Cochrane, alongside the Ramillies to be lightened, for the purpose of getting her as near to New Orleans as possible; and by the exertions of Captain Westphal, she was prepared for that service in a very few hours, when she proceeded up Lake Borgne, with the view of co-operating with, and protecting the boats of the squadron destined for the attack of the enemy’s gun-vessels. The Anaconda was of the greatest service in receiving on board the wounded men after the capture of the flotilla[1]. By his indefatigable exertions. Captain Westphal forced the brig he commanded over a bank, which extended five miles, with only eight feet water on it, which enabled him to proceed nearly twenty miles more in advance than any other of H.M. armed brigs, and which was of the greatest service to the expedition, as it enabled her to guard the passage of the boats, from the ships to their destination, with supplies for the troops; and I have every reason to believe that many of the boats would have fallen into the hands of the enemy, had it not been for the protection they received from the Anaconda. As I was ordered up the lake, I was many days on board the Anaconda. I have great pleasure in bearing testimony to the above statement, and cannot too strongly recommend Captain Westphal to their Lordships’ protection. He then volunteered his services, with the greater part of his crew, to assist in the batteries before New Orleans. Given under my hand this 20th day of April, 1818.
“Having been requested by Captain G. A. Westphal, late of H.M. sloop Anaconda, to state my opinion of the situation in which that sloop was placed at the time the attack was made on New Orleans, in Dec. 1814, I feel it my duty to lay the following observations before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
“Several of the senior captains of the fleet were directed by the commander-in-chief to occupy various stations on Lake Borgne, for the purpose of forwarding and hastening up troops, provisions, and stores for the army, the whole under the orders of Captain Sir Thomas Hardy. I was directed to take that nearest to the point of debarkation. I found the Anaconda about twenty miles farther advanced than any other of H.M. sloops, and placed in such an admirable position as enabled her most effectually to guard the passage of the boats of the squadron, from the ships to their destination against the enemy; as well as to afford them relief when, from the excessive fatigue of their crews, they were obliged to take refuge and protection on board. I therefore deemed it necessary to take up my residence on board that sloop, for the more effectually carrying on the duty entrusted to me. Captain Westphal was then serving on shore with the army, with the greater part of his officers and crew.
“A month’s continuance on that service gave me ample conviction of
