on an impending cliff, whence the darkness of the night prevented our dislodging the enemy, it is impossible not to feel grateful that no other accident has clouded this little enterprise. I have the honor to be. Sir,– &c.
“To Rear-Admiral Boyles, &c. &c. &c.”
Captain Waldegrave shortly afterwards removed into the Volontaire 38; and at the close of the same year we find him employed watching the Toulon fleet, during the absence of Sir Edward Pellew, and the line-of-battle ships under that officer’s orders[1]. When relieved from that duty, he proceeded to the coast of Catalonia, where we find him reporting the capture of a French privateer, laden with provisions for the garrison of Barcelona[2].
In April, 1812, the boats of the Volontaire assisted at the capture and destruction of a French convoy, near the mouth of the Rhone[3]; and on the 23d June following, they captured the Colombe, a national felucca, of 1 gun, 8 swivels, and 45 men, which vessel had been sent out from Marseilles purposely to attack them. The next service in which they were employed is thus described by Captain Waldegrave:
“Sir,– Yesterday we perceived fourteen merchant-vessels at Morjean. This added to the importance of the destruction of the two batteries erected there last year, which affords so much protection to the coast.
“The night favored for embracing Lieutenant Shaw’s offer of attacking the place. The marines, under Lieutenants (William) Burton and (Harry) Hunt, R.M., and boats of this ship, the Undaunted (frigate), and Redwing (brig), were placed under his orders for that purpose; and this morning justified my high confidence in him. He landed at Sormion, and marching over the hills at day-light, carried the batteries in the rear, after a partial resistance from 40 troops there. Five 36-pounders in one, and two 24-pounders in the other battery, were thrown into the sea; one mortar was well spiked, and all their ammunition destroyed. The boats under Lieutenant (Dey Richard) Syer, though elsewhere opposed by two field-pieces, brought eleven vessels out, laden (principally) with oil, and destroyed one other loaded, and two empty, which were aground. While completing the destruction of the works, many troops arrived from Marseilles; and the enemy’s fleet being in motion prevented further operations.
