by John Marshall

“ The “stone expedition” here attracts our attention.
This was an expedient proposed to block up the harbour of Boulogne, by sinking ships, loaded with stones, at its entrance; and to effect which, three merchant-vessels, of about 400 tons each, were purchased, and their holds filled with blocks of granite, well cemented and clamped together, so as to resist the action of the sea, at least for a certain time: this part of the preparation being complete, the vessels were next rendered combustible, by the addition of every thing inflammatory that could be laid in them. ”

“ The way Captain Steuart has conducted himself, in the command of the Russian and English gun-boats, is highly praise-worthy; and his unremitting activity, so creditable to the country, has been willingly imitated by the officers and men of the Aboukir and Ranger, who are placed under his orders: they have unquestionably kept the enemy from crossing the river, at the falls above the town, where a body of infantry and horse still remained entrenched ”

“ In that vessel he accompanied the expedition to Walcheren ; and on the day after the disembarkation of the army, we find him pushing on after the bombs and gun-boats sent to the attack of Campvere, his pilots having declared that they could place him close to the town, in an advantageous position. Unfortunately, in working up the Veere Gat, his brig grounded several times, and ultimately stuck fast, so near the enemy’s batteries, that he was obliged to cut away the masts and throw every thing overboard, in order to get her afloat. ”