serve, have been reinforced by a frigate from the westward, hut arc otherwise in the same state; one three-decker, with fore and main-top-masts struck, in the outer harbour, being the only difference; and one two-decker, apparently new, I conclude has come from the inner road.
“While writing this, the enemy came out, twelve sail of the line and seven frigates. A line-of-battle ship and two frigates were sent in chase of H.M. squadron[1]; the rest of their fleet edging down towards the chasing ships. My object was to lead them to leeward; but the Pelorus sailing badly, her fate now became doubtful; when the ships under my orders shortened sail, and hoisted their colours. The enemy, seeing our determination not to part with H.M. brig, relinquished the chase.
“I trust this little affair will appear as creditable to H.M. arms, as disgraceful to the enemy. Suffice it to say, nothing could exceed the exemplary conduct of all ranks and classes in the squadron.
“My acknowledgments are particularly due to the Hon. Captain Cadogan, and Captains Monusey and Rowley; and I trust I may be permitted once more to mention the attention and assistance which are over afforded me by Lieutenant Rowland Mainwaring. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“Peter Parker.”
“To Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew.”
“May 30th, 1812.
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, that, on the morning of the 29th instant, an enemy’s frigate and brig were discovered in Hiéres bay, steering with the wind easterly, for the Petite Passe, evidently with the intention of getting into Toulon; but, on seeing H.M. ship under my command make sail to cut them off, and having answered signals from their commander-in-chief in that harbour, they took in their studding-sails, and hauled to the wind, until the French fleet, consisting of eleven sail of the line and six frigates, came out of port, causing the frigate and brig to bear up and join them.
“Although, from the superior force I now had to contend with, I could not flatter myself with much prospect of success, yet I considered it my duty to bring them to action, which was done close under the batteries of Escamberon. The Menelaus was necessarily exposed to a warm and raking fire, going in, and some time elapsed before it was returned. Soon after, however, I had the mortification to sec our fore-top-mast shot almost in two; and thus I was obliged to relinquish the idea of attempting any thing farther, and am indebted to the superior sailing of the ship, and the extraordinary conduct of the enemy, for greater ills not- ↑ Menelaus, Havannah, and Furieuse, frigates, and Pelorus brig, of 18 guns.
