THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES

 
 . 
 
 y / V '',.",, '," '(/."' 

 
 "W A"\r/A T (T* "iCTTc* (Tti 
 A . Jri V >VLi vi^jcLcivU 
 
 VOL. 
 
 
 
 FROM JULY to 
 
 M o c c c i. 
 
 _ _ _ titun'tfa trgttotw j)7<K'ttt 
 
 Co77cctajqt(e /ha at mibes. solettique re 
 
 * y 
 
 FobtrOia."br B-tmney X: Gold, Shoo lane.
 

 
 
 TO 
 
 THE RIGHT. HONOURABLE 
 
 GEORGE JOHN EARL SPENCER, 
 VISCOUNT ALTHORPE, 
 
 MEMBER OF HIS MAJESTY'S MOST HONOURABLE 
 PRIVY COUNCIL 
 
 KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER 
 AN ELDER BROTHER OF THE TRINITY HOUSE 
 
 AND FIRST COMMISSIONER FOR EXECUTING THE 
 
 OFFICE OF LORD HIGH ADMIRAL OF 
 
 GREAT BRITAIN, 
 
 &c. &c. &c. 
 
 COMMENCED UNDER HIS AUSPICES, 
 CONTINUES, BY HIS PERMISSION, 
 
 TO BE INSCRIBED, 
 WITH THE MOST GRATEFUL RESPECT.
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FOURTH VOLUME. 
 
 IT is said to have been remarked by a late cele- 
 brated critic and writer, Dr. Samuel Johnson, that if 
 an Author took care to introduce his book by an 
 elegant and entertaining Preface, it was not, nine- 
 teen times in twenty, of much consequence to him 
 how the body of the work was executed. Although 
 there may be some truth in this observation with re- 
 spect to literary works in general, yet the Editor of a 
 periodical publication is totally precluded from this 
 advantage. On the other hand, he claims one which 
 is more useful to him perhaps, for he considers him- 
 self in general answerable only for a careful arrange- 
 ment, and the selection of such materials as he 
 thinks may prove most interesting, for the merit of 
 which he is principally indebted to the labours of his 
 friends, and not his own.
 
 IV PREFACE. 
 
 Acting on the necessary principle just mentioned, 
 it has ever been the leading feature of the NAVAL 
 CHRONICLE to record with fidelity every passing 
 Naval Event, and to intersperse these with such re- 
 marks and collections of fugitive pieces on Naval 
 Subjects as are thought most worthy to be preserved 
 from oblivion. 
 
 Of the Biographical Memoirs, which occupy so 
 considerable a part of the ensuing Work, as it were on 
 one hand the height of arrogance to expect praise on 
 account of their compilation, so on the other, the 
 fidelity and impartiality with which, it is trusted, 
 they are composed, may, it is hoped, entitle the ar- 
 fanger to the satisfaction of learning, that the feveral 
 circumstances have been collected with no inconsi- 
 derable care and attention. 
 
 To avoid flattery, and to represent facts literally as 
 they occur, should be the first objects of a biogra- 
 pher's care ; and if he is conscious to himself he merits 
 no reproach from a neglect of those points, he may rest 
 in tolerable ease as to any other species of censure. 
 
 The influx of temporary matter has caused the ne- 
 cessary postponement of some articles in the follow- 
 ing collection, which it is hoped may be considered 
 useful, instructive, and entertaining. The
 
 PREFACE. J 
 
 tions of Naval Tactics, drawn from the consideration 
 of actual events, together with those of Naval History, 
 have only been interrupted, and not relinquished. 
 The subjects will be resumed, the instant a cessation 
 of more immediately interesting matter shall render the 
 measure advisable and proper. 
 
 The Editor and Proprietors would consider them- 
 selves as guilty of the blackest ingratitude, were they 
 not to acknowledge, with the warmest sensations, the 
 various and very interesting communications that they 
 have received from their numerous friends. Conscious 
 of having paid every attention in their power to the 
 assistance they have received, they rest satisfied, with- 
 out vanity or arrogance, in the expectation of a conti- 
 nuance of that favour and support which they have 
 already experienced ; for they trust, they shall never 
 forfeit that esteem and rank which they have the 
 vanity to suppose they now hold in the opinion of 
 their friends, by any alteration in the conduct which 
 has hitherto been so liberally received and so hand- 
 somely rewarded.
 
 PLATES IN THIS VOLUME. 
 
 fag. 
 
 A VIGNETTE TITLE, from a Design by Mr. WESTALL, repre- 
 seating BRITANNIA, supported by the Trident, standing firm 
 amid surrounding Storms, engraved by HEATH. 
 
 PLATE XXXVI. PORTRAIT of the Right Hon. Earl of ST. VIN- 
 CENT. Engraved by RIDLEY, from a Painting by 
 J. F. ABBOT, Esq 1 
 
 XXXVII. REPRESENTATION of the Aftion off Cape St. 
 Vincent, the nj-th of February 1797, between the 
 British and Spanish Fleets 47 
 
 XXXVIII. PORTRAIT of the Right Hon. Lord Viscount 
 DU::CAN. Engraved by RIDLEY, from a Painting 
 
 by J. S. COPLEY, R. A . . 81 
 
 XXXIX. REPRESENTATION of the A&ion off Camper- 
 down, between the English and Dutch Fleets, on 
 the nth of October 1797, Engraved by DODD, xaS 
 
 XL. PORTRAIT of the Hon. SAMUEL BARRINGTON, Admi- 
 ral of the White Squadron, and General of Marines. 
 Engraved by RIDLEY, from a Painting by J. S. 
 COPLEY, R. A 169 
 
 XLI. REPRESENTATION of the Situation of the William 
 Tell French Man of War, on the Morning of her 
 Capture, in her Endeavour to escape from Malta. 
 Engraved by DODD -> . ^ZZ 
 
 XLII. PORTRAIT of Sir ERASMUS GOWER, Knt. Rear- 
 Almiral of the White. Engraved by RIDLEY, 
 from a Painting by LIVERSAY 257 
 
 XLIII. VIEW of the FRENCH FLEET, under Count 
 D'Estaing, bearing down on the English Fleet, 
 commanded by Rear-Admiral Barrington, at 
 Anchor across the Mouth of the Bay of th Grand 
 Guide Sac, St. LUCIA, December 1788. Engraved 
 by DODD 297 
 
 XLIV. PORTRAIT of Sir THOMAS PASLEY, Bart. Vice- 
 Admiral of the Red Squadron. Engraved by 
 ROBERTS, from a Painting by J. F. ABBOT, Esq. 35* 
 
 XLV. VIEW of GIBRALTAR. The Portrait of a Bomb- 
 Ketch on the old Construction, with the Fleet of 
 Admiral Sir George Rooke standing into the Bay, 
 Engraved by ELLIS, from a Drawing by Mr. Po- 
 COCK 38* 
 
 XLVI. PORTRAIT of Sir SIDNEY SMITH, Grand Cross of 
 the Royal Military Swedifh Order of the Sword, 
 and Commander ; from an original Painting 5 en- 
 graved by RIDLEY 44.5 
 
 XLVII. VIEW of the interior HARBQUR and PORT of 
 BREST, by a FRENCH NAVAL OFFICER, and en- 
 graved by MEDLAND 485 
 
 XLVIII. A CHART of the ROAD and PORT of BREST, from 
 
 an actual Survey ........... 485
 

 
 /
 
 If it happens that a Ship is to be brought up in a pi ace where there is not sufficient room to tend hf, 
 lertuce her headway a; much as passible before she conies to her anchoring birth, so thit a ie.s Kupe 
 f cable wilibnui Uer u?. Steei'i fraOia tf H'wkirf Shift. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF 
 
 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT,* 
 
 KNIGHT OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER. OF THE BATH, 
 AND ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE SQUADRON. 
 
 Then you fill'd 
 
 The air with shouts of joy, and did proclaim, 
 
 "When Hope had left them, and grim-look'd Despair 
 
 Hover'd with sail-streti-h'd wings over theii heads, 
 
 To me, as to the Neptune of the Sea, 
 
 They ow'd the restitution of their goods, 
 
 Their lives and liberties. MASSING ER. 
 
 TT is difficult to pourtray with truth the characters of 
 living persons. They may be compared to pictures 
 drawn from the life, in which every featuie must be some- 
 what heightened to obtain the reputation of similitude. The 
 exaggeration of beauties and of deformities are, it is true, 
 equally and alternately censured by friends and enemies ; but 
 if the likeness were exaUy correct, it would be admired by 
 
 * From the very extensive sale this part of our volume (No. 20) has met 
 with, we, in re-priming it, have corrected some errors, and added otLer inte- 
 resting particulars, which may be relied on as ^ituim. 
 
 . del. IV. B
 
 1 BIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 none. The artist prefers, therefore, the approbation of half the 
 world to the censure, or at least the cold negleft, of the wholej 
 and sacrifices the fidelity of his portrait to the incorrigible 
 passions and inveterate prejudices of partial spectators. Time 
 however, the great corrector of all faults, softens down those 1 
 asperities which the pencil had left ; spreads a sober tint over 
 the brilliant lights, and mellows the shadows to a milder hue. 
 A cool recollection of the original, and the comparison with 
 other representations of the same object, aid us still further in 
 the discovery of the truth, and the whole is at length exhi- 
 bited to posterity with a degree of correctness which is almost 
 always denied to contemporaries. 
 
 The noble person of whom we are to speak is a striking 
 instance, perhaps, of the justice of these remarks. As an 
 officer, he has been charged with too strit an adherence to 
 that steady discipline which the wisdom of our forefathers, 
 attentive to the public good, ordained in naval regulations, 
 and from which a mistaken spirit of kindness in our time has, 
 on some occasions, unseasonably relaxed : as a senator, he 
 has been censured for what is called an uncertainty of political 
 conduct; in other words, for asserting, in his parliamentary 
 life, an upright and dignified independence, equally unbending 
 to Ministry and Opposition, equally inaccessible by interest 
 or adulation : as a man, he has been said to maintain a gra- 
 vity of deportment bordering on reserve and severity, because 
 he has too much feeling, and too much sincerity to waste on 
 knaves and fools those honest smiles, and that freedom of 
 conversation, to which his friends, to whom he never denies 
 them, have an exclusive right. Time will place these cir- 
 cumstances of character in a proper point of view ; while he 
 who justly experiences the love and esteem of all who know 
 him, joined to the gratitude of a nation, need not complain 
 that he has not his share of this world's chanties. 
 
 His Lordship is the descendant of an ancient and truly 
 respectable family, settled in the county of Stafford : being the 
 second and youngest son of Swynfen Jervis, Esq. Barrister at 
 Law, some time Counsel to the Board of Admiralty, and
 
 OF JOHN JER.VIS, EARL OP ST. VINCENT, K. B. <f 
 
 Auditor of Greenwich Hospital. He was sent at a very early 
 age to a celebrated school at Burton-upon-Trent ; his whole 
 Education was directed to the object of the Law, for which 
 Profession -his father originally intended him; he quitted 
 this seminary when ten years old, in consequence of his 
 father having, in conformity to his own inclination, deter- 
 mined to educate him for the sea service. He was rated a 
 Midshipman about the year 1 748-9^ and served in that capacity 
 on board the Gloucester, of 50 guns, the commanding Ship 
 on the Jamaica station *. After an almost uninterrupted 
 series of service, which, owing to the peaceable situation of 
 public affairs, affords not sufficient interest to render a, par- 
 ticular detail of it either necessary or amusing, he was pro- 
 moted to the rank, of Lieutenant f, and, not long afterward, 
 selected by that admirable officer the late Sir Charles Saunders 
 to serve on board his Ship. 
 
 He accompanied, accordingly, Sir Charles as his first Lieu- 
 tenant in the expedition sent against Quebec : an expedition 
 which, though successful in its termination, displayed, for a 
 considerable time, nothing but a series of disappointments, 
 and difficulties, that, had they not been combated by the 
 utmost exertion of human ability, gallantry, and perseverance* 
 might have proved insurmountable. He was most deservedly 
 made Captain of the Porcupine Sloop in a few days after the 
 Admiral got up to the North end of the Isle of Orleans. 
 His former Commander J, who had become intimately ac- 
 quainted with the many excellent qualities he possessed, and 
 which peculiarly fitted him to fill, with the highest honour 
 to himself, and advantage to his country, the station of a 
 Naval Commander, appointed him afting Captain of the Ex- 
 periment, a post Ship, mounting 20 guns, during the indis^ 
 position of Sir John Strachan, which event happened two 
 years before he was made a Commander. This temporary 
 promotion was extremely fortunate to Mr. Jervis, who, 
 having been ordered out on a Mediterranean cruise, had the 
 
 * Bearing the broad pendant of the Honourable George Townshend. 
 f On the 1 9th of February 175?. 
 
 $ Sir C. Saunders, who proceeded to the Mediterranean at the cornrneRCC- 
 of the year 1766, as Second in command on that station, 
 
 f
 
 4 KtOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 fortune to fall in with a very large xebec trader, Moorisi) 
 colours, though it was very evident the whole of her crew 
 was French. 
 
 The superiority possessed by the enemy in poiut of natural 
 force was so threat, that the event of the contest would at best 
 have been doubtful, had not that enemy been resisted, on the 
 part of the English, by the most consummate ability, joined 
 TO the most active intrepidity. The xebec, exclusive of the 
 advantage she derived from her low construction, particularly 
 in smooth water and those light winds, which prevailed at the 
 time of the attack, mounted 26 guns of very heavy calibre 
 besides a considerable number of large swivels or patararoes. 
 The crew, which was nearly three times as numerous as that 
 of the Experiment, consisted of men selected from the har- 
 tli-st class of society, on whom the appellation of desperadoes 
 might be very aptly and justly bestowed. The grand objects 
 of their ferocL>us minds were rapine and plunder. Lawless in 
 their pursuits, insatiable in their avarice, and most intempe- 
 rate in what they considered their pleasures, they attempted 
 (instead of displaying that cool and dignified conduct which* 
 when he contends on honourable terms, excites our admira- 
 tion even of an enemy,) to dart on their prey with the savage 
 spirit of vultures, thirsting to satiate their voracious appe- 
 tites. 
 
 The conflia, though furious, was short; determinate 
 
 werjr prevailed over fury; and the assailants considered 
 
 Delves extremely fortunate in not being so disabled as to 
 
 rent them from talcing the advantage of a light and favour- 
 
 w of wind, which in all probability preserved them 
 
 a discomfiture much more serious, if not a capture 
 
 Captain Jervis, having returned to England, he commanded 
 
 mcorn by order, till the thirteenth of Goober 1760 
 * he was promoted to the rank of Post Captain by com- 
 mon appointing h im to the Gosport< of 
 
 is present at the re-taking St. John's Newfoundland and 
 
 conned the Trade from Virginia afterward, He continued 
 
 > (-port t,!l the end of the war, verv uninterestingly 
 
 'Cloyed on the home service, where thi lassitude w l[
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. YINCENT, K. 8. 5 
 
 which hostilities were permitted to linger, through the want 
 of the power of offence on the part of the foe, and the gene- 
 rosity of Britain in disdaining to take advantage of that fallen 
 state, afforded no opportunity for the exertion of the spirit 
 of enterprize, however naturally it might wish to display it- 
 self in the service of its country. After having remained 
 some time on the home station, Captain Jervis was ordered 
 to the Mediterranean, whence he did not return till the con- 
 clusion of the war, and, being then paid off, held no sub- 
 sequent command till the year 1769; when being appointed 
 to the Alarm frigate*, of 32 guns, he was again ordered to 
 the Mediterranean. 
 
 The command of a frigate on a foreign station for three 
 years, during a time of profound peace, cannot be supposed, 
 according to the general course of events, to afford any mate- 
 rials sufficiently interesting to attraft the notice of a biogra- 
 pher. Captain Jervis was not, however, a perfeft example of 
 the truth of this general observation. In the month of August 
 1770, being at Villa-Franca, he had the honour of entertaining 
 on board his Ship the Due de Chablais, brother to the King 
 of Sardinia, who expressed himself most highly gratified at 
 his reception f , having found, not improbably with surprise, 
 that elegance of manners, and the most polished behaviour, 
 were not incompatible with the character of a Naval Officer. 
 
 Not long after the return of Captain Jervis to England, 
 where he arrived in 1774, he was promoted to the Foudroy- 
 ant, of 84. guns : a Ship originally belonging to the French, 
 
 * The Preservation of the Alarm, after she parted her cables and was bulged 
 on the rocks of the Bay of Motoielles, may be considered as one of the greatest 
 features of the Character of Captain Jervis. 
 
 f His Royal Highness showed the greatest curiosity to be informed of the use 
 of every thing he saw. He desired the chain- pumps to be worked, and a gua 
 to be exercised, and between the several motions made the most pertinent 
 remarki. Having satisfied his curiosity, he testified his gratification by the 
 magnificent presents he made on that occasion. To the Captain he gave a 
 diamond ring, enclosed in a large gold snuff-box ; to the two Lieutenants a gold 
 box each ; to the Lieutenant of Marines who mounted the guard, the Midship- 
 man who steered his Royal Highness, and those who assisted him up and 
 down the Ship's side, a gold watch each, one of which was a Paris repeater, and 
 another set with sparks, together with a large sum of money to the Ship's com- 
 pany. His Royal Highness stayed about two hours, and was saluted on hi* 
 going aboard and coming ashore with one and twenty guns.
 
 6 BIOGRAFH!CAL MEMOIRS 
 
 and captured from them in the year 1758, by the Monmouth 
 of 64 guns. This appointment was a very convincing 
 proof of the established and high reputation he bad ac- 
 quired in the service: for the Foudroyant was, with very 
 great truth, considered the finest two-decked Ship belonging 
 to the British Navy. His occupation from the time ot his 
 having first received his commission for this Ship was by no 
 means suited to the dignity of his character and the abilities he 
 confessedly possesses: for, owing to the multitude of frigates 
 and sloops of war which the dispute with the American colo- 
 nies rendered it expedient should be kept on their coast, it 
 had become necessary to employ Ships of tiie line as cruisers, 
 in the Bay of Biscay, in order to prevent, as much as possible, 
 all intercourse between the revolted States and France : as on 
 French assistance the colonists placed their principal depend- 
 ence for support, and for those stores, without a supply of 
 which they could not possibly have carried on the con- 
 test. 
 
 Fortune, as if she had frowned indignant at the degradation 
 both of the Commander and of the Ship itself, employed on 
 a service that was much better suited to a sloop of war or a 
 privateer, appears to have afforded him only one opportunity 
 of making a capture; and even that was * as ignoble as 
 would be the destruction of a mouse by the fangs of a lion : 
 but the unwarrantable interference of the court of France in a 
 dispute which was of a peculiar nature, and which demanded 
 their neutrality beyond every other case that could possi- 
 bly have been framed, raised Captain Jervis, though at the 
 expence of his country's welfare, into a situation better 
 suited to both his talents and (waving the cause which gave 
 birth to thceffeclj his inclination. 
 
 The Foudroyant being ordered to join the fleet equipped 
 for Channel service, under the command of Admiral Keppel, 
 Captain Jervis was seleaed by that gentleman to be one of 
 his seconds ; and it were almost a needless piece of informa- 
 tion, considering those subsequent occurrences in his life with 
 which the whole world is intimately acquainted, to say that 
 
 ' The Finch, an inconsiderable vessel, bound from Nantz to Boston, with a 
 cargo of wms and clothing, taking in the month of May 1777.
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. f 
 
 he distinguished himself to the utmost extent the existing cir* 
 cumstances of the adion permitted : his gallantry not only 
 reflected honour on himself, but may be considered as having 
 been in no small degree instrumental to the preservation of 
 many lives from among his people *, which must have been 
 lost had the force of his attack been less animated. The enemy- 
 shrunk from him in dismay, and left him, in more instances 
 than one, disabled as he was, to enjoy the empty honour of 
 defeating him ; while the situation in which he was placed fas 
 one of a community in which all the members were to regard 
 the advantage of each other, and not seize, at the expence of 
 irregularity, any opportunity of adding to their own peculiar 
 fame,) prevented him from pursuing the blow he had struck, 
 and completing his triumph by that unequivocal conquest- 
 the surrender of his enemy. The evidence that he gave during 
 the subsequent trial was spirited, and impartial. It proved him 
 animated only by the strictest attention to what he con- 
 sidered that duty which he owed to his country, without 
 conforming to the opinion, or entering into the views of any 
 paity whatever f. He continued uninterestingly employed 
 
 The Foudroyant had five men only killed, and eighteen wounded. 
 
 f Indeed it is impossible to convey a better idea of his Lordship's character 
 and opinion relative to that engagement than by the following extracts from the 
 clear, consistent, and pointed testimony, which he gave upon the court martial 
 Called upon Admiral Keppel. 
 
 Upon the following questions being put by the Admiral : 
 
 Question. Your station being nearest me during the pur.=uit of the enemy, and 
 after the action, which gave you an opportunity of observing my conduct, and 
 of seeing objects nearly in the same point of view with myself, I desire you will 
 state to the Court any instance, if you saw or knew of any such, in which I 
 negligently performed my duty on the twenty-seventh or twenty-eighth of 
 
 Am. With great respeft to you, Sir, and deference to the Court, I hope I 
 shall be indulged with having that question put by the Court. 
 
 The judge Advocate, mutatis mutandis, then put the question. 
 
 Ans. I feel myself bound to answer that question ; I believe it to be conso- 
 nant to the general practice of sea courts martial. I cannot boast of a long 
 acquaintance with Admiral Keppel ; I never had the honour of serving under 
 him before ; but 1 am happy in this opportunity, to declare to this Court, and to 
 the whole world, that during the whole time that the English fleet was in sight 
 of the French fleet, he displayed the greatest naval skill and ability, and tie boldest 
 cnterprizt, ufan the t-wenty- seventh of July, ivlicb, -with the promptitude of Sir Robert 
 Harlantl, ivill be subjeis of my admiration and imitation as long as I live. 
 
 From the evidence given upon this trial it appears, that the Foudrjyant, which 
 had got into her station about three, and never left it till four the next morning,
 
 g BIOGRArHlCAL MEMOIRS 
 
 on the various services allotted to the home or Channel fleet, 
 "mmanded in succession, after the resignatior ,oT Mr .Kcppc , 
 by Sir Charles Hardy, Admirals Geary, and Darby, 
 absence of an enemy precluded a possibility of conte: 
 the events of war, so far as they regarded tb consequents 
 armament, were confined merely to a dull monotony of car- 
 rying into execution every service on which it was ordered, 
 without ever beholding a foe, at least any one that merited 
 dignified an appellation. 
 
 In the month of April 1782, a slight interrupts was gii 
 to this long continued scene of tedious inaftivity. Intelligence 
 having been received, that a French armament, consisting of 
 four or five Ships of war and several transports, were ready 
 for sea at Brest, destined for the East Indies, a squadron, con- 
 sisting of several Ships of the line, was ordered out, under the 
 command of Vice- Admiral Harrington, for the purpose of 
 intercepting them. The experiment proved in a great mea- 
 sure successful ; and the most brilliant part of that success 
 was attributable to the activity and spirit of Captain Jervis. 
 The part he so honourably bore in this affair will be best 
 explained by the account given by his Commanding Officer 
 of the transaction, and that singular method he adopted of 
 doing honour to his gallantry, in declining to give any other 
 account of the transaction than what had been, in such 
 modest terms, transmitted to him by Captain Jervis himself. 
 
 was very closely engaged, and in a most disabled state. Her main-mast had 
 received a shot very near through the head, which lodged in the cheek, and passed 
 through the heart of the mast, and several other shot in different places ; her 
 foremast had aho received several shot ; a large excavation had been made in 
 her bowsprit near the centre ; the fore top-mast was so disabled, that it was 
 totally useless; every rope of her running rigging cut, and her shrouds demo- 
 lished ; no braces or bow-lines left, and scarcely any haulyar Js, forestay, spring- 
 stay, and top-sail ties ; and the foot rope of the fore-top-sail shot away : her sails 
 also were very much shattered. 
 
 In this shattered state, the Foudroyant was not in a condition to chase ; 
 but she kept her station next the Victory as far to windward as possible : " / 
 wai covetous of -wind" said this brave officer; " liecat/ic, disabled as 1 then -u:as t 
 I fonceived tie advantage of tie -wird could carry me again into afiion." 
 
 Being asked some questions relative to the position of the Vice-Admiral and 
 his division, his Lordship pointedly replied ; " he was not 4 cvmt ctrr.: judge of tint 
 pert tf the Jlttt \ te va; very a.tcr.ti'j; '..
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. Q 
 
 Exirail of a Letter from the Honourable Vice- Admiral BARRINGTON 
 
 to Mr. STEPHENS, dated on board the Britannia, at St. Helens, the 
 
 2$?hof April l-j 82. 
 
 I have the pleasure to acquaint you, for the information of my Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the twentieth instant, 
 Uahant bearing N. E. half E. twenty-three leagues, at one P. M. 
 I perceived the Artois, Captain Macbride, with a signal out for disco- 
 vering an enemy's fleet, but at such a distance, that it was with the 
 utmost difficulty I could distinguish the colour of the flag. It was 
 then calm ; but a breeze soon springing up, I made the signal for a 
 general chase, the enemy at such a distance that I could but just dis- 
 cover them from the Britannia's mast head at three o'clock. At the 
 close of the evening seven of our ships had got a good distance ahead 
 of me, the Foudroyant, Captain Jervis, the foremost ; and in the night, 
 it coming to blow strong with hazy weather, after having lost sight 
 of his companions, at forty-seven minutes after twelve brought the 
 Pegase, of 74 guns and 700 men, to a close action, which continued 
 three quarters of an hour, when the Foudroyant having laid her on 
 board on the larboard quarter, the Frenchman struck. My pen is not 
 equal to the praise that is due to the good conduft, bravery, and dis- 
 cipline of Captain Jervis, his officers and seamen, on this occasion ; 
 let his own modest narrative, which I herewith , inclose, speak for 
 itself. 
 
 The next morning soon after day break, the wind then at south, 
 blowing strong, it shifted in an instant to the west, and with such 
 violence, that it was with difficulty I could carry my courses to clear 
 Ushant, and get the Channel open ; which being accomplished by noon, 
 I brought to, and remained so until the evening of the twenty-second 
 to collett the squadron. 
 
 By the accounts of the prisoners, there were eighteen sail laden with 
 stores, provisions, and ammunition, under the convoy of the Proteftetir 
 of 74 guns, Pegase 74, L' Andromache 32, together with L'Aftion- 
 aire, a two-decker, armed en Jlute, all bound for L'Isle de France. 
 They left Brest the nineteenth instant. 
 
 I cannot pretend to give their Lordships a particular account of the 
 number of prizes taken, but must refer them to that which they may 
 receive as they arrive in port, though I believe there are ten at least. 
 
 Proceedings of his Majesty's Ship under my Command from the 2Oih Instant. 
 
 Near sun-set on the twentieth, I was near enough to discover, that 
 the enemy consisted of three or four ships of war, two of them at least 
 cfthe line, with seventeen or eighteen sail under their convoy, and 
 that the latter dispersed by signal. At half past nine, I observed the 
 
 f?a'o.<2T^ron. Ool. IV- c v
 
 Jo BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOfKS 
 
 smallest of the ships of war to speak with the headmost, and then bear 
 away. At a quarter past ten, the sternmost line of battle ship per. 
 ceiving u e came up with her very fast, bore up also. I pursued her, 
 and at forty-seven minutes after twelve brought her to close aftion, 
 which continued three quarters of an hour, when having laid her on 
 board on the larboard quarter, the French ship of war Le Pegase, of 
 74 guns and 700 men, commanded by the Chevalier de Cillart, sur- 
 rendered. 
 
 The discipline and good conduft of the officers and men under my 
 command will best appear by the state of the killed and wounded, and 
 of the damages sustained in each Ship. 
 
 I am happy to inform you, that only two or three people, with 
 myself, are slightly wounded ; but 1 learn from the Chevalier de 
 Cillart, that Le Pegase suffered a great carnage, and was materially 
 damaged in her masts and yards, the mizen-mast and foretop-mast 
 having gone away soon after the action ceased. 
 
 It blew so strong yesterday morning, that I with difficulty put eighty 
 men on board the prize, but received only forty prisoners in return > 
 in performing which 1 fear two of our boats were lost. The disabled 
 state of the prize, together with the strong wind and heavy sea, 
 induced me to make the signal for immediate assistance, which Com- 
 modore Elliot supplied, by making the Queen's signal to assist the dis- 
 abled ship. 
 
 At eight o'clock last night, they bore S. S. W. four miles distant 
 from us. We lay to till ten in hopes of their joining ; but not perceiving 
 them we bore up, and ran N. E. twenty-three miles till day. light ; 
 when seeing nothing of them, we brought to, and at half past eight 
 made sail to join the squadron. 
 
 By all I can learn from the prisoners, this small squadron, composed 
 of Le Prote&eur, Monsieur dc Soulange, Commodore, Le Pegase, and 
 L'Andromaque frigate, was making a second attempt to proceed on an 
 expedition to the East Indies. Some of the troops having been before 
 captured under that destination by the squadron under the command 
 of Rear- Admiral Kempenfelt, in the presence of the above-mentioned 
 Ships of war. 
 
 Foudroyant, April 23, 1782. J. JERVIS. 
 
 The wound of which Captain Jervis makes such trivial 
 mention in his preceding narrative was occasioned by a sp-lin- 
 ter, which struck him on the temple, and so severely affefted 
 him as to endanger his eye sight : nor have the consequences 
 ever been completely removed since that time. His gallantry 
 did not pass unnoticed or unrewarded by his Sovereign, who,
 
 OF JOHN JERYIS, SAL OF ST. VINCINT, K. B. 11 
 
 on the twenty-ninth of May following, invested him with 
 the most honourable Order of the Bath. Sir John Jervis, 
 as it now becomes incumbent on us to call him, conti- 
 nued to retain the same command till the month of No- 
 vember following, having, during the interval, attended Earl 
 Howe, who was sent at the head of the main or Channel 
 fleet to relieve the important fortress of Gibraltar, which was 
 then very closely pressed on the land side by a very powerful 
 Spanish army, while at the same time the combined arma- 
 ments of France and Spain, amounting to nearly fifty ships 
 of the line, attempted to block it up by sea *. 
 
 Immediately on the return of the fleet to England, Sir 
 John quitted the Foudroyant ; and being advanced to the 
 rank of Commodore, hoisied his broad pendant on board the 
 Salisbury, of 50 guns, being chosen to command a small 
 squadron, which was to have consisted of nine or ten ships 
 and vessels of war, with a number of armed transports, and 
 was destined on a secret expedition. The sudden, and almost 
 unexpected cessation of hostilities which took place immedi- 
 ately after he had received this appointment, necessarily super- 
 seded the necessity of carrying the object of it into execution. 
 Sir John struck his pendant, but only exchanged, after a very 
 short interval of retirement, one adlive scene of life for an- 
 other. 
 
 His first seat in Parliament was for Launceston ; and at 
 the general election which took place in 1784, he was chosen 
 representative in Parliament for the town of North Yar- 
 mouth, and soon proved that his abilities and general intel- 
 ligence in the capacity of a Legislator, were little, if at all, 
 inferior to those he had displayed in the station of a Naval 
 Commander. Whatever difference of opinions some men 
 might affect to hold in regard to Ins political conduct on cer- 
 tain questions which militated against the principles which 
 they themselves professed, his countrymen in general, and 
 that abstract part of them connected with the Naval Service, 
 can never reflect on his behaviour when any question was 
 
 See Vol. I. p. 17.
 
 iZ BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 agitated in the smallest degree connected with it, without 
 effusions of gratitude, admiration, and delight. 
 
 The firmness with which he opposed a romantic, extrava- 
 gant, and most expensive scheme, for fortifying the different 
 dock-yards, will stand a lasting proof to the latest posterity 
 of his attention to the honour of the service ; and his humane 
 exertions on the part of Captain Brodie *, of his no less 
 strong regard to its worldly interests. On the twenty- fourth 
 of September 1787, a promotion of Flag Officers took place, 
 in consequence of which Sir John became advanced to the 
 rank of Rear Admiral of the Blue, as he afterwards was, on 
 the twenty-first of September I790f, to the same rank in the 
 White squadron. A dispute with the Court of Spain, relative 
 to Nootka Sound, had, for some months previous to the last 
 promotion, rendered it more than probable that a rupture 
 would take place. A formidable armament was accordingly 
 equipped, to be in readiness for immediate a&ion the moment 
 such an event should take place. The chief command was 
 given to Admiral Barrington ; and Sir John most readily 
 accepted of the highly honourable station of first Captain, or 
 Captain of the Fleet, under his old friend and commander. 
 The supposed impending storm of war dispersing quietly, 
 without rising into a tempest, Mr. Barrington struck his flag 
 in the month of November; and Sir John taking upon him- 
 self the command of the fleet till the whole should be ordered 
 to be dismantled, hoisted his own proper flag on board the 
 same ship (the Barfleur) which had in the first instance 
 been appointed for the Commander in Chief. The certainty 
 ofc a continuance of peace soon produced the same efFec\ 
 with regard to Sir John that it had done to Admiral Bar- 
 rington ; and after that time he most diligently and unin- 
 terruptedly confined himself to his senatorial duties till the 
 month of February 1794. He then accepted of the com- 
 See Vol. III. p. 103. 
 
 tnl !" ' hC , m nt , h f May hC W3S ' in e B *qnce of the general eledion which 
 Wycombe re P r mive in Parliament for the borough of Chipping 
 
 1
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. I 
 
 mand * of a squadron equipped for the West Indies, and 
 destined to aft in conjun&ion with a formidable land force, 
 sent thither at the same time, under Sir Charles Grey against 
 the French settlements in that quarter. 
 
 The whole armament having rendezvoused at Barhadoes, 
 operations were immediately commenced by an attack on the 
 valuable island of Martinico. It fell after a short, but very 
 vigorous contest : and this success proved the prelude to 
 as speedy a reduction of the islands of St. Lucia and Gua- 
 daloupe. Thus did Great Britain, almost with astonishment, 
 behold herself in possession of all the French colonies in that 
 quarter, nor did there appear the smallest probability that any 
 of them could ever be wrested back from her during the con- 
 tinuance of the existing contest. Strange, however, and almost 
 incredible, are the events of war: a petty armament, not 
 exceeding four ships of war, the largest mounting only fifty 
 guns, and five transports having on board about 1500 troops, 
 had the address and good fortune to elude the vigilance of 
 the British commanders, and reach Guadaloupe in safety. 
 
 This event, so totally unexpected, gave a sudden and fatal 
 turn to the issue of the campaign. But the reverse of fortune 
 was not attributable in the slightest degree to any negleft or 
 miscondudl of the two gallant conquerors, whose exertions 
 had hitherto been so uninterruptedly crowned with success. 
 Not the smallest information had reached them that such a 
 force was on its passage ; nor, considering the state of the 
 French Navy at that time, contrasted with that of Britain, 
 could it have been deemed probable, or perhaps possible, 
 that France could have been rash enough to expose a 
 squadron which, inconsiderable as it was, proved of no 
 small public value, to the double risk of being captured 
 the instant it quitted its own ports, or, should it escape 
 that first danger, of being exposed to a second no less 
 formidable, ere it could arrive at its place of destination. 
 
 * On this occasion he vacated his scat in Parliament. On the first of February 
 jn the preceding year he had been advanced to the rank of Vice Admiral of thf 
 J3!ue squadron.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 Its safe arrival, however, and subsequent success, may serve 
 as a very useful and instructive lesson to mankind, that the 
 events of war frequently defy the utmost human sagacity, 
 being conduced and governed by the hand of Providence 
 alone. 
 
 This reverse of fortune furnished an opportunity for vari- 
 ous discontented persons, many of whom smarted under that 
 rigid conduft of thcCommanders in Chief towards them,which 
 their own behaviour had occasioned, to join that description 
 of people in England, which exists in all countries whatever, 
 ready to seize every opportunity of aggravating misfor- 
 tune, though by the most unjustifiable means. To clamour 
 succeeded unjust accusation ; and to the latter an acquittal, 
 unequivocal, and most highly honourable. The charge it- 
 self, as well as the refutation of it, cannot by any other 
 means be made so clearly appear as by the following letter ; 
 which, long as it is, will interest the reader sufficiently to re- 
 pay the trouble of attention, and which it would be an al of 
 the highest wrong to the injured honour of the Commanders 
 to abridge in the smallest degree. 
 
 TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF PORTLAND. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 We take the liberty of troubling your Grace on the subjeft of the 
 
 memorials which have been presented to your Grace by the West 
 
 India planters and merchants, and others, respecting our proceedings 
 
 and condud as Commanders in Chief, upon and subsequent to the con- 
 
 quest of the French West India Islands. Some of those memorials 
 
 were presented during our commands in the West Indies ; and if we 
 
 are corredly informed, they were preceded by personal communica- 
 
 tions made to his Majesty's Ministers upon the authority of private 
 
 *rs from merchants and t.aders in the West Indies. How far 
 
 se representations and memorials have been atled upon by his Ma- 
 
 sty's Mmisters, we are uninformed ; but from the nature of the allc- 
 
 at.ons contained in them, and the objefls which the memorialists 
 
 o have in v.e^we assure ourselves that they cannot becounte- 
 
 they are, it places us in this singular dilemma, that in the 
 
 large of our.pubhc duty, as Commanders in Chief in the West 
 
 C could noc avoid either disobeying the instructions and frus- 
 
 * new, of his Majesty, or exposing purselves to censure, by
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF 8T. VINCENT, K. B. 15 
 
 disappointing the wishes and expectations of merchants and traders 
 connected with the West Indies. 
 
 The West India merchants appear to be apprehensive only of the 
 consequences with may result to them from any precedent estab- 
 lished by our conduct upon which the French Government may aft 
 towards them in case of a reverse of fortune. " Should the fortune of 
 war," they say, " be reversed in that quarter, and any of the British 
 islands be captured by the enemy, (an event to be apprehended from 
 the reduced state of the British forces in those islands, and from the 
 untoward accidents which have prevented the departure of the rein- 
 forcements provided,) retaliation, however temperate in its principle 
 and extent, will be little short of total ruin to the fortune of your 
 memorialists, and to a very considerable portion of his Majesty's 
 subjects." 
 
 The ground upon which this complaint is founded, we take to be 
 totally distinct from that which has been more generally and most 
 loudly urged (which we shall observe upon afterwards), viz. that the 
 property of emigrants, or those who were friendly to the British Go- 
 vernment, arid contributed their assistance as far as they were enabled, 
 or allowed to do, to the conquest of the French Islands, were sub- 
 jected to indiscriminate confiscation. The fear of retaliation must arise 
 not from our treatment of the enemies, but of the friends of the French 
 Government. The apprehension stated is, that in case of a reverse of 
 fortune, that Government may treat our subjects as we have treated 
 theirs. To this \ve can give no other answer, than that the peculiar 
 nature of the war, and the orders transmitted to us by his Majesty's 
 Ministers, left us no discretion as to the treatment either of that Go- 
 vernment or its supporters. Upon a reference to our secret instructions 
 your Grace will perceive that Government to be represented as an 
 usurpation, having no legal authority, and its supporters as rebels and 
 traitors. We are directed by an order of Council to prevent foreigners 
 resorting to the islands without licence, and that order by a letter 
 from one of his Majesty's confidential servants is explained, as" clearly 
 making the intention of the British Government to keep out of the 
 conquered islands all persons whose principles were in the least degree 
 to be suspected ;" and he adds, " I hope you have driven out of them 
 all persons of this description," We certainly acted in conformity to 
 the policy here laid down in many instances. The subjects of the 
 French Government, or the pretended National Convention, as it is 
 termed in the proclamation, were, in many instances, sent away, and 
 their estates sequestered : this became necessary for the security of 
 those islands, which, in all our letters and instructions, we considered 
 ourselves directed to secure as a permanent acquisition to the crown of 
 Great Britain. It became the more necessary, as our force became
 
 jg BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 weaker ; but for the precedent established by these proceedings, w 
 are not responsible ; and to the sequestered estates receivers were im- 
 mediately appointed for the benefit of Government ; they still con- 
 Untie, we believe, to receive for Government the profits of those 
 estates from which the captors have in no one instance derived any ad- 
 vantage or emolument of any kind to themselves. 
 
 Having made these observations on the principles avowed by the 
 memorialists, we must beg leave to call your Grace's attention to a 
 statement of our proceedings in the conquered islands. 
 
 For a detail of our proceedings in the conquest of the islands, we 
 must beg leave to refer your Grace to our public and private dis- 
 patches. His Majesty's forces were resisted in all of them so long as 
 resistance was practicable. No town or district, or any body or 
 description of the inhabitants, ever signified an intention to accept or 
 accede to the terms of the proclamation of the ist of January 1794. 
 On the contrary, in many places the inhabitants manned batteries to 
 oppose the attack of his Majesty's troops, and in every other respect 
 contributed to resist them ; they even fired upon our flags of truce. 
 Upon the conquest of islands under such circumstances, we conceived 
 it to be our duty to secure such property as appeared to us unques- 
 tionable booty. We apprehend it was our duty to do so upon two 
 grounds, viz. ist, To protect the rights of his Majesty ; zdly, To 
 secure to the officers and seamen and soldiers such booty as his Ma- 
 jesty had, or might think fit to grant them as a reward for their ser- 
 vices. The booty taken on shore we conceive to be given to the 
 navy and army by his Majesty's separate instructions to Sir Charles 
 Grry, and by Mr. Secretary Dundas's confirmation of our plan of 
 division of booty in his letter to Sir Charles, of the 7th of March 
 1794. This idea was communicated to the army in public orders, 
 with a view to encourage the troops, and promote good discipline, by 
 removing all inducement to plunder. 
 
 Having submitted to your Grace our ideas respecting booty, we 
 request your Grace's attention to the nature and extent of the seizure 
 actually made. The principal estates in the island were in the pos- 
 tess'on of Republican agents, as confiscated propeity, and the produce 
 had been sent to the towns, of St. Pierre and Fort Royal (which were 
 both taken by assault) in order to be shipped to France, or otherwise 
 disposed of on account of the Republic. The planters resident on the 
 island had likewise sent produce to St. Pierre, to be shipped or sold. 
 The former description of property we considered as belonging to the 
 'rcnch Government, and as such, to be lawful pri7.e. The latter we 
 considered as subject to confiscation, in consequesce of the proprietors 
 
 ng either resisted his Majesty's forces, or declined accepting the 
 terms offered by the proclamation of the ist of January. The towns
 
 Or JOHN J1RVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K.E. 17 
 
 being taken by storm or assault, the property in them, according to 
 the common practice of war, was exposed to plunder ; but the troops 
 were restrained from any aft of that kind, by the assurances given 
 them that they would be much more benefited by a fair and equal 
 distribution of booty, than by indiscriminate pillage. Under the cir- 
 cumstances in which the towns were taken, it was the opinion of the 
 navy and army that all the property found in them was to be considered 
 as prize or booty. We declined sanctioning seizures to this extent ; 
 but being of opinion that the produce of the island found at St. Pierre, 
 Was unquestionable prize, as belonging either to the Republican Go- 
 vernment, or to individuals who had resisted the British forces, or re- 
 jected the terms offered by the proclamation of the ist of January, we 
 directed the seizure of it. No other private property of any descrip- 
 tion was molested- Although the town of St. Pierre was taken by- 
 assault, yet the shops in it were publicly open the next day, and the 
 inhabitants employed in disposing of their property and transacting 
 their business as usual. The provisions and necessaries supplied to 
 the navy and army, were regularly paid for, and every species of ge- 
 neral merchandize (provisions included) was left in the uncontrouled 
 disposition of the inhabitants. The property seized on shore con- 
 sisted only of the following articles, the produce of the island, viz, 
 sugar, cocoa, coffee, cotton, and cassia. 
 
 At the time of the seizure, no man intimated the smallest doubt 
 either of the legality or propriety of our conduct ; on the contrary, it 
 was the general opinion, that, in point of strictness, all the moveable 
 property in the island was liable tq seizure : in this opinion we have 
 since been confirmed by better advice than any we could then obtain. 
 Your Grace will not suppose us to have deliberately weighed in legal 
 balances every measure we took in executing the arduous services com- 
 mitted to our care ; if that had been expected from us, we ought to 
 have been furnished with learned civilians as advisers or assessors t 
 Unassisted as we were with any legal advice, we are extremely happy 
 to find, that instead of exceeding, we have fallen very far short of ex- 
 ercising to their legal extent, the rights of the crown, in seizing the 
 booty which fell to the disposal of his Majesty. 
 
 If your Grace will have the goodness to refer to the representations 
 first made by the merchants to his Majesty's Ministers upon this sub- 
 ject, you will find that the complaints against us were originally sug- 
 gested by British adventurers, who went to Martinique for the purpose 
 of purchasing prize property, and who found themselves extremely 
 disappointed, upon discovering that the captors had taken such mea- 
 sures as were most likely to obtain a fair price for it. Many of these 
 Adventurers had been long in the habit of carrying on commerce with
 
 ,g BIOGRAPHICAL MSMOIRS 
 
 the French islands, (whether illicit or legal, is not for us to determine,) 
 and were deeply connected wi-.h merchants and planters in Martinique, 
 who, by their resistance to the British forces, or by disregarding the 
 proclamation of the ist of Janua y, had subjeded their property to 
 confiscation. By way of reminding your Grace of the source of 
 these complaints, and of the regard paid by the persons making them 
 to truth and candour, we beg leave to submit to your Grace's perusal, 
 the following etraEl from one of the first representations sent to this 
 country upon the subjeft, and which we are informed was laid before 
 his Majesty's Ministers on an authority not to be questioned. 
 
 ExtraS of a Letter to Messrs. GEORGE BAILLIE and Co. from their 
 Correspondent at St. Vincent's, dated \^th of April 1794. 
 
 c Our Mr. only returned last night from Martinique, 
 
 where he went to see what could be done in the way of speculation. 
 He found a wonderful collection of people from all the islands, but 
 every one equally disappointed. All the produce on board the vessels 
 and in the stores, even to the length of powder and pomaiutn shops, 
 are confiscated. 
 
 " The sale began with sugar on the loth day. Fine clayed sold 
 from 60 to 67 per cwt. and bjeing captured good 1 ?, goes home subject 
 to the foreign duty. The produce has been all appraised by gentle- 
 men from the different islands ; and it's the direction from the Ad- 
 miral and General, that the agents do npt let a cask of it be sold under 
 that appraisement : so the full value will "be obtained ; otherwise it 
 is bought in for the capturers, and it is thought the greatest part will 
 fall into tlifir own hands ; they so much expect so themselves, that 
 the Ship- will be the last of the sales, in order thai they may buy in 
 what is wanting to carry home the produce. After this is all over, 
 the sum of 250,000!. sterling is to be demanded from the towns \\\ 
 M irtinique ; and all the produce on estates made previous to the day of 
 surrender, is to be made prize of. Such extraordinary plunder (for we 
 cannot give it a better name), was never known before on the like, or 
 any other occas : on, in civilized countries. At St. Lucia they are to 
 levy immediately the sum of 300,000!. sterling, in lieu of every thing 
 else, and no produce of any kind to be shipped off the island by the 
 inhabitants, until this money is raised ; so that, independent of half the 
 ruin of the people in both places, no payments can this year be ex- 
 pcdcd by the merchants in the English islands, who have very large 
 sums due to them for Negroes, &c. sold before the war." 
 
 No man who reads this letter can be at a loss to discover the motive 
 in which it originated. After all the reprobation it contains of the 
 condua of the captors, and the wonderful degree of philanthropy dU,
 
 OF JOHN JEK.Y1S, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. it, 
 
 played for the unfortunate sufferers, it shows a pretty strong disap- 
 pointment at the writer's not being able to derive advantage from the 
 plunder he execrates, by purchasing it at an inferior price. In short, 
 if the captors had permitted the adventurers, who wished to speculate 
 in the captured property, to have purchased it at half its value, the 
 confiscation would have been approved by them, and the complaints 
 now urged against us would never have been heard of. It i ever oc- 
 curred to the inhabitants of the islands, that any thing more had been 
 done by the captors than what was usual in similar cases, or that com- 
 plaints to his Majesty's Ministers would be likely to benefit them, until 
 these notiots were instilled into their minds, with a view to gratify the 
 resentment, and promote the interested views of disappointed British 
 adventurers. But independent of the vory laudable motives in which 
 the representation just stated originated, the essential parts of it are in 
 point of faft totally false. Instead of all the produce in the stores at 
 St. Pierre, even to the " length of powder and pomatum shops," 
 being confiscated, not a single ounce of property of any description, 
 except the produce of the island found in the town, was molested. 
 We were so rigid in enforcing a strict discipline in the army, that two 
 men, who had ailed in breach of orders in plundering, or attempting 
 to plunder some of the inhabitants of St. Pierre, were tried by a Court 
 Martial, convicted, and executed. What is said as to all the Droduce 
 of the estates made previous to the capture of the island, being taken 
 as prize, is equally unfounded in faft, as not a single hogshead of pro- 
 duce was taken from any of the plantations. As to the allegations 
 respecting the contributions intended to be levied on the islands of 
 Martinique and St. Lucia, \ve shall presently take the liberty of re- 
 questing your Grace's attention to a correct statement of the fa&s. 
 From the instance we have given of the regard paid to truth in the 
 representations made from the West Indies, your Grace will not be 
 surprised at those statements being followed up by memorials from the 
 merchants and agents here, equally unfounded in fact and destitute of 
 candour. 
 
 The transa&ions which we have hitherto detailed or referred to, re- 
 late principally to Martinique, that being the only island from whence 
 the captors have derived any advantage from the captured property. 
 After the conquest of that island, St. Lucia was the next objedt of 
 attack, and was regularly summoned to surrender. The summons was 
 rejected. The British troops landed in different places on the first of 
 April 1794, and all the different forts and batteries were completely 
 taken possession of on the fourth. But although there was no force 
 on the island to make an effeftual resistance against that s;nt to attack 
 it, and the inhabitants had known for near three months that it would
 
 20 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 be attacked, yet every resistance was made that the force of the island 
 was capable of; and no town, fortress, or any description of the in- 
 habitants, either capitulated, surrendered, or proposed surrender, upon 
 the terms offered in the proclamation of the first of January. The 
 island being conquered by force, the navy and army did not consider 
 the inhabitants as entitled to the terms offered by the proclamation ; 
 but on the contrary, as liable to be treated as enemies, and subjected 
 to all the consequences of conquest. Under this impression the nary 
 and army conceived they had a right to treat all the produce of the 
 island that had been manufactured, and sent to the town of Castries 
 (the shipping port), and also that upon the plantations 'in the pos- 
 session of the agents of the Republic, as liable to confiscation, which, 
 at the time of the capture, extended to a considerable part of the crop 
 of the year. Some merchants, who had been appointed by the Com- 
 manders in Chief to aft as prize agents, suggested to the principal 
 planters and merchants, that it would be a beneficial measure for them 
 to offer the navy and army a sum of money to waive their claims to a 
 confiscation of the produce j and that it would easily be raised by 
 way of assessment or contribution, on the different towns and estates 
 in the island, in proportion to their property or value, and paid by 
 instalments, at different periods. Two commercial houses in Greneda^ 
 that were very much connected in St. Lucia, took an aftive part in 
 promoting this arrangement. 
 
 The first sum mentioned as an equivalent for the captors waiving 
 their claims to all confiscation whatever, was 300,000!. ; which fell 
 infinitely short of the varae of the colonial produce then upon the 
 island. This sum was, however, by negociation and explanation, re- 
 duced to a moiety ; and an agreement was entered into by the principal 
 inhabitants for the payment of 150,000!. by instalments, viz. 50,000!. 
 in I794 the like sum in 179$, and the remainder in 1796. Tfre 
 houses of Baillie and Co. and Munro and Co. of Grenada, proposed 
 to come forward as sureties for the island, and to give bills on London, 
 dated August 1 794, payable at six months sight, for the amount of 
 the first 50,000!. This proposal, which held out to the captors the 
 certainty of a large sum of money, without the trouble attending the 
 seizure, condemnation, and sale of enemy's property, was accepted 
 under the idea that they would experience no farther trouble or diffi- 
 culty about it. The gentlemen who had proposed to give bills for the 
 money, suggested from time to time such orders or proclamations as 
 they thought would be most likely to carry into effeft the arrangement- 
 agreed upon ; but instead of the captors deriving any advantage what- 
 ever from this plan of a contribution, not a single shilling ever did, or 
 *ill come into their hands from it. Instead of gaining any thing, thr
 
 OP JOHN JBRV1S, SARI, OP STi VINCENT, K. B. 21 
 
 captors were completely defrauded of every ounce of property taken 
 on the island, except the arms and military stores that were applied to 
 the service of the public. So far from having pillaged or plundered 
 the inhabitants of St. Lucia (with which they are charged), the cap* 
 tors have not, to the present hourj received, nor have they any proba- 
 bility of receiving a single farthing arising from prize or booty taken 
 on shore, except the value of the military stores. We believe a sum 
 of lo.oool. or I2,oool was collected in the island in part of the pro- 
 posed contribution, and towards payment of the first instalment thereof 
 but not one shilling of it was ever received by the captors; and upon 
 its being intima'ed to us that the receipt of any sum of money under 
 the denomination of contribution would not meet with his Majesty'* 
 approbation, we directed whatever had been collefted to be returned 
 which was accordingly done in November 1794. Supposing our con- 
 duct originally acceding to the idea of a contribution to have been ever 
 so unwarranted by the praftice of war, and the law of nations, (which 
 we apprehend is not the case,) yet we have been very unfairly dealt 
 with by the inhabitants of St. Lucia and their instigators : for, not 
 content with securing the property which was clearly liable to seizure 
 and confiscation, and afterwards getting relieved from the conttibution 
 which was proposed as the consideration for restitution, they have 
 loaded us with every species of odium and reproach, which the most 
 rigid exaction of the contribution, or the most general confiscations, 
 could have excused. In all the representations made from the West 
 Indies, and followed up by memorials to his Majesty's Ministers, the 
 intention has been subsiituted for an a&, and urged against us as such 
 even long after it was notorious that the idea was totally abandoned. 
 In doing this, the memorialists anxiously suppressed the immense pro- 
 perty liable to confiscation, which was given up by the captors, who 
 certainly have the greatest reason to complain. The value of the pro- 
 perty found on shore, which was fairly to be considered as prize or 
 booty, was very large : the captors have been defrauded of the whole 
 of it by an insidious offer of a contribution, their acceptance of which 
 is afterwards turned against them as an exaction of the most tyrannical 
 kind. In acceding to the idea of a contribution, they lost sight of 
 their real interests. They did not foresee the fraud artfully meditated 
 to be practised upon them ; they did not forsee that letting the pro- 
 perty escape without any present or actual consideration for it, they 
 gave time for partial and ex parte representations against them, and 
 gave those into whose snare they had fallen, an opportunity of pro- 
 Curing a revocation of the whole proceedings ; by permitting the re- 
 moval of the prize property, the captors furnished the inducemeut, at
 
 2i BtOGRAfUlCAl. MEMOIRS 
 
 the time they removed all ground for the clamour that has been raise! 
 against them. 
 
 The preparatory arrangements gave time to ship away the produce 
 that was the subjed of confiscation ; and the period stipulated for the 
 first payment, gave an opportunity for a communication with the 
 mother country, so as to try whether by calumny and clamour, sup- 
 ported by falsehood and misrepresentations, a disapprobation of the 
 measure on the part of Government could be obtained. The plan so 
 completely succeeded, that the only result experienced by the captors 
 fiom the projected contribution, is a heavy expencc charged by some 
 of the agents who ii.at planned and then defeated it, fur commission 
 and charges, and every species of opprobrium and obloquy that inte. 
 rested malice or resentment could suggest. 
 
 The idea of contribution first originated at St. Lucia, in the man- 
 ner above stated. It was afterwards suggested that the planters in 
 Martinique ought to pay a certain sum in consideration of the produce 
 upon estates possessed by Republican agents, or by persons who had 
 taken an active part in resisting the British forces, or who rejeded the 
 terms offered by the proclamation of the first of January, not having 
 been seized or confiscated. This suggestion originated from the same 
 quarter, and in views of the same nature, that produced the plan of a 
 contribution at St. Lucia. Various preparatory orders were issued, 
 but the memorials presented to your Grace seem principally to confine 
 their animadversions to those of the tenth and twenty-first of May, 
 upon which we beg leave to say a few words by way of explanation. 
 
 The island of Martinique having been conquered by force, without 
 any capitulation or compact having been entered into with its inha 
 bitants, we apprehend the whole property of the island became liable 
 to seizure, and at the disposal of his Majesty. As Commanders in 
 Chief, we have already said that we conceived it our duty to protedl 
 his Majesty's rights; but in doing so, we did not enforce them to any- 
 thing like their full extent. The property that was in fad seized was 
 confined to the produce of the island found in the towns carried by 
 assault. It was afterwards suggested to us. that if we gave up the 
 remainder of the property liable to confiscation, we should deprive his 
 Majesty of an opportunity of rewarding the Navy and Army to that 
 extent which his lights afforded the opportunity of doing. Anxious 
 to do justice to the Fleet and Army, and at the same time desirous of 
 alleviating the situation of inhabitants, who by their condud had in- 
 curred a forfeiture of their property, we listened to the proposal of a 
 composition to be raised by way of contribution. In doing this, we 
 perhaps ovrrstepped the stria legal lint of coaduft we ought to have
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. K. 2J 
 
 pursued ; as the composition ought to have been confined to, and re- 
 ceived from, the proprietors of the property liable to confiscation. But 
 it ought to be remembered, that it was our wish to alleviate, and not 
 to aggravate the situation in which the inhabitants had placed them- 
 selves, by rejecting the terms offered by the proclamation of the first 
 of January ; and by acceding to their proposal of a contribution, we 
 were told we should do that. By the terms " general confiscation," 
 we must be understood to mean a confiscation of the property of the 
 inhabitants who had not entitled themselves to the protection offered 
 by the proclamation ot the first of January. In short, none of them 
 acceded to, or accepted the terms offered in it; and we believe your 
 Grace will find the legal consequences resulting from that conduct, 
 placed their whole property in the discretion of his Majesty. That 
 being the case, we were called upon, as his Majesty's representatives, 
 to secure it so far as we should deem it consistent with his royal in- 
 tention. The claim, therefore, to a general confiscation, will not be 
 found unwarranted, according to the rights of war. So far, therefore, 
 from complaining against us for having stated such a right, we think 
 the inhabitants ought to consider themselves as favourably treated in 
 its not having been enforced. 
 
 The proclamation of the twenty-first May was founded upon the 
 same idea as that of the loth : but there is one expression in it which 
 seems either to have been misunderstood, 01 strangely perverted by 
 the merchants, &c. who have made complaints against us We mean 
 the part where it is proposed " to raise a sum of money adequate to 
 the value of the conquest." We trust we are not to have our con- 
 duct decided on by a rigid criticism upon the language of our public 
 ciders. That the acts done by us, and not the phraseology of a paper 
 we may have signed, will be attended to. But if we are to descend 
 From the stations of General and Admiral, to answer verbal criticisms, 
 we need only suggest a small variation in the language of the paper we 
 are speaking of, to render it perfectly consistent with the idea above 
 suggested, viz. that of accepting a composition for the restitution of 
 property liable to confiscation. If instead of the words " adequate 
 to the value of the conquest," your Grace will be pleased to substitute 
 the words " adequate to the value of the property liable to confis- 
 cation," nothincr will be found in that paper inconsistent with our icka 
 of the rights of the crown, and the plan of accepting a composition 
 upon de-dining to enforce them. It can never be supposed that by 
 the words " adequate to the value of the conquest," we meant the 
 value of the island and all the property in it. Even the gentlemen 
 who complain against us, do not impute to us so extravagant an idea. 
 *' Thg value of the conquest" must be understood as referable to the
 
 t t BtOGRAPHICAt MEMOIRS 
 
 property which the conquest qf the island had made the subject of 
 booty, and which the captors conceived had been conferred upon them 
 by his Majesty's separate instructions to Sir Charles Grey. But whe- 
 ther the contribution which these proclamations proposed to levy was 
 just or unjust, either in principle or extent, we did not expect that it 
 would now be made a subjed of enquiry, as not a single farthing wa 
 colleded. The projcd was in fad abandoned long before it was 
 known that his Majesty disapproved of contributions. No loss or 
 injury of any kind was in point of fad sustained by the inhabitants, 
 nor have they themselves expressed any discontent or dissatisfaction, 
 though advantage has been taken of these proceedings to load us with 
 every sort of malevolent misrepresentation and abuse. 
 
 We shall now request your Grace's attention to the memorial signed 
 by Mr. Thellusson. By way of impressing your Grace with a just idea 
 of the candour of the memorialist, the first paragraph charges us with 
 having exercised injustice and oppression towards the inhabitants, 
 without giving the name of any one person that has been injured, or 
 instancing a single fact or transaction to warrant so strong an imputa- 
 tion. It is not usual for men in high responsible situations to be 
 charged in general terms with the exercise of injustice and oppression, 
 without a foundation being laid for such a charge, by a statement of 
 fads from whence it pan fairly be deduced. Here the charge is boldly 
 made at the outset ; and when the subsequent detail of fads (if any 
 thing stated in this paper deserves that appellation) comes to be exa- 
 mined, it will be found composed of either positive falsehoods or wilful 
 misrepresentations. It is not a little singular, that the narne of no one 
 inhabitant of Martinique should be brought forward as having autho- 
 rised this complaint. As to the supposed sufferers, whether they were 
 planters, merchants, or traders; whether they were Frenchmen, 
 Creoles, or persons of colour j what is the nature or extent of their 
 losses, and how sustained or occasioned, the memorial is totally silent. 
 Mr. Thellnsson states, that the persons he represents were not adhe- 
 r^nts to the National Convention, nor did they oppose the proclama- 
 tion of the first of January. Whether that fad is true or false, depends 
 merely upon his assertion, which in the terms in which it is made, can- 
 not receive an answer. If their names and residence had been men- 
 tioned, we should have had an opportunity of answering this allegation. 
 by shewing what part the persons named took in the contest, and 
 how far they suffered from the seizure that took place. The silence 
 served upon this subjed, pretty clearly shews, that the principal 
 
 from personal enquiry and minute investigation, and 
 of circulating their calumny in the name of an agent 
 not hold himself responsible for what he states. The allegation
 
 OF JOHN jB*ri, IARL OF T. V1KCBNT, K. 1. ij 
 
 With rcspeft to the state of St. Pierre when first summoned, and the 
 quiet and peaceable submission of the white inhabitants, is positively 
 and absolutely false. To prove it to be so, it is only necessary for your 
 Grace to refer to the answer given to the Mayor of St. Pierre to our 
 summons, and the detail of the conquest of the island contained in our 
 public dispatches. Your Grace will find, that the town of St. Pierre 
 was the last place taken, except Fort Bourbon and Fort Royal. ITie 
 Aid-de-Camp who carried the summons to St. Pierre on the sixth of 
 February, instead of being received and listened to, was insulted, and 
 not permitted to enter the town ; and the Mayor gave the wdtch-word 
 for resistance and defence. So far were the inhabitants from being 
 well affedled to 'he Btitish Government, that they manned some of 
 their batteries near the town, and several armed vessels were under the 
 necessity of firing upon the town, to deter them from giving farther 
 support to the adjacent forts at the time they were attacked by the 
 British forces. Their supposed quiet and peaceable submission 
 extended no farther than to their not engaging the British troops 
 when they entered the town sword in hand, after having taken the 
 surrounding forts by assault and when farther resistance would have 
 been fruitless. To the allegation that states the inhabitants, repre- 
 sented by Mr. Thelluson, to have relied with implicit confidence on 
 the security held forth by the proclamation of the first of January- 
 loose and general as it is we feel no difficulty in giving a positive 
 contradi&ion to, as no description of persons in the island ever intimated 
 at the time the most distant idea that they considered, or were in a 
 condition to consider themselves entitled to the benefit of the procla- 
 mation. It was public and notorious to every man in the island, both 
 British and French, that every foot of it was conquered by force ; 
 but relying upon these fads not being so generally known in this 
 country, and encouraged by their connections in the British islands, 
 and those which they have recently formed in Great Britain, it is not 
 improbable that some of the inhabitants may have been since induced 
 to authorise these false representations, in the hope of obtaining resti- 
 tution of the property which their resistance to the British forces 
 exposed to seizure and confiscation. Not content with stating the 
 conduft of the inhabitants to have been the direct reverse of what it 
 in fa& was, the memorialist proceeds to alledge, that all the produce 
 and provisions in the town of St. Pierre, and in some other parts of the 
 island, was seized and sold for the benefit of the captors. The pro- 
 perty that was seized on shore we have accurately stated. Not an 
 ounce of provisions was included, except the produce of the island, 
 such as has been named, should be deemed so. In short, the whde 
 memorial is founded in falsehood and misrepresentations. It. is neither 
 an&ioned by names, nor supported by any document or evidence of 
 2Jol.IV. s
 
 ^6 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 tny description ; and yet upon such spurious and anonymous authority 
 we are grossly calumniated, "as having violated British faith solemnty 
 pledged, and adU-d contrary to all the rules of war as carried on by 
 civilized nations." 
 
 Whether the terms offered by the proclamation of the first . 
 January 1794 are to be considered as addressed to individuals only 
 or to the body of the people, is perfcaiy immaterial ; for no indivi- 
 dual from whom an ounce of property was taken ever intimated a wish 
 to accept the benefit of it, until after his place of residence was in pos- 
 eession of the British troops. His professions of regard for and attach- 
 ment to the British Government, might, perhaps, then become vocife- 
 rous : but what would have been said of us if we had given credit to 
 the professions of such men. Had the same opportunity offered at 
 Martinique that afterwaids occurred at Guadaloupe, all these profes- 
 sions would have vanished, and the persons making them would have 
 been found amongst the supporters of the invading enemy. 
 
 The first memorial of the Westlndia planters and merchants appears 
 to us to be rather a remonstrance against the condud of his Majesty's 
 Ministers than a personal attack upon us we therefore consider it as 
 not calling for an answer on oui parts. But the other, which refers to 
 that we have just observed upon, and calls the attention of his Majesty's 
 Ministers to the proclamations of the first of January, and the tenth and 
 twenty-first of May, we consider as demanding ours. It mani- 
 festly proceeds throughout, upon a supposition that the fats stated 
 in the other memorial are true, and that the inhabitants of the con- 
 quered islands had by their submission entitled themselves to the 
 benefits offered by the first proclamation. We are not much surprised 
 to find talse allegations and unfounded calumny stated in a memorial 
 that may be faitly said to deserve the character of anonymous ; but we 
 cannot avoid expressing our astonishment to observe the West India 
 planteis and merchants adopting it. Had they possessed no means of 
 ascertaining the truth or falsehood of the matters stated in it, some 
 apology might be made for thtir doing so ; but the manner in which 
 the islands were taken being matter of public history, there is no 
 excuse for thtir adopting a false representation. It was only necessary 
 for them to refer to the Gazette to discover that the memorial prc- 
 tented by Mr. Thellusson was positively false. But it seems the 
 planters and merchants did not wish to be undeceived, as there would, 
 in that case have been no colour for their putting the interpretation 
 upon the proclamation of the first of January which they have done. 
 His Majesty's proclamation held out an encouragement to submission 
 to his arms, not a reward for resistance to them. They do not treat 
 this instrument as containing an alternative, but as offer ing unqualified 
 tenet, which the inhabitants of the conquered islands were to have the
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, BARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. 2j. 
 
 benefit of, be thf ir conduct what it might, whether they submitted, or 
 whether they resisted. In this respect it is more uncandid than the 
 other memorial ; and in stating the demand made by the proclamations 
 of the tenth and twenty-first of May, it keeps pace with it in fairness, 
 by suppressing the fact that not one shilling was ever collected under 
 them, and that all idea of contribution was abandoned many months 
 ago. This fact was equally well known to the memorialists as those 
 they have stated, and could only be suppressed wi'.h a view to give their 
 complaint a degree of plausibility, which a fair representation would in 
 no degree have warranted. All this industry and anxiety to pervert 
 the meaning of public papers, and to misrepresent or suppress the facts 
 requisite to a proper judgment of their true operation, must have pro. 
 ceeded from a consciousness, that a fair interpretation of them, and a 
 candid statement of all the material fads, would have shewn that there 
 svas no just ground for complaint. Taking the complaint in ita 
 strongest sense, when the fact is ascertained, it amounts to no more 
 than that the Commanders in Chief having been under the necessity 
 of conquering the islands by force, conceived the conquest to give the 
 captors a right to substitute a general contribution fora conEscation of 
 property which the conduct of the proprietors had exposed to forfeit- 
 ure, but which contribution had pot been paid. Had it been so put, 
 the enquiry called for would have appeared ridiculous. 
 
