the command of a detached naval force, employed at the Virgin Isles and off the Spanish Main.
The Galatea’s boats appear to have performed several dashing exploits, one of which we may venture to say has rarely been equalled, never surpassed. The following is a copy of Captain Sayer’s official letter on the occasion alluded to:
“Sir.– Yesterday morning we discovered, from the mast-head, a sail in the S.E., steering for la Guira, and soon compelled her to shape another course for Barcelona. About noon it was nearly calm, when she appeared to be a man of war, and, by her manreuvres, an enemy: she had now the advantage of us by a breeze, and with her lofty flying sails, and sweeps, was leaving us fast. At two o’clock her top-gallant-sails were scarcely above the horizon, but in a situation between the ship and the coast that still afforded me hopes of her, by co-operation of the boats. They pushed off, under the direction of the first Lieutenant William Coombe, manned with 5 officers[1], 50 seamen, and 20 marines; and after rowing about twelve leagues in eight hours, (part of the time under a burning sun,) they came up with her, going, with a light land breeze, about two knots. Having, first hailed her, our brave fellows instantly attempted to board on both quarters, but by the fire of her guns, all which had been trained aft in readiness, and having to combat under every disadvantage, with more than double their numbers, were twice repulsed by them. The boats now dropped, and poured through her stern and quarter-ports a destructive fire of musketoons and small arms, that cleared the deck of many of the enemy, who were all crowded aft; when, after an arduous struggle, a third time, for a footing, our men rushed on board, and in a few minutes drove all before them. The bowsprit and jib-boom were covered; some flew aloft, and others ran below: the Captain and most of his officers were lying wounded on the deck, leaving the remainder of this handful of men in proud possession of the French Imperial corvette, le Lynx, of fourteen 24-pounder carronades, and two long 9-pounders, pierced for 18 guns, and with a complement of 161 men. She is two years old, and a well-equipped fine vessel, in all respects fit for his Majesty’s service. At the head of our invaluable mens’ names, who fell in this quarter of an hour’s sharp contest, stands that of the second Lieutenant, Harry Walker, of his third wound; of the officers commanding our five boats, only Lieutenant Robert Gibson escaped unhurt. It may be unnecessary to add Lieutenant Coombe’s report, that every man did his duty. I am satisfied they did, &c. &c.
“To Rear-Admiral
Hon. Sir Alex. Coohrane, K.B.”
- ↑ Lieutenants Coombe, Walker, and Gibson; Messrs. John Green and Barry Sarsfield, Masters-Mates.
