While Captain Yelverton's squadron was off the island of Wardo,
information was received that an aide-de-camp of the Emperor of Russia
was about to land in charge of a mail and despatches for the Russian
general. As there could be little doubt that these despatches would
contain valuable information for the guidance of the Allies, it was
important to secure them.
It occurred to Commander Bythesea that he could render this service to
his country. He accordingly offered his services, and obtained
permission for himself and William Johnstone, a brave fellow, a stoker,
to proceed on shore for the purpose of intercepting them. Being well
armed, they put on disguises, and went on shore, leaving the boat at
some distance; they then, ascertaining the spot where the mail-bags
would be landed, concealed themselves in some bushes in the
neighbourhood.
At length, after it was dark, on the night of the 12th of August, their
anxiety was relieved by the arrival of the Russian officer and the
mails, but they were accompanied by an escort of soldiers. It would
have been madness to attack so large a body, and there appeared no
prospect of carrying out their bold attempt. Great was their
satisfaction, however, to see the soldiers, believing that the coast was
clear, take their departure. The officer and four men, however, still
remained. The odds against them would have been great, had the men not
been loaded with the bags.
As soon as the soldiers were out of hearing, the gallant commander and
his companion sprang from their concealment, attacked the five men; two
of them fled; the other three they succeeded in making prisoners and
dragged them off to the boat with the mail-bags, which they also
secured, and then rowed off in triumph to the _Arrogant_. The
despatches were carried to General Baraguay D'Hilliers, who expressed
high admiration at the bravery and dash of the exploit. Both Commander
Bythesea and William Johnstone obtained the Victoria Cross.