ficer, seaman, and marine, has a claim to my warmest praises * * * * * *. Lieutenant Charles Allen, of the Bellerophon, was the senior officer after Mr. Hawkey’s death. * * * * * *
" The Russians have suffered severely in this conflict; the most moderate statement makes it appear that two-thirds of them have been killed, wounded, or driven overboard. * * * * * *
The total loss sustained by the British was 17 slain and 37 wounded; among the former were Lieutenant Stirling, of the Prometheus, and Mr. WiHiam Barclay Mountney, midshipman of the Melpomene. The senior surviving lieutenant was immediately afterwards promoted, and his commission dated back to the day of the action; three others, viz. George Rennie, of the Melpomene, and John Sheridan and John Skekel, of the Bellerophon, were also made commanders in the course of the ensuing two years; and Lieutenant Vernon was likewise advanced to that rank, as soon as he had served the necessary time to render him eligible. His promotion consequently took place April 29, 1811.
In July, 1810, the Implacable, then commanded by Captain George Cockburn, conveyed Sir Richard G. Keats to Cadiz. On the 6th Sept. following she sailed from thence for the Havannah, with two Spanish 3-deckers under her protection; and on the 18th Feb. 1811, we find her returning in a sickly state, with 6,000,000 of dollars on board. Her officers and crew were subsequently employed in the defence of l’Isla de Leon.
On the 25th May, 1813, Captain Vernon was appointed to the Challenger brig, of 16 guns, in which vessel he was present at the siege and surrender of St. Sebastian, the northern Gibraltar of Spain[1]. He also assisted at the destruction of le Flibustier, French national brig, mounting 16 guns, a brass howitzer, and 4 swivels, bound to Santona, and having on board treasure, arms, ammunition, and salt provisions, for the relief of that garrison. She had been waiting an opportunity to steal out of St. Jean de Luz for several months, the near approach of the allies under Lord Wellington at length made it absolutely necessary, and a dark and stormy
