SERVICE IN THE SPEEDY.—ACTION WITH GUN BOATS OFF
GIBRALTAR.—SENT TO PENON DE VELEZ.—ACTION ON THE COAST, AND
WITH GUN BOATS.—HIS BROTHER’S DEATH FROM WOUNDS RECEIVED IN
ACTION IN THE PETEREL.—LETTER TO HIS FATHER.—MADE POST, AND
APPOINTED TO THE TEMPORARY COMMAND OF THE GENEREUX AT PORT
MAHON.—SAILS TO GENOA.
In the month of February, 1799, Captain Brenton was charged with a
valuable convoy of victuallers from Lisbon, to supply the fleet off
Cadiz. The latter had by stress of weather been driven up the straits,
and great apprehensions were entertained for the safety of the convoy
under so weak an escort. They were attacked in the bay of Gibraltar,
by twenty-three gun boats, and Captain Brenton had the satisfaction of
receiving the thanks of the Earl of St. Vincent (who was an eye witness)
for the manner in which he had defended his charge. It is fit that on
this occasion he should be his own historian, and that the account of the
action should be given from his own pen.
“Early in February, I was sent with a convoy of victuallers to the fleet
blockading Cadiz; and on my approach towards San Lucar, not seeing any of
the look-out ships, which were usually stationed far to the westward,
I suspected that in the preceding very heavy gales from the westward,
the fleet might have been driven through the straits, and I felt a
considerable anxiety for the fate of my convoy. I in consequence made the
signal for them to make all sail for Cape Trafalgar, whilst I proceeded
towards Cadiz, taking my station on the foretop gallant yard, with my
spy glass, to be in readiness to communicate the earliest information of
danger to the convoy, which were not likely to be out of sight, before
I should have a full view of Cadiz. I found my expectations respecting
our fleet were realized, but the Spaniards were still in port. I then
rejoined my convoy, and made all sail for Gibraltar.
“By the repeated signals flying along the coast, I was well aware
that the Spanish gun boats were prepared to attack the convoy, and I
accordingly formed them into two very clear and compact lines, directing
them to preserve this order of sailing by every effort in their power.
On passing Cabritta point, I observed the whole of the Spanish gun boats
lying under it, evidently waiting for the convoy. They immediately pushed
out with sails and oars, and began the attack. The Speedy wore round
ahead of the convoy, in order to close up the lee line, which seemed
disposed to straggle; and then taking our station on their larboard
quarter, we brought to ahead of the gun boats, which immediately desisted
from their attack on the convoy, and seemed to unite their efforts upon
the Speedy. As soon however as the convoy was so far advanced as to
ensure their getting under the guns of Gibraltar, the Speedy followed
them. There was but one ship of war in the bay, which was the Montague,
with the flag of Lord St. Vincent; and a boat came off from her, with
orders for me to take my convoy over to Tetuan bay; where I was informed
the fleet was lying under the command of Lord Keith. I accordingly
proceeded thither, and found my arrival had been most anxiously looked
for; as the fleet had been on short allowance of some species of
provisions, and greatly in want of all to enable them to resume their
blockade off Cadiz.
“When the signals were made by the Spaniards, the garrison of Gibraltar,
to whom these signals were known, felt great uneasiness at the imminent
danger to which the supplies for the fleet were exposed, upon which so
much depended. This feeling was very strong in the breast of Lord St.
Vincent, who had no means of increasing the force of the convoy; and
he was in proportion relieved and gratified by the safe arrival of the
convoy. He expressed his warmest approbation to Captain Brenton on his
return from Tetuan, as did the Governor and principal officers of the
garrison. But little injury was done to the Speedy, or any of her convoy.”
It is a subject of regret that the official letter, giving the account of
this spirited, and well conducted action, does not appear in the public
records of the day.
Early in March Captain Brenton says, “The Speedy was ordered to cruize
off Penon de Velez; and my orders, when delivered by Earl St. Vincent
were accompanied by the following observation, ‘You are to understand
that the Spaniards have a garrison at Penon de Velez—that they have no
communication whatever with any part of the coast on which this place is
situated—that they get their food, their raiment, and even the water they
require, from Malaga, which are carried over to them by vessels under
convoy of two rascally brigs—just like your own. Now, Sir, be off; I hope
you will fall in with them.’”
Having returned from this duty (the wished-for rencounter, as it appears,
not having taken place); Captain Brenton continues, “The Speedy was
ordered to proceed to Oran, in order to bring down some prizes, which had
been taken in there to wait for a convoy to Gibraltar. The wind, during
March and April, blew almost a continued heavy gale from the westward.
I made various attempts to get down to Gibraltar with my convoy, but
without success, bearing up again for Oran.
