Oliver Cromwell Sloop-of-War (1) Commander William Coles Massachusetts Privateer 29 April 1777- Brigantine/Ship (2) [] Master Robert Richardson [][]April 1778- June 1778 (3) Commander Thomas Simmons 10 July 1778- (4) Commander James Barr 11 August 1779- (5) Commander John Bray 13 April 1781-7 July 1781

Commissioned/First Date: 29 April 1777 Out of Service/Cause: 7 July 1781/captured by HM Frigate Maidstone

Owners: (1) John Derby, George Dodge, Jr. & Co. of Salem, Massachusetts and George, John and Andrew Cabot, Joseph Lee, and others of Beverly, Massachusetts; (2) Jonathan Ingersoll et al of Salem, Massachusetts; (3) John Derby et al of Salem, Massachusetts; (4) Bartholomew Putnam of Salem, Massachusetts

Tonnage: 150, 160, 162, 200

Battery: Date Reported: 29 April 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/6-pounder 96 pounds 48 pounds Total: 16 cannon/96 pounds Broadside: 8 cannon/48 pounds Swivels:

Date Reported: 6 August 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/ Total: 16 cannon/ Broadside: 8 cannon/ Swivels:

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --1-- Date Reported: 17 August 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/ Total: 16 cannon/ Broadside: 8 cannon/ Swivels:

Date Reported: 23 September 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 19/6-pounder 114 pounds 54 pounds Total: 19 cannon/114 pounds Broadside: 9 cannon/54 pounds Swivels:

Date Reported: 2 October 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/6-pounder 96 pounds 48 pounds Total: 16 cannon/96 pounds Broadside: 8 cannon/48 pounds Swivels:

Date Reported: [] 25 October 1777 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/ Total: 16 cannon/ Broadside: 8 cannon/ Swivels:

Date Reported: 10 July 1778 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/ Total: 16 cannon/ Broadside: 8 cannon/ Swivels:

Date Reported: 29 March 1779 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/6-pounder 96 pounds 48 pounds Total: 16 cannon/96 pounds Broadside: 8 cannon/48 pounds Swivels:

Date Reported: 11 August 1779 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 18/

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --2-- Total: 18 cannon/ Broadside: 9 cannon/ Swivels:

Date Reported: February 1780 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 14/ Total: 14 cannon/ Broadside: 7 cannon/ Swivels:

Date Reported: 13 April 1781 Number/Caliber Weight Broadside 16/ Total: 16 cannon/ Broadside: 8 cannon/ Swivels:

Crew: (1) 29 April 1777: 130 [] total (2) 23 September 1777: 170 [] total (3) 2 October 1777: 100 [] total (4) [][] 25 October 1777: 90 total (5) 10 July 1778: 101 [] total (6) 29 March 1779: 111 [] total (7) 11 August 1779: 111 [] total (8) 3 February 1780: 30 [] total (9) 10 July 1780: 21 [] total (10) 13 April 1781: 85 [] total

Description:

Officers: (1) First Lieutenant William Russell, 29 April 1777-; (2) First Lieutenant James Barr, 8 July 1778-; (3) First Lieutenant I. Carpenter, 11 August 1779-; (4) First Mate []Lieutenant Hugh Helme, 6 June 1780-; (5) First Lieutenant Thomas Brown, 18 April 1781-; (6) Second Lieutenant John Colyer, 29 April 1777-; (7) Second Lieutenant Samuel West, 11 August 1779-; (8) Second Mate []Lieutenant William Ropes, 6 June 1780-; (9) Master Robert Richardson, 29 April 1777-; (10) [ Prize Master] Gray, 29 April 1777-; (11) Second Mate Bri mblecum, 29 April 1777-; (12) [][ Prize Master D. Moore] ; (13) [ Prize Master] [ John Leach] , September 1777-

Cruises: (1) Boston, Massachusetts to Bilboa, Spain, [] 20 July 1777- []20 August 1777

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --3-- (3) Bilboa, Spain to [ Sale m, Massachusetts][] , 1 October 1777-[] December 1777

(4) Salem, Massachusetts to Salem, Massachusetts, [] 1 September 1779-30 September 1779

(5) Salem, Massachusetts to the West Indies and return, February 1780-

(6) Salem, Massachusetts to the West Indies and return, June 1780-

(7) Salem, Massachusetts to sea, -7 July 1781

Prizes: (1) Brigantine Lovely Nancy (John McCarthy), [ July- August] 1777

(2) Brig Rhoda (William Butcher), [] July-August 1777

(3) Brigantine William and Mary (Platt), 29 July 1777

(4) Sloop Three Brothers (Mathew Malone), 31 July 1777

(5) Brig [] unknown , 6 August 1777

(6) Brig Queen of Portugal (Tibby), 6 August 1777

(7) Sloop [] unknown , 13 August 1777

(8) []Brig Douglas (M’Gill), off the Spanish coast, 16 August 1777

(9) Brig Little Betsey (Thomas Freeman), 16 August 1777

(10) Brig Ville de Bayonne (Pierre Regnier), 16 August 1777

(11) Snow Eastley (William Anstric), 2 October 1777, 75 miles off Oporto, Portugal

