dispatched to Malta with sealed orders, arriving there on the 28th.
Having filled up our water and provisions, the _Impérieuse_ was then
ordered to Gibraltar, for which port we sailed on the 31st, my
expectations of increased command, thanks to the adroit turn given to my
seizure of the intercepted passes, being thus at an end.
The instructions now given me by Lord Collingwood were to harass the
Spanish and French coast as opportunity served. These instructions,
though forming a poor equivalent for the command of a squadron, were
nevertheless considered by me complimentary, as acknowledging the good
effected by my former cruises in the _Speedy_. Consequently, I
determined to make every exertion to merit his lordship’s approbation in
the present instance.
On the 9th of February we made the high land of Spain to the eastward of
Barcelona, and at daylight on the following morning fell in with two
vessels bound from Carthagena to Marseilles, both of which were captured
and sent to Malta with the prisoners.
On the 11th looked into Barcelona, where a considerable number of
vessels lay at anchor, but knowing the fortifications to be too strong
to warrant success in an attempt to cut any of them out, the
_Impérieuse_ again made sail. On the 18th we ran in close to Valencia,
and having on the previous day perceived some vessels anchored within a
mile of the town, the boats were sent off after dark to capture them,
but as they unfortunately proved to be American, our labour was
abortive.
On the 15th we arrived off Alicant, and at daylight stood close to the
town under American colours. Two boats came out, but finding their
mistake when within gunshot, they immediately made for the shore, and
the batteries opened fire upon us. As there was no purpose to be
answered in returning this, we passed by Cape Palos, where four gunboats
showing Russian colours were observed at anchor under the protection of
one of the numerous batteries with which the Spanish coast was studded.
On the 17th entered a bay about eight miles to the westward of
Carthagena to intercept some vessels observed running along shore. After
a long chase with the boats, we succeeded in capturing two. As I had
made up my mind to get possession of the gunboats seen two days
previously, we stood off out of sight of land in order to lull
suspicion, and at sunset on the 19th again steered for the bay in which
they were at anchor. At 9 P.M. we distinctly saw them quit their
anchorage, on which we cleared for action, remaining undiscovered till
they had passed the point which forms one extremity of the bay. They now
attempted to return, but too late. Running in amongst them, we opened
both our broadsides with effect, and dashing at them with the boats,
took one, armed with a 32-pounder, a brass howitzer, and two smaller
guns. Another sank with all hands, just as the boats were alongside, and
a third sank shortly afterwards. A fourth escaped by running for
Carthagena, where we did not think it politic to follow her, lest we
might bring upon us the Spanish fleet at anchor there. A brig with a
valuable cargo also fell into our hands.
Having received information from the prisoners taken in the gunboats
that a large French ship, laden with lead and other munitions of war,
was at anchor in the Bay of Almeria, I determined on cutting her out,
and the night being dark, it became necessary to bring to. At daylight
on the 21st, we found ourselves within a few miles of the town, and
having hoisted American colours, had the satisfaction to perceive that
no alarm was excited on shore.
The boats having been previously got in readiness, were forthwith
hoisted out, and the large pinnace, under the command of Lieutenant
Caulfield, dashed at the French ship, which, as the pinnace approached,
commenced a heavy fire, in the midst of which the ship was gallantly
boarded, but with the loss of poor Caulfield, who was shot on entering
the vessel. The other pinnace coming up almost at the same moment
completed the capture, and the cable being cut, sail was made on the
prize.
Some smaller vessels were also secured, but before we could get clear
the wind died away; and the _Impérieuse_ and her prizes were
becalmed,—the batteries of the town and citadel opening upon us a heavy
fire, which lasted till 11 A.M., when a light breeze carried us out of
gun-shot.
Of these batteries our most formidable opponent was a four-gun tower,
situated on an eminence above us; but by exercising great care in laying
our guns, we contrived to keep this battery from doing mischief, except
that now and then they managed to hull the prize, which had been placed
between the battery and the frigate. By mid-day, however, we were clear
of the batteries, with the prize safe. It was fortunate for us that a
breeze sprang up, for had it continued calm, we could not have brought a
vessel out in the face of such batteries, not more than half a mile
distant.
