"I now feel it my duty to assure your lordship, that nothing could surpass the zeal, courage, and readiness, of every description of officers and men under my command; and I am sorry that my words fall short of their merit, though we could not accomplish the object we were ordered to. I have the honour to be, &c.
"On the night of the 15th inst. the third division of boats, which I had the honour to command, assembled on board his majesty's ship York, agreeable to your lordship's directions; and, at eleven, P.M. by signal from the Medusa, proceeded, without loss of time, to attack the enemy's flotilla off Boulogne, as directed by your lordship. As I thought it most advisable to endeavour to reduce the largest vessel first, I lost no time in making the attack; but, in consequence of my leading the division, and the enemy opening a heavy fire from several of the batteries, thought it advisable to give the enemy as little time as possible, cut the tow-rope, and did not wait for the other boats, so that it was some little time before the heavy boats could get up. I received so many shots through the boat's bottom, that I soon found her in a sinking state; and, as it was not possible to stop so many shot-holes, was obliged, with the men, to take to another boat; and have the pleasure to acquaint your lordship that I received particular support from the boats of his majesty's ship York, which soon came up with the rest of the division I had the honour to command. But, finding no prospect of success, and the number of men killed and wounded in the different boats, with the constant fire from the shore of grape and small-arms, thought it for the good of his majesty's service to withdraw the boats between two and three in the morning; as we could not board her, although every effort was made.
I have the honour to be, &c. Isaac Cotgrave."
"His Majesty's Ship Isis, 16th Aug. 1801.
"In consequence of directions received from your lordship, I last night, on the signal being made on board the Medusa, left this ship, with the boats of the fourth division, formed with two close lines, and immediately joined the other divisions under the stern of the Medusa; and, from thence, proceeded to put your lordship's orders into execution, by attacking the westernmost part of the enemy's flotilla. But, notwithstanding every exertion made, owing to the rapidity of the tide, we could not, until near day-light, get to the westward of any part of the enemy's line; on approaching the eastern part of which, in order to assist the first division then engaged, we met them returning. Under these circumstances, and the day breaking apace, I judged it prudent to direct the officers commanding the different boats to return to their respective ships.