[27 June 1778]1
Capt Tuckers Complements to Capt Murray and Returns him his Pappers & is much oblidge to him for the Perruesal of them2 hopes to have the Pleasure of Seeing him in france.
on board the Boston Saturday afternoon
Sir if we Loose Each other and fall in Sight I Shall hoist a Long Pennent at the fore top Gallant mast head in answer you may Lower your Ringtail3 if Satt or Drop your Peek4
if Night
You may know me by two Lights one over the other where I think you may Discover them best in answer you fire one Gun and I will Return two—
Sir these are Sufficient in Case of Loosing one or the other because it is Probable if I should Chase any think
Copy, MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers (MS Am 812). Docketed: “Coppy of Signals/to Capt. Murray/at Sea.—.”
1. The date of 27 June 1778 was derived from the Journal of Continental Navy Frigate Boston, Captain Samuel Tucker, 27 June, immediately above.
2. Murray, captain of the Maryland letter of marque brig Saratoga, had sent Tucker the newspapers accompanied by a note dated “Friday Eveng..” In that note, Murray asked that the papers be returned and expressed pleasure that Boston would accompany Saratoga to France. MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers (MS Am 812).
3. A “ring-tail” is a kind of studding-sail, set between gaff and boom, abaft the leech, of a fore-and-aft sail. Encyclopedia of Nautical Knowledge.
4. A “peek” or “peak” is the upper or outer end of a gaff; or, an upper after corner of a gaff, a lug, or a lateen sail; or, an upper corner or head of a jib or triangular staysail. Encyclopedia of Nautical Knowledge.
