of transports, &c. to Gibraltar and Minorca. On the 27th June, 1800, she captured seven Spanish merchant vessels, which, with many others, had sought protection under the batteries between TarifFa and Algeziras, where they were also covered by the fire of 25 heavy gun-boats.
Previous to her entering the Mediterranean, the Anson was for several days greatly annoyed by the above flotilla; but she at last managed to cut off two fine vessels, commanded by king’s officers, each mounting 2 long 18-poundevs and 8 smaller guns, with a complement of 60 men. Finding themselves completely separated from their friends, they pushed for Ceuta, but being closely pursued, were obliged to run upon a rock near the Moorish shore, where they defended themselves very gallantly till the frigate’s marines landed on the main, to co-operate with her boats, which had failed in their first attack. The Spaniards then attempted to burn both vessels; but, on receiving a fire of musketry from the foremost boat, in which was Mr. Tayler, they every one jumped overboard, their officers having represented that the British would give no quarter. Many perished, in consequence of this groundless assertion; and some, after reaching the shore, were massacred by the Moors, when flying towards the mountains: a few, who escaped the swords of the barbarians, gladly surrendered to the Anson’s people.
One of the vessels was taken possession of by Mr. Tayler’s boat, and not boarded by any other till after day-light, at which time several bundles of lighted matches had been found in the hold, and a train of powder laid to the magazine, the door of which was open.
On his return home from Minorca, Mr. Tayler removed with Captain Durham to the Endymion frigate; and we subsequently find him visiting St. Helena and Lisbon. On the 13th April, 1801, that ship captured la Furie, French cutter privateer of 14 guns and 64 men, in sight of a scattered and unprotected fleet, from Brazil bound to Portugal.
Mr. Tayler’s first commission as lieutenant bears date April 29, 1802. In the following year he was appointed to the Leopard 50, employed off Boulogne, where he assisted at the cap-
