“The crippled state of the Speedy’s rigging, masts, and hull, and especially as the water was up to the lower deck, from shot received below, prevented Captain Brenton from pursuing the advantage he had gained. She had two men killed, and one wounded. The transport was most ably managed by her master, and worked round Europa Point through a very galling fire; the brig took advantage of a strong westerly wind, which sprung up after dark, and continued her voyage to Trieste. The Speedy was under the necessity of running for Tetuan bay, to stop the leaks; which being done, she returned to Gibraltar the following day.
“The Spanish gun boats, after remaining under Fort Barbary for three days, bore up for Malaga, and did not return to Algesiras for two months, leaving the trade unmolested in the Gut of Gibraltar. The Spaniards acknowledged they lost eleven men; four of their boats were seen to strike to the Speedy during the contest, by the inhabitants of Gibraltar, and the report was corroborated by a Danish brig from Malaga a few days after.”
“Speedy, Gibraltar, November 21, 1799.
“Sir,
“I have the honour to inform you, that on the 6th instant, coming into Gibraltar, with two vessels under convoy, a ship and a brig, we were attacked by twelve of the Spanish gun boats from Algesiras. Having a commanding breeze, we were soon enabled to rescue the ship. The gun boats then united their efforts upon the brig, but bearing up upon their line with a well directed fire, we in a short time obliged them to relinquish their design also; and take shelter under the guns of Fort Barbary. The situation of the Speedy prevented my pursuing the advantage we had gained, having most of our running rigging cut away, our main top sail yards shot through, and our fore rigging much cut, besides the water being up to the lower deck, from shot received below the water line. Not being able to carry sail upon the larboard tack, I was under the necessity of running for Tetuan Bay, to stop the leaks, and arrived here the day following. I cannot say too much in praise of Lieutenant Parker, Mr. Marshall, the master, and the remainder of the officers and men under my command, from their spirited exertions, and strict attention to their duty, we were enabled to save our convoy and His Majesty’s sloop.
“I beg leave to enclose a return of our killed and wounded, and at the same time to add, that much praise is due to Mr. George Robinson, master of the transport Unity, for the manner he worked his ship during a very galling fire.
“I have the honour to be, Sir,
“Your very obedient servant,
“J. BRENTON.”
“Patrick Blake and Wm. Pring, seamen killed.