apology to the British consul, for the wrongs and indignities to which he had been subjected.

Thus has a provoked war of two days' existence been attended by a complete victory, and closed by a renewed pe.ce for England and her ally, the King of the Netherlands, on conditions dictated by the firmness and wisdom of his Majesty's government, and commanded by the vigour of their measures.

My thanks are justly due for the honour and confidence his Majesty's ministers have been pleased to repose on my zeal on this highly important occasion. The means were by them made adequate to my own wishes, and the rapidity of their measures speak for themselves. Not more than one hundred days since, I left Algiers with the British fleet, unsuspicious and ignorant of the atrocities which had been committed at Bona; that fleet, on its arrival in England, was necessarily disbanded, and another with proportionate resources created and equipped; and although impeded in its pro

After the treaties had been negotiated, and the dey had refunded three hundred and eighty-two thousand five hundred dollars to the governments of Naples and Sardinia, and had released ten hundred and eighty-three Christian slaves, it came to the knowledge of lord Exmouth, that two Spaniards, the one a merchant, and the other the vice-consul of that nation, were still held in custody, on pretence that they were prisoners for debt. His lordship immediately insisted on their unconditional release, and prepared for the recommencement of hostilities; in consequence of which they were set at liberty, and not one Christian prisoner remained in Algiers. Our gallant squadron quitted on the third of September; and lord Exmouth, who was twice slightly wounded during the action, was raised from the dignity of baron to that of vis-gress by calms and adverse winds, has count, for his services on this occasion. A considerable promotion also took place amongst the officers who had so nobly participated in the chastisement of an unprincipled tyrant.

The following is Lord Exmouth's official account, which records many interesting particulars relative to this memorable transaction, written in a style which reflects the highest honour on the noble and gallant admiral :

Queen Charlotte, Algiers Bay, Aug. 28, 1816. SIR,In all the vicissitudes of a long life of public service, no circumstance has ever produced on my mind such impressions of gratitude and joy as the event of yesterday. To have been one of the humble instruments, in the hands of Divine Providence, for bringing to reason a ferocious government, and destroying for ever the insufferable and horrid system of Christian slavery, can never cease to be a source of delight and heartfelt comfort to every individual happy enough to be employed in it. I may, I hope, be permitted, under such impressions, to offer my sincere congratulations to their lordships on the complete success which attended the gallant efforts of his Majesty's fleet in their attack upon Algiers of yesterday; and the happy result produced from it on this day, by the signature of peace.

poured the vengeance of an insulted nation, in chastising the cruelties of a ferocious government, with a promptitude beyond example, and highly honourable to the national character, eager to resent oppression or cruelty, whenever practised upon those under their protection.

Would to God that in the attainment of this object I had not deeply to lament the severe loss of so many gallant officers and men they have profusely bled in a contest which has been peculiarly marked by proofs of such devoted heroism as would rouse every noble feeling, did I dare indulge in relating them.

Their lordships will already have been informed, by his Majesty's sloop Jasper, of my proceedings up to the 14th instant, on which day I broke ground from Gibraltar, after a vexatious detention, by a foul wind, of four days.

The fleet, complete in all its points, with the addition of five gun-boats fitted at Gibraltar, departed in the highest spirits, and with the most favourable prospect of reaching the port of their destination in three days; but an adverse wind destroyed the expectation of an early arrival, which was the more anxiously looked for by myself, in consequence of hearing, the day I sailed from Gibraltar, that a large army had been assembled, and that very considerable additional works were throwing up, not only on

both flanks of the city, but also immediately about the entrance of the mole; from this I was apprehensive that my intention of making that point my principal object of attack had been discovered to the Dey by the same means he had heard of the expedition. This intelligence was, on the following night, greatly confirmed by the Prometheus, which I had despatched to Algiers some time before, to endeavour to get away the consul. Captain Dashwood had with difficulty succeeded in bringing away, disguised in midshipman's uniform, his wife and daughter, leaving a boat to bring off their infant child coming down in a basket with the surgeon, who thought he had composed it, but it unhappily cried in the gateway, and, in consequence, the surgeon, three midshipmen, in all, eighteen persons, were seized and confined as slaves in the usual dungeons. The child was sent off next morning by the Dey, and as a solitary instance of his humanity, it ought to be recorded by me.

