“Every possible exertion was now made,” says Captain Coghlan, “to get out the only boat that could swim to the relief of the few brave but unfortunate survivors, who had just before so gallantly defended themselves, and were now seen all around, on the scattered remnants of the wreck, in a mangled and truly distressing state; and it is with pleasure I add, that of the few who escaped the flames, 55 in number, not a man was drowned.
“The ship proved to be le General Erneuf privateer, late his Majesty’s sloop Lily, commanded by Mons. Paul Gerard Pointe, seven days from Basse-terre, Guadaloupe, carrying 18 twelve-pounder carronades and 2 long guns, with a complement of 160 men, 31 of whom were soldiers, going to cruise for the homeward-bound Jamaica fleet[1].
“The enemy’s loss was great before the melancholy scene that put an end to the action, she having between 20 and 30 men killed and wounded; the second Captain and one Lieutenant are the only surviving officers: mine is inconsiderable, 9 men only being wounded, some slightly, I hope none dangerously. Our sails, running and standing rigging, have suffered much, the enemy’s fire being principally directed against them; this ship cruised with great success against the trade of his Majesty’s subjects, having made six valuable captures during her former cruise.”
At the commencement of the above action, Mons. Pointe hailed le Renard and ordered her to “strike;” upon hearing which Captain Coghlan took his trumpet, and coolly replied, “Aye! I’ll strike, and d___d hard too, my lad, directly.” As a reward for amply fulfilling this promise, the following communication was made to him as soon as he returned to Jamaica:
“Sir,– Enclosed I have the honor to transmit you a copy of the resolutions of a numerous meeting of this city and parish, held here this day, at the court-house.
“In performing this duty, in conveying you the sentiments of the inhabitants at large, permit me to add the pleasure it gives me in fulfilling their wishes. I have the honor to be. Sir,– &c.
(Enclosure.)
“Resolved, that this Meeting, duly impressed with the essential services rendered to the commercial interest of this island by the exertions of the commander of H.M. sloop Renard, his officers and men, during their late cruise, whereby it appears that they have destroyed a vessel of great force, belonging to the enemy, fitted out at Guadaloupe, expressly for the purpose of annoying our homeward bound trade; and in order to shew our grateful sense of the same:
- ↑ The Lily had been taken by a vessel of superior force, on the Halifax station, July 16, 1804: she then mounted only 16 guns.
