“I have received from Rear Admiral Martin your letter of the 13th ult. with its enclosures directed to Captain Spranger of the Warrior, detailing your proceedings in the Spartan with a detachment of troops in the reduction of the island of Cerigo.
“It affords me great satisfaction in having again to express my warmest approbation of that zeal and ability, which have so eminently distinguished your services, particularly within the last six months, to the great annoyance of the enemy. And the speedy reduction of so strong a fort as Cerigo, with so small a loss, bespeaks that judicious management which commands success.
“Your report of the gallantry and good conduct of Lieutenant Willes is highly creditable to that officer, and I have not failed to point out his merits in this and former cases to the Lords of the Admiralty.
“I am, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“To Captain Brenton, H.M.S. Spartan.”
This letter was followed by another in the month of January, 1810.
“Ville de Paris, at Sea, 16th Jan. 1810.
“Sir,
“Having communicated to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your proceedings at Cerigo when that island was reduced, I have great pleasure in informing you, Sir, that their Lordships have been pleased to express their great satisfaction at the ability with which you conducted that service, and the spirit with which it was executed by the officers and ship’s company of the Spartan.