the larboard tack, and gallantly did she perform her part.
1 This twenty-line sentence deserves note as being perhaps the
longest in modern English literature.
DETAILS OF THE ACTION 299
The Flore now evinced a determination to execute, by
boarding the Amphion, the intention of her fallen chief;
and certainly made a most gallant attempt, but was
frustrated. 1 However, she succeeded in passing under the
stern, and poured in a raking fire, which would have
proved most destructive to the men on the main-deck,
had I not ordered them to lie down between the guns, as
by standing they were uselessly exposed, it being impos-
sible to bring a gun to bear on the enemy at the moment.
Many of the Floras shot rattled along the decks without
doing injury to the men thus protected by lying close be-
tween the guns, one of which had its pomillion knocked off.
The Flore, now to leeward on the same tack, hauled
up on our lee-quarter ; the Bellona did the same on the
weather-quarter ; so that we were warmly handled between
them.
The lee-division of the enemy at this time was also on
the larboard tack, and the captain of the Danae, carefully
avoiding the larger frigates, stuck close to the Volage,
who plied him so well from her thirty-two pound carron-
ades, that he was obliged to haul off to a more respectful
distance ; this manoeuvre compelled the Volage to increase
the quantity of powder, in the hope of reaching her wily
antagonist, to whom, unfortunately, the effort proved
favourable.
1 In justice to an intrepid Gallic son of Neptune, who called forth
general admiration, I must say that at the moment the Flore made
the effort to board the Amphion, a seaman appeared standing on her
fore yard-arm, holding a fire-grapnel ready to hurl upon our decks ;
nor did he quit his perilous position until dislodged by our musketry,
after several balls had struck the grapnel, when he flung it, but,
being too far off, without effect, and, hastening to the opposite
yard-arm, jumped overboard. The ultimate fate of this heroic
fellow we could never learn, but I fear he must have perished.
300 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
The breechings having given way in consequence of
the increased charges, the carronades were upset, leaving
the gallant Hornby but one six-pounder to keep up the
unequal contest. The Volage was nearly cut to pieces,
when the Active came opportunely to her relief; at sight
of which, the Danae made all sail to escape to Lessina, as
did the Carolina, and the small craft scampered off in
various directions.
The Corona having all this time been warmly engaged
by the Cerberus, now attempted to follow the DanaPs
example, but was pursued and brought to close action in
a superior style by the Active.
In the meantime we suffered much in the Ampliion from
the well-directed fire of the two ships, Flore and Bellona, so
judiciously placed on our quarters ; but the former, being
the most formidable, demanded our chief attention ; and
being to leeward, we were enabled, by bearing up, to close
and pass ahead so as nearly to touch her, when we poured
our starboard broadside into her larboard bow. In con-
sequence she soon ceased firing and struck her colours.
The Bellona was now attended to with marked and
double diligence, we at the same time keeping a few main-
deck guns pointed at the Flore, fearing she might play
us a trick, and take advantage of our disabled state by
slipping away; this was scarcely done, when I received
a message from the captain by his aide-de-camp, Mr.
Cornwallis Paley, to the above effect ; and I had great
pleasure, in reply, to say that I had anticipated the wishes
of my chief, having had some slight knowledge of the
character of those with whom we had now to deal. I
confess I had a presentiment respecting this ship, which
proved but too well-founded.
TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PRIZES 301
The Bellona soon followed the Flare's example ; at
forty-five minutes past eleven she struck her colours.
The Mercurio brig fired occasionally until the Favorite had
gone on the rocks near to which she had dropt anchor,
and was busily employed with her boats in saving a part
of the crew from the wreck. I fancied the Flare was
increasing her distance to leeward, and apprehended she
intended to copy the Danae and Carolina, and try to get
into Lessina, a French port on the Dalmatian coast, when
I was delighted by a message that Captain Hoste wanted
me immediately to take possession of the captured frigate ;
the first lieutenant, Dunn, having been incapacitated,
from being severely burnt by an explosion on the quarter-
deck, which also wounded our gallant chief, his brother,
Thomas Edward Hoste, midshipman, and many others.
