tempted to board, but was repulsed by the marines (who were commanded by Lieutenant Simpson) and the boarders. Though I most sincerely lament the numerous list of killed and wounded, which amounted to 141; yet it is the greatest consolation in reflecting, that we were never once exposed to a raking shot, or the slightest accident occurred; all fell by fair fighting[1].
“It is with the most poignant regret I have to mention the names of the senior and second Lieutenants, John James Bates and John Pope, and Lieutenant Grainger, of the marines, among the slain: they fell early in the action. Having been more than five years in the ship, I have had ample opportunities of knowing their inestimable characters, and the consequent loss the service has sustained by their falling. It is with equal concern I have to mention Mr. George Wills, the junior Lieutenant, who fell while carrying on the duty on the quarter-deck, when I had received a wound which obliged me to quit it; and also that good and zealous officer, Lieutenant Pascoe, late of the Daring, who commanded the midship guns on the main-deck; Mr. John Bogue, late Purser of the Thais (invalided), received & mortal wound below, after having been before wounded on the quarter-deck.
“When I have the misfortune to state such a severe loss, I trust it will be clear, every person must have done his duty. I feel most grateful to my gallant officers and crew, as well as the supernumeraries late belonging to the Daring, for their cool, steady, and persevering conduct, which was worthy the utmost success; but the superior force of the enemy, she carrying on her main-deck heavy French 24-pounders, the considerable quantity of gold dust we have on board, as well as the certainty of the other frigate coming up, would have prevented me seeking a renewal of the action, if it had not been totally impracticable[2].
- ↑ Forty-six killed; 5 mortally, 13 dangerously, 33 severely, and 44 slightly wounded.
- ↑ Captain Irby was not aware, when he wrote his account of the action, that l’Aréthuse’s consort had been disabled by striking on a rock previous to the Amelia’s arrival off Tamara. Seeing la Rubis with her top-sails hoisted at sun-set on the 6th Feb., he was fully justified in supposing she was about to come out with the other frigate in pursuit of him. N.B.
