“Spartan, off Peran, 19thMay, 1809.“Sir,“A corps of the French army, under General Miolis, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th; and on the 17th, occupied the heights of Optehina, when a skirmish took place between the advanced posts and the Austrians.“It was reported that the enemy were prevented from entering Trieste by the vicinity of the Austrian General Giulai, who was at Laybach with 15,000 men, whilst General Zach, with a detachment was in possession of the pass of Prevolt. Yesterday, however, the enemy entered Trieste at ten a.m. from which circumstance I fear they are no longer under apprehensions ofbeing attacked by the Austrian army, and that they will form their junction with General Marmont in Dalmatia. They have also sent another corps to take possession of Fiume.“I think it of the highest importance that this intelligence should reach you as soon as possible, that you may forward it to Malta; and at the same time stop any vessels that may be on their way to Trieste or Fiume. I cannot spare a ship, having only the Amphion with me. I therefore send this by a trabacolo.“The Thames is off Venice, I have sent a vessel to recall her, and upon her joining, I trust we shall be able to prevent the Russians[15]from going to Ancona, which (in the event of the French having only taken possession of this country for the purpose of pillage, and with the intention of falling back again) I think it likely they may be obliged to attempt.“If there are only the two French frigates at Corfu, and you have received no further information, since your last by the Thames, you will immediately send what sloops of war you may have under your orders to join me between Lussino and Ancona.“The Island of Lussin, captured by His Majesty’s ship under my command, and two companies of Imperial troops, on the 10th instant, proves to be at this moment a most valuable acquisition. Thither all the vessels and merchants from Istria have repaired, and it affords a port for the Austrian flotilla. Should there be no hopes of the Austrians regaining possession of the coast, they will all proceed to Malta, or Sicily, for which purpose I am particularly anxious to have some disposable vessels of war.“I am, &c.“J. BRENTON.”“To Captain Brisbane, (Or the Captain of any of H.M.S. off Corfu.)”
“Spartan, off Peran, 19thMay, 1809.
“Sir,
“A corps of the French army, under General Miolis, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th; and on the 17th, occupied the heights of Optehina, when a skirmish took place between the advanced posts and the Austrians.
“It was reported that the enemy were prevented from entering Trieste by the vicinity of the Austrian General Giulai, who was at Laybach with 15,000 men, whilst General Zach, with a detachment was in possession of the pass of Prevolt. Yesterday, however, the enemy entered Trieste at ten a.m. from which circumstance I fear they are no longer under apprehensions ofbeing attacked by the Austrian army, and that they will form their junction with General Marmont in Dalmatia. They have also sent another corps to take possession of Fiume.
“I think it of the highest importance that this intelligence should reach you as soon as possible, that you may forward it to Malta; and at the same time stop any vessels that may be on their way to Trieste or Fiume. I cannot spare a ship, having only the Amphion with me. I therefore send this by a trabacolo.
“The Thames is off Venice, I have sent a vessel to recall her, and upon her joining, I trust we shall be able to prevent the Russians[15]from going to Ancona, which (in the event of the French having only taken possession of this country for the purpose of pillage, and with the intention of falling back again) I think it likely they may be obliged to attempt.
“If there are only the two French frigates at Corfu, and you have received no further information, since your last by the Thames, you will immediately send what sloops of war you may have under your orders to join me between Lussino and Ancona.
“The Island of Lussin, captured by His Majesty’s ship under my command, and two companies of Imperial troops, on the 10th instant, proves to be at this moment a most valuable acquisition. Thither all the vessels and merchants from Istria have repaired, and it affords a port for the Austrian flotilla. Should there be no hopes of the Austrians regaining possession of the coast, they will all proceed to Malta, or Sicily, for which purpose I am particularly anxious to have some disposable vessels of war.
“I am, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“To Captain Brisbane, (Or the Captain of any of H.M.S. off Corfu.)”
Captain Brenton was fully aware of his very great responsibility in thus continuing in the Adriatic, notwithstanding the order he had received from Lord Collingwood,to leave that station; and he also well knew how rigid his Lordship was in exacting the most implicit obedience to his commands. He felt however that an imperative duty called upon him to give all the aid in his power to the Austrians, with whose precise situation the Admiral could not be acquainted. He therefore wrote the following letter to account for his conduct.
