by John Marshall

“ Immediately the prisoners were removed, we made all sail after the largest lugger, which we captured about 8 P.M. after exchanging a few shot: she proved to be gun-vessel No. I., mounting 2 long twenty-four-pounders and 4 howitzers, complement 70 men, only 60 of whom were found on board: from the number of shot she received, I am convinced she must have lost many of her crew; her commander is also a lieutenant in the Danish navy. I am extremely rejoiced to say we have no person hurt; our sails and rigging a little cut, and a few grape-shot in the hull, is the extent of our damage. ”

“ The enemy is therein stated to have been defeated with the loss of four gun-vessels, each mounting one long 24-pounder and 4 howitzers. On the 8th of the same month, Captain Stewart addressed an official letter to Captain Pater, of which the following is a copy:–
“I beg leave to inform you, that H.M. sloop under my command came up with the rear of the enemy’s gun-boats about six o’clock this morning, which we immediately brought to close action, and I am happy to say No. 2 and No. 5 struck to us: they each mount one long 24-pounder and one 32-pounder canonade, and are manned with 35 men each. ”

“ Captain Stewart was afterwards successively appointed to the Dart ship-sloop, and the Snap and Epervier brigs, stationed at the Leeward islands: his commission as a commander, bears date Feb. 15, 1808. We next find him commanding the Sheldrake of 10 guns, and proceeding, in company with the Tartar frigate, to the relief of Anholt, an island in the Cattegat, forming a very important point of communication between Great Britain and the continent,and then threatened with an attack by a formidable Danish force under the orders of Major Melsteat. ”