Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp1.djvu/205

 importance performed under his directions is described in the following letter:–

“H.M.S. Thames, Gulph of St. Euphemia, July 26, 1810.

“Sir,– A convoy of thirty-one vessels, laden with stores and provisions for Murat’s army at Scylla, together with seven large gun-boats and five scampavias protecting them, have wholly fallen into our hands. This is an event of such importance at the present moment, and the circumstances attending the capture arc so highly honorable to the officers and men employed on this service, that I may be allowed to detail the particulars.

“At day-light yesterday morning, standing along this coast with the Pilot (brig), I saw the Weazle (of 18 guns) off Amanthea, with the signal for a convoy in that direction. The enemy, on seeing us, hauled the vessels high on the beach, under the town, where they were flanked by two small batteries, while the gun-boats and scampavias were drawn up in a line for their protection. Being nearly calm, it was two (o’clock) before we closed, this ship and the two brigs in a close line; then running along within grape, drove the enemy from their vessels and anchored. Captain (Henry) Prescott shewed the example of pushing off with his boats; I instantly supported him with ours and the Pilot’s, under the orders of Lieutenant (Edward) (Collier, first of this ship. The marines were landed under Lieutenant David M‘Adam, R.M. to cover the seamen launching the vessels; the ships all the time firing on the batteries, and wherever musketry was collected to oppose the party on shore: for the enemy had not only thrown up an embankment outside the vessels to prevent our getting them off, but also one within them to afford shelter for the numerous troops collected, who, when driven from their entrenchments, still annoyed us greatly from the walls of the town.

“At length every difficulty was surmounted, and by six o’clock all the vessels were brought off, except one laden with bread, which was burnt; if we have not now possession of her, and the others destroyed as per list, it is only from their having been too much shattered by our destructive fire to float.

“By the result of this successful attack, you will judge better than from any thing I could add, what must have been the conduct of every individual. Gratified as I feel at an opportunity of testifying the gallantry and zeal of Captain Prescott, Captain (John Toup) Nicolas, and Lieutenant Collier, together with all the officers and crews of the ships, more particularly those in the boats, for their sakes I cannot help regretting it should not have fallen to their lot to have been under the command of one, whose testimony would have greater weight in ensuring them the applause and reward to which such conduct so justly entitles them. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

“''Rear-Admiral George Martin, &c. &c. &c.''” 