exertions (though wounded) in repairing our damage, are as praiseworthy as his conduct in the action, particularly as I have been unable to assist him, from a wound in my right arm, and several severe contusions. Captain Moore, of the royal marines of this ship, received a wound, but returned to his quarters immediately it was dressed. The captains of the squadron speak in the warmest terms of their officers and men, particularly their first lieutenants, Dickenson, Henderson, and Wolridge. And the behaviour of my own officers and ship's company, who have been with me so long, was everything I expected from their tried worth but I must not particularize where all were equally meritorious.

I am now on my way to Lissa, with the squadron and prizes. The damage the ships have sustained is very considerable, and I fear will render us totally incapable of keeping the sea. I enclose a statement of the enemy's force, together with a return of killed and wounded in the squadron, and deeply lament they are so great.

I have the honour, &c.

(Signed)

W. HOSTE.

(Here follows the Return.)

324

APPENDIX II.

Admiralty Office, April 2, 1814.

Copy of a letter from Vice Admiral Sir Edward Pellew, Bart., to John Wilson Croker, Esq. dated on board his Majesty's Ship Caledonia, off Minorca, Feb. 24th, 1814.

SIR,

I presume Rear Admiral Freemantle has already conveyed to their Lordships the statements herewith transmitted, regarding the surrender of Cattaro and Zara.

I have only to express my great satisfaction at the manner in which these services have been performed. The merits of those employed will not fail to receive their Lordships' approbation. I have, &c.

EDWARD PELLEW.

J. W. Croker, Esq.

SIR,

Milford, Trieste, Jan. 7, 1814.

Herewith I have the honour to transmit a letter from Captain Hoste, of his Majesty's ship Bacchante, with the terms of capitulation for the surrender of the fort of Cattaro.

The exertions of Captains Hoste and Harper, and the officers and men employed under them, need no comment on my part, and I am aware will be duly appreciated by you.

I have, &c.

THOS. F. FREEMANTLE.

Sir E. Pellew, Bart.

SIR,

H. M. Ship Bacchante, before Cattaro,
Jan. 5th, 1814.

I have much satisfaction in acquainting you, after ten days' cannonade, the fortress of Cattaro surrendered by capitulation this morning, to his Majesty's ships named in the margin (viz. Bacchante and Saracen). The terms I granted to the garrison are, to lay down their arms on the Marine; to be transported to some

port in Italy; to be considered prisoners of war; and not to serve against England and her allies until regularly exchanged.

A

It is unnecessary I should enter further into detail than to say, that by the exertions of the officers and crews of both ships, our batteries were enabled to open from four different points on the castle and works at daylight on Christmas morning; that on the 1st of January two additional batteries of eighteen and thirty-two pounders were opened, and played against the castle; and that on the 3rd I had arranged everything with the chief of the Montenegrins for a general assault, when the commandant-general, Gauthier, sent out, expressing his wish to capitulate. This morning the capitulation was signed, a copy of which I inclose, with the state of the garrison.

Our loss, I am happy to say, has been trifling; one seaman killed, and Lieutenant Hay, of the royal marines, slightly wounded.

The mouths of the Cattaro are now freed of the enemy, Sir; and in bringing this business to a successful issue, the officers and men have exerted themselves to the utmost.

We have received no assistance but from a few Montenegrins: we have had to trust to our own resources alone, and we have found them in the zeal and perseverance which has actuated all parties. From the exertions of Captain Harper of the Saracen, and Lieutenant Milbourne of the Bacchante, two eighteenpounders and two mortars were got up the range of mountains before Cattaro, to the astonishment of friends and foes; and what was deemed impracticable by the French general was completed in ten days. The zeal and activity of Captain Harper are well known to you, Sir, and I assure you, in no instance have they been more conspicuous than on the present occasion. He is a most invaluable officer. It is my duty to mention the meritorious conduct of Lieutenants Milbourne and Rees (acting) of the Bacchante; Lieutenant Hancock of the Saracen; Mr. Vale, master of ditto; Lieutenant Haig, royal marines, of the Bacchante; Mr. Charles Bruce, midshipman of the Bacchante; and the whole of the officers and men of both ships have tried to excel each other on this occasion.