present duty to notice to you the determined skill and bravery of the officers and men in this unequal contest: but it grieves me to state, that the loss sustained in maintaining it has been so great[1]; that of the enemy, I understand, amounts to something more than the same number.
“The fine style in which Captain Downie conducted the squadron into action, amidst a tremendous fire, without returning a shot, until secured, reflects the greatest credit on his memory, for his judgment and coolness, as also on Lieutenants M‘Ghie and Hicks, for so strictly attending to his example and instructions; their own accounts of the capture of their respective vessels, as well as that of Lieutenant John[errata 1] Robertson, who succeeded to the command of the Confiance, will, I feel assured, do ample justice to the merits of the officers and men serving under their immediate command; hut I cannot omit noticing the individual conduct of Lieutenants Robertson, Creswick, and Hornby, and Mr. Bryden, master, for their particular exertions in endeavouring to bring the Confiance’s starboard side to bear on the enemy, after most of their guns were dismounted on the other.
“It is impossible for me to express to you my admiration of the officers and crews serving under my personal orders; their coolness and steadiness, the effect of which was proved by their irresistible fire directed towards the brig opposed to us, claims my warmest acknowledgments, but more particularly for preserving the same, so long after the whole strength of the enemy had been directed against the Linnet alone. My first lieutenant, Wm. Drew, whose merits I have before had the honor to report to you, behaved in the most exemplary manner.
“By the death of Mr. Paul, acting second lieutenant, the service has been deprived of a most valuable and brave officer; he fell early in the action; great credit is due to Mr. Giles, purser, for volunteering his services on deck; to Mr. Mitchell, surgeon, for the skill he evinced in performing some amputations required at the moment, us well as his great attention to the wounded daring the action; at the close of which, the water was nearly a foot above the lower deck, from the number of shot which struck her between wind and water. I have to regret the loss of the boatswain, Mr. Jackson, who was killed a few moments before the action terminated. The assistance I received from Mr. Muckle, the gunner, and also from Mr. Clarke, master’s mate, Messrs. Towke and Sinclair, midshipmen, the latter of whom was wounded in the head, and Mr. Guy, my clerk, will, I hope, recommend them, as well as the whole of my gallant little crew, to your notice.
“I have much satisfaction in making you acquainted with the humane treatment the wounded have received from Commodore M‘Donough; they were immediately removed to his own hospital, on Crabb island, and furnished with every requisite. His generous and polite attention, also,- ↑ 57 killed, and from 70 to 90 wounded.
Errata:
- ↑ Correction: John should be amended to James
