we perceived them to be protected by three-armed national brigs, and two large luggers, the former carrying from 12 to 16 guns each, the latter from 8 to 10 each, apparently well-manned. Convinced, from their hauling out from their convoy in close order, it was their intention to attack us, I immediately hove-to to receive them, and at 3-30 P.M. Point Piercu bearing N.W. ½ W. 4 miles, the action commenced within half-pistol-shot, and continued with great spirit on both sides, until we succeeded in driving on shore two of the brigs, and the two luggers, with fifteen sail of their convoy; but, in the act of wearing, to prevent the third brig raking us, we unfortunately grounded, which enabled her and a few of the convoy to escape, although having previously struck to us. My whole attention at this time was to getting H.M. brig off, by lightening her of her booms, spars, anchors, and a few of her guns, &c. which was effected in an hour and a half, under incessant discharges of artillery and musketry, which completely lined the shore. I thought it then most prudent to anchor, in order to replace the running rigging; during which time I despatched the boats, under the command of Lieutenant David Price, my second lieutenant (my first being in a prize), to bring out or destroy as many of the enemy’s vessels as practicable; he succeeded in bringing out the Heron national brig, pierced for 16 guns, mounting only 10, and three large transports, laden with timber for ship-building; the rest were on their broadsides, and completely bilged, and he was only prevented from burning them, by the strength of the tide being against him; which service was conducted in a most masterly and gallant manner, under a galling fire of musketry from the beach, lined with troops. Lieutenant Price speaks in very high terms of the gallantry displayed by Mr. Smith, master, and Mr. Wheeler, gunner, who handsomely volunteered their services on the occasion.
“The grateful task is now left to me. Sir, to express my sense of admiration of the very steady, uniform, brave, and determined conduct of the whole of my officers and ship’s company, which will ever entitle them to my sincerest and warmest thanks; and I feel I am only barely doing justice to the merits of Lieutenant Price[1], in recommending him most strongly to their lordships’ notice, for his spirited conduct in the action, as also in the boats, and in short on all occasions; he is a most deserving and meritorious young officer, to whom I feel myself much indebted: nor can I pass unnoticed the zeal and attention of Mr. Henry Campling, purser, who volunteered to command the marines and small-arm men, and to whose continued and well-conducted fire I attribute the loss of so few men, which has been trifling, when the superiority of force opposed to us is considered, being only one man killed and four wounded.
“It is with much satisfaction I add, that H.M. brig has suffered in nothing but the running rigging and sails, except what damage she may- ↑ A Post-Captain of 1815.
