reporting the capture of the valuable islands of Banda on the 9th Aug. 1810; and transmitting copies of the reports made to you by Captain Cole, of the particulars of that gallant achievement, and especially of the storming of the almost impregnable fortress of Belgica, by a body of lees than 200 men, under his immediate direction, which led to the final surrender of the islands. Upon this occasion, so honorable to His Majesty’s arms, I have been commanded to express to you their Lordships’ high approbation of the judgment and gallantry displayed by Captain Cole, and of the zeal and valour of all the officers and men under his orders, which you will accordingly signify to them in a proper manner. I am, &c.
The Caroline was paid off in Jan. 1812, and on that occasion Captain Cole had the gratification of receiving an epistle from his veteran crew, an exact copy of which is subjoined:
“We the crew of H.M.S. Caroline wishes to give you our most gracious thanks for the care and favour you have shewn to this ship’s company, by making you a present of a sword amounting to 100 guineas for your noble and brave conduct when you led us to the storm of Banda, and likewise the zealous bravery in landing our troops at Batavia; and by excepting of this present you will gratify the wishes of your most obedient ship’s company,
Captain Cole received the honor of knighthood, May 29, 1812; and on his return from the Prince Regent’s levee, the sword alluded to above was presented to him by Mr. Barker, a cutler of Portsmouth, with an address couched in the following terms:
“Sir,– I am requested by James Macdowal, and others, on behalf of the crew of H.M. frigate Caroline, to present you with this sword, as a testimony of the high esteem and respect they entertain for you as their late Commander, in return for the marked attention you at all times paid to them; for the gallant manner in which you took them into action, and for the honorable manner in which you brought them out; for the unceasing zeal you invariably have manifested for your country’s cause, and for the comforts they enjoyed whilst they served under your command, they humbly trust you will accept the same, as a pledge of gratitude and token of veneration for you, which time can never efface from their memory.”
A present and an address of this kind, from private men to their late commander, must be regarded as a compliment of the highest and most valuable description. Captain Cole
