1827	The Battle of Navarin	487

afterwards, the battle became general. The Asia, although placed alongside the ship of the capitana bey, was even nearer to that of Moharem Bey, the commander of the Egyptian ships ; and, since his ship did not fire at the Asia, although the action was begun to windward, neither did the Asia fire at her. The latter indeed sent a message " that he would not fire at all, " and therefore no hostility took place betwixt our ships for some time after the Asia had returned the fire of the capitana bey.

" In the mean time, however, our excellent pilot, Mr. Peter Mitchell, who went to interpret to Moharem my desire to avoid bloodshed, was killed by his people in our boat alongside ; whether with or without his orders I know not ; but his ship soon fired into the Asia, and was consequently effectually destroyed by the Asia's fire, sharing the same fate as his brother admiral on the starboard side, and falling to leeward a mere wreck. These ships being out of the way, the Asia became exposed to a raking fire from vessels in the second and third line, which carried away her mizenmast by the board, disabled some of her guns, and killed and wounded several of her crew. This narration of the proceedings of the Asia would probably be equally applicable to most of the other ships of the fleet. The manner in which the Genoa and Albion took their stations was beautiful ; and the conduct of my brother admirals, Count Heiden and the Chevalier de Rigny, throughout, was admirable and highly exemplary.

" Captain Fellowes executed the part allotted to him perfectly, and, with the able assistance of his little but brave detachment, saved the Sirène from being burnt by the fire-vessels ; and the Cambrian, Glasgow, and Talbot, following the fine example of Captain Hugon, of the Armide, who was opposed to the leading frigate of that line, effectually destroyed their opponents, and also silenced their batteries. This bloody and destructive battle was continued with unabated fury for four hours, and the scene of wreck and devastation which presented itself at its termination was such as has been seldom before witnessed. As each ship of our opponent became effectually disabled, such of her crew as could escape from her endeavoured to set her on fire, and it is wonderful how we avoided the effects of their successive and awful explosions.

" It is impossible for me to say too much for the able and zealous assistance which I derived from Captain Curzon, throughout this long and arduous contest ; nor can I say more than it deserves for the conduct of Commander Baynes and the officers and crew of the Asia, for the perfection with which the fire of their guns was directed : each vessel in turn, to which her broadside was directed, became a complete wreck. His royal highness will be aware that so complete a victory, by a few, however perfect, against an excessive number, however individually inferior, cannot be acquired, but at a considerable

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