In 1781 an Amsterdam merchant ship, Holland Walvaert, Capt Jan Volkertsz, was taken by two English privateers while returning from Curacao to Amsterdam. The privateers brought her to Limerick for refitting, intending then to take her to England. Unfortunately the Holland Walvaert was lost during the voyage from Limerick to London.

I have had a request for sources of further information about these incidents. My enquirer has done quite a lot of research already, establishing that one of the two privateers was the Nancy, 12 guns, Capt Samuel Smith.

Can anyone suggest sources for information about the capture of the Holland Walvaert (esp the identity of the second English privateer), her refit in Limerick, and what is known of her subsequent loss? Were vessels taken by privateers handled in the same way as RN prizes?

Thanks,

Martin