return from a very successful cruise in the Indian Ocean, and informing his readers that Captain Proctor was then stationed off the Isle of France, Mr. James says:
“On the 21 St (Nov.), at sunset, the” (enemy’s ship) “Sémillante was discovered from the mast-head of the Dédaigneuse, who immediately crowded all sail upon a wind in chase, with light airs. At about midnight the two frigates crossed each other on opposite tacks, and were not more than half a mile apart. As the Sémillante approached on the larboard tack, the Dédaigneuse fired two or three bow-chasers at her; and, on hearing the French frigate beat to quarters, the British frigate discharged her broadside as the guns would bear. Putting her helm a-lee, the Dédaigneuse then prepared to tack after her opponent; but, owing to the lightness of the wind, the ship would not come round. A quarter boat was lowered down to tow; and at length, by wearing, the Dédaigneuse got on the same tack as the enemy. In the mean time the Sémillante had greatly increased her distance. All sail was again set in chase; but, having lost a great deal of copper from her bottom, being very foul, and at best a bad working ship, the Dédaigneuse kept gradually dropping astern. Finding this to be the case. Captain Proctor, at about 5 P.M., shortened sail and hauled to the wind on the starboard tack. Very soon afterwards the Sémillante anchored in Port-Louis; and such vessels of her convoy” (all English prizes) “as did not enter with her, succeeded in gaining Riviere Noire.”
La Dédaigneuse continued off the Isle of France until her water and provisions were nearly expended, when she proceeded to Madagascar, and from thence to Bombay.
“In the mean time,” says Mr. James, “some insinuations, thrown out by a portion of his officers, had induced Captain Proctor to apply for a court martial on his conduct when in the presence of the Sdraillante.”
That was not the case – Captain Proctor applied for a court-martial in consequence of the commander-in-chief having expressed himself dissatisfied with his conduct. – Every officer belonging to la Dédaigneuse gave strong evidence in his favor – all the rest of Mr. James’s statement is perfectly correct.
