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Chapter 1- Leaves from the Log -
From There Go the Ships by George Shirley

Page 7
which was done in three days. Whilst cruising so long the fleet was obliged to go down to St. Fiorenzo to refit, and surrender the island to the French, not being able to keep it, the Corsicans having declared for the French Republic. We had been assisting General Paoli and the patriots previously to secure their independence. We sent away all the shipping that was in the bay to Elba.

During one of the times we were in the bay the La Ira, one of the captured ships, caught fire by accident, and was

 
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burned one evening.

While we were getting the shipping ready for Elba the French and Spanish fleets came in sight; but it appeared that they did not see us, we being under the high land. Afterwards they fell in with a severe gale, were much injured, and compelled to run into port to refit, during which time our fleet got ready, and each with a ship in tow sailed for Gibraltar, all hands being on short allowance, and showing no lights in the night, that we might not be seen, arrived safely at Gibraltar, where we got some provisions.

In November 1796, during which time we had a severe gale for a fortnight, obliged to put on a dry shirt every night, being on the poop from daylight until dark. In the height of the gale the Gibraltar, 80, the Zealous, 74, Courageaux, 74, parted from their cables, and went out of the bay. The Gibraltar struck upon a rock, and had to go to England in a leaky condition; the Zealous struck on a rock, heeled over, and took it away in her bottom; the Courageaux struck under Apes Hill, and went to pieces,

© Peter Smith 2008