La Concorde was subsequently sent to Isle Dieu, with a brig under her protection, the latter having on board arms, ammunition, and military stores, for the use of the royalists in la Vendée: the landing of this cargo was entrusted to the superintendence of Lieutenant Evans, the Greyhound cutter being at the same time ordered to convey him in shore, and to remain there for his support until the service was effected.
The transport being anchored in a convenient station near the main land. Lieutenant Evans immediately went on shore with 4000 ball cartridges, and was making arrangements for the debarkation and security of the whole cargo, when a large republican force marched out from St. Gilles, cut off his retreat to the boat, and reduced him and two of his crew to the necessity of swimming for their lives. Fortunately Lieutenant Wilkinson, of the Greyhound, was keeping a good look out; the cutter immediately stood in, opened a heavy fire, and succeeded in rescuing them; but not before Lieutenant Evans had received a ball in the fleshy part of his arm: his escape under such circumstances, however, may be considered miraculous, as he was the whole time exposed to a continual fire of at least 1500 muskets. The enemy were shortly afterwards attacked, and defeated with immense loss, by the royalists, under General Charette, whose force greatly exceeded what the enemy had expected, but with only six rounds each man, including the supply received from Lieutenant Evans; who, immediately resuming his task, had the pleasure of seeing the whole cargo landed, and cleared away from the beach, in less than three hours. On his return to la Concorde, he received Captain Hunt’s hearty congratulations on his safety, and warmest thanks for his zealous conduct, which was afterwards reported in the most flattering terms to Sir John B. Warren.
not the Pelter gun-vessel promptly anchored, brought her broadside to bear, and kept up a heavy fire uutil the brig was clear of danger. We mention this circumstance in justice to Lieutenant (now Captain) Nicholas Tomlinson, who then commanded the Pelter.
