immediately restored, the authorities in the town would consider the frigates as enemies, and act accordingly.
In order to account for the Sybille and Fox remaining so long stationary, it is here necessary to observe, that the weather had been perfectly calm for some time previous to the arrival of this messenger; but now a breeze sprang up, that facilitated the discovery of their true character, and prevented further proceedings in that neighbourhood[1]. The whole of the Spanish officers and men, in number about 232, after being regaled, the former with a dinner at Captain Malcolm’s table, the latter with fresh China beef and grog, were therefore allowed to depart in the four boats, about 4 P.M., which they did in very good humour; and there can be no doubt that the kind usage they received while on board the Fox, and the circumstance of being permitted to go on shore without parole or restriction of any sort, had the effect of impressing upon their minds, and the natives in particular, a high idea of British generosity.
On the morning of the 15th, the Sybille and Fox, having anchored during the preceding night off the island of Corrigidore, again weighed and steered for the settlement of Sambangen on the island of Majindinao, which they purposed laying under contribution for wood, water, and refreshments. The Sybille towed one of the prize gun-vessels, and the Fox the others[2]. At day-light on the 22d, being within a few
- ↑ From the information afforded by the Spanish officers, it appeared that the Rey Carlos was in the Cavita, and most likely aground there; and that the Marquesetta had relanded her money in consequence of a suspicious ship, since ascertained to have been the ill-fated Resistance, having appeared off the islands some days before. Hence the most lucrative part of the enterprise was frustrated; but the other was completely accomplished, that is, correct information of the naval force possessed by the enemy in that quarter.
The Resistance, commanded by Captain Edward Pakenham, was destroved by fire in the Straits of Banca, on the 24th July following; on which melancholy occasion 332 persons perished.
- ↑ One of the gun-vessels, commanded by Lieutenant Rutherford of the Fox, broke adrift in a heavy squall on the night of the 19th. Captain Malcolm instantly brought to, and continued to fire guns and show lights till the morning; but as she was never afterwards heard of, it is supposed that she filled and foundered. By this unfortunate accident the Fox, in addition to her Lieutenant, lost a Midshipman and 12 men.
