Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/499

 thing but closing with the enemy, struck upon them, going seven knots at the time: I fear her damage is considerable. However, she was soon off again, and commenced an animated fire on the enemy, as did Captain Digby, with an officer-like presence of mind, keeping in that direction to cut off the entrance of Port de Vidre. At 8 A.M. our three frigates closed with the enemy amidst the rocks of Commarurto, at the entrance of Muros, when the Spanish colours were hauled down, and we found ourselves all in foul ground together. A fortunate breeze sprung up from the shore, and we were enabled to put the ships’ heads to the sea, and had begun to shift prisoners, when an enemy’s squadron, consisting of four large ships, one with a broad pendant, came out of Vigo, with an intention, I suppose, of rescuing the prize. This being the opinion of Captains Gore and Digby also, every exertion was made to secure the prisoners, and get the ships under my command ready to receive them; but on their perceiving my determination they bore up and ran into Vigo. Light and variable winds have kept me still in sight of the Spanish coast, which, to day, is one continued blaze. Aware of another squadron being in Corunna, I have thought it my duty to keep altogether for the protection of the prize, which is of immense value, having on board 1,400,000 dollars, independent of a cargo of equal estimation. My companions in chase, Captains Gore and Digby, make the most favourable report of the zeal and perseverance of their respective officers and crews; and in justice to the officers and ship’s company I have the honor to command, I can only say, that their anxiety to get alongside the enemy’s frigates, whilst alone, was equal to what it was afterwards, when my force became superior; and on that, as on all former occasions, I profited by the able assistance of Mr. John Houltoun Marshall, my first lieutenant, to whom I have given charge of the prize. I enclose a list of killed and wounded on this occasion, either by shot or casualties. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

“''Right Hon. Lord Bridport, K.B. &c. &c. &c.''”

Captain Gore’s share of prize-money for the cargoes of the Santa Brigida and her consort, exclusive of their hulls, stores, &c. amounted to 40,730l. 18s.!

In Feb. 1801, a melancholy accident happened on board the Triton. She was firing at a French cutter which had been driven upon the Penmark rocks, when one of the main-deck guns burst, killed the second lieutenant and 2 men, and wounded 22 other persons, one of whom was Captain Gore, who received a violent contusion in the back.

