which was made at the commencement; and will doubtless be as highly satisfactory to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, as it is gratifying to me, to lay the high merits of the officers and ship’s company of the Hydra before their Lordships. I am, Sir, with great esteem, &c. &c. &c.
“Captain Mundy, Hydra.”
“Atlas, off Cadiz, 30th Oct. 1807.
“Sir.– Having transmitted to iny Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty a copy of your letter to Lord Collingwood, dated the 7th of Aug. last, giving his Lordship an account of the very gallant attack made by you in his Majesty’s ship Hydra, on three of the enemy’s privateers, which had been chased into the Spanish port of Begu, and by a party of the seamen and marines under the direction of Lieutenant Drury, who after having gained possession of the battery which defended the harbour, and driven the enemy from the town, succeeded in capturing and bringing away the above privateers, with a trifling loss on the part of the captors; I have their Lordships directions to express to you their satisfaction at the successful manner in which this enterprising attempt was planned and executed; and their approbation of the good conduct and gallantry displayed by you and the officers and men of the Hydra, and particularly by Lieutenant Drury, and the other officers, seamen, and marines, who were engaged with him on this occasion; to all of whom you will be pleased to make known their Lordships’ high approbation. I have the honor to be, &c. &c. &c.
“Captain Mundy, Hydra.”
On the 27th Feb. in the following year, Captain Mundy being on a cruise off Carthagena, discovered six ships of the line coming out of that harbour. Aware of the importance of ascertaining the enemy’s destination, he diligently observed their movements; and although from foggy and blowing weather, and other untoward circumstances, he frequently lost sight of them, yet by dint of perseverance and good judgment, he succeeded in dogging them until they anchored off Palma, the capital of Majorca, from whence, after watching them for several days without perceiving any disposition on their part to stir, he sailed to Gibraltar, to refit his frigate and complete her stores.
The Hydra, however, had by this time become scarcely sea-worthy, and a temporary repair being considered insufficient, the commander-in-chief found it expedient to send her home with upwards of 100 sail of merchant vessels under her protection, the whole of which arrived safely in England about the middle of July.
Towards the latter end of November 1808, the Hydr
