The keeper of the collection , John Elphinstone ( or his assistant , David Casley ) , had transcribed Writing the 325 lines of the poem in 1724 , but the front and back pages were already missing from the manuscript ( possibly around 50 lines each ) : an earlier catalogue described Writing it as ( 'mutilated at head and heel ' ) .

On 15 August 1796 Elphinstone 's larger fleet discovered Know Lucas 's force and trapped it in the bay .

Closer observation Perception_active revealed Reveal_secret the identity of the Dutch vessels the following day and Elphinstone led his frigate against the leading Dutch warship `` Pallas while `` Harrier '' engaged Hostile_encounter the merchant vessels and forced Request them to surrender Surrendering .

Elphinstone 's success Earnings_and_losses was followed Motion by a second frigate action by Captain Peter Rainier in which the Dutch ship was captured Conquering .