Cruising near Guadeloupe with HMS Magnificent, Suffolk, Vengeance, and Stirling Castle, Rowley surprised and overhauled the French frigates Blanche, Fortunée, and Élise. Fortunée even threw guns overboard in an unsuccessful effort to escape. All three surrendered, and two entered Royal Navy service. With the escorts removed, Rowley also captured a French convoy, delivering a clear independent success and substantial prize money without needlessly gambling his crews.
Chapter · 1:54:49-2:00:43
Rowley's independent victory off Guadeloupe
In his first independent flag command, Rowley captures three French frigates and then takes a convoy.