in the morning[1]. Three vessels (the others proving fishing-boats) were brought out under a severe fire of musketry from their crews, and the soldiers collected on a height above them, with the same great good fortune which had attended our previous enterprise; the only person hurt being Mr. Simon, master of the Cephalus, who was slightly wounded in the face, by grape shot, while bringing the sloop to an anchor.
“To Captain Clifford I feel much indebted for his gallantry and able Resistance: he speaks in high terms of his own officers and men, as well as those from this ship who were employed under him.
(Signed)“E. H. Chamberlayne.”
The vessels taken on this occasion were, la Vigilante guarda-costa, mounting one 6-pounder, and rowing 30 oars; and two settees, deeply laden with ship-timber. The particulars of a very important service subsequently performed by the Thames and Cephalus, at Porto del Infrischi, on the coast of Calabria, are detailed in an official letter from Captain Charles Napier to Rear-Admiral Boyles, dated July 21, 1811, a copy of which is given at p. 2 et seq. of Suppl. Part II.
The following letter, and its enclosure, were shortly after received by Captain Clifford:–
“H.M.S. Thames, Palermo Bay, July 28, 1811.
“Sir,– I enclose you the copy of a letter I have received from Rear-Admiral Boyles, returning his thanks to the officers and crews employed on the late expedition, which I have to request you will communicate to the officers and ship’s company under your command; and allow me, Sir, at the same time, to convey to you the very high sense I have of the activity and discipline of the Cephalus. I am, &c.
(Signed)“Chas. Napier.”
“Captain Clifford – Cephalus.”
ENCLOSURE.
“Canopus, Palermo Bay, July 28.
“Sir,– I have the honor of your letter of the 21st instant which I beg to acknowledge, and to return my warmest congratulations to yourself and that aspiring young officer Captain Clifford, and all the gallant officers and men of the Thames and Cephalus, who have in this brilliant and instantaneous attack of the enemy’s convoy so completely crowned with success your officer-like conduct.
I will take care your letter shall, without a moment’s delay, be trans-- ↑ Lieutenant Joseph William Crabb; Messrs. Michael Dwyer and Henry Collins, master’s-mates; Mr. Duncan Hutchinson, midshipman; aud Lieutenant George Victor, R.M.
