by John Marshall

“ Finding, from the contrary winds and strong currents, the transport-vessel in which he was embarked could not proceed to the place of rendezvous, he quitted it for an open boat, and by pulling along the coast, from Lissa to the anchorage off Melida, he arrived in Nov. 1813, not without considerable risk, he having been forced by the violent gales then prevailing to take refuge for three days upon a barren and uninhabited island, between Lissa and Curzola. Through these means the despatches were delivered which led to the immediate attack, and ultimate surrender, of the fortress of Cattaro. ”

“ This is to certify, that Mr. Richard Saumarez, second lieutenant of H.M.S. Bacchante, commanded by Captain William Hoste, conducted a considerable body of Croatian troops [2] from the Bocca di Cattaro to Fiume, where he arrived at a period when such a force was most urgently required, not only for the protection of the town, but also to co-operate with the array of General Nugent at the siege of Trieste.
“Lieutenant Saumarez having offered his services at the said siege, was present at the surrender, and sent by me to the Prince Maximilian, with the terms of the capitulation. ”

“ During the latter siege, Lieutenant Saumarez was the senior officer of the Bacchante employed on shore in the direction of the batteries, and, under the instructions of Captain Hoste, carried on the capitulation with General Gauthier, which led to its surrender to the allied forces. ”