Pouillac May 28th 1778
[Extract] Gentlm
These may Serve to Inform your Honours that I am Now Lying Wind bound ready for Sea and Shall Imbrace the first Opportunity after a Long Detention for the want of Seaman. The Last three weeks I was in Bourdeaux my Crew was very Sickly I had the misfortune to Loose Several from the Hospital Who died with a Pluricy fever Then troubled with a Pack of Villians Who was Carring on a Consparicy on board my Ship but Luckly Discoverd their Scheme by a Villian from town to Blaye with his Last message to know the minds of my People1 I have had to advance four thousand five hundred Livers to Offercers and new Recrutes Which I hope will not be taken amiss my Situation being Very Disagreable but hope to render Satisfaction to my Contry for the Expences I have or may be att. . . . Since I Came in the River I have had 22 men deserted me but am now tolerable well mand and my Ship Extraordinary well fited but am not yet Determind on my Cruze which I Shall Determine after Leaving this Port Gentlem with Due respect I remain [&c.]
Saml Tucker
L, Mhi, Adams Papers. Docketed: “Captn. Tucker May 28/1778”; and “Capt. Tucker/Pouillac May 28/78.”
1. On the conspiracy and its discovery, see Deposition of Sergeant Jerome Cazeneuve, Continental Marines, 27 May, above.
