Amphitrite. Ordered Captain Hunt to chase a Polacca, which I take to be an Enemy. P.M. The Amphitrite made the signal that the chase was an Enemy. The Amphitrite fired many guns at the chase, who run on shore. 19th.-Joined the Squadron the Juno and La Fortune, a Gun-boat. 20th.—At daylight saw a Fleet in the N.W. Made the private signal, which was answered by a Spanish Line-of-Battle Ship with a convoy. At past 8 made the signal to speak the Amphitrite. Ordered Captain Hunt to join the Leda till my return. At noon got a Pilot for Nonza in the Gulph of (sic). Bore away and made sail. 21st.-At 4 A.M. out boats, towed the Ship's head round. At 6 made the signal for all boats. At 7 the boats came alongside. At 8 embarked our Troops with the Marines from the Lowestoffe and Meleager on board our boats and the Gun boat: they pushed for the shore. Landed with little opposition from the Enemy. Destroyed all the corn and flour at the place. Burned the water-mill, and returned on board again before the Gun-boats and Troops from St. Fiorenzo arrived, without the loss of a man. At noon, the Town of St. Fiorenzo bearing S. E. 7 or 8 miles. (Vide vol. i. pp. 349, 350.) 26th.-A.M. Cape Corse E. b. S. 5 or 6 leagues. At past 9 made the private signal to the Victory. At 10 our signal to close round the Admiral. P.M. The Victory made the signal for the Captain. (Vide vol. i. p. 349.) Parted from the Fleet. Made sail. 28th.Heavy gale. Bore up for Leghorn. Noon anchored in Leghorn Roads. [The Agamemnon sailed from Leghorn on the 31st of January for her station off Corsica, and on the 2nd of February was near the Isle of Rosse, in company with the Dido, Billette, Swallow, Fortuna, Pettit, Boston, and a strange Frigate in sight.] February 5th.-P.M. Joined us His Majesty's Ship L'Aigle. The Lowestoffe at an anchor in shore. The Romulus in company with her. At past 4 hove-to. Out boats and sent them on board the Lowestoffe, who had landed her and the Romulus' Marines, and set fire to four Vessels loaded with wine for St. Fiorenzo. Cape Corse E.N.E. E. 4 or 5 miles. 6th.-Noon. Off Cape Corse. H.M. Ships Alcide, Fortitude, and Convoy coming down to us. 7th.-Made the private signal to the Victory. The Victory made our signal for the Captain. At 8 made all sail and parted from the Fleet. 8th.-At 40 m. past 8 the mole-head of Rogliani W.S.W. 2 miles. Beat to quarters on the lower deck. At 9 out boats. At 10 came-to in 9 fathoms. The mole-head W. S. of a mile. At the same time sent on shore a boat with a flag of truce. At past ten landed the Troops. Captain Nelson hauled down the National colours from the top of an old castle, and the Tree of Liberty stuck up in the middle of the town. The Captain and Officers employed getting the vessels out of the mole into the road. The Ship with a spring upon the cable lying broadside to the Town. P.M. At 4 sent an Officer on board, and set fire to the eight vessels brought out of the mole at Rogliani. Burnt them to the water's edge. At half-past do. up anchor, and made sail in company with the Tartar, a Cutter, two Gun-boats, and 3 prizes. (Vide vol. i. p. 351.) 9th.—P.M. At a † past 4 came-to with the small bower in 22 fathoms. Veered away to two-thirds of a cable with a spring, broadside to the fort. All hands at quarters. Sent a boat on shore to the Governor, The two points of the Bay bold close to the rocks. 10th.-At 1 A.M. got a small anchor with two hawsers to the N.N.W. to warp out the Ship; the boat employed towing out of the Bay. Employed getting under weigh. At 2 P.M. up anchor, and hoisted the staysail. Warped out of the Bay, the boats towing ahead. Slipped the hawser and made sail. (Vide vol. i. p. 352.) 12th.