1813	Boat Attacks, &c. in the Adriatic	173

cruising about four miles to the east-north-east of the island of Zirana, discovered and chased a convoy, close to the main land, making for the ports of Trau and Spalatro. As the brig approached, the vessels separated in different directions, the greater part, with 10 gun-boats, bearing up for the bay of Boscalina. These the Weasel continued to chase under all sail ; and at 5 h. 30 m. a.m. they anchored in a line about a mile from the shore, hoisted French colours, and commenced firing at her. The wind blowing strong from the south-east, which was directly into the bay, the sails and rigging of the brig were considerably damaged before she could close. At 6 a.m., however, the Weasel anchored with springs, within pistol-shot of the gunboats ; and a furious action commenced. At the end of 20 minutes the latter cut their cables, ran closer in, and again opened their fire. This increased distance not suiting her carronades, the Weasel cut her cable, ran within half pistol-shot of the gun-boats, and recommenced the action. Three large guns, at the distance of 30 yards from each other, and 200 or 300 musketry, on the heights immediately over the British brig, now united their fire to that of the gun-boats. The engagement continued in this way until 10 A.M.; when , three of the gunboats struck their colours, two were driven on shore, and one was sunk.

The remaining four gun-boats were now reinforced by four more from the eastward ; who anchored outside the Weasel, and commenced firing at her. This obliged the brig to engage on both sides, but the outer gun-boats afterwards ran in and joined the others; all of whom now placed themselves behind a point of land, so that the Weasel could only see their masts from her deck. Here the gun-boats commenced a most destructive fire, their grape-shot striking the brig over the land in every part. At this time the Weasel's crew, originally short by the absence of several men in prizes, was so reduced, that she could with difficulty man four guns ; the marines and a few of the seamen firing musketry, her grape being all expended. The action lasted in this way until 3 p.m., when the gun-boats discontinued their fire. At the expiration of 40 minutes the engagement recommenced, and continued, without intermission, until 6 h. 30 m. p.m., when the firing entirely ceased on both sides.

The Weasel was now in a very critical situation : she was but a few yards from a lee-shore, almost a complete wreck, with the whole of her running, and the greater part of her standing, rigging cut to pieces, most of her sails shot from the yards, her masts shot through in several places, her anchors all destroyed or. rendered unserviceable, her hull pierced with shot, five of which had entered between wind and water, and her two pumps shot away between the decks, so that the crew could with difficulty keep the brig free by constantly bailing at both hatches.

^ back to top ^