being from 66 to 70 North latitude. On his return to port, he received information that a foreign ship of war was on the coast in distress; he immediately went to her assistance, and after much difficulty succeeded in towing the stranger, a Russian 74 totally dismasted, with an Admiral on board, safe into Leith Roads. On the 26th June preceding, being off the Dudgeon light on his way to Yarmouth, for the purpose of getting a new rudder, the old one being disabled, he discovered an enemy’s cruiser in the midst of near 200 coasting vessels and colliers. No time was lost in giving chase to the marauder, whilst a boat was lowered and recaptured two English brigs. The pursuit continued during the night; and the following day being calm, the sails were furled and every exertion made with the sweeps and boats towing to come up with the enemy; but it was not until the evening of the 28th, with the assistance of a fresh breeze, that this could be effected. She proved to be the famous French privateer Anacreon of 16 guns, a vessel which had done incalculable mischief to our commercial interests.
In March 1800 the Champion convoyed a fleet to Gibraltar, and from thence took several transports laden with ordnance stores, and a battering train, to Malta. On his passage up the Mediterranean, Captain Hamond fell in with an Algerine squadron, which at first shewed symptoms of hostility, and, considering the valuable charge he had, rendered his situation by no means pleasant. Soon after discovering the British vessels, the Algerines, whose force consisted of a 36-gun frigate, two xebecs each mounting 24 guns, and three armed polacres, all full of men, hauled to the wind and displayed the flags of three Admirals, Upon the Champion showing her colours they bore up together, with their rigging, yards, and boarding ladders hanging from each yard arm, lined with men. On arriving within gun-shot they again hauled their wind, each Admiral hoisting an English jack, and firing three guns, the greatest number they ever gave as a salute. The Champion in return hoisted an Algerine jack, and saluted them with three guns.
Had these pirates determined to search the British vessels, Captain Hamond was fully prepared to give them a warm reception; but, considering their immense superiority, it is
