tionary until the turn thereof. Unfortunately, the heavy rains which had recently fallen in the interior caused the ebb tide to make much sooner after slack water than he could possibly have been aware of, and consequently with greater strength than it had done when he last rowed up the river.
Knowing that some gun-boats were constantly stationed near the Gavotte, and concluding that she would be alarmed by them before the whole of the British force could reach her; convinced also that the crews of the two gigs would be sufficient to keep the enemy’s night guard in check until the remainder of the detachment came up, Captains Shipley and Pigot immediately agreed to give way and commence the attack, leaving their respective followers to board the Gavotte in succession; la Nymphe’s on the larboard side, and the Blossom’s on the starboard. The grounds upon which this agreement was founded, were distinctly and repeatedly mentioned in the hearing of every officer and man; and the event, as far as the largest boats were concerned, fully justified its prudence and discretion.
On her arrival within two or three hundred yards of the Gavotte, Captain Shipley’s gig was hailed by the enemy’s gun-vessels, which he answered with the greatest coolness, in their own language, and thereby prevented them from giving an instant alarm. Presently, however, a heavy fire of musketry, and afterwards of great guns, was opened by the enemy, notwithstanding which the gig dashed on until she reached the Gavotte’s larboard bow, as had been agreed upon with Captain Pigot.
The enemy’s brig was surrounded with boarding nettings, and Captain Shipley had nearly reached the top of one of them, when a fatal ball passed through his head, and he fell backwards into the rapid stream. It was afterwards ascertained that he had also been wounded in the body, by the thrust of a pike or sabre.
His brother’s fall being noticed by Mr. Charles Shipley, that young gentleman immediately jumped back into the gig, and by calling out “Save your Captain,” induced the coxswain and his five companions to return also, and push off in search of their beloved commander.
