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
“The crippled state of the Speedy’s rigging, masts, and hull, and
especially as the water was up to the lower deck, from shot received
below, prevented Captain Brenton from pursuing the advantage he had
gained. She had two men killed, and one wounded. The transport was most
ably managed by her master, and worked round Europa Point through a very
galling fire; the brig took advantage of a strong westerly wind, which
sprung up after dark, and continued her voyage to Trieste. The Speedy was
under the necessity of running for Tetuan bay, to stop the leaks; which
being done, she returned to Gibraltar the following day.
“The Spanish gun boats, after remaining under Fort Barbary for three
days, bore up for Malaga, and did not return to Algesiras for two months,
leaving the trade unmolested in the Gut of Gibraltar. The Spaniards
acknowledged they lost eleven men; four of their boats were seen to
strike to the Speedy during the contest, by the inhabitants of Gibraltar,
and the report was corroborated by a Danish brig from Malaga a few days
after.”
“SPEEDY, GIBRALTAR, NOVEMBER 21, 1799.
“SIR,
“I have the honour to inform you, that on the 6th instant,
coming into Gibraltar, with two vessels under convoy, a ship
and a brig, we were attacked by twelve of the Spanish gun
boats from Algesiras. Having a commanding breeze, we were
soon enabled to rescue the ship. The gun boats then united
their efforts upon the brig, but bearing up upon their line
with a well directed fire, we in a short time obliged them
to relinquish their design also; and take shelter under the
guns of Fort Barbary. The situation of the Speedy prevented
my pursuing the advantage we had gained, having most of our
running rigging cut away, our main top sail yards shot
through, and our fore rigging much cut, besides the water
being up to the lower deck, from shot received below the water
line. Not being able to carry sail upon the larboard tack, I
was under the necessity of running for Tetuan Bay, to stop the
leaks, and arrived here the day following. I cannot say too
much in praise of Lieutenant Parker, Mr. Marshall, the master,
and the remainder of the officers and men under my command,
from their spirited exertions, and strict attention to their
duty, we were enabled to save our convoy and His Majesty’s
sloop.
“I beg leave to enclose a return of our killed and wounded, and
at the same time to add, that much praise is due to Mr. George
Robinson, master of the transport Unity, for the manner he
worked his ship during a very galling fire.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your very obedient servant,
“J. BRENTON.”
“Patrick Blake and Wm. Pring, seamen killed.
“Thomas Riley, seaman wounded.”
“TO ADMIRAL DUCKWORTH,” &c. &c. &c.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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