^ ^^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■tt Hi 12.2 £ U 120 IL25 1111.4 Hiotographic Sciences Carporation ^ g>- \ <^ ^. 23 WBT MAM STRIIT WIISTM,N.Y. UStO (7l6)l7a-4S03 4^ ;\ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Carwdian Institute for Historical Microraproductions / Institut Canadian da microraproductions historiquas k,v. ; Techr.ical and Bibliographic Notaa/Notaa tachniquas at bibliographiquaa Tha Inttituta haa attamptad to obtain tho baat original copy availabia for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua. which may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction. or which may significantly changa tha usual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. D D D D D Colourad covars/ Couvartura da coulaur I I Covars damagad/ Couvartura andommagta Covars rastorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura rastaurte at/ou palliculto I I Cover titia missing/ La titre da couvartura manqua □ Colourad maps/ Cartas giographiquas an coulaur Colourad ink (i.a. othar than blua cr black)/ Encra da coulaur (i.a. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illuatrations/ Planchaa at/ou illuatrationa en couleur Bound with other material/ ReiiA avac d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrie peut causer da I'ombre ou de la distortion la long de la marge intirieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever posaibia, theae have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutAes lors d'une restauration apparnissent dans la texte, mais, lorsque cela Atait poasibla, cea pages n'ont pas Ati filmAes. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplAmentaires: The toti L'Institut a microfilm* la meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a it* poaaibla de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographiqua, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mAthoda normale de fiimaga sont indiquto ci-dassous. I I Coloured pages/ I — I Pagea damaged/ r*n Pages restored and/or laminated/ D piquies Pagea de couleur Pagea damaged/ Pages endommagias Pages restored and/oi Pages restaurtas at/ou paliiculies E Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dAcolordtes. tachaties ou piqu4 Pages detached/ Pages d*tach*es Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of prin QualitA inAgale de I'impression Includes supplementary matcrii Comprend du matArial supplamentaire Only edition available/ Seule Mition disponible The post oft film Ori| beg the sion oth« first sion oril I I Pages detached/ rri Showthrough/ I I Quality of print varies/ r~n Includea aupplamentary material/ I — I Only edition available/ The shal TINI whit Map diff« antii begi righi requ metl Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible imsge/ Les pages totalement ou partieilement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont *t* filmtes il nouveau de fa^on A obtenir la meilleure image possible. Variout psgingk This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document eat film* au taux de rMuction indiqu* ci'deaaoua. 10X 14X 18X 22X aix 30X / 12X 16X aox MX 28X 32X Th« copy flimad h«r« hat bo«n r«produc«d thanks to tha ganarosity of: Library of tha Public Archives of Canada L'axamplaira film* fut raproduit grAca h la g4n4rosit* da: La bibliothAqua das Archives publlquas du Canada Tha images appearing hare are the best quality possible considering the condition and iegibillty of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Lea images sulvantes ont 4t4 reprodultes avec le plus grand soin, compta tenu de la condition at da la nattetA da raxemplaire film*, et en conformity avec les conditions du contra! da fllmaga. Original copiea in printed paper covera are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the laat page with a printed or illustrated Impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. Ail other original copiea are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illuatratad imprea- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illuatratad impression. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the aymbol ^»> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or tha aymbol y (meaning "END"), whichever appliea. I.a8 exemplalras originaux dont la couvarture en papier est imprim^e sent flimte en commenpant par le premier plat at an tarminant soit par la darniire page qui comporte una emprelnte d'impresslon ou d'lllustration, soit par la second plat, salon la cas. Tous lea autras exemplairas originaux sont filmte en commenpant par la pramlAre page qui comporte une emprelnte d'impresslon ou d'lllustration at an tarminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle emprelnte. Un des symboles suivants apparattra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le caa: la symboia — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols ▼ signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charta, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included In one expoaura are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many framae as required. The following diagrams iiiuatrata the method: Lea cartas, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmAs A des taux da rAductlon diff Arents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cllchA, II est fiimA A partir da i'engle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en bee, en prenant la nombre d'imeges nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants iliustrant la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ;d \ v ABMHIBiAJL M(Q)©H]3T . ZondL^tuJUhiisheiL by JohfuMturay,JS3C. // THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OP THE LATE ADMIRAL LORD RODNEY. BY MAJOR-GENERAL MUNDY. TfFO FOLVMSa, VOLUME THE FIRST. S Cv? s LONDON: %\ JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. ItfDGCC^XX. / % "z- / : ^7 LONDON : PRINTED BY WILUAU CLOWKBt 8tamfoid4tiMt. ^?'.f:it, ^*'. 3V?9^ TO THE KING. THAT THE RARE AND ADMIRABLE QUALITIES, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, WHICH CHARACTERISED THE LATE GALLANT AND DISTINGUISHED ADMIRAL LORD RODNEY MAY BE BETTER KNOWN AND APPRECIATED BY HIS COUNTRYMEN, THESE VOLUMES ARE SUBMITTED TO THE BRITISH PUBLIC, AND, WITH PERMISSION, MOST HUMBLY AND RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED TO YOUR MAJESTY, BY, Sire, Your Majetty's Most devoted, obedient, and Most grateful Servant, November, 1830. THE EDITOR. u CONTENTS or VOLUME THE FIRST. Pbefacb Motto of the Rodneys, page . . . . Sir Edward Rodeney's Address to his Daughters Manors in the possession of Sir Richard Rodeney Descent and Pedigree of the Rodeneys . Page xvxi . 1 4 10 11 Life of George Brtdoes, Lord Rodney . , Letter I. The Earl of Sandwich to Commodo Fodney . June 7, 1749. II. Rear-Admiral Rodney to John Cleveland, Esq. July 4, 1759. in. The Same to the Same July 6, 1759. IV. The Same to the Same July 18, 1759. 35 46 . 52 55 59 VUl CONTENTS. LelUr ▼. Captain Paston to Rear- Admiral Rodney July 18, 17C0. ▼U Admiral Rodney to John Cleveland, Esq. Jan, 19, 1762. Til. The Same to the Same Feb. 10, 1762. VIII. The Same to the Same March 24, 1762. n. The Same to the Same March 24, 1762. %, The Same to the Same. March 26, 1762. XI. The Same to the Same May 31, 1762. XII. The Same to Lord Anson July 22, 1762. XIV. The Same to Rear-Admiral Spry May 27, 1771. XV^ The Same to John Cleveland, Esq. July 16, 1771. XVI. The Same to Philip Stephens, Esq. Aug. 7, 1771. 64 69 73 76 81 84 86 93 XIII. Sir George Rodney to the Earl of Sandwich 105 Jan. 15, 1771. 108 109 111 •!i XVII. The Same to the Governor of Carthagena . .118 Sept. 3, 1771. CONTENTS. i« Ltttir F^t xvni. The Same to Philip Stephens, Esq. . . 115 Sept. 19, 1771. XIX. The Earl of Sandwich to Sir G. Rodney . 121 Nov. 27, 1771. XX. The Same to the Same .... 194 Dec. 30, 1771. XXI. The Same to the Same .... 125 March 18, 1772. XXII. The Same to the Same . . . .127 March 27, 1772. XXIII. The Same to the Same . , . . lag April 20, 1772. XXIV. The Same to the Same .... 129 , Aug. 31, 1772. XXV. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 130 Sept. 17, 1773. XXVI. The Same to the Same . . . . 188 Nov. 6, 1773. XXVII. The Same to the Same . . . .135 March 12, 1774. xxviii. The Same to the Earl of Sandwich . . 140 June 28, 1774. XXIX. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 144 Sept. 24, 1774. XXX. The Same to the Same . . . 151 Oct. 1,1774. X CONTENTS. L«tUr XXXI. The Same to the Earl of Sandwich Fob. 7, 1778. ; xxxii. The Same to Lady Rodney Fob. 1778. XXXIII. The Same to the Same Feb. 1778. XXXIV. The Same to the Same . Parii. XXXV. The Same to the Same March 20, 1778. XXXVI. The Same to the Same . April 1, 1778. XXXVII. The Same to the Same AprU 8, 1778. Vtf 151 1 ^ 169 1 '^ 171 i ' 172 J 175 JH 176 1 178 m XXXVIIl . The Same to the Same .... April 11,1778. 179 XXXIX. The Sahifc to the Same .... May 6, 1778. 180 XL. The Same to the Earl of Sandwich March 10, 1779. 187 XLI. The Same to the Same .... May, 1778. 194 XUI. The Same to the Countess of Chatham Dec. 2, 1778. 204 XLIII. From the Earl of Sandwich to Sir G. Rodney 205 Dec. 8, 1779. ' f * jf __- 1 CONTENTS. xi 9m . 151 J^B Letter ^M XtlV. 1 Sir G. Rodney to Lady Rodney , , Dec. 11,1779. 208 169 '^m XLV. The Same to the Same .... Dec. If5, 1779. 209 . 171 1' fl XLVI. The Same to the Same .... Dec. 23, 1779. • * * * 210 172 M XLVII. , The Same to the Same .... Dec. 24, 1779. 212 . 175 S XLVIIl . The Same to the Same .... Christmai Day, 1779. 214 176 M XLIX. The Same to the Same . • . . Dec 28, 1779. 215 . 178 1 1 "■ Extract from a Letter, dated Antigua Feb. 1789. 216 179 1 "' Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. . Jan. 9, 1780. 218 180 1 ""' The Same to the Same .... Jan. 27, 1780. 220 . 187 1 .; ! _ 1 V LIII. Lady Rodney to Lord Rodney . , Jan. 20, 1780. 225 , 194 . 204 1 B LIV. Sir George Rodney to Lady Rodney Feb. 7, 1780. 227 7 205 Lv. The Same to Philip Stephens, Esq. Feb. 7, 1780. Lvi. The Same to Don Juan de Langara Feb. 6, 1780. 235 238 xu CONTENTS. Letter LVii. The Same to the Same Feb. 10, 1780. Lviii. Don Juan to Admiral Rodney . Feb. 11, 1780. Page . 240 241 LIX. Martin Alvarez di Sotto Mayor to Lieut.-General Don Juan de Langara .... 244 Feb, 11, 1780. hx. Don Juan de Langara to Admiral Rodney . Feb. 11, 1780. Lxi. Admiral Rodney to Don Juan Feb. 12, 1780. Lxix. Don Juan to Admiral Rodney . Feb. 12, 1780. hxin. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. Feb. 15, 1780. Lxiv. The Same to Lady Rodney Feb. 15, 1780. « Lxv. Lady Rodney to Sir George Rodney . Feb. 23, 1780. I Lxvi. Miss Rodney to her Father .. . lifarch 4, 1780. lixvn. The Ejirl of Sandwich to Sir Georg'^ Rodney March 8, 1780. Lxviii. The Same to the Same March 17, 1780. 247 249 251 254 257 258 261 265 270 r CONTENTS. Xlll Letter Page iiXix. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 279 March 28, 1780. Lxx. General Vaughan to Lord George Germaine . 282 April 25, 1780. I.XXI. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 283 April 26, 1780. Lxxii. The Same to Lady Rodney May 27, 1780. 293 Lxxiii. Lord George Germaine to Sir George Rodney 300 May 28, 1780. Lxxiv. Lady Rodney to the Same . . . .301 May 29, 1780. Lxxv. Miss Rodney to her Father . . . 304 May 29. 1780. Lxxvi. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. . 307 May 31, 1780. Lxxvn. The Earl of Sandwich to Sir George Rodney 314 May 27, 1780. liXxviii. Lady Rodney to the Same June 18, 1780. Lxxx. The Same to the Same July 1, 1780. Lxxxi. Lady Rodney to Sir George Rodney July 7, 1780. 318 Lxxix. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 322 June 21, 1780. 332 335 XIV CONTENTS. i m> Letter i Page Lxxxii. The Earl of Sandwich to Admiral Rodney 339 June 13, 1780. Lxxxiii. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. 339 July 13, 1780. Lxxxiv. The Earl of Sandwich to Sir George Rodney 344 July 14, 1780. Lxxxv. Sir George Rodney to Lord North. July 14, 1780. 347 Lxxxvi. The Same to the Right Hon. Sir Fletcher Norton, Speaker of the House of Commons 349 July 16, 1780. Lxxxvii. The Same to Captain Caskett July 30, 1780. Lxxxviii. The Same to Lady Rodney • July 30, 1780. Lxxxix. The Same to Philip Stephens, Esq. July 31, 1780. xc. XCI. The Same to the Same August 12, 1780. The Same to the Same . Sept. 15, 1780. xcii. The Same to Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot Sept. 15, 1780. xciii. TheSame to the Same . . . Sept. 19, 1780. xciv. The Same to the Same . Sept. 21, 1780. 351 355 362 371 374 379 ssi 382 CONTENTS. XV uv. ley iPage 339 , Esq. 339 lodney 344 • 347 etcher umons 349 • 351 • 355 xn-f. The Same to the Same Oct. 8, 1780. • • Poge 385 xcvi. Admiral Arbuthnot to Sir George Rodney . 393 Oct. 16, 1780. xcvii. Sir George Rodney to Admiral Arbuthnot 391 Oct 19, 1780. xcviii. General Sir Henry Clinton to Sir George Rodney 397 Sept. 18, 1780. xcix. The Earl of Sandwich to Sir George Rodney 401 Sept. 2r), 1780. c. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. . 405 Oct. 16, 1780. 01, The Earl of Sandwich to Sir George Rodney . 412 Oct. 14, 1780. cii. The Same to the Same . • • Oct. 29, 1780. CIV. The Same to the Same . « Oct 30, 1780. cv. The Same to the Same • Nov. 13, 1780. cvi. The Same to the Earl of Sandwich Nov. 13, 1780. evil. The Same to Philip Stephens.. Esq. . Dec. 10, 1780. 413 cm. Sir George Rodney to Philip Stephens, Esq. . 414 Oct 20, 1780. 418 423 428 447 XVI Letter CVIII. CIX. ex. CONTENTS. The Same to Lady Rodney Dec. 10, 1780. The Same to Sir Peter Parker Dec. 15, 1780. The Same to Philip Stephens, Esq. Dec. 22, 1780. .c ► 455 459 466 m ^ A ■^ PREFACE. It was an observation of a celebrated writer and distinguished statesman, that, in general, great occasions made great men, and that on the other hand, great men made great occasions. ,.^ To demonstrate the truth of these propositions, it may only be necessary to refer to the history of the last half century. To what did Napoleon Buonaparte owe his almost incredibly rapid elevation from his Lieu- tenancy of Artillery to the throne of the Bour- bons, but to the extraordinary and unprecedented events of the French Revolution ? What occa- sioned the subjugation of entire Europe, (Great Britain and her dominions excepted,) but the rare military genius and ambition of this same Napoleon ? What but the tremendous power of XVlll PREFACE. I that second Charlemagne, threatening to over- whelm and engulf our little island, called forth the energies of that master mind, whose skill and firmness piloted us through the storm? What but this drew forth into action the transcendent talents of a Wellington and a Nelson, dazzling by their achievements an astonished world ? It was thus, when at a period* not long ante- cedent to this convulsive epoch, England saw herself on the eve of a war with France and Spain, whose fleets, powerful in numbers and equipment, conducted by brave and skilful com- manders, threatened our coasts, and, leagued with America, had sent such an overwhelming force to the West Indies, as to render the safety of Jamaica and of our other islands nearly hope- less, when our navy, sunk in spirit, devoid of discipline, weakened by the jealousies and imbe- cile conduct of some of its leaders, and paralyzed by the want of union and activity of the Govern- ment, required a more than ordinary stimulus to arouse it into action, Rodney stood forth, and * The year 1779. PREFACE. XIX to over- lied forth ! skill and i? What ascendent zzling by )ng ante- and saw mce and )ers and ful com- leagued helming e safety y hope- void of i imbe- ralyzed Tovem- ulus to h, and although an exile, by necessity, from his native land, and smarting under the stings of neglect and disappointment, tendered his humble services to his sovereign, which were graciously accepted by him who knew their value. The long unexercised powers of his mind now found space for their development. In an instant he was at his post. His presence, his unceasing activity, his firmness, and strict sense of disci- pline, acted like magic on the Navy, awakened its dormant energies, and infused a new spirit into the different departments of the ports. By indefatigable exertion, he expedited the fitting out of a powerful fleet, and he sailed from Eng- land, in defiaiice of the opposing elements, to reap an ample harvest of success and gloiy, con- summating it with a victory which prostrated the pride and power of the allied enemies of his country, and which mainly contributed to the establishment of a general peace. The notices hitherto published of the life and services of Lord Rodney, with the exception of a memoir of his Lordship contained in a recent b 2 XX PREFACE. work of much merit*, have been extremely vague and unsatisfactory. They have furnished, indeed, a tolerable outline of his naval career, but have been totally deficient in portraying his real character, and the rare and admirable talents and powers of mind with which nature had in- vested him. It has seldom happened, in any age, that great men have wanted historians to chronicle their actions, to describe their particular habits, and to delineate the leading qualities of their minds and dispositions ; but Lord Rodney lived at a period when party rancour obtained beyond all precedent, and cankered the whole body politic of the nation : consequently, he had perpetually to encounter and endure the venomed attacks of envy anu detraction; and, to their eternal dis- grace, writers were to be found in those days who endeavoured to sully his well-earned fame, by attributing his successes to accident or good fortune, and to tarnish his character by charging him with sordid motives, even in the execution of * The Naval Biography of Great Britain, by J. Ralfe. PREFACE. XXI mely vague led, indeed, ', but have r his real jle talents re had in- that great licle their abits, and leir minds ived at a •eyond all dy politic rpetually attacks of irnal dis- ose days ed fame, or good charging cution of Elalfe. ' some of his most important enterprises, which, however, were in fact dictated by the most dis- interested zeal for his country's welfare, anH by the most exalted patriotism. t^ ' ♦ In the humble but earnest hope of doing justice to the merits of an officer distinguished above all others in his own time, and inferior, perhaps, to none, in former or succeeding ones, the Editor submits the following pages to the public, disclaiming all pretensions to literary display, or the graces of composition ; and rest- ing his title to their indulgence upon the sole plea of zeal and anxiety to give additional lustre to the escutcheon of a very ancient family, and to a name ennobled by the most splendid achieve- ments. In explanation of the anomaly of the publi- cation of a naval memoir by an officer of the sister profession, it may be necessary to state, for the information of the casual inquirer, that, owing to the circumstances of family connexion*, the * The Editor married, jn the year 1801, Sarah Brydges, youngest daughter of Admiral Lord Rodney. xxu PREFACE. ;i Editor has, through the kindness of the present Lord Rodney, had access to the records of his noble and gallant ancestor, as well as to a variety of letters and papers relating to his services ; and having, moreover, become possessed of a series of the Admiral's private correspondence with his family*, he was induced to venture upon a task which would at the same time afford him- self occupation and amusement, and, he trusted, prove a source of gratification to his friends, and possibly to those of his countrymen (of whom there must ever be a numerous class) who take an interest in the biography of England's distin- guished worthies. In thus offering an explanation of his induce- ment to commence the undertaking, the Editor ought to observe, that it is not from these sources alone he has acquired the new and interesting private information of which he has availed him- self. To Viscount Melville and the Lords Commis- * In consequence of the death of Henrietta, widow of Admiral Lord Rodney, February, 1829. , I I ■[■■■] r il'ii ' PREFACE. XXllI sioners of the Admiralty he has been indebted for the privilege of inspecting and copying what- ever documents he considered useful or impor- tant ; and he cannot let this opportunity escape without a public expression of his acknowledg- ments to Henry Bedford and John Rowse, Esqs., whose situation in the Record Office of that es- tablishment enabled them to afford additional facilities for reference, and who at all times most assiduously and attentively lent their assistance to the completion of his object. And to the zealous kindness of Sir Gilbert Blane the Editor feels himself under particular obligations for the many personal observations, hints, and reminiscences with which he has from time to time favoured him, and which are the more valuable as proceeding from an individual who enjoyed so large a share of the noble Admiral's confidence and regard, and who was an eye-witness to, and a sharer in, all his later triumphs. LIFE ov LORD RODNEY. KOIITES CREANTUR FORTIllirS ET BONIH, EST IN Jl'VENCIS, EST IN EUUI8 PAXHUM VIHTl'8, NEQUE I.MHELLEM FEKOCEti PHUUGNEIIANT AUUIL.V COI.UMUAM •. It would be foreign to the design of this Work to discuss the theory, or to ai alyse the principle of the foregoing lines oj the ancient poet. With regard to animals, t is incontestibly true ; and it may be fafrly assumed to be equally so in the instance of the late Admiral Lord Rodney, whose glorious actions in his country's service, during a great part of the last century, afforded the clearest proof that he had not degenerated from the gallant spirit of his progenitors, one of whom. Sir Richard * ' Non generant Aquilae Columbas' has been the motto of the Bogeys from time immemorial, altered from, but retaining the sense of, the two concluding lines of the ode. , Vol. I. B LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. Rodeney, Knt., fell at Acre, fighting under the banners of King Richard the First, in Palestine ; and two others. Sir Richard, and a son of the same name, were slain at Here- ford, in the year 1234, in a fierce encounter with Leolin, or Lewellen, Prince of Wales. In the several very brief and scanty notices hitherto published of this great naval com- mander, it has been simply stated that he was the son of Henry Rodney, Esq., of Walton- upon-Thames, no allusion whatever having been made to the antiquity of his family, which, however, can distinctly trace its leagine to the time of Henry the Third, and even to that of the Empress Maud, seven hundred years back, during five centuries and a half of which the inheritance of the estates of Stoke Rodney, &c., in Somersetshire, descended in a direct male line from father to son. This male line terminated in Sir Edward Rodney, Knt., who lived in the reigns of the two Charleses, and suffered imprisonment dur- ing the civil wars, on account of his adherence to the royal cause ; and whose son, George, dying at the age of twenty-two, the estates descended on his demise to his daughters, and LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. finally came into possession of Sir Thomas Brydges, of Kainsham, in the county of So- merset, by his marriage with Anna, Sir Ed- ward's fourth daughter. Sir Edward Rodney was a gentleman of much piety and virtue, and of high attain- ments ; and by some singular chance a vf^ry curious book of genealogy, written by himself, was discovered amongst the papers of the late Duke of Northumberland, and was presented by that nobleman to Admiral Lord Rodney, in the year 1781. This manuscript is written in a fair and beautiful hand, and contains, besides the ge- nealogy of the Rodney family, several religious tracts and prayers, and a ' speech delivered * by himself in the year 1626, to the hundreds * of Winterstoke, Brent, and Bemptson, con- * cerning a benevolence which the King * (Charles If.) demanded.' The language, like all that of the age in which he lived, is quaint, but impressive, full of good sense and acute observation, and th'i reader will not, it is presumed, deem it irk- some to peruse a portion of it in its original style, * B2 m '^■' hi pi ■' I 4 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. The Book commences with an address to his daughters, which is as follows ; ' SIR EDWARD RODENEY, Knight, ' To his Deare Daughters, ' ELIZABETH, ' PENELOPE, ' ANNA JANE, ' And KATHERINE, 'RODENEYS. MDCLV. * This little tract of our family I penned in * your brother George his life time, and meant ' to have directed it to him, that hee might ' have scene from example of his owne family ' what to follow and what to flie ; but since * it hath pleased God, that greate Arbiter of * our lives and deaths, to take him from us to * himself (as I Verily hope and believe), and in * his death to put the period to my name and ' family, whatsoever was from me intended to ' him doth necessarily fall upon you ; and al- ' though some of you are already transplanted ' into other families, and the rest, by God's ' providence, shall be in due time, yet your * children, I suppose, may take both pleasure * and profit to be made acquainted with their * maternal ancestors, and especially learne * from them to be thankful to God for being LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. borne from noble and religious parents, from whence they are as likely to derive good qualities with their blood, as all other irra- tional and inanimate creatures do from their stockes and seeds, as my motto tells from the poet, Non generant Aquilae Columbas. * Besides it cannot but be a greate content- ment to them to have the greatest part of their blood from a family which God has blessed with so many descents as this tract doth mention, and all of them matcht into so many noble families, which though now it be come to the period after the space of oOO years, the common period of kingdoms and all greate families, is yet matter of thanks- giving to God that it lasted so long a tract of time, and that though so long, it hath not contracted any blemishes or spots of infamy. * It is ordinary to perpetuate the memories of men by monuments, which wee see time, the greate devourer, doth deface ; and, there- fore, I thought it best to keep myself alive amongst you by this monument of writing, by which, being dead, I may yet speake to you, as it is said of Abel in the Epistle to m m m w 'i <5 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' the Hebrews*. I have lived, through the * mercy of God, to see you brought up in the * knowledge of his truth, and in the love of his * laws, from which I hope neither prosperity * nor adversity shall ever make you depart. ' Many things have made me weary of this * world, and to prepare myself to meete the ' King of Terrors without feare and amaze- ment. All my worldly care is to leave you all in a comfortable condition for livelyhood and subsistence, and that you may follow after me, in a virtuous and religious cause, that so we may meete at last in the company of the Saints and Angels in Heaven. I i. ^ ^( '1 *^THE PREFACE. When the family of the Rodneys first began, and whether their ancestors were foreigners, or natives of England, I cannot find. The reason of this ignorance is, because their roote runns up into those times, which by reason of hori.,jle commotions, and civil wars, became dark and obscure. I call all those ancestors the roote, which lived before Sir Richard Rodeney, who lived under Henry * Chap, ii., verse 4. I ! LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. III., Edward I., and Edward the 3d, for they all, like rootes under ground, have left to posterity a very uncertain knowledge and renupmbrance of them, and such as a diligent searcher of truth can hardly rest satisfied with. Yet have I recited their names, and what constant tradition in our family, and their pedigree, doth mention. Many brave men have lived before Agamemnon, who are now buried in obscurity, a fate which befalls every age and every family, of whom writers take little care, and who seldom hunt after fame, which they leave to princes and great men, whose actions serve for examples to those of lower orders. * For that Richard de Rodeney, we have testimony, both public and private, clear as the sunne. Beyond him the times are dark and cloudy without any furniture to this ar- gument: the publike records reach no fur- ther ; neither amongst my private evidences do I find any thing besides the genealogie or pedigree. Whatsoever we know of Great Britain, and her inhabitants, we take upon the credit of some monkes, from whom we may observe amongst other things, that mul- fM 6 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 'll :1 :1 H! iH Hi titudes of people came into this island from divers parts of Europe, gaping after wealth and honour. Nay, we have had some of our kings from the continent with greate troopes of followers : as Canutus from Denmark ; from Normandy, William the 1st, who made a greater change here of king, subjects, law, and language; from France, Stephen, a king in fact, though not in right ; from Aquitain, Henry the 2d, heir to the crowne by heritary right from his mother, Maud, the Empress. What shall I say of Lewis of France, who in the reigne of King John, and his son Henry the 3d, was crowned king by the revolting nobility: what troubles and vexations did /he not cause; what altera- tions ; whilst wearing our diadem he made a prey of London, and the greatest part of the kingdom. The warre between John and his subjects raised no small tempest amongst us; and that between King Stephen and Maud, the Empress, no less, where the son was against the father ; the nearest kindred, and the best friends made a prey of each other ; where nothing but pride, avarice, and cruelty were to be seen, while wisdom, cha- ry LIFE OF LOKD RODNEY, 9 rity and justice disappeared, and hid their heads. Now, amongst such storms and tem- pests who could find out their parents, or patrimony, or who would care for descents of families ? Whilst every man fought for his life, he took no care to leave commentaries or monuments behind him ; but now, at last, I have taken this care upon me ; and to file off the rust which by the negligence of my ancestors, or by the injurie of time, hath growne about our family, that truth may be restored to its honour, and posterity want no domestic examples to guide and direct their lives, especially to praise God for his mer- cies to us, whilst other evil doers shall be cut down like the grasse, and wither like the greene herb, yet hath he continued us to in- herit the earth, and to keepe the seats of our ancestors in the midst of so many changes. If I mistake in what I write, let not my children blame me, who after 500 years have undertaken this work, but rather cleare the passages by their industry. For my part I want leisure, and (which writers most de- sire) a calm and quiet mind, free from cares and anxieties. The Lord grant that my ^h 'i i' Ill -X) JO LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * numbering up his mercies to my family, and * the continuing of our name through so many * ages, may stirre both me and my rb»:der9 to ' a careful performance of our duties towards * him, and make us worthy partakers of his * mercy, in Christ Jesus. — Amen. * The names of the several manors Avhich * Sir Richard Rodeney died siezed of, with * their yearly rents. What became of those * mentioned in the pedigree to be in Cornwall ' and Devon, I know not, unless the daughters * who were the heires before Sir Richard car- ' ried them away. Stoke-Giiford, since Stoke-Rodeney, annual rent Backwell . / TiUey's Court Tiverton Tasford Windford . Hallowbrow Lamhrat Lovington . Binder Over Badgeworth Congresbury Rodeney In Bristol, about . Total £ 40 70 6 27 15 18 12 30 9 13 24 16 50 £330 1 I jiif * These manors are upon the improved value LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. H % of twenty times the rent, which comes to about 6000 pounds by the yeare. Besides these manors they had the demesnes at Rodeney Stoke, worth at this time 300 pounds per annum, and a demesne at Back- well, with 200/. per annum, besides a parke at Back well containing about 140 acres of land, and stored with fallow deere, and full of great timber. £ 40 70 6 27 1 15 •3 18 3 12 i^nl 30 9 '''^Ih^^H 13 '^H 24 '''>^^^^H 16 50 value THE DESCENT OF THE RODENEYS. " Nosce teipsum." That the original and beginning of all greate nations of earth (the Hebrews only excepted) are so wrapped up in all obscurity, that they are not to be discerned by the greatest wit and industry of man, is a truth so cleare and manifest as if it were written with a beame from the sunne ; less marvel is it if private families loose their springs, whose fame all others neglect, and them- selves, either through slothe and other di- versions are not careful to preserve ; both the publike and private coming under the fate of greate rivers, whose streams, wind- ii m 12 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Jl , I :l- , [I Mr ings, and issues, are visible and apparent, but their fountains and first heads liardly to be known ; besides it fareth with the intel- lectual eye looking upon time afar off, as with the material eye upon remote objects, both are apt to give false judgments, and to relieve themselves only by conjectures : neither are conjectures without due honour amongst wise men, for being the conclusions of reason drawne from probable gi ^unds, they suffice, if not to convince the understanding, yet to give convenient satisfaction. Histo- rians have always used them, and the great antiquary, Camden, saith, " If we should " exclude conjecture/, we should banish a " great part of the best human learning out " of the world." As a further supply to these losses, common fame is received as an author of some authority ; and in stories which run their roote high into ages past, nothing oc- curs more ordinarily than these and like phrases — *' So it was reported," " the speech " was," " the fame went." Tenet fama, sic fertur, dicunt. Livius. (Dec. 1st.) ' Let no man therefore accuse me of vanity or ambition, if I make use of fame and con- >.y. 4 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. la )parent, ardly to le intel- ■ off, as objects, its, and ictures : honour elusions Is, they anding, Histo- le great should inish a ing out o these author ich run ing oc- id like speech na, sic vanity d con- * jectures when I cannot produce better wit- * nesses. Till I come to 400 yeares, I will ' prove my matter by the evidence of public * records, private deeds, scales, and reasons * drawne from matter necessary. If after- * wards I grope in the dark, let it not dis- * please my readers more than it doth me, for * I blesse God for his mercies to my family, ' and comfort myself not a little with this * hope, that the foundation of it was laid in * the favour of the Almighty, because he hath * vouchsafed to continue it this long a member * of his holy church, whereas he hath not dealt * so with many other families, but suffered ' them, like meteors, to waste in a short time * after their first appearance. I speake not ' this to justify ourselves above other men, ' for I know that all of us, more or less, have ' been overcome with human frailties, and ' that the convulsions of our worldly fortunes, ' in this present age, have been the just pu- ' nishment of our sins that live in it, or of ' our forefathers, or of both ; but in this I re- * joice that neither in the memory of man, or * in recordes beyond that even to our first * roote, doth there remain any staine or im- 'n y 14 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. k I!: 1 1 * pression of those foule deedn wliirli stick fast * to some other houses, as of murther, treason, * rebellion, and the like. Their faults what- * soever are not written in greate letters, or * become the subject of common fame, or th6 * courts of justice; but as they lived without * scandal, so they died without shame, going * out of the world by the ordinary gate of * sickness, and never by the hand of violence, * some few excepted of ancient times, that * died in the warres, and the late unfortunate * Gentleman, Sir George Rodeney*, who fell • Of this unfortunate young man, the following account is given in Wilson's Life of James the First. ' Francis, daughter ofTho- * mas. Viscount Bendon, who was the greatest both for birth and * beauty in her time, married one Prannel, a vintner's son, and he ' dying soon after, «he became a widow ; upon whom. Sir George * Rodney, a gentleman in the West (suitable to her for person and * fortune) fixing his love, had good hopes from her to reap the ' fruits of it, but Edward, Earl of Hertford, being entangled with ' her fair eyes, and she having a tang of her grandfather's am- * bition, left Rodney, and married the Earl. ' Rodney, having drank in too much afTectio: , and not being ' able with his reason to digest it, summoned up his scattered ' spirits to a most desperate attempt, and coming to Amesbury, * where the Earl and his lady were then resident, to act it, he re- * tii'ed to an inn in the town, shut himself up in a chamber, and * wrote a large paper of well composed verses to the Countess in * his ov/n blood (strange kind of composedness), wherein he be- ' wails and laments his own unhappiuess, and when he had sent ' them to her, as a sad catastrophe to all his miseries, he ran him- ' self upon his sword, and so ended that life which he thought (h ' 1 ii tffR OP LORD RODNEY. 15 (tick fast treason, Its what- stters, or J, or th6 without le, going gate of i^iolence, les, that brtunate who fell unt is given [iterofTho- r birth and son, and he Sir George person and to reap the ingled with ither's am- not being s scattered A^mesbury, t it, he re- mber, and ountess in •ein he be- e had sent [; ran him- } thought 'is # by his own 8word; and although civil diH- sentions, in the Barons' warres, did engage men in one side or other, yet they, for any I can find, lived in a calme amidst those tem- pests, and were not entangled in y* quarrels of the times. The reason of it may be, that having a firm estate of their owne, and able to subsist of themselves, they kept indepen- dent, living within their owne orbe, and mas- tering those aft'ections of envy and ambition which commonly do but raise men for '^. greater fall. They had been always, from the time we first discover them, of the middle rank of subjects, which is the most safe place. — " Gives medii salvi sunt maxime," few or none of better estates, under the de- gree of Lords, until the great floode of Church lands (whereof they possessed not one foote) improved many men's fortunes to a great height; nay, which is strange, from Sir Richard Rodeney, who was borne under Henry the 3d, to Sir George Rodeney, in 42 of Elizabeth, the space of above 400 years, • death to enjoy, leaving the Countess to a strict remembrance of • her inconstancy, and himself a desperate and sad spectacle of • frailty.' i ii iii;; II Ill; f' ii; if: ■«''■ 16 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. :1i: * they stood like Mare Mortuum, and neither * ebbed nor flowed in their fortunes : they ' were so provident not to lessen ; but neither ' by marriages, which is the ordinary step of * augmentation, nor by any other means did ' they make any addition, insomuch that at ' this day I give the coate single which my * first ancestors gave, without quartering any * other.' What follows of this curious tract are merely extracts, although much of the remainder con- tains matter both amusing and interesting to the antiquarian. WALTER RODENKY. Sir HENRY r6deney. Sir RICHARD RODENEY. WILLIAM RODENEY. Sir RICHARD RODENEY. RICHARD RODENEY. THOMAS RODENEY. * It hath been a constant tradition in our * family that we came into this land with * Maud, the Empresse, from foraigne parts; ' and that for service done by Walter Rode- ' ney, in her warres against King Stephen, ' the Usurper, she gave them lands and es- * tates within this kingdom. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 17 neither 'i j: they i neither 1 step of ;i !ans did that at ■'.«;■ lich my •1 mg any merely 1 ler con- 1 sting to M VILLIAM ODENEY. S Y. m our I with parts ; Rode- ephen, ind es- Sir RICHARD RODENEY. * This man is the 8th heire male of his fa- mily, as they are set down in the pedigree ; and in the 11th yeare of Edward the 2d. was knighted in the greate hall of Kainsham, in the county of Somerset, and it seemeth it is one of the most antient precedents now ex- tant to show the forme of making knights in those days, and it is cited by Mr. Selden in his *' Titles of Honour," his words are these: " Under Edward the 2d., Sir Richard Rode- " ney was knighted by being girded with a " sword by Almaricus, Earl of Pembroke, " and having one spurre put on by the most *' noble Lord Maurice Berkley, and the other " by Bartholomew of Badismore." Sir WALTER RODENEY. THOMAS RODENEY. Sir THOMAS RODENEY. Sir JOHN RODENEY. Sir WALTER RODENEY, Sir JOHN RODENEY.* Sir WALTER RODNEY.t THOMAS RODENEY. ♦ ' Sir John Rodney had a daughter named Margaret, who was ' second wife to Thomas Burdet, of Arrow, beheaded in the 17th * year of Edward the 4th, for words spoken concerning a white buck • which the king killed in his parke ; and from her are descended ' of that family who is now living, anno 1622, Thomas Burdet, of ' Bremcot, Warwickshire.' t • Sir Walter Rodeney, son of Sir John Rodeney, married Vol. I. C I s I ■■ .; i\ w .$. 18 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * There was a tradition amongst the old men of Stoke, when I first came thither, that the painted monument in the church was erected for Good Sir John Rodeney, as they called him, and that that addition of Good was given him because upon a joisting with a German, upon London bridge, and that thereupon the king that then was, willed to aske of him some reward for his valour, that he asked only an abatement of the king's-silver from the tenants of Stoke, ffom 20 shillings tc a noble, which was granted. Sir JOHN RODENEY. * Sir John jRodeney died in the 18th yeare ' of Henry the 8th, and left three sons, of ' whom I have heard my father tell this story : ' That the elder brother, and one of the * younger, shoottinge at the butts which stood ' in the outer courte, and under the old gate- • house, they differed about a shoote, and * agreed that their brother that stood by should * measure and judge it. He adjudged it to ' Margaret, daughter of the Lord Hungerford, which match with • Rodeney is set up in the monuments of the Hungerfords, in the • cathedral church of Salisbury.' SirC LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 19 »ld men hat the erected called 3d was with a id that willed valour, of the e, from mted. 1 yeare ons, of story : of the 1 stood d gate- e, and should d it to latch with ds, in the ' the younger brother, whereupon the eldest ' threatened them both that he would make ' them repent it when he came to his land. * The father stood in a chamber in the gate- ' house, beholding them, but unseene, and heard ' the threatening words, who thereupon called * out to him, " How now, sirrah, are you threat- * '* ening your younger brothers ? I will make * " them live without thee;" and thereupon * settled the two manors of Over-Badgeworth ' and Congresbury upon them, with condi- ' tion that if one of them died, the other should ' have them both, and in case they should * both die without issue, should then come ' to the elder brother, Walter Rodeney, but ' Francis dying without issue, the two manors * came to George, who, being a good husband, ' improved his estate to a good competency. ' He kept a very plentiful house, had good ' store of money in his purse, and died an * old man, anno 1580, about 80 years old. Sir WALTER RODNEY. Sir GEORGE RODENEY. MAURICE RODENEY. JOHN RODENEY. ' Sir Walter Rodeney died before his father, C2 11 m 20 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. I'll Hi A 1*' \'f, ir ' was knighted in his father's life-time, and * married Elizabeth, sister to Sir William ' Compton, Knt., upon which marriage there ' were deeds passed between Compton and * Rodney, whereby Compton's lands were as- * sured upon Rodney, if Compton died without * issue, and Rodney's lands likewise settled ' upon Compton if he died without issue. ' The family of Compton is since ennobled. ' Sir Walter died in the 13th year of Henry * the 8th, and his widow married Sir John * Chaworth. * John Rodeney, Esq., son of Sir Walter, ' married Elizabeth, daughter of the Lord ' Mordant, which family is since made Earl of ' Peterborough, by King Charles the 1st. * Maurice Rodeney, Esq., his son, was left *a ward when his father died. He was a * ward to one Edward Powtrel, a lawyer, who * carried him to his house in the north, where * it seems he was bred carelessly*. ' All that I can say of him is, that he was a ' great housekeeper, killing, usually, twelve * * The family of Powtrel had estates at West Hallem, in the * county of Derby. Of this family many monuments still remain * in the parish church.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 21 ne, and William ^e there ton and ;vere as- without settled me. inobled. f Henry lir John Walter, le Lord Earl of 1st. was left e was a ver, who 1, where lem, in the still remain great oxen the twelve days, and that he was the first of this county that gave livery cloaks to his men. He sued his livery in the first year of Queen Elizabeth, and died August the 9th, 1688. He had been no good hus- band, for he died in debt, and had sold lands in Bristol to the value of about 50/. old rent, and the impropriation of Duckworth. Sir GEORGE RODENEY, * Son of Maurice Rodeney, Esq., dying in * the year 1601, without issue,* there grew * great suits in law about his estate, his sisters * claiming it as heirs general, and my father, ' Sir John Rodney, as heir male of the family, * but claiming it by Sir George Rodney's will. * What the success was of those suits shall ' appear in my father's life ; but with Sir * George ended the first line of the family. GEORGE RODENEY, * Second son of Sir John Rodeney. His fa- * ther. left him, by the death of his brother * Francis, the two manors of Over Badgworth * • This was the unfortunate gentleman who fell upon his sword ' for love of the Marchioness of Hertford.'— Vide p. 13, m 'rfl I ;(;:- ■. 22 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. •!'-!;' !'lli 'ill : .1 1 I; 'M .1 i I and Congresbury, and he being a good hus- band, improved his estate to a good compe- tency. He rented the demesne of Stoke during his nephew Maurice's minority ; also a tenement in Butleigh. He had bought also the whole manor of Butleigh ; but before it was conveyed, he was undermined by old Christopher Simcov^ks, who was Steward of the court to Maurice Rodeney by this trick. ' Hearing that my grandfather had com- pounded for it, and articled, and paid part of the money, he went to the gentleman that sold it, and offered him more money than my grandfather was to pay for it. The gen- tleman told him that he had already sold it to Mr. Rodeney, and could not go from his bargain. Simcocks replied that he would get Mr. Rodeney 's good will. The gentleman answered, if he could do so, he would take his money. Thereupon the old fox comes to Mr. Rodney, to his house at Westbury, bringing two men with him ; and, after salu- tations, told him he had bought the manor of Butleigh. " If you have, much good " may it do you." Simcocks turns about to his two men, and bade them bear witness, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 23 cod hus- l compe- )f Stoke ty ; also light also before it 1 by old sward of lis trick, ad coiri- laid part nan that ley than rhe gen- Y sold it from his ould get ntleman uld take comes estbury, :er salu- e manor h good ibout to witness, M * for these words were a good atonement in ' law. Yet for all this there grew suits at law ' between them ; and my grandfather, rather * than to hold his bargain with the trouble of * law, took his money, and that one tenement * in Butleigh, by a large lease of years, which ' he left to my father. Sir JOHN RODENEY, Knt. * Son of George Rodeney, second son of Sir * John Rodeney, was born at Stoke, while his * father rented the demesnes there, about the * year 1549. He was bred a scholar at Corpus ' Christi College, Oxford, and afterwards mar- ' ried Jane Seymour, a daughter of Sir Henry * Seymour, Knt., brother of Edward, Duke of ' Somerset, and to Queen Jane Seymour, from ' whom King Edward the Sixth, to whom my ' father was coushi-german ; so was she like- * wise to Edward, Earl of Hertford, the Duke's ' son and heir. She was a very wise and pro- * vident lady, and brought him a thousand * pounds portion, with many children, sons and ' daughters. After he was first married, he ' bought the farm of Chedder, and lived there ' two or three years. He then bought a lease m 'ft "wr 24 LIFE OF LOUD RODNEY. * ot Pilton Park and Farm for three lives — his ' own, his mother's, and his son Edward ; also * a lease of Westbury Park and other lands ' for 120 years. ' Upon the death of Sir George Rodeney, * who died without issue, there fell great suits ' in law between my father and the sisters of * Sir George, who claimed his estates as heirs ' at common law, and my fatl^er by Sir ' George's will, whereby he gave the whole ' estate to him. The heirs at law challenged ' the will because it was not sealed, and was * insufficient, being made by a man that was * not compos mentis. My father, on the other * side, defended the contrary, as that, at the ' time of his making the will, he was free from ' any the least distraction. After four years' * suits in most or all the courts in Westmin- ' ster, and much money spent, by the media- * tion of Sir John Popham, Chief Justice, ' (who professed great good will to Sir George * Rodeney, and that he was loath to see his * estate spent in law, which he thought was * very likely), by consent of all parties it was * agreed to refer it to his arbitriment, which * he made in this manner : LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 25 ves — his ird ; also ler lands lodeney, •eat suits sisters of J as heirs by Sir le whole lallenged and was that was the Other t, at the Tee from »ur years' Vestmin- e media- Justice, r George see his ight was es it was it, which { (< i (( ( (( < (( ( (( * " The demeK.*oS of Stoke and Backwell Park to be sold to pay Sir George Rode- ney's debts, being about £7000. The rest of the estate, being £260 rent, to be di- vided between my father and the other parties." • My father being unwilling to let the de- * mesnes of Stoke go away from his family, * having been y^ ancient seat of the Rode- ' neys, purchased it, and here began 7iostri ' futidi calamitas ; for, together with these * debts of Sir George Rodenej, it fell out so, * that at that very time he was to buy his lease ' of Pilton Park, for three lives, besides the ' marriage of his second daughter to Sir Theo- * dore Newton, and his third daughter to Mr. * Trenchard, which cost him 2400 pounds, ' and the great extreme he was then in law ' brought him to be much in debt, who before * was always purchasing, and full of money ; ' but if God had given him a longer life, his ' providence was such as would have carried ' him through all difficulties, and he would * have left his estate free to me his heir, who * was now to undergo those great burthens i \ yi • ■ n il>; • died in 1567, for a similar offense. Seymour, who was after- ' wards permitted to return, distinguished himself, by his loyalty, ' through three successive reigns, and retained his romantic pas- • sion for the lady of his first affections ; for he called the daughter • he had by his second lady, the Lady Frances Devereux, sister of • Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, by the ever beloved name of ' Arabella Stuart. ' Where London's Towre its turrets show, So stately by the Thames' side, Fair Arabella, child of woe. For many a day had sat and sighed. • And as shee heard the waves arise, And as shee heard the bleake windes roare, As fast did heave her heartfelte sighes. And still so fast her teares did poure. EvAUs's Old Ballads, supposed to be wntten by Micklk. ffliii, If'iri'r LIKE OF LORD RODNEY. 29 te offense, V al prisonn, 9 the Ludy S nmitted to fl lesse. Sir m in Candle- m ir William 9 ;r, and not 9 After that | ieath of his J and since ^ 1 Rodeney, ■§ , were bred J who was after- r, by his loyalty, is romantic pas- led the dauph1»'r vereux, sister of beloved name of DW, roare, tten by Micklb. * toj^cther in the schooles of Trowbridge and * Oxford, which contracted Huch a friendship * betweene Sir William Seymonr and him, that * he readily exposed himself to any hazard to * be in his com[)any, and since, so much * favor from the same person being Marquiss, * and so much respect from Sir Edward * Rodeney to the Marquiss, as to no man ' so much. It is true they were near allied, * for Sir Edward Rodeney was more than half * a Seymour by the mother's side, who was * daughter to Sir Henry Seymour, brother to ' the Duke of Somerset, and to Queene Jane * Seymour. ' Sir Edward Rodeney married in May, ' 1614, MiM. Frances Southwell, in the pre- ' sen(i.-^^rl unber, at Somersett House, in the ' Strand, then the Queen's house, and called ' IKMimark-house. She was a lady of Queen ' Annus privie chamber, and the Queen ' kept the marriage feast all that day, at * extraordinary charges. She invited the ' King from Whitehall, who knighted me that ' day, as he passed through the privie * chamber with the Prince's sword. I was * conveyed from my chamber in Westminster ^1 ••it i ]■•'■ if i 'i 1 • 30 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * to the Court, with about forty knights and * gentlemen, my friends and countrymen, * all mounted upon greate horses richly fur- ' nished with foote clothes and rich saddles. ' Bishop Montagu, being dean of the chapel, ' married us. I lodged in the Queen's house * that night. The presents in plate given ' unto my wife that day by greate lords and * ladies, and others, her friends and kindred, ' did amount in value near 2000 pounds ; * but my charge in apparel, wedding-gloves, * scarfes, and rewards to those that brought * the presents, did fully equal it. * The Queene gave her all her wedding- ' clothes, worth at least 500 pounds, and the * King and Queene gave her jewels to the * value of 1000 pounds. * My wife's father was Sir Robert South- * well, of Woodrising, in Norfolk, a gentleman ' of ancient family, and of great estate. Her * mother was the Lady Elisabeth Howard, ' daughter to Charles Howard, Earl of Not- * tingham, and Lord High Admiral of Eng- * land. * Of their daughter I will leave this testi- * mony, that her birth, education, and other 4; I'M- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 31 testi- other ' qualifications of her mind and person, made ' her a fit wife for a man of a far greater fortune * than myself, of whom I may speake in the * words of Solomon, " Many daughters have ' " done virtuously, but thou exceedest them ' " all." * She brought to her husband thirteen ' children, eight daughters, and five sonnes, ' named John, and John, Edward, William, ' and George, all of whom died under age, ' save George, who lived to be 22 yeares old, ' dying in the prime of his age. ' His third daughter, Penelope, married ' Peter Glenne, of Norfolk, Esq., and his ' fourth daughter, Ann, married Sir Thomas ' Brydges, of Kainsham, in this county of * Somerset. ' Here give me leave to make some apo- * logie for myself, because, when I die, there ' will be an end of my family, and the for- * tunes of my house, least it may be thought ' that unthriftiness, or some other bad faults * in me, have been the cause of its ruin. * That God hath put an end to it by the ' death of my deare George, is neither matter * of wonder, nor, in true estimation, a punish- m 32 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. i¥ Ui * ment, for who is punished ? My deare * George hath gained an exceeding weight ' of glory by it. His sins, whatsoever they * were, by reason of his tender years, being ' only sins of infirmitie, which God is de- * lighted to pardon, if men will but aske ' mercy (as he did) in his death-bed. His ' good parts were not a few. A clean mouth, ' never speaking ill of any ; if he could not * speak well, he would say nothing. He kept ' a perfect mastery over his passions ; to his ' paients he was obedient and affectionate, ' being, indeed, the stafFe of my age, doing all ' my businesses for me, as in keeping courts, * receiving and accounting for monies, and * when, by reason of my adhering to the King * in those unnatural warres, I had been several * times imprisoned, the last of those times he, * being growne up to man's estate, and able ' for businesse, he went up to London, soli- * cited my enlargement, and, having obtained * it, came post with it from London, and * brought it to me the next day at Taunton, ' riding night and day with it, a journey of * 120 miles. He gave a good testimony of ' a religious mind, as in vowing to set aparte LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 33 [y deare ^ weight ver they rs, being d is de- lut aske d. His 1 mouth, ould not He kept ; to his ctionate, ioing all y courts, ies, and he King [ several mes he, ,nd able >n, soli- •btained •n, and aunton, rney of lony of aparte /i*'i a day in the week of thanksgiving for par- ticular mercies from God to him, and iii giv- ing alms according to his small mite. He was of a just stature, about six foote high, well proportioned through his whole body, active and full of spirit. His education was much interrupted by reason of the warres, for I was forced to take him from the schoole at Westminster, for fear he should be enticed to take up arms against the King, being myself engaged in his quarrel. ' This is all I will say concerning him, a just commendation being due to him, and all the wealth I can leave him now. I said before, that in true estimation this period of my family was no punishment, for what punishment is it to change a brittle and fading inheritance for one that is immortal and everlasting? or, if it be a punishment, it is much lightened by the multitude of sufferers in the same kind. Solam&n miseris socios habuisse doloris. ' Five hundred yeares is the common period of kingdoms, and a very few or no families go beyond that period, very many come short of it; so as in true account, it is Vol. I. D m I m T'«l m m M " f I ! •11 ill .1; . ^ Wi 34 Life of lord rodney. rather a blessing to have lasted so long, than a punishment to end at last. * I have now done with this broken dis- course, and indeed with the world, waiting till my change come, as the text of my Sonne's funeral sermon speaketh, which may serve for the history of his short life. ' " If a man die, shall he live again ? All " the days of my appointed time will I wait " till my change come." ' so long, Dken dis- [, waiting t of my 1, which ihort life, ain? All k^ill I wait T.IFE 0? GEORGE BRYDGES, LORD RODNEY. Upon the demise of Sir Edvrard Rodeney, the estates of Stoke-Rodeney, &c. &c. &c., in the county of Somerset, which had con- tinued in possession of his family for so many centuries, were lost to the Rodeneys for ever, in consequence of the marriage of his daugh- ters into other families. Stoke-Rodney is at present in the posses- sion of his Grace the Duke of Buckingham, in right of his wife, the heiress of the Lord Duke of Chandos, who inherited the same from Sir Thomas Brydges, of Keynsham, who married Anna, fourth daughter of Sir Ed- ward Rodeney. Sir Edward Rodeney had three brothers — Henry, George, and William : one of them (George) had a son, Antony Rodney, Esq.,* * This gentleman is the first of hib family who assumed the name of Rodney. D2 ml ^1 m 1 36 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Mii; who served in the Spanish campaigns, under the Earl of Peterborough, and whose com- mission as Lieut.-Colonel, in Leigh's regiment of cavalry, bore date February 16th, 1694. His son, Henry Rodney, Esq., was a cornet of horse in the same wars, having obtained his commission at the early age of four- teen ; but quitting the army after a short period of service, he settled at Walton-upon- Thames, and married Mary, eldest daughter and co-heiress of Sir Henry Newton, envoy extraordinary to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, and afterwards Judge of the Admiralty, &c., &c., by whom he had five childicn, — three sons and two daughters. The eldest son died at the age of twenty-two ; the second, George Brydges, afterwards became Lord Rodney ; James, the youngest, was twice married, but died without issue, as did also the two daughters. Through the interest of his kinsman, the Duke of Chandos, who usually attended his Majesty, George the First, on his journeys to and from the continent, Mr. Rodney obtained the command of the royal yacht ; and having on one of these occasions been asked what mark of kindness he would wish his Majesty ;ns, under lose com- } regiment , 1694. LS a cornet r obtainefl ; of four- ;r a short Iton-upon- t daughter ton, envoy f Tuscany, iralty, &c., en, — three St son died i, George 1 Rodney; arried, but 9 the two asman, the tended his journeys to iy obtained and having Lsked what lis Majesty LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 37 to confer upon him, he replied, " that his Ma- jesty would stand sponsor for his son," which request having been graciously acceded to, his son was named George Brydges, after his royal and noble godfathers. George Brydges Rodney was born on the 19th of February, 1718, and at a v:ry early age was sent to Harrow School. It is not pro- bable that at this distance of ti e there should exist any records to prove that he dis- played any of those early indications of ge- nius, or those blossomings of courage and self-possession, which in these later times marked the infancy and characterized the maturer years of Lord Nelson, Napoleon, and other eminent men. By some persons incidents of this nati^re may be deemed trifling and unimportant. To such, however, as take pleasure in search- ing into the human mind, investigating its principles, and watching the progress and workings of the youthful intellect, with re- ference to its developement at a riper age, the mention of them must ever afford interest and amusement ; it is to be regretted, there- fore, that no testimonies are to be found of i m h ■f m m m ■"■■-'■^riti' w rw 38 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. . ' ir I: I li^' ill in V.' ;-!■ those traits of character in young Rodney's boyisli days ; those more especially of pene- tration and decision which manifested them- selves so strongly in after life. He quitted Harrow at twelve years of age ; and his royal sponsor, the king, having given him a letter of service, (the last ever granted,) he went to sea, and served with Admiral Medley six years, on the Newfoundland sta- tion. On the 15th of February, 1739, he was made lieutenant in the Dolphin, by Admiral Haddock, in the Mediterranean, and served successively in the Essex, Royal Sovereign, and Namur. In 1742, Admiral Mathews appointed him to the PJymouth man-of-war, of sixty-four guns, in which he brought home three hundred sail of the Lisbon trade through the midst of the French fleet, then cruising in the chops of the Channel to intercept them, for which he received the warmest thanks and acknowledgments of the merchants. Cap- tain Rodney was confirmed in his rank by the Lords of the Admiralty, and appointed to the command of the Sheerness, in which he continued eighteen months, when he was re- moved to the Ludlow Castle, of forty guns, in '.1 'r^ m I ■■'' LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 39 Rodney's J of pene- ted them- irs of age; ving given r granted,) I Admiral dland sta- 39, he was y Admiral ind served Sovereign, Mathews an-of-war, ight home ie through in cruising cept them, St thanks mts. Cap- s rank by •pointed to which he le was re- y guns, in 'Si '<0i. which ship he fought and took the great St. Maloes privateer, of forty guns, and one hun- dred men more than the Ludlow Castle. From this period until December, 1745, he was employed under various orders, convoying troops to the siege of Ostend, convoy to the King from Harwich, &c., &c. Being ap- pointed to the Centurion, he cruised in the North Sea two years, and commanded on that station while the Pretender was at Edin- burgh, until the arrival of Admiral Byng; and for the many important services he performed there, he was rewarded with the command of the Eagle, of sixty-four guns ; in proceeding to join which ship at Harwich, he struck upon the Whiting, a quicksand off Orfordness, and lay near four hours six feet in the sand, and escaped with the loss of his rudder, and about thirty feet of his false keel, after throwing every thing overboard but his guns, and cut- ting away part of his masts. During all this time his brother, Mr. James Rodney, served on board his ship, but soon after quitted the naval service, for which he had little incli- nation. Ih the month of April, 1747, the British hM H'W 40 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 1 1 ' I '' 1. 