seven opponents, there were one long 36, and seven 24-pounders; that the number of men on board of them almost trebled the number in the brig, and that the weather was in every respect favorable for gun-boat operations, the defeat and destruction of this Spanish flotilla afforded an additional proof of the prowess of British seamen, and of how much may be accomplished by gallantry and perseverance[1].” Lord Collingwood’s acknowledgment of Captain Ussher’s gallant services ought not to be omitted:
“Sir,– I have received your letter of the 7th instant, informing me of your having that morning attacked an enemy’s convoy, near Cape Trafalgar, consisting of 19 sail, seven of which were armed vessels; that the result had been the capture or destruction of the whole except three, who owe their escape to the crippled state of the Redwing; and that one seaman was killed and two officers and one man wounded on this occasion.
“I shall transmit to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty a detail of this gallant affair, to whom I make no doubt it will be as gratifying as it is to me, as it affords another instance of that zeal and ability which have been so conspicuously displayed by you for the good of his Majesty’s service, and the annoyance of the enemy. The handsome terms in which you speak of the Redwing’s officers and crew is highly creditable, and much to their honor. I am. Sir, &c.
“Captain Ussher, Redwing.”
On the first day of the following month, Captain Ussher chased a mistico and two feluccas into the bay of Bolonia, near Cape Trafalgar; anchored within point-blank shot of a battery mounting six long 24-pounders, and soon drove the enemy from their guns, thereby enabling Lieutenant Ferguson to destroy the former vessel and bring out the two feluccas, under a heavy fire of musketry, by which Mr. Sharp, master’s mate, was killed, and acting Lieutenant Webster, 3 men, and 1 boy wounded. Captain Ussher then landed, taking with him Lieutenant Ferguson and 40 men armed with pikes, stormed the battery, rendered the guns unserviceable, and blew up the magazine. This latter service appears to have been one of more than ordinary danger, as the rapid approach
- ↑ James’s Nav. Hist. Vol. V. p. 69 et seq.
