On Board the Boston Frigate June 23d. 1778
Gentn.
In the Lattitude of 45..10..N. & Long: 26..30..—I have this Inst. taken the Brigantine Britania from Newfoundland bound to Port oPort1 William Baker former Commander & do Endeavour to Conduct her to your Honors by Ramond Giscard one of my Midshipman as Prise Master and am Glad to acquaint your Honours that I am well with my Officers and Crew. I wish my two Prizes may have come to hand because they were so very Valuable.—2 one of Effects to please the Ladies the other with good Medicine for our Worthey Army. I am not able to tell you when I shall come home, but not this two Months if not Success, as I have Provisions on Board for that time.—Gent. I am [&c.]
Saml Tucker
NB. the Brig I ordered afterwards into L’Orient
LB, MH-H, Samuel Tucker Papers (MS Am 812), Letter Book. Addressed below close: “To the Honble. Navy Board/East. Depert. Boston.”
1. That is, Oporto, Portugal.
2. The prizes were ship Martha and brig John & Rebecca. The latter, carrying medicine, was recaptured by H.M. frigate Porcupine, Capt. William Clement Finch, before reaching America.