failed us, and I had the mortification to observe that we should not be able, in the ship, to cut off the brigs, especially as we were obliged to make a tack. Some of our shot reached the convoy, two of which ran on shore; a third was deserted by her crew. I therefore despatched Lieutenant J. Jones in the 6-oared cutter, to take possession of the latter, and of any others of the convoy that were not close to the land. This service he performed with great judgment and gallantry, and fortunately without loss, though the grape from the shore and armed brigs passed through and through his boat. One of the gun-brigs making a show of sweeping out, I sent Lieutenant James Wallace Gabriel, first of this ship, with three boats, to meet her; but as she retreated under the protection of the land batteries, and also within musket-shot of the numerous soldiery which lined the beach, I would not allow my gallant friend to make the attack under such great disadvantage, but directed him to proceed with the boat towards St. Gillis’s, where several vessels were observed nearly becalmed. At about 11h 30' the boats got up with the easternmost brig; and by 2h 30' P.M. they were all, (fourteen in number) in our possession except one, which drove on shore and was lost. The crews of the enemy’s vessels took to their boats; but I fear, as the sea ran very high, some of them were drowned in attempting to land. Had the breeze fortunately continued, I have no doubt but we should have taken and destroyed the whole convoy, which, exclusive of the gun-brigs, consisted of twenty-seven brigs, sloops, and chasse marées. I have the pleasure to add, thait the officers and seamen employed on this service, performed it to my satisfaction, and to their own credit, Enclosed is a list of the vessels taken and destroyed, with their cargoes[1]. I have the honor to be, &c. &c.
“To Rear-Admiral
Sir R. J. Strachan, Bart.”
Subsequent to this event Captain Barrie was placed under the orders of Lord Collingwood on the Mediterranean station, where he captured a Neapolitan privateer, commanded by no less a personage than the Chevalier de Boissi, Adjutant-
- ↑ Fourteen brigs, &c., laden with wheat, flour, provisions iron, and timber, captured; two brigs laden with naval stores, and another with wheat, destroyed. Sir R. J. Strachan, enraptured with the boldness of the above enterprise, and rejoicing at the success attending it, on seeing the prizes come out, telegraphed to his squadron “The Pomone has great merit;” and again expressed his admiration of her conduct when transmitting the foregoing letter to Captain Barrie’s uncle, the late Admiral Lord Gardner, who then commanded the Channel fleet.
Captain Barrie’s boats, in company with those of the Hazard sloop, had a few weeks before cut four luggers laden with wine, brandy, &c., out of a harbour in Isle Rhé.
