a signal gun was fired, and instantly followed by a discharge of grape from a battery at the N.E. point, and another at the head of the bay, together with the guns from the brig, which were found to be six in number, and muskets from the bushes between the batteries. Under this fire, the boats pulled to the brig; but, finding her abandoned, I pushed for the shore. The boats grounding at some distance; the people had to wade up to their middles in water. As we advanced to the battery, the enemy retreated, took post behind a brick breast-work, and over it engaged us with musketry; but from which they were soon driven, and we became masters of their ground, where we found two magazines, containing twenty barrels of powder, and some implements of war, all which we destroyed. In this battery was one 24-pounder, which we disabled and threw over the cliff. In about half an hour after, we carried another battery, of three 24-pounders, the whole of which we spiked and rendered useless, burning the carriages and guard-house. This battery was very complete, with a ditch all round it, and having a small bridge, and gateway entrance. After this service was performed, we returned to the brig, and found her fast in the mud, the enemy having cut her cables on leaving her; but after much difficulty and exertion she was got off. Near her lay a large English built ship, in the mud, under repair; and, farther in shore, a very fine national schooner, pierced for sixteen guns, twelve only on board. The situation of the ship, which we could not move, rendered it impossible to get out the schooner. I therefore set fire to, and burnt both of them; six howitzers, found on the beach, we buried in the sand. All the officers and men conducted themselves with great bravery; and I received from Mr. Shillibeer (the officer of marines), Mr. A. G. Countess (master’s-mate), and Mr. Bray (the gunner), every assistance I could possibly require. I am happy to say, that only two of our men were severely wounded, – one in going up to loose the brig’s fore-top-sail, the other in attacking the batteries. The enemy must, I think, have lost many men, as I found two officers dead, and several wounded. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Captain Hayes,
&c. &c. &c.”
We are credibly informed that Lieutenant Hope was himself wounded on this occasion, although his modesty prevented him from officially reporting it.
On the 25th of the same month, Sir Alexander Cochrane transmitted both the above letters to the Admiralty, with one from himself, in which, after dwelling upon the importance of the service, in reference to the intended attack upon the island at large, he says:–
