RETURN TO MALTA TO REFIT.—SUDDEN OFFER OF JOINING THE
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE IONIAN ISLANDS AS SUDDENLY
ACCEPTED.—CAPTURE OF ZANTE, CEPHALONIA, AND CERIGO.—APPROBATION
OF LORD COLLINGWOOD.—CRUIZE ON THE COAST OF ITALY.—ACTION OFF
NAPLES, VICTORY, AND SEVERE WOUND; CARRIED TO PALERMO AND
MALTA.—LETTERS ON THE SUBJECT, AND EXTRACT FROM HIS PERSONAL
MEMORANDA.—SAILS FOR ENGLAND.
After the evacuation of these Islands, the Spartan was sent to convey
the Sicilian troops to Palermo, and from thence was ordered to Messina.
It was at this time that her Captain first heard, in a conversation with
the Commander of the Forces, Sir John Stuart, and Captain Spranger,
the senior Captain of that Port, of an intended attack upon the Ionian
Islands, when Captain Spranger mentioned that the Spartan was to be one
of the squadron for that expedition. The ship however having been ordered
subsequently to Malta to refit, was sent from thence to Palermo; but
having met with bad weather off Pantellaria, and received much injury
in the foremast, they were under the necessity of bearing up again for
Malta, and the ship was hauled under the shear for the purpose of having
the mast taken out. Whilst undergoing this repair in the latter end of
September, Captain Brenton was dining with Sir Alexander Ball, the Port
Admiral at Sant Antonio, and after dinner Sir Alexander took him aside,
and communicated to him a letter which he had just received from Captain
Spranger at Messina, informing him that the expedition against the Ionian
Islands was on the point of sailing, but no mention was made of the
Spartan, as that ship was considered as detached, or on other service.
Captain Brenton repeated to Sir Alexander the conversation above alluded
to with Captain Spranger respecting the expedition; and requested, as the
service upon which he had been recently employed, was not of very great
importance, that he might be dispatched to Zante, the first Island to
be attacked, where he might yet be in time. Sir Alexander expressed his
apprehension that from the state in which the Spartan then was, she could
not be ready for some days, and that it would be consequently too late.
Captain Brenton urged that he might be permitted to make the trial; and
having received the sanction of his kind friend, immediately set off for
Valletta. By the time he could get on board the ship at the dock yard it
was nearly nine o’clock, and the people were all in their hammocks; but
the hands were at once turned up, and no sooner was the cause known, than
all was joy and alacrity. The foremast had been got in that evening, but
the rigging was on shore. The keys of the dock-yard, with the attendance
of the officers was forthwith procured; the spars for making the topsail
yards were got upon the quarter-deck, and the carpenters of the ship
employed in making them. Before daylight great progress was made in
rigging the ship. The artificers of the dock-yard now came on board,
and caulking and other repairs went on rapidly. By five o’clock in the
evening the ship began to warp down to the entrance of the harbour, and
as no powder could be received on board while in the dockyard, the launch
was sent to receive it at the magazine; and to wait in Bizzy Bay for the
ship. At six o’clock the artificers were put into their boats, leaving
much of their work undone, and even the caulking stages hanging over the
side. The ship made sail with a fair wind out of the harbour, and picking
up the launch, ran clear of the port, when the powder was taken on board,
the boats hoisted in, and all sail made for Zante, where they arrived on
the morning of the 8th, but no ships were seen there. Captain Brenton
immediately proceeded to make his observations as to the batteries and
landing, with whatever other remarks which might be useful in making the
attack; and having passed the day in this service, the next morning when
running round the N.E. end of the Island, he had the pleasure of seeing
the Warrior, Belle Poule, Philomel, and transports. He was on board the
Warrior at seven, to the great surprize of Captain Spranger, who was much
gratified by the information Captain Brenton had brought him, and on
which the General (Oswald) and the Commander immediately began to form
the plan of attack. The troops landed the following morning under cover
of the Spartan and Belle Poule’s guns, and after a very little resistance
a flag of truce was hung out from the fortress, and in the course of the
evening the Island surrendered.
On the 10th the Commodore proceeded next to attack Cephalonia, the
Commandant of which surrendered without resistance, on the squadron
entering the bay; and as soon as it was taken possession of, Captain
Spranger detached Captain Brenton in the Spartan, with two companies of
the 35th regiment to attack Cerigo; permitting him to call on his way
off Zante, and to take one of the prizes captured there with the Island,
a beautiful brigantine, which he was to man from the Spartan, and with
a portion of the 35th to accompany him in attacking Cerigo. The Spartan
arrived off Cerigo, and as Captain Spranger’s orders were positive as to
running no risk of losing men, in the event of the enemy being found in
force, and as a large body of troops were seen in the castle of Capsali,
a very strong fortress, and a detachment at the port in the Bay of
Capsali; some doubt was entertained by Captain Brenton and Major Clarke
commanding the detachment of the 35th, as to the propriety of making the
attack. Captain Brenton quoted Lord Nelson’s sentiments upon such a case.
“Whenever there is a doubt,” said the hero, “always fight; the public
will bear you out, whatever may be the consequences;” and this at once
decided the question.—The following letter gives the particulars of the
result of this conclusion.
