ster,
however, of the name of Bourgeois, managed to get on board again before
the boat shoved off, resolved to stand by his ship to the last. To
secure his safety should the fire-ships grapple the _Tourville_, he at
once began constructing a raft. He had just completed it when an
English boat approached, the crew of which were ignorant that the ship
was abandoned. Bourgeois hailed her twice, but receiving no reply,
fired a musket which he found at the gangway. This was returned, but
the intrepid fellow, hastening to the captain's cabin, where he found
twenty loaded muskets, discharged them in quick succession, when,
greatly to his satisfaction, the boat pulled away. After he had been on
board an hour, he discovered three of his shipmates insensible from
drink on the lower-deck. A short time after this three of the
_Tourville's_ boats, with a young midshipman, who now took the command,
returned on board the _Ocean_, and he and the brave quartermaster
prepared to defend their ship to the last. Fortunately for them, the
English, not aware of what had happened, did not attack her, or she
would undoubtedly have been added to the list of the French ships
destroyed on the occasion Lord Cochrane still remained with the gun
brigs, and the _Pallas_, Captain Seymour, her commander, having
gallantly decided on rendering him assistance. At 8 a.m. on the 13th of
April he despatched the brigs and mortar-vessel to attack the ships
still aground. The _Etna_ unfortunately split her mortar, and the other
vessels could do the enemy but little harm. A strong wind and tide
prevented the _Imperieuse_ and _Pallas_ from taking a part in the
attack. At noon five other small vessels were sent in by Lord Gambier,
who wrote to Lord Cochrane giving him leave to attack the _Ocean_, but
observing that there was little prospect of success, and desiring to see
him as soon as possible. Lord Cochrane replied, "We can destroy the
ships which are on shore, which I hope your lordship will approve of."
The _Imperieuse_, therefore, remained until the next day, when Lord
Gambier, finding that Lord Cochrane would not quit his post as long as
he had a shadow of discretionary authority, superseded him in the
command of the fire-ships by Captain Wolfe, observing, "I wish you to
join me as soon as possible, that you may convey Sir Harry Neale to
England, who will be charged with my despatches." The _Imperieuse_,
therefore, proceeded to Basque Roads, wher