Captain Dashwood further confirmed, that about forty thousand men had been brought down from the interior, and all the janissaries called in from distant garrisons, and that they were indefatigably employed in their batteries, gun-boats, &c. and every where strengthening the sea-defences.

The Dey informed Captain Dashwood, he knew perfectly well the armament was destined for Algiers, and asked him if it was true; he replied, if he had such information, he knew as much as he did, and probably from the same source-the public prints.

The ships were all in port, and between forty and fifty gun and mortar boats ready, with several more in forward repair. The Dey had closely confined the consul, and refused either to give him up, or promise his personal safety: would he hear a word respecting the officers and men seized in the boats of the Prometheus.

nor

From the continuance of adverse winds
and calms, the land to the westward of
Algiers was not made before the 26th,
and the next morning at day-break the
fleet was advanced in sight of the city,
had intended.
though not so near as
As the ships were becalmed, I embraced
this opportunity of despatching a boat
under cover of the Severn, with a flag of

181

truce, and the demands I had to make,
in the name of his Royal Highness the
Prince Regent, on the Dey of Algiers,
directing the officer to wait two or three
hours for the Dey's answer, at which
time, if no reply was sent, he was to re-
turn to the flag-ship: he was met near
the mole by the captain of the port, who,
on being told the answer was expected
in one hour, replied, that it was impos-
sible: the officer then said he would wait
two or three hours; he then observed
two hours was quite sufficient.

The fleet at this time, by the springing
up of the sea-breeze, had reached the
bay, and were preparing the boats and
flotilla for service until near two o'clock;
when, observing my officer was returning
with the signal flying, that no answer
had been received upwards of three hours,
I instantly made the signal to know if
the ships were all ready, which being
answered in the affirmative, the Queen
Charlotte bore up, followed up by the
fleet, for their appointed stations; the
flag, leading in the prescribed order, was
anchored in the entrance of the mole, at
about fifty yards distance. At this mo-
ment not a gun had been fired, and I
began to suspect a full compliance with
the terms which had been so many hours
in their hands; at this period of profound
silence, a shot was fired at us from the
mole, and two at the ships to the north-
ward then following; this was promptly
returned by the Queen Charlotte, who
was then lashing to the main-mast of a
brig, fast to the shore in the mouth of
the mole, and which we had steered for
as the guide to our position.

Thus commenced a fire as animated and well supported as, I believe, was ever witnessed, from a quarter before three until nine, without intermission, and which did not cease altogether until half-past eleven.

The ships immediately following me were admirably and coolly taking their stations, with a precision even beyond my most sanguine hope; and never did the British flag receive, on any occasion, more zealous and honourable support. To look further on the line than immediately round me was perfectly impossible, but so well grounded was my confidence in the gallant officers I had to command, that my mind was left perfectly free to attend to other objects, and

I knew them in their stations only by the destructive effect of their fire upon the walls and batteries to which they were opposed.

I had about this time the satisfaction of seeing Vice-admiral Van Capellan's flag in the station I had assigned him, and soon after, at intervals, the remainder of his frigates keeping up a well supported fire on the flanking batteries he had offered to cover us from, as it had not been in my power, for want of room, to bring him in the front of the mole.

About sun-set I received a message from Rear-admiral Milne, conveying to me the severe loss the Impregnable was sustaining, having then one hundred and fifty killed and wounded, and requesting I would, if possible, send him a frigate to divert some of the fire he was under.

The Glasgow, near me, immediately weighed, but the wind had been driven away by the canonnade, and she was obliged to anchor again, having obtained rather a better position than before.

although forbidden, was led by his ardent spirit, to follow in support of the barge, in which he was desperately wounded, his brother officer killed, and nine of his crew. The barge, by rowing more rapidly, had suffered less, and lost but two.

The enemy's batteries around my division were about ten o'clock silenced, and in a state of perfect ruin and dilapidation, and the fire of the ships was reserved as much as possible, to save powder, and reply to a few guns now and then bearing upon us, although a fort on the upper angle of the city, on which our guns could not be brought to bear, continued to annoy the ships by shot and shell during the whole time.

Providence at this interval gave to my anxious wishes the usual land wind, common in this bay, and my expectations were completed. We were all hands employed warping and towing off, and by the help of the light air, the whole were under sail, and came to anchor out of reach of shells, about two in the morning, after twelve hours' incessant labour.