“SPARTAN, OFF THE ISLAND OF CERIGO,
13th OCTOBER, 1809.
“SIR,
“In my last from Zante I expressed a hope that we might be
able to reduce the Island of Cerigo, without any further
reinforcement; this idea was strengthened by papers found upon
the Governor of the Island, made prisoner at Zante.
“Major Clarke and myself decided upon making the first attack
upon the forts and harbour of Arlemmino, in order to prevent
the escape of any vessels which might be there. The forts are
those of San Nicholas and San Joaquim. The first is a stone
building mounting nine guns, the latter an embrasure battery of
four guns. At four p.m. on the 9th, we ran into the bay, the
forts opened upon us, but were both silenced in a few minutes
by the ship and tender, whilst the troops under Major Clarke
landing, made several prisoners; the enemy had one killed and
one wounded upon this occasion; one man of the 35th was wounded
on our side.
“At day-light on the 10th, we weighed with the intention of
immediately attacking the castle of Capsali, in the bay of
Cerigo; but variable winds prevented our getting round.
“At two p.m. the troops and marines were landed in a small cove
in the bay of San Nicholas, and marched forward towards the
castle, one watch of the Spartan following with three field
pieces.
“I landed with the troops that I might be enabled to command
the resources of the ship by signal, without the delay of
sending messages; foreseeing that she could not be brought to
act against the castle, while the wind continued southerly.
“The nature of the country rendered our approach to the castle
extremely difficult, particularly for the guns which did not
arrive till ten o’clock on the 11th instant, at the position
which the troops occupied; a height on a level with the castle
and within four hundred yards of it. A fire commenced on both
sides with guns and musketry, which continued the greater part
of the day. In the evening some rockets were landed from the
ship, and in the course of the night some of them were thrown
at the citadel. At daylight I ordered two twelve pounders to be
landed from the ship, but before they could be got on shore, a
flag of truce came out, with an offer of surrendering, provided
the garrison were allowed to retire to Corfu. This was refused,
and after some deliberation, the Commandant surrendered on the
same terms as were granted to Zante and Cephalonia.
“At ten o’clock our troops took possession of the castle.
“It is to the zeal and ability of Major Clarke, and the
judicious arrangements he made of the force under his command,
that the speedy reduction of this strong fort is to be
attributed. The enemy were cut off from any prospect of relief
or escape, and were convinced that our means of offence were
hourly increasing.
“I cannot speak too highly of the officers and men of both
services, as well in respect to their cheerful perseverance
under fatigue, as to their gallantry when opposed to the enemy.
“I am happy to say that our loss has been much less than might
have been expected; one bombardier of the Royal Artillery
killed, two privates of the 35th wounded.
“I cannot in justice to Lieutenant Willes, first of the
Spartan, close this letter without saying, that fort San
Joaquim of two eighteen, and two nine pounders, was completely
silenced by the gallant manner in which he attacked it in the
tender, with a party of the 35th Regiment on board.
“The inhabitants of the island received us with demonstrations
of joy. I have sent Lieutenant Willes in the tender with the
dispatches, and I shall remain off this place till I receive
your further directions.
“I enclose for your information the articles of capitulation,
together with a list of artillery, &c. &c. found on the island.
“I have, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“CAPTAIN SPRANGER, &c. &c. WARRIOR.”
_Prisoners._
Officers 9
Non-commissioned ditto 6
Rank and file 89
----
104
_Guns taken._
Twenty-four pounders 1
Eighteen ditto 3
Fifteen ditto 1
Fourteen ditto 4
Nine ditto 21
Six ditto 4
Two ditto 2
One ditto 1
Eighteen ditto Carronades 2
---
39
It is stated in the official letter respecting the capture of Cerigo,
that the Governor of this Island was made a prisoner on the taking of
Zante, and that papers containing much useful information had been
found upon him. Amongst others, was the copy of a letter from him to
the Governor of Corfu, stating that some Mainotes (natives of the
Morea) having landed on the Island of Cerigo, he had endeavoured in
vain to drive them off again, but not succeeding by his arguments—he
added,—“Enfin je me suis avise de leur fair empoisoner les eaux, et
par ce moyen quelques uns de ces misérables ont péri, et les autres
s’enfuirent.” Appalling as such an acknowledgment may be, and evidently
given to the Governor of Corfu as a happy stratagem, for which the
abominable perpetrator took credit, it had quite escaped the recollection
of Captain Brenton; and his whole party might have become the victims
of this unheard of system of treachery, but for the advice of a Greek
Priest, who came to the British officers in the night, whilst on their
march to attack the Castle of Capsali, and recommended that they should
immediately place sentinels on the stream from which they took their
water, and accurately examine it, if possible, to its source. He then
repeated the story of poisoning the Mainotes, and explained how it
had been done. A vast quantity of arsenic had been put into the body
of a dead hog, and placed in the stream, above the spot where these
people had encamped, and the water filtering through it became a deadly
poison. On taking possession of the castle, Captain Brenton asked the
Governor’s housekeeper whether the story was true; her answer was quite
in character with the establishment to which she belonged, “E vero,” said
she, “ma non cattivo.”
