with the AEtna, Devastation, Hound, and Thunder bombs, they very much retarded the progress of the enemy’s works. The Milford arrived at Cadiz, Sept. 2d, 1810; and two days afterwards, Mr. Smyth was appointed to the command of a large Spanish gun-boat, the Mors-aut-Gloria, mounting one long brass 36-pounder and a 6-inch howitzer, with a British crew of 35 men; in which vessel he continued until the beginning of March, 1811, bearing a part in almost every service performed by the flotilla during that arduous period. In justice to the other gentlemen of the squadron, who held similar commands at the same time, and whose universally admired conduct gained them the appellation of “fire-eaters” we subjoin as perfect a list as it is in our power to give, viz.
The present Captains George Rose Sartorious, and James Rattray; Commanders William Style, Frederick William Rooke, Smith Cobb, William Hall, George Woods Sarmon, John Leigh Beckford, and Daniel James Woodriff; and Lieutenants Charles Okes, Robert Roper Marley, Harry Wilson, William Hollamby Hull, Charles Basden, John Matson, George Sandford, Robert Purkis, and Thomas Irvine; the late Captain David Ewen Bartholomew, Commander Edward Wrottesley[1], and Lieutenant Richard Tregent.
On the 12th of Sept. 1810, the French opened a heavy fire from all their batteries near Matagorda, and were immediately answered by Fort Puntales and the British flotilla; during this cannonade, two of Mr. Smyth’s men were badly burnt. On the 15th, the gun and mortar-boats again engaged the enemy’s works on the east side of the bay; and on the 17th, the bombs were in action with Santa-Catalina, which fortress, according to an official report drawn up by Captain (now Lieutenant-Colonel) Landmann, was capable of firing 24 guns upon the harbour of Cadiz, and nine in other directions: it had also four heavy mortars mounted in Sept. 1810.
On the 19th, the Mors-aut-Gloria and two of the Spanish
- ↑ Son of Sir John Wrottesley, Bart. He obtained the rank of Commander, Jan. 7th, 1812; and died at Newfoundland, in command of the Sabine sloop, July 28th, 1814.
