On 15 December, after being refitted at Philadelphia, the "Saratoga" got underway for Hispaniola to pick up a load of French military supplies which were awaiting transportation to America. New officers and men had come on board to replace those who had left the ship to man her prizes. A number of merchantmen awaited her just inside the capes hoping to be escorted to a safe offing. On the morning of 20 October, favorable weather enabled the "Saratoga" to put to sea escorting her 12 charges. The next afternoon, after one of the merchantmen signaled that an unknown sail had appeared, "Saratoga" set out to investigate. Within two hours, after seeing the British ensign flying from her mast, the "Saratoga" had reached within firing range and sent a warning 4-pounder shot across the stranger's bow. Instead of surrendering, the British privateer, "Resolution", maneuvered to attack. The ships fired at the same instant, "Resolution"s gunners fired high and only did superficial damage to the "Saratoga". The "Saratoga"s broadside damaged the "Resolution"s hull and superstructure and forced her to surrender.