Page:The Cornwall coast.djvu/99

FALMOUTH AND TRURO 93 noise of firing attracted some of the British cruisers which were probably in the immediate neighbourhood ; and secondly, if that chance failed, he might run the Toionshend ashore on some shore of the coast where the privateers could not follow him. Both these chances were desperate enough ; but Captain Cock saw his duty clear before him, and cared nothing for the conse- quences. All his preparations were quickly made, and every man was at his post before the privateers came within range, which they did about 7 a.m. " At 7.30 the Tom had placed herself abeam of the packet to larboard, while the Bona lay on the starboard quarter, and both their broadsides were crashing into the Toionshend at pistol-shot distance, all three vessels running before the wind. This lasted till eight o'clock. The Americans, as was usual with them, made great use of ' dismantling shot,' i.e., chain- and bar-shot ; the effect of which upon the rigging of the Toionshend was most disastrous. It was not long before her sails were hanging in ribbons, and her spars were greatly damaged, and in some momentary confusion from this cause the Tom seized an opportunity of pouring in her boarders, while the Bona redoubled her fire, both of great guns and musketry, to cover their attack. After a fierce tussle the Americans were driven back to their own ship ; but this success was won by the loss of four of Captain Cock's best hands, who received disabling wounds in the fight. Thereupon both privateers resumed the cannonade, maintaining the positions which they had taken up at the commencement of the action, and for another hour the Toionshend endured the fire