167. Duvall was captain of the South Carolina Navy pilot boat Eagle.
1. At their meeting of 16 July, the Board recommended: "Should the Eagle be gone out the Board Recommend that Mr. Duvall do go out in the Tryal and take charge of the Eagle at Sea, as she is the fittest Vessel for that purpose.” Ibid.
