Gourly were called on board the commodore’s ship, by signal, to furnish whatever information they possessed respecting Capraja, and to point out the best spot to disembark at. Nelson knew that they were both well acquainted with the localities of the island. They agreed, that it might be effected at a place which he mentioned when shewing them a chart, but added, that there was another, much more eligible, on the northern, or opposite side. He replied, you shall have 250 soldiers sent on board your vessels immediately; make sail, and land them there. In three hours after this, these men were safely put on shore, and they soon got possession of a 2-gun battery, together with the heights above; the enemy flying into the town.
Meanwhile, Nelson was baffled in his attempt to effect a landing on the southern side of the island; the sand being so loose that the men who jumped on shore sunk almost to their knees at every step, the ascent very steep, and the enemy numerous and strongly posted. The intervening high land prevented him from knowing what had been accomplished on the other side, until the Rose, using her sweeps, brought him the gratifying intelligence.
There were then lying in the harbour of Capraja, three French privateers, full of men; and to prevent their escape. Lieutenant Gourly placed his brig within musket-shot of the batteries at the entrance, where he continued watching them until la Minerve, favoured by a light breeze, came to his assistance. Next morning, Sept. 18, 1796, the commodore also got round ; the troops were landed, and the privateers destroyed by their crews: the island then surrendered without any further resistance. In his official report of this occurrence. Nelson highly commended the commanders of the Rose and Vanneau, for their diligence, intelligence, and zeal.
The Vanneau was subsequently selected to perform a secret service; but in working out of Porto Ferrajo, she unfortunately struck, and was bilged, on a sunken and previously unknown rock.
In June, 1797, Lieutenant Gourly was appointed to command the Thunder bomb-ketch; and on the 2d of the