On this occasion, Captain Hoste evinced the greatest
possible coolness and magnanimity. Lieutenant Dunn had
been completely blown off his legs, and not a particle of
skin left on his face, and therefore he might have been
considered hors de combat for the present ; but this brave
officer still remained at his post, showing with his leader
a brilliant example, as did Lieutenant Thomas Moore of
the marines, who had been badly wounded, and was with
difficulty persuaded to go to the surgeon to be dressed,
after which he returned to his quarters.
The question now was, how to proceed on board the
prize ; for our ship was in almost a dismantled state, all
yards and other tackles being shot to pieces, and the
boats in a most shattered state ; one, however, appearing
not quite so bad as the rest, was carried bodily to the
gangway, and tossed into the sea with a rope fast to her,
by which, though half full of water, she was hauled to the
302 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
ship's side. I immediately got into her with Mr. Kemp-
thorn, midshipman, and four seamen, all of whom com-
menced baling with their hats, etc., except one man at
each side, who managed to paddle.
The Flore still increasing her distance, I requested that
we might be permitted to try and reach her; but our
gallant chief, from the dangerous state of our boat, and
not for a moment imagining the beaten foe could act so
dishonourably, after being under our guns so many hours,
directed me to proceed to the nearest, the Bellona, on
board of which with difficulty we got about noon.
Taking two of the boat's crew, I was received on the
gangway by her first lieutenant and surviving officers
the captain (Duodo) excepted, who, they informed me, was
then in his cabin mortally wounded. Perceiving them
all with side-arms, I requested to know if their ship had
surrendered. They replied in the affirmative ; to which I
observed, that on such an occasion, it was usual that
swords should be delivered to the officer taking possession ;
with which they instantly and willingly complied. I now
added, the form being gone through, that they were
welcome to their arms, and presented his sword to each
individual, all of whom declined the favour. These
trophies were, therefore, handed into the boat, where I
wished the late possessors also to place themselves, that
they might pay the British commodore a visit : she being,
from baling and stuffing the leaks, in rather a better state
than when I quitted her. To comply with this proposal
they seemed very reluctant, and expressed astonishment at
my having risked the lives of myself and crew in such a
conveyance ; but when I assured them that if the Bellona
possessed a better, they were welcome to take it, all
THE FLORE ABSCONDS 303
appeared enchanted and most thankful for this act of
kindness, and the first lieutenant directed the stern-boat
to be lowered; but, to their great dismay, she was, if
possible, in a worse state than our own. Having a light
favourable breeze, we trimmed the sails as well as we could,
and closed with the Amphion, by which our distance was
shortened nearly one-half; and I succeeded in persuading
them to depart, and had the pleasure of seeing all ascend
the Amphiorfs side.
I had the mortification to discover, at the same time,
the Flore out of gun-shot distance, trimming her sails and
making off towards Lessina. Anxious now to put the
Bellona to rights, and ascertain her actual condition, more
especially with regard to the magazine, etc., I interrogated
the gunner, who stated that Captain Duodo had given
him orders to place secretly in the cable tier some barrels
of gunpowder, to which was attached a train, intending,
he supposed, in the event of being compelled to surrender,
that the ship, if not altogether destroyed, should be
rendered useless to the captors his being taken off the
deck wounded prevented this catastrophe. I was forth-
with conducted to the spot, and there placed one of the
Amphiori's men as a sentinel, giving him the necessary
instructions, while I left the other at the helm.
I next proceeded to the cabin of the unfortunate
captain, whom I found stretched on his back, in the most
deplorable state: his wound, a most severe one in the
abdomen, having become exceedingly offensive. By my
visit he appeared much affected, and pressed my hand
between both of his and wept, expressing his gratitude in
the most impressive manner for the kindness I had shown
to a vanquished enemy. I begged he would command my
304 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
services in any way they could be beneficial to him, and
bade him adieu.
It would be difficult to describe the horrors which now
presented themselves. The carnage was dreadful the
dead and dying lying about in every direction ; the cries
of the latter were most lamentable and piercing. The
surgeon, a herculean man, with an apron and his shirt-
sleeves tucked up, attended by his assistant and others,
bore a conspicuous part in the tragedy, being busily
employed in examining wounds, ascertaining the bodies
from whom the vital spark had actually fled, and super-
intending their interment, or rather launching out of the
ports !
