Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp3.djvu/127

  which time the sloops used their utmost endeavours to cover the boats, and prevent, as much as possible, further annoyance from the enemy.

“I feel greatly indebted to Captains Braimer, Wells, and Sir W. Parker, their officers and men, particularly those employed in the boats. I am happy to add an acknowledgment of the merits of my own officers and crew, particularly of Lieutenant Thomas Saunders and the volunteers acting under him in the boats, who gallantly undertook the service, when the advantageous situation of the enemy led me to expect a much more sanguinary result.

“The loss of the enemy it has been impossible for me to determine; but, I am happy to state, that the service has been performed without even a wound on our part, though at the commencement of the attack, the Apelles was full of troops, and the defence from the shore obstinately maintained. I trust this circumstance will not only bespeak our extremely good fortune, but prove more strongly than I can express, that the plan of attack was well laid, and judiciously executed, by the officers and men under my orders.

“The boats gave the soldiers so little time to escape, that 4 were left on hoard, calling themselves part of the King of Rome’s body-guard, and bearing the insignia of their corps. We found the Apelles much cut up from our fire, and she afterwards sustained great damage from the enemy; she has 7 guns and most of her stores and provisions remaining on board. The Skylark was completely destroyed, lying some distance to the eastward, still smoking. I have great satisfaction in stating, that the crews of both vessels escaped in their boats, with the exception of Captain Hoffman and 19 of his people.”

Rear-Admiral Foley, when transmitting this report to the Admiralty, informed their lordships that Captain Cunningham had “always shewn himself a brave, zealous, and active officer.” His post commission bears date Aug. 12, 1812.

Agents.– Messrs. Goode and Clarke. 

 officer is the son of a clergyman. He was made Lieutenant April 2, 1806; and appointed to command the Weazle brig, of 19 guns, about Nov. 1811. His gallant and judicious conduct in a brilliant action with an enemy’s squadron off Venice, Feb. 21, 1812, has been noticed.

Captain Andrew’s post commission bears date Sept. 20 in