During the summer of 1812, Captain Bowles, assisted by Captain David Latimer St. Clair, of the Sheldrake sloop, succeeded in effecting the complete destruction of seven large English merchant ships, laden with hemp, which had run on shore in a thick fog, near Stralsund. This service was performed in the face of 1500 French soldiers, posted on high cliffs, from whence they could fire right down upon the decks of the merchantmen, thereby rendering it totally impracticable to get them off, and by no means an easy task to destroy them, which was, however, accomplished, and that fortunately without loss, by scuttling each ship on the off side, and then setting her on fire.
In 1813, Captain Bowles proceeded to the South American station, and was detached by his commander-in-chief to protect our trade in the Rio de la Plata, where he remained nearly a year. On being relieved from that delicate service, he received a letter from the British merchants residing at Buenos Ayres, of which the following is a copy:
“Sir,– Your approaching departure from this station, where we have now for so many months enjoyed the pleasure of your society, and the advantage of that influence which your personal merits as well as your public rank have given you with persons in authority both here and at Monte Video, calls for our expression of the acknowledgments due for your fKendly and obliging attention to the interests of the British residents; an attention which we believe has been effectual in every instance wherein it has been solicited.
“Whilst we regret that we are now to be deprived of the benefit of your continuance with us, we avail ourselves with pleasure of the occasion it affords us to express to you the very high esteem with which your conduct has impressed us, and to offer you our most grateful thanks for the constant and efficacious protection you have afforded to the British interests.
“We beg leave to offer you our most cordial wishes for your favorable and speedy passage to England; and ever feeling the most sincere interest in your future happiness and success, we remain with the highest regard and respect. Sir, your obliged and obedient servants,
