situations as may best afford him the opportunity of distinguishing himself. This favor, therefore, I request for him ; and I beg to assure you, I would not commit myself by making such a request, if past experience of his professional merit had not convinced me, that by selecting him for dashing and enterprising duties, you will best fulfil the good of the service, and gratify the feelings of an honorable and brave young man. Excuse my addressing you thus pointedly in Captain Watts’s behalf; but I do it with the more openness and confidence, as I recollect, that those who have themselves so justly reaped the laurels of intelligence and bravery united, can best appreciate those ingredients of professional character in others. I remain, with the truest regard and esteem. Dear Sir John, yours most faithfully,
The Jaseur’s first cruise was off the Delaware, where she captured several American vessels. Judging it expedient, in order to avoid an unnecessary consumption of water and provisions, to land his prisoners. Captain Watts sent his second lieutenant, Mr. Thomas Lovesay, with a flag of truce for this purpose. The prescribed period for his return having long elapsed, it was apprehended some accident had befallen him, to ascertain which, Mr. Henry West, the first lieutenant, was despatched with a second flag to Lewes, a town within the entrance of the above river. The treatment this respectable officer met with, was of so ungenerous and unmanly a nature, as to reflect disgrace upon the American name. He was beset by a mob, bullied, and insulted. All his boat’s crew, except one, were enticed from their allegiance, and induced to desert. With the assistance of that man only, he navigated his boat, and reached the Jaseur, in a dark and boisterous night, at the risk of his life, bringing with him an impudent and illiterate letter from the American commandant, commenting upon the informality of the flag of truce, and interdicting any further intercourse of a similar nature. To this, Captain Watts transmitted the following answer:–
