tagem, reserving his fire till the largest brig had arrived within hailing distance, when he brought her to action; and after a close carronade of more than half an hour, compelled her to surrender. The other vessels observing le Bourdelois could fight both sides at once, behaved very shy on this occasion, and made off when they saw the fate of their commodore; but not before they had received such a dose from the English ship, as effectually spoiled their cruise. The prize proved to be la Curieuse of 390 tons, pierced for 20 guns, mounting 18 long 9-pounders, with a complement of 168 men, about 50 of whom were killed and wounded, including among the latter her commander, Captain George Radelet, who lost both his legs, and survived but a few hours. Many of the prisoners were in an equally pitiable state; and the vessel was so completely torn to pieces, that she went down just as our seamen had removed the last of the wounded Frenchmen from her. The floating wreck buoyed up many from destruction; but Messrs. Spence and Auckland, two promising young gentlemen, with five of Captain Manby’s gallant and humane crew, unfortunately perished, in consequence of their perseverance in the meritorious service on which they were employed. The delay occasioned by this unhappy event, securing the prisoners, and repairing damages, detained Captain Manby about three hours before he could pursue the flying enemy which was done, however, with all alacrity, but without success, as the night favored their escape. They were la Mutine of 300 tons, sixteen long 6-pounders, and 156 men; and l’Esperance of six 4-pounders and 52 men. La Bourdelois at this time mounted twenty-two 32-pr. carronades, and two long 9-pounders, with a complement of 195 men. She had 1 killed and 7 wounded.
The discomfiture of this little squadron saved the scattered fleet from capture, and induced the commodore to write the following official letter, which was transmitted to the Admiralty, with Captain Manby’s account of the action:
“Sir.– Enclosed are two letters from Captain Thomas Manby to me, from which the service he baa rendered to the different islands, by destroying a squadron Sent out by Victor Hugues, for the interception of the outward bound convoy, speaks for itself.
“To Rear-Admiral Duckworth, &c. &c.”
