After waiting in vain for the frigates to return, "Saratoga" and "Mercury" passed through the Delaware Capes out to sea by themselves. Because of inadequate ballast, the "Saratoga" was unstable under a heavy spread of canvas and was forced to proceed much more slowly than the "Mercury". Thus, the "Mercury" was forced to heave to each night to allow the "Saratoga" to catch up. This schedule continued until 23 August, when Henry Laurens released the "Saratoga" from her escorting duty with the suggestion that she "...make a short cruise and then return to Philadelphia..." Afterwards, the unescorted "Mercury" was captured by the British off Newfoundland and Laurens was imprisoned in England.