May 29, 2019
The Bristol Privateer, by Montague Dawson
The Bristol Privateer "VIGILANT" 200 tons. 22 nine-pounder guns and 8 four-pounders, 180 men all told. In 1778 whilst on passage to Gibralter, in fine weather, she sighted a French ship, which afterwards turned out to be the "DUC de CHOISEUL" bound from St. Domingo. The Vigilant gave chase and after some time drew up with the enemy, holding her fire until she was well within range. After a short engagement the Frenchman struck after receiving considerable damage to her hull and rigging. She turned out to be a ship of some 450 tons equally well calculated for a cruiser or merchantman and was sold at Bristol in March 1778.