the smoking ruins of the magazine. I am sorry to say, Captain Daly and Lieutenant Read were both much scorched, in setting fire to the last train; particularly the latter officer: but I am happy to find that his eyes are safe, and that he is doing well. Captain Daly speaks in high commendation of the zeal and exertion of every officer and man employed with him. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Admiral Lord Gambier.”
The service for which Captain Daly obtained post rank, is thus described by himself, in a letter to the same noble Admiral, dated at sea, Aug. 11, 1808:
“My Lord,– On the 9th instant, I left Gijon; and, at half-past eight this morning, being in lat. 45° 38' N. and long. 5° 4' W., I observed three strange sail N.N.E. At nine, I distinguished them to be a corvette and two men-of-war brigs. Having hoistcd the private signal, their not answering it induced me to conclude they were enemies.
“In the face of so superior a force, I thought it most prudent to continue my course under all sail, as by altering it they might be inclined to chase me. I am happy to say that by so doing the enemy were so far intimidated as to tack, and make all sail from me to the N.N.E. At noon, the corvette, having much outsailed her consorts, tacked and stood to the southward. I now carried all possible sail in chase of the two brigs, and, at half-past three, the headmost tacked and passed me to windward about two guns’ shot distance; at five, the other brig hoisted French colours, and began to engage me with her stern-guns. At 20 minutes after, having got within pistol-shot of her, I commenced close action, which she sustained for twenty minutes; when, being much disabled, she hauled down her colours, and proved to be la Sylphe (commanded by Mons. Louis Marie Clemont, capitaine de fregate, and a member of the legion of honor), mounting 16 twenty-six-pounder carronades and 2 long nines, with a complement of 98 men * * * *. Her consorts, who so shamefully deserted her, were the Diligente, of 22 guns and 140 men, and Espiégle of 18 guns and 100 men: they had left l’Orient two days before, having each a quantity of flour on board; and I have reason to believe they were bound to Martinique[1].
“I am happy to say, no person belonging to H.M. sloop under my command was hurt, but her main and main-top-masts were badly wounded, and her sails and rigging cut[2].
“I beg leave to recommend to your lordship’s notice. Lieutenant Tom-