HMS Ardent's capture and battle career

HMS Ardent was commissioned in 1773, captured by a Franco-Spanish force in 1779, and recaptured by the Royal Navy in 1782. The enemy possessed a Royal Navy signal book, allowing the inexperienced ship to approach before discovering the deception. Poor crew training, rather than a simple shortage of powder, drove the loss. Captain Philip Boteler's powder explanation was rejected after the gunner testified that enough remained for fifty minutes of vigorous engagement, and Boteler was dismissed. Ardent's later presence at the Chesapeake and capture after the Battle of the Saintes show how one 64 could pass through several major theaters and navies.