by John Marshall, Royal Naval Biography — Ballard… (1823)
“ Lieutenant C. W. Richardson, 1 Midshipman, and 15 men wounded. The following is an extract from the official report of the senior officer present to Sir Alex. Cochrane, commander-in-chief at the Leeward Islands, dated Dec. 18, 1809: “To Captains Ballard and Miller all possible praise is due, for so judiciously placing their ships, in a situation nearly annihilating the enemy’s two frigates, of 40 guns each; the outer ship’s masts being gone, and herself on fire, by the time this ship (Sceptre) and the rest of the squadron, from baffling winds, could render assistance.” ”