(12) Brig [ Bri gantine] Lark (William Kentisbear [ Kentishvere; Canterbury] ), 5 October 1777, off the coast of Portugal

(13) Brigantine Endeavour (Robert Hogge ll), [] 15 October 1777

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --4-- (14) Sloop Fly (William Burden), [ 25 October] 1777, off Santa Cruz, Funchal, Madeira Islands

(15) Schooner Friendship (Edward Tcole), [] August 1778

(16) Brig Little Peggy (Brown), [] September 1778

(17) Brigantine Seaflower (Jacob Bartlett), []September 1778

(18) Sloop Ann and Maria (Patrick McEieue), []September 1778

(19) Brigantine Julius Caesar (Samuel Sparrow), []September 1778

Actions: (1) Action with Sally and Rawlinson , 6 August 1777 (2) Action with Fly , [] 25 October 1777

Comments:

Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell was commissioned on 29 April 1777 under Commander William Coles (or Cole) of Beverly, Massachusetts. Oliver Cromwell was said to be armed with sixteen 6-pounders and to have a crew of 130 men. 1 She was said to measure 162 tons. 2 Her $10000 Continental bond was signed by Coles and by George Dodge, Jr. and John Buffington, both of Salem. 3 Oliver Cromwell ’s listed owners were John Derby, George Dodge, Jr. & Co., of Salem, Massachusetts. 4 George, John and Andrew Cabot, Joseph Lee, and others were also listed among her owners. 5 William Russell served aboard as First Lieutenant, John Colyer as Second Lieutenant, and Robert Richardson as Master. She was intended to sail with the fleet being prepared under the command of Captain John Manley of the Continental Navy. 6 She did not sail with Manley’s fleet however.

1 Claghorn, Naval Officers of the American Revolution , 66; NDAR, 8: 463 and note; 10:“Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 354-355 and 355 note; Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 230

2 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 342

3 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 230

4 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers, 149 ; NDAR, “Petition of George Dodge, Jr. To the Massachusetts Council,” 8: 463

5 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 342

6 NDAR, “Petition of George Dodge, Jr. To the Massachusetts Council,” 8: 463

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --5-- Oliver Cromwell sailed about 20 July 1777. 7 Two prizes had gotten into Maine ports, probably Falmouth on Casco Bay, in late July or early August 1777, both captured by the Oliver Cromwell : a brig laden with wine, salt and dry goods; and a brig with a cargo of rum. 8 One of these may have been the brigantine Rhoda (William Butcher), 120 tons, which was libeled on 9 October 1777, and tried on 30 October 1777. 9 The other was probably the 100-ton brigantine Lovely Nancy (John McCarthy), which was libeled on 29 August 1777 and tried in the Maritime Court of the Middle District on 16 September 1777. 10

A sailor aboard the Oliver Cromwell kept a journal of the cruise. He records that, on 29 July the Oliver Cromwell encountered a British vessel, with a cargo of fruit. She was bound to America but was in distress. The unknown journalist said that the next day was “Fair, raw, cold, wind rough and sea. Sent our boat aboard the prize. Took out Mr. Dyer and one of the band [ sic: hands] and sent Mr. French to take command and carry her to Bilbao.”11 Another extract from the journal records the prize master as one Trash, who was put aboard with orders to take her to Bilbao, Spain and report to Gardoqui & Sons. They were to sell the fruit (if it was too much damaged) and then forward the vessel with a crew to Salem. 12 This was possibly the 150-ton brigantine 13 William and Mary 14 (Platt). 15 She arrived in Bilbao, Spain, 16 before being sent off to Boston. 17 D. Moore was probably the prize master for the voyage home. 18 William and Mary safely arrived in Massachusetts, and was libeled on Christmas Day, with her trial set for 13 January 1778. 19

The next day (31 July), at 0400, Oliver Cromwell took another prize. This was apparently the

7 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilbao, Sept. 17,” 9: 647 and note

8 NDAR, “The Freeman’s Journal , Saturday, August 9, 1777,” 9: 707

9 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

10 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Friday, August 29, 1777

11 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 342

12 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149

13 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

14 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note; “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

15 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note

16 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

17 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

18 NDAR, 10: index, 1348

19 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --6-- 60 20 or 70-ton sloop Three Brothers 21 (or Three Sisters )22 (Mathew 23 Malone) 24 was en route from Cork to Lisbon 25 with a cargo of butter and “Sheeps Guts.”26 One Horton was sent aboard as prize master, 27 and she was ordered into Bilboa, 28 where she arrived about 15 August 1777. 29 Gardoqui & Sons were to sell the vessel and cargo, but at least the cargo, with the vessel being sent to Salem. 30 She was later sent to Boston, Massachusetts, where she safely arrived. She was libeled as the Three Brothers on Christmas Day and was tried on 13 January 1778.31

