Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v3p2.djvu/470

 “As we had a fine leading wind, I shortened sail to the topsails, and placing an additional look-out at the jib-boom-end and mast-heads, I allowed him to proceed; keeping the leads going on both sides, and hands stationed constantly by the bower-anchors. Whilst running down, I observed to him that we were running far to leeward; when he replied, ‘We must do so. Sir, to bring the south end of the island to bear E.N.E., before we haul up.’ The ship was scarcely brought to the wind, and the tacks hauled on board, when she grounded.

“A party has been sent about 30 miles up the river cutting wood, to make good our defects: the people employed in getting the guns and stores from Carnac to Gardeu Island, and caulking the ship preparatory to being bore down, which, with the assistance of the Sulphur, I hope to be able to effect, having throughout experienced from Captain Dance, his officers, and crew, the greatest support and most zealous co-operation, which call for my strongest admiration and most cordial thanks.

“In these operations also, I have met with every assistance from Lieutenant-Governor Stirling that his very limited means would admit.

“I trust, Sir, I may be permitted to avail myself of this occasion to recommend to your notice Mr. (Edmund) Yonge, the senior lieutenant of this ship, whose conduct I cannot too strongly appreciate, or admire, for his ability and unremitting attentions, and whose great assistance and exertions in his promptness to second my efforts, exceed any encomiums I could bestow. Much of this arduous service naturally devolved on this valuable officer, who is of some standing, and well known to many of the first officers in the service, whose esteem he possesses.

"To Lieutenant (Edward) Littlehales and acting Lieutenaut (P.) Blackwood my warmest thanks are due; the former, who by hia example and exertions inspired confidence in the people at the pumps, and kept them constantly going at the most critical moment; to the latter, who though on the sick list, and in a weak state, requested to do duty, and was directed to land on Carnac Island, to superintend the debarkation of the sick, guns, shot, stores, provisions, &c., all of which he performed with unremitting attention, and ultimately with very inconsiderable loss.

“Although from the general ability and attention of the surgeon, Mr. (William) Leyson, the sick list at this time was small, and therefore required but little of his attendance, yet I have the greatest pleasure in stating, that his general exertions were afforded on every occasion, and in every part of the ship where he thought they could be most beneficial.

“By the usual forethought and attentions of Mr. (Frederick), Hellyer, the acting purser, all the provisions were landed in perfect order, where be secured and superintended them, together with the chronometers and ship’s books, most unremittingly; and to his care I attribute the preservation of this most essential part of the service.

“It must be a pleasing reflection to the relatives of these young gentlemen, whose names I have the honor to lay before you, to hear that they