 On 1 February 1800 at 07 : 00 , Truxton 's crew spotted what appeared to be a 54 @-@ gun frigate flying British colors two leagues off the Basse @-@ Terre roadstead . In an effort to communicate with the mysterious frigate , Constellation flew British colors . Pitot had sighted the American ship by 07 : 45 . Thinking the vessel chasing him was a superior 55 @-@ gun warship , he sought to avoid conflict , and continued to sail with the wind rather than head north as he had originally intended . In an effort to increase her speed , the French frigate 's crew put out studding sails to catch more wind . The behavior of Pitot 's frigate signaled to Truxton that she was really a French warship , so he ordered Constellation cleared for action and gave chase . By 08 : 00 he struck the British colors and raised the American flag . As he closed with La Vengeance he shouted through a speaking trumpet for the French vessel to surrender . 
