long 18, and manned with 30 men: the merchant vessels, twenty-two in number, were laden with oil, cotton, figs, silk, &c. In performing this service, the British sustained a loss of five (including Lieutenants Kay, of the 62d, and Pipon, R.M.) killed, and eleven men wounded. The contents of Captain Duncan’s official report, with the exception of the following paragraph, will be found in p. 993 et seq. of Vol. II. Part II.
“I have before had opportunities of representing the gallantry of my first lieutenant, Travers; his behaviour on this occasion was most exemplary, and called forth the admiration of every officer, whether of the army or navy. Captain Napier and Major Darley, most handsomely allow to him the credit of having discovered and led them by a short cut to the heights, which, most probably, saved the lives of many men.”
In a letter from Captain Napier to Captain Duncan, dated Nov. 3d, we find this passage:–
“In obedience to your directions, I anchored in the bay to the southward of Palinuro, and immediately landed with the detachment of the 62d regiment, under the command of Major Darley, and the marines and a party of seamen from both ships, under the command of Lieutenant Travers of the Imperieuse, who with his usual discernment, discovered and pointed out a narrow path, almost perpendicular, leading to the heights, which were gained by it in the face of the enemy’s light troops and peasantry, in the most complete style, leaving the greatest part of their force in a ravine to our right, where we first intended to land. The men of both professions behaved as British soldiers and sailors are wont to do; but I must mention the exertions of Lieutenant Travers, first of your ship, who was foremost at every thing.”
The following are copies of letters subsequently received by Lieutenant Travers:
“My dear Sir,– I beg to enclose you the copy of my official letter to Major-General Heron, and have only to regret that much hurry did not permit me to pay a more just tribute to your exemplary merits and gallantry. The muleteer being on the point of departure, obliges me thus hastily concluding, and assuring you how much I am, with the sincerest esteem, your very obedient and truly faithful servant,
“To Lieutenant Travers, H.M.S. Imperieuse.”
