ing which opened the enemy’s boats to our view, when, unfortunately, the 68-pounder carronade, on which much depended, was disabled. Seeing us pull the boat round, to bring the 24-pounder to bear, the enemy thought we were commencing a retreat, when they advanced with their whole force, consisting of 150 riflemen, near 200 Indians, and a numerous body of militia and cavalry, which soon overpowered the few men I had. Their resistance was such as I could have expected from a brave and well-disciplined body; but, opposed to such numbers, unavailing: their officers set them an example honorable to themselves, and worthy of a better fate. Captain Spilsbury, for a time, checked the advance of the enemy, by the fire which he kept up with the cohorn and his party; and I feel much indebted to him for his conduct throughout. Lieutenants Cox and M‘Veagh, who nobly supported the honour of their corps, are, I am sorry to say, dangerously wounded. Mr. Hoare, master’s-mate of the Montreal, whose conduct was conspicuous throughout, is the only officer killed. Our loss in killed and wounded (mostly dangerous) is great[1]. I send as correct a return as I can possibly get of them, as well as of the survivors. The winding of the creek, which gave the enemy great advantage in advancing to intercept our retreat, rendered any further perseverance unavailing, and would have subjected the men to certain death.
“Lieutenants Majoribanks and Rowe, in the rear, with the small boats, did every thing in their power; and Lieutenant Loveday’s exertions, in the Lais gun-boat, was such as I was much pleased with.
“The exertions of the American officers of the rifle corps, commanded by Major Appling, in saving the lives of many of the officers and men, whom their own men and the Indians were devoting to death, were conspicuous, and claim our warmest gratitude. I have the honor to be, &c.
This officer’s post commission bears date Sept. 19, 1814.
Agent.– C. Clementson, Esq.
FRANCIS BROCKELL SPILSBURY, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1815.]
A native of Nottinghamshire, and son of Mr. Spilsbury, Surgeon, R.N., patentee of the drops bearing his name.
This officer was made lieutenant Dec. 27, 1805; and we first find him serving under Captain Thomas Ussher, of the Hyacinth post-sloop, who speaks very highly of his gallantry and zealous conduct, in the brilliant affair at Malaga (on which
- ↑ About 18 killed and 50 wounded.