 The memorial from the Liverpool merchants seems of a very singular 
 nature. It calls upon his Majesty's Ministers to disavow principles 
 \yhich were never reduced to practice, and for a restoration of payments 
 that were either never made, or Iqng ago returned. Though it gives 
 a false colour to what fyas been in the conquered islands, it is not quite 
 so destitute of truth and candour as the other two upon which we have 
 just observed, and in that respect only differs from them. We shall 
 here dismiss the subject of these memorials with this short observation, 
 that if there had been any fair and just ground for complaint which the 
 memorialists could have established upon investigation, so as to entitle 
 themselves to relief, the courts of justice would have long ago resounded 
 with their clamours for redress, and his Majesty's Ministers would have 
 been the last person^ applied to. Conscious that their complainti are, 
 unfounded in fact, and their claims unsupported by any colour of law, 
 they substitute misrepresentation, and calumny in their place, acd en- 
 deavour privately to ruin and disgrace the characters of men \vnosc 
 cpnduct they have not ventured publicly to attack. 
 
 With respect to. the personal request made to your Grace by the 
 West India merchants on the twelfth ipsta.nt! as stated in the minute of 
 the conference sent us by your Gr^ce, we- Cannot avoid observing, ths* 
 \{ falls far short of what is called fpf bj; t x heiv memorial, That
 
 MEMOtKS 
 
 mher insinuates than charge, miscondua-, but in the prayer of it, 
 your Grace i called upon to institute an inqimy into our pul 
 condua, in order to ascertain how far the national chafer a 
 the public justice of the country have been duly and properly supported 
 by us in such high and responsible stations." To our very gre 
 Surprise, the merchants, in their conversation with your Grace, state, 
 that their objeft in the application was not a call for inquiry with 
 view to inculpation of our conduct, but a public disavowal of the 
 measure* proposed by the proclamations of the tenth and twenty-first 
 of May." So that after indirectly suggesting to your Grace, that 
 the national charader and the public justice of the country has been 
 wounded by our condua, nothing more is asked than a disavowal of 
 supposed principles, which were never reduced to practice, and of the 
 terms of a proclamation which are wilfully misunderstood or perverted, 
 for the purpose of giving a colour to the clamour raised against us. 
 In short, the merchants finding that the prayer of their memorial is 
 not warranted by ary thing they have to urge against us, wish, by 
 indirea means, to prevail upon your Grace to advise his Majesty to 
 censure our conduct in the way most disgraceful and humiliating to 
 U3, viz. by a public disavowal and disapprobation, not of an a& done 
 by us, but ot an intention that was not carried into effea, and which 
 intention is itself grossly misrepresented. The merchants have not 
 shewn such a disposition of forbearance towards us, as to induce your 
 Grace to believe, that if they could have proved us guilty of miscon- 
 duct, they would have resorted to an attack upon an unexecuted 
 intention, and have confined their application for redress to a dis- 
 avowal of opinions entertained by us with respea to the rights and 
 pradice of war. If we have aaed illegally or unjustly, the Courts of 
 justice are open to the parties who may think themselves injured ; and 
 from the dispositions shewn towards us in the memorials presented to 
 your Grace, it is manifest, that tenderness to us is not the motive 
 which has hitherto withheld the claimants from seeking redress in the 
 ordinary way. 
 
 Since our return to this country, we have made all the enquiry in 
 our power with respe& to the practice in former wars, where any 
 iiland or place has been carried by assault ; and instead of discovering 
 that we have exceeded former praaice with respea to the seizure of 
 booty, we find that we have fallen very far short of it. In his 
 Majesty's separate instruaions to Sir Charles Grey, direaiotis arc 
 given with respect to the division of any booty that might be taken on 
 shore ; and we therefore presumed that it must have been his Majesty't 
 mention that such property as by the rights and praaice of war 
 becanv vcbted in the crown, should be seized, and distributed betwee
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, if. B. 2f 
 
 the navy and army as booty. We have always understood it to be 
 admitted as a general proposition, that goods taken from an enemy are 
 the property of the conquerors, and that it is acknowledged right by 
 the law of nations to seize enemies goods whenever they can be found, 
 if the vi&ors are not restrained from doing so under some compaft or 
 capitulation. Seizures of a similar nature to that made by us at Marti- 
 nique have been made in every war many years past ; as for instance ; 
 at Vigo in 1702, at Payta in 1741* at Senegal in 1759, at the 
 Havannah in i 763, at Omoa in 1780, and at St. Eustatius in 1781. 
 The property taken at the last mentioned place included all the goods 
 and effects of every description found upon the island, except some 
 inconsiderable quantities given up to a few individuals ; and yet no 
 instructions were given to the Admiral and General for making such 
 a seizure. It was however afterwards approved by his Majesty, and a 
 grant made of the whole property taken in favour of the captors. 
 
 In the conference between your Grace and the merchants, it seems 
 Ito have been taken for granted, that the proclamations complained of 
 by them were inconsistent with that of the first of January. If your 
 Grace will refer to the latter, you will find, that in the event of the 
 terms offered by it not being acceded to, all persons a&ing in defiance 
 of it were to be " treated as enemies, and exposed to all the evils which 
 the operations of war would necessarily bring, both on their persons 
 and possessions." In this predicament were all the inhabitants of the 
 conquered islands, and consequently all our subsequent orders ought 
 to be considered as issued against persons subjc& to all the rights and 
 severities of war, and although your Grace seems to have been of 
 opinion, that in exercising those* rights we were unauthorised by any 
 * power," other than the force we commanded ; yet upon a reconsi- 
 deration of the subject, we are persuaded your Grace will find that we 
 possessed all the power vested in his Majesty as Sovereign of the State 
 whose force we commanded, and were not only warranted, but in duty 
 bound, to exercise the rights of war in such a manner as we should 
 think most likely to meet with his Majesty's approbation, regard being 
 had to the instructions with which he had honoured us. In the 
 situation in which we were placed, much was left to our discretion. 
 His Majesty pointed out to us the objects he wished to accomplish, 
 but the means were left to us ; and with respecl to all inferior objects, 
 they were Itft to our management, without any instructions whatever. 
 Jf we have exceeded or abused the powers delegated to us, we are not 
 only amenable to his Majesty in a court military, but to all individuals 
 jn the ordinary courts of justice. We are persuaded, that neither 
 your Grace, nor any other of his Majesty's Ministers, will think us 
 objects of ceosure, on the ground of mere unexecuted iiitentions, evea 
 
 5
 
 ,0 IIOCRAPHICAL MKMOIfcS 
 
 if they should be found to have originated in error ot mistake. We 
 re convinced, that it never occurred to the inhabitants of the captured 
 isl* i that we had treated them with unwarranted severity, until the 
 idea was suggested to them by British traders, who had interested views 
 to answer. Our conduft was approved by the principal planters and 
 the public officers of the island, as your Grace will perceive by the 
 testimonials which we take the liberty to subjoin. Various misrepre- 
 entatjons having been circulated as to the value and extent of the 
 property seized, it is proper that your Grace should be informed, that 
 the whole that was taken, both afloat and on shore (excepting arm? 
 and military stores) produced only 183,000!. our proportion of which, 
 should it not be diminished by claims or litigation, or by dishonoured 
 bills, will be 11,437!. ch. We trust your Grace will excuse our 
 having entered at such, great length into the discussion of the subject, 
 is we consider our personal honour, and the reputation we have 
 hjtberto held in society, as seriously attacked. 
 
 We have the honour to be, Ike. 
 . juf , CHARLES GREY. 
 
 ptjfo*,i79$. J.JERVIS. 
 
 Calumny repelled with honour and with effect, renders the 
 thara&er of the person against whoro^ts envenomed shafts 
 were unjustly directed, more brilliant, at least in the public 
 eye, than it stood before the asra of the invidious attack. It is 
 even reported, that several of those persons who had inconsn 
 derately joined in the clamour, became very soon afterwards 
 so ashamed of their delinquency, that a deputation from the 
 worthy seceders waited on Sir John Jervis, and after an ap- 
 propriate declaration of their high sense of the important 
 services he had rendered his country, particularly during the 
 time he held the West India cornmand, requested his accept- 
 ance of a valuable piece of plate, accompanied with their 
 intreaties that he would solicit his re- appointment to that 
 station which he had held with so much honour to himself. 
 The vote passed by the House of Commons on the second of 
 June *, in consequence of the vain, attempt then made, to ad4 
 
 * During the debate which took place on the fourth of Kay preceding, 
 Mr. Grey observed, <l That he should have imagined that if gentlemen had the 
 feeling they ought to have for the charter of officers who had been fifty years 
 In the service, and whose honour was hitherto without a stain, they would not 
 kve btcn Q for* ^ni in makbg charges, as were by implication. A me
 
 OP JOHN J1RVIS, EARL OF St. VINCENT, K. B. Jf 
 
 by a vote of censure, the semblance of dignity and weight to 
 that malevolence, which had entered the lists against the fair 
 fame of Sir John Jervis and his colleague, appears as the 
 grand conclusive climax of public approbation : " That th 
 House cordially perseveres in the vote of thanks unanimously 
 passed to Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jervis, with the 
 officers and men under their command, for the eminent and 
 distinguished services which they had rendered to their 
 country. "-*-Thus did truth most exaltedly triumph over 
 malicious aspersion ; and the latter, which in coverture of its 
 dark designs had assumed the specious grab of patriotic virtue 
 or generous attention to public honour : when stripped of its 
 borrowed plumes, was exposed to the derision even of those 
 who, on its first appearance, seemed pressing among the 
 foremost to countenance and to worship it. 
 
 All ranks of men appearing as if ashamed of their first folly, 
 vied with each other who should pay them the greatest ho- 
 nour. A public entertainment was given to the joint Com- 
 manders by the Grocers Company ; the freedom of which, 
 as well as of several others, and above all that of the city of 
 London itself, was unanimously voted them. The Cham- 
 berlain (the late Mr. Wilkes, the public and professed enemy 
 of all conduct having the smallest semblance of tyranny and 
 extortion) concluded the speech made them on presenting the 
 latter nearly in these words : 
 
 * Permit, gentlemen, the city wreaths to be mixed with the laurels 
 you have fairly won, and which a general applause must more and more 
 endear to you. These sentiments of gratitude pervade the country in 
 which we live, while they animate the metropolis of our empire. They 
 give a full indemnity against the slanderous breath of envy, and the 
 foul calumnies of the envenomed serpent tongue of malice, which in 
 these latter times has scarcely ceased to detract from, and endeavour to 
 wound superior merit." 
 
 was presented by a Mr. Thellmson against the conduct of these officer* in the 
 West Indies. Who that Mr. Thellusson was he did not know ; but his memorial 
 breathed nothing hut direcft and positive falsehood. This he was ready to prove 
 at the bar of that House, if the enquiry was instituted. He should prove also 
 every thing that was necessary to justify Sir Charles Grey and Sir John Jrvi 
 in their conduift in the West Indies that they had merited and received the 
 thanks of the inhabitants for what they did "
 
 m f B1O61APH1CAL MEMOIRS 
 
 In the first edition that we printed of the life of the illus- 
 trious character now under our consideration, we in this 
 part of our memoirs stated that Sir John, whose health had 
 been considerably impaired, as well by disease as the fatigue 
 which both his mind and body had undergone, during the 
 time he was absent on the West India station, having been 
 somewhat restored after his return to his native country : 
 he seized, with all the enthusiasm of a hero in the highest 
 vigour of youth, the earliest opportunity his convalescent 
 state afforded, of soliciting one of the mosta&ive employments 
 which the state of warfare at that time afforded. We are now 
 however happy at having it in our power to correct any mis- 
 statement that formerly appeared, and can assure our readers, 
 from AUTHORITY, that Sir John never solicited a Command, 
 gr applied for any particular service, but was invested, as soon 
 as his health was sufficiently re-established, with the Mediter- 
 ranean command in a few days * after that honourable and 
 public testimony just related had been borne to his merit by 
 the House of Commons. Heproceeded to the Mediterranean 
 on board a frigate; and immediately on his arrival. Admiral 
 Hothatn, his predecessor, resigned to him this important 
 trust. Notwithstanding the very severe blow the French 
 marine in that quarter had sustained, in consequence of the 
 partial destru&ion of the arsenal, as well as the fleet, at Tou- 
 lon, the exertions of the enemy, so extraordinary and unpre- 
 cedented as to seem almost incredible, had refitted and col- 
 lefted a force of nearly twenty Ships of the line. During 
 the period of Admiral Hotham's command, this fleet had 
 been hardy enough to venture out ; and though two slight 
 discomfitures had served in some measure to prevent a repe- 
 tition of the same presumption, yet that very circumstance 
 rendered the future operations in the same quarter much more 
 irksome to the British Commander in Chief than a situation 
 attended with more danger, and requiring far superior exer- 
 tions, would have been. 
 
 On the first of June he was advanced to the rank of Admiral of the Blue, 
 as he had before been, on the twelfth of April ia tUs preceding year, to that .of 
 Vice- Admiral of the White.
 
 OF JOHN JERVfS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. 33 
 
 The French armament lay ready for sea, in as good a state 
 of equipment as the resources possessed by the enemy could 
 put it. The inattention of a few hours might enable this foe, 
 rendered almost desperate by calamity, to escape from the 
 state of durance in which he was held, and effect considerable 
 mischief on some vulnerable territory belonging to the allies, 
 and friends of Britain, before sufficient discovery could be 
 made of his route to render pursuit politic, or efFe&ual. The 
 unremitting attention of Sir John operated very successfully 
 to the prevention of any such disaster, and the British com- 
 merce was consequently extended over the face of the whole 
 Mediterranean, without experiencing any other interruption 
 than . some few casual depredations committed on vessels 
 entirely, or at most, nearly defenceless, which the French 
 corsairs, equipped from their petty ports, were fortunate 
 enough to fall in with. The French Directory having, by 
 insinuations, by threatf, and other artifices of terror or 
 persuasion, contrived, towards the end of ttie year 1796, 
 to detach the Court of Spain from the alliance of Great 
 Britain; the situation of the fleet in that quarter, under the 
 orders of Sir John, was suddenly rendered extremely critical. 
 Though the state of the Toulon squadron was insufficient to 
 create any disquiet in his mind : yet the fleet at Cadiz alone, 
 in the most perfedt condition for service, more than doubled 
 the force he commanded- The political situation of his 
 country, at that ti me, rendered the greatest exertions necessary. 
 A formidable combination was raised against her, and the 
 fleets of her opponents, Holland, France, and Spain, had they 
 all been permitted to unite, would have composed an immense 
 armament, consisting of nearly one hundred Ships of the line. 
 The internal commotions which had for some time pervaded 
 Ireland, appeared to afford these confederated foes the greatest 
 hopes of success, provided it were possible for them to put on 
 shore any body of regular troops sufficiently numerous to 
 countenance the rebellious insurgents in their open avowal
 
 4 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 of that treason, which owing to the insidious representations 
 of those among their own countrymen who possessed most 
 influence, and were considered as the leaders of their 
 party, had long b?en cherished in their bosoms. At this 
 period it had attained an height truly formidable and 
 alarming. 
 
 An attempt was made by France, immediately after Spain 
 became an ally to the cause of republicanism, to carry this 
 project into execution; and though it had completely failed, 
 there was little reason to expeft that the want of success on 
 that occasion would so far intimidate the enemy as to prevent 
 a repetition of it. Regarding therefore the general posture 
 of public affairs, it must appear evident, that very urgent 
 necessity peremptorily demanded the immediate execution 
 of some grand and decisive measure, which might, by its 
 consequential success, contribute to dispel that tremendous 
 cloud which appeared on the point of bursting over her. Of 
 this situation, together with all the circumstances which led 
 to it, Sir John was perfectly well acquainted : but very little 
 relief could be expedted, highly as the abilities of its Com- 
 mander might be estimated, from a squadron consisting of 
 twenty six Ships of the line and ten frigates *, which, putting 
 the French force at Toulon totally out of the question, ha,d 
 to contend with an enemy of three times its own force. 
 
 This disparity of numbers was in some degree reduced by 
 the arrival of Rear-Admiral Parker from England, who 
 formed a junftion with Sir John on the sixth of February. 
 Still, however, his force was so very unequal to that of the ene- 
 my, that nothing but the existingcase could have warranted the 
 attack, norany thingshort of thegreatest exertions in regard to 
 professional knowledge and gallantry which the human mind 
 is perhaps capable of making, could have rendered its event 
 successful. Independent of that superiority which the enemy 
 possessed in respeft to force, they had the additional satis- 
 faction of being so near to their own ports, that even in case of 
 
 Don Juan Langara came up the Mediterranean with 26 Ships of the line 
 and 10 Frigates, and appeared off Cape Corse when Sir John Jervis was in thf 
 fid of evacuating the island of Corsica.
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, BARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. B. 35 
 
 discomfiture, they could retire without dreading the conse- 
 quences of pursuit, and moor in safety under the cannon of 
 their own fortresses in a less space of time than would be 
 required to refit the rigging of a frigate, after an hour's contest 
 with a vessel of equal force. The magnitude of the object, a 
 firm reliance on the intrepidity, as well as activity of those 
 whom he commanded, and a proper confidence in his own 
 judgment, contributed to make the British Admiral despise 
 all the surrounding difficulties, and determined him to 
 atterptanew mode of attack which he had long arranged 
 in his own mind as practicable, should fortune ever favour 
 him with an opportunity of carrying it into execution. 
 He had long entertained very sanguine hopes it would be 
 crowned with the most brilliant success, and the instant he 
 received the augmentation of force by the junction of Mr. 
 now Sir XVilliam Parker, as well as became apprised of the 
 situation of the enemy, he delayed not a moment in making 
 known to those whom he commanded, his resolution to 
 engage them, and the peculiar manner in which he in- 
 tended to arrange his attack. The event is known to all, 
 and the leading particulars will be best explained by the offi- 
 cial narrative of Sir John himself. 
 
 SIR, V'lSory, in Lagos Bay, Feb. 16. 
 
 The hopes of falling in with the Spanish fleet expressed in my letter 
 fo you of the thirteenth instant, were confirmed that night by our 
 distinctly hearing the report of their signal guns, and by intelligence 
 received from Captain Foote, of his Majesty's ship Niger, who had, 
 with equal judgement and perseverance, kepc company with them for 
 several days on my prescribed rendezvous, which, from the strong 
 south east winds, I had never been able to reach; and that they 
 were not more than three or four leagues from us. I anxiously 
 awaited the dawn of day j when being on the stai board tack, 
 Cape St. Vincent hearing east by north eight leagues, I had the 
 satisfaction of seeing a. number of Ships extending from south- 
 west to south, the wind then at west by sooth. At forty mi- 
 nutes past ten, the weather being extremely hazy, La Bonne Citoy- 
 cnne made the signal that the Ships were of the line, twenty- 
 five in nurcber, his Majesty's squadron under my command, 
 onsuiing cf the fifteen Ships of the line named in the mar-
 
 36 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 gin*, were happily formed in the most compact order of sailing, fit 
 two lines. By car: y ing a press of sail, I was fortunate in getting in 
 with the enemy's fleet at h.:lf past eleven o'clock, before it had time to 
 conned! and form a regular order of battle. Such a moment was not to 
 be lost ; and confident in the skill, valour, and discipline, of the 
 officers and men I had the happiness to command, and judging that the 
 honour of his Majesty's arms, and the circumstances of the war in these 
 seas, required a considerable degree of enterprise, I felt myself justified 
 in departing from the regular system, and passing through their fleet in a 
 Jine formed with the utmost celtvity, tacked and thereby separated one 
 third from the main body, after a partial cannonade, which prevented 
 their rtjunc\ion till the evening, and by the very great exertions of the 
 
 COMPARATIVE Vj EW or THE FORCE or THE BRITISH AND STAN is u FLEETS. 
 
 Spanish Fleet otfeted to 
 tie British. 
 
 CuHoden, 
 LJeuheim, 
 
 Prince George, 
 
 Orion, 
 
 Colossus 
 Iirciistible, 
 
 Via 01 y, 
 
 Fgmont, 
 Goliath, 
 
 Britannia, 
 Barflcor, 
 
 Captain, 
 
 Namyr, 
 Diadem, 
 
 Excellent, 
 
 ne f flattie as Formed. 
 
 Commandert. 
 
 Captain T. Troubridge. 
 
 Captain J. I.. Frederick. 
 
 Rear-Admiral W. Paikcr. 
 
 Captain J. I'rwin. 
 
 Captain Sir J imes Saumarcz. 
 
 Capt. in George Murray. 
 
 Captain Geo Aiartin 
 ( Admiral SirJ. fervis, K. B. 
 ^Captain Sir R. C alder, Knt. 
 (Captain G. Grey. 
 
 Captain J. , c utton. 
 
 Captain Sir (' Knowles. Bart. San Francis de Paulo 
 f Vice-Admiral C. Thompson. San Ysidro 
 J Captain John Foley. 
 j Vice Admiral Wal'degrave. 
 I Captain J R. Dacres. 
 5 Commodore Nelson. 
 2 Captain R. W Miller. 
 Captain J. H Wit*hed. 
 Captain G. H 'I owry. 
 Captain C. Coliingwool 
 
 Stifs. Gum. 
 
 Santissima Trinidada - 133 
 Conde de Regh -Iia 
 
 Salvador del .Yiundo - u 
 ft exicana - - i n 
 
 Principe de Astnrias- iiz 
 Coiueption - - i-H 
 San Josef - - n 
 
 Jjan Genaro - . 74 
 J-an Firmin - - 74 
 San ildefonzo - - 74 
 San Juan Nepomuceno 74 
 74 
 
 Frivatn. 
 la Vinerve, 
 Southampton, 
 Lively, 
 Niger, 
 
 Bonne Citoyeni;e 
 Raven, 
 Fox Cutter, 
 
 Captain Geo. Cockbnrn. 
 Captain James M'Namara. 
 Captain Lord Garlics. 
 C aptain Samuel Foote. 
 , Captain Lord Mark Kerr. 
 Captain William Prowse. 
 Lieutenant Gibson. 
 
 San Antonio 
 
 San } ablo 
 
 Atlaiite 
 
 Glorioso 
 
 Conquettador 
 
 San Nicholas 
 
 Oriente 
 
 Infanta de Pelayo 
 
 Firme 
 
 Soberano 
 
 San Domingo (fiute) - 58 
 74 
 74 
 74 
 Frigates. 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 -74 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 84 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 74 
 
 can Juan 
 Names unknown 
 
 Perla 
 
 Cere* 
 
 Matildc 
 
 Paz 
 
 Mercedes 
 
 Diane 
 
 Antiocha 
 
 Brigida 
 
 Dorotca 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - 34 
 
 - il
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. VINCENT, K. g. tf 
 
 Ships which had the good fortune to arrive up with the enemy on the 
 larboard tack, the Ships named in. the margin * were captured, and the 
 a&ion ceased about five o'clock in the evening. I inclose the most 
 corrcdl list I have been able to obtain of the Spanish fleet opposed to 
 me, amounting to twenty-seven sail of the line, and an account of the 
 killed and wounded in his Majesty's Ships, as well as in those taken 
 from the enemy +. The moment the latter, almost totally dismasted, 
 and his Majesty's Ships the Captain and Culloden are in a state to put 
 to sea, I shall avail myself of the first favourable winds to proceed off 
 Cape St. Vincent, in my way to Lisbon. Captain Calder, whose able 
 assistance has greatly contributed to the public service during my com- 
 mand, is the bearer of this, and will more particularly describe to the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the movements of the squa- 
 dron on the fourteenth, and the present state of it. I am, &c. 
 
 Evan Nefean, Eiq. &c, 1 JERVIS. 
 
 In addition to those circumstances already related, there 
 are several, scarcely less consequential J, which the confined 
 
 * Salvador del Mundo, 112 guns; San Joseph, uz; San Nicolas, 84 ; San 
 Ysidro, 74. 
 
 f Englhl Officers tilled and -wounded. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Wixon, Master's Mate, wounded ; Captain Major William Nor- 
 ris, Marines, killed, Mr. James Godench, Midshipman, killed; Commodore 
 Nelson bruised, hut not obliged to quit the deck. 
 
 Excellent Mr. Peffers, Boatswain, killed. 
 
 Cullodcn Mr. G. A. Livingstone, Lieutenant of Marines, killed ; Mr. Wnv 
 Balfour, Midshipman, wounded. 
 
 Total killed and -wounded on board the Spanish Shifs taken ty tbe Squadron under Sir 
 
 Join "Jervis. 
 Killed, 261 - Wounded, 342. TVal, 603. 
 
 Among the killed is the General Don Francisco Xuvier Winthuysen Chef 
 d'Escadre. 
 
 \ The following remarks on this splendid victory arc furnished by an ano- 
 nymous hand : 
 
 " If a daring spirit of en terprize ever manifested itself in any character, it 
 surely never shone more conspicuous, than in the unparalleled attack made by 
 Admiral Sir John J.-rvis on the Spanish fleet on the fourteenth of February. 
 What is, however, if possible, still more worthy admiration, is the judicious 
 close of that glorious a&ion, which evinces the gallant Admiral's judgment to- 
 be equal to his valour : for had the signal to bring to, been delayed even f.v* 
 minutes longer, our trophies must not only have remained very insecure, but po- 
 si'.-le, with the Captain man of war, might have fallen into the hands of the ene- 
 my. Owing to the situation of both the fleets, the British Ships could not have 
 formed without abandon5ng the prizes, and running to leeward, the enemy at 
 this time having at least eighteen or nineteen Ships that had not suffered in the 
 slightest degree by the action. At this period the Captain was lying a per- 
 
 2'
 
 2$ B10GRAFH1CAL MEMOIRS 
 
 limits of a report hastily drawn up immediately after this 
 splendid encounter, prevented the insertion of. When the 
 Spanish reconnoitring vessels were distinftly perceived, Several 
 British Ships were immediately ordered to chase: so that, on 
 the appearance of the enemy's van, it became necessary to 
 form the line ahead and astern of the Admiral, as most con- 
 Tcnient, without respeft to the order of battle. This was done 
 by signal at five minutes past eleven. The signal to cut 
 through the enemy's line was made by the Admiral at thirty- 
 five minutes past eleven ; and this was immediately followed by 
 that to engage. These signals were obeyed with equal ardour 
 and celerity by Captain Troubridge, in the Culloden, fol- 
 lowed by the Blenheim, Prince George, and the other Ships 
 as they had formed. 
 
 fed wreck on board the San Nicholas and San Joseph Spanish Ships, and many 
 of the other bhips, were so shattered in the masts and rigging as to be wholly 
 ungovernable. 
 
 The following are instances of the singular interposition of Divine Providence 
 ^n favour of the British hi the late adion : 
 
 gxtraflfrom an Officer's Journal of Sir yobn Jcrvh'i Squadron. 
 
 Feb. i. The Culloden parted company in chase. 
 
 Feb. 4. An American vessel came into the squadron, consisting then of only 
 nine sail of the line, which intelligence he afterwards communicated to the 
 Spanish Admiral. 
 
 Feb. 6. Rear Admiral Parker joined the squadron with five sail of the line. 
 
 Feb. 9 The Culloden and a cutter joined the squadron. 
 
 Feb. 13. Commodore Nelson joined the squadron. 
 
 Feb. 14. A fog concealing the British force, enabled fifteen Ships of the lino 
 to attack the Spanish fleet, consisting of twenty-seven, among which were seven 
 three-deckers, La Santissima Trinidada, of 130 guns, was so disabled in the 
 action that she was obliged to be towed off for Cadiz in the night. 
 
 Feb. 16 The squadron was forced into Lagos Bay, to secure the prizes, and 
 repair the damages it had sustained in the acTion. A few days after it ex- 
 perienced the tail of a gale of wind: had this blown home, every Ship and 
 man must have perished, as from the badness of the ground most of the Ship* 
 drove, or cut their cables. The Victory, Irresistible, and Salvador del Mundo 
 parted their cables. 
 
 On the twenty-third sailed without accident, and arrived at Lisbon on the 
 twenty-eighth, after passing near Cape St. Vincent's, which station the Spanish 
 fleet, consisting of twenty-two sail of the line, had quitted the evening before. 
 
 However incredible in may appear, it is a positive facl, that in the action of 
 the fourteenth of February, Commodore Nelson, in the Captain of 74 guns, and 
 Captain Troubridge, in the Culloden of the same force, turned the whole van 
 f the Spanish fleet consisting of three first rates, and four 74 or 80 gun Ships.
 
 OF JOHN JERVIS, EARL OF ST. TINCKNT, K. B. 39 
 
 The moment the enemy's line was broken, all the Ships to 
 windward wore; some in succession, others two or three 
 together, as their fears or necessity compelled them. The 
 signal was then given for the British fleet to tack in suc- 
 cession* This was immediately done by the greater part of 
 the line; but the Captain, bearing the broad pendant of 
 Commodore Nelson, being in the rear, wore and pushed 
 on, with a view to sapport the Culloden, arid prevent 
 the seventeen Spanish Ships already cut off, from re- 
 joining their van. This manoeuvre completely succeed- 
 ed. He was soon followed by the Excellent, and pre- 
 sently after by the Diadem and Namur. At one o'clock, 
 the Britannia's signal was made to tack, the headmost of the 
 British Ships having so much damaged ihe Spanish van, that 
 it began to move off, and the principal force becoming, in 
 consequence, necessary for the succour of the Captain and 
 the Culloden, with the other Ships that were then commenc- 
 ing their attack upon the enemy. On the Britannia's put- 
 ting her helm a lee, the Barfleur instantly wore, and, as 
 being a faster sailer, eoon reached within a cable's length of 
 the Viclory, diredtly in her wake, which station she main- 
 tained till the end of the action *, about a quarter of an hour's 
 interval excepted, when the Namur, from her swift sail- 
 ing, was enabled to push between her and the Vi&ory. The 
 Spanish Ships being thus cut off, and prevented from rejunc- 
 tion during the battle, by the quick and well-direfted fire of 
 the Prince George, the Culloden, Blenheim, Orion, Irre- 
 sistible, and Diadem ; the rest of the British squadron fought ' 
 with the others, and, before sun set, took possession of the 
 Salvador del Mundo, and San Josef, of one hundred and 
 twelve guns, the San Nicolas of eighty-four, and the San 
 Isidro of seventy-four ; the Santissima Trinidada, the Spa- 
 nish flag Ship, escaping with considerable difficulty, and in 
 the most shattered condition. 
 
 At this period, nine or ten of the Spanish Ships that had 
 separated, and, therfore, unengaged during the whole 
 
 * Sec the plat^
 
 , BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOlRt 
 
 contest, having at length effeaed a junftion with their van, 
 were preparing to come down and renew the aftion. It was 
 now that the great merit of Sir John Jervis displayed itself 
 to advantage. With the most prompt resolution he brought 
 to, and made so able a disposition for the defence of the Ships 
 under his care, that, though still superior in number, they 
 thought proper to leave their friends, and avoid the danger 
 with which they were threatened. 
 
 The consequences of this victory were as happy, as the 
 circumstances which attended it were glorious. The ar- 
 rangements made by the enemy, in all the pride of expefted 
 triumph, were completely disarranged; and the British fleet, 
 though fora long time inferior in numbers, as well as force, 
 exhibited the singular and wonderful speftacle to the rest of 
 the world, of tlie power it possessed, in bf ing capable of con- 
 lining a fleet stronger than itself, within the harbour of the 
 principal port belonging to Spain, and insulting that port 
 itself, by every al an enemy elated with victory could de- 
 vise. The joy with which the news of this success was re- 
 ceived in England, was in no degree inferior to the magni- 
 tude and consequence of it ; nor did the public gratitude 
 keep an unequal pace with the general exultation. Sir John 
 received from his Sovereign, exclusive of other inferior ho- 
 nours, the more consequential elevation to the dignity of a 
 Baron, and Earl of Great Britain, by the titles of Baron Jer- 
 vis, of Meaford, the place of his birth, and Earl of St. Vin- 
 cent, the scene of his glory. A pension of three thousand 
 pounds a year was also bestowed on him by the unanimous 
 vote of Parliament. These honours and rewards posterity 
 can never think unmerited ; they in some measure become 
 necessary, in an historical light, to put the cause of gratitude 
 out of the question, for they stand an established proof to 
 the latest moment of recorded time, that on the fourteenth of 
 February 1 7 97, fifteen British Ships of the line engaged and de- 
 feateda Spanish fleet t consisting of twenty Ships, the smallest of 
 them carrying 74 guns, and seven others mounting from 1 12 to 
 1 30 guns each.
 
 OF JOK3f JIRV1S, IARL OF ST. YINCENT, K. B. ff 
 
 His Lordship continued during the space of the two suc- 
 ceeding years, uninterestingly for himself, but gloriously for 
 his country, occupied in the blockade of Cadiz, or such ser- 
 vices as the depressed spirits of his antagonists rendered it 
 necessary for him to undertake, either in his own person, or 
 by proxy. Among the latter may be reckoned the victory 
 obtained by Lord Nelson in the Bay of Aboukir, the fame 
 of which is too great, and too recent, to need the smalles; 
 eulogium or account from the pen of the historian* 
 
 Finding, however, his health considerably impaired by the 
 fatigue of his very laborious service, he was compelled to 
 jeturn to England in the month of July 1799, and after a 
 long struggle with disease, was fortunate enough to overcome 
 the only enemy of whom he could stand in dread. He re- 
 covered his health in so great a degree, as to enable him in. 
 the month of May, 1800, to take upon himself the command 
 of the fleet which was sent from the shores of Britain in 
 earnest search of that armament which now comprises nearly 
 the whole of that marine force possessed by her combined 
 enemies, but which, formidable as its numbers may seem, 
 appears to shrink from the contest and consider itself happy 
 in the safety it derives from the batteries of Brest, which 
 have hitherto defended it from the effects of his Lordship's 
 terrestrial thunder. 
 
 Heraldic Particulars relative to the Ear! of St. Vtncent. 
 
 He is descended from James Jervis, of Chatkill, In the county of 
 Stafford, who lived temp. Henry VIII. ami whose second son, Wil- 
 liam, having settled at Ollerton, in Shropshire, was the ancestor of 
 that particular branch of the family to which his Lordship belongs. 
 He has an elder brother now living, or very lately deceased, William 
 Jervis, of Meaford, in the county of Stafford. Their mother was 
 Elizabeth, daughter of George Parker, of Palk Hall, in the parish of 
 Cavtrswale, in the county of Stafford, and sister to Sir Thomas Lord 
 Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer. Earl St. Vincent married 
 June fifth, 1783, at St. George's Hanover Square, Martha, daughter 
 of the before-mentioned Sir Thomas Patker, by whom he has BO 
 is&ue 
 
 Jf38to.o:j)ton. ffiol. IV. c
 
 4* BIOGRAtHICAl MEMOIRI OT THE EA*t O? 8T. TINCENT. 
 
 ARMS.] Sable m cheveron Ermine between three martleti, Or- 
 
 CEST.] Out of a naval crown Or, encircled with a garland of oak proper, 
 a demi Pegasus, winged Azure, and charged on the sinister wing with a fleur de 
 lisOr. 
 
 SCPPOT*S.] On the dexter side an Eagle, wings elevated ; in the claw, a 
 thunderbolt proper. On the sinister, a Pegasus Argent, wings elevated Azure, 
 thereon a fleur de lis Or. 
 
 IWOTTO.J Thus. 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS, 
 Drawn from aSual Events, and the Success which has attended particular 
 Maneuvres pruSisetl in Engagements letween Two Fleets. From the 
 Revolution down to ths present Time. Arranged in Chronological Order- 
 
 " ZXAUPLIS TEACH WHEN PRECEPTS FAIL," 
 
 IS a trite proverb, well known to every school-boy. Never, perhaps, 
 did the truth of any one appear more forcibly than the application 
 of it in the present instance. The scientific theorist may amuse him- 
 self in his closet with fanciful arrangements, wtiich, however ingeniously 
 contrived, are not decidedly certain as to their effects. But of those 
 effe&s which adual practice has produced, there cannot remain a 
 shadow of douht. 
 Examples of a Fleet having the Weather Gflge attacking en Enemy, and 
 
 defeating him, by a Pressure of the Van before the Rear could get up tt 
 
 iff Assistance. 
 
 In the battle fought in 1 66$, a ri&ory was obtained by the 
 English over the Dutch, in consequence of the former having the 
 weather-gage, nnd pressing the leading part of the enemy's fleet. 
 
 The same thing happened -in the second action which took place 10 
 1666, on St. James's Day, the enemy lying in the same position *. 
 The battle was won by the English after two hours fight, by pressing 
 the headmost of the enemy, which were not able to sustain themselves 
 till the rest of their fleet came to engage. 
 
 In the year 1672, in Sole Bay, the English suffered in like manner. 
 The Earl of Sandwich, with the rest of his division, hard pressed by 
 the enemy, and striving to gain the wind, were overpowered, when 
 the rear felt little or nothing of the battle. 
 
 On the fourth of June 1673, l ^ e English met with the. same 
 accident. The enemy came out upon them, bearing only upon the 
 leading squadron, arid never regarding the rear of the fleet, till such 
 time as the former were scarce able to maintain the battle. But night 
 coming on favoured them. 
 
 In the same manner, on the eleventh of August, the English laid -to 
 to receive the enemy, in which they had the same success which always 
 attended this order of battle. 
 
 * Sec the plate.
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 43
 
 4 j ILLUSTfcATtOHS OT HAYAL TACTlt*. 
 
 Referent to the preceding F ; gure. 
 The larboard tack on board in both fleets. 
 
 1NGI.ISH H.AGS. 
 
 SIRTHO.. TIDDEHAM, Vice Admiral THE PRINCE and DUKE, General*. 
 
 of the White. SIR ROBERT HOLMES, Rear- Admiral. 
 
 SIR Tuo. ALttN, Admiral. Rear-Admiral KEMPTHORNE. 
 
 Rear Admiral UT. SIR J.KIMY SMITH. 
 
 SIR Jo.. JORDAN, Vice- Admiral of Si* ED. SPRACG. 
 the Red. 
 
 DVTCIl FLAG. 
 
 EviRTZ.-with the Zealand Squadron VAN TKOMF, with the Amsterdam 
 L KuTTiR, those of the Maze. Squadron. 
 
 Translation of jhe Dutch Account of the Engagement with the British 
 Fleet, commanded by Us Hi<hness Prince RUPERT, and bis Grace the 
 Duke O/*ALBEMARLE, on the i^/Ao/Juue 1666. 
 
 From a MS. preserved in the Biitish Museum. 
 
 A Narrative of what passed in the Sea Fight lettvixt the Fhets of 
 England an.l the United Netherlands. Drawn up according to 
 tht Commands and Orders of the Statts General of those Countries, 
 \yh June 1665, ly the Raet Pensioner DK WIIT, VRVBERGEM 
 HUOLETH, and GKRLATIONS, Deputies and Plenipotentiaries of 
 their High and Mighty Lords, &c. &c. being at prestnt in the 
 Wtilings, for the Expedition of the Management of the Nether- 
 land Fleet t after a narrow Examination of the Chief Officers; 
 Commanders^ and Captains of the same Fleet. 
 
 THE Holland fleet upon the first, second, third, fourth and fifth of 
 June (new stile") sailing from the Texel, with variable winds and 
 calms, approached the English coast on the eighth. The eleventh, 
 they were seven or eight miks E.S. E. off the North Foreland, where 
 they anchored. The English were at anchor in the Downs, but set 
 sail also the first (rather eleventh] of June, and met the same day the 
 Dutch flett, which vas eighty-three men of war strong, besides ketches 
 and fireships. Just before the fight, one "of the biggest Dutch Ships, 
 Captain Col. van Gent, was disabled, and sent home ; the Captain 
 moving into the Ship of Captain Golskers. English fleet about eighty 
 strong. Fight began at one in the afttrnoon. Dutch fleet cut their 
 cables. Both fleets steered south, wind at W. S- W. ; so that the 
 Dutch rear vuard, commanded by Lieutenant-Admirals Tromp and 
 Van Meppelen, became the van guard. He behaved well ; and the 
 Colonel General De Ruyter, and Lieutenant-Admiral Van Ness, 
 commanding the centre, soon succoured him, la a short time, an
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OP NATAL TACTIC*. U 
 
 English frigate of 50 guns was seen to sink, by a broadside from De 
 Ruyter- The squadron of Lieutenant Admiral Cornelius Evertson, 
 and Eerrick Hiddes de Vrie, was long before it could come into fight. 
 The fight continued till five, when the English turned, and steered 
 N. W. going before the wind ; and then the squadron of Evertton 
 and De Vrie came into fight. In tacking, some of the hindermost of 
 the English were taken, and some brought into Holland. The Swift- 
 sure, 70 guns, Commodore Sir William Berkeley, Vice Admiral 
 White, taken by Hendrick Adrianson, commanding the Keyger, of 
 *o guns, was killed in person. (>u. Who?) The Seven Oaks, of 
 60 guns, taken by Captain Wander Zae, commanding a frigate of cz 
 guns ; the Loyal George, 44 guns, taken by Captain Swaert, Com- 
 mander of the Dewenter, 66 gun ; all belonging to the College of 
 Amsterdam. 
 
 Two Dutch Ships were set on fire, the Duy van Vord, 46, Captain 
 Treslaugh, and the Hoff of Zealand, 58 guns, Captain Simon Blocke, 
 both burnt by accident. On board Captain Treslaugh's Ship were 
 the Ptince of Monaco, and the Count of Guiske. Van Tromp's and 
 Van Ness's Ships were so much damaged, that they were obliged to 
 shift their flags. The English passed by the Dutch fleet, and their 
 Admiral, with some Ships, came to an anchor ; but seeing De Ruyter 
 make after them, cut their cables, and another action ensued, in which, 
 no Dutch Ship was lost ; but about seven or eight in the evening 
 an English Ship, of about sixty or seventy guns, of the blue squadron, 
 was sunk, about a musket shot from De Ruyter 's Ship. Toward*, 
 the evening, Rear- Admiral C. Harmann, of the white flag, was disabled 
 by De Ruyter, and afterwards set on fire by a fire-ship which was 
 sunk by her side. A second fire-ship was clapt on board her from the 
 Zealand squadron ; but even this she got clear of, as also of a third, 
 which was sent on board under favour of Eveitson's guns. But th 
 Rear Admiral of the White defended himself against all these, although 
 at least three hundred of his men leapt overboard ; and late in the 
 evening he made a shot which killed Evertson. Night coming on, 
 the fleets parted, and it is uncertain whether the English Rear- 
 Adraiial was sunk or towed home. On the twelfth, the English were 
 half a mile to loofof the Dutch, wind W. S. W. Both fleets made for 
 each other, the Dutch steering N. W. and the English S. So soon as 
 they came near, the Dutch also steered south. The English having 
 the wind came upon the Dutch, and there was a great fight. The 
 fleets having passed each other, without any loss on any side, a calm 
 followed, during which each party repaired, as well as they could, till 
 eleven o'clock. Before noon, the wind rising, the fleets made toward* 
 each other, the Dutch being then above the wind. De Ruyter baviag
 
 *{, ILLOSTIATIOWS OF HAYAI. TACTIC** 
 
 got near the English, heard a great shouting, and therefore returned 
 iuto his squadron, where he found Lieutenant Admiral Van 1 
 Vice-Admiral Van dcr Hulst, as also Captain Peter Salmonz 
 Haeu, and Van Amstel, in the midst of the enemy, all much battered, 
 and in great danger of being burnt or sunk, Captain Salmonz being 
 already on fire ; but the crtw were saved ; the Captain was however 
 afterwards slain in the Ship of Captain Schey ; the rest were also 
 unserviceable. In this encounter, Vice Admiral Van der Hulst was 
 slain. Many English Ships were sunk and burnt. Those of which 
 we are certain are as follows : 
 
 A Ship of the red Squadron, 60 guns, sunk about noon. 
 A Ship of the blue, 60 guns, sunk about three P. M. 
 A Ship of the white, 53 guns, sur.k half an hour after by De 
 Ruyter's squadron. 
 
 The Black Eagle, sunk by Captain Marreult. 
 Another Ship sunk in the middle of the English fleet. 
 Several other English Ships sunk and burnt, of which we have no 
 certain knowledge. 
 
 The fleets charged three times through each other ; but on the 
 Dutch offering the fourth charge, the English set by all the sail they 
 could for their own coast, being then reduced to thirty-eight or thirty- 
 nine men of war. On the thirteenth, the English, finding themselves 
 pursued, set on fire their disabled and bad sailing Ships ; the English 
 say only three in their Gazette, but our people saw many more. 
 [N. B. Fourteen it marked in the margin ] In this retreat, the Royal 
 Prince, of 90 brass guns, commanded by Sir George Askew, Admiral 
 of the White, struck upon the Galloper, and being left was taken pri- 
 soner, and sent with his men to the Hague ; the Ship was next day set 
 on fire. In the afternoon, there came from the west Prince Rupert, 
 with twenty-two men of war, who it seems was sent the day before up 
 the Channel, to get what Ships he could out of Portsmouth and Ply- 
 mouth, to make after the French fleet under the Duke of Beaufort. 
 The Dutch seeing this fresh supply, sent the Zealand and Friesland 
 squadron to attack him ; but the Prince made for the main body of 
 the English fleet, whom he joined late in the evening. The Rnglish 
 fleet being sixty or sixty-one sail of good men of war, the Dutch about 
 sixty-four, but much damaged by a two days fight, and having three 
 Ships burnt or sunk, with several sent home. The next morning DC 
 Ruyter called a council, and exhorting his Captains to do their duty, 
 fell again upon the enemy, about eight A. M. in three squadrons. He 
 pissed the English fleet, and tacked again, fighting all day with great 
 fury ; during which a Dutch man of war, Captain Vytehhout, was 
 k and butnt, and another Dutch Ship that came to save the Vice-
 
 ILIUSTRATIOHS OF NATAL TACTICS. 47 
 
 Admiral De Hefday from an English fireship. A Dutch fireship 
 being sent to board Prince Rupert was stopped by an English one, and 
 the two fireships burnt, together with an English Ship that had the 
 misfortune, to fall in between them. Van Tromp with several others, 
 were forced to retreat. General De Ruyter finding night coming on, 
 resolved to give a general charge to the English, which he did with 
 luch effed, that the English were totally defeated, leaving behind se- 
 veral prizes the Bull, and the Essex, a brave frigate of 58 guns, were 
 taken by Captain Paw ; the Clove Tree of 64 guns, and Convertine 
 of 54 guns. The same day two more English Ships sunk, one 
 belonging to the White about six in the evening, and another a short 
 time after. Several others destroyed, not known with certainty. A 
 thick mist coming on, the Dutch, after a pursuit of four glasses, were 
 forced to leave off. De Ruyter ordered the fleet to drive all night ; 
 and finding no enemy in the morning, arrived that day with sixty sail 
 at the Weilings; ten wha were disabled put into Goree ; ten other 
 for the same reason, made for the Texel, and the four which were 
 burnt, made in all eighty-four, the full number that went from the 
 Texel. in these fights, the English have lost at least twenty-three 
 Ships sunk, burnt, and taken. 
 
 This done the z6th of June 1666. 
 
 PLATE XXXVII. 
 
 TS a representation of the adtion fought off Cape St. Vincent, 
 ^ between the Spanish and British fleets on the fourteenth of 
 February 1797. The time chosen by the artist is the moment 
 when the Viclury, of 100 guns, bearing the flag of Sir John Jervis, 
 the Commander in Chief, is coming up under the stern of the Salvador 
 del Mundo, of 1 12 guns, and is in the aft of raking her ; a measure 
 which caused her almost immediate surrender, The Barfleur, of 90 
 guns, the flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Waldegrave, is seen in the wake 
 of the Viftory ; the British Ship on the right hand is the Excellent, 
 of 74. guns, commanded by Captain C. Collingwood, engaged with the 
 Ysidro Spanish Ship of the same force, which is nearly dismasted, and 
 very soon afterwards surrendered to him. The Ships on the right are 
 the seventeen sail which were separated from the rest of the Spanish 
 fleet in consequence of the judicious manoeuvre practised by the Com- 
 mander in Chief, who cut through their line, and prevented a re- 
 jun&ion with their shattered companions till the evening of the same 
 day, by which time the victory was secured, and the Spanish Ships 
 which fell into his hands were taken possession of.
 
 r 4* ] 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 Letter from Sir GEORGE By NO, afiervmrdt Lord Viscount TOR- 
 KiNGroN, to Admiral BAKSR. 
 
 Gibraltar, the ^^d Sept. 1709. 
 
 IT is above a month since I arrived heare with Mr. Stanhope in 
 hopes of meeting you hear with troops for an expedition on Cadiz* 
 The time is over, the enemy beeing prepaird for receiving us, not in 
 y manner as at first laying of the projeft was expetfed. For my own 
 particular part, I am not disapoynted ; I all waies have more opinion 
 of force than credit to believ men will give them selves up to you till 
 you bring strength to protect them : my Lord Gallway wriieing tit 
 word the ministrie in England have given over the pKJcdr, and that 
 you are ordered with the troops direftly to Catalonia. Mr. Stanhope 
 remains here in exportation of your squadron, that he may return with 
 you and myself. Beiing told by rny friends from England their is leave 
 given for my goeing home, and haveing wkh me the Ships na ned in 
 the margein that are crasie and worme eaten, and not five weeks pro- 
 vission, none at Lisbon or Mahon, I have resolved to proceed directly 
 for England, though my orders fur so doeing is nut yet come. I dont 
 foresee any orders can come with you for me to put in execution, but 
 what will as properly be don by you ; therefore have left an order, 
 (w <h accompany 'a this), for you to put in execution any such orders aj 
 may come for me. So do you as you shall judg most reasonable. 
 
 If you shall find your self under any difficultie therein, I would advise 
 to call a councill of war ; but before you do so, consult with Geu u Stan- 
 hope, with home pray all waits live well, for he is most honest, and a 
 very woithie man as ever lived. All that I have more is, to wish my 
 deare Baker first his health, and next his pleasure ; and after that, in 
 order to support the former, all the health is possible for fortune to 
 favour or rather reward you with ; for nobody is more sencerelie your 
 well wisher and faithfull hum" 1 ' serv" then 
 
 Y' 
 
 My service to Littleton G. BYNG. 
 
 & the Gent 1 with you. 
 Admiral Baker, 
 
 ^ 
 
 Privatt letter from an Officer on loard tot Fleet commanAJ ly Lori 
 Vitcount HOW,E, d!s//Tridcut, Sandy Hook, iS/A August 17, 8. 
 SIR, 
 
 I' is with the greatest pleasure I embrace this opportunity of 
 writii.g; and I should have been glad to have acquainted you with
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NATAL HISTORY. 49 
 
 the defeat of the French fleet ; but it has proved otherwise. Not but we 
 had every reason to hope for success on our first setting out after them. 
 We had been blocked up by them at Sandy Hook for about ten days, 
 when a gale of wind drove them off to sea. All our men lay during this 
 time at quarters, expecting them to come in every day ; which had 
 they done, the first or second day after their arrival, they must have 
 certainly carried their point ; and the fate of America been decided : 
 as they must have taken the Navy and Army all prisoners. Having 
 escaped this, our strength daily increased ; being joined by the Corn- 
 wall, one of Admiral Byron's fleet, we put to sea in quest of them, on 
 Saturday the eighth day of August, and found them on the tenth in 
 the harbour of Rhode Island : which island had not then surrendered. 
 On the eleventh, at break of day, the French fleet got under weigh, 
 and received a hearty cannonading from the fort. We were obliged to 
 cut and proceed to sea. At first, I thought Lord Howe meant only 
 to clear Block Island, and then to engage ; but as they always kept 
 the weather gage, we could not make use of our fireships, which were 
 our chief dependance, but kept under an easy sail all that day ; so 
 that, had they had any inclination to bring IK to a&ion, we did not 
 seem any way averse to it. They still pursued us with reluctance, 
 neither caring to engage, nor leave us. The next day proved very 
 squally ; and we were obliged to batten down our lower deck gratings, 
 to get our ports up, if necessity required it. The gale still increased. 
 About five in the evening, they came within shot of us; and Loid 
 Howe having shifted his flag on board the Apollo, ran through our own 
 fleet, Ship by Ship, speaking with every one ; and each saluting him 
 with three cheers, the French fleet still within shot. Whether from a 
 timidity of spirit, ofrfrom finding a determined resolution through the 
 whole fleet to engage should they make an attempt, I cannot answer ; 
 but they thought proper to bear away about six. The gale still 
 increased ; and we were obliged to lay to two days : during which 
 time both fleets were separated. The third day we made, in all, 
 only eight sail ; but the whole fleet has joined us since at Sandy 
 Hook, except the Centurion and Senegal. The Renown fell in with a 
 French eighty- four gun Ship, called the Tonnant and gave her several 
 broadsides ; she was obliged, however, to sheer off, more of their flteC 
 coming to their assistance. The Isis fell in with one of their seventy- 
 fours, which she engaged, she being in distress. The French Ship 
 shooting ahead, gave her an opportunity of raking her, so that she 
 thought proper to sheer of; the Isis being unable to pursue, having 
 all hf r foremast shrouds shot away, except one and the swifter The 
 Isis had one man killed, and thirteen wounded. One of the French 
 fleet is driven ashore to the north of Cape May, and the Languedoc ha 
 Wat). $ron. SXfll IV. H
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF RATAL HISTORY. 
 
 lost all lier masts. The Languedoc is one of the French eighty-four or 
 ninety gun Ships. When the French fleet appeared off Rhode Island, 
 it was thought proper to destroy the shipping in that harbour, which 
 was put into execution hy burning and sinking them. The following 
 arc the names of the Ships that are destroyed : the Orpheus of 3Z 
 guns, Juno of 32 guns, Flora of 32 guns, Lark of 28 guns, and the 
 Falcon sloop, besides transports. The seamen took possession of the 
 fort under the command of Capt. Brisbane, which they defended with 
 the greatest bravery, parading the tops of the embrazures, while the 
 French fleet entered the harbour, and had but one man slightly wounded 
 in the 6nger. What loss the enemy might have sustained on their 
 coming out, I am not certain. The Corn wall sprung her main-mast in 
 the partners ; the Raisonable her bowsprit : and the Apollo lost her 
 foremast, mizen, and main-topmast. We are getting ready as fast 
 as possible ; and imagine we shall be out in about four days. The 
 Monmouth arrived here this day. Whether any more of Byron's fleet 
 are on the coast I am not certain. Admiral Howe's conduct in this 
 affair deserves, I think, the highest encomium. His drawing the 
 French fleet from Rhode Island has saved it, and near 7000 men, from 
 the enemy's hands ; besides securing the island to his Majesty. 
 Evading an action in which there was such little likelihood of success, 
 their fleet being far superior to ours, has saved New York and all our 
 troops in America, which must have fallen into their hands, had we 
 failed. The loss of one of the French fleet, and the additional strength 
 of the Monmouth to ours, will, I hope, give a happy turn to affairs- 
 
 THE TRANSIT. 
 
 vessel, of which some account was given in the preceding 
 volume *, has been taken into Mr. Perry's dock, for the purpose 
 of being coppered, and fitted for a foreign voyage. Her length by the 
 keel is 97 feet; her extreme breadth at the gun-wale, which is the 
 broadest part, is 22 feet ; she is 1 1 feet deep in the hold, and is esti- 
 mated at the burthen of 200 tons by the custom-house at Chichester, 
 where she was registered. A more enlarged and particular account of 
 this singular and highly patriotic exertion of the mind to effed an 
 improvement in one of the most consequential sciences existing, will be 
 given in our next. For the present suffice it to say, the following are 
 the reasons given by the ingenious inventor in support of his new 
 system. 
 
 * See pages 412 and 505.
 
 PROPERTIES OF THE TRANSIT. | 
 
 The Olyeds of this Invention are numerous, and as fellow : 
 
 First, Faster saving 'with a side wind) am closer to the wind^ than 
 vessels of the present construction, 
 
 This, I think, will be allowed, upon a general view and examination 
 of the vessel. The peculiar form of the hull admits her principal 
 capacity to rest nearer the surface of the water, so that in her progress 
 she may remove a volume of water more superficial than vessels of htr 
 tonnage of the present mould, inasmuch as that water nearer the sur- 
 face is more readily removed than water deeper situated. 
 
 She possesses the property of being weatherly, from her length, 
 depth of keel, and form of bow; and of great stability, even at alight 
 draught of water, from the iron ballast being situated so much below 
 her principal capacity, as, in effe&, to produce the stiffness that would 
 arise from a solid iron keel. This extraordinary stiffness is certainly 
 objectionable in vessels as they are at present constructed ; but that 
 under consideration is exceedingly light rigged, and cannot roll with 
 the violence of a stiff Ship, from the nature of her form: of course, 
 the masts will be infinitely less in danger of being carried away, not. 
 withstanding the stiffness of the vessel. 
 
 Having examined the general qualities of her hull, let us turn to the 
 nature of the sails. They are contrived to approach a flatter surface 
 than sails at present do, and to make the fore and aft sails stand at the 
 same angle with the wind, both below and aloft, which cannot be done 
 in the present fore and aft vessels. For instance : To make the head 
 of a cutter's main-sail stand upon a wind, it is necessary to haul the 
 boom in almost fore and aft ; thus in effect, by making the head of the 
 sail serviceable, the foot is rendered almost useless. The sails too stand 
 with that uniformity and openness of situation, as not to take from 
 each others power, which is repeatedly done in a Ship, by the over- 
 lapping of stay-sail over stay-sail, and square-sail over squaie-sail, each 
 destroying the effe& of the other by back and eddy winds. Again, 
 the sails being placed upon a greater number of masts not only afford 
 the advantage of small and commodious fore and aft sails, which can be 
 gibed with safety and be managed by a few hands, but also produce 
 more weather-leaches, by the united effort of all which, the accelera- 
 tion of the vessel will be much augmented. The weather part of every 
 sail being struck by the wind with more force than the let: part : of 
 course, if the same quantity of canvas be set obliquely to the wind in 
 detached pieces, their united efforts will be greater than the same quan- 
 tity of canvas in one piece set to the same position. 
 Secondly, Easy and quick manceuvring. 
 
 To stay, merely put the helm down, and brace round the head yards, 
 which is the whole duty to be performed, as the after sails of chemsdvcs
 
 5 PROPERTIES OF THE TRANSIT. 
 
 will swing over to their proper angle for the other tack *. To veer-) 
 let fly the sheets of the three after masts, then proceed with the head- 
 sails, as is customary in a ship, gathering in the after sheets as the wind 
 gets round upon the opposite quarter. Should it blow fresh, it will 
 be proper in veering to brail up the three after topsails, and to take in 
 the miztn and quarter courses. Laying-to is performed by bracing 
 aback the head-sails, and hauling in flat the after sheets ; and at all 
 times, the proper balance of helm may be produced, by taking in one 
 or other of the after sails. 
 
 Thirdly, The great safety arising from the ease 'with ijubich jail 
 may be reduced. 
 
 In a sudden squall, the merely letting fly the mast sheets of the fore 
 and aft sails, is an instant relief to all the after masts, the head sails 
 only requiring particular labour and attention. 
 
 Fourthly, The extreme snugness which the vessel admitf of. 
 The topmasts, even at sea, are readily struck, without impediment 
 to the working of the course sails ; which sails, when the vessel is thus 
 jnade snug, may be carried in very hard blowing weather, to the pro- 
 bable advantage of turning her off a lee shore. 
 
 Fifthly, The masts do not depend upon each other, or upon the bow- 
 sprit for their support. 
 
 Thus one mast may fall without endangering or destroying the effeft 
 of the rest. 
 
 Sixthly, The great redvSion in top hamper y height, and size of masts. 
 With convenience she will carry every store belonging to her, even 
 spare lower masts. 
 
 Seventhly, The abridgment of chain <w ales for her rigging. 
 These can very well be dispensed with, on account of her tumbling 
 out as she rises ; which also gives her the advantage of coming along- 
 side another vessel with safety. 
 
 Eighthly, The very great economy of every kind of store. 
 This circumstance arises from the equality maintained in masts, sails, 
 and rigging, and from the sails being so contrived as to fill up the 
 whole space between the masts, without that frequent over lapping of 
 canvas we meet with in a Ship one-third of the canvas will undoubt- 
 edly be saved. 
 
 Ninthly, The masts being equally spread throughout the vessel tvi/f 
 produce so even a strain <w!:cn she labours as not to wear and rack the 
 hull partially. 
 
 This is not the case in cutters, brigs, or Ships, particularly, near 
 the mam -mast. 
 
 * This proved to be the case, without a single exception, during the passage 
 v<el from Chicherter to the river : in short, practice has hitherto fully 
 nrmcd, what ingenious theory first suggested.
 
 C 53 ] 
 
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATIVE TO 
 NAVAL GUNNERY. 
 
 Question. \WT HAT are the dimensions of a truly fortified iron 
 
 gun t 
 
 Answer. A truly fortified iron gun ought to measure eleven dia- 
 meters of the bore as the circumference of the base ring, nine diame- 
 ters at the trunnions, and seven as the circumference of the muzzle 
 ring. 
 
 $>._ What are the dimensions of a truly fortified brass gun ? 
 
 A. It should measure two diameters less at each place of measure- 
 ment than the iron gun ; that is to say, nine diameters of the bore as 
 the circumference of the base ring, seven at the trunnions, and five the 
 muzzle ring. 
 
 J^ How are you to discover when a gun quadrates, or hangs well 
 in her carriage ? 
 
 A. Every gun ought to measure in length seven times her own dia- 
 meter at the vent ; the trunnions ought to be placed at the distance of 
 three diameters from the base ring ; then there will remain four dia- 
 meters in distance from the muzzle. 
 
 4. How can you discover whether the carriage is proper and of 
 due length for the gun ? 
 
 A, A carriage ought to be five eighths the length of the gun, and 
 the eye will easily discover if it is wide enough and high enough, or 
 too high. 
 
 4J. How do you dispart a gun in order to take proper aim at a 
 given objeft? 
 
 A. Insert a priming wire into the vent, and let it touch the lower 
 part of the metal of the bore ; mark the wire close to the vent, take it 
 out, and rest it on the lower metal of the rose at the muzzle, and the 
 distance between the muzzle ring and marked part of the wire is the 
 height of the dispart. 
 
 <. How will you find the thickness of the metal at vent, trun- 
 nions, and muzzle ? 
 
 A. I will take the diameter of the gun at the vent, and lay it down 
 
 thus j |, which will express the diameter; then I will insert a 
 
 priming wire into the vent, and let it rest on the lower metal ; mark it 
 close to the vent, and taking it out, lay the mark on the line of the 
 
 diameter, thus | | |. I will then crook the end of the 
 
 wire a little, that it may enter the vent, and inserting it a second 
 f ime, turn it round till it catches the upper metal of the bore ; then
 
 _, QUI8TIOKS AND AKIWlRS 
 
 mark it again close to the vent, set off the distance on the same line 
 of the diameter, and mark how far it reaches from the other end of 
 tfc lioe , t has |_M-*--|--^-| ; then will A and A repre- 
 sent the thickness of the metal, and B the bore of the gun ; and i 
 the portions A A of the line are equal to each other, the thickness 
 of the metal is equal, and of course the gun centrally bored. 1 will 
 then girth the gun at the trunnions with waxed twine, and if it 
 measures nine diameters of the bore, the gun is so far truly fortified. 
 Observing the same operation at the muz/le, where it is to measure 
 seren diameters, the process is complete. 
 
 ^. How are you to discover whether a gun is truly bored ? 
 
 A. Take a spare sponge-staff and fix on it a rammer-head, strike a 
 chalk line on it from one end to the other, and put it into the gun as 
 far as it will go, keeping the chalk line uppermost, and exactly in the 
 centre ; then prick down the vent with a priming wire ; and if you 
 find on taking out the rammer you have pricked into the chalk line, 
 you may reasonably conclude the gun is truly bored ; but if you miss 
 the chalk line, that it is not. 
 
 <p. How do you discover when a gun is honeycombed ? 
 
 A. Take a spring searcher * with five prongs, and a reliever, muz- 
 zle the searcher, and ram it home in the gun ; take off the reliever, 
 and keep turning the searcher backwards and forwards ; you will 
 easily discover whether it catches ; when it does, mark the staff close 
 to the muzzle, then turn the searcher again as before, and whenever it 
 catches again, mark the staff as in the former instance ; so that by 
 laying the staff when drawn out on the outside of the gun, you may 
 nearly judge where the honeycombs are. 
 
 ^ How can you discover the depth of the honeycombs ? 
 
 A Take a searcher with one prong, and a reliever ; arm the end 
 of the prong with wax ; then ram it home in the gun; take off the 
 reliever, and turn the searcher till it catches, then will the impression 
 made in the wax shew the shape and depth of the honeycomb. 
 
 4J_. How deep must a honeycomb be to render the piece unserviceable ? 
 
 ji. If the honeycomb on either side, or on the lower metal between 
 the breech and the reinforce ring, is three tenths of an inch deep, the 
 gun is to be condemned ; if on the upper metal, four-tenths ; if on 
 
 * A most ingenious instrument invented by the late General Dcsaguliers, and 
 ince brought to the greatest perfection, has totally superseded the use of this 
 contrivance. All guns intended for sea service are now previously examined 
 by proper officers belonging to the Ordnance Board, who, by means of this in- 
 ttrumcnt, being able to ascertain, with the greatest precision, the internal state 
 and defecls of any gun, after a very short examination, of course rejeS all those 
 which, either from natural defeat, or subsequent injury, appear unfit for his Ma- 
 jesty's service.
 
 RELATIVE TO NATAL GUMNSRY. jj 
 
 any part without or beyond the reinforce ring, five-tenths are suf- 
 ficient. 
 
 4\ How are you to discover whether a gun is sound or cracked ? 
 
 A. By striking a smart blow on the gun with a hammer. If It 
 rings clear, it may be concluded the gun is sound ; if the gun jars, or 
 emits a hoarse sound, 'tis most probable the gun is cracked. Or the 
 following method may be taken : stop the vent, and light a piece of 
 touchwood ; put it into the gun, and stop the muzzle securely ; let 
 the touchwood remain in the gun four or five minutes ; if the gun i 
 cracked, the touchwood will burn out; if the gun is sound, extin- 
 guished. 
 
 <. How is a shot to be fitted to a gun ? 
 
 A. By dividing the diameter of the bore into twenty equal parts, 
 the diameters of the shot ought to be nineteen of those parts. 
 
 ^. How are you to find the proper proportion of powder ? 
 
