"Eugenie, off Boulogne,
16th Aug. 1801.
"MY LORD,
"In obedience to your lordship's directions to state the
proceedings of the first division of boats which you did me the
honour to place under my command, for the purpose of attacking the
enemy's flotilla in the Bay of Boulogne, I beg leave to acquaint
you that, after leaving the Medusa last night, I found myself, in
getting ashore, carried considerably, by the rapidity of the tide,
to the eastward of the abovementioned place; and, finding that I
was not likely to reach it in the order prescribed, I gave
directions to the boats to cast each other off. By so doing, I was
enabled to get to the enemy's flotilla a little before the dawn of
day: and, in the best order possible, attacked, close to the
pier-head, a brig; which, after a short contest, I carried.
Previous to so doing, her cables were cut; but I was prevented from
towing her out, by her being secured with a chain: and, in
consequence of a very heavy fire of musketry and grape-shot, that
was directed at us from the shore, three luggers, and another brig,
within half pistol shot, and not seeing the least prospect of being
able to get her off, I was obliged to abandon her, and push out of
the bay, as it was then compleatly day-light. The undaunted and
resolute behaviour of the officers, seamen, and marines, was
unparalleled; and I have to lament the loss of several of those
brave men, a list of whom I inclose herewith.
I have the honour to be, &c.
P. Somerville."