Sidney Smith’s squadron, under the able directions of Captain Hancock, assisted by Captain Mason. In the first attempt, the Minx gun-brig had her Master and 5 seamen very much hurt by an accident on board that vessel; in the second, the Antelope’s launch upset alongside the Cruiser, and 5 brave fellows met with a watery grave.
From the notes which we have appended to Sir W. Sidney Smith’s official letter, it will be seen that the Cruiser and Rattler most gallantly attacked the enemy’s flotilla, about two hours and a half before any other British ship could get near enough to take the least share in the action; and we are moreover of opinion, that if the division of gun-brigs under Lieutenant Manderston, had formed a junction with those two sloops, according to Captain Hancock’s signal, the enemy would have been completely defeated, and many of their vessels captured, long before l’Aimable, &c. could cross or round the sands. The prisoners taken on this occasion reported that the Flushing flotilla alone carried no less than 76 long 32-pounders, 24 long twenty-fours, 39 long eighteens, 230 brass carronades and light guns, 85 howitzers, and upwards of 3000 men, principally soldiers.
A few days after the very gallant affair off Ostend, the late Viscount Melville addressed a letter to Captains Hancock and Mason, from which we make the following extract:
“The zeal and promptitude with which you made the attack on that numerous and formidable armament, and the gallantry with which you maintained the action against such superior force, have been represented in such a manner by Commodore Sir Sidney Smith, as to entitle you to my perfect approbation and most favourable consideration; and you may rest assured, that when a proper opportunity offers, your meritorious conduct shall not escape my recollection. I am, with much esteem. Gentlemen, &c.
“To Captain Hancock and Captain Mason.”
Unfortunately for those zealous and gallant officers, the noble Viscount shortly afterwards went out of office, and they were consequently obliged to establish additional claims to the “favourable consideration” of the Admiralty, before they could obtain promotion.
