with ours is trifling; the first Lieutenant of marines[1] and 8 men killed; the first Lieutenant and Master of the ship, and 11 men wounded; her lewer masts badly wounded, stern much shattered, and very much cut up about the rigging.
“The Guerrière was so cut up, that all attempts to get her in would have been useless. As soon as the wounded were got out of her, they set her on fire; and I feel it my duty to state, that the conduct of Captain Hull and his officers to our men has been that of a brave enemy, the greatest care being taken to prevent them losing the smallest trifle, and the greatest attention being paid to the wounded, who, through the attention and skill of Mr. Irvine, Surgeon, I hope, will do well.
“I hope, though success has not crowned our efforts, you will not think it presumptuous in me to say, the greatest credit is due to the officers and ship’s company for their exertions, particularly when exposed to the heavy raking fire of the enemy: I feel particularly obliged for the exertions of Lieutenant Kent, who, though wounded early by a splinter, continued to assist me; in the second Lieutenant (Mr. Henry Ready), the service has suffered a severe loss; Mr. (Robert) Scott, the Master, though wounded, was particularly attentive, and used every exertion in clearing the wreck, as did the warrant officers. Lieutenant Nicholl, of the royal marines, and his party, supported the honorable character of their corps, and they suffered severely. I must recommend Mr. (William J.) Snow, Master’s Mate, who commanded the foremost main-deck guns, in the absence of Lieutenant (John) Pullman, and the whole after the fall of Lieutenant Ready, to your protection, he having received a severe contusion from a splinter. I must point out Mr. (John) Garby, acting Purser, to your notice, who volunteered his services on deck, commanded the after quarterdeck guns, and was particularly active, as well as Mr. (John W.) Bannister, Midshipman.
“I hope, in considering the circumstances, you will think the ship entrusted to my charge was properly defended; the unfortunate loss of our masts, the absence of the third Lieutenant, second Lieutenant of marines, three Midshipmen, and twenty-four men, considerably weakened our crew, and we only mustered at quarters 244 men and 19 boys, on coming into action; the enemy had such an advantage from his marines and riflemen, when close; and his superior sailing enabled him to choose his distance.
“I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“Jas. R. Dacres.”
Qn the 2d Oct following, a court-martial was assembled on board the Africa 64, at Halifax, to try Captain Dacres for surrendering his ship to the enemy: the following is, we believe, a correct copy of the address, which was delivered by him, after the evidence had been gone through:–
- ↑ He was killed by a British marine when leading his party forward to board the Guerrière at 5-40 P.M.
