one of their vessels appearing much separated from the rest, we bore down to attack her, in company with the Algerine. Observing our intention, she made every exertion to rejoin the others, who, during this manoeuvre, had closed with us considerably. At 8 a.m., we again commenced sweeping from the enemy; at 10, observed the nearest brig, which appeared to be the commodore, telegraph her consorts, and they immediately despatched their boats; – thus assisted, towing and sweeping, with her sails clewed up, she advanced first towards us. At 11 a.m., Lieutenant Blow signified his intention of attacking this vessel, in the hope of disabling her before the others could join; – swept round, and, at 11-30, commenced action in concert with the Algerine. At 30 minutes past noon, in close action within musket-shot, the second brig commenced tiring upon us; observed the Algerine sweep round and haul out of the battle; – she soon after made the signal to discontinue action, which was, however, impracticable on my part. Thus finding ourselves in the midst of the enemy^s squadron, with scarcely a prospect of escape, I resolved that they should not find an easy conquest, and, with the colours of my country displayed in every conspicuous part of the vessel, prepared to defend His Majesty’s brig until the last extremity. At 1 p.m., a boat from the Algerine, with ten men and three sweeps, came to our assistance. A light air springing up from the N.W., with the help of sweeps and boat towing, we fortunately, by 2 p.m., were only within long range of shot: the enemy’s sails being clewed up, prevented her taking advantage of the breeze, which favored our escape. The chase now again commenced, and continued, within gun-shot, until sunset; the enemy keeping up a teasing fire, but unable to bring us to action. At 9 p.m., night coming on, the enemy left off chase; we, however, continued sweeping from them until midnight, when our people were quite exhausted, having been nearly 30 hours at the sweeps and in action.
“No language of mine can describe the bravery and exertion displayed by the gallant fellows under my command, and my sincerest thanks are due to every individual on board the Brevdrageren, whose crew, officers included, consisted only of 47; neither can I close this letter without recommending to the notice of the commander-in-chief, Mr. Anderson, sub-lieutenant; Mr. Edwards, second master; and Mr. Sukings, pilot; for their steady determined assistance in the time of real danger: – the former has been fifteen years in the service, six of which as sub-lieutenant; the master is an intelligent, active, zealous young man, worthy of every encouragement.
“Considering the great superiority of the enemy, the damage we have sustained has been inconsiderable; eight shots in the hull, the fore-mast badly wounded, and the sails, standing and running rigging, somewhat injured: our loss consists of one killed and three wounded.
