She proved to be a French brig, bound to the Cape of Good Hope, with ammunition and government stores.

The third lieutenant, and all the midshipmen who could navigate, were already away; and this prize proving valuable, Captain Northfleet resolved to send her in.

The difficulty relative to a prize-master was removed by the first lieutenant, who recommended Newton Forster.

To this suggestion the captain acceded; and Newton, with five men, and two French prisoners to assist, was put on board of the _Estelle_, with written instructions to repair to Plymouth, and, upon his arrival there, deliver up the prize to the agent, and report himself to the admiral.
Captain Northfleet also returned to Newton the papers of his sloop, and gave him a letter to the admiral, stating the hardship of his case.

At the same time that he informed him of the contents of his letter, he recommended Newton to continue in the service, promising that, if he took the vessel safe into port, he would put him on the quarter-deck, as one of the mates of the frigate.