the Daphne, accompanied by Mr. Hugh Stewart, master; Lieutenant Boger, R.M.; Messrs. Beazeley, Durell, Elliot, Moore, and Ayton, midshipmen; and Lieutenants Gittins and Patterson; and Messrs. Septford, Lussman, and Andrews, midshipmen of the Tartarus. They were towed near the shore by the Forward gun-brig. They found the vessels moored close under the foot of the castle, which mounts 10 guns, with hawsers fast to the shore; and immediately on getting to them, the alarm was given by some Danish boats: the enemy instantly forsook the vessels, and the castle and three other guns began, and kept up a heavy fire of round, grape, and musketry; many of the shot went through the hulls and sails of the vessels, notwithstanding which, the five boats cleared the harbour of all but two brigs, both light, and one of them with neither sails nor rudder. As no credit can accrue but to those who planned and executed this enterprise, I trust, Sir, I may be allowed to express to you, my admiration of the steady valour and good conduct of Lieutenant Elliot (whose behaviour at all times led me to expect it from him), as well as every officer and man employed in it. He speaks in the strongest terms of the courage and steadiness of the officers, petty officers, seamen, and marines of both ships. I am happy. Sir, to add, that the loss is very trifling on either side, which I am surprised at, having observed from the ship the heavy fire kept up by the enemy. A Danish boat, with 5 men in it, having the temerity to persist in endeavouring to retake one of the vessels, although repeatedly warned by Lieutenant Elliot, the latter was obliged with his people to fire in their own defence, and 3 of the 5 fell; on our side there were 3 wounded by the enemy, and one by mistake, but none badly. Amongst the former is Lieutenant Elliot, which, with his being an old Lieutenant, and a very deserving officer, will, I trust, be an additional inducement with you, to recommend him to the notice of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. I enclose a list of the wounded. * * * *. All but my first Lieutenant and one seaman are able to do duty.”
On this occasion, Lieutenant Elliot received a severe contusion in the middle of the right thigh, by a splinter, when on board one of the enemy’s vessels; and a seaman belonging to the Daphne was wounded in the neck by a shipmate, who had mistaken him for an enemy. The prizes consisted of 5 brigs, 3 galliots, 1 schooner, and 1 sloop; the whole of which, except one galliot, were deeply laden with grain and provisions, as the captain of the Daphne had anticipated.
As a reward for his distinguished conduct. Lieutenant Elliot was once more sent to the West Indies on promotion, and directed to proceed thither as a passenger on board the Brazen sloop of war. – From that vessel he removed into the Castor frigate, for the purpose of joining Sir Alexander Cochrane, commander-in-chief on the Leeward Islands station.
