After an initial encounter damaged HMS Victor's rigging, Collier found Fleche again in a narrow anchorage with an unfavorable wind. He warped his sloop into the harbor, endured raking fire, and fought a two-hour broadside action before the French ship grounded and was abandoned. St Vincent rewarded the exploit with promotion to post captain, command of the 50-gun HMS Leopard, and seniority over the next general promotion. Peace put Collier ashore soon afterward, and another seagoing command did not arrive until HMS Minerva in 1806. Daring action and patronage could speed promotion without guaranteeing continuous employment.
Notable Point · 2:32:25-2:35:40
Ralph Collier's attack on Fleche
Collier's fight with the French corvette Fleche shows how bold inshore action could turn small-ship command into rapid promotion.