The British were beaten so thoroughly that the few survivors begged for mercy.
It was only after the fight that Vernon discovered that the two men-of-war had escaped.
The merchantman drifted about helplessly, and was soon boarded by the crew of the privateer.
She proved to be a rich prize, and her captain could not help admiring the courage of the privateer who had taken his vessel away from two of the most noted war ships of the British navy.
It was not cowardice which caused the two vessels to escape.
Just on the verge of the horizon they saw some American men-of-war, and they determined to give chase, leaving the merchantman a prize in the hands of the privateer.
The boarding crew had been deserted only when it was found that they stood no chance of capturing the Lively Bee.
Although the captain of the merchantman admired the privateer's courage, he was none the less grieved over the loss of his vessel and her rich cargo.
Five of the English boarders had been taken prisoners, and to these he went.