of them to be equipped in the best manner that circumstances would permit, and conducted to Minorca and Cuba. Two first rates were conducted to the latter island by Captain Cockburn.
Expeditions were also formed to act on different parts of the Andalusian coast, one of which effected a landing about four leagues to the southward of the Huebla river, and made an impetuous attack upon a strong corps of cavalry posted at the town of Moguer. The enemy, not being prepared for such a visit, soon fled from the town, but rallied in the neighbourhood, and attempted to regain their ground. Worsted, however, in every attempt, they ultimately retreated towards Seville; and the allied force returned to Cadiz with some prisoners, and a number of volunteers for the army. Respecting this service, Sir R. G. Keats, on the 30th of August, 1810, wrote to the Admiralty as follows:
“I have received, through his Majesty’s minister at this place, the copy of a letter from his Excellency M. de Bardaxi, secretary of state for foreign affairs, strongly expressive of the sentiments of satisfaction and gratitude felt by the Council of Regency at the able and distinguished co-operation afforded General Lacey[errata 1] by Captain Cockburn, the officers, and seamen under his command; and it becomes my duty to mark, in the strongest manner, how sensibly I feel the public service has been benefited by Captain Cockburn’s able, cheerful, and zealous conduct.”
About this period, a company of shipwrights arrived at Cadiz from England; and Sir R. G. Keats lost no time in forming a flotilla to annoy the enemy’s working parties, and to act against the naval force then preparing at San-Lucar. A small building yard was soon established, and ten gun-boats were speedily constructed ; nine others wore brought from Gibraltar; and, at length, thirty vessels of this description were equipped and manned by the British squadron. This flotilla was most ably and gallantly commanded, for many months, by Captains Robert Hall and Thomas Fellowes; and, after their promotion to post rank, by Captains Frederick Jennings Thomas, and William Fairbrother Carroll. Every day, when the state of the weather permitted, these gun-boats were actively employed alongshore, and, together
Errata:
- ↑ Correction: Lacey should be amended to Lyon
