Smith’s official letter to Lord Keith, relative to the memorable battles of Mar. 8th, 13th, and 21st, 1801, on which latter day the heroic Abercromby received his mortal wound:–
“It would be superfluous for me to relate to your Lordship the admirable manner in which the officers and men you appointed me to command went into action with me on the day of the disembarkation, as you were yourself a witness of the gallant and judicious conduct of Captains Maitland and Stewart, in covering the flanks of the line with the armed launches; and must, as well as myself, have admired the bravery, activity, and perseverance of Captains Ribouleau, Guion, Saville, Duni, and Hillyar, together with that of the officers and seamen under their orders; by whose unparalleled exertions the cannon were disembarked at the same moment with the troops, and moved forward with them in action. * * * * * * The determined courage of this gallant army in the close contest they had to maintain on the beach, at the critical time of forming, secured the victory to us on that day; and it is with heartfelt satisfaction that I have now to congratulate your Lordship on the brilliant success of the army yesterday. * * * * * * The commander-in-chief has again been pleased to express his approbation of the exertions of the seamen and their officers; and I am happy in being able to testify that their conduct was, if possible, more praiseworthy than on the day of disembarkation; the labour they had to go through was considerably greater, and the fire they had to undergo in the passive employment of dragging up cannon for more able gunners to fire, was much more heavy and of longer duration. It is impossible to distinguish any particular officer, where all behaved equally well, each doing his utmost to keep the guns up with the line; which was, of course, difficult in sandy uneven ground, when the troops pressed forward in their eager approach to, and ardent pursuit of the enemy. * * * * * * Captain Ribouleau, the senior commander, exerted himself in the most praiseworthy manner along the whole line on shore.”[1]
