appointment to the Seagull brig, of 16 guns, in which vessel he made a most gallant defence against a Danish 20-gun brig and six heavy gunboats, continuing the fight, under every disadvantage, until she was actually sinking. The following are copies of the official letters concerning this truly noble action:
“Namur, at the Nore, Sept. 17, 1808.
“Sir,– The enclosed letter from Captain Cathcart, commander of his Majesty’s late sloop Seagull, came to my hand by post this day. It is possible my Lords Commissioners may already have received an account of his very gallant defence by some other channel; but as I think the action, though unfortunate, does honor both to the naval service and the country, I cannot refuse myself the pleasure of making the communication, lest by any accident such gallantry should not be made public. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“Thomas Wells, Vice-Admiral.”
“To the Hon. W. W. Pole.”
“Christlansand, Norway, June 20, 1808.
“Sir,– I beg leave to acquaint you, that in his Majesty’s sloop Seagull, under my command, yesterday at 2 P.M., the Naze of Norway bearing W.N.W., distant seven or eight leagues, I discovered a brig in-shore, running to the eastward, and immediately made all sail in chace of her. At half past four, came within gun-shot and hoisted our colours, which she answered by displaying Danish colours, and opening her fire on the starboard side. At this time, from a fresh breeze at W.S.W,, it became nearly calm, and we were obliged to use our sweeps, in order to get between her and the shore. At five, arrived within musket-shot of the enemy, and commenced action; most of our sweeps, at this time, shot away, and great part of the rigging. We now discovered several gun-boats coming towards us, which had been previously concealed behind the rocks; and it being a perfect calm, their commanders had every advantage they could wish in placing them. They took their position on each quarter, every shot raking us, whilst the brig had the same advantage on the larboard bow At 6-30, five of our carronades were dismounted on the larboard side, and several of the officers and crew killed and wounded. Every effort was used to get the Seagull round, so as to bring the starboard guns to bear, but without effect; our sweeps being all shot away, the gun-boats hulling us every time they fired, having five feet water in the hold, and all our sails and rigging cut to pieces. At 7-30, from the sinking state of the vessel, the great slaughter made by the gun-boats, and not having the least prospect of escape, I considered it an indispensable duty, for the preservation of the surviving officers and men, to order the colours to be hauled down. I have the satisfaction to acquaint you, that there was scarcely sufficient time to remove the wounded out of the Seagull, before she sunk. The force opposed to her was the Danish brig of war Lougen, mounting 20 guns (18 long
18-pound-
