Kingsfisher in the Seakonnet Passage 29th: March 1778.
(Copy) Sir/
The Rebel Brig of which you did me the Honor to advise me,1 made an attempt last Night, to push past, but by some accident grounded on the Reef, which you will observe marked near Wantons Cove;2 I went up this Morning with hopes that there was some possibility of annoying her with the gally;3 which I meant to have done by taking shelter under the NW point of Golds-Island,4 but upon consulting more particularly with the Pilot, I found reason to fear that the depth of Water on that Flat would not prove sufficient, and finding the Brig so well protected by their Batteries, I conceived it prudent not to make any movement, she is extreamly well fitted with Sails, a Stout Brig, but does not wear the Appearance of a Vessel of much Force, altho' I am informed that she Mounts 14—4. Pounders, and has 85 Men.
They were employed Lightening the Vessel Yesterday, and I perceive have got her off the last Tide: She will in all probability make another attempt, when the Wind is favourable:5 and I hope I shall then have an Opportunity to convey you a more satisfactory account of Her; I have the Honor to be with respect. Sir/ [&c.]
(Sign'd) Hugh C. Christian
Copy, UkLPR, Adm. 1/1838, part 9, no. 20. Addressed flush left below signature: "To Commodore Griffith/&ca. &ca./Rhode-Island." Docketed: "No. 7." Enclosure no. 7 in Captain Walter Griffith to Secretary of the Admiralty Philip Stephens, 9 Apr. 1778.
1. An unnamed brig from Swansea, Mass., David Bowers, master. UkLPR, H.C.A. 32/455/1, "A Journal, began, on Board, the Galley Spitfire, belonging to the State of Rhode Island, & Commanded, by Capt: Jos. Crandall."
2. Now Nannaquaket Pond.
3. H.M. galley Alarm.
4. Gould I. at the northern part of the Sakonnet Passage.
5. Kingsfisher's Journal notes on 30 Mar.: "at 8 AM Observed the Rebel Brigg had got off and Moved into Wantons Cove." UkLPR, Adm. 51/507. The brig remained in the Sakonnet Passage between Gould Island and Wanton's Cove, awaiting a chance to evade the Kingsfisher, until she disappeared on 6 Apr. Ibid.
