by John Marshall

“ What damage may be done to the enemy by near 500 shells and carcasses thrown into the town and basin last evening and this morning, it is impossible to calculate; but I may, without vanity, say, that if the exertions of the enemy’s flotilla be not much greater on our shore than on their own, we have little to dread from them. I cannot conclude without expressing my obligations to every officer and man employed in this squadron. ”

“ A shell passed through the mizen stay-sail of the Zebra, another carried away the spare top-sail-yard and two chain-plates of the Merlin, and grazed her side; and a 42-pound shot cut the spare top-mast and some other spars, and lodged in the booms of the Hecla; this is all the damage done. ”

“ The vessels which had been outside the pier during the bombardment of the 16th, were so much annoyed as to retire, some into the pier, and some up the river; one of them was towed on shore under the batteries, and has since been taken to pieces. The enemy’s mortar-batteries have been very considerably increased since the attack of the 16th; and although the fire from them on the bombs was as great as, I will venture to say, was ever experienced, they being considerably within range, yet it is with the most inexpressible pleasure I acquaint your’ Lordship, that not a man has been hurt. ”