beach, we did all our means would admit of to render them unserviceable. I am sorry to acquaint your lordship, that, in the performance of this service. Lieutenant Bourne received a severe blow that broke a rib; one of his men, also, was dangerously wounded; which, with two more of the party slightly wounded, was the extent of our loss. I fear the enemy suffered very much, in consequence of the provoking manner they continued to assail us from the tops of their houses, after we had possession of the town, although our men behaved in the most orderly manner, not attempting to commit the smallest plunder. I cannot conclude my letter without acknowledging the support I received from Lieutenants Bourne and Norton (of the Felix and Frisk[1]), Lieutenant Bourne continuing to exert himself, though suffering great pain; and I have much pleasure in acquainting your lordship that the other officers and men behaved with coolness, determination, and the greatest humanity.”
Hea is situated in a deep ravine, and the river leading to it is so narrow that two boats cannot row up abreast. Lieutenant Ussher endeavoured to effect a landing before he arrived at the battery in front of the town, but found it impossible to mount the rocks, which were inaccessible at both sides. Himself and the boatswain of the Colpoys were the two first that sprang through the embrasures; and the former appears to have had a very narrow escape when pursuing the enemy from the battery into the town, his pistol having missed fire when presented at a Spaniard whose bayonet was already touching his breast, but who appeared paralysed at the sight of fire-arms, and remained motionless until he was cut down by a British sailor.
The cause of Lieutenant Ussher giving up the command of the Colpoys, by which his promotion was probably delayed, will be seen by the following official testimonial:
“This is to certify, that immediately after taking the town and batteries of Hea, on the coast of Spain, last July, I was requested by Lieutenant Ussher, of the Colpoys, to attend him in consequence of a wound he had received on a former occasion in his right thigh; the wound having broken out afresh, occasioned, as I learned, by the violent exertion and excessive fatigue he encountered in effecting the destruction of the batteries at the above-mentioned place.
“And I do further certify, that during the time the Colpoys remained in company with the Felix, I had frequent opportunities of seeing Lieutenant- ↑ The Haughty was commanded by Lieutenant John Mitchell.
