sep 24, 1779 - Capture of HMS Experiment

Description:

The Royal Navy Man of War HMS Experiment had lost her masts and bowsprit in a gale while she was on her way from New York to Savannah. On board the Experiment were twenty British officers and £30,000 in silver for paying British troops in Georgia. Also on board was Major General Garth, who was supposed to replace Brigadier General Augustine Prevost as commander in Savannah. Cruising in the same area was the French frigate Lively who had captured two ships loaded with provisions. The Lively learned that the British ships had separated from HMS Experiment during the gale. Three French ships were immediately dispatched to cruise off Port Royal to find the Experiment. At 8 p.m. that night, the unknown ships hoisted the French colors and closed with the Experiment. In a very short time every single one of the French ships, three ships of the line and two frigates, were within range of HMS Experiment. After having his masts shot away, Capt. Wallace finally surrendered.

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