1^ I >. ' VI II ■i ■IK. :t 1 .1,1 m ijlii'M .'.;!'i'r"i ministry dispatched a small squadron, con- sistii);; of the Kent and Hampton Court, of seventy guns, Eagle and Lion, of sixty, Chester, fifty, and Hector, forty-four, to en- deavour to intercept the French homeward- bound St. Domingo fleet, whom they fell in with on the 20th of June, off* Cape Ortegal. I'he French were to windward. The British ships chased them the whole day, and at night the French men-of-war bore off* them about five miles. The British ships, being foul and sickly by so long a cruise, could not gain upon them from eleven o'clock, a.m. till five p. M., with all sails set, though the French were under their top-sails and fore-sails. At five, the French men-of-war set their main- sail and top-gallant sails, and went away without making any signal, either by gun or light, and, escaping in the night, abandoned their convoy. The next day, there being very little wind, the British ships pursued the French merchantmen, which had separated, and took several, but the day following, the wind blew fresh, with very thick weather. The Advice, Captain Haddock, being a clean ship, and cruising in the soundings, took LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 41 Iron, con- Court, of of sixty, ur, to en- lomeward- ley fell in 3 Ortegal. he British id at night lem about ig foul and I not gain A.M. till he French -sails. At [leir main- ent away by gun or abandoned Kre being ursued the separated, lowing, the weather, ing a clean ings, took eight of them, and Captain Haddock, having on the 25th met with the Anglesea and Bridgewater, gave their captains orders to go in immediate pursuit of them. By the second •; of July, the Gloucester, the Falcon, and the I Eagle, had taken and brought into port I twelve more ships, so that forty-eight in the V whole had been sent in*. The Eagle, soon after this event, joined the squadron under the command of Admiral Hawke t ; and in the gallant and well-fought action with the French fleet, under the command of M. de I'Etendiere, off Finis- ♦ The whole amounted to 11,539 tons, and 1259 men. They I were laden with sugar, indigo, cotton, cofTee, and hides. + Devonshire, Kent, Edinburgh, Yarmouth, Monmouth, Princess Louisa, 60 „ 60 „ 60 .. 66 guns, 64 „ 70 „ 64 „ 70 ,. Windsor, Lyon, Tilbury, Nottingham, Defiance, Eagle, Gloucester, Portland, 60 „ 60 „ 60 „ 60 „ 50 „ 50 .. {Rear Admiral Hawke, Captain Moore. Captain Fox. Captain Coles. Captain Saunders. Captain Harrison. Captain Watson. Captain Hanway. Captain Scott. Captain Hasland. Captain Saumarez. Captain Bentley. Captain Rodney. Captain Durell. Captain Stevens. m '■m w • ¥:, fl 'iH; .\i'i "..«• LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. terre, on the 14th October, in the «aine year, bore a conspicuous and distinguished part. During the heat of tlie engagement, Admiral Hawke, observing the Eagle and Edinburgh much crippled, having each lost their fore-top masts, and hard pressed by superior numbers, most nobly bore down to their assistance, and having given them the support they needed, immediately attacked and took the French ship the Trident, of sixty-four gims, and after that engaged and took tlic Terrible, seventy-four guns. Captain Rodney, having compelled the French ship with which he had been chiefly engaged, to surrender, instantly boarded her, and made his way to the French captain, who, having given up his sword, remarked, with the characteristic badinage of a French- man, even under the severest misfortunes, " that he should rather have met the Eagle '* in the shape of a dove, with the olive- " branch of peace." To which Rodney in- stantly replied, in the words of his motto, *' Eagles do not beget doves :" and in 1780, when he was advanced to the dignity of a Knight of the Bath, the above circumstances ii LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 43 8ame year, nhed part, t, Admiral Edinburgh eir fore-top ir numbers, assistance, )port they d took the -four |?ims, 10 Terrible, pelled the een chiefly )arded her, :h captain, remarked, * a French- lisfortunes, the Eagle the olive- lodney in- his motto, id in 1780, gnity of a umstances were made the insignia of his arms ; viz., or, three eagles displayed purpure, answering to the three victories he had then gained over the French and Spaniards*. At the very end of this war, a small squa- dron, of which the Eagle was one, fell in ;| with a Spanish fleet, from the Wrsst Indies, of twelve sail of the line, with a rich convoy, jand, notwithstanding their own inferiority, I they took from them six sail of merchantmen. Upon Captain Rodney's return to England, ^ the Eagle was paid off", and on his arriviu in London, Lord Anson presented him to the Kinr^, when his Majesty said to Lord Anson, that he did not before imagine that he had so Syoung a man a captain in his navy, to which |Lord Anson replied, " Sire, young Rodney *' has been six years a captain in your " Majesty's navy, and, without reflection, I " wish, most heartily wish, vcur Majesty * The ships captured in this action were— Le Terrible Le Monarque Le Neptune Le Trident Le Fougueux Le Severn 74 guns. 74 „ 70 „ 64 „ 64 „ 50 „ 'M €; i '4 t I '■ ilf r (I ;it; t»i:i ^:lJ.: ' I lif^i 44 UFE OF LORD RODNEY. " had one hundred more such captains, to the " terror of your Majesty's enemies." To this the King replied, " We wish so too, my lord." All the belligerent powers were by this time heartily tired of a seven years' war, which had consumed an immensity of treasure, had been productive of so much mischief, and in the events of which, all in their turns had found themselves disappointed ; and what, says SmoUet, " were the fruits which Great Britain " reaped from this long and desperate strug- " gle ? — a dreadful expense of blood and " treasure, disgrace upon disgrace ; an addi- " tional load of grievous impositions, and the " national debt accumulated to the enormous " sum of eight millions sterling." A congress was held at Aix-la-Chapelle, 1748, and a peace was concluded on terms not a little disgraceful to the British nation. The English agreed, after the ratification of the treaty, to send two persons of rank and distinction to France, as hostages, until resti- tution should be made of Cape Breton, and all other conquests which Great Britain had made during the war. This was an humili- 4 5f LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 45 3, to the To this too, my his time lich had ad been I in the d found it, says Britain e stnig- 9d and m addi- and the lormous hapelle, a terms nation, ition of ink and ;il resti- and all in had humili- tv ating clause ; but to add to the general error of the negotiation, no prevention was put to the searching the English vessels in the American seas, upon which the war had originally begun, nor did the English receive any equivalents for those forts which they restored to the enemy. This treaty, which some asserted would serve as a bond of per- manent amity, was but a temporary truce, a cessation from hostilities, which neither Eng- land nor France were sedulous to continue ; for though the war was actually hushed up in Europe, yet in the East and West Indies it still went forward under cover of their respective alliances in those regions. England, indeed, appears to have been fated to be outwitted in all her negotiations, and diplomatic imbecility has generally, with the exception of the peace of Fontainebleau, in 1783, and a very few others, lost to her what- ever advantages her valour had gained by the sword. In March, 1748, Captain Rodney was ap- pointed to the Rainbow ; and, within two months after, he was sent out Governor and Commander-in-Chief on the Newfoundland m m ft. w tl: ^f:' 1 1 ■ "^^:| 1' :V:'.i ijji Ml- :.!, 1 111 ... Jiii I lit; il; 46 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Station, which was his first appearance in the rank of Commodore. He had pprticular in- structions from the Admiralty to discover, if possible, an island in the Western Ocean, said to lie in lat. 49 N., about three hundred leagues from Britain. After cruising fourteen days to no purpose, he sailed for St. John's, the seat of his government, in which station he continued until October, 1752, when he returned home to take his seat in Parliament, having been elected member for Saltash. The only document of importance now ex- tant, relating to the Admiral's command on this station, is the subjoined letter from the Earl of Sandwich. FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ♦ June 7th, 1749. * By the last accounts we have received * from Governor Cornwallis, we learn that the * French have possessed themselves, by force, ' of all that part of Nova Scotia that lies ' on the other side of the Bay of Fundi, and * have burnt Beaubassin to ashes, and carried * away the inhabitants, with their goods and * effects. M. Le Come, a French officer from LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 47 tice in the 'icular in- iscover, if n Ocean, ; hundred ; fourteen t. John's, ih station when he Tliament, ash. ; now ex- mand on from the ' Canada, is at the head of a body of 2500 * men, French and Indians, and publicly ' avows his design to maintain himself where ' he now is settled. Proper representations ' have been made to the court of France upon ' this extraordinary proceeding ; but as it is ' possible some time may be taken up in dis- ' cussion between the two courts before the ' final instructions are given in this affair, * and that M. Le Corne may still continue his ' outrages, to the great detriment of the new ' settlement, I think it necessary to inform ' you, that if Governor Cornwallis should have * occasion to apply to you for succour, and * send to you for that purpose to Newfound- * land, it would be approved by Government , * if you should comply with his request. It is I * judged improper, as yet, to send any public ^* order upon a business of so delicate a nature, * which is the reason of my writing to you in * this manner, and I am satisfied that your * prudence is such as will not suffer you to * make any injudicious use of the information * you now receive. There are some people * that cannot be trusted with any but public * orders; but I have too good an opinion of you m M^< '^111 1 i ■lie ■! :!v' ll ii! .1 'I '1 1 11 1' h • , 91 i" l.ii ]l" It " n I * '! ' I 1(1 I4t V 4 j 48 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. • to rank you among them, and shall think * this important affair entirely safe under your ' management and secrecy. * I am, with great truth, ' Yours, &c. &c. &c' ' To Commodore Rodney. In February, 1753, he was married to Lady Jane Compton, sister to Spencer, the eighth Earl of Northampton, who died on the 28th of January, 1757. After this marriage, he was promoted to the Fougueux, sixty-four guns, and on the 8th of February following to the Prince George, of ninety guns. In this ship he continued till May, 1757, when he sailed in the Dublin man-of-war, of seventy-four guns, with Admiral Hawke's expedition to bombard Rochefort. Great secrecy was ob- served on this occasion, and when the arma- ment had reached a certain latitude, the sealed orders were opened, imd a council of war held, when Commodore Rodney gave it as his opi- nion, that it was impracticable to carry ships of war up to Rochefort, for the purpose of a bombardment. This opinion prevailed ; but the council having again met the next day, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 49 [lall think M nder your .M ;h, m &C.&C.' 'm d to Lady % he eighth If the 28th A ^e, he was 3 bur guns, wf ng to the m i this ship -^m he sailed ^K renty-four iH edition to SS ^ was ob- JH :he arma- fls the sealed ^^w war held, mm IS his opi- »H irry ships H^h 'pose of a jH tiled ; but Wg lext day, ^^^K and being ashamed to return home without doing something, they resolved upon an at- tempt on Aix, a small island leading up to Rochefort, which they took and abandoned. Although a declaration of war between England and France had not been formally pronounced until this period, yet the smoking embers of the late war had been continually emitting sparks, and these two powers had been for some time actually at war, but with- out the ceremony of proclaiming it. Unfortu- nately the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle had not provided for the settlement of the limits of Nova Scotia, — a glaring oversight of the Bri- tish plenipotentiaries on that occasion ; and, notwithstanding that Commissioners of each nation were appointed in 1750, and delibe- rated on the subject of these limits during three years in Paris, yet nothing was decided, and the French continued to extend i heir dominions in North America, by erecting a chain of forts along the lakes of Erie and Ontario, so as to connect their settlements on the Mississippi with Canada; yet, notwith- standing all these encroachments, and many Vol. I. jj m si !* i' m %p!I km I ' f ■( 1 ; ! ■■1 ■ 1' ! ■1 1 ll t'C d\ I i' n ';^ il ■ -'I I' -i- 1 h , 'I <: 50 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. flagrant acts of hostility committed by them in America, the French mini.^try coutinued to amuse the cabinet of L«>n(ioi> widi r« \>i ated assurances of frientlship ; but early mllie year 1755, certain intelligence was received that a considerable fleet of mcn-oi-war was pre- paring to sail from difftrent ports in Fiance to America, with a foiinidalrle n aber of land forces oil board. Admiral Boscawen was im- mediately despatched with eleven sail of the i»ne to Newfoundland. The French fleet got safe to Quebec, except two of them, the Alcide, sixty-four, and Lys, t wenty-four guns, which were taken by the Dunkirk and Defiance, in a fog off" the island. Froj n the capture of these ships, the commencement of the war may pro- perly be dated. On the restoration of Mr. Pitt, in June, 1757, to the administration of the country, one of his first projects was the reduction of Louis- burg. A naval armament was prepared with all possible expedition, and the command given to Admiral Boscawen* : Captain Rodney accompanied it in the Dublin. The fleet sailed * For a list of his fleet see Appendix, B. pri LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 51 y them in tinued to repeated [1 ijw year ived that was pre- ju France )er of land 3n was im- sail of the h fleet got the Alcide, uns, which efiance, in lire of these ir may pro- in June, ountry, one )n of Louis- pared with command ain Rodney 3 fleet sailed 1 in Febniary, 1758; and the most complete success was the result of the combined opera- tions of the sea and land forces. On the 19th of May, 1759, Captain Rodney was promoted to the rank of Rear- Admiral ; and was immediately appointed to the com- mand of a small squadron, destined to bom- bard Havre de Grace, in consequence of intel- ligence having been received that the enemy were meditating an invasion of some of the British territories, and that a number of flat- bottomed boats were preparing at that port for the purpose of disembarking troops. He accordingly sailed in the beginning of July, and anchoring in the road of Havre, I made a disposition to execute the instructions I he had received. I At this period it was that this brave officer commenced his more important enterprises ; the circumstances of his advancement to a more elevated rank and command having I greatly enlarged his sphere of action ; and as jthe Admiral's correspondence will take date from this era, it is confidently hoped that none ^of the letters, either public or private, now Jpresented to the reader, will be the means of M- E 2 m m If It m u ' i ■! •■' ', jKii l.:3u !i'H;r 52 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. giving pain or offence to any human being now living, such only having been selected as are calculated to display the character of the man, the nature and extent of his services, and to exhibit the sentiments that were enter- tained of him by his King, by the country at large, and by the good and great of the na- tion, in those perilous and momentous times, wherein he devoted to the salvation of Great Britain and its dependencies all the powers and energies of his mind and genius. The town of Havre was fortified bv four bastions, and stands upon a plain spot of ground, full of morasses, and crossed by a great number of creeks and ditches, full of water. The citadel is on the east side of the town. The harbour is within its walls, and can contain more than three hundred vessels at once. The Admiral's first despatch was dated ' On board the Vestal, in the Road of ' H..vre de Grace, 4th July, 1759. * TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. * I have the honour to acquaint their Lord- * ships, that yesterday, about three o'clock p.m., LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 53 an being . jlected as [qt of the services, 3re enter- ountry at f the na- ms times, of Great e powers i. [ bv four 1 spot of sed by a IS, full of de of the vails, and 3d vessels dated R.oad of 1759. leir Lord- lock P.M., I anchored, with his Majesty's ships* under my command, in the road of Havre, and immediately gave or(\jrs for placing the bomb-vessels in a proper position for de- stroying the flat-bottomed boats, and the enemy's magazines, stores, &c. &c., that were in the town of Havre ; but every one of my pilots were so totally ignorant of the place, that had it not been for the Captains of the Deptford, Vestal, and Juno, and the first Lieutenant of the Dolphin, I should have found it extremely difficult and tedious to have anchored the bombs properly. These gentlemen have exerted themselves on this occasion, and during the night have placed the Blast and Furnace in such a situation, ♦ Achilles, 60 guns. G.B.Rodney. Captain Barrington. Chatham, 50 „ Captain Lockhait. Deptford, 50 „ Captain HalwaU. Iris, 50 „ Captain Wheeler. Norwich, 50 „ Captain Darby. Brilliant, 36 „ ' Captain H. Parker. Juno, 36 „ Captain I. Philips. , Vestal, 36 „ Captain S. Hood. Boreas, 28 „ Captain R. Boyle. Unicom, 28 „ Captain T. Graves. Wolfe, 16 „ ' Captain H. Bromedge. Six bomb-ketches. .<.'S i!) S,V« 4#i m LIFE OF LOKD RODNEY, I I :i!i ■i«;f ' ..'■■ i '* 1 1 IM i '111 . . , 1 iU,' ! ■ ■ ■■ Mi that every shell they throw either falls amonja; the flat-bottomed boats or into the town. • I hope in a very few hours to have all the other bombs properly placed ; but I cannot help taking notice to their Lordships that the whole weiglit and fatigue of the execu- tion falls upon Colonel Desagulier and Cap- tain Smith, the other officers not having been acquainted with this sort of service, which makes us not go on so brisk as 1 could wish. * The Mortar and Carcass, with the Ches- terfield, joined me this morning. 1 have harried them all that was possible, and I hope they will be in their stations in an hour or two. As I am now on board the Vestal, one of the frigates that support the bombs, 1 can plainly see that several of the shells fall among the boats and storehouses. The enemy's fire is pretty brisk from two or three bomb-batteries, but as yet they have done no harm. ' The enemy appear very numerous in troops, and have several gun and bomb- batteries along the shore, from Cape le Havre to the town, and a number of ships appear to ba in the basin. m LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 55 ills amonia; town, ave all the I cannot shipB that the execu- r and Cap- aving been ^ice, which ^ould wish. the Ches- . 1 have ble, and I ions in an board the iupport the eral of the itorehouses. from two or : they have imerous in and bomb- n Cape le ►er of ships * Nine o'clock a.m. • All the bombs but the Carcass arc now in ' their stations. The enemy's fire from their * bomb- batteries is very brisk indeed. ' Wind N.E., blows fresh. Half-past nine, A.M.' 'to JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. • Achilles, off Havre-de-Grace, « Gth July, 1759. * Our bomb-vessels have continued to bom- ' bard for fifty-two hours, without intermis- * sion, with such success, that the town was * several times in flames, and their maga- * zines of stores for the flat-bottomed boats ' burned with very great fury for upwards * of six hours, notwithstanding the continual * efforts of several hundred men to extinguish * the fire. Many of the boats were upset * and damaged by the explosion of the shells. ' During the attack, the enemy's troops ap- * peared very numerous, were continually ' erecting new batteries, and throwing up * entrenchments. Their consteniation was ' so great, that all the inhabitants forsook the 1 .,' 1 r ii i ■■ 1; 1 '1 1 1 ' t- ■111 I 1 '1 . 66 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. town, and not one sinj^lc person appeared to be working on the flat-bottomed boats the troops alone bein*:? employed in extin gnishing the flames. ' I suspect the enemy expected a descent, by their appearing continually under arms, and their marching a considerable body of troops from their encampment on the hill into the town, on the afternoon of the 5th. Notwithstanding this smart bombardment, which only ceased from the mortars and bomb beds being rendered unserviceable, I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the damage done us by the enemy has been very inconsiderable, though great numbers of their shot and shells fell and burst among the bombs and boats. ' I shall forthwith proceed with the squa- dron under my command to Spithead, taking care to leave a proper number of ships to cruise off* the port, with orders to stop all materials that may be useful towards finishing their flat-bottomed boats, which, to all appearance, they stand much in need of, as they are far from being completed, \*: < H&« ,':,■>:. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 67 appeared 3(1 boats in extin descent, ler arms, body of I the hill the 5th. ardment, tars and Ticeable, you that has been numbers St among le squa- >pithead, imber of orders to towards which, I in need mpleted, J ' great numbers of them being only in their ' tirst frames'.* ' TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. ' Deptford, at anchor in the road of Havre, ' 16th July, 1760. * In my last I sent you the disposition I had * made of the ships under my command, in * order to intercept the vessels transporting * naval and military stores to Brest. I must * now acquaint you that on the 14th, at noon, * the wind blowing fresh at north east, the * enemy had the confidence to send out of * Honfleur, five sail of flat-bottomed vessels, ' conveyed by one of their galleys ; their ' passage down the river was close to the * south shore, their colours flying. I kept * my eye constantly upon them, made no * signal whatever, but sent orders to the cap- * tains of the Aquilon, Tweed, and Firedrake, * The following is the account of the flat-bottomed boats, and their condition, planked and caulked. Flanked and caulked ... 6 Part planked and beamed ... 42 Not planked, and only part ribbed . 83 ; ' Total number 131 m U m t:«i ' ;■ t' ; .■;' ( ■■',;. 58 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * to hold themselves in constant readiness to ' chase the moment I made the signal, but ' not to loose their sails, or make any motion * till that time, as I knew it could answer no ' end till the enemy had passed the shoals at * the mouth of Caen river, they having it in * their power to harbour when they pleased. * I observed, likewise, they kept a good look * out, and were continually making signals * from the shore. When their boats got the * length of Caen, (it being then within an * hour of sunset,) they hauled their wind, ' standing backward and forward in the mouth * of the river, which I could plainly discern * till dark, and that their intention was to * push for it in the night. * The moment the day closed, I despatched * the Hector and King of Prussif, cutters, ' with orders to make all the sail possible for * the mouth of the river leading to Caen, and * ordered the Aquilon, Tweed, and Firedrake * to pursue and destroy the enemy, remain- * ing myself in the road, having received ' intelligence that the three frigates in Havre * were almost ready to sail ; but in the ' morning, perceiving they were not so forward tlFE OF LORD RODNEY. 59 as reported, I got under weigh ; soon after which I perceived five sail more of the enemy's flat-bottomed vessels, which I in vain attempted to intercept, they with great difficulty getting into Caen river. ' Soon after, I received a message from the captain of the Albany, acquainting me that he, in company with the Furnace bomb, had fallen in with five flat-bottomed boats the preceding night, which they had driven on shore at Port Bassin, and were preparing to destroy them. The officer in his way to me had given the same intelligence to Captain Ogle, who was making the best of his way to that place. I immediately made all the sail I could crowd, and soon heard a great firing to the westward, which continued about two hours. On my arrival off" the place. Captain Ogle informed me he had attacked and destroyed the fort that pro- tected the road, had a parley with the enemy, and a message from the Marquis de Bras- sac, a lieutenant-general who commanded the French troops that were encamped near the place, that he agreed to burn the boats upon condition that the town was spared, ^ ,V;;•^^:.il%;•.,;;pi, . ■' '•'. 'i i-l'P I l''pi M- i , '-in 0-4 I * i; n if 1 ! i I jl. ■ *> ft: i-il Ii 60 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. < + and had sent orders for that purpose, de- siring an English officer to go and see it properly executed, which being accordingly complied with, they detained the said officer upwards of two hours, and then returned him on board, accompanied by Monsieur Beaumont, a captain in the regiment of Rohan, with another message, that the general would not execute the agreement. As I judged from the beginning, the enemy only wanted to gain time, and as the Deptford was becalmed in the offing, I ordered Captain Ogle to detain the French officers that were on board him, and made he signal to renew the attack, which he immediately obeyed, and most effectually destroyed the boats, the whole squadron being within a cable's length of them. ' The next morning I received a message from the Marquis de Brassac, which I inclose to their lordships, with a copy of my answer to him. ' I have left the Tweed, Albany, and Hector cutters off Port Bassin, and have given Captain Paston orders to put on shore, in a, few days, three of the French LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 61 * officers, who only came on board out of ' curiosity, during the truce, but to keep on ' board the General's messenger, M. Beau- ' mont, unless the General complies with my * demand, which I do not expect he will. I * should therefore be glad to know their lord- * ships' pleasure relative to him.' '»• fi * TO THE COMMANDER OF THE ENGLISH FLEET. It is contrary to all the rules of war that you detain those officers who very impru- dently went on board your ship the last time. I never promised you to burn the five flat-bottomed boats that were in this port, but upon the conditions you would not accept ; and, lastly, when ae of your officers came on shore, it was by a very great mistake, for, on the contrary, I ordered M. de Beaumont to tell you you might do what you pleased, and that I would not hear any thing more. I there- fore desire again you will send back M. de Beaumont, M. de St. Pierre, M. de Brigueval Mousquetaire, aide-de-camp to Mi- 'J, ':..l• .*(. •^z u ■■.If t^ i i ' J: ■'' I il 62 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the Due d'Harcourt, and M. de Saiissy, whom yo 1 detain, as I have before told you, against the rules of honour, for which reason I shall give an account of it to my Royal Master's ministers, who Avill demand justice from your minister, and will certainly ob- tain it. ' In regard to me, Sir, I will hear nothing further ; do your duty, and I will do mine. ' Brassac' ' TO THE MARQUESS DE BRASSAC. * Sir, * I have received your letter of last night's * date, demanding the four officers detained on ' board the ships of the King, my master, and ' at the same time complaining how central y ' my proceedings are to the rules of war. ' In my answer. Sir, I shall only relate ' plain facts, and leave the world to judge ' whether you or I have acted most contrary ' to those rules. Part of the squadron I have ' the honour to command, pursued and drove ' on ^hore, at Port Bassin, five French vessels, * loaded with military stores. They imme- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 63 • diately attacked and destroyed the battery that defended the ])ort ; when the senior officer, perceiving that the destruction of the vessels would be attended with that of the town, out of compassion to the poor inhabi- tants, caused the fire from the ships to cease, and gave the commanding officer of the French troops in the place to understand, that if he would immediately burn the boats, the town should be spared. The officer de- siring a truce for a few hours, till he could send to you, it was granted. Some time after, two officers from you came with a written message that you consented to burn the boats on the conditions offered, and de- sired an English officer might go on shore to see it executed, which officer you detained nearly two hours on frivolous pretences, and sent him back with another iressage, that you would not perform the agreement, and that we might do our worst. Such chicanery authorizes the step I have taken ; and not- withstanding t)ie warm canno.iade that suc- ceeded has effectually destroyed the vessels, yet as a just punishment for so notorious a breach of faith, I shall persist in detaining ** ITT- J ■I I "'■•:■ .1' i^S ii^n*- .. '' •'.■■•?t1-;V''-.4k= ;*'■' ?.•';! ■rii n •rv»;V '^h y *.t:.. J '*"r!'.' ■!! Is' :::i T' ■ ■; G4 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * the said officers, unless, as a public atone * ment, you cause the remains of the said * vessels to be burnt this day. * You see. Sir, I shall do my duty, as you * say you shall do yours.' FROM CAPTAIN PASTON TO REAR-ADMIRAL RODNEY. ' Tweed, off Port Bassin, ' 18th July, 1760. ' S^r, * This laorning at eight o'clock, M. St. * Pierre came on board according to promise, * and delivered to me M. de Brassac's justifi- * cation *, which I here send you inclosed, * together with a letter from St. Pierre, by * which you will find the ^oats are not burnt, nor intended to be so, though he acknow- ledges them all to be rendered entirely use- less, every mast of them being carried away, and the boats themselves torn all to pieces, which I believe to be really the case, as I * M. de Brassac's justification was, that his superior in com- mand, the Due d'Harcourt, had refused to confirm the terms that officer had agreed to, as proposed by the British Admiral,— a pitiful equivoqufc, and unworthy of a gallant and high spirited nation. LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 65 can very well see all the masts gone, and the boats, to all appearance, broken- backed. They are now hard at work erecting a bat- tery on a rising ground, to the westward of the town, but for what number of cannon, I cannot yet pretend to say for a certainty ; but if the weather continues good, I shall not fail to inform myself more particularly. * This afternoon, about two o'clock, I sent the cutter and my own barge in chace of three coastini; sloops, "which they have run on shore, and we are now in chace of another. * I have, agreeably to your direction, sent M. St. Pierre, and the other two officers, on shore, and M. Beaumont, on board the Al- bany, to be brought to you.' Thus had Admiral Rodney the happiness of totally frustrating the designs of the French court, and so completely ruined not only the preparations, but the port itself, as a naval arsenal, that it was no longer in a state to annoy Great Britain during the continuance of the war. On the "24th he returned to port Vot. I. F ,« -'u. '. * ' ■■'■ ^%f^^ ■'m*^.. ^;"l'J" W: I.. ,1 V. ::l :ii:; f ■ -el *>■■■« "'■'ir 66 Life op lord rodnky. to victual ; and so expeditious was he, that in two days afterwards he returned to Havre, so that by keei)ing the enemy in a perpetual state of anxiety and alarm, he rendered them incapable of making the smallest eftbrt to re- store or repair those shattered remains which the preceding conflagration had left unde- stroyed. The flat-bottomed boats, which the tenemy had constructed on entirely new principles, for the purpose of conveying coastwise naval and military stores, were one hundred feet in length, and capable of containing four hundred men each. One hundred of them were col- lected in Caen river. The disaster which befel those which attempted to come out, taught the French minister of marine not to build any further hopes upon such awkward machines. The remainder were ordered to be unloaded at Caen, and sent to Rouen to be laid up as useless. The Rear- Admiral continued to keep the sea until the close of the year, giving great annoyance to the French coast, and scouring with his cutters the shore as far as Dieppe. In the year following, 1761, Admiral Rodney LIFK OF LOUD RODNKY. 67 was elected Member of Parlinim nt for Pen- rhyn ; and on the 0th of October hoisted his flag on board the Marlborough*, having been appointed Commander-in-Chief at Bar- badoes and the Leeward Islands, and to conduct the naval operations of th*^ grand armament destined to attack Martinique, in conjunction with the land forces under the command of Major-General Moncton. Martinique was the most populous and flourishing of all the French settlements across the Atlantic, and it still furnished a considerable resource to the declining com- merce of that nation. There the Governor- General of all the West-Indian islands re- sided, — there was established the sovereign council, whose jurisdiction extended over the French Antilles, and even to the settlements of that crown in the islands of St. Domingo and Tortuga. The licquisition of Martinique * A singular occurrence happened on board the Marlborous;h, at Portsmoutli, on the occasion of his Royal Hi£,hness the Duke of York's visit to the Admiral. A common sailor j>ot \ipon the top of the vane of the main mast, and stood upon his head, vvavinj>' his l)at with his foot several times roimd, to the admiration of his Royal Hiiajhness, who made the fellow a handsome present for his extraordinary dexterity. P2 'J IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 11.25 114 1'-' 6" Fholographic Sdences Corporation 23 WtST MAIN STIIIT WEBSTn,N.Y. 14SM (716)t7a-4S03 <, ^\^ u » i '^i 'i"'^: '! ^^i; •.' It - ..! H ■11?:!', 70 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the 8th we all anchored in St. Pierre's Bay— the ships I had appointed under Sir James Douglas having silenced the forts of that coast, in performing which we had the mis- fortune to lose the Raisonnahle, as she was leading in for one of the enemy's batteries, owing to the pilot being ignorant of a little reef of rocks which took her up. We have saved all her people, all her stores, and I hope soon to get all her guns. * Having, by this motion of the fleet and army, taken possession of an excellent har- bour, and secured a landing in the northern- most part of the island, which might be made tenable at any time, and likewise there- by greatly alarmed the enemy, at General Moncton's request I despatched Commodore Swanton with a squadron of ships, and two brigades, to the bay of Petite" Ance, in order to take post there. Captain Hervey of the Dragon, having silenced the battery of the Grand Ance, landed his marines and sea- men, who attacked it also from the shore, and took possession of the fort ; and, on the 14th, I followed with the whole fleet and army, after destroying the enemy's batteries •■1: LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, n at St. Anne's Bay, when (having recon- noitred the coast with the General) we came to a resolution to make an attempt between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilotte, which I ordered to be attacked on the 16th ; and having very successfully, and with little loss, silenced the batteries, I landed General Moncton, with the greatest part of his forces^ by sunset ; and the whole army was on shore a little after daylight next morning, without the loss of a man — the boats being com- manded by Commodore Swanton in the centre. Captain Shouldham on the right wing, and Captain Hervey on the left — ^with such necessaries as they were most immedi- ately in want of, and had all the ships and transports anchored as much in safety as this coast will admit of. * I have also landed two battalions of ma- rines, of four hundred and fifty men each, for which purpose I have given two of the oldest captains of marines orders to act as majors till their Lordships' pleasure be known, having no field-officers with them here. The army are now carrying on their approaches to the heights of Mont Gamier, .'it.,.™ 7 V i-'tl't .y ." ^'*'^ .,.■■■''' ^f 72 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. I and Mont Tortueson, which the enemy have made as strong as art can do, and from whence the General proposes to lay siege to Port Royal. ' I thought the news of this very important success too good to wait any other event to add to the joy I flatter myself it will give. I have therefore sent Captain Walsingham home express with this, to whom I refer their Lordships for all further particulars, !'3ing at present very much employed in making the very many dispositions for car- rying on the rest of this service, as I am de- termined no time shall he lost in giving every assistance of every kind, which the army can be in want of, or which may even anticipate their own requests. * I have the happiness to add, ', the army and navy continue in perfect health, and carry on the service wl:h the greatest spirit and harmony.' ' ■;!<■ !..:■ Ml (■■ LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 73f 'f !.", * TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. * Marlborough, Fort Royal Bay, Martinique, * 10th February, 1762. Since my letter of the 9th January, acquaint- ing their Lordships with my arrival, and landing the army in Cas Navire Bay, I have the honour to congratulate them on the sur- render of the most important citadel of Fort Royal, and Pigeon Island, which has given his Majesty's forces possession of the noblest and best harbour in these parts of the West Indies. * The almost insurmountable difficulties the troops had to struggle with, and the surpris- ing strength of the country, improved by all that art could add, will be best explained by General Moncton ; but this I must say, in justice to those I have the honour to com- mand, that the intrepidity and gallant beha- viour of the officers and troops employed in this expedition could be equalled only by the eager and cheerful activity of the officers and seamen, who contributed everything in their power towards the reduction of the places, and made no difficulties in transport- .M\-: !lH ii .: I r ,,S .;. 74 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * ing numbers of the heaviest mortars, and ' the ships' cannon *, up the steepest moun- * tains, at a very considerable distance from ' the sea, and across the enemy's line of fire. * I have the pleasure to acquaint their Lord- * ships that we have taken in this port fourteen • The following lively and accurately drawn description of the manner in which this lion-hearted amphibious race carry on their operations on shore, is extracted from a letter written by an officer of Colonel Scott's light infantry, serving in this expedition. " Martinique, Feb. 10, 1762. " As soon as we were all safely disembarked, our engineers were immediately set to work in raising batteries, as well to esta- blish our footing in the island as to cover us in our approaches to dislodge the enemy from their posts. " For this purpose all the cannon and other warlike stores were landed as soon as possible, and dragged by the Jacks to any point thought proper. You may fancy you know the spirit of these fellows ; but to see them in action exceeds any idea that can be formed of them. A hundred or two of them, with ropes and pullies, will do more than all your dray-horses in London. Let but their tackle hold, and they will draw you a cannon or mortar on its proper carriage up to any height, though the weight be never so great, It is droll enough to see them tugging along, with a good twenty-four pounder at their heels ; on they go, huz- zaing and hallooing, sometimes up hill, sometimes down hill ; now sticking fast in the brakes, presently floundering in the mud and mire ; swearing, blasting, d — m — ing, sinking, and as careless of everything but the matter committed to their charge as if death or danger had nothing to do with them. " We had a thousand of these brave fellows sent to our assist- ance by the admiral ; and the service they did us, both on shore and on the water, is incredible." I^IFE OF LORD RODNEY. 7fir * of the enemy's best pnvateers; and many * more, which are in the other parts of the ' island, will be immediately delivered into ' my hands, agreeably to the capitulation, as * likewise that of the citadel and Pigeon * Island, I have the honour to enclose to * them ; and for all further particulars I must * refer their Lordships to Captain Darby, who ' is charged with these despatches. * It gives me the sincerest satisfaction that * I can assure their Lordships the most perfect * harmony has subsisted between the navy ' and army, each vying in the most friendly * manner which should serve his Majesty and ' their country best*.' * In General Moncton's despatch to the Earl of Egremont on this occasion, he thus expresses himself: — " I must repeat to your Lordship the harmony that subsists between the fleet and the army, and the cordial assistance we have received jrom Admiral Rodney in every part of the operations where his aid could be useful." It is pleasing to record this cordial feeling between the two services and these two gallant chieftains. Without it no enter- prise can or ever will succeed ; from the want of it not a few have failed. ■'■■ ■».'!■'* • ' >. ■-■ ; •^ ♦ 1 •■••■' I. ' •': ■;■'•■ i *'•! ■■■m ,•■ .''al... ,, urn 76 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. », '^:; <-| ■'! |• ■ U ■ 1 . r." • ' '■'Hi*. » I, v-/ '■m m 80 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. r '1. ■ r fi li! * we should receive intelligence that the Brest * squadron had passed these seas, acquainting ' him, at the same time, that I certainly should * assist them with all the naval force that * could possibly be spared from the imme- ' diate protection of his Majesty's Caribbee * Islands. I have again solicited the General * for a body of troops since the enemy left ' these seas, and must do him the justice to * say, that he seems much concerned at the * present distress of Jamaica, but does not ' think himself sufficiently authorised to de- * tach a body of troops without orders from ' England. * I flatter myself their Lordships will not * be displeased with me if I take the liberty ' to construe my instructions in such a man- * ner as to think myself authorised and * obliged to succour any of his Majesty's co- * lonies that may be in danger ; and shall, * therefore, without a moment's loss of time, * hasten to the succour of Jamaica, with ten * sail of the line, three frigates, and three * bombs. I shall think myself happy if their * Lordships approve the step I have taken in * hastening the relief of that island ; and can LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 81 * assure them I have no other view in goinp: ' there, but the good of his Majesty's service, ' and propose, unless I receive orders to the * contrary, to return to my station at the ' Leeward islands on the approach of the hur- ' ricane months, leaving such a force at Ja- < maica as shall then appear necessary for the ' protection of that island.' 'to JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. ' Marlborough, St. John's Road, Antigua, ♦ March 24th, 1762. • Having ordered Captain Hervey, in the Dragon, with the Norwich, Penzance, Do- ver, Levant, and Basilisk, to repair to the island of St. Lucie, and summon the go- veror thereof to surrender the said island with its forts and garrisons to his Britannic Majesty, which, if immediately complied with, he was to allow the troops of his Most Christian Majesty to be transported to France, but that I expected all the inhabi- tants should surrender at discretion, and submit themselves to his Majesty's plea- sure ; on the 26th of February, Captain -.ii .M v >'■; 't '•v5^i "Wv \'ti4 i\ Vol. I. G LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ■si ,. ., -1 i Mi i !■, Hervey having summoned M. Longueville, governor of that island, to surrender, and the inhabitants refusing to take arms in its de- fence, he thought proper to accept of the terms offered, and immediately capitulated, for himself and the troops to be sent to France, and the island surrendered at dis- cretion. The ships immediately entered the harbour, and took possession of all the forts and batteries, which were remarkably strong, had forty pieces of cannon mounted, and were capable of making a long defence. * The inhabitants are all disarmed, and I most sincerely congratulate their Lordships on his Majesty being in peaceable possession of an island nearly sixty miles long, twenty broad, and abounding in good ports. * I likewise congratulate them on the con- quest of the most important island of Gre- nada, which surrendered without opposition on the 5th instant, to Commodore Swanton and Brigadier Walsh, upon the same terms as those granted to Martinique. Its port is very safe during the hurricane months, and the citadel which commands it remarkably strong. _ : - , - , , ■(A ^9 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 83 * Inclosed I have the honour to submit plans * of the ports of Grenada and St. Lucie *.* Admiral Rodney now prepared to proceed to the assistance of Jamaica ; but before he could execute the intentions of his active mind, Captain Elphinstone, of the Richmond frigate, arrived on the 26th of March from England, with orders to the Admiral and General not to prosecute any designs they might have planned, as a considerable secret expedition was in contemplation, to which every thing else must give way, that a pow- erful force might be concentred for its ac- complishment. Sensible, however, of the pre- carious situation of Jamaica, he detached thi- ther a large reinforcement of ships, under the command of Sir James Douglas, and ordering * ■ } ,/i '''J -;>;.^.!'^ ■>'.;.<<. >■ -HJiJ ^Mr * In consequence of these successful operations, permission was given to Admiral Rodney to make choice of three thousand acres of land in any of the conquered islands, but a change of ad- ministration taking place soon after, the custom of granting lands in the conquered islands was abolished. General Moncton, how- ever, was more fortunate, having obtained a similar grant, and he made it good. Admual Rodney received the thanks of both Houses of Par- liament for his exertions, but was not honoiu'ed with any mark of his Sovtrsign's approbation until two years afterwards. G2 84 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ^^ •■ .:i;::ri;! another part of his fleet, under Commodore Swanton, to cruise off the Spanish main, he returned with the rest of his ships to Mar- tinique. ::-' 'I 't: ;! 4. * TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. * Marlborough, St. Christopher's, ' March 26th, 1762. Having acquainted you in my letter of the 24th, from St. John's Road, Antigua, that I should hasten with the utmost despatch to the assistance of Jamaica, I put to sea with the squadron under my command accord- ingly, and off this island received their Lord- ships' despatches of the 5th of February, by Captain Elphinstone ; and as I am thereby strictly commanded to desist from any en- terprise I might have in hand, and that it was indispensably necessary that all other operations should yield to this one object of the secret expedition, under the command of Sir George Pocock, and Lord Albe- marle, I shall hasten with the utmost despatch to put their Lordships' said orders into execution ; and I beg you will assure ^'.^i:;;, '■ *. 1, ■.It,, ''Ji-^H^ |^?■''t^^)'ti ■ 'm 3Ik>»»^ U. ■ ■■! '■♦.■ '::'::: d I ut ■: t\. &■' ■;,! ■(,:■ . 69 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * to meet Sir George Pocock in his passage * down. * As I have acted to the best of my judg- *■ ment in the steps I have taken, I hope it * will meet with their Lordships' approbation.' * TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. * Rochester, St. Pierre's Road, Martinique, May 31st, 1762, ;, Having acquainted their Lordships, in my letter of the 26th of March, from St. Christo- pher's, that I should hasten with the utmost despatch to execute their orders, and get every thing in readiness against the arrival of Sir George Pocock and Lord Albemarle in these seas, immediately on Sir James Douglas's sailing with his squadron to Jamaica, I hastened to Martinique, where I had got the transports ready, and the troops embarked, several days before the arrival of the squadron from England; but as many of the remaining transports wanted much repair, it was impossible to despatch the 1600 ton ordered by their Lordships to Jamaica, till the whple was m:ti J/IFE OF LORD RODNEY. 87 * surveyed, and I had an exact account of * the spare tonnage remaining fit for service. * Nevertheless, I ordered two very large * transports that were at St. Christopher's, * amounting to 700 ton, to proceed directly * with Sir James Douglas. * When I had got every thing ready and * had embarked all such troops as General ' Moncton thought proper should be sent with * Lord Albemarle, I had the misfortune to * be taken extremely ill with a bilious fever, * and was obliged to be carried on &hore to * St. Pierre's, which prevented me from * paying my respects to Sir George Pocock * during his stay at Cas Navire, where he * arrived with his forces, from England, on 'the 26th of April. ' My Lord Albemarle found it necessary * to make several alterations relative to the * distribution of the troops already embarked, * and sending for others from Dominique. * These operations, together with fitting many * of the spare transports for horses, loading * others with fascines, and watering the ' fleet, detained them till the 6th of May, ! when Sir George Pocock sailed from heijce . •■■■,ij;.'»li ■■■■ ?• '■" i^^ i% mi^ J'. , ."si ■•■.-■;'; v.; 'I ■;!'■ :*.x- ..' ,--■ i» li"':*' ► '• '; 'WW M . . ..', 'j% ■> m ■ •*> • 'T23J ■♦."Pi V%»- iiili' , -ll '88 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, with the men-of-war and transports under his command, and proposed calling off St. Christopher's for the Edgar and the Jamaica convoy, which were detained there by order, and the CuUoden and Echo, which were there with the transports of negroes sup- plied by the islands for the service of the expedition, the former having been detained by defects in her lower masts, which had been repaired, and she was ready to sail before Sir George's arrival at St. Christo- pher's. * As I had despatched with Sir James Douglas ten sail of the line, (including the Culloden,) the number commanded in their Lordships' orders to be ready, and intending to send the Marlborough home with the second convoy, I reserved only the Fou- droyant, (on board which ship I intended to hoist my flag,) the Vanguard, and Modeste, the condition of the three fifty gun ships rendering it necessary for them to return to England this season, by which their Lord- ships will perceive that only three ships of the line would remain upon this station. * Sir G. Pocock thought it absolutely ne- ' I LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 89 cessary for his Majesty's service to take the Marlborough with him, removing my captain and officers into the Rochester and Falkland, and appointing Captain Burnett to command the Marlborough; and as the carrying on his Majesty's service with success so much depends upon the Commander-in-Chief hav- ing those officers about him whom he most approves, I intend hoisting my flag on board the Foudroyant the moment she joins me, taking Captain Shuldham with me into that ship, removing Captain Duff into the Mo deste, and Captain HoUowell into the Ro Chester, which I flatter myself their Lord- ships will approve, more especially as it is agreeable to their seniority. ' The Alarm, with the convoy from Cork, arrived here the 12th instant, having taken a French ship, bound from Marseilles to St. Domingo, in her passage. * The Oxford and Edgar arrived at Barba- does the 9th instant, with the convoy from England, the latter having taken a transport from Bourdeaux, with the intendant, the commandant of the troops, and one hun- ■': '• * * i . V ,1 ■;'.■ ,.' - . ..■ /* ■ . ■r.'"l "J ;■, p. • '■'iV " I j m It* A* •• ■ ■:■■' ■'■■fwi-'mm 'f'^ t-v' ■Hi-': m 90 1.IFE OP LORD RODNEY. being part of a regiment commanded by the Count de Tremeur. I have also the pleasure to acquaint their Lordships, that another of the said transports, with two hundred troops on board, belonging to the same regiment, has been taken by the Falkland; and as these troops are a great expense to his Ma- jesty, and the Governor and the inhabitants at Barbadoes have made strong remon- strances against their remaining in that island, I hope their Lordships will approve of my intention of sending the officers and troops to France, agreeable to the cartel settled by the two nations, as I shall take particular care to have them conveyed to such a distance as to put it out of their power to carry the ship anywhere but to France. ' As Major-General Moncton has sailed in his Majesty's ship the Lizard, for his go^ vernment of New York, and has left Briga- dier-General Rufane commander-in-chief of the troops left in this island, whose numbers are scarce sufficient to garrison it, and in all probability will be considerably dimi^ nished in the rainy season, I therefore pro< 1:4 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 91 ' pose to take the marines from those ships * bound to Europe, in order to strengthen the * garrison, if necessary, which I hope their * Lordships will approve ; more especially as * the islands of St. Lucie and St. Vincent * have no garrison, neither can any troops be * spared from this place for that service. * Their Lordships will best judge what * number of ships will be sufficient to guard * the extensive tract of islands now belonging * to his Majesty ; and as I have already ex- ' perienced their very great attention towards f the completion of the conquests, I have not * the least reason to doubt that they will, * when more material affairs do not interfere, * continue to support me in such a manner as * may enable me not only to defend and pro- ' tect all these islands against any power * whatsoever, but likewise to annoy his Ma- * jesty's enemies on their own coasts, which * I shall take every opportunity of doing with ■ the squadron now remaining under my com- mand. * The Spaniards continue very quiet in their * ports, seem afraid to venture out, and, by 'the best intelligence I can ^ain, have anned <-.o •I .% ■ ""If... ul '4 . I 0y ■ r ^t. ■:1--i ^^i^l, ■ . li!^ !1, iJif ,':;iij;li:!!r. 92 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * only one privateer from Porto Rico, which ' has very narrowly escaped my cruisers, and * is driven out of these seas. * Mr. Swanton has rejoined me from the * Spanish main, where I had sent him to * cruise for some time, but without success ; * and as I constantly keep a rotation of fri- * gates round the Caribbee islands, I believe * it will be difficult for their ships coming to * these seas to escape their vigilance, or the * inhabitants to receive any succours from * Europe. ' The Marlborough, on her return from St. * Christopher's, took, off St. Lucie, a French ' ship from Bourdeaux, bound to Louisiana ; * the Modeste took, off Tobago, a Spanish * ship from St. Sebastian ; the Foudroyant a * French ship from Marseilles ; and inclosed ' I have the honour to transmit to their Lord- ' ships a list of all ships and vessels taken or * brought into Martinique since I have com- * manded in these seas ; and shall likewise * transmit them a list of the captures con- * voyed into the other islands, the moment I ' receive a return of them from the agents. ' I must beg you will please to acquaint LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, W * their Lordships, that his Majesty's order in * council, of the 25th of March, 1761, relative ' to the prisoners of war being under the di- ' rection of the commanding sea officer, has * not as yet been transmitted to the governors * of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands.' The following letter, written under feelings of considerable irritation, in consequence of an unfair and unwarrantable act, as he con- ceived, of General Moncton, in having ap- pointed certain officers to dispose of the prizes brought into the ports of Martinique, &c. &c., was addressed by Admiral Rodney to Lord Anson, who at that period was at the head of the Admiralty. The Admiral was not a man that would tamely submit to a pro- ceeding which appeared to him to be perfectly illegal and arbitrary, as well as injurious to the rights a^. i ii- erests of those under hia command. * TO LORD ANSON. * Antigua, July 22d, 1762. * It was with infinite concern I heard of your * Lordship's bad state of health, and I most * sincerely hope 4;hat long ere this itisper- '■ ..ii .■"■'<•, ^U ; !h : I tlf. :%^ .;■•: I- '-> '■I'll:" 94 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * fectly restored. To have a confirmation of * it will be the most pleasing news that can be * brought me*. * As I presume your Lordship will be glad * to know the state of the conquered islands, * I must acquaint you that every thing re- * mains in the same situation as when first * taken possession of, there being only a gar- ' rison in Martinique and Grenada, the * islands of St. Lucie and St. Vincent remain- * ing as they were inhabited by the French, * who lately submitted. ' I cannot help again pressing your Lord- * ship that orders may be given relative to the * carenage and the ports, Mr. Moncton having * thought proper, at the instigation of his ' North American followers, to appoint a * number of officers, such as naval officers, to * the different ports, in direct contradiction to * the usage of the English islands, and who ' think they have nothing to do but to impose * arbitrary fines upon uU merchant ships an- i choring in the ports ; in short, m^ Lora, the whole is a scramble who shall cheat his * Majesty and the nation most, not one of the '' Lcrd A^«. ( and Admiral Rodney had always lived on termt 0? ih« greatest intimacy :.ad mutual regard. LIFE OP LORD nODNF-Y. 95 perions appointed to office l)el()n^in^ to the anny, or even gentlemen ; i?nd so fiuirh had these sort of people imposed on Mr. Monc- ton's understanding, that during my absence, and when they imagined I had quitted the^e se vr» to ]j llj-i- J:i •c *^' ^!'' ■'•')■:' ; ■ ' .L jv ■•'''!> ■ ■■^'^i--:'.. ! V (' *» '1^ J ■ 100 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. St. Lucie, and the right of that nation to fish on the banks of Newfoundland was recog- nised. The fortress of the Havannah and the other acquisitions of England were re- stored to Spain, who, on her part, guaranteed to England the Floridas, and all that she possessed on the continent of America, to the east and south-east of the Mississippi. In the nation at large, this peace was universally unpopular. Upon its policy his- tory has, in these later times, pronounced judgment. The cession of the island of St. Lucie, however, was, at that period, and must ever be, condemned as an unwise measure. Its importance, from its situation, and excellent harbour, seems to have been better under- stood and appreciated by the French than the English negociators. Mr. Pitt had posi- tively refused, in his previous negociations with M. Bussy, to cede Si,. Lucie to France ; and Admiral Rodney had at all times been so sensible of its value and importance to Great Britain, that, from his earliest ac- quaintance with that island, he never ceased LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 101 to urge and advise its retention, as will be evidenced in some of his succeeding letters. Admiral Rodney returned to England on the 12th of August, 1763, and struck his flag on the 16th of the same month. He had, on the 21st of October, in the preceding year, been made Vice- Admiral of the Blue. On the 21st of January, 1764, the Admiral was raised to the dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain in consideration of the eminent services he had rendered his country, and in this year he was married to Henrietta, daugh- ter of John Clies, Esq., by whom he had several children*. On the 23d of November, 1765, Sir George Rodney was appointed Governor of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich, in the room of Ad- miral Townshend, and took his seat as Director, on the 28th of December following. During the four years that he presided over that noble establishment, he had no oppor- tunities of displaying that active and enter- prising spirit which had hitherto marked his * Of these, four only are now surviving, viz., the Hon. John Rodney, the Hon. Mrs. Chambers, the Hon. Anne Rodney, and the Hon. Mrs. Mundy. ■w' ■'■■ n "'.:'■ 'ifi;-* ■' .-St. ij i_, ■:!;,.i!*^«.i !r I I <\ :J;-5 •i V i ^n.„';:; ■rr:-' ;Kv'ii:>- .■rt ■ >!i: 102 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. character, but occasions were not wanting to prove that he was still, as he ever had been, the seaman's friend. The anecdote which follows, of the authenticity of which there can be no question, bears more honourable and ample testimony to the goodness of the Admiral's heart than would volumes of la- boured panegyric. At that period few, if any, of the pensioners were allowed great coats, and then only in consequence of a petition approved by the weekly board, or an order from the Governor, who had authority to grant that indulgence. Sir George, the first winter of his government there, had applications made as usAal, but re- quired no better pretensions, or greater elo- quence, than an old sailor and a cold day, to grant an order. The consequence of this was, that great coats became so general, and the demand increased so much, that the Lieu- tenant-Governor, Mr. Boys, at the next board, took upon him to represent the Governor's conduct as extremely reprehensible. Sir George, who was present, got up ; and after expressing his surprise at the Lieutenant- Governor's conduct, very calmly said to him, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 103 1 1 have the greatest respect for you as a man, ' who, by the greatest merit, has raised him- ' self from the station of a foremast man to * the rank of an Admiral, — a circumstance * which not only does you the highest honour, * but would have led me to have expected you * as an advocate instead of an opposer to such ' a necessary indulgence. Many of the poor ' men at the door have been your shipmates, * and once your companions. Never hurt a * brother sailor ; and let me warn you against ' two things more : The first is, in future not * to interfere between me and my duty as * Governor ; and the second is, not to object *to these brave men having great coats, ' whilst you are so fond of one as to wear it * by the side of as good a fire as you are sit- * ting by at present. There are very few ' young sailors that come to London without * paying Greenwich Hospital a visit, and it * shall be the rule of my conduct, as far as ' my authority extends, to render the old < men's lives so comfortable, that the younger ' shall say, when he goes away, " Who would * " not be a sailor, to live as happy as a * " Prince in his old age ! " ' and Sir George ^"iPmi "■■<'k.