about 3 p.m.
At the same instant both parties of the `` Scourges '' renewed their attack , and this time their rush proved irresistible ; there was a momentary attempt at a stand , but our lads were no longer to be denied ; and after another very short but very fierce tussle the French threw down their weapons and cried for quarter . I , however , did not witness the final _ denouement _ ; for , being hurried forward by the rest in the final rush , I found myself in the thick of the _ melee _ before I was quite prepared , and received a crushing blow on the head which felled me to the deck . The prisoners were immediately secured ; and the bulk of the `` Scourge 's '' crew shifted into the prize , a sufficient number only being left on board the brig to work her ; the wounded also were retained on board the frigate , where there was of course much better and more roomy accommodation for them ; our worthy medico shifting over , bag and baggage , to look after us . The damage to spars and rigging , which turned out to be unimportant in both ships , was soon made good ; and about 3 p.m. we made sail in company , shaping a course for Plymouth , where we arrived without mishap , late on the following evening . We all received very great credit for what the papers were pleased to term our `` dashing exploit ; '' Captain Brisac being rewarded with post rank , while Mr Sennitt was made a commander , and Mr Clewline moved a step up the ratlines . We midshipmen also received our reward in the shape of `` honourable mention ; '' nor were the warrant-officers forgotten ; so that , what with promotion and prize-money , the `` Scourges '' were for a time the envy of the entire navy . The war , however , had only just begun , or rather broken out afresh ; and everybody soon consoled themselves with the reflection that our luck might any day become their own .