place twelve fire-brigs at his disposal; but that their Lordships were of opinion that Captain Charles Brisbane should conduct the contemplated enterprise, as he had suggested a similar plan of attack when commanding the Doris frigate, in 1801; that this new arrangement was not made known to Captain Puget till after the first division of the fire-vessels had joined the Channel fleet, and that the cause of the undertaking being ultimately abandoned was never communicated to him. The assistance which he acknowledges having received from Lieutenant Ussher “in reconnoitring the enemy’s fleet,” was greater than his letter of Nov. 3, 1804, seems to imply; the zealous commander of the Colpoys having actually entered Brest harbour in a 4-oared gig, rowed along the whole French line, consisting of twenty-one sail, and thereby obtained a knowledge of the enemy’s exact force.
This very hazardous service was performed during a sharp frosty night; and Lieutenant Ussher was not discovered until he arrived abreast of the Admiral’s ship, when three boats were immediately despatched in pursuit of him. On his clearing the Goulette passage, the boats of eleven gun-brigs lying in Cameret bay, and which advanced squadron he had previously rowed around, joined in the chase; but although closely pressed, he effected his retreat without loss, and was thus enabled to give Admiral Cornwallis the information that that veteran ofticer had long been anxious to obtain, as also to explain to Captain Puget the exact position of the French commander-in-chief, and the force under his orders.
Another dashing service performed by Lieutenant Ussher about the same period is equally deserving of notice.
Ever anxions to add to his professional reputation, he landed at midnight with only 6 men, surprised a signal post situated not more than 200 yards from Bertheaume castle, obtained possession of the enemy’s private signals, locked the guard up in a room, and brought off their commanding officer.
Lieutenant Ussher was subsequently sent to cruise on the north coast of Spain, where he destroyed many of the enemy’s trading vessels. In Mar. 1800, we find him addressing an official letter to Earl St. Vincent, of which the following is a copy:
