4 June 1809
Sunday 4th.. June, we have had a great deal of rough stormy weather for the last eight days; and a contrary wind the whole time; knocking us about in the Bay of Biscay. --- We had a very violent gale of wind the whole of this day. We fell in with the Magicienne Frigate, and her convoy early this morning. Captain Pascoe of the Hindostan happened unfortunately to have letters & packets on board & a Boatswain belonging to the Magicienne he was order'd by Captain Curtis of that Ship, to send them on board; and against his opinion of the propriety of sending a boat out in such violent weather, unfortunately decided on running the risque, in preference to disobeying the Commands of a superior officer. --- The Boat had hardly left the Ship when she was upset, and nine men run the risque of being drown'd; other Boats were immediately put out, & six of the nine were saved, by the great exertions of their Brother Seamen. ---We have been much detain'd on our voyage by the desire in the Commodore to make Prizes; we go off our course in pursuit of every Sail we See, by which we have lost many a fair breeze, and encounter'd many a foul one -- we have however, once succeeded in taking a Prize - an American Ship which had been taken some days before by a French Privateer, by which I am happy to find that Captn.. Pascoe will derive a considerable sum of money. ----
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