Cruising off Formentera in company with the Little Victory fireship, 12, Captain Leonard Harris's , when, on the 14th, she sighted three sail, two Algerine men-of-war and their prize. The Revenge was disguised in hopes that the enemy would allow her to come up with them; but in vain.

The pirates saw through his device, and the Revenge was a heavy sailer. For three days the chase continued. During that period Spragge transferred a hundred of his men and some extra ammunition to the Little Victory, which, by means of her sweeps, at length overhauled one of the pirates, a ship of twenty-eight guns, and then so impeded her that the Revenge was ultimately able to prevent her escape. The enemy ran herself ashore; but was boarded, and got off undamaged. The other ships, having previously parted company, were no more seen.