“I have to lament the loss of many of my gallant shipmates, but they fell exulting in their conquest. My brave first Lieutanant, Mr. Watt, was slain in the moment of victory, in the act of hoisting the British colours: his death is a severe loss to the service[1]. Mr. Aldham, the Purser, who had spiritedly volunteered the charge of a party of small-arm men, was killed at his post on the gangway. My faithful old clerk, Mr. Dunn, was shot by his side; Mr. Aldham has left a widow to lament his loss. I request the commander-in-chief will recommend her to the protection of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. My veteran boatswain, Mr. Stephens, has lost an arm. He fought under Lord Rodney on the 12th April, 1782. I trust his age and service will be duly rewarded. I am happy to say, that Mr. Samwell, a Midshipman of much merit, is the only other officer wounded, besides myself, and he not dangerously. Of my gallant seamen and marines, we had 23 slain, and 56 wounded. I subjoin the names of the former[2]. No expressions I can make use of can do justice to the merits of my valiant officers and crew; the calm courage they displayed during the cannonade, and the tremendous precision of their fire, could only be equalled by the ardour with which they rushed to the assault. I recommend them all warmly to the protection of the commander-in-chief.
“Having received a severe sabre wound at the first onset, whilst charging a party of the enemy who had rallied on their forecastle, I was only capable of giving command till assured our conquest was complete; and then directing second Lieutenant Wallis to take charge of the Shannon, and secure the prisoners, I left the third Lieutenant, Mr. Falkiner (who had headed the main-deck boarders), in charge
- ↑ “The gallant first Lieutenant of the Shannon was struck on the head by a grape-shot from one of that ship’s foremost guns, while in the act of hoisting the British colours over the American. Another gun was discharged, unfortunately, before the officer commanding that division knew of the Chesapeake’s surrender; and three or four of the Shannon’s men shared the lamented fate of Mr. Watt, besides several being wounded.” See James, v. 5. pp. 384 and 385.
- ↑ The list of killed annexed to this letter, contained only 24 names, including those of Lieutenant Watt, the Purser, and Captain’s Clerk. See Naval Chronicle, vol. 30, pp. 84 and 85.
