for twelve guns; and in April, 1809, we find him present at the reduction of the Saintes, near Guadaloupe[1]. The services in which he participated between July 1809 and Dec. 1810 have been stated in our memoir of Captain Aylmer[2]. The following is the copy of an official letter written by Sir Peter Parker, who was formerly his messmate in the Leda:–
“Sir,– I feel great pleasure in acquainting you of the capture of a beautiful French brig, on her first voyage, named the St. Joseph, from Genoa, laden with naval stores for the arsenal at Toulon. This service was performed last night, by Lieutenant Rowland Mainwaring, first of the Menelaus, in a masterly manner, near the Bay of Frejus, where the St. Joseph was moored within pistol-shot of a battery flanked by another; also by musketry from the shore. The judgment and ability shewn by Lieutenant Mainwaring, an old and meritorious officer, added to the enthusiastic spirit displayed by the officers and men, who gallantly seconded him in this affair, was such as to call forth my admiration and respect, and no doubt will be duly appreciated by you, more particularly as from the style in which the enterprise was conducted, I am afforded the gratification of forwarding this report, without subjoining a list either of killed or wounded. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Captain John Tower,
H.M.S. Curaçoa.”
The St. Joseph was pierced for sixteen guns, but had none mounted. One of the batteries on shore suffered severely from the fire of the launch of the Menelaus. On the 27th of April following, while off Toulon, the Menelaus was approached by two French frigates, one of them of the largest class, and both under a press of sail. The British ship lay-to and cleared for action; but to the great surprise of all on board, the enemy’s[errata 1] hauled their wind when nearly within gun-shot, and ignominiously declined giving battle. In the ensuing month, Sir Peter Parker reported as follows:
Errata:
- ↑ Correction: enemy’s should be amended to enemy
