ples). During the greater part of the time, the Cyane was within half-pistol shot of the frigate; but from her being so near the shore, and supported by a number of gunboats and batteries, she was not able to continue the action.”
Captain Staines and his first Lieutenant being dangerously wounded in this conflict, the second Lieutenant also disabled, and the command of the Cyane having in consequence thereof devolved upon the Master, we presume that Rear-Admiral Martin was not acquainted with all the particulars of the action when he wrote his official letter respecting it. The fact is, that the Espoir and the Sicilian flotilla were too far astern to be of much service to the Cyane, whilst on the other hand the enemy’s frigate received considerable support from the corvette, as well as from the Neapolitan gun-boats. A journal kept on board the Cyane affords us the following information:
“At 6-15, the frigate weathered Nisida, and appeared becalmed – out sweeps, and cut all the boats adrift, with a keeper in each. The total number of officers, men, and boys, now remaining on board, able to come to their quarters, did not exceed 150.
“At 7, a battery tried to annoy us, and in five minutes afterwards we were abreast of the frigate, within half pistol-shot. The corvette, then half a mile a-head, and the batteries of Naples, as also the gun-boats, opened their fire upon us.
“At about half-past 7, the frigate received some men from the shore, notwithstanding which she ceased firing, and hauled down her colours, a few minutes before 8 o’clock. On obtaining a second reinforcement she again hoisted her ensign, and returned our fire, but with less vigour than before. In half an hour more she was completely silenced; but as our powder was all expended, and we were fast approaching the mole of Naples, then only 1½ miles distant, Castel Uovo and several batteries at the same time annoying us considerably, it was impossible, without boats, to profit by the enemy’s confusion. We therefore reluctantly hauled off, and swept into the offing.
Rear-Admiral Martin concludes his official report in the following terms: –
