On seeing the Satellite working up towards them, two of the largest privateers came out to engage her, but fled after receiving a few broadsides, effecting their escape through the passage between Altavella and Beata. Two others were captured by Captain Evans; but the remainder were enabled to get off, owing to his brig’s inferior sailing. He had the satisfaction, however, of knowing that this formidable force was dispersed through his exertions, and that the trade of St. Domingo was never again molested whilst he continued on the coast.
During the very short period that elapsed between the Satellite’s departure from Port Royal and her arrival off Altavella, Captain Evans had to regret the loss of his first Lieutenant, Master, Purser, and several men, all of whom fell sick, and died, in consequence of the excessive fatigue and great exposure to which the emergency of the service had subjected them: the rest of his officers and crew were also very sickly.
Towards the latter end of the same year. Captain Evans had the mortification to find that, notwithstanding Lord Mulgrave’s directions, the commander-in-chief had put one of his own followers into an Admiralty vacancy; and unfortunately for him, a letter of complaint which he felt it his duty to write on the occasion, did not reach home until after that nobleman had retired from the Board. In 1810, he was ordered to convoy the trade from the bay of Honduras to England, which vexatious arrangement deprived him of the hope he had still cherished, of being promoted abroad, and thereby kept in active employment.
On entering Bellize bay, in charge of a pilot, the Satellite took the ground, but was not supposed to have received any damage until her arrival in the gulf of Florida, when it was discovered that she did not answer her helm as formerly, which induced him to put into the Havannah; and on lightening the brig, he found that two gudgeons and two pintles were knocked off. This took place on a Sunday; the rudder had to be landed at the dock-yard, and after it was re-
