In 1812, while commanding the Sparrow sloop, on the north coast of Spain, Captain Tayler rendered himself eminently useful in surveying different harbours, particularly Socoa and St. Jean de Luz; and in ascertaining the strength of the different French garrisons along the shore of Biscay, in drawing plans of their works, and in obtaining correct information respecting their forces in the interior of that province[1].
These services were very highly appreciated by Sir Home Popham, the senior officer on that station, who promised to apply for him as his captain, should he be ordered to hoist a broad pendant. At this period, Captain Tayler was the junior commander under Sir Home’s orders.
When so dreadfully wounded by a shell, in the breaching battery before St. Sebastian, July 24th, 1813[2], Captain Tayler was holding a telescope belonging to Sir George Collier, which that officer had just before lent him to use as a baton in cheering up his men. We mention this circumstance in consequence of its having been insinuated that Captain Tayler was not on duty in the battery, and neglected to use due precaution. We happen to know that Sir George Collier called alongside the Sparrow for Captain Tayler, having previously sent on board an intimation that he was to accompany him to the battery. At the time he received his wounds. Captain Tayler was in the act of levelling a gun, and consequently not aware of the approach of the shell[3]. The services of the Sparrow during the winter of 1812, when frigates were not allowed to be to leeward of Cape Machicao[4], as officially noticed by Lord Keith, together with the wounds he received in the breaching battery at St. Sebastian, induced Lord Melville to send for Captain Tayler, and, unsolicited, to offer him the command of a post ship; but finding him still upon crutches, he regretted his unfortunate situation, and assured him his conduct and sufferings
- ↑ See Suppl. Part III. p. 138.
- ↑ See id. p. 145.
- ↑ The varnish on the telescope was scorched off, leaving the impression of Captain Tayler’s fingers.
- ↑ See Suppl. Part III. p. 140.