-"l,-S 1, < . 4 .kJ . ■■_■ : ..••*.. f'»l ■■ .--f^'liwliiifirv 1.. 1, ■« J =.»i-tt, *' y A V SMTKSdF •V, i-. vi,;: I' •! 'if:' I ' ,;! ' ■1 . ■ ■! i' ' - *■ {. : ,^'. '■■ J; I'*' "i ;■''? »■__,• 104 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. kept his word, for from that time every man was allowed a great coat *. It was Sir George who first appointed the shoremen, as they are called, whose duty it is to watch and wash the retiring tide, thereby contributing to the salubrity of the Hospital, and to the comfort and convenience of its nu- merous visiters. On the 18th of October, 1770, Sir George was made Vice- Admiral of the White ; and on the 24th of October, in the year following. Vice- Admiral of the Red. On the 23rd of January, 1771, he was ap- pointed Commander-in-Chief at Jamaica, and having been required to resign his Govern- ment at Greenwich Hospital, he addressed a letter to the Earl of Sandwich, at that time at the head of the Admiralty, expressive of his hope that, with reference to precedents produced in favour of his pretensions, he * By the humane exertions of that most able and excellent officer, Rear-Adnural Sir Richard Keats, the present Governor of Greenwich Hospital, and by the judicious regulations of the Di- rectors of the establishment, the comforts of the pensioners may now be said to be consummated, both with regard to the clothing, discipline, and messing, as well as to the indulgencies allowed to those who have families. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 105 might be permitted to retain that appoint- ment. *T0 THE EARL OF SANDWICH*. 'January 15th, 1771. * * Your goodness, in thinking of employing ' me in the West Indies, which in all proba- * bility will be the field of action should a * war commence with Spain, lays me under * the greatest ob^'gation, and flatters my am- * bition, that I am thought worthy by the ' King and your Lordship of a command of * such consequence. Pardon me, however, ' my Lord, if I feel myself a little disappointed * in one circumstance which fell from your * Lordship. I flattered myself that when his * Majesty was most graciously pleased to * honour me with the Government of his * Royal Hospital at Greenwich, it would not * be expected I should resign it on my being ' employed, but that I should enjoy it in the * same manner as three out of four Admirals, * who had been Governors thereof, had done ; * viz., Lord Aylmer, Sir John Jennings, and * The Earl of Sandwich was appointed First Lord of the Ad- miral' :n the month of Januaiy, 1771. ■'film .» *•■ ''MM ■"':< ■i ^mH .;.•. i iipi . 'ii •■■■ ,.v -.^v,; :.'Fr- ■Kn,- 'vC'ir -mm • ■■' ,'' , ill'*''-' 'iJf''*'^ ;■ 'i ■itA ■m"\] 1 ' ' .'■ 106 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' Sir John Balchen, all of whom were em- ' ployed, and commanded fleets during their * government of the Hospital. * My case is more particular, as I had the * misfortune of being superseded in the com- * mand of a successful fleet, entrusted to my * care in the West Indies, at the very time I * had sailed on another expedition against the * enemy's squadron at the island of St. Do- * mingo, and was thereby deprived of pur- ' suing those conquests which so honourably * attended upon another, and which secured * him such great emoluments ; nor should I, * in shewing to your Lordship ibe peculiar * disadvantage to me to be deprived of the * said Government, forget to remark, that * when Admiral Boscawen was made General * of Marines for the action off Lagos, and Sir * Charles Saunders Lieutenant-General of * Marines, upon the reduction of Quebec, it * was not intended they should lose the emo- * luments arising therefrom, when commands ^ in their own line made it be thought proper * to employ them. ' After suggesting these precedents, and ' these considerations to your Lordship, allow % LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 107 me to hope, that if I am thought deserving the honour of the command, I shall not be required to relinquish an appointment which I shall ever flatter myself was conferred as a mark of Royal approbation, and designed to be continued to me, notwithstanding another command may call for my services in a dif- ferent quarter. * Fully sensible of your Lordship's friend- ship and goodness to me, I ought not to urge this point further than to beg I may expe- rience them once more in the case in ques- tion, than which nothing can so much oblige, or effectually bind me with that re- spect and veneration with which • I am, my Lord, ' &c. &c. &c.' It was not deemed expedient to comply with Sir George Rodney's request, and Sir Francis Holbourne was appointed in his stead to the Government of Greenwich Hospital. Having hoisted his flag in the Princess Amelia, on the 13th of May, he sailed on the 3d of June from Plymouth, and arrived at Jamaica on the 7th of August. "hi '' ♦"in "•■■■■^'Si'?'^ "/'« ni'< ^f^-^L, fi I „ * I. V w '.-.' ■ i: ■' I :-"i; 108 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Previously to his departure from England, he had received a letter from Rear-Admiral Spry, requesting to be informed in what manner Sir George proposed to receive Lord Sandwich, who was on the point of visiting Plymouth, in the Augusta yacht. • TO REAR ADMIRAL SPRY. • Plymouth Sound, May 27th, 1771. As no man whatever can have a greater regard and respect for Lord Sandwich than myself, you may be assured that I shall be glad of every opportunity of shewing my attachment to him ; and in case the yacht which brings his lordship into the port carries the Admiralty flag, I shall not only salute it with nineteen guns, but likewise give particular orders to all the captains of the squadron I command to do the same ; but in case the yacht comes with a pendant only, I shall expect the captain of her to do his duty by saluting the King's flag en- trusted to my charge ; and should he neg- lect to do so, I shall send a proper officer LIFE OF LOUD RODNEY. 109 on board to place him in arrest for disrespect to the King's flag . * I know my Lord Sandwich too well not to be sensible, that he will approve of every officer who keeps up the dignity of the British flag. ' Should his Lordship honour me with a visit on board the ship on which my flag is hoisted, I shall take care that every respect and honour is paid that is due to him, not only as a peer of the realm, but likewise as First Lord of the Admiralty.' ^ ' TO JOHN CLEVELAND, ESQ. * Princess Amelia, Basseterre Road, St. Kitt's, * July 16th, 1771. ' I take the opportunity of a merchant ship ' bound to London, to acquaint their Lord- • ships that I arrived here this day with his 'Majesty's squadron under my command* * Consisting of the Princess Amelia, 80 guns, Boyne . . 70 „ Modeste . 64 „ Achilles . 60 „ Prudent . 64 „ Diana . . 32 .. Captain J. Symons. Captain J. Burnett. Captain J. Wheelock. Captain K. Collins. Captain A. Schomberg. Captain R. Onslow. :: '•y \^.; "'■■"i^'M y'\ "•'''■If M>v .;• ' ."^:.l^ I|!i I'll r|t?''', -./'■■ y;.-.l; ■.,' ■' i 4 ':i:.:y t : ^;;. ,|Wr ■ ♦ 1 * 4:; no LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. *from Madeira, which island I left on the * 24th of June, having made five days' stay * in completing the wine and water of the * squadron. * As I was so near the isle of TenerifFe, * and the Diana much sooner ready to sail ' than the other ships, I imagined their Lord- * ships would be glad to be informed of the * state of the town of St. Croix, and whether ' any additions have been lately made to the ' fortifications of the place. I therefore de- * spatched Captain Onslow with a letter to ' the British consul there, with orders to make ' every observation in his power, taking care * to do it in such a manner as not to give ' umbrage to the Spaniards. He was to stay * only three days, and to endeavour to join ' me off the island of Palma, or to shape his ' course from the said island, as I should do * with the rest of the squadron, but as yet he ' has not joined us. • I propose sailing from hence to-morrow, ' and hope to be in a few days at Jamaica.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Ill * TO PHILIP STEVENS, ESQ. ' Princess Amelia^ Port Rdyal, Jamaica. 'August 7th, 1771. You will please to acquaint their Lordships that I arrived here with the squadron under my command on the 24th of July, and found in this port, Commodore Mackenzie, in the Dunkirk, with the Rainbow, Guadaloupe, Zephyr, Druid, and Trial. * Immediately on my arrival, I issued orders to the captains of the squadron I brought from England, to complete their water, and to hold themselves in constant readiness to proceed to sea, but from the great distance of the watering-place to Port Royal, the watering the ships has been ex- tremely tedious. * As it appears very extraordinary to me that the water supplied his Majesty's ships on this station should be purchased, more especially when I consider the great fleets that have formerly been stationed here, and if-* '!,! V»: fi *> -■.-.'r''.,» .. .', iviW • .. ■; :f •' ■■-«■■■ '• '"l'!- ♦-.•*{'. , .]■ \\i ■i./.T'.'Ji J :'•■■-.".■»:'♦,■'* ^»r.^.i\ m ■*''■ •■.111 >.. I/; Mf ■4 r Hi H t^i- 1^ '■-■ i»i' ',51. ,; 112 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the almost impossibility of watering a squa- dron, on any emergency, in the present mode, as the watering-place is at a great distance, and scarce sufficient to supply a large squadron, I have determined to go myself and view the river, at Rock Fort, and the river Cobra, in order to be convinced whether proper watering-places might not be erected at a moderate expense, as was done in Admiral Vernon's time, that the government might not be at the expense of purchasing this necessary article. ' I have been prevented taking the survey as yet, by the badness of the weather, but their Lordships may depend upon my sending them an exact account, with the estimate of erecting pumps, sheds, and a stage, in the manner they were furnished by Admiral Vernon, which have been suffered for many years to go to ruin. * The arrival of so large a squadron gives the greatest satisfaction to the inhabitants, and makes them very sensible of the atten- tion that has been paid by government to them.' LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 113 I * TO THE GOVERNOR OF CARTHAGENA. , ' Princess Amelia, Jamaica, •September 3d, 1771. I have the honour to acquaint your Excel- lency, that his Britannic Majesty has been pleased to confer on me the command of his squadron on this station, and to assure you that while I am protecting his Majesty's territories, and the trade of his subjects, I shall be truly solicitous to maintain a friendly correspondence with your Excellency, and with the rest of his Catholic Majesty's governors in America. * With such a disposition, judge, Sir, what must have been my astonishment to hear, on my arrival, that two guardacostas, under the pretended sanction of your Excellency's and the Commodore's orders, had forced his Majesty's schooner, the Hawke, into Car- thagena, after they were told, and knew whose commission the commander of her had the honour to bear. ' I am moreover informed, that one of the Commodore's lieutenants acquainted the Vol. I. I '1,1 — ; 1 :'i!™'V* .'..'■ftAlJ "Mm :^r-. It ! ! . , i ' ! i| '1 fir''- '■: -it 'I !'l !,'<'tC '■ 114 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. commander of the schooner, on her dismis- sion from the port of Carthagena, that she might go, but that if either the schooner, or any other of his Britannic Majesty's ships were afterwards found within twelve leagues of that coast, they should be taken, and their crews imprisoned. ' As your Excellency, I doubt not, is equally disposed with myself to support the harmony which so happily subsists between the two crowns, I cannot be persuaded that you have given the least countenance to these acts of violence. * The officer who has dishonoured his King's colours by a tame submission to this insult has been already dismissed the service ; and I have the fullest confidence that your Ex- cellency will, on your part, immediately order the officers that have treated with such indignity the British flag to be called to the strictest account, and confirm the opinion I would willingly entertain of the impossibility of such a menace being sent by the Commodore, or any officer of rank, who wishes to preserve the general tran- quillity. ■r\- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 115 ' I have ordered the captain by wliom I * send this to wait your Excellency's an- * swer.' * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. • Port Royal, Jamaica, ♦ Sept. 19th, 1771. Since my letter of the 4th instant, giving their Lordships an account of the violent earthquake which happened the day before, which has been attended with frequent shocks till within these few days, and, in the opinion of the inhabitants, done more damage than any since the great one in 1692, particularly in the towns of Port Royal and Kingston, in the former of which there is not a single house that has not been damaged, I find his Majesty's dock* yard has suffered considerably. The pitch- house is split up the middle of the arch, the chimney thrown down ; the coppers and chimney where the people cook while at the wharf are rendered useless ; the smith's shop split in several places, and so shaken as to be quite unserviceable. The foundations of I 2 '1'-, 1 ••■ . > •'l:tfl"^J *■■■ ,.■■■/ ••. -li ,ivf*»'' ?R ■ . ••'^';■^Ul ■ ''«i".'i''» - '' ■ L* "t J" • ** ■•'.■!!•■'■ ': - 'km "if ■MB -■•/'■111 ■ ' ■ !H>A 1 ♦;>/■« '.fa 1^ 116 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ,' ■'I " < fiti'l, ffl [■ -jl' : ■I- •'■■ i .1 i;.d.,i ■■ ■ t -■'■.■ 1.; . :V : : ■Ill rh \ .■. ..ys '':''i^-''-- IM fcia * the capstern and mast-houses have likewise ' received much damage. * His Majesty's hospital at Port Royal * seems to have suffered more than any other ' building : the chimneys shaken down, the ' walls shattered ; the partition walls, and * gable end of the northern \»ing, and a * southern wall next the dispensary, greatly ' damaged. ' As the sick men were very much alarmed, * and really in danger, I found it necessary to ' order the surgeon and agent to repair it with ' all possible despatch. There have been nine ' shocks since the first, but as each has ap- ' peared weaker, I hope we shall experience ' no more of them. * In surveying the damage done to the dock- * yard, I found it absolutely necessary to order * the builder to erect a smith's shop near the ' place marked in the plan which has already ' been laid before their Lordships and the * Navy Board, but on no account to make any ' new ground, as was intended therein, and * with which plan, herewith sent to their Lord- ' ships, the present situation will coincide. ' Their Lordships will perceive by this plan LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 117 * that there are apartments, composed of two ' rooms each, for the Admiral, and the cap- ' tains whose ships may be careening. For ' my own part, I do not wish to put the Go- * vernment to any expense , but I leave it to ' their Lordships' consideration, whether an ' apartment to accommodate the captains at * such times will not be of public utility, and ' be the means of having the duty go on ' brisker, and in a great measure prevent the ' desertion of *\e seamen. * Since my letter to their Lordships of the * 8th August, when I acqT ainted them that * I intended to visit the different watering- ' places, in order to find whether the ships ' could not be watered without Government * being at the expense of purchasing it, or ' that the seamen might be supplied with * more wholesome water, I examined first the * river Cobre, where his Majesty's ships for- * merly watered, but it still remains so choked * up as not to admit of their being supplied ' from thence. » * The next place was a reservoir erected by * the late Mr. Pay ton, of Kingston. On my * arrival here, it being recommended as whole- ■'■','* '■•".'i'^ \' V".i<'''*i'vV'if,' : »t^,if , i-i ■■■•■ -iR^-nTiU :'-r' 7*N-iJ:« '■■* !. ' .*{' .l•-t'■■\''• ,f ■ ■• I,,' , i. .-nibM J m .4 W 'I.*. ■ (-, , -, ■ J^ I jf I ''. ■;• • I:'- u 'if I 'it- ^!# t;. •■.8 "'." .1 * :.5' i;h- m^m ■'■■ * ( . „ I ' < :n\ Ill- •^ 118 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * some water, I ordered the Princess Amelia ' to be supplied therewith, but found it ropy, * thick, and of a disagreeable taste, and it * grew putrid in two or three days. * The next place, and where the ships are * all watered from at present, is in the town * of Kingston ; but as the supply is only from * a well, which is frequently pumped dry, it * is with great difficulty the ships can procure * wholesome water, and for which the Govern- * ment pays at the rate of one shilling per * ton. This, added to the situation of the * place, which gives the men very frequent * opportunities of getting liquor and deserting, * makes it an improper place for watering his * Majesty's ships. * The scarcity of water, which frequently * causes delays in the sailing of the ships, * and prevents their putting to sea with the * despatch I could wish, is very detrimental * to the service, and will be much more so, * should there be a necessity, on any emer- * gency, to put to sea in a hurry with the * whole jquadron. ' These considerations, and the very great * utility it would be to Government if a pro- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 119 per watering-place could l»t; found where the ships might be supplied with conveniency and despatch, made me extremely anxious to find one in this harbour, which I have been fortunate enough to effect. Going to survey the shore near Rock Fort, in order to examine the place where Admiral Ver- non, when on this station, used to water many of his large ships, I found a rapid and clear run of water, but which has had the reputation of being unwholesome, owing, I imagine, to its running through part 3f a small bog. I ordered the stream to be exa- mined, going myself for that purpose, and found, at about five hundred yards distance from its discharging itself into the harbour, that the spring issued with great rapidity from a limestone rock, in sufficient quantity to supply any fleet whatsoever, the spring itself being five or six feet above the bed of the rivulet, and may be conveyed with great ease, by an aqueduct, or small gutter, into the long-boats, without mixing with the water of the rivulet. * I caused the water to be analysed, and it proved as soft and wholesome as could be « ',(1 •■ V •• ^ ■ '''' i •:\i':;. "!!'^'V *<^{ '■*r':- IfttT'il •■<1,^^^ ,11,. ir I ?: ■ «' 1* ' . i''i ■. ':l' .'I 'ill I ■ •■' .1 " •.J t m.'- 1 ■ <■ .Is i 'J 120 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. wished for men to drink ; and in case Go- vernment choose to take this spring, there will never be hereafter the least difficulty in obtaining water for his Majesty's ships; and I will venture to affirm, that a large fleet may be watered from hence in five or six days, when, according to the present mode, it would take as many weeks to do it. * So desirable and unexpected an event as this, and which may be attended hereafter with the greatest utility to the public, caused me to order a survey thereon, and a proper estimate to be made of the expense that would accrue to the public in erecting an aqueduct over the bog, for conveying the water into the boats, which estimate I have the honour to inclose for their Lordships' perusal ; and I make not the least doubt they will give orders for the work being car- ried into execution, especially as the land which must be purchased, from the spring head to he water's side, is of little or no value, being nothing but a rock or bog. * In addition to the utility of this watering- place, I must inform their Lordships that the largest ship can lie within a cable's LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 121 * length of the shore, and in as healthy a * situation as any in this island. I am caus- ' ing a proper survey of the land where it will ' be necessary to bring the aqueduct to be ' taken, which I shall transmit to their Lord- * ships by the Carysfort.' * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH TO SIR * G. B. RODNEY, • Nov. 27th, 1771. * I am sorry to say that the last despatches * we have received from you are not only full * of interesting, but very disagreeable iiatter. * I hope the accounts we shall receive con- * cerning the reception of the Achilles will * not bring any fresh matter to add to our * apprehensions. Be that as it may, I cannot * help cautioning you, as a friend, to be upon * your guard, and to avoid, by every justi- ' fiable means, the drawing this country into * a war, which, if it comes on too speedily, I * fear we shall have cause to lament. * I cannot conceal from you, that many * people have industriously spread stories here, a 1^ I \m 1 /• k.^vr. •'^^ ;>'" ffi J..4 ^ K^M ■..*: ;i«-». i: *«i i: ■ 'Til. I ,1 '1 M'-fT ■■ ''1 '. : ■ • :'p" •■ " ■\b' 1 ■'■ ■, ♦ : i ! '.4 * ' r U , > ' .,4 f" 'r'.t] 'liJ't- ^ * 1 ' e^: -■ ., ... .i , ■ «. ' ■ V .1 Hi ^:# , ;;.:, ■- 122 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * that, among the foreign ministers* and * others, you have expressed your wishes for ' a Spanish war. This sort of declaration is * too indiscreet, and too httle founded on your ' instructions, to allow me to give them the * It was probably, at that time, the policy of the foreign minis- ters and their courts to spread and encourage such reports, and to raise a belief, that the war, in which they were not indisposed to engage, was provoked by the imprudence and rashness of an English oflScer. The insult which had been oft'ered to the British flag, and which Admiral Rodney was so prompt in resenting, be- trays something of the spirit by which, at least, the Spaniards were actuated, and at the same time serves to exhibit the true character of this great man, and to refute the malicious rumours of the enemies of the nation or of himself, that it was his wish and object rashly to precipitate his country into a war. The letter of remonstrarce which he wrote to the Spanish Governor of Car- thagena upon that occasion, which has already been given (p. 113), affords ample testimony of his fitness to command and to nego- ciate in so delicate a conjuncture. Firm, dignified, and decided, its language is at the same time courteous and conciliatory. It ex- presses all the steady resolution of a British sailor, whilst the com- position is evidently that of an accompUshed gentleman, and would not be unworthy of the reputation of the most skilful diplomatist. All the histories f this penod agree in stating, that the Spanish cabinet, encouraged bv the Due de Choiseul and the other minis- ters of the Freneii otmrt,, had k>ng been diligently seeking some pretext for declarung war against Great Britain, and that the King of France, having dismissed these ministers at the close of the year 1770, sent a letter, written by his own hand, to his Catholic Majesty, wiuerein he advised hitn to remain at peace with Great Briton ; but in cast he was dipti^rmined against following this ad- vice, he assured him that he nust expect no assistance from France, as his resolution was, to take no part in the voar. This LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 123 least credit ; and therefore you may be assured, that I shall discredit the idea of their being founded in fact, till I have re- ceived your answer to this letter. • I am ignorant what is the wish of his Majesty's servants in general as to peace or war, as I wish to confine myself as much as possible to the business of my own depart- ment only ; but upon all proper occasions I shall never avoid giving you my opinion, and i will give it you now, not officially, but as a private friend, that those who, at this time, take any hasty steps to draw us into a war, will deserve to be considered as the worst enemies of Great Britain. ' I will add one ^ t)rd more ; and that is, lliat upon a det«Ar; lion of war, larger squa- drons must b^' st^it out, and, very probably, senior officers, to most of our stations in foreign parts. 1 wish for no alteration, and had the desired etfect, and brought the Spaniards to reason.— Happy would it have been for France had his Most Christian Majesty continued in this wise resolution ! Eight years after- wards, he coalesced with Spain and Holland ; and, aiding the North American colonies in their rebellion against their King, introduced the spirit of revolution and anarchy into his own country'., and lost his throne, and, soon after, his life. .4-W^' ".•''lit' t ■»:,**?■; 't iA^ s i'lti^* ';tft/J M J 'i : 124 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * I wish for a continuance of the peace while * it can be continued without discredit to our * country. * I am, with great truth and regard, ' Your very sincere friend.' Em' fit' ■',■.1 ill ■i'iv>* v,i- ■ i , v:' ■• ' .1 t mSf * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ' Admiralty, Dec. 30th, 1771. The Carysfort is at last arrived with your despatches, and every one I converse with is particularly happy to find that nothing untoward happened when the Achilles and Guadaloupe went to Carthagena. I wish I had perceived, by your said despatches, that all discussion, in your part of the world, re- lative to the Hawke schooner, had been at an end ; for, believe me, you are got upon very delicate ground, and I think you would have acted more judiciously, if, instead of sending the Guadaloupe again to require an explanation of an hasty expression from an inferior officer in the Spanish service, you had left us at home to judge of the nature of the insult, with the materials we had in our possession, without giving occasion to fresh LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 125 altercation, and perhaps fresh indiscretions on hoth sides. * We shall now wait, with great impatience, for an account of what passes on the Guada- loupe's return from Carthagena. T heartily wish, for your sake, as well as for the public good, that nothing sinister may have hap- pened. * According to your desire, the Carysfort will return to you.' ' FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ♦ Admiralty, March 18th, 1772. I have received your letter of December 1st, and am extremely happy to find from the contents of it that nothing sinister has happened by what I thought a too frequent intercourse with your neighbours at Cartha- gena. We are now got upon right ground, and, I am persuaded, that your discretion, and some hints I have given you, will be the means of keeping every thing quiet for a considerable time to come. I must prepare you not to be surprised if this quiet should occasion the recal of some part of your /»• T I,' « ,..•• .5*1 ^jt^i-vn^i' -li! * ti ' ,"i:'il '■■■■■ ■■.y''?'*^;i ,:'.-j'|J|f«'.: ■:i ■klr'lJ/* (it ■ • ^t • J, ». „• .4 i, V' ',■ ■■'■ \'''v<-»'>l ■ ■'.'•■■•qrj I" .f'j. 126 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ,'iS '■■m . ,1' ■ ., ' .1 ■ i :■ i 1 'i* • ■ Si l^il- 1 ■ 31' .Mr •'-'!: ^11 /".'..Jlr.ilir. . : -. squadron, which has been complained of in parliament, as too expensive in a time of such an appearance of general tranquillity ; but I hope what will be left will be sufficient to answer all the purposes of your command, and I believe I may venture to promise you, that if any clouds should gather in the western hemisphere, during the time that I have the honour of serving his Majesty in this department, you will receive reinforce- ments in due time to prevent your being on the defensive. * You do me justice in saying, you are con- vinced that your private interests are safe in my hands, and you may be always satisfied that I shall be as attentive to what concerns you as if you were present to tell me your wishes. * I am, my dear Rodney, with greatest truth and regard, &c. &c.' * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. • Admiralty, March 27th, 1772. * I trouble you with this, to acknowledge the • receipt of yours of the 29th of January, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 127 and to inform you that I am very happy to have it in my power to assure you that the contents of the letter to which I now allude (which I have communicated to the person you would most wish to oblige"'), has met with entire approbation, and I do not think that there is any of our commanders-in- chief, who stand at present upon a better footing than yourself. ' You will find that we have taken Lieute- nant g off your hands by leaving a va- cancy lor him in the Carysfort, which, if he is already provided for, you will fill up v/ith some person you may wish to promote.' * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ♦ Admiralty, April 20th, 1772. ' As the letter dated Febniary 9th, which I * received a few days ago, mentions your * being under some uneasiness on account of ' some expressions in one I lately wrote to * you, I take the earliest opportunity to do * Probably the King. 4 sH I .■H> ^ X]ii ^^L€ ■*ji V.J.I • '.VJ'AX ■ ■■'•■'.')> ;1iViMs-- ,»■;* i'V '#■ 1 I It l*«"-1:i| i; ^ ;>• f■'i|ij^-*'' ► i*.>' l'.>11 128 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. all in my power to remove any such im- prr -ion, by ai^suring you that everything you have done is thoroughly approved at home; and you will observe, that what I wrote before, was only meant to guard you against what might happen hereafter, by the indiscretion of the officers under you. What you now say to me concerning Cap- tain C and Lieutenant G , shows how little inferior officers are to be trusted in any correspondence with a nation that possibly may wish for a rupture ; and it is on account of their indiscretion that I have expressed myself to be in pain when any- thing was going on with the Spanish governors through the intermediate channel of the commanders of any of the ships of your squadron. However, thank God, all this matter is nov/ happily terminated ; and I am persuaded everything remains now in safe hands, as it is under your direction ; and that whenever the service requires your sending a ship on any message to the Spa- niards, you will take care that she is one that is under the command of a very dis- t:y LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 129 creet officer, and particulprly instructed by you not to enter into any altercations, or to give any grounds for discussion or disagree- ment. • You do me justice in supposing that you may depend upon my friendship, for you may be assured, that I shall, during your absence, be attentive to your interests, and shall prove myself, on all occasions, ' Your very sincere friend, * &c. &c. &c.' FROM THE EARL OP SANDWICH. * Admiralty, August 31, 1772. I cannow suffer the Diligence to sail with- out informing you that I have made your request to be appointed Governor of Ja- maica, in case of a vacancy, known to Lord North, and I should hope with a good pros- pect of success. You may be assured of my utmost attention to serve you in this point ; but I think you would do well to write yourself to Lord North, and also to the Secre- tary of State for the American department, who, I believe, has the appointment of the Vol. I. K A ■ ■ 1 1 ii If' f^ ■;■._ "■ •' ' >'. ii\ ' ' '■■■'ill'' ■',:».■:, 'MM' mm t ■ 1 " *>.* • V! \Ks •'V- ■!• ft -tl ■i'^ii ■i(,« i ). ->■ BM 130 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * governors to the several colonies. If you * could also prevail on Lord Northampton to * spea! i word for you, it might be of great * use. * You will observe, that by mentioning * these circumstances to you, I mean that no * stone should be left unturned for your ser- * vice. What has already passed between * Lord North and me, shews that you have, at ' present, no competitor ; but as that is * always to be expected, it is advisable to be ' prepared in time with as much strength of ' interest as possible ; but after all, what * reason have you to expect a vacancy? for * we have no intelligence here that it is * likely to happen. * Your son's commission is confirmed*.' !;m:^: i *T0 PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Portland, Port Royal, Jamaica, • 17th September, 1773. * Please to inform their Lordships, that the * aqueduct for watering his Majesty's ships * Mr. James Rodney, who was afterwards lost at sea in the Ferret sloop, in the month of August, 1776. ** 1 I. y LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 181 * and vessels here was completed, agreeably * to the contract, on the 1st instant, from which * day government will be put to no further ' expense for watering ships in this harbour ; * and I have the pleasure to a«sure their ' Lordships that the reservoir and aqueduct ' answer every purpose, beyond the most * sanguine expectation ; in erecting which, * however, great labour, difficulty, and ex- * pense have necessarily been incurred, but * which will be fully compensated by its * utility in saving the lives of many hundred * seamen, as well as also the great expense * annually incurred thereby, in watering the ' ships on this station*. * There are six spouts from the guttering * Respecting the improvements that were made in the mode of watering the ships of war in the West India islands. Lord Rodney used to say, that for some time he was considered by th3 sailors as a great benefactor. They had ^-^cn obliged to roll casks of water from a very great distance, which, in that hot climate, was a laborious and fatiguing service, and when they at first found themselves relieved from it, and saw the facility and despatch with which the ships were watered, their gratitude not unfrequently was expressed by the exclamation, " God bless the Admiral." They soon, however, discovered that, as the ships were watered in a very short time, and were ready to put to sea, they had but little opportunity of being ashore, and remembering that the old plan had giveu them more freedom in this respect, the phrase was converted into " The D 1 take the Admiral." K2 H ym V'.'- .{ t ^'•'; m i J' ti\ • ^ ':/?P■■:i^M- • i ■"!►: i : l:^ 132 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * on the wharf, from M^hich the water issues * with such a constant rapidity, that in twelve * minutes as many long-hoats may always be ' filled, exclusive of the current that empties * itself into the sea, at the end of the wharf, * and should there be occasion, six other * spouts may discharge the like quantity ; * for since the aqueduct has been opened, it * is computed that 100 tons of water have ' issued hourly from the gutter and spouts. ' I cannot give their Lordships a proper idea * of this useful and beneficial acquisition to * the crown, but will cause a plan of the whole * to be drawn, and will transmit the same * for their inspection as soon as possible. * There will be a further expense incurred * towards the completion of the whole that ' could not be foreseen, which I have fully * explained to the Commissioners of the * Victualling-office, and which may possibly * amount to four or five hundred pounds more * before it can be deemed thoroughly com- * plete.' ■i h; n ^'-itm LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 133 * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. • Portland, Port Royal, Jamaica, ♦ 6th Nov. 1773. His Majesty's ship the Garland, Captain Judd, joined me in this port the 4th instant, from the bay of Honduras, on which station he had been employed two months, and had totally suppressed the rebellion of the ne- groes belonging to his Majesty's subjects in the river Balise. He had likewise had my particular orders to remonstrate, and to en- deavour to induce them to restore to the Spaniards the effects saved from the Thetis register-ship; but by the inclosed papers, which I received from the magistrates at St. George's Quay, their Lordships will per- ceive that there is not the least probability of their doing that justice to his Catholic Majesty's subjects that they are entitled to. • The Spaniards have been extremely ill used throughout this whole affair; and so conscious are the inhabitants in general that their conduct deserves a most condign pu- nishment, that most of those concerned in saving the effects of the ship, after convert- .^'"H .'•. m '.■I K li.*-' -J. ^'i'%^\iJffi h',. >'k. 134 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. h Ifi ). '' ■ •^i|i v.- tt * ing them to their oavii use, are gone and * going from the said quay ; for, notwith- * standing the determination of the com- ' mittee concerning tiie salvage, I am well * assured that the effects saved from this ship, ' had they been justly restored, would not ' only have most amply rewarded his Ma- * jesty's subjects for their risk and danger, ' but a very large sum of money would have ' accrued to his Catholic Majesty's subjects, * and have laid them under such an obligation ' as might have been highly advantageous to * the trade of Great Britain. Sorry am I to ' say that the sellish views of these men have, ' as much as in their power, sullied the repu- * tation of their country ; and unless his Ma- * jesty's Ministers will consider of some proper ' mode, whereby his subjects residing at St. * George's Quay and the bay of Honduras ' may be made amenable to justice, they will * ever be the cause of contention between the ' Courts. •. * From the strictest incpiiry I can make, I * cannot find they have any just cause to * complain of the Spaniards, except in the * detention of deserted slaves, which I strongly *publ i m LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 135 represented to the Governor of Jucatan, who, in all transactions, has ever behaved witli the utmost civility and justice to the British subjects, and, as far as in his power, discouraged the desertion of the slaves. His answer to my letter on that subject I have the honour to inclose for their Lordships' perusal, and flatter myself they will ap- prove of the steps 1 took in endeavouring, all in my power, that the effects of the Spanish ship might be restored to the pro- prietors.' * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Jamaica, March 12, 1774. I cannot help taking notice to their Lord- ships, from the many observations I have made since my command on this station, that however advantageous the three free ports in this island may be thought, I am sure the allowing French vessels to resort to so many ports of this island has, in my opi- nion, been extremely detrimental to the public service. My reasons are as follow : I HI k - xVl- -*v* ■ 1^1 .1'!. ' -' -»'. n lip:!-- 136 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * Before the Act of Parliament passed for making Kingston, St. Lucie, and Savannah la Mer, free ports, this island had near one hundred sail of sloops belonging thereto, employed in carrying the manufactures of Great Britain to the Spanish main, and to the Spanish and French islands. Their re- turn was generally silver and mules from the Spaniards, and from the French cotton, indigo, and gold. The consequence of this commerce was, the employing a number of English seamen and vessels, by which means a great number of experienced pilots were obtained, capable of conducting any enter- prise that might be undertaken in this part of the world. It is with infinite concern that I must now acquaint their Lordships that the commerce by British bottoms has totally ceased, and not one single pilot can now be obtained in Jamaica capable of con- ducting any of his Majesty's ships to any part of the Spanish main, or to the Spanish and French islands, the few pilots that are now employed being the masters of the ships of war that have been employed on this station. Their Lordships will judge by this LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. m * what difficulties a commanding officer here * will have to struggle with, in case of a future * war, and with what facility the French will * disturb the tranquillity of Jamaica, from * their being perfectly acquainted with every * creek and harbour thereof, and from ine * number of their seamen employed in these * seas since the Free Port Act. * The constant resort of French ships to ' the coast of this island, under the pretence * of their being bound to one of the free ports, * gives them an opportunity of smuggling an ' amazing quantity of the manufactures of * France, to the detriment of Great Britain, * particularly brandy, soaps, silks, wines, * stockings, hats, &c. &c. &c., which is too ' much encouraged by the inhabitants on the * coast, and particularly by the Jews, who * carry on a most pernicious commerce, and * employ vessels which at St. Domingo are * French, at Jamaica English ; and notwith- * standing, upon the application of the offi- ' cers of his Majesty's revenue here, I had * given orders to seize and deliver into the * custody of the collector of his Majesty's ' customs such vessels as should be detected *■■■" V,'- r-'f ■ '; ■ If '.X •T "I ' r'!%. i 4 li ' 'I' 1; t it"*'. ■ ■■ '. i «i-i ^'j, I', < 'v- , ^« f (;i •fi^r<. t!:'' '"j":^^ 138 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * in such illicit practices, and some having * been seized with contraband goods on board, * and delivered to the said collector, they have * made the pretence that sea-officers were not ' properly authorised to make seizures, and in ' order to save those officers from prosecution ' the delinquents have escaped. * I, therefore, humbly presume to recom- * mend to their Lordships' consideration, whe- * ther it will not in a great measure prevent * the manufactures of France being run into ' the island, if the officers of the squadron * here were allowed to have proper depu- * tations. * I must now take notice to their Lordships, ' that, since the free port Act took place, few * Spaniards have taken the benefit thereof, * the court of Spain having given the strictest * orders to their governors in this part of the ' world, to be more attentive, and to arm more * guardacostas than before that act passed ; * and I have it from the Spanish merchants * themselves, that it would be more for their * advantage if they were only permitted to * trade in the manner as practised formerly. * The public liberty given to all Spanish ves- LlPE OP LORD RODNEY. 139 * sels to trade to the three free ports in Ja- * maica, has been the means of lining the Spa- * nish coast with custom-house officers, which ' practice will, in all probability, be continued * while that public act subsists. I do not pre- * tend to be a proper judge of the advantages ' accruing from a free port. If such a mea- * sure is thought proper to be carried into ' effect, the town of Kingston is, in my ' opinion, best calculated for the purpose ; * Savanna la Mer and St. Lucie being at the * lee end of the island, give frequent oppor- * tunities to the smugglers to land their car- * goes before they get the length of these ' ports. Were the free port confined to ' Kingston only, they could have no excuse for ' being found on the north side or the lee end ' of the island, and a cruiser being stationed ' off the east end would prevent their landing * any part of their cargo before their arrival at * Kingston. ' If I am mistaken in my notions, I hope * their Lordships will attribute it to my eager * desire of promoting the trade and manufac- * tures of Great Britain, and my seeing with * concern the French employing so many ■ f''\-; ' '1' ^.t" i' t\B-^ 'M' <»'., '* li •:^i^te;-i||;g, ?>> I m ':^ii»?M'il^-?y M 140 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * small trading vessels in this part of the ' world, whose seamen, in case of a war, when * employed in their small privateers, would * prove more detrimental to the commerce of * England than the whole fleet of France,' J I; ' P '4.', ' >• "" Jl ^'l i'",i * TO THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ' Jamaica, June 28th, 1774. Yesterday Admiral Gayton arrived here, by whom I was favoured with your Lordship's letter of the 24th of April, and I cannot suf- ficiently express how much I feel the kind part your Lordship has taken, that I might succeed to some government. I have reason to think, by a letter I have received from Lord Dartmouth, that that event is far dis- tant. Though his letter has no date, I con- ceive that it was written in March. Inclosed I have the honour to send you a copy thereof, and to thank your Lordship for per- mitting me to remain in this country, which I can by no means think of doing, as none of my friends have given me the least hint by Admiral Gayton, that the government of LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 141 New York is designed me, and my remaining here in a private station, after my com- manding in chief with the approbation of the whole island, I cannot bear to think of. * I shall, therefore, proceed to sail with the utmost despatch, agreeable to the orders I have received. ' I beg your Lordship will be assured that I shall never forget the friendship you have long honoured me with, and am, &c. &c. &c.' The following document, relative to the state of the French forces in St. Domingo, was transmitted to government on Sir George's return to England. State of the French Forces at the Island of St. Domingo, 22nd July, 1774. * The establishment of troops at St. Domingo * is four thousand men. At present they ' amount to no more than three thousand * effective men, owing to the mortality of the * troops on their first arrival in that climate ; ' bnt almost every merchant ship which sails .■■-1.. » V' ,-,■ • 'r?' 'At ^i;.':v*.i^' f' "•y.'if*^ f;tK"#'i|:j ■ WM-d 1-1' m-\ i-r : >,: . L J I MTV i r ; .v.: ii.l'-iJ'i |-*'*"h« 142 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. from France brings recruits. Their whole attention at present seems to be fortifying the harbour, and the new town erected at Cape Nicola Mole, a draught of which, and my observations thereon, I shall lay before their Lordships when I can get it properly finished for their inspection. ' Their troops are quartered as undermen- tioned*. They have likewise an Engineer General, with several engineers under him, a company of artillery, and a respectable militia. All the troops are well clothed in blue faced with green or yellow, are well disciplined, and frequently exercised. They make a good appearance, and are mostly young men. The present governor, the Mar- quis de Laviere, is an enterprising man, very attentive to what passes, and has frequently employed officers to make observations at Jamaica, not only in the French King's fri-^ • At Port au Prince 1400 Cape Fran9ois 600 Cape Nicola Mole 400 Port Louis 200 Port au PaJY 20O The Cayais 200 Total 3000 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 143 gates, but likewise in trading vessels, under the pretence of being bound to the free ports. I was well acquainted therewith, and guarded against it in the best manner I was able, and frequently represented to the magistrates and the leading men in the legislature of Jamaica, the impropriety of permitting the subjects of France and Spain to traverse the island, as they did, from the north to the south side by land, but without effect. ' Such inattentions give the subjects of those crowns the opportunity of being well acquainted with the interior of that island. Should the French, at the commencement of a future war, make depredations on Ja- maica, the coast of St. Domingo is so very extensive, that « return may be made with interest. Only one frigate and two brigan- tines are at present stationed at that island.' f ■ i 14' f^i v:. m 1. i hi," ' " ft"' '.^■■f^i;.'>i. 5)1-1.. ■'■:■'* . O^ilt \-^u>'M1m i>4 - /•{. ■''jj tv " '2i^'. \ W'-^.'^ , 41, ff mm. ;4 *•■■ i ^'^ .11" 1; -* ■fc , .J 51. i-^ 1.^ i • ( .... ^ ' ;-■• «■. ,■, s ',!..«. 144 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. •London, 24th Sept. 1774, Agreeably to their Lordships' instructions when I sailed from Jamaica, to inquire into the present state of Port Antonio, and what advantages might accrue from the e??tabiish- ment thereof as a station for his Majesty's ship<, I mvist desire you will please to ac- quaint theiii, that, from my first arrival at that island, I constantly employed the ships under my command, by rotation, for the pro- tection of the eastern and northern coasts thereof, with orders to make that port their rendezvous, and to report to me their obser- vations thereon. * Their report, I must inform their Lord- ships, has been entirely in favour of this establishment, from which, and the conver- sations I have had with the most sensible and disinterested of the planters of the island, and what I have seen myself of the coasts, I am enabled to submit to them the following observations. * It will be needless to inform them that there are not the least remains of the former 'the LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 145 erections ; or to enter into a minute descrip- tion of the harbour, as a single glance of the chart their Lordships are in possession of will shew it to be, for its size, a most excel- lent one, and as well secured from hurricanes as any in the island ; and, in case of a war, must be a very eligible station for frigates, as they would from thence be able to pro- tect the whole eastern and northern parts of it, where the settlements are in general near the sea, and liable to the insults of the enemy, and within which districts two hun- dred vessels now annually load, which have no defence but what the cruisers afford them. Its situation is favourable, too, for the pro- tection of the south side, for it lies so far to windward, that a single tack will weather the east end, from whence a few hours' sail would reach any part of the south side, while great difficulties often attend ships in getting to windward of the east end of Port Royal. Thus far as to the protection of the island. ' In regard to the annoyance of the enemy, it must be observed that it commands the whole coast of the south side of Cuba, and the westernmost parts of Hispaniola may be Vol. I. L mm >^U d- ■ ' ^ •■5*1 ■•-■■I' ; •'^■■.;4^j#?m"i' . ■• '1 ' mi V' '^ ■ :.■■.-(• •'■ • ^i.',, |.r;«' N ■'■*■•■&- '.'> ysM . . '■■■■■- k^;»fi,£;.'''',j<.» ..■■■■^•■■'■.rm . I-} , i .-g y. y , ,j. :■. J, ».■ iirai^ f '■'■' .^:*k''? • i. ■ ■•'■I - ■:, [' .In i '■':■■'* .'•<'• i m \i '•■£: ■h'l:^,^ ;■■„ -^1 146 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. reached with more facility than from any other port in the island, and our cruisers be enabled to retaliate the depredations to be expected from Cape Nicola Mole, which, when its fortification? are finished, will ren- der it (from being, as in former wars, a place for our cruisers to refresh and water at) a safe asylum for their own privateers, from whence they may issue for the particular annoyance of the settlements in these valuable parts of Jamaica, which are the most to be dreaded, as the intercourse they have had with the island, under the sanction of the free port laws, must have made them but too well acquainted with almost every creek of its coasts. * But besides these advantages, the esta- blishment of this place into a station for king's ships will encourage the growth of a town here, and increase the number of pro- vision plantations, which, as the country around is fertile, will flourish in proportion as they find a market for their produce; and, indeed, it is already so far cleared as to be capable of furnishing any number of ships that may Lave occasion to refit there LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 147 * with any quantity of fresh provisions they * may stand in need of. By the ; means, a ' number of the inhabitants of the most use- * ful kind will be established, which, though * greatly wanted in every part of the island, ^ * is particularly so here, as they will be a ' check to the Maroon or wild negroes who * inhabit the Blue M )untains, a small distance * from Port Antonio, who had, before the * treaty with them in 1739, laid waste the * whole eastern and northern districts, inso- ' much that I am informed there were not ' above ten settlements between Port Merant ' and Annotto Bay, nor more than forty be- * tween that and Port Negril, at the west end * of the island, every one being obliged to * reside in a fortified house. They are, in- ' deed, now not so formidable, but the late * disturbances prove they have still a strong ' inclination to be troublesome, and the want ' of a strength in the neighbourhood to over- * awe them ; and I may venture to assure their ' Lordships, that the late reduction of them * was more owing to the timely arrival of the ' two frigates I detached (by the lucky acci- ' dent of a strong windward current) near L 2 mm :'1H'JVi '''■■■■■' ''•.■?'■ W-h ■■:•.'.■-' '4,! ■■■••^ik 'it: -1 1!*'^ , .1 -la ./■ !■ ..." .*' • .|'» ii> -.1 . jiijilii f si' ■■•'* 1 1 ■' ■ . ' ■ 1- 'I' .1 .: >'i- • ' '■' "• ^ 148 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. their settlements, than to any internal force that could have been opposed to them. * This port, before any settlements were made near it, was esteemed very unhealthy, but is now quite otherwise; and though great rains still prevail, the ships' crews sta- tioned there have been as healthy as else- where, and the same has been observed of the soldiers who are constantly quartered there ; and it is certain, as the lands become more clear, tlie rains will diminish, and the place be more healthy. The expense of the erections, which of all kinds is very great here, cannot be ascertained, unless it were determined to what degree they should extend. I should imagine wharfs, with the requisite stores to heave down frigates, for which the harbour is chiefly calculated, (as not being capable of holding more than six line-of-battle ships,) might suffice, to form an estimate of which I sent the builder from Port Royal, and have the honour to inclose it herewith. • The buildings and principal fortifications should be on Navy Island, which contains upwards of sixty acres ; and being the pro- as *pej ' wei ' mal LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 149 perty of the crown, none but its officers should l)u allowed to settle there, by which the sale of rum, so prejudicial to the health of the men, mif^ht be prevented, as well as their desertion, while the ships are heaving down. ' Should their Lordships not think it ne- cessary to establish this port so fully as Port Royal, an assistant under the inspec- tion of the builder, and a clerk under that of the storekeeper, both of whom should be obliged frequently to visit it, (which may be easily done by land,) might answer the pur- posed end ; but their Lordships will please to observe, there will be an absolute neces- sity for the erection of storehouses, as even clean frigates are frequently seven or eight days in getting round the east end of the island from Port Royal; but I have been assured, from the principal people of the island, that the necessary buildings, as well as the fortifications, will be done at the ex- pense of the island. Five thousand pounds were granted by the assembly for complet- ing the fortifications, and what further sum may be necessary, should they not be dis- ■.■* ■I , •■•!■,: '^^; i:»' 1,5' . ,..vv.4'*-p,'i..--',^&l^ ,' '4 ■■ * ,\ ■■» •M im ' 4 ■ ■■ 'il ■"•■■■■ ' .irf'' '■■ft'' w ml m^E J[i.''i 4f; li" J &M '■■':-■ 150 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. posed to grant it, (which can hardly be sup- posed, after their late application to the crown,) there is a sum of money appropri- ated by the Revenue Act, to be annually expended on the ports and fortifications, which, with a considerable sum already accumulated from that fund, is at the sole disposition of the governor and council, and might, by them, be applied for this purpose. * I must beg leave further to observe to their Lordships, that the eastern and north- ern coasts of the island will benefit most particularly by the establishment of Port Antonio ; that they contain the most valu- able lands of the island ; and that though, previous to 1739, they were a mere desert, owing to the frequent landings of the enemy, and ravages of the wild negroes, they now yield forty thousand hogsheads of sugar at least, besides other valuable produce; and that the settlements are still increasing, and will more so, as they are now assured of protection. As the settlements of sugar works are of so expensive a nature, that a tolerable one cannot be established under ;C 10,000 sterling, and that many of them ML' ',"■'''"•■■ LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 151 \ FFT" 1 * »• •IT * ,1 •> m 1 *{^ U r'^i amount to £40,000 or £50,000, an idea of security is absolutely necessary to engage people to adventure on such expensive settle- ments, to which end the re-establishment of the port must greatly contribute. * I shall therefore conclude with humbly representing it to their Lordships as my opinion, that the carrying this scheme into execution will be attended with essential advantages to the island, and will tend, not only to the protection thereof, but also to the annoyance of the enemy in future wars.' * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. • London, Oct. 1, 1774. The complaint of the Navy Board against me for taking up money from the officers to discharge the engagements I had entered into for the King's service, on my taking upon me the command of his ships at Jamaica, and which I had directed their officers to charge as an impress against me, giving proper notice thereof to the Navy Board, was such as I did not expect, neither could I possibly imagine it was contrary to •» 'fAl ^'::^',.*,v I',,''' • », ' . *' .It ^. '.'ixi ' J^."^. ...1': .1 ifiP; .a{'(^. ■ - -'i f • - )' ]i^- ' Ui^' «;; < I' ^;\-v ^ I \ 1^ ' Iff >{ ji 152 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. precedent. The rules of the Navy Board I cannot pretend to understand; and I was totally ignorant of what would be the proper mode for a commander-in-chief, having occa- sion to advance, or pay public money for public exigencies, to take. I was told that the usual method was to take it from the naval officers ; nor could I possibly foresee it would be in the least productive of con- fusion or inconvenience to his Majesty's service, especially as the said officer had orders instantly to acquaint the Navy Board therewith, that it might be charged as an impress against the commander-in-chief. What difference could it make to the public service, whether the bills were drawn by the admiral, or the officer acting in money matters under the Navy Board ? In the several squadrons I have had the honour to command in chief, I never before had occa- sion to draw a public bill on any of the public boards, and should not now have done it but to discharge the engagements I thought it Tiy duty to enter into for the King's service, agreeable to my public and private instructions; and have, in compli- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 153 * ance with their Lordships' commands, laid ' my said contingent expenses before the * Navy Board, and have, as undermentioned, ' given my reasons for such contingencies. ' On my taking upon me the command of * his Majesty's fleet at Jamaica, my first con- * sideration was to inquire in what manner I ' could possibly procure such intelligence as * might enable his Majesty's ministers to be ' constantly and particularly informed of every * transaction that might happen in the do- * minions of France or Spain, in that part of * the world. To enable me to obtain this very ' essential information, I made it my par- ' ticiriar business to get acquainted with the * principal merchants who traded or transacted * business with either of these nations, and ' found, on frequent conversations, that the * jealousy the Spaniards had entertained since * the Free Port Act, by doubling their guarda- ' costas, (all of which were manned with officers ' and men from Old Spain,) and issuing the * severest edicts to their subjects, had entirely ' put a stop to the bullion trade, so very bene- ' ficial to Great Britain, and made it extremely ' difficult to get any authentic intelligence yi^ ( 1 If V ■'■ "in. •I if"''",- ■t' ,,__ ... .hi ,.''i>■' ■ ii ' Is ^ ■> Lis •' *"'l^'^ .»'tl ' • '' ' -i*.: ft 154 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. ,«[: 1 1* -|- . j'^' 'ua *^;-^t^i :,. : ■■it. ::.■'»■• ;'::&■; '..... U. from any part of their dominions, more es- pecially as the men-of-war, when his Ma- jesty's service required their being sent with despatches to any of the Spanish go- vernors, were not admitted into their ports, nor a Spaniard suffered to go on board them on pain of the severest penalties ; and unless they could induce some Spaniard long con- versant with the English, to give intelligence that might be relied on, none otherwise could be obtained to gain the least credit. This being the case at that time, which three years experience has too truly verified, not one vessel having arrived at Jamaica from Carthagena or the Havannah, with bullion, but the vessel whose owner had been induced by the most considerable Spanish house at Kingston, to bring or send the intelligence that was required, and that at the risk of being impeached by some of his crew on his return to the Spanish ports, I flatter myself that their Lordships will think ! made the best bargain I possibly could for the public service, in order to enable me to give mi- nisters authentic intelligence of all occur- rences in that part of the world, agreeably to LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 155 ' my instructions, and to your letter of the Ist * of May, 1771, on that head ; and I can now * aver, that had it not been for that intel- * ligence, it would have been impossible for ' me to hare given their Lordships any that ' could have been relied on. None of the ships * of war, which my duty obliged me to send ' with despatches to the several Spanish Vice- ' roys, being ever admitted into their ports, or * a Spaniard suffered to have the least corre- ' spondence with them, nor any Spanish vessel ' but one brought bullion from the Havannah, ' until about two months before the expiration * of my command, when his Catholic Majesty's ' edict for the opening of the negro trade to ' Jamaica was permitted to take place. ' In regard to St. Domingo, although the ' French there behaved with more civility, and ' seeming generosity, yet were they equally ' jealous of British subjects, none being per- ' mitted to traverse that island, nor any sub- 'jects of England to frequent any of their ' ports, except the free port at Cape Nicola ' Mole. Even the men-ot'-war I sent with ' public despatches, though they were received ' with all due courtesy, were constantly at- : ■ i ■-■'. ■•?■■■■• ' , '• *' km < - I. • ' /;;■!' ..••1 ' l-li u .^: '■ ' ■■"■ ^■'i<-)k, ... 1'Ug 1 '» , 1 1 A : 'J' 1 1 '» .4 ' ; i '. ' '- :"' 1 '» t, II: ':r-l^y . »',>T?>I *•»»; Mm ■ i1 •■ *^,"''' . K%i (*;■ .^■*i .l:..i?:S.!p 158 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ; \.« '< . J ■ yM-.:.: ■■•' ■■l4j*^ ' -.rr^.