Two days prior to the date of these orders, the city of Hamburgh was occupied by a Russian corps, under Baron Von Tettenborn; with whom Captain M‘Kerlie lost no time in opening a communication through Cuxhaven. In the course of the following month, he received directions from Admiral Young, to employ the sloops, gun-brigs, &c. under his orders, as far as other necessary services would admit, in co-operation with the allies, in any way in which a naval force could be useful in the Ems, Elbe, Weser, and Jade. Shortly afterwards a despatch arrived from the British minister at Hamburgh, advising him to be prepared against an attack; as the enemy were about to march upon that city, from Bremen. To this official communication he returned the following answer:–
“Sir,– I have had the honor of receiving your despatch. I have landed 70 men from the squadron, in addition to those already sent on shore, for the purpose of destroying the sea front of the batteries, which we occupy here, and rolling the guns into the river, reserving the land front for our protection, in the event of a sudden attack. I have recalled the Drake, Hearty, and Thrasher, from the river Ems; and, when they arrive, I shall have six men-of-war brigs here, which will be sufficient to cover our retreat with the transports; and the embarkation will be effected in good time, as I can see beyond the town a considerable way on the main road, and I am not at all afraid of a night attack. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Alexander Cockburn, Esq. H.B.M. Minister, Hamburgh.”
In a letter to Admiral Young, Captain M‘Kerlie thus describes the re-occupation of Cuxhaven by the French:
“Sir,– With much regret, I have to inform you, that the French are again in possession of Cuxhaven, together with the batteries there.
“On the 7th instant, the enemy made a reconnoissance of our position with 60 light cavalry, which we immediately drove back into the town. Yesterday morning, at 6 o’clock, the same party hove in sight; and at 9, I saw from the top of the light-house, about 1000 or 1200 infantry, with some field-pieces, marching towards the town; immediately afterwards, I discovered about as many more, with field-pieces also: the latter column turned to the right, for the bridge in our front, while the former marched through the town, so that both would join in our front at the same time: it was then low water, which would enable them to storm us on the seaside. Finding it would be impossible to retain our situation with the few veterans from Heligoland, and some marines and seamen from the squad-
