Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/233

 and fearing any longer delay would enable the enemy to increase his force, I determined on towing the ships in. My pen is too feeble to express my admiration of the zealous and spirited conduct of the boats’ crews employed on this service. The same zeal animated each ship’s company; and by six o’clock, having towed into a position within range of grape, we commenced the action, which lasted without any intermission till about half-past seven, when smoke was observed to issue from la Giraffe. Soon after la Nourrice was in a blaze, and the merchantman was set on fire by the brands from her. At this time the battery and tower were silenced, and in ten minutes the three ships were completely on fire. I lost no time in towing out of harm’s way, and then waited the explosions, which took place in succession. La Giraffe blew up about ten minutes before nine. La Nourrice soon after exploded; and some of her timbers falling on the tower, entirely demolished it, whilst the sparks set fire to the battery, which also blew up. The object of our attack being thus completely executed, I stood out to sea to get clear of the wrecks, and to repair our damages. No language of mine can do justice to the gallantry of those I had the honor to command.

“I am particularly indebted to Captains Chamberlayne and Sharpe for their spirited exertions and cordial co-operation throughout the whole of the affair. I am sensible my narrative is already too prolix; but I cannot conclude without assuring you that the officers and crews of the ships behaved with the greatest courage and coolness. The Pomone, from being enabled to choose her station, was of course exposed to the brupt of the action, and has consequently suffered most; though considering the enemy’s fire and position, our ships have escaped much better than could have been expected. When all conspicuously distinguish themselves, it is impossible to select individuals; but I should be most shamefully wanting in my duty to my country, and to the merits of a most deserving set of officers, if I were to neglect acquainting you, that I received from them every assistance it was possible to expect. Lieutenant James Wallace Gabriel, first of the Pomone, conducted himself with the same spirit and zeal which have uniformly distinguished his conduct. I enclose the report of killed, wounded, &c. It is but justice to declare that the enemy kept up a very smart fire, and behaved with great bravery. I can form no opinion of their loss. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

After writing the above report, Captain Barrie had the satisfaction to learn that the result of his judicious and well-planned attack would considerably retard the completion of the enemy’s ships then building at Toulon; those destroyed by him being deeply laden with timber, of which material that arsenal would not be able to obtain another supply from Corsica till the ensuing season. The loss sustained by his