-r^ '■ iT,':.f*»: j ,■■ '^-f 7^1. Mi ■ • -j. j..f: ^,f. ;4- IM 'n •^ ' tingent accounts, and that they had charged ' against me as an impress, such sums as had ' been paid by their said officer on the Cap- ' tain's certificates, this is the reason why that ' sum has been inserted in my contingencies. ' There is another considerable sum which ' I have not charged, and merely because it * seems to clash in some degree v/ith my in- * structions, and might have been the means ' of the Navy Board adding to iheir complaints ' against me to i^»^ir Lordships, but I shall * endeavour to explain it in such a manner as ' I hope will meet with their approbation. ' Before the Free Port Act passed, a very ' considerable number of sloops were employed ' in the Spanish and French trade in ihat part ' of the world, by which means a nu aber of * excellent and experienced pilots were always ' ready to take charge of any squadron of his * Majesty's ships employed there ; but since ' that act tookjjjace, and Spanish and French * ships were allowed to have iVee ingress into * Jamaica, the commerce in British bottoms has ' totally ceased* y and the persons employed in ' that commerce deserted that island, which * stronger testimony than this could not be adduced against ths policy of the F>-ee Port A«t and free trade. m m ' . LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 159 during the time I commanded, made it ex- tremely difficult to procure a pilot capable of taking charge of any of his Majesty's ships, that I thought it my duty to take every method in my power, that the public service might not suffer in future, and en- couraged the petty officers of the squadron I commanded to take cruises in the Dolphin schooner, employed to fish for turtle, on the kays on the coast of Jamaica, and the Spa- nish main, that tlioy might be perfectlj'^ acquainted with the navigation of those seas, and thereby enabled to take charge of squa- drons employed therein. The master of the schooner I allowed ten pounds each time for the entertainment of the petty officer that cruised with him, which I have not charged in my contingencies, as it appeared like hiring a vessel without the knowledge of the naval officers. ' I must likewise take this opportunity to tell their Lordships, that when I acquainted them in my letter relative to my making a ' contract for the supply of turtle * for the ■• •'■ ill I' I . k.'; 'fu I' -■<■ '■.. • i . .rp^-M^ 1 .4! '*'.„'■. Jj-i!* ; 1 it f' * The Admii-al had contracted with a person for the supply of i« ■'^'i H}-^.. 160 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ,.V-:. ^t ■> ; * sick and weak seamen of the squadron, I ' never interfered further, but left it to the * purser of each ship to pay for it, and charge * it in lieu of the salt provisions.' It is to be hoped that the foregoing corre- spondence which has been presented to the reader's notice, comprehending the three years' term of service of Sir George Rodney at Jamaica, will not be deemed altogether devoid of interest, (and more especially by the officers of the navy,) although it may not exhibit the more grand and striking events incident to a state of warfare. These letters will, at least, serve to shew, that even in the midst of profound peace, this Admiral never suffered the energies of his mind to slumber for a moment, but that his imagination was ever at work, projecting some schemes of im- provement in matters relating to his profes- sion, or to national policy, or with unceasing vigilance and firmness of purpose upholding turtle, at seven pence and eight pence per pound, and the sick and weak seamen recovered rapidly under this diet. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 101 the honour and dignity of the British flag, thus affording a salutary example to those officers of his profession, who, not satisfied with mere mediocrity, are anxious to gain a name in their country's annals. Lord Sandwich's apprehensions with regard to the transaction at Carthagena were not realized. Sir George trusting to the resources of his mind, and to his own judgment and discretion, preferred acting on his own re- sponsibility, (as he was ever accustomed to do,) to the tardy and less direct mode of sending home for instructions. This self- confidence never deceived him on such occa- sions, nor led him into error, but, on the con- trary, enabled him to do his country many important services, and oftentimes to strike a blow when it was least expected. Disdaining ease and inactivity, his views were always directed to some object of utility, and hence, the valuable suggestions he from time to time submitted to the govern- ment at home, and which, it appears, were highly approved ana appreciated by them- and had Sir George succeeded in attaining what he so ardently desired, the Government Vol. I. M '.tic '.'"I .1 .'■■■ »■'■» ■i' s'v ■ ■"■ ■■'■•m »; .Its ^y. :.■■■< ■ if| '(» 1,1 -Tt-''' . ; '-■.»»' ■•' '; w ■: ■■ ■*; -'hi i-'iy. ■* 1- l)i , . •Jl..l' ' 7:1 '."•.'•'M *„■' •:".■■■ ,'«■•;> ■.1 ' ;«r->l 1 s" '. ^-'^a 1)1 i •■ if :' : ■ ' ' . ■■ I I I :&-■:: r;**;i i'il i*^ **' 162 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. of Jamaica, thcrr can be no doubt but thfi island would have greatly tlourislied under his active administration. He had been at all times solicitous lor her welfare, and it will be seen hereafter, that he idtimately rescued her from destruction, when her safety was almost despaired of. Sir George was doomed to sufter the dis- appointment of his hopes, for, upon the demise of the governor, Sir W. Trelawney, in Febru- ary, 1773, Sir Basil Keith was appointed to succeed him. Sir George having been recalled, with a heart full of < hagrin returned to England, and stru^ k Im flag at Portsmouth, on the 4th of September, 1774. From this period, the sunshine which had hitherto cheered his existence, became ob- scured, and for the space of four years the oppressive gloom of want, disappointments, and inaction hung over him like a mist, when again the cheering light of prosperity beamed upon him, and gilded his evening with its brightest rays. It is to be lamented, that natures the most generous and ingenuous, from an honest zeal LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 163 which rtovvTM through all tlieir conduct, can sehlom hrinfr theniHfilves to bear tlie dry methodical labour of arithmetical (calculation, nor to bestow that attention to their financial coucernw, which is, to a certain degree, i' ''9- pensable in every condition of t George, it is to be apprehended, was this class. Possessing a pleasing and iiand- sonie exterior, with the courteous manners and address of the accomj)lished gentleman, (([ualities not particularly valued by the navy in those days,) he had, at all times, when on shore, been received into the highest circles of fashion, where he took in the draught of pleasure, as others did ; and his heart being warm and generous, lie not unfrequently found himself involved in pecuniary difficulties. The words of the Scottish bard of nature might well be applied to him*. " He ne'er was gi'en to much misguidina;. Yet coin his pouches wad na bide in, He dealt it free. Wi' him it ne'er was underhiding, That's owre the sea." * See Robert Burns's poem on the occasion of his friend, the Scottish bard, emigrating to Jamaica. It goes on to say — M2 . y^. :•». :.«''^ ■ -T 3'*' 1 s". >i ■• .lit" '■ ■■'''■ I, *■'■■ •>.>,' T .^t-' . i**- ■ II .- > lit ,«..,. ..•^ H '^ ; -r '--^ ■:/'■■'■'■ ^tf';-:ii^l' ■i \ > ■■■- .i;tl'-'*V'' ■f f fC.-:- "1 ■ r^:i. * k'M:- .i<^ 3' ' .. * its <;<..»•> IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V. // ^./ ^ .^. .<.* 1.0 I.I Z vs. i2-0 2.5 2.2 11.25 i 1.4 1.6 Photographic Sdences Coiporation 23 WIST MAIN STkllT WEBSTIR.N.Y. 145S0 (716) •72-4503 !' s ; i :■ !tJt^ 164 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. In those days, that curse of society, and bane of happiness, the passion for play, pre- vailed to a degree one can now have no idea of in the assemblies of the great. The vota- ries of fashion, of all ages, and of either sex, were carried down its stream, and ingulphed in its vortex ; and it has been asserted, that this gallant officer, so wise and circumspect whilst afloat on his country's service, was unable, although a skilful mariner, to steer altogether clear of its seductions*. This report, however, seems to be unfounded in truth, and probably owed its origin to the circumstance of his mixing much in the best society. His fortune was never a large one, and other causes are fully sufficient to account for its diminution, without accusing him of an " Jamaica Bodies, use him weel, An hap him in a cosie biel ; (a) He wadna wrang'd the vera de'il That's owre the sea." This appeal to the kindness of the Jamaicans was equally applicable to Sir George Rodney, who was ever their best friend and protector. (a) And place him in a snug shelter. * Many were the fortunes that were wrecked at the Duchess of Bedford's assemblies, where Sir George was a frequent grtsst. ^M. LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 165 attachment to play. He lived in a handsome style, although perhaps not beyond his in- come ; but his difficulties were increased by the expenses consequent upon the different elections he had been engaged in for his seats in Parliament, more especially the last one for Northampton, in 1768, which nearly ef- fected the ruin of three noble families con- cerned in it *. Sir George did not remain in England very long after his return home. His embarrass- ments increasing, he repaired to France, and settled at Paris, thus going into a voluntary exile amongst a people whose government had trembled at his name. He here lived in very straitened circumstances until better days came ; and to the credit of that gallant nation it must be mentioned, that they treated the English Belisarius with the respect and sym- pathy due to his fame and to his misfortunes. Meanwhile the unfortunate disagreements between England and her North American colonies, to which the fatal and impolitic Stamp Act had given birth in the year 1765, ♦ The Earls of Halifax, Northampton, and Spencer. •♦'• I 'if m ¥' )'!ii E >|>'''!V';i'!i,:',. 166 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. and had been progressively increasing, in spite of the temporising measures of the mo- ther country, until 1775, when the colonists threw off their allegiance, and broke out into open rebellion, had not escaped the watchful eyes of the French court, whose readiness to lake every advantage of the misfortunes of her rival neighbour was never more strikingly exemplified than during this unnatural war. Without a shadow of cause, and without the IcEist suspicion, she privately entered into the war in support of the refractory colonies, and left it to the best informed in England to dis- cover her intrigues, the existence of which was announced, in fact, to Parliament at the ses- sion of 1778, by Mr. Fox, who affirmed that he had had certain informa*' ? " that a treaty of amity and alliance had t signed in Paris between France and America." His informa- tion proved correct ; and, in consequence, Great Britain found herself at war with France in the summer of that year, which was followed, in the early part of the ensuing year, by a declaration of hostilities on the part of Spain, who soon felt the strong arm If A. LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 167 of her opponent, and suffered severely for her capricious and unprovoked interference in this quarrel. Sir George Rodney could not view the transactions that were passing with indiffer- ence, and though destitute of the means of returning to his country, his ardent spirit hurned with anxiety to engage in her service. He accordingly addressed a letter to the Earl of Sandwich, making a tender of his ser- vices, and requesting him to lay it at his Majesty's feet. * TO THE EARL OF SANDWICH. • Paris, Feb. 7, 1778. * My Lord, * As it behoves every officer at this im- portant crisis to devote himself to the service of his King and country, permit me hum- bly to offer myself to go on any enterprise whereby I may shew my attachment to his Majesty and the state. I am ready at a moment's warning to go on any service your Lordship may please to employ me in, and am, with real and great respect, * &c. &c. &a' vv 'Si, Uft* m ■•!K*i 1- ; .-■ -.J.;.' .'^iOH-.ll- St s*^: A.ifi^- ■\.-> ■ <■ \fi*..K \-^vmml \^i (.-*►*.; 11 iVii 'mi m .«' 'Xm-i7 ■ ■'■'■•■ 168 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. What must have been Sir George's mortifi- cation on receiving a mere formal and official reply to his letter, and this, too, from a noble- man who had always professed the utmost friendship and regard for him ! and what must have been his disappointment on hearing at the same time of numerous appointments of other officers, of much inferior pretensions to himself, to high and important commands! Finding, at length, that nothing was to be done unless he could obtain a personal au- dience of his King, he strained every nerve to gain his liberty, and to clear himself of his debts ; but here again his friends failed him, and he was destined to receive from the hands of a generous stranger, and an enemy to his nation, that assistance which was withheld from him by his own countrymen. The fol- lowing letters, addressed to Lady Rodney, who had gone to England on the private affairs of the family, will best depict the state of Sir George's feelings at that most anxious and momentous crisis. LIFE ''V LORD RODNEY, 169 * TO THE LADY RODNEY. • Paris, February, 1778. Your letter has given me more pleasure than I have experienced a great while, as it has assured me that your health is perfectly re- stored, since you write in more spirits than in many of your former letters. Pray take care of it ; and remember how very neces- sary it is for the sake of our dear girls, whose unfeigned joy at your recovery shewed itself visibly in their countenances, and has con- tributed to their own health. ' The letter from Lord Sandwich was such as I had expected, and Mr. Robinson, I thought, might long since have favoured us with his influence. Could Colonel B have such influence with Lord H as to pension all his relations, and Mr. Robinson not have greater with Lord North ? What- ever is intended to be done ought to be done soon. Delay is worse than refusal, because it gives hopes, and leaves one in distress. If it is thought proper I should write to Lord North, let me know. * The kind attentions of Admiral and Mrs. i • ">■ ■ -i^ • If Ml ■ 1,1 ■ ^■■l"- ■JmM 4 170 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. i»j ' iry 1 'ill f ■.SB Byron lay me under the greatest obligations. Pray make my compliments acceptable to them. * The Americans here have received no news for a considerable time. Three of the captains of their men-of-war have paraded it at the public places in their uniforms. They talk, I hear, much of fighting, for which reason I believe they are cowards. Their conduct when they attacked the Druid did not shew their courage. I hear they have received orders to quit Port L'Orient, where their ships now are. * The French are impatient for news. You know they are all Americans, and would fain believe that General Howe has been defeated. Their taking part with the Ame- ricans shews how much they dread England. May they ever continue to do so ! * Many thanks for the King's speech. I think it says all that could be said on the occasion. Surely the ship sent with the despatches must be lost. Even if nothing had been done, I should have thought it my duty to have sent an express before the meeting of the Parliament, that the King's LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 171 * Ministers might have been truly informed * of the state of aiFairs ; but I suppose Lord * Howe understands politics better than J ' should have done.' TO THE LADY RODNEY. • Paris, February, 1778. I am happy to find by your letter that the fever has left you, and that you are able to take an airing. It is very good of Mrs. Byron to invite you to her house ; but the dampness of Bagshot Heath, at this season, must be very prejudicial after the severe illness you have experienced. * The refusal of Lord Sandwich does not surprise me. He cannot say but I ] -ve offered my services, and some friend will let the King know I Iiave so done. I hope you approved of my letter to Lord George Germaine. I can have no excuse in case of another vacancy in the West India Islands. * We are all here impatient for news from America. The American commissioners have not received any for these two months ''.'*. I 14 ^1 'U^ ^Mi ..^•^' ^^m n ■ •■•.*■ *■■■ '■*^'-nV."'i •'i-ii>'i('*i.j'."4iSj :■ >. "U'P" 11'''! t\' :m « !5 ;.« •<- J..- -J I! 172 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * past, but all conclude that Philadelphia is * taken. • The dear girls are well, and desire their * love and duty. To hear that you are per- * fectly recovered will be the most pleasing ' intelligence you can send to ' Your most affectionate, ' &c. &c. &c.' * TO THE LADY RODNEY. ' Paris — (no date.) * Not hearing either from yourself or my * son*, by the last messengers, gives me un- * easiness inexpressible, as the delay of com- * pleting what has been promised obliges me * to remain in the hotel where I am, at an * expense I could wish to avoid, and daily * adds to my embarrassments. What to do I ' really don't know. To speak to Lord Stor- * mont I am unwilling, but I will talk to Mr. ' James upon the subject, as he is a good * man, and feels the distresses I am driven to. * I beg you will desire my son to see Lord * Colonel the Hon. George Rodney, of his Majesty's Foot Guards, Sir George's eldest son. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 173 North again, either at his house or his levee. Delays are worse than death, espe- cially at this critical time, when every hour teems with momentary expectation of war. 'Tis looked upon here as unavoidable, as the French squadron, consisting of seven ships of the line, and five frigates, sailed from the bay of Quiberon on the 27th of last month, having, under their convoy, thirteen sail of ships, bound to America, as likewise two ships of war belonging to the Congress, of twenty-eight guns each, who saluted the French Admiral under Congress colours, and had their salute openly and publicly returned, by which France seems to own them as a republic — the greatest in- sult they could offer us. I have had Ame- rican captains' letters read to me, giving an account of the whole affair. I hope we have a squadron cruisu?g to intercept them. M. La Motte Rigne, the French commandant, has orders not to suffer any of the vessels under his charge to be stopped or searched. 'Tis looked upon here that an action is un- avoidable, should the squadrons meet. The m A*:- 'fi':^ Mm .ill * »• K •« f^ '- ^y,^*;. ■'' p.* ^' d-d :.., ,;v,--.»f'.'l;'V-^ . ■■■...''.•I'-Tli „ •A^ i*,.'^' Mm ft, '■. ."■■' I' 174 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. two American men-of-war were built at Nantes, by order of the Congress, and the captains appointed by them. They are both New England men. The loading of the con- voy contains every article the Americans are in want of. * In my last I did not answer what you proposed relative to my boy John*. He cannot be better than with my friend Mr. Byron, especially as George Byron will, I suppose, be a captain, and take him with him till he has served his time ; but I own, my dear, my heart will not let me deter- mine in an affair of this nature. The blow I have experienced is almost constantly in my thoughts, and must ever prey upon my heart! . I leave it entirely to you to do what you judge best. Adieu. * I beg you will tell my friend Byron I wish him all the success possible/ * The Hon. John Rodney, the eldest son of Sir George, by his second marriage, many years post-captain in the navy, and now secretary to government in the island of Ceylon. t Alluding to the melancholy loss of his second son, the Hon. James Rodney, in the Ferret, sloop-of-war, supposed to have foundered in a gale of wind on the West India station. . LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 175 ' TO THE LADY RODNEY. • PariH, Murch 20, 1778. Since writing to you on Lord Stormont's re- call, inclosing you a letter I sent him on my unhappy condition in being obliged to re- main in an enemy's country till such time as I should have a remittance sent me to pay my debts, which prevented my per- sonally offering my services at this critical time, I have reason to believe that I shall be able to procure the sum necessary to enable me to leave this city. Should this desirable event take place in a day or two, you may expect me in London very shortly. * I have again written a strong letter to Lord Sandwich, offering my service, and pressing him to employ me at this important juncture, as it will be the means of my serving my country, and at the same time the only method by which I can have an opportunity of honourably settling with my creditors. * Lord Stormont has deferred his departure' till to-morrow. ' This day the American deputies were' .> ' :-•*• '■.'.i ■»■*/ '»"•>* €:■' . ■:"''^^'^*'^■ :• -■. "V-'.'- ll.-jtsf V ' l*. ^ -■■. !!■•' IrJ -■■ ■ ' "WAf ■■^ m i-if!:f!i:l': X 176 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. introduced at Versailles, and most graci- ously received. The King spoke much to Dr. Franklin, and told him he hoped the states of America and France would long remain in friendship. On Sunday, they are to be presented to the Queen. They are made very much of at present, but I hope the French will soon have reason to repent of their connexion. * I can write no more politics, as it is very late, and my letter must be at the ambas- sador's this night. Adieu.' * TO THE LADY RODNEY. ' Paris, April 1st, 1778. I avail myself of Mr. James's departure for England, to acquaint you that I have not heard any thing since Lord Stormont's ar- rival in London. If they would order the Navy Board to deliver but half of what is due to me, as Rear- Admiral of England, it would be sufficient to satisfy every body, anc" there would be money to spare besides. *I yesterday went to take leave of Lord Dunmore, who sets out for England this ,1 Lord this LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 177 morning. The Mar^chal Biron came in, and seeing me, was extremely civil. He took Lady Dunmore, Mr. James, and Mr. North into another room, and told them ths't he had heard my stay in Paris was occasioned by a want of a remittance, to discharge the debts I must necessarily have contracted ; that his purse was at my service, and begged that I would make use of it ; that whatever sum I might want, even to £2000, might it be neces- sary, he would immediately let me have, and desired they would tell Sir J. Lambert, or any other banker, to advance the sum, which he would pay. On the Mar^chal's return into the room, they beckoned me out, and made me acquainted with his generous offer, for which I begged they would make my ac- knowledgments, and express how highly sensible I was of his friendship ; but as I made no doubt that I should soon receive proper remittances, I could not possibly avail myself of his generosity, but should ever retain it in my memory. Besides, my enemies would take advantage of my re- ceiving pecuniary favours from Frenchmen Vol. I. N ..If f-'t'-A' ^'X<-:: ■ ■ ■ i • ?■ ^ift ■? ■:■ ■ ■ ■;fi '" ' 'lift i'' ' "at -■ I-"' ir^ -r- f 'Sm Bii','- Pitt!: ■ ■ . ■ <.' •* 1^.'' ■ '■ ■. "■'■'^1*:. "-v,'' ., ■1 r ■ ii mmmm 178 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. of his high rank, and instil insinuations to my disadvantage. * Lady Dunmore and the two Gentlemen were of my opinion, and all will report it to my advantage. Pray call upon her. She will be glad to see you. We hear of a change in administration. I hope it is true, and that I may have a chance of being employed, should the Duke of Grafton or Lord Shel- burne be at the Admiralty. * I long to hear again from you. Adieu.' * TO THE LADY RODNEY. * Paris, April 8th, 1778. * I have this moment received yours of Friday * last, and find that my other letters had not * reached you, which I sent by Lord Trentham, * Mr. North, and Mr. Goulbourn. I suppose * they have been detained at Calais for want * of opportunity to get over to Dover, as one * packet only is allowed to be there. By this * time I hope you have received them ail. Had * war been declared, Mr.Panchaud would have * advanced the £600, but that not being the JFE OP LORD RODNEY. 179 * case, I must wait until remittances are made, * which I hope will be done upon Mr. North's ' reporting my situation, and that half of my * salary as Rear- Admiral may be allowed.' * TO THE LADY RODNEY. ♦Paris, April nth, 1778. I take this opportunity, by Mrs. Gwatkin, of Penrhyn, to send this letter. She and her daughter set out for London this day. * Yesterday I dined again with Marecha Biron, and this morning the girls by invita- tion are to walk in his garden. The Mar6- chal repeated again after dinner his eager desire that I would permit him to discharge what debts I. might owe in Paris, took Lord Dalrymple and Mr. Grenville into the gar- den, and told them he had waited upon me the day before with an intention to tell me, that it was not a French gasconade that he had made at Lady Dunmore's, but an offer of pure friendship and regard, and that he should be extremely happy if I would permit him to afford me that proof of his esteem and good will. You may be sure I felt, as I N2 14 '■".■••vvT?m '^h: ^fk^ 1 > ..JIM' >^'f-> ■<■■■ :2fCMi I ■•■;, i 1 ■ /-ff^il-. ■■■• H ;; .-^ I,. >]?fM^ ',1 "! i>^^*j iV !£. -;>E 180 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ought, the good old man's generosity, and made him highly sensible how much I thought myself obliged, but begged to de- cline at present his generous offer, as I had reason to think that money would soon be remitted me. He told me that all France was sensible of the services 1 had rendered my country, and that the treatment they all knew I had received was a disgrace to the nation, and to its ministers. * Not one word have I received from you since the war has been certain. I sincerely hope Lord Chatham will be minister, and another First Lord of the Admiralty be appointed.' ■■' ,1% I '■'.'■*■■ ■ [;l,iyiii? '■.: . St' * TO THE LADY RODNEY. • Paris, May 6th, 1778. * I have this day accepted of the generous * friendship of the Mar^chal Biron, who has ' advanced one thousand louis, in order that I * may leave Paris without being reproached. * Nothing but a total inattention to the dis- ' tressed state I was in could have prevailed * upon me to have availed myself of his *Cal{ *Paii * we 'by. ' port LIFE OF LORD RODI'EY. 181 voluntary proposal ; but not having had, for more than a month past, a letter from any person but Mr. Hotham and yourself, and my passport being expired, it was impossible for me to remain in this city at the risk of being sued by my creditors, who grew so clamorous, it was impossible to bear it ; and had they not been overawed by the Lieutenant of the police, would have carried their prosecutions to the greatest length. Their demands were all satisfied this day ; and the few days I remain in this city will be occupied in visiting all those great fa- milies from whom I have received so many civilities, and whose attention in paying me daily and constant visits, in a great measure kept my creditors from being so troublesome as they otherwise would have been. ' I propose the children should set out for Calais, on Monday, where they may stay at Paine's, with Evans*, till we can know how we are to be disposed of. I shall go myself by way of Dieppe, that I may have an op- portunity of being in London the shortest * An old and faithful servant of Sir George Rodney's fiunily. if MI i,' ■ -f'V' ■- . IT >■■;>.• ■'i'-.i;- , ■■■ '.•■»f,l v^ylii ^^ii^ ■ ■■'1 -'1 7 i :«!.)pfcrl ■ •■■ *rfl 'si* ?.5i s|.: "''ff li'^l ■ If! l^'^K-i'^iP' -mm.. '■,v.l i3' • . , f.' ;:v1i^ ■■i-Hi-fjr^ '■•"•:::>s^ I", »■«. 186 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, ''•f fv -t 1 1.:' tip.; ^« III: !J li' '■;■;■■ '■■■i-U •V-!:.'''; ""^ Pi" ■:il .■ squadron was to turn up as far to winu\/ard as Cape Francjois, in the island of St. Do- mingo, they might examine what French ships of war were in that port, and if not a squadron of any consequence, the ships in- tended to be detached for America might immediately push through the windwaM passage for New York, where, in all prnba- bility, they would arrive in twelve or four- teen days. * I would, by all means, humbly recom- mend, that directions be given to the Admi- rals commanding in the West Indies, that whatsoever orders are issued by them to the ships intended for North America be sealed up, not to be opened until they are without the West India islands. This will prevent the design being known to the enemy, and the inhabitants of the British islands, who will suppose the whole force still to remain in the West Tidies; and on thrir return in November, the war may be 'ilea oa suc- cessfully against the enemy. ' This mode of war will greatly distress them, ds they will never know the real force we havs, either in one quarter or the other ; LIFE OF H.PD ROUNLV. 189 ' and a very few ship drtaciied from England, * although the enemy siiould send a I fgr ' squadron from Europe, will alwr vs give us * the superiority, without greatly ^v akeni/ig ' tlie home force. ' Be pleased, my Lord, to take notice, that ' I will suppose all the ships of Mr. Byi n's ' squadron are to return to Europe, in pursuit ' of the French force commanded by Count * D'Estaing, as it is impossible the latter caiv* ' remain long in the West Indies. His Ma- ' jesty's squadron then remaining there will * consist of seven sail of the line, commanded * by Commodore Rowley ; four sail of the line * and two fifty gun ships, under Commodore * Hotham ; three line-of-battle and two fifty * gun ships, and a considerable number of * frigates, under Rear- Admiral Harrington, on ' the windward station ; and under Rear-Ad- * miral Sir Peter Parker, at Jamaica, three * line-of-battle ships, two fifties, besides fri- * gates ; the whole amounting to seventeen ' sail of the line, six fifties, and frigates. ' If, therefore, the squadron of seven sail * under the command of Commodore Rowley * were to be deakjiatched to America after the ''.''"♦•'Ip :'' ' ' *m ■'■■..:■' :,m ..fv;; F'J t !•:. n" ■ ■■ . V ••. ■ X iik 1] ' It '• lis '4'^ " m i .■4'" ' M;^'- if.lml'i;*' |'i.fe-!Is.r[i:l':' r.ai"''' . .^■,.-. '« 'If* . -.'..■•"■ ii|L-'f lip tfv ^ I Km IP 4 ' ■ -iX) ■,,'-•,. ■'■■■■ - i'^.-.;1. :^■*' r ^' ■'¥. '^ '»•' I:- :' .,'. .i-.i";:?<". v ■■.* a- ''>■ '■. ' ,i" "-j J !'■& ■Ill'- . .■ 'v,' ';r i ;>; m :■■■■ :'^Ti0m ,-W'. ^r\i ■- ,■'^^ f ■•' ■■ " /» 4 'V' 'i'' ■•'■H- ; ! •"■■"■* •j^'v;.-.* '« .;L " -li;*^ '''' -f;.' i>'-i 192 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. di§^ !i:r ■•^■f•^l>l!; !■■ ti ;i T'. <^"^- .■•'*^' : ■ i 'l^^-'-iJ^ •■.1 ..■ •'■I'i-.::.- r ■^ ■ '•pi, . -v. and so general was the dislike to the service now become, that no fewer than twenty cap- tains of the first distinction had proposed to go in a body to resign their commissions at once, and were prevented from doing so only by the great occasion they saw there was at that time for their services. Thus it appears that a strong party spirit pervaded the fleet as well as the nation at large ; for the war being with our own colonies, partook somewhat of the nature of a civil war, political opinions being divided regarding the justice of it. The un- fortunate and indecisive engagement of the fleet under Admiral Keppel, on the 27 th July, 1778, was strongly expressive of this party spirit ; and one of the reasons for selecting Sir George Rodney for the command of the fleet at this time preparing for the twofold object of relieving Gibraltar and succouring our West India islands, probably was, that he was not in parliament, and did not mingle in the po- litics of the day*. Further, he was one of * In January, 1779, twelve Admirals signed a memorial, which was presented to his Majesty by the Duke of Bolton. The con- clusion was as follows : — " We therefore humbly represent, in behalf of public order, as well as of the discipline of the navy, to your Majesty, the dangers of long-concealed, and afterwards pre- VOL. ■'-* » LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 193 those who thought the coercion of the colonies was perfectly just, so that he entered upon his duty with his heart warm in the cause. It is not meant to say that those members of the executive power were prevented, by a different opinion on the American question, from per- forming their duty by sea and land ; for war, from whatever quarter, places our country on the defensive, calling for the best services of every good subject ; and as it was chiefly with the French that our fleets had to do, it would be wrong to suspect that the Keppels and Howes, whatever their political principles might be, were slack in performing their duty. On the 1st of October, 1779, Sir George cipitately adopted, charges, and of all recriminating accusations of subordinate officers against their commanders-in-chief; and parti- cularly the mischief and scandal of permitting men who are at once in high civil office and high military command, previous to their making such accusations, to attempt to corrupt the public judgment, by the publication of libels upon their officers in a com- mon newspaper, thereby exciting mutiny in your Majesty's navy, as well as prejudicing the minds of those who are to try the merits of the accusation against the said superior officer. " (Signed) Hawke, John Moor, Bolton, Samuel Graves, Hugh Pioot, Robert Harland, Vol. I. Bristol, James Young, Mathew Barton, Francis Geary, Shuldham, Clark Gayton." i'\\ ■J -;»■: ■ "* t .« i , ■ ■ "'*^ ■' A. v. •.•.,-i»^>/ .>-^.. ' 't I , '■ " Bi " Ifta r ti' »-; *i i r ■ • ■ ■h" ' ' 111 ' ^■'.■■;■'. \ , •.■?•( 'i .'■:,■ r> ■ 194 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. was appointed commander-in-chief of his Majesty's Leeward Islands and Barbadoes ; and as the greatest anxiety was now enter- tained by the government for the fate of Gibraltar, which was put to great straits by the Spanish and French besieging forces, and for want of provisions, the admiral pro- ceeded, with all despatch, to Portsmouth, to expedite the equipment of the fleet. But before entering into the detail of those bril- liant achievements which brought so much honour to himself and advantage to his country, it will be necessary to insert a letter which he had addressed to Lord Sandwich a short time previous to the commencement of the war with France. * TO THE EARL OF SANDWICH. • May, 1778. * As hostilities are now commenced between * Great Britain an:' France, rny duty, as an * admiral and a subject, obliges me to con- * tribute all in my power towards defeating ' the designs of the public enemy, and assist- * ing the King's Ministers with what know- * ledge and observations my long services in «;;.■ LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 195 the naval department have enabled me to make during the two last wars. As no man has the prosperity of his country more at heart, permit me, my Lord, humbly to offer my sentiments at this critical time, and to point out where, in my opinion, France is most vulnerable, and where a blow struck at the beginning of the war may be of in- finite consequence to Great Britain, and of the greatest detriment to France, and in a great measure deprive them of the resources for carrying it on, and give Great Britain the key to that part of the world from whence they have flowed, and enabled France to dispute the sovereignty of the ocean. * I had lately the honour to present to your Lordship a copy of a letter I thought it my duty to send to the King's minister before the conclusion of the last war, pointing out the great consequence of retaining some of the conquered islands, particularly Marti- nique or St. Lucie ; and though, at that time, I preferred the retention of Martinique, I am now fully convinced that St. Lucie is of more consequence to Britain, for the o 2 1 ,,..% '^v'Z :. >>;,».vri.'*v..;^.^ T^H-'T- I. ,: j^r„m|.;V;. -d^ ■ "■ ■' ■ "■•■■■'■" ;.!',s^-'; •A- ';:,iv|'^^ ■i.M\ I ., p'l* V'' 5^' *J 196 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. m-^. ,'",:* , ,., ti' ,-'i I. '.-■)■■ ■ ■:';^fi;;u%.;./,)ii^: ■;;.'fii V- :• !;»--'■ -■^ If: ■">}".■■■ v^ reasons I shall presume to give, viz., Marti- nique, though in the most flourishing con- dition at the conquest, has, since the last war, had the dreadful misfortune of being pestered with a species of ants*, which have destroyed the country, particularly the wind- ward side, in such a manner as to make it almost a desert, and ruined all the proprie- tors in that quarter. The plague still con- tinues, and many of the planters, who used to make three or four hundred hogsheads of sugar, now make none. This island, though possessing four harbours, has none equal to the carenage of St. Lucie, or so secure and capable of being defended, which alone is • Martinique was first infested by ants in the autumn of 1763. These insects were brought to the West Indies with the slave ships from Africa, in which country they abound, and raise pyra- midical nests in hillocks of considerable size. Some time before they visited Martinique, they had ravaged Barbadoes to such a degree, that it was deliberated whether that island, formerly so fiiourishing, should not be deserted. In Maiiinique, they destroyed all the culinary vegetables ; the quadrupeds were hardly able to subsist; and the largest trees were infested in such a manner that the most voracious birds would not light upon them. In short, the greatest precautions were necessary to prevent their attacks on men that were afflicted with sores, or on children that were unable to assist themselves.— Ficte Southey's Chron. Hist, of the West Indies. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 197 ' of the utmost consequence to a maritime ' power ; besides, the French, since the last * peace, having fortified Mount Gamier, it * will render the conquest of Martinique more * difficult, and take up a longer time; whereas * St. Lucie, having been greatly cleared and * cultivated since the last war, will render the * conquest easier, more healthy for the troops, * and, when possessed by his Majesty, be ' such a check upon the French commerce as ' to render Martinique and their other islands ' of little use, as his Majesty's squadrons ' stationed at that island will have it in their * power, not only to block up every port in ' Martinique, but likewise — it being equally * to windward with that island — the cruisers ' from St. Lucie can always stretch to wind- ' ward of all the other islands, and intercept * any succours intended for them. Add to * this the infinite consequence of the harbour * called the Little Carenage, where the largest * ships of war can be careened, be secure * during the hurricane months, and always * ready to afford a speedy succour to his * Majesty's other islands, and a certain se- ■■■■■■ ■■.'*r»•'.^<4•■^vr^^ -rt ...■fi«J ill ■• ij mm::! ,i:;#^^^ 198 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, curity to the southern islands of St. Vincent, Grenada, &c. &c. &c., and which at prescrt are greatly liable to depredations from the islands of St. Lucie and Martinique. ' The former island being in our hands will likewise put Martinique in the same pre- dicament as Dominique is at present, viz , between two enemy's islands ; and, if at- tacked, a speedy succour in a few hours might be sent from St. Lucie, whereas, at present, whatever assistance might be ne- cessary to defend Dominique, if attacked, must come from Antigua, an island far to leeward ; and, in all probability, the island would fall before such assistance could arrive. * The place for careening and refitting the British ships in those seas, and the station of the admiral who commands them being at Antigua, an island without wood or water, and whose harbour is small, and incapable of receiving large ships of war, to leeward of all the enemy's islands, must be extremely detrimental to his Majesty's and the public service during a French war ; must give the *m *hij * m( X''.:k-^ 'H, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 199 ' enemy great advantage, and alone points * out the necessity of taking either Martinique ' or St. Lucie. ' That Great Britain has at this juncture ' a sufficient force to ef!ect so desirable an * object, I saall endeavour to prove ; for al- ' though the war in which we are unhappily * engaged with the rebellious Americans has * not as yet reduced them to obedience, yet it * has gi ^n Great Britain a veteran fleet, and * veteran army, capable of undertaking any * enterprise either in America or the West * Indies ; and as the season for an army to act * in America is at a time when it would be * improper to act in the West Indies, so the * season for military operations in the West * Indies is unfavourable for the same in Ame- * rica, viz., from November to June; if, there- * fore, part of the army now in America were * detached in November or December, at- * tended with twelve or fourteen ships of the * line, and as many frigates, with bomb vessels, ' with orders to rendezvous at Barbadoes, they, * in all probability, would be enabled to put * his Majesty's orders into execution at the * most proper and healthy season, more espe- .,^'.ri' . - ■■■■"t^f '. >UJ' "■ i 'It'* ■ 'j i' '«■>"* ;.i.'i'i.;'-.rf.'i,,.>-..>(v:A „ •■■ ■>. , ' Cm ,■ ■'■■ i>'^--'. N't 200 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. '1 ih^^rU ' - J '■,*>''"'^'^'- ■;'i" ' . '■;•* lit'"*' ■ «M: :''»-, J .".■til cially as the enemy could not possibly know what number of ships or troops were sent on that enterprise time enough to prevent its succeeding ; and as there is not a doubt but that the Admiral cruizing off Ushant would detach a sufficient number of ships from his squadron to that part of the Morld, should a part of the Brest fleet escape his vigilance, and attempt to succour their islands. ' Should this enterprise be undertaken, I must humbly beg leave to represent whether it will not be proper to direct what sort of capitulation the Admiral and General should allow the inhabitants. F »r want of such instructions, and proper information, the French conquered islands escaped a duty they should certainly have paid, and his Majesty is at this hour deprived of a con- siderable revenue justly his due. ' When the island of Martinique offered to capitulate, I sent for several of the planters belonging to the British islands, who then attended the fleet to be present at the siege, to desire their assistance in penning an article that might make the French islands pay more duty than those of the English. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 201 The article relative to the cUiyed sugar was what they unaniinouHly offered me ; and as all the sugar of Martinique was clayed, I concluded his Majesty would receive a con- siderable sum more than what the English islands paid ; but some time after, hearing that the British islands paid four and a half per cent, on the export of their commodities, I was extremely displeased with the gentle- men belonging to the British islands, for not acquainting me with their paying that duty, of which I was totally ignorant. * This may happen to other Admirals and Generals unless properly cautioned. If the inhabitants be allowed to keep their lands upon capitulation, ought any but those really upon the spot to have that indulgence, and those only the lands then actually cleared ? All other land whatever should belong to the crown, as also one or two miles round the carenage, in order to erect fortifications, dockyard, &c. &c. and to build a town, the quit-rent of which might bring in a consi- derable revenue, as there cannot be a doubt but that inhabitants would flock from all the -.,'?• J .*i'I,'v,iti ■ '\i '•« ^K"^ •■■'! .;'i*"' ^\--jm:Km. 202 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ■ Amj , ' vf-iill'}."'*.!). •il ■ !' I *; <' «i , '•■-■'; ■■• y ':■..;■ ij'^ :;<... ^"f • vr»' f.- ■ "■■•■'•■ other islands to resort to a place of such security. * Should his Mnjesty retain this island, I humbly submit whether, when the lands are sold, it will not much conduce towards peopling the island, the having a consider- able quantity of land in each parish allotted to ten acre men, under the penalty of for- feiting it to the crown should it ever be con- verted to any other use than provision ground. This will always keep a consider- able number of white men on the island, and is the reason why Barbadoes has more inhabitants than all the other islands. * Pardon, my Lord, the trouble I give you in perusing this letter, but the observations I made when I commanded in those seas, and my frequent reflections since on the infinite importance of St. Lucie, cr Mar- tinique, to a maritime power, have convinced me that either of those islands in the hands of Great Britain must, while she remains a great maritime power, make her sovereign of the West Indies.' J LIFE OF LORD ROIINEY. 203 4k It will appear hcreafttT, that the siiRgestionft so modestly and unostentatiously offered to the consideration of his Majesty's ministers were hijjfhly approved, and the naval and mi- litary operations p^rounded upon them formed 8om(; of the principal features of the strupf^le which ensued between tlu; helliaferent powers. On assuming? his connnand, Sir George's patience was put to a severe trial by the ex- traordinary want of dilij^ence in the difterent public departments, both at the ports of Ports- mouth and of Plymouth, as well as by the absence of proper zeal and activity in the officers of his fleet, who were almost all strangers to him ; and many of whom behaved to him with a marked disrespect and want of cordiality, which, soon after the arrival of the fleet in the West Indies, produced the most serious consequences, and, had they not been checked in time by the firmness of their Com- mander, might have produced results most disastrous to the nation. The ministry were now most anxious that he should put to sea, and Sir George was no less impatient to do so, but the elements also conspired against him, and it was not until 1*^ 4.' . ... ''%\4 1..- ■■;•■*•'. 7 ♦ _, ("■i'l,.u ■.. . ••■■... t, ^ J ivrr'*^ ■ 1' ■'. 1:^: ;;iVf<; f,i ■■>'*vJ''i ■•irf.!'S ' L*'- 'Jl'-i. i ;, ■■■* '■.,: :i f" ■<■'•.?? •tLii"''H ,; -.:..^ y ': 'w'j' • I'fi. •'■^1 *>!,'■ ■* v'- i- .' • ■ ' ; r J 204 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the very end of December that he was enabled, with all his exertions, to get clear of the Channel. Previously to his leaving Portsmouth, Sir George had, amongst innumerable other ap- plications on the subject of admissions and promotions in his fleet, received a letter from the Countess of Chatham, requesting his good offices and protection for her son. TO THE COUNTESS OF CHATHAM. ' Sandwich, Spithead, Dec. 2, 1779. * The very bad weather, that has continued ' here for some days, has prevented my * receiving and replying to the letter you did * me the honour to write. * Your Ladyship may be assured, that no * man living bears a more sincere and re- ' spectful affection for the memory of that great * and glorious minister, who, to all succeeding ' ages will be quoted as an illustrious ex- ' ample, how one great man, by his superior * ability, could raise his drooping country from * the abyss of despair to the highest pinnacle ' of glory, and render her honoured, respected, m LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 205 ' revered, and dreaded by the whole universe. < Can his memory be ever blotted from the ' minds of those who sincerely love their * country? From mine it never can ; the love ' I bore him living can end but with my life, * the happiest period of which will be, to ' remember, that I had paid my duty to the ' memory of one of the greatest men Britain * ever produced, by advancing his son to ' that rank his merits justly deserved, which ' your Ladyship may be assured I certainly ' will do, should Mr. Pitt* be ever under my ' command.' FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. * Admiralty, Dec. 8, 1779. ' For God's sake go to sea without delay. • You cannot conceive of what importance • it is to yourself, to me, and to the public, ' that you should not lose this fair wind : if • you do, I shall not only hear of it in Par- * The Hon. Charles James Pitt, third son of the Earl of Chatham, bom in 1761, and died in 1780. Sir George Rodney was as good as his word, and did promote him. ... 1* ;v.:r.,:S'i^i^i' ' %..-.! !<■,>,■ ■■■'"^■ ■ i!'''! V"'' ''i> ■ '. ; ••.''< '' - '....■- Vr ■ V ,T ■ • .• ;• .'• ■''- '•■"J-,-'M .■■ ■>M.i ■ i" :<- U • *': .ri;T'.>,-'.. '3^ i:.^ ^i-ii '., • ■ ■■■■ /.'n'.r \ KSp. il ■ • .it. fl I 'i 'I !i !'■ •*S'i! ■ i'ii* It'** |#4#fef 206 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' liament, but in places to which I pay * more attention. It is not material whether ' any of the ships except your own, the Ajax, * Shrewsbury, and Montagu, have their full ' quantity of provisions and stores, therefore * let me entreat of you to take them with ' you with what they now have on board, * and not to wait for any of the frigates that * may not be in readiness, as they shall be ' ordered to follow you. I must once more ' repeat to you, that any delay in your * sailing will have the most disagreeable con- ' sequences. ' Lord Charles Fitzgerald applied to the ' Board some time ago for six pounders, * which he says his vessel is very able to ' bear. If you join with him in opinion, ' when you come on your station you may * give him guns of that weight ; thereby con- ' verting her into a sloop ; and you may * establish her as such under a master and ' commander, to which, if you will appoint * him, you will take him off my hands. * There is another young man of fashion, * now in your squadron, concerning whom I * am tormented to death. I cannot do any '?!;%.. :vv. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 207 ' thing for him at home, therefore if you could ' contrive, while he remains with you, by ' some means or other, to give him rank, you ' will infinitely oblige me. I mean Lord * Robert Manners, who is now a lieutenant ' on board the Alcide*. * I have now nothing to add, but my ' warmest wishes for every addition of ' honour and good fortune, which the very ' important service you are employed in ' will, probably, give you an opportunity of ' obtaining ; and to tell you, that when you ' open your secret orders, you will be con- * vinced that your friends have thought you ' a person in whom the utmost confidence is ' to be placed, and from whose conduct they ' have every thing to expect. ' I am, with great truth and regard, * &c. &c.' * This gallant young nobleman was the son of the renowned General, John, Marquis of Granby, and, in the ever memorable action oi the 12th of April, received a mortal wound, whilst nobly maintaining, in the command of the Resolution, 74 gunsy the honour of the British flag and of his illustrious house. — He was at his death only 24 years of age. ' 1 .■■■ • ■■■ >Tf .w ■,.;... ;,",■■ 11 ^:?l ft., o ,-..,v A ,■'.{ i.- 1?t'.:.,|(]lj." ..■,.■ ■u »*;■ ' ';*" '■■,■> \': ■ •.'■^:; 't*^^• ...^^ «...;,. M._^,, - f k i'J. til. ''i ■ I: n^m 'M' i--'F^ i'l:-- p II. r*i ■.■»■ t;t;.- r- Jit ll '■■ • t ■;•') lirT. i ••■'■;■••«■' 208 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. TO LADY RODNEY. • Spithead, Dec. 11th, 1779. George came on board this day, and brought me your letter, and one from Jenny. To hear that you and the girls are well is always the greatest pleasure I can receive. May you ever continue so is my most sin- cere wish ! * As for the boy you mention, from Lady Robert Manners, it is certainly too late, and she should certainly be told, that none can be taken under thirteen years of age, and whose parents can allow them at least thirty pounds a year, as the King allows no pay to boys. People imagine that admirals and captains are schoolmasters, and that they have nothing to do but send the boys to sea, and they are provided for, without giving themselves further trouble. How- ever, you will be so good to explain this to Mr. Wraxall, and if the contents can be complied with, I will receive the boy ; but I have now received my sailing orders, and LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 209 shall sail the moment the wind comes fair ; when that will be, Heaven knows, for it blows hard at south-west. * Jenny's account of Loup's knowing my purse when she dropped it, shews what a sensible dog he is, and must, as she says, endear him more to me, but she must pardon me if I say, non credo. * Every thing here is noise and hurry. The wind continuing westerly gives more time to the fleet to get ready. I wish I was once at sea. You know then an admiral has not a tenth part of the trouble and fatigue as when in port. Ministers and merchants are eager to have me gone, but I cannot command the seasons. Adieu.' * TO LADY RODNEY. * Spithead, Dec. 16th, 1779. * It is impossible for you to conceive the * fatigue nnd trouble I am hourly exposed to. • I wish to Heaven the wind would come fair, ' that I might get to sea. You know I should • then only have to discipline the fleet, and ' have done with writing, a thing I detest ; Vol. I. P 'r "..^ll JtM/ -'^f^M ■, ■-. ^^^v.-*' '<-*'f ,.^*.: 'i.v . .; "';*.'!■■ i'^'f,;^ '' , •'. • , ' ■; ;*,. ?.'-. . » 1 ^ 210 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. i if'-- : • 1 .'.f i|:».4r 'r»^j.i. yet every hour, day and night, I am sending or receiving expresses. Even now, at five o'clock in the morning, I can scarce catch a moment to know how you and the dear girls are. Give my love to them, and send by the coach my four large folio books of letters and orders, for has forgot every thing that is necessary. These books should go with me. Farewell, &c. &c.' * TO LADY RODNEY. ' Sandwich, Spithead, Dec. 23d, 1779. It is now stark calm, and in all appearance it will soon produce an easterly wind. Should that be the case to-morrow, early in the morning we shall leave the port, and put to sea with a noble fleet, and a convoy of three hundred merchant ships from the Downs. In all probability they will be left behind, as I have ordelred a frigate to meet these ships, and to deliver them instructions not to come in, but meet me at the back of the Isle of Wight. Every person now is impatient to be gone, and as impatient to know whither we are ))ound, but that I LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 211 can tell them they shall not know till we are arrived at the deotined place. ' I have writ^sn to Mr. Leake. It is very unfair to trouble me with private letters at a time I have not a moment to spare from public business ; I have now forty by me unopened. It is impossible for me to attend to and to answer them. ' Health and happiness attend you and my sweet girls. Take care of them, and take can of yourself — not forgetting my faithful friend Loup. I transfer his love of me to you during my absence, but expect on my return to regain it. Once more — adieu. * &c. &c. &c.' * TO LAPY RODNEY. ' Cawsand Bay, 24th Dec. 1779. • I am this moment arrived here, after beating ' down the Channel against the wind, which ' proved bad the moment I got on the back of ' the Isle of Wight. J dare say every person ' at Portsmouth expected my return to St. * Helen's road. Nothing but the extreme P2 '■■■■ ■ • Jll '^' -"^iVftM^ ■ ■■•A. 'H ' :i'' "•„ ."S. '•I ' ■ ■ -- 'tn-- * '*",>. * ■■•1 ■■'■•■; »ri?'ir *. A *l 'Kk-. iMl' 212 LIFE Cr LORO RODNEY. ' " '■•' uii'-I ? it ■ j>; Mr 1' u ■' 'Ml i;, -,1 '"ili'i •'"?#-:j i\'.->' ill; ,i ',•■,■,'' * badness of the weather could have induced * me to anchor here, and the certainty of * losing gi:ound had I kept the sea, which ' must have compelled me to have anchored ' in Torbay. While the weather continues * to blow at south-west, I must remain here, * as there is little likelihood of my getting * down the Channel at this season with a foul * wind ; but as I have not been here one hour, ' and have received notice by two prizes this * moment that Admiral Kempenfelt*, with ' the squadron under his command, fell in * with the French fleet four days from Brest, * consisting of seventeen sail of the line, and * one hundred transports, several of the latter * taken ; and the English, consisting of four- * teen sail of the line, were, when the prizes * left the fleet, engaging the French fleet, * there can be but little doubt that a general • This intrepid and skilful officer, (whose valuable services ■were afterwai-ds lost to his country by the disastrous sinking of the Royal George,) whilst cruising with onl> twelve sail of the line, on the 12tb of December, fell in with the French fleet, under Count de Guicheii, consisting of nineteen sail of the line, besides two armed en flute, engaged them, and succeeded, by a masterly manoeuvre, in cutting off fifteen of the enemy's convoy, having on board 1062 soldiers, and 548 seamen. Only two of the French ships of war made good their voyage to the West Indies ; the rest returned to Brest. ^VM LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 213 battle ensued on the 13th instant. The wind being now south-west, and blowing fresh, we may hourly expect news of this great event. God send it may be such as we wish. I have not a doubt of success, as six of our ships are three-deckers, a force equal to ten of the enemy — at least it will cripple the French squadron, and oblige them to return to port, which will give me time to be in the West Indies before them. In all probability I shall sail at daylight to-morrow morning. Nothing shall keep me in port but bad weather. The Formi- dable is not ready, but will be in six or seven days : if I stay, I will go on board her. • Our dear girls' pictures are huag up in my cabin ; I own it is a very great relief to me when I look at them ; at the same time I abuse the painter most heartily. The dog shall never draw mine, he has done so much injustice to them. Give my dearest love to them, and the other little ones. Adieu. ' &c. &c. &€.' '..ii- l^.i^ ,i ■J, <■.• ' •''*' rfi ■ . .)• ■'•' ■ •, ■»» • ■ ..>.■' ''■' ■■ I -'*,«f",'^ ' ' t ', ,i ' P ■■.f<" ' ^^.r,',! ■'•■■''.'.♦S'.iCW: ■< ■.. ■;. . '„ " ■•'4 ',•;-«• ■:■■ "''■■V'-^tti^il*^':(' : .i.-'d-jv;.. **l*>- ' ^-ff-u^.: :-'-. ,., v^<» T* •■,ji 'Ji^.iW, 214 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. I'' !i'* i;!, .j-wf! t...\j. S:' ;-i!. ; ■« .; '\; ,,'.• ' WW. ;'■-,, ■■''■ > > '•'^ * ■;■•■ ' ^ '■■«►■■■ M- ;.£^W '■•-'*'■ !5f * TO LADY RODNEY. * Plymouth Dock, Christmas Day, 1779. * The weather still keeps me here, and until * the wind changes, I shall not be able to get * out of the Channel, which I am not sorry * for, as we shall go in full force, and cer- * tainly be in the West Indies before the * French fleet, which, I am sure, has been * most severely buffeted about, and in all * probability been obliged to put back into * Brest, or some other port in France. Cer- * tain I am it has not been possible for them * to make any way to the westward ; and by * a frigate this day, the Captain informs me * he saw part of them steering back for Brest, * and that one of the largest ships was under * jury-masts. * My gout still continues in both feet, but ' my right hand is much easier, and I can ' write without pain. I hate this place. I * have taught them briskness and activity, which all the ports much want. The For- * midable will be ready in two days. Rad I ' kept the sea, I certainly had been diiven ' back to St. Helen's. ' Yours, &c &c. &c. * Quite tired, as you may perceive.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 216 * TO LADY RODNEY. * Plymouth Dock, Dec. 28th, 1779. Yesterday I received your letter of no date, but, I suppose, Christmas eve, as you men- tion receiving mine by the messenger. Nothing but stonns at this confounded place ; however, it will scatter the enemy's ships, many of whom, I am sure, must have suf- fered much if they have continued at sea. * My gout has been very severe indeed, but my hand is better, as you may perceive by my writing ; however it has pinched me much. * Had I not come here, the Formidable would not have been ready these dix weeks. To-morrow she will be ready to go into the Sound. It is astonishing — the neglect and slowness of the officers, both civil and military. The whole town of Plymouth and Dock declare that more work has been done here since my arrival than had been for two months before. Such is the «^ffect of fear. They knew there was no triiBling with me. I ■ 1 : 4^ " * ■ 'i ■■■, ■■::. '•■^•^^.?;^ ■J "' ■'■y-'^l^^ ■ ■ ■] "*" .,-.<■ -t; .1 ,- ■ '. J. . •'■ •• '']'■■■' s.; t .:•' ■^^*:>' f' "■ ■ ■•• "> , * " . ■ i\ *'■ ■;. ,|1, - :*'«•, J ■:i*i'-:Mt*v,:^'^i 216 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * and that my eyes, though myself confined * by the gout, were always upon them. ' The Commissioner takes great care of * me, and tells me that it is past eight o'clock, * and that the post waits for my letters. * Remember me to my dear girls, to whom * I will write to-morrow. It now blows a * storm. Adieu.' i,.f :/'>5.''i(*.".f.. I, i ■■■ •%■■••, •J >■':% M m^ It was a circumstance no less gratifying than flattering to Sir George Rodney, that he was selected by his Majesty to introduce his third son, Prince William Henry, to the service of his country,— a service to which his Royal Highness has ever shewn himself most devotedly attached ; and in the duties of which, whilst in commission, he displayed much nautical talent, and maintained the most perfect discipline*. His Royal High- • Extract from a Letter dated Antigua, February, 1787. ' Priutre 'William Henry has been here for some time past, * repairing his ship, where all ranks are vying with each other ' an making grand entertainments for their illustrious visiter. • The Pnnce ic quite the officer, never wearing any other dress LIFi: OF LORD RODNEY. 217 ness was placed as a inidMhipnian, on board the Prince George, bearing? the flag of Rear- Admiral Digby , ' not nominally as a mid- • shipman, but to do its duties, to have a ' thorough knowledge of the profession, to ' learn by practical experience the duties • attached to the different stations, and to • learn how to obey as well as to com- ' mand*.' The wind proving more favourable on the 29th, Sir George Rodney immediately got under sail, and ere ten days had elapsed, he had the good fortune to find himself in con- tact with the enemy. • than his unifonn. and his star and garter only when receiving ' addresses, or on any other public occasion. He has not slept a ' night out o» !)U5 liip since his arrival in tfcpse seas, until coming ' into Engikesh Barbour, when the ships heaving down obliged ' him to N? on shore. His Royal Highness shews the most ' amiabW disposition and condescension on every occasion, sees ' into the detail of the business of his ship, and delivers his own ' orders with the most minute attention to the duty and discipline ' of the frigate (the Pegasus). In short, he promises to be, what • we all hope and wish, the restorer of the ancient glory of the ' British Navy.' * Ralph's Naval Biography. ■ «i ■•'■»• !■ » -V. • It'-'' •" ^j - ':i'- I .1. . ■• 9 . ■ . ': >::-M •■ ;'!«';■• ■;■■ ■ -''.W ^,■5^' -m 'r"* W ** V 'i. i =id' :^4 ;;vK 218 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwichy at Sea, 9th January, 178C. * Lat. 41° 44'. Long. 14" 25' W. * Cape Finisterre, E. N. E. 176 leagues. * Yesterday at day-light the squadron of * ships under my command descried twenty- * two sail in the north-east quarter. We im- * mediately gave chace, and in a few hours * the whole were taken. * They proved to be a Spanish convoy, * which sailed from St. Sebastian's the 1st of * January, and were under the protection of * seven ships and vessels of war, belonging * to the Royal Company of Caraccas, viz. — The Guipuscuano, 64 guns, The San Carlos, 32 „ The San Rafael, 30 „ The Santa Teresa, 28 „ The San Bruno, 26 „ The Corvetta San Fermin, 16 „ The San Vmcente, 10 „ * Part of the convoy was loaded with naval * stores and provisions for the Spanish ships * of war at Cadiz, the rest with bale goods * belonging to the Royal Company*. Those * List of the convoy captured by Sir George Rodney, on the 8th of January, 1780. 1. Laden with flour. 