the boats to be employed were ordered to assemble on board the Fisgard. As the enemy never conceived themselves free from danger, while there was a bare possibility of the British seamen getting at them, they had used every means in their power to defend and protect these vessels; they were lying within the sands in Bourneuf Bay, moored in a strong position, under the protection of six heavy batteries, besides flanking guns on every projecting point. The boats destined for the attack were formed into three divisions, and the whole plan was arranged with great judgment and skill by Captain Martin; he was fully aware of the difficulties he had to encounter, and the opposition which he should probably meet with, and he had taken his measures accordingly. After having given proper directions to Lieutenant Burke, to whom was entrusted the immediate management and command of the enterprise, the boats were sent from the Fisgard, soon after it became dark. By midnight, they reached their destination; immediately boarded, and after experiencing a very formidable resistance, succeeded in obtaining possession of the ship of war[1], four armed vessels, and fiteen merchantmen; but, as they found it impracticable to bring them out, the whole were burnt. The most arduous and dangerous part of the business was still to be performed. It has been already stated, that the enemy’s vessels were lying within the island, and very near the sands; before the boats could get out into deep water, the tide fell, and they grounded; in less than ten minutes they were left completely dry. In this unfortunate and unexpected situation, they were exposed to a continued fire from the forts; and besides this, a body of 400 French soldiers drew up in their rear, and fired on them with great effect. In this critical state of their affairs, they resolved to make an attempt, so very singularly daring, that none but British seamen could have either executed or conceived it; they determined to make an attack on some other vessels of the enemy, for the purpose of securing one sufficiently large to carry off the whole party, as there was no chance of their succeeding in getting off all their own boats:
- ↑ Therése, 20 guns; a lugger of 12 guns; two schooners, each mounting 6 guns; and a cutter of the same force.
