going off as they became heated, in consequence of which 2 or 3 British sailors lost their lives, but fortunately none of the Pickle’s little crew sustained any injury. One of the women thus saved was floating on an oar, and perfectly naked; a seaman immediately pulled off his trowsers and gave them to her: when she got on board the schooner, she immediately began to relate with much seeming pleasure, the number of men she had sent to the bottom, for endeavouring to take the oar from her; and she appeared as happy and contented as if nothing had happened, although her husband had fallen in the battle.
In return for the humanity of their conquerors, the prisoners, one night, were heard conversing about the practicability of taking the Pickle into Cadiz, they being nearly treble in number to her crew. It is scarcely necessary to add that no opportunity was afforded them of making the experiment, all hands being constantly kept guarding them until they were removed from her.
Lieutenant Lapenotiere had the honor of bringing home Vice-Admiral Collingwood’s despatches, announcing that most glorious victory; and he was promoted to the rank of Commander immediately on his arrival, Nov. 6, 1805. The Committee of the Patriotic Fund subsequently presented him with a sword value 100 guineas.
In 1806, Captain Lapenotiere was appointed to the Orestes brig, mounting 16 guns, with a complement of 95 officers, men, and boys. In that vessel he was employed on the North Sea station until the summer of 1807, when we find him attached to the armament sent against Copenhagen, under Admiral Gambier.
After the evacuation of Zealand, the Orestes formed part of the squadron left in that neighbourhood to protect the trade passing through the Sound. Whilst thus employed Captain Lapenotiere was most dreadfully burnt, and otherwise much injured by an accidental explosion, as will be seen by the following copy of his official letter to the senior officer then present:–
