We are not aware of the exact loss sustained by the enemy, but that of the British was not so great as might have been expected; the Dido had 6 men killed, and 15, including her first Lieutenant, the late Captain Buckoll, wounded[1]. The Lowestoffe had only 3 men wounded.
In the course of the same year, Captain Middleton was appointed to the Flora of 36 guns, in which ship he served a considerable time under the orders of Commodore Nelson, in the gulf of Genoa and on the neighbouring coasts.
On the 10th July, 1796, the Flora assisted at the occupation of Porto Ferrajo, which place it was considered necessary to secure, in consequence of the French having taken possession of Leghorn, and evinced a disposition to seize upon the island of Elba, in order to facilitate their meditated invasion of Corsica.
Porto Ferrajo is by nature very strong, and the citadel nearly impregnable; notwithstanding which, it surrendered without resistance, on observing the preparations made by Commodore Nelson’s squadron, and the British troops under Major Duncan, for storming the place. It was mounted with 100 pieces of cannon, and garrisoned by 400 regulars, besides a numerous militia.
In April, 1797, soon after the battle off Cape St, Vincent, Vice-Admiral Waldegrave was appointed Governor of Newfoundland, and the Flora ordered to convey him to England. On the 3d Nov. following, she received the flag of Rear-Admiral Frederick for a passage to Lisbon; from whence she proceeded to her station in the Mediterranean[2].
On the 14th May, 1798, Captain Middleton pursued a French brig, which he compelled to seek shelter in the harbour of Cerigo, an island near the Morea; and there not being sufficient water for his frigate to follow her, he despatched
- ↑ Captain Buckoll commanded the Serpent sloop, and died on the African station, April 23, 1798.
- ↑ On her passage from England to Lisbon, the Flora assisted at the capture of l’Incroyable, a French privateer, of 24 guns and 220 men.
and commanded that ship in the glorious battle with the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent, Feb. 14, 1797. At the time of his death, which took place April 9, 1809, he was Deputy Chairman of the Victualling, and junior Commissioner of the Transport Board. His father, Commissioner G. P. Towry, died in 1817, aged 84.
