hailed the Griffon (then passing under a press of sail) to chase the remaining brig; which service she performed in a very handsome manner, by running her on shore near St. Aubin, under a very heavy fire from the land: seeing no probability of the Griffon being able to destroy the brig, made the signal to attack the enemy in the S.E., then anchoring close in shore. In the mean time we were getting the prisoners on board, and repairing the running rigging, which was much damaged. Captain Trollope, having closed with the enemy, ran the Griffon in shore of one at an anchor nearly in the centre, and in the most gallant manner laid her on board, cut her cables, and stood out, under the fire of the batteries, and the whole of the other brigs: upon passing the Griffon, I found her too much disabled immediately to make sail again to the attack; but being determined to have another (although we had nearly as many prisoners as our own sloop’s company), I ran the dismasted one on board, which we found the enemy had deserted, but this circumstance the darkness of the night prevented our being enabled previously to discover; at which time the remaining seven of the flotilla were under weigh, getting into Dieppe harbour. I must beg leave to mention the very able assistance I received from the exertions of my first lieutenant, Mr. James Shaw, in boarding the enemy, and during the whole of the day, in the arduous task of working the brig while engaging: and the conduct of the whole of the other officers and crew was such as to merit my warmest approbation. We have only one petty officer and four men wounded; the officer is Mr. Jonathan Widdicombe Dyer, midshipman, whose unremitted exertions during the action, and activity in boarding, together with his general good conduct, renders it my duty to recommend him.
“The flotilla we engaged is the 14th division, commanded by Mons. Saizieu, capitaine de vaisseau, and commandant de division; it sailed from Boulogne at 10 P.M. the 26th, and intended going to Cherbourgh: each brig has three long brass 24-pounders and an 8-inch brass howitzer, with a complement of 50 men. When I consider this flotilla, united to batteries keeping up a constant fire of both shot and shells, and the very small force we had, I trust the having taken three, run two on shore, and much damaged the others, will shew our zeal for the public service, and meet your approbation[1].”
On the 31st of the same month, Captain Harvey was rewarded with a post commission for his truly gallant conduct; and the midshipman of whom he makes such honorable mention, was also promoted[2].
- ↑ The Rosario mounted eight 18-pounder carronades and 2 long sixes; the Griffon, fourteen 24-pounder carronades and 2 sixes.
- ↑ Lieutenant J. W. Dyer was drowned in a boat race, off the Eddyston[errata 1] light-house, Jan. 2, 1818.
- ↑ Correction: Eddyston should be amended to Eddystone
