failed to notice the distinguished bravery of your serjeant of marines. I remain, dear M‘Kerlie, yours very sincerely,
(Signed)“Edward Pellew.”
Returning from Yarmouth to his cruising ground, Captain M‘Kerlie fell in with a large French lugger privateer, and, after a pursuit of four hours, drove her into the Vlie passage, near the Texel, where she was subsequently destroyed in a gale of wind. This information was obtained from some Dutch fishermen, who also informed him, that all her guns, 16 in number, were thrown overboard during the chase.
We next find the Calliope attached to the inshore squadron off Flushing; from whence Captain M‘Kerlie was sent by the late Sir William Young, in Mar. 1813, to take the command of the naval force stationed at Heligoland. The following are extracts of the orders which he at the same time received from that officer:–
“As there is great reason to believe that the appearance of a naval force in the Elbe might, under the present circumstances, contribute materially to inspire the inhabitants of the neighbouring coasts with confidence, and encourage them to active resistance of the French.
“You are hereby required and directed to employ on that service all the vessels under your orders which are not absolutely required for other purposes; directing the officer, under whose orders you send them, to use his utmost endeavours to encourage and assist the inhabitants, to protect their vessels, and to take or destroy all those of the enemy which he may fall in with; directing him to be particularly attentive to the movement of vessels in Cuxhaven, from which place it is reported that all the gunboats and naval stores are to be taken to Holland, under the superintendence of a naval officer; the doing of which he is by every means in his power to prevent; taking from the force under his orders in the Elbe whatever vessels he may think necessary to follow and destroy them if they should sail.
“When certain information of the enemy quitting the country on the banks of that river shall be received, you are to send the Drake to Yarmouth for orders, and remain yourself in the command of the vessels at Heligoland, till you receive further orders.
“Given under my hand, in London, this 20th day of March, 1813.
(Signed)“W. Young.”
“To John M‘Kerlie, Esq. &c. &c. &c.”
