et, and broke
his own sabre in two. The other officers were despatched by such
officers and men of ours as were most advanced, and the narrowness of
the gate would permit to push forward. The remainder instantly fled
to the further end of the fort, and from the ship we could perceive
many of them leap from the embrasures upon the rocks, a height of
above 25 feet. Such as laid down their arms received quarter....

The instant the Union was displayed at the fort, I sent and took
possession of the enemies' vessels in the Road, consisting of the
_Confiance_, French ship privateer, pierced for 26 twelves and nines,
none of which, however, were on board; the _Belier_, French privateer
brig, pierced for 20 eighteen-pounder carronades; and a Spanish
merchant brig in ballast. I then hoisted a flag of truce, and sent to
inform the inhabitants of the town, that if they would deliver up such
stores of the ship as were on shore, there would be no further
molestation. The proposal was thankfully agreed to. I did not,
however, think it advisable to allow the people to remain long enough
to embark the guns, there being a large body of troops in the
vicinity. A great many small vessels are in the bay, and hauled up on
the beach. None of them having cargoes of any value, I conceive it an
act of inhumanity to deprive the poorer inhabitants of the means of
gaining their livelihood, and shall not molest them. On inspecting the
brig, as she had only the lower rigging overhead, and was not in a
state of forwardness, I found it impracticable to bring her away, and
therefore set fire to her: she is now burnt to the water's edge. I
cannot conclude my letter without giving the portion of credit that is
their due to the officers and men on board the ship. They conducted
themselves with the greatest steadiness and coolness; and although
under a heavy fire, pointed their guns with the utmost precision,
there being hardly a shot that did not take effect.... It is but fair
at the same time to state that, much to the credit of the ship's
company, the Bishop and one of the principal inhabitants of the town
came off to express their gratitude for the orderly behaviour of the
people, there not being one instance of pillage; and to make offer of
every refreshment the place affords.

I am now waiting for the land breeze to carry us out, having already
recalled the officers and men from the fort, the guns being spiked
and thrown over the parapet, the carri