and thirty-eight privates of the 81st regiment (all Frenchmen) were made prisoners, leaving our brave men in possession of the town, and thirty-five vessels laden with stores and merchandize. The Active’s boats landed at this moment, to the left, and her marines, under Lieutenant Foley, were of great use in completely securing the advantages gained. Every exertion was now made to get the convoy out of the river; but it being almost low water, it was late in the evening before they could be got afloat, and much labour and fatigue was occasioned, being obliged to shift the cargoes into smaller vessels, to get them over the bar. About eleven o’clock in the forenoon, an attack was made on the town by a party of French troops coming from Maran, a village in the interior. The force nearest them, under Lieutenants Slaughter, Moore, and Mears, of the Active, instantly attacked, assisted by the launches in the river; and the enemy, finding all resistance ineffectual, after losing two killed, threw down their arms and surrendered. In this latter business, a lieutenant and twenty-two men of the 5th regiment of light infantry (all French troops) were made prisoners. The same intrepidity which had ensured success before, was equally conspicuous on this second occasion. About seven in the evening I had the satisfaction of seeing the whole detachment coming off to the squadron, which I had anchored about four miles from the town, directly the wind allowed, and every thing was secured by eight o’clock. A service of this nature has not been performed without loss; but every thing considered, it falls short of what might have been expected from the obstinate resistance met with. Lieutenant Brattle, of the royal marines, of the Cerberus, is severely wounded in the thigh, but will, I trust, recover. He has (with every officer and man in the party) distinguished himself greatly. No credit can attach itself to me, Sir, for the success of this enterprise; but I hope I may be allowed to point out those to whose gallant exertions it is owing: nor can I sufficiently express my thanks to the commanding lieutenant. Slaughter, who has on this, and on many frequent instances before, given proofs of courage and conduct, which merit every encouragement; and I beg leave to recommend him, in the strongest terms, to your consideration. He expresses himself in the handsomest manner of Lieutenant Dickenson, of the Cerberus, and Moore and Brattle, of the marines, and of every petty officer and man employed.
“It is hard to particularize where all distinguish themselves; but the conduct of Lieutenant Moore, who commanded the marines (till the Active’s landed), is spoken of in such high terms by all, that I feel it a duty to mention him; and I do it in that confidence of his worth, which his exemplary behaviour, during five years’ service together, has long insured him.
“Opportunities do not often occur where officers are personally engaged; but in the one I have endeavoured to describe, the commanding lieutenant, and his two gallant associates (Moore and Dickenson), owe their lives to their own individual bravery and strength. Indeed, the con-