In Sept. 1811, the Columbine was sent to cruise between Rota and San Lucar, from which places small privateers were frequently sent to sea, disguised as fishing boats, and partly manned by deserters from the British squadron at Cadiz. On the last day of that month, acting Commander Westphal planned an attack upon two armed vessels lying under the batteries at Chipiona, from whence they were brought out by Lieutenant Green, of the Columbine, whose force consisted of only three small boats, and who had the satisfaction of reporting only one man wounded; whereas on the 20th March preceding, a division of the British flotilla had sustained considerable loss in an unsuccessful attempt to capture the same vessels under the same defences. Respecting this service, Rear-Admiral Legge wrote to acting Commander Westphal as follows:–
“Sir,– I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, informing me of the capture of two French privateers by the boats of the Columbine, and I beg to express my satisfaction at the gallantry displayed by those employed, as well as your zeal and activity in the service upon which you have been employed, and which I have represented, with your letter, to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, by the packet that sailed last night.
In Nov. 1811, Captain Cockburn hoisted a broad pendant on board the Grampus 50, preparatory to his proceeding as one of three commissioners, with the diplomatic rank of envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary, nominated by the Prince Regent to mediate between Spain and her colonies, and to guarantee whatever might be adjusted on proper and equitable terms. On this occasion, he was rejoined by Lieutenant Westphal, whose late appointment as acting commander the Admiralty would not confirm.
On the 2d April, 1812, Commodore Cockburn and his colleagues, Messrs. Sydenham and Morier, received final instructions for their guidance; on the 21st of the same month they arrived at Cadiz; and on the 4th August following, returned from thence to England, the existing Government of Spain, and the majority of the Cortes, having pertinaciously
