by John Marshall

“ Mary, in company with the Medusa, Amphion, and Lively frigates, discovered four sail, which formed the line of battle a-head on the approach of the British squadron, and continued to steer for Cadiz, the van ship carrying a broad pendant, and the one next her a Rear-Admiral’s flag. The Medusa being the headmost of the British frigates, her commander (the present Sir John Gore) placed her on the weatherbeam of the Commodore; Captain Moore took a similar position along-side of the Rear-Admiral, the Amphion and Lively each taking an opponent in the same manner, as they came up. ”

“ It was a peculiarly affecting circumstance, that in the ship which blew up, was the lady and eight children of a native of South-America, who with one of his sons, had gone before the action on board another ship, from which he was a melancholy spectator of the dreadful catastrophe. ”

“ Captain Moore’s next appointment was to the Melampus, of 42 guns and 267 men, stationed off the French coast. On the 13th Nov. 1796, he drove on shore, and destroyed, at the entrance of Barfleur harbour, l’Etonnant corvette, of 18 guns; and the same day, in company with the Childers sloop, captured l’Etna, afterwards the Cormorant, of 20 guns. Early in the following year, the Melampus formed part of the squadron sent to escort the Princess of Wirtemberg from Harwich to Cuxhaven. ”