“On one occasion, having been joined by the Espoir sloop of sixteen
guns, I had got as far as Cape de Gatte, and observing a very suspicious
looking brig come out from under the land, I made the signal for the
Espoir to chase. Both vessels made all the sail they could carry; and
towards evening a very heavy squall coming on with thick weather, the
chase and the chaser were both lost sight of. Towards evening the latter
came down, not having been able to keep sight of the stranger, and
apprehensive of losing the convoy. A heavy gale came on from the westward
in the course of the night; and on the following evening, as there was no
appearance of its abating, I made the signal to bear up for Oran, where
we arrived on the next day; but the gale continuing, no boat was sent
on shore. On the second day after we anchored in Oran, some seamen in
blue jackets were seen coming over the hills; and as no boats from any
of the convoy had reached the shore, I was anxious to know from whence
these seamen could have come, concluding some wreck had taken place upon
the coast. By great exertion a boat was got on shore, and soon returned
with the captain and five seamen of the brig which had been chased off
Cape de Gatte, by the Espoir; and which, as I have mentioned, was lost
sight of in the squall. The fact is, that in that squall the unfortunate
brig was upset; and as she went down, the captain, boatswain, and five
men jumped into the boat, and cutting the lashings, were left on the
surface as the vessel sank. There was neither oar nor rudder in the boat,
but providentially the rudder of the boat was found, amidst other things
washed out of the vessel, and a couple of oars. On the following morning,
in the height of the gale, the weather being clear, they distinctly saw
the convoy, and endeavoured to make signals to them, but without effect,
from the sea running so high. When the convoy bore up in the evening for
Oran, the captain, finding it impossible, from the direction of the wind,
to approach the Spanish shore, kept before the sea, spreading shirts
upon the oars for sails, and endeavoured to find shelter in some of the
bays of the coast of Africa. Providentially they reached a little cove
with a sandy beach, just to the westward of Oran; and having caught a
hawk’s bill turtle as they approached the shore, by devouring it raw,
they acquired sufficient strength to land in a heavy surf, and to beach
their boat. The boatswain, who was a strong powerful man, sank under
exhaustion before they reached the land. They were received on board the
Speedy; and by the judicious conduct of the surgeon, were soon restored
to perfect health.
“The vessel lost was an American brig from Baltimore. Her commander’s
name was Brand, and twelve men were lost in her. Mr. Brand’s escape was
the more providential, as he was asleep below when she upset; and being
thrown out of his bed, by the sudden movement, was enabled to get up the
ladder, before the hatchway was filled with water.”
A few days after the convoy had reached Oran, the gale continuing to
blow with great violence at times, but at others more moderately; the
Terpsichore frigate commanded by Captain Gage, entered the bay of Oran
with her convoy from Minorca, bound to Gibraltar also; and about a week
later, at the close of a day on which there had been almost a hurricane,
a Spanish line of battle ship, with only her foremast standing, and
her mainmast lying buried on the poop, came into the bay, and let go
her anchor about half a mile from the Speedy, which happened to be the
farthest out.
Captain Gage directed Captain B. to watch the motions of the Spaniard,
expressing his intentions to attack him, should he move beyond the limits
of neutrality. At daylight the Spaniard was seen to cut his cable, and
put to sea: the wind had greatly moderated, but a heavy sea continued.
The Terpsichore and Speedy slipped their cables, and were immediately in
pursuit. The Spanish ship was rolling her main deck ports in the water;
the weather was very thick; the Speedy had approached nearly within
gun-shot, and was preparing to open her fire, with her four pounders,
into the stern of the enemy, whilst the Terpsichore’s fire, which would
soon have followed, would, without doubt, have insured the surrender of
the helpless Spaniard; when at the moment, the fog cleared away, and
shewed the Spanish fleet of eighteen sail of the line in the offing, and
at a very short distance. The expected prize at once vanished, and it
became necessary for the English vessels to seek their own safety. The
Terpsichore returned to Oran, and the Speedy running close in shore got
to the westward of the bay.
Of the Spaniards six sail had lost their lower masts, and many their
topmasts. The Spaniards availing themselves of a strong S.W. wind shaped
their course for Carthagena. On the following morning, the Speedy fell
in with a British squadron of five sail of the line, under Admiral
Whitshed; who, on being informed by Captain Brenton of the crippled state
of the Spaniards, made sail in pursuit of them; and the Speedy returned
to Oran, where, having joined the two convoys, they proceeded together
to Gibraltar, where they arrived early in May. The Speedy was then sent
to resume her station off Oporto, but in the month of July was again
detached to take the English mail from Lisbon to Gibraltar. Here upon
examining her defects, she was found in such a state as to render it
necessary to heave her down.
Earl St. Vincent having given up the command of the fleet to Lord Keith,
was at this time at Gibraltar, with his flag in the Argo, waiting for
wind to sail to England. The Channel fleet, under Sir Alan Gardner, had
formed a junction with the Mediterranean fleet, and had gone up the
Mediterranean in pursuit of the combined fleets of France and Spain.
