reconnoitring Rota, with part of the division of flotilla under my command, I received information of a French armed schooner having left Seville, and anchored at San Lucar, with property on board to a considerable amount, belonging to the French army, which I deemed an object of sufficient importance to authorise my attempting her destruction. I therefore proceeded with gun-boat No. 20, and the crew of gun-boat No. 5, commanded by Lieutenants Style and Wrottesley, off the Guadalquiver, where I was met by the Fearless gun-brig, Lieutenant Le Blanc, who volunteered to accompany me on this service; and, indeed, from whom I received the information.
“I anchored the gun-boats a short distance from the bar, and proceeded with the small boats, at midnight, and succeeded in getting up with a schooner, which was conceived to have been the object, but proved to be an American. This greatly detained us; and the wind unfortunately setting in strong from the S.W. with a heavy sea, the boats were hardly able to keep their ground, notwithstanding the utmost exertions were made use of.
“The enemy at this time were alarmed in all quarters; a strong guard of soldiers was put on board the schooner, the batteries opened, a fire of musketry was poured into the boats, which was productive of considerable loss on our part, and mortally wounded Lieutenant Le Blanc and 4 men in my own 6-oared gig. Notwithstanding almost every man on the larboard side of the boats commanded by Lieutenants Style and Wrottesley, were either killed or wounded, they still persevered in endeavouring to board; but the wind increasing to a gale, and the loss sustained in killed and wounded, induced me, however painful to my feelings to leave the French flag flying, to order the boats to relinquish their object, and gain the opposite side of the river, which, from the wind and tide, we with difficulty accomplished. This arduous service, in which we have been employed, has therefore been unattended with success; but nothing was wanting on the part of the flotilla-men; their conduct was admirable, and I beg leave particularly to notice the anxious zeal and distinguished gallantry of Lieutenants Style and Wrottesley. I am also particularly indebted to Lieutenant Stephens, R.M. for his zeal and bravery. I herewith enclose a list of 20 killed and wounded, and have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“Frederick J. Thomas, Commr.”
“Rear-Admiral Hon. A. K. Legge”
On the 2nd Nov. 1811, Captain Thomas reported to the same officer, the melancholy fate of Lieutenant Daly and 25 men, who were blown up in a gun-boat, while assisting at the destruction of several of the enemy’s vessels under fort Catalina. The body of the unfortunate gentleman was afterwards picked up near Cadiz light-house, and interred with military honors.
Immediately after the evacuation of the enemy’s lines before Cadix, the city of Seville was also freed from the in-
