abated, and boats sent from the Russian fleet to tow her into port, I directed Captain Webley to stand in and endeavour to cut her off. This was executed in a manner that must ever reflect the highest honor on Captain Webley, the officers, and ship’s company of the Centaur, for their valour and perseverance in the support of my orders. The boats had made a considerable progress, and the enemy’s ship was just entering the port, when we had the good fortune to lay her on board; her bowsprit taking the Centaur’s fore-rigging, she swept along with her bow grazing the muzzles of our guns, which was the only signal for their discharge, and the enemy’s bows were drove in by this raking fire. When her bowsprit came to our mizen-rigging, I ordered it to be lashed, which was performed in a most steady manner by the exertions of Captain Webley, Lieutenant Lawless, Mr. Strode, the Master, and other brave men, under a very heavy fire from the enemy’s musketry, by which, I am sorry to add, Lieutenant Lawless is severely wounded. The ship being in six fathoms water, I had a hope I should have been able to have towed her out in that position; but an anchor had been let go from her unknown to us, which rendered it impossible. At this period much valour was displayed on both sides, and several attempts made to board by her bowsprit; but nothing could withstand the cool and determined fire of the marines under Captain Bayley and the other officers, as well as the fire from our stern-chase guns; and in less than half an hour she was obliged to surrender. On this occasion I again received the greatest aid from Captain Martin, who anchored his ship in a position to heave the Centaur off, after she and the prize had grounded, which was fortunately effected at a moment when two of the enemy’s ships were seen under sail standing towards us, but who retreated when they saw us extricated from this difficulty.
“The prize proved to be the Sewolod, of 74 guns, Captain Ruodneff. She had so much water in her, and being fast on shore, that after taking out the prisoners and wounded men, I was obliged to give orders for her being burnt; which service was completely effected under the direction of Lieutenant Biddulph of this ship, by seven o’clock in the morning.
“I cannot speak too highly of the brave and gallant conduct of Captain Webley, and every officer and man under his command; and I beg leave to recommend to you, for the notice of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, Lieutenant Lawless, for his exertions and gallant conduct, and who has severely suffered on this occasion: I also must beg leave to recommend Lieutenant William Case, the senior officer of this ship[1].
“Herewith you will receive a list of the killed and wounded on board this ship and the Implacable; and from every information that it was- ↑ Lieutenant Paul Lawless was made a Commander on the 19th of the ensuing month. Lieutenant Case did not obtain promotion till Aug. 7, 1812.
