quitting the _Apelles_ whilst a man was compelled to remain behind.
Finding he could not prevail he gave up the point. He joined the other
boats, and was soon out of sight. I need not express my feelings to their
Lordships, or to you, Sir, on this trying occasion; I cannot describe
them. Shortly after the boats had left the sloops both masts of the
_Apelles_ fell by the board, having been nearly severed in two by the shot
of the enemy. At this time the _Skylark_, having grounded within hail of
us, was enveloped in flame and partially exploded, some of her shot
striking the _Apelles_. I now ordered a white flag to be shown by holding
it up. This at length appeared to silence the enemy, who had been
incessantly firing at us from the time we grounded until about seven
o'clock. About twenty minutes afterwards the _Apelles_, being partly dry,
was boarded by about 200 men, principally soldiers, who compelled us to
leave the sloop, and almost immediately afterwards followed us, as the
_Skylark_ exploded with an appalling report, setting fire to the
_Apelles_. Owing to her being previously dismasted consisted her safety.
The enemy soon after the explosion returned to the _Apelles_, and
extinguished the fire on board her. Only a vestige of the sternpost of
_Skylark_ now remained, half buried in the sand.

"Through this severe trial of more than three hours, whilst the shot were
going through the sides of the _Apelles_, and destroying her masts and
rigging, every officer and man behaved with that coolness inherent in
British seamen, and which I trust will speak favourably of their conduct
to their Lordships.

"I have now to remark that although we were under the painful necessity of
lowering His Majesty's colours, which was not done until the last
extremity, the enemy did not desist from firing into us for an hour
afterwards. Seeing the crippled and distressed state we were in, his
motive was certainly not that of humanity. I have to add that Mr. Hanney,
the purser, was wounded in the head, and Mr. Taylor, the gunner, in the
shoulder and left hand, but neither dangerously. I am now happy to add
their wounds are nearly healed.

"The signal books and instructions of every description were burnt in the
galley fire by the Purser and myself when we saw there was no possibility
of our escape.

"I have the honour to remain, Sir,
"Your obedient servant,
(Signed) "F. HOFFMAN,