termined to attack, notwithstanding their advantageous position; at nine the fire commenced on the boats (one of which was despatched under the directions of Mr. James Crisp, master’s-mate, to disperse some small-armed men collected on shore – this he effected, and returned to the attack before the enemy struck); and after a most sanguinary combat, they were carried, in that true and gallant style which far surpasses any comment of mine on its merits, or of the characters of the brave fellows employed. They proved to be his Danish Majesty’s schooner. No. 114, of six six-pounders and thirty men, and cutter No. 97, of four six-pounders and twenty-two men, commanded by Lieutenant Buderoff, a first lieutenant in the Danish navy, and commodore of a division of small vessels employed on this coast, in person on board the schooner; and an American ship of about four hundred tons, their prize.
“I lament to say, that the loss on both sides is severe, and nearly similar. Though I have before had occasion to represent the meritorious conduct of Lieutenant Hawkins, I cannot in this instance sufficiently express my sentiments of his gallantry, as well as that of Lieutenant Thomas J. P. Masters, second of the Horatio. Lieutenant Hawkins, who received a severe wound in the right hand when the boats were advancing, and another in the left arm in the act of boarding, represents the spirited and able support he received from Lieutenant Masters, who was also severely wounded in the right arm; and I must also bear testimony to the merits of this officer. The service has lost a valuable officer in First Lieutenant George Syder (royal marines), killed in the act of boarding; and that of a most amiable young man, Mr. James Larans, assistant-surgeon, who soon after died of his wounds. I must also represent the high terms in which Lieutenant Hawkins speaks of Mr. James Crisp, master’s-mate, Mr. William Hughes, boatswain, and Mr. Thomas Fowler, midshipman; the two latter are also severely wounded.
“The services of Lieutenants Hawkins and Masters, with the petty-officers, and the several instances of spirited behaviour of the seamen and marines, well deserve the encomiums already passed. The unwearied, skilful, and humane attention of Mr. Thomas Bishop, surgeon, to the wounded, demand my warmest acknowledgments. Our loss is to be attributed to the desperate resistance made by the Danish commodore, (who is severely wounded, as well as the commander of the cutter) and the excellent position his vessels were placed in. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Admiral William Young, &c. &c.”
The persevering gallantry displayed on this occasion was in the highest degree honourable to Lieutenant Hawkins and his party; but the more their gallant spirit excited the admiration of Admiral Young the more he lamented that so many
