On this day 21 December - Landing parties destroy a tower

Admiralty-Office,. June 12, 1813.
Copy of a Letter from Captain Taylor, of His Majesty's Ship Apollo, addressed to Rear-Admiral Fremantle, and transmitted by Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew to John Wilson Croker, .Esq.

His Majesty's Ship Apollo, off Otranto, December 22, 1812.

SIR,

As the position of the tower of St. Cataldo (which is the strongest between Brindisi and Otranto) afforded great protection to the enemy’s vessels, and having yesterday, with the Weazle, chaced a trahaccalo to it, I was induced to endeavour its destruction.

The boats were under Lieutenant George Bowed, of the Apollo, and Michael Quiu, of the Weazle. The enemy became so much discouraged at Murat's Neapolitan colours being cut down by the first shot of the barge, that the tower was carried without the assistance of the ships, or (I am happy to add) any loss.

It contained a telegraph., three guns, and three swivels, and is blown up; the vessel was without a cargo.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) B. W. TAYLOR

Today's event is from the London Gazette: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/...6739/page/1122