I had, at this time, seut orders to the explosion vessel, under the charge of The flotilla of mortar, gun, and rocket Lieutenant Fleming and Mr. Parker, by boats, under the direction of their respecCaptain Reade, of the engineers, to bring tive artillery officers, shared, to the full her into the mole; but the rear-admiral extent of their power, in the honours of having thought she would do him essen- this day, and performed good service; it tial service if exploded under the battery was by their fire all the ships in the port in his front, I sent orders to this vessel (with the exception of the outer frigate) to that effect, which were executed. I were in flames, which extended rapidly desired also the rear-admiral might be in- over the whole arsenal, store-houses, and formed, that many of the ships being now gun-boats, exhibiting a spectacle of awful in flames, and certain of the destruction grandeur and interest no pen can describe. of the whole, I considered I had executed The sloops of war which had been apthe most important part of my instruc-propriated to aid and assist the ships of tions, and should make every preparation for withdrawing the ships, and desired he would do so as soon as possible with his

division.

There were awful moments during the conflict which I cannot now attempt to describe, occasioned by firing the ships so near us, and I had long resisted the eager entreaties of several around me, to make the attempt upon the outer frigate, distant about one hundred yards, which at length I gave in to, and Major Gossett, by my side, who had been eager to land his corps of miners, pressed me most anxiously for permission to accompany Lieutenant Richards in this ship's barge. The frigate was instantly boarded, and in ten minutes in a perfect blaze; a gallant young midshipman, in rocket boat No. 8,

the line and prepare for their retreat, performed not only that duty well, but embraced every opportunity of firing through the intervals, and were constantly in motion,

The shells from the bombs were admirably well thrown by the royal marine artillery; and although thrown directly across and over us, not an accident, that I know of, occurred to any ship.

The whole was conducted in perfect silence, and such a thing as a cheer I never heard in any part of the line; and that the guns were well worked and directed, will be seen for many years to come, and remembered by these barbarians for ever.

The conducting this ship to her station by the master of the fleet and ship, ex

cited the praise of all. The former has been my companion in arms for more than twenty years.

Having thus detailed, although but imperfectly, the progress of this short service of myself and the officers and men of every description I have the honour to command, will be received by his Royal Highness the Prince Regent with his accustomed grace. The approbation of our services by our Sovereign, and the good opinion of our country, will, I venture to affirm, be received by us all with the highest satisfaction.

By accounts from the shore, I understand the enemy's loss, in killed and wounded, is between six and seven thousand men.

I have the honour to be, &c.
EXMOUTH.

Total British loss-128 killed and 690 wounded.

Total Dutch loss-13 killed and 52 wounded.

Grand total loss, 883.

The following is a memorandum of the destruction in the mole of Algiers, in the attack of the 27th August, 1816:If I attempted to name to their lordships Four large frigates of 44 guns; five large the numerous officers who, in such a con- corvettes, from 24 to 30 guns; all the flict, have been at different periods more gun and mortar-boats, except seven-30 conspicuous than their companions, I destroyed; several merchant-brigs and should do injustice to many; and I trust schooners; a great number of small vesthere is no officer in the fleet I have the sels of various descriptions; all the ponhonour to command, who will doubt the toons, lighters, &c.; store-houses and grateful feelings I shall ever cherish for arsenal, with all the timber and various their unbounded and unlimited support. marine articles, destroyed in part; a Not an officer nor man confined his ex-great many gun-carriages, mortar-beds, ertions within the precise limits of their casks, and ships' stores of all descriptions. own duty; all were eager to attempt services which I found more difficult to restrain than excite; and no where was the feeling more conspicious than in my own Captain, and those officers immediately During the brief career of the celebrated about my person. My gratitude and patriot, Sir William Wallace, and when thanks are due to all under my command, his arms had for a time expelled the as well as to Vice-admiral Capellan, and English invaders from his native country, the officers of the squadron of his Majesty he is said to have undertaken a voyage the king of the Netherlands; and I trust to France, with a small band of trusty they will believe that the recollection of friends, to try what his presence (for he their services will never cease but with was respected through all countries for his my life. In no instance have I ever seen prowess) might do to induce the French more energy and zeal; from the youngest monarch to send to Scotland a body of midshipman to the highest rank, all seem- auxiliary forces, or other assistance, to ed animated by one soul, and of which I aid the Scots in regaining their indeshall with delight bear testimony to their pendence. lordships, whenever that testimony can be useful.

