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La Ville de Caen | 25956 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Guns | 18 | ref:743 | |
| Nationality | Empire Français | ||
| Operator | Private Owners | ||
| Launched | 1812 | ref:743 | |
| Home Port | St Malo - Brittany | ref:743 | |
| How acquired | Purpose built | ref:743 | |
| Shipyard | St Malo - Brittany | ref:743 | |
| Category | Privateer | ref:743 | |
| Ship Type | Lugger | ref:743 | |
| Captured | 22.7.1812 | ref:743 | |
had beaten off the Sandwich Lugger
Build value : 339769 Francs
Took 3 ships : "Louisa", "Alexandra" , "Espadon"
Part wage of the cruize : 505 Francs
ref:692Return at St Malo
ref:743Depart from St Malo
ref:743Admiralty-Office, July 28, 1812.
Copy of a letter from Lieutenant Thomas Warrand, commanding His Majesty's Schooner Sealark , addressed to Admiral Sir Rolert Calder, and transmitted by the latter to John Wilson Croker, Esq.
His Majesty's Schooner Sealark, SIR, July 23, 1812.
Have the honour to inform you, that on the 21st instant, when cruizing off the Start, in the execution of your orders, at 8 A.M. a signal was made from the signal station, of an enemy being in the S. E. quarter after running for 3 hours in that direction, I discovered a large lugger under english colours, chasing and firing at 2 large merchant-ships steering up Channel, which I believe were West Indiamen.
On the lugger discovering the Sealark to be a cruiser, she altered her course to starboard, and made all possible sail but finding the schooner gaining on her, she shortened sail, hoisted English colours, and cleared for action, and wore repeatedly to endeavour to get to windward of the schooner; but fearing she might escape if she had so done, I was determined to lay her on board, .which I accomplished between her fore and main-chains, when an action commenced , which lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which time a most severe fire was kept up with great guns and musketry, the enemy using hand grenades ; when, perceving that she had taken fire , I then directed Mr. James Beavor, the Acting Master, to board her, which he did in the most spirited manner, and carried her.
She proves to be the Ville de Caen, Captain Cocket, of 16 guns and 75 men,, belonging to Saint Malo ; had sailed from the Isle of Bas the day before, had taken nothing and is the same vessel which had beaten off the Sandwich lugger some time since.
I am sorry, Sir, to acquaint you, that our loss has been very severe, having had 7 men killed (amongst whom was my clerk), and my self and 21 men wounded, several of them dangerously. The enemies's loss, as nearly as I can collect, has been 15 killed, who, with the Captain, were found on deck when taken possession off and 16 wounded, most of them severely. I beg particularly to recommend to your notice the steady, brave, and good conduct of Mr. Beavor, the Acting Master, with the Pilot, and every other petty officer, seaman, and marine engaged in arduous and unequal contest. I enclose a return of the killed and wounded.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Thomas Warrand, Lieutenant
A List of Men killed and wounded in the Action with the French Lugger Privateer La Ville de Caen, of 16 guns, Captain Cocket, off Portland, 21st July 1812.
Killed.
Mr. John Purnel, clerk.
Joseph Cattano, able seaman.
Thomas Morgan, marine.
Isaac Gould, able seaman.
Joseph Hill, ditto.
Alexander Brodie, ditto..
John Barglehole, boatswain's mate.
Wounded.
Lieutenant Warrand, commander.
William Birket, quarter-master;
Daniel Brade, able seaman.
John Harris, ditto.
John Robinson, ditto
John M'Minis, ditto.
Thomas Dunsford, ditto.
John Heath, marine.
Richard Griffiths, able seaman;
John Phifer, ordinary seaman
Thomas Ashley, ditto.
George Sales ditto,
William Evans, able seaman
John Millwright, ditto.
William Robson, ditto.
Gracious Gain, marine
James Cumings, gunner's mate
James Jackson, able seaman.
Thomas Bradbury, ditto.
Henry Johnston, ditto.
John Wakeham, corporal
Mr Alexander Gunn, midshipman
(Signed) T. WARRAND, Lieut and Com.
F. BLESSMANN, Assist. Snrg