Neither, perhaps, should we ourselves have so easily escaped, on another
account,—for about four o’clock in the afternoon a Spanish ship of the
line suddenly appeared in the offing, no doubt with the intention of
ascertaining the cause of the firing. We, however, kept close to the
wind, and got clear off with the French ship, mounting 10 guns, and two
brigs laden with cordage. The scene must have been an interesting one to
the people of Almeria, great numbers of the inhabitants lining the
shore, though at some risk, as from our position many shots from the
_Impérieuse_ must have passed over them.
On the 23rd the frigate arrived at Gibraltar, with the prizes in
company, and on the following day we attended the remains of Lieutenant
Caulfield to the grave.
On the 2nd of March, we received orders again to proceed up the
Mediterranean together with the _Hydra_, with which vessel we sailed in
company on the 4th. Heavy weather setting in, prevented our return to
Almeria, as had been intended; but on the 12th we stood close in to the
entrance of Carthagena, where only the guardship and a sloop of war were
at anchor under strong fortifications. As nothing could be done here, we
anchored about two miles to the eastward of the port, in the hope of
catching vessels running along shore. At daylight the next morning we
gave chase to a ship rounding Cape Negretti, but she escaped into a bay
in the vicinity, under the protection of a powerful battery and several
gunboats. As we knew nothing of the anchorage we did not attempt to
molest them.
On the 13th the _Impérieuse_ steered in the direction of Majorca, near
which, on the 19th, we captured a vessel bound to Port Mahon. At
daylight on the 21st went in close to the entrance of Mahon, where we
found the Spanish fleet at anchor, and captured a brig within three
miles of the shore, sending her on the following day to Gibraltar, with
some prisoners taken out of another brig on the previous evening by the
_Hydra_.
On the 23rd fell in with the _Renommé_, to which we reported that the
Spanish fleet was in Mahon harbour. After supplying us with water, she
parted company for Gibraltar. On the 26th we again made Port Mahon,
where six sail of the Spanish fleet appeared to be in readiness for sea.
Seeing a sloop to leeward, we made sail in chase, and captured her in
the evening; she was bound from Port Mahon to Sardinia.
On the 28th at daylight, having observed some vessels in Alcudia Bay, we
sent in the boats; these soon afterwards returning with a tartan laden
with wine, which we sent to Gibraltar; soon afterwards we captured
another partly laden with wine, which we took out and set her adrift. On
the 29th gave chase to two vessels rounding an island; one succeeded in
getting in safe, the other, under Moorish colours, we took,
notwithstanding the fire of the forts, and sent her to Malta; she had
several male and female passengers on board, who were highly delighted
when, two days afterwards, we put them on shore.
On the 2nd of April the _Impérieuse_ was again close to Minorca, when
reconnoitring a small bay we observed a strong tower, apparently just
built. Landed, and blew it up without molestation from the inhabitants.
Though ready for an armament, none had been placed upon it.
On the 5th at daylight, passed close to Cittadella in chase of a vessel
which escaped; made sail after a brig coming from the direction of
Majorca; at 3 P.M. she ran in shore, and anchored under a small fort,
which opened a smart fire upon us, but was soon silenced. The crew then
abandoned the brig, which was brought off and sent to Gibraltar.
On the 6th, again reconnoitred Port Mahon, and saw three sail of the
line at the entrance of the harbour, ready for sea. On the 8th captured
a French brig, laden with 163 pipes of wine for the use of the Spanish
fleet at Port Mahon; sent her to Gibraltar, and put the prisoners on
shore.
On the 11th, off Cittadella, we captured another vessel, sailing under
Moorish colours, but laden with Spanish wine; took out the wine, and as
she belonged to the unfortunate Moors who manned her, to their great
gratification we gave them back the vessel.
On the 13th it blew so hard, that we were compelled to anchor within
range of a pile of barracks placed upon a high cliff—a position
certainly not taken by choice. The troops commenced firing, which we
returned, and by 4 P.M. had pretty well demolished the barracks. I then
dispatched an officer in the gig with a barrel of powder to complete the
work, but just as they had got up, a large reinforcement of troops came
upon them and compelled them to make a retreat, leaving the powder
behind them. After this we got under weigh.
