ranthe, was wounded; and one seaman killed, and three wounded, belonging to the Express[1].
“The captains, officers, and men of the squadron you did me the honor to place under my command, behaved with that coolness and intrepidity inherent in British seamen, particularly the Amaranthe, whose gallant conduct was noticed by the whole squadron. From the troops of the Royal York Rangers, doing duty as marines, I received every assistance. Lieutenant Crooke, who commanded the boats, I am sorry to say, is severely wounded in four places; the loss of this gallant young man’s services is severely felt on board the Circe. I am likewise sorry to add, that Mr. Collman is among the number dangerously wounded; his conduct on this, and other occasions, deserves my warmest approbation.
“The brig destroyed was la Cygne, of 18 guns and 140 men, with flour, guns, &c. for the relief of Martinique. The two schooners had likewise flour, and were armed; I have not yet learnt their force or names; I am happy to say, that the one left off the Pearl is on shore bilged.
“To Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, &c.”
Captain Brenton also assisted at the capture of many vessels bound to the relief of Martinique, but was defrauded of most of his prize-money through the roguery of the agents employed to conduct his affairs. During the subsequent operations against Martinique, he served on shore with the rank of Lieutenant-colonel, under the orders of Commodore Cockburn.
“In the month of January” (1809) “the British forces began to assemble at Barbadoes, and soon after took their positions round the island of Martinique. * * * *
“The reduction of Pigeon Island has always been a prelude to any attempt against the town of Fort Royal, and the once tremendous fortresses of Bourbon and Republique. This island commands the anchorage in the upper part of the bay. Captain Cockburn and Brigadier-General Sir Charles Shipley reconnoitred the ground, and fixed on Morae Vanier (a steep hill) as the most proper situation to erect their batteries. On the night of the 31st Jan., a 13-inch mortar was landed and mounted by Lieutenant Burton, of the Neptune; and on the morning of the 1st Feb. opened its fire on the astonished garrison * * * *. The artillery was landed under the direction of Captain Cockburn, who was directed to hoist a broad pendant on board the Pompée 74, and to take the rank of a Brigadier-General. The obstructions to our landing were numerous; the ruggedness of the rocks, and the fire of the enemy’s battery of Pigeon Island- ↑ The Stork had also one man killed and one wounded.
