From Lussino the Spartan being joined by the Amphion, Captain Brenton pushed for Trieste, and on his reaching the bay, received intelligence that the French army having crossed the Lizonzo, on the 13th, were in possession of the heights of Optehina, commanding Trieste; and while off Peran, on the 18th, they had the mortification to see them enter Trieste. The prizes which the little squadron had taken at Pesaro, were all in that port, about six of the most valuable were seen coming out, and by the greatest exertion of the young midshipmen who had the charge of them, succeeded in getting under the guns of their own ships; the others of course fell into the hands of the French, as did all those which had been taken at Cesenatico, and had been sent into Rovigno. As the vessels which escaped were not in a state to be sent to Malta, the two captains with the consent of their officers and people chartered two Greek polacre ships, on board of which they shipped their cargoes, and sent them to Malta; whilst they remained on the coast of Istria in readiness to act in any manner in which they could best afford assistance to the Austrian towns, now rapidly falling into the hands of the French. The following letter to Captain Brisbane, off Corfu, contains a detail of affairs at the time in the Adriatic. “SPARTAN, OFF PERAN, 19th MAY, 1809. “SIR, “A corps of the French army, under General Miolis, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th; and on the 17th, occupied the heights of Optehina, when a skirmish took place between the advanced posts and the Austrians. “It was reported that the enemy were prevented from entering Trieste by the vicinity of the Austrian General Giulai, who was at Laybach with 15,000 men, whilst General Zach, with a detachment was in possession of the pass of Prevolt. Yesterday, however, the enemy entered Trieste at ten a.m. from which circumstance I fear they are no longer under apprehensions of being attacked by the Austrian army, and that they will form their junction with General Marmont in Dalmatia. They have also sent another corps to take possession of Fiume. “I think it of the highest importance that this intelligence should reach you as soon as possible, that you may forward it to Malta; and at the same time stop any vessels that may be on their way to Trieste or Fiume. I cannot spare a ship, having only the Amphion with me. I therefore send this by a trabacolo. “The Thames is off Venice, I have sent a vessel to recall her, and upon her joining, I trust we shall be able to prevent the Russians[15] from going to Ancona, which (in the event of the French having only taken possession of this country for the purpose of pillage, and with the intention of falling back again) I think it likely they may be obliged to attempt.