“Spartan, off Lussin, 26thMay, 1809.“My Lord,“The Redwing has just joined me with your Lordship’s orders of the 18th April, which I should have put into immediate execution, but from the important and unexpected events which have taken place in the vicinity, since they were written.“The success of the Arch-duke Charles on the 21st ult. was followed by a reverse; the left wing of the Austrian army being defeated. The Arch-duke was in consequence obliged to retreat towards Vienna, and the Arch-duke John, who had advanced as far as Verona, was under the necessity of falling back first to Cornegliano, and afterwards to Villach. The French under General Miolis, taking advantage of this movement, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th with the intention of taking possession of Trieste, which occasioned a general panic in that city, and induced many of the merchants and inhabitants to fly with their property on board of such vessels as they could procure in the port.“The capture made by H.M.S. under my command, assisted by two companies of Croatian troops, on the 10th instant, off the Island of Lussin, (a detail of which I have the honour to enclose for your Lordship’s information) has become of much importance in affording them a safe harbour.“The Spartan and Amphion arrived off Trieste on the 16th, and found the heights of Optehina occupied by the enemy. The Austrian flotilla consisting of two brigs, and nine gun boats undersail in the bay, and a number of vessels of every description in a state of utmost distress and confusion from the precipitate departure.“The Russian squadron was at the same time ready for sea. The Imperial vessels anchored on the 17th in the bay of Peran in order to complete their equipment. The French marched into Trieste on the same day. On the 18th the Spartan and Amphion anchored in Peran. I had dispatched the Imperial brig to recall the Thames, which arrived on the 19th. The Imperial convoy sailed on the 20th for Lussin, and on the 21st His Majesty’s ships left the bay.“Under the idea that a junction might be formed between the Russian squadron, and that of the French in Ancona, it was my intention to have endeavoured to burn the latter with rockets, and accordingly directed our course towards the latter place, but calms prevented our getting further than Rimini before last night, when anxious lest H. M. ships might be wanted on the coast of Dalmatia, and the wind coming to the southward, I pushed for the place where we have just arrived, the convoy having anchored only a few hours before us.“The latest accounts we can procure are as follow, that the French still occupy Trieste, and that they are hourly expected at Fiume, which the Austrian troops and gun vessels have quitted and gone to Segna: that General Meydick is still successful in Dalmatia, and that General Marmont is shut up in Zara, from whence it is probable he will, (if not relieved by the army from Istria,) endeavour to make his escape. Colonel Meydick commanding the Imperial flotilla at Segna, is very urgent for the co-operation of the British frigates.“The vessels which have taken refuge in Lussin, as well as the island itself, are in great distress from the want of provisions, &c. and from the state in which we left them, the batteries are very defenceless.“Having seriously considered all these circumstances, and the effect which might at such a moment be produced upon the mind of the inhabitants by that force being weakened, which they areso accustomed to look up to for protection; I trust I shall only anticipate your Lordship’s wishes by remaining on the coast, until the senior officer off Corfu can be informed of the situation of affairs.“I wrote to Captain Brisbane on the subject, on the 19th, by an Austrian brig, but am informed that she has only sailed for Corfu this morning. I shall therefore dispatch the Redwing with this, and with the Amphion and Thames use our utmost efforts in assisting the Austrian army in fortifying the island, and facilitating (if necessary) the evacuation of Fiume and Segna.“Several reports corresponding in general with each other, particularly as to dates, have lately reached us of a battle having taken place near Schoenbrun, and that the Imperialists had beaten the French, but little confidence is placed in them. The pass of Prevalt is however believed to be still in possession of General Giulai with 15,000 Croatians, which accounts for the French not having advanced more rapidly in that quarter.“I have, &c.“J. BRENTON.”“To Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood.”
“Spartan, off Lussin, 26thMay, 1809.
“My Lord,
“The Redwing has just joined me with your Lordship’s orders of the 18th April, which I should have put into immediate execution, but from the important and unexpected events which have taken place in the vicinity, since they were written.
“The success of the Arch-duke Charles on the 21st ult. was followed by a reverse; the left wing of the Austrian army being defeated. The Arch-duke was in consequence obliged to retreat towards Vienna, and the Arch-duke John, who had advanced as far as Verona, was under the necessity of falling back first to Cornegliano, and afterwards to Villach. The French under General Miolis, taking advantage of this movement, passed the Lizonzo on the 13th with the intention of taking possession of Trieste, which occasioned a general panic in that city, and induced many of the merchants and inhabitants to fly with their property on board of such vessels as they could procure in the port.
“The capture made by H.M.S. under my command, assisted by two companies of Croatian troops, on the 10th instant, off the Island of Lussin, (a detail of which I have the honour to enclose for your Lordship’s information) has become of much importance in affording them a safe harbour.
“The Spartan and Amphion arrived off Trieste on the 16th, and found the heights of Optehina occupied by the enemy. The Austrian flotilla consisting of two brigs, and nine gun boats undersail in the bay, and a number of vessels of every description in a state of utmost distress and confusion from the precipitate departure.
