the main-deck), and one of the merchant brigs, since, as the tide fell, the enemy pressed down on the sands close to the vessels; Lieutenant Pine therefore returned on board, having received a severe contusion on the breast from a musketball. As the tide rose again, it became practicable to make a second attempt to burn the remaining vessels; Lieutenant Pearson was accordingly detached for that purpose with the boats, and I am happy to add, his gallant exertions succeeded to the utmost of my hopes, notwithstanding the renewed and heavy fire of musketry from the shore. This fire was returned with great spirit and evident good effect; and I was much pleased with the conduct of Lieutenant Gosset in the hired lugger, and Mr. Knight in the Diamond's launch, who covered the approach and retreat of the boats. The vessels were all burnt, except an armed lugger which kept up her fire to the last. The wind and tide suiting at ten at night to come out of the harbour again, we weighed and repassed the Point of Herqui, from which we received a few shot, the enemy having found means to restore one of the guns to activity. Our loss, as appears by the enclosed return, is trifling, considering the nature of the enterprise, and the length of time we were exposed to the enemy's fire. Theirs, I am per

suaded, must have been very great, from the numbers within the range of the shot and shells. The conduct of every officer and man under my command meets with my warmest approbation. It would be superfluous to particularise any others than those I have named: suffice it to say, the characteristic bravery and activity of British seamen never were more conspicuous. Lieutenant Pine will have the honour to present their Lordships with the colours which he struck on the battery, and I beg leave to recommend him particularly to their Lordships, as a most meritorious officer.

"I have the honour to be, &c.

"W. SIDNEY SMITH. "Evan Nepean, Esq. Secretary to the Admiralty."

A return of the killed and wounded belonging to his Majesty's Ship Diamond, in the three Attacks of the Enemy's Batteries and Shipping in Herqui, the 7th of March, 1796.

"Killed-two seamen. Wounded-First Lieutenant Horace Pine, Lieutenant Carter of the Marines, and five seamen.

"W. S. SMITH."

This feat is one of those acts of daring, almost peculiar to the British navy, that success only

VOL. I.

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seems to justify. The actual gain to the English cause, and the positive detriment to the enemy, seem almost trifling when compared with the risk. As glory is generally great as to the magnitude of the act, and a defeat in this case would have been inglorious in the extreme, we must examine more deeply into the question before we can properly appreciate small but heroical acts like the above. It is in their moral effect on the enemy on the one hand, and on our national character on the other, that we must look for their excellence. If a nation supposes that its foe will dare everything, that foe will prove little short of what it has the credit for. As far as regards the nation in whose favour is the presentiment, that nation will be in general victorious, although the force opposed to it be reckoned superior; and should this over-confidence produce a rashness of action that entails defeat, the victory will be so dearly sold, that victors will be cautious not again to reap such another victory.

This line of argument more forcibly applies to the naval than to the military service. The latter depends more upon combination, strategy, and previous arrangement, and the calculation of chances enters much less into the plan of operations. But, in a naval engagement, how much depends upon accident! A flaw of wind,

a stray shot, one person deficient in his duty, and all is lost, save honour. Be it remembered always, that seamen fight over, and almost in contact with, their magazines. Truly it is a mighty game of chance, but a game that is sure to be lost for want of skill, and yet, with the greatest skill, may be gloriously lost for the want of fortune. It seems, then, most wise to dare all, but dare wisely; and few, nay none, have been more wise in their daring than Sir Sidney Smith.

CHAPTER VIII.

Sir Sidney Smith's personal appearance at this time-Cuts out a French lugger near Havre-Is drifted with his prize up the Seine-With his party is captured-Speculations of the French upon his conduct.

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Ar this period, when the Diamond came into harbour to refit for service after her various cruises, Sir Sidney Smith used frequently to come up to London, and mingle with the abounding festivities of the metropolis. Though he had his peculiarities, yet, with many and strong temptations, he might justly be denominated " steady man." At this time he was decidedly handsome, and, though not tall, of a compact, well-built, symmetrical frame, with a dark and somewhat Hebraical countenance, and a profusion of jet-black curling hair. Notwithstanding the fierce bravery of his character, his features were always remarkable for a degree of refinement, not often found either in the pale student