 A. Eighteen-pounders, and all inferior calibres, require half the 
 weight of the shot ; for aU above, there are certain rule* to find the 
 proper proportion by. 
 
 4>. How is a gun to be secured, if it breaks loose ? 
 
 A. By cutting down the hammocks, tripping the gun, and lashing 
 it to the ring bolts of the side till fine weather. 
 
 . How is a gun to be cleared when a bit is broke in it ? 
 
 A. By drawing the gun, and sprinkling powder with a ladle from 
 the breech to the muzzle ; this done, drive in a tight tampion with a 
 mall score in it, and blow the gun off. 
 
 4?. If a shot has fetched way in the gun, how is it to be secured ? 
 
 A. By damping the powder, or splitting the tampion ; then insert 
 a rope sponge of a small size, and drive the wad home. 
 
 >. Suppose in loading your gun the shot sticks by the way ; if 
 you fire the gun, it splits, and you cannot draw the gun, what must 
 be done to free it ? 
 
 A. The powder must be damped, and while that is soaking, some 
 powder must be mealed, and the gun primed, getting as much powder 
 down the touch- hole as possible ; then fire the gun off. 
 
 4>. Suppose a Ship going to sea immediately, it is required that all 
 things should be ready for action ; what must they be ? 
 
 A. The powder filled, the powder horns and partridge or grape 
 shot between the guns, hammered shot in the buckets, crows and 
 hand crows, leavers at the guns ; nets and cheeses of wads fore and 
 aft ; the match-tubs in their places, the matches ready, the lockers full 
 of shot, the spare tackles and breechings ready, wet swabs at the door 
 of the magazine and heads of the ladders ; the boxes of hand-gre- 
 nades ready for the tops.
 
 -g ARTIFICIAL RUDOBR* 
 
 ?. How thick ought the metal of a gun to be at the vent ? 
 
 A. One diameter and a quarter of the bore in thickness. 
 
 :. How many men are necessary to a gun in case of engagement ? 
 
 A. One man to every five hundred weight of metal. 
 
 ARTIFICIAL RUDDER. 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 1 beg leave to remind the public, through your Chronicle, of an 
 expedient which was successfully tried in the year 1751,00 board 
 the Elizabeth, from Jamaica, burden 160 tons, Charles Seaton, 
 Master, after she had lost her rudder in a storm, lat. 43. 47. 
 distant from the Lizard about 500 leagues, as the knowledge of 
 this invention may be of infinite service to small Ships in the same 
 
 unfortunate circumstances. 
 
 H. 
 
 , e, Cleats nailed on the Ship's side to keep the guide rope in its place. 
 b, A block to keep the rope from the Ship's side. 
 
 ' E took an old cable almost four inches in diameter ; cut it off in 
 nine lengths twelve feet and an half long ; and lashed them one 
 to the other till the breadth was about four feet ; we then lashed small 
 spars across to keep them stiff. To the part next the stern-post, and 
 the back of tht rudder, were lashed studding sail booms, the whole 
 length (a square piece of timber would have done as well), to keep it 
 from bending. When let down into the water, two guides were 
 fastened near the bottom, and two near the top of the rudder ; and 
 brought up on each side of the vessel, to hold it to the stern post. In 
 order to fix it, at first, a tackle was fastened to the upper part, and also 
 to a yard, which was laid from the mizen-mast over the stern ; which 
 yard we raised up, and then hoisted the rudder over the stern ; which 
 we were obliged often to do to fix fresh guides. Steering tackles we 
 fixed near the outside of the rudder, which being brought on each side 
 the stern, steered her almost as well at a proper rudder would have done.
 
 C 57 ] 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 An Essay on Fevers, wherein their Theoretic Genera, Species, an I various 
 Denominations t are, from Observation and Experience for Thi-ty Teart 
 in Europe, Africa, and America, and on the intermediate Seas, reduced 
 vnJer their charaSeristic Genur, Febrile Infection ; and the Cure estab- 
 lished by Philosophical Indutlion. By ROBERT ROBERT ION, M. D. 
 Physician to the Royal Hospital, Greenwich* Odavo. 286 Pages* 
 5/. 1790. G. G. J. and J. Robinson. 
 
 r TPHAT active principle in the mind of man which is almost continu- 
 -"- ally employed in tracing effects to causes, from some inexplicable 
 reason, forms its results, even where the greatest ingenuity and powers 
 of perception and induction reside, with as much difference and 
 as great variety as there appears in the habits, persons, and dispositions 
 of mankind. Still, there starts forth, in every efflux of real genius 
 something highly probable, something persuasive, and which, if not 
 perfection itself, appears a well judged attempt to produce it. Thi* 
 remark will appear perfectly just on comparing the theories of fevers 
 from Hippocrates downwards, to Hoffman, Astruc, Huxham, and 
 later writers with those of the present very ingenious author, who, 
 if his doctrines of the causes of fevers 'should meet with casual objec- 
 tions among the sceptics, and not become the future dicta of physic, 
 would only share the same fate with many authors, whose labours have 
 handed them down to lasting honours. 
 
 But whatever assent or dissent there may be as to these doctrines of 
 causes, there will, with the really ingenious praftical physician, be little 
 disagreement on the propriety of the applications to, and conduct of 
 the effects. In the pursuit and display of truth, perspicuity of lan- 
 guage is all that is actually demanded ; but in a polite and enlightened 
 age, in a learned and elevated profession, the beauties of style, if not 
 indispensable, are laudable in a high degree. This is a praise, as well 
 as that of deep research, penetration, and originality, that it would be 
 unjust to withhold from the present work. 
 
 The opinions of this ingenious author are derived from the best of 
 all sources ; for however theories fancifully and ingeniously drawn may 
 amuse and entertain, it is to practice alone we must look for instruc- 
 tion. The general account of the disease, contained in the Preface 
 and Introduction, will form a very proper and correct key to this truly 
 valuable production. 
 
 Febrile infeclion is indeed a new term, as far as I know ; but I believe 
 it will meet with approbation, because it is definite, sufficiently com-
 
 g KAYAL LITERATUR1. 
 
 prchensive, and also Inapplicable to any other disease, which cannot be 
 .aid of the general term Fever ; for every reader knows that fever 
 nccomp-mies in some degree every disease to which the human fra 
 is subjea. Such a term, therefore, is vague and indefinite. I have 
 moreover been determined in my choice of the expression ftlnle 
 infeaisH t from observing that fever is always infectious more or less m 
 every quarter of the globe, and in all seasons, according to circum- 
 stances. Hence I infer, that fever alway has been, and always will 
 be, more or less infeaious. Should ptaaitioners affirm, that such or 
 such fev.rs have not been infaious, their declaration would no more 
 invalidate the doarine 1 mean to inculcate, than if they were to say 
 that small pox are not infeaious, because they may have seen many 
 persons escape in the same family where the disease has been raging. 
 Nay, it is well known, that all possible means to communicate the 
 small pox by inoculation and contaa have been often tried in vain. 
 But does this destroy the general doarine and belief of the contagi- 
 ous nature of the disease. The faa is, that neither small pox nor 
 frbrile infeaion can be communicated, unless there be in the constitu- 
 tion a predisposing cause, or state to receivt the contagion. If Pro- 
 vidence had not wisely ordained this, every person who approached the 
 sick, wherever these disorders pre\ ailed, would inevitably have been 
 infected, and the plague, which I am satisfied is only febrile infeaion 
 or endemic fever in its most virulent state, and rendered so extremely 
 deleterious by the impure air of crowded and ill planned cities, un- 
 wholesome poor diet, unskilful treatment of the sick, filth, season, and 
 climate, would become univeisal, and destroy mankind. 
 
 Again, infectious diseases in all countries, and at all periods, have 
 been ranked among the severest calamities incidental to mankind, and 
 febrile infeaion (one species of these) has ever been considered as a 
 tremendous and fatal foe to human existence. The millions who perish 
 in the fleets aad armies of contending nations are swept away in greater 
 ir.uliiuidcs by the secret malignancy of fever, than by all the destruc- 
 tive implements of war. 
 
 An exaa register, not only of the runnier nho fall viairr.s, but of 
 the dt.'easn also of which they die, in the public service (with the 
 methods of treating the diseases in peace as well as in war) would 
 greatly obviate this calamity, and be productive of general good ; and 
 the plan might, 1 think, be extended beyond the limits of navies and 
 camps to civil society at large. The judicious and diligent praaitioners 
 would then be distinguished from obstinate or indolent theorists. 
 The inexperienced would either be instruaed, or compelled by shame 
 to withdraw from a profession for which they were unqualified ; 
 while those who, by an unwearied attention to diseases and the 
 
 X
 
 HAVAL LITERATURE, 9 
 
 of remedies, promoted the public good, would deservedly receue the 
 well-earned rewards of their labour and bkill. Young professors would 
 no longer be led by any theoretic auihoiity whatever, but would 
 adopt those methods which experience had shewn to be most success- 
 ful. Emulation to excel in so laudable a plan, instead of an ambition 
 to establish the visionary theories of a day, would universally prevail. 
 For God's sake, let not mere theory or hypothesis any longer regu- 
 late the profession of a science upon the success of which the interest 
 and lives of mankind depend. 
 
 Fever has been my favourite fiudy for thiity years; and having 
 been chiefly employed in the Navy during that period, i have enjoyed 
 in three quarters of the world a more extensive' field for observation 
 than any man, as far as I know, who has ever written on the subject. 
 Upon entering this field of observation, I was almost deterred from 
 any pursuit by practical writers ; for according to their systems, 
 much time was requisite even to know the names, the genera, and 
 species of fever ; nay, thousands of years, I found, had not been suffi- 
 cient to mark ti:ese, much less to furnish a complete history of them 
 on their visionary hypotheses. Even Sydenham, a favourite author, I 
 observed, went on adding annually new species to the immense stock ; 
 so that, instead of being instructed, I was bewildered and lost. In 
 this state of perplexity, I resolved to attend diligently, and to mark 
 down minutely, every case of fever, as it occurred to me in every 
 country, climate, and season ; and upon comparing them together, I 
 have found that fever is universally one and the same disease. 
 
 As there were at different periods various theories of fever, so the 
 treatment of fever varied accordingly. Dr. Miller's Observations on 
 the prevailing Diseases in Great Britain, together with a Review of the 
 History of those of former Periods, and in other Countries, were pub- 
 lished in March 1770. Dr. Clark's, on Diseases in long Voyages to 
 Hot Climates, and particularly thoie which prevail in tne East aidics 
 in 1773, and mine in the years 1/69, 7r, 72, 73, 74, 76, 77, 
 and 78, had already extended to Africa, the West Indies, Continent 
 of America, and different parts of Europe. The success of the 
 treatment in the different quarters of the world, which was seen in 
 comparing our observations, proved on what a sohd foundation the 
 system was laid. My observations have since been made in various 
 parts of Europe, and are published up to May 1 789. 
 
 Such a collection of important observations to be made by gentle- 
 men nearly at the same time, without each other's knowledge, was a 
 little extraordinary, and, without vanity I believe I may add, fortunate 
 for mankind, as all the proofs which could be wished for on the subject 
 are now furnished. Indeed, many praclitioaers and writers have be en
 
 60 NATAL LITERATWRI. 
 
 so well satisfied with them, that they have secretly adopted them; 
 and while they have clostly imitated the least beneficial part of the 
 plan with very little decorum, have claimed the honour of being the 
 originals. J3y one writer, an entire new doclrine has been built on the 
 successful event of this new plan or system ; which dodlrine, as far as 
 it respccls the new mode of treatment of fever, will, I may venture to 
 say, last as long as medicine is practised, after it is once adopted ; 
 which will soon be the case universally, I have no doubt. 
 
 Having, in my Physical Journal and Observations, laid before the 
 reader the appearance of fever from the four great and dreadful sources 
 of febrile iafeflion, vi/.. marsh miasmata, jails, hospitals, and Ships ; 
 and having avowed that the infe&ion of the three last sources is one 
 and the same, as they produce a fever perfectly similar, consequently 
 that the fever is the same; and as it may appear obvious to every 
 reader, by comparing the histories of the fever, that fever from these 
 sources differs in no essential respect from fever arising from the other 
 grand source of febrile infe&ion ; and as the same mode of treatment 
 is equally successful in all of them ; I am led to conclude, that febrik 
 infeSion is the same throughout the universe, and that the cure depends 
 upon one invariable philosophical principle. 
 [ To be continued. ] 
 r~ * 
 
 ON 
 
 REAR ADMIRAL LORD NELSON's VICTORY. 
 
 Nor. ill! imperium pelagi, svumque tridcntem 
 
 Sed mihi forte datum. VIROIU 
 
 7" E painted Chieftains, whom, at honour's call, 
 
 To battle rous'd, no danger could appal ! 
 Who Caesar's might with naked breast withstood, 
 And drench 'd the plains of Kent with Roman blood } 
 Who with rude arms, and inexpert in war, 
 Thro' the thick legions drove the scythed car ; 
 Fac'd their bright steel with irretorted eye, 
 And, tho* you could not conquer, dar'd to die ! 
 
 And you, their sons, as terrible as they, 
 In courteous chivalry's heroic day, 
 Prompt to unsheath the swoid with equal zeal, 
 For beauty's smile divine, or England's weal ; 
 Who strew'd the field of Cresiy with the dead, 
 By Edward's sable boy to glory led !
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 You too, who dar'd, at Agincouri, oppose 
 A small, but patriot, band, to hosts of foes ; 
 When your fifth Harry's arm, with hardy blow, 
 Laid the plum'd crest of stout Ataman low ; 
 When each youth fought, as on his single lance 
 Had hung the fate of Albion and of France ! 
 Look, oh ! look down from your celestial state, 
 Ye sacred shades of the departed Great ! 
 Say for your Country's good, your Country's fame, 
 Did e'er your bosoms burn with brighter flame 
 Than that which glow'd in Nelson's gen'rotis soul. 
 Where the proud Nile's majestic waters roll, 
 When humbly bow'd the boasted tricolor 
 To British valour on th* Egyptian shore ? 
 
 As some bright angel of unwearied wing, 
 Arm'd with the bolts of heat'n's eternal King, 
 Sublimely soaring, at the high command, 
 Hurls dire destruction on a guilty land ; 
 So, at her awful voice, Britannia's son, 
 Far-fam'd for many a deed of prowess done, 
 'Mid the fell bands of France to spread dismay. 
 And curb ambition, ploughs the wat'ry way. 
 With daring prow, with swelling sail unfurl'd, 
 Charged with the vengeance ofasufF'ring world. 
 
 O for that seraph voice, whose lofty strains, 
 Sung warring spirits in th'etherial plains, 
 And Gabriel driving from the realms of bliss 
 Hell's vanguish'd legions to the deep abyss ! 
 Then might I paint the fury of the fight, 
 And all the horrors of that dreadful night, 
 When the great Nelson, in Aboukir's Bay, 
 Descried the Gallic fleet, and darted on his prey. 
 
 Now issue forth, from each tremendous tire, 
 Volumes of smoke, and cataracts of fire ; 
 The roaring cannons, thro' the pitchy gloom, 
 Disgorge Death's daemons lurking in their womb ; 
 Hiss thro' the hurtled air the whirring ball, 
 And all is desp'rate rage, and darkness all, 
 Save when the vivid lightnings, as they play, 
 Flash on the decks a momentary day. 
 The Chief unmov'd, amid the iron show'r, 
 Calmly direcls the thunder where to pour ; 
 Loud shrieks are heard ; and ting'd with hostile gore, 
 The sea flows purple to the frighted shore;
 
 VITAL UTKKATURI. 
 
 In speechless anguish stands the foe aghast ; 
 Rattle the yard-arms ; groans the falling mast ; 
 And with torn sail, and many atatter'd vane, 
 Dash their long ruins o'er a foaming main. 
 
 See ! from yon Gallic Ships * a flood of light 
 Breaking impetuous on the aching sight j 
 All glaring as the sun's meridian rays, 
 Flame rolls on flame, and blaze succeeds to blaze ! 
 Where, where, ye Gauls ! for safety shall ye go ? 
 Fierce fires above, the yawning deep below. 
 Ah ! soon each heart-perplexing doubt is o'er : 
 The huge volcanos burst with hideous roar ; 
 Aloft th* enormous wrecks in aether fly, 
 And planks, and arms, and men, are whirl'd into the sky ! 
 Quakes in her slimy bed the crocodile, 
 And all the monsters of prolific Nile ; 
 The hollow shores rebellow to the sound, 
 Tremble Rosctta's turrets, shakes the ground, 
 While the wild Arab, 'mid the tott'ring walls, 
 Leaps from his couch, and on his prophet calls ; 
 And each fond mother, with pale fear oppnss'd, 
 Hugs her child closer to her swarthy breast. 
 
 Lo! on the rear of that immoital night 
 The fair Aurora petps with gulden light ! 
 The scene how chang'd ! erewhib her orient ray 
 Danc'd on the Gallic streamers, bright artd gay ; 
 In firm array the naval tow'rs display'd, 
 To wondering MamaLkts and Cophts dismay r!, 
 Whence floated on the breeze, the palms among, 
 The shout exulting, the triumphant song. 
 The scene how chang'd ! of all their glories shorn, 
 Late sorrowing Egypt's terror, now her scorn ; 
 With ensigns lower'd, and with blood o'erspread, 
 Ports choak'd with men, the dying and the dead ; 
 The pond'rous hulks, their thunders forc'd to sleep, 
 Load with their shatter'd mass th' Hesperian deep. 
 Thus, when the tempest, scowling o'er the waves, 
 Forth rushes from the dark CEolian caves, 
 And, through the lurid air with clouds o'ercast, 
 O'er pines Norwegian sweeps the howling blast, 
 The proud trees crash, their tall tops downward sunk, 
 Lays stript and bare each mutilated trunk. 
 
 The Orient and the TimolcoDi
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 While VicVry, faithful to a PATRIOT KINO, 
 Thus on his valiant Navy spreads her wing, 
 The notes of fame the mighty deeds relate ; 
 Bat Europe trembles for her hero's fate ! 
 Cease, cease its fears ! the scar which glory ploughs, 
 Intrepid Nelson, on your manly brows, 
 She tends with lenient hand, and, hov'ring round. 
 With all her laurels veils the glorious wound. 
 
 These are thy triumphs, Britain ! Thine alone, 
 Great guardian of the altar and the throne, 
 To speak in thunder to the world around, 
 And grasp the trident of the Deep profound, 
 O'er seas, by Commerce led, securely roam, 
 And bring the wealth of distant empires home } 
 Unfold thy union cross, without controul, 
 To the scorch'd Line, or ice-encrusted Pole ; 
 Climes where the Lapland peasant shiv'ring roves, 
 Or the soft Indian lies in citron groves ; 
 Thy powerful aid to scepter'd suppliants yield, 
 And o'er them stretch thy tutelary shield ; 
 Imperial Austria's drooping eagle raise, 
 New plume his wings, restore his wonted blaze ; 
 Relume the Turkish crescent in its wane ; 
 Bid Memphis' tawny sons no more complain ; 
 Ber eath the shade of British banners bold, 
 Bid Tagus fearless roll o'er sands of gold, 
 From rapid Volga's banks call armies forth, 
 And rouse the millions of the torpid North ; 
 Pitying the orphans and the widow's tear, 
 Arrest of frantic Gauls the wild career ; 
 Who, deadlier than an earthquake or a storm. 
 Fair Nature's works with impious hand deform, 
 And tear, disdainful of the wrath divine, 
 From men their blessings, and from God his shrine. 
 
 Let vaunting Gallia view with jealous eye 
 Thy smiling plains, the seat of Liberty ; 
 Of future conquests in her orgies boast, 
 And dream of golden plunder on thy coast! 
 Still shall thou brave, wide Ocean's stately queen, 
 Her rage, all impotent, with looks serene ; 
 Show thy great Chiefs, to foes untaught to bow, 
 ^DUNCAN, VINCENT, NELSON, and 
 Prepar'd to smite the base invading horde, 
 Like the bright cherubim, with flaming sword,
 
 * KAVAL LITIRATU*!. 
 
 Plac'd on the confines by th' Almighty pow'r, 
 "To guard the sacred pass of Eden's bow'r. 
 
 Illustrious names 1 if e'er the Muse can give 
 Immortal famr, immortal shall ye live ? 
 Still shall ye shine in glory's high abodes, 
 Amid the heroes and the demigods> 
 To save a sinking world by heav'n design'd 
 The Fathers and Protectors of mankind! 
 
 WEST INDIA DOCKS. 
 
 THE Ceremony of Laying the First Stone of the buildings of 
 this mag lificent undertaking was performed on Saturday, the 
 twelfth inst. the anniversary of the day (the twelfth July, 1799) on 
 which the Aft of Parliament for carrying the same into effeft, re- 
 ceived the royal assent. 
 
 The company assembled at the London Tavern, at one o'clock, 
 and moved in the following procession to the Isle of Dogs : 
 The DIRfc-C 1 ORS of the WEST INDIA DOCK COMPANY*; 
 
 And in the last of their carriages 
 The CHAIRMAN and DEPUTY CHAIRMAN. 
 
 THEN 
 
 The Lord Chancellor, 
 
 Earl Spencer, 
 
 Lord Hawkesbury 
 
 The Right Honourable William Pitt. 
 
 The Right Honourable Hemy Dundas, 
 
 The Right Honourable Dudley Ryder, 
 
 The Right Honourable Thomas Steele, 
 
 i George Hibbert, Esq. Chairman, Mincing Lane* 
 a Robert Milligan, Deputy Chairman. 
 
 3 Sir John William Anderson, Bart. Adelphi. 
 
 4 Robert Bullcock, Esq. 172, .Bishopsgate Street. 
 
 5 Sir John Earner, Knt. Wood Street. 
 
 6 William Chisholmc, Esq. 74, Queen Ann Street, East. 
 
 7 William Cuitis, Esq. Alderman, Lombard Street. 
 
 8 Henry Davidson, Esq 14, Fenchurch Buildings. 
 
 9 John Deffcll, Esq. 19, London Street, Fenchurch street. 
 
 10 Thomas Gowland, Esq. 7, Savage Gardens. 
 
 11 James Johnston, Esq. ia, Upper Wimpole Street. 
 
 12 Edward Kemble, Esq. 
 
 13 William Lushington, Esq. 33, Mark I.ane. 
 
 14 David Lyon, Esq. Clothworker's Hall, Mincing Lane. 
 
 15 Neill Malcolm, Esq. 7, Upper Seymour Street. 
 
 16 Thomas Plummer, Esq. 2, Fen Court. . 
 
 17 Thomas Simmonds, Esq. 5 8, Red Cross Street. 
 
 18 Joseph Timpeon, Esq 26. Philpot Lane. 
 
 19 John Wedderburne, Esq. 35, Leadenhall Street. 
 
 20 Joseph Welch, Esq. u, Crooked Lane, 
 a i Henry Wildman, tsq. 6, Fen Court.
 
 WEST INDIA DOCKS. 65 
 
 The Right Honourable Silvester Douglai, 
 
 Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. K. B. 
 Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, Bart. 
 
 And a numerous train of Members of Parliament, including those 
 of the Seleft Committee of the House of Commons for the Im- 
 provement of the Poit of London. 
 
 Soon after two o'clock the Procession arrived at the Works, where 
 Lord Carrington and many other distinguished personages of both 
 sexes had assembled to be present at the ceremony, which was con- 
 du&ed in the following manner : 
 
 The Stone had been previously prepared to receive two glass bot- 
 tles, one of which contained the several coins (gold, silver, and cop. 
 per) of his present Majesty's reign, and in the other the following 
 inscription and translation thereof in Latin were placed: 
 
 Of this Range of BUILDINGS, 
 Constructed, together with the adjacent DOCKS, 
 
 At the expence of public-spirited individuals* 
 
 Under the sanction of a provident Legislature, 
 
 And with the liberal co-operation of the Corporate Body of the 
 
 CITY of LONDON, 
 
 For the distinct purpose 
 
 Of complete SECURITY and ample ACCOMMODATION 
 
 (hitherto not afforded) 
 To the SHIPPING and PRODUCE of the WEST INDIES at this wealthy 
 
 PORT, 
 
 THE FIRST STONE WAS LAID, 
 On Saturday the I2th day of July, A. D. 1800, 
 
 By the concutring hands of 
 
 The Right Honourable Lord Loughborough, Lord High Chan- 
 cellor of Great Britain, 
 
 The Right Honourable William Pitt, First Lord Commissioner o 
 his Majesty's Treasury, and Chancellor of his 
 
 Majesty's Exchequer, 
 George Hibbert, Esq. the Chairman, and 
 . Robert Milligan, Esq. the Deputy Chairman, 
 
 Of the West India Dock Company; 
 The two former conspicuous in the Band 
 
 Of those illustrious Statesmen 
 
 "Who in either House of Parliament have been zealous to promote, 
 The two latter distinguished among those chosen to direct 
 
 AN UNDERTAKING, 
 
 Which, under the favour of GOD, shall contribute 
 Stability, Increase, and Ornament, to 
 
 BRITISH COMMERCE. 
 2S0J- IV. x
 
 g WEST XKBIA 9OCKI. 
 
 HVIVtCE . PIRAEI 
 VVA * CVM . NAVAtlBUS ' 
 IMFENSIS ' CIV1VM ' DI ' FATR1A O?TIME . r*OMRITORUM 
 SNEVOLENTIA.IINGVLARI . MV N ICIPI . VRBA N I 
 
 TATSTA . SENATVS . CONSVLT1 . TVTELA 
 AVSrids . AVCVSTISSIMI . REGIS. FORIS . POTENTIAL 
 
 GLORIAEQVIE 
 RITAHNORtJM. DOMI . OPVLENTIAR . SlCVRITATldU* 
 
 NON . PROSPICIENTIS 
 SrSCEPTI. EXSTRUCTIQTI 
 TT. PRAESIDirM . ET . 6PATIVM . REI . NAVALI . 
 
 INDIAE 
 
 OCClDENTAtlS . ADPRIME. JDOWEVM . 
 IACTA .FVNDAMENTA . IV. NON. IVL . ANN. CHRIST. 
 
 CVKAUTIBVS . NOB1LUSIMO. ALEXANDRO . BARONE . CE 
 
 LOUGHBOROUGH 
 
 JVM MO. MAGNAE . BRITANMAE-CANCELLARIO 
 VONORATISSIMO . GVLIELUO. PITT . Qjl STVMVIRO . ET.HICX 
 
 RECl . PRIMUM . LOCVM . TENENTR 
 IMININTJBVS . INTER . VIROS . EXIMIOS . ET . PRAECLAROS 
 
 QVI .IN. SENATV . ACERRIME . PROMOVERVNT 
 
 GBORGIO . HIBBERT . ARM1G . PRAEFECTO . NEC . NOH 
 
 ROBERTO . MILL! CAN . ARM 1C 
 
 PRO-rRAEFECTO. REI . NAVTICAE. AD. INDIAN . OCCIDE NTALEM . 
 
 
 
 SPECTANT1 
 
 ISSIGNIBUS . INTER . ILLOS . QV I . PRAEFVERE. OPERI . QVOD 
 
 DEO . ANNVfcNTE . AD . SALVTEM . EMOLVMENTVM . ET . DZCV5 
 
 COMMERCl . BRITANNICI . CONDVCERE . POSSET. 
 
 The bottles being deposited in the recesses made to receive them, 
 and also a plate with the Directors names engraved thereon, Mr. 
 Tyrrell, the Clerk and Solicitor to the West India Dock Company, 
 read the inscription, and the four noble and honourable Personages 
 named for that purpose raised the stone (by means of four rings fixed 
 thereto) and laid it in the proper situation. 
 
 The spectators then gave three times three hearty cheers, and de- 
 clared their best wishes for the success of the undertaking. 
 
 After the ceremony the company viewed the extensive works car- 
 rying on at the Isle of Dogs, and expressed great pleasure and satis, 
 faction at the spirited exertion manifested by the progress already 
 made in a concern of such magnitude.
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JUNE 21. 
 
 Cefr of a Letter from tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of tie Wl'ttc, &c. t 
 Evan Nffean, sy. dated on board bit Majesty'* S&'f faille dt Parit, of Uttant, 
 the Mtb instant. 
 
 SIR, 
 J INCLOSE, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admi. 
 
 rally, letters which I have this instant received from Rear Admiral Mr John 
 Borlase Warren, giving an account of the boats of the Ships under his order* 
 having cut out from St. Croix three armed and eight other vessels, laden with 
 provisions for the combined fleet in Brest. 
 
 The Unicorn being short of water, I have directed Captain Wilkinson to tee 
 the prizes into Plymouth, and to rejoin the squadron the instant he shall have 
 completed his water and provisions. I am, iir, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, R<na*jon> of tic Penmarts. Hti> Jvntt 
 
 I beg leave to inform you, that having observed a convoy of brigs and chasse 
 marees at anchor near a fort within the Penmarks, destined for the fleet at Brest, 
 and being of opinion that they might be cut out, I directed two armed boats 
 from this ship, commanded by Lieutenants Burke ajid Jane, together with Lieu* 
 tenant KillogrivorF of the Russian Navy, as well as from each ship of the 
 detachment under my orders, to rendezvous on board the Fisgard, and to 
 follow Captain Martin's directions for their further proceedings, whose letter 
 to me is inclosed ; and I am happy to say that the service was performed with 
 much gallantry and success on the part of tne officers and men of the ships em- 
 ployed. Although some loss on our part has been sustained, I trust the measure 
 will meet your Lordships' approbation. 
 
 J have the honour to remain, &c- 
 Tie Earl cf St. Vincent, K. B. JOHN BOKLASE WARREN. 
 
 SIR, flsgarti, off the Ptnmarls, June II. 
 
 In pursuance of the directions you gave me yesterday evening, two boatr from 
 each ship named in the margin * assembled on board the Fisgard, in order to 
 attack the convoy laying at St. Croix ; and at eleven o'clock, being as near the 
 shore as the darkness of the night would permit, (and the mode of attack pre- 
 viously determined,) they proceeded under the command of the following 
 officers: Lieutenant Burke, Renown; Lieutenant Green and Lieutenant 
 Gerrard, Fisgard; Lieutenant Stamp, Defence; and Lieutenant Price, Uni- 
 corn ; but the wind being fresh from the south east, prevented their reaching 
 the above anchorage till after daylight, when, in opposition to a heavy batteiy, 
 three armed vessels, and a constant fire of musquetry from the shore, they took 
 the three armed vessels and eight others, laden with supplies for the fleet at 
 Brest; the rest, amounting to twenty sail, run upon the rocks, where many of 
 them will certainly be lost. 
 
 I have the pleasure to assure you, that the officers and men employed on thi 
 service, shewed a degree of zeal and intrepidity that can only be equalled by the 
 cool steady condu& which 1 had the satisfaction to observe in them, when 
 passing through a very intricate navigation, under a constant discharge of can- 
 non from the shore. 
 
 Lieutenants Burke and Dean speak highly in favour of Vr. Jane, afting Lieu- 
 tenant of the Renown, lV:r. Fleming, A, ate of the Fisgurd, and Lieutenant 
 KiliogrivofF, of the Russian service (a volunteer ; and 1 am glad they have had 
 ibis opportunity of recommending themselves to your notice. 
 
 * Renown, Fisgard, Defence, an Unicgrn.
 
 6S GAZITTI LETTERS. 
 
 The enemy have lost several officers and men, and I am orry to annex the 
 names of several wounded in our boats. 
 
 I have enclosed a lit of vessels captured. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. 
 Jttar Admiral Sir J B. Warren, Bart. K. B. B. * . MARTIN. 
 
 A Litt <)f Viueli fahn by tie Boatl of a Detachment of hit Majesty 't Shifi under the 
 Command of Rear- Admiral Sir John Borlase Wrren t Bart. K.. B. on the. IVtb of 
 yum. 
 
 La Nochette gun boat, of two 24-poundcrs. 
 Two armed Chasse marces, of six and ten guns each. 
 
 Two brigi, two sloops, and four chassc marees, laden with wine, brandy, 
 flour, and pease, provisions for the fleet at Brest. 
 
 (Signed) J. WARREN. 
 
 Renown, Juni II. 
 
 A Return tf Men leounJed in tie Boats belonging to a Detachment cf Hi Majesty' t 
 Ships under the Command of Rear Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, K. B- in 
 attacking and capturing a Convoy belonging to the Enemy, at tie Penmarls^ on the 
 Coast of tranie, ictb of June. 
 
 Reno-ten Robert Bulger, Admiral's Boatswain, wounded. 
 fi,gard} homas Hall, Quarter Master, wounded ; William Jones, marine, 
 
 wounded: Robert Richardson, seaman, dangerously wounded. 
 
 J. WARREN. 
 
 ADM-RAI.TT-OFFICE, JUNE 11, 
 
 Extrafl cf a Letter from Admiral Milbanke, Commander in Chief of Its ATajesty'f 
 Stiff and feuels at Portsmouth, to Evan Nefean, Esq. dated the 20tb inst. 
 
 The Constance brig anchored here this morning from the westward, with the 
 Deux Amis, a small French cutter privateer, mentioned in the inclosed letter 
 from Lieutenant Wright, her Commander. 
 
 SIM, His Majesty's Hired Armed Brig Constance, Spitkead, June 20. 
 
 I beg leave to acquaint you that at seven P. M. the I9rh instant, St. Alban's 
 Head bearing N. by E. four or five leagues, 1 fell in with and captured a small 
 French cutter privateer, of eight men, armed with musqnetry, called the 1 es 
 Deux /"mis, belonging to Cherbourg, out two days, and had captuied a sloop, 
 called the Friends of Guernsey, laden with stone, 
 
 1 have the honour to be, Sir, &e. 
 Admiral Milbanle, &c. MAY-ON WRIGHT. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JUNE ^^. 
 
 Ctpy efa Letter from Vice- Admiral Sir Thomas Pas/ey, Bart Commander in Chief ef 
 is AJajt.ty'i bbift and Vessels at Plymouth, to Evan Wepcan, Esq. dated the 
 
 t 
 
 imtJr.t. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 1 have the pleasure to inclose, for the Information of the Lords Commissioners 
 ef the Admiralty, a letter which I have received from that vety aclive officer, 
 Captain Sejmour, of his Majesty's sloop the Spitfire, stating his having captured 
 a very fine brig privateer, with which he arrived here this morning. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. '] HOMAS PASLEY. 
 
 Sfitfre, Plymouth Sound, June 20. 
 
 J have the pleasure to acquaint yon, that this sloop captured yesterday, ten 
 leagues S. S. E. from Scilly, the trench brig privateer L'Heureux Courier, of 
 Granville, carrying 14 six-pounders and 54 men. ; he was on her return from 
 hrr first cruise to the westward, and had made three captures, which reduced 
 her complement. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 
 yite Admiral Sir 1. PaJey, Bart. Ve. MICHAEL SEYMOUR.
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 ADMIRAtry-orncE, JUNE 
 
 Cof y of a Letter from Viet- Admiral Lord Keitl, AT. B. Commander tn CKtfafKt 
 Majesty's Sbips and Ve^eh in tie Mediterranean, to Evan A'cftja, /y. djUi. 
 
 on board tie Minotaur , ajf Genoa , May 21. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour of reporting to you, for the information of their Lordships. 
 that, by private intelligence from Genoa, I understood the Trench had resolved 
 on boarding our flotilla in any future attempt to bombard the town, and 
 yesterday, about twelve o'clock, a very large galley, a cutter, three armed settees, 
 and several gun boats, appeared in array off the Molehead, and in the course of 
 the afternoon exchanged distant shot with some of the ships as they passed them. 
 At sunset they took a position under the guns of the moles and the city bastions, 
 which were covered \vith men, manifesting a determined resistance. I nevcr- 
 theles^ arranged every thing for a fourth bombardment, as fornuriy, under the 
 dire&ion of Captain Philip Beaver, of the Aurora, who left the Vinotaur at 
 nine P. M attended by the gun and mortar vessels, and the armed boats of the 
 ships. About one o'clock, being arrived at a proper distance for commencing 
 his fire, a brisk cannonade was opened upon the town, which was rtrttiined from 
 various points, and Captain Beaver having discovered, by the Hashes of some 
 guns, that they were directed from something nearly level with the water. 
 judiciously concluded that they proceeded from some of the enemy's armed 
 vessels ; calling a detachment of the ship's boats to his assistance, he made 
 directly to the spot, and in a most gallant and spirited manner, under a smut 
 fire of cannon and musquestry from the moles and enemy's aimed vessels, 
 attacked, boarded, carried, and brought off their largest galley v La Frima, of 
 50 oars and 257 men, armed, besides muMjuets, pistols, cutlasses, &c. with two 
 bras#gunsof 36 pounds, having about thirty brass swivels in her hold, and com- 
 manded by Captain Patrizio Galleano. The bombardment suffered no material 
 interruption, but was continued till day-light this morning, when the Prim* 
 was safely brought off: her extreme length is 1.59 feet, and her breadth z$ feet 
 six inches. 
 
 On our part four seamen only have been wounded ; one belonging to this ship. 
 in the boat with *. aptain Beaver ; one belonging to the Pallas ; and the other 
 two to the Haerlem. The enemy's loss is not exactly known, but one raau was 
 found dead on hoard, and fifteen wounded. 
 
 The satisfaction which 1 derive from considering the zeal, activity, and gal- 
 lantry with which this service has been performed, is greatly augmented by the 
 flattering testimony borne by Capt. Beaver to the gnod conduct of the officers 
 and seamen who acied with him on this occasion. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. EL KITH. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JUNE 28. 
 
 Ctfy of another Letter from Vice- Admiral Laid AW/A, B. B. Commander in Chief tf 
 Lis Majesty 1 1 Ships and (^etseli in the Mid:terrancan t to Evan Xefcau, Esq. dated 
 f Genoa, April zi. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 A letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, "received by me from Captatm 
 Oliver, of his Majesty's ship the V ermaid, will inform their Lordships how 
 actively that officer has been employed in the important service of cutting off 
 the supplies destined for the enemy's troops in the city of Genoa. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. KEITH. 
 
 >l LORD, MirataiJ, Malon, April IO. 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship, that his Majesty's ship under 
 tny command has taken and destroyed nine vessels laden, mostly for Genoa, 
 with wine and corn, between the ad and 6 h inst. Six of them were cut out bf 
 two of our boats, under the direction of i ieutenam Coibett, they were moored 
 to a fort within the small islands near Cape Corsctts. I had seen them col- 
 lecling all day ; and soon after sun-set I went in with the ship, under the bat- 
 tery, within the range of grape shot, and anchored with a spring on the cable; 
 and, after cannonading the fort more than an hour, 1 ww the six vessels, which 
 Mr.Corbett had most ably got under weigh, coming out, when I followed them
 
 7 fr CAZETTE tlTTEH. 
 
 with the ship. I am happy to say that we have had no person hurt on this ser- 
 vice; and a shot through our cut-water, which is of little consequence, is the 
 onlv damage we have received. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Right Hon. LordKettb. R- D- OLIVER. 
 
 ADMlRAtTT OFFICE, JUIT I. 
 a Letter from tie Earl of St Vincent, K. B. Admiral of tbe W'otte, &e. tt 
 
 Evan t!efa* t .Etcj. dated off Usbaat, the ^f>tb of last Month. 
 ,j,l t VVlt de Paris, offU'.hant. 
 
 I desire you will communicate to the Lord* Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 the inclosed report from Rear-Admiral Sir John Borlasc \Vafren, of a well-con. 
 certed enterprize to destroy that part of the enemy's convoy that had escaped 
 from St. Croix to Quimper, xvhich only failed of its well meditated success hy the 
 ships retiring up the river ; and I cannot too much praise the conduct of it. 
 
 I am, &c. sT. VINCKNT. 
 
 MY LORD, Rtnewn, at Sea, June 24. 
 
 I take the liberty of informing your Lordship, that having observed a small 
 squadron of the enemy's vessels at the mouth of Quimper River, I anchored on 
 the 22d. at night, off theGlenans, and directed a detachment of Marines, toge- 
 ther with three boats, manned and armed from the different ships * under my 
 orders, to rendezvous on board the Fisgard, to follow the commaudsof Captain 
 Martin, and to endeavour to take or destroy the above vessels; and I beg leave 
 to refer you to the inclosed letter from Captain Martin for the transactions oil 
 this service I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 Ttt Earl of St. fineent, K. B. &e. JOHN WARREN. 
 
 SIR, fisgard, at Sea, June 23. 
 
 1 beg to inform you, that the boats of the squadron and marines employed 
 under my direction, in attacking the vessels of war and convoy of the enemy in 
 Quimper River, arrived off its entrance at day light this morning, and, in order 
 to protect the boats in the execution of this service, the marines were landed in 
 two divisions, the one on the right bank of the River undet Lieutenant Burke, 
 of the Renown, and the other on the left, under Lieutenant Gerrard, of this 
 ship. 
 
 Lieutenant Yarker commanded the boats, and was going, with great expedi- 
 tion and good order, to the attack ; but finding the enemy had removed to an 
 inaccessible distance up the river, he immediately landed, stormed, and blew up 
 a battery with several twenty four pounders. 
 
 1 he other detachment also took and blew up two strong works. 
 
 It givts me great pleasure to say this affair terminated without any loss on our 
 part; and the preparation made by the enemy in consequence of my reconnoi- 
 tring their position yesterday morning, gives the most satisfactory testimony in 
 favour of the spirit and conduct of the Officers and men, who in less than haif 
 an hour gained complete possession of both sides of the river to a considerable 
 extent; and if the vessels specified in the margin f had not moved upwards, 
 they would certainly have fallen into our hands. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. T. 1'. MARTIN. 
 
 P. S- The three forts had sevtn 24- pounders, which, with theii magazines, 
 were blown up. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JULY I. 
 Cofy fanatlcr Letter from tbt Earl of St. Vincent ; K. B. Adir.lral f tit Whlte t UTV. 
 
 t Evan Nepea*, sa. dated Vsbant, June 26. 
 SIR, 
 
 1 inclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioner? of the Admiralty, a 
 letter I have received from the Honourable Captain Curzon, of his ,\iajesty's 
 Ship Indefatigable, giving an account of his having taken Le Vengeur, French 
 privateer, of 16 guns. 1 am, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 * Reno-wn, Defence, F'ugard. 
 
 + Frigate ol 28 Ewns, brig of i* pinr, lugger of 1 6 guns, cutter of ic juns, and sevenl 
 sail of merchant vessels.
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 7! 
 
 H7 tORD, Indefatigable, at Sea, Ittb June. 
 
 I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that 1 this day captured Le 
 'Vengeur, a French brig privateer, carrying six long four-pounders and ten 
 eighteen- pound carronades, with a hundred men, two days from Bourdeaux, 
 intending to cruise on the coast of Brazil. She sailed in company with three 
 letters of marque, a ship, a brig, and a schooner, bound to Guadeloupe, and 
 captured yesterday the Snake, lugger privateer, of Jersey. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Admiral tie Earl f St. F"tactnt, K. B. H. CURZON. 
 
 ADMrRAtTY-OTFICE, JULY 8. 
 
 0J>y of a Letter from Sir Charles Hamilton, Bart. Captain of bh Majetty's Slip 
 Melpoment, to Evan Nefean, Esq. dated at Goree, tic Z$il of April, l8dO. 
 SIR, 
 
 You will be pleased to acquaint the I ords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 that having been informed three French frigates were at an anchor under the 
 forts of Goree, this intelligence, with the force and situation of these frigates, 
 induced me to take his Majesty's ship Ruby, then watering at Fort Praya, 
 under my command; and with this additional force I proceeded immediately in 
 quest of them. 
 
 In the afternoon of the 4th instant, I reconnoitred the roadsted of Goree ; 
 but not finding the frigates there, and conceiving our appearance sufficient to 
 alarm the garrison, I dispatched Lieutenant Tidy with a verbal message, sum- 
 moning the island to surrender (the inclosed letters having passed between me 
 and the Governor): at midnight Lieutenant Tidy made me the signal agreed 
 on, that my terms were complied with ; the marines of the squadron were in- 
 stantly landed, under the command of Captain M'Cieverty, and the garrison in 
 our possession before day. 
 
 Their Lordships will be well aware of the strength and consequence of thi 
 acquisition, which, I am happy to state has been obtained so easily ; Mr. Davis, 
 of the Magnanime, being the only person wounded before our flag of truce wa^ 
 observed from the forts. 
 
 On the ijth instant I dispatched Mr. Palmer with two boats and thirty men 
 to Jool (a fa&ory dependant on Goree); he returned on the azd, having exe- 
 cuted his orders most perfectly to my satisfa&ion, and bringing with him from 
 thence a French brigantiue and sloop loaded with rice. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. &c. C. HAMILTON. 
 
 II R, Melpomene, off tie Idand of Goree, April 4, i8oO. 
 
 I have received your answer to my verbal message to surrender the island of 
 Goree, and have to inform you, that the only conditions I can accept of are, to 
 be put in possession of the forts and island of Goree before twelve o'clock to- 
 morrow noon. I allow you, Sir, and your garrison, to march out with all the 
 honours of war ; and these conditions only will be accepted. 
 
 I have authorised the bearer, Lieutenant Tidy, to fulfil my intentions ; and 
 have the honour to remain, &c. 
 
 C. HAMILTON. 
 
 N. B. All private property will be respected. 
 To bis Excellency the Governor of Goree. 
 
 Goree, lit Germinal, 8/i Tear of tie French StfuMic, 
 
 One and Indivisible. 
 
 IIBERTY. QJUAt.lrr. 
 
 fix Commander of Goree to the Commander of the English Squadron off tie Itlani. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have received the verbal summons which you have sent me by two officers 
 of your squadron. 
 
 Anxious to defend the place which has been entrusted to me, I am likewise so 
 to spare bloodshed. I expeifl therefore to receive from you to-morrow morning 
 the conditions for the surrender of the place, to which I shall agree if they arc 
 admissible. 
 
 The Commander cf Goree, 
 
 GUII.LEMIN.
 
 ATT IETTKRS. 
 ABMIRALTY-OmCE, JULY 8. 
 
 of * Lttttr from Si, Charles Hanilto*, Bart Captain of In Majatft S>i} 
 Melpomene, to E-osn Nefeait, Eiq. dated at SfitheaJ, the Ifb int. 
 
 You vJil! he plewen 1 to acquaint their Lordships, that on the iyth ult. after a 
 ace of fifty-seven hours, 1 captured L f Anguste French letter of marque, of Id 
 and 50 men, from Bonrdeau*, bound to Guaddloupc. 
 
 I have the honour to be, bir, &c. Ac. C. HAMILTC 
 
 ADMIRALTY OKI1CI, JULY 8 
 
 Cafy of a Letter from Captain Jjmtt Ne^vman, Commander if lit Majesty* SBif 
 La Loire, ta Evan ffeftM, Et<j dated at I.utan, the l6/A June, iSoo. 
 
 T beg you will inform their Lordships, that on the 151*1 nit. at day-light, I 
 Discovered a strange sail in the convoy, which I had the satisfaction to capture 
 after a chace of 6ve hours. She proved to be La Francoise French schooner pri- 
 vateer of ia euns and 4Z men, from Bourcieaux, bound to Guadaloupe. 
 
 1 am, sir, &c fcc. jAMhS N. NEWMAN. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFUCB, JULY 1 Z- 
 
 Cfty of * Letter from Captain Inmin, of Lit Majrty't Sbib Andrtmtfa t to Evan 
 Ntpean, Eiq dated aj Duniiri, July 8. 
 
 I beg yon will be pleased to inform their I ordships, that agreeably to thx'ir 
 rdert to me of the i?th of June, to take under my command the fire vc5$els and 
 ether* nameil in the margin*, and endeavour to take or destroy the enemy's 
 frigate* in Dunkirk Roads, we joined at the appointed rendezvous the Vth fol- 
 lowing, but, from contrary winds, and the tide not answering, could not make 
 the attempt before last night, when I fear the enemy had been apprised of my 
 intention, as we were much annoyed by gun- vessels and others lying advanced 
 ome distance, wh:ch afforded the frigates an opportunity to cue thtir cables, 
 and avoid our fireships 
 
 I had directed Captain Campbell, of the Dart, to get in, if he could, to the 
 easternmost, and lay her on board, at the time I hoped the first iireship would 
 fcave been entangled with the westernmost. 
 
 The handsome and intrepid manner of his completely carrying her in less than 
 a quarter of an hour, and bringing her out, must convince their Lordships of his 
 unparalleled bravery, and the very gallant conduft of his officers and ship's 
 company, as the enemy's frigate was so much superior in force ; and had it not 
 been to instantly done, the ship could not have been got over the banks, as the 
 water had begun to fall. By Captain Campbell's report to me, great praise is 
 due to Lieutenant M-Denm-it, who, I am sorry to say, is badly wounded. 
 
 I inclose Captain Campbell's letter to me, giving an account of this trans- 
 a&ion ; and have the pleasure to observe, that one spirit seemed to actuate the 
 whole : but I am sorry that, notwithstanding the steady conduct of Captains 
 Edwards, Butt, l.cef, and Carthcw, of the several fire-vessels, in remaining on 
 board till completely in flames, the three enemy's ships, from cutting their cables, 
 escaped before the wind, and ran out of Dunkirk Roads some little distance 
 down the Inner Channel within the Braak Sand ; one of them got on shore for 
 a short time, but at day- light we had the mortification to observe her working 
 back on the ebb tide, and, with the other two, regained their anchorage, though 
 not without considerable damage, having received the fire of the Dart, Bittr, 
 and lexer gun-brigs, within pistol shot, before they cut. 
 
 I kept the Seiby in the rear to aft, had any remained long enough on shore, 
 to have def.royed them by firing carcasses, and have now to regret I reserved 
 her for that purpose, as 1 am confident, had Captain Williams been diieded 
 
 * Wisn, Captain Edwards; Falcon, Captain Butt; Dart. Captain Campbell : 
 Captain Leet; Rosano, Captain Carthew; Selby, Captain Williams ; Boxer, Lii 
 
 Comet, 
 
 Gilbert: Tea*:r, Lieutenant Robins ; Biter, Lieutenant Norman ;' Stag Cutter, Lieu- 
 tenant Hurr.phrys ; Nile Lugger, Lieutenant Whitehead; Ann Cutter, Lieutenant 
 Young ; Kuu, Lieuteaaut Cooban ; Vigilant Lugger, Lieutsa
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 7^ 
 
 to Jay one of the enemy's ships on board, he would have been successful io 
 bringing her out. 
 
 I put Mr. Scott, First Lieutenant of the Andromeda, in the command of the 
 fcoats in a gig, and Mr. Cochran, Third Lieutenant, in another boat; and as 
 1 had all the cutters to attend on the fire-vessels except the Kent, directed their 
 Lieutenants in gigs to put themselves under his command ; and by which 
 means not any lives were lost ; the Itent, Lieutenant Coobari, I directed to 
 attack the gun-vessels, who trimmed them pretty handsomely, and prevented 
 any boats from annoying ours, that were employed to take out the crews of the 
 fire-ships. 
 
 I feel particularly indebted to Captains Mainwaring, Baker, and Seater, as 
 also to Lieutenant King, Second Lieutenant, who was left in command of the 
 Andromeda, for their perseverance in getting over the banks to render us every 
 assistance by boats, and to be in readiness to meet the enemy, hud they ventured 
 over the Braak Sand ; which position they maintained for that purpose in spite 
 of fresh gales, and direct opposition 'o the established pilots, who gave up the 
 charge of each ship on their hands while in this situation; and before, when I 
 first made the proposition, positively refused taking charge of any vessels of the 
 lightest draught of water intended -for this service^ but with the assistance of 
 Mr. Moor, .Vi aster, (whom I put on board the Dart to lead in,) and Mr. Wheat- 
 land, Mate of the Anne hired cutter, who very handsomely volunteered their 
 services to take any of the ships in, on my suggesting it to them, and some men 
 which I got out ot smugglers, I was enabled to put one on board each of the 
 gun-vessels and fire- brigs; 1 feel an inward satisfaction at bringing the whole of 
 the squadron through the roads without the least difficulty 1 cannot omit 
 mentioning that Mr. Butcher,. Master of the Nile, and Mr. Dean, M aster of the 
 Vigilant (luggers], at my request would have laid as a leading maik at Grave- 
 lines Hook ; the former performed this service, and I embarked with thirty 
 volunteers from the Andromeda in the latter; and through the whole of this 
 service I feel particularly indebted to the Commanders of the several vessels and 
 cutters for their v-ry steady conduit. 
 
 I inclose a list of killed and wounded, and am sorry to say that Captain Leef, 
 of the Comet, is among the latter, having been blown up. 1 have also to 
 acquaint you, for their Lordships' information, that fiom the mangled and un- 
 happy state of many of the prisoners, I was induced to send a flag of truce with 
 them into Dunkirk. I have the hoi. our to be, &c. 
 
 H. INMAN. 
 SIR, Dart, of Dunkirk, July g. 
 
 Agreeable to the directions you honoured me with to board the easternmost 
 of the enemy's frigates in Dunkirk Roads, should it be practicable, 1 have 
 complete satisfaction in acquainting you, that about one A. M. I succeeded in 
 carrying La Desiree, National Irigate, mounting; 40 guns, Jong twenty-four 
 pounders on the main deck, with a complement of 350 men,somc of whom were 
 on shore. 
 
 From your being so nearly situated to me during the attack, I have only to 
 anticipate your approbation of the Dart's conduct; but as individual merit could 
 not be distinguished but by those present," 1 trust I may be permitted to spe.uk in 
 terms the most gratifying of Lieutenant M'Dermeit, who gallantly 1-d the 
 boarders on this occasion, und who, I fear will lose his arm by a severe wound 
 he received : indeed, 1 cannot say enough in praise of his gallantry in this un- 
 equal contest, having every reason to believe the enemy were fully apprised of 
 your intentions, from the resistance they made, and the preparations that were 
 found on board. 
 
 Lieutenant M'Hermeit, with much presence of mind, on being wounded, 
 called to me he had possession ot" the ship, but feared they would rally, and re- 
 quested an officer might be sent to take charge. Lieutenant Pierce gallantly 
 anticipated my wishes by jumping en board, completely repulsed the enemy, 
 who were rallying at the after-hatchway, instantly cut her cables, got her under 
 sail, and over banks which could not have been effected half an hour later. I 
 also beg to state \ r. Ingledon, the Master's, conduct, as highly meritorious, 
 in placing the Dart so completely on board the Desire's, and who nearly lost his
 
 74 CAZBTTE LETTERS. 
 
 life supporting the boarder*, by falling between the ships. Indeed, all fn 
 officer* whom I had the honour to command behaved in a manner that wiU 
 ever merit my warmest acknowledgements ; and when I think of the support 
 given me by my brave crew, I feel confident 1 shall never forget their loyalty 
 and merit. 
 
 Inclosed ' "end you a list of killed and wounded; and am, Sir, your very 
 humble servant, 
 
 U a C. flam J nmaa. P. CAMPBELL. 
 
 A. List of the French Squadron In Dunkirk PefJs, en lie Evening of the "]th of July. 
 
 La Voursuivant, of 4 guns, twenty four p unders on the main deck, wears u 
 bro."<d pendant. Commodore's name ( astagnie, Chief of Division. 
 
 La Desiree, of 40 guns, twenty-four pounder* on the main deck, commanded 
 by Citizen Deplancy ; taken b) his Majesty's sloop Dart. 
 
 1. 'Incorruptible, of 40 guns, twenty-four pounders on the main deck. 
 
 La Carmagnole, of 50 guns, eighteen pounders on the main deck. 
 
 jt R :t urn ef Kil'ed and Wounded on board bit Majesty's Ships in the Aclin ivitb tie 
 
 French Sq:.jdroji in Dunkirk Raadi, on the Morning of the %tb of July, 
 Dart i killed; 1 1 wounded. 
 Comet. a wounded. 
 Biter Gun Vessel, 4 wounded. 
 Ann ( Hired C'ttie-) i wounded. 
 Kent (Hired Cutter). I wounded. 
 
 Names ef Offcers wounded, 
 Comet Captain Thomas Leet. slightly. 
 
 Dart Lieutenant James M'Dermeit, badly; Mr. James Hall, Master's 
 Mate, badly 
 
 Biter Gun Peuel. Lieutenant Norman, Commander, slightly. 
 
 ADMIRAtTT-OrFICE, JOLT 12. 
 
 Co fq of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, Commander In Chief of bis Majesty's 
 Stiff and Vessels in tie Mediterranean, to Evan Nepcan, Esq. dated en board the 
 Minotaur, in Genoa Mole, the gib June. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 You will be pleased to lay before their Lordships the inclosed copy of a letter 
 which I have received from Captain Oliver, of hi* Majesty's ship Mermaid. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. KH1TH. 
 
 MY LORD, Mermaid, off Cape Crohette, 4th June. 
 
 T have the honour to acquaint your Lordship.that his Majesty's ship under my 
 command captured on the ist instant, twelve leagues to the southward of the 
 Hieres, the I rench brig La Crueile, of six gam (four of \\hich wen- thrown 
 ovciboard in the chace), and 43 men, commanded by Francis Xavier Jeard, 
 Pnseigne de Vaisseau, with a cargo of all sorts of provisions She had been only 
 eight hours from Toulon ; sailed with sealed orders ; but from what I can learn 
 I have little doubt but she was destined for Malta : La Crueile has been a 
 bomb vessel, but left her mortar at Toulon. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, c. 
 P ice- Admiral Lord Keitb, K. B & c . R. DUDLEY OLIVER. 
 
 Courts partial. 
 
 PORTSMOUTH, JUNE 26. 
 
 T f 1S d^ R xT I . AL , WaS hdd on Ca P tain ALMS, hi* Officers and men, 
 
 for the loss of his Majesty's sh.p Jt eft ,l,t t on the coast of France. After a 
 
 orongb investigation of the bun, the Court was of opinion, that Mr. 
 
 Rothery, the First Lieutenant, and Mr. Finn, the Master, had been guilty of 
 
 keying the Captain's orders, sentenced them to be dismissed his Majesty's 
 
 semcc, and rendered incapable of serving again. That Capuin Alms, his other 
 
 Nnccrs, ajjd ship s company, arc honourably acquitted.
 
 75 
 
 ^J. Pursuant to an order from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a 
 Court Martial was held on Tuesday, on board the Gladiator, in this harbour, 
 on Mr. WILLIAM O'KRLLY, Surgeon of his Majesty's gun vessel Sfiart.'tr. 
 Rear Admiral HOLLOWAY, President. 
 
 He was charged by Lieutenant WALKER, Commander of the Spariltr, that 
 on the zjth of May last he behaved in a mutinous, riotous, and disorderly man- 
 ner, disobeyed his orders, struck Mr. Allen (the Clerk), and said he dui not care 
 a damn for the Lieutenant or his orders; and, after being under arrest, for 
 snapping a loaded pistol several times at the centinel on his post. 
 
 Fvidence having been examined on the part of the prosecution, and hearing 
 the defence of the Prisoner, the Court was of opinion, that the charges having 
 Lcen proved in part against the said Mr. O'Kelly, sentenced him to be impri- 
 toncd in the Mar.shalsea for two years, and to forfeit all his pay. 
 
 July I. A Court Martial was held, on board his Majesty's ship GlaJi.iter, in 
 this harbour, pursuant to an order from the Lords Commissioners ><f the Admi- 
 ralty, for the trial of Mr. JOHN SHEA, Purser of his Majesty s sh ; p Beaver, on 
 charges of having, on two different occasions, disposed of the provisions en- 
 trusted to him for his own private emolument, contrary to his in-tr dion, and 
 made a false charge on the sloop's books: and for having, on sev-.-ral occasions, 
 treated his Captain, CHRISTOPHER BOSSET JONES, hsq. with insolence, con* 
 tempt, and disrespect, and for having absented himself without leave. 
 President, Rear Admiral POLS. 
 
 The Court being of opinion that the charges had been only in part proved 
 against the said Mr. JOHN SHEA, did adjudge him to be reprimanded, and ad- 
 monished to be more circumspect in his conduct for the future. 
 
 2. A Court Martial was held on board the Gladiator, for the trial of 
 Lieutenant WILLIAM WALKER, commanding his ajesty s gun- vessel Sparkler, 
 on a charge of having repeatedly answered, at the time of muster, for men who 
 ran away from the boat, and said they were on liberty ; and also for having 
 answered for his own child, aged one year, rated A. B. and said he was on shore 
 on duty ; and for having sent one f the ship's company (then on board) assuming 
 the name of William Walker, his son, and received five pounds bounty, in i orts- 
 mouth ; and of having shortened the fresh provisions from the ship's company, 
 and drew it onshore for the use of his own table, and sent salt herrings on board, 
 which he vended to the crew without a vegetable of any species; and that he 
 also drew the full provisions for fifty men, that complement not being complete. 
 
 The Court being of opinion that, the charges had been in part proved against 
 the said Lieutenant William Walker, Sid adjudge him to be dismissed from his 
 Majesty's service. 
 
 2. A Court Martial was also held on board the sa-ne ship, for the trial of 
 JOHN DUNCAN, late a seaman belonging to his \ 1 ajesry's late ship Hcrmione, 
 for having murdered the Officers of the said ship, or being aiding and assisting 
 therein ; and for having aided and assisted in carrying the said ship to La Guira, 
 and delivering her up to the enemy. 
 
 The Court were of opinion, that the charges had been proved against the said 
 John Duncan, and did adjudge him to suffer death, by being hanged by the neck 
 on board such ship of his .VJajrsty. and at such time and place, as the Lords Com- 
 missioners of the Admiralty should dire-ft. 
 
 On the loth he was executed on board the Puitsant, agreeably to the sentence 
 of the Court. About a quarter of an hour before he was turned off. he addressed 
 the ship's company, and said how justly he was condemned lor being concerned 
 in one of the worst of crimes, and warned them from ever being concerned in 
 such an a<5t of atrocity. 
 
 1 1. A Court Martial was held on board his Majesty's ship Glaoiator, in th 
 harbour, for the trial of JOSSPH BROWN, a seaman belonging to his Majesty'* 
 sloop fairy, for desertion. 
 
 The Court were of opinion, that the charge had been proved against the 
 prisoner ; but in consideration of his very good character, and particularly his 
 grpat exertions and meritorious conduct on v . jard the Impregnable after she wa 
 a hore, and other circumstances, he was only sentenced to be mulcted of hi* pay.
 
 [ 76 J 
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 OP 
 
 Cbcnts. 
 
 LORD KEITH'S LETTER TO GENERAL KLEBER. 
 
 SIR, Queen Charlotte, Fib 8. 
 
 I INFORM you, that I have received positive orders from his V ajesty to con- 
 sent to no capitulation with the French army under your command in Egypt and 
 Syria, unless it lays down its arms, and surrenders itself prisoners of war, 
 abandoning all the ships and the stores in the port and citadel of Alexandria to 
 the Allied Powers ; and that, in casr of such capitulation. 1 am not at liberty to 
 allow any troops to return to France before they are exchanged. I think it also 
 proper to inform you, that all ships having French troops on board, and sailing 
 from that country, furnished with passports signed by others than those that 
 have a right to grant them, will be forced by the Officers of the ships which I 
 command to remain at Alexandria. In short, the vessels which shall be met 
 returning to Furope with passports granted in consequence of a separate treaty 
 with any of the Allied Powers, shall be detained as prizes, and all persons oh 
 board considered as prisoners of war. (Signed) K.EII H.* 
 
 AMERICAN MARINE. 
 
 The following is an abstract of the expences attending the building of the 
 UNITED STATES, CONSTITUTION, and CONSTELLATION frigates, at Pbila- 
 Jttpbia, Boston, and Baltimore : 
 
 Constitution, of 1444 tons, and 44 guns. 
 Labour .... 110,750 dol. 94 cents. 
 Materials - ... 75.286 68 
 
 Freight - - _ 4,020 o 
 
 Fixtures - ... 17,008 64 
 
 207,075 26 
 
 United States, of 1444 tons, and 44 guns. 
 Labour - . . - 8*3, 701 dol. 55 cents. 
 Material! ... - 77,497 15 
 
 Freight . - - . - 2.371 O 
 
 lixtures .... 14,889 37 
 
 178,460 
 
 Constellation, of 1145 tons, and 36 guns. 
 Labour ... . 113,777 dol. 24 cents. 
 Materials - ... 85,987 74 
 
 Freight .... 6,754 75 
 
 fixtures .... 15,964 10 
 
 321,513 8? 
 
 .Being for the three frigates about 67,000!. 
 
 fitly ^. Sir W. Scott, Judge of the High Court of Admiralty, made the 
 report to his Majesty of the three prisoners who were at the last Admiralty 
 bension tried for being found fighting on board the enemy's ships of war, and 
 capitally conviSed ; when James Wilson was ordered to suffer death pursuant 
 to his sentence; and Thomas Downing and James Bribes Coze, alias George 
 Adams, were respited. 
 
 * Since the above, counter orders tave been issued.
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER OF NAVAL EVENTS. -77 
 
 ATTACK OF THE ENEMY'S FRIGATES IN DU\K!RK ROADS. 
 
 THERE have appeared in some of the French papers, some reflefllota upon the 
 humanity of the British Officers and Seamen in the very gallant affair off L uniirk 
 in which the French frigate La Desires was captured *. We are happy in the 
 opportunity of meeting these reflefiions with fags, from which it will appear, that 
 the humanity exercised by the British Officers kept pace with their distinguished 
 gallantry upon this occasion. 
 
 " SIR, " Andromeda, off Dunkirk, Ju'y 8, l8oo. 
 
 " Motives of humanity have induced me to send one of his Britannic Majesty's 
 cutters undr my command, with some unfortunate wounded officers and men of 
 La Desiree. 
 
 " I trust the flag of truce will he permitted to return without loss of time, 
 and that you will have the goodness to transmit me, by the same conveyance, a 
 proper receipt, acknowledging their parole, which their wounds will not suffer 
 them at present to give me without considerable delay, that might be of serious 
 consequence to them. I am, Sir, 
 
 " To the Commanding Officer of tie " Your most obedient humble servant, 
 French Sgu.iJron in Dunkirk Roadt." " HEN. INMAN. 
 
 From Connodore GASTAGNIER, commanding the Naval Force in Dunkirk 
 Roads : 
 
 "SIR, " Dunkirk, I<)tb Menidor, %tb Tear oftbe Republic. 
 
 " 1 thank you In the name of my unfortunate wounded countrymen, for your 
 conduft towards them. 
 
 " Your letter was given me by the English Officer who brings this back. 
 
 " You will find inclosed the lists of the French officers and seamen he has 
 landed, with the receipt, which will in the exchange of prisoners account for 
 men to }our Government. I have the honour to be, Sir, 
 
 CONNODORE GASTAGNIER. 
 
 " To Capt. Inntan, commanding the English Squadron off Dunkirk." 
 "-About twelve o'clock at night the squadron got sight of the French ships, 
 and when within sight the latter hailed the Dart, and asked her whence 
 she came. The answer was in French, ' From Bourdeaux." The French- 
 man then desired to know what convoy that was astern of them, m.-auing 
 our fireships, which were at some distance behind. The answer from the Dar? 
 was, " they did not know." On these answers being given, the Dart passed 
 the 'squadron, until she came alongside the innermost frigate but one, from 
 which she received a most tremendous broadside, but in a moment returned it 
 \vith tenfold interest, the Dart's guns being double shotted wkh round and 
 grape. The Dart then passed on and boarded the innermost frigate, by running 
 her bowsprit between her foremast and forestay, having let go her stern anchor 
 to check. The First Lieutenant and his division immediately boarded her, and 
 carried every thing before them. The Dar t then cut her stern cable, and swung 
 alongside the enemy, when the Second Lieutenant with his division boarded the 
 French vessel on the quarter, and in about thirty minutes got possession of her, 
 cut her cables, and brought her away through a small channel that was alway 
 supposed impracticable. Every Officer on board the French ship was killed, 
 except one Midshipman : there were killed and wounded altogether nearly one 
 hundred men. 
 