On 2 August 1777 Oliver Cromwell fell in with Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Fancy (Commander John Lee). The two privateers lay to and invited Lee aboard for dinner. In the conversation Lee said that he had taken nine prizes, “Some of which were retaken, Some were in Ballast which he gave the prisoners, & 4 he had sent Home . . .” The two skippers agreed to sail together for a few days. On the evening of the next day a British warship chased the two American privateers and they separated. 32

This British warship chased Oliver Cromwell unsuccessfully for several days. At 0700 on 6 August, in fair and pleasant weather, Oliver Cromwell sighted a sail ahead (with the warship was still in chase) and captured her at 0800. The prize was a brig from Cork, Ireland in ballast. After

20 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149, quoting the journal.

21 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

22 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note. In the sailor’s journal she is called the Three Sisters . McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149.

23 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

24 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note; “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 804-805

25 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note

26 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647; McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149, quoting the journal.

27 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149, quoting the journal.

28 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note

29 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

30 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 149, quoting the journal.

31 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note; “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

32 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 150, quoting from the journal.

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --7-- placing her prisoners aboard, Oliver Cromwell released the brig. 33

Soon after another prize, the 120-ton 34 brig 35 (or brigantine), 36 Queen of Portugal (Richard Tibbey 37 []Tibby ), 38 was captured. She was from Cork to Lisbon, Portugal with a cargo of butter and beef. This vessel was the former Pennsylvania Privateer Brigantine General Montgomery .39 Although Queen of Portugal was under the Portuguese flag, her crew was removed leaving only Tibbey and the passengers aboard. 40 The prize was placed under the command of one Gray, and she accompanied the Oliver Cromwell for a time. Aboard the Queen of Portugal were a number of passengers, including some “Laidys,” whom it was determined should be landed on British territory. Recalling that a British warship was still in pursuit, Oliver Cromwell sailed again. At 1500 she sighted two brigs and ran down to them, Coles ordering Gray to keep away to the west. 41 Meanwhile, Gray bore away and encountered a convoy on 8 August, along with privateers General Mercer (Commander James Babson) and Fanny (Commander John Kendrick), who had just taken two prizes. Gray transferred his passengers to General Mercer and sailed for America. He arrived at Boston at the end of September 1777. The prize was libeled on 9 October 1777, 42 with trial set for 30 October. 43

After the Queen of Portugal separated, Coles tried to close the two brigs, but the wind died down and Coles’s crew broke out the oars. The two brigs, Rawlinson (W. Preston) and Sally (Cleland),

33 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

34 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

35 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

36 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

37 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

38 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

39 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

40 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter dated Nantz, August 21, fram a Passenger on Board the Queen of Portugal , Capt. Tibby, from Corke to Lisbon,” 9: 592-593 and 593 note

41 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

42 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter dated Nantz, August 21, fram a Passenger on Board the Queen of Portugal , Capt. Tibby, from Corke to Lisbon,” 9: 592-593 and 593 note; “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

43 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10: 90 and notes

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --8-- kept close together and formed into a line of battle. As the Oliver Cromwell closed up the Sally opened fire, which Coles ignored until he was in close. 44 Coles ordered Cleland to strike and Cleland replied that he did not intend to. Coles fired two guns; Sally returned a broadside. 45 Oliver Cromwell now poured two quick broadsides into Sally .46 Cleland was killed at the second shot and John Jugwood, his First Mate, took command. Rawlinson lay on Sally ’s off side and only fired one gun. After a half-hour part of Sally ’s crew ran for cover. 47 After a few minutes of exchange the first brig struck: “She...[] did ...earnestly beg of us to desist our Fire on her.”48 Coles then headed for the other brig, 49 assisted by Sally dropping astern, 50 and engaged her for three glasses (an hour and a half), before she fell off disabled. The first brig had resumed firing with her bow- chasers, 51 having come up on Oliver Cromwell ’s stern. 52 Coles conferred with his officers (with the warship still in chase). The action was broken off and Oliver Cromwell sailed away, changing course. 53

The unknown author of the sailor’s journal said that “Capt Coles (to his eternal Honour be it remembered) with all other officers behaved with the greatest Magnanimity & Brivery possible . . . Through the marvellous goodness of God not one Life was lost on our Side; oir 1st Lieut. Was wounded by a Cannon Shott in both his thighs, just above the Knees, one or two of the Men were very slightly wounded, – our Brig recd. Several Shotts in her Hull, Rigging & but ye Damage was

44 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

45 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

46 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

47 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

48 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note; “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

49 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

50 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

51 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note

52 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

53 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 552-553 and 553 note. Another account is in Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 230

