Three of the gun-boats were armed with long 24-pounders, the remainder with long eighteens. They were commanded by officers lately sent from Boulogne, and each had a crew consisting of 15 sailors, 2 artillery men, and 3 riflemen. Five out of the six commandants were either killed, wounded, or drowned: their total loss amounted to more than 50.
“This enterprise” says Lord Collingwood, “was well devised, and gallantly executed. The manner in which Captain Clephane speaks of the conduct and skill of Lieutenant Harper, is only a repetition of what he has ever been entitled to when he goes upon service. Every account of him that has come to me describes him as an admirable officer.”
In Sept. 1809, Lieutenant Harper was sent with two boats to attack a large armed schooner, lying close to the beach near Brindisi. On approaching her, he discovered that she was aground, and in possession of the enemy’s troops; notwithstanding which he continued to advance, and had the satisfaction to see the Frenchmen fly before him. The vessel was then boarded; but being close to some heavy batteries, and the whole coast alarmed, he found it impracticable to get her afloat, and consequently set her on fire.
Shortly after this. Lieutenant Harper received the thanks of the Admiralty for his gallant conduct at Douin, but he does not appear to have obtained any more substantial mark of their lordships’ approbation until April 1810. His promotion to the rank of commander took place on the 17th of that month.
In Aug. 1812, Captain Harper was appointed to the Saracen, a fine 18-gun brig, which vessel he completely equipped with only his marines and a few worn-out sailors, retained for harbour duty. On the 23d of the ensuing month, he addressed the following letter to Sir Richard Bickerton, commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth: –
- ↑ To the Nore, for the purpose of getting manned.
