blankets into the Sea, and then quenched it in that manner. We begun again to dispute the Victory till one o'Clock; and each side being tired at that time, we took a pause of about half-an-hour; and coming again to action, the enemy hailed us, "ah! says our Captain, well, we will be more polite than them, for we will answer though they were not willing to do it when we hailed them." Accordingly we answered that we were come from _Demerara_:[10] the enemy was so exasperated at the answer, that they answered back by saying, "you are a D****d Liar,"[11] and renewed again the battle with great anger and intrepidity; the bravery was equal on each part; our deck was covered with Blood and Dead Bodies; all our rigging was cut off by the bullets; our Bowsprit, and Fore-top-mast were cut down: the enemy seemed to be very much damaged, for their Fore-mast and main-top-mast, with their Bowsprit, were cut down. We were so tired and disordered, that we were forced to retire on both sides, after a conflict of nine hours, which was from seven at night till four o'Clock in the morning. After an hour of rest, we were employed to repair the damages we had received, and return into harbour; for we were in too bad a state to stay at Sea any longer. On our journey back we had the good luck to take two prizes, one came from _Africa_ laden with Negroes, and the other which was retaken, was come from _Norway_, loaded with gin, butter, and combustibles &c. We arrived safe in the harbour of _Point-a-Pitre_ in _Guadeloupe_. [10] Though we did not come from that place, we applyed the untruth as you see above, only that we might deceive them and pass for an English Ship; for our Ship was a great deal less then theirs: besides that we were much damaged, both by the Sea, and by Fighting. [11] They were come from Demerara themselves, and they knew that there was no Ship of war in that Harbour. We heard after that the name of the Ship was the Pelican, and carried eighteen Guns of nine Pounders, which were a great advantage over us, who carried but twelve Guns of four Pounders. I went to see my Brothers as soon as I was landed; the eldest was removed to another place where he thought he could do better, and the other took example from me, for he was just going out of the Harbour when I entered in.