After the capture of the Ionian Islands, the squadron under Captain
Spranger with the troops returned to Sicily, and Captain Brenton was
left to cruize off the Islands, in order to be in readiness to give any
assistance that might be required.
The following are Captain Brenton’s own reflections at this period of his
life.
“After the capture of Cerigo all active service ceased for the remainder
of the year. I had the gratifying experience of having entirely gained
the good opinion and confidence of the Commander in Chief. You will not
fail, my darling children, to observe, and I hope with sincere gratitude,
the blessings bestowed upon your father by a kind providence, which
made the most untoward and unpromising circumstances turn out to his
advantage; which preserved his life from the violence of the enemy, and
the danger of the seas; and strengthened his health under every trial.
‘O! that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and the
wonders that he doth to the children of men.’ This delightful verse ought
never to be absent from our minds, when we contemplate the numerous
blessings we have received.”
While thus employed, he was naturally anxious to become acquainted with
the resources of these Islands, and to learn the dispositions of the
inhabitants towards their new allies; for in that light only could the
English be considered; as they had, on hauling down the French flag, not
hoisted their own, but that of the Septinsular Republic. The following
letter to Lord Collingwood, will give in a condensed form, the substance
of the information he had obtained.
“SPARTAN, HARBOUR OF ARGOSTOLI, CEPHALONIA,
17th NOVEMBER, 1809.
“MY LORD,
“I beg leave to enclose for your Lordship’s information a
statistical account of this Island which Colonel Lowe[16]
of the Corsican Rangers, Commandant of the Island, has had
the goodness to procure for me, with the addition of his own
remarks. I also enclose a table of the exports as well as the
imports of the years 1793, 1800, and 1808.
“I selected these periods in order to ascertain the comparative
state of commerce under the Venetians, Russians, and French. I
send also a list of the shipping belonging to Cephalonia for
this year. I am under great obligations to Colonel Lowe for
obtaining every part of this information for me.
“The inhabitants seem very solicitous to enter into commercial
speculations, but appear at the same time to be restrained
by timidity, and want of confidence in themselves, from
prosecuting them to any great extent. This I conclude will soon
wear off.
“They have applied for permission to navigate under the British
flag, but as that could not be granted, they have requested
to be allowed a convoy to Malta. I have assured them of your
Lordship’s wish to promote as much as possible the prosperity
of the Island, and have directed them to get their vessels in
readiness for any convoy that might offer. Several have already
arrived here from Zante in consequence.
“The Spider has arrived here from Messina with two transports,
and with orders to take back five others to that place, which
are required for the service of the army in Sicily: she will at
the same time escort the prisoners taken at Cerigo. I shall
direct her commander to give protection to such Septinsular
vessels, as their owners may think proper to send, and having
seen the transports safe into Messina, to convoy the trade to
Malta, to which place he is directed to return by his original
orders.
“Should your Lordship think proper to allow this port to be
a rendezvous for the convoy hitherto sent to Patras, it is
admirably situated for the purpose; and by this island becoming
a depôt for British manufactures and colonial produce, it would
insure not only to Cephalonia, but to Zante also, abundant
supplies of corn and cattle by the vessels coming from the
Morea, and the Islands of the Archipelago. The want of corn
begins to be already felt, so much so that speculations are
talked of, for procuring it even from Malta.
“From what I can judge of the island, by the little I have had
an opportunity of seeing, it appears to me, that by industry
and confidence, its produce in most instances would be greatly
augmented in a very short time. The soil is excellent, and
scarcely a tenth part of the island is cultivated.
“I went a few miles inland with Colonel Lowe, in order to
examine the nature of the forest, but was prevented by the
weather from effecting my intentions. From all I can learn,
many valuable spars may be procured here, and some timber at a
cheap rate. The woods are all in the hands of the government,
which would gladly enter into a contract to bring the timber
to the water side. Colonel Lowe is endeavouring to procure
an exact description of the trees, and the price they would
probably fetch when ready for embarkation, which I shall
forward to your Lordship by the earliest conveyance. I enclose
also a survey of this harbour taken by Mr. Glen, the master of
the Warrior.
“I have, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“VICE ADMIRAL LORD COLLINGWOOD.”
Captain Brenton soon after received the following gratifying letter from
the Commander in chief upon the subject of the attack upon Cerigo.
“VILLE DE PARIS, AT SEA, 1st NOV. 1809.
“SIR,
“I have received from Rear Admiral Martin your letter of the
13th ult. with its enclosures directed to Captain Spranger of
the Warrior, detailing your proceedings in the Spartan with a
detachment of troops in the reduction of the island of Cerigo.
“It affords me great satisfaction in having again to express
my warmest approbation of that zeal and ability, which have so
eminently distinguished your services, particularly within the
last six months, to the great annoyance of the enemy. And the
speedy reduction of so strong a fort as Cerigo, with so small a
loss, bespeaks that judicious management which commands success.
“Your report of the gallantry and good conduct of Lieutenant
Willes is highly creditable to that officer, and I have not
failed to point out his merits in this and former cases to the
Lords of the Admiralty.
