a schooner full of men, using her sweeps and every means possible to get off; from which circumstance supposing her to be a privateer, and perceiving her intention of attempting to escape through the before-mentioned channel, I made all possible sail, and, at 8 o’clock, got her within reach of the guns, which, from the short tacks I was obliged to make, we were prevented from using to that advantage and effect I could have wished, without losing ground; therefore, though several shot went over and through her sails, she still persevered in beating to windward until she had advanced near the centre of the channel, when, finding it impossible to proceed further, she came to an anchor under a reef of rocks; at which time, 10 a. m., having beat the ship up into six fathoms water, but deeming it imprudent to proceed further, and finding it would be almost impossible to destroy the vessel with the great guns, not being able to anchor, or to bring either broadside to bear to advantage, without hazard to the ship, yet judging it of importance to take or destroy her by some means or other, I immediately hoisted three boats out, and sent them manned and armed under the direction of Lieutenant (Henry) Mullah, assisted by Lieutenant Lockyer, with several midshipmen, all volunteers on the occasion.
“The instant the boats put off from the ship, the schooner hoisted French colours, fired a gun, and warped her broadside towards them: as they advanced, she commenced firing grape from her great guns, and; on their nearer approach, opened a fire of musketry; notwithstanding which, and a strong sea breeze against him. Lieutenant Mullah, in the most intrepid and gallant manner possible, pulled up in the face of several discharges of grape, and a heavy fire of small arms from 50 men drawn up round the deck, boarded, and carried her. It is impossible to speak too highly, or sufficiently to express my sense of the bravery and intrepid conduct of Lieutenants Mullah and Lockyer, as well as the petty officers, seamen, and marines employed under them; considering the disadvantage under which they were obliged to attack, and the preparation the enemy bad made for defence: nor can I too much commend the spirit and alacrity with which they volunteered their services on the occasion, as well as the whole ship’s company.
“I am happy to add, that only 2 men were wounded; the French had 9 killed and 6 wounded, besides 3 missing, supposed to have been drowned in attempting to swim on shore. The privateer proves to be l’Hirondelle, of 10 long 4-pounders and 50 men, two days out from St. Domingo. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Vice-Admiral Sir John T. Duckworth, K.B.
&c. &c. &c."
Mr. Lockyer’s promotion to the rank of commander took place Sept. 25, 1806. His first appointment afterwards was