—A.M. At past 7 sent the barge in chase of several Tartans near the Island of Cabrera, bearing nearly west. At past 9 saw the Barge fire at a Boat at anchor under the Island. Saw the Gunboat fire. Out pinnace, and sent her to their assistance. Light airs. Standing off and on to the Island. At 10 saw the Gun-boat fire several guns at the Vessel at anchor-tacked in shore, and made sail for the boats. At noon the Town of Cabrera W.N.W. 4 or 5 miles-light breezes and clear-tacked occasionally. At 20 minutes past 1 saw musketry firing from the Cutter, and the Gun-boat her guns.About 2 the Cutter, Gun-boat and musketry kept up a continual fire-the Troops then on board the Gun-boat, which rowed in shore. At 40 minutes past ditto, the fire ceased-the Cutter and Gun-boat with the prize in tow, standing out from the shore, the Ships' boats in chase. At 4 in boats. At half-past ditto, made sail after two Sail in the N.W. quarter. At half past 5 made the signal to call in all the cruizers. The Town of Cabrera S.S.W. W. 6 or 7 miles. (Vide vol. i. p. 353.) 13th.-At 9 A.M. joined Lord Hood's Fleet. P.M. Boarded a Genoese Ship laden with corn-took possession of her. 14th.-Noon, anchored at Leghorn. 17th.-Weighed and came to sail. 19th. A.M.-At 20 minutes past 10 L'Avasina N.N.W. 2 miles. Sounded in 48 fathoms. At half past, out boats. At 11 the boats with Captain Nelson, Lieutenant Andrews, Captain Clark, Lieutenant Mc Clintock, and Troops of the 69th Regiment and Tartar's marines landed at L'Avasina. At noon saw the Officers and Troops marching towards Bastia, to a village 2 miles from L'Avasina. At 20 minutes past noon saw the English colours flying on a small tower, two miles to the southward of L'Avasina, taken possession of by the Captain, Officers, Troops, &c. At 1 the Troops came off from the Tower of Miomo, where the English colours was flying. At 40 minutes past ditto the boats returned. At three quarters past ditto, in boats. At 3 calm-the Tartar parted company. (Vide vol. i. pp. 356-357.) 21st. P.M. *Anchored in Rogliani Bay. Joined us H. M. Ships Romulus, Tartar, Gun-Boats, and Cutter, with her prize in tow. 22nd. Weighed and made sail in company as above. 23rd.-P.M. As we drew nearer to Bastia, three quarters of a mile from shore, the water deepened from 15 to 16 fathoms, then within gun-shot of the town. At quarter past 12, the guns from the camp and a battery above it, opened upon us, which we returned. At half past 12 the forts of Bastia opened upon us with shot and shells-we returned the fire, and laid our main topsail to the mast, and engaged the fortifications; the Romulus and Tartar in the Line. At 2, being past the town, made the signal to discontinue the Action, and haul off. The Tisiphone joined company. At 4 fresh breezes the Tisiphone parted company. Although the Ship was struck several times by their shot in her hull, not one man was either killed or wounded - the Frigate, Cutter, and GunBoat, in company. (Vide vol. i. p. 359.) 24th.-Boarded a Ragusa Brig, which came out of Bastia bound to Tunis, who informed us that our shot had done much damage to the town and killed several people. 25th.-P.M. At half past 12 the forts of Bastia opened their fire upon us with shot and shells, many of which burst very near us, and shook the Ship. At 1 P.M. not within gun-shot. At 4 wore. At 10 minutes past, hauled on a wind to annoy the Enemy, then at work on a new battery. At 25 minutes past 4 left off firing, and secured the guns -the Enemy then firing shot and shells at us. At half past 5 tacked in shore, Bastia W.N.W. N. distance 6 miles - the Admiral and Squadron in sight bearing E. b. N. (Vide vol. i. p. 359.) 26th.-P.M. Joined company with Victory and 4 Frigates. March 19th.-Anchored in Martello Bay; found at anchor here the Victory and the rest of Lord Hood's Squadron. 25th.-Weighed and came to sail-proceeded off Bastia. April 1st.-Out barge, the Captain went on shore. Sent the Guard-boats in shore. 2nd.-Saw the Gun-Boats firing into the Town of Bastia. Joined H. M. Ships Victory, Princess Royal, and Fortitude. 3rd.