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Monday, December 29, 2008

December 29. 1779
At sea, off the coast of Bolougne France. On the 17th instant the Dutch admiral at Texel sent one of his officers on board the Alliance to inform Captain Jones that we must depart the roadstead immediately, to which Captain Jones politely refused since the British were still waiting for us just off the bar. Yesterday, with fair winds that had pushed the British off their station we made for sea. The Dutch sent boats to assist us in getting over the bar. Soon after getting over the bar we saw the two British ships bearing down on us, but then they stood off, but continue to follow us as we cruise down the channel between France and England.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

December 16. 1779
Today moderate breezes and fair weather. Yesterday we sent the last of our prisoners on board of the Serapis. Several of our people have died in the past week. We are ready to make for sea as soon as the wind comes about fair.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

December 3. 1779
Squally weather with fresh gales which is much of what we have had for these past two weeks. Captain Jones has the crew making many changes to the rigging of the Alliance. Today the carpenters are busy at reducing the cross tack yard and the mizzen top sail yard. He also complains that Captain Landy left him a foul ship and many of the crew are employed at continual cleaning. We are told that we should be prepared to put to sea at any moment as the Dutch are harassing us to leave. There is much grumbling from the crew as to our conditions, many have little clothing fit to wear. Mr. Blodgett our purser paid each of us 1 ducat last week, but we have no opportunity to spend it.