 EAST INDIES. 
 
 A sixty-four gun ship is now building at Bombay, for the Commodore's ship of 
 the Bombay Marine. The rest of his establishment are to be frigates, from 
 1% to 32 guns, besides the smaller cruisers. A Marine Board is also to be estab- 
 lished, consisting of a Superintendant, Master Attendant Commodore, and 
 three senior Captains. In future, the Master Attendant is to be in the line of 
 promotion. All convoy charges to the Bombay Marine are to be done away : 
 nd in lieu thereof, the Commodore, three senior Captains, junior Captains, and 
 Lieutenants iu command, are to have fixed salaries. 
 
 * See page 71, for the official account.
 
 7 MONTHLY REGISTtR 
 
 ADMIRALTY COURT. 
 
 July 1 8. Sir William Scott sat this day. and condemned several Danish sldopt 
 and brigs, for breaking their neutrality, by entering the port of Havre when id 
 a state of blockade. 
 
 SHIP ALEXAKDER, or ALTONA. This ship waspurchased at St. Maloes, by 
 a Danih merchant, from M de Facio : she sailed to Altona in ballast, and was 
 there freighted with a cargo to Lisbon, and ordered to return to Altona. At 
 Lisbon, she took in a carpo of cotton, coffre, sugar, &c. When ready to sail 
 from Lisbon, the deposition stated that there was a fortnight's old sound provi- 
 f ions on board ; bit the Captain chose to purchase a barrel of beef and a hundred 
 weight of biscuit, S-he sailed from Lisbon on the 9th of last March, and on the 
 jjth, being off the coast of France, the crew discovered that the purchased beef 
 was offensive and bad. The Captain, although he had twenty days good old 
 provisions determined to sail for the first port in France for more. That port 
 was Havre de Grace, which it was proved he knew to be in a state of blockade. 
 About four leagues from Havre, the Duchess of York cutter came up under 
 French colours, and after examination, seized the Pane, for having broken the 
 neutrality Thire was another cutter in sight. The defence by Dr Lawrence 
 W33, that she was in want of provisions, an>i that a further elucidation was un- 
 necessary The Judge entered into the cause at full length. The ship and part 
 of the cargo were condemned as prize to the two cutters. 
 
 PLY.vlOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FROM JUNE l6 TO JULY IO. 
 
 June 1 6. Wind N. W. Showery. Sailed for Earl St. Vincent's fleet, the 
 John lugger, Eliot master, with porter, groceries, and vegetables. 
 
 17. Wind N. W. Cloudy. Sailed the Suwarrow, 16 guns, Lieutenant 
 Nicholson, with dispatches for Earl St. Vincent Arrived the Cambrian, 44 
 guns, Hon. Captain Legge, from the coast of Spain, having been relieved by the 
 Indefatigable, 44 guns, rion. Captain Curzon. 
 
 18. Wind N. W. Cloudy. Arrived the Unicorn, 36 guns, Captain Wilkin- 
 son, from off the Penmarks. He brought in with him ten sail of brigs and chasse 
 marecs, deeply laden with provisions and bran ly for the French fleet at Brest. 
 There were eleven sail cut out from under the batteries by the boats of the 
 Renown, 74 guns, Rear- Admiral Sir John Warren, Defence 74, Fisgard 48, aud 
 Unicorn 36. One foundered, but the crew were saved. 
 
 19. Wind N. W. Fair. Sailed for Gibraltar, with naval stores, the Abun- 
 dance store ship. Came in from off Brest, the Lurcher cutter, I ieutenant 
 Forbes, in damage, after a smart aSion with a French cutter, which she suc- 
 ceeded in cutting out from the Penmarks. 
 
 4O. Wind W. N. W. Fair. Arrived the Spitfire, 24 guns, Captain Sey- 
 mour, with a beautiful corvette of 1 6 French brass six-pounders and 65 men, 
 called L'Heureux Courier, the had been out five weeks, had captured two 
 Newfoundland brigs, and cut out of St. Michael's (where she was loading) 
 a Portuguese schooner, Nostra Senora del Carno, De Casta Pinto, which was 
 retaken by the Tartar privateer of Guernsey, where she is arrived. It appears, 
 that La Braave French privateer, of 36 guns, lost two men killed when fired into 
 by the Anson, 44 guns, Captain Durham. Sailed again on a cruise, the Spitfire, 
 24 guns. 
 
 22. Wind N. W. Fair. This morning the Marlborough, 74 guns, made 
 the signal for assistance to go into the harbour, which was answered by the 
 Port Admiral and all the fleet, whose boats proceeded to t^ow her up into Barn 
 Pool, where she arrived at four P. M Arrived from a cruise, the aiad 38 
 guns, Captain Pierrepoint ; Barfleur, 98, Re^r-Admiral Collingwood, to refit. 
 
 23. Wind S. W. Fair. '1 his forenoon a very interesting spectacle presented 
 Uielf to a numerous body of people assembled on the Hoe, viz. upwards of 200 
 sail of Wet Indiarucn passing by the port, from Barbadoes, Martinique,
 
 OF NATAL EVENTS. 79 
 
 tnd ether ports in the West Indies. The fleet stretched from Penlce Point W. 
 to the Bolt Tail,E, under convoy of the Prince of Wales, 98 guns, Captain 
 Renou ; La Vior(euse, iz, Captain Dickson, valued at upwards of three mil- 
 lions sterling. Came in, the Elephant, 74 guns, Captain holey, to refit. 
 
 24. Wind Variable. Fair. Sailed the Chapman, 24 guns, Captain Keen, 
 with a convoy. 
 
 35. Wind S. W. Fair. Sailed the Fanny, 12 guns, Lieutenant Frissell, 
 Vmh a convoy to the westward. Arrived the Ra ger cutter, M. A. Frazer, 
 With a fine smuggling lugger, having on board 800 ankers of spirits, captured 
 after a long chase within the limits of the Dodman. 
 
 26. Wind S. E. Fair and Fine. Arrived from Portsmouth, the Hector, 74 
 guns, Captain Elphinstone. Letters frm the Mars, 74 guns, fthc advanced 
 hip of the flying squadron) Rear Admirdl Berkeley, srate, that on the zjd inst. 
 in sight of the Brest fleet, the crew of that ship actually painted her from stem 
 to stern, and then gave three hearty cheers Sailed the Barfleur, 98 guns, Rear 
 Admiral Collingwood, to join the Channel fleet. 
 
 27. WindS. E. Fair. .Sailed the Hector, 74 guns, to join the fleet. The 
 tJnity, of Queenborough, from Guernsey, having on board 170 casks of spirits, 
 besides tobacco, concealed in her hold, was seized by t!ie officers of excise in 
 Hamoaze. Came in the Joseph cutter, Lieutenant Cowcn ; he captured a sloop 
 in ballast, off the coast of France, and burnt her. Sailed the Unicorn, 31 guns, 
 Captain Wilkinson, to join the fleet ; also the Clyde, 36, and the Beaulicu, 36. 
 
 28. Wind S. E Fair Went into the Sound, from Hamoaze, the Immorta- 
 Kte, 44 guns Captain Hotham ; the Dryid, 36; and the Revolutionaire, 44. 
 Sailed the Agamemnon. 64 guns, to join the fleet 
 
 29. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Letters from Fowey st.tte the arrival there of the 
 Lord Viddleton of and for I ondon from New i rovidence, richly laden with 
 cocoa, indigo, coffee, sugar, and quicksilver, valued, per manifest, at 45,000!. 
 taken by a French privateer, and retaken within two hours sail of Bourdeaux, 
 by the A/I aria privateer, of this port, Captain Ruby. 
 
 30. Wind ^ W. Fair and Sultry. Arrived in four days, with dispatches 
 from Earl ot Vincent, off Brest, the Viegxra fire ship ; also, in forty tight hours, 
 the Temcraire, 98 guns, Rear Admiral Whitshed: Robust, 74, Captain Loun- 
 tess ; and Ala<j;nificent f 74, Captain liowater Orders came down for the 23d, 
 or Royal Welsh Fuzikers, to embark on board the Elephant, 74 guns, and the 
 Alcmene, 36, to join the troops on the isles . iodie .>nd riouat. 
 
 July i. Wind . W. i air and Sultry Letters from the fleet, dated the 
 apth uit. start, thit a cutter had spoke the Ville de Paris, no guns, supposed 
 with dispatches from (^jiberon The French fleet are almost manned, but ar 
 still in harbour i ish i;. caught in great plenty, and served out to the seamen 
 daily. long order was issued to all the .-hips by Eail St. Vincent, that when 
 men of War were at anchor at home or abroad, the officers commanding the 
 marines, are to parade every day a strong marine guard in as good style as on the 
 best regulated parade on shore. 
 
 2. WindS. W. Fair. Letters from the Canada, 74 guns, Honourable Cap. 
 tain De Courcy, state the extreme gallantry of the marines and seamen in the 
 attack of the boats of Admiral ir J warren's squadron, at C^uimpcr Point, 
 when the batteries were destroyed and blown up without any loss on our side. 
 Arrived the uhupimn, 24 guns, Captain . een, with a convoy from Viiliord; 
 also the Gipsey sloop, of Liverpool, from the West Indies, taken by La fcraavc 
 French privateer, of 36 guns, Citizen Le Lee, and retaken by the Boadkea, 38, 
 Captain Keates , aiso a privateer taken on the coast of France. 
 
 3. WindS W. Cloudy. 
 
 4. Wind Variable. Cloudy. Arrived the Diamond, 36 guns, from off 
 Quimper ; she ran on some rocks, and knocked a hole in her bottom in the attack 
 on the forts of Quimper, with the boats of the, squadron : she directly ran up 
 Hamoaze, and is to go into dock to repair. .She brought the Captain and 
 officers of a gun brig, of 14 guns, which was run ashore, set on fire, and 
 blown up. Came in from a cruise, the I ekgraph, of 18 guns, Lieutenant Cor* 
 cllis, and the Havkk, 18, Captain Bartholomew.
 
 SO MONTHLY REGISTER OF NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 e Wind Variable Fair. Arrived from the Channel fleet, the Superb, 74 
 K un, Captain Sutton, to refit, and the John lugger, J.liot. They were left all 
 w< II on \V\dnesday 1-st, at which period the British troops had embarked from 
 Howat ana Hedie, and were gone to the southward, through the Gut of Gib- 
 raltar for Minorca, Central Aiaitland finding the garrison of Palais Citadel, 
 in Bclleisle, to.O o effective men, very prudently avoided risking a descent, 
 with an inferior force, and re-embarked the British army without any loss, ex- 
 cept two companies of the Royal Artillery, which are leit encamped on the 
 }lc of Howat, waiting for orders. 
 
 6. Wind W. Cloudy. 
 
 7. Wind S. W. Cloudy, with Showers. 
 
 8. Wind Variable. Arrived from Spithead, with troops, the Iphigenia, $z 
 gun*; Experiment, 44; and the Thetis, 32, bound on a secret expedition, which 
 put back by baffling winds. Also, from the Downs, the Prince of Wales, 98 
 guns, Captain Kcnou, to refit. She convoyed home the West India fleet. 
 
 9. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Arrived the Amazon, 36 guns, Captain Riou, 
 from convoying the outward-bound West India fleet, April 26th, which she left 
 all well 'une jst She brought in with her La Julie, pierced for 16 guns, 
 French letter of marque, from Bourdeanx to Cayenne, captured by the Amazon, 
 44 guns, the i6th ot June, in lat. 32. 30. long. 16. 30. ; also the Amelia late 
 Donaldson, from Savannah to 1 ondon, with rice and cotton, taken zikh ult. by 
 JLa Minerve French privateer, of 20 guns, and retaken the 23th ult. by the 
 Amazon. Capt.iin Donaldson and tht Boatswain of the Amelia, were unfor- 
 tun itely drowned in shifting to the Minerve from the Amelia, by the boat 
 swamping alongside. J ast evening a most beautiful packet, called the Duke of 
 Clarence, Captain Dennis, was launched at Devil's I'oint, built by Mr. T. 
 Dansterville, hip builder. 
 
 to. Wind Variable. Fa ! r. Sailed the Robuste, 74 guns, Captain Countess, 
 to join the fleet off Brest . she carried out a great supply of naval stores and 
 provisions fot those ships that may be in want of them Sailed the Chapman, 
 24 guns, Captain Keen, with a convoy ; Cambrian, 44 guns, Honourable Cap- 
 tain l-e<rge; Magnificent, 74, Captain Uowater ; Hivick, 18, captain Bartho- 
 lomew, on a cruise. 'I he Kxperimem, Thttis, fphigenia, and Inconstant, also 
 on a cruise. The Ranger cutter, Captain Frazer, and Eusy cutter, Captain 
 Bowden. 
 
 IPromottons a:iU ^ppomtmente. 
 
 CAPTAIN James Wilson is appointed to the command of the Windsor 
 Castle ; I ieuttnant Thomas Godfrey is appointed to the command of the 
 Terror bomb; and Lieutenant Street to the command of the Star brig. 
 
 Captain Wright is appointed to the command of his Majesty's fchip Wol- 
 verene. 
 
 Captain Young, late of the Ethalion (lost on vhe Saints I, is appointed to La 
 Pique, of 44 guns (late Pallas). 
 
 Captain Campbell, of the Dart sloop, has got the rank of post, and is appointed 
 i, to the frigate he cut out of Dunkirk. 
 
 Captain John Broughton. late of the Strorhbolo, is appointed to the Florentia 
 frigate, of 36 guns, now off Malta. 
 
 ^ Mr. A. Thompson, lately First Lieutenant to Admiral Nelson, is appointed 
 in and Commander of the .-tromholo, now on the Mediterranean station. 
 
 Captain Inman, of the Andromeda, is appointed to the command of La 
 Desiree ; Captain Mainwaring, of the Babet, to the Andromeda ; Captain 
 Campbell, promoted to ihe rank of Post Captain, and appointed to the Babet ; 
 and Captain Devonshire to the Dart. 
 
 Captain Inman, of the Andromeda frigate, a*d Captain Campbell, of the Dart 
 "loop, engaged in the hazardous enterprise in cutting out the French frigate from 
 Dunkirk, were intrcducsd to his Majesty, and graciously received.
 
 
 THE RIOHTHONORAH 
 
 ORD VJ S UNT DUN 1' A N 
 ~- ^ ^ 
 
 hli/hd fa J>unnty Oold I.cndtn St/il.ttW .
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OP 
 
 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 
 ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN, 
 
 KXICHT OF THE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN ORDER OK ST. ALEXANDER NEWSKI, 
 AND ADMIRAL OF THS BLUE 
 
 See what a grace was seated on this brow ! 
 Hyperion's curls, the front of Jove himself; 
 An eye like Mars, to threaten or command ; 
 A station like the herald Mercury, 
 New lighted on i: Heaven-kissing hill; 
 ' A combination and a form indeed, 
 Where every God did seem to set his seal, 
 To give the world assurance of a Man. H A M L T . 
 
 HpHE family of Lundie, from whence the noble andgailarft 
 subjeft of the present memoirs is sprung, and of which 
 he is at this time the representative, is of very high antiquity: 
 it was originally styled Duncan of Sea-side, and there is a 
 well authenticated heraldic tradition relative to it, which ac- 
 counts particularly for its crest a dismasted Ship, now borne 
 over the arms of Camperdown. A person belonging to the 
 family, who lived about two hundred years since, being super- 
 cargo on board a vessel bound from Norway to his native 
 place, Dundee, was overtaken by a tremendous storm, in 
 which the Ship was reduced almost to a complete wreck, and 
 the crew experienced, in consequence of that misfortune, the 
 greatest extremity of hardship and distress. Contrary, how- 
 ever, to all human expectation, the crew were providentially 
 enabled to navigate, their crazy crippled vessel safe into 
 port, and the parents of their fortunately rescued son, who, 
 having considered him as lost to them, were in the most dis- 
 consolate desponding state, immediately adopted the crest 
 alluded to, in commemoration of the dangers which their 
 heir had escaped from, as well as in grateful acknowledg- 
 ment to that Providence which had preserved him. 
 
 On the establishment of the Presbyterian form of worship 
 in Scotland, the family of Lundie immediately attached 
 themselves to it, and have ever since that time uniformly ad- 
 hered to the same principles ; nor have they shewn less stea- 
 diness in their political conduct than in their religion. 
 
 fi?atJ.<zr&nm. ftol.IV, M
 
 $2 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 During the rebellion which broke out in the year 1745,- the 
 late Lundie, as the head of the family, according to the custom 
 of Scotland, was always called, and his lady, distinguished 
 themselves exceedingly, by their loyalty and attachment to 
 the House of Hanover. Although their possessions could 
 not be considered moie extensive than in proportion to the 
 rank of a private gentleman, yet the liberality with which 
 they on every occasion entertained the officers of the Royal 
 Army, and all other adherents to the cause which they 
 espoused, appeared better suited to the affluence of a noble, 
 than the more narrowed income of a person inferior in rank 
 and apparent consequence. As this conduct was the mere 
 efflux of private virtue and honest attachment, unalloyed by 
 the most distant hopes of honour or remuneration, so was 
 the pleasing consciousness of their having supported the just 
 cause and interest of their country, the only reward they ever 
 did, or ever wished to receive *. 
 
 His Lordship, of whom we hate now to speak, was born 
 in the month of July, 1731, and received the first rudiments 
 of education at Dundee* In his earliest infancy he is said 
 most strongly to have displayed that mildness and suavity of 
 manners which have marked his life from his first entrance 
 into the service, and in times when such qualifications (with- 
 out the smallest offence to the service in general be it said) 
 were somewhat more remarkable in a naval officer, than they 
 are at the present day. So highly was this noble person 
 beloved by his infantine associates, some of whom are yet 
 living, that they still reflect on those hours of childhood, 
 which they passed in puerile amusements with him, as the 
 happiest of their lives : a strong, and incontrovertible proof, 
 
 * Height of stature, and dignified appearance, have long been t i charafle- 
 riitics of this family; for though Lord Duncan, the subjc-fl of these Memoir*, 
 measured, at eighteen years of age, six feet, four inches, and being pcrfeSly well 
 proportioned, was considered with great truth, one of the finest figures, as a man, 
 in the naval service, his father and grandfather are both of them reported to 
 have exceeded that height, enjoying at the same time every possible naturaJ 
 advantage of symmetry and just proportion,
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 3 
 
 that the seeds of sincere friendship, when sown in a proper 
 soil, neither wither nor decay from age; but that the plants 
 they produce, will flourish with never fading verdure, till 
 they have arrived at that period when fate converts them into 
 sorrow and heartfelt regret. 
 
 The debut of Lord Duncan, as a naval officer, was made 
 either in the year 1746, or the following, when he was put 
 under the command of Captain Robert Haldane, who, we 
 believe, then commanded the Shoreham frigate, and with 
 whom he continued two or theee years. After the cessation 
 of hostilities, he was entered in 1749 as a Midshipman 
 on board the Centurion of 50 guns, a Ship then ordered 
 to be equipped to receive the broad pendant of Commo- 
 dore Keppel, who was appointed commander in chief on 
 the Mediterranean station, for the customary period of three 
 years. Mr. Duncan continued under the command of that 
 able officer during the whole time, and, by his very diligent 
 attention to his duty in the subordinate station he at that 
 time held, attracted the early regard of his commander so 
 strongly, that the attachment of the latter was quickly suc- 
 ceeded by friendship, and friendship by the strictest inti- 
 macy. 
 
 The [time necessarily passed by a yotmg man, after his 
 entrance into the service in the capacity of a Midshipman, is 
 rarely diversified with events peculiarly interesting. Those 
 years are the years of probation, in which the naval student 
 is to endeavour, by all the means he possesses, to fit himself 
 with a laudable ambition of filling the highest rank of that 
 particular line in which his own genius, his particular situ- 
 ation, or the wish of his relatives, have placed him; and it 
 were an aft of injustice to Mr. Duncan, were we not to de- 
 clare his conduct and exertions were such, as though he 
 truly considered that to be his condition. He aimed with a 
 glorious and laudable ambition at attaining the most elevated 
 command, and appeared, without the smallest tincture of 
 vanity, conscious of his own ability to deserve it.
 
 \ 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOI1S 
 
 On the tenth of January, 1755, he was promoted to the 
 rank of Lieutenant. This well deserved advancement was 
 occasioned by a determination on the part of the British 
 Government to send out General Braddock with a strong 
 military force to North America, where the French had 
 been guilty of a variety of encroachments. Commodore 
 KeppeJ, who was chosen to command the Ships of war in- 
 tended to convoy the tiansports, was not forgetful of the 
 merits of Mr. Duncan, and accordingly seized the oppor- 
 tunity of recommending him so strongly to the Admiralty 
 Board, that he was the fust selected for promotion. It is 
 reported of him, and to speak the truth, with much proba- 
 bility, that when passing through Chatham, on his way to 
 London, where his qualifications for his new station were 
 to be properly examined, the inhabitants were so wonder- 
 fully struck with his figure and appearance, that they came 
 out of their houses, and followed him as far as the eye 
 could reach, as though they beheld some strange or unusual 
 prodigy. 
 
 Mr. Duncan, immediately when he became a Lieutenant*, 
 was appointed to the Norwich, a fourth rate, commanded by 
 Captain Barrington, and intended as one of the squadron 
 which was to accompany Mr. Keppel to America. Afte. 
 the arrival of the armament in Virginia, two of the Lieu- 
 tenants on board the Commodore's Ship, the Centurion, 
 being advanced to the rank of Captains, Mr. Duncan was 
 removed into the Centurion, as well that he might be in the 
 surer channel of advancement, as that his friend and patron 
 might the better watch over and cherish those rising abilities 
 which he had beheld, with so much pleasure, in their less; 
 mature state. Mr. Duncan continued on board the Cen- 
 turion till that Ship returned to England, and Captain 
 Keppel, after having for a short time Commanded the Swift- 
 sure, being appointed to the Torbay, of 74 guns, procured 
 his much esteemed ek've to be appointed second Lieutenant 
 of that Ship. After remaining on. the home station, and
 
 OP ADAM DUNCAN, LORD TISCOUNT DUNCAN. 85 
 
 owing to the extreme caution of the enemy, very uninterest- 
 ingly employed for the space of nearly three years, he pro- 
 ceeded on the expedition sent against the French settlement 
 of Goree, on the coast of Africa. He was slightly wounded 
 at the attack of the fort, and soon afterwards rose to the rank 
 of First Lieutenant of the Torbay, in which capacity he re- 
 turned to England. 
 
 On the twenty-first of September, subsequent to his arrival 
 (1759) he was advanced to the rank of Commander, but 
 appears not to have been fortunate enough to meet with any 
 opportunity in his new station of adding to that reputation, 
 he had already so deservedly acquired. He did not, however, 
 long continue in so inactive a state ; for having been ad- 
 vanced to the rank of Post Captain, by commission bearing 
 date February the twenty-fifth, 1761, appointing him to the 
 Valiant, of 74 guns, he again became materially connected, in 
 respecl: to service, with his original friend and patron, Mr. 
 Keppel. An expedition against the French island of Bel- 
 leisle having been determined on in the British Cabinet, Mr. 
 Keppel, who was pitched upon to command the naval part of 
 the intended enterprize, hoisted his broad pendant on that 
 occasion on board the Valiant. The reduction of the citadel 
 of Palais, and the general success which attended the whole of 
 this spirited undertaking, proved, as it were, an eacourage- 
 ment and incentive to the equipment of a more formidable 
 armament, not long afterwards sent to attack that most im- 
 portant of all Spanish settlements in the West Indies, the 
 town of the Havannah. 
 
 Thither also Captain Duncan repaired with Mr. Keppel, 
 and in the same Ship. His friend and patron, who was ap- 
 pointed to command a division of the fleet, was ordered to 
 cover the disembarkation of the troops: and, as the post of 
 honour belongs on such occasions, as of right, to the Captain, 
 of the Admiral or Commodore, Captain Duncan was accord- 
 ingly invested with the command of the boats ; he was after- 
 wards very consequentially employed, and highly distinguished
 
 ., BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 himself during the siege. When the town itself surrendered, 
 he was dispatched with a proper force to take possession of 
 the Spanish Ships which had fallen on that occasion into the 
 Lands of the victors. These consisted of the Tyger, the 
 Reyna, the Soverano, the Infante, and the Aquilon, of 70 
 guns each 4 the America, the Conquestadore, the San Genaro, 
 and San Anthonio, of 60, and a singular anecdote respecting 
 Captain Duncan is confidentially related to have taken place 
 at this time. It may still be remembered that much hesita- 
 tion appeared on the part of the Spanish commander in chief, 
 with respect to the capitulation, he being extremely averse to 
 the surrender of the Ships. Thus far is a publickly known 
 fact, manifest from the third article* proposed on the part of 
 the besieged, but at length, after much negociation, un- 
 avoidably given up, and the answer of the victors quietly 
 acquiesced in. Private report, however, carries the matter 
 still farther, and suggests, that independent of the publickly 
 
 * That the marines and the ships* crews in this harbour, who have served 
 on shore, shall obtain, on their going out, the same honours as the garrison of 
 the city, and shall proceed with those honours on board the said Ships, that 
 they may, together with their commander in chief, Don Gulierres de Hivia 
 Marquis del Real Traasporte, sail in their Ships as soon as the port is open, with 
 all their effeiits and money, in order to proceed to some other port belonging to 
 the dominions of Spain ; in doing which, they will oblige themselves, that 
 during their navigation to their designed port, they shall not attack any squa- 
 dron, or single Ship, belonging to his Britannic Majesty, or his allies, nor 
 trierchant vessels belonging to his subjects; and likewise they are not to be 
 attacked by any squadron or single Ship belonging to his Britannic Majesty, or 
 any of his allies. 1 ikewise liberty shall be given to go on board the said Ships the 
 afore mentioned troops and Ships' crews, with their officers and others belonging 
 to them, together with the effe-fts and monies that are in the city belonging to 
 liis Catholic Majesty, with the equipages and effects in species of gold or silver, 
 belonging to the said Marquis, and others employed in ttie different marine 
 offices, granting them likewise every thing that should be necessary to protect 
 them and their Ships, as well as in the fitting them out from his Catholic Ma- 
 jesty's stores; and whatever more should be wanted, at the current price* of 
 the country. 
 
 Answer. Tie Marquis del Real Transporte, vi'itl Us officers, sailors, anJmarines, 
 as mating part of the garrison, shall be treated in every respect as the Governor and 
 regular troops. All Ships in the harbour of the Havannah, and all money and efefli 
 tuLatevtr tt.'on^in ? to Lis Catholic Majesty, shall be delivered uf> to iucb fersaai as ikall 
 It anointed by Sir George Pocock and the ar/o/"Albcmark.
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNf DUKCAN. %J 
 
 known faft, the Marquis del Real Transpose laboured ex- 
 tremely to save the Ships of the line on the stocks, and the 
 materials which were ready collected for the construction of 
 two or three frigates. Captain Duncan, as it is said, being in- 
 formed of the object of contention, which prevented the 
 absolute cessation of arms, privately took a few persons on 
 whom he could depend, and put an end to the controversy, 
 by setting fire to the cause of it. This a& was much ap- 
 proved by the besiegers in both departments of the service, 
 as being certainly the most expeditious of settling a trou- 
 blesome dispute ; but the whole affair being, for obvious 
 reasons, kept extremely quiet, it was known only to very 
 few confidential persons, by what means this apparent acci- 
 dent so fortunately and critically happened. 
 
 After the surrender of the Havannah, he accompanied 
 Mr. Keppel, who was appointed to command on the 
 Jamaica station, in the same capacity he had before 
 held, and continued with him there till the conclusion of 
 the war. Having then returned to England, the biogra- 
 phical page is nearly silent concerning him, till the recom- 
 mencement of the war with France, in 1778, he having 
 continued unemployed during the whole of this intervening 
 period, which must have passed on most tediously for a 
 person possessing so a&ive a turn of mind as himself. His 
 first appointment was to the Suffolk, of 74 guns ; and after 
 a very short continuance in that Ship, without being able to 
 meet with any opportunity of distinguishing himself, he 
 removed, before the end of the current year (1778), into the 
 Monarch, of the same rate. 
 
 Attached to no party, influenced by no political persuasion 
 or opinion, he sat as member on the different Courts Mar- 
 tial held on his friend Admiral Keppel, and his colleague 
 the late Sir Hugh Palliser, without subjefting himself to the 
 slightest reproach on either occasion. At a time when the 
 rage of parties ran so violent as they then did, a man, stand- 
 ing like himself, the avowed friend of one party, must have 
 
 4
 
 88 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIIS 
 
 been peculiarly guarded in his conduft, to escape without 
 some species of censure from the other, which, though it 
 might be contemptuously passed over, as the impotent efflu- 
 via of an over-heated imagination, yet, certainly to have 
 completely avoided it, stands as no slender proof of the most 
 unbiassed integrity, and the soundest judgment. 
 
 During the summer of the year 1779, the Monarch was 
 uninterruptedly employed in the main, or Channel fleet, 
 commanded by Sir Charles Hardy. No encounter, or 
 memorable occurrence took place, owing to the British Ad- 
 miral being under the necessity of avoiding an action, and 
 continuing merely on the defensive, since the alliance between 
 the French and Spaniards, the latter of which had newly 
 made themselves parties in the grand dispute, had raised the 
 force against which he had to contend, so high as nearly to 
 double that which he himself commanded. At the conclu- 
 sion of the same year, the Monarch was one of the Ships 
 put under the orders of Sir George Bridges Rodney, who 
 was instructed to force his way to Gibraltar through all im- 
 pediments, and relieve that fortress, which was then closely 
 blockaded by a Spanish army on the land side, and a flotilla 
 by sea, sufficiently strong to oppose the entrance of any 
 trivial succour. Captain Duncan accordingly hailed, with 
 the most heartfelt satisfaction, the probable opportunity of 
 acquiring fame ; and Fortune was propitious enough not to 
 permit his expectations and hopes to be disappointed. 
 
 On the sixteenth of January, 1780, the British fleet being 
 then off Cape St. Vincent, fell in with a Spanish squadron, 
 commanded by Don Juan de Langara, who was purposely 
 stationed there to intercept Sir George, who, according to mis- 
 information received by the Court of Spain, was supposed to 
 be on his passage towards the besieged fortress, with a squadron 
 consisting of no more than four Ships of the line, having a 
 fleet of victuallers and transports under their protection. 
 The Monarch had not the advantage which many other 
 Ships in the same armament enjoyed of being sheathed with
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD YISCOU,NT DUNCAN* .89 
 
 copper; but. notwithstanding this inconvenience, added to 
 the .additional circumstance of her being rather foul, and, 
 when in her best trim, by no means remarkable as a swift 
 sailer, Captain Duncan was fortunate enough to get into 
 a&ion before any other Ship in the fleet. The superiority, 
 in respeft, to numbers, which the British possessed over the 
 enemy, was such as to render the general event of the action 
 by uo mean> singular ; but, though a complete vidory ob- 
 tained by nineteen British .^hips of the line, over eleven Spa- 
 nish vessels of the same class, may not be any farther matter 
 of exultation, tnan as it regarded .the loss actually sustained by 
 the enemy on such an occasion, it is, nevertheless, not only 
 probable, but stri&ly true, that many instances of exertion 
 might take place during such a contest, than which none 
 were ever more glorious, or more honourable to the persons 
 concerned. 
 
 In the first ra,nk of this heroic class, stood Captain Duncan. 
 Notwithstanding those disadvantages under which, it has 
 been already stated, the Ship he commanded laboured, she was 
 pressed ahead of the fleet, under all the sail that could, with 
 any degree of propriety, be set upon her; and it is confidently 
 reported, that when Captain Duncan was warned, by some 
 coppered Ships which he passed, of the danger he incurred, by 
 clashing so hastily amidst three of the enemy's squadjon, which 
 were just ahead, without some support, he replied, with the 
 utmost coolness, and in no other terms, than, " I wish to be 
 among them," The strength of the wind, the agitation of 
 the sea, and the swiftness with which the Monarch passed 
 throygh it, united to put an end to any farther conversation, 
 and Captain Duncan had his wishes complied with, by speedijy 
 finding himself well up within engaging distance of his 
 antagonists. In conformity with the information he had 
 just received, he found himself alongside one of the Spanish 
 Ships of equal force, though of much larger dimensions, thaa 
 the Monarch, while two others of the like rate and magnitud 
 Jay within musquet shot, to the leeward of him. 
 
 *5au.er$ron.flol. IV. v
 
 90 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 Needless, almost, is it to say, that an aftion immediately 
 commenced, and after it had been very spiritedly kept up on 
 both sides for some time, it was observed that the fire 
 from the leeward Ships, which, during the time it con- 
 tinued, did very material injury to the Monarch's fore 
 rigging, had totally ceased. A similar pause, for a few mo-, 
 ments, on the part of the Monarch, afforded Captain Dan- 
 can an opportunity of observing, that those antagonists had 
 thought proper to make all the sail they could, leaving 
 their windward companion to make the best defence in his 
 power. He accordingly directed his best efforts against 
 the opponent that continued near him, and after a short, 
 though animated resistance, had the satisfaction of seeing 
 the colours of San Augustin, of 70 guns, struck, in token of 
 her submission to the Monarch *. 
 
 The rigging of the viftor had, by this time, received too 
 much damage, to render it possible for Capt. Duncan to hoist 
 out a boat for the purpose of boarding his prize, particularly 
 as it then blew so hard, and the whole fleet was on a lee shore : 
 he was therefore compelled to resign the honour of taking 
 possession of the vanquished enemy, to a fresh Ship, which 
 was then coming up astern. The fate of this vessel was sin- 
 gular, and must have been extremely mortifying to the con- 
 queror. She was found so much disabled, that it was judged 
 necessary to take her in tow ; but on collecting the squadron, 
 with the prizes, preparatory to the entrance of the fleet into 
 the Straits of Gibraltar, it was found that the only trophy 
 pf victory to which Captain Duncan, though he had after- 
 wards engaged many other Ships in the fleet, could claim an 
 pxclusive right, was, through necessity, as it was said, aban- 
 
 It probably may appear an interesting circumstance to seamen, and it cer r 
 tainly i, without indulging a superstitious prejudice, a very singular one, that 
 three Ships, gearing the flags pf ns many Admirals in the Dutch service, have, 
 at different times, surrendered to this very ship : Admiral Curl, in the Marj, 
 of 60 guns, in the West Indies, in the month of February 1781; Admiral 
 Lucas, in the Dortrecht, of 64 guns, taken in Saldanha Bay, August the i-tth, 
 ^796 ; and Admiral Reyntic*, iu the Jupiter, of 74 guns, on the nth of Q3t>-'
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. p| 
 
 donedj after taking out the few British officers and seamen 
 who had been put on board her. In consequence of this, 
 the original crew, repossessing themselves of their Ship, 
 restored her to their country ; and having navigated her in 
 safety to Cadiz, she being refitted there, was dispatched on 
 the twenty-eighth of April, to the West Indies, as one of the 
 squadron ordered thither under Don Solano. 
 
 It has been very properly and judiciously remarked, that 
 how great soever the cause and necessity of adopting the 
 measure might be, the disappointment experienced no palli- 
 ative from that necessity, far as concerned the gallant officer 
 who had so spiritedly conducted his Ship into action, and 
 thereby afforded the crew he commanded so glorious an op- 
 portunity of placing a laurel on his brow, and adding an ad- 
 ditional pillar to the naval strength of their country. Many 
 other persons, without making any ostentatious display of 
 their own conduct, or the good success which attended it, 
 would have been not a little prone to seize some opportunity 
 of acquainting their countrymen, that so noble a prize had 
 actually submitted to them, though, owing to particular cir- 
 cumstances, they were precluded from conducting into the 
 ports of Britain that incontrovertible proof of British 
 prowess. Captain Duncan, however, thought otherwise, 
 and acted in conformity to his thoughts ; he preserved a con- 
 stant silence on the subject ; he patiently submitted to the 
 frowns of fortune, and if not w/thout regret, at least without 
 murmur ; proving, by his conduct, that his modesty after a 
 battle was in no degree inferior to that gallantry he had dis- 
 played during the time it raged. 
 
 It would bean act of injustice to this gentleman, were we to 
 omit taking notice of the fate which attended the two other 
 Ships which the Monarch had engaged at the same time with 
 the San Augustin. That brave and excellent officer, the late 
 Captain Pownall, who then commanded the Apollo frigate, 
 having observed those vessels, one of which was called the 
 Monarca, the other the St. Julian, both of them mounting
 
 gj BIOCRAFHICAt, MEMOIRS 
 
 70 guns, making sail from the Monarch, he fmmediatelr 
 determined, with that ready promptitude of decision which 
 marks the character of a good and intelligent officer, to 
 make the best use in his power of that advantage which the 
 swift sailing of the frigate he commanded, gave him over a 
 more unwieldy adversary. In pursuance of this resolve, he 
 made sail, and having got up with the Monarca, posted him- 
 self at a convenient and proper distance, on the bow of the 
 enemy, upon whom he opened a most teasing and galling fire. 
 The effect of this measure was considerably increased by 
 occasionally yawing the frigate, so that her guns might be 
 brought to bear with greater effect. The cannonade kept up 
 \>y Captain Pownall, was not only extremely injurious to 
 his antagonists, but served as a mark to lead Sir George 
 Brydges Rodney himself, in the Sandwich, to his assistance, 
 when a single broadside from that Ship produced, as a 
 natural consequence, the immediate surrender of the Mo- 
 narca. 
 
 With respect to the St. Julian, she was followed by the 
 Prince George, to which Ship she struck, after an impotent 
 and absurdly rash resistance, of very short continuance , but 
 was afterwards unfortunately obliged, for the sake of pre- 
 serving the lives of the people on board, to run into Cadiz, 
 which she reached in distress, and without a single mast 
 standing. Such was the fate of the three Ships which Capt. 
 Duncan had the hardiness to engage, contrary to the advice, 
 as is reported, of some of his companions. It is certainly 
 not assuming too much, to assert, that the complete discom- 
 fiture, and actual capture of all those Ships, was, at least, 
 primarily, if not principally, owing to the exertions made on 
 board the Monarch ; and if the success those exertions fairly 
 deserved, did not ultimately rest with the victors, it may ex- 
 cite sorrow and compassion, that Fortune was so negle&ful 
 or unkind to gallantry, but cannot suffer the high merit of 
 it to be, in the smallest degree, depreciated. To conclude 
 the account of this memorable action, to the success of which
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUXT DUNCAN. f| 
 
 Captain Duncan so liberally contributed *? of eleven Ships of 
 the line and two frigates, composing the armament, four 
 were taken f, and remained in the possession of the English ; 
 one was blown tip J ; three surrendered, but afterwards were 
 fortunate enough to get away much damaged || ; one was re- 
 duced almost to a wreck, but contrived to make her escape ; 
 and the two which remained, together with the frigates, fled 
 at the first onset, almost without attempting to make any 
 resistance f[. 
 
 Captain Duncan quitted the command of the Monarch 
 not long after his arrival in England, and did not receive any 
 other commission until the beginning of the year 17821 
 when he was appointed to the Blenheim, of 90 guns, a Ship 
 newly come out of dock, after having undergone a complete 
 repair. He continued in the same command during nearly the 
 whole remainder of the war, constantly employed with the 
 home, or as it was called the Channel fleet, which was, dur- 
 ing the greater part of the time, commanded by the late Earl 
 Howe. Having accompanied his Lordship in the month of 
 September to Gibraltar, he was stationed to lead the larboard 
 division of the centre, or Commander in Chief's squadron, 
 and was very distinguishedly engaged in the encounter with 
 the combined fleets of France and Spain, which took place 
 off the entrance of the Straits. The fleet of the enemy 
 was more than one-fourth superior to that of Britain ; never- 
 theless, had not the former enjoyed the advantage of the 
 weather-gage, it was very evident, from the event of the 
 skirmish which did take place, that if the encounter had been 
 more serious, the viftory would, in all human probability, 
 
 have been completely decisive against them. As it was, 
 
 
 
 * The Monarch was very considerably damaged, having lost her fore-top- 
 mast, and had twenty-nine men killed or wounded. 
 
 f The Phoenix, 80 guns ; Diligente, Princessa, and Monarca, 70. 
 
 f The San Domingo, 70 
 
 | The San Eugenio, the San Augustin, and St. Julian, 7(^0 ,^0JS Mf)^D 
 
 San justo, 70. .. 
 
 f San Genaro, and San Lorenzo, 70, with Santa Gertrudi, and Satita RowM- 
 of 26 guns each.
 
 ,p 4 llOCRArHlCAL MEMOUS 
 
 the enemy enjoying the privilege of withdrawing themselves 
 from the encounter whenever they thought proper, the con- 
 test terminated in what might be called a drawn battle ; the 
 combined fleet having sustained no material loss, and that of 
 the British being incapable, from its situation, of driving 
 them, into one. 
 
 Soon after the fleet arrived in England, Captain Duncan 
 removed into the Foudroyant, of 84 guns, one of the most 
 favourite Ships in the British Navy at that time, which had, 
 during the whole preceding part of the war, been commanded 
 by Sir John Jervis. He continued in that Ship no longer 
 than till the cessation of hostilities ; an event which, it may 
 be well remembered, took place in the ensuing spring. He 
 then removed into the Edgar, of 74 guns, one of the Guard 
 Ships stationed at Portsmouth, and continued, as is cus- 
 tomary in time of peace, in that command during the 
 three succeeding years. This was the last commission he 
 ever held as a private Captain ; and notwithstanding it might 
 naturally be supposed that such an appointment could have 
 afforded him little opportunity of being serviceable to hii 
 country, and his private friends, or of displaying those highly 
 laudable those benevolent qualities no person will deny 
 he possesses ; his station, though apparently an inactive one, 
 afforded him the means of training, and bringing forward, a 
 number of young gentlemen, who have since distinguished 
 themselves very highly, as well in the Royal Navy as the East 
 India service; these persons have all been very justly consi- 
 dered, in the different lines their genius or connexions have 
 placed them, an ornament to the stations they severally hold. 
 
 On the fourteenth of September, 1789, Captain Duncan 
 was promoted to be Rear- Admiral of the Blue, as he moreover 
 was, to the same rank in the White Squadron, on a second 
 advancement of flag-officers, which took place on the twenty- 
 second of September, 1790. He was raised to be Vice- Admiral 
 of the Blue, on the first of Feb. 1793 ; of the White, on the 
 twelfth of April, 1794; to be Admiral of the Blue, on the first
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 9$ 
 
 of June, 1795; and, lastly, to be Admiral of the White, on 
 the I4th of Feb. 1 799. During all these periods, except the two 
 last, singular as it may appear to posterity, the high merit Ad- 
 miral Duncan possessed, continued either unknown, or, to 
 give the treatment he received what may perhaps be a more 
 proper term, unregarded. Frequently did he solicit a com- 
 mand, and as often did his request pass uncomplied with. 
 It has even been reported, that this brave man had it once in 
 contemplation ta retire altogether from the service, on a 
 very honourable civil appointment, connected with the Navy, 
 but, as this circumstance has no better foundation than 
 mere rumour, it cannot be given to the world as n anec- 
 dote to be implicitly credited. 
 
 At length, however, his merit burst through the cloud 
 which had so long obscured it from public view. He re- 
 ceived, in the month of February 1795, an appointment, 
 constituting him Commander in Chief, in what is called the 
 North Seas, the limits of his power extending from the 
 North Foreland, even to the Ultima Tbule of the ancients, 
 or as far beyond, as the operations of the enemy he was sent 
 to encounter, should render necessary. He accordingly 
 hoisted his flag on board the Prince George, of 98 guns, at 
 Chatham ; but that Ship being considered too large for the 
 particular quarter to which the Admiral was destined to ac~t, 
 he removed soon afterwards into the Venerable, of 74 guns, 
 and proceeded to carry into execution the very important 
 trust which was confided in him. 
 
 When the patience and unwearied constancy with which 
 this brave officer continued to watch a cautious and prudent 
 enemy, during the whole time he held the command, a period 
 of five years, are considered, it becomes a matter of difficulty to 
 decide, whether those invaluable qualities just mentioned, or 
 the gallantry, as well as the judgment, he displayed on the 
 only opportunity the enemy afforded him of contesting with 
 them the palm of victory, ought most to render him the 
 of his country's love and admiration, The depth oi
 
 y BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 winter, the tempestuous attacks of raging winds, the danger 
 peculiarly attached to a station indefatigably maintained off 
 the shoals and sands which environ the coasts of the United 
 Provinces, added to many dark and comfortless nights, all 
 united to render the situation, even of the common seaman, 
 peculiarly irksome ; what then must have been the situation 
 of the Commander in Chief? Yet, in the midst of fiese dis- 
 couraging inconveniences, surrounded, as he stood, on every 
 ide, by perils of the most alarming kind, he never shrunk, 
 even for a moment, from his post, during the whole time 
 he held the very consequential command allotted to him. 
 There does not appear to have been a single month in which 
 he did not ^liow himself off die hostile coast he insulted ; 
 though he was, through necessity, compelled to be content 
 with die secondary consideration, of having dared a foe to 
 a contest, which diey very wisely, prudently, or timidly, 
 shrunk from. 
 
 The effeds, politically, though differently impressed on the 
 minds of die whole human race, of that event known by the 
 name of the French Revolution, are still too recent to require 
 much description. Never will they be forgotten, not only 
 on account of their execrable motives and mischievous ten- 
 dency, but the pains, almost amounting to incredibility, 
 which had been taken to disseminate similar principles over 
 the face of the whole country. They had very justly excited 
 the greatest agitation in the minds of all men; for diose who 
 were the friends of peace, were racked by the apprehensive 
 tortures of anxiety, while such as were not ashamed to profess 
 a contrary mode of thinking, were on the tiptoe of expec- 
 tation and hope, that anarchy would annihilate all good 
 and regular government, leaving the needy, the daring, and 
 the ambitious, to fatten on the spoils of their country, and 
 triumph in its ruin. 
 
 In counteraction of this impending storm, different alli- 
 ances were prudently formed by Britain; and in 1796, a 
 formidable Russian squadron arrived in the Downs, 
 
 4
 
 OP ADAM DUNCAN, LORb VI3COUSJT DUNCAN. 97 
 
 instu&ions that its Admiral should put himself totally 
 under the orders of the British Commander in Chief, in the 
 same quarter. To command a body of men whose manners, 
 whose customs, whose discipline was totally dissimilar to 
 those of his own people, must have required no common share 
 of judgment, patience, benevolence, and every other good 
 quality that can form an ingredient in the character of what 
 may be called a perfect man ; and though we by no means 
 wish to be so fulsome in the rage of panegyric, as to attri- 
 bute infallibility to Admiral Duncan, it must be evident that 
 he actually possesses, in a very eminent degree, those quali- 
 ties just alluded to. So highly did he acquire the love and 
 the respeft of his foreign associates, that in consequence 
 of a representation made by their Admiral to the Empress 
 Catherine, of the satisfaction he felt in acting under the 
 orders of Mr. Duncan, she thought proper, though unsoli- 
 cited, to honour him with the Imperial Order of Alexander 
 Newski, being the second, in point of rank, among the 
 degrees of Russian knighthood. 
 
 It were too tedious a detail to enter into the minutiae of 
 those numerous services he rendered his country during the 
 more early part of his command. They were, at least, proofs 
 of his diligence ; though the inferior force of the many 
 prizes made by the Ships he commanded *, might render 
 any exertion of gallantry on his part unnecessary. A sad, a 
 dreadful occurrence, however, which took place in the 
 
 * Among which may be reckoned the capture of the Dutch Commodore, 
 Vanderkin; the Argo, of 32 guns, taken by Captain Halstead, in the Phcenir, 
 May, 1796 ; and the Mercury, of 16 guns, a brig sloop of war, taken by the 
 Sylph on the same day ; the Echo, of 18 guns, and De Gicr, of 14 ; two sloops 
 of war were driven on shore by the Pegasus at the same time. To these w 
 may add a considerable number of very valuable trajing vessels, as well at 
 others of Inferior consequence. 
 
 From the French, the Victorieuse and Suffisante French national brigs, 
 mounting 14 guns each, were captured in August, 1795, soon after he put to sea. 
 The Pandora, a vessel of the same force and description, in the month of De- 
 cember following. The Jalousie corvette, mounting 18 guns, in the month of 
 May, X 796. 
 
 /9at>.<ZF&ron,&ol IV. o
 
 t)g !OGRAFHICAL MEMOJR3 
 
 month cf May 1797, called forth all ihose powers which 
 had so long lain dormant : the urgency and peculiarity of 
 the case might be said far to exceed, in difficulty and danger, 
 any situation in which an officer could be thrown, who had 
 to contend with only the public and avowed enemies of his 
 country. It is almost needless to say \ve advert to that 
 dreadful mutiny, or commotion among the seamen, which, 
 after having raged some time with tremendous fury on board 
 the Channel fleet at Portsmouth, had spread its deleterious 
 contagion through the Ships employed under the orders of 
 Admiral Duncan. 
 
 Fain would the historian pass over, in the strictest silence, an 
 event, the recital of which brands with shame that character, 
 which, till then, stood foremost in the ranks of honour, and 
 whose very failings fascinated beholders, till they were almost 
 induced to consider them virtues. Fain would we ourselves 
 banish the recollection of it from our minds, and consign to 
 everlasting oblivion an aft, which, by comparison, raises 
 rebellion almost into a venial offence, and effaces from the 
 treasons committed by our ancestors, the charge even of 
 impropriety. Desperate was the situation of the country j 
 but the firmness and intrepidity of those noble-minded per- 
 sons, who preferred a loyalty, though dangerous to them- 
 selves, to any situation in which appeared a single particle 
 of dishonour, saved it from the abyss of destruction. No 
 one contributed more eminently to effed this excellent ser- 
 vice, than Admiral Duncan. The dangers, the difficulties, 
 he had to encounter, were new and unprecedented ; and 
 never did the conduct of any man burst forth with more 
 conspicuous lustre. Foreign to the present purpose would 
 be any attempt at tracing the primary cause of this grand 
 ..onvuision to its fountain head ; suffice it to say, the seeds 
 or sedition had been widely and most industriously scattered, 
 and on such soils as appeared best appropriated to the suc- 
 cour and maintenance of the deleterious plant. A Govern- 
 mental measure, honestly suggested, and not unwisely 
 though perhaps incautiously carried into execution, cori-
 
 9F ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 99 
 
 tributed very materially to aid the dreadful conspiracy. 
 In aid of those necessities, in respeft to the want of seamen, 
 which the continuance of the war had, at that time, brought 
 on Britain, every parish or district throughout the kingdom 
 was, by law, compelled to send, in proportion to their ex- 
 tent and population, a certain number of persons to servfc on 
 board the fleet. 
 
 The consequence had nearly proved fatal ; among the 
 quota men, as they were calledj were a number of persons, 
 bankrupts as well in character as fortune, who had before 
 figured in what was considered an higher sphere of life, 
 having been either petty merchants or attorn ies. These men, 
 not contented with the iniquities they had been guilty of, 
 and the depredations they had committed on society, in their 
 former occupations, joyfully accepted the prodigious bounty 
 of thirty guineas, or upwards, per man, offered by dif- 
 ferent parishes, who were anxious to be rid of a business 
 which they considered as an incumbrance, and entered into 
 the Navy, in the certainty of obtaining a better maintenance 
 than they had, many of them, been for some time accus- 
 tomed to. They entertained also the hope that their intro- 
 duction would afford some opportunity of disseminating those 
 principles, which, if once established in any degree of force, 
 would render them an opportunity of becoming more dis- 
 solute, abandoned, and mischievous, than even their former 
 situations in society had permitted them to be. 
 
 Their views were, in no inconsiderable degree, furthered, by 
 the privilege they enjoyed of sending and receiving all their 
 letters free of postage; by these means the conspiracy found 
 means to extend itself unseen ; cherished and encouraged by 
 those equally dangerous characters whom they had left on 
 shore, to act their part in a different quarter, a chain of cor- 
 respondence was formed, and the flame of rebellion, smoking 
 in dangerous concealment, was daily acquiring strength, 
 while its source was undiscovered, and its extent unknown. 
 
 The hidden fire received no small encouragement from the 
 serious cause of discontent which the enrollment of these mis
 
 ICO BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 chicvous characters, and the circumstances attending it, was 
 supposed to have occasioned among those who were justly 
 esteemed British seamen. These valuable persons, many of 
 whom had been compelled to enter into the King's service, 
 had received no higher bounty than five pounds per man, 
 and had been obliged, at the same time, to relinquish an 
 employment, the pay of which amounted to three or four 
 pounds per month, for the King's pay of twenty-two shil- 
 lings and six-pence. These hardships, which the situation 
 of the country required should be submitted to with pa- 
 tience by those whose service was required, were eagerly em- 
 blazoned in all the disgusting colours sedition could paint, 
 through the hopes of acquiring proselytes to her hellish pur- 
 pose : but though expectation was sanguine, and that expec- 
 tation, in all probability, promoted the eagerness with which 
 the dangerous and hellish emissaries just alluded to, engaged 
 in a service completely incompatible with their former situ- 
 ations in life, yet the event proved, in a great measure, con- 
 trary to their hopes. The thorough-bred seamen, notwith- 
 standing the disadvantages under which they laboured, nearly 
 without an. exception, were steady in their conduft, and 
 uniform in their loyalty. As it has been quaintly though 
 truly remarked, the core of the mutiny was formed of land 
 lubbers, or half and half sailors, who, in a gale, are almost 
 impediments to the honest and spirited exertions of good 
 and practical seamen. 
 
 The tumour, however, having burst, it required the most 
 consummate skill to prevent its fatal effects from overpower- 
 ing and corrupting the whole body. As an officer bearing 
 command, no person had ever more endeared himself to 
 those whom he was appointed to conduct, than Admiral 
 Duncan; for, while benevolence and good humour had ac- 
 quired him the universal love of all who knew him ; a regu- 
 larity of government or discipline, unalloyed by severity, 
 and unmixed with the smallest portion of that species of 
 condud which too often appears in very humane well dis- 
 posed men, perpetually reminding 'those over whom they
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUXT DUNCAN. lot 
 
 are put in authority, of the great inferiority of their station, 
 had rendered him revered, as well as aaored. 
 
 On the instant the baneful influence of this disease made its 
 appearance, he visited every Ship in the fleet; his presence 
 had the temporary effect of Ithuriel's spear ; it compelled the 
 dsmon of discord to quit the more pleasing shape which it 
 had taken, and resume its natural one, disgusting, loath- 
 some, and terrific ; its idolatrous worshippers became, for a 
 short space, ashamed of their deity, and returned to their 
 duty without apparent reluctance. The disease, however, 
 was only checked, not cured ; for when the fleet put to sea, 
 it renewed its appearance, attended by all its former virulent 
 symptoms, the Venerable and Adamant appearing the only- 
 Ships that were not thoroughly tainted with the infection. 
 On the evening before the Admiral himself intended to put to 
 sea, he made the signal for the Trent frigate to get under 
 weigh : his commands were not complied with ; and on 
 inquiring into the cause, it was found that the crew peremp- 
 torily refused obeying their officers, on pretence that the 
 regulation established immediately before, by Act of Parlia- 
 ment, in respect to the weight and measure of provisions, had 
 not been adopted with respect to them. The fact really was, 
 the augmentation had so very recently passed into a law, 
 that the particulars of it had not been at that time officially 
 notified to the officers whose particular duty it was to attend 
 to it. The fomenters of dissension, eagerly snatching at the 
 only existing chance of exciting farther tumult, had set fire 
 to the train, by merely suggesting the hardship, and the con- 
 flagration spread to the utmost of their wishes. 
 
 The Admiral, on this alarming occasion, ordered all 
 hands to be called upon deck ; he publickly made known to 
 them the delinquency of their companions; he informed 
 them of his intention to go alongside the frigate early in the 
 ensuing morning, and compel the rebellious crew to return 
 to their duty. " Who is there," said he, " that on this oc- 
 casion will desert me ?'' The question was immediately an- 
 swered in the negative; his people, with one accord, de-
 
 102 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 elating their utmost abhorrence of such conduct, and their 
 assurance of support, to the utmost of their power, in the 
 punishment of it. In the course of the evening, however, 
 a letter, couched in the properest terms possible, was trans- 
 mitted to him from his Ship's company ; they offered, by 
 way of satisfying the discontent which pervaded the crew of 
 the Trent, and to shew them they fared no worse than all 
 others embarked in the same cause did, to deliver to him 
 the different weights and measures used by the Purser* in 
 the allotment of their provisions, and depend entirely on his 
 justice and candour, far as regarded their own allowances. This 
 offer convinced the mutineers of the impropriety of their 
 conduct i the effusion of British blood, and by the hands of 
 Britons, was happily prevented ; for before the ensuing 
 morning, the frigate proceeded on the service whither she 
 was ordered by her Commander in Chief. 
 
 Towards the end of May, Admiral Duncan quitted Yar- 
 mouth Roads by order of the Admiralty Board, with instruc- 
 tions to cruise off the back of those sands which at some dis- 
 tance environ that anchorage, till he should be reinforced. 
 The Nassau and Montague, one of 64, the other of 74 guns, 
 refused to put to sea, under pretence that they were in the course 
 of payment, though there were at that time scarcely ten shil- 
 lings due to each man on board. This sad example induced 
 the rest of the Ships to pursue the same line of conduct ; so 
 the Venerable and Adamant, whose crews, as already observed, 
 never relaxed from their duty, were left to proceed by them- 
 jelves off the Texel, whither the Admiral, unattended as he 
 was, immediately repaired. 
 
 Stratagem supplied, on this occasion, the place of numbers; 
 for the Admiral, by making a variety of signals, as to Ships 
 in the offing, cffe&ually duped Admiral De Winter, as he 
 himself afterward 5 ; confessed, into the belief that the Channel 
 of the Helder was blocked up by a force superior to that he 
 
 ^ r r. Here, \vho; honour ar.d charsSer could rot po^ibly receive ar.y 
 greater pnegyric than th-y did, f: : ,rccd and natural condud of the 
 
 on :Y.'\t occas ; op.
 
 OF ADAM DUMCAM, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 1OJ 
 
 himself commanded. At this critical period, the only symp- 
 torn of mutiny that ever was observed on board the Venerable, 
 made its appearance. It becomes, indeed> rather a matter 
 of wonder, considering how prevalent is the force of example, 
 that it should have been so tardy, or so languid, as it for- 
 tunately proved : a plot, however, was actually on foot, and 
 was happily discovered by some truly valuable men belong- 
 ing to the Gunner's crew. The Admiral, as he had before 
 been frequently compelled to do, during the critical period 
 alluded to, ordered all hands to be turned upon deck. He 
 immediately addressed them in the firmest, and, at the same 
 time, the coolest terms : after a few minutes, six men, among 
 the stoutest in the Ship, and who were charged with being 
 the ringleaders of the conspiracy, were brought before him. 
 It was, at that time, impossible to say what height the dis- 
 ease had reached j the moment was more than critical ; it 
 was awful; and, while the delay of an instant might have ren- 
 dered it fatal, a strong measure too hastily or unadvisedly 
 taken, might have been equally injurious to the cause of 
 tranquillity. 
 
 " My lads," said the Admiral, '* I am not, in the smallest 
 'degree, apprehensive of any violent measure you may have 
 in contemplation; and though I assure you I would much 
 rather acquire your love than incur your fear, I will, with my 
 own hand, put to death the first man who shall presume to dis- 
 play the slightest symptom of rebellious conduct." Turn- 
 ing round immediately to one of the mutineers ; "Do you 
 Sir," said he, " want to take the command of this Ship out 
 of my hands?" "Yes, Sir," replied the fellow, with the 
 greatest assurance. The Admiral immediately raised his 
 arm, with an intent to plunge the sword into the mutineer's 
 breast: he was prevented by the Chaplain and Secretary, who 
 seized his arm, from executing this summary act of justice , 
 an aft rendered, at least, justifiable, if not necessary, by the 
 particular situation in which not only himself, but the greatest 
 part of those whom he commanded, were at that time placed. 
 The blow being prevented, the Admiral attempted not to
 
 104. BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 make a second, but immediately called to the Ship's company 
 with some agitation : " Let those who will stand by me, 
 and my officers, pass over immediately to the starboard sid _* 
 of the Ship, that we may see who are our friends, and 
 who are our opponents." In an instant the whole crew, 
 excepting the six fomenters of the disturbance, ran over with 
 one accord. The culprits were immediately seized, put in 
 irons, and committed to the gun-room ; from whence they 
 were afterwards liberated, one by one, after having shewn 
 those signs of real penitence, which induced the Admiral, 
 by well-timed afts of lenity, to endear himself, if possible, 
 still more to a faithful crew, who, in the midst of tumult, 
 had stood faithful to their trust, uncorrupted in the very 
 focus of seditious seduction. 
 
 The instance of mild forbearance and forgiveness just re- 
 lated, may not impossibly be thought censurable by the stern 
 and rigid disciplinarian ; when, however, the existing com- 
 plexion of the times, added to the very exemplary conduct of 
 the remaining part of the crew, are considered, together with 
 the little danger that was to be apprehended from any 
 disturbance that could "be excited by six headstrong per- 
 sons, surrounded as they were, by as many hundreds, who 
 revered their Commander as a father, and loved him as a 
 friend, it certainly was worth making the experiment,, 
 whether even dissolute morals might not be reclaimed by 
 lenity. The motive was benevolent, and the effed happy ; 
 for, except in the slight instance already related, not the 
 smallest symptom of discontent ever appeared on board the 
 Venerable. 
 
 Let us now turn our minds from a most disgusting sub- 
 ject, and hasten to the account of one of those events which 
 will, to the latest posterity, continue to grace, with the 
 utmost splendour, the page of British Naval History the 
 engagement with the Dutch fleet off Camperdown. The 
 fleet of the enemy had long been in a complete state of equip- 
 ment for actual service ; it consisted of fifteen Ships of the 
 line, six frigates, and five sloops of war j the wind was fa-
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. IOC 
 
 vourable for their putting to sea; and nothing but the in- 
 genious artifice already related, in all probability prevented 
 it. At length the Admiral, in the hope of annoying them 
 very materially, if they attempted to come out, the channel 
 being so narrow as not to admit of more than one Ship 
 passing at a time, anchored, having the Adamant in com- 
 pany, at the outer buoy of the Texel, both Ships having 
 springs on their cables. What the event of so unequal a 
 contest would have been, is now of little consequence; but 
 whatever it might have proved, the measure certainly relieved 
 the highest honour on the man whose gallantry not only 
 projected it, but made every possible preparation in his power 
 to carry it into execution in the most advantageous manner 
 possible. 
 
 The crew were at their quarters for three days and three 
 nights, almost in momentary expectation that the enemy 
 would come out. Their Admiral even made the preparative 
 signal for sailing; but a few hours before the time when 
 their intention was to have been executed, the wind came 
 round to the westward, and prevented it. During the eight 
 following days, the Admiral and his consort were on the tip- 
 toe of expectation, waiting for a reinforcement, when at 
 length, to their great joy, they were joined by the Sans Pareil, 
 of 84., and the Russel, of 74 guns. Other Ships comingin soon 
 afterwards, the disparity of numbers so far decreased, as to 
 annihilate all anxiety for the event of the expeled contest. 
 The Venerable herself kept the sea during eighteen weeks and 
 three days, without intermission, in which time many of 
 the Ships which had joined the Admiral after the mutiny, 
 had been compelled to make a temporary return into port, 
 either on account of a want of provisions, or the damage 
 they had received in the gales of wind which happened 
 about that period. 
 
 At length the Commander in Chief, in spite of all the 
 care and ceconorny he could contrive, found himself under a 
 necessity of returning into port, to revi&ual and procure a 
 tol, IV. r
 
 JO6 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 supply of stores, the Venerable being in want of nearly 
 every species of necessary requisite to a Ship employed on 
 so active a service. The Dutch Admiral, who had accurate 
 information from small vessels, which were kept out as 
 scouts, of all the motions which the British fleet made; 
 wearied by his long confinement in port, urged by the re- 
 presentations made from his own Executive Government, 
 and stimulated by the influence of the French faction in Hol- 
 land, ventured at last to put to sea. Though a man inferior 
 to no one, perhaps, in personal courage, he knew too well the 
 superiority of the British Ships, and the crews which navi- 
 gated them, both in respect to equipment and nautical know- 
 ledge, to suppose that the event of an action would be con- 
 formable to the wishes or interests of his countrymen, unless 
 he outnumbered his antagonists far higher than he could 
 expect or hope. But by putting to sea, he considered that he 
 should at least quiet the minds of his countrymen for a time ; 
 and that calm he hoped to produce, without putting his arma- 
 ment to the risk of a defeat : this he was induced to flatter 
 himself with, under the reflection that the same wind which 
 wafted his enemy from the British shore, would render 
 his return into port so easy, that he might avoid an action. 
 
 The activity of Admiral Duncan rendered these expecta- 
 tions futile. Having previously dispatched orders to Yar- 
 mouth for the preparation of the different articles he stood 
 in need of, so that as little time as possible might be lost, the 
 fleet had no sooner got to an anchor, than the vessels em- 
 ployed in victualling, were alongside. The Commander in 
 Chief setting the first example of assiduity, quitted not his 
 ship for a moment; he continued almost constantly on 
 deck, encouraging the men, and promoting every possible 
 exertion, insomuch, that the Venerable herself was ready 
 for sea in four days, and the whole of the fleet in less than 
 eight. He lost not a moment in getting out to his' station, 
 having received early intelligence that the event he had so 
 long wished for, had actually taken place.
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 
 
 107 
 
 Fortune propitiously decreed that the zeal and unremitting 
 perseverance of the Admiral should not pass without ac- 
 quiring the reward of viftory, which he had so long and so 
 diligently laboured to win. On the eleventh of October, at 
 nine o'clock in the morning, the headmost Ships of the fleet 
 made the signal of having discovered the enemy, and after a 
 pursuit of three hours, succeeded in the well-judged operation 
 of cutting through the enemy's fleet, by which means they 
 were cut off from their own ports. The subsequent events 
 of the glorious victory obtained on that occasion, and the 
 minute, though highly interesting particulars with which the 
 contest abounded, will be best explained by the annexed ex- 
 trad! from the log-book of the Venerable : 
 
 1797 
 Oftober 1 1 . 
 
 
 
 i>ntiih North bea 
 > leet. 
 
 
 
 Repeaters. 
 
 No. 
 
 SIU P 3. 
 
 C.irtains. 
 
 Gui.s. 
 
 Di'/isioliui Commanders. 
 
 Beau ieu. Circe. Manin sloop, 
 Black Joke lugger, RO-.C anJ Aftive cutte 
 and tnutver. 
 
 I 
 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 f 
 
 7 
 H 
 
 9 
 
 !I 
 
 IJ 
 14 
 
 I 5 
 
 16 
 
 Russcl - - - 
 Director- - - 
 Montague - - 
 Veteran ... 
 
