Memoir of the Life and Services of Vice-Admiral Sir Jahleel Brenton, Baronet, K.C.B.
History
Memoir of the Life and Services of Vice-Admiral Sir Jahleel Brenton, Baronet, K.C.B.
Admirals -- Great Britain -- Biography; Brenton, Jahleel, Sir, 1770-1844; Great Britain -- History, Naval -- 19th century
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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