1810	Light Squadrons and Single Ships	232

On the 12th of May, at 1 h. 30 m. p.m., the British 18-pounder 36-gun frigate Tribune, Captain George Reynolds, cruising off the Naze of Norway, observed and chased two brigs under the land. At 2 p.m. the latter, now discovered to be Danish brigs of war, made all sail for the port of Mandal, and at 2 h. 30 m. hove to within the rocks. The Tribune immediately stood in, wore, and gave the two brigs a broadside, and then stood off again under easy sail. Several gun-boats now pulled out from behind the rocks, and presently two other large brigs came out. and joined the two first seen. At 3 h. 15 m. p.m. the Danes began working out, as if intending to attack the frigate ; who, at 3 h. 20 m., wore and stood in-shore to meet them. At 3 h. 40m. the Tribune hove to ; whereupon the four Danish brigs, two of which mounted 20 guns, a third 18, and the remaining one 16 guns, tacked and stood towards the British frigate, formed in line of battle.

At 4 p.m. the Tribune filled on the starboard tack with light airs ; and at 4 h. 30 m. wore round and discharged her larboard broadside at the four brigs then on the same tack to windward, distant rather less than half a mile. A smart engagement now ensued. Finding that the brigs were rather forereaching upon her, the Tribune set her courses, and maintained the cannonade : with such effect, that at 6 h. 45 m. the Danish commodore, being in a very shattered state, ceased firing. This brig then made the signal to discontinue the action ; and, followed by her three consorts, crowded sail to regain the port of Mandal. As quickly as possible afterwards, the Tribune tacked and made sail in chase ; but, favoured by the weathergage and the lightness of the wind, the brigs reached their port ; out of which, as they approached, issued several gun-boats, to afford them protection.

This was rather a serious contest for the frigate. The Tribune had her fore and main stays and back stays, and maintopgallant yard, shot away, fore and main topmasts and maintopsail yard severely wounded, standing and running rigging and sails much cut, boats all rendered useless, and hull greatly shattered, with several shot between wind and water. Her loss amounted to four seamen ; four marines, and one boy killed, and 15 seamen and marines wounded. The Danes at this time owned five or six brigs, two or three of the class and force of the Lougen ; and some mounting not quite so many guns ; but all, as it appears, carrying either long or medium 18-pounders, and consequently much more formidable vessels than their appearance indicated.

On the 22d of July, in the evening, as the British 18-pounder 36-gun frigate Belvidera, Captain Richard Byron, and 28-gun frigate, Nemesis, Captain William Ferris, were standing close in-shore of Studtland, coast of Norway, Captain Byron sent his master, Mr. James M'Pherson, to sound round a deep bay. Perceiving three vessels at anchor, Mr. M'Pherson rowed up to

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