1812     BOATS OF THE MEDUSA AT ARCASSON     57

Undaunted by the inequality of force, and regardless of a galling fire of musketry, Mr. Couney boarded the transport on one side, as a detachment from the privateer did on the other ; but, as soon as Mr. Couney had killed one of their men, the Frenchmen retreated to their vessel and sheered off, leaving the seven British in possession of the prize. The situation of Mr. Couney and his six men was extremely critical even after he had recaptured the galliot ; for, independent of the fire of the privateer's musketry, the vessel was exposed to a continued fire of round and grape from the French batteries ; nor could the Attack, on account of the calm state of the weather, approach to co-operate with her gig's crew in this very gallant little exploit. Fortunately neither Mr. Couney, nor one of his six men, was hurt on the occasion.

On the 16th of August, at 11 p.m., Foreness in the Cattegat bearing west-north-west distant six or seven miles, the Attack observed two vessels approaching supposed to be gun-vessels. The brig immediately cleared for action, and in about 20 minutes, when nearly becalmed, was attacked by a division of Danish gun-boats, supposed, in the darkness that prevailed, to be 10 or 12 in number. The engagement continued until 1 h. 40 m. a.m. on the 19th, when the gun-boats ceased firing. A light breeze springing up, the Attack set all sail and got out her sweeps, in the hope to be able to join the Wrangler gun-brig, Lieutenant John Campbell Crawford, whom another division of gun-boats had also been attacking. But, owing to a strong south-east current and a total cessation of the breeze, Lieutenant Simmons could not succeed. Shortly afterwards the Wrangler entirely disappeared.

The Attack had already had her main boom shot away, her foremast and bowsprit badly wounded, two guns dismounted, a great number of shot-holes between wind and water, and her sails and rigging cut to pieces. At 2 h. 10 m. a.m., while the British gun-brig, with only 49 men on board, was employed in refitting herself; 14 Danish gun-vessels, each armed with two long 24-pounders and two howitzers, and with from 65 to 70 men, besides four large row-boats carrying swivels and howitzers, formed in a crescent, within pistol-shot, upon her larboard beam, bow, and quarter, and commenced a heavy fire of round, grape, and grenades. The Attack immediately returned the fire, and continued defending herself until 3 h. 20 m. a.m. ; when, being a complete wreck and in a sinking state, the British brig hauled down her colours, with two seamen killed, and 12 wounded. The Danes were honourable enough to pay a high compliment to Lieutenant Simmonds for his gallant defence of the Attack ; and, at the court-martial subsequently held upon him and his officers for the loss of their brig, the most honourable acquittal was pronounced.

On the 4th of June, in the night, Captain the Honourable

^ back to top ^