Strange to say, every man stationed at one of the guns
had been killed, and as it was supposed by the same shots, 1
which passed through both sides of the ship into the sea.
At another gun the skull of one poor creature was actually
lodged in the beam above where he stood, the shot having
taken an oblique direction : in short, the scene was heart-
rending and sickening.
The prisoners assembled on the quarter-deck, and
among them were a number of soldiers seated on their
knapsacks, apparently in expectation of following their
officers on board the British commodore. I addressed
them, and assured them they should be treated with kind-
ness, but that, in the first instance, each must return
immediately to his station and assist with a good will in
putting the ship in an efficient state to encounter the
Borea, or north-east gale, with the approach of which we
were now threatened ; and I added that I was aware they
must be to a certain degree in want of food and exhausted,
1 The guns being double-shotted.
ON BOARD THE BELLONA 305
but the work must be first done, and after that they should
have double allowance. To my proposal they assented ;
and to work they went most cheerfully, some shaking and
kissing my hands, declaring they would most willingly
obey my orders.
Two seamen now came forward, and in broken English
made themselves known to be Portuguese one a quarter-
master and the other a mizen-top man. I expressed regret
and astonishment at finding the subjects of our friend and
ally, their king, in an enemy's ship, but that it would
now be in their power to redeem, by good conduct, their
character, in which case I should intercede for them with
the commodore, and hoped they would be permitted to
enter his Britannic Majesty's service, when they would be
considered as Englishmen. They appeared much pleased
with this intelligence, and promised faithfully to do all
in their power to merit approbation, which promise they
most scrupulously performed.
The seaman at the helm was now relieved by the
Portuguese quartermaster, and I felt myself strong in hav-
ing four men upon whom I could place some dependence.
In a short time we found ourselves in a somewhat
better condition : the dead nearly all thrown overboard,
with some who were not quite lifeless, but of whom not
the slightest hope of recovery could be entertained, as the
surgeon and his assistant repeatedly assured me. The
sprung and shattered spars from aloft were sent down ;
the sails, which stood in need thereof, unbent and re-
placed ; and the decks shovelled and cleared from the
heaps of gore and ordure with which they had been
encumbered.
The Favorite appeared at this time in one perfect
306 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
blaze on the rocks. The action was still kept up with
great animation between the Active and Corona, when,
at about half-past two, after a most obstinate resistance,
to the honour of her captain, Paschaligo (who was a de-
scendant of one of the most celebrated of the Doges), as
well as of her gallant captors, the latter was subdued.
The Amphwn and Volage were in a most helpless state ;
the hull of the Cerberus was a perfect riddle, though less
damaged in masts, spars, and rigging than her consorts.
At about four o'clock the Favorite blew up ; the ex-
plosion caused a terrible shock, which was felt by the
whole squadron ; and we, on board the Bellona, were
most thankful for our having so providentially escaped
the same fate, by Captain Duodo being wounded.
At about nine P.M. the Corona was in imminent danger,
having caught fire in the maintop, when in tow by the
Active ; she was, of course, instantly cut adrift. At about
ten the flames, to us, appeared terrific, particularly on the
main-mast and rigging, being then at point-blank dis-
tance on her lee beam. I used every effort, and succeeded
in getting out of the reach of her heavy metal. At mid-
night we had the satisfaction of seeing the fire quite
extinguished. This had been effected through the extra-
ordinary activity and exertions of Lieutenant James
Dickenson of the Cerberus, and George Haye of the
Active, who had led their men, and, rushing through the
devouring element in the most heroic manner, cut away
the loose spars, rigging, etc. So particular a service could
not be performed without detriment to those employed ;
some lives were lost, and Lieutenant Haye, whose gallantry
had been on various previous occasions conspicuous, had
been, with many other brave fellows, severely burnt.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN DUODO 307
Happily, the British squadron, with the Bellona and
Corona prizes, were snugly moored in Port St. George,
before the expected north-east gale, which did not set in
until the 15th, and we were all busily employed plugging
shot-holes, and repairing all defects, preparatory to our
proceeding to Malta.