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --9-- inconsiderable . . .” 54

On 8 August a “Fleet of Transports” with three warships in escort was sighted. 55 Coles steered away. In reality it was the Jamaica convoy, headed for England. The two brigs that Oliver Cromwell had fought, were in sight, unknown to Coles. They certainly recognized the American brig and slipped into the convoy to escape. 56

For the next few days the weather was bad. The journalist sailor described it as “rough wind & Sea.” On 13 August, at 1100 a small sloop was stopped. She was bound from the Isle of Man to “Port o Port” [] Oporto, Portugal in ballast. After removing some sails, a gun, and other items from the sloop, Coles sent his prisoners aboard and released her. 57

By 16 August the weather had improved. By now the Oliver Cromwell was off the Spanish coast. Coles made several prizes that day. The first captured, at 0100 on 16 August 1777, was an unidentified brig from London bound to Malaga, Spain, in ballast. As other prizes were made the same day, and this one was in ballast, it can be presumed that this one was released. 58 This was probably the Douglas (M’Gill). The prisoners from William and Mary and the Three Brothers were placed on her, and then she was released. The prisoners were landed in Ireland by M’Gill. 59

A second sail was sighted at 0500 and captured at 1100. 60 She was the 190-ton 61 brig 62 or

54 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 151

55 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 151

56 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Capt. John Jugwood, of the Brig Sally , of Lancaster, dated Cove of Corke, Aug. 15,” 9: 569-570 and 570 note

57 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 151

58 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

59 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note

60 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

61 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:354-355 and 355 note

62 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --10-- brigantine 63 Little Betsey (Thomas Freeman 64 []Trueman ), 65 from London to Venice, Italy, with fish, dry goods, and china. Part of her cargo was removed before she was sent off to Boston. 66 She safely arrived there and was libeled on 30 October 1777, with trial set for 25 November 1777. 67 Listed simply as the 190-ton brigantine Betsey , she was advertised for sale at Salem, Massachusetts on 22 January 1778. 68

The third prize was sighted at 1400. Oliver Cromwell soon captured 69 the 120-ton 70 brig 71 or brigantine 72 Ville de Bayonne (Pierre Regnier 73 [] Peter Reguier ). 74 She was a French vessel, with a French captain and crew, but with one hundred bales of English dry goods aboard, bound from Rouen, France, 75 or owned there. 76 She was from Exeter, England, 77 and bound to Genoa,

63 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:354-355 and 355 note

64 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:354-355 and 355 note

65 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

66 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

67 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:354-355 and 355 note

68 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, January 22, 1778

69 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

70 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:90 and notes

71 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

72 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:90 and notes

73 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

74 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:90 and notes

75 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

76 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

77 NDAR, “Journal of Continental Navy Frigate Raleigh , Captain Thomas Thompson,” 10:875 and note

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --11-- Leghorn, 78 or Naples, Italy. 79 Coles removed the crew, except for the master and two sailors. 80 She was ordered into Boston under Second Mate Brimblecum. 81 On 8 September 1777 Ville de Bayonne was at 43 E31 NN, 43 E15 NW when she was chased by a frigate, which proved to be Continental Navy Ship Raleigh (Captain Thomas Thompson). Raleigh ’s journal recorded she was from Exeter bound to Naples with woolen goods aboard. 82 Ville de Bayonne safely arrived at Boston, being libeled on 9 October 1777, 83 with trial set for 30 October 1777. 84

On 18 August three neutral vessels were stopped. One of these was French, and nine prisoners were put aboard her, presumably from the Ville de Bayonne .85 The French vessel was bound from St. Malo, France to Cadiz, Spain, and landed at Cadiz. 86 On the same day Oliver Cromwell stopped and released an unidentified Danish brigantine. 87

Oliver Cromwell sighted Cape Ortegal, Spain on 19 August. She sailed across the northen coast of Spain heading for Bilbao. The unknown journalist says that, on 23 August, “Our Pilot carried us over the Bar; & anchored close under Port Gelat []Portugaletes , up the bay from Bilbao . . . Went on Shore, & at 3 P M hove up Anchor & rowed up River as far as Allwago a pleasantly situated Town on the River.”88 An observer ashore reported that she had been at sea for twenty- eight days, and had captured ten prizes. This reporter indicated Oliver Cromwell as being armed with sixteen guns. 89

78 NDAR, “Journal of Continental Navy Frigate Raleigh , Captain Thomas Thompson,” 10:875 and note

79 NDAR, “Journal of Continental Navy Frigate Raleigh , Captain Thomas Thompson,” 10:875 and note

80 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

81 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note

82 NDAR, “Journal of Continental Navy Frigate Raleigh , Captain Thomas Thompson,” 10:875 and note

83 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 573-574 and 574 note; “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:90 and notes

84 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:90 and notes

85 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 151

86 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

87 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilboa, Sept. 17,” 9: 647

88 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 151 quoting the sailors journal

89 NDAR, “Extract of a letter from Bilbao, Sept. 17,” 9: 647 and note

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --12-- Photograph of a contemporary engraving of Bilbao, Spain. From Howe, Beverly Privateers .