“The Russian squadron was at the same time ready for sea. The Imperial vessels anchored on the 17th in the bay of Peran in order to complete their equipment. The French marched into Trieste on the same day. On the 18th the Spartan and Amphion anchored in Peran. I had dispatched the Imperial brig to recall the Thames, which arrived on the 19th. The Imperial convoy sailed on the 20th for Lussin, and on the 21st His Majesty’s ships left the bay.
“Under the idea that a junction might be formed between the Russian squadron, and that of the French in Ancona, it was my intention to have endeavoured to burn the latter with rockets, and accordingly directed our course towards the latter place, but calms prevented our getting further than Rimini before last night, when anxious lest H. M. ships might be wanted on the coast of Dalmatia, and the wind coming to the southward, I pushed for the place where we have just arrived, the convoy having anchored only a few hours before us.
“The latest accounts we can procure are as follow, that the French still occupy Trieste, and that they are hourly expected at Fiume, which the Austrian troops and gun vessels have quitted and gone to Segna: that General Meydick is still successful in Dalmatia, and that General Marmont is shut up in Zara, from whence it is probable he will, (if not relieved by the army from Istria,) endeavour to make his escape. Colonel Meydick commanding the Imperial flotilla at Segna, is very urgent for the co-operation of the British frigates.
“The vessels which have taken refuge in Lussin, as well as the island itself, are in great distress from the want of provisions, &c. and from the state in which we left them, the batteries are very defenceless.
“Having seriously considered all these circumstances, and the effect which might at such a moment be produced upon the mind of the inhabitants by that force being weakened, which they areso accustomed to look up to for protection; I trust I shall only anticipate your Lordship’s wishes by remaining on the coast, until the senior officer off Corfu can be informed of the situation of affairs.
“I wrote to Captain Brisbane on the subject, on the 19th, by an Austrian brig, but am informed that she has only sailed for Corfu this morning. I shall therefore dispatch the Redwing with this, and with the Amphion and Thames use our utmost efforts in assisting the Austrian army in fortifying the island, and facilitating (if necessary) the evacuation of Fiume and Segna.
“Several reports corresponding in general with each other, particularly as to dates, have lately reached us of a battle having taken place near Schoenbrun, and that the Imperialists had beaten the French, but little confidence is placed in them. The pass of Prevalt is however believed to be still in possession of General Giulai with 15,000 Croatians, which accounts for the French not having advanced more rapidly in that quarter.
“I have, &c.
“J. BRENTON.”
“To Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood.”
On the 28th May, while off Lussin with the Spartan and Amphion, Captain Brenton fell in with a squadron of line of battle ships under Captain Hargood, consisting of the Northumberland, Excellent, and Montagu; and no sooner had the Commander received Captain Brenton’s report of the state of Trieste, than he decided upon making an immediate attack upon the Russian squadron in that port, and made all sail for it, sending the Spartan and Amphion a-head. The squadron got into the bay at day-light on the 29th, and had the wind continued, would undoubtedly have succeeded in their object without much loss; but the line of battle ships were first becalmed on the south shore, and afterwardsinvolved in one of those extraordinary currents so common in the Adriatic, that although apparently having sufficient way for steerage, yet with every sail full, neither helm or sails had any power over the ships, which were to use the common phrase among seamen, completely in irons; whilst at the same time, the Spartan and Amphion, not a league to the northward, were perfectly free.
This most mortifying detention continued until five o’clock in the evening, when the sea breeze set in, and the influence of the current was no longer felt; but the Russians and the French had made good use of their time. They had from four o’clock in the morning a conviction that an attack was intended; and the Russian ships were hauled close into shore, and moored head and stern with their broadsides commanding the entrance of the harbour. Their inside guns were landed, and batteries made with them all along the Eastern, and Northern shores of the bay, manned with French troops; they had also forges for heating shot, and every preparation for a vigorous defence, which fourteen hours could give them, assisted as they were by several thousands of French troops. These preparations passed under the immediate notice of Captain Brenton and Captain Hoste, who were together the whole day, and could see all the operations of the enemy through their spy-glasses, frequently going together on board the Commodore to make their report during the day. Both agreed that in the early part of the day, success to the British Squadron might be considered as certain; but they were also both of opinion that as the day declined,the prospect was clouded over; and long before six o’clock they had expressed their conviction to the Commodore that an attack would be hopeless. At this hour when the sea breeze set in, the Commodore taking Captain Brenton into his cabin, requested he would give a decided official opinion as to the expediency of making an attempt upon the Russian ships. To which Captain Brenton answered, “Were I in your place commanding this squadron, I certainly would not make the attempt; the enemy are now too strong, and the hazard to the British squadron would be too great.” The Commodore requested the first Lieutenant might be sent for to hear this opinion, when Captain Brenton said, “If you will turn the hands up on the quarter deck, I will repeat what I have said, before the whole ship’s company.” This was deemed conclusive, and the signal was made immediately for the squadron to haul their wind. Some dissatisfaction was manifested at this decision, and expressed to the great annoyance of the Commodore; but a moment’s consideration would have convinced the most ardent and intrepid officer in the navy, that not only all chance of success was out of the question, but that the retreat of the British Squadron from the port would have been very doubtful, if possible. The sea breeze had set in fresh at six o’clock, and would, in all probability, have lasted till midnight. Under such circumstances how was a crippled ship to have made her retreat? and what must have been the situation of the squadron, exposed to the fire of three line of battle ships, converted into floating batteries, their guns from the side next the shore all landed and become heavybatteries, manned with French troops, and at least 5000 of these occupying Trieste? Captain Brenton and Captain Hoste never ceased to congratulate themselves as having been the means of saving the squadron from the most severe loss, if not from destruction.
