the Spanish force which opposed them. They then stormed and carried a sea-battery of 4 guns, 12 and 9-pounders: I have to regret that on this occasion the serjeant and 2 privates of the Lily’s marines, and one seaman, were severely wounded. You may believe that, from the time the enemy had to assemble, their numbers were very great; but I have not been able to ascertain them.
“With the assistance of the Bacchante’s boats, she arriving here, the second division, composed of the American volunteers under the command of Colonel Kirkland, and the remainder of the detachment of seamen and marines to join Lieutenant Beddingfelt, were landed 10 or 12 minutes after the first, when the enemy, great as their numbers were, retreated to the bush, and left in our possession, in two forts, 14 pieces of cannon, 12 and 9-pounders; 7 guns dismounted, and a quantity of ammunition.
“It is not possible for me to mention in too high terms the brave and officer-like conduct of Lieutenant Spearing, commanding the Express, whose very gallant behaviour I have before had an opportunity of mentioning to you, when he commanded the Lily’s boats as first lieutenant of this ship; and I must beg leave to express in equal terms the gallant exertions of Lieutenant Beddingfelt in storming the fort, and his officerlike conduct and active exertions throughout this fatiguing service, which General Miranda has had a better opportunity of observing, and has made very honorable mention of[1].
“The conduct and exertions of the whole of the officers and crews of the small squadron you did me the honor to place under my command, on tills occasion, convinced me that on any more serious service they will 5tTenuously support their professional character.
“General Miranda, with his whole force, marched to Coro, and got quiet possession of that populous city. He has returned hither to give the inhabitants an opportunity of resuming their respective occupations, and to convince them that he is not actuated by the motives which the Spanish government has succeeded but too well in impressing upon the muids of the people.
“The three days that Captain Dacres lay here, in the Bacchante, he gave me every assistance in his power. He is now cruisiug off Porto Cabello, which affords us, while here, great protection. I have the honor to be, &c.
“Hon. Sir A. Cochrane, K.B. &c. &c. &c.”
On the same day that the above letter was written, the commandant of Coro appeared on the sand-hills near Puerto
- ↑ Lieutenant George Augustus Spearing, eldest son of Lieutenant George Spearing, of the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, was afterwards killed, whilst nobly supporting the honor of the British flag, in a gallant attempt to carry three forts in the island of Martinique. See Nav. Chron. vol. 20, p. 167.
