POST-CAPTAINS OF 1807.
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mouth may not be generally known, and we shall therefore state it.
On his return from the coast of Barbary, in June 1816, Lord Exmouth found that government had determined to chastise the Algerines for their renewed aggressions, and that he had been selected to command the expedition destined against their capital. Having re-hoisted his flag, his lordship went on board the Boyne and every other ship of his former squadron, in order to procure men for the intended service; but, astonishing as it may appear, the total number of volunteers did not exceed seven or eight! Upon hearing this, Captain Chetham immediately waited upon the noble Admiral, and offered the services of the Leander and her crew, stating that he was confident his men would go any where with him. It is almost needless to add, that this spirited offer was thankfully accepted, and that, by return of post, an order was received from the Admiralty for the Leander to be put under Lord Exmouth’s immediate directions. The following minutes of the desperate battle in which she was consequently engaged are copied from her log-book, for the purpose of shewing in what a dangerous situation she was placed on the memorable 27th Aug. 1816:
“At day-light, observed the city of Algiers bearing W.S.W. At eight, light airs inclining to calm. Observed a French frigate working out of the bay. H.M.S. Severn hoisted a flag of truce, and despatched a boat towards the city. At ten, hoisted out all the boats, and prepared them for service. At noon, the French frigate joined company. Observed the Severn’s boat pulling out from the city, P.M. at 2-30, Lord Exmouth made the general signal, “Are you ready?” which was immediately answered, “Ready.” He then made the signal to bear up – bore up, Leander within her own length of the commander-in-chief standing in for the mole, observed the enemy’s batteries crowded with men, and their gun-boats prepared to board. At 2-40, clewed up our sails, following the motions of the commander-in-chief, who, at 2-45, anchored abreast of the Mole, and within half pistol-shot. At 2-47, Leander anchored in her station, close a-head of the Queen Charlotte, in five fathoms water, when the enemy opened a most tremendous fire, which was instantly returned by the broadsides of the Queen Charlotte and Leander, the fleet anchoring in the stations assigned them, and opening a vigorous fire. Observed that our fire had totally destroyed the enemy’s gun-boats and row-galleys, and defeated their intention
