Name of Vessel:

La Felicité

Master of Vessel:

Bertrand Olivier [Edenton]

Rig of Vessel:

Ship

Date of Capture:

15 February 1778

Place of Capture:

9 miles northeast of the shoal on St. George’s Bank

Captor:

HM Frigate Apollo

Home Port:

From What Port:

Beverly, Massachusetts

To What Port:

Saint-Domingue, French West Indies

Cargo:

Ballast, cordage, wine

Tonnage:

Battery:

Crew:

Owners:

Prize master:

Petty officer

Prize crew:

Ordered Into:

Newport, Rhode Island

Into What Port:

Newport, Rhode Island

Date Arrived:

Date Tried:

8 April 1778

Date Sold:

Action:

No

Recaptured:

No

Comments: The French ship La Felicité (Bertrand Olivier [Edenton]) was en route from Beverly, Massachusetts to Saint-Domingue in the French West Indies, sailing in ballast, but with some cordage and a little wine, on 15 February 1778. At 0900, near St. George’s Bank, she was sighted and chased by HM Frigate Apollo (Captain Philemon Pownoll). The weather was windy and dirty, but Apollo overhauled her chase at 1300, fired a shot and brought her too. The captain, mates and part of the crew were removed, and a petty officer and a few men were sent aboard the Felicité. Most of the prisoners were put on the schooner Polly and sent into Salem, Massachusetts. The prize was kept with the Apollo for a few days. On 19 February Continental Navy Ship Boston (Captain Samuel Tucker) came in sight and the British frigates went in chase of her with Felicité in company. After Boston’s escape, Felicité parted company on 20 February, and went into Newport, Rhode Island, and eventually, to New York, New York. Felicité arrived at New York on 7 March 1778. The prize was libeled on 11 March, and tried on 8 April 1778. This vessel was claimed by Walter Franklin for Peter and John Berthon, but her cargo was condemned.

[NDAR, XI, 350 and note, 373-374 and 374 note, 374 and note, 374-375 and 375 note, 375 and note, 384 and note]