  REMOVED FROM THE TOULON STATION TO THE MEDITERRANEAN.—CRUIZE OFF CANDIA, AND IN THE ADRIATIC.—ACTION AT PESARO; AND OFFICIAL LETTERS.—CO-OPERATION WITH THE AUSTRIANS IN THE ADRIATIC.—LETTERS FROM LORD COLLINGWOOD EXPRESSIVE OF HIS ENTIRE SATISFACTION. The Spartan having resumed her station off Toulon, discovered on the morning of the 2nd of October, that five frigates and a store ship had got out during the preceding night in a heavy gale from the N.W. Captain Brenton concluded they were gone to Corsica, as the store ship was constantly employed in bringing timber from that Island. The Spartan was now released from this arduous duty by the Proserpine, and Captain Brenton was ordered to put himself under the orders of Rear Admiral Martin, on the coast of Sicily, and to cruize between the Faro of Messina, and the entrance of the Adriatic. On this head, Captain Brenton’s own notes may be used. “Upon my arrival in the Mediterranean in the spring of 1807, I had been stationed to watch the enemy’s fleet in Toulon, and I was continued in that arduous service till the latter end of 1808, when I was “I was at length removed to the coast of Calabria, and stationed between the Island of Sicily, and the mouth of the Adriatic, with a gratifying acknowledgement from Lord Collingwood of my having fulfilled the duties of my last post to his satisfaction. I had still less chance of success on this coast, than in the neighbourhood of Toulon, but the duty was not so harassing, or the responsibility so great, and I looked for something better. “In the spring of 1809 I was sent to cruize on the coast of Syria and Egypt, when I took two prizes, only one of which, however, got into port. On my return to Malta, my excellent and warm friend, Sir Alexander Ball, sent me to take the command of the little squadron in the Adriatic. No situation in the Navy could have been more agreeable to my wishes, particularly with such officers and friends under my command, as Captains Hoste, Duncan and Waldegrave.” Early in January, 1809, intelligence had been received that Murat, then king of Naples, had resolved upon making a descent upon Sicily in the month of February. Great vigilance was consequently required to prevent any collection of troops or vessels on any point of the coast. The Spartan was kept upon the service during the greater part of 1808-9. Captain Brenton received a letter from Rear Admiral Martin, dated 19th January, 1809, informing him that an attack was confidently expected to be made by Murat, in the course of a short time, and that it was possible the Russian squadron at Trieste would co-operate in it, recommending the utmost vigilance for the protection of the eastern coast. He received at the same time another letter from General Sir John Stuart, confirming the expectation of Murat’s intended invasion. Early in February the Commander in chief (then at Malta) having reason to believe that no attack was likely to be made upon Sicily, ordered Captain Brenton to join him there in the Spartan, where he arrived on the 6th. An incident occurred at this time, which shews in a strong point of view the superstition of the British sailors. When the Spartan was at Malta in the early part of January, a corporal of marines had been sent on shore to bring off one of his party, who had gone on shore without leave. A scuffle ensued with some drunken men, and the corporal in self-defence having drawn his bayonet, the marine was killed. The parties were immediately taken up, and the following day after a minute examination into all circumstances by the magistrates, the corporal was acquitted of all blame, In the early part of February Lord Collingwood told Captain Brenton, that in consequence of the length of time the Spartan had been kept off Toulon, it was his intention to give him a cruize off Egypt and Syria; where he forthwith proceeded, remaining about six weeks, and returning at the end of that time, having taken one prize, and lost another of considerable value on the rocks on the east end of Candia. As there was something singular attending the capture of both these vessels, it may not be amiss to mention it in a few words. When the Spartan was in chase of the first off Cape Derne, night came on, when the chase was still seven or eight miles from the Spartan, and she was lost sight of. Captain Brenton said to his officers, “if I were now master of that vessel, I should keep away two points for some time, and then two more, and in the course of three or four hours, I would then bear up before the wind, and run for eight or ten leagues, and I think he will do so. I mean therefore to bear up at once, and run ten leagues to leeward, and then haul to the wind, as the best chance of seeing him in the morning”; he did so, and the following day at noon, when standing in for the African shore, the identical vessel was discovered coming out from the land, and by five o’clock was in possession of the Spartan. The master acknowledged that he had done just as Captain Brenton had imagined. A few days afterwards a similar chase took place off the south coast of Candia, and the vessel being lost sight of at dark, the Spartan ran 10 leagues to