3, 550 men. 200,, 153 „ 150 „ 140 „ 60 „ 40 „ LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 219 loaded with naval stores and bale goods, I shall immediately despatch for England, under convoy of his Majesty's ships the America and Pearl. Those loaded with provisions I shall carry to Gibraltar, for which place I am now steering, and have not a doubt that the service I am sent upon will be speedily effected. * As I thought it highly necessary to send a sixty-four gun ship to protect so valuable a convoy, I have commissioned, officered, and manned the Spanish ship-of-war, of the same rate, and named her the Prince Wil- 2. Laden with flour. 3. Laden with flour and wheat. 4. Laden with wheat. 5. Laden with wheat. 6. Laden with flour and wheat. 7. Laden with flour and wheat. 8. Laden with flour and wheat. 9. Laden with French wheat. 10. Laden with flour and wheat. 11. Laden with flour. 12. Laden with French flour. 13. Laden with naval stores. 14. Laden with naval stores. 15. Laden with anchors and cables. 16. Laden with tobacco. N. B. The whole of these vessels were named afl:9r some patron saint. .... ■' .1* ■'»:'''..' .,,•"".'*" v'wy jt „ . I, /- * «i. ■'-<»■•.■, 7l ■ ; ■,•«■.: •>■■••■( -sj^- ■^ 'i . ? it if ': V'" •** ' ■ "^i-'v' vft-'alr, 1 '■I I '..■■■;'!' ■.iVk ■■ -^ - ;■ .: ,}■ ■■■;..' i," 220 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Ham, in respect to his Royal Highness, in whose presence she had the honour to be taken. She has been launched only six months, is in every respect completely fitted for war, and much larger than the Bien- faisant. Captain Macbride, to whom she struck. ' I beg leave to congratulate their Lord- ships '^n this event, which must greatly distress the enemy, who, I am well in- formed, are much in want of provisions and naval stores.' * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ♦ Sandwich, Gibraltar Bay, • January 27th, 1780. It is with the highest satisfaction that I can congratulate their Lordships on a signal victory obtained by his Majesty's ships under my command over the Spanish squa- dron commanded by Don Juan de Langara, wherein the Spanish Admiral, and the greatest part of his squadron were either taken or destroyed. * Having received repeated intelligence of LIFE OF LORD RODNE\ 221 a Spanish squadron, said to consist of four- teen sail of the line, cruizinj^ off Cape St. Vincent, I gave notice to all the captains upon my approaching the said Cape to pre- pare for battle ; and having passed it on the 16th in the morning with the whole convoy, at one p.m., the Cape then bearing n. four leagues, the Bedford made the signal for seeing a fleet in the s.e. quarter. I imme- mediately made the signal for the line of battle abreast, and bore down upon them ; but before that could be well effected, I per- ceived the enemy were endeavouring to form a line of battle a-head upon the starboard tack, and as the day was far advanced, and being unwilling to delay the action, at two P.M. I hauled down the signal for the line of battle abreast, and made the signal for a general chase, to engage as the ships came up by rotation, and to take the lee gage, in order to prevent the enemy's retreat into their own ports. * At four P.M., perceiving the headmost ships very near the enemy, I made the general signal to engage and close*. In a few mi- ♦ On coming up with the Spanish fleet, the dusk precluding a s. ■ , *i* ; 'i ■*■■ V' .. ''.Ml,.. >, •■•* ■■■■■» i'^'.'^';- 'It! ••< .; ■•'►■ aW i i < ii'!;::!-^^-:; i; ■ Mm'i ■']> '• ^- •-. . ■.* ■■ 222 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' nutes, the four headmost ships began the ' action, which was returned with great brisk- ' ness by the enemy. At forty minutes past ' four one of the enemy's line of bpttle ships * blew up with a dreadfiil explosion. Every * person perished. At six p.m. one of the * Spanish ships struck. The action and pur- ' suit continued with a constant fire till two ' o'clock in the morning, at which time the * Monarca, the headmost of all the enemy's * ships, haying struck to the Sandwich after * receiving one broadside, and all firing having * ceased, I made the signal, and brought to. ' The weather during the night was at times * very tempestuous, with a great sea, which * rendered it difficult to take possession of * and shift the prisoners of those ships that * had surrendered to his Majesty's arms. It ' continued very bad weather the next day, * when the Royal George, Prince George, * Sandwich, and several other ships, were * in great danger, and under the necessity of perfect view and knowledge of the enemy's force, Sk George Rodney called the master of the Sandwich to him. ' Master,' said he, ' this ship is not to pay any attention to the merchant- ' men or small ships of war. Lay me alongside the biggest ship ' you can see, or the admiral, if there be one.' ij'^ii LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 223 '<•.'!. * making sail to avoid the shoals of St. Lucar, ' nor did they get into deep water till the ' next morning, when, having joined the con- * voy, and made Cape Spartel, I despatched ' two frigates to Tangier to acquaint his Ma- ' jesty's consul with our success, that Great * Britain was again mistress of the Straits, ' and desiring him to hasten a supply of fresh ' provisions for the garrison. At sunset we ' entered the gut. * The gallant behaviour of the admirals, ' captains, officers, and men, I had the honour ' to command, was conspicuous ; they seemed ' actuated with the same spirit, and were ' eager to exert themselves with the utmost * zeal to serve his Majesty and to humble the * I may venture to affirm, though the enemy * made a gallant defence, that had the weather * proved but even moderate, or had the action ' happened in the day, not one of their squa- ' dron had escaped. ' Inclosed I send a list of the Spanish ' 8(][uadron, as likewise of his Majesty's ships, ' with the damage they received*. * See Appendix, for Sir George Rodney's line-of-battle. , ,,'1 JL'< ^i*.|f"SWfl ■ . ,.'>.:J ■■'i*m ,'*f ■'■■;. "■■"' ^M "■ "'i.^ v; '•- <,f:' > -■■ •••'',•,•■' A-f V .••^•^•.«#J.^1^^V: ,*> iKiJV. •vT, -V'M- ' ■''■A ^"uf I « * ?f" W, ; ■•■'• ■.'' . •■■■ ^fi ^'jip**- 224 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 'i 11 ■^^. VMM' m ' Phoenix, Don Juan de Langara, Admiral, 80 guns, 700 men ; V ♦ taken, and brought into Gibraltar. c ' San Augustin, '0 guns, 600 men ; escaped. <^ * San Genaro, 70 guns, 600 men ; escaped. ' San Justo, 70 guns, 600 men ; escaped, much damaged. 'San Lorenzo, 70 guns, 600 men; escaped, very much damaged. > ' San Julian, 70 guns, 600 men ; taken, officers shifted ; a Lieu- • tenant with seventy men put on board, afterwards went on shore. > * San Eugenio, 70 guns, 600 men ; the officers shifted, but driven ' on shore on the breakers, and lost. V ' Monarca, 70 guns, 600 men ; taken, and brought into Gibraltar > ' Princessa, 70 guns, 600 men ; taken, and brought into Gib- • raltar. ' DUigente, 70 guns, 600 men ; taken, and brought into Gibraltar- ' San Domingo, 70 guns, 600 men ; blown up in action. -^ • Santa Gertrude, 26 guns, 250 men ; escaped. ^ ' Santa Rosalia, 28 guns, 250 men ; escaped. ' Next day, having no person on be ,rd the Sandwich acquainted with the Bay of Gib- raltar, I ordered Rear Admiral Digby to lead in, and sent two frigates ahead to give notice to the garrison of our approach. The weather proved very bad, and the current so strong, that most of the fleet were driven to the back of the rock. The Sandwich and many of the ships did not arrive in the Bay till yesterday. All the transports and vic- tuallers are unloading, and every despatch shall be used to put his Majesty's further commajids into execution. » 1 » .J. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 225 * As the wind continued to blow hard * westerly, I thought it forwarding his Ma- * jesty's service to make sure of the convoy's * arriving safe at Minorca, by sending three ' copper-bottomed ships of the line to see * them in safety off that island, where I am ' sure they must have arrived before this time, ' as the wind has continued to blow hard ' westerly ever since they sailed.' ' FROM LADY RODNEY. ♦ London, January 20th, 1780. Though it is uncertain, my dear Sir George, whether this letter ever will reach you, I cannot, as it is the first opportunity that has offered since you sailed, omit writing a few lines by it. It will be delivered to you, should he ever meet with you, by Mr. Manners, son of Lord Robert Manners, who is one of the many young men who are or- dered to the West Indies, in the four newly raised regiments. He is an intimate friend of Mr. Wraxall's, and assured me he would take great care of my letter, and that he VoL.T. Q '■ . . .,A.,:J -f^m. i .' '.".'■*''''d(v'n 't- ' ■> ^: ^•,t*-^' .. . « .. ' ■ . xt '■ ■'• ■''■■•' SJ % 226 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. p I iJi- ■Ml ;*.'■ *?.:.;^''-i ;:■:■■ ti'''^ ^^•■■" * Bhould be happy to be presented by it to * vour notice. * The wind and weather here were so * favourable for a fortnight after your de- * parture, that I felt most happy about you. * It is rumoured that you are certainly des- * tined first for Gibraltar, and then to pro- * ceed to the West Indies. Lord George * Germain says he hopes to hear of you in * a very few days. The papers, indeed, have * made you take some rich ship or other every * day almost since you sailed. * It is impossible to say how anxious I am ' to hear from you ; and the uncertainty where * you are, and when any accounts may be * expected from you, adds greatly to my un- * easiness. * Mr. Rodney assures me he left you per- * fectly well the day you left St. Helen's. * Heaven grant that your health may con- * tinue, and success may attend you wherever * you go. ' The dear girls are quite well, and join me * in love and affectionate remembrance to * you. Adieu, and believe me ever, *&c. &c. &c. *H. R/ LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 227 * TO LADY RODNEY. • Gibraltar, February 7th, 1780. * I send this letter by Captain Thompson*, * who carries duplicates of the despatches, ' giving an account of our great success in * taking the greatest part of the Spanish fleet, ' which I hope will have arrived long before ' this comes to your hands. Captain Thomp- * son promises to deliver this letter himself; ' and as he was the Captain I appointed to ' repeat my signals, if your curiosity leads ' you to hear the particulars of a sea- battle, ' he can better inform you than any other * It is a singular fact, that the news of this victory was first communicated to the British government by Mr. Fitzherbert (now Lord St. Helens), the then British minister at Brussels, to which court a despatch had been sent express from Madrid ; in which it was pretended that the advantage was in favour of the Spanish Admiral. Mr. Fitzherbert, who was allowed a cursory view of it, with the practised eye of an adroit diplomatist soon saw throught he cheat, and without delay acquainted the British cabinet, that Sir George Rodney had gained a victory over Langara's fleet. Captain Thompson did not arrive in England with the Admiral's official despatch till many days afterwards, he, as well as Captain Mac Bride, who was charged with a duphcate thereof, having encountered the most tempestuous weather and adverse winds, during a voyage of nearly a month. Mr. Fitzherbert's letter reached London on the 12th of February. Q2 * ■ ■ •■"* ■■' •'J**l!l - ■•.'■'^ .-'tl \ 'u..■^i 1' i-^"! ...1. ' > • , , "... 5>':;'4;^ ... r ,^. f... .' ; ; -.-ft,!. ■'■:■■■ . "•■■■*y^^it: "if m^'-^' !i^ r . ' ' J Till* '■' 1 '■ ) . 1|K v:!i< ^j^" 't IB"' ll'i'' *-T"i ■'-'■.'!. JH' riBt ? ti ■^' '■'a i If ■■--■"■' ■-^^m^ 228 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. person. John had the honour to command a gun, and he will be a Lieutenant as soon as I leave this place, a vacancy being kept for him. is appointed Captain to Com- modore E — . Indeed his health requires his stay here, and between you and me, he has forgot his profession, and is but a poor officer indeed. Don't tell this to . She will never forgive me, but 'tis strictly true. Tom Briton will now be a very fine gentle- man, and if his promotion does not turn his head, his fortune is made. I have made him purser of the Shrewsbury, seventy-four guns, which is going with me to the West Indies, a good vacancy upon the death of the purser, which cannot be disputed. * The Spanish men of war we have taken are much superior to ours. I own they surprise me. Spain, in all her provinces, severely feels the blow she has received. Despair and consternation prevail in every part, and she who lately was the attacker, every moment expects to be attacked, and should be so, had I not orders to go on other service. I have likewise relieved Minorca, and Great Britain this moment reigns sove- 1 ■ ! Ov LIFE OF LOUD RODNEY. 229 ' reign of the Mediterranean as well as of the * ocean. When I go from this place, the case * may be somewhat altered, but not as it was ' before our success. But one ship of the * Spanish tleet is arrived at Cadiz, and she in * a most shattered condition. She had even ' struck, but the badness of the night pre- ' vented the taking possession. Judge what ' the unhappy natives of that city must feel. ' All the officers' families live there. The * Spaniards execrate the French. The Spanish * Admiral told me he was ready to give his * parole of honour never to serve against ' England, but that he would with pleasure ' serve with England against France. It is ' the sentiment of them all. So much for * war. Now, my dear, I must beg you will ' write as soon as possible by the packet, and * by the Admiralty, directed for me at Bar- * badoes. I long to know how the King, * ministers, and nation, received the news of ' our success. One thing I can say without * dread of reproach, — that I can defy envy, * malice, or even villainy, to tax me with not * having done my duty even to the utmost ' extent ; but without a thorough change in * *- .o. -•TiS '> 1 -1*'*. iJil ■17'. ' • If "• ' „ ' '. ■' '" i -..■■ .. ■»' ;'.■• ;,»■■». >.-»--;.^, ' '^>'fc .^I'iai-ii • ■! ' ■,'■' :.'• '-•' ■i' t<£*f ■■■■ - •*fi.O J. ■'., -I;' . f» ^. ..1 '-*,.:«. /• ..\-,p:'-i 'i'iiin.^ ■ii.- •», < ■ ^ ^■•;-'»L*'^'^ 'I 1' ■41, if ^ ll: i' ■^W-'Wi'illr'''' 4. im'^i 1 ,1 'I i'Mt i^'-s y^ji- i«l 230 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. naval affairn, the discipline of our navy will be lost. I could say much, but will not. You will hear of it from themselves. I have done them all like honour, but it was be- cause I would not have the world believe that there were officers slack in their duty. Keep this to yourself. My stay here will be but short. The moment the wind comes to the east we go. I am impatient to hear how my dear girls go on. My love most affectionately attends them. Remember me to the Belliards, and to all those who shewed you civility. They could have no view but humanity and friendship. I am sure you will never slight nor forget them. Adieu.' The sentiments herein expressed in the confidence of private intercourse, clearly prove that the Admiral had already disco- vered amongst the superior officers of his fleet the seeds of insubordination and dis- respect, which soon after ripened into a state of disobedience little short of mutiny ; and which) from its disastrous and mortifying ^i LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ^31 results, almost drove him to madness. How galling must it have been to a man of his open and candid mind, to have found him- self compelled to adopt what he deemed the more prudent course,— of abstaining from the censure of those otficers who failed in their duty in this action ! Had the Lritish nation been aware at the time of the real state of the case, they would have given hiiii the .lost unqualified praise for this brilliant achieve- ment. As it was, Sir George did al' that man could do under such circumst nccs ; combining with much nautical skill, quick- ness of conception, promptness of execution, and excellent judgment, both prior to and after the action. But whatever were the talents Sir George Rodney displayed as a naval commander, there was a more splendid (art of his cha- racter which, on this occasion, had ample scope for developing itself Before his suc- cess against Admiral Lungara, the English prisoners in Spain had been treated with the greatest inhumanity, and it required more than an ordinary strength of constitution to 1 t /_ . . ..' '< V It,".-.* *'^i^:'' ' I '■ ''1 ' 'l'.- ', "'• , * * -i 'Ik' , . - ■ ' t^ASf ■ * . ■ r '■ ' .. ,- "' :1^' > ' ' ' ■ y '«■! ft* ■ I'm -t ' li •. ^ »<., , ITS* V-lii' ^' 232 Lll'E OP LOUD RODNEY. exist for any length of time in a Spanish prison. Wlien the Spanish Admiral fell into the hands of Sir George Rodney, both himself, his oHicers, and men, expeeted to meet with the same treatment they had been accustomed to give ; but they were astonished to find in Sir George a man who felt for their misfortunes, relieved their wants, and who, by his polite behaviour to his prisoners, made a powerful impression upon the minds of the Spaniards, Avhich could not fail to procure a mitigation of the sufterings of English prisoners in Spain. He represented the miserable con- dition of his countrymen in the enemy's country, and obtained a promise that Eng- lishmen, when prisoners in Spain, should be made as comfortable as their situation would permit. This was doing his country a service, which will make him stand as high in the estimation of good men as the most astonishing display of courage, which is not always inseparable from a cultivated mind. The correspondence which took place on this subject between the LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 233 British and Spanish admirals exhibits a high feeling of humanity, of courtesy, and of noble- mindedness, which remind one of the chivalry of earlier times. Such traits as these do honpur to human nature, to the nation they belong to, and to themselves, and are con- soling to the reflecting mind amidst the suf- ferings and miseries of war. The following lines are inserted in this place, not on account of their poetical merit, but for the purpose of shewing the sense the Britisli nation entertained of Sir George Rod- ney's past services, of the satisfaction they felt at his re-appointment to a high command, and the confidence they reposed in his naval skill and courage. At this period the name of Rodney, like those of Nelson and Wellington in later times, fi'led the breast of every Englishman with unbounded hope and confidence, and was considered as synonymous with success and victory; and the public press teemed with poetical effusions expressive of this sentiment, as well as of the gratification the nation ex- perienced on the circumstance of their pa- I » « • ,. , It' Jf ' '., .''•'w,..ii,<'''.J| .. ' * . *'♦ 31 ■*.• .y .-' ■« I- J'. ■ T-Jf ^ ■'. ' ■■'-■'* ' ■ •* • -1. r' - .1. * ' *,■'■ \. I '•■■ ■■■* : S" " i- ■ iA i '■ •It'll,'''*': in^:'* m ¥■1 mi ^1;. 'n - ■f.i';',-,.>i>ii •*": , rlfil^V^':.'^ ■ 234 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. triotic monarch having sent one of his sons to serve as a midshipman on their favourite element. Who's this on wintry seas so bold, His name in former annals told. Again upon the wave ? His king, who lately saw him, knew, And smiling, from retirement drew The loyal, just, and brave. The same to thee the calm or storm ; And is thy bosom yet so warm 'Mid shoals and winds to fight ? Yes, patriot virtue warm'd thy breast, Thy country's love each wish possess'd. And led thee through the night*. Tremble, false France, and misled Spain, Britons new strength, new courage gain. Whilst you unbless'd conspire — Virtue awhile may sink in woe. But roused at length, th' insulting foe Kindle the latent lire. And now it flames in Rodney's breast With faithful ancient zeal imprest ; His country has his. heart. Heaven blesses now with kinder gleams Of Hope, while Mercy's gentle streams Their secret joy impart. I ♦ The weather during the night was veiy tempestuous, with a great sea, which rendered it difficult to take possession of and shift the prisoners, &c. &c. &c. — Vide Sir George Rodney's official des^iatoh, 27lh January. iiJHi'ts'^il^i'li-f LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 235 Now last, ' not least in love,' the Muse Her William's name would fondly chuse The British youth among ; Still may the sailors love thy name, And happy health and blooming fame Awake the future song. So in the spring the promised rose First buds, and budding gently blows, Beneath the morning dew ; Till nourish'd by a warmer ray. The blushing leaves their sweets display. And fragrance ever new. E'en now the sea-green sisters bind A wreath around thy growing mind. And deck their favourite son ; E'en now the Bourbon colours meet. Which laying at thy father's feet. Thou tell'st how bravely won. Anon. 1780. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, Gibraltar Bay, 'February 7th, 1780. ' I must desire you will please to acquaint ' their Lordships that every attention possible * has been paid to the Spanish admiral and * his officers. They are extremely desirous ' of returning to Spain upon their parole of * honour ; but, p.s I am informed that a great I'i', -' '"''}',■ '^■' 'mm I • '•'■;.' : .. ^ ■/•'■■ ;• .■■■\. ■■t&i' ;, -'IV...VV '" ^■■■■■i'i;, ■■%::• -.;?^, ....-trt,^.^. ,v:=j:it* ,' iC ■■:h •';*: !(?•-■' ' » ■.' , - ■ ■,•■;■■ •■■* ... • .* . 1: f. '.■"- .:.^.. VE w& W mmmmr mH •( ■ :».' vsj »■->•> .'I ■■>'•• •' ;■ 236 LIFE OF LOHD RODNEY. number of his Majesty's subjects are now prj toners in Spain, I have declined giving tliem any assurances till the British sub- jects are released, — having received yes- terday by the Shrewsbury, from Lisbon, a letter from his Majesty's consul-general in Portugal, acquainting me that he had re- leased six hundred and six Spanish prison- ers, and though frequent promises had been made, he had not as yet received one in return. This letter from Sir John Hort has confirmed me in the resolution I had before taken, viz., not to release any prisoners but upon the Spaniards delivering up all the British subjects at present in Spain, and then only man for man. However gratify- ing or convenient it may prove to indivi- duals, the great and general line of hostility is never to be forgot. In vain we may conquer, if unconditional promissory notes can forthwith put new arms into the enemy's hands, and they openly avail themselves of British generosity without making a just return, and detain the British seamen in their prisons. * The great anxiety of the Spanish Ad- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 237 * miral and his officers to return is such, * and their assurances so strong that my * officers and seamen who had boarded their * ships, and were forced on shore near Cadiz, * should be forthwith restored, as likewise all * other British subjects, who have been de- * layed upon frivolous pretences, I sent this ' morning the note I have the honour to in- ' close, to the Spanish Admiral ; and have ' not a doubt that it will touch their feelings, ' and convince them that no delay must be * made. ' I flatter myself that I shall have their ' Lordships' approbation in my endeavours * to release a thousand good seamen, who * may do considerable service to their kin^ ' and country. * I have the sincere satisfaction to assure * their Lordships, that the five Spanish men- * of- war are as fine ships as ever swam. * They are now completely refitted, manned, ' and put in the line of battle, and, I will ' answer for them, will do their duty as ' English men-of-war, should the enemy give ' them an opportunity.' ^ ■ ''1. ■' M. m^ ^;v:: ■;f'-''^ ': .i* ',/'•;?;: V ■:n ,:•'■■ ■ :^J^'%ki "y^- ■ -:.:■■"■'■" ■^'.■■^■ ,; ',■ i-:-'''.<*^.'\Sf: -/',{' '•' ■'■♦ i-: ', •, . ■"■''^■■.■^■f:'". .-'.J -."7- T^'-a.:r ■ :■ . < ' ...■•. ' .-5,1 . ■ ■ ,* i ,: 4» '■.■%:l "- ■ ■ ■ ■ If ,j^ ,-; >. ^v • ■• •«-■■...' '/'i. J?7. ''■v.'^ ■'■•«'- >■'■',? . :■ .■•<'»^',r'+i-.iiii?J W'-'^/'V ^?'^ iii^ i'rfillfii: M:: ■WW¥m-\ •,' .W It.-''' 4?*f "<^« ' 1 ?*1,m;ii1V-;,,4;,,:..v" *urh>.K tJ ',' ^i 'i^ r«f 238 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * TO ADMIRAL DON JUAN DE LAN GAR A. * (Gibraltar, Cth February, 1780. Atlmiia? Rodnt y presents his compliments to Seiior Don Juan de Lungura, and w'U have great pleasure in comi>5ying ^n^h his desire relative to the release oi, the three friars belonging to the Capuchins' mission for the province of Cumana, should those friars be in the fleet. ' The Admiral, whose niclination is ever to alleviate the misfortunes of war, by shewing every respect and attention to those brave men who have done their duty to their king and country, is under the necessity of in- forming Senor Don Juan de Langara, that the release of himself and the Spanish officers entirely depends upon Spain's im- mediately releasing all the British prisoners now in her power. An equal number of prisoners will be returned for those sent by Spain. * Humanity obliges the Admiral to offer those prisoners who are now sick, if they m mf m LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 239 ' may be received by the Spanish General ; ' but this shall be the last time, unless an ' exchange takes place.' ' Don Juan de Langara presents his respects ' to his Excellency, Admiral Rodney, and ' returns thanks for his offer of releasing the ' three ecclesiastics, whose president's me- ' morial was transmitted to him. ' He observes what his Excellency says ' respecting the Spanish officers' release ; ' also what relates to the sick ; on which sub- 'ject he can only inform his Excellency, ' (as he has done before through Admiral ' Digby,) that he has MTitten to Spain, com- ' municating what was imparted by that gen- ' tleman, and believes he will very shortly ' have an answer, of which he will give notice ' to his Excellency. * The Spanish General again repeats his ' respects to Admiral Rodney.' '*♦." «#> "'I I'- ' ,v.^ ■ ■«. '!'.•■'.•♦.. > vA .;'*o.!i1 * . 'nil ■' 1 , • ^t • ■ •' ' '~>»:.'x'( .. i: Hi, ■ 1?.- I'-.f'-...-* "-'yiS^ .•Mr. ■ ;i a*.-"' 242 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. i ti .n. . * !ii- 'life ■C, n I ' 1 ,'', V* '■':■:■ . ,\;jlv- .,*. * carry into execution the exchange of pri- * soners ; and how greatly the good treatment * has been esteemed, which I reported that * myself and officers had received from your * Excellency, is manifested by the contents * of the said orders. ' Likewise, your Excellency will see by * the General of the camp's letter, that to- * morrow, at 12 o'clock, the prisoners who are ' in that neighbourhood will come, and, as I * calculate, from the distance and bad roads ' at this season, those at Cordova will arrive * at the latest in a fortniglit. ' In virtue of this security, which can leave * no doubt of the carrying into execution the * exchange of prisoners, I do not doubt your * Excellency will fulfil your proposal with * respect to the exchange of the Spaniards, * and permission for all the officers to go to * Spain on parole of honour, as your Excel- * lency offered me. * The said article of the King my master's * orders appears to be confined to the British ' officers and midshipmen that navigated the * St. Julien. Ar^ this disposition of the King .* my master bears the same date as the pro- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 243 ' position whicli the Director-General of the * Spanish fleet made for the exchange of all * the English prisoners, and merely in con- * sequence of the liberty given to five officers * of the said ship, it is not to be doubted that ' likewise all the English prisoners that are * in the dominions of Spain wdl be given ' up, upon which I also write to-day to my * court. ' From this certain conclusion, fully mani- ' fested by the resolution the General of the * camp has taken of immediately sending * the prisoners under his orders, I take upon ' me to offer your Excellency that the whole * of them shall be transmitted, or that I will ' appear in any part of his British Majesty's ' dominions that your Excellency may ap- ' point, till it be fulfilled. * I make your Excellency a fresh offer of * my obedience and true desire to serve you ; ' and that God may preserve your Ex< eliency ' many years. ' Juan de Langara.' R2 '■ r» & •-"1. .'*::%:•*-* <^" V.^k*5 ■I *' » ,- ■:■ '■' i' , "'.1'^ ■'••(•Ilk ,:'«}• .-;.H.v 244 LIFK OK LOKl) KOUNIiY. * TO LlEUT.-dUNKRAL DON JUAN l)K LANOAUA. t' • ^ t it ^ y.:: 'r '41' WUi , 4- ( ■'••;V' P'^. i ^ -'■•*• iff"*!' I. Pf- ■•i>;". "riti: • 1 Uh i'^bruury, 17H0. Most ExccillcMil Sir, — I traiiHinit to your Kxct'lU'iKy tho scaled loiter which the M:ir; T,in: OF I.OIM) UODNKV. 245 ** laiiKMl \vi(h our ofliccrs, prisoners, whom ** tlicy Imvc; not only trcuted with the " greatest (liHtiiictioii and urbanity, but have " also remitted them to your eamp under •' their parole of honour; it is his Majesty's ** phiasure, that when the officers and mid- " shipmeu taken in tlie St. Julien (which " after Don Juan (U; Langara's engagement " got into C'adiz) arrived at St. Roque, your •' Excellency is to shew them all possible " respect, that they may experience reci- " procal treatment, sending them imme- '* diately to Gibraltar under the same con- ** ditions, and in the same manner, as they " sent ours to the camp." ' With this intelligence, your Excellency may shew this to the commander of the British garrison and squadron, and acquaint them that for some days I have w^aited with impatience the arrival of the said officers and midshipmen, not only to comply, as is my duty, with the King my master's orders, but to correspond with their urbanity, giving them fresh proofs of my attention. * In order to maintain reciprocal good faith, I shall use all possible power that depends ,'i.-^ ,lu »•.♦■ :i i* , . '^IS* 1 ■. .' ■<■*•% ... ..J t,- •"■ - - •><'!fi.f*' I '• yiiyit^- .■■■„■ -•,<■'.:> ,■ I'ii'V^f' '»> "i; ■♦ ¥ ■' ♦ • «S I"! .'^ 'f " ,.,4! ..*» ■;•'«'' '■"''-•,'1, '4 '^ '<^^ ■*' I J- tSmn 1 !. ' , '■■ f!i h m •!^';:-.-''^l' ';K.!;^.'^Hv';' . i ■(*;!«* ;-''W.j "-iiki- iii 246 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. upon me ; and am determined to send to Gibraltar some English seamen lately taken, now in Algeziras, which shall be put in execution at twelve o'clock to-morrow. Our vessel that conducts them shall sail from tlie bridge into the middle of the bay, to deliver them to the English vessel, such vessel carrying a white flag on the topmast head, as usual, to be mutually known, which you may agree on my part with those gentlemen, that it may be executed on theirs, if agree- able to them. * I have, &c. &c. &c. ' Martin Alvarez di Sotto Mayor*.' * TO HIS excellency ADMIRAI RODNEY. ' Gibraltar, February 11th, 1780. * Most Excellent Sir. * Dear Sir, — In answer to the letter * which your Excellency was pleased to write * to me to-day, I am to inform you, that I * The Editor regrets that he has not been able to obtain a copy of this letter in the original language, as the translation is evidently a very imperfect one. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 247 apprehend my court does not know, nor did I till now, the number of Spanish pri- soners enlarged, nor that the time which has elapsed between the 1st instant and now, has been sufficient for the English prison- ers in Spain to have arrived. * As your Excellency knows, I wrote to my immediate superior officer, the Director- General of the King my master's fleet. He answered me, as I told your Excellency, that he had written to the Captain-General of the province, and that he had given orders for their being most expeditiously sent. If in effect it became necessary, or is regular, to have the approbation of the court, still the prisoners will not experience delay ; and I expect, with painful apprehen- sion, that they may think I have acted im- properly, if, on their arrival, the exchange is frustrated by our prisoners being carried away. I am much obliged by the honour your Excellency is pleased to bestow on me, and for your condolence for my melan- choly situation ; and from these sentiments, I place the greatest confidence in your generous humanityj considering the weak i)i'.'«1.'»;'-"'i,:-i>">M ■ . '■■r„.T..- If ..". .-'.^l r.i- .,i V, Ii :^'^ 3'.; ■■i i&'Jl .f^i^' , I, ■*l .rk.: ,.!■■ Iw- -ij-.i, 'T»rj; 248 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY state of my health, and the urgent necessity * of re-establishing it, being greatly reduced * by several bleedings necessary for the cure * of my wounds in the action, and an attack * of the scurvy under whicli I labour, which * renders it impossible for me to go to sea, * without a violation of every law of huma- ' nity ; for which reason I entreat your Ex- * cellency, that you will be pleased to grant ' me permission to pass to Spain upon my * parole of honour, to give attention to the ' re-establishment of my health, or at least to * remain at Gibraltar till the exchange takes * place : and that your Excellency will please ' for that end to leave some Spanish prisoners ' here, that I may not be reduced to the * necessity of suffering the violence of em- ' barking in a weak state that does not ' permit it. . , . ., * If to attend on my person, your Excel - ' lency will deign to leave the captain of my ' ship, Don Juan di Milgarigo, my major, * Don Juan Joseph Garcia, and his aide- ' de-camp, Don Juan Smith, to share the ' same lot with me, and under the same con- ' ditions, I shall esteem it a particular favour, ■Jt*."-> LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 249 ' for which I shall lie under a constant obli- ' galion to your Excellency, whose life I pray ' God to preserve many years. * I kiss your Excellency's hand, — your ' most attentive and certain servant, ' Juan de Langara.' ' TO ADMIRAL DON JUAN DE LANGARA. ' Sandwich, Gibraltar Bay, ' February 12th, 1780. ' Sir, — I am this moment honoured with the * receipt of both your Excellency's letters of ' yesterday's date. Nothing can give me more * pleasure than having it in my power to * shew my high regard for your Excellency, ' and the gallant officers who had tlie honour to serve under your command. To alleviate ' the miseries and calamities that attend on * war, as far as may be consistent with the ' duty of officers entrusted with great com- ' mands, humanity, as well as national cha- ' racter, demands at their hands. ' That this has ever been the characteristic * of the British nation is well known to the >■, v.;"* " ,. • .- ■ r ■♦ ■ •* V- •! !i, 111' J ;«._ ~ «^V, rw-. f'v l.} 1**. 250 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Ml 'Sir rill? '"it ' ' 1 • ■ i' "(•■■■ u .- I' <••' i" !. whole world. Spanish honour has likewise ever been proverbial with us. ' I, therefore, cannot doubt, since I had the honour of receiving your Excellency's let- ters, but that his Catholic Majesty, your royal master, will give orders for the release of all the King my master's subjects now prisoners of war in his dominions. ' I am extremely sorry to hear that your Excellency's health has been so much im- paired, and your wounds not yet perfectly healed. I hope your return to the Mar- chioness and your friends will contribute soon to restore both. ' I have myself sincere satisfaction in re- questing you to write to her Excellency with despatch, acquainting her that your stay at Gibraltar will be no longer than the formality require(^ in signing the parole of honour for yourself, and the other Spanish officers signing theirs. ' Permit me, Sir, to congratulate you upon the deserved honour your Sovereign has bestowed upon you since your engagement with the British fleet. ' That health to enjoy it, with every hap- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 251 ' piness, may long attend you, is the fervent ' prayer of him who has the honour to be, * &c. &c. &c. ' G. B. Rodney.' ' TO HIS EXCELLENCY ADMIRAL RODNEY. ' Gibraltar, Feb. 12th, 1780. Most Excellent Sir, — By your Excellency's obliging letter oi this day's date, I find you are pleased to permit me to pass to Spain for the re-establishment of my health, as well as to grant leave for all my officers to go and rest themselves after their fatiguing cruises. ' I return your Excellency my best thanks for this mark of lavour, and for the kind expressions you so particularly honour me with on the present occasion, as well as on that of my promotion, for which I am in- debted to my King's gracious bounty. ' I instantly complied with your Excel- lency's desire, by acquainting the Mar- chioness of this transaction, that she may .( '. ■ ,!l .S *' , ^^'^^^^ K it;- .•','■-.1 t1f:..T',i,A' r ■ r.'-.j ■' ■■■.;*' ''^ •■ ■'• ; •»» "^ t 4^ ■if tiJ'-i'ii ,'«*, ■it*'*!' 1*? ti f ' ■■ ■ ■ -lis.' ;■■ ■ ■'■•* ■■;^ 1 r^' *•»■■ s<*^*' ■..*.'»■ ( , j*^: .•■. '\- «' '■ ■ '■ it :.>T;l■^ :$"•% *:*'^:«i if '^H^il'v* ^^^ ■I i^i 'i: '. ,;■•;■ ; , i i'i K ' . 'v, ' ^ ' 4'., . ,«■ II I'I '■ ■•'■■■^;' I*, , " ■^■. ■ ill. Imi^J^ . t- -•■■■' ■ ^» 252 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. be sensible of your Excellency's kindness towards her; and I promise your Excellency my best offices, during the war, in behalf of the British prisoners, and even that of their exchange. * With the greatest satisfaction I tender your Excellency my best respects, hoping you will honour me with your orders, and, as I judge I may pass to the camp of St. Roque to-morrow, you will please to lay your commands on me, in full confidence of my most sincere desire to obey them. ' I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c. * Juan de Langara.' Thus terminated tue correspondence of these two brave commanders, than which nothing can be more touching or more wor- thy of admiration. Who could read without emotion the letter of Don Juan, resigned, yet dignified in the midst of his misfortunes, wherein he solicits permission for himself and his officers to return to Spain on their parole, for recovery and repose after their gallant but unsuccessful exertions? and what Briton LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 253 would not glory in his countryman Sir George Rodney's courteous, humane, and generous reply ? On the 13th of February, Sir George, having relieved Minorca, and landed the provisions and stores at Gibraltar*, sailed from the bay to fulfil the ulterior object of the service he was charged with, and arrived at St. Lucie • During the continuance of the squadron at Gibraltar, the Spanish Admiral, Langara, paid a visit to Admiral Digby, and was presented to l''s Ru)al Highness Prince William Henry. During the conference between the Admirals, Prince William retired ; but V nen it was intimated that Don Juan wished to return, his Roynl Highness appeared in his character of midshipman, and respect- fully informed the Admiral that the boat was ready. The Spanish Admiral, astonished to see the son of a monarch doing the duty of a petty officer, exclaimed, ' Well does Great Britain merit the ' empire of the seas, when the luunbkst stations of her navy are * filled by Princes of the blood !' Still on the deep J.\;.s Ib'itain reign. Her Monarch still the trident bears, Vain-glorious France, deluded Spain, Have found their hostile ettbrts vain. As the young eagle to the blaze of day Undazzled and undaunted turns her eyes, So unappall'd, when glory led the way, 'Midst storms of war, 'midst mingling seas and skies, The genuine offspring of the Brunswick name Proved his high birth's hereditary claim. And the applauding nation hailed with joy Their future hero in the intrepid boy. Anon. Feb. 1780. t4k 'i. .1 ■■ '•■'^J^<«i' -lit ... •> , . . ^ . ., S vr,....i' »< V, It. ■;■,* ■•Hi. . J" ■ »vr f'A. ^...J:^, '*.-"' -s. '[•:<■■ ■■■■ 'Ji\4-^ .iA ' ' ^' ^>\^ ,T- •'■ ■■ , - ;." 1 H}'^. i'^'^mkji ,,'■1 it i! •' „ 1' •■ > ■r^^ lE^'H/ ' mimv ,j!iiv< ■'•■''■''■If'- ■: ' ... ■ - :■ »■ r '#'' i':, 'il ■:;.". . 1. -( - i 254 LIFE OF LORD KODNEY. on the 28th of March, having previously touched at Barbadoes, where he was seized with indisposition, and remained on shore for some days. On the 29th of the same montli, the Ad- miral received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. ' TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, at Sea, Feb. 15th. 1780. Please to acquaint their Lordships, that on the 13th instant I left the Bay of Gibraltar, with his Majesty';^ fleet under my command. The Marlborough, Invincible, and Defence, arrived the same day, after conducting the victuallers and store-ships to Mahon. During their passage to and from that island, they had not met with, or heard of any of the enemy's ships cruising in those seas. In the evening, his Majesty's ship the Triton joined me in the Gut, after having con- ducted the convoy and the money he was charged with safe into the Port of Mahon, where he had remained two days, and then LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, 255 ' proceeded to join nie witli the Governor'w ' despatches. He reports to me tliat every ' thinj^ ill that island was in perfect security ' and order. ' Their Lordships will please to observe, by ' the coiTespondence between the Spanish ' admiral, the general who commands the ' Spanish forces before Gibraltar, and myself, ' that I had given orders for the embarkation ' of Sefior Langara to take place for England, ' upon the English prisoners not being deli- ' vered up. ' On the morning of the intended embar- ' kation, the Spanish General sent notice that ' the English prisoners were on their way to ' St. Roque ; tliat he had received positive ' orders from his Sovereign to treat them ' with the highest respect and attention ; that ' the court of Madrid were truly sensible of ' the humanity and urbanity with which their ' officers and men had been treated, directing ' him, and the Viceroy of the province, and ' all his Catholic Majesty's officers, to shew ' the English officers the greatest civility ' and kindness. ' The Spanish Admiral, after having sent ;■■■ "^t-w •"' l^'^ltl ' '•'' , -ill'' •" ■ .'(il \^''k'* ■■■^, ^-i?'**;*. TV;- •if*''*!*'' .,■ ■ '.«•■•;■- '••*f >\i. ■>■,■•"• * ?•*■'■ ■•■■ ■ ■■ .:; i*i*^j,. '^^'■'^^ :ijl tp^i ■■■■; ■ A ■■ -. ^ . ■ III '" ; • »^'.':#«,"- „■' 8,., ! '■ ■ .-X J y- •■ V\l: 'I;,: :■!.. :.« /: -' -XL': l:-'» ■.%■ f i. ;■'• ■i»''^' .-■. ^* ■• I I ^ 'V J.f ■'^■' itm-'MH)i-:,^:.,;,.l 25G LIFK OF LOUn UODN'iY. mc his letter, lUMjuuiiitin^ mo with his extreme ill stute of health, iuid th(! chiu- geroiis eouditioii of his wounds, not then healed, us likewise the Gei imI's letter lo him of tluit moriiing, whereii he mentioned the express orders of his Catholie Majesty relative to the treatment and resjiect he was to shew the British otticers on his receiving them at St. Roqne, and eonductinjj them to Gibraltar, I thoujj,ht it a most proper time to add to the favourable impression whieh hud been made on the court of Madrid, and tho Spanish nation, by releasing the Spanish admiral and his officers on their parole of honour. ' None of the common prisoners had been released but such as were wounded, or were extremely sick, for whom receipts were given. All the others, except 500, which are loft at Gibraltar to be exchanged for British subjects, are now on board the fleet, on their passage for England. ' His Catholic Majesty, since the news of the action, has promoted Don Juan de Langara to the rank of lieutenant-general.' LIFK OP LORD RODNEY. 257 <4k * TO LADY RODNEY. M I , > » >. ' Sandwich, at Sou, bruury 1 5th, 1780. *I am now at sea, an< way to the ' West Indies. Thank iieuvcu I have got ' from Gibraltar, I hope nevcT to see it again ; ' for I have not had one day's health since T ' went there. A violent eold has hung by ' me, and still I have it, though not so * bad as when 1 was there. The weather is * now rem; rkably fine, and as warm as the ' middle of summer in England. ' I hope by this time that s(»nie of my * expresses are arrived with the news of our ' success. I shall be impatient till I hear ' from you and my dear girls, rmd how the ' news was received in England. I write now ' late at night, as Admiral Digby and the fleet 'will leave us to-morrow*, and it is uncer- ' tain whether 1 can send a boat. ' I hope your new house is such as you ' like, and that Mr. Taylor has furnished it * Admiral Digby, on returning home with the prizes, fell in with, and took the French ship Le Prothee, 64 guns, and carried her to England. Vol. I. S \'^M'ii!l'i^ ,S ' .'-'"kY-f ' ' " *^' ''-'-JEi'-' 'J - ' i, V. ■■■?:•.■■■':'*; ^a.- •(••Jt,.,. .^. r*.! (4 ■ '-r*^ iri-' ., '"v*.,'.*.;^ .53. '' " ■«'■■ " I* > .* m IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I.I ■tUb 1 — 1 '-'^ 1''^ < 6" > Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STMiT WIBSTU.N.Y. MSm (71«) 872-4903 l/j ^ K . :a^'(»' m-i !♦ 258 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * with better materials than those he sent to ' me. All my chairs are broken. * John is well. I will make him a lieute- * nant, and send him into a ship where he * must learn his duty. He has already learnt * to stand lire, and behaved very well. ' Remember me to my dear girls, and ' poor Loup*. Kiss them for me. I hope * they were pleased with my letter. Adieu.' * FROM LADY RODNEY. ' London, February 23d, 1780. * Captain Walsingham called upon me yes- * terday, and very obligingly offered to convey * any despatches of mine to you. He talks of * leaving London the latter end of this week, * but not sailing these ten days. We have * had so many different reports of his desti- ' nation, that until I heard it from himself, * that he was to join you immediately, I was * The Admiral's dog, Loup, was of the French fox breed ; and so attached was he to his master, that when Sir George left home to take the command of his fleet, the faithful animal remained for three days in his chamber, watching his coat, refusing to take any food that was oifered him. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 259 ' undetermined whether to write to you or * not. I have written three or four different * times since you sailed, and you will very * possibly receive all my letters at the same ' time with this ; but let me go no further * without informing you that your prizes, * under convoy of the America, are safely ' arrived, and that Mr. Mayler gives a very ' good account of them. * Every body is beyond measure delighted, ' as well as astonished, at the great success * you have met with ; as by the way of France, ' the news of your engagement with the Spa- ' nish fleet, on the 16th of January, is arrived. ' Indeed, it is impossible to describe the ' general applause that is bestowed upon you ; ' or to mention the number of friends who ' have called to congratulate me on this * happy event. It is not only a source of ' gratification to individuals, but to the nation ' in general ; and the ministerial people feel * it very sensibly, It is a lucky stroke for ' them at this juncture. To say how happy ' it has made me is impossible ; at the same 'time, the cruel suspense of not hearing S2 ■ '.-nti- ■ . *."I4.' ■•- "I ■ 260 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. f*ki i?,' 'V- t 1 hU under your own hand, that you are safe and well, is dreadful. * The winds continue in such points as render it impossible for any accounts from you to reach us ; and I am absolutely worn out with expectation, as every morning pro- duces some fresh reports about you, and every one seems eager to hear of you. I trust to Heaven that good news will soon satisfy us all. * I think Captain Walsingham looks very ill ; and I fear the West Indies will not agree with him. I hope the gout in your wrist, of which you complained when you wrote last, was but a short visiter ; but to your active spirit, it was better there than if it had been in your feet, whi ^ould have prevented your going upon deck. * The packet from Lisbon reports, that you arrived at Gibraltar on the 19th ultimo. What would I not give for a letter ? ' Doctor Moore tells me that he has written to you respecting his son*. He is now de- sirous that he should remain with you. He The present distinguished Admiral Sir Graham Moore, K.C.B. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 261 * is, you are aware perhaps, on board one of * the ships in the West Indies. I forget, * however, the name. Adieu, my dear Sir 'George, and believe me, &c. &c. ' H. R.' ji The Editor trusts he may be pardoned for inserting the following letter to Sir George Rodney, from his eldest daughter of the age of thirteen. Written as it is in the spirit and freshness of youthful simplicity, and filial fondness, it may perhaps find favour even with the most fastidious reader. * TO ADMIRAL SIR GEORGE RODNEY. • London, March 4th, 1780. ' A thousand thanks to you for your kind * letter, which I received last night. Captain * Thompson brought it himself. It was a ' pleasure I did not expect, for we had been * expecting news from you for some time ' past, but I thought you would have been so ' hurried, you would not have been able to * have written to me. I wrote you by Captain * Walsingham, but I fancy you will get this •■■*:•, "'it' '*% •''7 •:'^: .1 fc,?*'! If ••1 r r 'I ' ,: If'' u Jj« ' J, ^r '! t wk^' - mmS-' flffi-*; 1!' iK^ic *!!: ItHP'*'*' b£^' ■ili' 262 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. first, SO I will again wish you joy of your repeated successes. Every body almost adores you ; and every mouth is full of your praise. Both your letters are reckoned exceeding good ones. The Tower and the Park guns were fired last Monday ; and that night and the next there were illuminations. On Thursday night there were northern lights seen ; and you will see in the " Morn- ing Post," what fine verses they make upon them to your praise*. Indeed, there is * Amongst the other comical effusions of that period, wa'■» ■«;# ,r-.^»Si*- >.■ ■.?*•■';■: ' V-f» •■■•• '^^ i%^i%f> "".■"...-'f.fu St M 264 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. h * My brother George and Captain Thomp- son dined here last Wednesday; and the latter told me he was going to Gibraltar as soon as possible, to try to catch you, to take the thanks to you. I shall get this letter, and one to brother John, ready for him. I am very glad to hear brother John behaved so bravely. My sisters are quite well, and poor Loup is in perfect health, and as fat as when you left him. He knows your name very well ; and even now, when he hears a carriage, he runs to the door, and listens very attentively. I am sure he will know you when you come back, which I hope will be soon, — I mean when you have done some more things in that part of the world you are in now. I hope we shall have more news from you soon. Every body expects it daily, for the wind is west. I wish you a great deal more success, and am your affectionate daughter, * Jane.' ;/ 'March 6th. '»" * We got your letter, my dear papa, this morning. I am afraid you are worse than you say you are, for you write very low ♦".!■' 1:^11 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 265 * spirited, I think. Pray keep yourself as * quiet as you can. It would be horrid for * you to have a fever in the hot country you * are in, and people you do not know to wait * upon you. But I will hope for the best, and * that you are by this time quite well. God * bless you, and send you health.' * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. • Admiralty, March 8th, 1780. I scarcely know how to find words to con- gratulate you enough upon your late glo- rious successes, and upon the eminent ser- vice you have done your country. * The worst of my enemies now allow that I have pitched upon a man who knows his duty, and is a brave, honest, and able officer. I will not tire you with panegyric, but am not the less eager in dealing out to all around me the praises due to your merit. I have obtained you the thanks of both Houses of Parliament. In the House of Lords I made the motion myself; and men- tioned what, perhaps, you were not aware V 266 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ii if II' ' iit') ■*■'«. of, that you had taken more line-of-battle ships tham had been captured in any one action in either of the two last preceding wars. I am also in hopes that before Cap- tain Walsingham sails, I shall be able to prevail on his Majesty to give some more substantial proofs of his approbation of your conduct, than the very honourable ones that are conveyed to you in words of applause and congratulation. * You are now going to figure in another climate, where I hope and believe you will do yourself and me as much credit as you have already done ; but, as a friend, let me caution you about your correspondence in this country. Believe me that whatever you write to the enemies of this government is perverted, and made use of to purposes you do not mean. It has been publicly de- clared in parliament, that the Sandwich was not fit for service, and that this information came from you. Now as there is nothing of that sort in your official letters, or your private ones to me, if you have said this to any other person, I think he has not used you well in bringing it out as an attack LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 267 ' upon your friends. I mention this very * slightly, and merely as a caution to you * what you write, and to whom you write * You cannot conceive the expectations we * all have here from the great beginning you « have made. Depend upon it you shall be * nobly supported ; and though the enemy, * I am persuaded, mean to make the West ' Indies the great scene of action, I hope we ' shall be able to give you a superiority of * force, or at least an equality, -which, with * your conduct, will be the same thing. * I fear the picture you give of the faction * in your fleet is too well drawn. It is still * very prevalent here, but not what it was a ' year ago. Time and moderation, in those ' that are high in the naval department, will, * by degrees, get the better of this bane of * our discipline, and of every thing that is * valuable and comfortable in the service. * I trust in your perseverance in discouraging * it as much as I do, and by pursuing a steady ' plan here, and within your command, which * is now almost equal to our force at home, I ' doubt not but that we shall lay this many- * headed Hydra at last asleep. , -ii' ', '"i »'-v ' ** ' *. J Cii 'V (Ml, H . 268 LIFK OF LOKl) KODNKY. iit'; ill'"" m lis*;-' ' I most exceedingly applaud your resolu- tion to shut your ears against the illiberal language of your officers, who are inclined to arraign each other's conduct. I have heard some whispers of the same kind, but have followed your example in giving no countenance to them, knowing that they proceed from the private animosities that now distract the service. You have done nobly ; all the nation is on your side col- lectively, and it must be excess of weakness among yourselves, if your own divisions give an opening to tarnish those laurels which you have so justly merited. ' You have had a noble field for prefer- ment, and I conclude have disposed of all the numerous recommendations you were loaded with when you left this country. I shall not object to any of your appoint- ments, though I think there is no other person in the service who would have met with such entire support from this office as yourself. I told you that you might consider me as a friend, and that you would have my countenance to the fullest extent ; and in this, and in every thing else, you Oil LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 269 will always find that I shall verify what I promise. • Lieutenant Wells, son to mv worthy friend, will come out in some of the ships that are to be under your command. He is so young an officer that I can do nothing for him at home, but I have particular rea- sons to wish to get him rank, therefore I hope you will make him a master and com- mander as soon as you can, upon a regular vacancy ; for if a friend of my own is made irregularly, it makes it more impracticable for me to confirm him, than if he were in- diflferent to me. • I perceive you cry out loudly for coppered ships, and I am therefore determined to stop your mouth. You shall have copper enough, and you shall have every thing that I can give towards proving the truth and regard with which I am your very sincere friend, &c. &c. &c. • I am extremely happy to find you are so well pleased with Captain Young. I should not have recommended him to you, if I had not been thoroughly apprised of his merit.' >:!«..;.;. '-^ 'Ik ' ■''■-•• ' ir Vj ■■■'■■■ i'",!'^',*-' . i'> ■ .'«U- '• '**■ .•tj • ■.- 'W ■'•/•€ t m if-'". I 270 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. \'f. M * FROM THE EARL OP SANDWICH. * Admiralty, March 17th, 1780. I must, after my former letters, still trouble you upon some detail which I reserve for this separate letter. * Captain Robertson, of the Fortune sloop, is much patronized by Admiral Barrington. He had hard fortune in being taken by the enemy, when he was bringing him the ac- count of the taking of St. Lucie. I could not give him post at home, but shall be particularly obliged to you if you will pro- mote him as soon as a favourable oppor- tunity offers. ' Having said this, you must allow me to add, that it is my earnest request, that you would not make this or any other promotion, except on clear and fair vacancies; If that the contrary is done under an idea that, being persons under my patronage, they will meet more favour than others, the con- trary will be found to be the fact, and the inevitable consequence, that the refusal of LIFE OF LORD RODNEY 271 confirmation will embroil me with their friends, and make them enemies. * Your glorious successes in your late voy- age have, I conclude, cleared you of mo^t of your young men that you carried out with you. You will, however, perceive that I do not take unreasonable advantage of the friendship I know you bear to me, by load- ing you with numerous recommendations. You will always find me moderate in what I ask of my friends, but profuse in com- plying with their calls upon me. * It would look like flattery if I suffered all these letters to go away without a single grievance on my side. I must, therefore, just mention to you, that I am very sorry that you left the Edgar in the Mediter- ranean. It has given us the trouble and risk of sending a frigate on purpose to order her home immediately ; and if you will look into your original instructions, you will find that there was no point more strongly guarded against than that of your leaving any line-of-battle ship behind you. Besides, after having said that you had ordered the Panther home, because she lay t. I'" I ■ ■ *^*; >,■ •■,'«■■' ■ *'■■■ "* '•'■! ,i" ■»•'.' '■ r ,!.'■ .'' -■■ '^* ■ ■ ■■'«•■* ' . :•• - „. ■ >i y. •' :.'i"-.,J:i ftjl^fl U'--\^ O t W A^f f.Ci I i I (• i ■jt m. *) 1 I if.*"' V T • 1' ft ' m^, mft-i 272 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. in the way of the batteries, the continuing her there, and adding another ship, must have proceeded from your easiness of tem- per, and from suffering yourself to be per- suaded by others, whose judgment was not so good as your own. * Pray let me hear from you by every opportunity, and be assured that I am, with unalterable truth and regard, &c. &c. &c. * I had almost forgot to mention to you * that Lord Cranstown comes out, I believe, * one of the Lieutenants of the Torbay. He * is much patronized by the Attorney-Ge- * neral, who in these times deserves particular ' attention from me. I must, therefore, add * him to the list of those I have recommended * to you for preferment.' That part of Sir George Rodney's service which places his merit in the strongest point of view,- — that part of it also which is least known, and least understood, and, therefore, worst appreciated, is that which occurred LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 273 immediately after his arrival in the West Indies. Exactly one month after his reaching Barbadoes, he encountered the French fleet, of twenty-three ships of the line, with that under his command consisting of twenty-one. By a masterly piece of seamanship he gained the wind of the enemy, which gave him the advantage of choosing his distance; and by another masterly manceuvre he contrived to bring his compact line-of-battle against about one half of the enemy, sailing parallel on the same tack, so that the two fleets being very near, with the weather-gage in favour of the British, Sir George had a prospect of a cer- tain and decisive victory, by putting before the wind, and getting close along side of one half of the enemy, overpowering them long before they could be succoured by the other half. The signal was accordingly made for close battle, and every ship to attack her opposite. Neither of these signals was obeyed. The leading ship, in place of putting up the helm, and bearing down, made sail on the same di- rection, construing the signal to mean by op- posite, not that immediately to leeward, but the corresponding ship, that is, the headmost Vol. I. T i#Tr • » - ■ ,k.- if- ' p- 'wk. :■ *• nii'-l' iii'' ^' "ft; pi t'tt , '.t .1. ^ ^:-li^ :.'"«!;: 274 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. of the enemy's line. Most of the other ships were more or less guilty of the like error, so that the whole advantage of the day was lost ; and in place of a certain victory, there re- sulted only a drawn battle. Never, perhaps, was a commander placed in more trying and embarrassing circum- stances. It was quite impossible to measure the degree* of delinquency of the great ma- jority of the flag officers and captains, so as to bring them to trial; nor could he have officers enough of ascertained good conduct to try the others ; and to have attempted a number of courts martial would have proved the ruin of the service. All this, properly weighed and understood, will abundantly account for the ambiguity of the Admiral's official letter, giving an account of the action. The impossibility of knowing whether igno- rance, want of zeal, cowardice, or disaffection, operated most in the conduct of individuals, made him indulgently ascribe it to the least • The Albion and Terrible were not in fault ; for when they made demonstrations of going down, in compliance with the signal, Admiral Parker made them a signal to keep the Une. The ships that behaved best were the Trident, Ajax, Intrepid, and Montagu. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 275 culpable of these, namely, ignorance ; and his letter to the leading captain* is a master- piece of good sentiment, good style, and the most patriotic feelings and principles. The decision in regard to the treatment of the captains, in the midst of such delicate circumstances, indicated the most exquisite good judgment. What did he do ? Ke singled out one of them, who had not only, in common with so many others, disobeyed the signal for close action, but also most flagrantly those made to him individually to that purpose — put him under instant arrest, and as soon as an eligible opportunity offered, brought him to trial, and he was broke by sentence of a court martial. The effect of this example was admirable, and the ensuing treatment of the other captains brought the fleet into the most perfect discipline. This treatment con- sisted in putting them under a long course of naval evolution, in which good seamanship and strict obedience were necessary ; and the nature of the service most happily coincided with this determination of putting them to \.^ ■ '■ ,::■^'*T^ »■■■ !'^:: m .,.iil>■'^ ■.-..• >.lt: H t. . '.■■»*•. ti.*' .^ „.*,**«..: 6 vM-i -*;if ■ ;;. ■ ■ ' 'I ■ i^ .. \''Mur^'. i.r . ■ . . ! ; Mai ■ >!■■■:«■..; |V', ^\' * Captain Carkett, of the Stirling Castle. T 2 111-* *5I li ,-.