We shall here lay before our readers the copies of two letters from Rear-Admiral Manley Dixon, addressed to Captain Stephen Poyntz, of the Edgar 74, which, as they never appeared in the London Gazette, although the vessels they refer to were purchased for Government, may prove gratifying to the parties immediately concerned.
“Sir,– I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, stating the capture of three of the enemy’s row gun-boats by the boats of the Edgar and Dictator, under the direction of Lieutenant Hewes, first of the former ship, on the night of the 7th instant; and in return, I most sincerely congratulate you on the successful result of that gallant and well conducted service, which so strongly evinced the spirit and discipline of the two ships in the persons of the brave officers, seamen, and marines, by whom it was so promptly executed. I have not failed to take the earliest moment to forward your letter to the commander-in-chief, as likewise a duplicate to the secretary of the Admiralty. The gun-boats, from their construction, being well adapted to give additional strength to the flotilla of H.M. ships in the Belt, I have ordered them to be fitted out immediately; and having directed the necessary survey, and valuation thereon, I have forwarded the report to the commander-in-chief for his approval, recommending them to be purchased for H.M. service. The Ruby, Edgar, and Ganges, are each to have one; the captain of the Saturn has my orders to deliver the one she has to you, and which I have named the Hewes, as a small testimony of the very high opinion I entertain of the gallanty and merit of the first lieutenant of the Edgar. I have the honor to be, &c.
“Sir,– Having received a letter from Vice-Admiral Sir James Saumarez, Bart. K.B. &c. &c. commander-in-chief in the Baltic, desiring me to signify to you his approbation of your skill and judgment in planning the attack of the Danish gun-boats, and which had been so bravely executed by the ofHcers and men under the orders of Lieutenant Hewes, and that likewise you should signify to them his highest approbation of their gallant conduct upon that occasion, I have great pleasure in signifying the same to you ; and am. Sir, &c.
Lieutenant Hewes was promoted to the rank of commander on the 1st Aug. 1811.
