The Swiftsure of 74 guns fell into the hands of Admiral Gantheaume's squadron; after a resistance which reflected honor upon Captain Hallowell, his subordinates, and the British Navy.
Lord Cochrane, in union with Captain Pulling, again gave a test of intrepidity, by striking at a Spanish convoy in the Bay of Orepeso, protected by a castle, a xebeck, and gunboats. These they destroyed with little loss.
In August Captain Halsted's squadron took La Caniere of 44 guns, after a short action. Lieutenant Douglas, of Marines, was wounded, but died after amputation on board La Pomone. This frigate was on her way with a convoy, having stores and ammunition on board, for the French Army then carrying on the siege of Porto Ferrajo, in the Isle of Elba.
This little fortress disdaining to participate in that terror which had disgraced the continent of Italy, afforded refuge to Mr. Isaac Grant, English Vice Consul at Leghorn, and others of his countrymen, who fled from our rapacious enemies on their entrance into Tuscany. His example and precepts roused the natives to arms, while the very females shared in the patriotic impulse of defending their families and their Country, from those universal spoilers. Mingled with its garrison, were Lieutenant Lawrence and his party of Marines from the Pearl, whose animated efforts, during a long series of six months fatigue and danger, are little known, but were such as to entitle the whole to the highest praise. This little force, by their constancy and courage, ever set the best of examples, were always foremost on service, and stood to their post and guns when the Tuscan and other foreign troops gave way. They were likewise unremittingly useful in preparing shells, mounting and transporting cannon, and in repairing their carriages, as well as constructing works. Their knowledge of gunnery, acquired by experience in a long siege, and their ambition to gain honor to their corps and themselves, induced them to live in the batteries, and the little sleep which they enjoyed, was by their cannon. Such zealous perseverance impaired the healths of this brave detachment, and if the place had not been relieved by other troops, Lieutenant Lawrence and his faithful companions must have fallen victims to incessant toil.
The merits of Colonel Airey, in the defence of Porto Ferrajo, were great indeed. Nothing could surpass his cool judgment and spirited exertions in foiling a very superior enemy in all their attempts. The bravery and good conduct of Mr. Isaac Grant, in repeated sallies, were eminently conspicuous. Few occasions have exhibited a more manly patience, or a nobler stand.
Upon the 12th of September Sir John Warren appeared with his squadron to relieve this brave garrison. He had previously given an order to Captain John Richardson, of Marines, to act as Brigade Major to Lieutenant Colonel Airey, and he was disembarked, as well as Captain Johnstone, from the Gibraltar, 12 Subalterns, 17 Serjeants, 18 Corporals, 11 Drummers, and 390 Privates. A force of 240 Seamen was also landed under Captain Long of the Royal Navy. Captain James Weir, (now on retirement), who commanded the Marines at Malta, served in Porto Ferrajo at the head of a Maltese corps, with distinguished reputation.
It having been resolved to destroy the enemy's works, a debarkation of upwards of 1000 men took place early on the morning of the 14th of September, while a sortie from the garrison was attempted against the battery which overawed the harbour. Captain Long, with his division of Seamen, Marines, and Swiss, proceeded to demolish the batteries on the right side of the bay, which he performed in a gallant stile. That Officer was shot through the shoulder very early in the action, but persevered in the attack, until his little advanced party, consisting of 26 Seamen and Marines, reached a spot where the enemy had a field piece, and were in considerable force. It was within 18 yards of their position that this brave young man received a mortal wound, when he was carried from the field. He lingered and died, and so strongly impressed was the foe with admiration of his valor, that a suspension of arms was maintained, while his remains were borne, with military honors, to the grave. Lieutenant Campbell, of Marines, after this mishap, instantly charged, drove the republicans to a narrow pass, where, being reinforced, he was held in check; but having accomplished the chief object which was intended, he effected a retreat to the garrison.
Captains Johnstone and Richardson, who headed the division against the enemy's works on the left side of the harbour, did every thing that could have been expected from brave and experienced Officers. After having ruined the batteries of Punta Pina, the grottoes, and giovanni, a vast quantity of ammunition, and having carried off 150 barrels of powder, the British and Allied troops were attacked by very superior numbers in different quarters. Under existing circumstances a retreat was the only expedient, which, after a spirited contest, was made to the boats and within the walls of the fortress. Lieut. Clarke, of Marines, was wounded and made prisoner. The general loss was by no means equal to the nature of this service. Colonel Airey expressed himself highly indebted for the support and assistance given by the Seamen and Marines. Although the inadequacy of numbers prevented the completion of every object, still this diversion afforded a temporary aid to the brave defenders of Porto Ferrajo.
Major Weir signalized himself in a subsequent sortie on the night of the 10th of October, and the garrison never relaxed in the most animated perseverance, until peace threw open its gates to a new sovereign. Captain Halsted, previous to the appearance of Sir John Warren, had captured or destroyed the whole of the French blockading squadron.