Lieutenant Cupples, pushed off for the river Mundaca, where a landing was effected about two miles from Bermeo, the object of our attack. The French guard, stationed in the town of Mundaca, evacuated it immediately.
“The frigates advancing with a light breeze towards Bermeo, while the party which had landed appeared on the hills turning the enemy’s right, gave him but little time to hesitate; and Mons. Dedier, the commandant, took the short, though rugged road, over the mountains for Bilboa. The next morning at day-break Mr. Kingdom, Masters-Mate, was despatched to blow up the guard-house, and destroy the signal-station on the heights of Machichaco, which service he executed perfectly.
“In the course of the day every thing that could be ascertained to be public property belonging to the French was either brought off or destroyed; the guard-house, store-house, and stabling on the hill, blown up and burnt; and its battery, consisting of four IS-pounders, destroyed, the guns broken, the gunpowder given to Pastor, and the shot thrown into the sea. Two other small batteries, commanding the high road and molehead, sharing the same fate.
“The utmost possible annoyance having been given to the enemy, and all the vessels brought out from the mole, the marines and guerillas were re-embarked; and this morning I despatched the latter, under protection, of the Iris, to land at a spot agreed upon with Pastor, remaining here myself until I have adjusted the claims of several Spaniards respecting their vessels. I have the satisfaction to state, that yesterday a small division of 50 men, despatched from Bilboa to succour the garrison, approached the town, and were met by the advanced guerilla guard, of trifling numerical superiority, and immediately put to flight. Some few of the enemy were killed, though only one prisoner was brought in, who owes his life to his having fallen into the hands of a Guerilla recruit.
“I have only to add, that the most perfect cordiality prevailed among our men and the Spaniards; that no loss whatever was sustained by us; and that the steady conduct of Lieutenant Cupples, the officers, and royal marines, would have decided the business of the day had the enemy given them the meeting; and I feel considerable obligation to my first Lieutenant, O’Reilly, and the officers and crews of both ships. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Admiral Sir Charles Cotton, Bart.”