■■* dr >v. W^ m m i'^ 276 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. school, as it were ; for in the following month, May, 1780, the French fleet having stole to windward of Martinique, in order, as was said, to protect a Spanish convoy, he imme- diately went in pursuit of them. The British fleet weighed from Gros Islet Bay on the 6th of May, and continued, in the face of a strong east wind, to turn for six nights and days before clearing the passage, and getting sight of the enemy. This afforded an incompar- able opportunity for nautical practice; for during all that time there was an incessant tacking, sometimes all together, but chiefly in succession — an arduous manoeuvre for twenty sail of the line. At the beginning of these evolutions, there was a frequent missing of stays, which the Admiral lost no opportunity of rebuking ; but after the practice of a few days and nights, no such thing occurred as the missing of stays. That palpable want of respect for command, so observable in the beginning of the campaign, also disappeared. Though the Admiral, both by nature and habit, was of a placid temper, and mild, con- ciliating manners, as might be expected of one who had spent much of his life in the LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 277 world of fashion, he judged it on this oc- casion matter of good policy to assume a cer- tain degree of sternness of demeanour *. In short, from whatever cause it proceeded, whether from the prompt and signal example put in practice on one of themselves, the great improvement in tactical expertness, or the respect (one might almost say fear) * The policy pursued by Lord Nelson for securing the obedience of his captains was the reverse of this, but equally successful. This great commander cultivated the personal attachment of those under his orders by familiar and confidential intercourse. After settling in his mind the plan of a campaign, or mode of attack, he communicated it to his captai^is — sometimes separately, sometimes collectively, as if to consult them on the soundness of what he projected, putting the case to them rather in the interrogative and consulting tone than as what he had decided upon, leaving an opening for their lights and corrections ; and it is believed, that he occasionally stated the case differently from what he had secretly decided on, but led them to offer an opinion or advice in accord- ance with his real determination, in order to pay them the flattering compliment of having amended his plan. • Your idea,* he would say, ' is the best of the two.' This illustrates how the same end may be attuned by different, and even opposite means, according to the difference of circiunstances. Lord Nelson's captains had lived with him in habits of afPectionate personal intercourse, loving and respecting him. Lord Rodney had little or no acquaintance with the great majority of them, and had reason to believe that they neither loved nor respected him much ; but by a demeanour suited to such circumstances, he equally secured the obedience and co-operation of his captains, alter the first misunderstanding or neglect of duty. i{'tJ^J''i!|.'V;'\^iK':^ lik,' in,.-?- • I* - * 278 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ♦1 «« impressed on them by one whom they looked upon as unfitted for such a command, in con- sequence of long habits of life in peace, among people of fashion in France and England, it so happened that during other six days and nights, in turning in the face of the enemy, with a view to bringing them to a decisive action, no fleet could make a finer display of obedience and seamanship. During these six days, the enemy kept their wind so strenuously, that they could not be reached except by indecisive actions on the 15th and 19th of that month, insomuch that the fruit- less pursuit was given up ; and the fleet being in want of repair, refreshment, and proper treatment of the sick and wounded, steered for Barbadoes on the 20th. Before submitting to the reader the corre- spondence of Sir George Rodney relative to his encounters with the French fleet under Count de Guichen, it will be proper to state, that on the Admiral's arrival at Barbadoes, from Gibraltar, he could obtain no informa- tion respecting the fleet under the command of Rear- Admiral Parker, that officer having neglected to station any frigates or small LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 279 vessels to look out for him. This unexpected, anrl, as it happened, unlucky circumstance, both embarrassed and chagrined him exceed- ingly. He joined him at length at St. Lucie, and took upon himself the command of his Majesty's fleet in those seas. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, Gros Islet Bay, ' 28th March, 1780. Inclosed I have the honour to transmit for their Lordships' inspection, the copy of an order I gave Captain Uvedale, to employ his Majesty's ships during the time I re- mained at Barbadoes, uncertain where to find the fleet. Just before the information was received upon which the order was founded, I had been carried very ill on shore ; and as whatever success might attend the ships being sent depended on despatch, I ordered the senior captain in- stantly to proceed on a service I thought might turn out of great public utility. ' I flatter myself, that if the Alert had been ordered to hate left a duplicate of the in- '•ii-' ./"'■Si*;'.,- -I*-.';.; . ( ■ ' ft *' >' i r:--!V S>;.r'**vi^-» ■ i) . ■■'i!i 280 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. telligence he brought to Mr. Parker of the departure of the armament from Brest for me at Barbadoes (from which island he sailed two days before my arrival), or I had found a rendezvous or intelligence where his Majesty's fleet in these seas were em- ployed, I should have joined Mr. Parker time enough to have prevented the junction of the above armament with the ships at Port Royal. " Barbadoes, 20th March, 1780. " By Sir George Brydges Rodney, ** Rear- Admiral of the White, and " Commander-in-Chief, &c. &c. <( (( a a (( i( <( <( You are hereby required and directed to proceed with the ships named in the mar- gin* (whose captains have my orders to put themselves under your command), and proceed without a moment's loss of time to the north of this island ; and to stretch from thence into the latitude of Guadaloupe; between which latitudes you are to cruise for five days, in such manner as from cir- cumstances you shall judge most likely to • Ajax, Sandwich, Montagu, Terrible, Intrepid, and Alert. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 281 of the <( ;st for (( [id he <( I had << where ti •e em- <( Parker it notion (< lips at (( t( 1, 1780. (< .odney, (i te, and (( . &c. <( (( cted to (I le mar- (( ders to (( d), and it time to ch from <( aloupe ; (( ) cruise (( om cir- ikely to d Alert. enable you to intercept a large convoy of transports, with French troops on board, which I have reason, from very good in- telligence, to suppose are almost hourly ex- pected to arrive at Martinique, under the convoy of four men-of-war; but notwith- standing this intelligence, should you find this convoy to be under a force too superior for you to attack with prudence, you are to avail yourself of that superiority of sailing, which all the ships under your command, being sheathed with copper, and your own judgment, will give you, to draw the enemy down towards Rear- Admiral Parker, whom I have reason to expect you will find cruising to windward of that island; detaching the smallest vessel under your command, if pos- sible, to find out, and previously to acquaint him with your situation. ** At the expiration of which time, or sooner, should you be undoubtedly in- formed that the said convoy is got in, you are to rejoin me in this bay. " To Captain Uvedale, " His Majesty's ship, Ajax." ■'■■■ "''f I' ■■■'•& K':?*t'.''>i''.'' ►'^'''li .'4kV Mil ■.-..• jflP - iV: -i"' "' '■'.■\>f. ,2i"T I'M ' '^■'r 262 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 1 ;* I ■" i.-ii If' i If il> * FROM GENERAL VAUOHAN. ' St. Lucia, April 85th, 1780. [EXTRACT.] ' Intelligence having been received of the ' French fleet mooring from Fort Royal, Sir * George Rodney immediately put to sea ; and * as openings might offer of viewing the enemy's ' islands, affording the troops such support * as they might require, or of contributing in ' any measure to the service, I accompanied * him in the Sandwich, which bore the most ' distinguished share in the action that hap- * pened on the t71h instant. No ship could * have been led on with more gallantry ; nor * do the annals of the navy record a greater * character than Sir George supported, in * setting the noblest of examples : but to * attempt his praise would be detracting from * his merit, which surpasses applause. * Your Lordship will allow me *« «^d(l that * the height of my ambition tvili be the op- * portunity of promo ting his Majesty's service, ' to which all my endeavours shall be exerted. ' To Lord ^jioorge Gennaine.* LIFE OP LORD ROMNEY. 283 Previously to Sir Georgi Rodney s junr Hon with Rear-Admiral Parker, the French fleet had paraded for several days befor- St. Liiria, with twenty-five ships of the line, nd v\ffh\ fr "ates, full of troops, and were in hopes of t^urpj'ising the island ; but they were dis- appointed in their views by the good disposi- tion made of the troops by General Vaughan, and of the ships by Rear-Admiral Parker. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, Fort Royal Bay, ♦ April 26th, 1780. * The enemy retired into Fort Royal Bay a ' few hours before my arrival at Gros Islet * Bay, on the 27th of March. * As soon as the fleet could be possibly got * ready, I determined to return their visit, and * oifer them battle ; and accordingly, on the * 2nd of April, proceeded with the whole fleet * off^ Fort Royal Bay, where for two days I * offered the enemy battle, the fleet being * near enough to count all their guns, and at * times within random shot of some of their * forts. Monsieur de Guichen, notwithstand- " 11, ■ <* - '•'■ I- 1 • J '6 ' 1 • ' ■ .,■■ :■" ■ i, '• ■ '^* '■ '. "■',. ^ .at\ '(■■;• i'; • ' ■ * » 'ilk 'vT ■■• ^**.» -J 'I'.Vrt^'a -•"if jit m ;**lv' ,'•,' Wf" ■ |.jjf 4f|te,H '-' 1 1 284 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ing his superior numbers, chose to remain in port. I thought it most proper, for his Majesty's service, to leave a squadron of copper-bottomed ships to watch the motions of the enemy ; and to give me timely notice should they attempt to sail. With the other I anchored in Gros Islet Bay, ready at a moment's warning to cut or slip, in order to pursue or engage the enemy, should they leave Fort Royal Bay. In this situation, both fleets remained till the 15th instant, when the enemy, with their whole force, put to sea, in the middle of the night ; im- mediate notice of which being given me, I followed them ; and having looked into Fort Royal Bay, and the road of St. Pierre's, on the 16th, we got sight of them about eight leagues to leeward of the Pearl Rock. A general chase to the north-west followed, and at five in the evening we plainly dis- covered that they consisted of twenty-three sail of the line, one fifty- gun ship, three frigates, a lugger, and a cutter. When night came on, I formed the fleet in a line of battle a-head, and ordered the Venus and Greyhound frigates to keep between LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 285 * his Majesty's and the enemy's fleets, to * watch their motions, which was admirably * well attended to by that good and veteran * officer, Captain Ferguson. The manoeuvres ' the enemy made during the night indicated a ' wish to avoid battle, which I was determined * they should not, and therefore counteracted ' all their motions. * At day-light, on the morning of the 17th, * we saw the enemy distinctly beginning to * form the line a-head. I made a signal ' for the line a-head, at two cables' length ' distance. At forty-six minutes after six, ' I gave notice that my intention was to ' attack the enemy's rear with my whole ' force, which signal was answered by every ' ship in the fleet. At seven, a. m., per- ' ceiving the fleet too much extended, I made * the signal for the line of battle at one cable's ' length only. At thirty minutes after eight, * A. M., I made a signal for the line of battle ' abreast, each bearing from the other n. by w., ' and s. by e., and bore down upon the enemy. ' This signal was penetrated by them, who, ' discovering my intention, wore, and formed ' a line of battle on the other tack. I imme- ' diately made the signal to haul the wind, it;: Ji. ■\r ■Ml »' . '* ',V !H W- ■ ■ ;^!^^' ;:'!i1 ll'!^ m .A- 286 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * and form the line of battle a-head. At ' nine, a. m., made the signal for the line of * battle a-head, at two cables' length, on the * larboard-tack. * The different movements of the enemy ' obliged me to be very attentive, and watch ' every opportunity that offered of attacking * them to advantage. ' The manoeuvres made by his Majesty's ' fleet will appear to their Lordships by the ' minutes of the signals made before and 'during the action*. At eleven, a.m., I * made the signal to prepare for battle, to * convince the whole fleet I was determined ' to bring the enemy to an engagement. At ' fifty minutes after eleven, a. m., I made the * signal for every ship to bear down, and * steer for her opposite in the enemy's line, ' agreeable to the 21st article of the additional ' fighting instructions. At fifty-five minutes ' after eleven, a. m., I made the signal for ' battle — a few minutes after, that it was my ' intention to engage close, and, of course, * the Admiral's ship to be the example. A few ' minutes before one, p. m., one of the head- * For the signals made by Sir George Rodney in this action, see Appendix. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 287 * most ships began the action. At one, p. m., the ' Sandwich in the centre, after having received ' several fires from the enemy, began to engage. * Perceiving several of our ships engaging at ' a distance, I repeated the signal for close * action. The action in the centre continued ' till fifteen minutes after four, p. m., when ' Monsieur de Guichen, in the Couronne, in * which they had mounted ninety guns, the ' Triumphant, and Pendant, after engaging ' the Sandwich for an hour-and-a-half, bore * away. The superiority of the fire from the ' Sandwich, and the gallant behaviour of the ' officers and men, enabled her to sustain so ' unequal a combat ; though before attacked * by them, she had beat three ships out of ' their line of battle, had entirely broke it, * and was to leeward of the Prench admiral. * At the conclusion of the battle, the ' enemy might be said to be completely beat ; ' but such was the distance of the van and ' the rear from, the centre, and the crippled ' condition of several ships, particularly the ' Sandwich*, which for twenty-four hours was * She had eighty shot in her hull, three of them between wind and water ; and a mast shot away. She expended 160 barrels of powder, and 3288 round shot. .kj*' •I/; 111.; '.■, ;■, « ,'l^Ks .?■»•"'«» r" » , • '" . ■ ii 288 f t LIFE OF LORD RODNEY yaHll-''^v •IW^^ V'^^' - iKm Kv i H^^^ Bi"^'- ■ ^iM':-' <■ 'iIJi m§: •■: ^^M VX |.'lli'»!,f fe^i'^a ;,■■■ A -t with difficulty kept above water, that it was impossible to pursue them that night without the greatest disadvantage. How- ever, every endeavour was used to put the fleet in order; and I have the pleasure to acquaint their Lordships, that on the 20th we again got sight of the enemy's fleet ; and for three successive days pursued them, but without effect, they using every endeavour possible to avoid a second action, and en- deavouring to push for Fort Royal, Mar- tinique. We cut them off*. To prevent the risk of another action, they took shelter under Guadaloupe. As I found it was in vain to follow them with his Majesty's fleet in the condition the ships were in, and every motion of the enemy indicating an intention of getting to Fort Royal Bay, where alone they could repair their shattered fleet, I thought the only chance we had of bringing them again to action, was to be off* that port before them, where the fleet under my command now is, in daily expectation of their arrival. I have despatched frigates to windward and to leeward of every island, to give me notice of their approach. Admiral I. LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 289 Parker acquaints me that several ships of the enemy's van were greatly disabled, and forced to bear away. His own ship was damaged, and the main-mast in great danger. ' I cannot conclude without acquainting their Lordships, that the French Admiral, who appeared to me to be a brave and gallant officer, had the honour to be nobly supported during the whole action *. * Captain Uvedale, of his Majesty's sliip Ajax, whose state of health will not permit him to remain in this country, and Captain Bazeley, of the Pegasus, are charged with my despatches, and will acquaint their Lord- ships with every particular they may wish to know. Inclosed I send a list of the killed and wounded f.' The first error committed in this action was by the leading ship, the Stirling Castle, * The Admiralty had deemed it advisable to suppress the pas- sage which immediately followed this paragraph. It is inserted in the note of page 306. t For the line of battle, and list of the killed and wounded, see Appendix. Vol. I. U ;.,:■!■ 1'? \'' V IB t'y^^^:.^■'•;■?*.•:*HltJ ' '■ ■ '' I. 1" '^ f;'.. •■';.,,■ "^-(.i- >;• 1 111 .1' » - h' ''•'■ '■ >*'2^ I ;.;■"<'-■; •■ *■.•>-} *w'i/' i,":m-,*!-''"^*"^ l'-;.:'-a|^..--v. NHtl'itll 'J- :\v. ..i,\ '(I mm h / J .t-.j 290 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. Captain Carkett*. First she attempted to get up with the leading ship of the enemy ; and then, as soon as she was fired on, began to engage without closing. In this kind of fight, the enemy had all the advantage : he could elevate and fire his weather guns at leisure, which being heavy, and well pointed, crippSed the British ships, and destroyed their men ; whilst the British shot fell short, without doing execution. The van, by ex- tending too far, weakened the centre. The signal for closing was not obeyed except by a few particular ships. Several indeed hauled to windward Out of the line. The fire being soon communicated by the enemy from the van to the rear, the Admiral bore down to engage the ship opposite. The Cornwall, one of his seconds, being attacked before she bore down, received and returned the fire at that distance, and lost more men than any other ship. The Yarmouth kept ♦ It may be worthy of remark, that the two principal delin- quents in this battle, Captains Carkett and Bateman, had both risen from the humbler classes of life. Captain Bateman had once been coxswain of the barge to Admiral Sir Charles Saunders. It is fair to presume that merit had some share in the elevation of these officers to the higher ranks in their profession. J /?7i / y. ^ ..yy / -/ LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 291 firing to windward of her on her starboard bow, without judgment or effect. The Suffolk made a like useless noise under the Admiral's stern. The Montagu and In- trepid were almost the only ships astern of the Admiral that were ever properly engaged. The Elizabeth hauled out of the line, and exposed the Ajax to two seventy-four gun ships, so that she was obliged to drop astern to save herself. The effort made by the Ajax, Terrible, Princess Royal, Grafton, and Trident, put the enemy's van in disorder, and obliged them to break the line, and take a new position. Had all the British ships, by the example of the Sandwich, bore down and closed with the enemy, they would have suffered much less, and the enemy could not possibly have stood the attack ; but so many ships keeping aloof in a dastardly manner, obliged those next to them to act as if they suspected treacheiy and defection*. Indeed, * One brave man, a captain of a line-of-battle ship, who con- fessed that he suffered himself to be persuaded by his officers to keep aloof till his conscience told him he ought to obey the signal and bear down, acknowledged that himself, and a great majority of the captains, deserved to be shot for disobedience. U2 '••»i» ,1 nr. 14 1^* tf niU' '^■iSfl ..." w.*\i'»* ; *i«' "^ tr/'^'*7§ '"H;--.!.":„^3;,ev*.; ',.wl' '"'•-fMi-*-- '».-^^ 1' , .'Mi. !j,..-,'' '"'A ^H I life ^ ■V.«i» it 292 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. SO open, scandalous, and disgraceful was the defection of the British fleet, as to bring tears of indignation from the officers on board the frigates, as they viewed the action. Never could a fairer opportunity have been offered to Britain of reaping a glorious and most important victory than was held out this day. Never was a more judicious disposition made, — never was greater skill seen in draw- ing up a fleet, nor greater coolness and in- trepidity shown in time of action, than by Admiral Rodney. Experienced officers ac- knowledged they had never seen a more accurate and skilful arrangement. Those who fought in his presence admired his cool, undaunted bravery, and they all joined in affirming his whole conduct to have been masterly, and worthy of his rank and pre- vious character ; atid the tremendous fire of the Sandwich, and her unsupported condition, were the theme of every officer and seaman in the fleet*. • During the whole of this action, a woman who was on board the Sandwich fought a twenty-four pounder gun, and afterwards attended the whole night upon the wounded men. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 293 * TO LADY RODNEY. * Barbadoes, May 27th, 1780. This is the first opportunity that has offered since I wrote by the Pegasus, Captain Bazeley, who has, I hope, by this time been with you, and delivered my letter, and acquainted you with the whole trans- action of m battle with the French, and the gallant behaviour of my captains, who, when victory, the most glorious victory ever obtained by a British fleet over the French, was in their power, chose to decline accept- ing it, and to be passive lookers-on. My public letter will do them ample justice; and I hope the nation will make them an example to posterity of what those persons deserve who dare to betray their country *. • The adverse fleet were, it may be presumed, not insensible spectators of the base and infatuated conduct of the captains of the British ships. It is not unlikely, indeed, that some mention of the circumstance might be found in their political journals of that day, and that ample justice was afforded to the brave and almost des- perate resolution of the commander of the Sandwich, and the few other ships that did their duty properly. \:\K Marquis de Bouill6, the French governor of Martinique, afterwards paid a visit to England, and became exceedingly in- '^1,;; ,i'';,^'^^'"** .,.1(1' * C «',■'*■. W ■, ^^\^ ■'':' -ft : M'VVf. .1 If. - . .''*i ■',: ■: .'..^Ia' ■M \'■;*■-•■• -, "•- • '.It .■.•i.?..,y<'j..:Vi- 'Its.- . ' '"■ •' ■ fi'l- (-"I \ ill: • » ■ ;..r V.^; J . ». ft' -fir .....J; "•■•v.. '■: A Ui',« "if '? *■;»" , ^■•f'. J^ ..<•,; ... <:,' '■ ■•'." ■■■"'■-•■'»:«''!■ -I >k.. r 29G LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. (i; ' .■•>Hff * when, with twenty- tliree sail of the line * opposed only to nineteen, she did not dare * either to attack or stand a battle, but basely ' fled before them, and avoided by ail possible * means any rencounter ; but notwithstanding * all their endeavours to the contrary, my van * twice had an opportunity of attacking their * rear, as they passed upon different tacks. * The treatment they met with made them ' so shy, that we never could get near them ' again ; and their ships being all clean, and ' mine so very foul, it was impossible to follow * them with the least probability of overtaking * them : and they having sailed out of sight, ' and three of my ships being sinking, and ' many incapable of keeping the sea longer, * I was under the necessity of sending the * sinking ships to St. Lucie, and with the * others put into Barbadoes, to send the * wounded men on shore, and to refit, as •well as I can, my shattered fleet, not ten * sail of which are really fit to go to sea. * John is perfectly well, and has had an * opportunity of seeing more service in the * short time he has been from England, than * has fallen to the lot of the oldest captain in LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 297 the navy, [t will bo of intiiiitc service to him. He is now ftonc on a cniise, in one of my frigates, to look out for a Spanish fleet of twenty sail of the line, that I yesterday received an express from Commodore John- stone had sailed from Cadiz, on the 28th ultimo, to the West Indies. Two other expresses are arrived this day from our friend Johnstone, with the same news, one of which saw and passed the Spanish fleet. To-morrow I sail in quest of them ; and as the French fleet have got into Martinique in a very shattered condition, I hope to give a good 'account of the Spaniards before they can have an opportunity of joining the French. I can go to sea with only four- teen sail, unless Mr. Walsingham joins me, whom I have hourly expected for these six weeks past. Had the ministers suffered me to have taken the copper-bottomed ships with me that attended me to Gibraltar, the French fleet had been no more, and Mar- tinique must have fallen again into our hands. What are they about? Are they determined to imdo their country? Is it fair that the British fleet should be so , , ■ • ■ ','h1 , ■ .'::;| t" 4* i:''li .'' ■ ' ■ J-.' V> : ■ 'r' :?" If •*' .If I-' ' I , ■ s- 'i ■' •' I-. ' ■ ■ •-' « y ' ' I "H: (I'l FT ' ■ •» * ^ ■"' • ■ . ' ■ ,"Ll'. 'U..-I ■■ 'it' l\'-' ':'' . 1'" :■.'?. W •|,)«l lf,c.' ' !' Hlfiljf ■■|, "'...."»' JiiV '■■■ ■f-l.iJ^f^ 298 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. IPS' inferior to the French, and that the British officers and men are always to be exposed to superior numbers? What right had the administration to expect anything but defeat? They knew, and sent word more than four months since, that the Brest fleet, of seventeen sail of the line, was sailed for the West Indies, and yet even to this day no reinforcement has arrived from England. In all former wars, upon so important an occasion, long before this time, his Majesty's fleet on this station would have been rein- forced with a sufficient fleet to have driven the enemy out of these seas. However, I will do my duty to my King and country, and nothing shall induce me to palliate the condition of the ships under my command. The whole truth shall be told in my public letters, and let the blame lie where it ought. Thank God I now fear no frowns of minis- ters, and hope never again to stand in need of their assistance. I know them well. All are alike, and no dependence is to be placed on their promises. A man in our country is nothing without being in parliament. At all events I must have a seat. I have already LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 299 ' sufficient to pay the expense of one ; and * when the pursuing the enemy's fleet is over, ' I trust that I shall have wherewithal to make * my family happy. * You may judge how much my health is ■ mended, when in this climate I can write you * this long letter, after the infinite plague I * have undergone. I will endeavour to write ' to my dear girls. Tell Jenny I am much * obliged by her affectionate letter ; but I wish, * after mentioning her sisters and the family, * she would not forget my poor dog. I have * another sort of French favourite now — a * French boy, who, during the battle with the * French fleet, on the 17th of April, leaped ' overboard from the Couronne, when we set * her on fire, and swam on board us. Many ' others perished in the same attempt. Hu- * manity makes me take notice of him, poor * boy ! * I have as yet received no public letters. * Johnstone tells me in his letter I am ap- * pointed Lieutenant-General of Marines. I * know nothing of it. ' Mayler tells me that it is to Taylor that I ' am beholden for mentioning my pension to 'l+r- .. » W-I.-J '({ti,- I ■"...,■'■• ^rf'-y :m 1 I;;-*.-/ 'I •*■..*;«■. -Ml 300 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Lord North. I totally differ from him, and wish he would never mention me. It may do harm, and can never do me good. Pray tell Mayler so. * Taylor's son I have made a captain, and he will have post when I can find time to try Captain Bateman, who has been in arrest for quitting his station in line-of-battle on the 17th of April. ' My head will not suffer me to say more than that I am ever yours, &c. &c. &c.' i"^' i. -K y ■ '.■1 * FROM LORD GEORGE GERMAINE. • Pall Mall, May 28th, 1780. [EXTRACT.] * My dear Sir, — I congratulate you very sin- * cerely upon the great honour you have * gained in the engagement of the 17th of * April. * # # # # « 4|( # « « « * I cannot finish this letter without assuring * you, that your conduct sets you high in the * esteem of your profession, and of that of the * public ; and that the King expresses his LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 301 * approbation of you in the most flattering * and obliging terms. I hope I need not as- ' sure you of the interest I take in whatever * relates to your honour and happiness. * I am, dear Sir, with great regard, * &c. &c. &c., « G. g; ' FROM LADY RODNEY. ' May 29th, 1760. I am this moment informed that a frigate will sail to-morrow for the West Indies, wherefore I hope this letter will reach you, for I am out of all patience that the number of letters I have written to you are still lying at Torbay. * A thousand congratulations to you on your success and narrow escape, of which we had the pleasure of hearing on Thursday last, by the arrival of Captain Bazeley with your despatches. I cannot express to you the agitation they threw me into. The joy I felt at your signal success, and the pre- servation of your life, was more than I could ^^^ ;'!^.r't•|"ls^- ji'L' :■■■ ■■^'^'^% r:* '■'•■ W ' •'tf •■" >.■■■ l! , "'Ur H-.1 Ik .li r* ili|*'"vi t) : V 302 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. support. Surely no person ever was so for- tunate as you have been, or undergone such fatigues. I pray Heaven you may not sink under them ; for since you left England in December last, you have not had one mo- ment's quiet and peace of mind, and I know but too well how much the body is affected by continual agitation of the spirits. ' Mr. Rodney tells me he has written you every particular as to what is said respecting the battle ; therefore I will not enter upon the subject further than to say, that all the world praise you to such a degree, it rejoices ray heart ; at the same time they cry out at the intolerable conduct of some of your officers. Many persons have been here to sound me in regard to them, or to whatever you may have said in your letter to me ; but you may trust me, that not a word shall escape my lips that can be taken hold of by either party : nay, I am even so cautious, that I am afraid of repeating what I hear by common report, lest they should say that they had it from me, and conclude it must be true from this circumstance. ' Lord Ferrers asked me, on the occasion LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 303 of Sir Charles Hardy's death, whether I thought you would like Greenwich Hos- pital. I said, " Not as a retirement, I was " certain, nor as a reward ; but that if you " should be reinstated in it, agreeably with " the promise that was made you a year *' ago, it would be but an act of justice." He said, he thought I put it upon the proper footing. I hope you are of the same opi- nion, as I most sincerely wish to act in such a manner as I think you would do were you now at home. I hope you will have been able to get a little rest on shore, which will greatly refresh you, as the West Indies in general agrees well with you. I have not time to write to John, whose seasoning, poor fellow ! I rejoice to find is over, and that he is quite well. Pray God continue him so. ' Mr. Rodney tells me he has said nothing about us in his letter to you; having so many other things to write to you upon, he has left all this for ourselves to say. All I will mention concerning him is, that he is very well, and that nothing upon earth can be more attentive than he is to us all. He is the best soul in the world. I.. .• , »it"*' ^ -^ ' r : »i' '< '■ J<' i!i.' ■=;■ p ■:.!*■• 'ii>\ 7 %: :■ *"'-: v-'lJ: t*li ti-, "iff ■ ij' ;,'i •'i^;''' "t ■ I i> ■. ' '!' '.STIC*'" '■ '■'^', ,. r:f ; 11: ■.!)";'; ,p^ ''' llfl m jH B |''Q m m m i:k immm'-: m i 304 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' I hear that you liad a female on board your ship during the battle, who performed wonders, and that you were good enough to reward her bravery. ' Sir James Douglas * brought his son yes- terday, to present him to me, and to ask my commands, as he was to leuve town to-day, and to sail directly to join you. Adieu, my dear Sir George, and believe me, *&c. &c. &c. ' H. R.' ' FROM MISS RODNEY. • London, May 29, 1780. It is not in my power to express how de- lighted I am to hear that you have beat the French away from Martinique, and that you were not wounded. The French will now have as much reason as the Spaniards to be sorry that you command there. Captain Bazeley arrived in town last Wednesday, at ' eight o'clock in the evening. We did not * hear of it till the next morning, when my * This gallant officer was knighted for bringing home the intel- ligence of the capture of Quebec, by General Wolfe, in 1756. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 305 brother George came to tell us the news. We did not get our letters till three o'clock, as Captain Bazeley was ordered to see no- body till he had waited upon the King. ' We were very anxious to know how you and my brother were, for we saw in the Morning Post, that in the engagement a lieutenant of the Sandwich had been killed, and we were afraid it was my brother John, but were very happy when we found that you were boia safe. ' I am much distressed to hear you have not been well, but I trust that a little quiet will have restored you to health. I am glad to hear my brother is recovered, and I hope the climate will agree with him. * Every body suspects that the letter you wrote to the Admiralty was r:,hortened a good deal before it was in the Gazette. I shall, therefore, look for it, and send it to you*. * The delinquency of some of the superior officers of the fleet in this action having been proved beyond a doubt by Sir George Rodney's letters, both public ?nd private, — by the testimony of his signals— by the trial and dismissal of Captaiu Bateman, and more especially by the silence observed by those oiRcers respecting whose conduct the admiral declined giving certificates of his approbation, the Editor feels confident that there can be no Vol. I. X "li''-,' 'II!.- ., ■■ ■'^W'T' '-li'i* .I'll- . ,r * ,,"V •■ I ',. ." ' ' ',■ ,1" , ■*.■' •. .„r N'.i i-r ■?5;,^.,'>^''.''r'.. •'•:.£♦ ■'■*% , :*.',.V, -■* r.' . liv> '".'1*- :.M '■'.i';' •M- XyK 4'. --., -.r^'-.V- ''■' " vW I:...; . ■;■ •■,•^'■*^■% ;'■ r '^ KJ "'J, -it' '"I'k '•a ;b !'^ ;r '^1 ■f..M 306 LI'i'E OF LORr RODNEY. mmFmWf ■iimJMM m ' The King, we hear, was very much pleased ' with your letter, and said he had never read * so good a one in his life, nor one that gave ' him so much pleasure. * Sir Charles Hardy is dead, and the people * wish you to be Governor of Greenwich Hos- * pital. Lord Ferrers tells us that he shall ' mention it in the Hoiiae of Lords. ' I must now close this epistle in assuring ' you that I am your dutiful and alFectionate *&c. &c. &c.— J. R.' impropriety in now inserting the suppressed paragraph of Sir George Rodney's public despatch, which was as follows : ' It is with concern inexpressible, mixed with indignation, that * the duty I owe my Sovereign and my country obliges me to ' acquaint your Lordships, that during the action with the French ' fleet, on the 17th instant, and his Majesty's, the British flag was * not properly supported.' Doubtless the Admiralty were fully justified in withholding this paragraph at a time when the public mind was already too much agitated and divided by party spirit, more especially as they had given Sir George Rodney ample powers to bring to trial such of his officers as, fo.' example's sake, he might deem fit objects for punishment. The Comte de Guichen speaks in very different terms of the behaviour of his officers on this occasion. ' The Comte de Guichen gives infinite praise to the manner in * which the ships fought, and to each captain in particular ; also ' the greatest encomiums on the conduct and bravery of the staff * officers of the ships and troops ; also on the firmness of the * crews, which could be equalled only by that of the soldiers on ' board, in all the three actions.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 307 * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes, ♦ May 31st, 1780. Since my letter of the 26th of April, from ' Fort Royal Bay, sent express by the Pe- ' gasus, and duplicates by the Barbara armed * vessel, to liiverpool, I must desire you will ' please to acquaint their Lordships, that I ' have been greatly alarming the island of * Martinique, whose inhabitants had been ' made to believe that his Majesty's fleet had ' been defeated, but were soon convinced to the ' contrary, by its appearance before their port, ' where it continued till the condition of many ' of the ships under my mmmand, and the lee * currents, rendered it necessary for the fleet ' to anchor in Cheque Bay, St. Lucie, in ' order to put the wounded and sick men on ' shore, and to water and refit the fleet, fri- ' gates having been detached both to leeward ' and to windward of every island, in order ' to gain intelligence of the motions of the ' enemy, and timely notice of their approach ' towards Martinique, the only place they * could refit at in these seas. X2 ,1! y... -J' ■ ' »'■ , '•■•y!, ■■■• ''•■ V .'.'.J' ./I •&:'' ^?.. •'■■■- U'V>*i.:. ir I'V'l ..••.' I*- Villi; Hfq- ■;::■•' ^• i. ''if '«'<■».'• AiiT^ y^n.^ '■^. ■ •*' V '■•>: i J. ' ■' ■ '>u ■ V /K,? ..M ^.''& ill ^K'l' ■f.' 308 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * Havini^ landed the wounded and sick men, and watered and refitted the fleet, iu the best manner I possibly could, upon the 6th of May having received intelligence of the enemy's approach to windward of Mar- tinique, I put to sea with nineteen sail of the line, two fifty-gun ships, and several fri- gates, the Grafton and Fame being obliged to be left at Gros Islet Bay, the former's masts being totally unserviceable, and the latter so leaky as to be condemned by sur- vey. From the 6th to the 10th of May, the fleet continued turning to windward between Martinique and St. Lucie, when we got sight of the French fleet, about three leagues to \ indward of us ; Point Saline and Martinique then bearing n. n. e. five leagues. Captain Affleck, in the Triumph, joining me the same day. The enemy's fleet con- sisted of twenty-three sail of the line, seven frigates, two sloops, a cutter, and a lugger. Nothing could induce them to risk a general action, though it was in their power daily. They made, at diffierent times, motions which indicated a desire of engaging, but their resolution failed them when they drew near ; LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 309 * and as they sailed far better than his Ma- ' jesty's fleet, they with ease could gain what ' distance they pleased to windward. As ' they were sensible of their advantage in ' sailing, it emboldened them to run greater * risks, and to approach nearer to our fleet ' than they would otherwise have done ; and * for several days, about the hour of two in * the afternoon, they bore down in a line of ' battle abreast, and brought to the wind a * little more than random shot distance. * As I watched every opportunity of gaining ' the wind, and forcing them to battle, the * enemy, on my ordering my fleet o make a * great deal of sail, on the 15th, upon a wind, * had the vanity to think we were retiring ; ' and with a press of sail approached us much ' nearer than usual. I suffered them to enjoy * the deception, and their van ship to ap- * proach abreast of my centre ; when by a * lucky change of wind perceiving I could ' weather the enemy, I made the signal for * the third in command, who led the van, to * tack with his squadron, and gain the wind * of the enemy. The enemy's fleet instantly * wore, and fled with a crowd of sail. ;■!•■"• ;■ It \>> , .^. , ... ^ V ,. '• .^ • ■ ■ „. N - *%«i,'jr"- I . I «. ■'.■.". ■■ ■M / ^■•■* 111,; • .' Jirv-Jftf-^ p i^vij'Vt '%» IS A', .,1 > -"^m^ i 310 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * His Majtvsty'H fleet, by this mancenvre, hiul gained tlie wind, and would have forced the enemy to battle, liad it not at once changed six points when near the enemy, and enabled them to recover that advantage. However, it did not enable them to weather our fleet so much, but that the van, led by that good and gallant officer, Captain Bowyer, about seven in the evening, reached their centre, engaged it to their rear, and was followed by Rear-Admiral Rowley's squadron (who then led the van), the centre and the rear of our fleet following in order. As the enemy were under a press of sail, none but the van of our fleet could come in for any part of the action, without wasting his Majesty's powder and shot, the enemy wantonly expending theirs at such a dis- tance as to have no effect. The Albion, Captain Bowyer, and the Conqueror, Rear- Admiral Rowley, were the ships that suf- fered i»ost in this rencounter; but I am sure, from the slackness of their fire in com- parison to that ot the van of his Majesty's fleet, that the enemy's rear must have suf- fered very considerably. IK LIFE OF LORD ROHNEY. 3U ' The enemy kept uii jiwful distanee till the 19th iiiHtuiit, when 1 wiis in hopes that I Hhould have weathered them, but had the mortitieation to he disappointed in those hopes. However, us they were eonviaced their rear could not escape action, they seemed to have taken a rt^solution of risking a general one, and when their van had weathered us, tliey bore away along in line to windward, and began ;i heavy cannonade, but at such a distance as to do little or no execution. However their rear could not escape, being closely attacked by the ships of the van, then led by Commodore Hotham ; and with pleasure 1 c an say, that the fire of his Majesty's -^hips was far superior to that of the enemy, wkio must have received great damage th%>retrom. The Albion and Con- queror swfferf d much in this last action ; and several other ships received considerable damage ; a list of which, as likewise of the killed and wounded, I have the honour to inclose*. • The pursuit of the enemy had led us forty leagues to windward of Martinique, * See Appendix. •> If. 4l tit"- *' ' - I'M'", •M>«:' ". ** • r k :;«r •'It *v ■■'!: ., '■ i' "ii:} ■^ - , ' : •»' ■; . I'l '» ■ " •> W;, ;-<:5 ill'!' '" ' f-^Si ,f i "I'M' 312 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. and as the enemy had stood to the northward with all the sail they could possibly press, and were out of sight the 21st instant, the condition of his Majesty's ships being such as not to allow a longer pursuit, the Corn- wall and Boyne making signals of distress that they were sinking; the Conqueror's main-mast irreparable, and expecting to go over her side every moment; the Magni- ficent's bowsprit being unserviceable, and several of the other ships in a most shattered state, I was under the necessity of sending the Conqueror, Cornwall, and Boyne instantly before the wind to St. Lucie ; and stood with the remainder of his Majesty's ships towards Barbadoes, in order to put the sick and wounded on shore, and repair the squadron, and in hopes of meeting a reinforcement from Great Britain. * We anchored in Carlisle Bay, the 22nd instant, where every despatch possible has been used, night and day, in refitting, watering, and victualling the fleet, and I hope that every thing will be in readiness to proceed to sea to-morrow, in quest of the Spanish fleet, which sailed from Cadiz the LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 313 28th of last month, intelligence of which has been brought to me by the Cerberus, Captain Mann, who parted company with them on the 4th instant, in latitude 31° J steering w. s. w. By his account, they were about twenty sail of the line, and upwards of one hundred transports and merchant ships. The Brilliant and Rat- tlesnake cutter have joined me since, with the same intelligence, the latter from Commodore Johnson. I shall order them all back again to the station, but cannot forbear expressing to their Lordships my approbation of the merits of these officers, who thought it their duty to leave their station, and convey to me, with speed, in- telligence of such importance. * I beg you will please to acquaint their Lordships, that Monsieur de Guichen and the French fleet have got, in a shattered condition, into Martinique, where their Lord- ships may be assured I shall keep a watch- ful eye over them; and hope I shall have an opportunity of giving a good account of the Spanish fleet before the French are in a condition to put to sea ; but without a rein- ,j8 '",1*5- ;tiT i,''',t|*« L,-'l?» ■■ ■,•■. ">"J^ ;!•' .t*[ •■-.. V' , *.ji.^r^ .11-,.' '» *H -»;ilJ ■ • t '■ .;u..'i^v'*- ■ ..' ' -^-^ ':. ' *.' . '■■TtuiW" 'T •" '•' ''->,, i ■•**■ ■■■• 'iV'^^'"*! , "J, ■•■.«■« ,.i.t^ «v« ml 314 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * forcement from England, nothing of great ' consequence can be undertaken, or ex- * pected. * P. S. I immediately despatched his * Majesty's ship, Tobago, to Admiral Parker, * with the intelligence brought by the Cer- * berus, and a duplicate by Captain Forster. * who sailed from hence yesterday, with the * Jamaica convoy.' ' FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ' Admiralty, May 27th, 1780. Every time we hear from you, we receive fresh cause to approve your conduct. If you go on in the same style, you will oblige me to study how to write panegyric, which, till of late, I have had but little occasion to practise. * You will probably receive so much ap- plause by this conveyance from all quarters, that I will not tease you with a repeti- tion of the encomiums that are so justly your due ; and will only thank you for the credit I have gained, by having recom r.. ■■;>!■, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 315 mended so able and distinguished an officer ' to the command in which you have done * yourself so much honour, and your country * such essential service *. This merit, how- ' ever, the opposition are willing to rob me of, * as Colonel Barr6 declared yesterday in the * It is difficult to reconcile these and other similar declarations of the noble earl with the well ascertained fact, that Sir George Rodney's appointment to the command of the West Indian fleet was entirely the King's own voluntary act. Possibly his Lordship mighi, >' I I nen under some self-delusion upon this point. Be this as ' N V. it cannot be denied, that from the period of Sir George's assuming the command, he became, and continued to be, his staunch friend and supporter. During a debate in the House of Lord's, on the third of June, 1780, upon Lord St. John's motion for ' a copy of the late de- ' spatches from Admiral Sir George Rodney,' Lord Shelbume put the question to the Earl of Sandwich, ' "Whether it was not in con- ' templation to remove Sir George from his command?' to which the noble Earl replied : ' Whoever could advise his Majesty to remove so able a man, ' cannot be a friend to his country. I have lately written to ' the Admiral, and though I am not in the habit of writing pane- * gyrics, my letter to this gallant officer was one continued pane- ' gyric, from beginning to end. When it was first proposed in * council to employ Sir George, I, who knew him from a very ' young man, declared that Rodney once afloat would do his duty. * How, then, can any man think of removing him from his com- ' mand, after the repeated proofs he has given that he is so well 'qualified to hold it?' From the above declaration of Lord Sandwich, the most pro- bable inference is, that the King in council nominated Sir George Rodney for the command in question, and that his Lordship availed himself of the occasion to express his sentiments in favour of the appointment. %.%: f^A;'l ;ii •t!'l.'"«'l'''tS-.i,-';'*3 • il *•' ■ -J'." iv,"':- » '""*;: u- • ''■■;,. """■ •' i -i \< ■■'• i\W:'' * ''C .\" * '. '♦>>{*xvj; :.'■.:. *3;.e':-f • .-I ■I ' "'' 1*^ It- ^r-rT'K:^ ■•■«*-. ■ .. "■ i!K\ ■' tJ- *i'- \ ii ^:i^ I J iT'< .:• '*-]! mr. I 316 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * House of Commons, that you were not named by me, but forced upon me by some other * quarter. I think, if you had been on the * spot, you would have fully refuted that ds- * sertion. * It is painful to me to enter into the con- ' tents of the letter you have written to me, * as my indignation equals yours when I * reflect that so noble an example, as you set ' to those under you, did not stimulate them * to emulate your conduct. I hope you will ' not be fearful of pointing out the persons ' you think deserving of censure. In this * you will have all the world on your side, as * we shall not be satisfied unless those are * brought to shame and punishment who have ' robbed you of the glory of destroying a * considerable part of the naval force of * France, though you gave them battle with * an inferior fleet, and many of your ships ' scarce fit to keep the sea. * Was ever any thing so provoking as the * detention of Walsingham, who has been ' wind-bound these three months ? We are * now doing every thing we can to reinforce * you by single ships, and you may depend * on your receiving every succour that can be "■•l'""x't LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 317 ' spared, without manifest da^iger to the safety * of this kingdom. * For God's sake contrive to send home your * bad ships. We cannot bear to lose any of ' the line ; our present list is too small, and * we shall be open to much censure if we ' suffer any further diminution *. * I cannot wish you any thing more favour- * able than that you may go on as you have ' begun. If you pursue my advice in that * particular, (which I have every reason in * the world to think you will,) you will pro- ' bably be raised to as high a pitch of honour * as any of the most distinguished characters * in our naval annals, which must give inex- ' pressible happiness to your friends, and to •^ none more than Your most obedient and ' Faithful servant.' * In how fearfully low a slate, as to ships of the line, must the British nav)' have been left at this most critical juncture ! Had not Sir George Rodney captured the Spanish ships, in the action with Langara, (which proved an important accession of force to Great Britain,) or had the admiral sustained any reverses in the West Indies, which nothing but his extraordinary pkill and good management prevented, the consequences might have been most fatal to the country, the safety of which mainly, if not entirely, depended upon the wisdom and courage of one man. ^^ri^n ii d ■■ ,>^-,- •♦ tiff ■' 'Hi Ilk ■■■«.': Vc'*V i»r ;: -? ■^..,.: r;.|ij-.T;. 318 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' FROM LADY RODNEY. m^'it ' Portman Street, June 18th, 1780. Understanding that as soon as the wind changes another ship will sail to you, I write this loady to send to the Admiralty. ' I was glad to find they have thought it necessary to reinforce you. Before you receive this letter you will be pretty strong, as I hear Admiral Arbuthnot has sent you two line-of-battle ships from America. I trust in Heaven the French will not attacl you till all are arrived to strengthen you. It is impossible to describe my anxiety about you at present, knowing their superior numbers, and the little support you had from your own ofiicers. The world, too, is so busy, continually raising different reports of news from the West Indies, that really it both terrifies me, and wears my spirits to death. One day you are victorious — the next defeated — again, that you had con- quered, and lost your life. This constant expectation and dread you may more easily conceive than I can paint ; but I do assure LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 319 ' you, that if a particular loud knock is heard ' at the door, or any one speaks in a hurry, I * am thrown into such an agitation, that I * know not what to do, or where to turn ' myself. * The news that we have just received, of ' Sir Henry Clinton's having taken Charles- ' town and 7000 men, has put us all in spiritr * and is particularly fortunate in arriving ai, ' this moment, for you will hardly credit the * situation this country has been in for this ' fortnight past, by the conduct of one very ' wrong-headed and deluded young man. ' Lord George Gordon (who is of no religion) ' has stood forth as a champion of the pro- ' testants. The public prints will explain it ' all to you ; but there is no describing the ' horror and confusion that reigned in this ' city. Seven great fires raging at once, ' which seemed to threaten the total destruc- ' tion of the metropolis — every jail thrown ' open, mobs in thousands parading the ' streets, going from door to door demanding * money, and threatening, on refusal, to burn ' the house down. At last, the King, as chief ' magistrate, (as he termed himself,) put him- ii. '* A 1, ■ ■'.■.. , ■■'A., , »»'-i!f • • ,'i ■ " - ' ,, if, • 'II s m 'MM- i"; ' ■I. I 'I 'rill 2''i''V ¥■: -^^ *ti'' i^** Uk' "ii.. I'll' ■'■ ■■''"J'-* it'.- ^^^^ «*■"' 320 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' self at the head of the military, without * waiting for the civil power. The troops ' were ordered to fire on the people that as- * sembled, and many were destroyed, but * certainly deserved their fate. No parlia- ' ment sat— no courts of justice — no business ' went on for some days. The town is now * crowded with troops. The Horse Guards * scour the streets night and day. A camp ' in St. James's Park, and another in Hyde ' Park. Lord George taken up and sent to the * Tower for high treason — in short, this looks * not like Old England, but a devoted and * undone country. If it was not for what you ' and Sir Henry Clinton have done, we should ' be quite ruined. ' During the whole of one of the nights of ' this confusion I sat up, and the dear girls ' with me, ready to go off. Every person ' that had a place to go to, went out of town. * Mr. Lascelles, Lord Townsend, and Mr. * Stapylton, the first in this street, and the * others in Portman Square, quitted their * houses, which were threatened to be burned, * as were the Horse Guard stables, which were * directly opposite to me ; and as the wind set LIFE OF LOUD RODNEY. 321 directly on this house, I concluded we should be compelled to leave it, so I sat up, pre- pared for the worst, with my poor brats, though where to have gone I had not deter- mined, it being difficult to make a choice in the three evils which presented themselves — the mob, the fires, and the troops, who fired indiscriminately. Mr. Rodney was on duty in the city, and, thank Heaven ! escaped any accident. The scene was more dreadful in th?lt quarter than at this end of the town. ' I went to the drawing-room on Thurs- day, the first time their Majesties had held a court since the riots. All the world went to congratulate them on the news from America, which arrived that morning, and also on the tranquillity which had begun to reign at home. The poor Queen was, on many accounts, greatly to be pitied during these commotions. * The girls are very well, and desire their love and duty to you. God send a good account from you, particularly of your health ! My compliments to Mr. Paget and Doctor Blane, and believe me, * &c. &c. &c.— H. R.* Vol. I. Y r': ' '. fir J. /i ;j!. If' ' ■ ■•■ - ■■ III' :■■' ' I, i- •>-''• IP) -'A^-^^ ' %" pIt -< - »■ t '4-' ''■.?■•■■,.;,■>■!'• 'V,!' •.•"•?.*;'-r^ si* i^'t ^ - 322 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, FSQ. ' Sandwich, St. Lucie, June 21st, 1780. * I beg you will acquaint their Lordships, tliat ' since I had the lionoiir of writing to you, by * his Majesty's ship Cerberus, from Carlisle * Bay, on the 31st ultimo, having spread a * line of frigates to windward, from the lati- * tude of Barbadoes as far north as the * latitude of Barbuda, in order to give me * timely notice of the approach of the Spanish ' fleet, I put to sea with his Majesty's fleet ' on the 7th, in order to cruise to windward, * in the latitude of Martinique, to which ' island, in all probability, part, if not the * whole, of that fleet may be bound ; but * before all the fleet had got out of Carlisle * Bay, his Majesty's frigates, Cyclops and * Andromeda, joined me, with the intelli- * gence, that the day before they discovered * the Spanish fleet, of near two hundred sail, * in the latitude of 16°, about fifty leagues to * windward of Martinique, which seemed to * be steering for that island. * I immediately made sail, and was in LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 323 * hopes of getting sight of them ; and the ' next morning, being oft' Martinique, we ' came in sight of three sail, and immediately * gave chase. We soon perceived them to be ' enemies, by their crowding sail to the ' northward; but as it proved all daylight ' out of wind, and at times calm, it was not ' till ten o'clock at night that the Triumph ' and Andromeda took two of them, the third ' escaping by the darkness of the night, and ' the heavy rain that then fell. • The two taken proved to be Spanish ships, ' who sailed with their convoy from Cadiz, * on V \i 28th of April, but had parted com- * pany during the passage. One, n mer- ' chant ship, bound to Porto Rico and the * Havannah, tlie other a transport, with ' one hundred and forty soldiers belonging to * the regiment of Aragon. By what little ' intelligence I can get from the prisoners, * the fleet consistt d of twelve sail of the line ' and five frigates, besides xebeques. ' As I was now convinced the enemy's ' fleet had not come the length of the lati- * tude of Martinique, but in all probability ' had passed to leeward, and, if designed to Y2 hi; ^♦F'nnf^B^ 1 «•' ^Vm v* i. 1 «W1W , ( ' w ,1 7S ;:-ii. H'" 'r'*' r ■.;J(i Iw 'I', .♦*tii ■*■{■ ■• ' > J'."' • • '.hi* '1^ ■■-■ JV^^' »!.■ '<^ ,"r; ■■■■■ -iWri. ry I ,1- ;, »»•;, J;!'- ' if >'\jd ^H.^'-\ J^ : '..* ■'in* li - ;;■•■■ ,,'^ J'!'''V">* 321 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. • '>« * make a junction with the French fleet, * had rendezvoused in Prince Rupert's Bay, * I sent two of my hest-sailing frigates to re- * connoitre that bay, and afterwards to re- * join me off Fort Royal, and bore away with * the fleet in order to blockade that port ; ' leaving the Andromeda, Captain Brine, to * windward of Martinique, in order to inter- * cept one of the enemy's cutters that we * saw cruising to windward. Captain Brine * had my orders only to remain forty-eight * hours on that service, and then to rejoin the * fleet. * I called at St. Lucie, in hopes that Rear- ' Admiral Rowley, in the Conqueror, Corn- * wall, Fame, or Boyne, might have been put ' into a condition to join me, but was disap- * pointed in those hopes. The masts of the * Conqueror not being got in, the Cornwall, ' after having destroyed four hundred men by * pumping, was under the necessity of being * hauled on shore, it being impossible to keep * her any longer above water, notwithstanding * everything was taken out of her ; and * though I had given the strictest and most * positive orders that she should be haided on LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 325 shore in such a manner as still to make her capable of being serviceable to the public, by converting her into a hospital or prison ship, such was the inattention, by putting her in an improper place, that in a few days she overset, and is become entirely useless. The Fame is in as bad condition. I have been trying every method to su 'e her, but fear it will be impossible. * The Boyne, with great difficulty, will be saved, and put into condition to sail with the next convoy to Great Britain. * Such being the state of his Majesty's ships in the careenage, I was determined not to wait for the refitting the Conqueror, but sailed with seventeen sail of the line, and two fifty-gun ships, for Port Royal Bay, as I was convinced, from the severe treatment the French fleet had met with, that number was sufficient to attack them, should they resolve to risk an action. * On my arrival in Fort Royal Bay, the greater part of the French fleet, consisting of eighteen sail of the line, had quitted that port two days before, and had left two sail of the line in the Bay, three in the ca- 'v''Ak !P \ ,;.• • « < ** »•'; \%i '.'•* I,; , ■: «u : ■ ' I -' , ' ..♦S'.Ci;'- ■••».•■ 'm: •■■»•.>■- V m ',.>♦='-. I'l S" \n'^'.-^ >' « i 'iJi.v ;i mi 330 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. m Id * me, and reported that the combined fleets * were at JJominique; that they had as yet * undertaken nothing; and that, by the best * accounts that could be obtained, they con- * sisted of upwards of thirty sail of the line. * I have ordered the Greyhound and the ' Bruce to watch their motions, and to give * me timely notice of any motions they may * make. * When Mr. Walsingham joins me, I shall * immediately proceed in quest of them ; and * have not a doubt, if they give me an oppor- * tunity, but we shall give a good account of ' them. * The Russell, Commodore Drake, from * New York, joined me on the 17th instant, * with despatches from Vice-Admiral Ar- ' buthnot, advising me that he had never ^ received their Lordships' orders for sending * the line-of-battle ships from America to the ' Leeward Islands, till the 16th of March last, ' by the packet, although their Lordships had * despatched the Bonetta sloop, which sailed ' on the 4th of October last, from Spithead ' with such orders ; but the captain o^ the ' Bonetta, who had carried away one of his LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 331 * masts, and put into the island of Providence, * chose to remain at that island for months ' without ever sending to acquaint the Ad- ' mi^al therewith ; and when he did send * (which was only a day or two before the * arrival of the packet), he forgot to send the ' despatches. * I must beg their Lordships will permit ' me, with all humility, to make the public ' declaration, that the wisdom of the measure ' was so conspicuous, and their Lordships' ' intention so plain, of making his Majesty's ' fleet superior in these seas, that I may ' venture to affirm, had their orders been. ' obeyed, it would have been attended with * the most glorious success to his Majesty's ' arms, and, in all probability, fatal to the * naval power of his enemies. * I have despatched Captain Graves, in the ' Savage, a copper-bottomed sloop, to Ad- * miral Arbuthnot, to acquaint him with the ' arrival of the Spanish fleet, and the situation ' of aflairs in this part of the world, to put * him upon his guard; and that he will hear ' further from me, according to the circum- ' stances of aflairs.' .1". V't" III*., ii. . ' ;l» s? 1* .•■'^'■*i% ¥i -■ 'r ■ .■iv'S'S ] J . .»*. »«,• ■.■ hi << ■ ■"<:->:.•■■■. vSfk >\l.:' *!| wk - # '\ I? 332 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ERO. ' Princess Royal, St. Lucie, ' July 1st, 1780. * Since my despatches of yesterday, by tlie ' Actaeon, I must desire you will acquaint th 'r ' Lordships, that three of the Spanish ships * of the line ure gone to leeward with their ' coiivoy, and were seen to pass the island of ' Santa Cruz, steering to the westward. * By the best intelligence I can possibly * procure from the Spanish prisoners, the * fleet consisted of twelve sail of the line, ' nve frigates, and ten thousand land forces — * all bound to Martinique. * Had the Spanish Admiral repaired in- * stantly to the rendezvous he gave his fleet, * we certainly had brought him to action * before his junction with the French ; but * he chose to go no further than Guadaloupe, * and from thence detached a frigate to Mar- * tinique, demanding a junrtion of the French * fleet off* that island. Monsieur de Guichen * immediately sailed with eighteen sail of the * line to leeward of the islands under Domi- , <• It*" LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 333 ' nique. The Spaniards pretend they knew ' his Majesty's fleet was cruising to windward ' of Martinique, in order to intercept them ; ' and give that as a reason why they did not ' venture so far to the south as the latitude of ' that island. * Every motion of the enemy indicated a ' design upon St. Lucie, that island being of ' infinite consequence to them ; and if taken, ' would deprive Great Britain of the only ' proper place for the rendezvous of his ' Majesty's fleets in these seas, from whence * his enemies could be annoyed. ' The French employ every art and deceit * to obtain it ; and have constantly kept up ' a secret correspondence with the most dis- ' loyal inhabitants, who, to a man, are hostile ' to Great Britain, and only watch for an * opportunity to put their villainous designs * into execution. ' General Vaughan, who is present at the ' island, and is assiduous beyond measure in ' putting his Majesty's commands into exe- ' cution, and ready to act upon all occasions * for his service, has been extremely vigilant ' in detecting the treasonable practices carried 1, . '--■>,, -Vy' ,i'i? >.