tempted to escape from us, the wind fortunately obliged him to anchor off St. Joseph’s island; and nearing him on the morning of the 14th, I discovered his force to consist of five gun-vessels of the largest dimensions, which were moored in a line abreast, with springs on their cables, and boarding nettings triced up, evidently prepared for our reception.
“Observing also, as we approached the flotilla, an armed sloop endeavouring to join them. Captain Roberts, who volunteered to take her with part of his division, succeeded in cutting her off and capturing her without much opposition.
“About 10 o’clock, having closed to within long gun-shot, I directed the boats to come to a grapnel, and the people to get their breakfasts. As soon as they had finished, we again took to our oars, and pulling up to the enemy against a strong current, running at the rate of nearly 3 miles an hour, exposed to a heavy and destructive fire of round and grape, about noon, I had the satisfaction of closing with the commodore, in the Seahorse’s barge.
“After several minutes obstinate resistance, in which the greater part of the officers and men in this boat were either killed or wounded, myself amongst the latter, severely, we succeeded in boarding; and being seconded by the Seahorse’s other barge, commanded by Mr. White, midshipman, and aided by the boats of the Tonnant, under Lieutenant Tatnall, we soon carried her, and turned her guns with good effect upon the remaining four.
“During this time. Captain Montresor’s division was making every possible exertion to close with the enemy, and with the assistance of the other boats, then joined by Captain Roberts, in about five minutes we had possession of the whole of the flotilla.
“I have to lament the loss of many of my brave companions, who gloriously fell in this attack; but considering the great strength of the enemy’s vessels, and their state of preparation, we have by no means suffered so severely as might have been expected.
“I am under the greatest obligations to the officers, seamen, and marines, I had the honour to command on this occasion, to whose gallantry and exertions the service is indebted for the capture of these vessels; any comments of mine would fall short of the praise due to them: I am especially indebted to Captains Montresor and Roberts, for their advice and assistance; they are entitled to more than I can say of them, and have my best thanks for the admirable style in which they pushed on with their divisions to the capture of the remainder of the enemy’s flotilla.
“In an expedition of this kind, where so many were concerned, and so much personal exertion and bravery was displayed, I find it impossible to particularize every individual who distinguished himself, and deserves to be well-spoken of; but I feel it my duty to mention those whose behaviour fell immediately under my own eye.
“Lieutenant George Pratt, second of the Seahorse, who commanded that ship’s boats, and was in the same boat with me, conducted himself