which were spiked by the enemy. He has left a number of deserters, principally Germans and Flemings, who inform me that they were the whole of the foreigners in this battalion of the 32d regiment; they likewise say that they have long looked for an opportunity to desert, as they were dragged from their families, and forced into the French service: one of them has been eight years from his country. The enemy’s loss was very severe, but cannot be ascertained, as the wounded were carried off in waggons.
“I feel greatly indebted to Captain Hamilton for the able assistance he rendered me, and the judicious position he anchored his ship in; likewise to Lieutenant French, of the Basilisk, who opened and supported a warm and well-directed fire upon the enemy, while the ships were heaving in their springs to bring their broadsides to bear.
“I am happy to inform you that we have had no loss, except the Termagant one man wounded, and the Basilisk one slightly. The privateer was one of Barbastro’s small vessels, armed with 2 guns and having a crew of 30 or 40 men. I cannot conclude without informing you that the officers and men wounded so recently at Malaga came to their quarters. Lieutenant Spilsbury, whose wound is still open, and Mr. Bell, the boatswain, who lost his arm, did not spare themselves. I have the honor to be, &c.
Almuñecar castle was, from its position, invaluable to the enemy, as it gave security to their parties sent to raise contributions and rations on that part of the coast, afforded shelter to privateers, and in the hands of the French might have been made impregnable. By evacuating that fortress, and retreating frdm Salobreña and Motril, they left open the whole line of coast between Malaga and Cape de Gata.
The Hyacinth was refitting at Gibraltar when intelligence arrived of America having declared war against Great Britain. Captain Ussher immediately put to sea, and was fortunate enough to intercept several valuable merchantmen[1]. During this cruise, he was joined by the Blossom sloop, Captain Edward Reynolds Sibley; and on the same day (Sept. 1, 1812), he had the gratification of learning that the enemy had evacuated Malaga, after blowing up the works of the castle of Gibralfaro. In consequence of this welcome information, the Hyacinth and her consort immediately entered the mole, and were received in the most enthusiastic manner by the inha-
- ↑ Which were made Droits of Admiralty.
