service, determined me to destroy her. I therefore directed Captain Bolton to perform that duty, which he did effectually, by burning her. The service performed, we weighed and proceeded towards the Vlie Island, at which place we anchored on the 15th instant. I immediately sent Captain Bolton to take possession of the Batavian ship Dolphin, riding at anchor close to the town. She had on our anchoring hoisted the Orange colours, and the same step was taken on the island. A person came off from the municipality, who consented to surrender the island to the Government of the Prince of Orange; and I have the honor to request yon will be pleased to direct some persons to be sent as soon as convenient to take upon themselves the arrangement and management of civil affairs there.
“The island of Scheling has not yet adopted the same step; I shall therefore, if it meets your approbation, take the necessary measures to induce them to do it.
“To the captains and officers I have given paroles, which measure I hope will meet your wishes. The prisoners from the ship and brig, amounting to about two hundred and thirty, I have put on board the Dolphin, until I know your pleasure respecting them; I think they will mostly volunteer for the Prince’s service; the command of the Dolphin I have given (until your pleasure is known) to Lieutenant M‘Dougal of the Wolverene: this officer, from his zeal at all times, from Captain Bolton’s report, but particularly so on the service we were at present employed, I think, Sir, will merit your protection. And now. Sir, permit me to have the honor of expressing to you the sentiments of gratitude I feel at the conduct of all those employed under me in this little expedition; each individual has behaved well. To Captain Bolton, his officers, and ship’s company, I am particularly indebted for the gallant manner in which he pushed his ship on, in attempting our assistance; indeed I cannot but acknowledge the greatest obligations to Captain Bolton for his counsel at all times.
“To the officers of every description, seamen, and marines of the Arrow, I cannot sufficiently express my approbation of their cool and determined bravery; they acquitted themselves as Britons. To Mr. Gilmour, my first lieutenant, the greatest praise is due, for the prompt manner in which he caused my orders to be executed in bringing the ship to an anchor under a heavy fire from the enemy; I therefore take the liberty of recommending this zealous good officer to your protection; he is an old follower of mine, has been two voyages round the world with me, and was one of the three young midshipmen that remained with Lieutenant Riou during the distress of his Majesty’s ship Guardian; I therefore hope my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty will deem him worthy of promotion. I have given him the temporary command of the Batavian republican brig Gier, and shall send her round to the Texel as soon as possible. She mounts fourteen long Dutch 12-pounders, with a comple-