Repulse

Posted by Brian on Saturday 17th of May 2014 23:08

1813/05/02 Boat attack at Morgion.
Copy of a letter from Captain Moubray,.
Repulse, off Toulon, May 3
Sir, Having yesterday met the Hon. Capt. Waldegrave, of the Voluntaire, with the Undaunted, and Redwing, near the port of Morgion, where the enemy was observed actively employed in preparation for remounting cannon on the batteries and viewing with him the importance of this situation as a place of protection to the coasting trade, I caused 100 Royal Marines of the Repulse, under the command of Captain Ennis, to proceed, in conjunction with those of the frigates, for the purpose of destroying the works whilst the boats should bring out some vessels that were in the harbour. The whole, under the direction of Lieut. Shaw, of the Volontaire, whose local knowledge rendered him peculiarly qualified to conduct the enterprise, covered by the fire of the Redwing, and launches with carronades, were landed, and drove the enemy, consisting of a detachment of the 4th batt. of the 1st regiment of the line, to the heights in the rear, where he was kept in check until the vessels were secured, and the batteries, on which were found nine gun carriages, and a 13 inch mortar, were blown up and completely destroyed. I have to regret the loss of two brave men who fell in the boats on this occasion as well as to have to place the name of Lieut. Shaw among the list of killed; but considering the strong position the enemy occupied, and the loss he sustained, to which we know to be at least 12 killed besides several prisoners, it is comparatively small. I enclose lists of the vessels captured, and of the killed and wounded. R.H. Moubray
Killed and wounded in an attack on Morgoin, May 2
Killed, Volontarie, Lieut. Isaac Shaw, by the explosion of the battery; James Hamilton, quarter-gunner; Undaunted, L. Noski, seaman.
Wounded - Volontarie, W. Spencer, marine, dangerously. - Undaunted, John Dale, seaman, severely, but not dangerously; J. Sullivam, seaman, slightly
Names of vessels captured - Maria Concepta, bombard, of 150 tons, laden with salt; St. Joseph, settee, of 72 tons, laden with wine and leather; Le Zephyr, tartan, of 40 tons, laden with empty casks; St. Graffe, tartan, of 29 tons, laden with wine and flour; Conception, tartan, of 25 tone, laden with wine and flour; La Fortune, tartan, of 29 tons, laden with tiles and bricks.