Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v1p1.djvu/213

Rh several gun-boats, and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van.

[footnote: French line-of-battle, with remarks, showing at one view the result of the combat that ensued.

N.B. The battery on Aboukir island, mounting four 12-pounders, several smaller guns, and two 13-inch mortars, was destroyed on the 8th, and the brass ordnance taken on board the British ships.]

Disregarding the advantageous position of the enemy, as well as their superiority of metal, Rear-Admiral Nelson decided for an immediate attack; and the more effectually to surround and engage one part of their fleet, while the rest remained unemployed, and of no service, some of the British ships ran between those of the French and the shore. Unfortunately, in standing into the bay the Culloden struck upon a shoal, and to the mortification of her gallant officers and crew, could not be got off in latter number her brave commander, who received a severe contusion on the side, notwithstanding which he refused the 