Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp4.djvu/14

  means of transport open boats, it became impossible that any movement of the troops could take place until this formidable flotilla was either captured or destroyed.

“On the 12th, I placed the launches, barges, and pinnaces of the squadron, with Captain (Henry) Montresor, of the Manly,and Captain (Samuel) Roberts, of the Meteor, under the command of Captain Lockyer, of the Sophie, and sent them into Lac Borgne, in pursuit of the enemy, while the frigates, troop-ships, and smaller vessels, moved to the inmost anchorage, each vessel proceeding on until she took the ground.

“After an arduous row of 36 hours, Captain Lockyer had the good fortune to close with the flotilla, which be attacked with such judgement and determined bravery, that, notwithstanding their formidable force, their advantage of a chosen position, and their studied and deliberate preparation, he succeeded in capturing the whole of these vessels, in so serviceable a state as to afford at once the most essential aid to the expedition.

“For the particulars of this brilliant affair. I refer their lordships to the accompanying copy of captain Lockyer’s letter, detailing his proceedings, which I am fully aware their lordships will duly appreciate.

“Captain Lockyer’s conduct on this occasion, in which he has been severely wounded, and his long and active services as a commander, justly entitling him to their lordships’ protection, and finding it expedient to place this flotilla collectively upon the establishment of a 36-gun frigate, I have appointed him to the command thereof.

“Captain Montresor, whom I have placed in the command of the gun-vessels, until Captain Lockyer’s wounds will admit of his serving, and Captain Roberts, whom I have before had occasion to mention to their lordships, together with Lieutenants (James Barnwell) Tatnall and (William Gilbert) Roberts, of the Tonnant, and the whole of the officers mentioned by Captain Lockyer, I trust, will not fail to meet their lordships’ notice.

“Our loss has been severe, particularly in officers; but considering that this successful enterprise has given us the command of Lac Borgne, and considerably reduced our deficiency of transports, the effort has answered my fullest expectations.”

“H M. sloop Sophie, Cat Island Roads, Dec. 16, 1814. “Sir,– I beg leave to inform you, that in pursuance of your orders, the boats of the squadron which you did me the honor to place under my command, were formed into three divisions, and proceeded on the night of the 12th instant, from the frigates’ anchorage, in quest of the enemy’s flotilla.

“After a very tedious row of 36 hours, during which the enemy 