leeward again, and furling all her sails waited for daylight, when the unfortunate Frenchman was seen coming down before the wind, and on seeing the Spartan, hauled round the S.E. point of the island. A long chase ensued; at length, the chase ran in near some broken rocks, and let go her anchor. She was immediately boarded by the Spartan’s boats, while driving among the breakers; and delay having taken place in cutting the cable, she struck upon the point of a rock, and instantly sunk in deep water, giving the boats’ crews barely time to escape. This was a serious loss, as the vessel had a valuable cargo from Marseilles to the Levant, and it was owing to the neglect of the boarding officer, who was ordered to take with him a carpenter’s axe, to cut the cable with, as the sharpest; but he forgot to take any, and whilst hacking at the cable with a cutlass, the vessel struck, and was lost. The accident suggested to Captain Brenton the idea of having a chest fitted up for every boat in the ship, which should contain all things that might be required, in case of being separated from the ship; pistols, ammunition, carpenter’s tools, provisions, candles, matches, sail needles, twine, compasses, &c., &c. On the return of the Spartan to Malta, she was necessarily placed under quarantine; and Sir Alexander Ball, the port Admiral, having directed Captain Brenton to meet him at the quarantine office, asked him “how long he required to be ready for sea.” The From Captain Hoste who had recently reconnoitred the enemy’s ports on the coast of Italy, Captain Brenton received much valuable information. At Ancona there were two French, and one Venetian frigates; at Venice, one frigate ready for sea, and another which had just hauled out of the basin, with three brigs; the object of this force when united was supposed to relieve Marmont, at this time shut up in Dalmatia, and whose view was suspected to be to make his escape to Ancona. On the 23rd April, observing a number of vessels collected together in the port of Pesaro, he resolved to attack them; and the following is a copy of his official letter upon this occasion. “Spartan, Trieste, 27th April. “My Lord, “I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that being with the Amphion and Mercury off the town of Pesaro, on the 23rd instant, I observed a number of vessels lying in the mole, and thought it practicable to take possession of them; for which purpose, the ships were anchored with springs upon their cables, within half a mile of the town. The boats formed in two divisions, the first consisting of launches with carronades, and other boats carrying field pieces, under the orders of Lieutenant Phillott, first of the Amphion, took a station to the northward of the town; and the second division consisting of rocket boats, under the orders of lieutenant Baumgardt, second of the Spartan; both divisions being commanded by Lieutenant George Willes, first of the Spartan. As soon as these arrangements were made, I sent a flag of truce on shore to demand the surrender of all the vessels, adding, that should any resistance be made, the Governor must be answerable for the consequences, and I gave him half an hour to deliberate. “At half-past eleven, a.m. the officer returned with a message that in half an hour I should receive his answer. I waited thirty-five minutes, from the time the boat came alongside, when observing a flag of truce on shore, but that troops were assembling in considerable numbers in the streets, and on the quays, and that the inhabitants were busily employed in dismantling the vessels; I hauled down the flag of truce, and fired one shot over the town to give warning to the women and children; and shortly after made the signal to commence firing, which was instantly obeyed by the ships and boats. At thirty-two minutes after twelve, observing several flags of truce hung out in the town, I made the signal to cease firing, and Lieutenant Willes pushed into the harbour with the boats, when he was informed that the Commander had made his escape with all the military. “I considered the place as surrendered at discretion, and gave orders for the boats to be employed in bringing out the vessels, and the marines to be landed to protect them. Lieutenant Willes made the most judicious arrangements to carry this into execution. “I am happy to say we did not hear of any lives being lost in the town, although many of the houses were much damaged. One man was killed by the explosion of the castle. After the match had been lighted, and our people had retreated, he approached it; a musket was fired over him to drive him away, but he sought refuge under the castle, and was buried in its ruins. As the enemy made no active resistance, I can only express my admiration at the zeal and promptitude with which Captain Hoste, and the Honourable Henry Duncan executed the orders which they received, and the manner in which they placed their ships. Lieutenant Willes upon this, as upon every other occasion, displayed the greatest energy, skill, and judgment; the arrangements he made for the defence of his party whilst in the harbour, and the expedition in sending out the prizes, do him the highest credit. Lieutenant Phillott and Lieutenant Baumgardt in the command of their respective divisions, and Lieutenant Moore in that of the Marines, were also exemplary. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “To Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood.” LIST OF VESSELS TAKEN.
