We shall now make our readers acquainted with the opinion entertained by the Governor-General of India, of her sanguinary battle at Port Sud-Est, on which occasion she had many more men killed than the whole British squadron, in the much talked-of recent affair at Navarin[1], and at least 20 more than were slain in our whole fleet, at the celebrated battle off Cape St. Vincent, Feb. 14, 1797. The following are extracts of two letters from Lord Minto to Governor Farquhar, dated Oct. 19, and Oct. 21, 1810:–
“It is superfluous to express the extreme concern and disappointment which the occurrence of this disaster has occasioned to my mind; but deeply as I lament the failure of the gallant attempt to capture or destroy the enemy’s naval force in the harbour of Port S.E., and especially the loss of the ships which have been destroyed, and of the many valuable officers and men who have fallen on this occasion, it is yet satisfactory to reflect, that the result of it is alone to be ascribed to the operation of causes beyond the controul of human foresight and precaution, while it affords another and distinguished instance of that spirit and heroism which characterize the British navy, and which in the recent contest has been displayed in a degree seldom equalled, and perhaps never surpassed, under the most trying circumstances of difficulty, danger, and distress.”
“The first feelings I am anxious to convey, are those of regret and affliction, at the loss of so many precious lives, and the sufferings of the surviving officers and men, in the affair at Port S.E.: that sentiment, however, is immediately succeeded by admiration of the extraordinary heroism that distinguished that disastrous day, and which has attached to it a species of, and degree of glory, which fortunate events alone cannot confer. Courage which survives hope, and unbroken spirit under such complicated evils as those of the 23d August, are the highest efforts of human character, and place those who have displayed them amongst the superior beings of our race. What are we to think, therefore, of a whole profession, which never fails to produce those demi-gods, whenever they are called for; and may we not reasonably be proud of a country which constantly produces, to that profession, fresh and successive crowds of such heroes.”
Presuming that some of our readers have not perused the accounts given by Brenton and James, of Capt. Willoughby’s daring conduct at Jacotel and in Port Sud-Est, we shall here give some extracts of their statements. Speaking of the
