by John Marshall

“ In Oct. 1810, Captain Dilkes was appointed to the Castor of 32 guns, which frigate he continued to command until July 1815. On the 23d June, 1813, his boats, under the directions of Lieutenants Bassett Loveless and Edwyn Francis Stanhope, boarded and brought out from under the protection of a strong fort, on the coast of Catalonia, la Fortune, French privateer of 2 guns, 2 swivels, and 48 men. In the performance of this service the British had 4 killed and 9 wounded. ”

“ He has commanded the blockading squadron in the Pertuis Breton since the 1st April, and during that time we do not know of any vessel of the enemy having escaped his vigilance. I have directed him to send the Colpoys brig with the prizes to Plymouth, which I hope your lordship will approve of. I have the honor to be, &c. ”

“ On the 15th Jan. 1814, the Castor’s cutter, commanded by the former officer, captured l’Heureux privateer, of one 12-pounder and 25 men, close under the guns of Montjui. On this occasion Lieutenant Loveless lost an arm, and one of his men was also severely wounded. Le Minuit, another one-gun privateer, was subsequently taken by several boats, under the command of Lieutenant Stanhope.
Captain Dilkes married, Jan. 21, 1818, Louisa, daughter of Thomas Newenham, of Coolmore, Ireland, Esq. ”