In June "Spartan" returned to Malta for repairs and was subsequently attached to a squadron led by Captain John Spranger of HMS "Warrior" that was sent on an expedition to capture the Ionian Islands. Encountering only minimal resistance, the British squadron swiftly took the islands of Zante and Cephalonia before "Spartan" was dispatched with a division of infantry from the 35th Regiment of Foot to attack Cerigo. On 10 October Brenton landed on the island with his small invasion force and assaulted the castle at Kapsali the following morning. After exchanging fire throughout most of the day the enemy garrison surrendered at dawn on 12 October as "Spartan's" crew prepared to bring additional cannon ashore. Collingwood received news of Brenton's triumphs with enthusiasm and in a letter to Lord Mulgrave, First Lord of the Admiralty, wrote "I cannot say too much to your Lordship of the zeal and talent of Captain Brenton: of these he gives proof whenever he is employed; and he seems to be everywhere."