by John Marshall

“ No sooner had he landed, however, and perceived the Bedouins, who till this time were hid behind the sand-hills, but now began to show themselves, than dismay and terror seized on all; nor could we behold their distress without commisseration, although they had so entirely brought it on themselves by refusing to surrender to us, and had fired on our boats when escape was no longer in their power. We perceived that the officers and men suffered themselves to be stripped without resistance. ”

“ A most spirited battle immediately commenced, yard-arm and yard-arm; and, after a hard contest of nearly two hours, the enemy was obliged to surrender. She proved to be la Vestale, French frigate, of 36 guns, and 270 men, 30 of whom, including her commander, were killed, and 37 wounded. The Terpsichore, whose complement, from various causes, had previously been reduced to 166, officers, men, and boys, sustained a loss of 4 killed and 19 wounded; among the latter were Mr. Fane and Captain Bowen’s brother, who was the only Lieutenant then on board. ”

“ Her commander and a few of the men made their escape, nuked, to the beach; where our boats had by this time arrived, and begged, on their knees, to be saved. I am happy in saying, the humanity of our people extended so far as to induce them to swim on shore with lines and small casks to save them, which they fortunately effected. Amongst these was particularly distinguished a young gentleman, Midshipman of the Emerald, who brought off the French commander, at the hazard of his own life, through the surf.”
Captain Fane obtained post rank, Aug. ”

“ A French ketch of 14 guns and 60 men, two xebecs of 3 guns and 30 men each, and eight merchant vessels laden with provisions, were then lying in the mole at Palamos, and the senior officer, relying on Captain Fane’s knowledge of the place, immediately determined to attempt their destruction. ”

“ Felice, to advance upon them, and by some unhappy fatality, instead of directing their retreat ta the beach where the Cambrian, Sparrowhawk, and Minstrel lay to cover their embarkation, the brave but thoughtless unfortunate men came through Ike town down to the mole: the enemy immediately occupied the walls and houses, from which they kept wp a severe fire upon the boats crowded with men, and dastardly fired upon and killed several who had been left on the mole, and were endeavouring to swim to the boats. ”

“ Many were murdered in cold blood, apparently without any cause, and among them the unfortunate General and Aid-de-camp, who, on their knees, entreated for mercy. An Arab, on horseback, unslung his carbine and drew the trigger, but the piece did not go off ”