merchant vessels“ (laden with oil, potash, &c.[1]), “and 36 spars for the line-of-battle ship and frigate at Naples, and under cover of a round tower; and the adjacent hills lined with musketeers from the merchantmen and peasantry. The marines were then landed under their Lieutenant, M‘Adams, and got possession of the tower, performing the light infantry manoeuvres in a very pretty style, taking an officer and 80 men prisoners, and driving the rest before them; the boats, at the same time, under Captain Clifford, took possession of the convoy, together with all the spars, except two which could not be got off: all of which were alongside, and the ship under weigh in less than two hours, without the loss of a man, and only the boatswain” (of the Cephalus) “and another man badly, and three of the brig’s men, slightly, wounded: on entering the bay her sails and rigging were a good deal cut up. I hope it will not be thought presumptuous in me begging you will recommend Captain Clifford, and my first Lieutenant, Whiteway” (who accompanied the marines to the heights, and afterwards assisted in launching the merchant vessels) “to the Commander-in-chief, particularly as this is the third convoy the former has discovered and contributed to destroy since his appointment to the Cephalus[2]; the latter has been likewise at the taking of two and destroying one since his joining the Thames. The whole of the officers and ship’s company behaved in the most steady manner; which will ever reflect the greatest credit on my predecessor. Captain Waldegrave[3], for the excellent discipline on board. Captain Clifford likewise speaks in the highest terms of his first Lieutenant, Richardson, officers, and crew. I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed)“Charles Napier.”
Rear-Admiral Charles Boyles, in his letter to Sir Edward Pellew, reporting the above exploit, expressed himself as follows:–
“The complete success of the above-mentioned instantaneous and brilliant attack on the enemy’s convoy by the Thames and Cephalus, reflects much honor on the conduct and gallantry of Captains Napier and Clifford, their officers, and crews.”
In Sept. 1811, the Thames was placed under the orders of Captain the Hon. Henry Duncan, then commanding the Imperieuse frigate, and whose successful proceedings at p. 993 et seq. of Vol. II. Part II, in Oct. and Nov. following, have been fully detailed at p. 993 et seq. of Vol. II. Part II. The following is an extract of an official letter written by Major Edward Dar-
- ↑ The armed felucca also had a cargo of oil.
- ↑ See Captain Augustus William James Clifford, C.B.
- ↑ Now Lord Radstock.