“I am, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“TO CAPTAIN BRENTON, H.M.S. SPARTAN.”
This letter was followed by another in the month of January, 1810.
“VILLE DE PARIS, AT SEA, 16th JAN. 1810.
“SIR,
“Having communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the
Admiralty your proceedings at Cerigo when that island was
reduced, I have great pleasure in informing you, Sir, that
their Lordships have been pleased to express their great
satisfaction at the ability with which you conducted that
service, and the spirit with which it was executed by the
officers and ship’s company of the Spartan.
“I am, Sir, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“CAPTAIN BRENTON, SPARTAN.”
Early in December the Spartan was ordered to proceed to Malta and refit,
and in the beginning of January she sailed for Messina, and resumed her
station under the command of Rear Admiral Martin, by whom Captain Brenton
was sent off to Naples, in order to watch the movements of Murat, and
his army intended for the invasion of Sicily. During the month of March
he remained by the Rear Admiral’s directions in the port of Messina, to
direct the movements of the frigates and small vessels under the Rear
Admiral’s command, and to render all the assistance in his power to the
British army charged with the defence of Sicily. Early in April he sailed
for Naples, and continued cruising between that place, and the Island of
Sicily, but without any material circumstance occurring until the 25th;
when on that morning, being off Terracina with the Success and Espoir in
company, several vessels were observed coming along shore, to which the
British squadron immediately gave chase. The enemy ran for Terracina, and
anchored in a small bay near the town, defended by two batteries, the
following is Captain Brenton’s official letter to Rear Admiral Martin.
“SPARTAN, GULF OF GAETA, 25th APRIL, 1810.
“SIR,
“This morning, at nine a.m. we observed several sail of
merchant vessels between Monte Circello and Terracina, and
immediately gave chase to them in company with the Success and
Espoir. The enemy reached Terracina, and anchored in a small
bay within pistol shot of the town, under the protection of two
batteries and a number of troops which occupied an extensive
range of buildings. The crews of the vessels, one of which had
guns, remaining on board for the purpose of defending them;
the vessels were moored to the shore. I made the signal to
prepare for anchoring, directing the Espoir to stand in and
sound. She found twelve fathoms within half a mile of the
batteries, a position which the Spartan and Success immediately
occupied, and opened their fire upon the batteries; the armed
boats of the two frigates covered by the Espoir then pushed
in, boarded the ships (as per margin) and brought them out
under an incessant fire of musketry from the store houses; the
batteries being nearly silenced by the ships and sloop. Four or
five small vessels had taken refuge under the town, but were
hauled so near the shore, that I would not run the risk of
exposing the people to a destructive fire, for an object of no
importance, and made the signal to weigh.
“The firing began at thirty-six minutes past twelve, and
continued till twenty minutes past one. I am happy to say we
had a very small loss. I feel much indebted to Captain Ayscough
of the Success, for the assistance received from him, and
particularly to Captain Milford of the Espoir. From the light
draught of water of the brig, I directed her to cover the
boats, which was done in a most gallant and judicious manner,
running close in shore and annoying the enemy with grape.
“The armed boats were under the command of Lieutenant
Baumgardt, second of the Spartan, and the manner in which he
led them to the attack was such, as to gain the admiration of
all who witnessed it. He speaks in high terms of Lieutenant
Sartorious, commanding the boats of the Success. Lieutenant
Willes, first of the Spartan, of whose gallant conduct, I have
had such frequent occasion to speak, was prevented by illness
from taking this service upon himself as usual, but gave every
possible assistance on board.
“Captain George Hoste of the Royal Engineers, accompanied me
on this cruize, for the purpose of reconnoitring the enemy’s
batteries on the coast; his exertions were extremely useful in
supplying the place of the absent officers at the guns.
“I never witnessed more zeal and good conduct than was
displayed by all classes upon this occasion.
LIST OF VESSELS TAKEN.
1 Santa Rosalia ship six guns wine, lead and ore
2 Name unknown barque ” lead ore
3 ” ” ” lead ore
4 ” ” ” lead ore
“I have the honour to be, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“REAR ADMIRAL MARTIN, &c. &c. &c.”
The little squadron continued cruizing off the bay of Naples until the
30th of April, when the Espoir was detached with the usual report of the
enemy’s vessels to the Rear Admiral.
In the midst of this trying, stirring, anxious life, it may be well to
introduce an extract from a letter written home at this period, which
shews that the energy and firmness of professional character were not
incompatible with those softer feelings which form the happiness of
domestic life; but that one principle suggested and supplied the elements
of each.
“SPARTAN, OFF TREPANI, 12th APRIL, 1810.
“Four years from this time, if my memory is correct, we had
just taken up our residence at that earthly paradise, the
Petits Capucins; and how little did we then think, that in the
course of such a period as has elapsed, so many events would
have occurred; that I should have had my liberty, and have
passed three years on a foreign station.
“I know not what at this moment gave rise to these reflections;
but this I know, that the retrospect excites gratitude, and
that I feel the fullest confidence for the future. From the
same causes, perhaps at the end of the next four years, we may
all be assembled, and offering up together our thanks for the
innumerable blessings we have received. —— will perhaps say I
am psalm-singing again; but be it so; I take peculiar pleasure
in recurring to the past, and often think there are very few
who have had so much prosperity with so little ground to hope
for it.
