Page:Final French Struggles in India and on the Indian Seas.djvu/170

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THE ISLE OF FRANCE


occurred about two hours after the action had begun. The Victor then took a raking position athwart the bows of the Ceylon, and the latter, then quite helpless, struck her flag.

But there was speedy vengeance in store for the British. The Boadicea, accompanied by the Otter and Staunch, having descried the French frigate with her prize abreast of St. Denis, started off at once in pursuit. The Victor vainly endeavoured to take in tow the damaged Ceylon, and the latter, cast off, was re-captured. Then came the turn of the Vénus. But she had been too much crippled in her fight of the previous night to be able to offer effectual resistance to a fresh and more powerful frigate, and too much damaged in her rigging to escape. Captain Hamelin, who commanded her, made, however, a hot fight of it, and only struck when further resistance had become impossible.[1]

    had been captured by the English and re-named the Victor. She was subsequently re-captured by the French.

  1. It is gratifying to notice the manner in which Hamelin's gallant service, notwithstanding the loss of his ship, was acknowledged by Napoleon. In a despatch from the Minister of Marine, dated 27th December 1810, I find the following: — "His Majesty has remarked with pleasure that you rendered decisive the success which Captain Duperré had obtained between the 23rd and 25th August, and that you subsequently captured the frigate Ceylon in a hand-to-hand encounter. Whatever may have been the events which followed, H.M. has not the less appreciated the splendid defence which you made, notwithstanding that, when disabled by a preceding combat, you were attacked by superior forces. He has deigned in appreciation of these different actions, which testify to your courage and to your skill, to promote you to the grade of Commander of the Legion of Honour." The following year Hamelin was created a Baron and promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral.