POST-CAPTAINS OF 1814.
335
The French general at Ragusa, when informed that Zupano had been captured, immediately sent strict orders to the commandant of this island, “to be on his guard, or the captain of the English brig would take him also;” which prediction was soon verified, as will be seen by the following letter:
“H.M. sloop Saracen, Harbour of Mezzo, July 23, 1813.
“Sir,– Having received information, that the enemy at Ragusa had prepared 200 troops, and 2 long guns, as a reinforcement for the island of Mezzo, they knowing it to be of the greatest consequence in protecting their convoys, and annoying the British cruisers, I determined, with Captain Black, of the Weazle, on instantly besieging it, and, on the 15th instant, declared the island to be in a state of strict blockade. On the 16th, the Weazle’s boats succeeded in surprising and taking prisoners two advance parties of the enemy. On the 17th, I landed with the marines of both brigs, and, at midnight, took possession of the town and convent, the latter a very strong place, the enemy retreating into a large castle, situated on a very high hill, and strongly fortified. On the 18th, in the morning, the enemy sent out a strong party to the town for provisions; I attacked them with the marines, drove them back, and took a corporal and three privates prisoners. The 12-pounder carronade was landed from the Saracen, and opened on the castle in the afternoon, apparently with good effect. I then determined to erect a battery on the top of a high rocky mountain, which commanded the castle, although it appeared almost impossible, from the difficulty of access. Captain Black, in the most handsome manner, volunteered to perform this service. On the 19th, we reconnoitred and marked out the battery, which was instantly begun. In the evening I sailed for Curzola, according to your orders. On my return, in the evening of the 21st, I found that Captain Black had, in the most able and persevering manner, got the battery ready with three small brass guns, and had been indefatigable in annoying the enemy. On the 22d, at day-light, the battery opened a well-directed tire on the castle, which was returned with shot and shells. The enemy finding himself hard pressed on all sides, his foraging parties being constantly attacked and driven back with loss, at 11, a.m., sent a flag of truce, offering to surrender, on the terms marked No. 1, which Captain Black and myself thought quite inadmissible; but knowing the enemy had bread for 12 or 14 days longer, and that a reinforcement of 100 troops, with supplies of every kind for them, had arrived at the island of Calamotta, only one mile distant, I sent back our terms, marked No. 2, allowing them 16 minutes to consider. On these terms they surrendered, and we took possession of the castle at 3 p.m. I feel happy in informing you, it has been acquired with the loss only of the marine, belonging to the Saracen, killed, and two of the Weazle’s wounded. The exertions and fatigue of the crews of both brigs have been great; every officer and man performing the duty allotted to him with that