Eight hundred and seventy five Seamen and Marine Soldiers were killed and wounded upon that momentous day. Lieutenant Benjamin Spencer, of my corps, son to the Rev. Dr. Spencer near Birmingham, a youth of the most promising hopes, and the sweetest manners, fell on board the Edgar, a ship that was peculiarly distinguished, as did Lieutenant Henry Long, in the Isis, who was likewise much esteemed for a benignity of temper; Lieutenants Charles Meredith and James Marrie were also wounded.
In consequence of this signal victory, a merited testimony was conferred upon Captain Lambrecht, of Marines, by the brevet rank of Major, which could not have been bestowed upon a more worthy or meritorious member. It was his fortune to be Senior Officer on board that part of the grand force which was engaged, and to serve in the Defiance, under the flag of Rear Admiral Graves.
Every man in the English fleet was honored with the Thanks of his Country, its intrepid leaders received suitable distinctions, and all stand registered upon the memorials of indelible fame. The noble Society of Lloyd's stretched forth, likewise, their liberal aids to the unfortunate sufferers at Copenhagen. Other incidents tended to accelerate the dissolution of this formidable league; in which a guardian Providence may be clearly retraced, and our natural bulwarks as having been the secondary agents of his will.
Early in this year Earl St. Vincent, who had commanded in the Mediterranean and the Channel, with so much advantage to the public, and with such éclat to himself, was placed at the helm of Naval affairs. My corps looked up to him as a father and a friend, and those endearing titles have been fully realized towards us in every arrangement that has emanated from his intelligent and comprehensive mind. As we never forsook him in the day of trial, so we never shall forget him when he is laid low in the dust.
The same spirit for dashing at every thing within the enemy's ports, and on their coasts still continued to prevail. Three boats from the Trent, led on by Lieutenants Chamberlayne, Scallion, Bellamy, Tate, of Marines, and Mr. Hoskins, on the 3d of April, in opposition to numerous batteries on the shore, the constant fire of a lugger and cutter, and the aid of a number of small craft, boldly attacked and drove the lugger amongst the rocks, besides some of the boats.
Lieutenants Chamberlayne and Tate afterwards boarded and carried off a large ship which was under their convoy, and what was their main object, on her way from Brehat to Plampoul. In that service Lieutenant Tate, of my corps, unfortunately lost a leg.
One of the most daring attempts, ever conceived, was originally undertaken by Lieutenant Losack, but finally executed by Lieutenant Maxwell, against the French corvette La Chevrette, in presence of the combined fleets in the road of Brest, under protection of the batteries of Camerat, and in spite of nearly 400 men of which her crew was composed, all ready to oppose the assailants. Upon this perilous duty Lieutenants Sinclair and Rose, of Marines, spiritedly volunteered. From the strong position of the enemy, who set every attack at defiance, no better contested affair occurred through the whole of this glorious war. Lieutenant Sinclair who had been formerly wounded upon a similar enterprize, was slain in the act of warding off a like destiny from a Midshipman of the Doris. He would have done honor to any rank in life.
The carnage was great on the side of the republicans, being above 150 killed and wounded, while that of the British exceeded 66. Lieutenant W. Burke, an Officer of the highest hopes, received a mortal wound, and Lieutenant Neville was hurt.
Mr. (now Captain) Maxwell, with all his intrepid companions, will long appear conspicuous on the records of fame. Capt. Charles Brisbane says, "Any comments of mine would fall far short of the merits due to those gallant Officers, Seamen, and Marines employed on this service." Such examples of irresistible heroism in subordinate warfare, must have a permanent influence on the feelings of our enemies upon whatever scale they may be opposed to us.
On the 4th of August a successful bombardment took place against the French flotilla off Boulogne, and the attack was renewed upon the 13th by the boats of Lord Nelson's squadron. Although assembled for the avowed purpose of invading our isles, still the event of that night plainly shewed that their preparations had been distinguished much more by steps for self preservation, than for offensive measures, for our brave fellows, after the strongest feats of valour, were obliged to abandon their hard earned prizes, from their having been fastened by chains, or hard on the shore. The issue was unfortunate, but it added to the glory of the British arms. One hundred and seventy two Officers, Seamen, and Marines were killed and wounded in this patriotic attempt. Such were the exertions of all that the thanks of Earl St. Vincent, and of their brave Chief, were expressed to every class in the squadron. The service was deprived of a gallant Officer in Captain Parker of the Navy, and Captain Young, of my corps, was badly wounded.