On the 18th fell in with the _Leonidas_, which on the previous day had
left Lord Collingwood with 16 sail of the fine. Parted company in quest
of the fleet, but did not fall in with it.
On the 22nd we re-entered Alcudia Bay, and sent the pinnace ashore, when
she captured some sheep. On the following day another boat’s crew
managed to procure some bullocks and pigs, which were very acceptable,
but all their efforts to obtain water failed.
A few days previous to this, when close to Majorca, we had been fired
upon from the small battery of Jacemal, and having subsequently
reconnoitred it more closely, it appeared practicable to destroy it by a
night attack. Accordingly, we again ran in, and soon reaching the tower,
blew it up, dismounting three guns. A guard-house near the battery was
set on fire, after which we returned to the frigate without loss. At
daylight on the following morning we had the gratification to perceive
that our work had been effectual, the whole being in ruins. As the place
stood on an eminence very difficult of access, and commanding two bays,
its demolition was desirable.
On the 26th fell in with the _Leonidas_, which had been in quest of, but
had not succeeded in falling in with, Lord Collingwood’s fleet. From her
we learnt that the French fleet was at anchor in Corfu. On ascertaining
this, I determined on paying another visit to the Spanish coast, and
accordingly parted company with the _Leonidas_.
At daylight on the 27th, observing a brig and a smaller vessel in shore,
made sail in chase. The brig got safe into Palamos Bay, where there were
several other vessels deeply laden, but well protected by forts and
gunboats. The smaller vessel was boarded by Mr. Harrison in the gig,
before she had time to get under the forts, but perceiving a large
galley full of men in pursuit of him, he was obliged to relinquish the
prize, and make for the frigate; the galley pressed him hard, but on
perceiving the _Impérieuse_ bringing to for her reception, she gave up
the chase, and the gig returned in safety.
We were now in great distress from want of water, and as it could only
be obtained from the enemy’s coast, we sent a boat on shore to the
westward of Blanes, but she returned without success, having been fired
upon from a fortification on an eminence in the vicinity. As a supply of
this essential fluid had become essentially necessary, even if it had to
be fought for, we made every preparation for a second attempt on a sandy
beach, between Blanes and Calella, where a large river was found, on
which the frigate was brought to an anchor about a quarter of a mile
from the place, and, thanks to our bold front, we obtained an abundant
supply without molestation; though, as we came off, a considerable body
of troops showed themselves, and a fire of musketry was opened upon us,
but the frigate promptly replying with round shot, our assailants
retreated into the woods as hastily as they had emerged from them, and
we again made sail.
On the 5th of May observing a vessel under Moorish colours to leeward,
we made all sail in chase, and by ten o’clock she was in our possession,
proving to be a xebec from Marseilles to Tripoli, laden with lead. Her
crew were Genoese, and having given us information that on the preceding
evening they were in company with a large French ship also laden with
lead, and other munitions of war, destined for the use of the French
fleet, we despatched the prize to Gibraltar, and made sail for the
mainland, in order to intercept the Frenchman.
On nearing the coast, we observed several vessels running along shore,
and singling out the one which most nearly answered the description
given us by the Genoese, she struck after a few shots; the information
thus proving correct. She was bound from Almeria to Marseilles, laden
with lead and barilla. Despatched her after the other to Gibraltar.
At daylight on the 6th, gave chase to three ships, running under the
land. On observing us they parted company, one going round a shoal near
Oliva, and another running into a small harbour. The third, a line
vessel, we chased into Valencia, but she escaped, as we did not venture
after her. Retracing our course, we saw on the following morning one of
the others anchored close in shore, and sent the boats to bring her off.
On nearing her she opened a smart fire, which being steadily returned by
our men, her crew abandoned her, and we took possession without loss. As
soon as she was boarded it was found that she had just touched the
ground, but the boats promptly taking her in tow, succeeded in getting
her afloat, and brought her safely off despite the fire of two towers
close to the town of Cullera, in the neighbourhood of Valencia. A
considerable number of people assembled to witness the attack from the
neighbouring hills.
On the 8th, perceived a vessel rounding Cape St. Antonio. On seeing us,
she made sail, as we also did in chase. At sunset lost sight of her, and
despatching our prize to Gibraltar, altered our course so as to cut her
off from Marseilles, whither we suspected she was bound. At daylight we
again caught sight of her, and by ten o’clock had gained upon her
considerably, when to our disappointment she sent a boat on board,
proving to be a Gibraltar privateer instead of a Spaniard.
