“The 11th was employed in refitting the schooner, and embarking provisions and water. The Solebay and Derwent were ordered to anchor opposite the post of Babagué, and bombard it, which was executed with much effect. During the night, in shifting her berth, the Solebay unfortunately got aground, but in a position which enabled her still to annoy the enemy. On the morning of the 12th the troops were embarked, and the flotilla proceeded up the river, till just without gun-shot of the enemy’s line of defence, and when every thing was in readiness for a night attack, we received information that it was the intention of the French commandant to capitulate[1].
“Willing, to spare an unnecessary effusion of human blood, the attack was postponed. On the morning of the 13th we discovered that the boom was broken, that the enemy had abandoned the battery and vessels, leaving their colours flying, and shortly afterwards a letter was received from Messrs. Degrigny and Durecu, in the name of the commandant of Senegal, offering to capitulate. Mr. Heddle, surgeon to the forces, who had acted as my aide-de-camp during the campaign, was sent forward to treat with these gentlemen, and soon returned with the articles of capitulation, which we ratified. I immediately took possession of the battery of Isle aux Anglois, and in the course of the evening, of the battery of Guêtendar facing the town. Next morning the garrison laid down their arms and were embarked. We then found that the force which had been employed against us amounted to 160 regular soldiers, and 240 militia and volunteers. * * * * * * *.
“In accomplishing this service, the officers and soldiers of the army were anxious to equal their brothers of the navy, who on all occasions distinguished themselves. I feel much satisfaction in having enjoyed the- ↑ It may be here proper to remark, that the Solebay was left in charge of the master, her lieutenants having commands in the flotilla, which consisted of seven vessels, mounting IQ carronades, from 12 to 18-pounders, 3 field-pieces, and 1 howitzer; and nineteen boats of various sizes, with necessary appurtenances for all. This force was conducted In person by Commodore Columbine, who passed the bar in an American-built schooner, commanded by Lieutenant Woodriff. The other commissioned officers employed in this service were Captain Tetley, Lieutenant Robert Bones, of the Tigress, Lieutenant John Filmore, of the Solebay, and Lieutenant Reeves, R.M. The frigate was unfortunately wrecked, but all her men and part of the stores were saved.
In the river: after many attempts to float her had failed. Lieutenant Daniel James Woodriff, then first of the Solebay, obtained permission to try his skill, and he at length succeeded in getting her off amid the loud cheers of soldiers and sailors, who were anxiously awaiting the result of this last effort.
