with the hope of intercepting such uf the enemy’s vessels as might attempt to make their escape; two of the gun-vessels we found deserted in the entrance of this river, and were afterwards destroyed; on a nearer approach to this place, I observed some were burning, others were sunk, and drifting about in ail directions; and I have the satisfaction to inform you of the total destruction of the French flotilla that was stationed at Cuxhaven, which were twenty large gun schuyts: the timely appearance of H.M. brigs prevented the escape of two, and I firmly believe, led to the destruction of the rest by their own hands: the Hamburgh flag is displayed on the batteries and castle of Ritzbuttel, and I intend to gain a communication with the shore. I am, &c.
“Sir,– I beg leave to acquaint you, for the information of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that, having had communication with the civil authorities of Ritzbuttel, they expressed a desire that I would take possession of the batteries that had lately been evacuated by the French. I accordingly, this morning (17th) disembarked the small detachment of thirty-two of the Royal Veteran battalion, from Heligoland, and took possession of Cuxhaven battery. Fort Napoleon, which is half a mile higher up the river, I shall order to be destroyed. Every thing in these forts is in disorder; the guns dismounted, the carriages and stores destroyed. From what I have been able to observe this day, all is anarchy and confusion among the inhabitants, but they rejoiced much at a few English being landed. No senate as yet is formed at Hamburgh, nor do I hear of the Russian army having entered that city; whenever that can be ascertained, I shall communicate this event to the commanding officer there.
“The French withdrew from this place yesterday morning at five o’clock; their collective force was about twelve hundred; they made their retreat by Bederkesa to Bremen.
“I enclose a copy of the articles concluded on between the civil authorities and myself; I shall forward a list of military and other stores the moment I am able. I have the honor to be, &c.
“Articles concluded between the Civil Authorities of Ritzbuttel and Lieut. F. Banks, commanding H.M.’s forces in the river Elbe.
"The Hamburgh flag shall be hoisted in conjunction with the British, at the French batteries near Cuxhaven, until his Britannic Majesty’s pleasure is known. All military and other stores, belonging to the French, shall be delivered up to the English.
“The British troops shall take immediate possession of the batteries, and garrison the same.
“Executed on board H.M.’s brig the Blazer, this 17th March, 1813.”
On the 21st of the same months the Blazer’s cutter and
