Narrative of a Captivity and Adventures in France and Flanders: Between the Years 1803 and 1809 (Q108352641)

At the termination of the war, in the spring of 1802, I was paid off as a master's mate of the Royal Sovereign, bearing the flag of Vice Admiral Sir Henry Harvey, K.B. In June following, I joined the Phœbe frigate; in September, captain the Hon. T. B. Capel was appointed; we were sent to the Mediterranean, and there continued until the renewal of the war in 1803. In July, the Phœbe was ordered off Toulon, to watch the enemy in that port: on our way thither, when off Civita Vecchia, two privateers were seen from the mast head, it being then a dead calm; the boats, ably manned and well armed, were dispatched in chace, under the orders of the first Lieutenant Perkins, and after five hours' rowing, about ten P. M. came up with one of them; but from an unfortunate medley of disastrous events, we were twice repulsed with the loss of eight men killed and wounded. (English)

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This trip was repeated four other nights without success; no signal being made. On the sixth day the Arachne was ordered to sea, and I was thereby most unwillingly obliged to relinquish the heart-felt satisfaction I had anticipated, in being the deliverer of those very friends who had assisted me in my escape from the citadel of Valenciennes. Happily, however, they did not suffer from my absence, for the same night, my place was supplied by Lieutenant Edger, of the Theseus, who, although a stranger to the parties, nobly volunteered his services on the occasion. He being made acquainted with my plans, proceeded to the same spot; about ten P. M. the private signal was made, he pulled in, in an instant the fugitives rushed into the boat, and shortly after were happily restored to their families and friends.FINIS. (English)

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