I took the first opportunity of visiting my gallant and
worthy chief, whom, with my friend Dunn and many
others, I found in a dismal state from their wounds, now
become painful in the extreme. He expressed great satis-
faction at seeing me, and complimented me on the Bellona
being the first ship in getting into the harbour, and upon
my managing the prisoners so well. He allowed the two
Portuguese seamen to enter his Majesty's service, and
ordered me a few more of the Ampliiori's crew, with two
or three marines.
He appeared greatly annoyed by the perfidy of the
captured frigate Flore, and was preparing a letter x to the
senior officer of the fugitives, demanding her to be given
up, according to the laws of war and honour. We, as
soon as possible, carefully got the wounded Captain Duodo
on shore, to the comfortable residence of a dignitary of
the church (a canonico), where he shortly expired.
The surgeon of the Bellona being the senior, and con-
sidered clever, Captain Hoste directed all the wounded
prisoners to be placed under his superintendence, amongst
whom was a Frenchman of the Favorite, whose right leg
1 This letter Captain Hoste afterwards forwarded, under a flag of
truce, to the captain of the Flore, to which an answer was written
by the captain of the Danae, stating the inability of M. Peridier to
reply on account of his wound, and denying that the Flore had
struck ; but the Dana'es captain, as if ashamed of his name, sent
his letter without a signature.
308 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
was so badly shattered that amputation was instantly
necessary. Anxious to learn this poor fellow's history, I
visited him in the cockpit, where I found him extended
on the platform, the operation having been performed.
His spirits were high.
He assured me he had no recollection of a single circum-
stance after his ship had been set fire to ; he, with many
of his wounded companions, were then prostrate on the
decks ; all who were capable of moving had of course
quitted the ship. He must have been blown to the shore
when the ship exploded ; and he supposed his unfortunate
fellow-sufferers had fallen into the sea. " Our ship's fate,"
he observed, " was quick and extraordinary. La moitie a
saute dans Tair, Tautre a coule a fond " , and, he added,
" I am your prisoner, and have lost my leg ; but, my good
officer, I have an excellent appetite, and a good meal
would make me quite happy." I need not say that this
brave Frenchman was taken especial care of, until he was
sent on the 20th, with all the wounded, to Lessina.
Two hundred of the Favorite's crew, who had escaped
on shore, were compelled to surrender their arms on
Sunday, by the enterprising conduct of Mr. James Lew
and Mr. Robert Kingston, midshipmen of the Active, left
in charge of prizes at Lissa, who placed themselves at the
head of a few privateer's men whom they persuaded to
volunteer on the occasion.
The squadron and prizes being in a tolerable state for
encountering the perils of the sea, on the 25th we quitted
Port St. George to proceed to Malta ; and off the harbour
Captain Hoste communicated with the Magnificent
(seventy-four) and Eclair (brig), which were watching the
enemy.
RECEPTION AT MALTA 309
On Thursday, 28th March, when off Cape Colonna, on
the Calabrian coast, a heavy gale of wind came on, which
made the Bellona labour exceedingly, rolling her lower
yards nearly in the water, and the whole squadron strain
very much. We found the pumps choked, and the leaks
gaining rapidly ; but, however, we cleared all away round
the pump-well, and commenced baling with buckets, at
which the prisoners were most active, and actually volun-
teered their services to fight the guns, in the event of
falling in with an enemy. This favour, I assured
them, I could not accept, as, should we unfortunately
be recaptured, they would every one be put to death.
The fact was, they were triple our number, and I
allowed them to remain in their beds during the night,
and had sentinels placed over the hatchways, without
their suspecting it, to prevent many coming up at a time
on any pretence whatever. The pumps at length were
cleared and got to work, the gale abated, and all was
once more in ship-shape order.
On Sunday, the 31st, we arrived in the harbour of
Valetta, in Malta. The joy and enthusiasm with which we
were received were most gratifying to the feelings of the
whole squadron. The lines were manned spontaneously by
the entire garrison ; nor do I suppose an individual remained
in any of the houses who could by any means move out,
or mount to their flat roofs, which appeared crowded to
excess, whilst a continued hurrah and vivas were kept up
from the time we entered the harbour until the ships were
anchored and sails furled.
