MITCHELL ROBERTS, Esq.
[Commander.]
Obtained the rank of lieutenant in Aug. 1800; and repeatedly distinguished himself while serving under Captain E. Leveson Gower, in the Elizabeth 74, on the Mediterranean station. Among other official reports made by that officer, we find the following:
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, that the boats of the Eagle and Elizabeth fell in, off Goro, with a convoy of seven armed merchant vessels, laden with oil. Four of them were captured, and the other three ran on shore into a tremendous surf, under the protection of a two-gun battery, two schooners, and three gun-boats, who opened a most galling fire.
“Notwithstanding all these difficulties, one of the vessels was brought off, and another destroyed, much to the credit of Lieutenants Roberts and Greenaway, senior lieutenants of the Elizabeth and Eagle, under whose directions this arduous service was performed. They speak highly of Lieutenant Holbrook, of the Eagle, who was also there, and of all the petty-officers and men. I am happy to add, no person was hurt.
“To Rear-Admiral Fremantle.”
“Sir,– Having information that the enemy were sending three vessels, loaded with powder, along the coast of Istria, and seeing vessels of the same description within the town of Omago, I stood in there; and when the Eagle and Elizabeth were within gun-shot, I summoned the town, which they refused to receive.
“After firing some time, the Marines of this ship, under Captain Graham and Lieutenant Price, and of the Eagle, under Lieutenant Lloyd, drove the enemy out of the town. They had about 100 soldiers. The boats under Lieutenants Roberts, Dennett, Greenaway, and Hotham, destroyed a two gun battery, and brought out four vessels, loaded with wine, that had been scuttled. I am happy to say, that only one man was wounded; and the conduct of all the officers employed on this service was highly creditable.
“To Rear-Admiral Fremantle.”
“Sir,– Having information that some French gens-d’armerie, who organised the militia, and commissaries, who levied the contributions, resided at Dignano, opposite the Prioni islands, I detached fifty seamen, under Lieutenants Roberts and Bennett, the marines under Captain Graham and Lieutenant Price, and the boats with carronades, under Lieutenant Bernard. They took possession of the town at day-break this morning, made the French prisoners, and disarmed the militia. A surgeon, who fired out of a window at our people, was mortally wounded; this is the only loss on either side. Great praise is due to all the officers employed, and nothing could exceed the steadiness of the men.
“To Rear-Admiral Fremantle.”
Lieutenant Roberts continued in the Elizabeth, latterly commanded by Captain Gardiner H. Guion, until promoted to his present rank, Sept. 24th, 1814.