Thomas Cochrane was given command of the Speedy class brig rigged sloop Speedy a 158 ton vessel armed with 14x 4 pounders- a small cannon. Thomas had 90 men under his command and they set off Cagliari and took the french ship Intrepide of 6 guns and 48 men. 4 days after the former taking they were attacked by 5 armed gunboats who were repelled and the convoy who Lord Cochrane was protecting was safe. 7 days later Thomas came upon Lord Keith's fleet and 5 days later left the fleet with orders to intercept supplies and food destined for the french army in Massena. June 16th Thomas took a french Tartan laden with oil and wool. Few days later Thomas captured the Assunction a spanish privateer of 10 guns and 33 spaniards. Some time later another prize was taken- the Constitution a french privateer of 19 men and one long gun. August 3rd Thomas came across Lord Keith's flagship the Minotaur and was kindly directed down the spanish coast where he stocked with food, water and medecine and continued their journey. Soon Cochrane took the La Liza a french privateer of 10 guns and 33 men bound from Alicant to Marseilles. Soon they came across a large spanish ship, to protect themselves they repainted the sloop to the colors of the Danish Brig Clomer put up Dansih colors and with a Dansig quartermaster they boldly faced the ship. Aftr being searched and questioned Thomas was let go. Thomas had many adventures and took the Senora de Gratia of 10 guns. After many more endeavors Thomas came locked in battle with the Xebec Rigged Frigate Gamo of 22 long 12 pounders, 8 long 5 pounders, and two 24 pounder carronades. With 319 and Thomas with 58 it would have seemed ridicoulous, stupid and crazy to attempt this. But Thomas used his wits, 4 pounders and the help of the surgeon steering the sloop, they succesfully killed the spanish captain, killing 13 seamen, and wounding 44 others. After this capture they brought the Gamo to the Authorities, who sold her to some Algierians was not used in the service. After a much more captures Thomas was Captured by the french having taken 50 vessels, one hundred and twenty two cannon, and 534 prisoners. Though soon he was given back to the English and later rose up in the ranks of the English Navy.
This little true short story of Lord Thomas Cochrane would be most suited to those who are intrested in the Napolean times, and Naval Battles rather than pirate robberies.
This little true short story of Lord Thomas Cochrane would be most suited to those who are intrested in the Napolean times, and Naval Battles rather than pirate robberies.
