vince. The replies made to his letters were by no means satisfactory, except that from the Prince de Montforte, who assured the Rear-Admiral that he would without delay submit his proposal to the consideration of the Supreme Central Government of the kingdom. In consequence of this hesitation on the part of the Spanish authorities, much time was wasted before the ships could be fitted for service; however, the necessary orders being at length issued, and a large supply of cables and cordage brought from the stores at Gibraltar, all those which were deemed seaworthy were rigged and brought down from the Caraccas by the British seamen; the remainder wre appropriated for the reception of the French prisoners, there being at that time confined in them and at Isle Leon, nearly 13,000 sailors and soldiers of that nation.
On the 23d Jan. 1810, Vice-Admiral Purvis[1] learnt that the French had forced the passes and were marching in great force towards Cadiz, whereupon he obtained the Governor’s consent to his blowing up the forts and batteries along the east side of the harbour, a measure which he had before proposed without effect. On the 7th March following, during the prevalence of a heavy gale of wind, a Spanish three-decker and two third rates, together with a Portugueze 74, were driven on shore on the east side of the harbour, and there destroyed by the hot shot from the enemy’s batteries.
Fort Matagorda having been garrisoned by British soldiers, seamen, and marines, the French on the 21st April opened their masked batteries at Trocadero, and commenced a heavy fire on it and the San Paula, which ship had been officered and manned by the English. The latter was in a very short time on fire in several places, occasioned by the hot shot; but the wind being easterly she cut her cables, ran to leeward of the fleet, and by great exertions the flames were extinguished. The fort was bravely defended by Captain Maclaine of the 94th regiment, until it became a heap of rubbish, when the garrison was brought off by the boats of the men of war. On the 28th of the same month, Admiral Sir Charles Cotton arrived at Cadiz in the Lively frigate, on his way to the Medi-
- ↑ He had been advanced to that rank, Oct. 25, in the preceding year.