I have confided this despatch to RearAdmiral Milne, my second in command, from whom I have received, during the whole service intrusted to me, the most cordial and honourable support. He is perfectly informed of every transaction of the fleet, from the earliest period of my command, and is fully competent to give their lordships satisfaction on any points which I may have overlooked, or have not time to state. I trust I have obtained from him his esteem and regard, and I regret I had not sooner been known to him.

SIR WILLIAM WALLACE AND THE RED
ROVER.

The Scottish champion was on board a small vessel, and steering for the port of Dieppe, when a sail appeared in the distance, which the mariners regarded with doubt and apprehension, and at last with confusion and dismay. Wallace demanded to know what was the cause of their alarm. The captain of the ship informed him, that the tall vessel which was bearing down, with the purpose of boarding that which he commanded, was the ship of a celebrated rover, equally famed for his courage, strength of body, and successful piracies. It was commanded by a gentleman named Thomas de Longueville, a Frenchman by birth,

but by practice one of those pirates who called themselves friends to the sea, and enemies to all who sailed upon that element. He attacked and plundered vessels of all nations, like one of the ancient Norse Sea-kings, as they were termed, whose dominion was upon the mountain waves. The master added, that no vessel could escape the Rover by flight, so speedy was the bark he commanded; and that no crew, however hardy, could hope to resist him, when, as was his usual mode of combat, he threw himself on board at the head of his followers.

Wallace smiled sternly, while the master of the ship, with alarm in his countenance, and tears in his eyes, described to him the certainty of their being captured by the Red Rover, a name given to De Longueville, because he usually displayed the blood-red flag, which he had now hoisted.

"I will clear the narrow seas of this Rover," said Wallace.

mon consent, to refer the issue of the strife to the fate of the combat between the two chiefs. The pirate fought as well as man could do: but Wallace's strength was beyond that of ordinary mortals. He dashed the sword from the Rover's hand, and placed him in such peril, that, to avoid being cut down, he was fain to close with the Scottish champion, in hopes of overpowering him in the grapple. In this also he was foiled. They fell on the deck, locked in each others' arms, but the Frenchman fell undermost; and Wallace fixing his grasp upon his gorget, compressed it so closely, notwithstanding it was made of the finest steel, that the blood gushed from his eyes, nose, and mouth, and he was only able to ask for quarter by signs. His men threw down their weapons and begged for mercy, when they saw their leader thus severely handled. The victor granted them all their lives, but took possession of their vessel, and detained them prisoners.

Then calling together some ten or twelve of his own followers, Boyd, Kerlie, Seton, IRISH TROOPS IN THE SPANISH SERVICE. and others, to whom the dust of the most In 1792, the city of Foutarabia being desperate battle was like the breath of closely invested by the French army, and life, he commanded them to arm them-summoned to surrender, the governor selves, and lie flat upon the deck, so as held a council of war, at which it was to be out of sight. He ordered the ma- agreed to deliver up the city, as there was riners below, excepting such as were absolutely necesssary to manage the vessel: sisting of 9,000 men, were required to no hopes of relief. The garrison conand he gave the master instructions, upon lay down their arms, and surrender thempain of death, so to steer, as that, while selves prisoners of war; but this was rethe vessel had an appearance of attempt- jected with indignation by a regiment of ing to fly, he should in fact permit the the Irish brigade, who unanimously deRed Rover to come up with them and clared that they never would deliver up do his worst. Wallace himself then lay their arms to an enemy. This demur down on the deck, that nothing might be being intimated to the French general, he seen which could intimate any purpose consented to permit the regiment to march of resistance. In a quarter of an hour out of the city with two pieces of cannon, De Longueville's vessel ran on board that their arms, drums beating and colours of the Champion, and the Red Rover flying, and to pass into the interior of casting out grappling irons to make sure Spain; but the remainder of the garrison of his prize, jumped on the deck in com- became prisoners of war. The queen of plete armour, followed by his men, who Spain was so delighted with this instance gave a terrible shout, as if victory had of a high sense of honour, that she prebeen already secured. But the armed sented a gold medal to each of the offiScots started up at once, and the Rover found himself unexpectedly engaged with of the event, and a new suit of uniform cers, with an inscription commemorative men accustomed to consider victory as to each of the privates. secure, when they were only opposed as one to two or three. Wallace himself rushed on the pirate captain, and a dreadful strife began betwixt them with such fury, that the others suspended their own battle to look on, and seemed, by com

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