As the oil was all sweet oil for Gallipoli, these cargoes were very valuable, and could not be worth less than £10,000, the value put upon them by Sir W. Hoste in his letter to his father.—See Hoste’s Memoirs, vol. 1. p. 340. In consequence of intelligence received from Trieste, and the urgent demands of the Austrian Commander in chief for the co-operation of a frigate, Captain Brenton was under the necessity of detaching the Amphion to the gulf of Fiume, a measure that he regretted the necessity for extremely; as he depended much upon the assistance he should receive from such an officer, as Captain Hoste, in his intended operations on the coast of Italy, which he hoped to keep in a perpetual state of alarm, and thus to prevent as much as possible any troops being detached to the army opposed to the Arch-duke John. Captain Duncan was On the 2nd of May, the Spartan and Mercury attacked the port of Cesenatico, as detailed in the following letter. “Spartan, off Rovigno, 5th May, 1809. “My Lord, “On the 2nd instant, the Spartan and Mercury chased two vessels into the port of Cesenatico, the entrance to which is very narrow, and defended by a battery of two guns (twenty-four pounders) and a castle. Observing at the same time several other vessels laying there, I determined to take possession of them if possible. The coast is so shoal that we had only five fathoms, considerably out of gun shot of the town; I was therefore under the necessity of sending the boats a-head, and on each bow, with directions to make a signal when in three fathoms. “We were by these means enabled to anchor by noon in a quarter three within range of grape of the battery, and very soon silenced it, when Lieutenant Willes, first of the Spartan, pushed in and took possession of it, turning the guns upon the castle and town, which were soon after deserted. We captured in the port twelve vessels, some laden with corn for Venice, and the others being in ballast, we filled them with iron and hemp out of the magazines for these articles, which were upon the quay, and in which the sails and rudders of some of their vessels were concealed. Another large vessel laden with iron, which lay at the entrance of the harbour, scuttled, we burned; and after blowing up the castle and magazine, destroying the battery and spiking the guns, we came off, I am happy to say, without the loss of a man, or any person being wounded, although much exposed to the fire of the battery, as well as musketry; nor was any damage done to the ships. “The Mercury, from Captain Duncan’s anxiety to place her as near the town as possible, took the ground, but in so favourable a position, as gave the fullest effect to her fire. She was “I never witnessed more zeal and energy than was evinced by Captain Duncan upon this occasion. Lieutenant Willes displayed great gallantry in taking possession of the battery the moment the ships had ceased firing, and in the expedition with which he turned the guns against the place; his exertion also in bringing out the vessels was very great. Much credit is also due to the officers and men of both ships for their activity. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “Right Honourable Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood.” Captain Brenton dispatched the Mercury to convey the prizes to Trieste, and on the following day came up with them off Rovigno. But having been joined by the Thames, with orders for the Mercury to be sent to Trieste, and from thence with the British Minister’s dispatches to Malta, he was under the necessity of sending the captured vessels into Rovigno, a port on the coast of Istria. The following letter to Lord Collingwood will shew the state of affairs at this time in the upper part of the Adriatic, and of the necessity for every exertion being made by the little squadron. “Spartan, off Rovigno, 5th May, 1809. “My Lord, “The Thames joined us last night, and I shall in consequence dispatch the Mercury immediately to Trieste for Mr. Stuart’s dispatches, and direct her Captain to proceed to Malta with them. “I trust your Lordship will approve of my having kept that ship hitherto, as it was necessary to watch both sides of the Adriatic, as well to prevent the evacuation of Dalmatia by “I have sent the Amphion to watch the motions of the French army in Dalmatia, and to co-operate with the Austrians under General Strokowitz. With the Spartan and Mercury I have been on the coast of Romagna, at the express desire of His Imperial highness the Arch-duke John, in order to cut off the communication between its forts and Venice. I beg leave to refer your Lordship to my letter of this day for a detail of our proceedings on the 2nd instant, and enclose a duplicate of that of the 27th ultimo. “I have this moment received a letter from General L’Epine, in which is the following passage. ‘General Marmont has given very severe orders to arm the inhabitants of Veglia and Pago, under the direction of some of his troops, which are expected there, in order to oppose the Austrians; the whole population of these islands are very averse to the project, and have the most eager desire to see our troops take possession of their country, therefore I have given orders immediately that a couple of companies should be embarked in the neighbourhood from Fiume to attack these islands, and take possession of them before the arrival of the French. I advise you of that disposition, that you may be in the case to assist our troops in the enterprize, and I have no doubt that you will be disposed to do it.’ “This letter was addressed to Captain Hoste, in consequence of my having sent him off Zara; but in order to effect the object of it, I shall proceed instantly off those islands in the Spartan, adding our force to that of the Amphion, and I shall send the Thames to blockade Venice. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood.” A letter of the 29th April had been sent from Mr. Baird, the British Agent at Fiume, to Mr. Jackson, About the same time, the following letter reached Captain Brenton, from Mr. Bathurst, the British Ambassador, whom he had brought to Trieste in the Spartan, dated Vienna, 27th April, 1809. “I have been unable from illness to apply to any business whatever since my arrival here, you must therefore not be surprised at my silence. “The turn which the war has taken upon the Danube is not altogether favourable. The enclosed bulletin will put you au fait of the operations of the two armies. The Arch-duke Charles has since been separated from General Hiller, and has fallen back to the frontiers of Bohemia. General Hiller was expected at Braunau yesterday, and will probably retire towards Saltzburg, and the Tyrol. In this situation the Capital is left open, but it is not imagined that the French will risk advancing with an Austrian army on each flank. “The Emperor is still in the vicinity of Enns. “In every other direction the war has taken a favourable turn, and the dispositions of the different powers of Europe seem favourable to the Austrian cause; even Russia indicates no desire of becoming hostile. “The firmness of the government is not shaken, though the first opening of the campaign has not answered their expectation. Pray let me recommend to you the most cordial co-operation with the Austrian army in Italy. It is probable the Arch-duke “Believe me, &c. “R. BATHURST.” On the 7th of May, General L’Epine writes from Trieste as follows:— “Sir, “Captain Flanegan, who will deliver this letter, is appointed to have the command of the various Austrian armed vessels, which are employed in the blockade of Venice, and is ordered to follow your directions, as long as you intend to remain before that place. I beg therefore you may be so good as to concert with him such dispositions as you may think most proper to attain the intended purpose, which is to prevent the enemy from receiving supplies. “By the same opportunity I have the honour to acquaint you that I have received a dispatch from the Arch-duke John, in which he mentions his most earnest desire, that the whole force under your command should go as soon as possible to the coast of Dalmatia, and particularly towards Zara, where he wishes that an attempt might be made by the British men of war, firing against that place, or in any other way, that might draw the attention of the enemy, and operate a diversion, giving at the same time a signal for the insurrection of the inhabitants to break out, who expect nothing else than the occasion; whilst our troops will make a resolute attack against the province on the other side. I lose no time to let you know this intention of the Arch-duke, being persuaded, after the disposition you have been pleased to exert, and which are used to direct your motions, that every exertion will be employed from your part to answer the above proposition. “I have the honour, &c. “L’EPINE, Major General.” “Commodore Brenton, Commander of H. B. M. Forces, Adriatic.” This letter was accompanied by another, containing a list of the Austrian flotilla, with which Captain Brenton was desired to co-operate, consisting of two brigs of war, and a tartane stationed between Goro and Malamoco, with three gun boats, and five patrolling boats in the neighbourhood of Cortelazzo. The vessels were especially intended to prevent any supplies getting into Venice coastwise. It then added, “In Venice the enemy have at this time 7800 men: French, Italian, and militia. They have also
