much as a breath of wind. In this unlooked-for and most mortifying predicament, Captain Tucker, with great presence of mind, immediately ordered the helm to be put hard a-starboard, by which decisive measure the vessels got out of gunshot of a third heavy battery, then just opening upon them, before they lost their way. Captain Beaver was an eye-witness to the movements of the Cherub and Julia ; and he afterwards told Captain Tucker that the promptitude with which he had extricated them from their perilous situation was deserving of the highest praise; that as much credit was due to him as if he had brought out the frigates, and that he would duly report his conduct. All who are acquainted with the anchorage at Basse Terre, must be aware of the difficulty of an enemy getting into that roadstead, as the high land commanding it occasions constant baffling winds and calms.
Highly as Sir Alexander Cochrane admired Captain Tucker’s heroic attempt, he gave strict orders that it should not be repeated. Captain Beaver, however, determined, if possible, to destroy the French frigates, and for that purpose he directed the Unique brig to be prepared as a fire-vessel; her unavoidable destruction, before she could reach the enemy, has been related at p. 322.
On the 14th June, 1809, the guard-boats of the blockading squadron gave notice that both the frigates were getting under weigh. As the night was extremely dark, and the enemy had the choice of several passages, it was a matter of opinion with the different British captains which they would prefer. The Cherub immediately made all sail to the northward, and continued steering the same course until sun-set next day, when her commander discovered the fugitives under St. Martin’s, with their heads to the southward. Considering this only a feint to deceive him, he stood on, ran through the Sambrero passage, and at dawn of day, on the 16th, perceived them right a-head, but not a single British ship or vessel in sight. The enemy were now so near to the Cherub that Captain Tucker thought his crew would scarcely have time to breakfast; but still he was determined that they should have their meal before they went into action, and he was