At daylight the following morning we ran close to Tarragona, and
captured a large xebec under Moorish colours. At twelve o’clock observed
a fine vessel coming round the shoals of Fangalo, and knowing that she
could not have witnessed the capture of the xebec we immediately furled
all sail in order to escape observation. An alarm was, however, promptly
raised along the coast, and this causing her to alter her course, we
immediately started in pursuit. At sunset it fell calm, the ship being
then distant about twelve miles. At 3 A.M. she was discovered close in
shore, when we hoisted out boats and pulled smartly for her, but on
arriving almost within gun-shot, she caught a breeze, and went away from
us, endeavouring to get into a creek; but the boats being in a position
to cut her off, and making every effort to head her, she bore up, and at
7 A.M. anchored under a two-gun battery, which kept up a constant fire
on the boats.
The _Impérieuse_ now rapidly approaching, gave the tower a gun and
recalled the boats, in order to send other crews, those engaged in the
chase being necessarily much fatigued. About 3 P.M. we were joined by
the Gibraltar privateer, which bore up to engage the tower, keeping up a
smart fire, as did also the ship. The _Impérieuse_ now came to an
anchor, and opened her broadside on the tower, which was soon silenced.
The boats were once more manned, as were also those of the privateer,
and the prize towed out, proving to be a large Spanish ship—the same as
we had chased into Valencia—bound from Alicant to Marseilles. We learned
from her the unpleasant news of one of our lieutenants, Mr. Harrison,
having been captured by some gunboats, and taken into Denia; this
intelligence being subsequently confirmed by a fishing-boat boarded off
Denia on the 17th.
On the 20th passed close to Cape Palos, the forts on which fired several
shots at us, but without damage. At 9 o’clock on the 21st, observed
twelve vessels coming round the Cape, four of which were evidently
gunboats. We at once made all sail in chase, and as we tacked, the
gunboats opened a smart fire upon us, continuing this till we again
tacked and stood towards them, when they made off, with the exception of
one which stood towards the Cape; the other three running aground on the
beach. As we were now very close to the gunboats, the _Impérieuse_,
whilst in stays, also took the ground, but luckily got off again, and
opened a fire of musketry upon them, which, in about twenty minutes,
obliged two crews to quit the vessels, the third keeping her colours
flying till her captain was mortally wounded.
It now came on to blow hard, and as there was no probability of saving
the prizes, we set fire to the two gunboats and a large vessel laden
with barilla, the crews having all escaped on shore. The other gunboat,
which had gallantly kept her colours flying to the last, we got off,
bringing her wounded captain and two other officers on board the
frigate. About 6 P.M. both gunboats blew up with great explosion.
Our own situation was at this time critical, as we were in only four
fathom water, and it was blowing a gale of wind. By nine o’clock the
wind fortunately came off the land, which enabled us to run out a couple
of miles and anchor for the night. We learned from the officers, that
the convoy was bound from Carthagena to Barcelona, and that each gunboat
had a long gun in the bow, and two aft, with a complement of 50 men.
Two other vessels having run on shore on the morning of the 22nd, we
again despatched the boats to bring them off if possible, as well as to
recover our anchor and cable, which had been slipped when getting the
_Impérieuse_ afloat. They succeeded in bringing off one of the vessels
which was laden with barilla, but the other vessel, being immovable, was
set fire to. This done we put to sea with our prizes in tow.
In the course of the night the Spanish captain died, his wounds having
been from the first hopeless. Every attention possible was paid to the
poor fellow, from admiration of his gallantry, but anything beyond this
was out of our power. On the following morning we committed his remains
to the deep, with the honours of war.
We now made sail for Gibraltar with our prizes, one of which was with
difficulty kept afloat. On the 25th passed Malaga, and on the 31st
arrived at Gibraltar with all the prizes except one, which had been
placed in charge of the Hon. Mr. Napier (the late Lord Napier), then a
midshipman.[38]
-----
Footnote 38:
Afterwards ambassador to China, where his lordship died.
