, and broadside after broadside were poured in, answered by
the batteries on the coast, with unerring aim. Notwithstanding the
unequal contest, I have the pleasure of informing you, that in less
than half an hour we succeeded in capturing three of the vessels
(named as per margin), and finding nothing more could be done for the
honour of his Majesty's arms, as soon we could take possession, I
considered it my duty to haul off from the incessant and galling fire
of the batteries.

"`In this well-fought and successful contest, I trust that the British
flag has not been tarnished. What the enemy's loss may have been it
is impossible to say; they acknowledge themselves, however, that it
has been severe.'"

"But did the enemy lose any men?" demanded Joey.

"Not one; but you observe I do not say loss of life, although the
Admiralty may think I refer to it--that's not my fault. But I was
perfectly correct in saying the enemy's loss was great; for the poor
devils who were in the chasse-marees, when they were brought on board,
wrung their hands, and said, that they had _lost their all_. Now, what
loss can be greater than _all_?

"`His Majesty's vessel is much injured in her spars and rigging from
the precision of the enemy's fire; her lower rigging--running rigging
being cut away, her foremast severely wounded, and, I regret to add,
severely injured in the hull; but such was the activity of the
officers and men, that with the exception of the foremast, which will
require the services of the dockyard, in twenty-four hours we were
ready to resume the contest. I am happy to say, that although we have
many men hurt, we have none killed; and I trust that, under the care
of the surgeon they will, most of them, be soon able to resume their
duty.'"

"But you had no men wounded?" interrupted Joey.

"None wounded! I don't say wounded, I only say hurt. Didn't a dozen of
the men, who were hoisting the main-topsail when the fall was cut away,
all tumble backwards on the deck? And do you think they were not hurt
by the fall?--of course they were; besides, one man nearly had his
finger jammed off, and another burnt his hand by putting too much powder
to the touch-hole of his carronade. So I continue:--

"`It now becomes my duty to point out to their Lordships the very
meritorious conduct of Mr John Smith, an old and deserving officer,
Mr James Hammond, Mr Cross, and Mr Byfleet; i