schooner immediately started in pursuit of him; he, however, effected his escape by tracking the boat along the beach faster than she could have been rowed; and, in the evening of the same day, we find him rendering an essential service to the expedition by getting off the colonial schooner George (the principal vessel of the flotilla) which had grounded inside the bar, and there remained immoveable, notwithstanding many former attempts to float her. On the 11th, the Solebay and Derwent were ordered to anchor opposite the post of Babagué, and bombard it, which was executed with much effect. During the night. In shifting her berth, the frigate, then in charge of the master, all the commissioned officers being absent, unfortunately got aground, but in a position which enabled her still to annoy the enemy. On the morning of the 12th, the troops were embarked, and the flotilla proceeded up the river, till just without gun-shot of the enemy’s line of defence; and when every thing was in readiness for a night attack. Commodore Columbine received information that it was the intention of the French commandant to capitulate. At day-break on the 13th, it was discovered that the enemy had abandoned the battery and vessels, leaving their colours flying. Next morning the garrison laid down their arms and were embarked. The ordnance found mounted in the different works consisted of twenty-eight long 24-pounders, four brass mortars and howitzers, two field-pieces, and fourteen guns of smaller calibre. The only loss sustained by the navy in reducing the colony of Senegal has been stated above. On the part of the army, one officer died in consequence of intense heat, when charging the enemy in the affair of the 9th; but not a man was killed, and only one wounded.
On the 16th, the Solebay having become a wreck. Lieutenant Woodriff was appointed to the command of the Agincourt transport, for the purpose of conveying the prisoners and part of the frigate’s crew to England, previously performing various duties at Senegal and Gorée, during the execution of which he had a severe attack of the fever peculiar to Africa. He returned home and struck his pendant about
