by John Marshall

“ We found in the harbour twenty-two vessels of different descriptions” (chiefly laden with oil, corn, lemons, &c.) , “which were either taken or destroyed; those scuttled by the enemy were cleared by the Euryalus, which ship took an anchorage to protect the working party; and through the great exertions of Captain Napier, the officers and men employed on that service, every thing was brought away worthy of notice. ”

“ I have much pleasure in informing you, that this service has been performed without the loss of a man in either profession: our being hulled three times, and the Furieuse twice, with sails and rigging a good deal cut, is the only damage sustained. ”

“ Agreeable to your directions, I embarked Lieutenant-Colonel Coffin [6] , and the second battalion of the 10th regiment, on the 16th instant, and arrived off Ponza on the 23rd, the harbour of which is about a quarter of a mile wide, with a mole at the extreme end of it, defended by four batteries and a tower, mounting ten 24 and 18-pounders, two 12-pounders, and two 9-inch mortars. ”

“ I hope it will not be thought presumptuous in me begging you will recommend Captain Clifford, and my first Lieutenant, Whiteway” (who accompanied the marines to the heights, and afterwards assisted in launching the merchant vessels) “to the Commander-in-chief, particularly as this is the third convoy the former has discovered and contributed to destroy since his appointment to the Cephalus [4] ; the latter has been likewise at the taking of two and destroying one since his joining the Thames. The whole of the officers and ship’s company behaved in the most steady manner ”

“ Neither ship lost a man on board: our bowsprit wounded in three places is the only material injury we have suffered.
(Signed) ⁠“Charles Napier.”
“H.M.S. Milford, Palermo Bay, May 27. 1812. “Sir,– In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst., relative to the capture of the 28 vessels at Sapri, I have much pleasure in conveying my sentiments of the zeal hy which yourself and Captain Nicolas have been actuated, as well as the officers and men belonging to the Thames and Pilot. I am, &c.
(Signed) ⁠“T. F. Freemantle.” “To Captain Napier, H.M.S. Thames.” ”

“ I immediately desired Captain Clifford to lead in and anchor, which service he performed in a most handsome style, and was closely followed by this ship, who soon silenced eleven gun-boats, and an armed felucca, carrying six long 18-pounders, two 12-pounder carronades, three brass and two iron 6-pounders, and” (upwards of) “280 men, moored across for the protection of fourteen merchant vessels“ (laden with oil, potash, &c. [3] ) , “and 36 spars for the line-of-battle ship and frigate at Naples, and under cover of a round tower ”