- ■ .j.< •■■•• . *■ r.-- J -li *!?* V . ,-'J, It i'l P'Ft'if'.'V' ■i, ... // M /' 334 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * on by the inhabitants ; and I hope the plan ' of the enemy, of which I have been informed * by some of the detected persons, will prove * abortive, should Monsieur de BouilK;, the * Governor of Martinique, attempt to put it * in execution. * I wait impatiently for the junction of Mr. * Walsingham's squadron, which Captain ' Robinson, of the Shrewsbury, informs me I ' may expect in a few days. When that ' happy event takes place, the numbers of the ' enemy shall not prevent my looking them in ' the face, and attacking them, should they ' give me a proper opportunity. * Inclosed, I send the state and condition ' of his Majesty's ships at present at St. ' Lucie ; the rest are employed in watching * the motions of the enemy. * P. S. As this letter goes by Admiral * Parker, and the convoy, in all probability * you will not receive it beft e you have heard * from me by the express. I shall send on * Mr. Walsingham's junction.' I*< LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. SSS ■ ■'■■} * FROM LADY RODNE\ . ' Portman Street, July 7th, 1780. Yesterday I was made happy by the receipt of your kind and long letter, dated May 27th. Most impatiently had I been long expecting to hear from you - yet dreading the arrival of any news, as we had heard that you were in sight of, and pursuing the enemy. Truly thankful am I that my fears were ground- less, and that you are well. Your letter is written in such good spirits, that I cannot doubt of your health, even if you had not yourself assured me of it. I know not what sort of constitution you must have, to endure so much fatigue, both of body and • mind — sufficient, I think, to destroy the! strongest; but I trust in God you will be able to go through it all, and return soon, in health and happiness, to us, who all long to see you. ' I cannot help observing, that you men- tion you had expected Walsingham six weeks before you wrote. That was long before he sailed from hence, I assure you ; I.". ' , ■;.,, r.,.'4" i! }. • . ■'-■ I'j- ri .„V IJi,. ■•■.." 1,' -*'''..'.4-<. '^ « '■■ ':''^V^ ■'■'■• I ; . ■J . ■ ; •■■■».•■ ■ ■■ ••■ ::' : *?• 33G LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. and I question much whether he has joined you by this time, and if he has, it will be too late to act this summer in that climate, as I believe the huiricane-months commence about this time. Shamefully remiss indeed have they been at home, to suffer you to remain all this time without proper rein- forcements. Every one cries out Shame; yet though every one knows your inferiority, he expects wonders from you, and has not been disappointed. I have frequently re- marked to such as indulge in such expecta- tions, that they ought not to raise them so iiigh, but consider how inferior you were to the enemy ; but the answer has always been, *' We know that, but we know Rod- " ney, and can hope everything from his " skill and bravery." How pleasing this is to me you may more easily imagine than I can express. The nation appears to place its whole dependence upon you. Mr. Davis, who brought me your letter, says you had determined not to pursue the Spanish fleet, thinking you would be too late. Sir Wil- liam Burnaby begs me to present his re- spects to you. He is just returned from LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 337 Lisbon, having carried over Mr. Cumberland and his family, under pretence of ill health ; but, it is whispered, on a private embassy to Spain*. Indeed it was not likely that a King's frigate should be ordered expressly to convey a private individual to that coui» > y, unless he were commissioned on some spe- cial service. They were in a smart engage- ment, however, and all retired to the powder room. * I am glad that John is on board a frigate, as he will be in a more active line than in a larger ship. * All the world is out of patience that no- thing is as yet done for you, whilst so much is said about it. I think with you, that you should certainly be in parliament next ses- sion. I trust you will soon return to enjoy peace and comfort in your own country. Our news from America is most cheering, and all say that Rodney and Clinton have saved England. * Under the impression that the Spanish court was disposed to enter into a negociation, for a separate treaty of peace, the British ministry despatched Mr. Cumberland on a private and special laissionto Madrid, It failed, however, in producing any satis- factory result. Vol. I. Z I'l-. .1 .J ■'«♦."' II, : t ?■ ' ■ KMk : /. j.i- •■ ' ■ J--' ' ' ■ ■ . 1- ■" ', ■'■ . ■ ••;. i>- >•' .'7 '■t (lii , '••.".•Vo ! * * li -"{'J.-- I ;r^ ^:^ •; .■'"'\ ■ ■■'■•■ t-:,.*^ ■' ' ■■' :■■' : ■ ■;*'!«. .:•«'•♦•. 111 V, I 'I -■ •J,'>j|„!i' 338 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * You made Jenny and Henny very happy by the letter you were so good to write them. I am surpriHed Jenny ever wrote without mentioning your poor Loup, who is quite well, and us fond of me as he was of you. He is the most sensible of animals. * I drank tea this afternoon in a party with General and Mrs. Morrison, General and Mrs. Trapaiid, Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth, Sir Robert and Miss Gunning, in Colonel Hervey's tent, in the Museum gardens. The camp there is the prettiest thing pos- sible, composed of the Yorkshire militia, seven hundred men strong. The garden is en- tirely encompassed by a terrace, upon which are pitched the officers tents, and those of the common men below. Mr. Rodney is still on duty in the city. No one speaks of Lord George Gordon now, any more than if no such person ever existed. Numbers of the rioters are condemned. ' I must now bid you adieu, as I have had but a short notice of this conveyance, and must hasten to send my letter to the Ad- miralty. Believe me ever, &c. &c., *H. R.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 339 * TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR OEORGE RODNEY. :P M .1' * Admiralty, June 13th, 1780. ■ Preferment being very diflicult at home, Sir James Douglas has sent his son, (now a master and commander) to search for it in the West Indies. In this situation I cannot avoid comi)lying with the request of this old and worthy Admiral, to join with him in recommending the young man to your fa- vour and protection. * I am, &c. &c. &c. ' Sandwich.' * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. * Princess Royal, Gros Islet Bay, ' ' July 13th, 1780.' * I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your ' favour, dated May 27th ; in reply to the first * part of which I really am at a loss for words * adequate to the expression of that full and * grateful sense which I feel of his Majesty's ' great goodness to me, by his most gracious Z2 !•'• ' ')• * It*' "< ■ .^' lili.:' • • * i ■/•'.( J, ..;■*, ''■ ■ ■- «' Ill " : ' V ., . 'll *;!.,-•''»; sill Jk^ ..:>£« ^\^:ir: m:^'^ 340 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * and favourable opinion, and acceptance of * my poor seiTices, as well as of their Lord- * ships' flattering approbation of my conduct, * on the 17th of April last. ' So signal a mark of honourable distinc- * tion, however paramount to my humble de- * serts, cannot fail to rouse that naval British * spirit which, I am confident, is not extinct * among us, and, in the end, must produce * that emulation in the service, the effect of * which will prove, I trust, as fatal to his Ma- *jesty's enemies, as it will redound to the * glory of the British flag. * It is with real pain aiid grief of heart, * that from the contemplation of so pleasing a * subject, I find myself under the necessity of * adverting to one so disagreeable as that * contained in the second paragraph ot ^. our * letter. * That his Majesty's flag was not properly * supported, is a melancholy truth which no * man has, nor can have, more reason to la- * ment than myself, but it is a truth which my * duty to my Sovereign, and to my country, * will not permit me to suppress, and which * I am sorry to add, my subsequent reflections ■<*!''■! lit J ■"'..il.f LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 341 upon the actions of that memorable day, and the consequences thereof, will not allow me now to palliate : at the same time I must freely confess, that the task of bringing to trial and punishment all those who appeared to be, through error of judgment, or other- wise, delinquents on that occasion, is not only painful to my feelings, but, abstracted even from the difficulties attending the same under the critical situation of naval affairs in this part of the world, would, in my poor opinion, produce none of those salutary effects which might reasonably be expected at home therefrom. * I have, therefore, only selected Captain Bateman, who commanded his Majesty's ship the Yarmouth, and was one of my own division, and Lieutenant Appleby, first Lieutenant of the Montagu, who succeeded to the command of that ship on his captain's being wounded, and rendered incapable of performing his duty, and whose misconduct appeared too manifest and notorious to be overlooked, having with my own eyes be- held their gross neglect of my orders, and inattention to my signals, to be tried at a mm r.>c.r:ii:,:.* '■■■■ w'!'t.\ •('*'; . »■■• V.',. kA ^)!:: . fr.ir: "Mi: 'tti.i'.'' ■-"•'ii'«' ' , , •■■■-' % ' *■■ Him 342 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. %.•'. * court martial, whenever the situation of * affairs will admit of courts martial being •held. . * I have only to add, what indeed I have * already requested, the favour of you, Sir, to ' convey to their Lordships, that to this in- * attention to signals, both in the van and the * rear divisions of the squadron under my ' command, is to be attributed the loss of that * glorious opportunity (perhaps never to be * recovered), of terminating the naval contest ' in these seas. ' I cannot conclude without *,aking notice ' of my having, in justice to the characters of * Captain Bowyer, of his Majesty's ship Al- ' bion, and Captain Douglas, of his Majesty's ' ship Terrible, which I heard had been un- ' justly and unworthily traduced in the public * papers at home, certified, under my hand, * my sincere belief that these gentlemen really * meant well, and would have done their duty * had they been permitted. The former of ' them has twice had an opportunity of * proving himself a brave and gallant officer. • On this subject, I should be guilty of the * greatest injustice, if I did not voluntarily, and LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 343 ■1 •• i ' unasked, give this public testimony to the ' character of Captain Young, of the Sand- * wich, whose gallant and intrepid behaviour, * not only on the 17th of April, but on every * subsequent occasion, has been such as to ' merit all that can be said in his praise. ' Equally free and unsolicited are the cer- * tificates I have given those brave officers, ' Captain Houlton, of his Majesty's ship the * Montagu, and Captain Molloy, of his Ma- * jesty's ship the Trident, both of whom bore ' down to engage the enemy, agreeable to the ' signal I made for that purpose. The former ' having the misfortune of being dangerously ' wounded, his ship was withdrawn from the * battle by the first lieutenant ; the lat?rr wan * commanded by the admiral, in whose division ' he was, to follow him. * More certificates I have not giv*;D, nor shall * any consideration in this life induce me so * far to prostitute my honour and character ' as an officer, as to give, under my hand, * what is not really dictated by my heart and ' conscience. ' I must, however, in conclusion, inform * their Lordships, in justice to the com- ■*'■■ A i::^' ''; . •». ■■;.- * .'•; ■I ■ ■• #■; ;' "^'^'^ 1 ', \ 344 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. P^ i ETiifl \f ( |i:t* ' ( ( t% /» 1^4.,^ maiiders and officers of the fleet under my commanu, that since the action of the 17th of April, and during the pursuit of the enemy's fleet, and in the two rencontres with them, all my officers, of every rank and denomination, were obedient and at- tentive to orders and signals, and, I am convinced, if the enemy had given them an opportunity, they would have done their duty to their King and country.' * TO REAR-ADMIRAL SIR GEORGE RODNEY. ♦ Admiralty, July 14tli, 1780. I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your private letter, of the 31st of May, and to express my hope that tliose which I have written to you by Commodvvre Walsingham, and other conveyances, have come safe to your hands, for you may depend upon my being a regular, though not a voluminous correspondent, and that every ^hmg I re- ceive from you will always be acknowledged by the first opportunity. ' It is a painful subject to talk of the mis- *. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, 345 behaviour of several of those under your command. I am convinced, thot if they had followed your example, the navy of Fraiioe would have received a blow which they could not have recovered for a considerable time, and which, very probably, would have pro- cured us a peace, and one that would have been permanent. What those persons, who have so basely deserted you, must, in tlieir cooler moments, feel on this occasion, must, if they have any feeling, be a very heavy pu- nishment, though I hope that, for the sake of example, you will have proceeded in form against some of the principal delinquents. * I am exceedingly obliged to you for tlie circumstantial, though unpleasant account you give me of the behaviour and principles of some of the superior officers under your command. I shall treasure in my mind the very judicious information you have given me concerning them, and of course be cautious how they are ever employeu in any thing that requires judgment or subordina- tion, which, in my opinion, are the two prin- cipal requisites in a person who seeks to figure in a militaiy capacity. i I, ■■■■•■,.4*., . ♦"■"JW *' * I; "is actions from the fleet under your command, (for you must be a ware, that from the sample you have given us, we almost expect impossibilities from you,) and I am certain that I may safely venture to say, that no man before you was ever so popular as you are, who acquired his po- pularity by real merit. I think I w rote you word that I had a scneme of bringing you into parliament, which failed, from your friends not knowing your intentions upon that subject, or being properly prepared with some of the materials that are neces- sary in election business. You have, how- ever, now given us fresh maiarials to work with, and I would caution y a not to be surprised if you should be elected by the free voice of the people in some principal town in this kingdom. It may, however, not be miss for you to write to Mr. Druni- mond, or some othor of your friends, to mention your wish with regard to being a senator. ' The services you have already done your * country, are certainly eminent in the highest LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 347 * degree, and, I am persuaded, will meet with ^ every proof of royal approbation : but I wait ' for the conclusive stroke of this campaign, * to take the opportunity of pressing for an * adequate reward, and you may rest satisfied, ' that no opportunity shall be lost in which * I can evince the truth and regard with * which I am, &c. &c. &c. ' Sandwich. ' P. S. I know not what to do to find a * good second in command for you, but you * may depend on my having that matter in my ' very serious consideration, and that I will * endeavour to pitch on a person who, I think, ' will be likely to second you properly, and * with proper subordination.' 'to lord north. ' Sandwich, July 14th, 1780. ' Your Lordship's very favourable and fiat- * tering commentary upon the great and ' highly distinguished honour, which the two : i" ^'V••) " ij'. i>'' 'I'M ifii^' 'S '.3:. .'■ ' * 1 y-^'if * ,1,;;;. iu/j7fc' •■'ri.'. ;*• ?1| 'H»; ■'■■•# ■j" >-:?!* im •pV c 348 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. houses of parliament have been pleased to confer upon me, together with your Lord- ship's kind communication of his Majesty's most gracious intentions and great conde- scensions towards me, have impressed mo with the most grateful sensations. ' Conscious of my inability to express my real sense of those honourable testimonies of royal and public approbation, I must throw myself upon your Lordship's good- ness to represent, in their true and genuine colours, those heartfelt impressions of gra- titude, which cannot fail to excite my most strenuous exertions in future in the service of my Sovereign and my country. * Your Lordship's friendship, which I shall be ever proud to acknowledge, and happy to cultivate, has encouraged me to request the favour of your Lordship to present my most humble duty to his Majesty, and to assure him that his abundant goodness has left me without a choice, and that I am ready most gratefully to receive, in any way most agreeable to his own benevolent wishes, that reward which he has so liberally ten- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 349 dered me, and which indeed is so superior to my poor deserts . * Should the mode of granting- me a pen- sion appear more eligible to his great wisdom, or leave him more at liberty to gratify the services of any other more de- serving of his servants, by the Lieutenant- Generalship of Marines, I shall be happy to acquiesce in this, or any other measure which may receive his most gracious and royal approbation.' TO THE RIGHT HON. SIR FLETCHER NORTON, Speaker of the House of Commons. ' Sandwich, St. Lucie, July 16tli, 1780. It is with the deepest impression of grati- tude and respect that I am now to acknow- ledge your very kind and obliging com- munication; and that transcendent honour which so august an assembly as the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled, have been pleased to confer upon me, by their unanimous vote of thanks. ' Yv hen I reflect upon the insignificancy of i > ■ '■ , *• ',L:''..*„4? '*,•*■ ^ i' ■ ;*'■' iii."'^-.. * '--■im. ■ ■■* ■ ■■; h' 4 • „ .-•ji,,V- ■•■■"■■'♦. >"^- '« rt'' 1,4*' "tv'i ''..•.■;r ''■V i 350 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * my poor services, compared with \he mngi * nitiide of that reward by wliich they have ' been so immediately dis*'nguished, I :.m at ' a loss how to express that just and pr^^ier ' sense which I entertain of the same. ' Upon your kindness, Sir, I must wholly ' rely, to make that true report of my most * grateful acknowledgments of this great ob- * ligation, by which the House of Commons * have bound me, under the strongest ties of * gratitude, to persevere in an unremitting ' exertion of my utmost endeavours to promote * ihe honour and aggrandisement of the * British flag. ' 1 f annot conclude, without requesting ' that you will be pleased to accept my best ' and warmest thanks for your truly friendly * and obliging manner of conveying to me the ' sentiments and resolution of the House of * Commons. • I have the iKraour to be, * With the highest respect and regard, • &c. &c. &c.' LIFE OF LORD RODNE\. 351 * TO CAPTAIN CARKETT. ' SandwUht at St. Christopher's, 'July 30th, "^80. I have received your lettiii rday, acquainting me, that you ai ly in- formed, that in my pubhc utter to the Admiralty, relative to the action with the French fleet, on the 17 th of April last, your name was mentioned. ' It certainly was ; md thai you mistook, and did not properly obey my signal for attacking the enemy, agreeable to tho 21st article of the additional fighting ins' ructions, by not bearing down instantly to the enemy's ship, then opposed to you, but led to the van ship, notwithstanding you had answered my signals, signifying that it was my in- tention to attack the enemy's rear, which signal I had never altered ; and, of course, it behoved every officer to have paid the utmost attention to it. ' Your leading in the manner you did, in- duced others to follow so bad an example ; 4 '•; «•' >■; ■■■<• . ■ •.'I'r ■■ •jr., 31' ' ', '-% I .«. ■••' » . ■ !' .' -^f ■ ; Viii £f,.. .i|.>!,Jiill; ;'i^Mr-i*^'^*^' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (Mt-3) ^^ 1.0 1.1 11.25 IA£12.8 12.5 I ^U4 ■ 2.2 £f VL 12.0 u Hiotographic Sciences Corporation 23 WBT MAIN STRHT WIBSTiR,N.Y. 14SS0 (716)S72-4S03 A % ^ 352 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. and thereby forgetting that the signal for the line was only at two cables' length dis- tance from each other, the van division was led by you to more than two leagues dis- tance from the centre division, which was thereby exposed to the greatest strength of the enemy, and not properly supported. * Could I have imagined your conduct and inattention to signals had proceeded from any thing but error in judgment, I had cer- tainly superseded you, but God forbid I should do so for error in judgment only. I only resolved, Sir, not to put it in your power to mistake again upon so important an occasion as the leading a British fleet to regular battle. * You must now. Sir, give me leave fairly to tell you, however painful the task, that during the time you have been under my command, you have given me more reason to find fault with your conduct as an officer, than any other in the fleet, (Captain Bate- man excepted,) by your inattention to sig- nals, and. Sir, by negligently performing your duty, and not exerting yourself as it u , ')M LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 353 behoved the oldest captain in the fleet, by- setting an example of briskness, activity, and scrupulous attention to signals. • Did you do so ? — when, upon the first signal I made for a line of battle abreast, and then going down to provoke the enemy to come out to battle, you hauled your wind, instead of making all the sail you possibly could to get into your station, agreeable to the first article of the additional fighting instructions, — thereby setting a very bad example to all the young captains. • Judge yourself what I must have felt, to observe, that the two oldest captains of the fleet I had the honour to command were the only persons I had just reason to repri- mand by public signal, and let them know they had not ohei/ed. Your almost constantly keeping to windward of your station, in sailing afterwards ; the repeated signals made for the ship you commanded to get into her station; your being at an amazing distance from the fleet the night before the battle ; my being obliged to send a frigate to order you down ; your being out of your station, at day-break, notwithstanding the Vol. I. 2 A 1... "'V I ■* I' W'' . ;v:v ••;, i "■■■;■ ;i'''al L ',"' ,,.11. lil"!"- <■•.,.. m U':,*\/\M «f^\'" .'■'..■' ■i^-i/i |,;jfjj.(h.'*.. ;i'.,; '■ }\\- If- ; ■ ■■",.:.■ -w i:l, : ;;;■ - l.^f'-' p: ;i"<'!^;J:i.r ■ ■ J'Sliu I ■mm .1,11,"- ■!., V»,^ Midi: ■r .,lir.r M ^;s«ip!i!l ,uj,ii:,:„., .fi,;fti'!i!r>1 II" 354 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. line of battle was out all night— all this conduct indicated an inattention which ought not to have been shown by an officer who had been bred in the good old disci- pline of the western squadron ; and which nothing but the former service you had done your king and country, and my firm belief of your being a brave man*, could have induced me, as commander of a great fleet, to overlook. ' You may judge what pain it has given me to write this letter to an officer I have known so long, and for whom I have always had a regard ; but in great national con- cerns, and where the service of my king and country is intrusted to my care, it is imperative on me to do my duty, and to take care that those unt my command do theirs. Both of which, without favour or partiality, I shf.li strictly adhere to. » 'I am, &c. &c. &c., . *G. B.R.' * Sir Geoi^e Rodney was not ignorant that in a former war Captain Carkett had greatly distinguished himself. In the month of March, 1758, Captain Gardner, in the Mon- mouth, 64 guns, supported by Captain Stanhope, of the Hampton / LIFE OP LORD RODNBY. 355 ■ * TO LADY RODNEY. I ' . • ... • Sandwich, St. Christopher's, •July 30th, 1780. ' This is the first moment that I could call ' my own since I have been made happy by ' the receipt of all your letters by Walsingham ' and by the packet, though those by the ' packet came first to my hands. • The fatigue of body and mind that I have ' undergone for these six months past has * been such, that I am much surprised, now ' it is in a manner over, how I could possibly ' get over it. I hope to have a little rest for ' a month or two, but greatly fear I shall be ' laid up with the gout, as I feel myself much ' out of order, and far from well. The agita- ' tion of my mind, and my anxiety at Wal- ' singham not joining me sooner, have been Court, 64 guns, fell in with the Foudroyant, near Carthagena, bearing the flag of the Marquis du Quesnd chef d'escadre, and took her. In this action Captain Gardner was killed. The Monmouth lost one hundred and fifty killed and wounded — ^the Foudroyant two hundred. The loss of masts on both sides brought on a close engagement, which lasted till the Swiftsure came up. Monsieur du Quesn^ refused, however, to deliver his sword to the captain of the Swiftsure, but gave it, with much politeness, to Lieutenant Carkett, first of the Monmouth. 2 A2 •M ..,,.1 f,.-^; ''■'ho. r ■ . . »■ 'J'l. "'•I "' 1."' Wlr*"' i ,1,! /•'ti*ir'"-:'''i!ii 1 "t.ta im"*' itl" V ■'■. .^;;i:/.'; 1 a '■: 4,^ ■m :;.v '4 •'■;"■ -'-Vl* <;• ^i''' ■'♦! " :,IH! " II : .... . yt. -dir 'I'M I,'" '.' 'in'' J ,' •' i..'. m :i„|il<;;;,:'.t ;;;■!'.'< ...J,S;lte 356 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * such as not to be easily conceived. Had he * joined me but one month sooner, both the * French and Spanish squadrons had, in all * probability, been destroyed ; yet when they * effected a junction, and had thirty-six sail * of the line, they did not dare to offer battle, * but sneaked off in the night, and left these * seas without making one single conquest. * The Spaniards greatly disagree with the * French, and are gone to garrison their own * colonies — the French to St. Domingo. * I have sent a strong force to Jamaica, ' sufficient to protect it from any insult, and * am ready to sail whenever I may hear his * Majesty's territories are in danger. J sup- * pose the war will be renewed here when * the season for acting arrives ; and have not * a doubt but the ministers will take care * that I am well supported, as so very much * depends upon it, and as I shall send home * all my old and foul ships. ; • I have now to tell you that I have received * Lord North's most friendly letter, and have * answered it agreeably to your wish, paying * a due and handsome compliment to the King, * by saying that I chose his gracious offer with / LIFE i? LORD RODNEY. a57 all submission, and more particularly as it left him at liberty to bestow the Lieutenant- Generalcy of Marines upon any other officer more worthy of his royal notice. Hints have been given me of greater honours ; but they come from a suspected quarter — from one whose interest it is that I should not have them, though I am well convinced his Ma- jesty is ready to grant them. At all events, I must be in Parliament: when you see Colonel K , tell him my heart is set upon it. J., i" * In regard to what you say about , I never wrote to him, nor ever will. I know him too well to trust him with any letter. ' John is very well, and has been kept con- stantly at sea, to make him master of his profession. He is now second lieutenant of the Sandwich, having risen to it by rota- tion ; but still I send him in frigates : he has seen enough of great battles. All he wants is seamanship, which he must learn. When he is a seaman, he shall be a captain, but not till then. ' The court-martial will commence to-mor- row on Captain Bateman, who commanded , !,; I, .iy4 *■..''.;. ;j;h11'. '.,' ' .' . ^ .. r ,- I'llV .■■■ ir'*''""' .■ » ^.'[l.. \'4 i^m m 'N'V'l,:-i; Hi; ,\^Hii ■ ■*■ .1,. iVh:, .li! 4 M^: ....... . ,,, . ,|^ il * ''I ■•■If -'.J' A<*. m 358 I^IFE OF LORD RODNEY. the Yarmouth *, in the battle of the 17th of April, and withdrew from it. If all were to be tried who misbehaved on that day, I know not where judges could be found, and I do not choose delinquents should try de- linquents ; therefore, only a few are se- lected, as an example to others ; but I have sent, and will send, home most of those cap- tains, &c. &c., who were with me on that day. Ten sail of them I have sent to Ja- maica ; the others are gone, and are going, to England with convoys. My pvailic letter I am sorry they did not publish ; it was truth, truth itself; and I will never consent to erase one word of it. It is indifferent to me whether Parliament inquires into it : I will prove it true, and that scarcely any man deserved my public applause but the cap- tain of the Sandwich t : he has more merit than all the rest put together. However, the treating them in the manner I have done has had a very good eifect, and taught them a lesson they were before ignorant of -^ that * This court-martiaJ did not take place until Sir George's arrival, at the close of this year, in North America, t Captain Young. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 359 while they are under my command they must do their duty, or they will suffer dis- grace ; but if they live to eternity, they will never have it in their power to make their country amends for their behaviour on the 17th of April last. ' I find the world call out aloud, that I should have praised those who had done their duty on that day. Show me the man (my own captain, and a few others, ex- cepted) that deserved praise ; and then let them blame me, if they can. I would fain think it was ignorance : I am unwilling to think worse. Part, I am sure, was villainy, with the hope of upsetting the Administra- tion. I have told them so ; and, if it is necessary, can bring my charge home. The world will plainly perceive, by my sendi m;;: all the ships that were on this station before my arrival home, what is my reason for so doing: it wants no comment; nor did my praise of the French Admiral — I meant it as a reproof to my own fleet: they de- served it. * Now for domestic concerns. Mr. Mayler is, I am sure, very attentive ; he writes me iiii,- I.I I'l I .■hli 4 r-lllM „ 1l»"]J |)!l?.'^ii,:? ^i ■.(■"i;!*';"".^''ii )!■ III' ■ 's'*i,-' •.■'I MU : Jiiti ;. iK ■" ; •'■ 'rUi', •i'ii'-r: |ii<< i(Mi' ... t ■■ ■ ■■; * I if il'i -■„!.// ■y.^ ■;■■..'■ ^'1^ 1 1-- IIII ill 360 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' many letters, not one-half of which can J * possibly answer in this country, without * being laid up for a month, at least. All I * want is, to pay off my debts as soon as pos- * sible : I shall not be easy till this is done. * When I am clear, I hope Fortune here will * enable me to obtain wherewithal to provide * for my family. • I shall write to my real friend, Mr. Udney. * His advice is good ; but my mind must be * set at ease, by leaving me without debts. * I cannot bear waiting till a peace. Let me * be clear of all demands, and our income will * be more than sufficient to live as we ought, * and to save money. The pension. Lord * North tells me, is to take place from the 5th * of January last *. * The patent for Sir George Rodney was dated 6th January, 1 780, and contained a grant — ' To Sir George Brydoes Rodney, 2000/. a year during life, and to commence the 5th January, ] 780 ; and after his decease, the said 2000/. per annum is granted to George Rodney, Esq. for the following purpose: — To George Rodney, Esq., 1000/. a year during his life. To Dame Henrietta Rodney, 500/. a year during her life. ' To John Rodney, -vthe younger children of Sir Jane Rodney, George and Lady Rodney, Henrietta Rodney, 100/. a year each, to con- Anne Rodney, and tinue during each of their Sarah Brydoes Rodney,-' respective lives.' LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 361 • Many prizes have been taken since my command here, but none very valuable. I hope Fortune may soon smile upon me, for all your sakes. As yet, all has been war and battle. I , 1 ri:- '■• • The account you give me of my dear girls makes me very happy. Tell Jenny I fear she has not a good writing-master. I am glad my brother has become himself again : his wife is a good creature : I shall write to thank her for standing sponsor to my little girl. Jenny says it has very good lungs: I fancy it disturbs her too early in the morn- ing. Tell Anne I expect she knows me when I return, and that she remains fond of her guardian Loup, who, I am sure, poor fellow ! will not forget me. Jenny tells me, in one of her letters, that he was highly affronted at my forgetting to mention him. • I cannot say u;ore than my love to my dear girls, and all friends.' iv I'l"^', "'til, 'M)'4| i' 'W\M III'., I*'*:^v-:i^ ,ll">.l,yi ;ii ;■» '". *ijr ''■" ; til' ■ •'■■ ■ w ill. ^ ■ • . ;,,, /V • li i,Sii.:if., .'.,;■ '^'iK.: I „i, ■ 1,1., l{. := ."lie ?'; IS'." 'i:qr !Wit (•• ; I ;.*;. m 364 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. layed by the Princess Royal's mainmast being found unserviceable, and obliged to have a new one. * On the 17th I put to sea with the fleet, leaving Commodore Hotham with the Ven- geance, Fame, Boyne, Ajax, Vigilant, and Preston, with frigates, for the protection of St. Lucie, and the windward islands of Bar- badoes and Tobago. * With the remainder I proceeded with the whole convoy to St. Christopher's, where I had ordered, from Antigua, a vessel loaded with rum to meet me, for the use of the fleet, there not being a sufficient quantity at St. Lucie to supply them. * On my arrival here, I received secret intelligence (which has never deceived me) of the violent disagreements between the Spanish and French admirals ; that the Spaniards absolutely refused to co-operate with them in any enterprise whatever, openly declaring their court had been de- ceived, and that they had been made to believe, before they left Spain, that they would find, on their arrival in the West Indies, the French in possession of all the Caribbee Islands. The rancour between LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 365 the two nations, by all accounts, and by many intercepted letters, was fatal to several officers ; and the sickness and mortality, in both fleets, had reduced them very much. ; * As I was pretty well convinced, by the intelligence I had received on my arrival here, that the Spanish fleet was to part with the French ofl" Porto Rico, and, after landing some troops at that island, was to proceed to Carthagena, to reinforce that gar- rison, and from thence to the Havannah ; and as four sail of French ships of the line were seen to pass to the northward of the Virgin Islands (supposed for Europe or America), and as the French fleet had taken the whole homeward-bound trade of their islands with them, the season likewise being so very far advanced, I could not conceive, considering these circumstances, that Ja- maica should be in such danger as to require the whole force of the fleet under my com- mand. I therefore despatched Rear-Ad- miral Rowley and Commodore Walsingham with the ten sail of the line named in the t ■■ 111 " • itiiiii.::''. iu;.fii ■ms'C.:m ,. <';:.'i"'i:iil:"-.«.iiilL ii; ■ ■■■ ':t ■■ :!;i;'- '^Hr '^■■''■'% lU;.;, .,■.''■;..■;' V -'!:■■■•.. ir ,r'Hv '! iiSi m ' I!! ■'■'■.. ,.<^ ,! ip . ■ . iiS- •■: f '.ij. :;h;i^,i..:^:j^ w 366 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' margin *, with the troops and convoy to Jamaica, with orders to put themselves under the command of Vice- Admiral Sir Peter Parker ; and that I had sent the said ships not only for the defence of that island, but likewise to enable him to send home the great trade thereof under the protection of such a force as not to endanger them, should they be attacked by the Spanish squadron at the Havannah. I likewise acquainted him, that the greatest part of the squadron I had sent him were intended to have been sent to England from hence, in order to be repaired, had not this event taken place; that it gave him an opportunity of securing, with little danger, the important commerce of Jamaica, and, at the same time, would be the means of sending home for repair a considerable quantity of his Majesty's ships. * Rear-Admiral Rowley and Commodore Walsingham sailed from hence on the 24th instant, with orders to despatch to me his * Princess Royal, Thunderer, Magnificent, Stirling Castle, Albion, Grafton, Conqueror, Elizabeth, Trident, Berwick, and Barbadoes sloop. !'7 i'l' . 2 E OF LORD RODNEY. 367 ' Majesty's brig the Alert, which had been * directed to join the fleet off the island of * Beata, on the south side of St. Domingo, ' that I might be perfectly acquainted with ' the situation of affairs at Jamaica. With * the remainder of his Majesty's ships under ' my command, most of which are copper- * bottomed, I shall hold myself in momentary ' readiness to assist any of his Majesty's co- ' lonies on which the enemy may attempt to ' make an impression, or act with them in ' such a manner as shall appear to be most * beneficial to his Majesty's service. ■ ' The Boyne and Preston proceed with the ' present convoy, which I hope will sail to- ' morrow morning. The Fame, Vigilant, and ' Suffolk, shall proceed to England with the ' trade that will be ready early in September ; * and the remainder of the ships on this sta- ' tion, which are in want of great repair, and ' are not copper-bottomed, shall proceed with ' them, or with the convoy which their Lord- ' ships have been pleased to order shall sail ' from hence in October next. -^^ * By this arrangement, I hope all the foul ' ships which want repair will arrive in '"lli:-:,;',r:.r'M .,. ■■ .'"ym •k. ■.liii,,-ii>u Kill. it'"!--: ■ ■■*t: ■■I- ,. ■. • , ;,;, li; *■'■•■:■•::•- :% '■■'.;;■■ • .-...'V. I*; '11: ' -.^ ■'!( ^j' ::i, ;:r, •■'.:■ ^-^I-i I"' '"■•, lX-~.."'- :, ■ ' t t! . i'l. •. "lit , 'i\-J^^,)'* "*. ■||i,,'ii>U . f ■■■ r '}■«. Ill i,i..;:«..;'' ■ ■v ■*, ".'i'-'l'' ;: ,11! ^h-!^ ' • ■"■ "■ -■ Jr.. ■■' '■•': '1. ..■ ' ,■ w ■■■• -^i>:^:ifS t 1 ■LV,. :'■■■■::■•;■■» ill 372 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * I thought it absohitely necessary to station * a squadron of frigates, in such a manner as, ' I was in hopes, would intercept and destroy * the ships and vessels belonging to his Ma- 'jesty's rebellious subjects bound to that * island. , . * ,r . * Some of the frigates employed in that * service, pursued five sail of his Majesty's * piratical rebellious subjects, armed for war, * on the 6th instant. They took shelter in the * road of St. Martin, a small island, partly ' belonging to his Majesty, and partly to the ' States General. ' * The piratical rebels* had the insolence, ' after they were at anchor in the road, to * insult his Majesty's flag in the grossest ' manner, by daring to hoist their rebellious * colours, with a broad pendant, bringing a * spring upon their cables, and pointing all * their guns into his Majesty's sloop, the * The expression here used may appear to be somewhat harsh, but Sir George Rodney could never look upon the revolt of the North American colonies in any other light than that of a rebellion against their King and their mother country, wherefore he invariably termed the commanders of their armed privateers, piratical rebels. f/ LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 373 * Rover. The Dutch Governor took no notice * of this insult, but permitted the Americans ' to wear their rebellious colours. * Notice of this insult being immediately * given me, at St. Christopher's, where I then * was, with his Majesty's fleet, I instantly * despatched Captain Robinson, with a squa- * dron of frigates, and his Majesty's ship * Intrepid, to St. Martin's, to seize or destroy * the American piratical vessels, and to ac- ' quaint the Dutch Governor that every * attention and respect should be paid the * Dutch flag while they kept vzithin the rules ' of neutrality ; but that his suffering so gross ' an insult to the British flag, and his per- ' mitting the Americans to wear their rebel- * lious and piratical colours in the road, so * directly contrary to treaty, was a convincing ' proof to me, that he either could not, or ' would not prevent it. I had therefore sent * a squadron of the King my master's ships, * to chastise them. •' * They seized all the American vessels ; and ' I have the pleasure to acquaint their Lord- ' ships, that it has had so good an effect, and ' has brought the Dutch governors so much to iiiii I;' . ' " ,:K,,:H ^ ' < III ■ i< '.|»':i. 1,IS, ■ V,' i' %■ '" '■•■! ■ " .1'' l-.i» t ;■' '. "';. V-i- , i'' '^'1 M iir'*''iiii'"V^ jliii; "I^'ii'tfe i,v!"!|i P It. iiii;«'iii 37G LIFE OF LORD UODNCY. * with any intelligence that might arrive, c itlur * from Jamaica or America, both of wiiich I ' hourly expected. * Having received certain intelligence by * my several correspondents, of the arrival of * M. de Guichen at Cape Franc^ois with the * French fleet in very bad condition, with the * departure of the Spanish squadron, ex- ' tremely sickly, to the Havannah, with a * certainty of a convoy of upwards of three * hundred sail of ships destined to sail from * St. Domingo to France, under the protection * of the French fleet, I had not a doubt but * part of that fleet was intended to reinforce * the squadroii under M. Ternay, of whose ar- ' rival and taking possession of Rhode Island * I had been assured by a captain of an Ame- * rican vessel. As it plainly appeared to me ' that his Majesty's territories, fleet, and army * in America were in imminent danger of being * overpowered by the superior force of the * public enemy, I deemed it a fiuty iTinimbent * upon me to forego any cmolumwnts that * might have accrued to myself by the enter- ' prise intended by General Vaughan and * myself during the hurricane montlis on the LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 377 Spanish main ; then forr* with* nt a mo- ment's hesitation, (knowiu}; thni Jamaica was in perfect security,) I Hew, with iil! tho despatcli possible, to prevent t! ' eneif»y's making any imiu'cssion upon the ontinc iit 'Hifore my arrival th(!re, having Uu under :he command of Commodore Hotham a suf- ficient force to secure his Majesty's Ci "ib- bean islands, and without any person what- ever in the West Indies (General Vaughn n and Mr. Hotham excepted) having the least surmise that I had left that part of the wo 'Id. * On my arrival oft' the coast of Carolina, I was made happy ])y the recapture of a ship from Charlestown, with the glorious and im- portant news of the victory obtained by the Earl Cornwall is a few days before over the rebel General Gates, with the destruction of his whole army ; and having swept the southern coast of America, I anchored yes- terday off* the Hook, with the squadron under my command, a list of which I have the honour to inclose. * * Tlds reinforcement not only disconcerted all the plans of the allies, uinl tt'iminated the sanguine hopes which had been forme at the opening of the campaign, but placed it in the K,,< , *•*■„ ;i!'!'^"»i:l ii.. -t ry^- \.'.i ■ \' , r 1' ?ii;i A^.. •)(.> ;i;'l:i.^'■■,.^.;• fi 378 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. ' It is with the greatest satisfaction I learn that I am arrived before the enemy's squa- dron which is expected to reinforce M.Ternay, who, I am informed, has landed all his troops, and is fortifying Rhode Island. ' I am likewise informed that Admiral Ar- buthnot is cruising with nine sail of the line before that island. I have already despatched Commodore Drake with four sail of the line to reinforce him, acquainting him with my arrival in these parts, and that I shall hasten the other ships of my squadron to complete the blockade of M . Ternay. ' The sudden change of climate makes it necessary for me to go on shore for some short time. To-morrow I propose going up to New York to consult with Sir Henry Clinton, and co-operate with him in whatever he may think most beneficial to his Majesty's ser- vice, and to propose to him to attack Rhode * power of the Lritish to project in security further expeditions to ' the south.' — Marshall's Life of Washington. It appears, from a private letter addressed by Washington to a friend at this period, that he was in despair at Rodney's appear- ance on the American coast, and at the non-arrival of De Guichen, the co-operaticn of whose fleet he had long been most anxiously expecting. ' ' LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 379 * island, and the French fleet in that harbour, * if he thinks it practicable. Their Lordships ' may be assured that my illness is not of such * a nature as shall cause one moment's delay * in his Majesty's and the public service. * Inclosed I transmit the state and condition * of his Majesty's ships which arrived with me.' On the 15th September Sir George Rodney assumed the command of all the British ships employed on the North American station, ad- dressing the following official letter to Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot : — * By Sir G. B. Rodney, Bart., Admiral ' of the White, Commander-in-Chief, * &c. &c. &c. ' You are hereby required and directed to put ' yourself under my command, and follow such ' orders as you may from time to time receive ' from me for his Majesty's service, for which * this shall be your order. Dated, Sandwich, ' off Staten Island, 15th September, 1780. *G. B. R.' To Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, - • &c. &c. &c.' .J I riii «!1.:''HS| i' If 1 . ■■ ''.1 ji,. ."""•;■.■, ■ «i' ''■ :''''^s" I s . ■IT*' "v-,;* iiiff|"v: y*i(*; 1 In* ■ '' ' '., ., ■< £;■,,■ iV- ,v*jilii I 'f '■ <■'■ '><:1 . I .'■ ., i. •"'..: .^I* i . '■■!*♦ ,» -U iii. . ■■■;"><••' ! ■ . ■■ J-4W. I.. •:v":, ^M I. •■;• • il( I i . ' ■ . ■ > i':...:s% k. 380 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. It is at all times a painful task to notice in works of this description the jealousies and dissensions of officers of high rank and cha- racter in the naval or military services ; but it would be an injustice to Sir George Rodney to withhold from the public eye the corre- spondence which took place between the above-mentioned gallant Admiral and him- self, with reference to his assumption of the command in those seas. In the opinion of Admiral Arbuthnot, Sir George's appearance on that station was uncalled-for, irregular, and unauthorised ; and he, in consequence, remonstrated, in terms, perhaps, not so courteous and re- spectful as an inferior officer should do under such circumstances. Sir George's reply was dignified and temperate ; and his justification of his motives for visiting the American coast at that season, and of the measures he had adopted subsequently to his arrival there, requires no comment. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 381 ' By Sir George Rodney, Bart., Admiral * of the White, Commander-in-Chief, ' &c. &c. &c. ' Whereas I have received intelligence that a ' squadron of twelve or fourteen line-of-battle ' ships of the enemy are daily expected on the ' coast from Cape Francois, in order to join ' their force already in North America ; and ' as the state of my health is such as to ren- ' der me unable to take upon me the command ' at present, you are hereby required and ' directed to employ the ships already under ' your command, and such as I shall from * time to time send to you, in such a manner ' as you shall judge likely to prevent the 'junction of the enemy's forces, for which ' purpose I have given directions for the ships ' now here, to be got ready as expeditiously ' as possible, and shall give them orders to ' proceed directly to you the instant they ' are so. Dated Sandwich, oft' Staten Island, ' September 19th, 1780. 'G.B. R. • To Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, ' &c. &c. &c.' ! li c ■ 'I ■m. ' ■,|")li 1'! . ..•''* - ■' I!-..;'"' .:1:i; 1 jr -111, •. "^jH !ii;:i:-:,"''H I "■■■/. :'''-->!irV 'lil.;' '--i "**!'' jj- MM I' ■f r -i'^ *■iiiil•■ ■,, ■.'■■■■■■ -t- ..iii'pr^j'. 1*:' III,,;.' i, ll^i*{ , '4j .. '!i::,iii; ■■■■■■* ;-jii'« ::i!l:'i.!i|K;*|iil ■:>:...] v:-r 382 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. m i^':' * TO VICE-ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT. ' Sandwich, off Staten Island, ' September 21st, 1780. * Whereas I have received undoubted intel- * ligence that there are several ships in the * river Delaware loaded with flour and pro- * visions for the French fleet and army at * Rhode Island, which are daily expected to * sail, I make no doubt but you will make * such a disposition of the ships with you as * shall appear most likely to prevent their * getting into that harbour, should they * have the good luck to escape Captain * Affleck, whom with two more line-of-battle * ships, and the Galatea, I have ordered to ' come nearer the Delaware, so that we shall ' have a double chance for them*. * The secret orders issued to Captain Affleck, here alluded to, were as follows : — • Whereas I have received certain intelligence, that a nutnber of ' French ships are now loaded with flour and provisions in the ' river Delaware, for the use of the French fleet and array at ' Rhode Island, and are expected to sail in a few days, — ' You are hereby required and directed to take the ships named ' in the margin, viz. (the Terrible, Alcide, and Galatea,) whose ' captains have my orders to put themselves under your command, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 383 * In case of the weather proving bad, or * they should meet with a superior force, I * have ordered them to join you off Rhode ' Island, or at Gardiner's Bay ; and as I * hourly expect the Intrepid, and three ' copper-bottomed frigates from the West ' Indies, I have ordered Captain Affleck, ' should he fall in with them, to employ them and proceed, without loss of time, to sea, and cruise in such a manner as shall appear to you most proper to intercept the said ships, as likewise to protect the convoy daily expected from Ireland, with provisions for the fleet and army. ' And whereas I daily expect the Intrepid, Boreas, Greyhound, and Cyclops, from the West Indies, should those ships join you, you may keep them with you, should you think it abso- lutely necessary, otherwise you are to hasten them to me with aU despatch. ' Any other frigates belonging to the American squadron that may join you at sea, you are to take under your command, and station them in the best manner you possibly can for intercepting the said French ships, or the enemy's privateers. * Should you meet with an enemy's squadron superior to your own, you are to join Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, whom you will find in Gardiner's Bay, Long Island; and give me notice of that event. ' You are to continue on this service for three weeks, or till you intercept the enemy's vessels, at which time you are to call off the Hook for further orders; or if the weather prove bad, repair to Gardiner's Bay, and put yourself under the command of Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot, till further orders. ' Sandwich, Sept. 18th, 1780.' ' To Captain Affleck, &c. &c. &c.' vaz. ih' "I'.'-'iNlii,!; 'f'--- ••';,':%'■ r .111. ■. . ,• . • li''' ; J ■■"^■''iij •' i i:!;!! '■jv:s VI- •>■'•■ ■ %■'■''' r'::"^'.'- .fm\h 1 i!;. 'il'' ::.;,.3(i' li!''- '■ -w .,•.'•:•„ ir, •" ft. ;{ilf,fi|;'-, ;:!? 1 i;:,.;:i'h;. ^''*V 384 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * in cruising along the coast to the southward; * and should they join me without that hap- ' pening, I intend employing them, (the * frigates at least,) on that service, as I am * told the privateers of the rebels swarm off * Charlestown.' ' TO VICE-ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT. ' Sandwich, off New York, ' October 8th, 1780. Since my last which I sent you by your secretary, Mr. Green, I have the honour to acquaint you that I have had several con- ferences with Sir Henry Clinton relative to the situation of public affairs. He com- municated to me the correspondence that had passed between himself and you con- cerning the attack of Rhode Island, and the French fleet. It was with extreme concern that I learnt that the enemy had availed themselves of every moment to fortify them- selves in such a manner, as to make an attempt upon it impracticable. * Sir Henry Clinton communicated to me LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 385 his plan relative to his supporting the Earl Cornwallis, which appeared to me of such consequence, that I have given every assist- ance towards carrying it into execution ; and have the pleasure to acquaint you, that the troops are embarked, and ready to proceed on that service. As the season is so far advanced, I believe there is but little pro- bability of a French squadron of any con- siderable force arriving on this coast to support Monsieur Ternay, who before the winter sets in will make a push, and sail for the West Indies. Should that event take place, and he escape an engagement in these seas, it will be highly necessary he should be followed with all the despatch possible. * I therefore have the honour to inploso you a copy of an order which I have thought it necessary for his Majesty's service to give Rear- Admiral Graves, chat no time may be lost in the pursuit of Monsieur Ternay, which order I must desire you v/ill please to deliver him. * And whereas it appears to me, at this critical moment, that your presence as his Vol. I. 2 C ii.i.,; '.I 1' '' ■'»..!, I ;.:.!, 'IP'' Mi 'rt.'; !)'■ "(.."'■iJJi ;;•«: ■.-•illi i>h !" '^'v ''■■■"» .11 'I - ,,, ' '",',■ i' I*. li.;' - -^'ij- J i|!€# 1 1. . ,■}..'•,. ■>■. t m<^ 1 !■•' " ">;,::!' ..... ■;!^^l jM';: i, ■■• !''./': »■ 386 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. Majesty's Commissioner, and Commander- in-chief of his ships in America (in the absence of any superior officer), is highly necessary, that we, in conjunction with Sir Henry Clinton, may take such measures as may accelerate the success of his Majesty's arms, and bring his rebellious subjects to a sense of their duty ; I therefore. Sir, leave it to your consideration and choice, either to remain with the squadron employed in watching the motions of Monsieur Ternay, or return to New York, for the reasons I have suggested, and leave the blockade to Rear- Admiral Graves. ' As I am convinced no man has his Ma- jesty's service more at heart than yourself, I am sure you will do that which in your judgment shall appear best, and favour me with the resolution you may take. * Being a total stranger to the navigation in the neighbourhood of Rhode Island, I must leave it to you, whether (now the equi- noctial gales are passed, and the moon increasing) the squadron under your coin- mand should not put to sea, and cruise, if it can be done, without imminent danger, off LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 387 Rhode Island ; it appearing to me they will be more in the way of intercepting succoura intended for the enemy; of being joined, should there be occasion, by the squadron now cruising off the Delaware, or of inter- cepting Monsieur Temay, should he attempt to put to sea. * Should you return to join me at New York, "^ou will please to come in whatever ship m-^y be most agreeable to yourself, and bring with you Commodore Sir Chaloner Ogle, in the Resolution, leaving whatever ship you may think necessary under the command of Rear-Admiral Graves and Commodore Drake, to watch the motions of the enemy's squadron at Rhode Island, giving orders to Admiral Graves not to lose one moment's time in the pursuit of j^lon- sieur Temay, should he leave that port : in that case he is to proceed agreeably to the inclosed secret orders, which are not to be opened till such an event takes place. * Should you choose to remain with the squadron, you will please to order Commo- dore Sir Chaloner Ogle, in the Resolution, to join me in this port. , . 2C2 ,<■■'"■ ■ ■".III*: "!} ■:K t.*< K' ■I' ">:■■■ Vir?^ '■l! .i>; r» ,, '!»,.: ■»>. ■ 1," • ■* :|;f'V-:;il;.: ).„■ *•,'"■ ■•:>' •"'■ ^ '■ ■. ■' ■ru' *V'~. ■•"■ ■ ■■■■■^;n^i;^ ■■ '•'Mi|,.;^5% '■"'■i'i;'-"" I v.# 388 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * I consulted Sir Henry Clinton as to a * correspondence being kept up between the * squadron and New York, by posts on Long * Island. His answer was, " It is too dan- * " gerous." ; . > «, * I hope I shall very soon have the honour * of hearing from you.' * TO VICE-ADMIRAL SIR GEORGE RODNEY. I'-V • At Sea, October 16lh, 1780. My orders from the Board of Admiralty are positive to attend in person the movements of the enemy's squadron, under. Monsieur Ternay within, and to the northward with- out, the limits of my command, should he exceed them. The same orders enjoin me to detach Rear- Admiral Graves after him, whithersoever he may proceed. * As one part of your letter points at my inducement for remaining occasionally in Gardiner's Bay, I judge it necessary to explain myself on that head. * It has. Sir, been my constant endeavour, LIFU OF LORD RODNEY. 389 !S' by that means, to keep the ships constantly- wooded, victualled, and watered, that, should the enemy's squadron unfortunately give me the slip, not a moment ought to be lost in the pursuit f. How far. Sir, your conduct (similarly circumstanced as you are) is praiseworthy and proper, consequences must determine. * * Your partial interference in the conduct of the American war is certainly incompatible with principles of reason, and precedents of service. The frigates attending on a cruis- ing squadron you have taken upon you to counter-order (a due representation of which and other circumstances I shall make where it will have every possible effect), and thus I have been for some time without even a repeater of signals. I am, &c. &c. &c., '* . . * Arbuthnot.' * References, t ' Admiral Sir George Rodney having sent * his ships to cruise without any particularly * interesting object, by which four of them * were crippled, and must require a very ■:!^. ■I" ' , • I, « » 1, :•■' :i*u I ,i, V',\hK I ■■■' * iiHrf'!'" '■■■ ^!' ..■■'•! '-» 1 u. 1'^ .■'4, ■■.:?' '■" ■■■■ ■;|'|:\ {■ '■{■■'■■■'■ "•'*!*'.u n:"';.;::^'::.4| ';;i:r:.,i H:ii^^::? 390 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * considerable refitment before they can re- * turn to the West Indies. * * The only two frigates on the Carolina station, the Hydra and Providence, being gone to England — the first with a convoy, the last with despatches from Earl Corn- wallis, the Galatea was under orders from Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot to proceed thither, when Admiral Rodney arrived at the Hook. Instead of permitting her, as he should have done, in the execution of these orders, he sent her on a cruise. * The Triton and Guadaloupe were after- wards ordered thither by Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot (a copy of the orders arc en- closed), but these directions were suppressed ; and the operations of the southern army must have suffered considerably, and the trade remained destitute of all aid and protection.' :t;.,.(?'/" LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 801 * TO VICE-ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT. . ' Sandwich, off New York, • October 19th, 1780. I am honoured with your letter of the 16th instant, and am sorry that my conduct has given you offence. None was intended on my part. Every respect due to you, as an officer and a gentleman, my inclination as well as my duty led me to pay you in the strictest sense. If any designing men, by their insinuations, have induced you to deviate from that good sense and politeness which Mr. Arbuthnot was always known to possess, I am sorry for it ; and I am per- suaded, that in your cooler moments, when you reflect upon some of the paragraphs in your letter, you will wish they had been couched in more friendly terms. * It was neither inclination nor choice that brought me to America. It was the duty I owed my King and country. I had flattered myself it would have met with your appro- bation. I regret that it has not ; but I own I have the vanity to think it will meet with '. "1 >«u VM fi 1.- 4V iv'Y '♦ IP . ■^" I'lv" ^'.^^ ■ '""*; , 4}, liil! J '-■-■31 t: 392 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. m. * his approbation, to receive which is the * greatest honour a subject can enjoy. * Your anger at my partial interference * (as you are pleased to term it) with the * American war, not a little surprises me. I * came, indeed, so far to interfere in the * American war as to command by sea in * it, and to do my best endeavours to put an * end thereto. * I knew the dignity of my own rank, and * that the power vested in me by the commis- ' sion I bear entitled me to take the supreme * command, which I ever shall do on every * station where his Majesty's and the public * service may make it necessary for me to go, * unless I should meet with a superior officer, * in which case it would be my duty to obey * his orders. * On my arrival at the Hook, I instantly * despatched four ships to join you, which * made your squadron thirteen sail of the * line — a force fully sufficient to attack Mon- * sieur Ternay's squadron of eight sail of the * line, which I am convinced would have been * the consequence, if he had given you an * opportunity. I left it entirely to you, Sir, LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 393 * how to dispose of that squadron as to * answer so desirable an end. ' Your having detached the Raisonnable to * England, without my knowledge, after you * had received my orders to put yourself * under my command is, I believe, unprece- ' dented in the annals of the British Navy. * My duty will oblige me to report it to the * Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. * Your having detached the America and * Prudent on a three weeks' cruise, between * the north end of St. George's Bank and Cape * Anse, convinces me that you thought the * remaining part of your squadron fully suf- * ficient to defeat any designs of Monsieur * Ternay ; but I own, as I have given you no * reasons for so doing, I cannot approve of * the separation of the squadron while Mon- * sieur Ternay lies with his whole force at * Rhode Island. * You must excuse me, Sir, if I think myself * in a great measure responsible for the dis- ' position of his Majesty's ships on the coast * during my continuance thereon ; and, as * superior officer of his Majesty's ships on * this station, have taken upon me to dispose r\i i' Jul ''■ lE i|];;""'!:>,rwi w ■ i','. ■■ «■■■ ■i''l-;i|;'':.'<{■ 1,1.. V!f^l5J|ii4 t (it Hi*' - - .* I Mm ? !*.■ .. »!■■ lit'* 1 ■^i«' !!r;i!i!l-Jtj»i -', '' ■ 'i"|.ll('. I '" ,, ', ■• ■f(.,,i]:', !'Sv"iii!Ui£'''S|i.. I l> .■..:■•■ .-Jll* !'!