the latest day of my life. Indeed, when you observe that we had only two killed and one wounded, you will conclude, that had not my orders been put in execution with the greatest promptness and attention, we must have met with great loss; and had I let loose their valour, I should have lost half my men. Their fatigue and hardships were beyond description, having only a pint of water during 24 hours, under a vertical sun, and not a moment’s rest day or night: several of them fainted for want of water, and others were obliged to drink their own. A schooner had brought out 60 scaling ladders, to attempt us that night under cover of the squadron, and four more sail of the line were to have come against us the next day. Indeed the whole of the combined squadrons were employed on the service, and not less than 3000 men[1]. The Captain of the Sirène frigate was wounded through the knee. My only consolation is, that although I unfortunately lost the rock, I trust its defence was honorable, and hope it will merit your approbation. I have the honor to remain, &c.
“To Rear-Admiral Cochrane, &c. &c. &c.”
Sentence.
“The Court is of opinion, that Captain James Wilkes Maurice, the officers and company of his Majesty’s late sloop Diamond Rock, did every thing in their power to the very last, in the defence of the rock, against a most superior force; and that Captain J. W. Maurice behaved with firm and determined resolution, and did not surrender the Diamond until he was unable to make further defence for want of water and ammunition; the Court do therefore honorably acquit Captain Maurice accordingly.
“The Court cannot dismiss Captain J. W. Maurice without expressing their admiration of his conduct in the whole of the occasion; and also they express the highest approbation of the support given by the officers and men under his command; a circumstance that does high honor to them, and no less credit and honor to the discipline maintained by Captain Maurice: the Court do therefore unanimously and honorably acquit the said officers and ship’s company, and they are unanimously and honorably acquitted accordingly[2].”
Captain Maurice returned home with despatches from Rear-Admiral Cochrane; landed at Liverpool, on the 3d Aug. 1805; and proceeded express to the Admiralty, where he met with a very flattering reception, and was immediately presented with an appointment to the Savage, a new 18-gun brig, then fitting for foreign service, but subsequently placed
