American Service
Boston was commissioned under the command of Captain Hector McNeill. On 21 May 1777, Boston sailed in company with Hancock for a cruise in the North Atlantic. The two frigates captured three prizes including the 28-gun frigate Fox (7 June). On 7–8 July, Boston, Hancock, and Fox engaged the British vessels Flora, Rainbow, and Victor. The British captured Hancock and Fox, but Boston escaped to the Sheepscot River on the Maine coast. McNeill was court-martialed in June 1779 for his failure to support Hancock and was dismissed from the Navy.
During the period 15 February-31 March 1778, Boston, now under the command of Samuel Tucker, carried John Adams to France, capturing one prize en route. She then cruised in European waters taking four prizes before returning to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 15 October. In 1779 she made two cruises (29 July – 6 September and 23 November – 23 December) in the North Atlantic capturing at least nine prizes. Boston then joined the squadron sent to assist in the defense of Charleston, South Carolina. There the British captured her when the town surrendered on 12 May 1780.
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