Account of the engaging and taking of the Lexington rebel brig of war, by his Majesty's cutter the Alert, commanded by Lieut. John Bazely, verbatim, as it was related to me, by Mr. Peter Bruff, midshipman, belonging to the Alert; who has charge of the prize.
"On Friday, Sept. 19, at half past five, A.M. we saw a brig to the northward of us, steering about S.W. which we judged to be an American privateer. We made every necessary preparation for an engagement, and hauled the fore-sheet to windward, in order to let her come up, as our head was to the southward. At seven we tacked and stood for her. At half past seven, being near, fired a shot to make her shew her colours, and hailing her at the same time, asked from whence she came. They answered from Guernsey, and inquired from whence we came. Lieut. Bazely replied, from Whitehall, on which they immediately fired a broadside, which we returned, and putting in stays, when the cutter came head to wind, it fell calm, and we were obliged to get out our sweeps in order to bring her round; during which time, they fired two broadsides, and raked us fore and aft. Being about, the privateer hauled up her courses, and shortened sail, in order to engage, and we kept up a constant fire till ten o'clock, when they made all possible sail to get from us, being a good deal shattered.
“Most of our running rigging being cut by her shot, we could not make sail after her, for some time. But as soon as we had got to rights, we again gave chace, on which the enemy got out all his oars, as there was but little wind. About half past meridian, being again within gun-shot, we renewed our attack, on which they shortened sail, and began to engage us a-fresh—which continued with very hot firing on both sides till half past three-when they again made all the sail they could; but there being a fresh breeze we kept along side, both continuing a smart fire. At half past five the Captain of the privateer hailed us, and desired us not to fire any more, as he would surrender; but his people were afraid to go aloft to strike the colours. Lieut. Bazely ordered him to bring to, hoist out his boat, and come on board, which he did, and delivered up his sword and congress commission.—We then got all the prisoners out of her, except eight, five of whom were dangerously wounded.
“She proved to be the Lexington brig of war, fitted out by the congress; and in the course of eight months, had taken, sunk, burnt, and destroyed 52 British merchant ships on the coast of Great Britain and Ireland, as appears by her log-book, as well as by many letters and papers that were found on board.
“She mounts 14 double-fortified four pounders and 2 six pounders, and 12 swivels. Had 94 men on board, as appears by the mess book.
“When the Captain came on board of the Alert, Lieut. Bazeley, pointing up to the pendant, asked him if he knew whom he had been firing at, and told him that he received him as a rebel prisoner, and hoped that he considered himself in that light, which Johnson acknowledged he did. Lieut. Bazely told him, that notwith standing, if he behaved with propriety, he would treat him as a gentleman, and desired him to return on board the brig, and bring with him all his own wearing apparel, which Johnson accordingly did.
"Without flattering the commander of his majesty's cutter, I think every honest Briton will with pleasure applaud Lieut. Bazely's true gallantry and British sensibility of heart; for humanity and true courage are inseparable.
“The Lexington arrived off Dover on Thursday, September the 25th, and proceeded to the Downs to send the wounded prisoners to the royal hospital of Deal; and on the 26th she returned safe into Dover Pier, amidst the joyous acclamations of all the worthy inhabitants of the town, of which Lieut. Bazely is a native. The privateer is in a shattered condition; the head of the main-mast, with the main-top-mast, top-gallant-mast, fore-top-gallant-mast, and main-boom gone, fore-mast deeply wounded and obliged to be fished at sea, bowsprit much damaged, sails full of shot holes, and her hull shot through and through.
“The Alert had only 10 four pounders and 8 swivels.
"When we consider the superior force of the enemy, without exaggeration, we may venture to assert this engagement, on the side of his Majesty's cutter, equal to any that we have had an account of, either in the former war or the present unhappy contest with the fatally deluded Americans. I am [&c.]
