squadron on this occasion was comparatively small, when the nature and extent of the service performed, and the force opposed to him, are considered[1]. It amounted to no more than 2 men killed and 25 wounded; the former, and 19 of the latter, belonged to the Pomone.
Having thus afforded a specimen of the services performed by Captain Barrie, and the brave officers and men under his command, we shall now adduce, as an instance of their disinterested feeling on all occasions, an act of generosity towards a prisoner, whom many others would probably have deemed unworthy of such liberal treatment.
Among the numerous captures made by the Pomone, whilst on the Mediterranean station, was a vessel in which Lucien Buonaparte had embarked, with the plunder collected by him from every country where he had had an opportunity of evincing his rapacity. Though nearly related to the implacable enemy of Great Britain, and himself a rank and determined republican, he was treated with respect, and every article of his ill-gotten gains considered as private property, consequently held inviolate. How different this treatment from that experienced by many of our own countrymen who had the misfortune to be taken prisoners during the wars occasioned by the French revolution! How striking the contrast between the situation of the heroic Alexander’s and their female companions in a vile dungeon near Brest, and that of a Corsican adventurer and his family on board a British frigate[2]!!
In consequence of the handsome manner in which the Pomone’s crew had followed the example of Captain Barrie and his officers, by relinquishing all claim upon the ship and property, Lucien Buonaparte gave directions for 300l. to be
- ↑ The enemy having observed the British frigates on the 30th April, had made every preparation to give them a warm reception. The regular troops posted on the heights were more than 200 strong, exclusive of the marines from the ships, and a body of armed peasantry. The quarterdeck guns of la Nourrice had also been landed, and were used on the occasion. The ships destroyed were of the following tonnage: la Nourrice 1100, la Giraffe 900, and the armed merchantman 500 tons. The crews of the two former consisted of 300 men.
- ↑ See p. 702 et seq.
