Royal Naval Biography/Saurin, Edward
EDWARD SAURIN, Esq.
A Commissioner of the Stamp Office.
Post-Captain of 1814.]
Son of the Right Hon. William Saurin, late Attorney-General for Ireland.
We first find this officer serving as master’s-mate of the Emerald frigate, Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland, and assisting at the destruction of l’Apropos, French national schooner, in Vivero harbour. Mar. 14, 1808[1]. His first commission bears date May 2, 1810.
Early in the following year, Lieutenant Saurin was appointed to the Alcmene 38, fitting for the Mediterranean station, where he had the misfortune to lose his right arm. May 22, 1812.
The boats of that ship had been placed under his command by Captain Edwards Lloyd Graham, and despatched from Lissa, to intercept any of the enemy’s convoys that might attempt to pass between Curzola and the main. After capturing two or three small vessels laden with wine, they rendezvoused at an adjacent island, from the top of which two sail were soon discovered. Four of the boats immediately went in chase, leaving Mr. Holbrook (senior) midshipman, with the launch, having a 12-pounder carronade mounted, to protect the prizes already taken.
The sun was setting when Lieutenant Saurin left the island, and the boats did not get sight of the strangers until 10 p.m., when they were again seen. Soon afterwards, 5 more were discovered; and their numbers continued to increase until at length thirteen sail could be counted. The boats had formed in a line, and were within gun-shot of two of the largest, when Lieutenant Saurin ordered them to pull up and board one which he imagined to be an armed vessel. The enemy were silent until the pinnace gave them a shot from a small brass piece mounted in her bow, upon which several of them instantaneously opened their fire. She continued to advance, and had got alongside the immediate object of attack, when a carronade was discharged into her, loaded with landgridge-shot and musket-balls, which made a dreadful havoc among her crew. The other boats, having taken their stations, were now attempting to board also, encouraged by the voice and example of their gallant leader, who, although badly wounded, still persevered, and, after some time, gained a footing on her deck. At length the vessel was carried; but not until the whole of her crew were either killed or wounded. On finding that she was subdued, the others turned their fire upon her, nor did they discontinue it until she was towed out of gun-shot. The slaughter on the part of the British was likewise dreadful – the pinnace alone had no less than 20 officers and men killed and wounded; Lieutenant Saurin was shot through the right wrist and left arm, his neck-cloth was cut through the different folds, and his sabre broken by a ball. Lieutenant Webb, R.M. was shot in the leg, and Mr. Holbrook (junior), midshipman, through the body. The assistant-surgeon also was wounded, in one of the other boats. In the official account of this sanguinary affair, no part of which was ever published, the names of midshipmen Oakes, Johnson, Peake[2], and Holbrook (junior), are mentioned in terms of commendation[3].
Mr. Saurin obtained the rank of commander Dec. 12, 1812; and a pension, the present amount of which is 300l. per annum, Feb. 24, 1813. He was appointed to the Hope brig, July 6, in the latter year, and promoted to post rank June 7, 1814.
Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, and Son.
- ↑ See Vol. II. Part I. p. 394, et seq.
- ↑ Now Lieutenant Charles Peake, of whom we have spoken at p. 222 of Suppl. Part I.
- ↑ Mr. Holbrook (senior), immediately he heard the firing, hastened to the assistance of his friends, and was of great service in securing the dearly purchased prize, in towing her during the night, and in taking care of the wounded.