Alert vs Coureur, 17th June 1778

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Alert vs Coureur

17th June 1778
Part of : The American War of Independence (1775/04/19 - 1784/01/14)
Previous action : Ranger vs Drake 24.4.1778
Next action : Encounter at Sandy Hook 22.7.1778
 

Great Britain

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Alert (10) 1777-1778
British 10 Gun
Unrated Cutter
William George FairfaxBritish
Naval Sailor
Service 1750-1813
 4 killed, 4 wounded
 

Royaume de France

 
Ship NameCommanderNotes
Le Coureur (14) 1776-1778
French 14 Gun
Unrated Lugger
François Étienne de Rosily de Mesros (Comte de Mesros)French
Naval Sailor
Service 1778-1832
 Captured 5 killed, 7 wounded
 

Notes on Action


DescriptionTRN4
The British cutter Alert, Lieut. William George Fairfax, attacked the French lugger Coureur. The Alert carried eighty men, twelve 6's, and as many swivels: the Coureur had fifty men, two 3's, eight 2's, and six swivels; she was commanded by Enseigne de Rosily. She was ordered to go to the British Admiral; refused; and was at once fired upon. The two fought at pistol-shot range for nearly an hour and a half, until the Coureur struck. She hit the Alert several times on the water-line and cut up her rigging.
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