most excessive labour, we had the mortification of being again obliged to retire; the officers and men being quite worn out.
“The weather continued very bad until the afternoon of the 6th instant, when a party was landed, and the mortars were got forward; before daylight, the seamen and marines were on the pile, and all the guns were placed on the battery ready for mounting. The 2 mortars opened soon after daylight, and the shells were thrown with great precision, by Lieutenant James, of the royal marine artillery, landed from the Strombolo, who worked the mortars with his party; and the fire from Lieutenant Corbyn’s battery was resumed with excellent effect. This united force made very considerable impression on the fort: an expense magazine was blown up, and the enemy’s fire was very much slackened.
“At seven o’clock, just before the breaching battery was ready to open, a white flag was shewn from the fort; Captain Stoddart, of the Strombolo, and Captain Zehupfenning, were immediately sent to the fort, and the latter returned in a few minutes with an offer from the commandant, to surrender the fort and garrison upon conditions of marching out with the honors of war, the officers and men preserving their private property.
“This was immediately acceded to by Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost and myself: the fort was taken possession of by the advance of the troops. The garrison marched out, grounded their arms on the glacis, and were immediately embarked.
“I have great satisfaction in stating, that during this service, which has so much depended on the united exertions of the army and navy, the most perfect cordiality has existed among all ranks, and I have met, in Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost, all that openness of communication and confidence which an acquaintance with the character of this excellent officer gave me reason to expect.
“In an operation where the laborious exertions of the captains, officers, seamen, and marines under my orders, have been most conspicuous, I hope I shall be excused for having gone so much into detail; but it is my duty, and a most agreeable one, to bring under your view the praiseworthy conduct of all ranks and descriptions. I must particularly draw your attention to the zeal and activity displayed by that valuable officer. Captain Carroll, of the Volcano; his conduct was the admiration of every body, and he was ably supported by Lieutenant Pidgely, of the Invincible, and the other officers, seamen, and marines, under his direction. From the explosion of a shell near him the night before. Captain Carroll was obliged to suspend his services until the morning of the 7th (but I am happy to state, he has perfectly recovered), and Captain Stoddart, of the Strombolo, succeeded him in the direction of getting up the guns, &c. for the breaching battery, and deserves every credit for his active services. I am also much obliged to Captain Badcock, of the Brune, for the assistance he afforded me.
“I cannot conclude this letter, without calling to your notice the indefatigable exertions of Lieutenant Corbyn, both in getting the guns up to the