Of the naval detachment serving on shore under Captain Willoughby, at the capture of St. Paul’s, 7 were killed, and 18, including Lieutenant Edward Lloyd, of the Raisonable, and 2 marine officers wounded. Not a single person was hurt on board any one of the squadron. The total loss sustained by the British has been stated See id. p. 627 et seq..
For his zealous, gallant, and active exertions during this expedition. Captain Willoughby was immediately promoted into la Nereide, the frigate mentioned at p. 140, mounting 26 long 12-pounders and 12 carronades (24-prs.), with an established complement of 251 officers, men, and boys. His commission, however, was not confirmed by the Admiralty until Sept. 5, 1810; on which day, the then recently appointed First Lord of the Admiralty addressed a note to him, the contents of which we shall presently lay before our readers. The following is an extract of his commander-in-Chief’s official letter reporting the capture of St. Paul’s:–
“Captain Rowley and Lieutenant-Colonel Keating alike express their high approbation of the conduct of Captain Willoughby, of the Otter, both by sea and land: his many wounds are honorable testimonies of his former services, and on no occasion can he have distinguished himself beyond the present.
Towards the latter end of April, 1810, Captain Willoughby discovered a ship in Black River, moored in such a manner between the formidable land batteries that her stern was alone visible. Supposing her to be a ship of war, he immediately worked up towards the anchorage, and discharged several broadsides at her nearly within point-blank distance, receiving in return a heavy fire of shot and shells from the shore, many of the latter bursting near, and without la Nereide. The enemy’s ship was afterwards ascertained to be l’Astree, a large 40 gun frigate, recently arrived from Cherbourg, with troops and supplies for the Isle of France.
On the 30th of the same month, a large merchant ship was discovered at Jacotel, within pistol-shot of two batteries commanding the entrance of that harbour; and Captain Willoughby, having confidence in the ability, resolution, and
