Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/230

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216
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1810.

gained the ramparts; and Lieutenant Hewett climbed the flag-staff under a heavy fire, and in the most gallant style struck the American colours, which had been nailed to the mast.

“My gallant and much esteemed friend, Captain Mulcaster, led the seamen to the assault with his accustomed bravery; but I lament to say, he received a dangerous wound in the act of entering the fort, which I apprehend will, for a considerable time, deprive me of his valuable services: Mr. Scott, my first Lieutenant, who was next in command, nobly led them on, and soon gained the ramparts.

“Captain O’Connor, of the Prince Regent, to whom I entrusted the landing of the troops, displayed great ability and cool judgment, the boats being under a heavy fire from all points.

“Captain Popham, in the Montreal, anchored his ship in a most gallant style, sustaining the whole fire until we gained the shore. She was set on fire three times by red-hot shot, and much cut up in her masts, sails, and rigging. Captain Popham received a severe wound in his right hand, and he speaks in high terms of Mr. Richardson, the master, who, from a severe wound in the left arm, was obliged to undergo amputation at the shoulder joint.

“Captain Spilsbury of the Niagara, Captain Dobbs of the Charwell, Captain Anthony of the Star, and Captain Collier of the Magnet, behaved much to my satisfaction.

“The 2d battalion of royal marines excited the admiration of all; they were led by the gallant Colonel Malcolm, and suffered severely. Captain Holtaway, doing duty in the Princess Charlotte, gallantly fell at the head of his company.

“Having landed with the seamen and marines, I had great pleasure in witnessing not only the zeal and prompt attention of the officers to my orders, but also the intrepid bravery of the men, whose good and temperate conduct under circumstances of great temptation (being a whole night in the town, employed loading the captured vessels with ordnance, naval stores, and provisions), most justly claim my high approbation and acknowledgment; and I here beg leave to recommend to their Lordships’ notice the services of all; of my first Lieutenant, Mr Scott, and of my aid-de-camp, acting Lieutenant Yeo, to whom I beg leave to refer their Lordships for information; nor should the meritorious exertions of acting Lieutenant Griffin, severely wounded in the arm, or Mr. Brown, both of whom were attached to the storming party, be omitted.

“Tt is a great source of satisfaction to me to acquaint their Lordships, that I have on this, and all other occasions, received from Lieutenant General Drummond, that support and attention which never fail in securing perfect cordiality between the two services.

“I herewith transmit a list of the killed and wounded, and of the ordnance, naval stores, and provisions, captured and destroyed by the combined attack on the 6th instant. I have the honor to be, &c.

(Signed)James Lucas Yeo.”