frigate cruized with great success against the enemy’s privateers and other armed vessels, many of which were taken by him.
On the 18th Oct., 1799, he assisted at the capture of the Santa Brigida, of 36 guns and 300 men, laden with treasure, from Vera Cruz, bound to Old Spain. Her consort, the Thetis, with a similar cargo, was taken the day before by the Ethalion, Captain Young[1], into whose hands she had been chaced by the Triton, Naiad, and Alcmene. The Triton, which was the leading ship in the pursuit of the Santa Brigida, struck upon the rocks of Monte Lora, when going at the rate of seven knots, and received so much damage as to be obliged to go into dock on her return to port. Captain Gore’s share of prize money on this occasion exceeded 40,000l. sterling.
Early in 1801, a melancholy accident happened on board the Triton, during a cruize off the Penmarks. Being in chace of a cutter at which she was firing, the 11th gun from forward burst, the splinters of which killed the second Lieutenant, (Alford,) and a gunner’s-mate, and wounded 18 other men. Lieutenant A. had just left the Captain’s table, at which he had been dining; the remainder of the party were providentially saved, notwithstanding the cabin was much damaged. Some time before Captain Gore had been severely hurt by a blow from a block, which falling from aloft struck him on the head.
In the spring of the same year (1801), our officer was appointed to the Medusa, one of the finest frigates in the service; in which ship Lord Nelson’s flag was flying at the attack upon Boulogne[2], in the month of August following. On that oc-
- ↑ See Rear-Admiral James Young.
- ↑ The attempt upon the enemy’s flotilla in the mouth of Boulogne harbour, was made by the boats of Lord Nelson’s squadron in five divisions, under Captains Somerville, Parker, Cotgrave, Jones, and Conn. A previous attack had taught the French the weak parts of their position; and they omitted no means of strengthening it, and of guarding against the expected assault. The boats shoved off from the Medusa about 11h 30’ P.M.; but owing to the darkness, and tide and half-tide, which must always make night attacks so uncertain on the coasts of the Channel, the divisions separated. One could not arrive at all; another not till near day-break. The others went to work in the most gallant manner; but the enemy were fully prepared; every vessel was defended by long poles, headed with iron spikes, projecting from their sides; strong nettings were triced up to their lower
