Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p1.djvu/408

  in his exertions on all points of service, and particularly so at the attack on Guadaloupe, when the Hazard having led the fleet to an anchorage at l’Ance de Barque; and having anchored under the batteries a considerable time before any other ship, and under which batteries an enemy’s schooner called la Mouche was lying, I sent him in a boat to board her, which he succeeded in, notwithstanding a heavy fire was kept up on her from the batteries, which were trying to sink her. On this occasion, although the schooner was on Are, he succeeded in bringing her off, and saving from the flames the French ‘general marine signal-book,’ and the private signals of all the maritime nations then in alliance with France, together with other important documents, for which the commander-in-chief was pleased to express his thanks.

(Signed)“.”

La Mouche had just before arrived from France with despatches, and was perceived to be on fire while the Hazard’s crew were in the act of furling sails. A boat was hastily lowered down, and Lieutenant Robertson, taking with him a few marines only, hastened to board her. By this time, part of the schooner’s deck was already burnt; and the heat was so intense, that all her guns went off while he and his red jackets were employed in cutting away the masts, in accomplishing which the whole of the little party were much scorched.

Guadaloupe having surrendered by capitulation, the Hazard was ordered home with the bearers of the naval and military despatches; and, after undergoing extensive repairs, sent to the Newfoundland station; where she captured and destroyed many American vessels, in the beginning of the late war waged by the United States against Great Britain. On leaving that sloop, he received the following certificate from Captain Elliot’s successor:

“This is to certify, that Mr James Robertson served as senior lieutenant of H.M. sloop Hazard, under my command, from the 24th Jan. 1811, to the 24th Oct. 1812, when he left to join H.M. ship Antelope, bearing the flag of Sir John T. Duckworth, during all which time he conducted himself in a most exemplary manner, evincing a constant zeal for the service, and ability in the discharge of his duty, such as must always reflect the greatest credit on himself, while it gave the utmost satisfaction to me; and I feel happy on the present opportunity of bearing an unqualified testimony to his merits.

“Given under my hand on board H.M. sloop Hazard, St. John’s Harbour, Newfoundland, this 24th Oct. 1812.

(Signed)“, Commander.” 