ing fire of every description for upwards of three-quarters of an hour, which was sustained with the firmest intrepidity; the carronades of our two pinnaces played with considerable effect, together with our musketry on nearer approach; but the instant the favorable moment arose, one and all dashed in, under a heavy shower of grape and musketry, gave three cheers when just alongside, and prepared to board with a devotedness every way equal to even a more formidable force. The panic on board was instantaneous, and with trifling exception the entire of the crew threw themselves into the sea; 28 were secured, amongst whom was their commander, but numbers, I regret to add, escaped through their near vicinity to the shore. The vessel proved to be the piratical schooner Zaragozana, of 120 tons, carrying one long 18-pounder on a swivel, four long 9-pounders, and eight swivels; was otherwise well armed, and every way prepared against our boarding; her decks covered with bottles filled with combustible materials, with a crew of from 70 to 80 men, chiefly European Spaniards, commanded by one of that nation under the name of Cayatano Aroganez, who fought his vessel with a skill, and, until the moment of panic, with a desperate courage, worthy of a better cause, impelled however, I believe, in a measure, by the conviction which he had that the ships, from draft of water, could not enter the harbour, and that therefore, could he overcome the boats, his triumph and safety were insured.
“Where all. Sir, officers, seamen, and marines, so heroically performed their duty, I should feel it invidious to particularize individuals, were I not anxious to bring under your knowledge officers in command of boats so worthy of your notice, and the approbation of my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Lieutenant (Amos) Plymsell, next in command, a zealous and gallant officer, who has accompanied me on every service with the boats. Lieutenant James Campbell, and Messrs. Robinson, Dawson, Shapland, Gettings, and Dalyell, midshipmen; likewise Mr. West, surgeon, and Mr. Graham, assistant, who volunteered their services. I should equally be wanting in candour towards those who were unavoidably left in the ships, were I not to state, that all panted to accompany me, foremost amongst whom, in justice to him and in honor to myself, must I name Captain Roberts, who on every occasion throughout the period of his service with me, has manifested a zeal and effort commanding the applause of all. He lost no time in following me with the ships, and had reached, by the assistance of Mr. Bull, acting master of theTyne (who throughout the cruise has brought the ships in safety through constant intricate and dangerous navigation) nearly within gun-shot, on our capture being complete.
“The schooner was fitted out, and armed as she is, at the Havannah, from whence she sailed in January last, with 50 men on board, under the designation of a merchant vessel armed for self defence, and thus permitted to depart by the authorities of that city.
“In forwarding the list of killed and wounded, I cannot but congratu-