Talk:Alistair Pellew

=Captain's Private Papers= ''Records prior to 5 August 1819 lost in stove-fire aboard the HMS Peregrine. Peregrine ordered to refit at Jamaica Station.''

5th August 1819

 * HMS Resolute
 * At Sea

My Lords,

I have the pleasure to report two successful engagements off the coast of Xpu Ha.

Under the command of Commodore Sir Samuel Hood, the crew of the Resolute did distinguish themselves in battle against an enemy squadron of approximately six ships, composed of third, fourth, fifth and, unrated vessels. Enemy squadron refused to strike, resulting in all enemy vessels destroyed.

Further enemy groupspotted SE of Xpu Ha, with the Resolute being ordered to pursue and engage. Enemy battle group commanded by Rear Commodore Albrekt Polony included: 1 "St Pavel" ship-of-the-line; 1 "Wasa" ship-of-the-line; 1 "United States" frigate; 1 "Essex" frigate; 1 cutter; and, 1 "pickle" sloop. With a display of outstanding seamanship from His Majesty's Squadron, all enemy vessels were destroyed.

Successful interrogation of prisoners suggested tensions had risen to a critical stage where conditions are suitable for capture of enemy port. Further interrogation suggested enemy fleet ordered to sea to defend.

I have the honour to be,

Your must humble and obedient servant,

Captain Alistair Pellew, Esq

6th August 1819

 * HMS Conqueror
 * At Sea

My Lords,

I am to beg you will be pleased to hear of a successful capture of the enemy port of Xpu Ha in the Yucatan. You will undoubtedly have read the Commodore’s report by the time you read this and so I keep the details brief.

Following yesterday's engagements with enemy groups, the Squadron did make haste to meet and engage enemy fleet defending the port of Xpu Ha.

Enemy fleet composed of: 1 "Wapen von Hamburg" ship-of-the-line; 2 "Agamemnon" ships-of-the-line; and, 3 "Ingermanland" ships-of-the-line.

The crew of the Conqueror showed excellence in their first engagement of such a kind. Having quickly despatched a force composed of 60 Conquerors from the NE side of the Port to capture and raise the Union Flag over the Governor's mansion, the remaining crew showed a good use of their gunnery and sailing capabilities in order to assist the Squadron with the destruction of the enemy fleet, which was completed with great efficiency.

I am further satisfied to convey that 2 Dutch “Victory” ships-of-the-line which were spotted to be heading SE off the coast of Xpu Ha. The Squadron, being at a state of readiness, the Commodore ordered a quick engagement which resulted in a total destruction of the enemy.

I have the honour to be,

Your must humble and obedient servant,

Captain Alistair Pellew, Esq

10th August 1819

 * HMS Conqueror

My Dear,

I trust this finds you well. How is your mother? I do hope she recovers from that blasted pox. William, do you remember William? He is that infernal prize agent, who often does us no good. I have ordered him to release some of the funds from that trader we caught off of Cuba. Buy yourself something pretty, but make sure your beloved mother gets some good care. I hear there is a man with a great knowing of physic on Bond Street, by the name of Brickell. Get him to come and see her.

Oh my love, we have seen some bloody action since I last wrote. A Russian came under attack off the coast of Haiti by a great flotilla of pirates. I know Russians are the enemy of His Majesty, but pirates are pirates. We did what we would do if any British captain were attacked in such a manner - the Squadron sailed out to take the fight to ‘em. Oh we gave them a good thrashing, but it just wasn’t enough - we almost lost the fight, but thankfully the cutter drew us away before they caught us. And then there we had some action against the Dutch, one of our frigates spotted a lone trader (one of those Gros Ventre beasts) and we took him down without any loss! I think a Pirate thought he’d have a go at us though, there we were the Squadron of us, and this one pirate in a Hercules comes at us, not sure what he was thinking but we sent him to the bottom of the seas, the devil.

Then we had saw a rare sight one of those huge floating castles, a Santisima, flying the Dutch colours all alone without any protection - what do you think we did my love? Gave him a right good trouncing so we did. We’d have had him too if he didn’t scuttle off onto shore.

Oh dear, I do believe I have rattled off so. I know you don’t like stories of my battles, but I just can’t help myself. I’ll ask your forgiveness and make it up to you when I see you next.

Yours and always, Alistair