addenda to post-captains of 1815.
441
of pikemen, who carried scaling-ladders on the morning of the assault: but to Mr. Henry Smith, a midshipman of the Unicorn, the credit is due for having scaled the wall, and opened the gate from within, so as to admit the right column of the assailants; on which occasion that gentleman received a severe wound. Since the publication of Suppl. Part IV., in 1880, the following instances of cool bravery, on the part of Captain Samuel Roberts, have come to our knowledge.
After her return from South America, and previous to the destruction of the French ships in the road of l’Isle d’Aix, the Unicorn, of which frigate he was then first lieutenant, lay for a considerable time in Basque Roads, and her boats gave such constant annoyance to the coasting trade of the enemy, that mortar-batteries were commenced, for the purpose of driving the inshore squadron, under Captain Hardyman, from its position. Observing these preparations. Lieutenant Roberts volunteered to check the progress of the French engineers, although they were protected in their avocation by a number of troops on shore, and four gun-vessels in their front. A signal was consequently made to the squadron, directing boats from every ship to be sent to the point attack; but, by some unaccountable mistake, all took an opposite course to those of the Unicorn, and proceeded towards a chasse-marée, lying aground under Oleron light-house. Undismayed by this circumstance. Lieutenant Roberts pushed on to the attack; but had the mortification to find, that five more gun-boats had been sent from the French fleet, and that they were drawn up with the others, in a line abreast, ready to receive him. This was a most, trying moment; for, to have attempted, with only four boats, the capture of so vastly superior a force, by boarding, would have been considered an act of unpardonable temerity: on the contrary, had be precipitately retreated, it would not. have been relished by the gallant fellows under his command:– he therefore determined to form a line abreast and within pistol-shot of the flotilla; anxiously hoping, that other boats would speedily arrive to his support. In this state of sus-