I do myself the honour of transmitting herewith a copy of what I deemed proper to insert this day in the public orders issued to his Majesty's forces stationed on the island of Guernsey, under my command. May I request that this tribute of well-earned approbation from a brother officer may be communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. Should it appear irregular that an extra-official communication of this nature comes from a department not immediately under their lordships' cognizance, the impropriety on my part I trust will be indulgently forgiven, as it arises from an irresistible impulse of wishing to do justice to merit and exertions far indeed above my praise. As an officer honoured with a public and confidential situation, and having from shore been an eye-witness of the gallant intrepidity of Sir James Saumarez, and sailors of his Majesty's ships Crescent, Druid, and Eurydice, under his command, I consider it my duty to express, although still inadequately, my opinion of the conduct of men whose modesty (the infallible concomitant of merit) may, in reporting to you, come short of what thousands of loyal and anxious spectators from this island beheld with joy and satisfaction, in the display of superior address and British bravery alluded to.
I have the honour to subscribe myself,
With esteem and high regard, sir,
Your most obedient and most humble servant,
John Small.
To Philip Stephens, Esq. &c. &c. &c.
N.B. The enclosure has been already given.
The following general memorandum was issued to the squadron, dated
Crescent, Guernsey Roads, 9th June 1794.
General Memorandum.
Sir James Saumarez desires to return his best thanks to Captain Ellison, and the officers and men of H.M.S. Druid, for their spirited conduct and bravery on the 8th instant, in having, jointly with the Crescent, repelled ships of the enemy treble our force. It is to be regretted that the bad sailing of the Eurydice prevented their deriving the advantage they otherwise would have received from Captain Cole and his brave ship's company.