and fifty-nine gun pirogues disposed in the remainder of the Lagune. The Arch-duke John had got as far as Verona, but will not probably advance further till the Arch-duke Charles shall again take the offensive. “Signed, “L’EPINE, Major General.” “Commodore Brenton, &c. &c.” In consequence of the state of things as detailed in the preceding correspondence, Captain Brenton felt much solicitude to comply, as far as his very limited means would enable him, with the wishes of the Arch-duke John, both as regarded the preventing supplies reaching Venice from the coast of Romagna, as well as to give every possible annoyance to the French army in Dalmatia. In order to effect the latter object he had detached the Amphion to cruize between Zara Having made these arrangements, Captain Brenton proceeded in the Spartan to the gulf of Fiume, with the intention of protecting the islands on the coast of Croatia, still under the Austrian government, and driving the French out of the others. The following letter to Lord Collingwood will at once give the official detail of his operations to the 12th of May:— “Spartan, off Lussin Piccolo, 12th May, 1809. “My Lord, “In my letter of the 6th instant I had the honour to inform your Lordship of my intention to assist the Austrians in getting possession of the islands on the coast of Croatia. On approaching Veglia on the 7th, I was told that it had surrendered the day before, and that the Austrians had gone on to Cherso. I received at the same time information of a French garrison consisting of 200 men, having fortified the Island of Lussin, with a determination to hold out till relieved. I proceeded directly for the port of Cherso, where the imperial troops arrived a few hours before us. I proposed to their Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel “Our dispositions for the attack were immediately made, Baron Peharnick with fifty men in the boats of the Spartan, under the command of Lieutenant Willes, was to land to the southward of the western battery. Lieutenant Fagan commanding the royal marines of this ship, with his own party, and a detachment of Austrians embarked in two of the trabacolos for the purpose of attacking the eastern battery, whilst the ship was to run in and engage both of them. “This plan was put in execution at three p.m. and both batteries carried after a very short resistance, the enemy retreating to the citadel. “Baron Peharnick and myself having reconnoitred the town from an eminence, we were of opinion that the place might be taken by an immediate attack. Accordingly the imperial troops which were landed on the peninsula moved forward. Lieutenant Willes in the boats, accompanied by Lieutenant Fagan’s detachment in the trabacolos, ran up the bay accompanied by the ship. Upon approaching the town I sent a flag of truce forward, to summon it to surrender, but it was fired upon from the quay and houses. Lieutenant Willes instantly pushed forward in the most gallant manner with his boats, and found an anchorage for the ship, within pistol shot of the town, of which I availed myself “At twenty-two minutes past five a flag of truce was hoisted at the citadel, and the firing ceased. An officer came off to apologize for the flag of truce being fired at by mistake, and to know what terms we would grant. Our answer was, that the garrison should surrender at discretion, and an hour given for deliberation; at the expiration of which time a peremptory refusal was returned, and the firing recommenced on both sides; the remainder of the troops were landed, and the heights occupied to the right and left of the town. At half-past eight, finding the citadel silenced, I ceased firing, to give the troops an opportunity of advancing to surround it, or to storm it if practicable, and sent a field piece to Lieutenant Willes to cover them. At eleven, a sharp fire of musketry took place between the advance posts and the enemy. I immediately ordered Lieutenant Baumgardt to move forward with a twelve pounder carronade, and place it on an eminence to the right of the citadel. I sent another to Lieutenant Willes on the left, with directions for the troops to fall back upon their guns, that the ship might renew her fire. By three a.m. the batteries were erected within three hundred yards to the right and left of the citadel, and Baron Peharnick sent me word that the troops had retreated into the rear of them. A heavy fire commenced immediately, which was returned from the citadel. At four, a flag of truce came off with proposals to surrender, on condition of the garrison being sent to Italy: this I positively refused, and continued firing till five minutes after six, when they surrendered at discretion. “I feel particularly grateful to Lieutenant Colonel Baron Peharnick for his active and cordial co-operation; the ability with which he posted his troops during the night, and his unwearied exertions do him the greatest honour. He speaks in high terms of the officers and men belonging to H.M.S. under “I have had frequent opportunities to observe the merit of Lieutenant Willes first of the Spartan, and I do assure your Lordship, that in every part of his duty it is truly conspicuous. I am at a loss which to admire most, his intrepidity, zeal, or judgment. “The conduct of Lieutenant Baumgardt, second lieutenant, is equally meritorious upon this occasion; both these officers had very considerable difficulties to encounter in getting their guns upon the height, and the activity with which this service was performed was a subject of admiration to our allies, and of surprise to our enemies, who deemed it impracticable. “From Mr. Slinner, the master, I experienced the greatest assistance, as well in working and placing the ship, as in directing the guns, having