actual possession of our squadron. I beg you will persevere in your activity, and I am induced to hope that we shall yet succeed in getting every thing clear of Gluckstadt. I remain, dear Sir, &c.
The flotilla alluded to consisted of an armed brig, a galliot, and nine gun-vessels. During the absence of the British force, the masts of the former had been cut away above the deck, and two of the latter sunk; added to which, the greater part of the rigging, sails, &c., of the whole, had been stolen from the storehouses. Notwithstanding all these difficulties, and the extremely limited means at his disposal. Lieutenant Woollnough had the satisfaction of bringing away all the vessels, except those sunk, together with forty-nine heavy guns and mortars. This service was performed in an incredibly short time, to the astonishment of the Danish naval officers, who had offered heavy beta that, with the few men he had, it would not be accomplished in a month, if at all. The galliot and gun-boats were sold; the brig, in company with our own flotilla, arrived at the Nore, Aug. 1st, 1814. About this period. Lieutenant Woollnough received letters from Commander Marshall and the Count de Bennigsen, of which the following are copies:–
“My dear Sir,– It is particularly gratifying to me, when on the eve of resigning the command of the Elbe squadron, to notice the good conduct of the officers who served in it. I therefore feel very great pleasure in expressing my sense of your services; although I am assured the captain of your own sloop will not neglect to observe your merits. Your great zeal and exertions are honourable claims, and will, I trust, lead you to promotion, of which I am confident your efforts will, on every occasion, render you worthy. I have the pleasure to remain, yours very faithfully.
“Monsr. Lieutenant Woollnough. – Sa Majesté l’empereur de tout les Russes, sur ma representation, a bien voulu rendre justice à la bravour et aux talens militaires dont vous avez donné des preuves pendant le blocus de Hamburg et Haarburg – surtout dans la dernier affaire navale contre les fortifications de Haarburg. Pour vous donner une marque de son contentement, Sa Majesté a daigné vous conferer son ordre de St. Vladimir, 4{{sup|me} class, dont je joins ici les signes pour vous en decorer.
Commandant-in-chef de l’Armée de Pologne,
Generale de Cavallerie.”
“No. 589. A 5 Juillet, 1814.”
