“I cannot conclude this narrative without rendering Captain Farquhar my fullest approbation for his able and steady support; and particularly for his leading away l’Hortense in a direction from the convoy. Nor can I ornit this opportunity to give my public testimony of the good conduct and bravery displayed by the officers, crew, and passengers, on board the Arrow; who by their exertions on this occasion surprised the enemy by a resistance which I apprehend was but little expected: and though his Majesty’s ships fell a sacrifice to superior force, I have no hesitation in believing the damage and delay caused to the enemy by this event, afforded the greater part of my charge time to effect their escape; and when I reflect that three vessels only were captured by them out of 32 sail, I cannot but express my admiration and thanks to the officers, crews, and passengers, of hia Majesty’s ships Arrow and Acheron, for their zeal and courage in so unequal a contest; and attribute the preservation of the convoy to their manly and united efforts, by which the ultimate object of my wishes has been fulfilled[1].”
- ↑ The total number of officers, men, and boys, on board the Arrow at the commencement of the action was 132. The Acheron mounted only eight 24-pounders, and had no more than 67 persons at quarters. L’Hortense, the Commodore’s frigate, mounted 48 guns, and was crowded with troops, like her consort. The enemy’s joint force was consequently 90
with the greatest grief, I saw the Arrow obliged to strike, being no longer able to contend with the great superiority of force opposed to her. She had I conceive received much damage in the act of wearing, as she lay a considerable time with her head to the enemy. The Acheron being now very much disabled in yards, masts, sails, and rigging; part of her sternpost being also carried away; I considered further resistance on my part could answer no good end, and unwilling to sacrifice the lives of men who had given me the highest proof of their courage, I determined to make what sail I could, with little hopes of saving the ship, but with a view to procrastinate my capture, in order to give the convoy a greater chance of escaping: the superiority of sailing on the part of the enemy’s frigate rendered the chase but short; about 8-45, having already received one broadside and part of another during the pursuit, and the enemy being now very near, with the greatest concern we were obliged to surrender to l’Hortense of 44 guns, commanded by Mons. de la Marre de la Mellerie. We were then taken possession of, and as soon as the officers and crew of the Acheron were removed, the enemy finding her much disabled, thought fit to burn her.”
