1812	Boats of Leviathan & Squadron at Languelia & Allasio	69

The French troops were now driven from the houses lining the beach by the fire of the Eclair, who had swept in for the purpose. The boats of the squadron, under Lieutenant William Richardson, assisted by Lieutenants Bouchier Molesworth and Robert Moodie of the America, and Alexander Dobbs and Richard Hambly of the Leviathan, also by master's mate John Harvey, and several other young officers not named in the despatch, then proceeded to bring out the vessels. These were secured by various contrivances to the houses and beach, and the sails and rudders of most of them removed on shore. After considerable exertions, 16 laden settees were towed off, another was burnt in the harbour by the boats, and a second, making the 18th, was too much damaged by shot to be got afloat. The marines of the squadron were re-embarked in the most perfect order, under cover of the fire of the Eclair, the only vessel enabled by the light and baffling winds to get close enough to act. This was accomplished without molestation from the French troops on the spot, although a strong party was advancing from the town of Allassio to reinforce them.

Exclusive of the heavy loss sustained at the onset of this dashing enterprise, one sergeant of marines, three privates, and one seaman were killed, and 18 marines and two seamen wounded ; total killed and drowned 16, wounded 20.

Another French convoy, of 18 square and lateen rigged vessels, having assembled at Languelia and Alassio, Captain Campbell of the Leviathan, having under his orders the Impérieuse, Captain Duncan, 18-pounder 36 gun frigate Curaçoa, Captain John Tower, and brig-sloop Eclair, detached the marines under Captain Owen, who, covered by the fire of the Eclair, effected a landing between the two towns. Scarcely had the marines formed on the beach, ere they were attacked by treble their number ; but nothing could withstand the bravery of the officers and men, who dashed at the French troops with the bayonet, and drove them from two batteries into the town, killing many and making 14 prisoners.

After spiking the guns, consisting of nine and a mortar, and destroying the carriages, the marines embarked ; but; although the three ships had anchored within less than musket-shot of the two towns, and the Eclair had kept on her sweeps, going where she could be of most effect, and although the launches and other boats, under the command of Lieutenant Dobbs, had with their carronades maintained a heavy fire, the French troops could not be expelled from the houses so as to enable the boats, without a very great risk, to bring off any of the vessels ; which were made fast to the shore in all manner of ways, and had their sails unbent and rudders unshipped. The loss already incurred was sufficiently severe, amounting to one seaman and three marines killed, and Lieutenant William Walpole, one seaman, and nine marines wounded.

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