 Monarch - - 
 Powerful - - 
 Mouinouth - 
 Agincnurt - - 
 Triumph - - 
 
 Venerable - - 
 
 ArJer,t - - - 
 toedtord ... 
 Lancaster - - 
 
 amiqimix- - 
 Adamant - - 
 
 ISIS - - - - 
 
 Henry Tr.>llupe 
 William Jilu !i - 
 John Knitht - 
 Geo. Gregory - 
 ( VKC Adin. Oii'low rf 
 1 Kdw. Ohryen, Capt / 
 Win. o'iJ. ury - 
 Janiei v\ al. er - 
 Jo. ,illi.nn un 
 W. H. Ks-ii.glon 
 f Admiral Dui.can } 
 (Wm. ^. Far.tix j 
 R. R. Jiuines - 
 Sir The.. Byard 
 John Wtlls - - 
 Juhn I; BUS - - 
 \.\m. H. it am - 
 Win. Mkch.'ll - 
 
 74 
 C4 
 
 74 
 64 
 
 74 
 
 7-1 
 04 
 
 4 
 
 74 
 
 74 
 
 4 
 74 
 4 
 64 
 
 50 
 
 RICHARD ON'SLOW, ES). 
 Vice a.nii'al lit the KJ. 
 
 ADAM DUNCAN, Esq. 
 Admiral uf the liluc, eommauLcr in Chief, 
 &<.. &.e. iic. 
 
 i 
 
 " 
 
 *** 
 
 i^uUu i-'iC t. 
 
 Cap'aim. | 
 
 Guns. 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 \ryj-.cul - - 
 
 Adm. 1-e Winter - 
 
 ViceAdm.Rcynties 
 /near Aim. l-liss O 
 
 74 
 74 
 
 ti-und in Command ----- Taken. 
 
 
 4 
 
 itatts General 
 
 ivan Treslms - -/ 
 Ke-r Adm. Storej 
 
 74 
 
 The first Shin drcve out of the line 
 b> .is Hajtnty's Ship Vcnerabie - Escape^. 
 
 
 6 
 
 A^m. l>e Vries 
 
 Zegiis - - 
 
 M 
 
 ------------ Taken. 
 
 
 7 
 
 K 
 
 Gleikheirt - - 
 
 i-cyrten - - - 
 
 
 6S 
 68 
 
 Taken. 
 ............ Escaped, 
 
 
 y 
 
 Cerberus - - 
 
 J.COb.01. - 
 
 ;.^i 
 
 E-c-peU. 
 
 
 
 assenaar 
 
 -1-illQ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 S6 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 H.'.Uvii - - - 
 Alkma:ir - - 
 
 
 56 
 
 S'' 
 
 - - tscapid. 
 -.--.- Taken. 
 
 
 ii 
 
 
 Keuge^t - 
 
 S6 
 
 ------------ Escaped. 
 
 
 
 the ii,c) 
 
 
 
 
 
 il 
 
 ieiuin - 
 
 K.oWI - 
 
 3J 
 
 
 
 21 
 
 i\ aky.imi.fid 
 
 Minerva 
 
 ElbrUihts - 
 
 34 
 24 
 
 Uim<iraiidi.m. T c Dutch had ttu guns murt 
 in their Line (it batt.e ^hips thin the British, 
 
 
 2> 
 24 
 
 AJ..X - - 
 
 Althelante - 
 
 i| i,'" - - 
 
 16- 
 16 
 
 u.d hri.s. Scv. ral ot tntir bnips crncd 
 nirt>-six and twenty fo..r pnunocrs on tlieir 
 
 
 26 
 
 Haiige - - 
 
 HHUunea 
 
 6 
 
 tl. B The iii->tii. a..ip4 ul/ thirty-two's 
 ana cichtecnii.
 
 io8 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 1797 
 
 __.__ 
 
 Jiy wtii.m 
 IUUiC 
 
 To whom 
 addiessed 
 
 Number and Signification. 
 
 
 Hours 
 
 Mm. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 9 
 9 
 
 O 
 
 15 
 
 20 
 22 
 
 VenerabJ 
 Ditto 
 Diito 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 Circe 
 Russel 
 General 
 
 10. Prepare for battle. 
 47. Come within hail, 
 id. Close with the Admiral. 
 48. Line on *tarboard bearing, 
 
 
 9 
 
 16 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 17. Alter the course to port, and steer 
 S.S. E. 
 
 
 9 
 
 38 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 48. "With compas* signals to form the 
 line on starboard, bearing N. E. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and S. W. 
 
 
 9 
 9 
 
 50 
 S 
 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 Isis and 
 
 67. Make more sail. 
 67. To make more sail. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lancaster 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Russel 
 
 1 6. To steer mor to starboard. 
 
 
 JO 
 
 4 
 
 /cne rablc 
 
 Isis 
 
 67. To make more sail, 
 
 
 1O 
 
 5 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 1 6. With compass signals, the fleet to- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 teer S. 
 
 
 IO 
 
 ij 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 7. With two guns, general chase. 
 
 
 10 
 
 24 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 35, To engage the enemy as arriving 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 up with them. 
 
 
 10 
 
 33 
 
 Venerable 
 
 Beaulieu 
 
 67. To make more sail. 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 1 
 
 38 
 45 
 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 
 klliqueux 
 Monarch 
 
 67. To make more sail. 
 69. To shorten sail, but hauled down 
 
 
 
 
 
 and 
 
 before answered. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Montague 
 
 
 
 IO 
 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Van 
 
 7T. Van to shorten sail. 
 
 
 It 
 
 2 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 66. Take in one reef of the topsails. 
 
 
 II 
 
 8 
 
 Venerable 
 
 General 
 
 48. Starboard line of bearing. 
 
 
 11 
 
 i\ 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 8 1. With preparative, come to the wind 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 on the starboard tack. 
 
 
 II 
 
 I 7 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 gj. To take stations in the line as Ships' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 pendants are thrown out, after 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ninety-five, was answered, coun- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 termanded. 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 29 
 
 Ditto 
 
 -articular 
 
 87. Ships to windward to come down. 
 
 
 II 
 
 3c 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 36. Each Ship to engage her opponent 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 in the enemy's line, 
 
 
 II 
 
 35 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 14. Tear up and sail large. 
 
 
 II 
 
 4^ 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Van 
 
 41. 1 he van to attack the enemy's rear. 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 53 
 
 Venerable 
 
 General 
 
 34- To pass through the enemy's line, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 and engage them to leeward. 
 
 
 p. 
 
 M. 
 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 .5 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 5. With red pendant over, for close 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a&ion. 
 
 
 12 
 
 30 
 
 The 
 
 .A a ion 
 
 ommenced. 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 The 
 
 Firing 
 
 eased. 
 
 
 3 
 
 SO 
 
 Venerable 
 
 General 
 
 01. Close round the Admiral. 
 
 I 4 
 
 IO 
 
 Ditto 
 
 General 
 
 lo. Prepare for battle. 
 
 ff. , The wind veering round, and blowing upon the shore, made the 
 signal from the Venerable to the Ships of our fleet, not disabled 
 to tow off the Prizes,
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAV. 109 
 
 REMARKS Oaober 1 1 , 1797. 
 
 The enemy at this time in a line of battle on the larboard 
 tack, with their main-top-sail yards square, but keeping them 
 shivering, and sometimes full, by which their line was gradually 
 advancing towards tiieir own shore, which, at this period, was 
 r.ct seven miles distant. The land in sight was situated be- 
 tween the village of Egmont and Camperdown. By the in- 
 equality of sailing of several or our Ships, the squadron was 
 unavoidably going down towards the enemy in no regular order 
 of battle. Brought to for a short time on the starboard tack, 
 in order to form them ; but the enemy bieng still advancing 
 towards their own shore, it was determined by our Admiral to 
 get between them and their own land, at all events, to prevent 
 their escape. The signal for bearing up was therefore made 
 before our Ships could possibly get into any regular order of 
 battle. Had our time been lost in making a regular diatribu 
 tion of our Ships, the Dutch fleet must have got so near their 
 coast, it would have been impossible to follow them with any 
 
 4 
 
 Wind 
 *, W. 
 
 bjN. 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Breeze* 
 and 
 
 squally 
 weather 
 
 At seven A. M. saw three large ships to leeward, standing 
 to the squadron ; on nearing them, found they had each a red 
 flag flying at the main-topgallant-mast-head, being the signal 
 for an enemy. These Ships proved to be Captain Trollope's 
 squadron, consisting of the Russel, Adamant, and Beauieu 
 frigate, who had kept sight of the Dutch fleet, and watched 
 their motions. His Majesty's Ship Circe, likewise one of that 
 squadron, joined us afterwards. At half past eight o'clock 
 A. M. saw the Dutch fleet to leeward; make the signal, 
 bore up with the fleet, and stood towards them. At fifty mi- 
 nutes past nine, made the signal for the fleet to make more sail. 
 On approaching the enemy's fleet, saw them forming their line 
 of battle on the larboard tack ; their force consisting of sixteen 
 sail of the line, three stout frigates, and two smaller ones, with 
 five brigs, having four flags flying, viz. one blue at the main, 
 one white at the mizen, one blue at the mizen,and one blue at 
 the fore-top-gallant-mast-head. Their frigates and brigs drawn 
 up to leeward of their line of battle Ships, and placed opposite 
 to the intervals, which rendered them a great annoyance to our 
 Ships, especially while passing through their line, and during 
 the greatest past of the action. At eleven A. M. made the 
 signal for the van to shorten sail, to let the sternmost Ships 
 come up, and conned our line as well as time would permit, 
 
 N. W. 
 
 Squally 
 
 weather 
 
 with 
 
 Ram.
 
 JJO BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 view of advantage. At fifty-three minutes past eleven, made 
 the signal to pass through the enemy's line, and engage them 
 to leeward. Soon after the signal was made for close aftion, 
 and repeated by the Monarch and Powerful ; it was kept flying 
 on board the Venerable near an hour and a half, when it was 
 shot away. About thirty minutes past twelve, the action 
 commenced by Vice Admiral Onslow, in the Monarch, who 
 broke through the enemy's line, passed under the Dutch Vice 
 Admiral's stern, and engaged him to leeward. The Venerable 
 intending to engage the Dutch Commander in Chief, was pre- 
 vented by the States General, of 76 guns, bearing a blue flag 
 at the mizen, shooting close up with him ; we therefore put 
 our helm aport, run under his stern, engaged him close, and 
 soon forced him to run out of the line. The Venerable then 
 fell alongside the Dutch Admiral De Winter, in the Vryheid, 
 who was for some time well supported, and kept up a very 
 heavy fire upon us. At one o'clock, the aftion was pretty 
 general, except by the two or three van Ships of the enemy's 
 line, which got off without the smallest apparent injury. 
 About half an hour after the commencement of the aftion on 
 the part of the Venerable, who began only five minutes later 
 than our own Vice Admiral, the Hercules, a Dutch Ship of 
 64 guns, caught firs ahead of us ; she wore, and drove very 
 near our Ship to leeward, while we were engaged, and very 
 roughly hand led, by four Ships of the enemy. A little before 
 three o'clock, while passing to leeward of the Dutch Admiral 
 and Commander in Chief, on the opposite tack, our starboard 
 broadside was fired, which took place principally among t!-.e 
 rigging, as all her masts came immediately by the board ; soon 
 after he struck his colours, all farther opposition being vain and 
 fruitless. Admiral Duncan dispatched the Rose cutter with a 
 note to the Secretary of the Admiralty, containing account 
 of his having obtained a victory over the Dutch fleet. During 
 the greatest part of the action, the weather was variable, with 
 showers of rain, till half past two o'clock, when it fell almost 
 calm. On its clearing up, we perceived nine Ships of the enemy's 
 line, and one stout frigate, had struck. About four o'clock 
 P. M. Admiral De Winter was brought on board the Vene- 
 rable by Mr. Charles Richardson, first Lieutenant of the Circe, 
 in the boat of that frigate, whose signal had been made for that 
 purpose. The Venerable wore with the fleet, turning our heads 
 o ff shore, which was not then distant above four or five miles*
 
 OF ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUKCAN. lit 
 
 Began repairing the rigging, which, with the sails, masts, and 
 yards, had suffered mucH in the aftion. The people likewise 
 constantly at the pumps, having received a number ofshot-holes 
 below our water-line. Made the frigates and undisabled Ships 
 signals to take possessipn of prizes. During the battle, the 
 Venerable was gallantly supported by the Ardent and Triumph, 
 Admiral Duncan's seconds, and afterwards, by his Majesty's 
 Ship Powerful, who had taken her opponent, then runup, and 
 rendered effectual assistance to us, while surrounded by ene- 
 mies. The Powerful and several others showed by their gal- 
 lant conduct, that they perfectly understood the signal for close 
 a<5lion. Could a doubt remain in the minds of any person in 
 the fleet, about the meaning of any signal or manoeuvre, they 
 could not possibly mistake the gallant example of the two 
 English Admirals, and several others, who entered completely 
 into the meaning of the signal No. 34, and immediately pushed 
 through the enemy's line, as the only method of defeating the 
 Dutch fleet in the situation in which they wore. It was per- 
 feclly in the power of the whole British fleet to have put 
 signal 34 into execution. The enemy was diteclly to leeward* 
 and openings to pass through their line in several parts of it; 
 but some of our Ships, it is said, did not put No. 34 into exe- 
 cution. Notwithstanding, the nth of October, 1797, will be 
 remembered with pleasure by our friends, und regretted by our 
 enemies. 
 
 The foregoing account is so full, that it requires no ad- 
 dition or remark ; suffice it, that we briefly slate the a&iou 
 commenced between twelve and one o'clock in the after- 
 noon, and after continuing rather more than three hours 
 with unceasing violence, was at last closed by the surrender 
 of nine Ships of the line, with two frigates; the remainder, 
 though not without much difficulty, succeeding in effecting 
 their escape. 
 
 It has been remarked, and with some truth, that the laconic 
 manner in which the gallant Admiral first announced his 
 success to the Admiralty Board, in no small degree resem- 
 bled the celebrated letter of Captain Walton, written in con- 
 sequence of his having attacked, taken, or destroyed, a de- 
 tachment of the Spanish fleet off Syracuse. " We have
 
 112 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 taken," said that brave officer, " and destroyed all the Spa- 
 nish Ships and vessels that were upon the coast; the number 
 as per margin^ Yours &c. G. Walton " That which we 
 bring into comparison with it, was to the following purport : 
 
 Venerable, tfftbe coast of Ho!lanJ,tl>e 12(b of O&ootr, ty tag ( \ lib) taret 
 P. M. Camptrdinun E. S E. eight miles. IVlndN. by E. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the pleasure to acquaint you, for the information of the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that at nine o'clock this 
 morning, 1 got sight of the Dutch fleet ; at half past twelve I passed 
 through their line, and the adion commenced, which has been very 
 severe. The Admiral's Ship is dismasted, and has struck, as have 
 several others, and one on fire. I shall s^nd Captain Fairfax with 
 particulars the moment I can spare him. I am, 
 
 ADAM DUNCAN. 
 
 The Admiral, as a public and proper reward for his very 
 brilliant conduct on the foregoing occasion, was raised by 
 patent bearing date October the thirtieth, to the dignity of 
 a Baron and Viscount of Great Britain, by the titles of 
 Baron Camperdown and Viscount Duncan. The Vene- 
 rable had received so much damage, and had become so 
 leaky, owing to the number of shot she had received in 
 her hull, that she was, with the greatest difficulty, brought 
 into port ; and being found unfit for further service, with- 
 out previously undergoing a thorough repair, was, of 
 course, ordered to be dismantled for that purpose. His 
 Lordship, who continued to retain his command, shifted his 
 flag into the Kent, a new Ship of 74 guns, then jusf 
 launched. Soon as the Ships destined to remain under his 
 orders were refitted, he returned again to his station; 
 and by his continued vigilance, the Dutch trade was 
 almost annihilated : their vessels, whenever any were found 
 hardy enough to attempt putting to sea, were captured in 
 sight of their own ports ; for the whole coast was so com- 
 pletely blockaded, that instances very rarely occurred of 
 their being able to elude the extreme vigilance of the British 
 cruisers.
 
 Ofr ADAM DUNCAN, LORD VISCOUNT DUNCAN. 113 
 
 A very singular proof of this fail took place about twelve 
 months after the Camperdown fight ; two Dutch frigates, 
 the Furie, of 36, and the Waakzamheid, of 26 guns, had 
 been lying in the Texel many weeks with troops on board. 
 Eager to seize the first probable opportunity of escape, in 
 order to effect a desultory descent on some part of the British 
 dominions, being at last favoured by a strong eastern gale, 
 which they flattered themselves had blown the English 
 cruisers off their coast, they ventured out to sea on the 
 twenty-third of Oftober, 1798, under cover of a thick fog. 
 but were both captured on the following day, by Captain 
 King, in the Sirius. His Lordship continued to retain the 
 same command till the commencement of the present year, 
 but the extreme caution of the enemy prevented him from 
 finding any second opportunity df completing the destru&ion 
 of the Dutch maritime power; and the surrender of their 
 Ships at the Texel, in the month of August, 1799, has, to a 
 certainty, removed to a more remote period, the possibility 
 of acquiring in the same quarter similar honours to those 
 gained off Camperdown. 
 
 Heraldic Particulars relative to Lord discount Dttncan 
 
 On the sixth of June, 1777, he married Miss Dundas, daughter 
 of Robert Dundas, Esq. Lord President of the Court of Session in 
 Scotland. 
 
 On the twenty -third of December, 1787, his eldest son> Mr. 
 Henry Duncan, died at Edinburgh. 
 
 A R MS.] In the centre of his paternal coat (being Gules, two cinque foils in 
 chief, and a bugle horn in base, stringed Azure], pendant by a ribbon Argent 
 and Azure, from a naval crown Or, a gold medal, thereon two figures, the 
 emblems of Victory and Britannia ; Vi&ory alighting ori the prow of an an- 
 tique vessel, crowning Britannia with a wreath of laurel; and below, the word 
 " Camperdown." 
 
 CR EST.] A first rate Ship of war, with masts broken, rigging torn and in 
 disorder, floating on the sea. all proper ; and over, the motto " Di*ce pati " 
 
 SUPPORTERS.] On the dexter side an Angel, mantle purpure; on the head 
 a celestial crown ; the right hand supporting an anchor proper ; in the Jeft a. 
 palm branch Or. Qn the sinister a sailor, habited and armed proper ; his left 
 hand supporting a staff, thereon hoisted a flag azure; the Duteh colomfi 
 wreathed about the middle of the staff. 
 
 " Secundis dubiisque redus." 
 
 . Qol. IV. <u
 
 C H4 1 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS, 
 Draiunfrom aSual Events, aud the Success which has attended particular 
 Manoeuvres praflitedin Engagements between T-wo Fleets. From the 
 Revolution down to the present Time. Arranged In Chronological Order. 
 (Continued from page 47.) 
 
 AFTER the conclusion of the third Dutch war, no opportunity 
 offered itself either to the British fleet, or that belonging to 
 any among their different enemies, of carrying the same manoeuvre 
 into execution, till the engagement between Mr. Byng and the 
 French Admiral Gallisoniere. The Beachy-Head fight, the naval 
 battles which txnk place off La Houe and Malaga, were, of neces- 
 sity, conduced on different principles, which will be explained under 
 a different head from the present. 
 
 In the action off Minorca, Mr. Byng had very judiciously con- 
 trived to keep the advantage of the wind ; and such was the relative 
 position of the two squadrons, that if he had, immediately after mak- 
 ing the signal for his Ships to go about, which consequently brought 
 them on the same tack with the enemy, followed it with another for 
 the whole fleet to make all the sail they could, without subjecting 
 themselves to confusion, and fall upon the van of the enemy, there 
 seems but little doubt that Mr. West's division alone would have 
 insured the victory. This unfortunate man, without doubt, com- 
 mitted an irremediable suite of errors, in ordering the Deptford tocuit 
 the line ; in bearing away with the Ramilies for the rear of the enemy ; 
 and in making the signal for the rest of the Ships in his division ta 
 follow his example. This conduct, however ill-judged it might be, 
 perfectly emancipates him from the illiberal charge which his enemies 
 laboured so powerfully to fix on him a want of personal courage ; 
 for the fact is, if he had kept on the same course after the van be^an 
 to engage, which he held before the action commenced, the battle 
 would, in all probability, have been nearly over, and the enemy de- 
 feated, ere he could have got nearer to them than within random shot. 
 
 " At two," says this unhappy man, " I made the signal to engage, 
 as I found it was the surest method of ordering every Ship to close 
 down on the one that fell to their lot ; and here I must express my 
 great satisfaction at the very gallant manner in which the Rear Ad- 
 miral et the van the example, by instantly bearing down on the Ship 
 he was to oppose, with his second, and who occasioned one of the 
 French Ships to begin the engagement, which they did, by raking 
 ours as they went down. / bore down en the Ship that lay opposite tt
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS. II 
 
 m*." This last aft gave the fatal check tQ the vt&ory, which he 
 therwise would in all likelihood have obtained. 
 
 On the sixteenth of March, 1781, the French squadron employed 
 in America, completely bafiL-d the British squadron under Mr. Ar- 
 buthnot, by making use of this manoeuvre. The enemy, who wer 
 really inferior in point of force, but had the advantage of the wind, 
 attacked with all the Ships they could bring into action, the Robust, 
 the Prudent, and the Ettrope : the former of these was engaged at 
 one time by the French Commodore, in a Ship 01*84 g uns supported 
 by one of 74, and another of 64 ; the other Ships had the remainder 
 of the enemy's squadron to contend with ; the consequence was, that 
 all those Ships, but more particularly the two former, were completely 
 crippled before their companions could get up to support them ; and 
 the French, perfectly well satisfied with having saved themselves from 
 a more serious loss, were enabled to make good their retreat without 
 farther molestation. 
 
 *' At two o'clock," says Mr. Arbuthnot, " the van of my squadron 
 wore in the line, and in a few minutes the Robust, which led the fleet, 
 and afterwards behaved in the most gallant manner, was warmly en- 
 gaged with the van of the enemy. The Ships in the van and centre 
 of the line, were all engaged by half an hour past two, and by three 
 the French line was broke; their Ships began soon after to wear, and 
 to form their line again with their heads to the south-east into the 
 ocean. 
 
 " At twenty minutes after three I wore and stood after them. I 
 was sorry to see the Robust, Prudent, and Europe, which were the 
 headmost Ships, and received the whole of the enemy's fire at their 
 rigging as they bore down, 50 entirely disabled, and the London's 
 main-top-sail-yard being carried away, (the two first unmanageable, 
 laying with their heads from the enemy) as to be incapable of pursuit, 
 and of rendering the advantage we had gained decisive." 
 
 The engagement off the Che-apeak, on the 5 th of September, 1781, 
 is a still corroborating proof of the correctness of this principle : the 
 van and centre of the fleet, commanded by Rear Admirals Grave* 
 and Drake, opposing Ship to Ship with the enemy, forced them to 
 give away ; w hile the seven sternmost Ships of the British fleet, under 
 Sir Samuel Hood, kept twelve of the enemy's rear at bay.. It may 
 be remembered that there was no small degree of murmur excited 
 among the uninformed, because those Ships were not actually en- 
 gaged ; but it must be evident to all candid inquirers, now reason has 
 supplanted the rage of passion, that if the rear had borne a* ay, and 
 closed with us antagonists, as the van did, it might, and most probably
 
 Il6 ILLUSTRATIONS OF KAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 would have been inclosed between two fires, through which an ad- 
 vantage might have been gained which would have been productive 
 of the most serious consequences to the whole fleet. 
 
 In short, the particular condudl of the rear proved the preservation 
 of the whole fleet It will be hereafter necessary to speak more fully 
 of this encounter in treating of the manoeuvre lately introduced and 
 practised with so much success, that of" cutting through the tnemfs 
 lint." 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 'TPHE first letter, in particular, is of the most interesting kind, as 
 * it tends to prove the high injury wantonly inflicted by the rage 
 of party on one of the bravest and worthiest men that ever held a 
 naval command Arthur Herbert, Earl of Torrington. The honest 
 and uns ught for testimony borne by a person of Admiral Shovell's 
 description, outweighs the slanderous and envenomed clamour of 
 millions. 
 
 &>CLOUDESLEV SHOVELL to the ar/e/"ToRRiNGTON, July 31, 
 
 1650. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 I MUST believe you a person so stcdcly for y e preservation of their 
 Maj* and their kingdoms, that the breath of ten thousands of the 
 better sort of the unthinking mobb cannot shake your loyalty; and 
 for your corrage, ware I worthey to be your Lordship's bayle, I durst 
 with my life be bound to answer for your default] though I suppose 
 t'.s not unknown to your Lordship that both your loyaltyand corrage 
 are questioned. My Lord, I have been so unfortunate as not to have 
 had one line from any one of my frisnds in y e fleet; nor till within 
 this week have I spoke with any one man that was in y e late action, 
 with your Lordship; and now am, as have been all along, well satis- 
 fied that your retreat was absolutely necessary, and for the servL of 
 our country j but till now knew not the reason of your fighting. 
 
 When your Lordship was first in sight of the French, I was then 
 of y e Land's End, with 3 fregatts in my company ; and by small 
 vessells than cam from tr.e eastward, I had still nottis of your seeing 
 the French fleet fur 5 or 6 days together ; and nothing more rejoiced 
 me then that your Lordship declined fighdng them ; and S r , in any 
 other country but oar's, your declining fighting would have shown 
 your General, hip, and been esteemed as it deserved. My Lord, here 
 are many people in. these parts ?an very well remember that it was
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. JIJ 
 
 my opinion that nothing could be more to your Lordship's hon r . nor 
 to our country's safety, then your keeping out of the reach of them ; 
 and nothing could hurt us but fighting them ; and one need not goc 
 .far for a very substandall reason, which is, you wanted about 25 sail 
 of good Ships that were designed for the line of battle ; and if it was 
 thought you could beatt the French without this 25 sail, why ware we 
 at the unnecessary charge of so many supernumv Ships ? My Lord, 
 J have not else at press', but to assure your Lordship I am, as ever, 
 
 My LORD, 
 
 Your Lordship's most faithfull and obedient Serv% 
 
 C. S. 
 
 ^M^ 
 
 Sir CLOUDESLEV SHOVELL to Sir FRANCIS WHEELER. 
 DEAR SIR FRANCIS, December 12, 1692. 
 
 I SUPPOSE your West India voyage goes forward, and all things, 
 to your satisfaction. I question not but you believe next to myself, 
 I wish your welfaire before any man's. God bless the King ; and, 
 upon my word, I am not of the common opinion, which makes your 
 voyage such a bug-bear ; but, to the contrary, I expeft your return 
 with a great deal of reputation, much to your satisfaction, about twu 
 years hence, or there abouts ; I expeft so, which pray order your 
 buissness so as to stay no longer ; for after two years your Ships will 
 be out of order, your stores expended, your men will dye; and iff 
 may call it so, course of nature will bring you an account of wants 
 everyday; but while you are abroad, make me your Solissitor at 
 home for your reall wants, and be assured I will heartily devoatt my- 
 self to your service. I will only caution you in what I am assured 
 you can very well perform, if you give your mind to it ; that is, leu 
 no frivolous miscarriages give you any manner of disturbance; nei- 
 ther be disturbed at any unfavourable misfortune. I assure myself of 
 your aplycation to your buissness ; and I will once more repeatt my 
 opinion, which is, that I shall se my dear friend S r Francis return from 
 the West Indies with (in short) a great deal of satisfaction both to 
 himself and friends, amongst which I subscribe myselfe one of your 
 faithfullest. . c - & 
 
 SIR, Viflory, ojfof Beacby, z6tb February, 1743. 
 
 I SAILED from the Downs the 24'" inst. in the morning, the wind 
 at W. N. W, upon receiving intelligence that fifteen Ships of the 
 Brest squadron were at an ancnor off of Dungeness; and at two in the 
 afternoon came to an anchor about eight miles short of them, the tide 
 of flood then being against us, and the wind at W. S. W. they bear-
 
 IlS ILi.UTRATIOR8 Of NATAL HISTORY. 
 
 ing from us, W. f S. At eight at night the wind shifted to N. B. 
 and about one in the morning, a violent storm came on, with thick 
 dark weather, that soon drove most of us from our anchors ; it con- 
 tinued the greatest part of the day, so that we could carry no sail ; 
 but towards evening the weather abated, and this day (the 26) we 
 have little wind, and variable. I inclose to you an account of the 
 damage that has happened to such of our Ships as I have spoke with, 
 and hope their Lordships will order an immediate supply of anchors 
 and cables to us in the Downs, whither I am returning. It was 
 fortunate we did not meet with this storm off Dunkirk, or in 
 the Downs, in either of which places all our pilots are of opinion the 
 trhole fleet would have been in imminent danger. The Roebuck* 
 from Portsmouth, joined me the 24% when we were in sight of 
 the French. We cannot tell when the French broke way, notwith- 
 standing all the endeavours I used to be informed of it ; but the 
 Anglesea, whose cable parted the 25* , at seven in the morning, run 
 close by Dungeness, and viewed both sides of it, and found them 
 gone. The Duke, Princess Royal, Prince Frederick, and Medway, 
 not being in a condition to go into the Downs, I have ordered Sir 
 Charles Hardy with them into Spithead, and the Gibraltar to attend 
 him. I am, Sir, 
 
 Your most humble servant, 
 
 JN NORRIS. 
 
 An Acnmt of Damagn tie Ship* itndermtntlaiud rettlvid the 2$ Fct^ % 1743-4 t 
 
 SHIPS' NAME*. ACCIDENTS. 
 
 Victory ... Lost two anchors and three cables. 
 
 Duke ... Lost two anchors, four cables, and the davitt. 
 
 St. George - - Lost two anchors, four cables. 
 
 Princess Royal - Lost three anchors and cables, and broke her tiller. 
 
 f"Lost two anchors, two cables, and the small bower un- 
 
 \ serviceable; carried away the jibb-boom, sprit-sail- 
 rince Frederick -I yard> and l6 foot of the kncft o the head> ind sprufl& 
 
 I the bowsprit. 
 
 SnfToIk ... Lost two anchors and three cables, 
 
 Captain ... Lost two anchors and three cables. 
 
 Dreadnought - - Lost one anchor and cable. 
 
 Jersey ... Lost one anchor, one cable and half. 
 
 Worcester - . Lost one anchor and three cables. 
 
 Roebuck- . . Lost her longboat. 
 
 Anglesea . . Lost one anchor, one cable and half, and her longboat. 
 
 Gibraltar Lost one anchor and cable. 
 
 Princess Mary - Lost two anchors and three cables. 
 
 Medway . . Lost three anchors, four cables, and her long boat. 
 
 Deptford - - Lost three anchors and four cablei.
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 IT 9 
 
 TO THE EDITOR OF THE NA^AL CHRONICLE. 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 IT is with pleasure I congratulate you on that useful and very 
 valuable work, the Naval Chronicle, which at length has nude its 
 . appearance in this quarter of the world; and I can assure you., has 
 met with universal admiration by the officers in our marine service, as 
 well as all classes connected with it. A work of that nature had long 
 been wanted, to record the many gallant exploits which have in times 
 past, and continue to adorn your Navy ; and with a well-grounded 
 hope that our's may imitate, and ever aft in unity with it, I have trans- 
 mitted for your insertion, if approved of, the Official Letter and 
 Report of the Secretary of the American Navy, together with the two 
 Official Letters written by that gallant officer, Commodore TRUXTUIU 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Yours, 
 
 Btittn, North Amt. ', Junt 21, l8oo. T. 
 
 <^* 
 Letter and Report of tie Secretary of the Navy* 
 
 Navy Department, 2o/ March, 1800. 
 
 IN obedience to the order of the House of Representatives of the 
 United States, of the eighteenth inst. the Secretary of the Navy has 
 the honour to lay before the House, a copy of Captain Truxtun's 
 letter of the third of February, together with a copy of the extract 
 from his journal, referred to in the said letter, detailing the particulars 
 of the engagement between the Constellation under his command, 
 and an heavy French Ship, mounting, as he supposed, 54 guns. 
 
 The Secretary has received a number of letters, too voluminous to 
 trouble the House with, of dates both prior and subsequent to the 
 action, which leave no doubt on his mind that the French Ship, so 
 gallantly defended against the bravery and superior skill of Captain 
 Truxiun, is the same that arrived at Guadaloupe from France, hi 
 the month of December last, called La Vengeance, mounting 50 guns 
 or upwards. 
 
 In confirmation of this opinion, the Secretary takes the liberty of 
 stating the substance of letters received from Captain Baker, of the 
 Delaware sloop of war, from B. H. Phillips, Esq. American Consul 
 at Curracoa, and from D. M. Clarkson, Esq. Navy Agent at St. 
 Kfett, 
 
 Captain Baker, in a letter dated Curacoa, eighth of February, 
 mentions that a French Ship, called La Vengeance, of 54 guns, had 
 left Guadaloupe on her return to France, about the first of February ; 
 
 4
 
 ,30 ILLUSTRATIONS OF KAVAL H1STORV. 
 
 had a very severe aftion with the Constellation the following night, 
 and arrived at Curracoa on the sixth, in a most shattered condition ; 
 that he understood she had lost one hundred an d forty men in the 
 aftion, and when she escaped from the Constellation, had eight feet 
 water in her hold. 
 
 Mr. Phillips, in a letter dated Curracoa, ninth of February, to tho 
 Secretary of State, announces the arrival there of the French Ship, 
 La Vengeance, of 56 guns, bound from Guadaloupe to France, with 
 a valuable cargo, and a large sum of specie, in a very distressed situ- 
 ation, having lost one hundred and sixty men killed and wounded, 
 and her masts and rigging nearly all shot away in an engagement of 
 five hours, within pistol shot, with the Constellation. 
 
 Mr. Clarkson, at St. Kitts, in a letter dated sixteenth of February, 
 states, " We are certain Captain Truxtun's gallant action was fought 
 with La Vengeance, a French man of war of 54 guns, and five hun- 
 dred picked men, from Guadaloupe to France." 
 
 As to the condudl of any particular officer, or other person on 
 fcoard the Constellation, the Secretary has no information, except 
 what is to be found in the communications from Captain Truxtun, 
 by which, but still more by the result of this heroic aftion, it appears 
 that all the officers and men on board the Constellation must have 
 nobly performed their duty. 
 
 The praise of having pursued, for many hours, a Ship known to be 
 of force so greatly superior to his own, to bring her to action, and 
 of conducting that aftion with so much skill as to compensate for hjs 
 great inferiority of force, belongs exclusively to their gallant com- 
 mander. 
 
 It cannot be necessary for the Secretary to add to the eulo^iuij 
 bestowed by Captain Truxtun on the brave young Midshipman, 
 James Jarvis, who gloriously preferred certain death, to an abandon- 
 ment of his post. 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted, 
 
 BENJAMIN STOOD ERT. 
 
 Tl>f Honourable lie Sf cater of Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 tie IIonu of Refretentatives of the United Statet. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Captain THOMAS TRUXTUN, to tie Secretary 
 of the Navy. 
 
 United States' Sfnp Constellation^ 
 
 S'* at Sea, Feb. 3, 1800. 
 
 I HAD the honour to address you the day after my arrival at 
 St. Christopher's, the twenty-first ult. as per copy annexed -, afte*
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 121 
 
 which I made every exertion in my power to get the squadron, as 
 well as my own Ship, to sea, in the shortest time possible; and gave 
 all the commanders of the different vessels orders, to cruise separately* 
 in certain situations, agreeably to the copies inclosed. 
 
 On the thirtieth, I left St. Christopher's with the Constellation in 
 excellent trim for sailing, and stood to windward, in order to occupy 
 the station I had allotted for myself, before the road of the enemy, at 
 Guadaloupe, where I was informed a very large and heavy frigate, of 
 upwards of 50 guns, was then laying; and early on the next day I fell 
 in with L'Insurgent, Captain Murray, and the prize brig, Conquest, 
 of Italy, that had been fitted out to cruise with him in those seas. 
 After a short interview with Captain Murray, I requested him to pro- 
 ceed to St. Christopher's without loss of time, and call on our agent 
 there Mr. Clarkson, for letters that I had lodged for him, which 
 pointed out his further destination. On our parting, he immediately 
 made sail to leeward, and I continued plying to windward. At half 
 past seven A. M. of the following day, 1 discovered a sail to the S. E. 
 to which I gave chase ; and for the further particulars of that chase, 
 and the action after it, I must beg leave to refer you to the extracts 
 from my journal, which is also inclosed, as being the best mode of ex- 
 hibiting a just, fair, and candid account of all our transactions in the 
 late business, which has ended in the complete dismantlement of the 
 Constellation, though, I trust, to the high reputation of the American 
 flag. 
 
 I have just fell in with the Enterprize, Lieutenant Shaw, returning 
 from Curracoa, who I send off to you with my dispatches, and I shall 
 be obliged, by your sending him again to me at Port Royal, Jamaica, 
 as early as possible, as I shall be impatient to hear from you, especially 
 as we are now in want of every thing, being a mere wreck. 
 
 If I had met Captain Morris, of the Adams, I should have taken 
 the command of that Ship, and kept the station to windward, leaving 
 him in charge of the Constellation, to be refitted at Jamaica ; but I 
 have not been so fortunate. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 
 With great respect and esteem, 
 
 Your very obedient humble servant, 
 (Signed) THOMAS TRUXTUN. 
 
 1Tie Honourable Benjamin Stoddert, Ety. 
 Secretary of the Navy, Philadelphia. 
 
 l. IV,
 
 lit ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 A Circumstantial Account of the Engagement between the United States 
 Frigate Constellation, 0/38 Guns, and a trench National Frigate, 
 of 54 Gum, on the 1st February, 1800; taken from Commodore 
 Taux TUN'S Journal, v:z. 
 
 Saturday, 1st February y I 8co, 
 
 AT half past seven A. M. the road of Basseterre, Guadaloupe, 
 bearing east, five leagues distance, saw a sail in the S. E. standing to 
 the westward, which, from her situation, I at first took for a large 
 Ship from Martinico, and hoisied English colours, on giving chase, 
 by way of inducement for her to come down and speak me, which 
 would have saved a long chase to leeward of rny intended cruising 
 ground; but finding she did not attempt to alter her course, I ex- 
 amined her more attentively as we rpproached her, and discovered her 
 to be a heavy French frigate, mounting at least 54 guns; I imme- 
 diately gave orders for the yards to be slung with chains, top-sail 
 sheets, &c. stoppered, and the Ship cleared ready for a&ion, and 
 hauled down the English colours. At noon the wind became light, 
 and I observed the chase that we had before been gaining fast on, 
 held way with us; but 1 was determined to continue the pursuit, 
 though the running to leeward, I was convinced, would be attended 
 withrrany strious disadvantages, especially if the object ot my wishes 
 was not gratified. 
 
 Sunday, zd February. Atone P. M. the wind being somewhat 
 fresher than the noon preceding, and an appearance of its continuance, 
 our prospeft of bringing the enemy to aclion began to brighten, as I 
 perceived we were coming up with the chase fast, and every inch or 
 canvas being set that could be of service, except the bag reefs, which 
 1 kept in the top sails, in case of the enemy finding an escape from 
 our thunder impracticable, should haul on a wind, and give us fair 
 battle; but this did not prove to be her commander's iutention : I 
 however got within hail of him, at eight P. M. hoisted our ensign, 
 and had the candles in the battle lanthorns all lighted, and was in the 
 lee gangway ready to speak him, and to demand the surrender of his 
 Ship to the United States of America, when at that instant he com- 
 menced a fire from his stern and quarter guixs, directed at our rigging 
 and spars. No parley being then necessary, I sent my principal Aid- 
 de-camp, Mr. Vandyke, to the different officers commanding divisions 
 on the main battery, to repeat striftly my orders before given, not to. 
 throw away a single charge of powder and shot, but to take good aim, 
 and to fire direftly into the hull of the enemy, and load principally 
 with two round shot, and now and th;n with a round shot and .1
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. I2J 
 
 stand of grape, &c. to encourage the men at their quarters, and to 
 cause, or suffer no noise or confusion whatever, but to load and fire 
 as fast as possible, when it could be done with certain effect. 
 
 These orders being given, in a few moments I gained a position on 
 his weather quarter, that enabled us to return effectually his sa!uce ; 
 and thus as close, and as sharp an action as ever was fought between 
 two frigates, commenced, and continued until within a few minutes 
 of one A. M. when the enemy's fire was completely silenced, and he 
 was again sheering off. It was at this moment that I considered him 
 as my prize, and was trimming in the best manner, I could, my much 
 shattered sails, when I found the main-mast was totally unsupported 
 with rigging, every shroud being shot away, and some of them in 
 many places so as to render stoppers useless, which in fact could not 
 be applied with effect; I then gave orders for all the men to be sent 
 up from the gun deck to endeavour to secure the mast, in order that 
 we might get alongside of the enemy again as soon as possible ; but 
 every effort was in vain, for it went over the side in a few minutes 
 after, and carried with it the topmen, among whom was an amiable 
 young gentleman, who commanded the main top, Mr. James Jarvis, 
 son of James Jarvis, Esq. of New York. This young gentleman, it 
 seems, wasapprizedof his danger by an old seaman, but he had already 
 so much the principle of an officer ingrafted on his mind, not to leave 
 his quarters, that he replied, if the mast went, they must go with it^ 
 which was the case, and only one of them was saved. I regret much 
 his loss, as a promising young officer, and amiable young man, as well 
 as on account of a long intimacy that has subsisted between his father 
 and myself, but have great satisfaction in finding that I have lost no 
 other, and only two or three were slightly wounded, out of thirty-nine 
 of the crew, killed and woanded, fourteen of the former, and twenty- 
 five of the latter. As soon as the main mast went, every effort was 
 made to clear the wreck from the Ship as soon as possible, which was 
 effected in about an hour ; and as her security was then the great ob- 
 ject, it being impossible to pursue the enemy, I immediately bore 
 away for Jamaica, for repairs, &c. finding it impracticable to reach a 
 friendly port in any of the islands to windward. 
 
 I should be wanting in common justice, was I to omit hereto 
 journalize the steady attention to order, and the great exertion and 
 bravery shewn by all my officers, seamen, and marines in this action, 
 many of whom I had sufficiently tried before on a similar occasion 
 (the capture of the Insurgente), and all their names are recorded in 
 the muster-roll I sent to the Secretary of the Navy, dated the nine- 
 teenth of December last, signed by myself. 
 
 (Signed) THOMAS TRUX UN.
 
 C "4 3 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES OF 
 NAVAL OFFICERS 
 
 XVHO HAVf HITHERTO PASSED NEARLY UNNOTICED BT HISTORIANS. 
 
 The following Account of Lord CLINTON, some time Lord High Admiral 
 of England, is taken from the elegant Collection of Biographical Trails 
 'written by EDMUND LODGE, Esq. Lancaster Herald^ and F. 5. A. 
 and illustrated by BARTOLOZZI'S exquisite Imitations cf Portraits by 
 HOLB i E N, in bis Majesty's Collection. We may probably hereafter pre- 
 sent our readers <vailb tome more extraSs relative to Naval Eiogra- 
 grapby,from that superb publication, as the -very high price of it must 
 always render it, in a certain measure, scarce. 
 
 EDWARD, Lord Clinton, was the only son of Thomas, the 
 eighth Baron of his family, by Mary, a natural daughter to Sir 
 Edward Poynings, Knight of the Garter. He was born in 1512, 
 and, at the death of his father, within five years after, fell in wardship 
 to the crown. Educated in the court, his youth was passed in those 
 magnificent and romantic amusements which distinguished the be- 
 ginning of Henry's reign ; nor was it till 1544. that he appeared in a 
 public character : in that year he attended the Earl of Hertford, and 
 Dudley, Lord Lisle, in their expedition to Scotland, and is said to 
 have then entered into the naval service, in consequence of his inti- 
 macy with the latter, who at that time commanded the fleet : with 
 these noblemen he scoured the coasts of Scotland, and afterwards 
 lanJed at Boulogne, which was then besieged by the King in person. 
 At the commencement of the following reign, he was appointed 
 Admiral of the fleet which aided the Duke of Somerset's great irrup- 
 tion into Scotland ; and, owing to a singular circumstance, is said to 
 have had a considerable share in the viftory atMusselburgh, without 
 quitting his Si.ips ; for the van of the English Army having changed 
 its situation, the Scots imagined it was flying to the fleet, and there- 
 upon forsook the high ground on which they had been advan- 
 tageously posted, and following the English to the sea-side, were 
 received wiiha furious discharge of cannon from the Shipping, which 
 threw them at once into irrecoverable disorder. Soon after this pe- 
 riod, Lord Clinton was constituted Governor of Boulogne; and at his 
 return from thence, after the peace of 1550, was appointed of the 
 King's Privy Chamber, Lord Admiral of England for life, and a 
 Knight of the Garter : to these dignities were added grants of estates 
 to a very considerable value. In 1551 he represented his royal master
 
 ANECDOTES OF HAVAL OFFICERS. !2- 
 
 at Paris, as godfather to the third son of France, afterward Henry III. 
 He negotiated at the same time the treaty of marriage intended 
 between Edward VI. and Elizabeth, daughter of Henry II. of France, 
 and brought home with him the instrument of its ratification. 
 
 Edward died soon after the commencement of this embassy ; and 
 Lord Clinton, having recommended himself to the favour of thac 
 Prince's successor, by hisearly expressions of attachment to her tide, 
 was sent in 1 554, with some others of the loyal nobility, against Sir 
 Thomas Wyat. In the autumn of the next year he carried the Order 
 of the Garter to Emmanuel, Duke of Saxony; and in 1557, had a. 
 principal command in the English army at the siege of St. Quinton. 
 On the thirteenth of February 1558, O. S. his patent of Lord Ad- 
 miral was renewed ; and on the twelfth of April following, he was 
 appointed Commander in Chief, both by sea and land, of the forces 
 then sent against France and Scotland. Elizabeth continued him in. 
 the post of Admiral, chose him of her Privy Council, appointed him 
 a commissioner to examine Murray's charges against the Queen of 
 Scots, and joined him to the Earl of Warwick in the command of 
 the Army sent in 1 569 against the rebellious Earls of Northumberland 
 and Westmoreland. On the fourth of May, 1572, he was advanced 
 to the title of Earl of Lincoln; in the next year was a commissioner 
 for the trial of the Duke of Norfolk; and in 1574, went Ambassador 
 to France, to ratify the treaty of Blois. His last public service was 
 in the ineffectual negotiation for a marriage between Elizabeth and 
 the Duke of Anjou. He died on the sixteenth of January, 1584, 
 O. S. and was buried in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, under a 
 superb monument of alabaster and porphyry, which has lately been 
 repaired with great nicety, by order of his descendant, the present 
 Duke of Newcastle. 
 
 He was three times married : first, to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir 
 John Blount, and widow to Gilbert, Lord Palboys. By this lady, 
 who had formerly admitted the caresses of Henry VIII. he had three 
 daughters ; Bridget, married to Robert Dymock, of Scrivelsby, in 
 Lincolnshire ; Catherine, to William Lord Borough ; and Margaret, 
 to Charles Lord Willoughby, of Parkam. By his second wife, 
 Ursula, daughter to Edward Lord Stourton, he had three sons ; 
 Henry, who succeeded him ; Edward and Thomas ; and two daugh- 
 ters; Anne, wife of William Ayscough, of Kelsay, in Lincolnshire; 
 and Frances, of Giles Burges, Lord Chandos, He married, thirdly, 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare, who diwd 
 without issue.
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 AH Essay OH Fevers, wherein: heir JLtcretic Genera, Species, and various 
 Df laminations, are./rtm Observa ion and Experience for Thirty Tears 
 in Europe, Africa, and America, and on the intermediate Seas, reduced 
 under their character i:tic Genus, Feinle Infeftion ; and the Curt estab- 
 lished ty Philosophical Induction. By ROBERT KOBERTSON, M . D. 
 Physician to the Royal Hospital, Greenwich. Oftavo. 286 Pages, 
 5-r . J 790. G. G. J. and J. Robinson. 
 
 (Concluded from page 60.) 
 
 IN the course of the work the ingenious author describes at some 
 length, the means of detecting febrile inftftion, and distinguish- 
 ing it from other diseases. 
 
 i. When one, or more (says the Doflor) in a family, or in any 
 large society, whether school, college, university, religious seminary, re- 
 giment, on board of Ship, or elsewhere, complain of fever and whe- 
 ther the symptons are less or more severe preclude not the necessity 
 of inquiring, with all possible stridness, if they have been seeing, or 
 in company with sick, or in any part where sick have been ; or with 
 people who have been visiting or attending sick; or if they have worn 
 sick people's clothes ; or if they have lain in bed clothes or beds 
 which the sick lay in ? Should the answer be in the affirmative, there 
 will be no reason to doubt of their being infefted ; and suitable 
 methods to render it as mild as possible, and to prevent it from spread, 
 ing, cannot be too speedily adopted. Should the answer be in the 
 negative, the circumstances previous to their being taken ill, both as 
 to temperance and exercise, season and climate, &c. are to be dili- 
 gently inquired into, and the symptoms about the sick attentively 
 considered, as well as the patient's constitution. 
 
 a. To the experienced and discerning practitioner, the state of the 
 countenance exhibits the most certain diagnostic and invariable pa- 
 thognomonic symptom of the degree of virulence of the infection, 
 which becomes almost hourly moie and more obvious ; and the more 
 obviously it is diseased, the greater da'nger the patient is in. There 
 is a je ne sai quoi in it, expressing more disease than the patient ge- 
 nerally complains of, or can be conveyed in words. To say the 
 countenance is either greatly dejefted or depressed, is not enough ; 
 much more is discernible to a person who reads it carefully; much 
 more at least is obvious to a person who is well acquainted with febrile 
 infeftion.
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 12 y 
 
 3. Rigours, or chilliness, succeeded by heat, in a less or greater 
 degree, and for a short or longer duration, are generally the harbin- 
 gers of fever. 
 
 4. The head is affected almost invariably with some degree of pain, 
 heaviness, or confusion. 
 
 5. Retching, less or more, or sickness at stomach, seldom fails to 
 accompany the chilliness. 
 
 6. Universal pains, or as the sick express themselves, pains all over 
 them, or wandering pains, or pains mall their bones, or in their joints^ but 
 fsfecially in the small of their back, are very early concomitants of febrile 
 infection. 
 
 7. Debility and lassitude are less or more complained of from the 
 moment they are first seized. 
 
 The:e are the symptoms chiefly complained of at first by the sick; 
 and according to their mildness or vehemence, shew the degree of viru- 
 lence of the infection, and therefore I term them diognostic, or pa- 
 thognomonic. It is true, many other symptoms o r ten accompany 
 fever from its commencement; but as they are rather exceptions from 
 the primitive symptoms, I omit them here, and beg leave to repeat, 
 
 That whenever men on board of a Ship, or in a regiment, or in any 
 society or family, fall down, and complain of being seized with rigourt, 
 or chilliness, or alternate chills or heats, head-achs, heaviness or con- 
 fusion of the head, sickness at stomach, or retching, universal pains, or 
 as the sick express themselves, paint all overtbtm, or pains in all their 
 bones, or joints, especially in their loins and backs, and with less or more 
 debility; and if their countenance is at the same time obviously dis- 
 eased, whatever the other symptoms accompanying theseare, I can, from 
 experience, assure the reader that a most virulent infection is present. 
 
 If it is further observed in the course of the fever, that they who 
 attend, or aave communication with the sick, are seized with similar 
 symptoms ; and if the sick, after arriving at a convalescent state, are 
 not only very long in recovering perfectly, but are found liable, from 
 the slightest cause, to relapse, they must have very little di.cernment 
 who doubt of there being a most virulent infection present. 
 
 To this succeeds a synoptical view of the Dolor's own observations 
 made in the course of thirty-years practice on Shipboard, from the 
 year 1759, to tne vear 1 7$9' -^ series of very judicious remarks on 
 the remote causes of febrile infection ; the general, as well as particular 
 affections attendant on the disease ; a statement of symptoms termi- 
 nating falsely ; prognostics, &c. After all which is added instrnc- 
 tions for the proper mode of treatment and cure. 
 
 Sick or well (says the Doctor), our very existence depends on 
 air; unless, therefore, the greatest attention is paid to it, the most
 
 Ijg KAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 judicious practice, in other respefts, is rendered not only ineffectual, 
 but the health, and even the lives of the medical professors, are greatly 
 endangered. All possible means ought to be constantly used to render 
 it as pure and salutary as the situation and circumstances of the sick 
 will admit. Various are the means with authors have recommended 
 for this purpose, either to be burnt, fumigated, or evaporated, in the 
 chambers or apartments of the sick, in wards of hospitals, and in the 
 ick births on board of Ships; all of which may be more or less use- 
 ful ; but as I have already mentioned them on board of different Ships, 
 I shall refer the reader to the observations on Jail, Hospital, and 
 Ship fever. 
 
 The sick are to be got up every day, at least once, if possible, and 
 to be kept out of bed as long as prudence will admit, to allow time 
 to air their beds and bedding, either in the sun, or at fires. When 
 they are so weak that they cannot set up, they should be removed 
 either into another bed, or upon a couch of some sort, that their beds 
 and bedding may be aired. I not only have had the beds and bedding 
 aired as often as possible, but I have had two sets of some patients' 
 beds and bedding destroyed before they recovered. Provided proper 
 care is taken in doing it, and when the circumstances of the sick will 
 admit, neither the chambers, the beds and bedding, nor the linen of 
 the sick, can be too often aired or changed. 
 
 When the lives of valuable subjects are in danger, expences or trouble 
 bear no competition with the consideration of preserving them. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XXXIX. 
 
 E encounter between the Dutch fleet, under the orders of 
 Admiral De Winter, and that of Great Britain, commanded 
 by Adam, now Lord Viscount Duncan, which took place off Cam- 
 perdown on the eleventh of October, 1797. '^' ne particular period 
 which it represents of the aclion, is about four o'clock in the after- 
 noon, not long before the contest ceased. The flag Ship of Admiral 
 De Winter, which was the last of the enemy that surrendered, is seen 
 nearly in the centre, returning the fire of the Venerable very feebly ; 
 while the Hercules, a Dutch ship of 64 guns, on fire abaft, is drift- 
 ing across the bows of both those Ships. On the right hand are 
 seen, in the back-ground, some of the enemy's Shpis which had then 
 surrendered ; and on the left is the Monarch, together with her prize 
 the Jupiter. 
 
 The British fleet consisted of sixteen Ships of the line ; the ene- 
 my's of the same number; the latter were superior in the number of 
 guns, the former in men, Nine Ships of the line and two frigate? 
 belonging to the enemy surrendered.
 
 C 9 1 
 jfrafta! 
 
 TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 GEORGE W. A. COURTENAY, 
 CAPTAIN OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP THE BOSTON-, 
 
 WHO fll.1. AT SEA IN AN ENGAGEMENT WITH TH* FRENCH iO.lt 
 AMBUSCADE, AUGUST I, 1793- 
 
 "OTHEN daring valour meets an early bier, 
 
 Who can refuse the tribute of a tear ? 
 When gentle virtues grace the young and brave, 
 We melt with pity o'er th' untimely grave. 
 Midst all the praises honour could attain, 
 Courtenay, for you I pour the plaintive strain : 
 Too soon, alas ! you fell in manhood's bloom, 
 And British sailors bend around your tomb ; 
 With you their ardour fled, their hopes expir'd, 
 Your kindness won them, and your courage fir'd *: 
 No servile press disgrac'd your gallant crew ; 
 Freely they came, to fight, to bleed with you : 
 Around you throng'd a firm intrepid corps, 
 The native guard of Albion's sea-girt shore. 
 
 When Rodney's genius forc'd the Gallic line, 
 
 In VicYry's van he saw you early shine ; 
 
 When haughty France, leagu'd with imperious Spain, " 
 
 Struck to his flag, and own'd Britannia's reign, 
 
 He fondly mark'd you with a father's eyes, 
 
 And saw in you his noble spirit rise ; 
 
 While Glory's path he pointed to your view, 
 
 That brilliant path you saw himself pursue : 
 
 This proud incentive, to your latest breath, 
 
 Kindled the flame that brightly gleam'd in death. 
 
 * " About an hour and a half after the a&ion commenced, a fifteen pound 
 hot from the enemy struck one of the Boatswain's hammock stantions, and 
 broke a piece off; the shot passed through the Marine officer's (Mr. Butler's) 
 breast, and the piece of iron stantion struck Captain Courtenay between the 
 shoulders: they both fell at the same instant. At the moment they were 
 struck, they were singing ' Rule Britannia" to the Ship's company. After this 
 fatal accident, it was with much difficulty that they could be kept to their 
 quarters. The first Lieutenant was obliged to come on deck, wounded as he 
 was, and fight the Ship." Extrdft of a Letter from an Ojfitrr cftLt E:ti*. 
 
 (Bol. IV. s
 
 NAVAL LITERATUR.I. 
 
 Alas ! what words, what numbers can impart, 
 
 A balm to sooth a widowM mother's heart ? 
 
 While dark Despair on her pale cheek appears, 
 
 And grief itself the mem'ry endears : 
 
 No more she hopes, in smiles of welcome drest, 
 
 To clasp her husband to her faithful breast j 
 
 No more, array'd in Beauty's winning charms, 
 
 To speak her joy, and fold him in her arms ; 
 
 And bid her anxious throbbing fears to cease, 
 
 Blest in his love and sweet domestic peace. 
 
 Delusive Fancy still the scene pursues, 
 
 Tho' still the scene your piercing grief renews, 
 
 While sad Rememb'rance paints the blissful time, 
 
 When first you met in India's flow'ry clime *; 
 
 When the warm Lover, in the glow of youth, 
 
 Breath 'd the soft sigh, and vow'd eternal truth : 
 
 For you his passion still increas'd thro 1 life 
 
 The beauteous maid was blended in the wife. 
 
 Ev'n when his orphans meet your fond embrace, 
 
 You sec his image in each blooming face. 
 
 How gladsome once on his return you flew, 
 
 To point the semblant feature to his view, 
 
 As round his knees they clung, and sweetly strove 
 
 To lisp their joy in half-form'd words of love ! 
 
 They smile, unconscious of the fatal blow, 
 
 Or only weep to see your sorrows flow. 
 
 Your heart-felt plaints a gen'rous Nation hears, 
 
 Adopts your Babes with sympathetic tears : 
 
 Their Father's deeds her Naval Trophies grace, 
 
 And throw a splendour round his infant race ; 
 
 With tearful pride in future days they'll tell 
 
 How in his country's cause he greatly fell ; 
 
 And pleas'd they'll say, the Bard who chants his praise 
 
 From friendship, kindred, pour'd these plaintive lays. 
 
 A Parent's woe new streams of grief supplies f, 
 While hopeless sorrow dims her aching eyes ; 
 Dear to her soul, she weeps a gallant son, 
 Too soon, alas ! his course of glory run j 
 
 t Udy Jane Courtenay, $i,ter to the late Earl of Bute.
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. IjX 
 
 Those aged orbs her darling view no more, 
 
 And the last charm of ebbing life is o'er : 
 
 His sire rever'd, now sunk to endless rest, 
 
 No longer shares the pangs that rend her breast : 
 
 " O spare her sighs!" with fault'ring voice he cry'd, 
 
 When gen'rous Love one parting look deny'd *. 
 
 Can melting strains a lenient balm impart, 
 
 To ease the anguish of a bleeding heart ? 
 
 Can flowing verse a poignant grief erase, 
 
 Or chase the gloom that clouds a mother's face ? 
 
 Vainly the Muse her soothing art employs ; 
 
 With flow'rs she only strews our faded joys. 
 
 Tho* your brave Sons expir'd in manhood's bloom, 
 
 In Britain's cause they met an envy'd doom ; 
 
 With pride you saw them emulous of fame, 
 
 To prove their title to a splendid name ; 
 
 That shines, like your's, rcnown'd thro' many an age, 
 
 Deriving lustre from th' historic page. 
 
 Fair valour's meed your Conway toil'd to gain f; 
 
 His distant tomb adorns St. Lucia's plain : 
 
 Round their lov'd chief the hardy veterans mourn. 
 
 And scatter laurels o'er his sacred urn. 
 
 For you Religion yields consoling peace, 
 And points to realms, where all afflictions cease ; 
 The good no more at prosperous vice repine, 
 And kindred spirits meet in bliss divine : 
 There, faith celestial bids her mansion rise, 
 And souls immortal claim congenial skie.s. 
 Yet for your latest hope the tear will flow, 
 Who fell, when conquest hover'd o'er his prow ! 
 Dearer each day his social merits rose, 
 And spread the charm that sympathy bestows ; 
 
 * Alluding to a particular circumstance in which Mr. Courtenay shewed 
 great fortitude and tenderness at the moment of his death. 
 
 f Captain Conway Courtenay, of the fifteenth regiment, served during the 
 whole American war, in the brunt of every action, and distinguished himself 
 by his spirit and abilities, He was esteemed and beloved both by the officers 
 and privates of the corps. He 'was present at the attack of St Lucia, and wa 
 afterwards sent on a particular service, with a flag of truce to Martinico, by 
 General (now Sir William) Meadows. Captain Courtenay died soon after- 
 wards, on his return to St. Lucia, universally regretted. He had the honour of 
 Sir William Meadows's friendship and esteem no higher eulogiura can be paid 
 him.
 
 For he was vers'd in every pleasing art, 
 That native sweetness lends th' untutor'd heart j 
 From him, distress still drew the pitying tear, 
 And friendship found him zealous and sincere : 
 With innate virtues rich from Nature's mine, 
 The vivid stamp confess'd her Hand divine. 
 
 Oft have I seen the master passion rise, 
 
 Light up his frame, and sparkle in his eyes, 
 
 As round him Honour threw her brightest beam, 
 
 When Albion's triumphs were the glorious theme ; 
 
 Her foes alone provok'd his generous ire, 
 
 Then sudden burst the patriotic fire ; 
 
 Through his bold crew th' ele&ric fervour darts, 
 
 Shoots thro' each breast, and warms their dauntless heart*, 
 
 Firm at his side with ardent hope they glow, 
 
 And safety scorn, when commerce dreads a foe : 
 
 Hence with exulting glance and proud disdain, 
 
 He crouds each sail, and tempts the western main ; 
 
 Heroic skill to Gallia's sons displays, 
 
 Who hail his name, and crown his fall with praise ; 
 
 * Ev'n to the last his gallant band he fires, 
 
 Exults in England's glory, and expires ft 
 
 * VARIATION. 
 
 For England*! glory every danger bravei, 
 
 And his last words " Britannia rules the waves. 1 * 
 
 | Extrafl of a Letter from bis Excellency, Mr, Hammond, lit Majesty** Minister 
 Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, to C. S. Courtcnay, Etq , 
 
 " I cannot content myself with merely transmitting to you an extract of a 
 letter I have received from Mr. Edwards, (first Lieutenant of the Boston) 
 which contains an account of your brother's death, because I conceive it incum- 
 bent on me further to add my testimony of the zeal for the service of his country 
 which Capfcin Courtenay manifested in this last action of his life. Being 
 on the Newfoundland station, and learning that a French frigate (the Ambus- 
 cade, of 36 guns,) had for some time greatly harassed the commerce of his Ma- 
 jesty's subjecti in those seas, Captiin Courtenay immediately determined 
 (though it was not within the strict line of his duty) to proceed to the American 
 coasts, engage the French frigate, and repress her depredations. In the per- 
 formance of this duty he lost hj "life: but his esfrtions, though unsuccessful, 
 have been such, as to merit th:- gratitude of every British subject interested in 
 the protection of the commerce of his fellow citizens, or the glory of his coun- 
 try. It may perhaps be some consolation to you, Sir, to learn that the ability 
 and gallantry which your late brother displayed during the occasion, have been 
 acknowledged by the enemy."
 
 C '33 ] 
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS, 
 
 AND USEFUL NAVAL PROJECTS. 
 
 70 THE EDITOR OF THE NAVAL CHRONICLE. 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 S a constant reader of your Naval Chronicle, and an 
 admirer of the plan on which it is conducted, I cannot 
 but express ray satisfa&ion at the sentiments of approbation 
 with which I have heard it spoken of by those whose expe- 
 rienced judgment in matters which relate to naval subjects, 
 invests them with the right of criticising, and the ability to 
 render it of weight and influence with others. 
 
 Should the publication of the inclosed scheme for improving 
 the NAVAL SIGNAL BALLS prove beneficial, you will enjoy 
 the satisfaction of aiding the service, added to that of obliging 
 a correspondent. 1 remain, &c. 
 
 Ltndon, July II. J. E.C. 
 
 IT frequently happens that improvements of use and importance 
 are but carelessly adopted, and soon intirely disregarded, owing to the 
 imperfect state in which the original idea is first introduced into 
 public notice, and afterwards reduced to practice. 
 
 The external regularity and good management of our fleets, are 
 strongly connected with the exercise of the present naval signals ; 
 they are the only organs by which our most skilful Commanders can 
 communicate to their Ships such movements as the various prevailing 
 circumstances are continually rendering necessary, or advantageous. 
 The national concern therefore evidently attaching to any useful in- 
 vention of this nature, should act as a powerful stimulus, and a con- 
 tinual incentive, towards carrying it zealously, and as far as possiblei 
 effectually into execution. 
 
 Much admiration is due to the excellent order and perspicuity 
 displayed in our present code of signals, which does credit to the pro- 
 fessional abilities of its authors ; yet the recent contrivance of balls, 
 to be used in hazy weather as a substitute for the usual numerary 
 flags, appears to be open to an improvement which will obviate the 
 strongest objection against them an improvement easy to be adopted 
 by rendering them more portable, and of less weight. 
 
 Should this be effefted without diminishing their strength, it is 
 probable that they will come into more constant use, and establish a 
 source of communication during that hazy channel weather, which
 
 ,,, - FHILOSOfHICAL PAPERS. 
 
 obscures and renders the colours of our ordinary signals very indistintf, 
 and often unintelligible, at a small distance. 
 
 It is with a view to establish this benefit more firmly, that I take 
 the liberty of making public a simple contrivance of this nature, 
 which, as the materials are neither expensive, nor difficult to be pro- 
 cured, will be considered, I presume, at least worthy of the experiment. 
 
 In the first place, if these balls are very large, there will be a danger 
 of the hawlyards giving way, owing to their weight, and the increased 
 power of the wind on their surfaces ; yet they should be of a size to 
 be sufficiently conspicuous at a distance ; and a diameter of about four 
 feet is approved as the most eligible medium. 
 
 In pursuance of this, I would provide seven or eight pieces of com. 
 mon thin rattan, each six feet in length, also an iron ring about two 
 inches in diameter, round which seven or eight small rings should be 
 strung, having attached to each a kind of ferrule, or cap, to admit one 
 end of every piece of rattan, whose other ends are to turn in the same 
 manner upon another large ring similar to the first. 
 
 But the ferrules should be so fixed to the smaller rings, that when 
 the two large rings are drawn towards each other by means of a line 
 of communication, the rattans may be forced outwards, and gradually 
 welled into the form of a globe. 
 
 The two rings should be crossed each by a little tongue or bar, 
 and the standing-part of the communicating line being fastened to one 
 of them, should lead up through the middle of the machine, over the 
 opposite bar, and return back to its former place ; so that by pulling 
 on this leading part, the ball will be formed ; and when sufficiently 
 distended, a becket spliced into it should be hooked to a catch made 
 in the bar, which will retain the frame in its spherical position. 
 
 Jn this distended state it should be covered with the lightest kind 
 of canvass, painted black ; and when dry, it is ready for use. If not 
 wanted, by relaxing the line of communication, the canes become 
 straightened, and the canvass folds up like the skin of an umbrella. 
 The bars of the rings at each end should be provided with spring 
 hooks or beckets, to bend the hawlyards to. 
 
 Five or six of these balls, when in their relaxed state, might be 
 stopped up snugiy to the beams under the half deck, in the manner 
 it is usual to do worms and sponges, where they would be at hand on 
 any emergency ; and a Quarter Master could carry a couple on deck 
 at a time, and extend them with quickness and ease. 
 
 The weight of the balls will be found to be very inconsiderable, 
 especially when compared with those which are constructed according 
 to the common method, by fixing several large wooden hoops together
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. 135 
 
 In transverse dire&ions, and crossing them in different places with 
 twine. I once had the curiosity to weigh a middling sized ball of 
 this description, and found it to be twenty-two pounds and a half. 
 Now the' small weight of cane, added to the very trifling quantity of 
 iron which is required to be used in these (and whichia irnl-l I 
 caused to be made, did not weigh above nine ounces avoirdupois), will 
 justify what I advanced concerning their lightness. 
 
 A narrow canvass band might be bound round them in a horizontal 
 direction, and would tend very much to their strength, should it be 
 thought necessary ; but there is no occasion for this, unless the co- 
 vering is either old or rotten. 
 
 ^^< 
 
 NEW INVENTED DIVING MACHINE. 
 AN experiment was lately tried at Rouen, upon a new invented 
 Diving Machine, called Bateau- Poisson, or Fish-boat. This boat 
 gunk of itself seven or eight times, and then rose of itself. The longest 
 time it remained under water was eight minutes. The descent into 
 the inside of this machine, is by an opening made in the form of a 
 tunnel, which is about a demi-metre above the surface of the water. 
 When those who conducted the experiment wished to descend altoge- 
 ther into the river, and disappear, they let down this opening, sunk 
 entirely under the water, and lost all communication with the external 
 air. The inventors of this ingemious machine are Americans, the 
 principal of whom is called Fulton. Three of them went into the boat 
 and remained during the experiment. The Prefeft, and a vast con- 
 course of spectators were present. 
 
 THE TRANSIT. 
 
 IN page 50, an account was given of the advantages, which, accord- 
 ing to the opinion of the ingenious Inventor, this vessel possessed : 
 since then, we have been favoured with his reasons for giving the 
 Transit her peculiar form, which we are happy to state have been 
 verified by the vessel itself. 
 
 " A Theory," says Admiral Chapman, in his elaborate Treatise 
 concerning the true Method of finding the proper Area of the Sails 
 for Ships of the Line, *' which does not agree with prnftice, does 
 not deserve the name of a Theory." A charge of this kind Captain 
 Govver appears by no means likely to incur. 
 
 Arguments tending to illustrate <wbat ought to be the proper Shape of a 
 Vessel intended to sail ivith celerity, 
 
 TO me (says our Author) the grand question appears to be, What 
 shape ought a certain capacity to have, that it may meet with the least 
 resistance in its progress through the water, at a given velocity ?
 
 /2 
 /3 
 /4 
 
 j-5 FHILOSOPHICAt PATE*S. 
 
 It will be necessary first to prove that the deeper a moving body be 
 immersed -in the water, the greater resistance will it meet in propor- 
 tion to the depth. This I think will appear clear from the f< 
 
 considerations : 
 
 Let A, B, fig. I, be a tube, 
 open at each end, and immersed 
 perpendicular in water, the upper 
 edge A, being on the surface ; and 
 let C, be a solid cylindric body, 
 (made nicely to fit the tube, that 
 water may not pass its sides) of 
 equal weight with its bulk of 
 water : to this body let a fine line 
 be attached, to move it upwards, 
 by weights hung on at E. Let us 
 presume the body is immersed in 
 the tube, its bottom being even 
 with the division 16, and that 
 the weight of water contained be- 
 tween each division of the tube is 
 exaftly one pound, then the whole 
 weight in the tube, above the bot- 
 , torn of the body, willbe 1 6 pounds; 
 ] of course, before it can be moved 
 " upwards, a weight, or power, of 
 something more than 16 pounds 
 must be applied to the line. How- 
 ever, for the sake of avoiding frac- 
 tions, we will admit that 16 pounds 
 would be sufficient: then, if the 
 body has moved upwards one divi- 
 sion, one pound of water will be 
 delivered at the top of the tube, 
 leaving but 1 5 pounds weight upon 
 the line : when it has moved up- 
 
 2 
 J 
 A- 
 
 6- 
 
 1 
 8 
 
 Awards another division, 14 pounds 
 
 0, 
 
 & 
 
 /6 
 
 _ /only will rest upon the line ; and 
 
 so on, the weight of water to be removed will gradually lessen in 
 proportion as the body rises towards the surface. Again, did the body 
 move horizontally, the weight of water to be removed will still be n 
 proportion to the depth. To explain which, admit that the tubes, F and 
 G, be fixed rectangularly to the perpendicular tube, at the divisions 9 and 
 16 ; then, were bodies moved horizontally in these tubes, the weight of 
 water above them to be rtmoved, would remain the same throughout
 
 C- 
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. jaj 
 
 their motion ; the body in the tube F, would be continually displacing 
 9 pounds of water, which is proportional to its depth ; and the body 
 in the tube G, 16 pounds of water, which also is proportional to its 
 depth. Admitting that the substance of the tubes is suffered to 
 vanish, leaving only the idea of their shape, still the argument will 
 hold good, for the circumambient water will surely perform the duty 
 of the solid tubes, neither admitting the water displaced to go down- 
 wards, nor laterally! Evidently then the body in motion, must give 
 motion to a volume of water to the very surface ; and as power and 
 resistance are equal, while a body moves uniformly, it follows that 
 the deeper a moving body be situated, the greater resistance will it 
 meet in proportion to its depth. 
 
 This being admitted, let the certain capacity have, in the first 
 instance, the form of a double cube, as Fig. 2, and let it have nearly 
 the specific gravity of water, so that when immersed and drawn 
 PJ 2t horizontally, its upper side, A B, may 
 
 A float even with the surface : with a 
 
 given velocity, admit that the resistance 
 3 I on the upper half of the/row/ be consi- 
 f 9 dered as three, (then since resistance is in 
 proportion to the depth immersed) that 
 on the lower half will be six, making the total resistance on the front 
 equal to nine. 
 
 It now remains to give the capacity of Fig. 2. such a shape, 
 that it may meet with less resistance while moving at the same velocity. 
 Suppose that it be cut through the dotted line E C, and that the pieces 
 be placed end to end, forming the shape of Fig. 3 ; if this be drawn 
 
 through the water with 
 
 Fig. 3. the same velocity as Fig. 
 
 i -\ 2, then the resistance on 
 
 - ........_.. .... V 3 l ls j~ ron f w jn De but three; 
 
 one on the upper half, 
 
 and two upon the lower Again : divide Fig. 3. in the direction of 
 the dotted line, and place the pieces end to end, forming the shape 
 Fig. 4 ; then, with the same velocity, the resistance on its front will 
 
 be but one; and by thus continuing to spread the capacity lengthwise 
 on the surface of the water, the resistance on \\izfront might nearly 
 be done away. 
 
 A resistance will also arise from the adhesion of the water to the 
 sides of the body, which, with the same velocity, will increase with 
 
 ol IV. T
 
 jjg FHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. 
 
 the extension of the surface. In the three figures last given, the touch- 
 ing surface is composed of all the sides, except the upper one; and if we 
 admit that Fig. 2. be two cubic feet, then its surface which touches the 
 water, will be 8 feet; Fig. 3. will be 9 feet;J and Fig. 4. will be i zf feet. 
 Since then the total resistance on the body arises from two causes 
 (the most powerful of which is decreasing in the rapid ratio of 9, 3, I ; 
 while the other, trifling in itself, particularly if the surface be even 
 and glib, is increasing only in the much slower ratio of 8, 9, \z\ ;) it 
 follows, that however small the original resistance of adhesion^ and 
 however slow the increase of it be from the augmentation of the sur- 
 face, yet, as the resistance on the front decreases, in time their 
 powers must be equal. This period then must lirr.it the extension of 
 the capacity ; for was it still continued to be increased, the resistance 
 arising from adhesion would preponderate, and consequently the total 
 resistance on the body be increasing) to the detriment of its velocity. 
 
 As velocity does not increai; proportionally with the decrease of re- 
 sistance, let us examine, by way of removing any false impressions that 
 might arise, what velocity Fig. 4. will move with, if drawn by the same 
 power as Fig. 2. It must be considered that power and resistance are 
 alike, while a body moves uniformly ; therefore, (neglecting the resist- 
 ance arising from adhesion) one and nine are the powers which main- 
 tain these two bodies at the same velocity ; vix. a velocity of two. 
 Now, were the power nine applied to the body, Fig. 4, it would 
 move with a velocity of 6 ; for the velocity will increase as the square- 
 root of the increased power; and the square-root of the first power, 
 or i, is to the square -root of the increased power, or 3, as the first ve- 
 locity, a, is to the acquired velocity, 6. 
 
 Notwithstanding the extension of the capacity of a vessel length- 
 wise, at the surface of the water, is so material to fa-t sailing, yet 
 it must not be overdone : it must be kept within such limitations, as 
 shall be consistent with the necessary strength required, and celerity of 
 manoeuvring, for vessels will stay and veer slower in proportion to their 
 
 length. I have thought 
 proper to confine the 
 limits within five breadths 
 : to one length of the keel, 
 giving the hull a midship 
 frame, resembling Fig. 5, 
 which continues the same 
 full half the length. Such a 
 midship form, continuing 
 so great a part of the length 
 of the vessel, will produce 
 considerable stability, as the space C is sufficient to hold the iroa
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. IJQ 
 
 ballast, which being placed below the principal floating capacity of 
 the vessel, must, in effect, give the same stiffness that would arise from 
 its having a deep iron keel. The depth of the under water shape, 
 C, will naturally cause the vessel to be weatherly, and will prevent 
 her from rolling with violence. To such a midship form is attached a 
 bow, well calculated to divide the water, and prevent the vessel from 
 diving; together with a stern sufficiently fine to admit of quick 
 steerage. 
 
 FRENCH MARINE. 
 
 T appears sufficiently obvious that the Government of Francr 
 has lately bestowed much energetic attention to the im- 
 provement and encouragement of their Marine. A variety of 
 new regulations have been recently adopted, and the minds, as 
 well as pens, of many ingenious individuals employed to 
 promote the extension of the same grand principle. All 
 these efforts we consider it our duty to lay before the public, 
 in order that our countrymen in general, and our officers as 
 well as seamen in particular, may view those proceedings, 
 which, however ridiculous and futile they may be considered 
 in many instances, have as their avowed objeft the humilia- 
 tion of our National bulwark. The First Consul has pub- 
 lished a new list of Admirals, Inspectors of Marine, Com- 
 missaries, Chiefs of Administration, &c. &c. in the dif- 
 ferent ports of France*; while the Minister of Marine has 
 
 The Consulsof the Republic, upon the report of the Minister of Marine and 
 of the Colonies, and the Council of State having deliberated on the suLjed, de- 
 cree as follows : 
 
 Title I . There shall be maintained for the service of the Navy, the number of 
 1354 officers, agreeable to the law of the 3d Brumaire, Year 4. 
 
 Title II. The number of officers shall be fixed as follows : 
 
 8 Vice-Admirals. 
 
 16 Rear-Admirals. 
 
 150 Captains de Vaisseaur, ships 
 
 180 Captains of Frigates. 
 400 Lieutenants de Vaisseaux. 
 6x> Euscignes de Vaisseaux. 
 
 of the line. 
 
 Promotion shall take place by seniority, or by appointment, in the following 
 proportion : 
 
 The superior officers (Admirals) shall be in the choice of the Chief Consul 
 
 The Captains of Ships (of the line) shall be appointed onc.fourth by seniority, 
 and three-fourths by the choice of the Chief Consul 
 
 Captains of frigates one half by seniority, one half by choice. 
 
 Lieutenants three fourths by seniority, one-fourth by choice. 
 
 Midshipmen seven-eighths by seniority, one-eighth by choice. 
 
 No person can be promoted a step without being two years in the preceding. 
 
 No Midshipman to be appointed without having been four years in naval em- 
 ployment ; or two years entirely active service by sea. 
 
 Distinguished aftions are not subject to these conditions, &c. &c.
 
 140 FKKNCB MARINE, 
 
 issued regulations respecting the use of the great guns, the 
 exercise of the small arms, and the manoeuvres of the fleet. 
 The following STATE PAPER appeared July 24. 
 
 THE CONSULS TO THE MINISTER OF MARINE. 
 
 "THE Consuls cannot perceive without concern, Citizen Minister, 
 that several vessels of the Brest Fleet have been disarmed ; and that 
 at a moment in which more than ever it was essential to complete the 
 organization of our Fleet, we have suffered ourselves to be discouraged 
 by the first difficulties which have presented themselves. 
 
 " It is at a moment in which the Continental War absorbs the princi- 
 pal resources of the Nation and the principal attention of Government, 
 that the Ministers of the Marine, the Admirals, and the Administrators, 
 ought to redouble their courage, and to surmount ever)' obstacle. 
 
 " Cause an inquiry to be made into the conduct of those admi- 
 nistrators, or officers, who have ordered the disarming of the four 
 vessels which have quitted the road, and gone into the harbour, and of 
 those who would have authorised the dismissal of the sailors. Such 
 operations could not be legal without the special order of Government. 
 " Take measures that Sailors may be raised at the same time on 
 all our Coasts, and that also our Ships may be equipped and stored 
 with every thing necessary for their navigation. The French people 
 wish for a marine. It eagerly wishes for it. It will make all the 
 necessary sacrifices, that its wish may be gratified. 
 
 *' Keep a just, but strict, eye upon all our officers, and upon the 
 different branches of the Administration. It is time that dilapida- 
 tions should be put an end to. Dismiss those persons who have long 
 been too clearly pointed out by public opinion, as participating in 
 fraudulent transactions. Since the law cannot reach them, let us de- 
 prive them at least of the power of doing injury. In the course of 
 Fructidor, if circumstances permit it, the First Consul will go to 
 visit the Fleet at Brest. 
 
 Rewards shall be adjudged to the Ship which shall be best con- 
 ducted, and the crew of which shall be best disciplined. 
 
 " Order the Commander of the Squadron at Brest, as well as all the 
 other Commanders and Captains of Ships, to remain constantly on 
 board, to sleep in their vessels, and to exercise their crews with in- 
 creased activity. Establish prizes for the young Seamen who 
 shall most distinguish themselves by their exertions, and for the Gun- 
 ners who shall fire most correctly. Let not a day pass without their 
 exercising themselves at firing at marks on the coast, and in the open 
 -Eta. BONAPARTE, First Consul. 
 
 (Signed) ' H. B. MARET, Secretary of State,"
 
 FRENCH MARINE. .} t 
 
 IN consequence of the preceding State Paper the following 
 ORDERS of the MINISTER of MARINE were issued:- 
 
 OF THE EXERCISE OF MUSO^UETRY. 
 
 1. THE exercise of musquetry shall take place three times each 
 decade on board all the vessels of the Republic, both by the soldiers 
 and the sailors. 
 
 2. All those who are sufficiently instru&ed in the exercise of arms 
 shall be allowed to fire at a target. This shall be always done on 
 board ; and if the position of the vessel will not permit it, the officer 
 commanding in the road shall point out another vessel for that 
 purpose. 
 
 3. A double ration shall be given to all those who shall hit the 
 mark. 
 
 THE EXERCISE OF THE CAXNON. 
 
 1. The exercise shall be divided into the great and small exercise. 
 
 2. The small exercise shall take place six times every decade on 
 board of each vessel ; it shall be performed by the whole crew upon 
 four guns of every calibre. 
 
 3. The grand exercise shall take place three times every decade. 
 It shall be general, and every man shall occupy his post, as if in aclion. 
 
 4. Besides the great and small exercise, they shall exercise firing 
 under sail, in squadrons and divisions. 
 
 5. A strong corvette shall be ordered to manoeuvre in the road, so 
 that they may fire at greater or less distances. 
 
 6. This exercise is to take place every .day in the morning and 
 evening. The commander in the roads will point oat the vessels 
 which are to furnish detachments proportionable to the number of 
 their crews. 
 
 7. Once every decade daring the summer, and once a month during 
 the winter, there shall be in the corvette of instruction an extraordi- 
 nary exercise. 
 
 8. Every vessel in the road shall send on board the corvette the 
 number of men sufficient to manoeuvre a cannon. 
 
 9. When the exercise is over, two prizes shall be given to the twp 
 who shall fire best. 
 
 10. The first prize is to be ten francs, and the second five. They 
 are to be decreed by a chief officer, appointed by the commanding 
 officer of the road. 
 
 1 1 . The vessel to whom the best cannoneer shall belong shall be 
 decorated with flags the whole day. 
 
 4
 
 1 4 2 
 
 FRENCH MARINZ. 
 
 MANOEUVRING EXERCISE. 
 
 1. There shall be performed in every vessel everyday the man- 
 oeuvres necessary in time of action. 
 
 2. The commander of the road shall direct the manoeuvres which 
 are to be made. 
 
 3. The commanding officer shall, by a signal, point out the vessel 
 which shall manreuvre best, which vessel shall have the signal flag fly- 
 ing all day at the mast head, 
 
 4. The captain of that vessel shall cause to be given to the twenty 
 men who performed the best a double ration. 
 
 5. The commander of the road shall, the ensuing day, publish in 
 general orders the names of the vessels, according to the degree of 
 skill with which they shall have manoeuvred. 
 
 EXERCISE OF SWIMMING. 
 
 1. The commander of the road shall give orders for the exercise of 
 swimming, and similar orders shall be given by the Maritime Prefect. 
 
 2. This exercise shall take place when circumstances shall permit 
 it; and precautions shall be taken for the safety of the swimmers. 
 
 3. During the summer months there shall be a general exercise of 
 swimming, and prizes shall be distributed. 
 
 4. Whoever shall swim farthest in a given time, shall receive i olivres. 
 
 5. The same prize shall be given to the man who dives best, and 
 nails a plank to a part of a vessel under water. 
 
 6. A chief officer shall have the distribution of the prizes, 
 
 7. The cabin-boys shall be exercised every day. 
 
 (Signed) FORFAIT, Minister of Marine. 
 
 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 A STIMULATION of spirit among the people in France 
 to a new organization of their Marine, to attain which 
 ends, the most vigorous and energetic measures are resorted 
 to by the Consulate, appears to engage the pens of individuals. 
 These, however, are probably in the pay of government, as 
 they have chosen the official paper (the Moniteur] in that 
 country, for a discussion on the subject. The first Essay, 
 the writer of which flatters himself that he has disco- 
 vered . What is the cause of the Naval superiority of 
 the English over the French," is here presented:
 
 ESSAY I. 
 
 REDUCING the possible Causes of this Excellence to Three, he 
 considers that in the two first of them, the superior architefture of the 
 ships and the superior theoretic skill of the officers, the advantage is 
 on the side of the French. In the third, the direction of the artillery 
 on board ship, he considers the whole superiority of the British Navy 
 to consist. 
 
 1 The French," he observes, " direct their guns at the rigging, 
 H-hich^is above all the body of the vessel. Three-fourths of the space* 
 thus aimed at, form avoid, so that three-fourths of the balls thus fired 
 lose themselves in the air. From the uncertain elevation which is 
 given to the guns when they are directed against the rigging, the balls 
 which strike the masts, must necessarily strike them one above the 
 other; and experience proves, that fifty strokes of this kind against 
 a mast do not break it, for though they may make the mast useless 
 
 for the future, they do not dismast the vessel during the combat. 
 
 The Yards are still less exposed than the masts, on account of the 
 oblique manner in which they present themselves to the enemy. The 
 damage done to the cordage is not difficult to be repaired, especially 
 as the enemy must commonly be -in a line from which they cannot 
 depart, in order to profit of this momentary advantage. Notwith- 
 standing the great number of balls which pass through the sails, they 
 generally serve till the end of the engagement. 
 
 " Thus it appears, from the effect of directing the cannon in this 
 manner, that it cannot secure the dismasting of the vessels, and that 
 the damage which it does to the yards, the cordage, and the sails, is 
 not of great consequence. And thus also it is evident, that when the 
 guns are pointed principally against the rigging, the hulk of the Ship 
 cannot be struck, the guns cannot be dismounted, nor any considerable 
 number of men killed or wounded : from which it follows, that the 
 crew of the enemy being so little injured, his valour, his force, and 
 consequently the briskness of his fire, cannot be much enfeebled. 
 
 " The English direft their shot always against the hull of the ves- 
 sel. It is thus that they succeed in striking between wind and water, 
 in dismounting guns, and in killing such a number of the crew. la 
 the first case they force their enemy to take away a number of men 
 from the management of the guns for the service of the pumps, 
 and nothing is so fatiguing or dispiriting as this. When a fear of 
 sinking is induced, men are not much disposed to contend for vidlory. 
 The dismounted guns cannot then be replaced. The carnage which 
 is produced among the crew diminishes its number, and spreads ter. 
 ror and alarm among the survivors to such a degree, that their courage, 
 their force, and consequently the briskness qf their fire, must abate.
 
 j^4 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 " When the cannon are directed against the hull of the vessels, the 
 balls which pass above must pass almost at the same height, so that 
 those which strike the mast hit them nearly at the same point, and it 
 is this which injures the mast precisely in the manner which can bring 
 it by the board. 
 
 " It appears to follow, from the above reasonings, that the manner 
 in which the English direft their guns must produce a much greater 
 effeft than that employed by the French, and that the superiority of 
 the English Marine in battle consists in the better employment of its 
 artillery, that is to say, in the better directing of it. The fa&s which 
 have taken place in the principal combats of this war support 
 these reasonings. On the ist of June, 1794* the English had two 
 vessels dismasted, the French had eleven. In the battle of the Nile the 
 former had one, the latter had six. The English dismasted vessels 
 were those which lost the greatest number of men .Other similar 
 fafts might be added, but they are so well known that it is unneces- 
 sary to enter into so wide details. 
 
 " In order to make the truth of the preceding reasonings, and the. 
 utility of their application more full, let us examine into the conduct 
 of the English Admirals in battle, with a view of seeing whether 
 they have sought by fineness of manoeuvring, the advantages of posi- 
 tion, &c. or if they have depended upon the manner of directing their 
 artillery. On the ist of June, 1794., Admiral Howe, being to wind-r 
 ward of the French, who expefted him, made the signal to his fleet, 
 that each ship should manoeuvre in such a manner as to attack his ad- 
 versary in the enemy's line. Thinking himself secure of victory, he 
 only added to this signal another which instructed them to get to lee- 
 ward of the French, with a view of rendering their retreat, after de- 
 feat, more difficult. Admiral Duncan, in the battle of the Texel, 
 afted precisely in the same manner with Howe, believing himself,like 
 him, sure of success, he passed to leeward of the Dutch, in order to 
 prevent them, after the battle, from retreating into their ports, which 
 ivere to leeward. When the advantage of the wind is in possession, a* in 
 the two preceding cases, and when, instead of profiting of the Advan- 
 tage which this position affords, it is only sought to oppose ship to 
 ship, itis to be presumed that great confidence is placed in the manner 
 of directing the guns. 
 
 " Admiral Nelson did not attack the whole French line but why 
 flid he not do it ? It was because his enemy being at anchor, allowed 
 hra to employ all his vessels against a part of theirs, and because the 
 French rear-guard, from its position and the state of the wind, could 
 only be a speclttor of the destruction of the advanced guard and of 
 the centre.
 
 fRENCH NATAL TACTICS. I^JJ 
 
 *' The condu.fi of Admiral Rodney on the 1 2th of April 1782, and 
 of Howe on the 291*0 of May, 1794, may be opposed to the ordinary 
 tactics of the English ; but it ought to be examined why they acted in 
 this manner. On the izth of April 1782, the French had the advan- 
 tage of thi wind, and sailing better than the English could keep them- 
 selves at a distance, which was not consistent with the English tactics. 
 Rodney found himself obliged to break their line, in order to fight 
 than nearer. The conduct of the French enabled him to succeed. 
 On the 29 th of May, 1794, the French had also the advantage of the 
 wind over the English, and as they did not show themselves disposed to 
 comesufficiently near, to engage in a decisive affair, Admiral Howe in 
 order to force them to it, endeavoured to break their line. This man- 
 oeuvre did not succeed, it is known in what confusion his fleet then 
 was, and what the French Admiral had in his power to do. It may be 
 supposed, from the conduct of the French in the battle, that their in- 
 tention was only to get clear of the English vessels, so as to avoid a 
 decisive affair, and they have so much this habit, that in the battle of 
 the Nile in which almost all the vessels were at anchors they nearly 
 gained it. The headmost vessel ofthe English line, to which a French 
 vessel surrendered, and which, on the following morning, set sail to 
 prevent the flight of the two French ships and of the two frigates 
 which escaped, and whose fire she received in passing, had only one 
 irun killed and a few wounded. The second vessel a head of the 
 English line had only two men killed, though a French vessel surren. 
 dered to her alone. Other similar examples might be adduced. 
 
 " To convince one's self of the superior utility of killing as many 
 as possible of the enemy, rather than of injuring their Ships, it is only 
 necessary to read the official account of the English Captains who have 
 been tak^n, to show that it is always the greatest loss of men which 
 has forced them to surrender. If the superiority of the English Ma- 
 rine does not depend OP. the manner of their directing their artillery, 
 upon what does it depend ? Why are the continual defeats which 
 their enemies experience never interrupted by the chances of war ? 
 The French have reduced naval tactics to a system. The English 
 never study it ; they have not even a school for the Marine. The 
 facility with which they triumph over their enemies, has made them 
 neglect the study of a theory surely necessary for the perfect 
 knowledge of the practice which it teaches. 
 
 " It may be said, perhaps, that the English vessels are manned with 
 better sailors, and a greater number of them, than the French but, 
 in a battle, there is only a certain number chosen to perform the man- 
 ceuvies, the remainder attend to the guns, and a sailor is not better 
 for this than another man. The French have cannoneers; the 
 
 oi. IV. *
 
 English have none. Are theEnglish sailors more brave than theFrench ? 
 They should be, if bravery consists in a great measure in the confi- 
 dence which one has in themeans of display ing it, and in thesmallness 
 of the danger which a person believes that he runs. The habit ot 
 conquering also makes them engage in battle with an enthusiasm and 
 courage, which men accustomed to defeats and sever* losses cannot 
 have. Do the English soldiers resemble their sailors ? No ; the 
 French troops are to them, in this respect, what the English sailors 
 are to the French sailors, and for the same reasons. 
 
 " It appears, from these new observations, that the superiority of 
 the English Marine consists in the manner of their directing their 
 guns, and that the excellence of its officers and sailors in the day of 
 battle, is only the natural consequence of this. 
 
 " If its own means of victory -were employed against this Marine, 
 it would not long continue to be the principal support of a Govern- 
 ment which is the greatest obstacle to the Triumph of the Cause of 
 Liberty." 
 
 ESSAY II. 
 In answer to tke preceding, by a French duthcr. 
 
 " TO THE FDITGR OF THE MONITEUR, 
 
 " IN conformity with your invitation, I intreat you to have the 
 goodness to insert the following reply to the memoir upon the 
 Marine which lately appeared in your Journal. 
 
 " The English Marine was defeated by the French Marine under 
 Louis the XIV. It has been defeated in our times by Suffrein, and 
 De Estaing since the Revolution, by Richery> Lejoiaille, Richer, 
 and Sirie. . 
 
 " The Author of the Memoir has forgotten to mention among the 
 qualities necessary to form a good Marine, is:. Presence of mind, for 
 improving every favourable circumstance, and remedying any un- 
 favourable one, in the officer who commands. 2d. Practice in thofe 
 who execute orders, sdly, and lastly, The military spirit in both, 
 without which all other qualities become of no use. 
 
 "The French vessels are better than the English; but every 
 Captain in England, along with his crew, sees to the fitting out, the 
 rigg' n g anQl the stowing of his Ship. This rs not the case in France. 
 
 " Though the best books ou tactics have been written by officers of 
 the French Marine, it does not follow that the acting Naval officer* 
 are the best tacticians. Unfortunately those who have practice, are 
 unacquainted with theory; and those who are acquainted with theory, 
 have not hitherto attained practice. This remark applies to all, from 
 commanders in chief to the lowest who aspire to this dignity, but 
 there must be excepted from it, a small number of officers of merit,
 
 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 14.7 
 
 in different ranks, who could form an excellent squadron, were they to 
 employ themselves in sea affairs. 
 
 " The French sailors are composed of conscripts and requisitionaries, 
 who are novices in the art of sailing. The largest number and the 
 best part of the old French sailors, disgusted with the little atten- 
 tion paid' to the Marine, and the kind of contempt in which it has 
 been hitherto held, have passed into foreign service, and are uni- 
 versally much esteemed wherever they are employed. And in oppo- 
 sition to the opinion of the Author of the Memoir, I am persuaded 
 that the skill of private individuals has great influence on the success 
 of a Naval engagement, though less than on that of a land action. 
 
 " The success of a sea-fight depends on the talent cf the commander 
 in chief, for making arrangements; on that of the Captains for 
 executing orders, and supplying, by their own intelligence, what is 
 wanting in them; and on that of the crew for managing and 
 manoeuvring the vessel, and directing the artillery. 
 
 ' There is no order in the Mai ine for directing the fire rather in 
 one way than another. The exercise teaches to fire a-head, in stern 
 or in broadside, to dismast, at the hull or at the rigging, and to sink. 
 In an engagement the guns are pointed in one or other of these 
 manners, according to circumstances. 
 
 " There is no infiance, as has been alledged by the author of the 
 memoir, of a mast having received fifty shots without falling. A 
 single shot is sufficient for the purpose. 
 
 *' 1 shall now explain why soflw cannon shots have effect at sea: 
 " In the month of Frimaire, year 7th, the small division armed at 
 Toulon to carry ammunition to Bonaparte, was lying in the Road 
 when orders were received from the Minister to prove the powder of 
 a magazine. The commander of that division, Citizen Hubert, 
 having at that time observed the bad quality of the powder of his 
 division, demanded that it should be proved. I assisted at that proof, 
 and the most favourable trials did not carry the balls so as to have 
 effect above seventy-Eve toises, whereas they ought to h:ive been car- 
 ried one hundred and fifteen toises. But a Commissary of Marine 
 was employed to receive the powJer, and a contractor had manu- 
 factured it. 
 
 " The powder of our division was the same with that of the fleet 
 of Aboukir. Thus you perceive that it is not necessary ro suppose 
 a defect in the manner of pointing the cannon at sea. The balls of 
 the enemy strike on board ; curs fall halt way. 
 
 " The English have no Maritime Prefects, nor Superintundants, 
 nor even Commissaries.' 
 
 " They have no Marine Artillery- men, because their sailors kno\v 
 the management of the guns, and if they did not recruit by pressing,
 
 j^l FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 they would have no naval troops. The commanders take care of th 
 arming of their fleets and Ships ; and except the Treasurer, they have 
 no administration either at sea or in port. They have not attained 
 the highest point of perfection, but at least they have not sacrificed 
 the leading, to secondary points. They have thought with reason, 
 that he whose head is responsible for the success of an operation, 
 ought alone to be trusted with the choice of the materials, and the 
 execution of the movements which are to conduce to that success. 
 
 " Though these Reflexions are rather long, they are necessary to 
 reply to the Memoir which you have inserted ; and though you do not 
 know me, I hope the subject is interesting enough to procure them a 
 
 speedy insertion. Health and respeft, 
 
 " RIVORE, a Sailor." 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 UNDER the head of " American Marine," in the " Monthly 
 Register of Naval Events," page 76, there is an error in the 
 calculation. The statement is as follows: 
 
 Dolls. Cts. 
 Amount of labour, materials, freight, and fixtures, 7 , 
 
 of the frigate Conptisution - - - - 5 
 Ditto of the United States - 178460 07 
 
 Ditto of the Constellation - - - - 221513 85 
 
 Total amount of the three frigates 607049 18 
 
 You say, " being for the three frigates about 67000!." Now, Sir, 
 you will find it to be for the three frigates, nearer 136586!. is. 3|d. 
 sterling, than 67000!. viz. 
 
 J)t/ls. Cls. . s. d. 
 
 Constitution - - 207075 26 - - 46591 18 8 Sterling. 
 
 United States - - 178460 07 - - 40153 1O 33 
 
 Constellation - - 221513 85 - - 49840 12 4 
 
 Dollars 607049 18 - - 136586 i 3^ 
 
 100 
 
 J do not know where you had the statement of the amount of cost 
 of each Ship individually ; it may be coired for any thing I know to 
 the contrary. It is to be observed, however, that the three Ships 
 carry 124 guns; they consequently cost the United States above 
 I icil. sterling per gun. 'I conceive they must have cost a great deal 
 more, when I consider that many of their materials are imported from. 
 Europe, viz. sheathing copper, canvas, spikes, bolts, cordage, &c. 
 together with the high price of labour. They manufacture cordage 
 in America, and canvas ; but they at present give the preference to 
 English manufacture. : From these conjectures I think they cannot 
 cost the United States less than 1200!. per gun, and then be at 
 leait 20 per cent, worse than English Ships, \vhen unseasoned timber 
 &c. &c. is considered. Yoars. 
 
 August 25, 1800. W. H.
 
 [ H9 J 
 
 iUttcrg, 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JULY 81. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Commander in Chief of bit Ma- 
 jesty's Sbif; and Vends at Jamaica, to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated on beard tbf 
 <%ucen, in Part-Royal Harbour, the l8/A of May. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 T HAVE the honour to transmit you copies of two letters, one from Captain 
 Baker, of his Majesty's sloop Calypso, and the other from Capt. Loring, of 
 the Lark, which, in justice to the gallantry and good conduct of the officers 
 and boat's crews therein mentioned, I am to request you will be pleased to lay 
 before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. H. PARKER. 
 
 SIR, Cjlyfuo, Port-Royal, April 21. 
 
 I have the honour to inform you, that on the nth inst. at night, Cape 
 Tiberon bearing S. by E. distance four or five L-agues, I dispatched Mr. William 
 Buckly, Master of his Majesty's sloop under my command, in a six-oared 
 cutter, with ten men, properly armed and provided, and a swivel in her bow, 
 to cruise for two days under the Cape, with a view to intercept some of the 
 small craft, which navigate in general within a mile of the shore. 
 
 In pursuance of this intention, on the i3th, at ir P. M. they perceived it 
 schooner becalmed under the land, and pulled immediately towards her ; as the 
 boat approached within hail she was desired to keep off, and upon their not 
 complying, a discharge of musquetry commenced upon them, under which they 
 boarded, and after a short, but very smart conflict upon the schooner's deck, 
 the gallantry of the attempt was rewarded, by gaining complete possession of 
 her. She proved to be La Biligente French armed Schooner, of about 70 
 tons, mounting six carriage guns, 30 stand of arms, and laden with coffee, hav- 
 ing on board, when she was captured, 39 men. 
 
 Of the boat's crew, one mau only was wounded, and seven dangerously oa the 
 side of the enemy. 
 
 The great disparity of numbers and force in this little enterprise places the 
 very spirited conduct of Mr. Buckly in so strong a light, that it has left me no- 
 thing to say, but to express my hope, Sir, that it will recommend him to your 
 notice. I feel much pleasure in adding, that by his report he was most gallantly 
 seconded by the few brave men under his orders. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sir. &c. 
 
 J. BAKER. 
 Admiral Sir Hyde Purler, Knt. &c. 
 
 SIR, His Majesty's sloop Lark, of St. Jago de Cxha, March 2O. 
 
 On the I4th instant, observing a privateer in shore, I sent the boats, under 
 the command of Lieutenant Lane, to bring her out. The enemy had taken an 
 advantageous position of two heights forming the entrance of the bay, where 
 fhe schooner was lying, and notwithstanding the gallant attack of Lieutenant 
 Lane and his people, the boats were repulsed and returned, he himself being 
 shot through the heart. The service in him has lost a bravfe and good officer. 
 
 Mr. Fasley, the Junior Lieutenant, was landed with a party of m^n in a bay, 
 at 10 m;les distance, to march round and attack the enemy in the rear, whilst I 
 went myself in the boats to repeat the attack in their front. On my arrival, 
 Mr. Pasley had executed his orders with such expedition and judgment, that he 
 left me no other employment than that of being a satisfied spectator to the 
 steady and good conduct of himself and his people. The ves'el mounts two 
 carriage guns, a great quantity of small arms, and is one of those which has so 
 long infested the coast of Jamaica. I have destroyed her, that she may not 
 agiiin fall into the hands of the enemy. . 
 
 I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 Admiral Sir Hyde Parker ; Kut. Ji W
 
 squ 
 
 113 in number.] 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JULY 22. 
 Cofy of a Litter from Admiral the Earl of St. fincent, K. B. to Mr. Ncfcan, 
 
 J.-,t*J AM An^lftf tflf Vtllf // Pnrtt fit K/t 1 I/A Tr//4t 
 
 j'O CA/ETTE LETTERS. 
 
 [Then follows a list of vessels taken and destroyed between March pth and 
 zotb, by Captain Loring, being six in number.] 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JULY 22. 
 
 CPy f frtbcr Letter from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, to Evan Ntpein, Esquire, 
 dated May 20. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour to transmit you herewith, for the information of the Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, an account of armed and other vessels that 
 have been captured, sunk, or destroyed by his Majesty's ships and vessel* uu- 
 dcr my command, since the last return by the Greyhound. 
 J have die honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 
 H.PARKER. 
 
 [Here follows a list of the vessels captured, detained, or destroyed by the 
 uadron under the command of Sir Hyde Parker, since Feb. 28, 1800, being 
 J 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, JULY 22. 
 
 from Admiral tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. 
 dated on board tbi Villc de Paris, at Sea, l^tb July. 
 
 sin, 
 
 I herewith transmit, for the information of the lords Commissioners of the 
 Admiralty, a letter, with its several inclosures, which I have received from Rear 
 Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, giving an account of an attack made by 
 the boats of his Majesty's ships under his orders on a convoy, near the island 
 of Noirmoutier, of which I highly approve, and of the spirited conduft shown 
 oo the whole occasion. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, JRenetun, flour neuf- Bay, July 2. 
 
 Ibeg leave to inform your Lordship, that, having received information that a 
 ship of war, with a large convoy of the enemy, were lying within the island of 
 Noirmoutitr, which had assembled there from Sable D'Olonne, destined for 
 Brest, I judged the destruction thereof might be of great consequence to hi* 
 Majesty's service : 1 anchored therefore with his Majesty's ships named in the 
 margin *, on the 1st inst. in the bay of Bourneuf, and directed the boats of the 
 squadron to follow Captain Martin's orders for their further proceedings ; and I 
 take the liberty of referring your Lordship to the inclosed letter for a particular 
 account of the transactions on the 1st and id inst. 
 
 Although pwing to an accident a part of the men have been made prisoners, 
 and four wounded in their retreat upon this occasion ; yet, from the loss the 
 enemy has sustained, J hope the enterprise will meet your Lordship's approba- 
 tion, a* well as the gallantry and presence of mind displayed by Lieut Burke 
 upon the above critical service, with the zeal and bravery of the several officers 
 and men employed under him, and J trust will recommend them to your Lord- 
 ship's notice and protection I have the honour to remain, &c. 
 
 J. B. WARREN. 
 
 SIX, Fiigard, at Anclor, in Bourneuf- Bay, July 2. 
 
 I beg to inform you, the boats of the ships named in the margin*, were 
 Jormcd into three divisions yesterday evening, under the directions of Lieut. 
 Burke, to attack the armed vessels and convoy lying within the Smds, in Bour- 
 neuf-Bay, moored in a strong position of defence, and under the protection of 
 *ix heavy batteries at the South east part of Noirmoutier, besides flanking guns 
 n every projeding point. At twelve o'clock, after much resistance and con- 
 siderable loss on the part of the enemy, we had possession of 1 a Ttrtse, four 
 armed vee!s, and 15 sail of Merchantmen, the whole of which were burnt 
 oil Sliding it impossible to bring them cut; and this essential service would ha vq 
 
 Renown, Fisgaj-d, and Defence
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 151 
 
 been accomplished in the most satisfactory manner, if the boats in returning, 
 could have found a passage over the Sand Banks ; but unfortunately they took 
 the ground, and in less than ten minutes were perfectly dry, at the same time 
 rtposed to a continual fire from the forts, and 403 French soldiers formed in th 
 rear : but in opposition to this they determined to attack other vessels of th 
 enemy, and secure one sufficiently large to receive all the party, which they 
 did; and with great intrepidity, exertion, and strength, drew her upwards of 
 two miles over the sands, until they were up to their necks in water before she 
 would float ; but I am sorry to add, that four officers and 88 of the valuable 
 men employed in this glorious enterprise are prisoners, though from every report 
 there are only a few wounded. 
 
 I sincerely congratulate you on having succeeded with so little loss in this im- 
 portant service, all the vessels being laden with corn and valuable cargoes, much 
 wanted for the fleets in Brest; and I am sure you will be highly gratified with 
 the gallantry and uncommon perseverance manifested by the officers arid rncH 
 upon this occasion. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 T. B. MARTIN. 
 
 A List of Vessels taken and burnt by the Boat] of bit Majesty's Ship Renown, Fiigard t 
 and Defence , tie ^J July 1 8oO, toitb tie number of Officers and 'men employed on 
 that set-vice under the orders of Captain Martin. 
 
 Armed fessels. 
 
 Ship La Tercse, 20 guns; a lugger of 12 guns; two schooner gun boats of six 
 
 guns each; one cutter of six guns. Total, 50 guns. 
 
 Merchant Veuels. 
 
 Fifteen sail, all laden (as well as the armed vessels) with flour, corn, pro- 
 visions, bale goods, and ship timber, for the fleet at Brest. 
 
 Number of Mm employed. 
 
 Renown Three officer?, fwur petty officers, 37 seamen, and 20 marines. 
 Fisaard Two officers, two petty officers, ^\ seamen, and 13 marines. 
 Defence Two officers, five petty officers, 45 seamen, and 28 marines. 
 Total. Seven officers, n petty officers, 113 seamen, and 6j marines. 
 
 Number of Men ivbo forced a Retreat. 
 Renown 28. Fisgard 46. Defence 26. Total 100. 
 
 Number of Men taken Prisoners. 
 
 Xcrotcn. One officer, one petty officer, zr seamen, and 73 marines. Total, 36. 
 Fisga rd. Two seamen. Total, 2 
 Defence. Three petty officers, 30 seamen, and 21 marines Total, 54. 
 
 Total One Officer, four petty officers, 53 seamen, and 34 marines. 
 
 OJJicers Names employed. 
 
 Rcnoivn. Lieutenants Burke, Thompson, and Eallinghall, marines (wounded 
 and prisoners.) 
 
 Fisgard. Lieutenants Dean and Gerrard, marines. 
 Defence. Lieutenants Garrett and Hutton, marines. 
 
 T. B. MARTIN. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, JULY 26. 
 
 Cof.y of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith , Commander in Cbief of bis Ma- 
 jnty's Skips and ftsitls in the Mediterranean, to Evan Nepcan, Esq. dated on board 
 the" ' Minotaur t at Sea, the ^J t tl of June. 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour of inclo.-ing, for their Lordship's information, a list of ves- 
 tels capcuied by his iYiajesty's ships employed under my command, between the 
 1st of April and the I4th of June, except those of which returns have already 
 been transmitted. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 FHere follows a list of the vessels captured by the ships under the comman.1 
 of Lord Keith, from the 1st of ^pril to the I4th of June, being 96 in number.] 
 
 4
 
 LETTERS. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG. 
 
 C,*, f a LttUr from Captain Cockburn, of hi, Majesty* ibip La Miners, Jatat i* 
 
 tie lagus, the 2<)tl> of June, to Evan Nefean, sg. 
 
 I have the honour to enclose, for their Lordships' information, the copy of 4 
 kttcr I have received from Captain Middleton, of the Flora, and which I have 
 thi. day transited te Lord Keith.-I have the honour to be, 8 C & C BURN> 
 
 J1R His Majesty's Slip Flora, at Sea, June 23. 
 
 I have'the pleasure to inform you, that last night 1 fell in With and captured 
 ' "' r r. _ ----- inded 
 
 her mail overboard upon our hailing her. 
 
 She is of such value that 1 thought it necessary to see her safe oft the bar 
 Lisbon, but will lose no time in putting your farther orders in execution. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 Georre Cockburn, Eta Captain of bis MajtSty't 
 
 Ship La Miners f ROB. MIDDLETON. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG. 2. 
 Copy of a Letter from Mr. Jelbua Hocquard, Commander of t?,e Hazard Privatt 
 
 Ship of War, to Evan Ncpean, .'j. dated at Jeney the \-Jtb of July. 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg leave to acquaint you for the information of my Lords Commissioner* 
 of the Admiralty, that on my return from a cruise in the cutter Hazard, pri- 
 vate letter of Marque, from jersey, under my command, on the 4th instant, at 
 half past three A. M. the Westwardmost point of Guernsey bearing S. E. by E. 
 four or five miles, we fell in with, and after a chase of an hour, captured the 
 Ajax French lugger privateer from fee. M aloes, mounting four caniage brass 
 guns, and 23 men ; sailed the night before from Bocha, and had not taken any 
 thine. I have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 
 JOS. HOCQUARD. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG. 2. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Capt. Ferris, of bis Majesty's Ship Ruby, to Evan Nepean, 
 Esq. dated of the Start, July 30. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg leave to acquaint you for the information of their Lordships, that being 
 on my passage from St. Helena to England, at five A. M. on Sunday the I3th 
 inst. in latitude 45 deg. N. and longitude 29 W. I observed a strange sail 
 to windward, which, by her motions, appeared to be an enemy's cruiser ; J 
 therefore thought it right to make all possible sail to reconnoitre her. 
 
 Night coming on before 1 could well discover what she was, I shortened sail 
 for the convoy; and at day-light, in the morning of the I4th (it having been calm 
 during the greatest part of the night) 1 saw the same ship about three miles 
 a-head, who, upon my making sail in chase, and firing several shot, showed 
 national colours. 
 
 Light winds having prevailed during the whole of the day, she was enabled 
 by her sweeps, to keep just without gun-shot ; but towards evening a breeze 
 springing up in our favour, I gained on her fast, and at one A. M. on Tuesday 
 the ijth, took possession of her. 
 
 She proves to be La Fortune privateer, of Bouideaux, a very fine ship, mount- 
 ing 16 eight potnders, four long twelves, and two thirty-six pound carronades, 
 all brass; her complement 202 men; but had on board, when taken, only 188, 
 the rest having been sent on board the Fame brig from Sierra Leone, bound to 
 London, the only capture she had made in a ciuise of one month from Bour- 
 deaur.
 
 CV12ETTE LETTERS. \$$ 
 
 T beg leare to add, that she appears to me to be a ship well calculated for his 
 Majesty's service, being remarkably strong built, coppered, and copper-fastened, 
 and a very excellent sailer : the present is only the second cruise since she was 
 built. I am, &c. 
 
 SOL. FERRIS. 
 
 ADMIRAtTY-OmCE, AUG. 9. 
 
 Cepy of a Letter from Earl St. f^incemt, K. B Admiral of the JVLite, &c. to Evan 
 Nefean, Etq. dated on board bii Majesty's Ship Royal George, at Sea, tie ^tb iittt. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I did not think the enterprise of Sir Edward Hamilton or of Captain Campbell 
 could have been rivalled, until I re id the enclosed letter from Sir Edward Pel- 
 lew, relating the desperate service performed by Acting Lieut. Coghlan, of the 
 Viper cutter, on the 29th July, which has filled me with pride and admiration; 
 and, although the circumstance of his not having completed his time in hit 
 Majesty's J^avy operates at present against his receiving the reward he is most 
 Ambitious of obtaining, I am persuaded the Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
 miralty will do all in their power to console him under his severe wounds, and 
 grant him promotion the moment he is in capacity to receive it. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, ImpctucuX) Paltls Road, lit Aug. 
 
 I have true pleasure in stating to your Lordship the good conduct of Lieut. 
 Jeremiah Coghlan, to whom, for former gallant behaviour, you had given an 
 acting commission to command the Viper cutter, from this ship. 
 
 This gallant young man, when watching port Louis, thought he culd suc- 
 ceed in boarding some of the cutters or gun-.vessels which have been moving 
 about the entrance of that harbour, and for this purpose he entreated a ten* 
 oared cutter from me, with la volunteers ; and on Tuesday night the zgth inst. 
 he took this boat, with Mr. Silas H. Paddon, Midshipman, and six of his men, 
 making, with himself, 20, and accompanied by his own boat and one from the 
 Amethyst, he determined upon boarding a gun-brig, mounting three long 14 
 pounders and four six-pounders, full of men, moored with springs on her cables, in 
 a naval port of difficult access, within pistol-shot of three batteries, surrounded by 
 several armed craft, and not a mile from a seventyfour and two frigates, bear- 
 ing an admiral's flag. Undismayed by such formidable appearances, the early 
 discovery of his approach, (for they were at quarters), and the lost aid of the 
 two other boats, he bravely determined to attack alone, and boarded her on the 
 quarter; but unhappily, in the .dark, jumping into a trawl net, hung up to dry, 
 he was pierced through the thigh by a pike, and several of his men hurt, and 
 all knocked back into the boat. 
 
 Unchecked in ardour, they hauled the boat further a-head, and again board- 
 ed, and maintained against 87 men, 16 of whom were soldiers, an obstinate 
 conflict, killing six and wounding twenty, among whom was every officer be- 
 longing to her. His own lots, one killed and eight wounded ; himself in two 
 places ; Mr. 1'addon in six. I feel particularly happy in the expected safety of 
 all the wounded. He speaks in the highest terms of Mr. Paddon, and the whole 
 of his party, many of whom were knocked overboard, and twice beat into the 
 boat, but returned to the charge with unabated courage. 1 trust I shall stand 
 excused by your Lordship for so minute a description, produced by my admira- 
 tion of that courage which, hand to hand, gave victory to a handful of brave 
 fellows over four times their number ; and of that skill which formed, con- 
 dueled, and effected so daring an enterprise. 
 
 La Cerbere, commanded by Lieutenant de Vaisseau, and towed out under* 
 a very heavy fire, is given up as a prize by the squadron, to mark their admira- 
 tion, and will not, 1 know, be the only reward of such bravery ; they will re- 
 ceive that protection your Lordship so liberally accords to all the young men in 
 the service who happily distinguish themselves under your command. 
 
 1 enclose Lieut. Coghlan's letter, and have the honour, &c. 
 
 (Signed) EDWARD PELI.EW. 
 
 Jdmiraiibr Earl St. f?",n;tnt t K. B. &c.
 
 J-+ GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 Hit Majesty's Cutter Viper, Tuesday Morning, Eiglt iCeat. 
 PEAR SIR, 
 
 I have succeeded in bringing out the gun brig Le Cerbcre, of three guns (i4- 
 pounders) and four six-pounders, and 87 men, commanded by a Lieutenant dc 
 Vaisseau. Pray forgive me when I say from under the batteries of Port Louis, 
 and after a most desperate resistance being made, first by her, and afterwards by 
 the batteries at both sides, and a fire from some small vc.-sels which lay round 
 her ; but nothing that 1 could expert from a vessel lying in that ina.Sive situa- 
 tion, was equal to the few brave men belonging to your ship, whom I so justly 
 confided in, assisted by six men from the cutter, and Mr. Paddon, Midshipman; 
 who, I am sorry to say, was wounded in several places, thuugh I hope not 
 mortally. I am sorry to state the loss of one man belonging to the cutter, who 
 was shot through the head, and four of your brave men, with myself, wounded 
 in different parts of the body ; the principal one I received was with a pike, 
 which penetrated my left thigh. JVir. Patteshall, in the cutter's small boat, 
 assisted with two midshipmen from the Amethyst in one of their boats. The 
 loss of the enemy is not yet ascertained, owing to the confusion. 
 
 I remain, &c. J. COGHLAN. 
 
 N. B. Then are five killed, and 21 wounded; some very badly. 
 
 A Return of Killed and Wounded in a Ten-oared Culler belonging to bit Majesty* t 
 Ship Impetueux, under the- Command of Lieut. 'Jeremiah Coghlan y on the nigbt of 
 the "itjtb July, in boarding the National gun brig Le Cerbere, commanded by Lieut, 
 Je Vaiueau Menage. 
 
 Viper Cutter One seaman killed; Lieut. Jeremiah Coghlan, Mr. Silas H. 
 Paddon, Midshipman, two seamen wounded. 
 Impetufux Four seamen wounded. 
 Total.. One killed, eight wounded. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-'>FF1CE, AUG. l6. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from the Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral J the Wlite, We. to 
 Evan Nepean, Esq. dated on board Us Majesty's Sbtp Royal George, at Sea t the 
 otb instant. 
 
 SIK, 
 
 I enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 a letter which I have received from Capt. 1'owry, of his Majesty's ship Uranie, 
 transmitting the copy of one which he had s;nt to Captain Keats, of the Boa- 
 dicea, giving an account of the capture of La Revanche Trench Schooner 
 Privateer. 1 am, Sir, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, Uranie, at Sea, July 28. 
 
 I have the honour to enclose you a copy of my letter of this date to Captain 
 Keats, and am, my Lord, &c. 
 flit Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. \f c . G. H. TO WRY. 
 
 SIR . Uranie, at Sea, July 28. 
 
 CruiMiijt according to your instructions in his Majesty's ship under my com- 
 mand, I beg leave to acquaint you of my having captured this day La Revanche 
 Irei-ch bchooncr Privateer, mounting 14 six pounders, with 80 men, belonging 
 onne ; had been put from thence about four months, but last from Vigo 
 (^9 days), into which port she had carried three prizes, an English brig called 
 t.-e Marcus, a Portuguese ship, and a Spanish brig, prize to the Minerva. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. G. H. TO WRY. 
 
 K. G. Kt>its, Esq. Caftain of hh Majesty's Slip Boadicea. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG.*2J. 
 
 Ext ra {}ofaL,lt?rfrom tie Ra,lof St. Vincent, K B. Admiral of tie White, \<fc. 
 to F.-van Ntfein, :y. dated c,i bourd his Majesty's Slip R uya l George, at Sea, the 
 
 1 have tlm instant received the inclosed letters by his Majesty's ship Unicorn 
 from Capiain Keats of the Boadicea.
 
 CAZETTI LETTERS. j^j 
 
 * Y LORI *. Boadicea, at Sea, Auguit 4. 
 
 The Fisgard, which had been stationed conformable to your Lordship'g 
 dire&ipns, rejoined the squadron this day with the prizes and recaptures, at 
 itated in Captain Martin's accompanying letter. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 lit Earl of Si. riniint, K. B. &<. R Q. KEATS. 
 
 81 R F'ugard, at Sea, ^d Aug. 
 
 I have to inform you, that his Majesty's ship under my command has captured 
 the following vessels since the ioth of last month. 
 
 St. John Baptiste, Spanish lugger ^burnt). 
 
 La Gironde, i6guns, 141 men, French privateer. 
 
 L'Alerte, 14 guns, 84 men, French privateer. 
 
 The Joseph, an hnglish South sea ship, prize to the Minerve French privateer 
 
 It will, I am sure, give you particular satisfaction to find La Gironde one of 
 the number, as she has long been an adive and successful cruiser against the 
 commerce of our country, and was now returning to port with 53 Fnglish pri- 
 soners taken in the vessels hereafter specified. L'Alerte is only six days from 
 Bourdeaux, and was fitted purposely to cruise for the homeward- bound West- 
 India convoy. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c> 
 
 T. B. MARTIN. 
 R. G. Keati t Esq. Captain ef tii Majeityt Ship Boadieta. 
 
 Lht of festels caf tared by La Gironde French frfoateer trig. 
 
 Swan sloop, Andrew Miller, Master, from Oporto, laden with wine. 
 
 Countess of Lauderdale, Thomas Bennett, Master, from Demerary, laden with 
 sugar and cotton. 
 
 Active Brig, Benjamin Tucker, Master, from Bermuda, laden with sugar 
 and cotton. 
 
 Young William, Charles Bacon, Master, from the South-seas, laden with 
 oil, &c. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OfFICI, AUG. 2j. 
 
 Cefy of a Letter froth Captain John Wiglt, Commander of bit Majesty's Sloop Wtl* 
 wrene, to Evan Ncpean, Esq. dated at St. Mar ecu, tie igtb init. 
 
 I beg you will be pleased to inform my Lords Commissioners of the" Ad- 
 miralty, that this morning, having been informed by Captain Price, that some 
 part of the enemy's convoy, consisting of two large sloops, were attempting to 
 make their escape from the mouth of the river Isigny, and proceeding along shore 
 to the eastward, I lost no time in giving chase, having in company the Sparkler 
 aud Force gun-brigs. The enemy finding themselves so hard pressed, and no 
 probability of escape, run themselves on shore in the bay of Grand Camp, com- 
 manded on both sides of the entrance by heavy batteries, which I attacked for 
 near an hour, and was ably assisted by Lieut. Stephens, of the Sparkler, and 
 Lieut. Tokeley, of the Force, covering Lieut. Gregory of the Wolverene, 
 with the cutter and jolly-boat with a party of Marines, who gallantly boarded 
 the largest vessel under the fire of three field pieces, and near zoo men with 
 musquetry, within half pistol-shot of the shore, and set her on fire and other- 
 wise disabled her. The other was so completely shot through as to stop her 
 further proceedings. 
 
 I am happy to have it in my power to inform their Lordships, that neither 
 the vessels, or men suffered any thing, excepting three of the Wolverene's, who 
 were a good deal burnt on board the sloop by an explosion of gunpowder. The 
 enemy lost four men killed on the beach. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 JOHN WIGHT.
 
 t *$* 1 
 
 Courts martial. 
 
 FORTSMOUTH, JDLT 30. 
 
 THIS day a Court Martial was held on board his Majesty's ship Gladiator fa 
 this Harbour, for the trial of BARTHOLOMEW POUTER, a seaman belonging to 
 the Svfilt, for desertion. 
 
 President, Rear- Admiral JOHN HOLLOWAY. 
 
 The charges not being proved, the prisoner was acquitted. 
 
 ARTHUR HUGHES, another seaman belonging to the Sopbie, was also tried 
 the same day for desertion, and being found guilty, was sentenced to receive 
 300 lashes. 
 
 THOMAS NiLiov, a supernumerary seaman belonging to the Royal WMlann 
 *ras also tried the same day for having, on the 14th ult. used reproachful and 
 provoking speeches to a man who had given evidence before a Court Martial 
 held for the trial of one of the Mutineers of the Hermionc. The prisoner being 
 found guilty, he was sentenced to be imprisoned two years in the Marshalsea. 
 
 MUTINEERS. 
 
 31. A Court Martial was held on board the same ship, for the trial of JOH M 
 WATSON and JAMES ALLIN, two seamen late belonging to the Hermione, for 
 being concerned in the mutiny on board the said ship, and in carrying her into 
 La Guira. The charges being proved against the prisoners, they were sentenced 
 to suffer death, by being hanged by the neck, on board such ship or ships as the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty should dircft. The prisoner, John 
 Watson, appeared to be nearly 60 years of age, and, previous to the mutiny, had 
 pretended to be afflided by blindness, on which account he had been excused 
 doing duty aloft ; but he took a very aclive part in the mutiny. The prisoner, 
 James Allen, had been servant to the second Lieutenant previous to the mutiny, 
 and was then about 14 years of age ; but, it appeared, he had also been very 
 a:5livc in the mutiny, and had even assisted in the murder of his own master. 
 
 The principal witness against Allen was Parrot, late butcher on board the 
 Hcrmione, who deposed, that on the night the mutiny took place he was seated 
 on a chest in the gun-room. He then observed a band of murderers dragging 
 the second Lieutenant across the deck, who repeatedly stretched out his hand, 
 crying, " Mercy! Mercy!" He was drawn up the ladder by the hair of his 
 head, after receiving many wounds. Parrot declared that at this moment he 
 stw the second Lieutenant's servant, James Allen, with a tomahawk or hatchet 
 in his hand, and that he exclaimed, " let me have a cut at him;'' on saying which 
 he dreadfully wounded hi own master. On receiving this deposition from Parrot, 
 a general groan of horror was heard in Court. Every thing, however, that 
 naval justice could devise was exercised on behalf of the prisoner; but the very 
 witnesses called by him ultimately proved of disadvantage to himself! Both 
 Allen and Watson came home to England in the Prince of Wales, bnt were not 
 recognized till their arrival. Allen, to the last, denied having struck his master. 
 As to the particulars of the murder of Captain PIGOT, of the Hermione, it ap- 
 peared, that hearing a noise upon deck, he immediately ran out of his cabin, 
 when being badly and repeatedly wounded, he was at length obliged to return. 
 He had reached his cabin, and was sitting on a couch, faint with the loss of 
 blood, when four men entered with bayonets fiied. Crawley headed them. 
 Captain PIGOT, weak as he was, held out his dirk, and kept them off They 
 seemed for a moment appalled at the sight of their Commander, when Crawley 
 exclaimed, " What, four against one, and yet afraid ? Here goes then," and 
 buried his bayonet in the body of Captain PicoT. He was followed by the 
 others, who, with their bayonets, thrust hiru through the port, and be was hear* 
 to speak as he went a- stein.
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 FROM JULT 14 TO AUCIU1T 
 
 DANISH AND SWEDISH CONVOYS. 
 
 E live in such an eventful period, that occurrences which in 
 usual times could not fail to produce the most lively sensa- 
 tions, now pass with little observation. It will, however, be won- 
 dered at in future times, if the circumstances we are about to relate, 
 and the events which appear so evidently connected with them, excite 
 no attention. 
 
 On the *5th ult. about 6 P. M. off Ostend, his Majesty's ship the Nemttit t 
 Capt. BAKER, Terpsichore, La Prevoyant, the Arrow, of 40 guns, and Nile lugger, 
 fell in with the Freya, a Danish frigate, having under convoy, two ships, two 
 brigs, and two galliots. The Nemesis hailed her, and said she would send her 
 boat on board the convoy. The Danish Commander replied, that if he attempted 
 it he would fire into the boat. The Nemesis's boat was then lowered down, 
 with four men and a midshipman in her, ready to go on board the convoy ; the 
 Danish frigate immediately fired several shot, which missing the boat, struck the 
 Nemesis, and killed one man. The Nemesis, immediately gave the Dane a 
 broadside, when a most spirited aftion took place, which lasted for about twenty- 
 five minutes, at the end of which time the Danish frigate being much crippled 
 in her masts, rigging, and hull, struck her colours. 
 
 The Danish frigate and convoy were brought into the Downs on the 6th inst. 
 
 By the conduct of the Danish Commander it appeared to be the in 
 tention of the Court of Denmark, in conjunction with that of Sweden, 
 to try the question of the right of British ships of war to examine 
 Neutral vessels, which opinion is strongly strengthened by the follow- 
 ing extract of a letter we have received from Gibraltar. 
 
 " A Swedish frigate, of 44 guns, having some vessels under convoy, was met 
 by the Leviathan, commanded by Admiral DUCKWORTH, who hailed the 
 Swedish frigate, desiring to know what were the ships that were under convoy. 
 Not receiving a satisfactory answer, Admiral Duckworth said he should send a 
 boat on board. The Swedish Captain replied, he would fire into any boat 
 that should attempt to do so; which threat he carried into effect, and killed one 
 of our seamen in the Leviathan's boat. Upon this, Admiral Duckworth order- 
 ed his ship to be laid alongside the Swede, informed the Captain that he had com- 
 mitted murder on a British subjedt, and that it would only be doing him justice 
 to open the lower deck ports of the Leviathan, and give him a broadside. He 
 insisted, however, that the Swedish Captain should follow him into Gibraltar, 
 and there explain his conducl. The result is not known." 
 
 To form a decisive opinion of the cause which actuated the above 
 Powers in refusing to permit English cruisers to search their con- 
 voys is impossible. In consequence of this and other circum- 
 stances, the Baltic fleet, which was on the eve of sailing, received 
 orders to remain in port ; this detention was, however, on the ijth 
 relinquished, and the fleet sailed from Yarmouth under convoy of the 
 Shark and Lynx sloops of war. From this latter event it may rea- 
 sonably be hoped that some satisfactory information has been received 
 by Government, whish will put an end to thi$ unpleasant business.
 
 Ijg MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 FORCE OF THE NORTHERN POWERS. 
 
 MR. EC1TOK, 
 
 AT the present critical situation of this country, with respect to the 
 arming of the Powers of the North, and the dispute at present existing 
 with Denmark and Sweden, relating to their convoys being taken and 
 detained, &c. the force of their Navy (as near as can be known) 
 seems to be anxiously wished for : under I send you a correft statement 
 of their naval force in the beginning of the year 1799, and which I 
 believe has not been much augmented since that time, as also an esti- 
 mate of the whole force that can be brought against England, sup. 
 posing Russia, Denmark, and Sweden, were to join in alliance with 
 her present enemies. 
 
 Statement of the Force of the Navy of Russia, Denmark, and Sweden, in the 
 beginning of the year 1799. 
 
 Russia. Fifty Ships of the line, 50 frigates, and a number of galleys. 
 
 Denmark Thirty-eight ships of the line, 20 frigates, and 60 xebecs and cut- 
 ters. The total number of seamen, 12, oo, of guns 3000. 
 
 Sweden. Twenty-seven ships of the line, iz frigates, and 40 armed gallics, 
 Mounting in ill 3000 guns, and manned by 18,000 seamen. 
 
 Supposing Russia, Denmark, and Sweden, therefore, to join in alliance against 
 England, 1 estimate the whole naval force that can be brought against her, by 
 all her enemies (and which number, I think, a the very utmost they can bring], 
 will be as follows : 
 
 By France, Spain, and Holland, about 60 sail of the line. 
 
 Russia - .... 40 D. 
 
 Denmark - - - 30 Do. 
 
 Sweden ..... 20 Do. 
 
 Total 150 
 
 In opposition to this great force I conceive England alone (without the 
 assistance of any foreign power) can bring, in the channels only, 100 sail 
 of the line, (if it should be necessary) which will be equal to cope with 
 her enemies, without recalling home any of her ships from the West 
 Indies, Mediterranean, or any foreign station. 
 
 In my opinion there is nothing to fear from the armed Neutrality, 
 the whilst we have such a good supply of the Wooden Walls on our 
 side, and such brave officers and seamen to command them. 
 
 If you deem this worthy of a place in your Chronicle, it will add to 
 the obligations already conferred on, 
 
 Mr. Editor, 
 Your constant Reader, 
 
 And very humble Servant, 
 
 t, 1800. J. R. 
 
 DENMARK. 
 
 The following Articles of the Treaty of Commerce, between Great 
 Britain and Denmark, relate to the present subject supposed to be in 
 dispute : 
 
 Art. III. The undersigned Sovereigns engage mutually for themselves, their 
 heirs, and successors, not to furnih their respective enemies, if they shall be ag- 
 gressors, with any assistance in war, such as soldiers, arms, cannons, ships, or 
 other articles necessary to the carrying on of war. If the subjects of either 
 of the undersigned Sovereigns shall a& in contravention with the pre- 
 cnt article, the King, whose subjects shall so a<ft, shall be bound to proceed 
 
 i
 
 OF NAVAL EV*ENTS. IJp 
 
 against them with the greatest severity, and to treat them as seditious persons, 
 and persons guilty of an infraction of the alliance. 
 
 Art. XX. And in order to prevent the freedom of navigation, and the free 
 passage of either ally and his subjects from becoming prejudicial to the other, in 
 case of war on the part of one of the undersigned Sovereigns against any other 
 power by sea or land ; and in order to prevent any goods and merchandizes, the 
 property of the enemy, from being fraudulently concealed under pretence of 
 alliance ; and, finally, in order to prevent all fraud, and to remove all suspicion, 
 it is thought fit that the ships, merchandize, and subjects, belonging to the 
 other confederates, shall be accompanied by passports and certificates in the 
 following form, &c. &c. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to observe, that the requisition of these passports and 
 certificates includes a right to search for them, if such right were not fully re 
 cognized to be part of the general law of nations. 
 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS on the Condufl of the NORTHERN POWERS. 
 
