“I am happy to say this service has been executed without any loss on our part, which I consider as chiefly owing to the arrangements of Lieutenant O’Brien, the gallantry and promptitude with which he led the boats to the attack, and the brave, determined support he received from those under his command. He speaks in high terms of Lieutenant (Francis) Goatling, Lieutenant (William) Haig, R.M. and all the officers and men under his orders, for their gallantry and coolness.
“The enemy’s force consisted of la Tisiphone, French national xebec, of one 6-pounder, two 3-pounders, and 28 men; a gun-boat with one 9-pounder, two 3-pounders, and 24 men; and another of one 9-pounder and 20 men; intended for the protection of the trade on the coast of Istria, from Pola to Trieste. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Rear-admiral Freemantle.”
The next service performed by the Bacchante’s boats was reported in a public letter to the same flag-officer, dated Sept. 18, 1812, of which the following is a copy:
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, that this morning, at day-break, I discovered an enemy’s convoy between Tremite and Vasto, on the coast of Apulia, standing alongshore to the N.W.; calm and baffling winds prevented my closing with them in the ship, and I therefore detached the boats, under the command of Lieutenant O’Brien, to endeavour to intercept them, which, I am happy to say, he completely succeeded in.
“I had an opportunity from the ship of seeing the nature of this service, and the gallantry displayed in the execution of it. The merchantmen, on the approach of the boats, anchored, and hauled themselves aground, leaving eight armed vessels to protect them outside, who took up an excellent position for that purpose. The crews of those aground quitted their vessels, and lined a thick wood astern of them, well adapted for their defence and for bush-fighting, and which completely commanded the coast.
“In this situation they awaited our boats, which were led to the attack by Lieutenant O’Brien with his accustomed gallantry; and I want words. Sir, to convey to you my admiration of the determined manner in which this service was performed. The boats, pushing through a very heavy fire of grape and musketry, carried all before them; boarding and driving the enemy from their vessels in every direction. The marines at the same time landing, forced them from their position in the wood, leaving our brave men in quiet possession of this valuable convoy, consisting of twenty-six vessels, laden chiefly with oil and almonds, from Barri, bound to Venice. I enclose herewith a statement of their armed force.
“Lieutenant O’Brien was most ably seconded by Lieutenant (Silas Thomson) Hood, second of this ship; also by Lieutenant Haig, R.M.,