situation the prize brigs grounded, and notwithstanding every exertion on the part of Lieutenant James Wilkie of this ship, in the Laaland, who had extinguished a fire on board her which was burning with great fury; and Lieutenant Benjamin Hooper, of the Calypso, in the Kiel, we had to abandon them complete wrecks, humanity forbidding our setting them on fire, owing to the number of wounded men they had on board[1].
“I cannot conclude this letter without mentioning in terms of praise Mr. William Buchanan, the first lieutenant of this ship, a most gallant and excellent officer. * * * *. Enclosed I have the honor to transmit a list of the killed, &c.: although I cannot help deploring the loss of so many brave men, it is much less than could be reasonably expected. The Danes acknowledge to have lost about 300; I rather suspect 500. Our ships have suffered extremely in their hulls, masts, and rigging. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“J. P. Stewart.”
This letter was addressed to Sir James Saumarez, who, when transmitting it to the Admiralty, informed their lordships that it was impossible for him “to express in an adequate manner, the undaunted spirit displayed by Captain Stewart, and all the officers and men under his orders,” which he was assured would be duly appreciated by the Board. The loss sustained by the Dictator and her consorts amounted to 9 killed, 36 wounded, and 2 missing: the enemy’s gunboats were 25 in number, each carrying 2 long guns and from 50 to 60 men.
On the 6th Oct. following, one of the Dictator’s boats, under the command of Lieutenant Duell, captured a Danish lugger, manned with 13 men (including a commissioned officer), 2 of whom were slain and 3 wounded. The British had not a man hurt.
Captain Stewart’s next appointment was May 5, 1813, to the Amphion frigate, on the North Sea station. On the 20th Nov. following, his ship then forming part of the inshore squadron off Walcheren, he volunteered his services to command the boats of the fleet under Admiral Young, and to attempt the capture, by a coup-de-main, of four French frigates lying at Flushing: “this proof of his zeal and good spirit” was received with “great pleasure” by the commander-in-
- ↑ The Samsoe struck, but appears not to have been taken possession of.