 The British Navy in the zenith of its power, with nearly its full 
 force, ready for action, has little to apprehend from a confederacy, 
 merely now beginning to arm j and let it be remembered, that for 
 nearly half the year, the very elements themselves suspend the action 
 of these dreadful antagonists ; the ice is, for many months, an im- 
 penetrable blockade ; and for the remainder, it is more easy, after 
 having laid Copenhagen in ashes, to block up the Sound, (a strait of on- 
 ly four miles broad, with convenient anchorage,) and shut them up to 
 quarrel with each other, than it is at present to guard the entrance of 
 Brest harbour, or was heretofore to coop in the Dutch. Not all the 
 Ghosts in the Castle of Elsineur, would, we believe, prevent this project 
 being executed by less than twenty sail of the line. 
 
 SECRET EXPEDITIONS. 
 
 THE two Naval Expeditions, which have been so long in preparation, 
 have at length put to sea. The first, with the troops which had been encamped 
 at Southampton, and those assembled at Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, 
 sailed from St. Helens on the 8th instant, and was to proceed to Plymouth for 
 the purpose of receiving additional forces, making in the whole 17,000 men. 
 The fleet employed on the second expedition appeared off Yarmouth on the 
 9th, when, a frigate bearing signals having fired four guns, it was speedily joined 
 by the whole of the squadron, under the command of Admiral Dickson, then 
 in that harbour, and immediately made sail to the eastward. 
 
 No official information has hitherto transpired respecting the destination or 
 success of either of these fleets. '1 he troops they carry consist chiefly of the 
 Dutch regiments, under the command of the Hereditary Prince of Orange. 
 
 VAN DIEMAN'S LAND, DISCOVERED TO BE AN ISLAND. 
 GOVERNOR HUNTER, who continues indefatigable in his exertions for 
 the improvement of Botany-Bay, having entertained a conjecture that the land 
 called Van-Dieman's-Land was not a part of the coast of New Holland, but 
 probably a group of islands separated from its southern extremity by a strait, 
 fitted out a two-decked boat of 15 tons burden, built at Norfolk Island, and sent 
 her to the southward, under the direction of the second Lieutenant and 
 Surgeon of the Reliance man of war. The boat passed through a wide and 
 extensive strait, and completely circumnavigated Van Dieman's-l.and, entered 
 two of its rivers, and went many miles up the country. '1 he south extremity 
 of this country lies in latitude 39,00 exatfly ; and the strait is, in some places, 
 more than a dc-gree and a half wide; but studded with a few scattered steep 
 islands. A chart of this discovery is preparing to be scut home.
 
 l6(> MfrNTWLr REGISTER 
 
 Itjfs with particular satisfaction we insert the following communica- 
 tion as it contains a most interesting testimony of that meritorious 
 conduct which distinguishes the character of the British Navy, for 
 tfieir laudable humanity towards those whom the chance, of war sub. 
 Haiti to their power. 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 As the friend of Captain WALLIS, who some time since experienced siwh 
 hardships in the Proserpine, I am anxious that the following testimony, to the 
 boootir of his professional chara&er, should be recorded in your useful work : 
 
 Captain WALUS left the Decade, a frigate of 36 guns, which he commanded 
 co the Jamaica station, and having, on account of his health, exchanged for the 
 fcnuwwick, brought home with hm two 1-rench prisoners of rank, Gen. la 
 VIAUX. a General of Division, who had been commander in chief of St. Do- 
 mingo, and latterly of Guadaloupc, with his son, and Aid-de-Camp OKMANCI N ; 
 who having obtained permission to return to/ France on their parole, they sent a 
 complimentary letter to Captain WALLIS, of which the following is a transla- 
 tion : 
 
 ** Portsmouth, on board the Brunt-wick, Aug. J, l&OC. 
 
 ** Suptt* La fctiux, Gtneral tf Division, t Captain Wallis, Commandtr of tit 
 
 Brunt-wick . 
 * CAPTAIN! 
 
 *' Gratitude is a debt incumbent on all to render : receive then that which 
 my son, which ORMANCIN, and myself wish to offer with a sensibility equal to 
 what we feel, for all the obligations we lie under to you The delicacy of your 
 conduct so much alleviated our situation, as, at tiroes, to make us forget that we 
 were your prisoners. You are a father and a husband ! and therefore feel 
 already the joy I have in view, to behold again a wife and two beloved 
 daughters. It shall be in the union of this dear family, that we will repeat all 
 we owe to you for such happiness. 
 
 '* We wili incessantly recal your humanity, your actions, your virtues, and the 
 lore which you possess for your country. .Like you, we regard our own ; and 
 you have had the generosity to allow us to speak of it before you. Nations may 
 declare war ; but wise and virtuous men will always esteem each other. 
 
 44 Receive, CAPTAIN, the sentiments with which we three have the honour 
 *o rcmjia, 
 
 ' IT. LA VEAUr, 
 
 " OKMANCIN, 
 
 " J.A VAUX F1LS." 
 
 BRUSSELS, J^g. $. We hear from Rotterdam, that two ships of the line, the 
 Chatham, of 80 guns, and the Peter Paul, of 74, newly launched from the dock 
 *ird of thut port, will on be completely armed and equipped. A vessel of 
 go guns, built at Amsterdam, will be equally soon ready for sea. It has been 
 reaiaikcd, thai the navy of Holland never had ships carrying more than 74 guns, 
 a. is not long since two of greater force were built. On the other side, there 
 lias sailed from the Mcuse a division of small ships and sloops of war, to repair 
 to the Western bcheldt, for the defence of the island of Zealand. 
 
 ft appears that the unfortunate survivor* of the crew of his Majesty's ship 
 Ktsiitjncr, after being taken by the Malay pirates, were carried to Penobang, 
 and there sold to different Rajahs, in the common market place. Thomas Scott , 
 a neairaii, sold for 35 rix dollars, and unexpectedly met with a kind matter : 
 lamenting his fate at being parted from the few of his countrymen who survived 
 the explosion of the Jtfsistanct, the Rajah encouraged him, by the assurance that 
 whenever he (Scott J should be able to pay him back the amount of his purchase, 
 e woul.i immediately release him. On the next day, to his unspeakable joy, 
 Je lound the SI/LTAN had become his ransomer from the Macassar Rajah, who 
 had. n like manner, procured the release of his other companions We have the 
 pleasure to Karri, that the c ui TAN has rec< .ivcd from our Government the re- 
 ward due to his humanity. A circumstantial narrative of the blowing up of 
 this ship ia our next.
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 BROM JULY II TO AUC0ST IJ. 
 
 July ii. Wind Variable. Fair. Arrived the Folly cutter frcm the fleet v 
 left them all wll yesterday. Sailed on a cruise the Telegraph, of 18 guns, 
 Lieutenant Corsellis. Arrived from a cruise, ihe Childers, of 16 guns, Captain 
 Crawford. 
 
 12. Wind Variable. Fair. Arrived with dispatches for Rear Admiral 
 \Vhitshead, the Unicorn, 32 guns, Captain Wilkinson : she sailed again this 
 evening for the fleet. Letters received from the Elephant, 74 gu:is, Captain 
 Foley, state the fleet was all well the icth inst. She sailed thkt day to join the 
 squadron under Rear Admiral Sir J. B. Warren, off Quiberon. 
 
 13. Wind Variable. Fair. Arrived the Cultivateur West Indiaman, Smith. 
 Master, from Dcmerara and Issequibo, with a cargo valued at 20,0. ol. captured 
 by a French privateer, and recaptured by the Indefatigable, 44gun, Honourable 
 Captain Curzon ; and Boadicea, .38 guns, Captain Keats, close in with the 
 French coast. Sailed to join the fleet, the Temera*ire, 98 guns, Rear Admiral 
 \Vhitshead; and the Marlborough, 74, Captain Sothtby. Arrived from the 
 Downs, the Plymouth lugger, Lieutenant Elliot, with a convoy. 
 
 14. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived from a cruise off Isle Bas the Spitfire, 24 
 guns, Captain s'eymour. Arrived the Bellona brig, Dean, Master, from Gal- 
 way to Londonderry, with a cargo of kelp, oats, bread, herrings, hides, rosin, 
 and flannel, captured by J.a Ruse French piivateer, of 14 guns and 75 men, 
 and retaken by the Doris, 44 guns, Captain Lord Ranelagh. Al^o La i'avorie, 
 of six guns, and 45 men, from Cayenne to Bourdeaux, with a va.uablc cargo of 
 cotton, indigo, and camphor, prize to the birius, 36 guns, (Japt iin King. 
 
 15. Wind E. N- . Fair. This morning presented- a fine gratifying sighf, 
 by the appearance off the Sound of anc.ther homeward-bound Jamaica fleet, of 
 84 sail, richly laden, valued at near a million and a half, convoyed by the 
 Brunswick, 74 guns, Captain Wallis ; and the Retaliation, 36 pur, s, Captain 
 Forster. Arrived the Cxsar, 84 guns, Sir J. Saumarez, from the fleet. 
 
 16. Wind E.S. E. and S. E. Fair. Arrived from sea, the Alert, from Cadiz 
 to Boston, detained by the Anson, 44 guns, Captain P. C. Durham, which was 
 gone on to Gibraltar, all well, the 8th i:;st. 
 
 17. Wind Variable. Fair. ( rders came down thi.v day for the flotilla of 
 gun-boats to get into the Sound, under the command ot Captain J. Hawker. 
 Sailed on a cruise, the Lady Charlotte, 14 guns. 
 
 1 8. Wind Variable. Fair. 
 
 19. Wind N. W. Fair. Came in from -off Brest, the Prince, 98 gun?, Rear 
 Admiral Cotton; the Defence, 74, Captain Lord H. Pawlett; Excellent, 74, 
 Honourable Captain Stopford. bailed the Amazon, 38 gu:is, Captain Riou, with 
 her two prizes, for ^>ichead. 
 
 20. "\\indN.\V. Fair. Letters from the Triton, 36 guns, Captain Gore, 
 dated at anchor off Hrest, the i6th in-tant, state, that the gallant . jn.iin had 
 perfectly recovered from a violent blow he received in his head some tune sn; t e, 
 by the fall of a block ; he retains the command of the in shore, or fly:ng 
 squadron, which communicates by signal to Earl St. Vincent the movements of 
 the combined fleets, as this squadron occasionally anchors Rear Admiral 
 Berkeley, in the Mars, 74 guns, commands a fiymg detachment offshore. 
 
 21. WindN. W. Far. Arrived from Quiberon, the Shannon, 44 gun-, 
 Captain liters; she brings nothing new. Sailed the inunortaliti, 44 gui-, 
 Captain Hoth-r.vu on a crui ,c. Arrived the Rusbd, 74 gun?, Cai-tam bawycr, 
 }>om the Channel fleet, to refit '.nd Victual.
 
 l6i MONTHLY REGISTFR 
 
 zi. Wind X. W. Fair. 
 
 ij. Wind S. E. Fair. Arrived the Harriet, Atkins, of Boston, from Isle de 
 France, last from Boston, with a valuable cargo for Rotterdam; detained and 
 sent in by the SuSisante, 14 jruns, C aptain Whitman. Sailed to join the Chan- 
 nel fleet, the Cassar, 84 guns, Captaia Sir J. Sauraarez, Bart. Arrived the 
 John lugger Elliot, from Earl St. Vincent, with dispatches. She left the fleet 
 all well on Sarurday last. On Sunday, at four P. M. she spoke the Dido, 44 
 guns, armed en flute, Captain Calby, from Minorca, with three sail under 
 convoy. On Monday, at eleven, she spoke the Sheerness, 44 guns, Captain 
 Garden, from the Straits; she had recaptured a valuable ship, called the Pearson 
 of London, which had been in possession of the French tea days. 
 
 25. Wind E. S. E. Fair. Arrived the Megura fire-ship, the Excellent, 74 
 guns, and Triumph, 74, from the Channel fleet. 
 
 26. Wind S. E. Fair. 
 
 27. Wind S. E. Fair. Arrived the Windsor Castle, 98 guns, Honourable 
 Captain Bertie, from the Channel fleet, to refit. Also the Bourdelais, 28 guns, 
 Captain Manby, from the westward islands. Off Corunna, she captured the 
 Phoenix, a Danish schooner, from St. Thomas for Altona, but evidently bound 
 to Bourdeaux, having a French pilot on board. She is laden with coffee, sugar, 
 indigo, &c. Sec. 
 
 28. Wind S. E. Fair. Arrived the Glory, 98 guns, Captain T. Wells, and 
 Neptune, 98, from the fleet off Brest, to refit. By an officer of the Bourdelais, 
 28 guns, ju^t arrived from a cruise off the western islands, is l'-arnt that she 
 looked into Corunna and Fcrrol the izth and I4th ult. ; in Ferrol Harbour 
 Captain iVianby saw six sail of the line and five frigates, with topsail yards 
 acros. On the I5th ult. fell in with the Boadicea, 38 guns, Captain Keats; 
 Indefatigable, 44, Honourable Captain Curzon ; and Sirius, 36, Captain King, 
 the advanced squadron of frigates of F.arl St. Vincent's fleet : ?.8th ult. fell in 
 with the Straits convoy, homeward bound, under care of the Endymion. 44 
 guns, Captain Sir T. Williams, Knt. in lat. 48. 10. N. long. 7. 30. W. going 
 large, with a fresh breeze. 
 
 29. Wind N. E. Fair. This morning arrived from the Straits, the Cul- 
 loden, 74 guns, Commodore Sir T. Trowbridge, Eart. This gallant officer was 
 rcceive'd by his townsmen with great respect on his landing. In pursuance of 
 nrJers from Earl St. Vincent, Rear Admiral Cotton shifted his flag from the 
 Prince, 98 guns (she not being ready to join the fleet) to the Russel, 74, 
 Captain H. Sawyer, and sailed directly to join the fleet. 
 
 30. Wind Variable, Fair, and Sultry. Sailed the Dasher, 18 guns. Captain 
 Tcbin, on a cruise. Passed the Sound, to join the Channel fleet, that beautiful 
 new ship, the Courageux, 74 guns. 
 
 31. Wind Variable, Fair and Sultry. Passed up, La Loire, 48 guns, Cspt. 
 Newman, with the Lisbon and Oport.o fleets, all well ; also the valuable Straits 
 flett, with several rich silk ships from Smyrna- 
 
 A, : gjit i. Wind Variable. Extreme Heat in the Sun. Arrived the Royal 
 Sovereign, no guns, Admiral Sir Alan Gardner, Bart. Captain T. Bedford ; 
 and the Pompee, 84, Captain Stirling, from the fleet. 
 
 2. Wind Variable. Fair and, Sultry. Sailed the Windsor Castle, 98 guns, 
 iiiiourable Captain Bertie, to join the fleet. Arrived a very fine schooner 
 j.nvdtcer, of 16 guns, prize to La Loire, 48, Captain Newman, taken on her 
 passage home with the Lisbon fleet. 
 
 3. Wind W. Fair and Sultry. Arrived from the Channel fleet, the Mars, 
 
 74 guns, Rear Admiral Berkeley ; and the Cumberland, 74, Captain T. Graves, 
 
 This day orders came down for three line of battleships, and a fri-
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 165 
 
 4. Wind Variable. Arrived the Three Friends smuggling lugger, with 
 one hundred and fifty anchors of spirits, captured by the Spitfire, 24 guns, 
 Captain Seymour; she had landed part of her cargo at Palperno; but seTcral 
 boars were tak-;, in endeavouring to escape, and one smuggler was unfortunately 
 killed. The Spitfire spoke in the Channel, the Ruby, 64 guns, Captain Ferris, 
 with three East Indiamen under convoy from Bengal ; last from the Cape- of 
 Good Hope. She had captured on her passage, I, a Fortunie French privateer, 
 of 16 guns, and one hundred and sixty men, belonging to Bouideaux. 
 
 5. Wind N. lair, with light Breezes. Arrived the Ajax, 84 guns, Captain 
 Cochran, from the fleet. Sailed the Bourdelais, 28 guns, Captain Mauby, for 
 the Powns. Came in La Revanche French schooner privateer, of 10 guns, and 
 seventy-five men, (formerly La Hawke privateer, of this port) captured by 
 the ranic, 44, Captain To wry. Arrived from the fleet the Terrible, 74 guns, 
 Captain Sir R. Bickerton. Passed by for the Downs, the Spy, 18 guns, with a 
 large convoy from JVIiiford andFalmouth. 
 
 7. Wind Variable. Arrived the Plymouth lugger, Lieutenant Elliot, from 
 a cruise off Mnrlaix. 
 
 8. Wind S. W. Fair and Sultry. Arrived the Formidable, 98 guns, from the 
 Channel fleet; the isuffisante, 14 guns, and Reynard, 18, from a cruise. 
 
 9. Wind Variable. Fair and Sultry. Letters from the Impetueux and other 
 ships speak in the highest terms of Lieutenant Coghlan an'd his little crew's gal- 
 lantry, in boarding and carrying off La Cerbere gun brig, of infinitely superior 
 force, near Port Louis. Admiral Earl St. Vincent, with his ut>u.:l zeal for the 
 service, presented him with a sword worth one hundred guineas for his bravery, 
 and, with Sir E. Pellew's squadron, very generously gave up their shares of the 
 prize money. 
 
 10. Wind Variable. Extremely sultry. Arrived the Chapman, 24 guns, 
 with a convoy from Milford. 
 
 n. Wind S. E. Sultry. Arrived from the Channel fleet, the Barfleur, 98 
 guns, Magnificent, 74, and Saturn, 74. to victual and refit. Letters from the 
 fleet state, that the look-out cutters venture very near the outer road of jJrcsc 
 without molestation. '1 he Triton frigate, Captain Gore, is moored next, then 
 five frigates, five sail of the line, two sail of the line off the Black Rock, and tru' 
 remainder of ths fleet in line of battle in two lines; so that nothing can move 
 without observation. 
 
 12. WindS. .Sultry. Sailed for the fleet, the Pompee, 84 guns, London, 98, 
 Mais, 74, Rear- Admiral Berkeley, and Ajax, 84. 
 
 13. Wind Variable. Fair and Sultry Came in frojn a cruise, the Dasher, 
 18 guns, Captain Tobin, and Telegraph, ifc, Lieutenant Lorsellis. Arrived 
 from Newfoundland, after a good passage, the Voltigcur, iB guns, Captam 
 yhortland, with three vessels under convoy with fish ; left the Island all well, 
 tailed the Chapman, with a convoy forihe Uowns. 
 
 14. Wind S. Fair, and very Sultry. Arrived the Sirius, 36 guns, Captain 
 King, from a long cruise off the coast of dpain. Letters from the Fi.sgard, 
 48 guns, Captain Martin, state, that the following frigates were left cruising on 
 tiiat btation, viz. Boadicea, 38 guns, Commodore Keats ; Indefatigable, 44, 
 Hon. Captain Curzon; Fisgard, 48. Captain Martin; Umt:ie, 44, Captain 
 Towry; and Unicorn, 32, Captain Wilkinson. By this very judicious arrange- 
 ment of this well appointed squadron, the whole coast of tpain may be consi- 
 dered as absolutely in a state ot blockade. 
 
 15. Wind Variable. Fair and Sultry. The Sirius, 36 guns, which arrived 
 last night, convoyed three prizes to the squadron, which are hourly cxpede,!. 
 Sailed the Plymouth lugger, Lieutenant Elliot, with a convoy for die I/owns, 
 iailed the Diamond, 36 guns, on a cruise.
 
 164 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 PORTSMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FKOM JDNE 23 TO AUGUST 2J. 
 
 "June 23. -Sailed hL> Majesty's ship Experiment, Captain SavilJe, and Thetis, 
 Capr.'.iti Bjker, for Cowes, to take troops for the secret expedition. Also the 
 Crapplcr gun- vessel for Marcou, and Plover sloop of war, on a cruise. 
 
 24. Arrived the Beaver, Captain Jones, from a cruise. 
 
 25. Arrived the Plover, Captain Galway, from the eastward. Sailed the 
 America, of 64 guns, Vire-Adin .sir Wn>. Parker, with the fleet for Halifax i 
 amongst which are the Laughton, Rutland, Diamond, and Laurel transports 
 
 28. Sailed the Achilles, of 74 guns, Capt.iin Murray, to join the Channel 
 fleet ; the Harpy. Captain Birchall, and Fly, Captain Mudge, on a cruise; and 
 the Adive, of 38 guns^Captain Davcrs, with the following Fast Indiamen under 
 crnvoy : Lord Walsingham, Earl Spencer, MelvilU Castle, Herculean, Ske!- 
 tcn Ca^'Ie, -nd Tellicbeiry; Cornwall!*, extra ship, and Margaret brig. 
 
 33. Arrived the Termagant, Capuin Skipsey ; Terpsichore, Captain Gage ; 
 and Ash brig, from a cruise. 
 
 July i. Sailed the Plover, Captain Galway : also the Eugenie, Captain 
 Somerville, and Atalante, Captain Griffiths, with a convoy for the Downs. 
 
 2. His Majesty's ship Endymion, of 58 guns, Captain Sir Thomas Williams ; 
 Topaze, of 38 guns, Captain Church ; and Castor, of 32 guns. Captain Gower, 
 sai'ed to Cowes. Was paid, and afterwards sailed, the Juste, of So guns, Captain 
 Sir Henry Trollope, to join the Channel fleet. 
 
 3. Arrived his Majesty's ship Melpomene, Captain Sir Charles Hamilton, 
 elder brother to Sir Edward Hamilton, (who so gallantly recovered the Her- 
 niionc), from the coast of Guinea, w'.th the account of his having taken Goree, 
 in company with the A'agnanimc and Ruby. 
 
 4. .Arrived the St. Fiorenzo, Captain Paterson, from the Channel fleet, to 
 refit. A'so L'Auguste Spanish letter of marque, of 10 guns and <;o men, cap- 
 tureH by the Me.pomenc. bhc is a remarkable fine vessel, and was bound to 
 
 .e. Arrived the Champion cutter, with dispatches from Marcou: also the 
 Triiicc of Wales, of 98 guns, Captain Renou, from the West Indies, last from the 
 Dowcis. 
 
 7. Arrived the Harpy, Captain Eirchail, and Fly, Captain Mudge, from a 
 cause, and brought in with tlu-m a Prussian vessel, laden with salt. 
 
 8. Sailed the Tickler gun- vessel, to join the Channel fleet; and the Rambler, 
 Captain Schomberg, with * convoy for the Downs. 
 
 9. Arrived the Hu^ar, of 38 guns, Captain Lord Garlics, from Madeira; 
 and the Constance, Lieutenant Alt, from a cruise. 
 
 10. Arrived the Aim, Lieutenau: Clark, from a cruise, with upwards of 7CO 
 cask* of spirits, which he had seized. 
 
 n. Arrived the Hinde, Captaiu l.arcom, from Halifax. 
 
 12. Arrived the Earl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenant 1 eekoy, from a cruise. 
 
 14. Failed the Agincourt, of 64 guns, Vice- Admiral Pole, with a convoy 
 for Newfoundland; the Hussar, of 38, Lord Garlics, for Ireland ; and the 
 Arclhusa, of 38, Captain Wolley, on a cruise. 
 
 16, Sailed the Discovery, Captain Dick, for the Needles, where she is to lie 
 as a guardship ; and the liarl St. Vincent, Lieutenant Leekey, on a cruise. 
 
 17. Sailed the Circe, Captain J. Wolley; Venus, Captain Graves; and 
 rromp, Captain O Neil, with a convoy for the West Indies; and the Hugenie, 
 with ditto, to the eastward,
 
 OF NAVAL EVEKTS. I<5j 
 
 18. Arrived the Brunswick, of 74 guns, Captain Rutherford ; and Aquilon, 
 Captain Boys, with a convoy from the West Indies. 
 
 19. Arrived the Cambrian, of 44 guns, Hon. Captain Legge, from the 
 Channel fleet. 
 
 20. Arrived the Osprey, of 18 puns, Captain Watts ; and Jalouse, of i2 
 guns, Captain Temple, with a convoy from the Downs. 
 
 *l. Arrived the Syren, Captain Josselin, from cruising off" Havre de Grace. 
 She was relieved by the Proselyte. The Cambrian, Hon Captain Lcgge, and, 
 St. Fiorenzo, Sir Harry Nealc, are appointed to attend their Majesties at 
 VVeymouth. 
 
 22. Arrived the Thames, of 32 guns, Captain Lukin, from the Channel 
 fleet; Beaver, of 18 gun?. Captain Jones, /rom a cruise; and the Fury, of 16 
 guns, Captain Curry, from Jcrsev : also the Amazon, of 38 guns, Captain 
 Riou, with her two prizes, from Plymouth; and Sophie, of 18 i*uns, Captain 
 Burdett, with the Sea JNymph, Howard, IVuddleton, and Diligence (Navy trans, 
 ports), under convoy, from Ireland. Sailed the Wolverene, of 16 guns, Captain 
 Wright, for IVlarcou; Redbridge schooner, for Jersey; Asp gun-brig, oa a 
 cruise; and Malony cartel, for cherburgh. 
 
 23. Arrived the Courageux, of 74 guns, Captain Hood, from the Downs; 
 Triumph, of 74 guns, Captain E. Harvey, from the Channel fleet; and Bruns- 
 wick, of 74 guns, Captain Rutherford, from the West Indies, last from the 
 Downs; and thi Grand Falconer cutter, Lieutenant Chilcott, from Marcoii. 
 Sailed the ivioc^e;te, armed en fate, for Cork ; a Russian man of war, for the 
 Baltic; and the Beaver, of 18 guns, Captain Jones, on a cruise. 
 
 26. Arrived the Eurydice, of 28 guns, Captain Talbot. from the Downs ; 
 the Eugenie, of 18 guns, Captain Somerville, with flat-bottomed boats from the 
 Downs; and the Fly, of 18 guns, Captain Mudge, from cruising ofFCherburgh. 
 Sailed the Earl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenant Leekey, on a cruise off Cher- 
 burgh; the Courageux, of 74 guns, Captain Hood, to join Lord St. Vincent'* 
 fleet ; and the London Packet armed ship, with a convoy for the Downs. 
 
 28. Arrived the Resource armed enfute, Captain Crispo, from Minorca ; 
 and Far! Spencer cutter, Lieutenant Rye, from a cruise. Sailed the Prince 
 George, of 98 guns, Captain Walker, to join the Channel fleet ; and Fly, of 
 16 guns, Captain Mudge, on a cruise off Cherburgh. 
 
 29. Arrived the Ville de Paris, of no guns, Captain Grey, from the Ckannel 
 fleet. Captain Bathurst, Second Captain to Lord St. Vincent, landed from her, 
 ynd immediately went to town with dispatches from his Lordship. Previous to 
 the Ville ds Paris sailing, his Lordship shifted his flag to the Royal George. 
 Sailed the Cambrian, of 44 guns, Hon. Captain Legge ; St. Fiorenzo, of 44, 
 guns, Captain Patterson ; .-yren, of 33 guns, Captain Gossclin; and two cut. 
 ters, to attend his Majesty at Weymouth. 
 
 30. Arrived his Majesty's sloop Seaflower, from a cruise. 
 
 31. Sailed all the Russian men of war and transports, for their own country. 
 Aug. I. Hailed the Rambler, of 16 guns, Captain Schomberg, on a cruise ; 
 
 aho the Earl Spencer cutter, Lieutenant Rye, on a cruise. 
 
 3. Arrived his Majesty's ship La Loire, of 40 guns, Captain Newman, from 
 the Mediterranean ; on 1'hursday she was cleared from quarantine, and on Fri- 
 day came into haibour. Captain Retalick, of the Royai Navy, came passenger 
 in her. 
 
 5. Sailed the Dictator, Delft, Trusry, Astrea, Termagant, Fury, and Tor- 
 toise, on a secret expedition. 
 
 6. Sailed the Eury.iice, with the transports, having on board the troops for 
 the secret expedition, from St. Helens, with the wind at N. N. E. and in the 
 evening hud got entirely round iitmbridge Ledge, with a light breeze to carry 
 them down Channel. 
 
 7. This morning, at nine o'clock, a gun was fired on board the Royal William, 
 at Spithcad, and toe yellow flag hoisted as a signal for executing J WA r % 
 and J. ALLEN, who were condemned by a Court lY.artui as benij; cor.cerii-d
 
 l66 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 in the mutiny on hoard the Hermlone. T he signal beinp repeated, the yellow 
 flag was hoisted on board the Pui^nt at Spithtad, and the Braatcl in the . ar- 
 bour, on board which chips they were executed, boats from all the ships at 
 Spithead, manned and armed with marine , attended the Puissant^ a- those in 
 the Harbour did the Braakel. At ten o'clock Watson was launched into eter- 
 nity ; but, as the same Pruvost Marshal was obliged to aiuud both nun, Alien 
 was not executed until eleven o'clock. He came in an armed boat on board the 
 Braatcl, Captain GEORGE CLARKE ; attended by Mr. ILL .AM < wtn., Cl.ap- 
 lain of the Royal William They both behaved very penitent, and ack.io., led<-d 
 the justice of their sentence. Allen was born at Chatham, and but twenty years 
 of age the day he was tried. His brother was on board the whole oi the trial, 
 and was extremely affeded ; and, at the time of the execution, he wa^ at -he 
 Dock-Yard, direilly opposite his brother, and, on the gun's firing, he fell down 
 speechless in the yard, from whence he was taken home in aeta: .iity. 
 
 The hand of Providence has evidently shewn itseii in the i 
 
 atrocious wretches, the shame of England and of humanity I'hey lad "all made 
 their escape, and were in an enemy's country; yet, by various ways, <>!!d hidden 
 in unaccountable means, Divine vengeance has purs-ued and delivered them up 
 to the arm of .their offended country! We trust this strong and memorable 
 document will not be lost upon the Navy, and that it will recur in the very first 
 moment of artful mutiny and political seditiou. We shall hortly have an oppor- 
 tunity of shewing how great a part of the crew of that ship, recovered by the 
 gallantry of true British seamen, has already been overtaken by justice. 
 
 8. Arrived the Beaver, Captain Jones, from a cruise. 
 
 9. Arrived the Sheerness, Captain Garden, from Gibraltar, last from the 
 Downs. 
 
 10. Arrived the Concorde, from St. Martin's, laden with salt, a prize to the 
 Ant schooner; the Catherine, from Bourdeaux, with wine, prize to the Wol- 
 verene. 
 
 1 1. Sailed the Termagant, Captain Skipsey, with dispatches for Lord Keith. 
 
 13. Arrived the Triton, -, from Havre, laden with mahogany, prize 
 
 to his Majesty's frigate Proselyte. 
 
 1 8. Arrived the Dart sloop, of 18 guns, Captain Devonshire, from the Downs ; 
 and Voltigeur, of 18 guns, Captain Shortland, from having convoyed the home- 
 ward-bound Newfoundland ships. Sailed the Seaflower brig, Lieutenant Mur- 
 ray, with General M'Donald and suite on board, for Jersey. 
 
 19. Sailed the Alert Cutter, Lieutenant Clark, with a convoy for Plymouth ; 
 and the Warrior, of 74 guns, Captain Tyler, to join Lord St. Vincent's fleet. 
 
 20 Arrived the Farl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenant Leekey, with the 
 Friendship, a Danish galliot, her prize, laden with merchandize, from Amster- 
 dam, for Lisbon, tailed the Dart sloop, of 18 guns, Captain Lever: shire, for 
 the Downs. 
 
 21. The Ville de Paris, no guns, Captain Grey, went out of Dock. It is 
 supposed she will go out of harbour in the course of ten days. 
 
 21. Arrived the Scourge, of 18 guns, Captain S. Warren, from convoying 
 part of the homeward-bound We$r India fleet, safe up Bristol Channel. She 
 parted, on Saturday last, off Cape Clear, with the Invincible, and the West India 
 fleet, bound for the River, and proceeded as far as I.undy with two West India- 
 men, bound for Bristol. She sailed iroai thence on Tuesday last for this port, 
 .-he brings intelligence of the outward-bound West-India fleet, that sailed in 
 April under convoy of the Scorpion, Severn, and Dromedary, having arrived at 
 jViartinique on the aoth of May. The Scourge made her passage in six weeks 
 from the Islands. The West India fleet consisted of about ninety-one sail : 
 great part of them were Guinea-men, bound to Liverpool and Glasgow. The 
 >courge has been out ever since April 13, 1797, and has taken two Spanish let- 
 ters of marque. Sailed the Grand Falconer cutter, Lieutenant C hilcott. for ct. 
 Marcou. 
 
 23. Arrived the Alert cutter, Lieutenant Clark, from the Downs.
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 167 
 
 IPromotiona anU appointments. 
 
 ADMIRAL SIR ALAN GARDNER is appointed chief on the Irish station 
 in the room of Admiral Kingsmill, 
 
 The Prince of Wales, of 98 guns, is ordered to be fitted for the flag of Rear 
 'Admiral Sir Robert Calder, Cart, and Captain Penrose is appointed to com- 
 mand the ship. She is to be employed in the Channel fleet under Earl St. 
 Vincent. 
 
 Sir Thomas Trouhridgc, Bart, lately returned from the Mediterranean, is 
 appointed Captain of the Channel fleet, and will sail from Portsmouth in a few 
 days in the Ville de Paris, of up guns, Captain Grey. 
 
 Captain Sir Home Popham is appointed to command the Romney, of 50 
 guns. 
 
 Captain Freemantle is appointed to the Ganges, of 74 guns, fitting at Forts- 
 mouth. 
 
 Captain Patrick Campbell, late of his Majesty's sloop Dart, who so gallantly 
 captured the fine French frigate Destree, under the very guns of Dunkirk, and 
 in view of a number of the enemy's ships, is appointed by the Lords of the 
 Admiralty to the command of his Majesty's frigate Ariadne. 
 
 Captain M. Seymour, of the Spitfire, 24 guns, is appointed by the Lords of 
 the Admiralty a Post Captain in the Royal Navy. 
 
 Captain Kun, of the Chapman, 24 guns, is appointed to the command of the 
 Spitfire, 24. 
 
 Captain W. H. Webley is appointed to the command of his Majesty's sloop 
 Savage, on the Irish station, in the room of Captain Norman Thompson, who is 
 promoted to the rank of Post Captain. 
 
 Lieutenant Conn, of the Formidable, is promoted to the rank of Master and 
 Commander, and appointed to the Discovery bomb. 
 
 Captain Dick, of the Discovery, is appointed to the Cynthia; and Captain 
 Malbon, of the Cynthia, is promoted to the rank of Post Captain. 
 
 Lord Cochrane is promoted to the rank of Master and Commander, and ap- 
 pointed to the Speedy sloop of war. 
 
 Honourable G. L.Dundas, one of the Lieutenants of his Majesty's late un- 
 fortunate ship Queen Charlotte, is promoted to the rank of Master and Com- 
 mander, and appointed to the Camelion sloop of war. 
 
 Browne, Esq. first Lieutenant of the Elephant, is promoted to the 
 
 rank of Commander ; and Lieutenant William Wilkinson, who was so severely 
 wounded in the ever-memorable battle of the Nile, on board his Majesty's ship 
 Goliah, and who was first Lieutenant of that ship for many months before she 
 was paid of at Portsmouth, succeeds Mr. Browne as first Lieutenant of the 
 Elephant. 
 
 The Rev- H. Don is appointed Chaplain of the Royal Oak, and the whole of 
 the prison ships commanded by Captain Rawe. 
 
 Mr. Fisher, of the Rowcliffe aimed brig, is promoted to a surgeon, and ap- 
 pointed to the Wolverene, on the Marcou station. 
 
 Lieutenant Alt, of the Royal William, who has for a considerable time com- 
 manded the Ant schooner, with great credit to himself, and advantage to the 
 public service, is put on half pay; and William Hird, Esq. is appointed to the 
 command of the Ant. 
 
 Captain Mouat is appointed Resident Agent for transports at Gibraltar. 
 
 W. P. Wallis, Esq. Secretary to Admiral Sir Roger Curtis, in the room of 
 Mr. J. Williamson, who is appointed Purser of the Orestes. 
 
 In consequence of the death of Colonel Painter, of the Marine Forces, the 
 following officers have been promoted : Major Munro succeeds Colonel Painter; 
 '- aptain Winter gets the majority; Captain-Lieutenant Wardlace has a full 
 company ; and Lieutenant Griffiths is made Captain-Lieutenant.
 
 l68 MONTHLY REGISTER OF HAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 LATELY at Malvern, Thomas Lynne, Esq. of the Navy, to Miss Mary 
 Warren, third daughter of the Rev. Erasmus Warren, Rector of Hampstead, 
 near 1 ondon, and of Great Bromley, in Kent. 
 
 The a8th ult at Kingston, Vice-Admiral Bligh to Miss Golightly, of Ham 
 Common, Surry. 
 
 The 4th inst. at Plymouth, Dr. William Knighton to Miss Dorothea Hawker, 
 youngest daughter of the late Captain Hawker, of the Navy. 
 
 At Mary-le-bone Church, Captain Sabine, of the Guards, to Miss Paisley, 
 daughter of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Paisley, Bart. 
 
 At fotness, Devon, Mr. Fitzgerald, Purser of L'Achille, of 74 guns, to Miss 
 Toms, of that place. 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 June 25. AFTER a lingering illness, George Bowen, Esq. Commander of 
 his Majesty's ship Trusty, of 50 guns. He was nephew to Rear Admiral 
 Bowen ; and made a Post Captain in 1795. 
 
 A few days since, at Bristol, Colonel Peter Painter, of the Marine forces. He 
 is greatly regretted by his brother Officers, and a numerous acquaintance. 
 At Cosham, Mrs. Orrock, widow of Captain Orrock. 
 At Greenwich, the Lady of Captain ^ir H. Linzee. 
 At Chatham, Mr. H. Watson, foreman of the dock-yard. 
 Lately, at sea, returning from Honduras, Captain Pierson, aged 27 years. He 
 served under Lord Nelson, in the Captain, of 74 guns, in the action between 
 the British and Spanish fleets, on the 141!) of February, 1797- Captain, then 
 Lieutenant Picrson, of the 6o.th regiment, accompanied the brave Nelson, when, 
 sword in hand, he boarded and captured a Spanish 84 and 112 gun ship. 
 
 The 1 6th inst. in the ?ist year of his age, at Bath, the Honourable Samuel 
 Batring:on, senior Admiral of the White, General of his Majesty's Marine 
 Forces, and brother to the Lord Bishop of Durham ; he was the fifth son of John 
 Lord Vissount Barrington, of the Kingdom of Ireland, and consequently brother 
 to the late Lord. Owing to an infirm state of health, he had, for the last ten 
 years of his life, declined accepting of any naval command ; but the records of 
 his various and eminent services performed in the earlier period of it, are inde- 
 libly imprinted in the page of history, and still more honourably preserved in 
 the minds of his countrymen. This gentleman wa never married ; but though 
 he hath left no children to lament his loss, all those who have ever served under 
 his orders, and survive, will supply the want of relative Rricf, and lament his 
 death as a foster parent, whom they loved, honoured, and revered. As nn 
 officer, exceeded by none, and equalled by few, in the different requisites of 
 nautical knowledge, experience, ability, and gallantry; it becomes a matter of 
 no small difficulty to decide whether his loss be more to be deplored as a mis- 
 fortune to that abstract, though more public branch of society, the naval service, 
 or to the general community, in which his conduct displayed a rare and valuable 
 instance of uninterrupted benevolence, friendship, and philanthropy, raised to an 
 height which few have been able to rival, and none to excel- He was the inti- 
 mate friend of the Marquis of Lansdown, Colonel Barre, and some of the most 
 respectable persons for talents and integrity which this country can boast ; but 
 by no person will Admiral Harrington's loss be more regretted than by the 
 present gallant Commander of the Channel fleet, with whom, till the day of 
 his death, he lived in habits of the srricte^t intimacy and friendship. 
 
 The Admiral was one of five brothers who rose to the highest dignities that 
 can be conferred in their respeSive lines. The eldest was a Peer ; the second, 
 John, a General ; the third, Dairies, a Judge ; the fourth, Samuel, an Admiral ; 
 and the fifth, khute, the present Bishop of Durham, and the only survivor of 
 this illustrious family. The first Lord Barrington, the father of these, was the 
 son of a merchant, end himself, independent of the other honours he attained, a 
 writer of great eminence:
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS Of 
 
 THE HONOURABLE 
 
 SAMUEL BARRINGTON, 
 
 ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE SQUADRON, AND GENERAL OF MARINE*. 
 
 When greatness is to goodness near allied, 
 
 The man that has them, is a man indeed ! Hu R D I s. 
 
 Be these thy honours, Harrington ! and these 
 
 The liberal Muse, that never stain'd her page 
 
 With flattery, fhall record. A\o:v. 
 
 "y^TITH whatever willingness the contemplative mind may 
 join in the general fhout which attends an hero's 
 triumph, it not only dwells with very high and peculiar 
 complacency but heartfelt satisfadion on the character in. 
 which the milder virtues are no less conspicuous than the 
 martial. There is a particular species of goodness that the 
 cynic may attribute to an indolence of mind, and of valour 
 which the philosopher feels himself sometimes compelled to 
 regard as ferocity ; but when benevolence and bravery are 
 found forming ingredients and qualities in the same person, 
 the greatest sceptic dare not withhold his tribute of applause 
 and admiration. 
 
 In regard to the man who is equally admirable " in glorious 
 war, and still more glorious peace," the reludant praise of 
 the cynic, and the hesitative determination of the philoso- 
 pher, are completely done away. Praise, the just tribute of 
 his high merit, is fairly and liberally bestowed by the com- 
 mon consent of all parties and descriptions of his country- 
 men. The character of a patriot may be falsely thought to 
 exist in the greatest brilliancy when elevated on the stilts of 
 what is called popularity, but it must be obvious to every 
 sincere and true philanthropist, that he alone is deserving of 
 the title, who in all cases and at all risks to himself, is ready 
 and anxious to promote what are the real interests and ad- 
 vantages of his country. The man who, when his country- 
 men are threatened by surrounding foes, stands forward in 
 their defence, and who, when public tranqu 1 ty again 
 re-assumes its reign, unceasingly labours to promote tha 
 i. IV. z
 
 IJfl BIOGRAPHICAL MBMOIR8 
 
 comfort of individuals ; as his claim to the character is built 
 on the strongest foundation, so has envy never dared to 
 whisper a syllable in detraftion of his merits, but allows the 
 uninterrupted enjoyment of that pleasure which the triumph 
 of benevolence and virtue cannot- fail to excite. 
 
 Such was truly the character of the subject of the present 
 Memoirs. He was the fifth son of John first Lord Viscount 
 Barrington, of the kingdom of Ireland, and Anne his wife, 
 daughter and coheiress to Sir William Daines. The family 
 from whence he was descended was of very remote antiquity, 
 it was of Norman extraction, and its original name Shute. 
 Having settled in the county of Cambridge, the first person 
 who rendered himself conspicuous among them, was Robert, 
 son to Christopher Shute, of Stockington, in that county. 
 This Robert was a Barrister, and appointed a Baron of the 
 Exchequer anno 1579, from which Court he removed into 
 the King's Bench in 1585. John, the grandson to this Robert, 
 was made a Commiflioner of the Cuftoms in 1708, and be- 
 came in 1710 legatee to John Wildman, of Becket, in the 
 County of Berks, Esq.; who, though no relation, bequeathed 
 to him a very noble landed property in that county, after 
 having made a declaration in his will most highly honourable 
 to the objeft of his bounty. He expressed on that occasion, 
 that his only reason for so doing, was because he considered 
 Mr. Shute as the man of all others most deserving of being 
 adopted by him. 
 
 Some years after this a second very considerable estate was 
 bequeathed to the same honourable person by Francis Bar- 
 tington, of Tofts, in the county of Essex, Esq. who had 
 married his aunt. In compliance with the deed of settlement 
 by which the eftate was conveyed, Mr. Shute then assumed 
 the name of Barrington, and on the ist of July, 1720, was 
 created an Irish peer, by the titles of Baron Barrington of 
 Newcastle, and Viscount Barrington of Ardglass, in that 
 kingdom. John, the first Lord, died December the I4th, 
 1734, leaving several children, of whom particulars will be 
 hereafter given.
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL BARRINGTdfr. IJl 
 
 Samuel, the fifth son, being intended for the naval service* 
 Was entered in 1740^ being then scarcely eleven years old, on 
 board the Lark, a fifth rate, of 40 guns, commanded by the 
 Right Honourable Lord George Graham *. The first ser- 
 
 * This Nobleman was the fourth son of James, fourth Marquis, and first Duke 
 of Montrose, by the Lady Christian Carnegie, daughter of David Earl of Nor- 
 thesk. He was the descendant of one of the most ancient families in North 
 Britain. 
 
 No sirname in Scotland claims a higher origin than Graham. The tradi- 
 tional account thereof handed down to us by our historians is, that they artt 
 descended of the renowned Graeme, who in the year 404 was general of King 
 Fergus the Second's army, and was Governor of Scotland in the minority of his 
 grandchild King Eugene II. He fought with the Romans and defeated the 
 Britons. In the year 420, he made a breach in and forced that mighty wall 
 which the Emperor Severus had reared up between the rivers Forth and Clyde 
 as the utmost limits of the Roman empire, to keep out the Scots from molesting 
 them in their possessions, which wall has ever since retained, and to this day 
 goes under the name of Graeme's Dyke* 
 
 The foundation of this great rampart has been of late traced from one river 
 to the other^ and is fully marked by several stones found therein, which have 
 Roman inscriptions cut out upon them, denoting the limits where and by whom 
 they were set, &c. A good many of these stones arc at present to be seen in th 
 college of Glasgow, and are well described in Mr. Gordon's Itinerarium Sep. 
 tentrionale. 
 
 1 his great man is said to have married a lady of the Royal House of Den- 
 tnark, and was progenitor of all the Grahams in the kingdom of Scotland. 
 
 His Lordship impelled by his natural spirit, inherited as it were from his 
 brave and truly noble, though unfortunate ancestor, James the first Marquis, 
 entered at an early age into the navy, and was advanced more in consequenea 
 of his own merit and worth, than any advantage he derived from his noble 
 birth, through the different subordinate stations till he at length became com- 
 mander of the Mercury fireship. He was promoted on the I5th of March 1740, 
 to be Captain of the Adventure, a fifth rate, and in the ensuing month mad 
 Governor of Newfoundland. He held that station only for the current season, 
 for he was some time in the ensuing removed into the Lark, of 40 guns, and 
 sent to convoy the outward-bound Turkey trade. There is no subsequent ae- 
 count of him till the beginning of the year 1745, when he was appointed to the 
 command of the Cumberland, of 60 guns, which he soon declined j and chose ra- 
 ther, as better suited to his active turn of mind, to accept that of the Bi idgewater : 
 some persons erroneously say he commanded the iheerness, a frigate of 24 guns, 
 itationed in the channel. In June following, he di.stingwished himself exceed- 
 ingly in the attack and capture of several privateeis and their prize?, of which 
 brilliant adion there is the following account in an official jitter from Ostend : 
 Yesterday afternoon Lwd George Graham* in his Majesty's ship the Bridge- 
 water, of 24 guns, Captain Gordon, in the Sheerness, of 24 guns, and LiiU- 
 tenant Fergusson, in the Ursula armed vessel, of 16 guns, anchored in sight of 
 this town. This morning about half past one, the town was alarmed with 
 firing, which arose from the three above-mentioned ships being engaged with 
 *kree Dunkirk privateers, the Royal, of 28 <juns, the Duchess dc Pcflthievre, of
 
 17* BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 vice in which that ship was engaged after Mr. Barrington's first 
 connexion with it, was as one of the convoy to the outward- 
 bound Turkey fleet j and soon after his return from that voy- 
 age he removed into the Leopard, a fourth rate, of 50 guns, 
 one of the fleet employed on the Mediterranean station *. 
 
 a6 guns, a logger of j a guns, and seven prizes, which they had taken, and 
 were carrying to Dunkirk. 
 
 The fight was obstinate till about four o'clock, when the four large prizes, 
 three of them Virginia ships, struck to the Sheerness, the two large privateers 
 to the Bridgewater, two Bremeners and a Scotch brig to the Ursula, but the 
 dogger privateer made her escape. The Bridgewater, Sheerness, two large 
 privateers, and four large prizes, struck the ground, but were all got off the 
 following tide, except one of the privateers. 
 
 He was immediately after this promoted to the Nottingham, of 60 guns, and 
 in the course of a short cruise, on which he immediately proceeded, sunk a large 
 French privateer, ca.led the Bacchus ; all the crew were, however, saved, ex- 
 cept the Lieutenant. His Lordship was taken ill on his return into port, and 
 unhappily did no: long survive this exploit, dying January 2, 1746-7. 
 
 It is elsewhere remarked, that from a multitude of concurrent testimonies, he 
 appears to have been an officer who attained a great share of popularity, and 
 was indeed very deservedly the idol of all seamen who knew him, as well on 
 .account of the high opinion entertained of his gallantry, as an invincible fund 
 of good humour, which latter quality conciliated the affections of men in the 
 same degree that the first related excited their admiration and esteem. 
 
 * This ship" was then commanded by Lord Forrester, which Nobleman was 
 the eldest son of George, fifth Lord Forrester, who was a military Officer, and 
 signalized himself in a very remarkable manner under the Generals Wills and 
 Carpenter, at Preston, in Lancashire, during the rebellion which broke out in 
 1715. As a reward for his very great bravery, he was advanced to be Colonel 
 of the fourth troop of Horse Guards. George, his son, the sixth Lord For- 
 rester, having entered into the navy, was on the Z4th of November 1741, pro- 
 moted to be Captain of the Biddeford frigate. He was soon afterwards ordered 
 to Gibraltar and the Mediterranean, on which station he contirtued during the 
 following year; during this time no mention is made of him, except his having 
 been concerned with Captain Norris of the Kingston, in the capture of two 
 Spanish prizes, the St. Anthonio and Senora Rosaria, which they carried into 
 Gibraltar. Early in the year 1742, he became Captain of the Leopard, of 50 
 uns, and still continued on the same station, where, in the month of August, 
 he captured a valuable prize. Of this circumstance he gave the following re- 
 port in a letter written to the Secretary of the Admiralty, which is worthy of 
 insertion as well on account of the fad itself, as of the singular style in which 
 the memory of it is'prc served : 
 
 On the 9th instant, between Cape St. Mary's and Cadiz, I saw a ship stem- 
 ming right in for the latter placg, and as she lay immediately in my route, I 
 futd two shot at hsr, and brought her to. On examination, I found her to be 
 a Spaniard, of about two hundred and odd ton's, laden with logwood, cochineal, 
 and cocoa, and several other sorts of dyes, the names I do not know, Canary 
 wines, four camels, and a great present, yet unknown, for the King of Nuple;
 
 6* THE HON. SAMUEL BARKINGTON. i;j 
 
 Mr. Barrington continued there and in the same ship tills 
 the year 1746, and then returned to England, having been a 
 short time before promoted by Admiral Rowley to the rank 
 of lieutenant ; but neither is the time known with precision 
 when this advancement took place, nor the name of the ship 
 (to which he was appointed. 
 
 At the latter end of the year 1746, or the beginning of the 
 ensuing, he was raised to the rank of commander, and ap- 
 pointed to the Weazle sloop, from whence he experienced a 
 Hill farther promotion on the 2O,th of May 1747, when he 
 became a Post Captain, being commissioned to die Bellona, a 
 fifth rate, of 30 guns. This vessel had been a private ship 
 of war, captured from the French a short time before, but 
 being thought an excellent sailer, and well fitted for war, 
 was received into the Royal Navy. Soon as Captain Bar- 
 rington had entered upon his command, being then scarcely 
 more than eighteen years old, he was ordered out on a 
 cruise off Ushant, and distinguished himself exceedingly in 
 a very smart adtion which took place on the iSth of August 
 following, between the Bellona and the Duke de Chartres, a 
 French East India ship of considerable force. 
 
 Of this encounter the following official particulars are 
 given : 
 
 At nine in the morning his Majesty's ship Bellona, commanded by 
 the Honourable Captain Barrington, gav chase to a sail standing to 
 the eastward, and at one discovered her to be an enemy. In three 
 quarters of an hour the chase hoisted French colours, and fired at the 
 Bellona, -vhich Captain Barrington, not thinking himself near enough, 
 
 as also a bishop, a priest, a Spanish general, and other officers, with great sum* 
 of piastres. 
 
 He is said to have continued Captain of the Leopard till the beginning of the 
 year 1745, when he was promoted to the Defiance, of 60 guns. Having un- 
 happily contracted an habit of intemperance, which occasionally rendered him 
 very unfit for command, and betrayed him into several breaches of duty ; hi 
 misconduct at last became so apparent and glaring, that he was brought before a 
 Court Martial, of which .Mr. Griffin was President, held on board the Tilbury, 
 at Portsmouth. The charge against him being incontrovertibly proved, he wa* 
 sentenced to be dismissed the service on the 28th of March 1/46. He did not 
 long survive this disgrace, the cause of which all benevolent men, while they 
 condemn, must at the same time compassionate,
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 did not return (being but just within point-blank), till about tfrd 
 o'clock, when Ushant bearing E. distance three leagues, he began to 
 engage her closely, anJ continued to do so till half past four, when she 
 truck. She proved to be a French East India ship from port TOrientj 
 called the Duke de Chartres, of 700 torts, 30 guns, nine and twelve"- 
 pounders, with one hundred and ninety five men, laden with beef, flouf, 
 brandy, wine, and oil, and had on board three mortars, and a great 
 cumber of shells. 
 
 Killed of the French 25 Wounded I& 
 Bellona 3 } 
 
 Not long after the return of Captain Barrington into port 
 with his prize, at least before the conclusion of the then, 
 current year, he removed into the Romney, a large fifth rate, 
 mounting 44 guns, in which ship he continued till the con- 
 clusion of the war ; but unfortunately without meeting with 
 any second opportunity of distinguishing himself so con- 
 spicuously as he had before done. Not long after the cessa- 
 tion of hostilities he was appointed to the Sea-horse, of 20 
 guns, and Ordered to the Mediterranean with the late Admiral 
 Keppel, who was appointed to command on that ftation, 
 with the established rank of Commodore ; while employed 
 in that quarter he was particularly occupied in the civil 
 capacity of a negotiator with the different piratical States of 
 the coast of Barbary for the ransom of many British subjects 
 who had been captured at different times, and were then held 
 in a state of slavery. This occupation, melancholy and dis- 
 agreeable as it might on some accounts be considered, was 
 on others far from unacceptable to a man of Mr. Barring- 
 ton's benevolent turn of mind. After much difficulty he 
 prevailed in effecting his purpose, if not so completely a$ 
 he himself might wish, at least he succeeded as well as the. 
 peculiar nature of his commission allowed, which appears by 
 the following extracts from official documents : 
 
 (rlbr altar t Aug. 16, 1750. 
 
 In four or five days Captain Barrington will sail from hence in a 
 man of war for Tetuan, and will carry with him Mr* Pettigrew, his 
 Britannic Majesty's Consul'General to Morocco, Fez, and the AI- 
 garves, in order to treat for the redemption of all British captives whick 
 e now in slavery at those places. 
 
 I
 
 P THB HON. SAMUEL BARMMGTOW. ; lyf 
 
 * Gibraltar, Oft. 9, 1750. 
 
 Yesterday Captain Barrington, in the Seahorse man of war, re- 
 turned hither from Cadiz, having on board a considerable sum of 
 money, to be applied for the redemption of all the British subje&s who 
 are in slavery at Tctuan. 
 
 C'ibr -altar ', Dec. 9, 1750. 
 
 Captain Barrington in the Seahorse man of war, who sailed from 
 lience on the 7th instant in the morning for Tetuan Bay, .in order to 
 bring over the British slaves, is returned hither this morning, and has 
 brought with him Mr. Latton, and twenty-seven captives. 
 
 On his return from the ftation last mentioned, he was ap- 
 pointed to the Crown, a fifth rate, of 44 guns, and ordered 
 to the coast of Guinea, a quarter, more particularly in time 
 of peace, where he could have no opportunity of being 
 otherwise than very uninterestingly employed. He did not 
 however, long remain on that station, and immediately on 
 his return to England was promoted to the Norwich, a 
 fourth rate, of 50 guns, one of the ships ordered to be put 
 into commission and equipped for immediate service, in con- 
 sequence of the various encroachments made by the French 
 on the British settlements in North America. The squadron 
 destined on this occasion to assist in punishing the insult 
 which the honour of the nation and the property of plundered 
 individuals had received, was put under the command of Com- 
 modore Keppelj who was intrusted at the same time with die 
 protection of a fleet of transports, having on board a number 
 of troops with their camp equipage and artillery. This army 
 was commanded by the brave but rash and imprudent Gene- 
 ral Braddock ; and the quarter in which it was destined to 
 a&, being so far removed from the coast as to render any 
 plan of co-operation impossible, the naval transactions of 
 that expedition were necessarily confined to the mere pro- 
 teftion of the troops on their passage, and providing for their 
 different wants, far as circumstances would permit, after 
 they were landed. 
 
 Captain Barrington, after having remained for a short time 
 subsequent to his return to Europe without holding any com- 
 inission, was, in 1757, appointed to the Achilles, a new ship
 
 X7$ BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRf 
 
 of 60 guns, onft of the fleet destined for the home or channel 
 service. As soon as it was equipped, he was ordered on the 
 successless expedition sent against Rochfort. Independent of 
 that reluctance with which it is natural for all people to 
 enter into any detail of an occurrence on which the wishes 
 and expectations of a whole nation, after being anxiously 
 xed, were chilled by the severest disappointment, Captain 
 Barrington was so trivially concerned in it, as to render any 
 enlarged account of the transaction irrelevant and improper. 
 He was afterwards employed as a channel cruiser during the! 
 remainder of the year, and at the commencement of the 
 ensuing, was occupied in a similar kind of service, under the 
 orders of Captain Pratten, who was senior Officer of one of 
 the small squadrons which were constantly kept in the 
 channel and off the coast of France, to prevent as much as 
 possible the depredations that might otherwise have been 
 committed by the enemy's cruisers. 
 
 This little armament had the good fortune to fall in with 
 the Raisonable, a French ship of war, mounting 64 guns, 
 which the Dorsetshire, commanded by Captain, afterwards 
 Sir Peter Denis, was immediately ordered to chase, but in 
 consequence of its being discovered that the object of pursuit 
 was a very large vessel, Captain Barrington was ordered to 
 follow in pursuit, and support the Dorsetshire if necessary. 
 The superior sailing of the latter ship, and the briskness of* 
 her attack, prevented Captain Barrington from acquiring that 
 opportunity of distinguishing himself which his gallantry 
 and natural spirit flattered him with the hopes of, when first 
 ordered to pursue. He continued occupied in the same line 
 of active service till the }ear 1760, when he was ordered to 
 Louisburg, which fortress had not long before been captured 
 from the enemy. Previous, however, to his quitting a 
 station on which he had been so long employed, he had the 
 happiness in the month of April 1759, f foxing in w ^ tn a 
 French ship of war, called the St. Florentine, which was of 
 equal force with the Achilles. After a short chase he got 
 close up with his antagonist, whom he brought to a very close
 
 OF THE HON. SA'MUEL HARRINGTON. 177 
 
 Sclion, which was closed after a continuance of contest for 
 two hours, by the surrender of the enemy. 
 
 The peculiar manner and address with which the Achilles 
 was manoeuvred during the encounter, reflected a brilliancy 
 on the character of her commander superior, if possible, to 
 the lustre produced by any cotemporary atchievement* 
 Furious and uninterrupted as the aftion had raged for so 
 long a space of time, two persons only were killed, and 
 twenty-three wounded- among Mr. Barrington's crew; while 
 on board the French ship the carnage had exceeded five times 
 that number ; the vessel itself being reduced at the same time 
 almost completely to a wreck, not only by the loss of all her 
 masts, but by the extreme injury she had received in her 
 hull. Prudence and ability, connected with a proper por- 
 tion of spirit, render the character of a comrmnder perfect ; 
 and in few men have these united qualities appeared with 
 greater advantage than they did in that of Captain Barring- 
 ton, on the different occasions he met with of displaying 
 them. 
 
 After the return of Captain Barrington from Louisburg, 
 at the close of the year 1760, the Achilles was taken into 
 dock for repair, a necessary operation, in which the greatest 
 part of the winter was consumed. As soon as it was com- 
 pleted, he was ordered to put himself under the command 
 of Commodore Keppel, with whom he accordingly pro- 
 ceeded on the Expedition undertaken against Belleisle. Here 
 he again signalized himself, particularly in the attack of one 
 of the forts situated near the shore,* which had it not been 
 previously silenced, would very materially have incommoded 
 the troops during their debarkation. As a maik of Mr. 
 Keppel's esteem for his condudt, he was chosen by that 
 gentleman to be the bearer of his official dispatches, in 
 which he pays Captain Barrington the following concise 
 and l well deserved compliment, " Captain Barrington having 
 been employed in many of the operations on this service, I 
 have sent him home with this letter, and beg, Sir, to refer 
 you to him for the particulars." He continued in the same 
 
 U IV, A A
 
 f^8 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR! 
 
 ship till nearly the conclusion of the war, but was, generally 
 speaking, very uninterestingly employed, owing to that in- 
 aftion of the enemy, which was naturally consequent to 
 the heavy losses their Marine had sustained. 
 
 In the early part of the year 1762, he served in the small ar- 
 mament to which those causes which have been just mentioned 
 had enabled Britairf to" reduce her naval force stationed in the 
 channel, but before the aftual cessation of hostilities took 
 place, he was appointed to the Hero, of 74 guns, one of the 
 ships employed in the same line of service the Achilles had 
 been, and under the same Flag Officer, the late Sir Charles 
 Hardy. His ship being put out of commission and dis- 
 mantled as soon as jhe definitive treaty of peace had taken 
 place, Mr. Barrington did not take upon him any subsequent 
 command till the year 1768, when he was appointed to the 
 Venus frigate, of 36 guns, which was at that time considered 
 as the finest ship of her class, which had ever belonged to 
 the British Navy. 
 
 The cause of this appointment was, in order that Captain 
 Barrington might aft as instructor or tutor to his Royal 
 Highness the late Duke of Cumberland, who had then de- 
 termined on entering into the naval service. No person 
 more fit or more capable of undertaking such a charge, 
 could have been found. The preparatory service in the 
 navy, far as regarded a personage of his Highness's elevated 
 rank, was at that time a mere matter of form, for it had been 
 customary, as in the case of his Royal brother the Duke of 
 York, to promote Princes to the rank of Flag Officers, almost 
 as soon as those temporary inconveniences generally experi- 
 enced by persons on their first going to sea, had worn off. But 
 in proportion as this preliminary service was dispensed with 
 and shortened, by so much the more did it become incum- 
 bent on the preceptor to be diligent in communicating his 
 instructions, and on the pupil to be attentive in receiving 
 them. This appointment, therefore, which by some persons 
 might be cursorily passed over as a circumstance of trivial or 
 no consequence, will be found on closer examination, one of
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL BARRINGTON. 179 
 
 the greatest compliments that could have been bestowed on 
 him. 
 
 Captain Barrington, that the rules of the service might be 
 preserved, at least on such occasions as it had been un- 
 customary to dispense with, resigned the command of the 
 Venus for a few days, in the course of the month of Odto- 
 ber following his appointment, in order to afford an op- 
 portunity to his Royal pupil of being promoted to the rank 
 of Post Captain. The Duke being quickly afterwards ad- 
 vanced to the station of Rear Admiral of the Blue, Mr. 
 Barrington resumed his former station as commander of the 
 Venus, and had the honour of attending his Royal Highness 
 to Lisbon. < After his return to England, he continued 
 without holding any commission till theyear 1771, when, in 
 consequence of an apprehended rupture with Spain relative 
 to the Falkland Islands, he was appointed to the Albion, of 
 74 guns, one of the ships ordered to be equipped at Chat- 
 ham on that occasion. The dispute being accommodated, 
 the ship just mentioned was ordered to be retained in com- 
 mission as a guardship stationed at Plymouth, where Captain 
 Barrington continued to command her during the three 
 Succeeding years. 
 
 In 1777, all prospeft having vanished of terminating the 
 contest which had then "so long subsisted between Great 
 Britain and the American Colonies, and it becoming every 
 day more and more probable that France had resolved on be- 
 coming a party in the dispute, Great Britain applied herself 
 with no inconsiderable degree of earnestness to the equip- 
 ment of a formidable naval force. Mr. Barrington was 
 accordingly commissioned to the Prince of Wales, a third 
 rate, of 74 guns, one of the ships ordered to be fitted for 
 immediate ser.vice. As soon as the ship was ready for sea, it 
 was ordered out on a cruise in the Bay of Biscay, for the 
 purpose of distressing the Americiu commerce, and met with 
 no inconsiderable share of success. Mr. Barrington, how- 
 ever, was on the point of engaging in a far mure atiive scene^
 
 I?.0 BIOSR.APHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 which consequently was much more agreeable to his a&ive 
 turn of mind. Being promoted on the 23d of January 1778, 
 to the rank of Rear- Admiral of the White, he hoisted his flag 
 on board the same ship, and proceeded to the West Indies, 
 having been invested with the chief command of the naval 
 force employed in that quarter, as successor to Admiral 
 Young. The rupture with France, an event which had 
 been so long meditated by that country, and considered as 
 inevitable by Britain, having commenced in 1778, the force 
 under the orders of the Vice- Admiral became totally inade- 
 quate to the protection of such valuable possessions as the 
 West India islands. Mr. Hotham was accordingly detached 
 te reinforce him from North America, with two ships of 64 
 guns*, three of 5<D,guns each f? and a bomb-ketch. This 
 squadron also served to convoy to the West Indies, which 
 were then very ill-garrisoned and provided with troops, a 
 fleet consisting of fifty-nine transports, having on board a, 
 considerable land force, intended not merely for the protec- 
 tion of the British possessions, but the annoyance and attack 
 of any colonies, the property of the enemy, which should 
 be considered as vulnerable. 
 
 A junction being happily formed with Mr. Barrington at 
 Barbadoes, where he had collefted the whole force under his 
 command, which previously consisted of no more than two 
 ships of the line, the Prince of Wales and Boyne, with six or 
 seven small frigates and sloops of war, it was resolved to com- 
 mence operations against the enemy, by an immediate and 
 powerful attack on the French Island of St. Lucia. Scarce 
 had the troops obtained a footing on the island, when the 
 whole attention of the Admiral was through necessity di- 
 verted to a sudden, though not totally unexpe&ed enemy, in 
 the Count d'Estaing, who had arrived at Martinico a few 
 days before. The following plain unadorned account, offi- 
 cially given by Mr. Barrington, of the principal transactions 
 
 * The St. Allans and Nonsuch. t The Isis, Centurion, and Presto*,
 
 OF THE HON, SAMUEL BARRINGTON. j$f 
 
 which took place on this eventful occasion, cannot fail of 
 proving interesting in the extreme, to every lover of his 
 country, and every admirer of gallantry : 
 
 Prince of Wales, in tli Grand Cut de Sac in tie L/auJ 
 
 of S(. Lucia, December aj, 1778, at Nigbt. 
 SIR, 
 
 In my letter of the 24th of last month from Baibadoes, I informed 
 you of the Venus's arrival there, with an account of Commodore 
 Hotham's being on his way to join me ; and you will now please to 
 acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that the Com- 
 modore arrived there the loth instant, with his Majesty's ships the 
 Nonsuch, St. Albans, Preston, Centurion, Isis, and Carcass, and 
 fifty-nine transports ; having on board 5000 troops, under the com- 
 mand of Major-General Grant. 
 