given him the command of the main deck in the absence of the other officers. “The Royal Marines under Lieutenants Fagan and Fotterell distinguished themselves so much by their steadiness and gallantry, that Baron Peharnick gave them the advanced post during the night within pistol shot of the enemy. It is but just to the petty officers and ship’s company to say, that their coolness and cheerful exertions during such a variety of service, entitle them to my warmest approbation. They seemed to vie with each other in supporting the honour of their country, and fully succeeded. “I am happy to say that we have lost no one, only two Imperialists and one English wounded. The ship has suffered very little, having taken such a position as to be below the range of the enemy’s guns, while the citadel was exposed to our fire, and nearly destroyed. The enemy had two killed and one wounded. “A number of merchant vessels were found in the port, but as it did not appear that they had ever navigated under the enemy’s flag, and are in general the property of the inhabitants, we have given them up; two only, being Italians, were made prize of. “The prisoners are to proceed to Fiume, under the escort of the Imperial troops, excepting the officers, who are on board the Spartan to be landed at Trieste. “I have the honour to enclose a list of the garrison, guns, &c. and of the killed and wounded. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “To Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood.” List of Garrison, guns, military stores, &c. found in the Citadel and Batteries of Lussin, 10th May, 1809.
Killed and wounded—
French killed—
“J. BRENTON.” The nature and variety of the service in getting possession of Lussin, and the imperative duty of giving due credit to the Austrians for the share they had in the affair, unavoidably extended this letter to a great length. “Ville de Paris, off Toulon, 10th June, 1809. “Sir, “I have received your letter of the 27th April, and two of the 5th May. The first informing me of an attack made by the Spartan, Amphion, and Mercury, upon the town of Pesaro, on the 23rd April, and the capture of all the vessels in that port; the latter describing your operations which were equally successful at the port of Cesenatico on the 2nd May. “The dexterity and skill with which these two important services were performed, are exceedingly satisfactory to me; and the success with which they were attended, is an ample proof of the judicious arrangements made, and the ability with which the whole was conducted, and terminated without injury to the assailants. In Captains Hoste and Duncan you had able assistants, and the judicious conduct of Lieutenant Willes deserves the highest commendation. “I recommend you to have made a number of small iron wedges, about three inches long, for the purpose of bursting guns which you wish to destroy. Those spiked are soon restored to service again; the wedge seldom fails to disable them entirely. The gun must be fired with a bit of slow match, to give time to remove out of the reach of explosion. “I am, &c. “Signed, COLLINGWOOD.” On the 4th of July his Lordship gives the following answer to the official account of the capture of Lussin. “Ville de Paris, off Toulon, 4th July, 1809. “Sir, “I have received your letter of the 12th May, informing me of your having attacked and taken the citadel and defences of the Island of Lussin, in which service Lieutenant Colonel Baron Peharnick and one hundred and eighty Austrians had co-operated. “The testimony you give of the zeal, enterprize, and good judgment of Lieutenant Willes on the occasion, and the meritorious exertions of the other officers and men of the Spartan employed on this service, is exceedingly gratifying to me. “Could anything add to the satisfaction at the annoyance which you have given to the enemy, and the credit which has attached to His Majesty’s arms, in the present instance, it would be the assurance you give of the active and cordial co-operation afforded by the Commander and troops of His Imperial Majesty. “I am, &c. “COLLINGWOOD.” In a letter from his Lordship to Lord Mulgrave, then First Lord of the Admiralty, he thus adverts to this affair. “I cannot say too much to your Lordship of the zeal and talent of Captain Brenton; of these he gives proof whenever he is employed, and he seems to be everywhere. At Lussin he undertook and accomplished a service which would have established a reputation, had he never had another opportunity; and now at Cerigo his conduct has not been less distinguished.” From Lussino the Spartan being joined by the Amphion, Captain Brenton pushed for Trieste, and on his reaching the bay, received intelligence that the French army having crossed the Lizonzo, on the 13th, were in “Spartan, off Peran, 19th May, 1809. “Sir, “A corps of the French army, under General Miolis, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th; and on the 17th, occupied the heights of Optehina, when a skirmish took place between the advanced posts and the Austrians. “It was reported that the enemy were prevented from entering Trieste by the vicinity of the Austrian General Giulai, who was at