76 THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS. 



between the Queen Charlotte and Superb ; thus, 

 with a small-class frigate, taking a position, of which, 

 said Lord Exmouth, a three-decker might be justly 

 proud. 



Eastward of the Light-house, at the distance of 

 two thousand yards, were placed the bomb-vessels ; 

 whose shells were thiown with admirable precision 

 by the Marine Artillery. The smaller vessels, except 

 the Mutine, which anchored, continued under sail, 

 firing occasionally wherever they saw opportunity. 

 The flotilla of gun, rocket, and mortar boats, direc- 

 ted by Captain Michell,vvere distributed at the open- 

 ings between the line-of-battle ships, and at the 

 entrance to the Mole. 



Thus the ships commanded the strongest of the 

 ^ enemy's defences, while they were exposed to the 

 weakest part of his fire. The oilicers and men felt 

 new confidence when they saw the power derived 

 from the admirable disposition of their force. All 

 behaved most nobly ; and it was not long before tlie 

 state of the Algerine batteries gave proof that their 

 courage was fully equalled by their skill. 



In a few minutes, indeed before the battle had be- 

 come general, the Queen Charlotte had ruined the 

 fortifications on the Mole-head. She then spranj^ 

 her broadside towards the northward, to bear upon 

 the batteries over the gate which leads to the Mole, 

 and upon the upper works of the Light-house. Her 

 shot struck with the most fatal accuracy, crumbling 

 the tower of the Light-house to ruins, and bringing 

 down gun after gun from the batteries. The last of 

 these guns was dismounted just as the artillerymen, 

 were in the act of discharging it ; when an Algerine 

 chief was seen to spring upon the ruins of the para- 

 pet, and with impotent rage, to shake his scimitar 

 against the ship. Her men proved themselres afe 

 expert amidst the realities of war, as they had before 

 shown themselves in exercise ; and some of them 

 were detected amusing themselves, in the wanton- 

 ness of their skill, by firing at the Algerine flag- 

 stafls. 



