Luttrell was detached with the Charon, of 44 guns, the Pomona and Lowestoffe frigates, and Racehorse schooner, for the purpose of intercepting some register ships, in the bay of Dulce. They took shelter, however, under the strong fortress of St Fernando de Omoa. It fortunately happened that Captain Luttrell fell in with the Porcupine, and the troops that had accompanied her, returning; they having performed the service on which they had been sent, and entirely driven the Spaniards from that part of the coast. It was now agreed between the naval and military Commanders, to unite their forces, and to proceed immediately to the attack of Fort Omoa. On the 15th Oct. they arrived before the place, and landed the troops, marines, &c., which together did not exceed 600 men. As any thing like a regular siege would have proved destructive to the enterprise, from the strength of the fort, and from the assailants not having any heavy artillery, it was determined to carry the place by a coup de main. Every requisite measure was promptly prepared for this bold attempt; and, on the night of the 19th, a general attack took place by signal on the sea and land side. The fort having been carried by storm with very little resistance, the shipping in the harbour were immediately taken possession of, and proved to be of great value, their cargoes being estimated at three millions of dollars. Two hundred and fifty quintals of quicksilver were also found in the fort.
Previous to the capture of this important place, which is the key to the bay of Honduras, and where the Spaniards send their register ships and treasure from Guatimala in time of war, Captain Nugent was despatched by Commodore Luttrell to procure pilots at St. George’s Quay, with orders to leave the Pomona at anchor, at Quay Boquel, and to proceed in the Racehorse schooner. On anchoring as directed, he perceived a brig of 14 guns at anchor, with English colours flying. He immediately put off in his boat, to proceed to the Quay; but it being now dark, he was soon surrounded by a number of Spanish launches, and a schooner of 8 guns, that had been concealed under the lee of the brig, which it now appeared had been taken and was aground. Having secured Captain Nugent and his men, the enemy proceeded to board the Racehorse; which vessel, however, having been
