recommend him as an officer truly deserving the attention of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
“To Lieutenant Parker, first of the Indefatigable, much praise is due, and given him by Lieutenant Sibly, for his brave support, and able conduct in managing the corvette after he was wounded. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Right Hon. the Earl of St. Vincent, &c. &c. &c.”
Le Caesar proved to be a fine brig of 18 guns and 86 men, “in every respect well prepared, and expecting the attack.” In working out past the batteries, which kept up a constant fire on her, she was engaged by her late consort (formerly an English gun-brig) for nearly two hours. The greater part of the British boats were either shot through, or so badly stove, that they were swamped, and obliged to be cut adrift from her. Lieutenant Sibly was wounded by pike and sabre, in the arm, face, and side. The officers employed under him, whose names we have been able to ascertain, were as follow:–
Conqueror’s, – Lieutenant Gamaliel Fitzmaurice, and Mr. Helpman, master’s-mate[1]. Prince of Wales’s, – Lieutenant Francis, and Mr. Thomas Mullins, master’s-mate[2]. Revenge’s, – Lieutenant Charles Manners, and Mr. Thomas Blackstone, midshipman[3]. Polyphemus’s, – none mentioned in Captain Rodd’s report. Monarch’s, – Lieutenant Dalhousie Tait[2]. Indefatigable’s – Lieutenants Thomas Parker[4], Thomas Arscott, and R. Shepherdson[2]. Iris, – none reported.
The total loss sustained by the British on this occasion, was 6 slain, 21 dangerously and severely wounded, 15 slightly wounded, and 21 missing. All the latter belonged to the Revenge’s boat, which was struck by a large shot, and would have sunk but for the proximity of the shore. The survivors, on landing, were of course made prisoners. The enemy’s loss is not stated in Captain Rodd’s letter to Sir Samuel Hood.
Captain Sibly’s commission as commander, bears date Aug. 4, 1800; and at the end of that year we find him appointed to the Hermes sloop of war; in which vessel he sailed for South America, Mar. 9, 1807. His next appoint-
