24. o 'COSBY. upon them; and, in half an hour after the commence ment of the action, they fell into disorder, and broke their line. Unfortunately, however, a thick haze, which had, prevailed previously to, and during the engagement, to gether with the disabled situation of some of the British ships, particularly the Robust, Europa, and Prudent, ren dered it impossible for the English admiral to pursue his advantage; and thus the contest proved indecisive. The exertions of Captain Cosby, which during this en gagement were certainly of no common stamp, drew forth the cordial and merited eulogium of the commander-in chief; and immediately after the action, Admiral Arbuth not sent him the following letter:- o - Royal Oak, off Cape Charles, March 16th, 1781. DeAR SIR, You have, during the time that we left Gardiner's Bay, conducted your self like an experienced and diligent officer, particularly on the 16th inst., in which you have approved yourself a gallant naval commander, that has done honour to yourself and country; and both yourself, officers, and ship's company, have my warmest thanks for your spirited conduct. I have ordered the America to assist you with twenty men, and so soon as we get to anchor, you shall have every assistance that is in the power of, ‘SIR, Your most obedient humble Servant, W. ARBUTHNOT. Captain Cosby, Robust. The Robust was so much disabled on this occasion, that she was obliged to be stripped, and undergo the best repair that circumstances would admit of, at New York, in order to make it safe for her even to put to sea; and by great exertion she was got into sailing order in the month of October, when the second fruitless attempt was made for the deliverance of General Cornwallis and his army, and she put to sea. No engagement, however, took place, which was a fortunate circumstance for Captain Cosby, as from the crazy state of his ship, it would not have been possible for him to act with advantage. The Robust being unfit for farther service in her pre sent state, was ordered to England for the purpose of
