Eurydice had got to some distance a-head; when they made all possible sail to get off. The enemy’s squadron, however, gained upon both in such a manner that they must have been taken, but for a bold and masterly manoeuvre. Sir James seeing the perilous situation of his consorts, hauled his wind, and stood along the French line, an evolution which immediately attracted the enemy’s attention, and the capture of the Crescent appeared for some time to be inevitable; but, by the assistance of an old and experienced pilot, she pushed through an intricate passage never attempted before by a king’s ship, and effected her escape into Guernsey Road, greatly to the disappointment of her pursuers[1].
In the month of Feb. following, our officer was appointed to the Marlborough, of 74 guns; and after a long cruize in that ship, removed into the Orion, of similar force; in which vessel he gave proof of his usual intrepidity in Lord Bridport’s action off l’Orient, June 23, in the same year[2]. On this occasion the Orion was one of the first ships that came up with the enemy, and sustained a loss of 3 men slain and 10 wounded.
- ↑ Lieutenant-Governor Small, who with a multitude of the inhabitants of the Island, beheld the whole of the above proceedings, immediately published the following flattering testimonial in public orders, which was afterwards transmitted to Sir James by the Brigade-Major:
“Parole—Saumarez; Countersign—Crescent.
“The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey cannot, without doing injustice to his own feelings, help taking notice thus publicly of the gallant and distinguished conduct of Sir James Saumarez, with the officers and men of his Majesty’s ships Crescent, Druid, and Eurydice, under his command, in the very unequal conflict of yesterday, where their consummate professional skill and masterly manoeuvres, demonstrated with brilliant effect the superiority of British seamanship and bravery, by repelling and frustrating the views of a squadron of the enemy at least treble their force and weight of metal. This cheering instance of spirit and perseverance in a most respectable detachment of our royal navy, could not fail of presenting an animating and pleasing example to his Majesty’s land forces, both of the line and island troops, who were anxious spectators, and beheld with admiration the active conduct of their brave countrymen. To the loyal inhabitants of Guernsey it afforded cause of real exultation, to witness the manly and exertive conduct of an officer whom this flourishing island has to boast he is a native of."
- ↑ See Admiral Sir William Domett.
