Letter from Capt. TRUxToN-datcd


& United States fhip Conlelation Bafcterre
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Road, St. ChriRophers 18th Feb r7o9
" Bef're this can reach you. the capture Of
the Iatargesfe, French national frigate, of 40
guns and 400 men, taken by the arms Of he
United States Tin fight OF this i1and) or board
of the above llliP, after an a6ion Of one hour
and quarter, will no doubt be known to you
in Baltimore.


I" The Captain Of the Iglmgsnts obfsrved lhar
my taking Of him would be confidered dec
laration OF war againft France told him if
the capture Of a national vehel was to be con.
iidered as declaration Of war, his taking #
the Retaliation, which belonged to the Uated
Stafef, was certaicly declaration Of war a
CAN'T Us on the part of France. However be
it zUar Or Be it peace, told him fhould certainly
take every French frigate and other French
armed veGel l met vi Ii, if not overpowered,
and Of his determination [ requelted he would
inform General DEsFoRNEAux.


/" have ient up car;el 10 Cau4al7u5e. in
hopes Of exchanging the priloners. If l can
get men I will have the Ir(4yqsQte c-uiz:ng with
ME by the lit Of March"