Caesar and Montagu hauled out of the line to attack the Alexandre, who, with the Foudroyant and Impetueux, formed the rear of the French line. This, at about 11 a.m., brought on a fire from the batteries, which the Ville de Paris, Caesar, and Montagu returned, the three rearmost French ships already named, and the Valeureuse and Volontaire frigates also taking part in it. At 11-30, the west point of Bertheaume bearing N.½E., distant one mile and a half, the British fleet wore and stood out, in order of battle, the batteries keeping up until a quarter past noon, a constant fire of shot and shells.
“The damage done to the British van, principally by the batteries, proved how well the latter were calculated to protect the French fleet at its new anchorage. On board the Ville de Paris one shell struck the spare anchor, and burst into innumerable pieces, which flew in all directions. A piece, weighing about a pound and a half, struck Admiral Cornwallis on the breast, but, being entirely spent, did not hurt him. A second piece struck and slightly wounded one of the midshipmen; the ship had her hull struck in several places, and her rigging and sails a great deal cut. The Caesar and Montagu both suffered in their rigging and sails; the former, indeed, owing to the close position she took, had 3 men killed and 6 wounded. The Montagu had the heel of her fore top-mast shot away, but does not appear to have sustained any loss in men.”
The next services in which this officer was engaged, will be seen by the following testimonial:
“These are to certify, that Lieutenant John Smith served on board H.M.S. Namur, under my command, from the 26th Mar. 1805, until the 2nd July, 1807, during which time she was one of a squadron under the orders of Sir Richard Strachan, at the capture of a French squadron commanded by Rear-Admiral Dumanoir[1], and the Formidable (flag-ship) having surrendered to the Namur, the said Lieutenant Smith was sent on board her, to assist in taking her into port, which service he performed much to my satisfaction; and, although his name did not appear in the list of casualties, it seems he received a contusion in his right thigh during the action.
“I do further certify, that Lieutenant Smith was on board the said ship Namur, when under the orders of Sir J. B. Warren, at the capture of the French ships Marengo and Belle Poule, commanded by Rear-Admiral Linois[2], during all which time he conducted himself very much to my satisfaction.
The Namur being paid off in July, 1807, Lieutenant Smith immediately joined the Monmouth 64, Captain Edward
