larly in the Gulf of Lyons, and in the defence off Porto Ferrajo, in the island of Elba; the inhabitants of which place, previous to his arrival, had suffered the greatest privations, being destitute of provisions; and men, women, and children obliged to mingle together in the bomb proofs, every house having been unroofed by the enemy’s shells; the timely appearance of the Pearl, however, the active co-operation of her commander, and the gallant conduct, able advice, and judicious distribution of the resources of two meritorious British merchants, Messrs. Grant and Littledale, had the effect of stimulating the islanders to persevere in resisting the besiegers; and aided by the Pearl’s marines, who had been landed to strengthen the little garrison, they succeeded in retaining possession of their town till the arrival of reinforcements, when the enemy were obliged to crave a truce.
Captain Ballard returned to England Dec. 3, 1801, and paid off the Pearl on the 14th March, 1802, after commanding her for upwards of six years, during which time he had taken, destroyed, and re-captured about 80 vessels; among which, in addition to those already mentioned, were a Genoese polacre, of 14 guns; la Vertu, of 10 guns and 40 men; and an armed xebec. He also assisted at the capture of la Carerre, a French frigate of 40 guns and 356 men; l’Incroyable, of 28 guns and 220 men; and a Ragusan brig bound to Algiers, with presents from Buonaparte to the Dey.
From this period, notwithstanding his repeated applications for an active ship, Captain Ballard could not obtain any other command than that of a district of Sea Fencibles, till Oct. 1809, when he was appointed to the Sceptre, of 74 guns, in which ship he soon after sailed for the Leeward Islands; and immediately on his arrival off Martinique, with the Alfred, 74, and Freija frigate, under his orders, was sent by Sir Alexander Cochrane, in pursuit of four French frigates, which had recently captured the Junon, a British frigate, commanded by Captain John Shortlaud, who afterwards died of his wounds at Guadeloupe.
At 7 A.M. on the 18th Dec, he formed a junction with the light squadron stationed off Basseterre; and soon after discovered two of the French frigates moored with springs on their cables, in a strong position in Ance la Barque. The Captains of the squadron entering most readily into his plans, Captain Ballard rejected a flag of truce sent by the enemy, conceiving it a mere French finesse to procrastinate an attack, the mode of which was as follows:– Captains Volant Vashon Ballard, and George Miller, of the Blonde and Thetis frigates, being well acquainted with the place, to lead in. The former ship and the Sceptre to anchor a-breast of the enemy’s vessels; the Thetis, Freija, and Castor frigates, to bring up near the batteries. The sloops of war and a schooner, to cover the boats, which were to land the party intended to storm the works.
Baffling and light winds prevented the ships taking their stations till about 4 P.M., at which time Sir Alexander Cochrane was approaching to their support, in the Pompée, of 74 guns; but seeing the judicious arrangement of Captain Ballard, he did not interfere therewith; and owing to the light airs and calms, had only an opportunity of witnessing the action, the brunt of which was borne by the Blonde, Thetis, Cygnet, Hazard, and
