"This _Monk_ hated Rebels (said Sandy)--'od rot 'em-- "So heave her down quickly, and copper her bottom; "With the sloops of our navy we'll have her enrolled, "And manned with picked sailors to make her feel bold;
"To shew that our king is both valiant and good, "Some guns shall be iron, and others be wood, "And, in truth, (though I wish not the secret to spread) "All her guns should be wooden--to suit with his head."
[152] First published in the _Freeman's Journal_, April 24, 1782. On April 10, the Journal contained the following account of the battle:
"Yesterday the _Hyder Ally_, a vessel fitted out for the protection of this river and its trade, returned to Chester after a severe conflict with a vessel of superior force, which with great gallantry and good conduct on the part of Capt. Barney and his crew, has been captured and brought into port. The particulars of the action, as far as we have been able to collect them, are that a fleet of merchantmen, having proceeded down the bay, were met by an enemy's frigate of forty guns, with the _General Monk_, Sloop of War, and _Fair American_, privateer; the _General Monk_ having eighteen nine pounders and one hundred and fifty men. The fleet endeavored to return, but were pursued by the frigate, sloop, and privateer. The _Fair American_ being engaged with one of the fleet, and the frigate being at a considerable distance, gave the _Hyder Ally_ an opportunity to attack the _General Monk_ singly, which Capt. Barney embraced, and after a very close and brave attack of about thirty minutes, the _General Monk_ surrendered to her inferior adversary. The _General Monk_ had fifty-three men killed and wounded, among whom are most of the officers; on board the _Hyder Ally_ there were fifteen killed and wounded. A brig, one of the fleet, was taken, and the _General Greene_ left engaged with the _Fair American_. The conduct of Capt. Barney has given the greatest satisfaction and shows him truly worthy of the trust committed to him."
[A] "Occasioned by the naval victory gained by Admiral Rodney and Capt. Cornwallis, of the British fleet in the West Indies, over the squadron of Count De Grasse."--_Freneau's note to 1809 edition._
What brilliant events have of late come to pass, No less than the capture of Monsieur de Grasse! His majesty's printer has told it for true, As we had it from him, so we give it to you.