-Gun-Boats cannonading the Town. 8 A.M. Bore up for Lord Hood. At half past 10 the Guard Boats returned. At 11 shortened sail-the Town of Bastia N. W. distance .3 or 4 miles, distance off shore 1 mile. Found at anchor H. M. Ships Victory, Princess Royal, Alcide, Egmont, Fortitude, Inconstant, Tartar, La Fortuna, and Swallow, with Transports, &c. P.M. Came on board part of the 69th Regiment with tents and baggage-the people employed making sand-bags. At half-past 1 weighed and made sail. - The Log from the 5th of April to the 23rd of May relates to the siege of Bastia, which is fully described in Captain Nelson's Journal and Letters. (Vol. i. pp. 380-399.) The following extracts afford, however, some additional particulars. On the 3rd of April" Lord Hood hoisted the Truce Flag and sent a boat into Bastia. At half-past 9 the signal to recommence hostilities." There is no notice in the Log of the Flag of Truce being sent in on the 8th, as stated in Vol. i. p. 394. May 16th." The Admiral hoisted the Blue Flag at the main. Admiral Goodall hoisted ditto at the fore, and saluted Lord Hood's Flag.' "" 19th.At 3 the Admiral hoisted a Flag of Truce. At half past 5 the Enemy sent out a Flag of Truce to the Admiral. (Vide vol. i. p. 396.) 22nd.-At half past 5 the Troops marched to the different batteries southwards and took possession of them. 23rd.-At daylight saw the English colours flying on the Citadel. Having received on board Troops, ammunition, &c., on June 7th, weighed in company with the Admiral and Squadron. 9th.-Joined company Admiral Hotham, with 9 sail of the Line, and 1 Frigate. 10th.-P.M. Bore up from the Fleet, as did the Courageux. 11th.-Anchored off Bastia, embarking Troops from Bastia on board Transports. P.M. Weighed with the Convoy. 15th.-Anchored in Martello Bay. 16th.-Weighed with the Convoy. 17th.-Anchored in Porto Galere. 19th.-Landed the Troops and Seamen, guns, provisions, tents, &c. 21st. -Agamemnon was driven to sea in a gale of wind, and anchored in the evening in Martello Bay, where Lord Hood and several Ships were lying. 22nd.-Weighed and made sail. 25th.-Anchored in Galere Bay-landed howitzers, &c. From the 26th of June to the 10th of August, at the Siege of Calvi, but the Log, during that time, contains few statements of any interest. July 1st.-At 11 the Enemy hoisted a white Flag under the National one: the batteries ceased firing. 3rd." The Truce Flag flying in the Citadel," and the afternoon the Agamemnon parted from her anchors, and bore up for St. Fiorenzo, and was followed by the Victory. 7th.-Up anchor and made sail in company with the Victory, three Frigates, and several Transports. August 10th.-Anchored at Calvi-saw the Troops march into Calvi. 12th.-The Captain, Officers, and seamen came on board from the batteries. 15th.-Weighed. 16th.-Anchored in St. Fiorenzo Bay. 17th.Weighed, and 18th anchored at Leghorn. 31st.-Anchored here H. M. Ships Victory, Britannia, and Captain. September 9th.-The Physician of the Fleet came on board and surveyed the ship's company; found them unfit to serve, being in a very weak state. 18th.-Weighed in company with the Victory, Britannia, and a Frigate. 19th.-Anchored in Genoa Mole. 23rd.-Anchored here H. M. Ships Victory and Britannia. 28th.-Made sail from Genoa Mole, in company with the Victory. 30th.-Parted company with the Admiral. October 1st.At 10 hauled in shore after a Brig near Cape Martin. At half past 11 hove-to in the Bay of Cape Martin-hoisted the barge and pinnace-armed them to board the chase, who towed close under the Fort of Cape Martin-the Fort opened their fire upon us, but did not strike us-the boats employed towing the Ship out of the Bay. 2nd.-Joined the Admiral and Fleet of 11 Sail of the Line. —P.M. We made the signal for 4 sail in the N.W.-the Admiral made our signal to chase-wore ship, and made all sail. At half past 5 made the signal that the chase was an Enemy. At 6 the signal to call us into the Fleet. Shortened sail and hauled upon a wind to join the Admiral. 3rd.—At half-past 5 the Enemy's Ships anchored in Gourjean Bay, bore N.E. b. E. distance 12 or 13 miles. 11th. The Victory joined the Fleet, Lord Hood made our signal for the Captain. At 3 P.M. the Victory parted company. 18th.-Wore ship, made sail, and parted from the Fleet. 20th.-Anchored in Leghorn Roads. 31st.-Weighed. November 3rd.-Joined the Fleet-Cape Garoupe N.W. b. W. 5 or 6 leagues distance. P.M. Parted from the Fleet. 