850
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1804.
an account of the enterprise, and of Captain Hillyar’s dashing conduct on that occasion:
“Minotaur, Sept. 6, 1800.
“My Lord,– Knowing how anxious and desirous your Lordship was, as well as the service I should render to my country, by cutting out or destroying the two corvettes, lying in Barcelona road, mentioned in your Lordship’s letter to Captain Oliver; and, in order to check the two ships sailing upon this intended secret expedition, induced me to persevere in the following attempt.
“On the evening of the 3d instant, after having delivered Captain Hillyar his orders to join your Lordship, a breeze sprung up from the westward, with every appearance of a close night. I again called him on hoard, with the signal at the same time to prepare boats. Captain Hillyar and Lieutenant Schomberg[1] volunteered their services, assisted hy Lieutenants Warrand, Lowry, and Healy; Mr. Reid, Master; and Lieutenant Jewell, of the marines. The boats left the Minotaur about 8 P.M., and the firing began from all quarters before nine o’clock. About ten, I had the pleasing satisfaction to see two ships dropping out of the road under a heavy fire from four strong batteries, ten gun-boats, and two schooners, each mounting two 42-pounders the fort of Montjoui at the same time throwing shells. The Minotaur and Niger were well placed in good season to cover the party, and the service was performed throughout with an enterprising spirit, good conduct, and in a gallant style. The loss in killed and wounded fell principally upon two boats, hut is not great when compared to. the situation so many men were placed in for a considerable time[2]. The ships, about eleven o’clock, were perfectly free from the fire of the enemy’s batteries and gun-boats; the men of war checking the movements of the latter. The prizes, named El Esmeralda and la Paz, are about 400 tons each, mounting 22 brass guns, 12 and 9-pounders, laden with provisions, stores, &c. supposed for Batavia, and on Dutch account: they were to have taken 300 troops of the regiment of Batavian Swiss on board from the island of Majorca. I found several Dutch officers on board El Esmeralda. The officers and several men of la Paz quitted her in boats during the action. She is a very fine ship, quite new, sails remarkably well, and I make no doubt your Lordship will find her in all respects calculated for his Majesty’s service: El Esmeralda is also a very fine ship. I beg leave strongly to recommend to your Lordship’s notice, Captain Hillyar and Lieutenant Schomberg: their services upon this occasion deserve the first attention and highest- ↑ Lieutenant, now Captain, Charles Marsh Schomberg, see p. 830.
- ↑ Two seamen killed; one officer, four seamen, and one marine, wounded; the latter mortally. The enemy had 3 men killed and 21 wounded.
