h little
success; and before the day ended, little remained of the great
Massachusetts flotilla, except the three captured ships and sundry
heaps of smouldering timber.

The hardships of the soldiers and marines who had escaped capture,
only to find themselves lost in the desolate forest, were of the
severest kind. Separating into parties they plodded along,
half-starved, with torn and rain-soaked clothing, until finally,
footsore and almost perishing, they reached the border settlements,
and were aided on their way to Boston. The disaster was complete, and
for months its depressing effect upon American naval enterprise was
observable.

In observing the course of naval events in 1779, it is noticeable that
the most effective work was done by the cruisers sent out by the
individual States, or by privateers. The United States navy, proper,
did little except what was done in European waters by Paul Jones.
Indeed, along the American coast, a few cruises in which no actions of
moment occurred, although several prizes were taken, make up the
record of naval activity for the year.

The first of these cruises was that made in April by the ships
"Warren," "Queen of France," and "Ranger." They sailed from Boston,
and were out but a few days when they captured a British privateer of
fourteen guns. From one of the sailors on this craft it was learned
that a large fleet of transports and storeships had just sailed from
New York, bound for Georgia. Crowding on all sail, the Americans set
out in pursuit, and off Cape Henry overhauled the chase. Two fleets
were sighted, one to windward numbering nine sail, and one to leeward
made up of ten sail. The pursuers chose the fleet to windward for
their prey, and by sharp work succeeded in capturing seven vessels in
eight hours. Two of the ships were armed cruisers of twenty-nine and
sixteen guns respectively, and all the prizes were heavy laden with
provisions, ammunition, and cavalry accoutrements. All were safely
taken into port.

In June, another fleet of United States vessels left Boston in search
of British game. The "Queen of France" and the "Ranger" were again
employed; but the "Warren" remained in port, fitting out for her
ill-fated expedition to the Penobscot. Her place was taken by the
"Providence," thirty-two. For a time the cruisers fell in with nothing
of importance. But one day about the middle of July, as the three
vessels lay hove to off the banks of Newfoundland, in the