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SEALARK
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(10) |
Schooner
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The American schooner FLY taken in 1810.
Sold in 1820. |
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- 1812 Lieut. Thomas WARRAND, Plymouth.
On 21 July 1812 SEALARK was off Start Point when a signal was made from the station for an enemy in the S. E. quarter.
Three hours later she came upon a large lugger flying English colours chasing after two large merchant ships sailing up the Channel and firing at them.
When the lugger discovered that SEALARK was a British cruiser she made all possible sail and tried to escape but finding the schooner gaining on her she shortened sail and cleared for action. - Lieut. WARRAND, fearing that the lugger might escape, laid her on board between her fore and main chains and commenced an action using great guns and musketry for an hour and a half.
When he saw that the enemy was on fire he directed Mr James BEAVOR, the acting-master, to board and carry her. She was the VILLE DE CAEN, Capt. Cocket, of 16 guns and 75 men belonging to St. Malo. She had sailed from Ile de Bas the previous day and had made no captures. - SEALARK's loss was severe.
Seven men were killed: Mr John PURNEL, captain's clerk; John BARGLEHOLE, boatswain' mate; Joseph CATTANO, Isaac GOULD, Joseph HILL and Alexander BRODIE, seamen; Thomas MORGAN, marine.
Twenty-two were wounded including Lieut. WARRAND and midshipman Alexander GUNN.
On the lugger 15 men were found dead on the deck with the captain and 16 wounded. - Lieut. WARRAND was promoted and, on 15 August 1812, he was re-appointed to SEALARK which was rated as a sloop.
- 1815 Lieut. HELPMAN, Channel.
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