reprisal were now granted by the Admiralty against
the thirteen revolted provinces. On the 18th of March the French king
issued an edict to seize all British ships in the ports of France, and
on the 13th of April a squadron of French ships of war under the command
of the Comte D'Estaing sailed for North America. It was not, however,
till the 5th of June that an English fleet under Admiral Byron was sent
out in quest of it. The English fleet was dispersed by a heavy gale,
when Admiral Byron alone succeeded in reaching the American coast. He
found the French squadron already at anchor in the neighbourhood of New
York.

Admiral Keppel was now appointed to the command of the Channel Fleet,
and soon afterwards the _Milford_ captured the _Licorne_, a French
frigate of 32 guns, which, with three others, had been found
reconnoitring the fleet. The _Arethusa_ and _Alert_ cutters pursued the
other French vessels, and at night came up with the _Belle Poule_, when
the first action of this war ensued, celebrated in song. Captain
Marshall informed her commander that his orders were to conduct him to
the British admiral, with which the French captain peremptorily refused
to comply. Captain Marshall then fired a shot over her, which was
instantly returned by a broadside from the _Belle Poule_. A desperate
engagement took place, and continued with great obstinacy for two hours,
by which time they were close in with the French coast. The _Belle
Poule_ then stood in to a small bay, from whence a number of boats came
out and towed her into a place of safety. The _Arethusa's_ main-mast
fell over the side, and she was otherwise so disabled that it was with
the utmost difficulty she could clear the land. The next morning she
was towed back to the fleet by the _Valiant_ and _Monarch_.

"The Arethusa."

Come, all you jolly sailors bold,
Whose hearts are cast in honour's mould,
While English glory I unfold,
Huzza to the _Arethusa_!
She is a frigate, tight and brave,
As ever stemm'd the dashing wave;
Her men are staunch
To their favourite launch;
And when the foe shall meet our fire,
Sooner than strike we'll all expire
On board of the _Arethusa_.

'Twas with the spring fleet she went out
The English Channel to cruise about,
When four French sail in show so stout
Bore down on the _Arethusa_.
The famed _Belle Poule_ straight ahead did lie;
The _Arethusa_ seemed to fly--
Not a sheet, or a