having a certain flag hoisted, by which she could be distinguished. There were altogether about 70 sail of every description. When they sailed from Porto de Socca, towards the close of a fine evening, the spectacle was very imposing; but when they were seen rising and sinking alternately in the immense surf, it was awfully grand. At this moment, the flag of Rear-Admiral Penrose was flying at the mast-head of the Gleaner ketch; in which vessel he ran close to the breakers, directed the movements of the flotilla, and animated his officers and men to continued exertions, by his presence, example, and praises.
However appalling the prospect might have been from the sea, the author of “The Subaltern[1]” informs us, that it was no less so from the land.
“On mounting an eminence,” says he, “we beheld a squadron leaving down, with all sail set, towards the bar; over which the waves were dashing in white foam, being driven inwards by a strong gale. But we were not the only anxious spectators of the animating shew. The bank of the river, and all the heights near, were crowded with general and staff officers, conspicuous among whom were Sir John Hope, and, if my memory fails me not, Lord Wellington himself. The groups were, one and all of them, speechless. The sense of sight appeared to be the only sense left in full vigour to the individuals who composed them, and even from it all objects were apparently shut out, except the gallant squadron.
“Down they came before the breeze with amazing velocity; but the surf ran so high, and there seemed to be so little water upon the sands, that I for one felt as if a weight had been removed from my heart, when I beheld them suddenly put up their helms and tack about. * * * * Even British sailors hesitated, for once in their lives, whether they could face the danger. But the hesitation was not of long continuance.”
Lieutenant Cheyne resolved to succeed, or perish: Providence favored him! His boat, Spanish-built, but manned by five British seamen, was borne by the swell clear across the shoal: “and loud and reiterated were the shouts with which it was greeted, as it rushed proudly through the deep water.”
The next which entered the river was a large fishing-boat, manned by volunteers from the transports at Porto de Socca. She was closely followed by a gun-vessel, under the command of Lieutenant John Chesshire, the first person that
- ↑ The Rev. Mr. Gleig, formerly a Lieutenant of the 85th light infantry.
