dently carrying 44 or 46 guns, I found it impossible to follow her with the most distant hope of success, and accordingly wore and stood to the northward, which I trust will meet your approbation. 1 beg permission to remark, that although the British colours were kept flying from the break of day to the moment of the enemy’s wearing, yet she carefully avoided shewing hers; I am, therefore, at a loss to know whether she was a French or Spanish frigate; though I am inclined to think, from various circumstances, she belongs to France. Although I lament exceedingly the loss of 1 man killed and 9 wounded, 3 of whom I fear are dangerously so, yet it is a consolation to reflect that more mischief was not done, considering the situation of the two vessels, which can only be attributed to their unceasing exertions to disable us[1]. I have the honor to be, &c.
“The Hon. Admiral Cornwallis.”
Captain Dashwood, on rejoining the fleet off Brest, was most warmly congratulated by Admiral Cornwallis, and afterwards strongly recommended by that veteran officer to the Board of Admiralty for promotion; but without effect, as appears by the following letter from Earl St. Vincent, in reply to Captain Dashwood’s application for a post commission:
“I have read your official letter with all the attention such a recital merits; but until the Board receive olficial information of the force, and the nation to which the vessel belongs, which the Sylph was engaged with, an adequate judgment cannot be formed of the merits of the action.”
After repairing her damages at Plymouth, the Sylph again joined Admiral Cornwallis, by whom Captain Dashwood was ordered to resume his station off the north coast of Spain; and it is a strange coincidence of circumstances, that on the 28th Sept. following, a second night action should take place with the same frigate, but commanded by another officer, and nearly on the same ground; in which the enemy was again beaten, after a severe conflict of two hours and five minutes; that one of the Sylph’s Midshipmen should be wounded in both actions; and that a lower studding-sail, which had been cut away in a squall immediately after the first, should be picked up on the day after the second encounter: Captain Dashwood’s account of which is as follows:
- ↑ The Sylph’s main-mast was shot through in several places. Upwards of 250 large shot passed through her boom-mainsail alone.
