6-20, our main-mast fell by the board, the enemy’s mizen-mast falling at the same time; at 6-50, our fore-mast fell, and the enemy’s main-mast almost immediately afterwards. At 7-10, she slackened her fire; but having her fore-mast standing, she succeeded with her fore-sail in getting out of range. During the whole of the action we kept up a heavy and well-directed fire; nor do I know which most to admire, the seamen at the great guns, or the marines with their small-arms, they vying with each other who should most annoy the enemy.
“I was at this time so much exhausted by the loss of blood, from wounds I had received in the early part of the action, from a grape shot, that I found it impossible for me to remain any longer upon deck. I was therefore under the painful necessity of desiring Lieutenant Smith to take command of the quarter-deck, to clear the wreck of the fore-mast and main-mast, which then lay nearly fore and aft the deck, and to make sail after the enemy; but, at the same time, I had the satisfaction of reflecting that I had left the command in the hands of a most active and zealous officer.
“We kept sight of the enemy during the night, by means of boats’ sails and a jigger on the ensign-staff; and before 1 o’clock the next day, Lieutenant Smith reported to me, that, by the great exertions of every officer and man, jury-courses, top-sails, stay-sails, and spanker, were set in chase of the enemy, who had not even cleared away his wreck; and that we were coming up with him very fast, going at the rate of 61/2 knots: that the decks were perfectly clear; and that the officers and men were as eager to renew the action as they had been to commence it; but, to the great mortification of every one on board, we perceived two sail on the lee-bow, which proved to be the Dryad and Achates; and they having crossed the enemy (we only 4 or 5 miles distant), before we could get up to her, deprived us of the gratification of having her colours hauled down to us[1].
“The enemy’s frigate proved to be la Clorinde, Captain Dennis Legarde; mounting 44 guns, with 4 brass swivels in each top, and a complement of 360 picked men.
“It is with sincere regret I have to state that our loss is considerable, having 20 killed and 40 wounded; and I most sincerely lament the loss of 3 fine young midshipmen, 2 of whom had served the whole of their time with me, and who all promised to be ornaments to the service. Among the wounded, is Lieutenant Foord, R.M., who received a grape-shot in his thigh, while gallantly heading his party[2].
“I learn from Mons. Gerrard, one of the French officers, that they cal-- ↑ See Vol. II., Part II., p. 664.
- ↑ Midshipman Thomas Robert Brigstocke (now a Commander) was also wounded, but not severely. The total number, according to the surgeon’s report, was 38 wounded.
