landgridge-shot and musket-balls, which made a dreadful havoc among her crew. The other boats, having taken their stations, were now attempting to board also, encouraged by the voice and example of their gallant leader, who, although badly wounded, still persevered, and, after some time, gained a footing on her deck. At length the vessel was carried; but not until the whole of her crew were either killed or wounded. On finding that she was subdued, the others turned their fire upon her, nor did they discontinue it until she was towed out of gun-shot. The slaughter on the part of the British was likewise dreadful – the pinnace alone had no less than 20 officers and men killed and wounded; Lieutenant Saurin was shot through the right wrist and left arm, his neck-cloth was cut through the different folds, and his sabre broken by a ball. Lieutenant Webb, R.M. was shot in the leg, and Mr. Holbrook (junior), midshipman, through the body. The assistant-surgeon also was wounded, in one of the other boats. In the official account of this sanguinary affair, no part of which was ever published, the names of midshipmen Oakes, Johnson, Peake[1], and Holbrook (junior), are mentioned in terms of commendation[2].
Mr. Saurin obtained the rank of commander Dec. 12, 1812; and a pension, the present amount of which is 300l. per annum, Feb. 24, 1813. He was appointed to the Hope brig, July 6, in the latter year, and promoted to post rank June 7, 1814.
Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, and Son.
EDWARD HODDER, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1814.]
Was made lieutenant in 1794; commander April 27, 1801; appointed to the Tisiphone sloop, stationed off Lymington, April 13, 1813; and posted June 27, 1814.
- ↑ Now Lieutenant Charles Peake, of whom we have spoken at p. 222 of Suppl. Part I.
- ↑ Mr. Holbrook (senior), immediately he heard the firing, hastened to the assistance of his friends, and was of great service in securing the dearly purchased prize, in towing her during the night, and in taking care of the wounded.
