her light draught of water to follow the corvette close. The enemy’s fire soon slackened; and the crew being observed to be making for the shore, on the English colours being hoisted on the hill, I made the signal for the boats to board, directing Lieutenant Gossett, in the lugger, to cover them. This service was executed by the party from the shore, under the direction of Lieutenant Pine, in a manner that does them infinite credit, and him every honor as a brave man, and an able officer. The enemy’s troops occupied the high projecting rocks all round the vessels, whence they kept up an incessant fire of musketry; and the utmost that could be effected at the moment was to set fire to the corvette, (l’Etourdie of 16 guns, 12-pounders on the main-deck,) and one of the merchant brigs, since, as the tide fell, the enemy pressed down on the sands close to the vessels; Lieutenant Pine therefore returned on board, having received a severe contusion on the breast from a musket-ball. As the tide rose again it became practicable to make a second attempt to burn the remaining vessels. Lieutenant Pearson was accordingly detached for that purpose with the boats; and I am happy to add, bis gallant exertions succeeded to the utmost of my hopes, notwithstanding the renewed and heavy fire of musketry from the shore. This fire was returned with great spirit and evident good effect; and I was much pleased with the conduct of Lieutenant Gossett, in the hired lugger, and Mr. Knight, hi the Diamond’s launch, who covered the approach and retreat of the boats. The vessels were all burnt, except an armed lugger, which kept up her fire to the last. The wind aud tide suiting at 10 P.M. to come out of the harbour again, we weighed aud repaesed the point of Herqui, from which we received a few shot, the enemy having found means to restore one of the guns to activity. Our loss is trifling[1], considering the nature of the enterprise, and the length of time we were exposed to the enemy’s fire. Theirs, I am persuaded, must have been very great, from the numbers within range of our shot and shells. The conduct of every officer and man under my command meets with my warmest approbation. It would be superfluous to particularize any others than those I have named Suffice it to say, the characteristic bravery and activity of British seamen never were more conspicuous. Lieutenant Pine will have the honor to present their Lordships with the colours which he struck on the battery; and I beg leave to recommend him particularly, as a most meritorious officer.”
In May 1798, Lieutenant M‘Kinley was promoted to the rank of Commander, and appointed to the Otter fire-ship. In the ensuing year he assisted at the capture of Rear-Admiral Storey’s squadron in the Texel; and served on shore at Enkuysen with a detachment of marines, until the evacuation of the Helder, and the removal of the British naval force from the Zuyder Zee[2].
- ↑ Two seamen killed, 2 officers, and 5 men wounded.
- ↑ For an account of the expedition to Holland see Vol. I. note at p. 414 et seq.