Laybach with 15,000 men, whilst General Zach, with a detachment was in possession of the pass of Prevolt. Yesterday, however, the enemy entered Trieste at ten a.m. from which circumstance I fear they are no longer under apprehensions of “I think it of the highest importance that this intelligence should reach you as soon as possible, that you may forward it to Malta; and at the same time stop any vessels that may be on their way to Trieste or Fiume. I cannot spare a ship, having only the Amphion with me. I therefore send this by a trabacolo. “The Thames is off Venice, I have sent a vessel to recall her, and upon her joining, I trust we shall be able to prevent the Russians “If there are only the two French frigates at Corfu, and you have received no further information, since your last by the Thames, you will immediately send what sloops of war you may have under your orders to join me between Lussino and Ancona. “The Island of Lussin, captured by His Majesty’s ship under my command, and two companies of Imperial troops, on the 10th instant, proves to be at this moment a most valuable acquisition. Thither all the vessels and merchants from Istria have repaired, and it affords a port for the Austrian flotilla. Should there be no hopes of the Austrians regaining possession of the coast, they will all proceed to Malta, or Sicily, for which purpose I am particularly anxious to have some disposable vessels of war. “I am, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “To Captain Brisbane, (Or the Captain of any of H.M.S. off Corfu.)” Captain Brenton was fully aware of his very great responsibility in thus continuing in the Adriatic, notwithstanding the order he had received from Lord Collingwood, “Spartan, off Lussin, 26th May, 1809. “My Lord, “The Redwing has just joined me with your Lordship’s orders of the 18th April, which I should have put into immediate execution, but from the important and unexpected events which have taken place in the vicinity, since they were written. “The success of the Arch-duke Charles on the 21st ult. was followed by a reverse; the left wing of the Austrian army being defeated. The Arch-duke was in consequence obliged to retreat towards Vienna, and the Arch-duke John, who had advanced as far as Verona, was under the necessity of falling back first to Cornegliano, and afterwards to Villach. The French under General Miolis, taking advantage of this movement, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th with the intention of taking possession of Trieste, which occasioned a general panic in that city, and induced many of the merchants and inhabitants to fly with their property on board of such vessels as they could procure in the port. “The capture made by H.M.S. under my command, assisted by two companies of Croatian troops, on the 10th instant, off the Island of Lussin, (a detail of which I have the honour to enclose for your Lordship’s information) has become of much importance in affording them a safe harbour. “The Spartan and Amphion arrived off Trieste on the 16th, and found the heights of Optehina occupied by the enemy. The Austrian flotilla consisting of two brigs, and nine gun boats under “The Russian squadron was at the same time ready for sea. The Imperial vessels anchored on the 17th in the bay of Peran in order to complete their equipment. The French marched into Trieste on the same day. On the 18th the Spartan and Amphion anchored in Peran. I had dispatched the Imperial brig to recall the Thames, which arrived on the 19th. The Imperial convoy sailed on the 20th for Lussin, and on the 21st His Majesty’s ships left the bay. “Under the idea that a junction might be formed between the Russian squadron, and that of the French in Ancona, it was my intention to have endeavoured to burn the latter with rockets, and accordingly directed our course towards the latter place, but calms prevented our getting further than Rimini before last night, when anxious lest H. M. ships might be wanted on the coast of Dalmatia, and the wind coming to the southward, I pushed for the place where we have just arrived, the convoy having anchored only a few hours before us. “The latest accounts we can procure are as follow, that the French still occupy Trieste, and that they are hourly expected at Fiume, which the Austrian troops and gun vessels have quitted and gone to Segna: that General Meydick is still successful in Dalmatia, and that General Marmont is shut up in Zara, from whence it is probable he will, (if not relieved by the army from Istria,) endeavour to make his escape. Colonel Meydick commanding the Imperial flotilla at Segna, is very urgent for the co-operation of the British frigates. “The vessels which have taken refuge in Lussin, as well as the island itself, are in great distress from the want of provisions, &c. and from the state in which we left them, the batteries are very defenceless. “Having seriously considered all these circumstances, and the effect which might at such a moment be produced upon the mind of the inhabitants by that force being weakened, which they are “I wrote to Captain Brisbane on the subject, on the 19th, by an Austrian brig, but am informed that