more remote from the boats than the basin, the range of the rockets was also demonstrated beyond a doubt; and lastly, the facility of using this weapon in small craft afloat was satisfactorily proved. The effect produced by it at Copenhagen in the following year, produced a general conviction of its powers.
From this period we find no particular mention of our officer until the month of August 1809, when he assisted at the siege of Flushing. The following are extracts from Sir Richard Strachan’s despatches to the Admiralty, announcing the capture and evacuation of that place:
“The bombs and gun-vessels, under the direction of Captain Cockburn of the Belleisle, were moat judiciously placed at the S.E. end of the town; and to the S.W., Captain Owen of the Clyde, had, with equal skill and judgment, placed the bomb and other vessels under his orders. I had much satisfaction in witnessing the fire that was kept up by the squadrons under the commands of these two officers, and the precision with which the shells were thrown from the bombs.
“This squadron was led in by the St. Domingo, bearing my flag, and I was followed by the Blake, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Lord Gardner; the other ships advanced in succession. Soon after we had opened our fire, the wind came more southerly, and the St. Domingo grounded inside of the Dog Sand. Lord Gardner not knowing our situation, passed inside of us, by which the Blake also grounded. The other ships were immediately directed to haul off, and anchor as previously intended.
“After being some time in this situation, during which the enemy’s fire slackened, by the active and zealous exertions of Captain Owen of the Clyde, who came to our assistance, and anchored close to the St. Domingo, she was got off, and soon after I had the satisfaction of seeing the Blake also afloat, and come to anchor with the rest of the squadron.”
“In addition to my despatch of this morning, I have now to transmit a letter, and an extract of one I have just received from Commodore Owen: every time I hear from that gallant and animated officer, I have fresh cause to admire his conduct.
“I propose, as soon as I have made my final arrangements at Flushing, to leave this command with Rear-Admiral Otway, and proceed to the Vere Gat, to communicate with Commodore Owen.”
