Mosquito brigs. In the latter vessel he captured the Sol Fulgen Danish privateer, of 6 guns and 24 men, off Heligoland, May 25, 1809. The proceedings of a small force under his orders, in July following, are detailed by him in a letter to the Admiralty, of which the following is an extract:
“I proceeded up the Elbe with H.M. vessels named in the margin[1], and anchored out of gun-shot of the battery at Cuxhaven, on the 7th inst.; and as it was too strong to be attacked by water, I was determined on landing and taking it by storm, having previously made the necessary preparations for that purpose.
“At day-light on the morning of the 8th, I disembarked with Captain Watts of the Ephira, and the commanding officers, seamen, and marines of the respective vessels; the first boats that landed were fired upon by the enemy’s advanced post, and they then retreated to the battery. We marched on to storm, but from our appearance the enemy thought proper to retreat, about 80 in number, so that we took the battery (which had 6 guns, 24-pounders, and surrounded by a ditch) without opposition. His Majesty’s colours were then hoisted on the French flag-staff, and afterwards those of Hamburgh on the castle of Ritzbuttle. We then dismounted the guns and put them on board of vessels lying in the harbour, as well as several other small pieces of cannon, with all the shot and military stores. The battery was then undermined, and by a variety of explosions, blown up.
“Two French gun-boats, with 2 guns each, which were lying in the harbour, were also taken possession of. I afterwards gave the town of Cuxhaven in trust to the civil governor, and embarked all the seamen and marines.”
This was the prelude to a more important, and equally successful enterprise, the particulars of which are given at p. 870 et seq, of Vol. II. Part II. “The zeal and ability evinced by Captain Goate” on the latter occasion, was officially acknowledged by his senior officer, Lord George Stuart.
Captain Goate’s post-commission bears date Aug. 15, 1809 ; and his last appointment was May 4, 1813, to the Fortunée frigate, employed on Channel service.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.
- ↑ Mosquito 18 guns, Captain Goate; Briseis 10, Captain Robert Pettet; Ephira 10, Captain George Edward Watts; five gun-brigs, one armed schuyt, and one cutter.