Oliver Cromwell found Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Civil Usage (Commander Andrew Giddings) and Massachusetts Privateer Schooner True American (Commander William Carlton) at Bilbao. There was smallpox aboard these two privateers and the captains decided to inoculate the various crews, which was done. A hospital was set up and the surgeon’s journal reveals grim entries. On 24 August he records that several men were buried and that “all the Ships Crews which had not had it were inoculated.” The surgeon received his inoculation, from the doctor of the Civil Usage , the next day. The surgeon continued to care for his patients as he began developing symptoms. On 30 August he called on the surgeon of the True American , who had thirty-seven men in the hospital. He called on Captain Swasey of Newburyport, at the desire of Coles, to care for his mate. The journal continues to 31 August. 90 One of the officers of the Oliver Cromwell , one Stanley, was taken with the disease and sent ashore to recuperate, as was the unknown author of the sailor’s journal. 91

Meanwhile, the British had reacted to the raid of the Oliver Cromwell . HMS Exeter had sailed from Cork on 22 August, specifically looking for Oliver Cromwell .92

On 5 September 1777, one Nathaniel West joined the crew of the Oliver Cromwell . West was a merchant skipper wh o joined the brig to get his passage home. “He had been taken Prisoner & carried to London; but made his escape here,” according to the sailor’s journal. 93

90 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 9: 620-621

91 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 152

92 NDAR, “Public Advertiser , Wednesday, September 3, 1777,” 9: 623 and note

93 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 152

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --13-- Four masters from among Oliver Cromwell ’s and Civil Usage ’s prisoners in Spain landed at Dover on 23 September, having come from Bilboa in a Spanish ship. They reported that the brig was armed with nineteen 6-pounders, with a crew of 170 men, with the other privateer being of similar force. These men reported that there were seventeen prizes at Bilboa captured by the two privateers. 94

Two of the numerous prizes at Bilboa belonged to Oliver Cromwell . Gardoqui & Sons managed to sell a brig and a sloop and some prize money was distributed to the crew. 95 While at Bilboa Coles was questioned as to why he had captured the French vessel, Ville de Bayonne . He declared that her being loaded with woolen good s made it “absolutely necessary for him to take & send them to America, as he knew that Washington’s Army was in the greatest Distress for want of all manner of Clothing.”96

After replenishing, Oliver Cromwell fell down the river on 25 September. She sailed with two merchant vessels, snow Neptune (Swasey) and brig Wolf (Worth), presumably escorting them to a good start on their voyage. On 30 September, in chasing a neutral Swedish vessel, the fore topmast was carried away in a gale. 97

Oliver Cromwell steered toward the Canary Islands to begin cruising off that heavily trafficked area. Four prizes were captured before 25 October 1777. 98

Coles’s good fortune continued on his new cruise. On 2 October 1777 he was seventy-five miles off Oporto, Portugal on a cloudy, rainy day. In the morning Oliver Cromwell ran down a sail and captured, at 1130, a 180-ton 99 snow 100 from Newfoundland with fish. She was the Eastley 101 or Easterley (William Anstric 102 []Anstill ) bound to Oporto, and captured three days after leaving her convoy. Her crew reported the privateer had sixteen 6-pounders and a crew of 100 men. She was

94 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from Dover, Sept. 23,” 9: 655

95 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 152

96 NDAR, “Lord Grantham to Lord Weymouth,” 10:878-879 and 879 note

97 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 152

98 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from a Passenger on board the Fly Sloop, William Burden, Commander, dated Teneriffe, Dec. 26,” 10:1152-1153 and 1153 note

99 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:804-805

100 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:804-805; “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:854 and note

101 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:854 and note

102 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:804-805

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --14-- sent to America. 103 Eastley was libeled on 25 December 1777 and tried on 13 January 1778. 104 On 4 October Oliver Cromwell stopped a French vessel, and promptly released her, but not before putting on the French vessel. 105

Another sail was encountered on 5 October. At 1400 a sail was sighted and chased; at the same time the coast of Portugal was sighted. The chase was soon captured. 106 She was an 80-ton 107 brig 108 or brigantine 109 from Newfoundland with fish, the Lark 110 (William Kentisbear 111 [ Kentishvere; Canterbury] ). Lark was owned in Poole, England, and was also sent to America. 112 She was libeled on 4 December 1777, and tried on 23 December 1777. 113 Lark , listed as the 100-ton Larke , was advertised for sale at Salem, Massachusetts on 22 January 1778. 114

On 16 October Oliver Cromwell ’s lookouts, peering through thick weather at 0100, spotted a large ship astern. As dawn neared at 0500 she was seen gain, close under the brig’s stern. Although Coles raised sail the ship came up fast. She was soon identified as a frigate and shortly thereafter began firing at the Oliver Cromwell . Most shots went astray but some began to hit the brig’s hull and sails. Coles got the crew busy heaving the guns overboard; several casks of water followed. Thus lightened the brig began to draw away. 115 Dawn on the 17th revealed the frigate still hard

103 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:854 and note

104 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:804-805

105 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 152

106 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:875 and note

107 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:664-665

108 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:875 and note

109 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:664-665

110 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:875 and note

111 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:664-665

112 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:875 and note

113 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:664-665

114 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, January 22, 1778

115 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:918. Evidently only some guns were thrown overboard.