Fetes, balls, and every kind of homage and attention
were paid by the different families and individuals, of
every class, in the garrison, to the victors; and the
310 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
gallant prisoner. Captain Paschaligo, shared in every
honour shown them, for which he appeared truly
grateful. The Amphion and Volage were so much cut
up, that to place them in a state to reach England with
the prizes was as much as was possible to be hoped for or
attempted.
On the 26th of April I had much pleasure in reading
to our little crew of the Bettona a complimentary letter,
for their gallant conduct on the 13th ult., from the
commander-in-chief, Sir Charles Cotton, which they re-
ceived with reiterated cheers.
Lieutenant Dunn, r vv nearly recovered, was directed
to take charge of the larger prize frigate, the Corona, and
Lieutenant James Dickenson, of the Cerberus, superseded
me in the Bellona, when I returned to the Amphion, and
became now, de -facto, what I had some right to consider
myself, dejure, first lieutenant, for my friend had had the
situation but a few weeks. However, in that time he was
made commander, and left me in the background.
On the 2nd of June the Amphion sailed from the
hospitable Isle of Malta, the Volage and prizes in company ;
and, having a propitious passage, arrived safely in Old
England, passing through the Needles. When off Ports-
mouth we received instructions to proceed to Deptford
with our prizes, and I had the pleasure of being intro-
duced to the Rev. Dixon Hoste, the father of my worthy
captain. On the 12th of August the Amphion was put
out of commission, and the crew had leave to visit their
friends in different parts of the United Kingdom.
Even now, I could not divest myself of the strong
feeling which predominated in my breast, that, as I had
so just a claim to promotion, it would eventually take
APPOINTED TO THE BACCHANTE 311
place. I took the earliest opportunity of waiting upon
Mr. Charles Yorke, who was then First Lord of the
Admiralty. He received me in that courteous manner,
and conversed with me with that candour, which had
justly made him popular in the service. I fully stated
the extreme hardship of my case, in having lost the
absolute certainty of promotion by an officer being put
over me who was only of my standing. Mr. Yorke
entered into my views and feelings, and assured me that I
should be appointed the first lieutenant to Captain Hoste,
in his next command. He then gave me leave to visit
my friends in Ireland, whom I had left at an early age,
and from whom I had been separated for sixteen years.
To those who have visited their dearest relations, and the
spot of their nativity and boyhood, after a long separa-
tion, and as long a period of affliction, I need not describe
the joys I felt at the prospect of again seeing and em-
bracing all that were dear to me ; but, at the point of
departure, I, to my great grief and dismay, received an
appointment to join, as second lieutenant, the Volage,
then fitting for the East India station.
I repaired to the Admiralty, and met Mr. Edgecombe,
the private secretary to the first lord, in the hall, just
leaving his office. He expressed astonishment at this occur-
rence, took my letter, and the next day it was cancelled,
and I obtained official leave to visit my native country.
My companion on this happy journey was my fellow-
sufferer in my escape from Bitche, Barklimore.
Whilst enjoying the full tide of the greatest of all
blessings the affectionate welcome and caresses of the
o
dearest friends and relations I received from Captain
Hoste the news that he was to have the command of the
312 ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN O'BRIEN
Bacchante, then on the stocks at Deptford, and that I was
to be his first lieutenant.
On 16th November 1811, I was on board of the
Bacchante when she was launched ; and, amidst a joyous
and brilliant assembly, she glided into the element upon
which she was destined to render services to her country,
and achieve glory for all on board.
We were joined by about twenty of the Amphiorfs
crew, and almost all our former midshipmen, viz. Messrs.
Farewell, Few, Hoste, Langton, Paley, Rees, and Walde-
grave, whose leave of absence had expired. How
beautifully is this fidelity and attachment of seamen to
officers and ship contrasted to impressment and the
various annoyances that engender an inclination in them
to desert.
On our way to our station in the Mediterranean we
had to take out the Duke del Infantado, who was then
one of the most important political personages of Spain.
We were ordered to land him at Cadiz.
On the morning of 13th March, the old Amphwns
came to me on the quarter-deck, and requested twenty-
four hours' leave of absence, that they might dine on
shore at Portsmouth, and celebrate the first anniversary
of our glorious triumph off Lissa. James Bealy, quarter-
master, was spokesman, and presented a code of regula-
tions, and a bill of fare for dinner, with copies of two
songs composed by himself and a seaman of the Volage,