Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p1.djvu/221

 it. To the zeal and ability of that excellent officer I am much indebted, as well as to that of Captain Bowles, of the Medusa, who most anxiously solicited to be attached to the brigade, and acted as second in command. Mr. Hugh Pearson, my first lieutenant, and Lieutenant Desbrisay, commanding the marines, distinguished themselves by their exemplary conduct, as, in shorty did all the other officers and men composing the brigade.

“The disposition of the boats made by Captain Galway, of the Dryad» assisted by Captain Joyce, of the Amazon, at our different landings, was so judicious as to prevent either confusion or loss, where the surf was frequently extremely dangerous to approach; nor were the services of Captain Digby, of the Cossack, less important, in forwarding every part of the various duties going on both night and day; and I have only to regret that the early retreat of the enemy on the 7th deprives me of an opportunity of announcing to your lordship his entire defeat and surrender.

“Having by our landing at Santona induced the enemy to abandon several positions in the interior, as well as on the sea-coast, in order to collect a sufficient force to prevent our continuing in possession of that place, I shall be happy to find that the armies of Asturias, and of the mountains of St. Andero, have been put in motion, during the absence of the French, which was the principle agreed upon between the Junta of Asturias and myself; but as yet I have no information on that head.

“This expedition has, however, cost the enemy upwards of two hundred men, besides an infinity of trouble and marching, and added nigh 300 volunteers to General Porlier’s little army. I am also happy in having this opportunity of bearing testimony to the talents of that distinguished officer, and the gallantry of his small band of officers and soldiers, who on every occasion were emulous for their own and their country’s honor.

“I am now proceeding westward, to land the general and his men at Ribadeo, and shall feel happy if the complete success of this little expedition, the zeal with which it has been executed, and the principle on which it was undertaken, be honored with your lordship’s approbation. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)“.”

“To the Right Hon. Admiral Lord Gambier.”

Mr. Pearson was promoted to the command of the Curlew sloop, June 7th, 1814. 



made a lieutenant in July, 1801; and promoted to the command of the Nimrod sloop, June 7th, 1814. He