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --15-- by, but Coles got out his sweeps and rowed, keeping well away. 116 Another dawn revealed an empty sea. The frigate was not to be seen. 117

One other prize was probably the 130-ton brigantine Endeavour (Robert Hoggell). She was libeled on 25 December 1777, with trial set for 13 January 1778. 118 One of Oliver Cromwell ’s prizes arrived at Salem before 15 December 1777. She was under prize master John Leach, who had apparently been enlisted at Bilboa. The brig was en route from Liverpool to New York and had been captured while the Oliver Cromwell was proceeding to America from Bilboa. Leach had been a ship master but left London in August 1777, unemployed. He reported that the British did not trust Americans with their trading vessels. 119 This brig was probably the Endeavour .

About 25 October the sloop Fly (William Burden) was sighted, chased and captured, about twelve miles from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. Burden elected to fight, but not for long. A shot carried away Fly ’s bowsprit and he surrendered. The Americans informed Burden they were out of Bilboa, and that they had, in the space of fifteen days, captured four prizes. The British noted Oliver Cromwell as being armed with sixteen guns and as having a crew of about ninety men. Coles gave the British Fly ’s boat and sent everyone ashore, except three black sailors, which he detained. Fly was sent off to America, where she was libeled on 1 January 1778. 120 Fly , listed as 80-tons, was advertised for sale at Salem, Massachusetts on 22 January 1778. 121 She was not sold then, but was advertised again on 26 February 1778. 122 Oliver Cromwell took the sloop in tow for the next several days. On 26 October she sighted the Canary Islands and steered for home. 123

116 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:920

117 NDAR, “Journal of a Cruise in Massachusetts Privateer Brigantine Oliver Cromwell , Captain William Coles,” 10:922

118 NDAR, “Libels Filed in the Massachusetts Maritime Court of the Middle District,” 10:804-805

119 NDAR, “The Boston-Gazette, and Country Journal , Monday, December 15, 1777,” 10:738-739 and 739 note

120 NDAR, “Extract of a Letter from a Passenger on board the Fly Sloop, William Burden, Commander, dated Teneriffe, Dec. 26,” 10: 1152-1153 and 1153 note. The date given by the writer of the letter is 25 November. NDAR suggests that 5 November is probably the correct date. However, neither date is likely in my opinion. The most likely date is 25 October . It seems that the Fly must have sailed at some time between 25 September and 1 October. This gives her a month to arrive in the vicinity of the Canary Islands. We know that 25 November is wrong. If the date is 5 November, and Oliver Cromwell was out fifteen days, she sailed from Bilbao about 21 October. That means she ran into Bilbao, obtained more cannon, left again in five days, and took four prizes before the Fly . This seems unlikely. If 25 October is the correct date, it means she did not jettison very many guns, continued her cruise, and captured the Fly after being at sea about three to four weeks. On balance 25 October seems to be the correct date. In the libel her master is given as John Bray. The date is confirmed by the “Journal of a Cruise in 1777 in the Privateer Brig Oliver Cromwell,” in the Essex Institute Historical Collections , vol. XLV, Salem, 1909, pp. 245-255, which records towing the prize on 26 October.

121 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, January 22, 1778

122 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, February 26, 1778

123 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 153

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --16-- On 17 April 1778 Oliver Cromwell was at sea again under a new commander, one Richardson. She had sailed on 9 April from Salem. Oliver Cromwell was spoken by the Massachusetts Navy Brigantine Tyrannicide (Captain Jonathan Haraden) on the 17 th , after a two hour chase. 124 Richardson was probably the master Robert Richardson from the former cruise.

