befalling us; for, independent of the inability of carrying sail on the tottering top-mast, we appeared as it were surrounded; the enemy’s ships being to leeward, and the advanced ship of the line, after firing her broad-side, having tacked and stood in; added to which, Rear-Admiral Hallowell’s squadron was so far to leeward as not to afford a hope of any assistance from him; and our fleet only to be seen from the mast-head.
“As this affair took place under the enemy’s batteries, at the mouth of their harbour, I trust that notwithstanding the unfortunate circumstances attending, to foil our endeavours, I may be permitted to speak, in terms of admiration, of the gallantry and good conduct of Lieutenant Mainwaring, which was only equalled by that of my other officers and the ship’s company. Our damage is confined to masts, sails, and rigging. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew.”
In July following we find the Menelaus cruising on the coast of Italy, and Sir Peter Parker reporting the capture of the French xebec la Paix, mounting two long 6-pounders, with a complement of thirty men, “under circumstances peculiarly honorable to Lieutenant Mainwaring, who boarded and brought her out from within pistol-shot of the towers of Terracina, under a galling fire. If any thing from my pen,” continues Sir Peter, “could do justice to his merit, I would write it with pleasure, but that I feel to be impossible. The Menelaus was anchored well within range of the batteries; the distance, however, in consequence of the shoal water, prevented her fire being of that effect, against such strong defences, which was intended. I have to regret one seaman killed by a grape-shot.”
During the night of Sept. 2d, 1812, the French letter of marque St. Esprit, pierced for twelve guns, but with only two six-pounders mounted, was cut out from the river Mignone, near Civita Vecchia, under a heavy fire from the batteries. This service was performed in a calm, without loss, and in a manner “highly creditable to Lieutenant Mainwaring,” by whom the boats were again commanded. Sir Peter Parker’s next official report was to the following effect:–
