Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/300

 hoisted the colours of Britain in the Adour! Following in the track of the gun-boat was a schooner-rigged vessel; but she unfortunately broached to, and instantly capsized.

The author of the “Subaltern” likewise tells us, that the above mentioned schooner-rigged vessel was “guided by Captain Elliot” (the commander of H.M. brig Martial) ; but this we can prove to be an error.

In addition to the foregoing disasters, three transports’ boats were lost, with all their crews, and several others swamped; one coasting vessel took the ground, after she entered the river, and remained fast for a considerable time.

Notwithstanding the loss of lives sustained, it may justly be said, that the daring and highly necessary attempt to cross the bar of the Adour was attended with wonderful success; and that the zeal, intrepidity, and skill of British seamen never shone forth in a more conspicuous manner than on that trying and memorable occasion.

Upon witnessing the approach of the flotilla, Captain O’Reilly, who had somewhat recovered from the effects of