performance of this service, the second master of the Haughty was slightly wounded. Captain Black subsequently assisted at the capture of Mezzo, an island near Ragusa, defended by 6 long 9-pounders, a 5½-inch howitzer, and 60 men, including the commandant: his “zealous and indefatigable exertions” on this occasion will be fully noticed under the head of Captain John Harper, C.B. Another service of a somewhat similar nature, in which he was soon afterwards engaged, is thus described by Rear-Admiral Freemantle:–
“The boats of the Milford, with those of the Weazle, succeeded last night (Aug 4, 1813) in surprising the garrison of Ragosniza. They left this ship after dark, about 7 leagues from the land, and having passed the sea-battery within pistol-shot, unperceived, landed at the back of the island: at day-light, the enemy were saluted with a general cheer from the top of the hill, and our people carried the battery, open in the rear, without much resistance, containing six 24-pounders and two 7½-inch mortars.
“Although I have more than once had occasion to mention the zeal of Captain Black, I should be wanting if I were not to make known his unwearied endeavours to forward the public service, and how much I am indebted for the cordiality with which he received my suggestions: he speaks in high terms of the conduct of all employed. We sustained no loss; the enemy had 2 killed and 1 wounded. They seem to have attached much importance to this place, for the protection of their convoys, as two engineers, with a great number of artificers, were employed erecting a tower at the top of the hill; – those, with an officer of rank, made their escape; a captain, subaltern, and 61 soldiers, remain prisoners. The civic guard laid down their arms, and were permitted to return to their habitations.”
On the 18th of the same month, the marines and small-arm men of the Weazle, in conjunction with those of the Saracen and Wizard, brigs, destroyed two batteries, situated on commanding points at the entrance of Boco di Cattaro[1]. Six days subsequent thereto, Captain Black captured two French gun-vessels, from Fano bound to Otranto. Independent of their respective crews, amounting to 69 men, they had on board 16 military officers and 21 soldiers.
Captain Black’s post commission bears date July 20, 1813. He was nominated a C.B. in 1815.