Oliver Cromwell was re-commissioned on 10 July 1778, under Commander Thomas Simmons of Salem. She was listed as being armed with sixteen guns and as having a crew of 100 men. 125 She was stated to measure 160 tons. 126 Her $10000 Continental and £ 4000 Massachusetts bonds were signed by Simmons and by Jonathan Ingersoll and George Cabot, both of Salem. 127 James Barr, of Salem, was now her First Lieutenant, from 8 July. 128

The following cruise, or cruises, produced these prizes:

(1) The 45-ton schooner Friendship (Edward Tcole), which was libeled on 17 September 1778, and tried in the Maritime Court of the Middle District on 7 October 1778. 129

(2) The 75-ton brig Little Peggy (Brown) was libeled on 15 October 1778, and tried on 11 November 1778. 130

(3), (4) and (5) The 100-ton brigantine Seaflower (Jacob Bartlet), the 30-ton sloop Ann and Maria (Patrick McEieue) and the 200-ton brigantine Julius Caesar (Samuel Sparrow) were libeled on 5 November 1778, and tried on 13 November 1778. 131

Oliver Cromwell was re-rigged as a ship during the winter of 1778.132 She was re-commissioned as a sh ip on 29 March 1779, again under Simmons. Her new $10000 Continental and £ 4000 Massachusetts bonds were signed by Simmons and by John Derby and Bartholomew Putnam of

124 NDAR, “Log of Massachusetts Navy Brigantine Tyrannicide , Captain Jonathan Haraden, Commander,” 12: 133 and n.

125 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 231

126 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 413

127 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 231

128 Howe, Beverly Privateers in the Revolution , 424

129 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, September 17, 1778

130 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, October 15, 1778

131 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, November 5, 1778

132 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 343

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --17-- Salem. Her battery was listed as sixteen 133 6-pounders, she was said to measure 150 tons, 134 and her crew was listed as 110 men. 135

She was again re-commissioned on 11 August 1779 under Commander James Barr, her former First Lieutenant. Oliver Cromwell was now listed as being armed with eighteen guns and as having a crew of 110 men. Her new $10000 Conti nental and £ 4000 Massachusetts bonds were signed by Barr, Bartholomew Putnam and Benjamin Goodhue, Jr. of Salem. 136 In Barr’s commission Oliver Cromwell is stated to be a ship of 150 tons or “thereabouts.” The owners were listed as Putnam and others of Salem. 137 One I. Carpenter served as First Lieutenant and Samuel West as Second Lieutenant. 138

On 28 August, Thomas Simmon delivered sailing orders to Barr on behalf of the owners:

“You being appointed to the command of our armed ship Oliver Cromwell now ready for sea on a cruise We advise that you put to sea as soon as possible and proceed for the Grand Bahama Bank and cruise between that and St Augustine and pay particular attention to the Ships coming through the Gulf. If you meet with any fine goods on board any of your Prizes we would have you take them on board your own vessel having an exact account taken of them upon your receipt of them. Be particularly careful to send home all Letters Newspapers Ships papers &c sealed up to the agent in the Prize. Be sure not to put Into any port unless you are under an Absolute Necessity. At whatever port your prizes may arrive at on this continent order your prize masters not to leave it until they have advised the owners thereof and received their directions how further to proceed. Order all your prize masters you despatch with Prizes to remember that they are and must be accountable for all goods that may be embezzled. Be sure to take no Vessels but such as Congress have resolved to be lawful prizes. Not doubting of your utmost exertions for the interests of the concerned we are your real friends & c owners . . .” 139

133 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 231

134 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 414

135 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 231

136 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 231-232. In Howe, Beverly Privateers , 425, Barr is said to have been commissioned to the “sloop” Oliver Cromwell on 11 August, and to the “ship” Oliver Cromwell on 16 August. These are the same vessel, commission and man.

137 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 112

138 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 414

139 Essex Institute Historical Collections , Volume 27, Essex Institute; Peabody and Essex Museum, Salem, Essex Institute Press: 1890, 135

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --18-- Some time after sailing, on a hazy morning, the Oliver Cromwell sighted a large ship ahead, with a yellow streak around her sides. She had stump topgallant masts and looked, to Barr, like a vessel of the West India company. Barr raised sail and came up with the ship. As he approached she raised her waist cloths and revealed two rows of gunports. The “West India” ship was a double-decked British frigate. The British frigate fired a whole broadside into the Oliver Cromwell , cutting her up considerably. Fortunately there was little damage aloft and the Oliver Cromwell eluded her pursuer. 140

Following the encounter with the British frigate, Oliver Cromwell resumed her cruise. At 32 EN, 71 EW she was overtaken by “a kind of hurricane.”141 Barr sent most of the crew below decks, battening down the hatches. The remaining men worked the ship, 142 but the wind took away her main mast and her mizzen mast, severely crippling the vessel. Oliver Cromwell limped A photo-gravure of James Barr from a portrait in into Salem before 30 September 1779. Barr reported Leghorn. In the Essex Historical Collections , volume 27. that he had sighted a large fleet or convoy in his passage but had no further information. 143

The owners decided to repair the privateer and use her as a letter-of-marque trader. In preparation for the voyage the Oliver Cromwell ’s battery was reduced to fourteen guns and her crew to thirty men. A cargo of lumber was put aboard and she was cleared out by the naval officer on 3 February 1780. 144

On 8 February Barr received these instructions from his owners:

