Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/143

 Gazette, records the particulars of an action with a part of the Boulogne flotilla on the 18th July 1805.

“Sir,– In consequence of the information brought me by the Bruizer, which I had the honor to communicate to you this morning, I moved, with the detachment under my orders, to windward of Cape Gregory, in readiness for attacking the enemy’s vessels, should they give opportunity, by pursuing their course towards Boulogne.

“About half past three I perceived their flotilla steering along shore: our Calais squadron was then standing for them, and opened their fire about 4$h$ 30’ P.M. abreast of Cape Blanc Nez. The force of the enemy consisted of three praam ships under French, and twenty-two large schooners under Dutch colours. These latter had drawn themselves into a line, and were about half-a-mile a-head of the praams. I therefore made a signal for the brigs of my detachment to attack this part of their force, which was done about five o’clock, most handsomely, by the Watchful, Pincher, Sparkler, and Arab; Captain Maxwell of the latter pushing in-shore with the brigs, whilst he found water barely sufficient to keep his ship afloat. They were also joined by the Jackall, and two other brigs of the Calais squadron, whose names I do not know, which were previously engaged with them; and the other brigs of my detachment pushed in as they came up from to leeward.

"The junction of the Calais squadron about this time brought our ships, of which a great number had collected, very close together; and as we had already a force fully sufficient engaged with the enemy, I hauled out, making the signal for open order, and calling off the Hebe, Utile, and Diligence; at the same time directing the brigs to chase and engage the enemy close. In consequence of this signal, the Arab and gun-brigs pressed close upon the enemy’s schooners. In passing Cape Grisnez, three of them had already grounded, and struck on the Banc de Laine. Two others ran ashore between Cape Grisnez and St. John, to keep themselves from sinking; and several others seemed cut up in their rigging, and thrown into great confusion.

“The three praams having at length cleared the channel, were passing within the Banc. I stood for them, and at half-past six brought them to a tolerable close action, which continued with some little intermission, occasioned by the difficulty of keeping a-stern with them, till half-past seven, when we were abreast of Ambleteuse, where the praams anchored with the schooners already arrived. We were followed in this attack by the Hebe and Diligence, who availed themselves of every opportunity to join in it. I cannot particularize the number of ships which joined and occasionally fired upon the enemy; but the commander of that squadron will of course make his report to Vice-Admiral Holloway.

“Of the detachment under me, I feel it my duty to report my most perfect satisfaction: all were anxious and eager to seize every opportunity which presented itself for closing with the enemy. The situation of Captain Maxwell of the Arab, and Lieutenants Marshall and Aberdour, of the