of the felucca was mustered, 19 out of 50 were missing, some of whom had jumped overboard, but the greatest part were killed by the pike, there being no weapons used but the pike and sabre. When we call to mind the inequality offeree, officers included, there being not more than 35 of the Loire’s opposed to 82 Spaniards, with their vessels moored to the walls of a heavy battery, it must be allowed to confer the greatest credit on the officers and men employed on the service.
“Mr. Yeo, in coming out, took possession of three merchant vessels; but finding their cargoes consisted only of smuii wine for the enemy’s squadron at Ferrol, I have destroyed them. The name of the privateer captured, is the Esperanza, alias San Pedro, of Corunna. She is quite new, only out four days, and was victualled and stored for a cruise of one month. Mr. Yeo assures me that he was assisted by Mr. Mallock with the greatest bravery, and gives the highest praise to Mr. Clinch for the gallantry and promptness with which he carried his orders into execution in the launch. He also speaks in the warmest terms of the officers and other men under his command. I have the honor to be, &c. &c.
(Signed)“Fred. L. Maitland.”
“To Rear-Admiral Drury, &c. &c., Cork."
“Loire, Muros Road, Spain, June 4, 1805.
“Sir,– Being informed that there was a French privateer of 26 guns, fitting out at Muros, and nearly ready for sea, it struck me, from my recollection of the bay, (having been in it formerly, when Lieutenant of the Kingsfisher,) as being practicable either to bring her out or destroy her, with the ship I have the honor to command. I accordingly prepared yesterday evening for engaging at anchor, and appointed Mr. Yeo, with Lieutenants Mallock and Douglas, of the marines, and Mr. Clinch, Master’s-Mate, to head the boarders and marines, amounting, officers included, to 50 men, (being all that could be spared from anchoring the ship and working the guns) in landing and storming the fort, though I then had no idea its strength was so great as it has proved. At nine this morning, on the sea breeze setting in, I stood for the bay in the ship, the men previously prepared, being in the boats ready to shove off. On hauling close round the point of the road, a small battery of 2 guns opened a fire on the ship; a few shot were returned; but perceiving it would annoy us considerably, from its situation, I desired Mr. Yeo to push on shore and spike the guns; reminding the men of its being the anniversary of their Sovereign’s birth, and that, for his sake, as well as their own credit, their utmost exertions must be used. Though such an injunction was unnecessary, it had a great effect in animating and raising the spirits of the people. As the ship drew in, and more fully opened the bay, I perceived a very long corvette, of 26 ports, apparently nearly ready for sea, and a large brig of 20 ports, in a state of fitting; but neither of them firing, led me to conclude they had not their guns on board, and left no other object to occupy my attention, but a heavy fort, which at this moment opened to our view, within less than a quarter of a mile, and began a wonderfully well-directed fire, almost every shot taking place in the hull. Perceiving
