on board, when attacked, 113 men; she was surrounded by a netting, and supported by a small battery, and a large body of musketry on shore. I am sorry to inform your Lordship, that our loss has been great, three of those gallant fellows having been killed on the spot; and Lieutenant Stupart, an officer inferior to none in his Majesty’s service, for zeal, courage, and ability, with nine others, badly wounded, one of whom died this morning. The conduct of Lieutenant Facey does him, in my opinion, great honour; he appears to have been the first on board, and to have shown throughout the whole, great firmness and good example. The attack was made in the face of day by 42 men, in three boats, against a ship defended by 113 men, secured with a boarding netting, and supported by a battery, and a large body of men at small arms on the shore. I trust, my Lord, this fair statement of facts will be a sufficient recommendation of Lieutenants Facey and Stupart, &c. &c. &c.
“To Admiral Earl St. Vincent.”
This “very gallant exploit,” says Earl St. Vincent, “appears to me equal to any enterprise recorded in the naval history of Great Britain; and will, I am fully persuaded, merit the approbation of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.” The manner in which the success was subsequently employed will be seen by reference to Vol. II, Part I, p. 26.
In July, 1800. Lieutenant Stupart obtained a small pension on account of his wounds, which has been increased since the peace to 250l. per annum. After the capture of the Success, he joined la Constance 24, and again distinguished himself in a boat affair, of which mention has been made in our memoir of Captain Zachary Mudge[1]. His commission as a Commander was signed by Earl St. Vincent, April 20, 1802.
At the renewal of hostilities, in 1803, Captain Stupart was appointed to the Sea Fencible Service, Dartmouth district; where he remained until the summer of 1806; from which period we find him commanding the Emulous brig, on the Channel and Halifax stations, till his promotion to post rank, Oct. 21, 1810. Captain Stupart’s first wife died in June, 1802. His second marriage, to Miss Hyndham, took place Oct. 19, 1812.
Agent.– Messrs. Stilwell.