While the Speedy was undergoing repair, and was keel out; the combined
fleet was seen approaching the straits from the eastward; and a cutter
sent out to reconnoitre, was captured by them, in consequence of a
partial breeze favouring a Spanish frigate while the cutter was becalmed.
Earl St. Vincent ordered the Speedy to be immediately righted, and to
prepare for sea. Copper was nailed over the defective parts; and by
the assistance of the Argo, she was ready to proceed on the following
evening, with orders to look for Lord Keith, and to communicate to him
the information, that the enemy had left the Mediterranean. He fell
in with his lordship off Cabrera, in the course of a very few days,
after leaving Gibraltar. He had already received the intelligence from
some merchant vessel, that the combined fleet had been seen near the
straits, steering to the westward, and was in pursuit of them. The day
was beautiful when the Speedy fell in with the Admiral; and the immense
fleet of thirty-two sail of the line sailing in two divisions, formed a
most magnificent spectacle. Lord Keith sent the Speedy to Minorca with
dispatches, with orders to resume her station off Oporto on her return.
He continued his pursuit; but the enemy had got far too much start of
him, and reached Brest, long before the British fleet could get up with
them.
The following letter from Captain Brenton to his father may here be
introduced as carrying on the narrative.
“SPEEDY, OFF CAPE DE GATTE, JULY 17th, 1799.
“MY DEAR SIR,
“Since my last off Lisbon no opportunity whatever occurred
for my writing, I had scarcely time to reach Oporto, Lisbon,
and Gibraltar, before our quarantine expired; we were ordered
instantly into the mole, to heave down. On Sunday, the 8th,
the Speedy was keel out, having her copper repaired, and on
Tuesday was at sea, on her passage to join Lord Keith, with
the intelligence of the Spanish fleet, in conjunction with the
French, having passed the straits of Gibraltar to the westward;
the particulars you will have, long before you receive this, as
the Haarlem, and other vessels, were instantly dispatched for
England.
“The Haarlem had but just time to clear the Gut, when the van
of the enemy’s fleet appeared in sight, and the rear of them
had only passed the rock, when the Speedy came out; but by
favour of the night we escaped a rencounter with the gun boats,
who were waiting behind Europa, to intercept any vessels going
to the eastward. We fell in with Lord Keith yesterday, but have
not yet spoke him; his lordship has, as yet, only received the
intelligence of the enemy being off Gibraltar, and is in full
cry with thirty-two sail of the line, we are however coming up
hand over hand with him, owing to light winds and smooth water.
I expect to be on board the Queen Charlotte in two hours; and
as there is a strong probability of my being ordered to part
company instantly, I shall have this letter ready to dispatch,
and take another opportunity of being particular. I have the
mail on board and passengers for Minorca, by which means I hope
to see Wallace, who is in that neighbourhood.
“Lord St. Vincent arrived at Gibraltar a few days before we
left it. His lordship is not well. This unexpected event
has been of no service to him. His behaviour to me, has
(if possible) been kinder than ever; he appeared pleased
with our exertions, and has, I believe, given me some good
recommendations to his successor, Lord Keith. I believe I may
deem his lordship one of the best friends I ever met with, and
should he become premier at the Admiralty, which is by no means
impossible, I hope we shall all feel the good effects of his
patronage.
“Remember me most affectionately to my mother; I will give her
the earliest information of our destiny and late proceedings.
If Captain Berkeley of the 90th regiment, should call upon
you at Edinburgh, may I request you will deem him a welcome
guest. I have much esteem for him, and he deserves it. He is
but slowly recovering from a fit of illness, which had for some
time deprived him of the use of one side. I was to have given
him a letter, but was prevented by his sudden departure.
“Adieu, my dear Sir; I beg my best love to the girls, and to be
considered as your ever dutiful and affectionate son,
“J. BRENTON.”
“7 P.M. Just spoke Lord Keith, and have received orders to
proceed to Minorca.
“JAHLEEL BRENTON, ESQ.
REGULATING CAPTAIN, EDINBURGH.”
After remaining a few days at Port Mahon, the Speedy directed her course
for Gibraltar; and when off Cape de Gatte gave chase to three large armed
Xebecs, which ran in and anchored in a close line, in a sandy bay to the
westward of the cape. The Speedy immediately attacked them under sail,
and was joined by the Defender, a brig privateer, belonging to Gibraltar,
of twelve guns. Captain Brenton finding he could not keep up an effectual
fire under weigh, pushed in, in hopes of finding soundings, which he at
length did within pistol shot of the enemy, and let go his anchor. The
engagement continued for more than half an hour, when the Spaniards took
to their boats, and their vessels were captured and brought off by the
Speedy and Defender. The largest mounted twelve, the second ten, and the
third six guns; and in a few days with the Speedy arrived at Gibraltar.
The Speedy again visited Oporto, and was again dispatched from Lisbon to
Gibraltar with the mail. On her way back from the rock to Oporto, she
chased three Spanish vessels, and drove them on shore; but the surf was
so heavy they could not be got off.
