ance, for the protection of their coasting convoys. On this occasion, a tower and an open battery were destroyed; six long 24-pounders, two 7½ inch mortars, some stores and ammunition brought off, and 63 Frenchmen taken prisoners.
In the course of the same month, the Austrians entered Fiume, and established a communication with the British squadron; the boats of which had been very actively employed, under the orders of Captain Markland, in exciting u spirit of revolt against their oppressors, among the inhabitants of the different islands at the head of the Adriatic. By Rear-Admiral Freemantle’s subsequent despatclies it appears that he had left Captain Markland, as senior officer, for a short time, off Fiume; – the following are extracts:–
“On the 6th Sept. I arrived Fiume, and found the Milford and Wizard (sloop) at anchor off the town, and the Imperial flag flying; the whole of Istria and Croatia (nearly) up in arms against the French, and driving them out in all directions. Sagna and Porto Ré are also under the Austrian flag. General Nugent has his head-quarters at Lippa, about twenty-two miles from Fiume; his force consists of 2000 Austrians, and some Croats; the French garrison of Pola, of 600 men, with about 1500 Croats, were marching to relieve Fiume; but the Croats, on hearing that their countrymen were in arms against the enemy, surrounded, disarmed, and took the 600 Frenchmen prisoners[1]. * * * * * *. The Milford lying at Fiume, gives General Nugent an additional force of 1000 men, which he must have left to guard it, and cramp his operations very much. There is not a single soldier there; the town is entirely guarded by the Milford’s marines, who are there; and it greatly increases the confidence of the inhabitants, having a safe retreat in case of a defeat. Almost the whole of the islands are now clear of the French yoke, from Lissa upwards. Captain Gower (of the Elizabeth 74) landed at Fontane, and has planted the Imperial flag all along that coast.”
Captain Markland was also present at the captures of Rovigno, Piran, and Capo d’Istria; at which latter place Rear-Admiral Freemantle remained, in constant correspondence with General Count Nugent, who was harassing the army of Eugene Beauharnois on his retreat, until the morning of the 5th Oct.
- ↑ Pola was taken possession of by the Wizard sloop, part of the Milford’s marines, and 50 Austrian soldiers.
