rth again to meet them. The captains of
the Pallas and Vengeance being come on board the Bonhomme
Richard, I communicated to them my project, to which many
difficulties and objections were made by them; at last, however,
they appeared to think better of the design, after I had assured
them that I hoped to raise 200,000 pounds sterling on Leith, and
that there was no battery of cannon there to oppose our landing.
So much time, however, was unavoidably spent in pointed remarks
and sage deliberation that night, that the wind became contrary
in the morning.

We continued working to windward up the Firth without being able
to reach the road of Leith, till, on the morning of the 17th,
when, being almost within cannon shot of the town, having (p. 103)
everything in readiness for a descent, a very severe gale of
wind came on, and being directly contrary, obliged us to bear
away, after having in vain endeavoured for some time to withstand
its violence. The gale was so severe that one of the prizes that
had been taken on the 14th sunk to the bottom, the crew being
with difficulty saved. As the alarm by this time had reached
Leith by means of a cutter that had watched our motions that
morning, and as the wind continued contrary (though more moderate
in the evening), I thought it impossible to pursue the enterprize
with a good prospect of success; especially as Edinburgh, where
there is always a number of troops, is only a mile distant from
Leith, therefore I gave up the project.

On the 19th, having taken a sloop and a brigantine in ballast,
with a sloop laden with building timber, I proposed another
project to M. Cottineau, which would have been highly honourable
though not profitable; many difficulties were made, and our
situation was represented as being the most perilous. The enemy,
he said, would send against us a superior force, and that if I
obstinately continued on the coast of England two days longer, we
should all be taken. The Vengeance having chased along shore to
the southward, Captain Cottineau said he would follow her with
the prizes, as I was unable to make much sail, having that day
been obliged to strike the main-top-mast to repair damages; and
as I afterward understood, he told M. de Chamillard that unless I
joined them the