[Juin 1778.] [en mer] Dimanche 21. depuis hier à midy jusq’aujourd’hui a la même heure la
a 8 h. du matin nous avons Signalé un bâtiment que le Général nous a ordonné de Chasser et que nous avons atteint vers les 4. h ce bâtiment est un Sloop Americain qui manquait de la Virginie dépuis 14 jours.1 Sa Cargaison consiste en tabac qu’il va déposer a la Martinique ; nous nous Sommes mis endevoir de le Conduire au général, mais le Calme nous a Surpris, et a duré toute la nuit.
[Translation]
[June 1778.] [at sea]
Sunday 21. since yesterday noon until today at the same time the
at 8 o’clock in the morning we Signaled a vessel, which the Commandant ordered us to chase and which we reached toward 4 o’clock. this vessel is an American Sloop that left Virginia 14 days ago.1 Its Cargo consists of tobacco which it is going to dispose of in Martinique; we set ourselves to Conduct it to the commandant, but the Calm took us by Surprise and lasted all night.
D, FrPNA, Marine B4, vol. 147, fol. 51.
1. The sloop, the name of which has not been identified, was commanded by a Capt. Selby, perhaps William Selby of Pitts Landing, Va. See Maryland Council of Safety to William Selby, 28 June 1776, NDAR 5: 792.