possible to collect, thut of the enemy’s ship captured[1]. I have the honor to be, &c.,
“To Sir James Saumarez, Bart.
&c. &c. &c.”
Captain Martin’s letter, alluded to by Sir Samuel Hood, was couched in the following modest terms:
“Sir,– The action this morning between the Implacable and the rear ship of the Russian line, was so immediately under your own observation, that it would be superfluous to trouble you with any statement upon that point; but in transmitting a list of killed and wounded, I trust I may be allowed the opportunity to express my thankfulness to the officers and ship’s company of the Implacable, for their eager and active exertions to close with the enemy, and the truly noble and splendid conduct which they displayed during the engagement; but it is my duty to acknowledge, hi a more particular manner, the great assistance I derived from Mr. Baldwin, the first Lieutenant, and Mr. Moore, the Master; and if the fact of our opponent being completely silenced, and his colours (both ensign and pendant) down, when the approach of the whole Russian fleet occasioned your recalling me, can tend to make the affair worthy of being distinguished by any mark of approval from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, it is impossible that patronage can be bestowed upon a more thoroughly deserving officer than Mr. Baldwin. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Sir Samuel Hood, K.B.
Rear-Admiral of the White[2].”
Early in 1809, we find Sir Samuel Hood and Captain Webley employed at Corunna, under the orders of Rear-Admiral de Courcy; and subsequently receiving the thanks of Par-
- ↑ Centaur 3 killed, 27 wounded; Implacable 6 killed, 26 wounded; Sewolod 303 killed, wounded, and missing; 43 of this number were slain, and 80 wounded, in her action with the Implacable; but 108 fresh sailors and soldiers were brought to her by the boats from Rogerswick.
- ↑ The allied force on the above occasion consisted of twelve two-deckers, mounting in the whole 882 guns; five frigates, mounting 208 guns; and one brig. The enemy had only nine sail of the line, but two of them were three-deckers, and they carried altogether 756 guns; three of their frigates mounted 50, and two others 44 guns each; besides which they had six other vessels mounting 124 guns, and four whose armament could not be ascertained. Allowing the latter as a set off against the Swedish brig, the numbers will be found to be as follow: British and Swedes, seventeen sail and 1090 guns; Russians, twenty sail and 1118 guns. Upwards of a third of the Swedish sailors were either ill in bed with the scurvy, or had previously been sent to sick quarters at Carlscrona.
