AFRICA. 59 
My poor old captain* fet fail, therefore, in 
the beginning of Auguft. This unlucky fhip 
purfued me every where ; and I believe it 
was written in the book of Fate, that fhe 
fhould not depart until after having ruined 
me. When I refleded on our ridiculous en- 
gagement with the privateer, I plainly forefaw 
that the Held-Woltemaade would be no fooner 
perceived by the Englifh, than fhe would be 
taken; which indeed afterwards happened. 
Scarcely had flie begun to proceed on her 
voyage, when fhe fell in v^ith the fquadron 
under the command of commodore Johnftone, 
to which fhe became an eafy prey. This 
capture occafioned all our fubfequent misfor- 
tunes. Through the fhameful imprudence of 
the crew, Johnftone, having received what 
information he wifhed for, made diredly 
towards us, and appeared at the mouth of the 
bay under French colours. Every one be- 
lieved that the vefTels they faw were the com- 
bined fleet which we expeded ; but a cutter, 
a little way ahead, having hoifted an Englifli 
flag, fired a broadfide at us, which w^s fol- 
lowed by a general difcharge from all the reft 
* Captain S V , 
7 of 
