Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp3.djvu/413

 “The city has suffered much by fire, as well as in deaths, and I firmly believe, a few days’ bombardment would have entirely destroyed it. On the nights of the 2d and 3d, we had two 18-pounders and two 32-pounders within point-blank, constantly at work with red-hot shot, besides the mortar and rocket battery, which caused immense destruction, and kept the city in constant flames.

“I have now a most pleasant duty to perform, in expressing my best thanks and praise of the conduct of all the officers and men employed in this most arduous service, both by land and water, at this inclement season of the year * * * *; both brigs and gun-boats have received a considerable number of shot in their hulls, and rigging much cut. Nos. 1 and 12 gun-boats were dismasted; but the damage has been replaced, and the squadron is again in an effective state. * * * *.

(Signed)“.”

The “almost miraculously small loss” of the British on this occasion has been stated. The following is a copy of that part of Captain Farquhar’s official letter to Admiral Young which did not appear in the London Gazette: – the cause of its suppression we are at a loss to surmise:–

“To Captain Marshall I am particularly indebted for his zeal in the performance of his duty. To Captains Banks and Rose, Lieutenant Kneeshaw, and Sir George Keith, every praise is due for their able support during the bombardment. Lieutenant Kneeshaw, who will have the honor of carrying home this despatch, is an officer of great merit: his attention to his duty, since he has been under my command, claims my warmest approbation. He is an old officer, and has lost his right arm in the service of his country.

“I am also much indebted to Captain Green, who commanded the seamen’s battery, and under him Lieutenants Haultain (volunteer) and Archer (2d of this ship), and Mr. George Richardson, midshipman, who has served his time, and passed for a lieutenant more than two years. Our shore batteries did the fortress incalculable mischief.

“The service the gun-boats has been employed on since under my command, I am sure will be duly appreciated by you. Sir, as well as by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty: for these last three months, a more trying and arduous service than that they have been engaged in (both officers and men), particularly against this place, and at this season of the year, never was performed, and this without a murmur or complaint. Lieutenant Hanmer, as senior officer, I cannot omit to mention; a more zealous officer does not exist. Lieutenant Henderson was of the greatest assistance to me during the whole time I was in the river Weser.

“Messrs. Thomas Riches and John Hallowes, petty officers, have commanded gun-boats ever since they were fitted out, and I beg most strongly to recommend them as young men highly deserving promotion. I cannot