The following official letters describe some of the actions in which the
Speedy was engaged, and the opinions pronounced on her commander by his
superiors.
From the Gazette, Admiralty Office, 21st September, 1799.
Copy of a letter from Earl St. Vincent, K.B. Admiral of the
White, &c. to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated 17th Sept. 1799.
“SIR,
“I enclose for the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a
letter I have received from Captain Brenton, of His Majesty’s
Sloop Speedy, giving an account of the capture of three Spanish
armed vessels.
“ST. VINCENT.”
* * * * *
“SPEEDY, GIBRALTAR, AUGUST 21st, 1799.
“MY LORD,
“I have the honour to inform your lordship, that on the 9th
inst., in company with the Defender, British Privateer of
Gibraltar, of fourteen guns, we captured the Spanish armed
vessels, as per margin, after an action of two hours and a
half. Upon seeing us they ran into a small sandy bay, five
leagues to the eastward of Cape de Gatte, and moored in a close
line, within a boat’s length of the beach; we engaged them
an hour and three quarters under sail, before we could gain
soundings, although not more than a cable’s length distant from
the rocks; but finding the enemy had much the advantage, from
our constant change of position, I determined to push for an
anchorage, and was fortunate enough to effect one within pistol
shot of the centre vessel. After three quarters of an hour
close action, the Spaniards took to their boats, cutting the
cables of two of the vessels which drove on shore; they were,
however, all brought off by our boats, under a constant fire of
musketry from the hills. The privateer, having but twenty-two
men, was obliged to stand out, to procure assistance from a
boat she had in the offing, and could not reach the anchorage,
till the conclusion of the action. The conduct of her commander
was highly meritorious throughout, and must have considerably
accelerated the event. The officers and men under my command
behaved in such a manner as would have ensured our success
against a more formidable enemy. The Speedy had but two men
wounded, the Defender one, neither dangerous. We found two men
dead on board the Spaniards; the remainder of the crews escaped
on shore.
“JAHLEEL BRENTON.”
Ships mentioned in the margin:
“Santo Christo de Garcia, eight guns, six and nine pounders.
“Name unknown, ten guns, six and nine pounders.
“Name unknown, four guns, sixes.”
* * * * *
“ADMIRALTY OFFICE, OCTOBER 26, 1799.
Copy of a letter from Rear Admiral Duckworth to Evan Nepean,
Esq., dated Leviathan, off Lisbon, the 13th inst.
“SIR,
“You will be pleased to lay before my Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty the copy of a letter from Captain Brenton, of the
Speedy, relating the destruction of three Spanish vessels he
chased on the 3rd inst.; it is but justice to this officer to
observe, that his exertions and gallantry at all opportunities
do him the highest honour.
“I have the honour to be, &c.
“J. J. DUCKWORTH.”
* * * * *
“SPEEDY, AT SEA, OCTOBER 4, 1799.
“SIR,
“I have the honour to inform you, that yesterday, whilst
running through the gut of Gibraltar, in sight of the British
convoy, I observed a number of small vessels, coming out
of Algesiras, and concluded they were Spanish gun boats,
endeavouring to cut off some of the merchant ships; I therefore
steered for them, in order to keep them as far as possible from
the body of the fleet; but upon our near approach, perceiving
they were Spanish coasters, eight in number, under the
protection of a cutter and schooner, made all sail in chase,
and soon separated the two sternmost from the body; they ran
under the guns of a castle, which opened a fire upon us, and
prevented our bringing them off. We continued the pursuit of
the others, passing under the shot from Tariffa castle; and at
four p.m. came up with four more in a bay to the eastward of
Cape Trafalgar: one immediately anchored near a fort, and the
other three under a castle which had one gun mounted; as it
blew very heavy from the eastward, and being on a lee shore,
we could not go as near them as I could wish, but anchored
within four cables’ length, and bringing our guns to bear upon
the castle (which appeared to be in a very ruinous state, and
did not return our fire,) and the vessels; we in a short time,
compelled the Spaniards to abandon them all, first cutting
their cables, by which means they drove on shore. I then sent
Lieutenant Parker to endeavour to bring them off, and shortly
after Mr. Marshall to assist; or if that was not practicable
to set them on fire; neither of which could be effected from
the heavy surf breaking entirely over them, and rendering our
approach dangerous to the boats. They however boarded them,
brought away some of their fire arms, threw the remainder
overboard, leaving them full of water, and complete wrecks.
One vessel was laden with brandy and paper; one with English
manufacture (cutlery, hardware, &c.); and the third in ballast.
I beg leave to express the high satisfaction I received from
the conduct of Lieutenant Parker, in boarding the vessel under
the walls of the castle, while exposed to musketry from the
beach; also of Mr. Ricketts, the purser, who was a volunteer
upon that service. The attention of Mr. Marshall, the master,
to the anchoring his Majesty’s sloop, and the able assistance I
have received from him on former occasions, renders him worthy
of the fullest confidence.
