ing changed sides in the smoke, he prevented the other either from annoying him, or giving assistance to his friend. They continued in close action from twelve till a quarter before two, when the Frenchman ceased firing, and hailed that he had surrendered. The prize proved to be l’Engageante, of 38 guns and 300 men, between 30 and 40 of whom were killed and wounded. La Concorde had but one man killed and 12 wounded. The other frigate, la Resolue, after firing a few shot, made sail and got off. In the evening the masts of l’Engageante fell overboard, and it was with some difficulty and great exertions that la Concorde’s were prevented from sharing the same fate.
Soon after this event, Sir Richard Strachan obtained the command of the Melampus of 42 guns; and his enterprising character being duly appreciated, he was selected for a separate command on the coast of France, where he was aided by the gallantry and skill of Sir W. Sidney Smith. On the 9th May, 1795, being at anchor in Gourville Bay in the island of Jersey, he discovered thirteen sail of the enemy’s vessels running along shore. The British squadron immediately weighed, and chaced them under a small battery, which was soon silenced, and twelve of the vessels, abandoned by their crews, taken possession of. The other escaped round Cape Cartaret. They consisted of ten transports, laden with shiptimber, powder, cannon, cordage, and other articles of naval stores, escorted by an armed brig and lugger. In performing this service, the Melampus had 8 men wounded; the loss on board the other ships of the squadron amounted to 2 killed and 9 wounded.
On the 3d July following, the Melampus, in company with the Hebe, captured off St. Maloes, six out of thirteen French vessels, laden with military stores, convoyed by a ship of 26 guns, two brigs, and a lugger; one of the brigs, la Vesuve, of four 24-pounders and 60 men, was also taken.
In 1796, when Sir W. Sidney Smith was taken prisoner in a vessel captured by the boats of the Diamond, Sir Richard Strachan succeeded him in the command of that fine frigate, and continued in her until the month of February, 1799[1],
- ↑ The following were among the captures made by the Diamond during the time she was commanded by Sir Richard Strachan;
