“Lieutenant Mapleton, Mr. Sutherland the master, and Mr. Hillier, were with me, who, as they do on all occasions, so they did at this time, whatever was in their power for His Majesty’s service.
“The petty officers, seamen, and marines, failed not to justify the opinion that there was before reason to form; yet it would be inexcusable were not the names of the quarter-masters, Garden and Casey, particularly mentioned, as men highly deserving any favour that can be shown in the line to which they aspire. I have the honor to be, &c.
“Sir,– This morning when close to l’Isle d’Aix, reconnoitring the French squadron, it gave me great joy to find our late opponent, the black frigate[1], and her companions, the three brigs[2], getting under sail; we formed high expectation that the long wished for opportunity was at last arrived.
“The Pallas remained under topsails by the wind to await them; at half-past eleven a smart point-blank firing commenced on both sides, which was severely felt by the enemy. The main-top-sail yard of one of the brigs was cut through, and the frigate lost her after-sails. The batteries on l’Isle d’Aix opened on the Pallas, and a cannonade continued, interrupted on our part only by the necessity we were under to make various tacks to avoid the shoals, till one o’clock, when our endeavour to gain the wind of the enemy, and get between him and the batteries, proved successful; an effectual distance was now chosen – a few broadsides were poured in – the enemy’s fire slackened; – I ordered ours to cease, and directed Mr. Sutherland, the master, to run the frigate on board, with intention effectually to prevent her retreat, by boarding.
“The enemy’s side thrust our guns back into the ports; the whole were then discharged; the effect and crush were dreadful; their decks were deserted; three pistol shots were the unequal return.
“With confidence I say, that the frigate was lost to France, had not the unequal collision tore away our fore-top-mast, jib-boom, fore and maintop-sail-yards, sprit-sail-yard, bumpkin, cathead, chain-plates, fore-rigging, fore-sail, and bower anchor, with which last I intended to hook on; but all, proved insufficient. She was yet lost to France, had not the French admiral, seeing his frigate’s fore-yard gone, her rigging ruined, and the danger she was in, sent two others to her assistance.
“The Pallas being a wreck, we came out with what little sail could be set, and H.M. sloop the Kingsfisher afterwards took us in tow.
“The officers and ship’s company behaved as usual; to the names of Lieutenants Haswell and Mapleton, whom I have mentioned on other occasions, I have to add that of Lieutenant Robins, who has just joined.
I have the honor to be, &c.
