Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp4.djvu/415

  myself on the providential trifling loss sustained, whilst the piratical vessel, so far as I can speak with accuracy, had 10 killed and 15 wounded, though I have reason to believe the number much beyond, including the drowned. Of those escaped, 16 were, on the following day, overtaken in the woods, and secured, by the troops the governor of Baracoa sent round, on hearing of the capture, to co-operate in any way I should be pleased to point out i and by whom I have been apprized, officially, that they will be dealt with agreeably to those laws they have so dreadfully outraged. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

“P.S. The Zaragozana is the same schooner which plundered the French merchant ship in the early part of March, and whose cargo I found concealed in the harbour of Neranjos.”

On receiving the account of this important capture, the commander-in-chief at Jamaica issued the following general memorandum:

“H.M.S. Sybille, Port Royal, 11th April, 1823.

“The courage, perseverance, zeal, and abilities displayed by Captain Walcott, of his Majesty’s ship Tyne, in carrying into execution my orders for the extirpation of the pirates in these seas, have excited my highest commendation and praise, and I beg that he will accept of the same.

“To Captain Roberts, and the other officers employed under Captain Walcott, I desire to express my warm admiration of their conduct, which I shall make known to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

“To the petty-officers, seamen, and marines employed upon the above arduous service, my thanks are given, and I view their bravery, and cheerful endurance of fatigue and privation, as a pledge of their good conduct upon all future occasions on which their country may claim their services.

“The foregoing Public Order to be read to the officers and companies of H.M. ships and vessels under my command.

(Signed)“, Rear-Admiral.”

“To the respective Captains and Commanders.”

In a letter to the Admiralty, dated April 12th, 1823, Sir Charles Rowley, after extolling “the zeal and ability displayed by Captains Walcott and Roberts,” added:

“The capture of this vessel is not only gratifying as regards her piratical character, but as an evidence of the perseverance exhibited by Captain Walcott, who, disregarding his weak state of health, endured the privations and fatigue of searching creeks and inlets in open boats for six days. Fortunately success has attended his labours. I have pleasure in embracing