aring averse to risk his own life on an
enterprise which the commander-in-chief thought advisable. Having thus
in his own mind no doubt that the affair would be both desperate and
bloody, he selected those officers and men who were unmarried for the
service, a list of whom he sent to the first lieutenant, with the
necessary orders to prepare the boats.

This list being exhibited in the ward-room, Captain (now
Lieutenant-general Sir John) Savage, of the Marines, had the
mortification to see that his name was omitted, while those of the
two subalterns of that distinguished corps were inserted. This
gallant officer, who had been a sharer with his heroic chief in
several actions, felt hurt that he was not chosen on this glorious
occasion; and, having ventured respectfully to express his feelings,
was sent for to the cabin, when he was addressed by his commander in
the following terms:

"Captain Savage, do not imagine that your name is left out in the list
because I have not a high opinion of your zeal and intrepidity. I well
know that you would be foremost in the assault; but I am also well
aware that this is a desperate enterprise: many will fall; and if
_you_ should be one, who is to support your wife and family? The case
is different with me: I am ordered, and my duty is to obey. Perhaps if
Lord St. Vincent knew what I do, he would not send us; but it does not
become me _now_ to make any observation. However, aware as I am of the
consequences, I cannot conscientiously order you to accompany me,
under the conviction that your valuable life would thereby be
sacrificed."

The entreaties of Captain Savage were in vain. He beheld with mixed
feelings of disappointment, gratitude, and admiration, his humane and
heroic commander leave his ship at the head of the perilous enterprise
with that smile on his manly countenance which denoted a full
determination to face every danger. The boats had not proceeded far
before a storm arose directly off the land, against which no boats
could make way, and it was with some difficulty they regained the
ships. It was afterwards fully ascertained from various sources that
these gun-vessels had been moored in that position with rivetted
chains, having no person on board them, in order to tempt an attack;
and that the plan was, to let the boats take possession, and then open
a destructive fire from the batteries, which were kept several nights
lined with troops for the purpose. Had not a mer