On the 27th April, 1797, the Albion, two-decker, Captain Henry Savage, having been wrecked on the Middle Sands in the Swin Channel, the Astraea was sent from the Nore to assist in saving her stores; on which occasion the boats of the frigate were placed under the directions of Lieutenant O’Neill, who, in the course of thirty-six hours, succeeded in removing all her bent and spare sails, running rigging, and every other portable article, amounting altogether in value to upwards of £10,000; nor were his exertions discontinued until a gale of wind obliged the Astraea to cut and run, the Albion at the same time falling to pieces.
In June following, having previously assisted in rescuing the Astraea from the mutinous fleet at the Nore, Lieutenant O’Neill addressed himself to Admiral Duncan as follows:–
“Sir,– it appearing practicable to me to burn the transports now lying in the Texel, I beg leave to offer myself as a candidate for that service. I have the honor to be, with great respect, &c.
(Enclosures).
“Sir,– Should the subject of the letter in which this is enclosed meet your approbation, I most respectfully beg leave to point out the plan which to me would appear most practicable; but any other you may think necessary I shall use my utmost exertions to execute, should you be pleased to honor me with your commands.
“From the number of galliots passing and repassing, a vessel of that description would be least liable to suspicion; therefore, if one is obtained and fitted up as a fire-vessel, with so much secrecy as to prevent the enemy having any knowledge of it, and being seen off and on the Texel the evening preceding the night of the attempt, under Danish (if necessary to hoist any) colours, apparently endeavouring to get in, she would, I think, pass without any particular notice, and consequently be enabled to effectually perform the proposed service: the Dutch transports being moored together so thick that they cannot easily separate themselves.
“I further beg leave to observe, that I cannot suppose we shall be challenged until nearly abreast of the transports; and if we are then unable to proceed without molestation, we must dash boldly on; but, from the short distance between the fort and the transports, I may reasonably hope to get the vessel laid in the best situation circumstances will admit of, and to set her on fire, before the enemy will be enabled to judge our intentions: nor can they well fire at us, as we shall be in a line