5th.-Saw 14 Sail of the Enemy's Ships at anchor in the inner Road of Toulon, and 8 in the outer Road, and the 7 Transports (detained), with English Ensigns, and the Truce Flag flying. (Vide vol. i. pp. 301-304.) 10th.-P.M. Anchored in Martello Bay, Corsica, and found the Fleet there. 12th.-Up anchor and made sail. 13th.-Anchored in Leghorn. 22nd.-Got out the mizen mast. Saluted Lord Longford with 11 guns on his coming on board and on leaving the ship. December 3rd.-Got out the main mast. 11th. Came in the Fleet under the command of Lord Hotham. 12th to 15th.-Employed in getting in the main and mizen masts, &c. 21st.-Weighed with the Fleet. 23rd.-Off Cape Sepet. 15th.-P.M. January 9th, 1795.-Anchored in Fiorenzo Bay with the Fleet. Heard guns fired in the inner harbour for all boats to attend a ship in distress. 16th.-A.M. Saw the Berwick dismasted. February 7th.-Weighed with the Fleet. 24th.-Anchored at Leghorn, as did the Fleet. March 9th.-All the Fleet under weigh. P.M. The Meleager made the signal for seeing the Enemy's Fleet. Cape Corse, S.W. 5 or 6 leagues. At past 7 the Admiral made the signal for being near the Enemy. 10th.-A.M. At past 8 the signal to bring to, and at the same time for all Admirals to repair on board the Commander-inVOL. VII. b Chief. At 20 minutes past noon the signal for a general chase N.W. At past 5 the signal to leave off chasing. 12th.-At 6 A.M. the Egmont made the signal for a strange Fleet. At 8 the Egmont made the signal for seeing the Enemy's Fleet to the southward. At 9 the Princess Royal made the signal to close round the Admiral. At 10 ditto to form ahead or astern of the Admiral, as most convenient. At Noon, in a line with the Princess Royal, bearing down to join the Fleet. Genoa N.N.W. 7 or 8 leagues. (For the Agamemnon's Log from Noon on the 12th, to Noon on the 14th of March, 1795, Vide vol. ii. pp. 463, 464.) 14th-P.M. The Action continuing from the centre to the rear of our Fleet-the carpenters and seamen repairing our damages. Found we had only six men and the Master wounded this day. At 2 the Enemy passed our Line to the westward. Came on board from the Ca Ira, 1 Lieutenant and 30 seamen, captured in His Majesty's Ship Berwick, on the 7th inst., off Cape Corse. 15th.-A.M. Light airs and clear-fresh breezes-saw the Admiral hoist 4 lights and fire 4 guns-the Princess Royal E.N.E. a mile. Sent an Officer and a party of men on board Le Censeur to assist clearing away the wreck. Cape Delle Melle W.N.W. 8 or 9 leagues; our carpenters stopping shot-holes in the ship's sides between wind and water. The Ca Ira, entirely dismasted, dropping in shore, 3 leagues from the centre of the Fleet. P.M. Le Censeur in tow. 18th.-A.M. Atpast 4 the stream cable and hawser gave way, the Prize parted company. P.M. Anchored in Port Especia. Le Censeur came to an anchor, and the Fleet came in and anchored. 25th.-Weighed. Took Le Censeur in tow. Fleet in company. 27th.-Anchored in Martello Bay. The town of St. Fiorenzo fired a feu de joie, which the Admiral returned. April 13th.-Came on board Lieutenant Charles Pierson, 69th Regiment. 18th.-Weighed, as did the Fleet. 24th.Came into the Fleet, the Guiscardo, a Neapolitan Line-of-Battle Ship, and 2 Frigates-Cape Corse S.W. b. S. 7 or 8 leagues. 27th.-Anchored in Leghorn Roads, as did the Fleet. May 9th.-Weighed, as did the Fleet. From that day until about June 22nd with the Fleet off Minorca. June 11th.-Came into the Fleet and saluted the Admiral, the Samnite, a Neapolitan 74 gun ship. Noon, Mahon N.W. W. 8 or 9 miles. 14th. Came into the Fleet, H. M. Ships Cumberland (Rear-Admiral Man), Victory, Gibraltar, Audacious, Defence, Culloden, Line-of-Battle Ships; Southampton Frigate, and Comet Fire-Ship. (Vide vol. ii. p. 39.) 19th.-Anchored in Martello Bay, Corsica, as did the Fleet. July 4th.-Came on board James Summers, 4th Lieutenant, and Cornwall Reynolds, Surgeon. Left the Ship, being invalided, Wenman Allison, 2nd Lieutenant, and Edward Chetham, 5th Lieutenant. P.M. At 7 weighed, the boats of the Division towing us out, in company with the Mozelle, Ariadne, Meleager, and Mutine. 