the broad pendant of Commodore Edward Henry Columbine, (Governor of Sierra Leone) by whom he was promoted to the command of the Derwent, a fine 18-gun brig, during the expedition against Senegal, in July 1809. The capture of that settlement is thus described by Commodore Columbine’s military colleague, in a despatch addressed to Viscount Castlereagh, of which the following is a copy:
“My Lord,– When I last had the honor of writing to your lordship, I communicated such information as I had received concerning the situation of the French colony of Senegal, and my opinion of the practicability of reducing it with a small force; I also mentioned the annoyance we had received at Gorée and in its vicinity, from their privateers, during the absence of ships of war from that station.
“On the 24th June, Commodore Columbine arrived at Gorée with the Solebay frigate, and gun-brig Tigress, having the colonial schooner George, the Agincourt transport, and several merchant vessels under convoy: having communicated to him what intelligence I had lately obtained, we thought the reduction of Senegal practicable with the force we possessed, provided no obstacles should prevent our being able to pass the bar at the mouth of the river. * * * * * * *
“Having therefore procured some light vessels and boats, the best adapted for passing the bar, a detachment of the garrison of Gorée, consisting of 6 officers, 6 Serjeants, 4 drummers, and 150 rank and file, was embarked on board the Agincourt on the 4th July, when we sailed, and anchored at the bar on the evening of the 7th. Next morning, Commodore Columbine was of opinion the troops might be passed over the bar, which was accordingly effected, though with much difficulty, by the exertions of the navy. We unfortunately, however, lost a schooner and sloop, containing much of our provisions and ammunition, and the schooner George went on shore inside the bar. I landed the detachment, and 60 royal marines from the squadron, on the left bank of the river, where I took up a position, with a view to wait till provisions could be passed from the shipping, and the schooner could be got off. We then learnt that the enemy had made a formidable line of defence at the post of Babagué, 12 miles up the river, where there is a battery, in front of which three brigs and four other vessels were moored, and the whole protected by a strong boom drawn across the river.[1] On the 9th we were attacked, but speedily repulsed the enemy, and drove them within their line at Babagué; after which we returned to get off the schooner, which was effected on the following evening[2].
