Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/238

 erable was alone able to bring her to action, which Captain Hood did in the most gallant manner, and had nearly silenced the French ship, when his main-mast (which had been before wounded), was unfortunately shot away, and it coming nearly calm, the enemy was enabled to get off without any possibility of following her. The highest praise is due to Captain Hood, the officers and men of the Venerable, for their spirit and gallantry in the action, which entitled them to better success. The French ship was an 84, with additional guns on the gangway. This action was so near the shore, that the Venerable struck on one of the shoals, but was soon after got off, and taken in tow by the Thames, but with the loss of all her masts. The enemy’s ships are now in sight to the westward, standing in for Cadiz.”

The following is Captain Hood’s account of his engagement with the Formidable:

“H.M.S. Venerable, at Sea, July 13, 1801.

“Sir,– You must have observed my giving chase to an enemy’s line-of-battle ship, at day-break this morning. At seven, she hoisted French colours, and I could perceive her to be an 80 gun-ship; at half-past, being within point blank shot, the enemy commenced firing his stern-chase guns, which I did not return for fear of retarding our progress, until the light and baffling airs threw the two ships broadside to, within-musket-shot, when a steady and warm conflict was kept up for an hour and a half, and we had closed within pistol-shot, the enemy principally directing his fire to our masts and rigging. I had at this time the misfortune to perceive the main-mast to fall overboard, the fore and mizen-mast nearly in the same state, and since gone: the ship being near the shore, close to the Castle of Sancti Petri, the enemy escaped. It was with much difficulty I was enabled to get the Venerable off, her cables and anchors all disabled; and it was only by the great exertion of the Thames, with the boats you sent me, she was saved, after being on shore some time. I shall have no occasion to comment on the bravery of the officers and ship’s company in this action, who had with much patience and perseverance, suffered great fatigue by their exertions to get the ship to sea, and not five hundred men able to go to quarters; but I beg leave to add, I have been most ably supported by Lieutenant Lillicrap, second of the Venerable (first absent) all the other officers and men, who have my warmest recommendation: and have to