“On the 13th, at 6 A.M., in lat. 19° 35' N., long. 86° 25' E., I had the satisfaction to discover three sail at anchor under the land, who shortly after weighed and made sail to the southward. I plainly observed that one was a frigate, and the other two apparently merchant ships. I continued the chase until half-past 7 P.M. the following day, when coming up with the sternmost vessel, she proved to be the Thetis country ship, prize to the French frigate Pysché, of 36 guns and 240 men[1], under the command of Captain Bergeret, then a-head at a short distance. Finding he enemy had abandoned the Thetis, I left a midshipman in charge, and continued to pursue the frigate, which was making off under all sail. At 10 minutes past 8, we commenced close action, at the distance of about half a cable’s length, and continued so until half-past 11 , at which time, finding all our running rigging very much cut up, we hauled off to repair the same. At midnight, bore up to renew the conflict; but, just as we were about to recommence our fire, an officer from the enemy came on board to inform me that Captain Bergeret, from humanity’s sake for the remaining survivors, had struck, though he might have borne the contest longer. During the action we were occasionally annoyed by the fire of l’Equivoque privateer, of 10 guns and 40 men, commanded by a Lieutenant. She proved to be the late Pigeon country ship, fitted out by Captain Bergeret as a privateer; which vessel, from sailing very well, I am concerned to acquaint you, effected her escape in the course of the night.
“I beg leave to observe, from the able support which I received from them during the action. Lieutenants Doyle, Dawson, Collier, and Davies, Mr. Findlayson the master, and Lieutenant Ashmore of the marines, as well as the whole of the ship’s company, who displayed the most gallant and spirited conduct on the occasion, merit my warmest encomiums. I also feel it a duty incumbent on me to recommend Mr. Doyle, my first lieutenant, to your attention, from his meritorious and exemplary behaviour throughout the contest. I am grieved to relate that Lieutenant Dawson was dangerously wounded in the breast with a pike, while in the act of boarding[2].
“Inclosed I transmit a list of the killed and wounded of H.M. ship- ↑ The St. Fiorenzo mounted 26 long 18-pounders, 2 long nines, and 14 carronades, 32-pounders: she had on board 253 officers men, and boys. La Psyché mounted 24 long French 12-pounders, 2 sixes, and 10 carronades, 18-pounders.
- ↑ In the middle of the action, la Psyché fell on board the St. Fiorenzo, when Lieutenant William Dawson instantly jumped on board the enemy, but owing to the confusion of a night action, the ships separated again before a sufficient force could follow him.