“As you command our ship Oliver Cromwell bound to the West Indies as a Letter of Marque and as you must be sensible that a careful attention to our Interest during the voyage will in effect be the promoting your own we make no doubt you will punctually comply with our orders as far as circumstances will permit. When your ship is ready & the wind invites proceed directly for Guadal oup & on your

140 McManemin, Captains of the Privateers , 113

141 The Pennsylvania Evening Post [] Philadelphia , Tuesday, October 12, 1779, datelined Boston, September 30, 1779

142 Essex Institute Historical Collections , 27:135

143 The Pennsylvania Evening Post [] Philadelphia , Tuesday, October 12, 1779, datelined Boston, September 30, 1779

144 Essex Institute Historical Collections , 27:139-140

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --19-- arrival dispose of your Cargo & lay out the proceeds together with the amount of your Bills if honored in Molasses & Cotton & return home taking particular care not to load deep We cannot think it prudent to cruise on either passage but don t forbid your chasing any Vess el that falls in your way provided your ship sails fast & appearances encourage the pursuit but even in that case you cant be too cautious. Should you be fortunate enough to make prize of any vessel order her either to the West Indies or Home as safety & the Kind of Cargo she may have shall determine your judgment.”145

Evidently this voyage was completed, for Oliver Cromwell was ordered on a second trading voyage. The shopping articles exist for this voyage and they show that the crew consisted of twenty-one men. Barr signed the articles on 6 June 1780, as did First Mate Hugh Helme and Second Mate William Ropes. All the rest signed on 10 July 1780. All the men were given advance pay and a privilege for the return voyage home. 146

On 20 July, Edward Allen, acting for the owners, issued the sailing orders to Barr:

“When the ship Oliver Cromwell is manned you will proceed for Fort Dolphin in Hispanola and there make sale of your cargo the amount whereof together with Twenty thousand Livers we have ordered our friends Mess Tyrel & Pravy of Cape Francois to furnish you as appears by the letter delivered you being part of a balance due us on acct of ship Sebastian & Brig Saratoga, you will invest these sums in Molasses & Coffee & Proceed for home, if you should make prize of any vessel during the voyage order her home unless her cargo should be Fish which must be sent to the West This appears to be a very early photograph, taken Indies. Prudence & Industry though little attended to at about 1840, showing James Barr at age ninety. If & so, this is a very rare photograph of a veteran of the the present day are yet of consequence in our opinion American Revolution. In the Essex Historical in the exercise of them we believe you will promote Collections , volume 27. your own interest & that of your owners.”147

The Oliver Cromwell was advertised for sale, on 18 January 1781. The sale was to be held at

145 Essex Institute Historical Collections , 27:139-140

146 Essex Institute Historical Collections , 27:141-142

147 Essex Institute Historical Collections , 27:142-143

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --20-- Beverly on 24 January. Oliver Cromwell is stated to have been a ship of 200 tons. 148 She was bought by John and Andrew Cabot, William Bartlett, Nathan Leach and others, all of Beverly. 149

Oliver Cromwell was commissioned on 13 April 1781 under Commander John Bray of Beverly, Massachusetts. She was listed as measuring 160 tons, and as having a battery of sixteen guns and as having a crew of eighty-five men. Her $20000 bond was signed by Bray and by Nathan Leach and William Bartlett, both of Beverly. 150 Thomas Brown was aboard as First Lieutenant on 18 April 1781. 151

Oliver Cromwell was soon on her maiden voyage, sailing north and east. On 7 July 1781 she had the misfortune to be captured by HM Frigate Maidstone (Captain William Parker) on the Newfoundland coast, 152 while dogging a Quebec convoy. 153

Her crew were not prisoners long. A cartel arrived from St. Johns, Newfoundland at Boston, Massachusetts on 15 August 1781, with 400 prisoners aboard for exchange. At least some of Oliver Cromwell ’s crew were aboard. 154 Others of the crew, including Bray, arrived at Boston in a cartel on 22 September 1781. 155

A ship Oliver Cromwell , armed with sixteen guns and with a crew of 100 men, was reported to be in service under Commander Nathaniel West of Salem, at some point in the latter part of the war, about 1781. This same ship was under the command of Benjamin Cole at one time. 156 This is certainly not this Oliver Cromwell .

148 The Independent Chronicle and The Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, January 18, 1781

149 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 343

150 NRAR, 408; Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 232; Howe, Beverly Privateers , 413

151 Howe, Beverly Privateers in the Revolution , 426

152 The London Gazette , Saturday, January 26 to Tuesday, January 29, 1782; Winfield, British Warships in the Age of Sail 1714-1792 , 228

153 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 413

154 The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser [] Boston , Thursday, August 16, 1781

155 Howe, Beverly Privateers , 414

156 Allen, Massachusetts Privateers of the Revolution , 232

Comment on this or any page at our ©awiatsea.com-posted September 2020 --21--