highly approved by Sir Home Popham, but there is reason to believe that the scheme was never transmitted to the proper quarter.
Winter was now approaching, and the squadron received orders not to venture to the eastward of Cape Machicao, for fear of being embayed. The Sparrow, however, kept up a communication with that part of the coast, during the whole season; in the course of which she captured a French letter of marque and a brig; the latter laden with cotton and rice. Her log will prove how little she was in port; but that part of her history must be adverted to hereafter.
The gallant defence of Castro, in 1813, “reflects great honor on all concerned;” and as Captain Tayler’s exertions on that occasion were particularly meritorious, we shall here give the official account of the manner in which it again fell into the enemy’s possession.
“Sir,– In my letter of the 4th instant, I informed you of my arrival off Castro, in company with H.M. sloops Royalist and Sparrow, and that the enemy, having been twice repulsed from before the walls of Castro, had again invested it since the 25th April, with increased forces, and of the measures taken by the squadron to assist in its defence; I have now the honor to communicate to you our subsequent operations.
“On the 5th and 6th, no material movement took place. The enemy were in such numbers in the surrounding villages, that the garrison did not make another sortie after the 4th. We perceived them making fascines in the woods.
“On the 7th, we discovered that they were throwing up a battery to the westward of the town. A 24-pounder was landed with great difficulty, from the Sparrow, on a small island within point-blank shot of it, and a battery erected, which by great exertion was nearly ready for its reception on the following morning, at which time the enemy commenced their fire from two 12-pounders against it, which was briskly returned by the castle, and about 3 P.M. by our 24-pounder, with such effect, that one of their embrasures was rendered perfectly untenable before night. The enemy were discovered also constructing a large battery to the S.W. of the town, within 100 yards of the wall, under cover of a large house, against which the guns of the castle could not be brought to bear. A long brass 12-pounder was mounted on the castle, by the assistance of our people, but it unfortunately burst, after having been fired a few times. The whole of the 9th a heavy fire was kept up on both sides, and every exertion made to strengthen the defences. The most determined spirit of resistance animated the governor, Don. P. P. Alvarez, and every officer and soldier