determined to make his escape if possible; and he had the good fortune to do so, although it was necessary to pass through three barriers, at one of which an officer was inspecting the night-guard, and as he thought, for the purpose of detaining him. Many Greeks knew that he had landed, but not one of them said a word to betray him, and from his walking quietly past the guard-houses, his servant with a trunk following in a careless manner, no suspicion was excited until the islanders began to laugh at and jeer the French sentinels, some time after he had quitted the shore. The enemy then hailed him repeatedly to return; and he had not been on board the Weazle half an hour before she was attacked by three privateers, which were either driven on the rocks, or sunk, in a very few minutes.
At this time, there were a Russian line-of-battle ship and two frigates within four miles of the Weazle; and next morning, at day-light. Captain Clavell found himself in the midst of a number of small transports, protected by three gun-boats, the whole of which he captured, although his sloop had not then many more than half her complement of officers and men on board, the remainder being absent in prizes recently captured. The number of French soldiers taken on this occasion amounted to about 400, all armed and fully equipped. The sense entertained by Lord Collingwood of this service will be seen by the following official document:
“Sir,– I have received with great satisfaction your letter of the 29th ultimo, detailing to me your proceedings since your departure from Captain Campbell, and the squadron off Venice.
“I am very happy that you escaped so fortunately from Corfu, and highly approve of your conduct, in annoying, and taking part of the enemy’s flotilla, which were going to take possession of Corfu from Otranto.
“It was unfortunate that your provisions, &c. would not admit of your remaining longer near Corfu, to intercept the enemy, as I am convinced no one would more effectually do it; but I trust some other opportunity will soon present itself of your again successfully exerting your zeal and ability, which in this instance has been used so much to the good of his Majesty’s service. I am, &c.
“Captain Clavell, H.M.S. Weazle.”
After completing his provisions, &c, at Malta, Captain