■ ■•■ ■■:r;*k:.. "I'll " 398 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. giments ; and with this increased strength he gave it to he understood, that he waited only the addition of the second division of French ships and troops to make an attempt upon New York. • Your fortunate arrival upon this coast has, I am persuaded, entirely defeated every idea of such a plan, supposing it really ever to have heen intended. The rebels seeing the little likelihood of being so greatly assisted by the French as at first propagated, have grown slack in their aug- menting the Washington army, which, on the contrary, has diminished very much by desertion. ' Thus, Sir, in a defensive view of things, your coming on this coast may have proved of the most important consequences. • Respecting offensive operations, which your zeal. Sir, has engaged you to wish possible to be improved into advantage by an attempt upon the enemy's force at Rhode Island, I am free to own that I am appre- hensive the enemy have had so much time and assistance in labour, and they can be so soon and so considerably reinforced, that III ' !M LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 399 I scarcely think an attempt practicable with any assurance of success. As to land ope- rations against the French force at Rhode Island, I must give it as my opinion to you, Sir, as I did to Admiral Arbuthnot — that as long as there was appearance of a coup de main before the enemy were intrenched or reinforced, I thought a» attempt practicable, and with six thousand men I would have made it ; but when I found the enemy had had " 'i least fourteen days to prepare against it, 1 naturally gave up all hopes from a coup de main. The a.'my could no longer then be a first or principal. It was then I offered co-operation with the navy ; but I have every reason to suppose that Admiral Arbuthnot saw very early that the navy could not un- dertake anything, situated as the enemy's ships were. However, Sir, that you may be better able to judge of the whole business, I have sent you my correspondence with Admiral Arbuthnot. Should he, so consi- derably reinforced by you, Sir, think any attempt still practicable, he will of course report it, and in that case, I offer to your Excellency, as I did to him, every possible |(;|l Ml, I '<• j ir::.:| %''■< •■■■■(ititS t. 'i(ii .>.»i\ ''*i1iliJ-,.""« ' ''* 'I ,';!! „,"l|lii-'.'. hil ■■'F' I •' ' !'• iiii'.t '■ ..{it i .,• ill '"•■) '; „ 'Ml?;. I ■;'..i: :^\m mm ■Ml' M' ■i'lf i""- '' 'I U. '- I,: 400 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. secondary assistance of the army ; for, with about three thousand men, all I can now spare from this important post, I cannot undertake a siege against an army of ten thousand men, and in a situation where Washington might assepible the whole force of America. > ' f * If, therefore, Admiral Arbuthnot, rein- forced so considerably by you, does not alter his opinion, I am persuaded you will agree with me in mine, that we should give our whole attention to the plan I laid before you yesterday, and finally, in sending an ex- pedition into Chesapeake Bay, as to the neces- sity and importance of which we both agreed. * I sincerely wish it may be your Excel- lency's intention to stay upon this coast, at least as long as there is a possibility of the arrival of a superior naval force. I am equally sincere in my wishes that the course of service may bring us together early next year, for I have a pleasure in co-operating with you, as I have in assuring you of the perfect esteem with which I am, y * &c. &c. &c., * H. Clinton.' ^'■■V. IIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 401 * FROr THE EARL OF SANDWICH. • Admiralty, September 25th, 1780. . * I am favoured with your private letter of the ' 31st of July, and cannot avoid expressing * how much I think myself obliged to you for * the friendly language it contains, which you * may be assured you will always find reci- * procal on my part. * You will perceive that you are become a * senator, in the most honourable and distin- * guished manner, without expense, and with * almost the unanimous concurrence of the * most opulent city in the world* ; and though * I am not one of those who think popTdarity * alwnj's creditable or desirable, yet when it is ' obtained in the way you have acquired it, * it is certainly highly honourable, and the * greatest reward that can be bestowed on a ' military man. * I find that you have made your option as * to an immediate mark of his Majesty's ' favour, and I think you have made it wisely, "- ' ■" fi ^ I ■ " - " ■ * * Sir George Rodney was elected a representative for the city of Westminster, in the month of September, 1780. Vol. I. 2D . h " I'l .'k h;t^ iiif:;,r.''? I'"' -111,'' >'\S •.■• if- p. '!'■ "'i;)"'v i!K .;i!h. '^4 ,.i^ I *".:, i:',* '"'1 y''.u 'IN ' . »■;», t'f 'iHl -¥ •lilt'. I', V! ■ .1.. rm .:;.,,:.4i|! ' I. IK.I ■ ' 'iMi;;'i;i'i'j!;ii it 402 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. and with the proof that you are a good father, and a true friend to your family, which in an honest mind must always be the uppermost thought. * I am veiy glad that you tell me you shall hold yourself in readiness to assist in America, or wherever the enemy may en- deavour to make their impression, for that is the only measure that can give us security. It is impossible for us to have a superior fleet in every part ; and unless our Command- ers-in-chief will take the great line, as you do, and consider the King's whole dominions as under their care, our enemies must find us unpre- pared somewhere, and carry their point against us. * I owr , I think, that they are now gone to America, and am pampering myself with the idea of the glory you will acquire by pur- suing them with your coppered ships, and rendering their designs abortive. * Our official letters will tell you what re- inforcement is coming to you immediately, and also that Admiral Graves has positi\ e orders to join you with five sail of the line, as soon as the winter sets in. You will then i, ::: i LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 403 ' have a noble fleet, and commanders under ' you that will obey your orders. It has been * difficult, very difficult to find out proper * flag officers to serve under you. Some are * rendered unfit from their factious con- * nexions— others from inferiority or insuffi- * ciency ; and we have at last been obliged to ' make a promotion in order to do the thing * properly. ' Sir Samuel Hood is to have his flag, and ' to bring out the next convoy to you ; and * ui less Admiral Graves comes from America, * (which notwithstanding the positive orders ' I have already told you of, I do not consider * as a certainty,) he will ren. an second in ' command to you, and with him and Com- * modore Drake I hope every thing will go * on to your satisfaction. We first thought ' of Admiral Darby and Admiral Drake, but * their health would not allow them to en- * counter a West India climate. At all events, * it was my resolution that no factious person * should be put upon you, nor any one to ' whom I thought you had any personal 'objection. , . , , 2D 2 ' '« ;»ji iiir;.r 'Hj I'M, nil,/, ;''"'■; iitili;'" •• v> :f ;;;"";' :\i' ■ ■ " : ■ ■ ■ 'l ■••■'■ i.ir ■'■;■'* mm 'Wm 406 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the attack of Rhode Island and the French fleet, if such an attack was deemed prac- ticable. * And having received intelligence that the rebel army under Washington, which had greatly increased since the arrival of the French squadron, meditated an attack upon New York and Staten Island, I proceeded over the bar with his Majesty's ships Sand- wich, Triumph, Alcide, Terrible, Torbay, Yarmouth, and Fortun^e frigate, and an- chored the Sandwich in the north river, between the city of New York and the fort at Paulus Hook ; the other part of the squadron abreast the watering place at Staten Island, with orders to land the sick, which are numerous, and to complete their water and provisions with the utmost de- spatch, holding themselves in constant rea- diness to proceed to sea at a moment's warning. * It is with concern I must acquaint their Lordships, that having conferred with Sir Henry Clinton, and seen the correspondence between him and Admiral Arbuthnot, upoA the subject of attacking Rhode Island, and ;'!>ii''M LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 407 destroying the French squadron in that port, it was his opinion, that it was now too late, the enemy having had sufficient time to for- tify it in such a manner, as to render an attack upon it impracticable, without a regular siege, which at present he has not sufficient force to undertake, more especially as Washington, with his army, lay ready to pour down upon New York and Staten Is- land, or join the French should he withdraw the troops from those important posts. Such being the situation of affairs, I sent orders to Admiral Arbuthnot, who had been joined by the four ships I had despatched with Commodore Drake,, viz., the Russell, CuUoden, Centaur, and Shrewsbury, to keep a watchful eye over Monsieur Ternay and his squadron, to block it up in the best manner he was able ; and as the season of the year was so far advanced as to render it impracticable for Monsieur Ternay to undertake any en- terprise towards Quebec, or to the northward, should he escape with his squadron from Rhode Island, that he had, in my opinion, but two choices — either to return to Europe, or to proceed to Martinique, I therefore i ';,:■■ Wi fill;'"'' »■■ '■ ■':,„ ' --il'.? I': \m4 '•„■""■'•■'« i imy ;;.,; I ' ■■ ■ j ' , ■•:..■',/ ' , '''• ■ • '"-, !]'■;:.. '■^^" : '■i""„ It •',. .;.l,,!l.;,,nuU ,■ I a;.' ■■ ■• iil'Jliit I ; ;:'"■ s\ , :tHli.dH!, ^'■- 408 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. thought it necessary for his Majesty's ser- vice, to give orders that if Monsieur Ternay did escape from Rhode Island unengaged, Rear-Admiral Graves, with eight or ten copper-bottomed ships of the line and two frigates, should, without a moment's loss of time, push for Martinique, and station him- self in such a manner to windward of that island, as to enable him to bring Monsieur Ternay to action on his approach, and to send notice to Commodore Hotham of his arrival, that he might be joined by the other copper-bottomed line-of-battle ships, which I had left under his command. * Their Lordships may be assured I shall follow with every despatch possible. . * The Triumph, Alcide, Terrible, Intrepid, Boreas, Greyhound, and Cyclops, (the four last having joined me from the West Indies,) having landed their sick, and completed their water and provisions, I ordered them, under the command of Captain Affleck, to cruise off the mouth of the Delaware, at such a convenient distance as not to be dis- covered by the enemy, in order not only to intercept the great convoy of French ships. LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 409 now loaded and ready to sail from that river for the use of the French fleet and army at Rhode Island, but likewise to keep a good look out for any French squadron that may come to the assistance of Monsieur Ternay, to engage it, if not too superior to his own, and in that case to join Mr. Arbuthnot with every possible despatch, giving him notice by his copper-bottomed frigates, of such an event, and likewise sending a frigate express i ' me. I acquainted Mr. Arbuthnot with these orders, and that I should hasten the Torbay to reinforce Captain Affleck. ' As it was with concern I observed, on my approach to Sandy Hook, that all the south- ern coast was left unguarded for want of frigates, and in particular that no cruisers were stationed off Charlestown Bar, which swarmed with American privateers, that greatly distressed the trade of the province, nothing escaping them, I lost no time in despatching a sufficient number of frigates to support the commerce of that important colony, and destroy the rebellious piratical vessels which infested it. JMIll iii ii.:M J '!l:'iii ■ in..* :!('■ ;"' 4'^.. 1 ■%, i;-MM;;-. ...-„ ,.! 'it •lis; >»■<; Z i Ill''- ■; ';T»1'!i* ■ '",('1!* . . '•■.Kid,''^ ' V "»i'»4H" mii.'5'ij'> i ,ll '.;i; 410 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * I. have likewise stationed a chain of fri- * gates along the whole southern coast, and * have the pleasure to acquaint their Lord- * ships that six of the rebel privatec^rs have * already been taken, and there is not a doubt * that many more will share the same fate. * I must beg you will acquaint their Lord- * ships, that there being the greatest want of * frigates on this station to carry on the public * service, and to co-operate in the enterprises * which are intended to be undertaken against * the enemy, in parts where only frigates can * be of service, I hope their Lordships will * approve of my having ordered two of the * largest privateers, which mounted twenty- * two guns each, and remarkable for their * sailing, to be purchaised, and commissioned * as sloops of war. They shall be officered * and manned, and instantly proceed on the * expedition the General and myself have * concerted, and which we are in hopes will * give such a blow as to secure the fidelity of * the southern provinces. '. h ' I send Captain Brisbane, of his Majesty's * ship Aifjide, with these despatches. I am * sorry to part with so good an officer ; but his uvm LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 411 ' extreme ill state of health renders it abso- * lutely necessary for him to return to Europe. ' He goes in the Fortun^e, a remarkably fine * frigate, of forty guns, and which will do very * considerable service when she has a copper * bottom. Captain Christian, who commands * her, is an active and gallant officer. I should ' be glad, if his Majesty's service will admit ' of it, that their Lordships will be so obliging, * when the ship is copper-bottomed, to order * his return to the West India station, where * he is well acquainted. * In all probability, by the time this despatch * is in your hands, I shall be on my return to * my station in the West Indies. * Inclosed I send you the report of the offi- * cers of his Majesty's yard, relative to the * purchase of the two sloops of war. * It is with the highest satisfaction I assure ' their Lordships that my arrival on the coast * of America has had the most salutary effects ; * but it does not become me to dwell upon this ' subject. I must therefore leave it to the * army, navy, loyal, and even disloyal, Ameri- * cans, to point out the consequences. * P.S. This day two privateers have been * brought in by the Greyhound.' ■:i 'iiir ■■ ' tilblisii''' \Sv^ .("■"It. .:iv III!! "''!;<.^.;''« i, ' '• '.1 1'.'l' |l»:v-...5.i,u I ill''- I ■•■■'• 1 IV'?;, i 1} .mC'-; i' '»' 1 Hi k'mm i.r'i i 412 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ♦ Admiralty, Oct. 14th, 1780. ' I trouble you with these few words merely to tell you that I think your being joined by the squadron from America becomes more doubtful than ever, as we have reason to believe that M. Treville, with seven or eight sail of the line, and a large number of troops, is destined to reinforce the French at Rhode Island, in which case Arbuthnot will not be able to detach. I do not, at the same time, think it unlikely that Treville may take Martinique in his way, (as it is too late to have hopes of making the coast of America this year,) in order to be there before us in the spring ; and if he should arrive when we have no naval force on the spot, the conse- quences may be very fatal. . ' Of all this, however, you will have official notice, from which only you will judge how to act.' ^ LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 413 * FROM THE EARL OF SANDWICH. ..;,:. , • Admiralty, Oct. 29th, 1780 * I cannot suffer my friend, Captain Bick- erton, to come under your command with- out particularly recommending him to your favour. The young man is a most exceeding deserving officer ; but I really think du owe his father a good turn, for having taken his ship away with you to the West Indies. I must also speak a word in favour of Lieu- tenant Curgenven*, of the Barfleur. He is an excellent officer, and has met with many grievous disappointments. If you will take him under your protection also, I shall es- teem it an obligation. , ; * You will have now under your command all your Spanish prizes, except the Dili- gente, which is not fit for a foreign voyage. I hope they will enable you to double their number ; and am convinced that nothing will '■ prevent it but the enemy's keeping out of • your way.' " * * Tliis officer was lost in the Ville de Parifs, on her passage to England, in September, 1782. 'I'l I :., Hi"' ;:■''". ■ ■• V " • • 1., .. '■ , 3'K it-S;!:::;.'W' :• 'ii':. ■'■.-■. ll'l!;":. t»" .\< :• • ■■:■-' ijliiik- •'■:,l !!;;:! Sill 414 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. • Sendwhh, off New York, ' Oct. 20th, 1780. , * I must desire you will be pleased to ac- * quaint their Lordships that the squadron of "• his Majesty's phips and frigates which I had * stationed off the Delaware received very ' considerable damage in a violent gale of ' wind, and most of them have been obliged ' to return to port in a crippled condition. * The Terrible and Cyclops lost their mizen- ' masts; the Guadaloupe was compelled to ' throw some of her guns overboard ; and * almost every ship was so much damaged, as ' to be obliged to return into port. Every * despatch possible has been used in refitting * them ; and I have the pleasure to acquaint * their Lordships that in a few days every '' ship will be ready for sea. * You will likewise please to mention that, * during the refitting the squadron, I thought ' it a most proper time to order the trial of ' Captain Bateman, of his Majesty's ship the ' Yarmouth, for his behaviour in the action of LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 415 * the 17tli of April last with the French fleet. ' It was impossible to bring it on sooner, with- ' out great detriment to his Majesty's service, * the fleet under my command being on con- * stant service since that memorable day, and ' hourly liable to be called out to action. * The ships I stationed upon the coast have ' been very successful against the enemy's ' privateers and ships of war, thirteen having * been taken since my arrival, and the others ' compelled to take shelter in their ports. By ' the great number of prisoners taken, which ' amount to upwards of 1400, the rebels will ' find it extremely diflicult to man the conti- ' nental ships of war now in the Chesapeake ' and at Boston. * Their Lordships (by the Gazette extraor- ' dinary which I have the honour to inclose ' for their perusal) will perceive to what a low ' state the rebel navy is reduced ; and I am ' fully persuaded, that if the prisoners taken * in their privateers are not released, it will be * of the greatest advantage to the commerce * of his Majesty's loyal subjects, and the se- * verest blow that can be given the rebels, " ;■ -Is" ii.,.iJi'"''''5' (.. iiii, ' I '"■'.■■ '■ ■■ ! iri'';' '-^ ( ii.i I ill '"•"'.: ' ' ■; .''i? 416 LIFE OF LORD UODNEY. * whose chief support arises from the pira- * tical captures they make. • The wretches by whom these privateers * are manned have no principle whatever. * They live by piracy and the plunder of * their fellow-subjects, when they have been * released, out of humanity, to return to their ' friends, and live by honest industry. They * forget the mercy that has been shewn them, * and instantly return to renew their acts of * piracy. Since my arrival here I have al- * lowed none of them to be released ; and have * given notice that, till the seven hundred pri- * soners their Congress owes are liquidated, ' the rebel sailors will be detained in confine- * ment. It is with pleasure I can assure their * Lordships that very few British seamen are * in the possession of the rebels. The great * increase of prisoners, and the extreme bad * condition of the prison-ships, render it ne- * cessary to convert the Jersey hospital-ship ' into a prison-ship, which I hope will meet ' with their Lordships' approbation, more es- ' pecially as a naval hospital has been esta- ' blished upon Long Island, which rendered M 1 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 417 the hospital-ship (become unfit for that ser- vice) totally useless, and by converting her into a prison-ship has saved a considerable expense to Government. * As the season is now so far advanced, there is little probability of an enemy's squadron arriving on this coast. I have undoubted authority to say that M. Monteil, with eight sail of the line (being that part of the squadron left by M. de Guichen, on his return to Europe, at Cape Francois), had orders to join M. Ternay at Rhode Island, and had certainly attempted it, if he had not received intelligence by a Bermudian (spoke to by the Centaur), M'ho, under the pretence of being bound to Turk's Island for salt, traitorously went to Cape Francois, and gave his Majesty's enemies information of the squadron under my command steering for America. * My stay here will be very short. The season for action in the West Indies ap- proaches ; and not a moment's time shall be lost by me in doing my duty to his Majesty and the public ; and I flatter myself I shall have their Lordships' approbation of my conduct.' Vol. I. 2 E .y.. II.. Hill ;^^ !' "..rtiii, "• - ■ ^-M 1 II *!§: ;;. ; uii' r ' t- ' I 1' 'It. n. %• : '(• II. - fjl i Nil.;- III." I .. '^ i H^!--, 1 iiii. I ■<■'■•:' 418 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. ' TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. * Sandwich, off New York, • Oct 80th, 1780. • * I feel tlie greatest concern whenever I am * under the necessity of giving their Lordships * the pain of reading a letter which indicates * any disagreement between officers of high * rank in his Majesty's naval department, and * more especially when acting on his real ser- * vice ; but Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot having * taken it into his head to be highly offended ' at me for doing what I thought my duty to * his Majesty and the public, and acquainting * me by letter, dated 16th instant, that he * would remonstrate to their Lordships against * my conduct, I think it a duty I owe myself * to transmit to the Admiralty Board copies * of my orders and letters to Mr. Arbuthnot, * with his answers to me (his superior officer), * that their Lordships may judge which of us * has most cause to trouble them with com- * plaints. * In my conduct as an Admiral, command- * ing a great fleet, I am responsible to none * but their Lordships. Their approbation is 11 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 419 my highest ambition : to their disapproba- tion it is my duty with humility to submit, as I shall be convinced that I have deserved reproof; and if, in the command of the fleet they have done me the honour to intrust to my charge, I liave committed errors in judg- ment, I have such confidence in t!\eir justice, that I am sure they will not attribute thein to errors of the will. ' Ever since I have had the honour of being an officer in the navy, I have made it an in- variable rule to obey, and cannot tax m/sclf with having ever once wilfully disobeyed the orders of a superior officer, when upon his Majesty's service. * The superior officer who issues the order is amenable, not the inferior officer who obeys it. That I have been extremely tender in issuing orders to Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, and been attentiv: *^; wards pay- ing every respect due to his rank, the in- closed letters will, I am sure, convince their Lordships. * If, in his answers to me, his letters have not been penned with that cordiality which ought to subsist between officers acting on 2 E 2 •* 1 III', ^•^ ■ ■ . , :» ; '""'M'h J „ " ■ ,> ,. ■■■■ '■■ ■> '',.« i-i!!!;' 420 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. the public service, I am sorry for him : they affect not me. * I am ashamed to mention what appears to me the real cause, and from whence Mr. Arbuthnot's chagrin proceeds ; but . . . * Mr. Arbuthnot taxes me, in his letter of the 16th instant, with deviating from the orders he had issued to the frigates. Such deviation was absolutely indispensable at the time for his Majesty's service. It was impossible for him, then stationed at Gardi- ner's Bay, one hundred and thirty miles distant from New York, and liable every moment to put to sea, to know the situation of affairs. Could he possibly imagine that I, his superior officer, then upon the spot at New York, and who came determined to give every assistance in my power towards bringing the rebellion to a conclusion, could so far forget my duty as to neglect issuing orders for so desirable an end, and wait five or six days, at least, for his approbation? No, Sir ; I was convinced the whole southern coast was exposed ; not a single frigate off Carolina, and not one to be seen from that '.'.ri'l' LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 421. * coast to Sandy Hook. I therefore, without ' a moment's delay, hastened the ships out * from this port, stationed them off every pro- ' vince, by which means thirteen ^ail of rebel * privateers have been already taken, and the * trade of his Majesty's subjects, which was * not safe even in sight of Sandy Hook, has * been most effectually protected. * I flattered myself I should have had the * honour of Mr. Arbuthnot's approbation of * my conduct. I am sorry I have not; but * if I am so happy as to meet with that of ' their Lordships, I shall be more than fully * compensated. ' The rank I have the honour to bear in his * Majesty's navy; the command, agreeable to < that rank, I had publicly assumed, accord- * ing to the invariable rule of service; and the * notice and orders I had given Vice- Admiral * Arbuthnot, Oblige me to desire you will lay * before their Lordships the inclosed original ' orders given by Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot, ' that they may be convinced how much he ' has forgot himself, and how highly disre- ' spectful his behaviour has been to me, his ' superior officer, in issuing orders to officers, lii..:'!!'! ■m '"■■'■S'lisL M "•■1(1 K \i , • U.iit, 5 ;;li. r!' fia: i. ' 422 UFE OP LORD RODNEY. both military and civil, in the naval (depart- ment then under the immediate direction of my flag, without ever signifying to me he had so done. * Though I had such just reasons to com- plain of the indignity offered me, I would not suffer it to cause the least delay in the public service, but directed the officers who brought me Mr. Arbuthnot's orders to hasten the supplies demanded, and appointed a convoy to conduct them to Gardiner's Bay. * His despatching the Raisonnable to Eng- land without acquainting me previously to her sailing, and after he had received my orders to put himself under my command,| is, I believe, unprecedented in the annals of the navy ; and it is with the greatest con- cern my duty obliges me to make their Lordships acquainted therewith.' UFE OF LORD RODNEY* 423 * TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. ' Sandwich, off Sandy Hook, ♦ November 13th, 1780. I beg that you will be pleased to acquaint their Lordships, that all the convoys from Great Britain, Ireland, and South Carolina, with provisions for the navy and army, are safe arrived at this port, the Charon and Hussar having left at Charlestown the trade and victuallers bound to that port. * Monsieur Ternay and the French squa- dron still remain at Rhode Island, and Vice- Admiral Arbuthnot, with the squadron under his command, in Gardiner's Bay, in order to watch their motions. * I directed the Vice- Admiral to recall the Prudent and America, which he had de-» tached from his squadron to cruise in Boston Bay, and on their junction with them to order the Russell and Centaur to join the squadron under my command, off Sandy Hook, immediately, in order for their pro- ceeding with me to the West Indies; and although tho&e ships have not joined me, I ,i li'ili 'M Mi 424 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. shall proceed, without a moment's loss of time, to sea, when wind and weather permit. * B> a vessel which left St. Christopher's, on tlte nth of October (having been blown out of the road in a sort of hurricane), I learn that everything was quiet in the Caribbee Islands, and that the enemy had no ships of war remaining at Martinique ; and likewise, that the Ramilies and South- ampton had passed St. Christopher's, on their way to Jamaica. * So many ships of war at Jamaica, and the Thunderer and Warwick not having re- turned to St. Lucie, as your letter by Com- modore Walsingham informed me it was their Lordships' orders they should so do, will leave the windward islands, which, in all probability will again be the scene of war, very bare of ships. I trust and hope, and have not a doubt but their Lordships' intention is, that I shall be fully supported as far as the nature of the public service will admit, in order to enable me to carry on the war with advantage to his Majesty and the state. * I left orders with Commodore Hotham, to I i J LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 425 * send home with the other convoy, the Fame, * Suffolk, and Vigilant, as likewise the Ven- * geance, if her condition required it. I hope * they are now on their passage to Great ' Britain. Should they not have sailed before * my arrival at St. Lucie, I shall hasten them * home, that they may be repaired before the ensumg summer. ' I likewise send with these despatches, the ' Yarmouth, which is in great want of repair ; * and I have left orders for the Thames and * Fowey, which are in the same condition, to * proceed from New York with the trade, ' empty transports, and victuallers, on the 30th * of this month, to Great Britain, which I trust ' Villi meet with their Lordships' approbation. ' Inclosed I have the honour to send for * their Lordships' inspection the letter of * Captain Gay ton, of his Majesty's ship * Romulus, to whom I have given the com- ' mand of the enterprise Sir Henry Clinton * desired might be carried on in the Chesa- ' peake. Their Lordships will perceive that * the expedition was successful, and might * have answered many good purposes, had it '1M it'- m '' !ii!"''j fe:. 0. "iiiki. ,-, (111!:" > in' ". • ■'■ if?. V* m*' 'I m" 11. II lii .;i.v ■iiilJI ■. 'I'hr'i'iil''. !'Ji f lliiill \m m 'i^-r 426 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. not been for the misfortune wliich happened to pavt of Lord Cornwallit;'!- »nny, which compelled them to retire froia JaniPs Biver, in order to support his Lonlship in Cape Fear River, Nortii Carolina*. • To-morrow, a reinforcement of trooH, under the command of Brigrxdier-Cenijral O' Hara, sails for Cape Fear Kivf^r, vi icii I will take care shall be supported with a yirong convoy, going myself, with the squa- !!v, l| mi , h4 1 h'rm. 1 H ■ ■'. ',' * '-^ ii''' ■ Ik' pi;)" 438 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. Clinton, namely, the mutual good-will and cordiality which subsisted between these two disti' guished officers; whereas it was noto- rious that a serious misunderstanding had unhappily prevailed for some time between Admiral Arbuthnot and Sir Henry Clinton ; and that they mutually disapproved of each other's conduct is apparent from their de- spatches to Government, and especially those from General Clinton, whose expressions re- specting the conduct of the Admiral were by no means equivocal. In the affairs of war, a perfect communion of sentiment, regard, and confidence between officers commandmg is indispensable. With- out it no enterprise ever succeeded : failure is the certain result. On Sir George Rodney's return to the West Indies, he found that he had a new enemy to contend with. But before entering upon a detail of his enterprises against this nation — the Dutch, it will be necessary briefly to advert to the state of European politics at that period. Great Britain had been manfully contend- ing for some time past with the united forces of France, Spain, and America; but whilst LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 439 she was making the most vigorous efforts, and even in the main getting the better of the powers who opposed her fairly in the field, enemies were raised up throughout Europe, who, by reason of their acting indirectly, could neither be opposed nor resisted. The power which most openly manifested its hostile intention was Holland; but, besides this, a most formidable confederacy, under the title of the Armed Neutraliti/, was formed, evidently with a design to crush the power of Great Britain. Of this confederacy the Em- press of Russia declared Iierself the head, to which the Kings of Denmark and Sweden formally acceded. The States-General did the same ; and it was resolved, by the parties engaged in it, to make a common cause of it at sea against any of the belligerent powers who should violate, with respect to neutral nations, the principles which had been esta- blished by the Empress *. '\'<'\\ i 'iiiti... 1: !!';. m l>t m^' * These principles were contained in the following proposi- tions : — 1st. That neutral ships shall enjoy a free navigation, even from port to port, and on the coasts of the belligerent powers. 2d. That all effects belonging to the belligerent pQ\yers shall be 440 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. But though the British ministry could not openly engage in war with all these northern powers, they determined to take severe ven- geance on the Dutch, whose ingratitude and perfidy now became a general subject of looked upon as free on board such neiitral ships, except only such goods as were stipulated contraband. 3d. Her Imperial Majesty, for the proper understanding of this, refers to the articles 10 and 11 of her treaty of commerce with Great Britain, extending her obligations to all the other belli- gerent powers. This treaty provides, * that th^i subjects of either ' party may freely pass, re'^ass, and trade in all countries which • now are, or hereafter shall be, at enmity with the other of the ' said parties (places actually blocked up or besieged only ex- • cepted), provided they do not cany any warlike stores or ammu- • nition to the enemy. As for all other effects, their ships, passen- ' gers, and goods shall be free and unmolested. Cannons, mortars, ' or other warlike utensils, in any quantity beyond what may be • necessary for the ship's provision, and may properly appertain • to, and be judged necessary for, every man of the ship's crew, ' or for each passenger, shall be deemi ^ ammunition of war ; and ( if any such be found, they may seize .id confiscate the same, ' according to law ; but neither the vessels, passengers, nor the rest ' of the goods shaiA be detained for that reason, or hindered from • pursuing their voyage.' The f.ame enumeration of the goods stipulated as contraband was given in the treaty concluded be- tween Great Britain and Russia in 1 756. 4th. That in order to determine what characterises a fort blocked jp, that denomination should not be granted but to such places before which there Vv re actually a number of enemy's ships stationed near enough, so as to make its entry dangerous. 5th. That those principles should serve as rules in the judicial proceedings and sentences upon the legality of prizes. '■'I LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 441 speculation. Ever since the commencement of hostilities with the Americans, the Dutch had evinced much partiality towards them. This continued to be the case, even beyond what the natural avidity of a mercantile people could be supposed to produce. Fre- quent memorials and remonstrances had of consequence passed between the two nations, and the breach gradually grew wider and wider, until at last matters came to an extre- mity, by a discovery that the town of Am- sterdai . was about to enter into a commercial treaty with the revolted subjects of England in North America. This happened in the beginning of September, 1 780, by the capture of Mr. Laurens *, late President of the Ame- rican Congress, and who had been empowered * On the 30th of Septenil-"., *he Mercury, a Congress pacln- ■, * Such is the condition of the once flourish- * ing island of Barbadoes. In everything * in my power towards the relief of the * inhabitants, their Lordships may be assured ' I shall assist them ; and shall despatch * expresses to America, to request vessels * loaded with lumber may be sent, in order to * restore the buildings in this unhappy island, *and screen the surviving inhabitants from * the inclemency of the climate. * Not one single battery in the whole island * but what has been totally destroyed; and * such effect had the violence of the wind and * sea even upon the cannon, that if I was to * report the great distance some of them were * carried from the batteries, few persons would * give credit to the assertion. , , * I leave their Lordships to jtdge how much * my concern must have been heightened * upon the report made to me of the loss his LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 451 Majesty and the public had sustained in the destruction of the ships of war, and the gallant officers and men belonging to them, a list of which I have the honour to inclose* ; but I hope some of them have escaped, and arrived at Jamaica, to which island I shall despatch an express, acquainting Sir Peter Parker with the great disaster that has happened, and request and demand his assistance in not only hastening such ships of my squadron as may have escaped the hurricane and arrived at Jamaica, to rejoin me with all possible despatch, but likewise that he will reinforce me, without loss of time, with the Thunderer and Berwick, in i! 'ill 'il!' It ijl: .SUM .,,,,.. * Loss sustained by Commodore Hotham's squadron. Vengeance, 74, sustained great damage in the harbour of St. Lucie. Ajax and Montagu, 74, forced to sea, and received great damage. Since returned to St. Lucie. Egmont, 74, and Endymion, 44, dismasted, and obliged to run down to Jamaica. Venus, 3(>, and Alcmene, 32, dismasted — reached Antigua. Albemarle, 24, forced to sea from Barbadoes. Blanche, 32, and Cameleon, 14, foundered at sea— all on board perished. Andromeda and Laurel, 28, wrecked on the island of Martinique. Deal Castle, 24, wrecked on Porto Rico— crew saved. St. Vincente, 14, drove ashore in the harbour of St. Lucie. 2G2 !i i «! 452 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * pursuance of the orders he received hy * Commodore Walsingham, and in pursuance * of his Majesty's pleasure, signified to my * Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by * the principal Secretary of State, and with * such other ships as he can possibly spare ^ from the Jamaica station, which island cannot * be in danger whilst I have the honour to * command his Majesty's fleet on the wind- * ward station, as I have already convinced ' the Commander-in-chief of his Majesty's ^ fleet at Jamaica, of my willingness, agree- * ably to my duty, to support it when in '* danger. * "' - ~ ■ ' I shall likewise acquaint Sir Peter Parker * of the crippled condition, not only of part * of the squadron I brought with me from * America, but also of those I left under * Commodore Hotham, which have escaped * the hurricane, but remain unserviceable * until masts and rigging can be procured to * refit them ; and that no stores for that * purpose are obtainable in the Caribbee * Islands. I shall point out to him the * necessity of his sending me a strong rein- * forcement of ships ; and I hope Sir Peter LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, 453 Parker will be convinced, from my repre- sentations of the critical situation of affairs in this part of the world, that it is his duty, without a moment's delay, to hasten the reinforcement I shall demand, more espe- cially as I shall acquaint him with the great force the enemy daily expects from Brest, under Monsieur de la Touche Treville, of the squadron from Cape Francois, under Monsieur Monteil (four of which are already arrived at Martinique), exclusive of Mon- sieur Temay's squadron from America, and a strong reinforcement of line-of-battle ships which the French expect from Cadiz, as I am credibly informed by letters in a French merchant ship from Spain, taken by one of my squadron, and by whom I learn that Monsieur de Guichen, wi ^:; eighteen sail of the line, was arrived at Ctidiz from Cape Francois, From all these considera- tions, I hope Sir Peter Parker will not hesitate one moment at the part he ought to take; but from his not returning the frigates I sent to Jamaica (particularly the Alert brig, by which I earnestly requested him to make me acquainted with the :!'j till; ri!:: ii,.!' ^■ ii m •; 454 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. situation of affairs in his station, but have never as yet received any information what- ever from him during my continuance on the coast of America, or through the hands of Commodore Hotham, with whom I left the command at the Leeward Islands in my absence), I have reason to think that it may require their Lordships' strictest commands to Sir Peter Parker, or the commanding officer for the time being at Jamaica, that my request for a reinforcement from that station may be complied with. * You will please to acquaint their Lord- ships that, till the arrival of Sir Samuel Hood with the store-ships from England, the Resolution, Montague, Ajax, Alcide, and Shrewsbury cannot be refitted, for want of masts and stores. The Torbay, which has not yet joined me, I am convinced will be in the same condition ; but everything in my power shall be done towards so desirable an end. * I have ordered the packet to sail without a moment's loss of time, that their Lordships may be acquainted as soon as possible with the situation of bSbits in this part of the ]/ LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 45^ * world ; and I shall send an express in a few * days, by one of the men-of-war sloops that * have escaped the hurricane, with any further * intelligence that I may obtain. ' ^ * P.S. The Shrewsbury has joined me in * this bay.' * TO LADY RODNEY, ^H I lel ^1 ^1 J flu, H ^1 ae, ^M Eint 1 [las I * I 1 ible I ^^M , LOUt 1 lips 1 nth 1 the 1 . , • St. Lucie, Dec. 10th, 1780. Yesterday I arrived here, after a short pas- sage, attended with a gale of wind, which separated all my fleet, and crippled most of them. John, whom I acquainted you I had made a captain in the Triton, having re- ceived considerable damage, is now at An- tigua refitting. I sailed from New York the 16th of November, and arrived at Barbadoes on the 5th of this month. * You way easily conceive my surprise, concern, and astonishment, when I saw the dreadful situation of that island, and the destructive effects of the hurricane. The strongest buildings, and the whole of the houses, most of which were of stone, and remarkable for their solidity, gave way to 4 h ill i if I y I 45B LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. the fury of the wind, and were torn up from their very foundations ; all the forts de- stroyed, and many of the heavy cannon carried upwards of a hundred feet from the forts. Had I not been an eye-witness, no- thing could have induced me to have be- lieved it. More than six thousand persons perished, and all the inhabitants are entirely ruined : our friend, Sir P. Gibbs, has suf- fered severely. The hurricane proved fatal to six of the ships of my squadron, amongst whom poor Jack Drummond perished on the back of the island of St. Lucie. Several other valuable officers underwent the same fate in Martinique and Dominica ; and the remainder of my squadron, which I left with Commodore Hotham, are useless, having lost all their masts, and no stores here to replace them. If Sir Samuel Hood does not arrive soon from England, we shall be in a worse condition than last year, and very inferior again to the enemy, unless they instantly despatch a large squadron to join me. * On my arrival I was made happy by the receipt of your letters, the first part of which not a little surprised me, and has convinced 7 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 457 ' me that my letters U> you are opened or * secreted, as I have never suffered any ship ' to sail without writing to you. I find I am * chosen for Westminster, and without ex- * pense. I allow the honour to be great in * the extreme to represent the first city in the < world ; but between you and me, I should * have preferred being elected for Hampshire, * which I certainly had been, if the poll for ■* Westminster had not been so much in my * favour. My partiality for my own county * is, I trust, pardonable. - - . ^ * I must now recur to the melancholy affair * of the hurricane, which, I hear, has deprived * two of my friends of two very valuable youjig * men. I feel most sincerely for Governor * Johnstone and Colonel Keene. Captains * Hawkins and Johnstone were both at anchor * in Gros Islet Bay, both drove out, and, I * greatly fear, both have perished. Johnstone < I had made a post-captain, upon Captain * Bateman's being broke and dismissed the * King's service. So mild a sentence will, * perhaps, not please the nation. He insulted * his judges when he found that his life was ' safe. * I have received my dear Jenny's letter i I'll L I i^P' ii.. ! 458 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. from Brighton, for which I think myself highly obliged by the description she has given of her own bathing, and the affection of my dog Loup, when the women took hold of you. She seems more pleased with the nice souse, as she calls it, than with the affection that caused it. I am soriy, how- ever, he was so displeased with his bathing a3 not to suffer anybody to speak to him. * Notwithstanding I am so pleased with hei* letter, I am not quite so with her writing : I fear her master is a bad performer, and does not teach her a woman's hand. Nothing is so shocking in a lady as a masculine hand. Pray tell her so. I wish you would send me some wax likenesses of my dear girls ; I believe it is easily done. ' "' •" ^i^ ■■'. ' * This letter I send by the packet, which I have ordered home at an hour's notice, that Government may know of my arrival in the West, and of the forlorn condition of my squadron. In a very short time I shall send a frigate express, when you shall near again from me. * Pray don't let any of my girls go to a boarding-school. I cannot bear it. They will learn nothing there but mischief.* •LIFE OP LORD RODNEY, 459 my * TO SIR PETER PARKER, COMMANDING AT * JAMAICA. ' ■ '• . ^ Sandwich, off Si, hncie, ... : , ,' ' December 15th, 1780. On my arrival at Barbadoes, on the 5th instant, you may easily judge of my surprise and astonishment at finding that beautiful island, which was always thought, to be out of the reach of hurricanes, to be one entire ruin, — not one church, and scarcely one house, but what experienced the dreadful effects of the hurricane which happened there on the 10th of October. Upwards of six thousand inhabitants perished ! ' * But what added greatly to this calamity was the loss his Majesty and the public had sustained in eight ships of war, with the gallant officers and men belonging to them, and the great damage of the remainder of the squadron I had left under the command of Commodore Hotham, in these seas, all of which were dismasted, and rendered useless, as neither masts nor rigging are in the stores, nor are there any to be purchased. i P i!; 1 «• !V 46D X-IFE OF LORD RODNEY. * I have not a doubt, should any of the ships ' have been so fortunate as to have escaped * the hurricane, and to have arrived at Ja- * maica, that you will refit them, and hasten * them back to this station with all possible * despatch. Theii* service will be much * wanted ; and the enemy's squadron, which * is hourly expected in these seas, will be * very superior to that under my command, * unless you shall reinforce it with the * Thunderer and Berwick, agreeable to his * Majesty's commands, signified by his prin- * cipal Secretary of State to my Lords * Commissioners of the Admiralty, which * command the Admiralty acquainted me * they had directed you to comply with, by * sending the said ships to be put under my * command, and which I expected would have * joined me on my return to this station, but * on the non-appearance of which I must own ' I have been greatly disappointed *. * Sir George Rodney was not at this time aware that the dis- astrous effects of the hurricane had extended to Rear- Admiral Rowley's squadron, who were cruising off St. Domingo. The loss sustained was as follows :— ■ Grafton, 74, Hector, 74, Ruby, 64, Trident, 64, Berwick, 74, Ulysses, 44, Pomona, 28, and Bristol, 50 — dismasted, and other- wise much damaged. - -« ' * ', Thunderer, 'f LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 4C1' * I have acquainted the Lords Commis- * sioners with the situation of affairs here, * and of the absolute necessity of a strong Thunderer, 74, Commodore Walsingham, son of the Earl of Shannon, supposed to have foundered. Stirling Castle, 64, and Phoenix, 44, wrecked ; many of the crews drowned. Scarborough, 24, Victor, 14, Barbadoes, 14, foundered at sea. The following extract of a letter from Doctor Blane to Doctor William HuNTKR, will give some idea of the hurricane. • Sandwich, at sea, off St. Lucie, ♦December 22nd, 1780. * Having returned to the West Indies with the fleet from North ' America, I found that, in our absence, there had been a most * violent hurricane at Barbadoes, and some of the neighbouring * islands ; and I send you the best account of this interesting phe- ' nomenon I can collect from the testimony of those who suffered * in it, and from the very visible traces of it now under my eye. . ' It began to blow hard at Barbadoes on the 9th of October, but it was not apprehended till next day that there would be anything more than such a gale of wind as they experience iron) time to time in this island at that season. On the evening of the 10th, the wind arose to such a degree of violence as clearly to amount to what is called a hurricane. At eight o'clock, p.m., it began to make impression on the houses by tearing off thQ roofs, and overtlu'owing some of the walls. As the inhabitants had never been accustomed to such a convulsion of Nature, they remained till this time in security, but they now began to be ii^ the utmost consternation ; and the sufferings and calamities of the people, the ravage and devastation upon every object of Nature and art, during the ensuing night, exceed all description, It was thought to be at the greatest height at midnight, and di4 not abate considerably till eight o'clock next morning. During all this time most of the inhabitants had deserted their houses to It if I .<#■ ^ \ 462 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * reinforcement being sent to support the * honour of the British flag, and his Ma- * jesty's territories in these seas, which will * avoid being buried in the ruins ; and every age, sex, and con- * dition, were exposed in the fields to the impetuous wind, incessant ' torrents of rain, and the terrors of thunder and lightning. Many ' were overwhelmed in the ruins, either by clinging too long in the ' ruins for shelter, in attempting to save what was valuable, or by ' unavoidable accidents f^om the fall of walls, roofs, and furniture, ' the materials of which were projected to great distances. Even ' the bodies of men and cattle were lifted from off the ground, and ' carried several yards. The cries of the helpless wounded and ' dying could not be heard amidst the crash of ruins, and the ' noise of the elements. At Bridgetown the bodies were too ' numerous, and the weather too severe, to get them disengaged ' from the ruins for some days, and they emitted a putrid stench ' which affected the air of the whole town. An estimate has been ' attempted of the number of deaths from returns made to the ' governor, and they amounted to more than three thousand^ ' though several parishes had not given in their returns when t ' was there. • All the houses of the island have suffered, more or less ; and ' the damage has been the greater, that the buildings were not ' calculated to withstand such a shock, for there had been no such ' event in this island for a hundred and five years. The late hur- * ricanes in our colonies have been confined to Antigua, St. ' Christopher's, and the other islands in their latitude ; and those * more to the southward began to flatter themselves with an ex- ' emption from such accidents. The large elegant church at ' Bridgetown is a heap of ruins, many of the private houses are * levelled with the ground — all of them unroofed, and the whole of * their carpenter's work and furniture destroyed. The greater * part of the inhabitants fasted for forty-eight hours ; and they were ' obliged to dig froni the ruins the necessaries of life, and clothes * to cover themselves with. . - ■ i iu- '■.■i LIFE OF LORD RODNEY, 463 * be in imminent danger unless it be speedily • sent me from Jamaica, or Great Britain. ' I'hisi general wreck had a remarkable effect on the hearts of * men. Any one who was more fortunate than his neighbour < prepared victuals to administer to the cravings of the first comer. * The owners of warehouses gave what remained of their ' victuals and clothing almost gratuitously ; and ideas of property * and interest seemed to be forgotten in the moments of calamity. . ' All the fruits of the earth then standing have been destroyed ; • most ef the trees of the island have been torn up by the roots j ' and (what will perhaps give as strong an idea of the force of the • wind as any thing) many of them were stripped of their barki ' The sea rose as high as to destroy the fort, carrying the great ' guns many yards from the platform, and demolishing the houses ' near the beach. A ship was driven ashore against one of the • buildings of the Naval Hospital, which, by this shock, and by the ' impetuosity of the wind and sea, was entirely destroyed and ' swept away. As many of the sick seamen were removed as was ' possible under such circumstances ; but three-and-twenty of • them were buried under the ruins. The mole-head was swept * away, and ridges of coral rock were thrown up, which still * remain above the surface of the water ; but the harbour and • road have, upon the whole, been improved, having been deep- ' ened in some places six feet, in others as many fathoms ; and the * anchoring-ground in the road is much better. The crust of • coral, which had been the work of ages, having been torn up, • having a soft oozy bottom, many shells and fish were thrown ' ashore which had been heretofore unknown. ♦ The suflferings and losses by sea have been great and cala- ' mitous. The wind was too violent for any ship to ride it out, ' and they all pushed to sea, where most of them perished by the ' mere violence of the weather, without being driven any where • on a shore. Out of twelve of his Majesty's ships of war that * were exposed to it, eight have been totally lost ; and out of the * crews of them all, not more than ten or twelve have been saved!' f i , I 464 LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. * I have likewise acquainted them that I should send an express to you, to desire every assistance in your power, and, in par- ticular, the return of the Thunderer and Berwick, as likewise whatever other line-of- battle ships could possibly be spared to join me, as Jamaica could not be in danger while I commanded a strong squadron to wind- ward — as I should ever be ready to support her with my whole strength, should there be occasion, and as I have always given proofs of my readiness to assist that island when in danger. * I must therefore. Sir, in his Majesty's name, and for his service, request that you assist me in supporting the dignity of the flag, and in protecting his islands in these seas with what force you can spare, and without loss of time, as I have but nine sail of the line |it for service, and those without stores. * I must likewise desire you will despatch my frigate, the Alert, which I sent to you express, and which I had reason to expect would have been returned to me, agreeably to my request, that I might have been per- er- LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 465 fectly acquainted with the situation of affairs on your station, and that I might, if requisite, have despatched an additional succour to reinforce you. ■ r * I am convinced that there must have been some reason I am unacquainted with, which prevented your sending back the Alert, as I cannot be induced to believe that you would have detained one of my frigates sent express to you (and whose captain I would have preferred), without something extraordinary; and therefore flatter myself soon to have the honour of hearing from you by her, or by some other fast-sailing frigate, that I may know what succour I may depend upon, and expect from you. * The Surpxize, which I send with +his express, having sprung her main-mast, and there being no stores whatever here to refit her, I must request you will please to order her to be careened and refitted at Jamaica, i . v . . * Inclosed I send you authentic intelligence, the first and second from the Admiralty, the others from intercepted letters, that Vol. I. 2H 466 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. * part of the St. Domingo are already arriyed ' at Martinique, and the others hourly ex- * pected.' . i .. ' • TO PHILIP STEPHENS, ESQ. * Sandwich, offSjt. Lucie, ♦ Dec. 22nd, 1780. In my last despatches sent by the Anna Theresa packet, on the 13th instant, I acquainted their Lordships that General Vaughan and myself intended to undertake an enterprise, which, we flattered ourselves, might be attended with success. * From the repeated intelligence of the inhabitants of St. Vincent's, we were made to believe that, from the severe effects of the late hurricane, the fortifications the enemy had erected upon the mountain which com- mands the town of Kingston, und on which the security of the whole island depends, were in a ruinous state, and might be easily taken by a coup-de-main ; and more espe- cially that the enemy had very few troops, and most of them sickly. LIFE OF LORD RODNPV. 467 * I therefore readily agreed in opinion with General Vaughan, that not a moment's time should be lost in viewing the condition ot' the island; and, if practicable, or A^ith a pro- bability of success, to make the attack, and restore that island to his Majesty's domi- nion. * As few troops could be taken from the defence of St. Lucie, I consented that the marines of the fleet should be employed in conjunction with those few upon this expe- dition. * On the 14th instant we sailed from Gros Islet Bay ; and, to prevent the enemy's pe- netrating our design, we turned to windward with the fleet between Martinique and St. Lucie, intending in the night to bear down on the back of St. Lucie, in hopes of being able to land the troops on St. Vincent's the next morning ; but the currents batfling us, we did not make that island till the 15th in the evening, and then at such a distance to windward as not to be discovered by the enemy. ? ' At day-light I made the signal for Com- 2H2 m LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. modore Hotham, in the Centaur, with the Triumph, Alcide, and Vigilant, and the Alc- mene. Greyhound, and Triton frigates, ac- companied by the Sylph sloop (all of whom had troops on board), to bear away, and anchor in the Warrawarrow Bay, under Young's Island, he having orders to station the frigates in such a manner as might ap- pear to him most effectual for the protection of the troops in landing. * Mr. Hotham, in the Centaur, Captain AfBeck, in the Triumph, and the Alcide, with the frigates, anchored under Young's Island about ten in the morning, and with every despatch possible landed the troops under the command of Brigadier-General St. Leger, without the loss of one man, the enemy retiring with precipitation to their citadel in the mountain. -. . * I ordered Commodore Drake, with four sail of the line, off Kingston, to make a motion as if he intended to land troops near that town, in order to draw the enemy's attention that way. The Monarch and Cyclops were ordered to Chdteanbelair, to LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. 46d h the 3 Alc- 3, ac- whom ^ and under itation iit ap- ;ection aptain ilcide, oung's d with troops reneral m, the ) their h four lake a )S near lemy's and air, to destroy any privateers the enemy might have in that bay, and to cut off their com- munication with Martinique. * The Sandwich with difficulty, owing to the current, anchored about two in the after- noon in Warrawarrow Bay, and the troops and marines were landed ; and before the day closed, General Vaughan had put the whole .in motion, and at their head advanced towards the enemy's citadel. * I could easily perceive, on my approach- ing the island, and viewing the enemy's • works, which they had erected upon the mountain that commands Kingston Bay and that of Warrawarrow, that the reports made to us by the interested inhabitants of St. Vincent's were fallacious; that in no one part of the said works did there appear the least breach or damage made by the late hurricane ; but that the whole appeared in perfect repair, with a numerous and strong garrison. However, such was the spirit of General Vaughan, that he marched to the foot of the works, having dispersed every impediment in his way, and reconnoitred them in eveiy part, in hopes to find some 470 LIFE OF LORD RODNEY. \\ I ' place vulnerable, where he might make the * attack with a probability of sncctMu. * In every part they were complete ; and ' from the intelligence I received in the night * from some inhabitants, who are better in- * formed than those who had presumed to ' give the General and myself information at * Barbadoes and St. Lucie, I drei.dei^ the * General's making an attack before I could ' transmit the said intelligence to him, which * must have been attended with a repulse, had * he had four times the number of troops he * commanded. ' I had the honour to have the General co- * incide with me in opinion. The troops re- * turned to the beach, and were re-embarked * without the enemy's venturing to move from * their intrenchments. They only amused * themselves with bombarding the squadron, * most of which I ordered to get under weigh, * to avoid any accident that might have oc- ' curred had a shell falleti op ^>0Mrd any «^f the * ships; having been assured by the pilots and * inhabitants of St. Vincent's, that the fleet * might be anchored without the reach of ' cannon or mortars placed in the mountain, " LIFE OP LORD RODNEY. 471 I! against whicb ships a Ad be of no use, and therefore I was determmed that not ., ship should be wasted against tin r citadel. ' Such had been the (''ligencr of the French in fortifying that almos' imprcjjnable moun- tain, which would have secured the island to Great Britain, had the inhabitants at- tended to the advice and pro osition of their governor, and Mr. Briers, the engineer, who, with the assistance of six hundred negroes, assured them he would make it inpregnable in fourteen days ; but they nej^^ected the advice, withdrew their negroes, and the island was taken. General Vai o^han in- forms me that few or none of the ini >abitants joined him, or sent their negroes t( his as- sistance. Some, who were terrified by the cruelty of the Indians, and applied to me, I ordered to be received on board the fri- gates which covered the landing, and were close to the shore. * Though I shall ever be ready to assist in reconquering the British islands, or attack- ing the enemy's, when the General com- mands a sufficient force for that purpose, their Lordships may be assured that I shall 472 LIIE OF LORD RODNEY. * put little dependence upon the intelligence * offered by the interested inhabitants of these * islands, without viewing them in person, or * by those officers upon whose judgment we * can rely. * Inclosed I send the present condition of * his Majesty's ships under my command, and * am in hourly expectation of the arrival of ' Sir- Samuel Hood with the store-ships, as * the Triumph, Resolution, Montagu, Ajax, * and Shrewsbury must be put in a condition * to proceed to sea, for want of masts, sails, * and rigging. ' I have only nine sail of the line now with * iiie capable of going to sea, not one of which * has spare rigging or sails. * I have sent an express by the Surprize to * Sir Peter Parker at Jamaica, a copy of * which I transmit for their Lordships' in- * spection.' END OF VOLUME THE FIRST. London: W. Ci4>irititStmmford Stnwt ^?9fc; , jr-