“Many have been more fortunate, but multitudes less so; and
as to my captivity; I would not part with the remembrance of
it for five thousand pounds. It was the happiest part of my
life, and is always present to my recollection. The test of
real happiness is to be sensible of it at the time; and that I
recollect was my case, particularly when walking in the little
avenue above the alcove. A fine moonlight evening, and having
nothing to do, have turned my thoughts that way, and I felt
inclined to put them on paper for your benefit.”
On the 1st of May, the Spartan and Success having been a little to the
northward of Ischia, Captain Brenton on re-entering the bay of Naples in
the afternoon of that day, was not a little surprised to find the enemy’s
squadron so far out in the bay, as to give him a very reasonable prospect
of bringing them to action, before they could regain the mole; and every
sail was instantly set, and every effort made by both ships for this
purpose; but the unsteadiness of the wind favoured them, and they were
under shelter of the guns of Naples, before the two frigates could get
within gun shot. This was felt by every one as a severe disappointment,
and particularly by Captain Brenton, to whom this appeared as a golden
opportunity snatched from him. The two frigates remained in the bay all
the following day, the weather being squally, and the wind all round
the compass. Captain Brenton having given up all hopes that the enemy
would venture out, as long as the Success was in company, made the signal
for her Captain, and gave him orders to proceed ten leagues S.W. of the
Island of Capri, thinking it probable that if only one frigate were in
sight of the signal posts in the morning, the enemy would not hesitate
with their superior force, consisting of a frigate of forty guns, a
corvette of twenty-eight, a cutter of ten, and eight heavy gun boats,
to attack her; especially should she be near their own batteries, under
which they might retreat in case of being crippled.
In this he was not disappointed, for at six o’clock in the morning the
whole squadron was seen coming out of the mole, and steering directly
for the Spartan. The following is the official account of this, the last
action in which Captain Brenton was engaged; as the wound received upon
this occasion prevented his serving afloat for any length of time.
“SPARTAN, OFF THE BAY OF NAPLES, 3rd MAY, 1810.
“SIR,
“On the 1st instant, His Majesty’s ships Spartan and Success
chased the French squadron, consisting of one frigate of
forty-two guns and three hundred and fifty men, one corvette
of twenty-eight guns and two hundred and sixty men, one brig
of eight guns and ninety-eight men, one cutter of ten guns and
eighty men. They succeeded in getting into the mole of Naples,
favoured by light and partial breezes.
“As I was sensible they would never leave that place of refuge,
while two British frigates were in the bay, I directed Captain
Ayscough to remain in the Success on my rendezvous, from five
to ten leagues S.W. of the island of Capri, continuing with the
Spartan in the bay of Naples.
“At day-light this morning we had the pleasure of seeing the
enemy’s squadron as before mentioned, reinforced by eight gun
boats, standing towards us in close line. The action began
at fifty-six minutes after seven, exchanging broadsides when
within pistol shot, passing along their line, and cutting off
the cutter and gun boats. The enemy were under the necessity of
wearing to renew their junction with them; but were prevented
by the Spartan taking her station on their weather beam. A
close and obstinate contest ensued; light and variable winds
led us near the batteries of Baia, the enemy’s frigate making
all sail, to take advantage of their shelter. The crippled
state of the Spartan not allowing her to follow, we bore
up raking the frigate and corvette as we passed them, and
succeeded in cutting off the brig. The corvette having lost her
foretopmast effected her escape with the assistance of the gun
boats. The latter had during the action galled us excessively,
by laying on our quarter, and the severity of our loss, ten
killed and twenty wounded, may in some measure be attributed to
this circumstance.
“I was wounded myself about the middle of the action, which
lasted two hours, but my place was most ably supplied by
Mr. Willes, the first Lieutenant, whose merit becomes more
brilliant by every opportunity he has of shewing it. He is
without exception one of the best and most gallant officers
I ever met with. To Lieutenants Baumgardt and Bourne I feel
equally indebted for their exemplary conduct and gallantry.
“Captain Hoste, of the Royal Engineers, had been sent with
me for the purpose of reconnoitring the enemy’s position on
the coast. Upon this occasion I requested him to take the
command of the quarter deck guns, foreseeing that the whole
attention of the first Lieutenant and myself would be required
in manœuvering the ship, during the variety of service we
were likely to expect. His conduct was truly worthy of the
relationship he bears to my distinguished friend Captain Hoste
of the Amphion.
“The intrepidity and zeal of Mr. Slenner, the master, was very
conspicuous; nor must I forget Mr. Dunn, the purser, who took
charge of a division of guns on the main deck in place of their
officer, absent in a prize with eighteen men, (which reduced
our number to two hundred and fifty eight at the commencement
of the action) he displayed the greatest gallantry. Much praise
is also due to Lieutenants Fegan and Fotterell, of the Royal
Marines, whose conduct was truly deserving of admiration.
“The Warrant, petty officers, and ship’s company evinced a
degree of enthusiasm that assured me of success at the earliest
period of the action.