she has only sailed for Corfu this morning. I shall therefore dispatch the Redwing with this, and with the Amphion and Thames use our utmost efforts in assisting the Austrian army in fortifying the island, and facilitating (if necessary) the evacuation of Fiume and Segna. “Several reports corresponding in general with each other, particularly as to dates, have lately reached us of a battle having taken place near Schoenbrun, and that the Imperialists had beaten the French, but little confidence is placed in them. The pass of Prevalt is however believed to be still in possession of General Giulai with 15,000 Croatians, which accounts for the French not having advanced more rapidly in that quarter. “I have, &c. “J. BRENTON.” “To Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood.” On the 28th May, while off Lussin with the Spartan and Amphion, Captain Brenton fell in with a squadron of line of battle ships under Captain Hargood, consisting of the Northumberland, Excellent, and Montagu; and no sooner had the Commander received Captain Brenton’s report of the state of Trieste, than he decided upon making an immediate attack upon the Russian squadron in that port, and made all sail for it, sending the Spartan and Amphion a-head. The squadron got into the bay at day-light on the 29th, and had the wind continued, would undoubtedly have succeeded in their object without much loss; but the line of battle ships were first becalmed on the south shore, and afterwards This most mortifying detention continued until five o’clock in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, and the influence of the current was no longer felt; but the Russians and the French had made good use of their time. They had from four o’clock in the morning a conviction that an attack was intended; and the Russian ships were hauled close into shore, and moored head and stern with their broadsides commanding the entrance of the harbour. Their inside guns were landed, and batteries made with them all along the Eastern, and Northern shores of the bay, manned with French troops; they had also forges for heating shot, and every preparation for a vigorous defence, which fourteen hours could give them, assisted as they were by several thousands of French troops. These preparations passed under the immediate notice of Captain Brenton and Captain Hoste, who were together the whole day, and could see all the operations of the enemy through their spy-glasses, frequently going together on board the Commodore to make their report during the day. Both agreed that in the early part of the day, success to the British Squadron might be considered as certain; but they were also both of opinion that as the day declined, The Squadron now proceeded to the coast of Romagna, and another attack was made upon the town of Pesaro. Captains Brenton and Hoste landed in the command of the Marines, but troops arriving from all parts, the Commodore found it expedient to call off the attacking party. (Note in the Life of Sir Wm. Hoste, Vol. 1. p. 341.) On the 5th of June the Spartan was ordered to proceed to Malta to refit, and complete her stores and provisions, and from thence to go to Messina, and form a part of Rear Admiral Martin’s squadron for the defence of Sicily. In the latter end of June she left Malta; proceeded to Messina, and was from thence ordered off Naples to join the Squadron employed under Rear Admiral Martin, in co-operating with the British forces under Major General Stuart, which had taken possession of the Islands of Ischia and Procida. Captain Brenton shortly after received the following letter from Lord Collingwood, dated,— “Ville de Paris, off Toulon, 30th July, 1809. “Sir, “I have received your letter of the 26th May, stating to me your reasons for remaining in the Adriatic, after the receipt of my order of the 18th of April, and detailing your proceedings. Under the circumstances you have represented, I fully approve of your having continued in that sea, until Captain Harwood “I am, Sir, &c. “COLLINGWOOD.” “Captain Brenton, H.M.S. Spartan.” Captain Brenton’s mind was completely set at rest by this letter, which not only conveyed approbation of the responsibility he had incurred, but expressed high commendation for his conduct, and even as it were apologized for recalling him from the Adriatic, which to those who know Lord Collingwood, will appear as a very strong testimony of his approval. This testimony was subsequently confirmed by the following letter. “Ville de Paris, at Sea, 5th Nov., 1809. “Sir, “Having transmitted to the Secretary of the Admiralty your letter describing the particulars of the attack made on the fort, and defences of the Island of Lussin, and of the surrounding Islands, I am commanded by their Lordships to convey their sentiments of admiration at the intrepidity, zeal, and judgment so eminently displayed on that occasion, and I beg you will please to communicate the same to the officers, seamen, and marines, employed under your orders on that service. “I am, &c. “COLLINGWOOD.” “Captain Brenton, H.M.S. Spartan.” | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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