sequently commanded the Desirée and Pique frigates, on the Jamaica station. In Aug. 1803, we find the former ship employed in the blockade of St. Domingo, on which service she continued till the evacuation of that place by the French troops under General Rochambeau, an event already noticed at p. 815 of our first volume[1]. Among the armed vessels taken by the Pique in 1804 and 1805, were le Terreur French cutter, of 10 guns and 75 men; and the Orquijo, a Spanish corvette, mounting 18 guns. The capture of two French brigs of war in the following year is thus described by Captain Ross in his official letter to the commander-in-chief:
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, that yesterday, crossing over from St. Domingo to Curaçoa, I fell in with two men of war brigs, standing in for the land. At one P.M. being within long range, I commenced firing to prevent their getting in with the shore; and from superior sailing closed with them at two, when a most destructive fire continued for about twenty minutes; but a flaw of wind favouring us, the helm was put down, which placed us immediately across the hawse of the Commodore. She was directly boarded by Lieutenants Ward and Baker, and every inch of her decks most obstinately defended. The slaughter on both sides was dreadful; and it is with real concern I state the loss of Mr. (John) Thompson, the Master, who was killed, with 8 seamen; and Lieutenants Ward and Baker, with 12 seamen and marines, wounded[2]. The contest was very severe; but in about five minutes the colours were hauled down: the other struck after a few broadsides more, and we took possession of the Phaeton and Voltigeur, of 16 guns and 120 men each, French brigs of war, beautiful vessels, and only nine months old. It was impossible for two vessels to be more obstinately defended, every thing being cut to pieces, and nearly one half of their crews killed or wounded. I understand they had been roughly handled by an English man of war brig the day before[3].
“I beg leave to recommend to your notice my first Lieutenant, (William) Ward, whose good conduct at all times has merited the highest approbation; he is, I am afraid, dangerously wounded[4]. * * * * The- ↑ The Desireé’s boats appear to have captured and destroyed a great number of vessels laden with supplies for the enemy’s garrison.
- ↑ The boarding party consisted of not more than 30 officers and men; but Captain Ross, who had gone in chase of the other brig, lost no time in sending a fresh supply, when he discovered that the enemy were not inclined to yield so tamely as had been expected.
- ↑ See Captain John Fyffe.
- ↑ Lieutenant Ward had previously distinguished himself when com-