“To the light and fluctuating winds, to the enemy’s being so
near their own shores which are lined with batteries, they are
indebted for the safety of their whole squadron, which at a
greater distance from the shore, I do not hesitate to say, must
have fallen into our hands.
“Among the killed we have to regret the loss of Mr. Robson, the
master’s mate, a young man of great promise.
“I enclose a list of killed and wounded, with the damage we
have otherwise sustained.
“I have, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“REAR ADMIRAL MARTIN.”
LIST OF THE ENEMY’S SHIPS, &c. ENGAGED.
Ceres, frigate 42 guns 350 men, severely crippled,
escaped under the batteries
Fama, corvette 28 guns 260 men, lost her foretopmast,
do. do.
Sparviere, brig 8 guns 98 men taken
Hannibal, cutter 10 guns 80 men, escaped
Eight gun boats 1 twenty-four 40 men each, escaped.
pounder each
Total, 96 guns, and 1108 men.
“J. B.”
In addition to these, it was afterwards known that Murat had in the
morning embarked four hundred Swiss troops in the different vessels, in
order to make sure of carrying the Spartan by boarding. They were dressed
in red like English marines, and extended the whole length of the vessels
in which they were embarked, with their muskets; a dreadful carnage must
have been made amongst them.
Captain Brenton was wounded whilst standing on the capstan, the only
place from whence he could see his numerous opponents. It was by a grape
shot striking him on the left hip bone. As he did not at first feel the
blow to be very severe, he concluded it to have been given by some of the
ropes, which were falling in great numbers from aloft, as cut away by the
shot. He jumped from the capstan, and came down on his right leg, but the
left could not support him, and he fell; and then blood was seen to issue
from his back. He instantly thought of Lord Nelson’s wound in the spine,
and concluded from the little pain experienced, that his must have been
the same. He was carried below, and on cutting out the shot, the surgeon
discovered that the wound was not mortal.
When the action was over, the brig that had been captured was taken in
tow, and proved to be Murat’s royal yacht, sent out for the purpose of
strengthening the squadron. On the sea breeze setting in, Mr. Willes, the
first Lieutenant, who had also been wounded, paraded the prize before
the mole of Naples, and then made sail out of the bay. On the following
morning the Success and Espoir joined, and their surgeons were found
most welcome assistants to the surgeon of the Spartan, who had none of
his own. His conduct indeed was most meritorious, and for the first
week he was continually, night and day, passing from the sick bay to the
Captain’s cabin, hardly known to take either rest or food.
The Spartan proceeded to Palermo, on her way to Malta; and the prize
under Lieutenant Baumgardt was sent to Messina, in order to take Captain
Hoste to head quarters, and from thence to proceed to Malta.
On the arrival of the Spartan at Palermo, an extraordinary order had
been given that all vessels, from whatever place, should be put under
quarantine, until liberated by order of the prime minister. This was the
first instance since the Spartan had been upon the station. No sooner was
the Admiral informed of the circumstance, than he sent off an express to
the court, then at some distance in the country.
In the mean time Lord Amherst, the British Ambassador, embarked with
the Admiral in his barge, and came off to the Spartan; and as they were
prevented by the quarantine laws from coming on board, they both mounted
the stern ladders as high as the cabin windows, where Captain Brenton
having ordered his cot to be hung near them, had an opportunity of
conversing with his kind friends. Such an instance as an Ambassador and
an Admiral suspended on two rope ladders, hanging over the stern of a
ship, was probably never seen before, nor is it likely to recur. It is
only mentioned here, to shew their kind solicitude to afford comfort to
their suffering countrymen, for this was their object; and as soon as
they knew what means were the most likely to supply this, they returned
on shore, and boats were sent off, not only with fresh meat, fruit,
and vegetables, but with every delicacy from the Ambassador’s splendid
table, for the use of the wounded. No pratique having been obtained that
evening, Captain Brenton directed the first Lieutenant to weigh before
day-light the following morning, and on the 10th they reached Malta, and
were received in the most enthusiastic manner by all classes of persons,
who seemed to vie with each other in testifying every possible act of
kindness.
Captain Brenton was immediately taken on shore, to the house of his
kind friend, Dr. Allen, the surgeon of the naval hospital, from whom,
and his amiable family, he received the most unwearied attention. But
as the situation of Dr. Allen’s house had not the advantage of air and
space which the Admiralty house possessed, the Commander in chief of
the forces, Sir Hildebrand Oakes, in whose charge the house then was,
requested Captain Brenton might be carried thither, and here he remained
whilst his ship was refitting, with every possible advantage that the
island or climate could offer. The wounded of the ship having of course
been sent to the naval hospital; Mr. Williamson, the surgeon of the
Spartan, most kindly and most affectionately devoted himself to his
Captain, whom he seldom quitted but to procure accounts from his wounded
shipmates, or to obtain for him some luxury which he thought might be
acceptable. Of these there was no want, for the General, and indeed
almost all the principal families were continually sending whatever they
thought might afford nutriment in the feeble state of the patient.
Soon after his arrival at Malta, Captain Brenton received the following
letter from his excellent friend the Rear Admiral.
