Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/504

 struck awe and terror in the surrounding natives. The good effects cannot fail of being lasting, and of rendering the British flag as much respected in future on this coast, as it is in all other parts of the world. We have the honor to remain, Sir, &c. &c.

“Commodore Hon. F. P. Irby.”

Previous to her departure from the coast of Africa, the Amelia, with a crew greatly debilitated by the climate, fought a most sanguinary battle with l’Arethuse French frigate, commanded by Mons. Bouvet, an officer of approved talent and bravery. The combat is thus described by Captain Irby, who was himself severely wounded on the occasion:

“Amelia, Spithead, March 22, 1813.

“Sir,– I beg leave to acquaint you, for the information of the Right Honorable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that when I was about to quit Sierra Leone river for England, in H.M.S. under my command, on the 29th Jan. inst. Lieutenant Pascoe arrived there with the chief part of the crew of H.M.’s gun-brig Daring, he having been obliged to run his vessel on shore, and blow her up at Tamara, (one of the Isles de Los), in consequence of having been chased by a French frigate, in company with two other ships, apparently frigates: he reported having left them at anchor off the islands on the 27th. I immediately despatched Lieutenant Pascoe in a small schooner, to reconnoitre the enemy; and on the 3d Feb., he returned, having ascertained their force to be two frigates of the largest class (l’Arethuse and la Rubis), and a Portuguese ship, their prize; that they had nearly completed their water; and, after unloading the Portuguese ship, intended to give her up to her crew, and proceed themselves to sea to intercept our homeward-bound trade. Conceiving that if I cruised off the Isles de Los, (in the event of their not having left them), I might be enabled to fall in with any of H.M.’s ships that might be coming down the coast, and also protect the vessels bound to Sierra Leone, of which I had received intelligence, I prepared to weigh, when a cartel 