about 600 men: it is about fifteen miles up the river, and is a very strong place. I intend proceeding there directly our affairs are arranged here. I have left a garrison in Fort Espagnol, and enclose the return of the stores, guns, &c., taken in the three places[1]. The Montenegrins have been of considerable service in closely blockading the country round Espagnol, and the neighbourhood. I cannot mention in too warm terms the conduct of Captain Harper; he is ever ready, and most indefatigable, and the capture of Isle St. George does him, the officers and men, the highest credit. I am much indebted to Captain Lowen for the ready advice and assistance he at all times gives me; and the zeal that animates every -one is highly praiseworthy. I have the honor to be, &c.
“Rear-Admiral Freemantle.”
“Sir,– I have much satisfaction in acquainting you, that, after ten days cannonade, the fortress of Cattaro surrendered by capitulation this morning to the Bacchante and Saracen. The terms I granted to the garrison are, to lay down their arms on the Marina, to be transported to some port in Italy, to be considered as prisoners of war, and not to serve against England or her allies till regularly exchanged. It is unnecessary I should enter further into detail, than to say, that by the exertions of the officers and crews of both ships, our batteries were enabled to open from four different points on the castle and works at day-light on Christmas morning; that on the 1st Jan., two additional batteries, of 18 and 32-pounders, were opened, and played against the castle; and that on the 3d I had arranged every thing with the chief of the Montenegrins, for a general assault, when the commandant, General Gauthier, sent out, expressing his wish to capitulate.
“This morning the capitulation was signed; a copy of which I enclose, with the state of the garrison[2]. Our loss, I am happy to say, has been trifling; 1 seaman killed, and Lieutenant Haig, R.M., slightly wounded.
“The mouths of the Cattaro are now freed of the enemy, Sir; and in- ↑ Four gun-boats, mounting in the whole four long 24-pounders, and two 12-pr. carronades; and having on board 4 large brass 24-pounders, carriages, &c. complete, intended to be mounted on the fortifications at Cattaro. Found at Isle St. George, Castel Nuova, and Fort Espagnol; 11 brass and 23 iron guns, 1 brass 6½-inch mortar, 7 iron swivels, 6000 shot, upwards of 4500 live shells, about 12,300 pounds of gunpowder, 400 cartridges for the great guns, ready filled, 900,000 musket-ball cartridges, 8 cases of musket-balls, 900 hand grenades, 3 cases of ditto, 1 furnace for heating shot, and a quantity of provisions. Total number of prisoners, 438.
- ↑ The place to be given up to the British on the 8th Jan.; the garrison, consisting of 295 officers and men, to be disposed of in the manner already described.
