Extract from the London Gazette of 29 August - 2 September 1797 featuring Nelson’s despatch to Sir John Jervis of 27 July 1797
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Catalogue reference: ZJ 1/97 pages 835-6
Numb[er] 14041.
[ 835 ]
The London Gazette
Published by Authority.
From Tuesday August 29, to Saturday September 2, 1797.
Theseus, off Santa Cruz, July 27, 1797.
SIR,
In Obedience to your Orders to make a vigourous Attack on the Town of Santa Cruz in the Island of Teneriffe, I directed, from the Ships under my Command, One Thousand Men, including Marines, to be prepared for Landing, under the Direction of Captain Troubridge, of His Majesty’s Ship Culloden, and Captains Hood, Thompson, Fremantle, Bowen, Miller and Waller, who very handsomely volunteered their Services; and although I am under the painful necessity of acquainting you that we have not been able to succeed in our Attack, yet it is my Duty to state, that I believe more daring Intrepidity never was shown than by the Captains, Officers and Men you did me the Honour to place under my Command.
Inclosed I transmit to you a List of Killed and Wounded; and amongst the former it is with the deepest Sorrow I have to place the Name of Captain Richard Bowen, of His Majesty’s ship Terpischore, than whom a more enterprising, able and gallant Officer does not grace His Majest Naval Service; and with great regret I have to mention the Loss of Lieutenant John Gibson, commander of the Fox Cutter, and a great number of gallant Officers and Men.
I have the Honour to be, etc.
HORATIO NELSON,
Sir John Jervis, K.B. etc. etc. etc.
List of Killed, Wounded, Drowned and Missing, of His Majesty’s Ships undermentioned, in storming Santa Cruz, in the island of Teneriffe, on the Night of the 24th of July, 1797.
