Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp3.djvu/415

  of the Right Hon. William Saurin, late Attorney-General for Ireland.

We first find this officer serving as master’s-mate of the Emerald frigate, Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland, and assisting at the destruction of l’Apropos, French national schooner, in Vivero harbour. Mar. 14, 1808. His first commission bears date May 2, 1810.

Early in the following year, Lieutenant Saurin was appointed to the Alcmene 38, fitting for the Mediterranean station, where he had the misfortune to lose his right arm. May 22, 1812.

The boats of that ship had been placed under his command by Captain Edwards Lloyd Graham, and despatched from Lissa, to intercept any of the enemy’s convoys that might attempt to pass between Curzola and the main. After capturing two or three small vessels laden with wine, they rendezvoused at an adjacent island, from the top of which two sail were soon discovered. Four of the boats immediately went in chase, leaving Mr. Holbrook (senior) midshipman, with the launch, having a 12-pounder carronade mounted, to protect the prizes already taken.

The sun was setting when Lieutenant Saurin left the island, and the boats did not get sight of the strangers until 10, when they were again seen. Soon afterwards, 5 more were discovered; and their numbers continued to increase until at length thirteen sail could be counted. The boats had formed in a line, and were within gun-shot of two of the largest, when Lieutenant Saurin ordered them to pull up and board one which he imagined to be an armed vessel. The enemy were silent until the pinnace gave them a shot from a small brass piece mounted in her bow, upon which several of them instantaneously opened their fire. She continued to advance, and had got alongside the immediate object of attack, when a carronade was discharged into her, loaded with