ably alongside the enemy, and in less than twenty minutes compelled him to strike[1].
The other frigate seeing the fate of her companion, endeavoured to obtain the weather-gage of the Unicorn; but by the judicious and seamanlike conduct of Captain Williams, his attempt proved unsuccessful. The parity of sailing in the two ships was such, that a running fight was kept up for ten hours, when our officer had the good fortune to close with his antagonist; a sharp contest ensued, and continued with great impetuosity for 35 minutes, when, on the smoke clearing away, the enemy was observed to have dropped on the Unicorn’s quarter, with the intention to cross herstern, and gain the wind; this manoeuvre of the Frenchman’s was most skilfully defeated, by Captain Williams instantly throwing his sails aback, by which means the ship gathered stern way, passed the enemy’s bow, and resumed her former position. The action was now renewed with fresh vigour; but it lasted only a few minutes, when, after much bravery and good seamanship had been displayed on both sides, the enemy’s ship, having her mizen-mast alone standing, surrendered. She proved to be la Tribune, commanded by Commodore Moulson, pierced for 48 guns, but only 44 mounted, and 339 men, 37 of whom were killed, and 15, including the Commodore, wounded. The Unicorn’s complement of 251 men, was considerably weakened by the absence of a Lieutenant, and several of her best seamen, in a prize recently captured; the total number of her crew in this action may therefore be fairly stated as not exceeding 240, of whom not a man was hurt.
Soon after his return to port, Captain Williams received the honor of knighthood, as a reward for his gallant conduct. On the 7th Jan, 1797, he assisted at the capture of la Ville de l’Orient frigate, armed en flute, employed in the conveyance of troops, and having on board 400 hussars.
In the month of June following, Sir Thomas Williams sat as a member of the Court-Martial appointed to try Parker and the other mutineers belonging to the North Sea fleet[2].
- ↑ See Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Byam Martin.
- ↑ For some interesting particulars respecting the mutiny at the Nore, see note at p. 160, et seq.
