the expedition will be seen by the following copy of Captain Rushworth’s official report, dated Sept. 9, 1806.–
“After leaving H.M. sloop Stork, on the 25th August, off the Isle of Pines, it took us till the 2d of this month to get off Point Gondas, 22 miles N.W. from Batabano, when I anchored with the Flying Fish and Pike schooners: at midnight, we weighed and stood for Batabano, to be off that place before break of day, but owing to baffling winds it took us until day-light. I thought it expedient to land, which I accordingly did, about 2 miles to windward of the battery, taking with me 18 of the Stork’s men, 35 from the Superieure, and 10 from the Flying Fish, to guard the boats. The marshy irregular ground greatly impeded our march, and the enemy perceiving it, sent some soldiers to way-lay us in the thick bushes; but the most forward of my party charged and completely put them to the rout, killing 2 and badly wounding 1. At that time a general alarm had spread, the militia had joined the stationary regulars in the front, aided by men from the shipping in the bay. Our retreat being then cut off, we were obliged to rush forward to gain the fort, which, I am happy to say, was completely carried in three minutes, the enemy retreating in all directions, after firing 2 guns and a volley of small arms towards the path we were obliged to pass. The battery contained 6 long 18-pounders, mounted on travelling carriages, which we spiked, and then proceeded to take possession of the vessels; viz. one felucca, pierced for 14 guns, having one 18-pounder and 12 blunderbusses on board; a schooner pierced for 12 guns; a French privateer of 4; three Spanish vessels with 1 gun each, and six smaller with cargoes, which were saved, and the vessell burnt, not having sufficient men to carry them out. The next morning a flag of truce came off, and I learnt their loss was considerable, I am happy to say, we had only one man badly wounded on the occasion.
“I feel it my duty to state the great assistance I received from Lieutenants Russell and Murray, and sub-Lieutenants Blake and Brown. The seamen and marines under my command acted in a most gallant manner. Two days after, I captured the St. John, Spanish schooner, of 3 guns and 32 men, after a slight resistance.”
We next find Captain Le Geyt employed in the blockade of Martinique, and assisting at the destruction of la Cygne, French national brig, and two schooners laden with flour and provisions for the garrison of that island[1].
Captain Le Geyt’s promotion to post rank took place Aug. 12, 1812; at which period he had been upwards of 20 years in constant active employment (one-half of that time in the West Indies, and upwards of six years on the American sta-
