1812	Boats of Pilot and Thames at Policastro &c.	67

official letter, expresses himself thus : " I feel great satisfaction in saying, that the conduct of Commodore Barré, during the whole of the action, convinced me I had to deal with a most gallant and brave man, and in the manoeuvring of his ship a most experienced and skilful officer. He did not surrender his ship until early two hours after she was rendered unmanageable, and had 400 killed or wounded," &c.

Placed under the charge of Lieutenants Edward Whyte and John Townshend Coffin, the Rivoli was conducted by the Victorious to Port St.-George, island of Lissa ; where both ships arrived on the 1st of March. The Rivoli was afterwards added to the British navy, and Captain Talbot, at a subsequent day, was knighted for his gallantry in capturing her. Lieutenant Peake also received the promotion, which was due to him upon the occasion ; and, in the month of September, Captain Andrew, of the Weasel, obtained his reward in a post-captain's commission.

On the 16th of April the British 18-gun brig sloop Pilot, Captain John Toup Nicolas, observing nine coasting vessels hauled up on the beach under the town of Policastro near Cape Palinuro, anchored close to the shore, and opened her fire, in order to drive away any armed force collected for their protection. Captain Nicolas then detached the boats, with a party of seamen and the marines, under the orders of Lieutenant Alexander Campbell, assisted by acting master Roger Langlands. Through the gallantry of these officers and their men in keeping in check a body of about 80 of the enemy, the whole of the nine vessels were launched and brought off without a casualty, and that in the short space of four hours. On the 28th the Pilot fell in with and harassed a large convoy laden with timber protected by 14 gun-boats and several scampavies ; but, from its being perfectly calm, they effected their escape.

On the 14th of May the 12-pounder 32-gun frigate Thames, accompanied by the Pilot, attacked the port of Sapri, defended by a strong battery and tower, mounting two 32-pounders, and garrisoned by an officer and 38 men. After being battered for two hours within pistol-shot, the garrison surrendered at discretion; but, " says Captain Napier, " in consequence of their gallant defence, I allowed them to march out with the honours of war, but not to serve against us in this expedition. " The British found 28 vessels laden with oil, some of them nearly a quarter of a mile in the country ; all of which were launched and the battery blown up before sunset. Captain Napier speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Langlands, who, by his able disposition of the Pilot's marines placed under his command (no officer of that corps being on board the brig), kept upwards of 200 armed peasantry in check, and had only one man wounded. In a month or two afterwards, Mr. Langlands was promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

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