ately expired. In the battery, instead of a single gun, were found mounted one long 24-pounder, three brass twelves, an 8-pounder, and a field-piece. The latter was quickly turned against the Spaniards, who had fled into the woods, and were still lurking there; but, unfortunately, a spark fell on some loose powder, which communicated with the magazine, and caused a most destructive explosion. Lieutenant Kerr was wounded in the leg by a splinter, and had his face very much burnt: of 40 men who landed from the boats, only 18 remained uninjured. On this circumstance being communicated to the committee of the Patriotic Fund, they distributed rewards to the wounded sailors, and voted Lieutenant Kerr 100l., for which a handsome sword was afterwards substituted at his particular request.
On the 27th Jan. 1807, the Jason captured la Favorite French corvette, formerly a British sloop, mounting 29 guns, with a complement of 150 men[1].
In June 1808, Mr. Kerr became flag-lieutenant to his early patron, Sir Alexander Cochrane, by whom he was successively appointed acting captain of the Circe frigate, and commander of the Julia and Wolverene brigs. His commission as commander bears date Nov. 30, 1808, and his appointment to the latter vessel Dec. 11, 1809.
On the 9th Nov. 181 1, Captain Kerr assisted at the capture of la Courageuse French privateer schooner of 14 guns and 70 men, near the Eddy stone; and on the 7th Oct. 1813, we find him capturing a French national lugger of 6 guns and 32 men, off Cape Barfleur. About the latter period, he intercepted the King of Rome, American letter of marque, laden with colonial produce.
On the 4th Sept. 1814, this officer received an order to act as captain of the Tonnant 80, bearing the flag of Sir Alexander Cochrane, on the coast of North America. This appointment was confirmed by the Admiralty on the 5th of the following month, and he continued to command that ship until June 1815, since which he has not been employed.
Agents.– Messrs. Maude and Co.