“I have the honour to be, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“TO REAR ADMIRAL DUCKWORTH,” &c.
Early in November of this year, the Speedy was again sent from Lisbon,
with a convoy to Gibraltar; and on entering the bay was attacked by
twelve gun boats, and a ten gun French privateer. They came down in the
most determined manner; and surrounded the Speedy off Europa point, with
the intention of boarding; which Captain Brenton observing, directed the
guns to be loaded with grape as far as it could be done with safety; and
reserved the fire until the Spaniards rose to board, when the Speedy’s
fire was so destructive as to induce the Spaniards to sheer off, and run
to leeward with great precipitation. The convoy in the meantime got safe
into Gibraltar, and the Speedy was endeavouring to follow them; but it
was soon found she had received so much damage, below the water line on
the starboard side, from the enemy’s shot, that she was filled with water
to the lower deck. It became necessary immediately to veer her: and by
carrying as much sail as her wounded rigging would bear on the starboard
tack, the leak was got out of the water. But to keep her in this position
it became indispensible to stand across the straits, and run for shelter
into Tetuan bay; which they reached late in the evening; and having
repaired their damages, sailed early the next morning for Gibraltar. The
Speedy had two men killed upon this occasion.
It was a subject of universal astonishment, that the Spaniards should
have made so daring an attempt, as to attack the Speedy under the
batteries of Gibraltar, actually within hail, as conversation passed
between Captain Mottley (the resident agent for transports at Gibraltar)
and Captain Brenton before the Spaniards surrounded the Speedy.
Upon Captain Brenton’s return to Gibraltar, he received the thanks and
congratulations of Governor O’Hara, and the garrison. “Speedy” was given
out that evening for the parole, and “Brenton” for the countersign.
Perhaps the full force of this flattering testimony can only be felt by
those connected with the military profession.
On arriving at the rock, Captain Brenton waited upon the Governor, to
remonstrate upon so extraordinary a circumstance; but the Governor,
General O’Hara, anticipated his complaint, by explaining that in
consequence of the Spanish authorities having threatened to bombard
Gibraltar from Fort St. Phillip, on account of some fishing-boats having
been fired at from the batteries by mistake, having been taken for row
boat privateers, he (the Governor) had been obliged to prohibit all
discretional firing; directing that no gun should be fired without his
express permission. He added, however, that the events of the preceding
day convinced him that such a regulation could not be persevered in; that
he had that morning issued orders that a most vigilant look out should in
future be kept from the batteries; and a signal made when any privateer
was seen under weigh, when she was to be fired at on her approach.
Rear Admiral Duckworth was at this time lying in the bay of Gibraltar;
and reported Captain Brenton’s conduct to the Admiralty, in a manner most
flattering to his feelings, as did the Governor, and the Commissioner.
The Governor’s letter was addressed to Earl St. Vincent, then in
England; and his lordship happened to be with Sir Evan Nepean, at the
Admiralty, when it arrived. He had no sooner read the forcible appeal
made by General O’Hara in favour of Captain Brenton, than he went to
Lord Spencer, and laying the letter before him, said, “My lord, I will
not leave your room until the request contained in that letter is
complied with;” and Lord Spencer immediately wrote an order for Captain
Brenton to be put into the first Post vacancy, that should occur in the
Mediterranean.
It may perhaps be allowable to introduce here the description of this
gallant action as given in the Naval Chronicle; and to add the official
letter addressed to Admiral Duckworth.
“It is somewhat astonishing that the following remarkable instance of
naval gallantry should never yet have been published; we therefore
consider ourselves exceedingly obliged by being enabled to bring before
our readers such particulars, as must be read with the greatest
admiration of the distinguished prowess they describe, and which so
eminently redound to the credit of the officers and crews, who so ably
and bravely defended themselves against such a very superior force. We
have also subjoined the official letter sent by Captain Brenton[1] to
Admiral Duckworth, on the occasion; documents which will prove completely
illustrative of the whole transaction. The action certainly merits every
commemoration, and the annexed plate is taken from a drawing representing
the most interesting period of it.
“On the evening of the 6th of November, 1799, His Majesty’s sloop,
Speedy, commanded by Captain Jahleel Brenton, and her convoy, consisting
of a ship (transport) laden with wine for the fleet, and a merchant
brig bound to Trieste, were attacked upon their entering Gibraltar bay,
by twelve Spanish gun boats; two of which were schooners, carrying two
twenty-four pounders each, and fifty men; and the other, one twenty-four
pounder and forty men; besides a Xebec, French privateer of eight guns.
They first attempted the ship, and were prevented from carrying her by
the Speedy passing between them, which enabled her to reach her anchorage
in safety: their efforts were then united against the brig, when the
Speedy bore up through the centre of them, and in three quarters of an
hour obliged them to run for shelter under the guns of Fort Barbary.
“The crippled state of the Speedy’s rigging, masts, and hull, and
especially as the water was up to the lower deck, from shot received
below, prevented Captain Brenton from pursuing the advantage he had
gained. She had two men killed, and one wounded. The transport was most
ably managed by her master, and worked round Europa Point through a very
galling fire; the brig took advantage of a strong westerly wind, which
sprung up after dark, and continued her voyage to Trieste. The Speedy was
under the necessity of running for Tetuan bay, to stop the leaks; which
being done, she returned to Gibraltar the following day.
“The Spanish gun boats, after remaining under Fort Barbary for three
days, bore up for Malaga, and did not return to Algesiras for two months,
leaving the trade unmolested in the Gut of Gibraltar. The Spaniards
acknowledged they lost eleven men; four of their boats were seen to
strike to the Speedy during the contest, by the inhabitants of Gibraltar,
and the report was corroborated by a Danish brig from Malaga a few days
after.”
“SPEEDY, GIBRALTAR, NOVEMBER 21, 1799.
“SIR,
“I have the honour to inform you, that on the 6th instant,
coming into Gibraltar, with two vessels under convoy, a ship
and a brig, we were attacked by twelve of the Spanish gun
boats from Algesiras. Having a commanding breeze, we were
soon enabled to rescue the ship. The gun boats then united
their efforts upon the brig, but bearing up upon their line
with a well directed fire, we in a short time obliged them
to relinquish their design also; and take shelter under the
guns of Fort Barbary. The situation of the Speedy prevented
my pursuing the advantage we had gained, having most of our
running rigging cut away, our main top sail yards shot
through, and our fore rigging much cut, besides the water
being up to the lower deck, from shot received below the water
line. Not being able to carry sail upon the larboard tack, I
was under the necessity of running for Tetuan Bay, to stop the
leaks, and arrived here the day following. I cannot say too
much in praise of Lieutenant Parker, Mr. Marshall, the master,
and the remainder of the officers and men under my command,
from their spirited exertions, and strict attention to their
duty, we were enabled to save our convoy and His Majesty’s
sloop.
“I beg leave to enclose a return of our killed and wounded, and
at the same time to add, that much praise is due to Mr. George
Robinson, master of the transport Unity, for the manner he
worked his ship during a very galling fire.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your very obedient servant,
“J. BRENTON.”
“Patrick Blake and Wm. Pring, seamen killed.
“Thomas Riley, seaman wounded.”
“TO ADMIRAL DUCKWORTH,” &c. &c. &c.
A few days after the action, Admiral Duckworth sent for Captain Brenton,
and gave him the painful intelligence, that his brother, Lieutenant
Brenton, of the Peterel, had been dangerously wounded in the boat of
that ship, in capturing a Spanish privateer, and had been taken to the
hospital at Port Mahon. He kindly ordered the Speedy to proceed thither
with dispatches; and held out the hope that the wound might not be
mortal. This flattering expectation was unhappily not realized, for upon
the arrival of the Speedy at Port Mahon, Captain Brenton found that his
brother had died a week previously, and had been buried with the honours
of war. The amiable character, and gallant conduct, of this promising
young man had excited an universal interest.
The letter which Sir Jahleel Brenton wrote to his father on this occasion
may be justly inserted, as exhibiting the simple and affectionate
feelings which lived within the breast of one so distinguished for daring
enterprise. In later years those feelings would have assumed a different
form, and been expressed in a different manner; but it is the object of
the memoir to present the man as he was, and the change that was effected
will be most completely understood, by comparing what he was at different
periods of his life.
… “Accustomed hitherto to receive only the most pleasing
accounts from your sons, I feel an additional pang at the
cruel necessity I am under, of destroying that happiness I
had long indulged the idea, would last the remainder of your
days. You will naturally conceive the nature of this melancholy
event; but will at the same time, I trust, derive comfort and
consolation from the circumstances attending it, and assist my
dear mother in bearing her loss with resignation. Poor Wallace
is no more; he died of his wounds the 15th of last month. He
died as he lived, a hero; and a pattern to every young man both
in public and private life, universally regretted and esteemed.
The loss is only on our side. His amiable conduct through life
has ensured him felicity for ever: and as a time must arrive
when we must quit all who are dear to us, I can conceive no
greater alleviation to our grief, than the object having fallen
in his country’s service, whilst nobly distinguishing himself,
which was the case with my dear brother, who had already
acquired a high reputation with his brother officers. I shall
not attempt to offer consolation; besides feeling the want of
it myself, I am convinced your own reflections will have more
effect than all I could say on the subject.
“I was in some measure prepared for the melancholy event.