“CANOPUS, PALERMO, 10th MAY, 1810.
“SIR,
“I have great pleasure in sending to you the order of St.
Ferdinand and of Merit, which I have this day received from His
Majesty the King of the two Sicilies for that purpose, together
with a copy of the letter that accompanied it.
“You are already, Sir, so fully acquainted with my sentiments,
both public and private as far as relate to you, that I have
only to say, that I hope you will soon be in a situation to
serve your country with the same zeal, gallantry and judgment,
which have marked your conduct.
“I have, &c.
“GEORGE MARTIN,
“REAR ADMIRAL.”
“CAPTAIN BRENTON, H.M.S. SPARTAN.”
Copy of a letter from Marquis Circello, inclosed in the above
to Admiral Martin.
“PALERMO, 10th MAI, 1810.
“MONSIEUR L’AMIRAL,
“Le Roi mon auguste maître vous a exprimé de vive voix, ses
sensible regrets sur la situation du brave Capitaine Brenton,
qui dans une des actions les plus glorieuses á la marine de
la Grande Bretagne a été si dangereusement blesse. Mais sa
Majesté toujours occupé de ce brave homme m’ordonne de vous
parler encore, et de vous dire combien elle est affectée de la
circonstance, et d’attribuer a’ une ordre générale existante et
à l’absence de sa Majesté de Palermo, qui a retardé l’ordre
d’admettre sans délai á la pratique la frégate le Spartan.
Que sa Majesté aime a se flatter, que le Capitaine Brenton
guérira de sa blessure; qu’un tel héros sera conservé a’ la
marine anglaise, et a’ la bonne cause; et que sa Majesté aura
la satisfaction de le voir décoré de la croix de Commandeur
de son Ordre de Mérité, que J’ai l’honneur de vous envoyer
jointe a cette lettre, avec prière de la faire passer a ce
brave Capitaine avec la plus grande promptitude; vu qu’il tarde
a sa Majesté qu’il reçoive ce témoignage des sentimens, que
lui inspire son incomparable conduite; et que le publique y
voit l’empressement de sa Majesté a reconnoitre le mérité des
brave officiers de son auguste et fidèle allié, qui exposent si
courageusement leurs vies pour les intérêts communs, autant que
pour ceux que sont personnels à sa Majesté.
“Le Roi ne doute pas, qu’en envoyant l’ordre au Capitaine
Brenton, vous lui donnerez connaissance de cette lettre. Ainsi
il ne me reste Mons. L’Amiral, que de vous réitérer l’assurance
de la haute considération avec laquelle J’ai l’honneur d’être.
“MONS. L’AMIRAL, &c. &c. &c.
“MARQUIS DE CIRCELLO.”
“A SON EXCELLENCE L’AMIRAL MARTIN.”
The Rear Admiral had, indeed, as he observes in his letter, most fully
expressed his sentiments, public and private, as far as related to
Captain Brenton, in his interview with him at the cabin windows of the
Spartan, and they were of the most flattering, the most gratifying,
and the most affectionate description. He said upon that occasion,
“My dear Brenton, this is a bad climate for wounds, I am anxious you
should be at home. If you wish it, I will take the responsibility upon
myself, and order the Spartan to England. I am sure the Commander in
chief will approve of my doing so. A frigate will be required to take
Mr. Arbuthnot, our minister, from Constantinople to England, and I will
appoint the Spartan for that purpose. He may be expected at Malta every
day.” This Captain Brenton joyfully accepted, as he felt that a long time
must elapse before he could again be fit for active service; and his only
wish now was to be restored as soon as possible to his family, where he
knew happiness awaited him, if any where in this world.
His friend, for well he might call him so, Lord Collingwood, was now no
more, having sunk under the disease, against which he had long struggled.
For the last year of his life his feeling and his regard for Captain
Brenton had become very warm, as may be seen by his official letters;
and he undoubtedly left a strong recommendation of him to his successor,
as one of the first acts of Sir Charles Cotton was to appoint Captain
Brenton to the command of the squadron in the Adriatic, a situation which
had long been the object of his wishes. It now however came when he
could no longer avail himself of it. It reached him the day after he was
wounded.
The last letter he received from Lord Collingwood was one so peculiarly
his own, and so comprehensive in a short space, that it may not be amiss
to insert it.
“VILLE DE PARIS, JANUARY 30th, 1810.
“SIR,
“I have received your letter of November, and am very much
obliged to you for the statistical account of Cephalonia, and
other returns shewing the strength and ability of that Island,
and the plans of the excellent ports in it.
“The population of the country is not great, but by the
adoption of wise measures it may rapidly increase. The
republican spirits in Corfu may seek a refuge there from the
oppression they suffer under the French. One, and perhaps the
first object of the government ought to be, to increase the
means of subsistence of the inhabitants, and attend to foreign
commerce no further, than, as it is necessary to take off those
articles which are exceeding the consumption of the Island;
but I fear that foreign commerce will be too attractive not to
engage them more deeply in it, than its profits will maintain
protection for; and although it may enrich individuals, it
will confine wealth to a few, and will prevent the increase of
population; so that upon this principle I would not encourage
them in the beginning of their independence to send many ships
to sea, but rather to cultivate the land, and to prepare at
home a commerce for foreigners who will come to them.
