Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/439

  “H.M.S. Edinburgh, off Leghorn, Dec. 15, 1813.

“Sir,– In obedience to your direction, Captain Hamilton aud myself landed on the evening of the 13th, with the marines of his Majesty’s ships named in the margin, to co-operate with Lieutenant-Colonel Catanelli. We pushed on that evening with the advance of the marines and Italian Levy, and got possession of the suburbs of the town of Leghorn. The extreme darkness of the night, and the road being nearly impassable, prevented the body of the troops joining until the morning. The moment a sufficient number had come up, in compliance with the Lieutenant-Colonel’s arrangements, the Italians occupied the suburbs and buildings close to the ramparts: the marines occupied a position on the Pisa road. As soon after day-light as possible, we reconnoitred the town. Just as we had finished, and were returning from the southern part of the town, a firing was heard in the direction of the Pisa road, where we proceeded instantly, and found the marines were at that moment attacked by a considerable body of the enemy’s troops, consisting of at least 700 men, cavalry and infantry, supported by two field-pieces. The charge of the cavalry was received with great coolness by the marines; they opened and allowed them to pass, killing all but about 14, who, with two officers, succeeded in getting through, but who were all killed or wounded, excepting 1 officer, by a small detachment of the Italian Levy, that was formed at the entrance of the suburbs of the town.

“After the charge of the cavalry, the marines instantly closed and charged the enemy’s infantry, and put them entirely to the rout. They lost in this affair the officers commanding their cavalry and infantry, with about from 250 to 300 killed, wounded, and prisoners; the remainder retreated in the greatest disorder to Pisa.

“In this affair my most particular thanks are due fo Captain Hamilton, who, I am sorry to say, is slightly wounded; as well as to Captain Beale, of the Armada, who commanded the marines; as also to Captains Rea and Mitchell, of the America and Edinburgh; to the other officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates, all possible credit is due for repelling the attack, and putting to rout the enemy, who were certainly double their force. The marines lost on this occasion, 1 killed and 7 wounded.

“The Italian Levy, who were on the houses close round the ramparts, as well as those in the advance, were indefatigable in their exertions; and their bravery was truly conspicuous on all occasions. The enemy suffered by the destructive fire they kept up on the ramparts, killing or wounding those who attempted to come near the guns.

“It being arranged between you and the Lieutenant-Colonel that we should re-embark, the wounded and prisoners, with our two field guns and ammunition, were embarked at twelve o’clock last night, matched off in the best possible order, through bad roads and incessant rain.

“I beg to offer my thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Catanelli, far his attention in pointing out what he wished to be done by us to forward his