portance. On the 27th Sept. the bombs under his orders anchored to the N.E. of the town, and the sloops, &c. within range of the pier-head battery, in order to try the effect of shells and shot upon the enemy’s shipping. The French immediately opened a fire from all directions, and the first shell thrown by them fell very close to the Autumn, bursting under water; but although she continued in the same position for several hours, no damage appears to have been done to her, or indeed to any of the British squadron. In his official letter respecting this affair. Captain Jackson informed his commander-in-chief that the east end of Calais appeared to be on fire for some time, the shells which had not fallen in the midst of the enemy’s vessels having gone into the town, and that he did not discontinue the attack until the wind came on to blow so fresh from the N.E. that the springs would not hold his ship against the wind and tide. In reply to this communication Lord Keith wrote as follows:–
“Sir,– I have received your letter of yesterday, acquainting me with the attack which, with H.M. vessels under your orders, you had made upon the enemy’s gun-boats in Calais pier, and I very much approve of the measures which you appear to have taken for effecting their destruction.
“Captain Jackson, Autumn.”
Early in 1804, a division of the enemy’s flotilla was discovered proceeding along shore, under the protection of their formidable land batteries. Being promptly attacked, several vessels were driven on the beach; but the remainder succeeded in reaching Boulogne, the place of their destination. In this affair the Autumn had 1 man killed and 6 others wounded.
In July following, we find Captain Jackson serving under the orders of Captain (now Sir Edward) Owen, by whom he was highly praised in an official letter addressed to Rear-Admiral Louis, a copy of which will be found at p. 127 et seq. of our second volume. Shortly after the event there recorded he received the following communication from his senior officer:
