Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp4.djvu/227

 . Conceiving that much advantage was likely to be derived by carrying into immediate execution the orders he had received, for putting an end to the commerce carried on from the port of Ocracoke, by means of the inland navigation, and for destroying any vessels that might be there, he directed preparations to be instantly commenced for the debarkation of the troops, and for making the intended attack.

An advanced division of the best pulling boats, with armed seamen, and some marines of the Sceptre, were directed to precede the others, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s shipping, and of occupying and diverting the fire of any armed vessels stationed at the place; Lieutenant Westphal, then first of the Sceptre, was entrusted with this division, supported by Captain Ross, with the rocket-boats.

Captain David Paterson, of the Fox, commanded the division of flat and heavier boats, with as many soldiers as they could carry, destined to attack and occupy such positions on the surrounding lands as circumstances and the enemy’s means of defence might point out the propriety of, after day-light. The third and last division was composed of the Conflict, Captain Henry Loraine Baker, the armed tenders, and several other small vessels, which were directed to take the remainder of the troops on board, and to follow the boats into the harbour, as fast and as far as might be found practicable: Captain Ross was charged with the general superintendence of the whole arrangement; and Captains George William Henry Knight and the Hon. James Ashley Maude, “with much laudable zeal” also attended to render Rear-admiral Cockburn their personal assistance wherever circumstances might require it.

The whole moved from the ships towards the shore about 2 on the 12th; but owing to the great distance from the bar to the harbour, and the heavy swell which was running,