(except the fourth, which could not be got up before day) made a
successful attack on that part of the enemy they fell in with, and
actually took possession of many brigs and flats--particularly, the
commodore. _But the vessels being, as I am informed, chained to
the, shore, but certainly hauled on shore_, as the commodore's brig
had less under her bottom than could support her, the moment the
battle ceased on board, such vollies upon vollies of musketry were
fired, directed on their decks, the enemy being perfectly
regardless of their own men, who must have suffered equally with
us, that it was impossible even to remain on board to burn them.
But allow me, who have seen much service this war, to say, that
more determined, persevering courage, I never witnessed; and, that
nothing but the impossibility of being successful, from the causes
I have mentioned, could have prevented my having to congratulate
their lordships on bringing off the enemy's flotilla: and,
although, in value, the loss of such gallant and good men is
incalculable; yet, in point of numbers, it has fell short of my
expectations. I must also state, that greater zeal, and ardent
desire, in the whole of the officers and crews, in the numerous
vessels under my command, to distinguish themselves by an attack on
the enemy, were never shewn: and the commanders and crews of the
hired and revenue cutters vie with their brethren of the navy; the
whole of whose boats were employed, and the commanders of the
Hunter and Greyhound cutters volunteered their services.

"Among the many gallant men wounded, I have, with the deepest
regret, to state the heavy loss I have sustained, by the grievous
wounds of my gallant good friend, and able assistant, Captain
Edward Thomas Parker, my aid-de-camp; also of Lieutenant Frederic
Langford, my flag-lieutenant, who has served with me many years;
and who were both wounded, in attempting to board the French
commodore. To Captain Gore, of the Medusa, I feel the highest
obligations; and, when their lordships look at the loss of the
Medusa on this occasion, they will agree with me, that the honour
of my flag, and the cause of their king and country, could never
have been placed in more gallant hands. Captain Bedford, of the
Leyden, with Captain Gore, very han