seven gun battery, on the coast of Manfredonia. This service was performed without the loss of a man; and is thus noticed by Captain Cadogan, in a letter addressed to the Admiralty:
“I have detailed to Charles Rowley, Esq., captain of H.M. ship Eagle, the circumstances of an affair, in which the boats of this ship, under the command of my first lieutenant (William Hamley), had, in my opinion particularly distinguished themselves.”
And, in continuation, Captain Cadogan says:
“It is not a month ago, that this officer, in a manner that commanded my admiration, captured an enemy’s gun-vessel and convoy, of far superior force, under the most disadvantageous circumstances on hid side; and when I add an achievement of a similar nature performed by him upon a battery on the coast of France, all within the space of eighteen months, their lordships will not, I trust, be surprised at my submitting his services to their consideration, in hopes that they may establish his claim to the reward every officer aspires to, – promotion. If any testimony of mine can strengthen his pretensions in their lordships’ minds, he is justly entitled thereto; his conduct during near six years’ servitude with me, as lieutenant, having fully entitled him to my entire approbation, as an able, spirited, and excellent officer.”
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, that, in executing your orders of the 10th instant, the boats of this ship have been twice successfully employed against the enemy’s trade; once on the morning of the 22d inst. in the capture of a large trabacolo of three 9-pounders and small arms, and the destruction by fire of a similar vessel, laden with oil, under the town of Vasto; and again yesterday morning, in the capture of five armed trabacolos, and five feluccas laden with salt, near the town of Fortore. In both instances, the vessels being hauled aground, completely dismantled, and under the protection of a strong body of military on the beach, besides the guns of the latter vessels, which had been landed, I ordered my boats to land wide of the spot, and force their position; this was immediately effected (under a strong opposition) by Lieutenant Hamley, first of this ship; and the marines, under Lieutenant William Hockley, were very judiciously posted, whilst the vessels were equipped and got afloat by the exertions of the officers and men, with a celerity that reflects the highest credit on their characters. At Vasto, the French officer who headed the troops was killed. At Fortore, the enemy left one man slain. I am happy to say, we have only two men very slightly wounded. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Rear-Admiral Fremantle.”
