month, stated the principal reasons which induced General Oswald and myself to determine upon attacking the enemy in the Island of St. Maura, I have now the satisfaction to inform you of the complete success of our expedition.
“Immediately this measure was resolved upon, I sailed from Cephalonia to collect the squadron, and directed Captain Griffiths of the Leonidas to cruise to the northward of St. Maura, in order to prevent any supplies or reinforcements being sent to Corfu; a service which was most effectually performed. On the 18th March we were all assembled at Zante; but the Montagu, in working into the road, through the ignorance of the pilot, got upon the shoal, and knocked her rudder off, by which unfortunate accident she was prevented from accompanying us. The troops which she was intended to take being divided amongst the other ships, as also her marines, under the command of Captain Snow, and the General having done me the honor to embark on board the Magnificent, I sailed with the Belle Poule, Imogene, three gun-boats, and five transports, early on the morning of the 21st, and arrived at St. Maura the same evening. I gave directions to Captain Stephens of the Imogene, to anchor as close to the shore as possible, taking the gun-boats with him, in order to cover the lauding of the troops, and to silence two small batteries which were situated near the landing-place.
“The disembarkation began at day-break the following morning, and was very expeditiously effected, under theJmmediate direction of Captain Brisbane. The marines belonging to the Magnificent, Montagu, and Belle Poule, were landed at the same time, and attached to the army. One of the batteries tired at the Imogene; but upon a brisk return being made from the gun-boats, the enemy abandoned it, as he also did two other batteries, which commanded the entrance of a large lake that extends to the town and citadel.
“The citadel of St. Maura is situated upon a low neck of land, projecting into the sea, on the north-east end of the island; and though nearly surrounded by the sea, is, from its embayed position, and shallowness of the water, unassailable by ships.
“The want of secure anchorage on that side of the island obliged me to place the transports in a port six or seven miles from where the operations were to be carried on.
“As soon as the troops were landed, they began their march towards the town, which was given up without opposition, and taken possession of by Colonel Lowe and a body of troops. Another division continued on its route towards the citadel. 1 thought it necessary to accompany the General, in order to facilitate such supplies and co-operation from the ships as the circumstances of the moment might render necessary. When we reached the northern shore, it was discovered that the enemy had constructed two strong redoubts upon a neck of land a considerable distance in advance of the citadel, and which it was necessary to drive him from before any thing could be undertaken against the principal work. A battery of two guns, still further in advance, the enemy had been forced to
