Onbord Sloop Revenge
the 31st May 1778
Whereas on this day we fell in with the Swedish Brigg Henerica Sophia1 Laden with British Goods from London to Tenereef & whereas Captn. Cunningham2 says that he has directions not to Insult any Neuteral Flag yet, the Cargoe appearing so plain to be British property we have urg’d him to take her, & try her chance to America
D, NHi, Naval History Society Collection, Gustavus Conyngham Papers.
1. Swedish brig Henrica Sophia, Peter Heldt, master, on a voyage from London to Tenerife with a cargo of cloth and bale goods. Conyngham sent the brig to Newburyport, Mass., but it was retaken off Cape Cod on 8 July 1778 by H.M. frigate Rainbow. Journal of H.M. Frigate Rainbow, 8 July, below; Howe’s Prize List, 30 Oct. 1778, UkLPR, Adm. 1/488, fols. 483–84.
2. Capt. Gustavus Conyngham, Continental Navy.
3. First lieutenant of Revenge.
4. Prize master.
5. Surgeon.
6. Conyngham called Hease “the chief officer of my staff.” Statement of Money Expended on the Revenge, 16 Sept. 1777, Letters and Papers of Gustavus Conyngham, p. 104.
