outer road), wind and weather favorable, for the entrance of the harboar, ten in a line abreast, each having another in tow, chained together at a distance of fifteen fathoms, and firmly secured with hawsers: in that position bear down on the enemy, on a signal made by the commodore; the headmost one to go on the starboard bow, and sternmost on the larboard bow of the ship to be attacked, by means of which the enemy will he placed between two fires, and if he attempt to tow off one vessel, it will but the more entangle him with the other. It may be proper the attack should be made between the hours of one and two in the morning, and if possible at the setting of the moon. In order effectually to ensure success to an enterprise of such moment, and in which, from the nature of the place, ships of war cannot assist, I farther propose the vessels should be so fitted with combustibles, and have trains so placed, that they should not be set fire to until actually on board the enemy’s ships, when the fire must be so sudden and extensive as to preclude all possibility of extinguishing it. The boats are then to put off, and make the best of their way to the commodore, which, from the confusion that must inevitably take place among the enemy, appears probable may be done with trifling loss on our part, particularly as the whole force to be engaged will not amount to 200 men. To prevent, as far as possible, the enemy gaining information of such design, let the vessels be collected and equipped at sea; but I beg to add, that what I have taken the liberty of offering may be liable to alterations and improvements, by abler and more experienced heads than mine; yet I cannot conclude without making a request, if such an enterprise should be undertaken while I have the honor of being under your command, I may be employed on that service, when I will do my best to destroy one of the enemy’s ships. With every sentiment of respect and esteem, I have the honor to remain. Sir, your most obedient and humble servant,
A few days after, Sir Samuel Hood was pleased to inform Lieutenant Canning, that he had communicated the contents of his letter to the commander-in-chief, Sir Charles Cotton, who expressed much approbation thereat.
In May 1811, Sir Samuel left the Mediterranean, he having been appointed to the chief command in India; but as Lieutenant Canning was on Mr. Yorke’s list for promotion, he remained in the Hibernia until June 1812, when he was appointed, by Sir Edward Pellew, acting commander of the Swallow sloop, at Port Mahon. In August following, we find him commanding the Kite sloop, employed in the Archipelago, on which station he continued, under the orders of Captain Henry Hope and his successor, Captain John Clavell,
