General Discussions

I am researching the life of Captain Sir Thomas Staines RN, who was involved in a minor skirmish with the French army on the coast of Catalonia in August 1808. An officer aboard his ship (the frigate Cyane) describes the events of August 14th and 15th, when Staines harassed a French column bound for Barcelona at the little town of Calella some 30 km east of the city. He describes the ship firing at French soldiers who returned artillery fire, and then a French 'colonel of cavalry' making a rude gesture towards the British offshore. According to the RN officer, Staines replied with a couple of warning shots, and then when the colonel did not move, sent a cannonball towards him, which wounded or perhaps even killed him.

Does anyone know the French units that were involved in this fracas, and the identity of the French colonel who was so unwary as to insult the enemy? Is there an account of this event from the French perspective?

Thanks

Paul Martinovich