General

One hour after noon, I had the honor to receive your letter which you wrote to me this morning at 4 o'clock and which was brought to me by M. Coquille. I sent to the Captain of the English frigate 12 the other letter which you addressed to me. Herewith I enclose his answer translated by M. Piteau who was the intrpreter in all this affair.

You will notice in his answer, General, that the Captain insists on the two shots whicl_i the battery Ste Marthe fired in order to chase him away from the coast where he seemed to come after a schooner sailing along the shore. So it was related to me by the guardian of this battery who acted on his own best judgement and made his report to me the next day.

No one could give him the order during the action since they were far at sea, and one could have never forseen that having gone out to fight the New Englander, he would break the engagement and rally under our batteries within sight of almost 11 the city which witnessed the whole action. The next day, I did not conceal from the Captain that I would give orders to the batteries of the road to take on the first of these two that would commit an act of hostility under our forts, which I would never toleratebeing in a position to receive any vessel sailing peacefully into our ports with the respect due our flag.

It is easy to see that the Captain was vexed because he had not captured the American corvette in sight of everyone and that he was attempting to clear himself before his admiral. Indeed, after the so-called two gun shots, he could have easily taken her on at sea, fought her and captured her if the action had turned to his advantage.

Moreover, M. Piteau related to me that he was quite satisfied with all the attention I showed him and that, in accordance with your letter, he was going to set sail and report to his admiral. I doubt he will but I will keep watch and keep you informed. He claims that a frigate of 26 guns and a brigantine of 14 from New England were still to come in these waters in the belief that the King's ships would lie up on Antigua for this season, but that, to the contrary, one would see many more Royalist ships around here than had ever been seen before.

According to what Captain Wilkes [Lambert Wickes] told the interpreter, I believe he will get under way tonight. I am sending back your express who will leave immediately. I am [&c.]

P. S. 7 o'clock in the evening.

I have just been informed that the King's frigate actually got under way and is making sail for Fort Royal. I do not believe that this will prevent the American from getting under way also. He does not seem to fear the other, I can assure you.

[Endorsed] Certified true copy: d'Argout