Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp1.djvu/324

 his own port, from whence he might at pleasure draw fresh supplies of men, I conceived the plan of enticing him out to sea, where the contest would be more equal, by giving us an opportunity of forcing him to close action, which he had hitherto so repeatedly avoided. In order to effect this, I stood out under easy sail: it was some time before he relished the idea of following us, but in the end he did so. At 11, he was about three miles off the land; I set the courses, and tacked, intending to weather him. As we approached, the wind unfortunately headed us, and foiled our attempt. I therefore passed under his lee, as close as it could he done without touching, and poured round and grape upon his decks, which I imagine did the Dane much damage, for we distinctly heard the groans of the wounded: his guns also did us material injury, most of his shot taking us between wind and water; and when on the point of renewing the battle, it proved impossible. In the mean time the enemy tacked, and made sail to regain the shore; and we shortly after lost sight of him. I was mortified that our situation would not admit of our pursuing the enemy: – we had 5 feet water in the hold, the magazine afloat, the lower masts wounded, bowsprit and main-mast badly, and the leaks increasing on us in such a way as to make it doubtful whether we should be able to prevent our vessel from sinking under us. In this situation we bore up to secure our prize, with the only satisfaction left us of having drove a man of war, of much superior force, off the field of action, which we kept during the space of six hours in the very entrance of his own harbour.

“I therefore trust, that when the above particulars are seen in thoir proper light, it will be found that, although not successful in capturing the enemy, the Childers has supported the glory of the navy, and the honor of the British flag. I am happy to have this opportunity of testifying the spirited conduct of my first Lieutenant, Mr. Thomas Edmonds, as well as of the other officers and crew, who on this occasion behaved with that determined courage which at all times distinguishes English seamen. Not being able to keep at sea, from the nature of our leaks, and having wounded masts, I could not put into execution the remaining part of your orders; and have in consequence judged it proper to return to this anchorage with my prize. I am, &c.

(Signed)“.”

“''To Rear-Admiral Vashon, &c. &c. &c.''”

In this gallant action, Captain Dillon was badly wounded in both legs, and his arms and shoulders were very much contused: the total loss sustained by the Childers was 2 petty officers killed, and 8 persons, including her commander and 2 midshipmen, wounded. The Danish brig, thus driven back to her anchorage by the vessel whose services the merchants of Leith had rejected, was afterwards ascertained to be the