the enemy to be on fire. Lieutenant Smith, and other officers, were then sent with proper assistance; but just as they and succeeded in extinguishing the fire, she fell on her larboard bilge into deeper water and sank.
“She proves to have been the French national corvette la Fleché, mounting twenty long French 8-pounders, answering to English nines, with 2 stern-chasers, though it appears that all her guns were not mounted in the first action [1]. She was larger than the Victor in dimensions, perfectly new, a remarkably fast sailer, and not four months from France, commanded by Captain Bonamy, Lieutenant de Vaisseau with four Lieutenants, and a complement of 145 men, some of whom had been left sick at Bourbon.
“From a number of dead and dying men reported to have been found on her forecastle as well as 2 alongside, I am induced to believe the carnage was great, although only 4 are acknowledged by the French captain. She had 20 men to assist at her guns, forming a part of the crew of la Chiffone French frigate, captured here a few days since by H.M. ship Sybille, Captain Adam[2]. The obstinate defence made by la Fleché was on the supposition of the Victor being a privateer.
“From the length of time elapsed ere this business was brought to a close, I have felt it necessary to be thus particular in my details; and I trust for your excuse should I dwell longer, as I feel I should do an injustice to every officer and man on board did I neglect paying a just tribute to the cool undetermined bravery they evinced; even men labouring under a lingering fever (of whom I had unfortunately 30) felt a proportionate zeal * * * *. In this action I most fortunately had not a man either killed or wounded; but our hull, rigging, and boats, have suffered much, besides having some shot between wind and water. I am, &c. &c. &c.
“To Sir Home Popham, K.M. &c.”
Capt Collier’s unremitting perseverance under every trying circumstance, and his determined conduct in warping the Victor into Mahé Harbour, was so highly approved by the Admiralty, that Earl St. Vincent, who then presided at the board, directed a post commission to be made out for him, and antedated, so as to give him precedence over the whole of those officers who had been included in the general promotion of April 29, 1802[4]; he was the same time appointed to
- ↑ The Victor mounted 16 32–pounder carronades and two long sixes.
- ↑ See Vol. II. part I, page 222, et seq.
- ↑ Le Fleché was afterwards weighed by the French, and captured from them by the present Rear-Admiral Bingham. See Vol. I. page 724.
- ↑ Sir Home Popham’s letter, enclosing Captain Collier’s account of the action, was received at the Admiralty July 20, 1802. Captain Collier’s post commission best date April 22, 1802.
