Trident in the Downes
25th September 1777.
Sir
Please to acquaint the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that this morning came in here the Lexington an American Brig Privateer, fitted out by the Congress, of Sixteen Carriage Guns, Twelve Swivels and Ninety four Men, Commanded by Henry Johnson, last from Morlaix. She was taken the 19th Instant, by His Majestys Cutter the Alert carrying ten Carg Guns of 4 prs and 60 Men, Commanded by Lieutenant Beazley, about Thirty Leagues to the westward of Ushant, after a gallant and well disputed Action of several hours, in which the Brig suffered greatly, having lost her mainmast, and been otherwise so disabled that Mr Peter Bruff, the Petty Officer who Commands her, thinks it necessary to go into Dover Pier to refit; before She can proceed for the River.
There were several Men, killed and wounded on both sides, but Mr Bruff cannot ascertain the number on either, being sent on board to take charge of the prize, immediately after the Action, and parting from the Alert the night following, in bad weather.
Mr Bruff further acquaints me, that on the Morning of the 21st Inst off the Start he exchanged some Shott with an American Schooner Privateer, of Eight Carriage Guns, to which he gave Chace, but the Lexington being disabled, could not come tip with her.
I have directed Five wounded Prisoners on board the Lexington, as it is thought necessary they should all undergo an Amputation, to be sent to the Hospital at Deal. I am Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] 26 Sepr Own rect desire him to use his endeavrs to find out the numbr of French men who are on bd of the Lexington Privitr —