American Privateer Anaconda-- Part 6: After the Battle

The privateer (the Anaconda)  is one of the finest brigs ever seen -- the officers treated us with great politeness -- were bona fide Americans -- but the crew, I am sorry to say, , who were mostly Englishman, were the greatest blackguards ever seen, and  I verily believe would have given us no quarter.

Captain Quick (the commander of the Express) observes,  that the greatest bravery was displayed by his handful of men.  Upwards of 200  shot struck the Express; five 12-pound shot went through one side, and lodged in the other.

Indeed, Capt. Shaler of the Anaconda, says in his letter to the Agent  for American prisoners in Plymouth:  "Captain Quick had his ship almost shot away from under him, my vessel being so superior to his, mounting 18 long nines and twelves, and manned by 120 men."

--Brock-Perry