Admiral Duckworth’s account alarmed me, though it left me
hopes which I suffered myself to indulge when I wrote you from
Gibraltar. The Admiral with the goodness of heart for which
he is distinguished, sent me here in hopes of our meeting; a
circumstance I shall ever remember. But whilst I am on the
subject of gratitude, let me take the earliest opportunity
of saying, how much we are all indebted to Lieutenant W.
Pemberton, and his amiable wife, for their unwearied care of
the poor fellow during his illness. To them he owed much of the
comfort of his last moments. Pemberton seldom left him; and his
wife was ever studying what was most grateful to his taste,
and that in a country where the common necessaries of life
were scarcely to be procured. Through their friendship, and
the general interest every one took in his welfare, he wanted
for nothing. I have long been in habits of intimacy with this
worthy couple; they are now endeared to me; and I trust, some
day, to have it in my power to acknowledge their kindness.
“I arrived here late last night, and shall sail immediately
for Palermo, with dispatches for Lord Nelson. L’Alceste sails
directly for England; by her you must receive the distressing
intelligence. I shall avail myself of the same conveyance to
suggest the steps which are likely to be of any service to
Edward. Captain Western was promoted to Commander, from his
brother having fallen, before Wallace did, and Edward has the
same claim. I don’t see how Lord Spencer can refuse it, when
you apply to him. Let me request, my dear Sir, that you will
use all your interest in his favour with Admiral Young, Lord
Hood, or any one you think can serve him. I have fortunately
had opportunities of acquiring myself friends, who I hope will
enable me to go on by myself, and in some measure compensate
for your loss. I mean in taking care of my sisters; in other
respects I never can. I have a power of attorney to receive my
brother’s pay and prize money, which he wished to have laid
out, either in an annuity for his sisters, or in a purchase,
the interest of which might be for them, and the principal
their property. I think it will be something considerable, and
shall inform you as soon as possible, and request your advice
upon the subject. In the meantime, my ever dear Sir, let me
entreat you to remember, you have still two sons, whose only
wishes are your happiness, and that of their dear mother and
sisters. May my next be of a more cheerful nature, and that you
may see many happy days, is the sincere wish of
“Dear Sir,
“Your ever dutiful and affectionate Son,
“JAHLEEL BRENTON.
“JANUARY 19th, 1800.”
The Editor is happy in being allowed to add from the recently published
Nelson Dispatches, a letter from Lord Nelson, as characteristic of that
great and gallant man as it is honourable to the subject of this memoir.
PALERMO, DECEMBER, 7TH, 1799.
“SIR,
“Captain Brenton, of Her Majesty’s sloop the Speedy, having on
the 6th of November, with a convoy from the coast of Portugal,
when attacked in the Straits by twelve Spanish gun boats,
displayed uncommon skill and gallantry, in saving the sloop
under his command, and all his convoy; I beg leave to recommend
him to their lordship’s notice; and if the merits of a Brother
may be allowed to have any weight, I have the sorrow to tell
you, that he (the brother James Wallace Brenton) lost his life,
when Lieutenant of the Peterel, attempting, with great bravery,
to bring off a vessel which the sloop had run ashore. He died
of his wounds a few days ago at Minorca Hospital.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your most obedient servant,
“BRONTE NELSON.”
The Speedy again returned to Gibraltar, and was immediately sent off
again with dispatches to the Commander in chief, then supposed to be off
Malta; but on her arrival at St. Paul’s bay, Captain Brenton found Nelson
with his flag in the Foudroyant, and a squadron, co-operating with the
land forces employed in the siege of Valetta. His lordship had recently
had the satisfaction of seeing another of the French fleet, which he had
so nearly annihilated in Aboukir bay, captured by the Northumberland and
Success frigate. This was the Genereux. She had been sent to Minorca; and
Lord Nelson, after warmly applauding Captain Brenton for his conduct, in
his late encounter with the gun boats at Gibraltar, congratulated him
upon his being made Post, from information which he had received from
Lord Keith. The arrangement, by which this promotion took place, was
that Captain Dixon, of the Lion, (the late Admiral Sir Manley Dixon)
should be removed to the Genereux; that Lord William Stuart commanding
the Souverein (the Sheer hulk at Gibraltar, which ship at the time was
commanded by a Post Captain, and had charge of the general duties of
the port of Gibraltar) should succeed to the Lion, and Captain Brenton
to take command of the Souverein, to be succeeded in the Speedy by Lord
Cochrane, who was made Commander.
The Speedy proceeded through the Phare of Messina on her way to Leghorn,
where Captain Brenton was informed he would find the Commander in chief.
He arrived there on the 18th of March, but saw no ship of war in the
road. He soon however received the melancholy information that the Queen
Charlotte, the flag ship, had taken fire on the preceding day, and had
blown up; scarcely two hundred men having been saved out of a complement
of nearly eight hundred. The cause of this dreadful event arose from a
quantity of hay being taken on board, and placed under the half deck, in
readiness to be pressed; an operation that was then generally performed
by having a strong wooden case placed in the after hatchway, to which
a screw was applied, and a bag fitted to receive the hay, when it was
brought into a portable compass. This was always a most dangerous
operation, and should never be permitted; as the hay when purchased might
be pressed on shore. In the present instance, the hay being brought on
board loose, was carelessly thrown under the half-deck, between the guns.
