above Belem, a castle situated on the northern bank, near which was also lying the Gavotte, a large brig mounting 22 guns, and, as Mr. James says, with a complement of “150 men[1].” At length, deeming it practicable, he resolved to attack the frigate on the night of April 22, 1808, provided the wind was favorable – the other requisites, tide and darkness, he knew would be in his favor.
Imitating the example of Sir Edward Hamilton at Porto Caballo, Captain Shipley determined not to trust the management of so important an expedition to any one but himself, although he meant the honor of success should belong to Captain Pigot, who then commanded the Blossom sloop of war, and whose boats were to assist in the enterprise.
On the night appointed, Captain Shipley, accompanied by his brother, pushed off from la Nymphe, in a 6-oared gig, and was immediately followed by seven boats, containing upwards of 100 volunteer officers, seamen, and marines. To distinguish friends from foes in the dark, each of the sailors had a piece of white cloth in the shape of a crescent sewed upon the right sleeve of his jacket: Captain Shipley himself was distinguished by a white handkerchief bound round his arm by Mr. Charles Shipley, a few minutes before the enemy opened their fire.
At the time of starting, the wind was blowing very fresh down the river; but as the boats approached Belem castle, it suddenly died away, and Captain Shipley’s intention of attacking the frigate was for this reason alone abandoned.
Upon consulting with the commander of the Blossom, who was in a 5-oared gig, Captain Shipley determined to make an attempt on the Gavotte, whose exact position he had ascertained when taking his last view of the Carlotta; and as the tide was still flowing, he directed the boats to remain sta-
- ↑ According to Mr. James’s account, the brig was the sole object of attack. That gentleman also informing his readers that two unsuccessful attempts were made to obtain possession of her previous to the attack in which Captain Shipley fell. See Nav. Hist. 2d edit. vol. 5, p. 55 et seq. The remainder of his statement will be found to differ in some degree with our own, on the accuracy of which, however, we confidently rely.
