Note 33 — CHAP. XI. SERVICES IN THE PALLAS CONTINUED.
Reading edition
“Since the publication of the first edition, Admiral Seymour has kindly supplied me with the following interesting particulars, which had escaped my recollection:
“I remember that on the 14th, the morning in question, the Kingfisher being off the Chaperon Lighthouse, within which I had directions from Admiral Thornborough not to go, in consequence of his having thought I had risked the Kingfisher two days before by too near an approach to the French squadron—that the Pallas passed in towards Basque Roads (as I supposed, to reconnoitre the enemy), and when I saw you exchanging shots with the enemy’s guard frigate, I had no idea you would have attempted to carry her when so near the squadron.
“The moment, however, I saw that you had run on board the Minerve, and that, on separating, you had lost your foretopmast and topsailyards, I immediately stood in to assist you, and as we had a leading wind, and the distance from the Pertuis d’Antioche not being, I think, above six miles, I have a clear recollection that within the hour, we gave you the end of a hawser.
“Perhaps I may be able to recall to your recollection that when we took you in tow, the wind had drawn more westerly, and that we could not weather Isle Rhe on the port tack, so were obliged to go about and stand towards the two fresh French frigates and brigs which were standing towards us. On our approach they backed their maintopsails, when they might have brought the Pallas and Kingfisher to action. You then desired me to go round, and we fetched out on the port tack, the French offering no molestation, although their squadron was apparently ready for sea.
“In going into this old story, I may add that I have already seen that there can be no disposition to undervalue the assistance I afforded you in 1806, when you so handsomely acknowledge that which I desired to afford you on another occasion in 1809.[34]
“Yours very faithfully, G. Seymour.”