A match tub with a lighted match had been left there in readiness for a
signal gun, and being unobserved by the man who carried the first truss
of hay, it was covered over by it, and the whole space soon filled. The
hay must have been a long time ignited, but no one coming to it, the
fire did not shew itself until the moment when the ship getting under
weigh, the wind rushed in through the weather ports, and caused it to
break out in a fearful volume of flames, which catching the mainsail
was soon at the mast head. Captain Todd, who commanded the ship, with
admirable presence of mind, caused the anchors to be immediately let go,
which brought the ship head to wind, and gave all who could get forward,
a chance of saving their lives. Numerous boats pushed off from Leghorn,
as soon as the ship was discovered to be on fire, but as they approached
her, her guns becoming heated and being shotted, the Italians were
alarmed and could not be persuaded to approach her. Her own boats, such
as could be got into the water, or were already out, were soon filled;
and some from the English shipping in the harbour, getting under her
bows, enabled the few who escaped to save their lives. The ship at length
blew up. Captain Brenton met the few survivors of the officers at the
Admiral’s table at Leghorn on his arrival. It was a melancholy party,
where mixed feelings were evident, and highly contrasted; gratitude for
their own escape, being mingled with grief at the loss of so many friends
and companions.
Lord Keith presented Captain Brenton with his Post commission, and an
order to assume the temporary command of the Genereux at Port Mahon;
until Captain Dixon, then employed in the Lion, at the siege of Malta,
should be relieved by Lord William Stuart. The Speedy sailed immediately
for Minorca, and Captain Brenton took command of the Genereux on the 19th
April, 1800; giving up the Speedy to Lord Cochrane, who was in charge of
the Genereux, having brought her in after her capture.
The Genereux was lying at the dock yard dismantled, and with every thing
taken out of her, guns included. Her crew consisted of two men sent from
every ship in the fleet, of course not the best; and two hundred and
seventy Maltese; but the latter were invaluable; and by their steadiness
and exertion Captain Brenton was enabled to get the ship in readiness for
sea, and to join the Admiral off Genoa, in the month of May.
Genoa had been invested by the Austrian army for nearly six months, and
so closely blockaded by the British squadron, that very few vessels
could get into it. It was obstinately defended by Massena, but reduced
to the greatest extremities, for want of provisions. On the 4th of June
it capitulated; but such favourable terms were granted to it, by the
Austrian General, that the French were great gainers, by its surrender;
as it gave freedom to the army shut up within its walls, and enabled
them to contribute greatly to the issue of the battle of Marengo,
which occurred ten days afterwards. It has too often been the fate of
England to be involved in these short-sighted treaties, by which all the
advantage has been forfeited that valour and enterprize had gained.
By the terms of this capitulation British transports were to convey
the French troops to Nice, with all their military baggage; and while
receiving it on board, a bale, marked military clothing, burst while
hoisting in, and displayed some beautiful Genoa velvet. This occasioned
an examination of all the packages already on board, and led to the
discovery of an immense quantity of similar plunder. Massena was
exceedingly angry at this detection, and accused the English of a breach
in the terms of the capitulation, although it had been acted upon, up to
that moment to the very letter; but the fact was, that it deprived him of
much, which he had expected to carry off with impunity.
About 12 o’clock on the 4th of June the squadron entered the harbour of
Genoa, and at once fired a royal salute in honour of the birth-day of
their sovereign. The scene was truly beautiful; presenting as it did
that superb city, rising above the shores of the bay, and its harbour
covered with boats, with splendidly decorated flags, and filled with
gaily dressed people of both sexes. These boats thronged round the
British ships, and shewed but too plainly the misery that had been
endured by the wretched inhabitants. The countenances of the company,
ghastly with famine and disease, but ill accorded with their gay, and
often rich costume. Many were too feeble to mount the side of the ships;
and men as well as women were happy to have the aid of the chair for
that purpose. The declared object of the visit was to pay respect to
the British flag; but the real one was to obtain food at the earliest
possible period. They were gladly received. The cabin, the ward room, and
in short every part of the ship was filled by them, and a succession of
meals brought upon every table, as one party was succeeded by another.
But the most delightful circumstance connected with this day, was to
see the British seamen, handing out of the ports, their own rations of
provisions to the starving multitude who could not get on board. On their
landing, the English officers observed the streets on each side strewed
with the dead and dying; and although on the opening of the gates,
immediately after the surrender, an abundance of provisions was poured
in, it was long before the people again enjoyed the blessings of plenty;
disease invariably accompanying famine, and shortening life, when the
means of supporting it were restored.