"SIR,
"Having judged it proper to attempt bringing off all the enemy's flotilla moored in the front of Boulogne, I directed the attack to be made in four divisions of boats for boarding, under the command of Captains Somerville, Parker, Cotgrave, and Jones, and a division of howitzer-boats under the command of Captain Conor, of his majesty's ship Discovery. The boats put off from the Medusa, at half past eleven last night, in the best possible order; and, before one o'clock this morning, the firing began: and I had, from the judgment of the officers, and the zeal and gallantry of every man, the most perfect confidence of compleat success—and which I have no doubt would have been according to my expectations—but owing to the darkness of the night, with the tide and half tide, which must always make the attacks in the night, on the coasts of the channel, very uncertain, the divisions separated; and from all not arriving at the same happy moment with Captain Parker, is to be attributed the failure of success. But I beg to be perfectly understood, that not the smallest blame attaches itself any where; for, although the divisions did not arrive together, yet each (except the fourth, which could not be got up before day) made a successful attack on that part of the enemy they fell in with, and actually took possession of many brigs and flats—particularly, the commodore. But the vessels being, as I am informed, chained to the, shore, but certainly hauled on shore, as the commodore's brig had less under her bottom than could support her, the moment the battle ceased on board, such vollies upon vollies of musketry were fired, directed on their decks, the enemy being perfectly regardless of their own men, who must have suffered equally with us, that it was impossible even to remain on board to burn them. But allow me, who have seen much service this war, to say, that more determined, persevering courage, I never witnessed; and, that nothing but the impossibility of being successful, from the causes I have mentioned, could have prevented my having to congratulate their lordships on bringing off the enemy's flotilla: and, although, in value, the loss of such gallant and good men is incalculable; yet, in point of numbers, it has fell short of my expectations. I must also state, that greater zeal, and ardent desire, in the whole of the officers and crews, in the numerous vessels under my command, to distinguish themselves by an attack on the enemy, were never shewn: and the commanders and crews of the hired and revenue cutters vie with their brethren of the navy; the whole of whose boats were employed, and the commanders of the Hunter and Greyhound cutters volunteered their services.
"Among the many gallant men wounded, I have, with the deepest regret, to state the heavy loss I have sustained, by the grievous wounds of my gallant good friend, and able assistant, Captain Edward Thomas Parker, my aid-de-camp; also of Lieutenant Frederic Langford, my flag-lieutenant, who has served with me many years; and who were both wounded, in attempting to board the French commodore. To Captain Gore, of the Medusa, I feel the highest obligations; and, when their lordships look at the loss of the Medusa on this occasion, they will agree with me, that the honour of my flag, and the cause of their king and country, could never have been placed in more gallant hands. Captain Bedford, of the Leyden, with Captain Gore, very handsomely volunteered their services to serve under masters and commanders: but, it would not have been fair to the latter; and I only mention it, to mark the zeal of those officers. From the nature of the attack, only a few prisoners were made; a lieutenant, eight seamen, and eight soldiers, are all which were brought off. Herewith, I send you the report of the several commanders of divisions, and also a return of killed and wounded, &c.
I have the honour to be, &c.
"NELSON AND BRONTE."
"P.S. Captain Somerville was the senior master and commander employed.
"Evan Nepean, Esq."
The letters received by his lordship from the several commanders of divisions, and transmitted by him to England, with his own public letter, were as follow.
FIRST DIVISION.
"Eugenie, off Boulogne, 16th Aug. 1801.