-----
On the 1st of June, the _Trident_ arrived from England with convoy, and
the intelligence of a revolution in Spain, which, being shortly
afterwards confirmed by proclamation, a friendly communication was
opened between the garrison and the Spaniards, and on the 8th Lord
Collingwood arrived at Gibraltar in the _Ocean_, to be in readiness to
act as circumstances might require.
A few words on our altered relations with Spain, though coming rather
within the province of the historian than the biographer, may here be
necessary, in order to account for so sudden a change in my own personal
operations.
On the 6th of June 1808, Napoleon issued a decree, notifying that, as it
had been represented to him by the Spanish authorities that the
well-being of Spain required a speedy stop to be put to the provisional
government, he had proclaimed his brother Joseph, King of Spain and the
Indies!
To this extraordinary proclamation the Supreme Junta, _on the same day_,
replied by another, accusing Napoleon of violating the most sacred
compacts, forcing the Spanish monarch to abdication, occupying the
country with troops, everywhere committing the most horrible excesses,
exhibiting the most enormous ingratitude for services rendered by the
Spanish nation to France, and generally treating the Spanish people with
perfidy and treachery, such as was never before committed by any nation
or monarch against the most barbarous people.
On these and other accounts the Junta declared war against France by
land and sea, at the same time proclaiming durable and lasting peace
with England, and commanding that no further molestation be offered to
English ships or property, whilst, by the same proclamation, an embargo
was laid on all French ships and property.
Another proclamation, more immediately concerning the ensuing chapters,
is an order of the Junta, forming the Spaniards generally into an
organised national militia for the defence of the country. The French,
pretending to consider this militia in the light of noncombatants,
having no right to engage in war, committed amongst them the most
barbarous atrocities, in retaliation for which many of the succeeding
operations of the _Impérieuse_ were undertaken, in pursuance of orders
from Lord Collingwood to assist the Spaniards by every means in my
power.
CHAP. XV.
CRUISE OF THE _IMPÉRIEUSE_ CONTINUED.
ASSIST THE SPANIARDS.—OFF BARCELONA.—SPANISH KINDNESS.—THE FRENCH IN
MATARO.—CRUISE ON THE SPANISH COAST.—EMBARK THE ENEMY’S GUNS.—GIVE
THE SPANIARDS A LESSON.—SIEGE OF GERONA.—CONTEST AT
MONGAT.—IRRITATION OF THE SPANIARDS.—EXCESSES OF THE FRENCH.—SPIRIT
OF THE CATALANS.—ANCHOR OFF SAN FELIN.—GUERILLA TROOPS.—FORTRESS OF
FIGUERAS.—CHASE TWO VESSELS.—ANCHOR IN GULF DUMET.—DESTROY A SIGNAL
STATION.—STORMING A BATTERY.—THE TABLES TURNED.
Shortly after Lord Collingwood’s arrival at Gibraltar, his lordship ran
down to Cadiz, to watch events, and wait instructions from the
government. On the 18th of June the _Impérieuse_ sailed from Gibraltar
to join Lord Collingwood’s fleet before Cadiz, and on the 21st was
ordered by his lordship to cruise in the Mediterranean, and render every
possible assistance to the Spaniards against the French. On the 22nd we
returned to Gibraltar for our prize tender, which had been fitted as a
gunboat, and manned with twenty men, under the command of a lieutenant.
At daylight on the 23rd we passed close to Almeria, with English and
Spanish colours flying at the main, and on the evening of the 25th came
to an anchor in the outer road of Carthagena. On the following morning a
number of Spanish officers came off to bid us welcome, and at noon we
paid a visit to the Governor, by whom, as well as by the populace, we
were received with every mark of friendship, notwithstanding our recent
hostile visits in the vicinity. Indeed, our whole passage along the
coast was one continued expression of good feeling.
On the 2nd of July the _Impérieuse_ arrived off Majorca. The inhabitants
were at first shy, apparently fearing some deception, but as we were
bearers of the good news that the English and Spaniards were now
friends, confidence was soon restored, and presents of all kinds were
sent off to the ship, payment being resolutely refused. We had also the
satisfaction of here recovering our lost midshipmen, Harrison, and the
late Lord Napier, who, whilst in charge of prizes, had been taken and
carried into Port Mahon.