The Squadron now proceeded to the coast of Romagna, and another attack was made upon the town of Pesaro. Captains Brenton and Hoste landed in the command of the Marines, but troops arriving from all parts, the Commodore found it expedient to call off the attacking party. (Note in the Life of Sir Wm. Hoste, Vol. 1. p. 341.)
On the 5th of June the Spartan was ordered to proceed to Malta to refit, and complete her stores and provisions, and from thence to go to Messina, and form a part of Rear Admiral Martin’s squadron for the defence of Sicily. In the latter end of June she left Malta; proceeded to Messina, and was from thence ordered off Naples to join the Squadron employed under Rear Admiral Martin, in co-operating with the British forces under Major General Stuart, which had taken possession of the Islands of Ischia and Procida.
Captain Brenton shortly after received the following letter from Lord Collingwood, dated,—
“Ville de Paris, off Toulon, 30thJuly, 1809.“Sir,“I have received your letter of the 26th May, stating to me your reasons for remaining in the Adriatic, after the receipt of my order of the 18th of April, and detailing your proceedings. Under the circumstances you have represented, I fully approve of your having continued in that sea, until Captain Harwoodjoined, and I feel much satisfaction, Sir, in this opportunity of signifying the high sense I entertain of your judicious measures, and active services, both in aid of the Austrians, and for the annoyance of the enemy, while you were in the Adriatic sea; but there were more ships in that quarter, than the state of the fleet would admit of, which obliged me to recall the Spartan.“I am, Sir, &c.“COLLINGWOOD.”“Captain Brenton,H.M.S. Spartan.”
“Ville de Paris, off Toulon, 30thJuly, 1809.
“Sir,
“I have received your letter of the 26th May, stating to me your reasons for remaining in the Adriatic, after the receipt of my order of the 18th of April, and detailing your proceedings. Under the circumstances you have represented, I fully approve of your having continued in that sea, until Captain Harwoodjoined, and I feel much satisfaction, Sir, in this opportunity of signifying the high sense I entertain of your judicious measures, and active services, both in aid of the Austrians, and for the annoyance of the enemy, while you were in the Adriatic sea; but there were more ships in that quarter, than the state of the fleet would admit of, which obliged me to recall the Spartan.
“I am, Sir, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“Captain Brenton,H.M.S. Spartan.”
Captain Brenton’s mind was completely set at rest by this letter, which not only conveyed approbation of the responsibility he had incurred, but expressed high commendation for his conduct, and even as it were apologized for recalling him from the Adriatic, which to those who know Lord Collingwood, will appear as a very strong testimony of his approval. This testimony was subsequently confirmed by the following letter.
“Ville de Paris, at Sea, 5thNov., 1809.“Sir,“Having transmitted to the Secretary of the Admiralty your letter describing the particulars of the attack made on the fort, and defences of the Island of Lussin, and of the surrounding Islands, I am commanded by their Lordships to convey their sentiments of admiration at the intrepidity, zeal, and judgment so eminently displayed on that occasion, and I beg you will please to communicate the same to the officers, seamen, and marines, employed under your orders on that service.“I am, &c.“COLLINGWOOD.”“Captain Brenton, H.M.S. Spartan.”
“Ville de Paris, at Sea, 5thNov., 1809.
“Sir,
“Having transmitted to the Secretary of the Admiralty your letter describing the particulars of the attack made on the fort, and defences of the Island of Lussin, and of the surrounding Islands, I am commanded by their Lordships to convey their sentiments of admiration at the intrepidity, zeal, and judgment so eminently displayed on that occasion, and I beg you will please to communicate the same to the officers, seamen, and marines, employed under your orders on that service.
“I am, &c.
“COLLINGWOOD.”
“Captain Brenton, H.M.S. Spartan.”