by John Marshall

“ The English, who served four cannon (the officers of the frigate Blonde and those of the bomb-vessel AEtna) , were extremely pleased with the attention which we had shewn them, and giving the name of their king to one of our batteries. We owed them such a compliment for the zeal and frankness which they have displayed on all occasions. I cannot too highly praise Lieut. Luckraft. He is an old and worthy officer, who directed the battery during the whole siege with great ability. ”

“ There were no sailors, either English or French, admitted into the breaching batteries, except the Blonde’s and Conquerant’s. Ours was the central battery, and the nearest to the castle. Lieutenant Luckraft held the chief command, and next to him was Lieutenant Dacres. They behaved with so much bravery, and so ably maintained the unshaken character of British seamen, as to merit the public approbation of the French commander-in-chief. * * * * * The exertions of Captain Lyons have seldom been equalled, certainly not excelled, by any British officer ”

“ Sir,– In obeying your orders to act in concert with the senior officer of His Most Christian Majesty’s ships, I have had the good fortune of finding myself associated with those distinguished officers. ”