fled with precipitation, seeking protection under their land batteries.
On the 20th April following, being then at Gibraltar, and observing a division of Spanish gun-boats coming round Cabritta point, with a merchant brig in tow, Captain Ussher obtained permission to slip his cable and go in pursuit of the enemy, but with private directions “not to risk too much.” His proceedings are thus detailed in an official letter addressed to Captain Edward Buller, the senior officer at that anchorage:
“Sir,– In obedience to your desire that I should state to you my proceedings yesterday morning, I beg leave to acquaint you that I lost no time in closing with the enemy’s gun-boats, with the hope of forcing them to abandon the brig they had captured, and which proved to be an American; but from the light airs, and though every exertion was used in towing by the boats you sent me[1], I could not so far succeed until they were under the protection of their batteries. At that moment, a light breeze springing up, I ordered the boats to keep outside, as we were considerably within the range of shot, and I opened the fire from my long guns upon the gun-boats, which appeared to give way; but before I could close for my carronades to do execution the wind died totally away, and I was exposed to so heavy a fire from the batteries, that I deemed it no longer advisable to continue the attack; and by the assistance of the boats and my sweeps, I was enabled to get soon out of the reach of their guns[2].
“I cannot conclude my letter without mentioning the support I received from Lieutenants Ferguson and Webster, Mr. Davis the master, and Mr. Horniman, the purser (who volunteered his services on deck); and I never saw greater steadiness shewn than by every officer and man, though opposed to so unequal a fire. I annex for your information a list of the killed and wounded[3]. I remain, &c.
During this action, the Redwing was struck by a red-hot shot from the shore, which blew up a salt-box full of powder, tore away the grating over the gun-room skylight, and set fire to
- ↑ Those of the Malta 80, Niger frigate, and Eclair brig; also a gun-boat, manned by the former ship.
- ↑ Captain Ussher had previously been recalled by the senior officer; but he did not obey the signal until the gun-boats got under the batteries, and their prize into Algeziras.
- ↑ 3 killed, 4 wounded.
