Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp2.djvu/351

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334
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1811.

action, than was exhibited by the squadrons of the three Allied Powers together, in this bloody and destructive battle. He attributes to the bright example set by his gallant colleagues, the Rear-Admirals, the able and cordial support which the ships of the several squadrons gave each other, during the heat and confusion of the battle. Such union of spirit and of purpose – such coolness and bravery under fire – and such consequent precision in the use of their guns, ensured a victory over the well-prepared arrangements of greatly superior numbers: and the whole Turkish and Egyptian fleets have paid the penalty of their treacherous breach of faith. The boasted Ibrahim Pacha promised uot to quit Navarin, or oppose the allied fleets; and basely broke his word. The allied commanders promised to destroy the Turkish and Egyptian fleets, if a single gun were fired at either of their flags; and, with the assistance of the brave men whom they have had the satisfaction of commanding, they have performed their promise to the very letter. Out of a fleet composed of eighty-one men of war, there remain only one frigate and fifteen smaller vessels, in a state ever to be again put to sea. Such a victory cannot be gained without a great sacrifice of life; and the commander-in-chief has to deplore the loss of many of the best and bravest men whom the fleet contained. The consolation is, that they died in the service of their country, and in the cause of suffering humanity.

“The commander-in-chief returns his most cordial thanks to his noble colleagues, the two Rear-Admirals, for the able manner in which they directed the movements of the squadron; and to the Captains, Commanders. Officers, Seamen, and Royal Marines, who so faithfully obeyed their orders, and so bravely completed the destruction of their opponents.

(Signed)Edward Codrington.”

In a letter from Rear-Admiral De Rigny to Sir Edward Codrington, dated Oct. 23, 1827, we find the following passage:

“Allow me to take this opportunity of returning my thanks to Captain Fellowes for the assistance which the Syrene received from the boats of the Dartmouth, when, with much skill and bravery, they attacked and turned off the fire-ships ready to come down upon us.”

Lord Ingestre, the bearer of Sir Edward Codrington’s despatches, was conveyed to Ancona by the Dartmouth; and Captain Fellowes subsequently returned home overland, via Marseilles, in company with Vice-Admiral Sir John Gore, who, it is generally understood, had been sent to Malta, to obtain further information for H.R.H. the Lord High Admiral, upon the circumstances which led to the battle of