7th.-P.M. Cape Delle Melle N. b. W. 6 or 7 leagues. Twenty-three sail of the Enemy's Fleet in sight-bearing W.N.W. At 50 minutes past 4 made the signal to call in all cruizers. Ditto for the Meleager to come within hail. At past 5 repeated ditto. At half past 6 ditto for the Mozelle to come within hail. At 7 the body of the French Fleet N.W. 5 or 6 leagues, several sail in chase of us. At 11 the (sic) of the Enemy's Ships astern coming fast up with the Mozelle. 8th.-A.M. At past 4 made the signal for the Mozelle to tack, one of the Enemy's Frigates coming fast up with her. At past 6 made the signal for the Meleager to keep more ahead. At 20 minutes past 7 began firing signal guns to our Fleet in St. Fiorenzo. At half past 7 made the Meleager's signal to alter course two points to starboard. At 8 for ditto to repeat signals-4 sail bearing N.W. b. N. in chase of us. At 8 Cape Corse S.E. b. S. 5 or 6 leagues, standing in for St. Fiorenzo Bay. At past 9 the Enemy left off chase, and tacked with their heads to the westward. From 8 to 10 nearly calm. At Noon Cape Corse E. b. N. 7 or 8 miles. (Vide vol. ii. pp. 49, 50.) The Agamemnon then joined the Fleet. 12th.-P.M. At past 6 our signal to look out during the night. At 7 the signal to prepare for Actioncleared ship and beat to quarters. 13th.-At day-light the Enemy's Fleet bear ing E.N.E., distance 4 or 5 leagues. At past 6 our signal to join the Fleet. The Isle de Levant 6 or 7 leagues. At past 7 the signal for a general chase. At 8 coming up with the rear Ships of the Enemy's Fleet. At past 9 the signal to engage the Enemy as coming up with them. At Noon, Cape Fregus N. b. W. 3 leagues. At past ditto began to engage; the centre and rear of our ÆT. 36.] LETTERS. P.M. Light Fleet at a great distance the Victory and Culloden began the Action. 6 leagues. Sent two carpenters on board the Victory to assist repairing her 17th.-P.M. Anchored at Genoa. A VERY BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE VADO CAMPAIGN, FOR [Autograph in the possession of Vice-Admiral Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B., On the 3rd of July 1795, Admiral Hotham received letters from Mr. Brame, His Majesty's Consul at Genoa, enclosing one from General de Vins, telling him that the Austrian Army had taken possession of Vado, and requesting a co-operation; and that the French Fleet were returned into Toulon. On the 4th I sailed, with a small Squadron, from St. Fiorenzo. On the 6th fell in with the French Fleet; and it was not till after the Action of July 13th that I sailed again for the Coast of Genoa. My orders were, to confer with Mr. Drake, His Majesty's Minister at Genoa, on such points as might be essential towards co-operating with General de Vins. I anchored in Genoa Mole on July 18th, and sailed On the 21st I anchored in with Mr. Drake on the 20th. Vado Bay, where we met Mr. Trevor, His Majesty's Minister to the Court of Turin, and had an immediate conference with General de Vins'. [Captain Nelson here quoted the passage in his Letter to Admiral Hotham, of the 22nd of July, 1795, relating to General de Vins, in vol. ii. p. 58.] The 25th, the Cutter carried the Generals to look at the Enemy's Advanced Post at Borgetta. From my arrival to the first week in August, the General never seemed to doubt P.M. At half-past 5 anchored in Genoa Mole; Friday, July 17th, 1795. found riding here, La Vestale and La Brune, French Frigates, and two Brigs, the Scout and Alert, and a Spanish Sloop of War. 20th.-Weighed with the Squadron. 21st.-Anchored in Vado Bay; saluted the Minister with 13 guns on his landing, P.M. Saluted General de Vins, Commanderand the Austrian Fort with 17 guns. in-Chief of the Austrian Army on shore, with 15 guns on his coming on board, and the same number on his leaving the ship. The Squadron came in and anchored. (Vide vol. ii. pp. 57, 59.) 23rd.-Weighed, as did the Squadron. P.M. Sent the Barge into Genoa'; saluted the Minister with 13 guns on his leaving the Ship. -Agamemnon's Log. b2 |