Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp1.djvu/261

 6-20, our main-mast fell by the board, the enemy’s mizen-mast falling at the same time; at 6-50, our fore-mast fell, and the enemy’s main-mast almost immediately afterwards. At 7-10, she slackened her fire; but having her fore-mast standing, she succeeded with her fore-sail in getting out of range. During the whole of the action we kept up a heavy and well-directed fire; nor do I know which most to admire, the seamen at the great guns, or the marines with their small-arms, they vying with each other who should most annoy the enemy.

“I was at this time so much exhausted by the loss of blood, from wounds I had received in the early part of the action, from a grape shot, that I found it impossible for me to remain any longer upon deck. I was therefore under the painful necessity of desiring Lieutenant Smith to take command of the quarter-deck, to clear the wreck of the fore-mast and main-mast, which then lay nearly fore and aft the deck, and to make sail after the enemy; but, at the same time, I had the satisfaction of reflecting that I had left the command in the hands of a most active and zealous officer.

“We kept sight of the enemy during the night, by means of boats’ sails and a jigger on the ensign-staff; and before 1 o’clock the next day, Lieutenant Smith reported to me, that, by the great exertions of every officer and man, jury-courses, top-sails, stay-sails, and spanker, were set in chase of the enemy, who had not even cleared away his wreck; and that we were coming up with him very fast, going at the rate of 61/2 knots: that the decks were perfectly clear; and that the officers and men were as eager to renew the action as they had been to commence it; but, to the great mortification of every one on board, we perceived two sail on the lee-bow, which proved to be the Dryad and Achates; and they having crossed the enemy (we only 4 or 5 miles distant), before we could get up to her, deprived us of the gratification of having her colours hauled down to us.

“The enemy’s frigate proved to be la Clorinde, Captain Dennis Legarde; mounting 44 guns, with 4 brass swivels in each top, and a complement of 360 picked men.

“It is with sincere regret I have to state that our loss is considerable, having 20 killed and 40 wounded; and I most sincerely lament the loss of 3 fine young midshipmen, 2 of whom had served the whole of their time with me, and who all promised to be ornaments to the service. Among the wounded, is Lieutenant Foord, R.M., who received a grape-shot in his thigh, while gallantly heading his party.

“I learn from Mons. Gerrard, one of the French officers, that they 