“The woods may become of considerable importance. They were
represented to me two years since to contain much fine timber,
both fir and oak, which the French cut down, and shipped at an
anchorage on the S.E. point of the island.
“I have ordered that convoys shall occasionally be sent for the
protection of the trade from Argostoli, but it cannot be done
at regular stated periods, as General Oswald requests; nor is
the trade of that extent that would make it necessary.
“I have received from Malta the copy of a letter, which you
wrote to Sir Alexander Ball from Cerigo, in which is related
the circumstance of the former Governor of that place, having
removed his apprehensions of some people who passed over from
the continent, by poisoning the waters where they inhabited,
and by that means putting many of them to death. In that letter
there are extracts from two of the Frenchman’s letters, but his
name is not mentioned. I would be glad if you would furnish me
with copies of these two letters, with the address they bore,
(viz.) that which informs his chief of the Albanians coming to
the island, and that which relates to the means by which he got
rid of them.
“If any of his letters give any account of Crete, the port,
or fortification, I would beg the favour of you to inform me
what he says of them. In one of his letters he says, he has
been over to Candia, and that he has not been idle. A Frenchman
seldom is, where any mischief is to be done.
“As to the Cephalonians navigating under the British flag, it
cannot be done, but by an authority from His Majesty; but I
have written to the Consuls of Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli, to
inform them, that these islands being under the protection of
England, it is expected their flag will be respected.
“It would be very convenient for the convoys to assemble there,
but I apprehend that the vessels to come from Patrass, would
require a convoy to the place of assembling, and Cephalonia
being neutral, there must always be a certain force for their
protection while assembling, so that two convoys would always
be requisite instead of one.
“I am, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“TO CAPTAIN BRENTON, H.M.S. SPARTAN.”
Further accounts of the 3rd May from Captain Brenton’s notes to his
children.
“In the beginning of the year 1810, I was sent to resume
my station on the coast of Italy. Naples was now made the
principal point of my observation, in consequence of the
enemy having increased their little squadron, by the addition
of numerous gun boats, and threatening Sicily with invasion
by crossing the straits of Messina. As it was of the utmost
importance to keep this squadron blockaded up in Naples, I was
ordered on this service, and on the 3rd of May, the action
took place in which I was wounded; the details of which you
will find in their place in my letter book. There are some
however that I could only communicate to those as nearly
interested in them, as you are my dear children; and even to
you, perhaps, I should not have mentioned them, but to shew
you the efficacy and comfort of a humble trust in God. I know
you will be deeply interested in everything I write, and as
this book is only intended for your perusal, I shall not risk
censure for egotism. In going down to the enemy I put up a
short but fervent prayer to the Almighty, that he would receive
your beloved mother and yourselves under his holy protection,
and bless you, and that he would enable me to do my duty to
my country. At no one period of my life do I ever remember
to have been more serene and tranquil; and when my excellent
friend Williamson, the surgeon, as he left the deck to go to
his station, said in a low voice, as I shook him by the hand,
“Now sir, here is victory or Westminster Abbey for you,” I
experienced a feeling of animation which is not usual with me
on common occasions.[17] As I have in this book given you many
instances in which your beloved mother derived strength and
comfort under trials, by her trust and confidence in God; I
wish to shew you how much in unison our feelings were, on this,
as on all other subjects; and I am most anxious to impress upon
your minds, my darling children, a habit of putting your cause
into the hands of your Creator, in every event of your lives.
He will be a tower of strength to you, and whether you fail
in your worldly expectations, or that they are crowned with
success, it will equally tend to your ultimate and your eternal
happiness.”
With the action of the 3rd of May, Captain Brenton’s service
in the Mediterranean concluded. “The day after the action,” he
adds, “I received dispatches from Admiral Martin, containing
my orders to proceed to the Adriatic, for the purpose of
taking the command of the squadron there, but I was no longer
in a situation to avail myself of it. On the following day
we arrived at Palermo, but were put under quarantine. The
Ambassador and the Admiral kindly came off to see me, but
could not come on board. The Admiral was anxious to know
my wishes, and instantly complied with my request, that the
Spartan might be sent to England. It appeared to be the only
means of giving me a chance of recovery. I was accordingly
ordered to Malta to refit, and to take home Mr. Adair, the
British minister, from Constantinople. We had a most favourable
passage to Malta, to the great comfort and advantage of the
wounded. Should it ever be in your power, my dear children, to
shew kindness to the family of my excellent friend, Dr. Allen,
do not neglect to do it. To his kindness and hospitality I am
greatly indebted, under Providence, for my life. I was for
some time so extremely exhausted in consequence of my wound,
that my recovery was almost despaired of. I seldom felt any
great apprehensions myself, with the exception of one day, when
from extreme pain and languor, I had reason to suppose my end
approaching. I remember with humble gratitude the tranquil and
resigned feeling I experienced, and the comfort I enjoyed from
a recollection of the indescribable affection which had united
your beloved mother and myself. The dangerous symptoms however
soon abated. I was carried to my ship, and sailed on the 10th
June with a convoy for England.”