 To save time and prevent the confusion naturally arising from a 
 change of signals among the transports, I adopted those of the Com- 
 modore, and directing him to lead with the landing division, put to 
 sea the I2th in the morning, in order to carry into execution their 
 Lordships secret instructions, and about three o'clock on the follow- 
 ing day anchored here with the whole squadron ; except the Ariadne, 
 Ceres, Snake, Barbadoes, and Pelican, which I had stationed along 
 the coast to intercept any vessels attempting to escape from the 
 Island. 
 
 More than half the troops were landed the same morning, under 
 the direction of the Commodore, assisted by the Captains Griffith, 
 Braithwaite, and Onslow, and the remainder the next morning (the 
 1 4th), when they immediately got possession of the Careenage ; and it 
 was my intention to have icmoved the transports thither as soon as 
 possible, had not that measure been prevented by the appearance of 
 the French fleet under Count d'Estaing, of whom I received notice 
 in the evening, by signal from the Ariadne. 
 
 It therefore became necessary to secure the transports as well as we 
 could in the Bay, and the whole night was accordingly employed in 
 warping them within the ships of war, and disposing the latter in a line 
 across the entrance in the order they stand in the margin * ; the Isis 
 to windward, rather inclining into the Bay, and the Prince of Wales, 
 being the most powerful ship, the outermost to the leeward, with the 
 Venus, Aurora, and Ariadne, flanking the space between the Isis and 
 the shore, to prevent the enemy's forcing a passage that way. 
 
 Almost all the transports had fortunately got within the line be- 
 fore half past eleven in the morning of the I5th, when the Count 
 
 f Isis, St. Allans, Boyne, Nonsuch, Centurion, Preston, Prince of Wales. 
 
 i
 
 ,g 2 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 thought proper to bear down and attack us with ten sail of the h'ne, 
 happily without doing us any material injury, and at four in the after- 
 noon he made a second attack upon us with twelve sail of the line*, 
 with no other success, however, than killing two men and wounding 
 seven on board the Prince of Wales, and wounding one also on board 
 the Ariadne, who is since dead ; but I have reason to believe the 
 enemy received considerable damage, as their manoeuvres betrayed great 
 confusion, and one of their ships in particular, which fell to leeward, 
 seemed disabled from carrying the necessary sail to get to windward 
 again. 
 
 The next day (the 1 6th), the Count shewed a disposition to attack 
 us a third time, but on the appearance of a frigate standing for his 
 fleet with several signals flying, he plied to windward, and in the 
 evening anchored off Gros Islet, about two leagues from us, where he 
 still continues, with ten frigates, besides his twelve sail of the line. 
 Notwithstanding this superiority of force, he has been accompanied 
 from his first appearance, by several American privateers, one of them 
 commanded by the outlaw Cunningham, who last winter infested the 
 coast of Portugal. 
 
 That night and the following day, the enemy landed a large body 
 of troops from a number of sloops and schooners, which had anchored. 
 in Du Choc Bay, and on the 1 8th made a spirited attack both by sea 
 and land on our post at the Careenage, but met with a very severe 
 check, having been repulsed with great courage by a small detach-! 
 tnent of our troops under Brigadier- General Meadows. 
 
 They have attempted nothing of consequence since, and what may 
 be their future plan of operations I cannot conjecture ; but their con- 
 tinuance at anchor has offered us an opportunity not only of getting 
 in all the cruisers, except the Ceres, and all the transports, except one 
 (with only the baggage of the officers of three companies on board), 
 which has fallen into the enemy's hands, but also of strengthening 
 ourselves by warping the ships of war farther into the Bay, and, 
 making the line more compact, removing the Venus astern of the 
 Prince of Wales to flank that passage, and erecting batteries at each 
 point of the Bay, that to the northward under the direction of the 
 Captains Gumming and Robertson, and that to the southward under 
 Captain Ferguson. 
 
 This being the situation of the squadron, and the army being in 
 possession of all the strong holds in the neighbourhood of the Bay, 
 such a spirit of chearfulness, unanimity, and resolution, actuates the 
 whole of our little force, both by land and sea (notwithstanding the 
 amazing fatigue they have undergone), that we are under no appre- 
 hensions from any attempts the enemy may meditate ; and from th,Q
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL HARRINGTON. j8j 
 
 Accounts which have been transmitted to me from Captain Linzee of 
 the Pearl, who arrived at Barbadoes the i3th instant, that Vice- Ad- 
 miral Byron was to sail from Rhode Island for Barbadoes, the joth of 
 last month, with sixteen sail of the line and several frigates, there is 
 every reason to hope he will soon be here, in which case affairs in 
 this country must take a very decisive turn in favour of his Majesty'* 
 arms. 
 
 Should any unforeseen accident, however, prevent the Vice-Ad- 
 miral's arrival, their Lordships will, nevertheless, be pleased to assure 
 his Majesty, that every thing which can ppssibly be done by so small 
 a body of troops and so few ships, against a force so very superior, 
 will be effected. 
 
 I cannot conclude my letter without acquainting you, that in all 
 probability our operations here, have hitherto saved the Islands of St. 
 Vincent and Grenada, which we understand from some officers who 
 are prisoners, were the objects of Count d'Estaing's expedition, when 
 a sloop that had escaped from this island falling in with him, and 
 giving him notice of our being here, directed his attention towards us, 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 SAM. BARRINGTONV 
 
 P. S. I have the satisfaction to add, that this morning the squadron 
 got possession of an American privateer of eighteen guns, called the 
 Bunker Hill, which at day-br;ak was discovered within reach of our 
 guns, and having struck upon finding she could not escape, the boats 
 towed her within the line before any of the French fleet could get to 
 her assistance. She sailed from Salem the zd instant, and was in- 
 tended to cruise fifteen leagues to windward of Barbadoes, but had 
 missed that island and fallen to leeward. 
 
 December 14, 1778. SAM. BARRINGTON. 
 
 Philip Stephens, Efq. Secretary to ihe Admiralty. 
 
 The critical situation in which the Admiral found him- 
 self placed on this occasion, was such as to call for the ut- 
 most exertions and demand the greatest vigour both of body 
 and mind. Attacked by an enemy's fleet more than doubling 
 his own in force, he had not only the safety of his ships to 
 attend to, but his anxiety received considerable augmentation 
 from the reflection that the preservation of an army, on 
 whose fate that of all the British possessions in that quarter 
 depended, rested merely on the event, not barely of his 
 baffling or evading the force of the attack, but of his repul- 
 sing the assailants with disgrace. His own abilities, se-
 
 184 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 conded by the bravery and intrepidity of those whom hd 
 commanded, proved fully competent to the execution of this 
 apparently arduous task. Foiled in every attempt, the 
 French commander in chief, after a series of reiterated attacks, 
 made in his amphibious capacity of Admiral and General^ 
 by sea and land, all of which ended in his discomfiture} 
 was obliged to retreat from the fury of an antagonist, the 
 inferiority of whose force almost induced contempt previous 
 to the actual commencement of the first attack. 
 
 The ensuing brief and modest account of the circum- 
 stances which attended this memorable event, will probably 
 transmit it to posterity with more advantage than any other 
 more enlarged and florid detail : 
 
 Prince of Wales, in tie Grand Cul dt Sac, in tfr 
 I.landofSt. Lucia, January 6, 1779. 
 
 You will herewith receive the duplicate of a letter I wrote to you 
 the 23d and 2^th of last month (No. 23), and dispatched to Governor 
 Hay of Barbadoes, to be forwarded from thence to England by some 
 fast sailing vessel, that my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 
 might have it in their power to refute any misrepresentation whicn 
 Count d'Estaing may have transmitted to his Court of the situation 
 of his Majesty's forces in those seas. 
 
 From the state of inactivity in which the Count continued for 
 several days after, I began to conceive it was his intention to form a 
 blockade, with a view of starving us into a surrender ; but to my utter 
 astonishment, on the morning of the 2gth (having re- embarked his 
 troops during the preceding night), he retired with his whole force 
 towards Martinique, and left us in quiet possession of the Island, 
 which capitulated whilst his fleet was still in sight, upon the terms I 
 have the honour to inclose. 
 
 I should be very much wanting, were I on the present occasion to 
 omit acknowledging the assistance I received from Major- General 
 Grant, and the forces under his command, as well as expressing my 
 entire satisfaction with the conduct not only of Commodore Hotham, 
 the several commanders, and the rest of the officers of the squadron, 
 but also of the people in general, who never in the least repined at 
 their precarious situation, and the difficulties they hourly encountered, 
 but still performed their duty with alacrity and spirit. Sensible of the 
 additional fatigue the trpops underwent in occupying more extensive 
 posts for the security of the squadron than there would otherwise have 
 been occasion for, the seamen laboured with the utmost chearfuliiebs in
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL BARRINGTOX- 1 85 
 
 conveying provisions, &c. for them through roads that were almost 
 impassable. 
 
 I likewise beg leave to mention to their Lordships, the very great 
 assistance I received from Captain Barker, the Agent of transports, 
 and the services of Lieutenant- Governor Stuart, of the Island of 
 Dominica, who has done me the favour of officiating as an honorary 
 aid-de-camp between the General and myself. He accompanied me 
 upon this expedition in hopes that his Majesty's arms might after- 
 wards be employed in recovering that island, where, from his perfeft 
 knowledge of it, he must be particularly useful, and therefore offered 
 himself as a volunteer. 
 
 What has become of the enemy's fleet since its departure from 
 hence, I have not had it in my power to learn, but I hope Vice- Ad- 
 miral Byron, who, I have the pleasure to acquaint you, arrived here 
 this morning, with nine sail of the line, will very soon be able to give 
 their Lordships that information; and that Rear- Admiral Sir Paer 
 Parker, and the Governor of Jamaica, may be upon their guard in case 
 of its appearance in those seas, I have sent ihe Ariadne to Antigua 
 with letters, to be forwarded from thence by some fast sailing vessel, 
 which I have requested Governor Burt to dispatch for that purpose 
 
 I have great satisfaction in hearing since the capitulation, that when 
 Count d'Estaing was direfted hither by the sloop I mentioned in my 
 letter, he was bound first of all to Barbadoes, in expectation of finding 
 there only the Prince of Wales, the Boyne, and some frigates, of 
 which he had received intelligence from a French flag of truce I had 
 ordered away immediately on the arrival of the Venus. 
 
 I am sorry to add, that the Ceres, which was missing when I sent 
 away that letter, appears by the Martinique Gazette, to have been 
 taken, after a chase of forty-eight hours, by the Iphigenie, a French 
 frigate, of 36 guns, but I have no account of it from Captain Dacres, 
 or any of his officers. 
 
 I cannot help regretting the loss of this sloop, not only as she sailed 
 remarkably well, but as Captain Dacres is an officer of infinite merit ; 
 I have, however, in order to replace the Ceres, as the Bunker Hill 
 privateer has the reputation of being a fast sailer (which her log book 
 confirms), commissioned her as a sloop in his Majesty's service, by the 
 name of the Surprise (being expressive of the manner in which she 
 came into our possession), and appointed Lieutenant James Brine, 
 First Lieutenant of the Prince of Wales, to be master and commander 
 of her, with a complement of 135 men. She mounts eighteen car. 
 riage and eight swivel guns. 
 
 For further particulars I beg leave to refer their Lordships 
 Captain Robertson, of the Weazel, who will have the honour of 
 
 Clol. IV. B B
 
 livering these dispatches, and whose conduct as an officer merit*' 
 their Lordships' protection, as well as every favour they can poffibly 
 
 shew him. 
 
 I am, Sec. 
 
 SAM. BARRINGTON. 
 
 When the reflecting mind of a Briton shall coolly and 
 deliberately draw a comparison between the termination of 
 this contest, and of that, which under nearly similar circum- 
 stances, took place twenty years afterwards on the coast of 
 Egypt, it becomes as it were bewildered between gratitude 
 and admiration, whether the formeralone is to be poured forth 
 in acknowledgements, that those events were solely con- 
 dufted by a predisposing Providence, succouring the weak 
 and punishing the guilty, or the latter should claim some 
 share in the effusions of the heart beholding the ex- 
 tent of that fortitude, prudence, and general ability, with 
 which the supreme directing Power can, and does on special 
 occasions, influence and direct the minds and the exertions 
 of its humble though favoured agents. 
 
 The attention of the Admiral during the foregoing perilous 
 service was not, as is apparent from the latter part of his 
 dispatch, coldly confined to the narrow limits of his own 
 command, but prudently extended to every quarter where 
 supposition could suggest the vengeance of an irritated and 
 disappointed foe was likely to fall j but, as is also explained 
 in the same dispatch, the apprehension of any future attack 
 "from the enemy in that quarter had been completely quieted 
 by the arrival of Vice-Admiral Byron with his squadron, 
 from North America. The gentleman last mentioned being 
 of higher rank in the service than Mr. Barrington, naturally 
 took upon him the chief command, on which occasion he 
 paid the following proper and well deserved compliment to 
 the abilities of his predecessor. 
 
 " As I found it necessary," said Mr. Byron, " to take 
 the Prince of Wales, and all the ships of the line, with me to 
 meet Mr. d'Estaing, upon his coming out of Fort Royal 
 Harbour i Rear-Admiral Barrington (who had shifted his
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL HARRINGTON. l8j 
 
 flag to the Isis), expressed a desire to return to the Prince of 
 Wales, and aft with me rather than remain at the Cul de 
 Sac : I granted his request, and must acknowledge myself 
 very unhappy at being so circumstanced as to be under an 
 indispensable necessity of interfering with a command in- 
 trusted to an officer, who has done his duty with singular 
 advantage to his country and honour to himself." 
 
 Thus did the active spirit of this gallant Gentleman vo- 
 luntarily court, as it were, danger and fatigue, because he 
 conceived it probable, an opportunity might occur of his 
 being able to render service to his country. Mr. Barring* 
 ton continued to aft as second in command of the fleet 
 long as he remained on that station, and was, on the igth 
 of March following, advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral 
 of the Blue. For several months the British armament was 
 obliged to content itself with the troublesome task of watch- 
 ing the motions of the French fleet in Port-Royal, and pre- 
 venting the possibility of its effecting any mischief against . 
 the British possessions, by any small squadrons which 
 might be detached from it. As summer, however, advanced, 
 affairs appeared to wear a more serious aspect, and promise 
 an appearance of some more active scene. This appear- 
 ance was, unfortunately from the events which attended its 
 realization, not fallacious. The Count d'Estaing, who had 
 been considerably reinforced from Europe, till the armament 
 under his orders had swelled to nearly thirty ships of the. 
 line, took advantage of the partial absence of the Bri- 
 tish fleet from its station off Martinico, and put to sea with 
 his whole force. A considerable body of land forces had 
 been taken on board the ships previous to their putting to 
 sea; for the French commander in chief had projected an 
 attack on several of those British Colonies, which appeared in 
 the most defenceless state. The superiority of his force 
 enabled him to execute his project with success, for he made 
 himself master of St. Vincents and Grenada, which the 
 counter attack made by Mr. Barringtqn on, St. Lucia, had on 
 a former occasion preserved.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 The moment Mr. Byron became informed of the French 
 fleet being at sea, he immediately sailed in search of it, 
 though the force under his orders was nearly one-third in- 
 ferior to that pf the enemy. Mr. Barrington commanded, 
 as the post naturally allotted to the rank he held, the van 
 division, and the two fleets having met off Grenada on the 
 6th of July, he began the aftion by a most spirited attack on 
 the enemy, in which he was very bravely supported by the 
 Sultan and Boyne. When the comparative strength of the 
 two fleets is considered, it might at first be thought an al 
 somewhat bordering on rashness, to attempt bringing the issue 
 of the campaign to such a decision. But Mr. Byron, 
 well aware that the situation of public affairs demanded a 
 speedy exertion, and feeling that a vidlory might be attended 
 by the most solid advantages, while even a discomfiture, 
 though of the worst kind he could forebode, would be pro- 
 ductive of little inconvenience, resolved to engage them, 
 though his force amounted to no more than twenty-one 
 ships of the line, many of them sixty-fours, and much 
 out of condition, opposed to twenty -seven ships under the 
 Count d'Estaing, all of them in good repair, and very few 
 of less force than 74 guns. 
 
 The Count, in addition to that advantage which he de 
 rived from his superiority of force, possessed the weather- 
 gage, and being resolved that nothing should divert his 
 attention from the favourite object, very cautiously avoided 
 any thing like a close aclion, so that, notwithstanding the 
 very spirited manner in which Mr. Barrington and his com- 
 panions assailed the enemy, the contest ended without any- 
 important benefit being obtained by either party. But 
 though the general termination of the encounter was 
 such that Britain derived no advantage from it, except 
 the honour of having compelled so superior a force to de- 
 cline all further contest, may be deemed one ; few superior 
 instances of personal exertion have ever been displayed than 
 were on that occasion. The van of the foe fled in dismay 
 from the tremendous fire of the Prince of Wales, and its 
 
 4
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL HARRINGTON, |8o 
 
 associates, for the subsequent caution appeared nearly a? 
 much owing to an apprehension or encountering too closely 
 that hardy spirit of which the enemy had received so strong 
 and powerful a proof, as it did to any other secret plan of 
 future operations, then buried in the bosom of their com- 
 mander in chief. 
 
 Among the ships which were enabled to close so 
 sufficiently, as to share in the laurels earned in conse- 
 quence of this event, was to be reckoned the Lion, of 64 
 guns, at that time commanded by Captain, now Admiral 
 Cornwallis. She had the misfortune to be reduced almost 
 jfo a wreck, and being nearly unmanageable, was, when in 
 this deplorable situation, attacked by a French ship, of 
 80 guns, which bore down with a very evident in- 
 tention of raking her. Dreadful was her condition, and 
 nothing short of the most prompt and spirited exertions 
 could possibly have preserved her from destru&ion almost 
 instantaneous, for the only opposition that could have been 
 made by Captain Cornwallis to so powerful an attack, was 
 from four guns, which were all that could be brought to 
 bear from the Lion on this new and tremendous antagonist. 
 Admiral Barrington caw the danger, and with the most 
 marked decision resolved to parry the stroke. He imme- 
 diately put his helm a-weather, and bearing down on the 
 French ship, had the good fortune to interpose his own 
 broadside. at the instant the enemy was preparing to throw 
 the whole of his fire into the Lion's stern. Having thus 
 sustained the first shock of the enemy's fury, Mr. Barrington 
 immediately began to attack the assailant, and retaliated on 
 him so severely, that after a very warm but short aftion, 
 the French ship thought proper to sheer off in a very shat- 
 tered condition. 
 
 So heavy a share did the Prince of Wales sustain in the 
 whole of this engagement, which could by no means be 
 considered as a generally serious action, that seventy-two 
 persons on board that ship, were either killed or wounded; 
 among the latter was the Admiral himself; fortunately for 
 his country, for his numerous friends, and for himself, the
 
 IQO BI06RAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 injury he sustained was too slight to affect his future health. 
 The Admiral returned to England not long afterwards, and 
 did not hold any subsequent appointment till the middle of 
 the ensuing summer, when he was nominated second in 
 command of the main or channel fleet, under Admiral, 
 afterwards Sir Francis Geary. He did not long retain this 
 station, having quitted it after a short cruise, in consequence 
 of Mr. Geary being obliged to resign his command in conse- 
 quence of ill health, and his own unwillingness at that time to 
 take upon himself so responsible a situation as that of com- 
 mander in chief. On the i6th of September in this year, he 
 was advanced to be Vice-Admiral of the White, and after 
 a retirement of nearly two years continuance, re-hoisted his 
 flag, in the month of April 1782, on board the Britannia, a 
 first, rate, being appointed once more to command in the 
 home or channel fleet. 
 
 Intelligence had been received by the British Ministry 
 just before this time, that a convoy was then on the point 
 of sailing from the Port of Brest bound to the East Indies. 
 Mr. Barrington was ordered to put to sea in the hope of his 
 being able to intercept them. He accordingly sailed from 
 Spithead on the I3th of April, with the following ships 
 under his command : 
 
 _, . . Gun$ - f Admiral Barrington. 
 
 Butanaia, 100 { n _ . . 
 
 \ Captain Hill. 
 
 Royal George, 100 .[Admiral Kempenfelt. 
 
 (.Captain Cromwell. 
 
 Ocean, 90 Phipps. 
 
 Union, 90 Dairy mple. 
 
 Foudroyant, 80 . Jervis. 
 
 Edrar -7A f Commodore Elliot. 
 
 O > /^ 1 _ Tk/r 
 
 \ Captain Moutray. 
 
 Alexander, 74 Lord Longford. 
 
 Bellona, 74 , Onslow. 
 
 Fortitude, 74 Keppcl. 
 
 Goliah > 74 Sir H. Parker. 
 
 Sampson, 64 . Harvey. 
 
 La Prudent, 36 Lord Fitzgerald. 
 
 Recovery, 32 __ HorK Q Berkeley . 
 
 Crocodile, 24
 
 OP f HB HON. SAMUEL BA&RlNCTOJT. igt 
 
 He had the good fortune to fall in with the objeft of his 
 pursuit on the 2Cth of the same month. The force of the 
 enemy consisted of two ships, of 74 guns, the Protefteur 
 and Pegase ; L'Andromaque frigate of 32 guns, L'Ac- 
 tionaire, of 64 guns, arme enjlute t with seventeen or eighteen 
 vessels under their convoy, the whole bound to the East 
 Indies. Through the a&ivity of the officers afting under 
 the orders of Mr. Barrington, the Pegase*, the Actionairej 
 and twelve of the inferior vessels were captured. Mr. Bar- 
 rington continued in the same station, but rather unin- 
 terestingly employed, till the month of September, when he 
 sailed from Spithead as second in command of the formidable 
 fleet sent under the orders of Lord Viscount Howe, to at- 
 tempt the relief of Gibraltar, then closely pressed on the 
 land side by a Spanish army, while the combined fleets of 
 the enemy, amounting together to nearly fifty sail of the 
 line, blockaded it by sea, and flattered themselves with the 
 hopes of being able to prevent the introduction of any suc- 
 cour whatever. 
 
 The events of this momentous crisis are briefly given 
 by Captain Drinkwater in the following terms: " The 
 intelligence of Lord Howe being so near, now, for the first 
 time, gave us sensible pleasure ; not so much on account 
 of our personal situation, as of the advantage which the 
 enemy's recent misfortunes would give his Lordship over his 
 opponents, as well toward accomplishing the objeft of 
 his orders, as affording him a farther opportunity of adling 
 as his Lordship's well known abilities might dictate. We 
 were so elated by our enemy's distress, that some were so 
 sanguine as to anticipate the most glorious conclusion of 
 the war, and of our own sufferings. Our hopes, however, 
 were soon depressed, by the intelligence of Lord Howe's 
 great inferiority in number. Thirty-four sail to oppose 
 forty-two, which still remained at anchor in the Bay, gave 
 us reason to be apprehensive for the safety of the British 
 
 * For a particular account of the capture of this ship, sec the Memoirs of 
 Earl St. Vincent, page 9.
 
 jg2 llOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR* 
 
 fleet. The navigation of the Straits was so precarious that 
 if his Lordship once entered the Mediterranean, he might 
 probably be prevented from returning for a considerable 
 time ; and the enemy> though now distressed, might, by the 
 assistance of the camp, soon refit, and attack him under 
 every advantage. 
 
 ' About sunset, several large ships were discovered 
 through the haze, and soon afterwards, the Latona frigate, 
 Captain Conway, anchored under our guns, and informed us 
 that the ships to the Gut were the van of the British fleet, 
 commanded by Lord Howe, consisting of thirty-four sail of 
 the line, including eleven three-deckers, with six frigates, 
 and thirty-one ordnance transports, and a reinforcement of 
 upwards of 1600 men for the garrison. Captain Conway 
 farther told us of the anxiety which prevailed at home, 
 relative to the situation of Gibraltar ; and that it was only 
 off the southern coast of Portugal that Lord Howe had his 
 doubts removed, by receiving intelligence of the enemy's 
 late defeats. This welcome information, he said, was ac- 
 companied by advice, that * the combined fleets had taken 
 their station in the bay of Gibraltar, resolutely determined 
 to prevent, if possible, the intended relief.' We learned 
 that upon receiving the latter intelligence, the Admirals and 
 principal officers were summoned on board the Victory, 
 where particular instructions and orders were communicated, 
 in expectation of an engagement, which was considered as 
 unavoidable. 
 
 " Although the enemy's signals for the approach of the 
 British fleet were made early in the afternoon, yet the 
 Spanish Admiral exhibited not the least appearance of op- 
 position to any reinforcements being sent into the Bay. 
 This favourable opportunity was, however, lost ; owing, as 
 Lord Howe expresses in his official letter, to the want of 
 timely attention to the circumstances of the navigation. 
 Only four or five transports reached the Bay, the rest, with 
 the fleet, were carried by the current into the Mediterranean. 
 At night, or early on the I2th, Captain Curtis sailed in the
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL BARtUNGTON. I^J 
 
 Latona, to inform Lord Howe of the calamity which had 
 befallen the enemy's fleet. At noon, the British fleet appeared 
 in good order off Estepona or Marbella, and the transports, 
 with the frigates, were working to windward to gain the 
 Bay. As they approached the isthmus, the enemy saluted 
 them from their mortars, and fired upon them from behind 
 the eastern advanced guard -house. 
 
 ** While the British fleet, with the transports, were thus 
 critically situated, the combined fleets were a&ive in repair- 
 ing their damages, and in forming a line of battle along the 
 shore. In the morning, a number of troops were embarked 
 on board them from the camp. Their xebecs, cutters, 
 armed brigs, and gun-boats, also assembled in Sandy Bay, 
 with an intention, probably, of picking up our straggling 
 transports. In the close of the day, however, this fleet of 
 craft returned to their main fleet. At night the Panther 
 man of war, and several transports, anchored in the Bay. 
 
 " The British fleet, at day-break on the I3th, was still 
 off Marbella, with the wind at West. About nine o'clock 
 A. M. the Spanish Admiral made the signal for the com- 
 bined fleets to weigh anchor. By one o'clock, the whole 
 were under weigh. At three, a French Rear-Admiral, 
 being the last of the rear division, cleared the Bay. Their 
 number in all amounted to eighty sail, of which the fol- 
 lowing, I believe, is an accurate account : six three-deckers, 
 thirty-eight two-deckers, including several fifties ; total, 
 forty-four men of war, five frigates, twenty-nine xebecs, 
 cutters, armed ships, and brigs, also two imagined to be 
 fireships. Notwithstanding little doubt was to be enter- 
 tained of the enemy's intention of leaving the Bay, the 
 Panther man of war remained at anchor, with several 
 officers of the garrison on board, whom the Governor had 
 
 O 
 
 permitted to aft as volunteers in the engagement* When 
 the combined fleets had cleared the Bay, they stood some 
 time to the southward, and leaving a line of battle ship and 
 two igates to prevent the Panther from joining her Ad- 
 miral, drove with the current some leagues to the eastward. 
 IV. c c
 
 ^ 1IOCRAPH1CAL MEMOIRS 
 
 They then appeared to edge down toward the British fleet, 
 which was in close line of battle upon a wind with their 
 heads to the southward ; the transports, with the frigates 
 which had been beating up, falling behind them to leeward. 
 Thus were both fleets situated at the close of the evening. 
 Before the enemy had totally quitted the Bay, Captain 
 Curtis landed in a small boat from the Latona frigate, with 
 2O,oooI. in specie for the garrison, having narrowly escaped 
 being cut off by the combined fleets. He told us the British 
 fleet were in high spirits, and impatient to engage, not- 
 withstanding the enemy's great superiority. When the 
 combined fleet first appeared in motion, the Spanish pri- 
 soners who had been landed from the St. Michael, were so 
 overjoyed, that they could not forbear expressing their 
 ecstacies in so riotous a manner, as to call for some severity 
 to confine them within the limits of their camp. 
 
 ** Part of the combined fleets, in the morning of the I5th, 
 were seen, though the weather was very hazy, cfF Marbella. 
 The British fleet was out of sight, the Panther, neverthe- 
 less, attempted to join them. About seven, A. M. the wind 
 came about to the eastward. In the forenoon, nine polacres 
 sailed from the Spanish camp, with troops on board, for 
 Ceuta. This brought to our recolle&ion the critical state 
 of that garrison, both as to men and provisions, when Ad- 
 miral Rodney was in their neighbourhood in 1780; and 
 the enemy, from embracing this opportunity of sending 
 supplies, appeared not entirely to have forgotten it. About 
 noon, the British fleet was discovered in the offing, to the 
 south-east of Ceuta, standing under an easy sail toward the 
 rock. At night, the Latona, with eight or ten transports, 
 anchored in the Bay. They informed us, that the Buffalo 
 man of war, with the remaining twelve ships, had separated 
 by order, from the fleet, but had not afterwards joined. 
 This intelligence gave us some uneasiness for their safety, 
 but we flattered ourselves they were gone, agreeably to in- 
 structions, to the Zafarine Islands, the place of rendezvous in 
 case the fleets engaged. Captain Conway, after a short con- 
 ference with the Governor, returned in the morning of the
 
 P THE HON. SAMUEL HARRINGTON. I9 
 
 loth to the British fleet, which was cruising to the east- 
 ward of the rock, with the wind at east. The combined 
 fleets were not in sight ; we concluded, therefore, they 
 were gone to Malaga to make farther repairs, and join 
 those ships which had been forced from the Bay on the nth. 
 Since the arrival of the first transports, the garrison had 
 been busily employed in disembarking the supplies. The 
 former had principally brought us only men and ammuni- 
 tion, which probably might, without this supply, have 
 become as scarce articles as the former had been. 
 
 " On the 1 8th, the wind again came about to the north- 
 east, and the Buffalo, with eleven of the missing transports, 
 arrived in the course of the day. These ships, as we had con- 
 je&ured, had separated from the fleet, and were proceeding to 
 the place of rendezvous, when, not hearing the engagement, 
 and the wind veering about, they returned, and were very 
 near joining the combined fleets, but discovered their error 
 time enough to reftify it. The missing vessel, they in- 
 formed us, had been taken by the enemy some days before, 
 off Malaga ; and having on board the wives and baggage 
 of the two regiments which were on board the fleets, and 
 were intended for our reinforcement, her capture greatly 
 distressed those corps, and the garrison heartily condoled 
 with them. The Latona, in her return to the fleet, chased 
 and boarded a vessel which proved to be a Spanish fireship. 
 The crew deserting her, were conducted by two gun -boats 
 attending, to a xebec at some distance, which afterward 
 went into Ceuta. The prize was sent into the Bay. About 
 noon, four or five men of war arrived from the fleet, witli 
 the 25th and 2gth regiments. Lord Mulgrave, who com- 
 manded the disembarkation, landed the troops with the 
 greatest expedition under the lime wall at the New Mole, 
 Rosia, and Camp Bays, and returned to Lord Howe off 
 Tetuan. We now learned that the Admiral, having ac- 
 complished the objeft of the expedition, intended to embrace 
 the favourable opportunity of the wind, and immediately 
 return to the westward.
 
 196 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 " At day-break on the ipth, both fleets, to our great 
 astonishment, were in sight; the combined fleets being 
 some leagues to windward. When the British fleet was 
 abreast of theEuropa, Lord Howe dispatched the Tisiphonc 
 fireship with a farther supply of powder, collected from the 
 fleet. The British fleet afterwards put before the wind, and 
 stood under an easy sail, in close order, to the westward. 
 The van of the combined fleets, composed of French ships, 
 followed with a press of canvass at some distance. By two 
 o'clock, P. M. Lord Howe was out of sight ; but the 
 Spanish ships sailing heavily, it was night before they dis- 
 appeared." 
 
 In the subsequent skirmish which took place on the 2Oth 
 of O&ober, immediately after the service last mentioned 
 was completed, Mr. Barrington was more materially engaged ; 
 the Britannia had a greater number of men killed or wounded 
 than almost any ship in the fleet, the Buffalo excepted, 
 twenty-one of the crew being either killed or wounded. 
 Peace succeeding almost immediately to the return of the 
 fleet into port, Mr. Barrington consequently struck his flag, 
 and held no farther naval appointment till 1790, when, on 
 the apprehension of a rupture with Spain, he re-hoisted it 
 on board the Ro)al George, on being appointed to the 
 station of second in command in the main or channel 
 fleet, then under the orders of Earl Howe. During the 
 preceding interval of peace he was, in 1785, appointed one of 
 the Board of Land and Sea Officers convened for the pur- 
 pose of inquiring into a system of national defence, brought 
 forward under the auspices of the Master- General of the' 
 Ordnance, and on the 24th of September 1787, was ad- 
 vanced to the rank of Admiral of the Blue. 
 
 Far, far, however, more consequential to the character of 
 this good iran, than any honours of this kind, well merited, 
 as they certainly were, was his attention to the interests and 
 promotion of a Society instituted for the Relief of indigent 
 Naval Officers, their Widows, and their Children. Unpro- 
 tected by any public aid, the promoters, among the first and
 
 OF THE HON. SAMUEL BARRINGTO1T. 197 
 
 most aftive of whom was Mr. Barrington, had to contend 
 with those difficulties which all societies, notwithstanding the 
 benevolence of their tendency, scarcely ever fail to meet 
 with on their first introdu&ion to the world. Neverthe- 
 less, such was the assiduity of this friend to distress, and of 
 his no less amiable associates, that in a short time they had 
 the satisfaction of beholding the philanthropic plant thriving 
 under their hands., and diffusing its comforts, far as its 
 strength and magnitude permitted, to all objedts who sought 
 its friendly shelter and support. 
 
 The dispute with Spain having been amicably concluded 
 without the necessity of even sending the armament to 
 sea, Mr. Barrington struck his flag, and owing to his 
 infirm state of health never took upon him any subsequent 
 command. On the aad of April 1794, he was, in conse- 
 quence of a promotion of Flag Officers which then took 
 place, raised to the rank of Admiral of the White, and at 
 the time of his death was senior in that class of officers; 
 the Admiral of the Fleet being the only officer in the service 
 that preceded him. In the month of October 1770, he 
 received the honourable appointment of Colonel to the 
 Chatham division of marines, a station, in which he suc- 
 ceeded the late Earl Howe, who was then promoted to be 
 Rear-Admiral of the Blue, and consequently became in- 
 competent to hold that station any longer. Mr. Barrington 
 held that post till his own promotion to the rank of a 
 Flag Officer, in the month of January 1778. In 1785, he 
 succeeded Admiral Sir Thomas Pye then deceased, as Lieu- 
 tenant-General of the same corps, and on the death of Earl 
 Howe on the 5th of August 1799, succeeded him to the, 
 Generalship thereof. Such were his appointments, sucli 
 were his services, and such were his honours. However 
 worthily and truly the latter were acquired, he gained to 
 himself a far superior title to any that even a monarch 
 could bestow, and as though the family motto had been 
 pointedly applied in allusion to himself: that of a benevolent 
 and an honest man.
 
 198 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 Heraldic Particulars relative to Samuel Barrlngton, Esq. Admiral 
 of the White Squadron, &c. 
 
 His brothers were William, the late Lord ; John, a General Officer, 
 who died April the d, 1764, and whose son William succeeded^ to 
 the title, and is now Lord Viscount Harrington ; Daines, some time 
 a Welsh Judge, a Gentleman of great worth and ingenuity, who died 
 a short time since ; Shute, now Lord Bishop of Durham ; Sarah, 
 married to Robert Price, of the county of Hereford, Esq. ; Anne, 
 married to Thomas, only son to Sir Thomas Clarges, Baronet ; and 
 Mary, who died unmarried. The Admiral himself died at Bath on 
 the 1 6th of August 1800*, in the yist year of his age. 
 
 ARMS.] Argent, three chcvronels Gules, a label of three points Azure. 
 
 CREST.! A Capuchin Friar Proper, with black hair, a band about the neck 
 Argent; vested Pales of six Argent and Gules; with a cap or cowl, of the 
 same. 
 
 MOTTO.] " Honesta quam splendida." 
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS, 
 
 Drawn from aSual Events, and the Success which has attended particular 
 Mantzttv res practised in Engagements between two Fleets, from the 
 Revolution down to the present Time. Arranged in Chronological Order* 
 [Continued from Page n6.J 
 
 INDEPENDENT of the instances already adduced in proof of 
 the efficacy and advantage with which a partial and spirited attack 
 on an enemy's line has rarely failed to be attended, there are two other 
 events which place the propriety of the measure in perhaps a still 
 more striking point of view than any of the preceding have done. 
 They are the exaft counterpart of each other, the first, which hap. 
 pencd in the late war, shewing the mischief resulting from the neglect 
 of it; the second, which took place during the present, the glorious 
 success occasioned by an observance of it. " At daylight on the 
 morning of the igth," says Sir George Bridges Rodney, in his letter 
 to Mr. Stephens, dated off Port- Royal Bay, Martinique, April 26, 
 1780; "we saw the enemy distinctly, beginning to form the line 
 a-head at two cables length distance ; at forty-five minutes after six 
 
 I CAVE NOTICE BY PUBLIC SIGNAL THAT MY INTENTION WAS 
 TO ATTACK THE ENEMY'S REAR WITH MY WHOLE FORCE, which 
 
 was answered by every ship in the fleet. At seven A. M, per- 
 * See page 168,
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS Of NAVAL TACTICS. Ig* 
 
 teiving the fleet too much extended, I made the signal for the line 
 of battle at one cable's length asunder only. At thirty minutes after 
 eight A M. I made the signal for a line of battle abreast* each ship 
 bearing from the other N. by W. and S. by E. and bore down on the 
 enemy. This signal was penetrated by them, who discovered my 
 intention, wore, and formed a line of battle on the other tack." 
 
 The latter circumstance, added to the mistake afterwards com- 
 mitted by the leading ship in the British fleet, which stood on for the 
 enemy's van, contrary to the intention of the British commander in 
 chief, and thereby compelled the whole of the fleet to follow him, 
 rendered the whole of his plan abortive. The contest ended inde- 
 cisively, and the enemy, though worsted, might be said to deriTC 
 every advantage which they could have expefted even from a 
 positive victory. Sir George, in the latter part of his letter, 
 inserts what amounts almost to a confession of this being the true 
 state of the case. " At the conclusion of the battle, the enemy 
 might be said to be completely beaten, but such was the distance of 
 the van and rear from the center, and the crippled condition of 
 several ships, particularly the Sandwich, who for twenty-four hours 
 \vas with difficulty kept above water, that it was impossible to pursue 
 them without the greatest disadvantage.'* 
 
 Let us now direct our minds from an event which cannot be 
 otherwise than unpleasant to every lover of his country, to one more 
 recent, than which none was ever more productive of glory, and of 
 substantial advantage the battle of the Nile ; a contest brought to 
 the most glorious issue, by an attention to the very principle which 
 is here attempted to be recommended. The French fleet lay at anchor 
 in an open bay, and Lord Nelson with great judgment, conceived and 
 arranged his plan of engaging the weathermost ships of the enemy's 
 line with his whole force, justly concluding that he should make 
 himself master of them before any succour could be afforded by 
 their companions, even if they should attempt it ; and that he might 
 afterwards pursue the same measures with the remainder, attacking 
 them progressively in the same manner. The event fully proved the 
 ability of the arrangement, notwithstanding the advantage the 
 enemy derived from their batteries on shore, the ereaion of which 
 was a full and convincing proof that they were apprehensive of and 
 expeded an attack. Their van was assailed with so much spirit, 
 that after a contest almost incredibly short, the British commanders 
 were perfeftly convinced they had secured a viftory, though they 
 knew not to what extent. According to a very con-eft account of 
 the adion, drawn up from the minutes of an officer on board the 
 Kjuadron, the Goliath and Zealous, followed by the Orion, Auda-
 
 2CO . ILLUSTRATIONS OF NATAL TACTICS. 
 
 cimis, and Theseus, took their stations between the shore and the 
 enemy's van, anchoring close alongside Le Guerrier, Le Conquerant, 
 Le Spartiate, L'Aquilon, and Le Souverain Peuple ; while the 
 Vanguard, the Minotaur, Defence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Swiftsure, 
 and Alexander, bringing up on the outside of the same ships, joined 
 in so furious an attack that all those vessels might be considered as 
 completely in the power of the assailants in less than a quarter of an 
 hour after the action commenced, notwithstanding some of them 
 till continued to keep up a feeble resistance. 
 
 As the van ships were progressively subdued, the assailants, who 
 had anchored by the stern, moved onward to contest with new an- 
 tagonists, where they experienced a repetition of the like success, 
 and in less than two hours after the first gun had been fired, three 
 other ships, L'Orient, L'Heureux, and Le Tonnant, were also 
 silenced and subdued, though they were not absolutely taken pos- 
 session of. A continuance of the same mode of conduct, and the 
 spirited manner in which the Leander, of 50 guns, brought up 
 athwart the hawse of the Franklin, of 80, produced the subse- 
 quent surrender of that ship, together with the Mcrcure, and the 
 destruction of the Timoleon. Thus were eleven ships of the line, 
 out of thirteen which composed the enemy's squadron, either captured 
 or destroyed. The means by which this most glorious defeat and 
 conquest were effected, are concisely but clearly pointed out in the 
 narrative : " After the victory had been secured in the van, such 
 British ships as \verc in a condition to move had gone down upon the 
 fresh ships of the enemy." 
 
 The uninterrupted success which has attended the application of 
 the foregoing system of attack, incontrovertibly proves its utility. 
 To convert theoretical observation and the workings of cool reflecting 
 genius into real practice, requires an additional talent beyond what 
 would be necessary in the more quiet occupations of life. It is. re- 
 quisite that no inconsiderable portion of native genius, improved by 
 mental application, should direct the arm of war and support that 
 bravery, that personal gallantry, which, deprived of such aid, and act- 
 ing only according to its natural dictates, might not improbably be 
 termed rashness. The qualities just mentioned conjunctively form the 
 character of an able commander. 
 
 After having adduced the foregoing abstract instances, where such 
 qualities existing in the same person, seizing the proper and fortunate 
 moment of application, have rendered the particular system of 
 Naval Tactics just treated on, more eminently conspicuous in the 
 maritirr.e annals of Britain, because it has been most frequently 
 brought forward into practice ; it would be an act of injustice to
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL TACTICS. 2OI 
 
 the abilities of an enemy, were this brief narrative of the advantages 
 resulting from the use of it, to be concluded without adding to the 
 list an account of the success which attended an adoption of the same 
 measure by a French officer. I mean the Count De Suffrein, and 
 however generally improper it may be to speak in the superlative 
 degree of comparison, with regard to the abilities of any individual, 
 there would perhaps be less cause for reprobation in the present in- 
 stance than in any other, were I to pronounce that officer the ablest 
 in his particular line to whom France ever gave birth. 
 
 The system of arranging his squadron in a double line to effeft 
 this purpose, was certainly new, not only in practice but in contri- 
 vance : the effeft of it will be very conspicuous by the following ex- 
 traft from the official dispatches of Sir Edward Hughes : 
 
 " At ten, the enemy's squadron having the advantage of the squalls 
 from the N. N. E. which always reached them first, and in conse- 
 quence continued longest with them, neared us very fast, and I made 
 the signal for our line to alter the course two points to leeward, 
 the enemy then steering down on the rear of our line, in an irregular 
 double line abreast. At half past noon I made the signal for our 
 squadron to form the line of battle abreast, in order to draw the rear 
 of our line closer to the centre, and prevent the enemy from breaking 
 in on it, and attacking it when separated. At three in the afternoon, 
 the enemy still pushing on to our rear in a double line abreast, I 
 again altered my course in the line, in order to draw our rear ships 
 still closer to the centre, and at forty minutes after three, finding it 
 impossible to avoid the enemy's attack under the disadvantages of 
 little or no wind to work our ships, and of being to leeward of 
 them, I made the signal for our squadron to form at once into the 
 line of battle ahead. 
 
 " At four, the Exeter, which was the sternmost ship in our rear, 
 when formed in line of battle on the larboard tack, not being quite 
 closed to her second ahead, three of the enemy's ships in their first 
 line bore right down upon her, while four more of their second 
 line, headed by the Hero, in which ship M. Suffrein had his flag, 
 hauled alongside the first line towards our centre. At five minutes 
 past four, the enemy's three ships began their fire on the Exeter, 
 which was returned by her and her second ahead. At ten minutes 
 past four, I made the signal for battle, and at twelve minutes past, the 
 adion became general from our rear to our centre ; the commanding 
 ship of the enemy, with three others of their second line, leading down 
 on our centre, yet never at any time advancing farther than opposite 
 the Superbe, our center ship, with little or no wind, and some heavy 
 rain during the engagement. 
 
 IV. D
 
 2O1 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 c Under these circumstances, the enemy brought eight of their 
 best ships to the attack of five of ours, as the van of our line, con- 
 sisting of the Eagle, Burford, and Worcester, could not be brought 
 into adiion without tacking on the enemy ; and although the signal 
 for that purpose was at the mast-head ready for hoisting, there was 
 neither wind sufficient to enable them to tack, nor for the five ships 
 of our centre and rear, then engaging with the enemy, hard pressed, 
 and much disabled in their yards, sails, and rigging, to follow them, 
 without an almost certainty of separating our van from our rear." 
 
 Though on the foregoing occasion the gallantry of British officers 
 and seamen preserved their ships from becoming a prey to this able 
 and enterprising foe, yet the difficulty with which their safety 
 was effected, sufficiently proves the merit of his attempt, the ability 
 with which it was conducted, and that portion of success, which will 
 rarely fail to attend it when the force of the contending parties, and 
 the general condition of their shipsj in respec\ to equipment, can in 
 any degree be considered as equal. 
 
 , ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 f 1PHE annexed letters, which form part of a private correspondence 
 * between those two very renowned naval characters, Admiral 
 Russel, afterwards Earl of Orford, and Sir Cloudesley Shovell, become 
 extremely interesting, not merely as they contain the secret and un- 
 veiled opinions of two men deservedly considered the ablest com- 
 manders of their time, but as the events to which those letters allude, 
 were certainly among the most momentous of those which took place 
 during the period of history which they are intended to illustrate. 
 
 Sir CLOUDESLBY SHOVELL to Admiral RUSSEL. Written immediately 
 
 after the VtSory off La Hague. 
 SIR, 
 
 I HERE deliver my opinion to the best of my judgment, first that 
 we follow the blow, by landing in the enemy's country near Brest. Ir 
 their fleet be abroad then certainly 6 or 8000 men doe their pleasure 
 w tt that town and country ; but if their fleet be in there, w 111 I sup. 
 pose to be still about 70 saile, line of battle ships, and modestly cal- 
 culating 150 land souldiers abord each ship one w* y e other, com to 
 upwards of tenn thous d disiplyned men, which will render our attempt 
 there unreasonable.
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NATAL HISTORY. 203 
 
 Then, Sir, for attempting any thing upon Rochford, I doe not 
 se there is any liklyhood of success, unless you have force enough to 
 master Rochell also ; for from Rochford to Rochell is but 6 leage, 
 and Rochford lys so far up the river Sharante, and the passage to it 
 so difncult, that you can never supprize it, nor com at it before they 
 have timely notiss to draw all the strength of Rochell to their 
 assistance. 
 
 Besides, if while an attempt is making on the other side of Brest, 
 which I suppose will not be so much as thought on, except their 
 whole fleett be in Brest, and we resolved to keep them there, which 
 I would not have you undertake, for I can plainly demonstrate, that 
 with a light squadron, they will be able to com out notwithstanding 
 all your indeavours to the contrary, which will give you great care, 
 and will be eaqually dangerous to us, if they follow our transports or 
 com up our chanell, and here have been a late demonstration, that if 
 they gitt the start, they may also gitt out of sight , but if your 
 decent be to the eastward of Brest, and a squadron of their ships start, 
 we know where they must goe to harme us, and can take measures 
 accordingly. Further more, every thing duly considered, you may 
 make your decent between Brest and Callis, with many thousand 
 men more then ought to be ventured into the Bay, for from these 
 coasts on urgent occasions men are recalled as easey as comand from 
 Plymouth to London ; but if in the Bay you must have two winds, 
 and may be two months to gitt them back lett your occasions be never 
 so urgent. , 
 
 Therefore, if their fleett be in Brest, I am not for making any 
 attempt with our land forces on that place, or any place on the other 
 side of it, but reither if our strength would reach, to attempt S l Malo, 
 the destruction of which Den of theirs, would be of more import, 
 ance both to us and our sea alleys then the destruction of Parris ; 
 but wisser heads then mine must be consulted, 1 have no manner of 
 knowledge of the place ; but, Sir, if our strength be not sufficient to 
 attempt this masterpiece, tis certaine Deep is a town pritty large, 
 and stand on y e strand, and may casiley be destroyed, and if the 
 armey that is with King James will give us too great trouble in our 
 attempt, yett I doe not se how it can give any assistance to Deep, 
 they having the Saine to pass ; this is to ye best of my judgment in 
 answer to what you ware please to propose. I remain, 
 
 S r , your humble Serv', 
 CLOUD. SHQVELU
 
 204 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 
 
 From the Same to the Same. 
 SIR, 
 
 I MUST acknowledge tis one of my greatest faults in not paying 
 my dutyfull respects to you by letter before this time, and notwith- 
 standing I know such neglects have else where been very pernitious 
 to me, yet I find it is my fate, and I cannot withstand it ; but since 
 tis a fault of nature predestinatted, and not premeditated, I am very 
 confident vour goodness will forgive so faithfull and so just an humble 
 servant as I ever was, and shall continue to the end. I will not use 
 much argiment to discurs you I have often wished myself with you, 
 I will only tell you, contrary to my nature, I have been grave, and 
 have not had above one fitt of mirth since your departure. 
 
 Your coming home in your person, not with the fleet, was much 
 talked on y e beginning of the winter, and Sir George Rook, or my 
 Lord Berkely, to com abroad and command in your roome ; but, 
 S' r , be assured this was so much disliked by (I may justly say) all 
 sorts of people, that the counsell (if they did intend it), I believe, 
 dare not doe it. 1 doe assure you that the saving Bassalona, the 
 putting up the Turkey ships, and your vigilence in keeping the 
 French from not coming out the Straights (for we love to have danger 
 as far from us as possible), and the success of your crussers, which is 
 known to be your industrious cleaning your ships, is by all esteemed 
 your prudence, mixed with some good fortune, which is become a 
 virtue mightily esteemed in England. 
 
 And assuredly your conduct is so commended by every body, that 
 your enemys can say nothing against you, but insinuatt the destruc- 
 tion of the fleet by the worme, which your creening will prevent, if 
 their weake and rottenness will indure it ; this with a thousand par- 
 dons for my neglect, and my most humble and hearty service. From, 
 
 Nov. 3, 1 694. &c. &c. 
 
 Admiral RUSSEL to Sir CLOUDESLEY SHOTELL. 
 SIR, 
 
 SINCE you left London we are daily alarmed with thes French 
 preparation, I think it no longer a question that they designe upon 
 England, tho' I differ in opinion w th some other people as to the 
 time. You will find by the order of last night, that the King is very 
 impatient for your being gone, tho' with a smaller strength then was 
 tirst proposed. By the advice we have from Capt. Cross, who has 
 had it from a pilott of a man of war, of 50 guns, that they run upon 
 a rock neare the Scarncs and sunck. Tis said Ponteau's squadron at 
 Brest consists of fourteen shipps, from 5^ to 80 guns, the biggest 
 shipp not having above 200 seamen, and so per rate the rest of the
 
 ILLUSTRATIONS OF NAVAL HISTORY. 2OC 
 
 ships, the other part of the men being land soldiers, with four trans- 
 ports, and two bomb vessels.. How farr this advice may be depended 
 upon, I cannot tell, but I believe it pritty certain they designe for 
 England, tho* the same intelligence from Cross says they goc for 
 Scotland. 
 
 I think if the wind be any thing to the northward of the east, they 
 cannot fetch any part of England from Brest, and if to the southward 
 at this time of the year, it generally produces such sort of weather as 
 may make it not very safe venturing in with the land. I wish you 
 good luck for your own sake, and for all our sakes ; I think the 
 preparations tl.ey make a little too formidable to be despised, I have 
 ordered Captain Belhvood and Captain Pedder to goc down to you j 
 I think them both very good men, and have long laboured in vain to 
 have them restored to their employments, I think their constant 
 forwardness to goe where there may be any probability of service 
 will remove that difficulty. 
 
 I am, Sir, 
 
 Your humble Servant, 
 Cevcnt-GarJtn, tl'u ij December, 1696. RUSSELL. 
 
 ZO/Y/ORFORD to &>CLOUDESLEY SHOVELL. 
 
 DEAR SIR CLOUDESLEY, 
 
 I HAVE received your too leters, the last came to me just as I 
 came to towne from Tunbridge, whare I have been thes thre -weeks, 
 and from thence with the matters I could not right. I wonder you 
 shoud dout that your leters was not welcome to me, I assure you I 
 allway receive you with great satisfaction, and I hope you know me 
 too well to think I am weary of y e friedshipp I have pressed to you. 
 I ever was your friendd and servant. I agree in every part of your 
 leter with you ; but the difficulty how to send cleane shipps to see is 
 great, for after they are cleane, the time they stay for men and pro- 
 visions is soe long, that they are foule before they goe to see. I 
 wonder Sir George Rooke would not in the summer, when no a6Uon 
 could be expected for the whole fleete at Plymouth and Portsmouth, 
 cleane all his 3 rates and 4, it would have been a very good servis to 
 the publick ; I believe y e great shipps will be ordered upp, but 
 y e L ds Justices are not as yet come to any resolution of y l kind. I 
 shall do you all the servis 1 can in what you desire, that you may 
 come to town to put 'out your money, or to make another purchass. 
 
 In Kent, at Tunbridge, ye gentlemen of y c country tell me you 
 will have it all in a short time. Dear Shovell, I wish you all y e good 
 fortune imaginable. And am most sincerely, 
 
 Yours most faithfully, whilst 
 ?fcr 3*2,97. ORFORD.
 
 
 C 206 3 
 
 MARITIME RIGHTS OF 
 BELLIGERENT NATIONS, RELATIVE TO NEUTRALS. 
 
 HP HE case of the Maria Swedish merchantman, lately heard in the 
 Court of Admiralty, before Sir WILLIAM SCOTT, being in all its 
 circumstances (except the incident of an actual engagement taking 
 place) similar to that of the Danish convoy lately captured, and the 
 question being of the highest importance to this country, and most 
 likely to be decided by that ultima ratio to which recourse must 
 of necessity be had, when the law of nations is violated, we think 
 it will gratify our readers to present them with an extract from the 
 judgment of the Court of Admiralty. 
 
 Having stated the case of the Swedish Sliip> the learned Judge 
 proceeded to reason upon it as follows : 
 
 * The aftual state of the faft being ascertained, it is proper for 
 me to examine what is the legal statement, in other words, to what 
 considerations are neutrals justly wibje&, according to the law of na- 
 tions ; for which purpose I state a few principles of that system of 
 law which I take to be incontrovertible. 
 
 " ist. That the right of visiting and searching merchant Ships upon 
 the high seas, whatever be the Ships, whatever be the cargoes, what- 
 ever be the destinations, is an incontestible right of the lawfully com- 
 missioned cruisers of a belligerent nation. I say, be the Ships, the 
 cargoes, and the destinations what they may : because, till they are 
 visited and searched, it does not appear what the Ships, or the 
 cargoes, or the destinations are ; and it is for the purpose of ascer- 
 taining these points that the necessity of this right of visitation and 
 search exists. This right is so clear in principle, that no man can 
 deny it who admits the legality of maritime capture ; because if 
 you are not at liberty to ascertain by sufficient inquiry whether there 
 is property that can legally be captured, it is impossible to capture. 
 Even those who contend for the inadmissible rule, that free Shift 
 make free goods, must admit the exercise of this right, at least for the 
 purpose of ascertaining whether the Ships are free Ships or not. The 
 right is equally clear in practice ; for practice is uniform and universal 
 upon the subjeft. The many European treaties which refer to this 
 right, refer to it as pre-existing, and merely regulate the exercise of 
 it. All writers upon the law of nations unanimously acknowledge it, 
 without the exception even of Hubner himself, the great champion of
 
 
 MARITIME RIGHTS Of BELLIGERIJfT NATIONS. 
 
 nevrtral privileges. In short, no man in the least degree conversant in 
 subje&s of this kind has ever, that I know of, breathed a doubt 
 upon it. 
 
 " The right must unquestionably be exercised with as little of per- 
 sonal harshness and of vexation in the mode as possible ; but soften it 
 as much as you can, it is still a right of force, though of lawful force 
 something in the nature of civil process, where force is employed, 
 but a lawful force, which cannot lawfully be resisted. 
 
 u adly. That the authority of the Sovereign of the neutral country 
 being interposed in any manner of mere force, cannot legally vary 
 the rights of lawfully-commissioned belligerent cruisers ; I say le- 
 gally, because what may be given, or be fit to be given, in the ad- 
 ministration of this species of law, to considerations of comity, or of 
 national policy, are views of the matter which, sitting in this court. 
 I have no right to entertain. All that I assert is, that, legally, it can- 
 not be maintained, that if a Swedish commissioned cruiser, during 
 the wars of his own country, has a right by the law of nations to 
 visit and examine neutral Ships, the King of England, being neutral 
 to Sweden, is authorised by that law to obstruct the exercise of that 
 right with respecr. to the merchant Ships of his country. I add this, 
 that I cannot but think, that if he obstructed it by force, it would 
 very much resemble (with all due reverence be it spoken) an op- 
 position of illegal violence to legal right. I am not ignorant, that 
 amongst the loose dodlrines which modern fancy, under the various 
 denominations of philosophy and philanthropy, have thrown upon 
 the world, it has been within these few years advanced, or rather 
 insinuated, that it might possibly be well if such a security were ac- 
 cepted. Upon such unauthorised speculations it is not necessary For 
 me to descant : the law and praftice of nations (I include particularly 
 the practice of Sweden when it has happened to be belligerent) give 
 them no sort of countenance ; and until that law and practice are 
 new-modelled in such a way as may surrender the known ancient 
 rights of some nations to the present convenience of other nations, 
 (which nations may, perhaps, remember to forget them, when they 
 happen to be themselves belligerent) no reverence is due to them ; 
 they are the elements of that system, which, if it is consistent, has 
 for its real purpose an entire abolition of capture in war that is, in 
 other words, to change the nature of hostility, as it has ever existed 
 amongst mankind, and to introduce a system of things not yet seen 
 in the world, that of a military war, and a commercial peace. 
 
 " 3dly, That the penalty for the violent contravention of this 
 right, is the confiscation of the property so withheld from visitation 
 4
 
 208 MARITIME RIGHTS OF BELLIGERENT NATIONS. 
 
 and search. It is a principle, not only of the civil law, (on which 
 great part of the law of nations is founded) but the private juris- 
 prudence of most countries in Europe that a contumacious refusal 
 to submit to fair inquiry infers all the penalties of convicted guilt. 
 Conformably to this principle we find in the celebrated French Ordi- 
 nance of 1688, now in force, Article 12, " That every vessel shall if 
 good prize in case of resistance and combat ;" and Valin, in his smaller 
 Commentary, p. 8 1, says expressly, that although the expressioais 
 in the conjunctive, yet that the resistance alone is sufficient. He refers 
 to the Spanish Ordinance in 1718, evidently copied from it, in which 
 it is expressed in the disjunctive, " in case of resistance or combat." 
 And recent instances are at hand and within view, in which it ap- 
 pears that Spain continues to act upon this principle. The first time 
 in which it occurs to my notice on the inquiries I have been able to> 
 make in the institutes of our own country respecting matters of this 
 nature, except what occurs in the Black Book of the Admiralty, is 
 in the Order of Council 1664, Article 12, which directs, "That 
 when any Ship met withal by the Royal Navy, or other Ship com- 
 missioned, shall fight or make resistance, the said Ship and goods shall 
 be adjudged lawful prize." A similar article occurs in the Procla- 
 mation of 1672. And it is observable that Sir Robert Wiseman, 
 then the King's Advocate-General, who reported upon the Articles 
 in 1673, an( ^ ex P rcsses a disapprobation of some of them as harsh 
 and novel, does not mark this article with any observation of censure. 
 I am therefore warranted in saying, that it was the rule, and the 
 undisputed rule, of the British Admiralty. I will not say that that 
 rule may not have been broken in upon in some instances by con- 
 siderations of comity or policy, by which it may be fit that the ad- 
 ministration of this species of law should be tempered in the hands of 
 those tribunals which have a right to entertain and apply them ; for 
 no man can deny that a State may recede from its extreme rights, 
 and that its supreme councils are authorised to determine in what 
 cases it may be fit to do so, the particular captor having in no case 
 any other right or title than what the State itself would possess under 
 the same facts of capture. But I stand with confidence upon all fair 
 principles of reason upon the distinct authority of Vattel upon In- 
 stitutes of the great maritime countries, as well as those of our own 
 country when I venture to lay it down, that by the law of nations, 
 as now understood, a deliberate and continued resistance to search, on 
 the part of a neutral vessel to a lawful cruizer, is followed by the 
 legal consequence of confiscation."
 
 [ 209 1 
 
 A CIRCUMSTANTIAL NARRATIVE 
 
 OF THE TRANSACTIONS ON BOARD 
 
 HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP RESISTANCE, 
 
 CAPT. E. PAKENHAM, COMMANDER, 
 
 From December 1797, to the Time of her Blowing up in the Straits of 
 JSanca, July 2th, 1798; with the subsequent Escape and Deliverance 
 of four of her Crew, the only Survivors of that Catastrophe. 
 
 TN consequence of certain intelligence brought from the Eastward 
 * by Captain Shepherdson, of the Venus, that a part of the crew of 
 an English ship of war (supposed to be his Majesty's ship the Re- 
 sistance), which had the misfortune to be blown up in the Straits of 
 Banca some months before, had been picked up by some pirate prows 
 and carried to Lingan, where the survivors still existed in a state of 
 slavery, Major Taylor, commanding the garrison of Malacca, imme- 
 diately dispatched a prow to that island, for the relief of those unfor- 
 tunate men. 
 
 In this prow, suitably stored with supplies, he sent a sepoy, 
 who being well acquainted with the Malay tongue, was charged with 
 a letter to the Sultan of Lingan ; entreating that Prince to assist in 
 the most effectual measures for the recovery and release of such of the 
 Resistance's ship's company, as he might be able to discover in this 
 calamitous situation. 
 
 On the cth of December the prow returned to Malacca, bringing 
 with her one seaman, late of the Resistance's crew, from the declara- 
 tion of whom the following Narrative is taken. 
 
 The detail given by this man appears entitled to the greater share 
 of credence, as no deviation from the circumstances related in his 
 story was to be found upon the several interrogatories put to him 
 from time to time afterwards. It comes very near to the floating 
 report which Captain Shepherdson had of the Malays at Rhio ; and 
 coincides remarkably in many of its principal points with that 
 which had already come round to Malacca from Pinang, as there 
 related by his three comrades, who had not less providentially arrived 
 in safety at that settlement. 
 
 As the complexion of the several unpleasant situations, if not actual 
 distresses, into which the Resistance was eventually cast ; and as the 
 sad disaster itself of that ill fated ship seems to derive much of its 
 tinclure, or may perhaps be deemed to have originated, with the gale 
 which she encountered almost a year ago in the Pacific Ocean, on her 
 way to China ; her story is on that accou.it brought down from, * 
 
 ttJol. IV. E E
 
 2IO A CIRCUMSTANTIAL NAR1ATIV1 Of THE 
 
 date more remote than it may probably appear of sufficient interest 
 to the public that it otherwise should be. 
 
 In such a case, candour will be nevertheless disposed to make due 
 allowances for (if such it should prove) a too minute and circumstantial 
 account of whatever might seem, though remotely, to affe& or con- 
 cern the loss of so valuable a Commander, officers, and ship's com- 
 pany, as perished in the Resistance ; when the Recorder of this 
 mournful Narrative (taken by himself from the lips of the person 
 here mentioned) adds, that while his country has to lament, as it must 
 deeply feel, the misfortune of that intelligent, gallant, and worthy 
 Commander, it is not less his mournful task to mix the tear of private 
 friendship and sincere esteem for that officer in the individual ; and 
 for more than one active and deserving character besides, serving with 
 him, whose memory will ever remain not less dear, than their cruel 
 fate is to. be regretted. 
 
 Thomas Scott, seaman, aged 22 years, a native of Wexford in 
 Ireland, relates on examination as follows : 
 
 That he formerly belonged to the Chesterfield South-Sea whaler j 
 from which he remained at Timor Besar for three years, in the Dutch 
 employ, till the capture of that place^ when he entered on board the 
 Resistance. 
 
 That she met with a heavy gale of wind on the of hst 
 
 December, which continued for four days unabated ; and in which 
 she proved so leaky that her chain pumps were kept constantly at 
 work, night and day ; at length, in order to lighten her, they were 
 obliged to, heave a number of her upper- deck guns overboard. She 
 then bore away for the Philippines, intending, as he believes, after- 
 wards to sail for Malacca. Being in want of wood, water, and pro- 
 visions, Captain Pakenham tried the expedient of hoisting Spanish 
 colours, as he cruised along shore, till he came to anchor nearly 
 wthm reach of the guns of Antego. The Deputy Governor of 
 this town, and the Captain of a Spanish brig, then lying at anchor in 
 the Bay, accordingly came off to them ; but discovering their mistake 
 when too late, upon endeavouring to escape, were soon brought back 
 and put on board by a boat from the Resistance. Upon their assurances 
 that they would do their utmost to have the wants of Captain Paken- 
 ham amply supplied, he generously suffered them to return the same 
 evening to the shore. No part, however, of the e fair promises being 
 fulfilled, nor the likelihood cf it, at five o'clock the next evening, 
 Captain Pakenham sent his third Lieutenant, Mr. Cuthbert, in the 
 gutter, with an armed party, to cut out the Spanish brig ; in which 
 attempt they succeeded, though fired upon smartly by the guns of
 
 LOSS OF HIS MAJESTV's SHIP RESISTANCE. l\l 
 
 t*ie fort, within range of which she had anchored. Scott remembers 
 tin's event to have happened on Christmas Day. 
 
 The Resistance and her prize sailed from thence, immediately after, 
 for Balambangan ; at which place they arrived in four days. Having 
 wooded and watered there, and procured a partial supply of rice as well 
 as live stock, the ship continuing leaky, with blowing weather, Capt. 
 Pakenham and the prize set sail from this place for the Celebes ; and 
 arrived in about eighteen days at Limby, near Munadoo, on that 
 island. The same evening that he anchored here he dispatched the 
 brig to Amboyna, to signify his distress for supplies ; in consequence 
 of which, the Bombay frigate was sent off from thence, on the ar- 
 rival of the brig, to his relief. After staying a week or more at 
 Limby, and having with some difficulty collected what he could pro- 
 vide for the remaining part of his voyage to Amboyna> he weighed 
 anchor, and sailed from that place, falling in with the Bombay frigate 
 and the supplies sent him on board her, in seven days after, off the 
 island of Booroo. 
 
 Having arrived at Amboyna, and remained there about two months 
 repairing and refitting, the Resistance sailed to Booroo ; where re- 
 freshments and stock, as well as wood and water, were mote abun* 
 dantly and conveniently to be procured than at the former place. 
 From Booroo she departed for Banda about a fortnight after, but 
 springing a leak off Amboyna, was obliged to put back again to 
 the former island. 
 
 Early in July she sailed from thence again ; and running close 
 along the shore of Jaca, took a Dutch brig off the town of Serrabi* 
 which, being in ballast and of little value, was released the same night* 
 The Resistance next steered her course for the Straits of Banca, 
 which having made in about five days, she there fell in with a fleet of 
 about fourteen pirate prou-s at anchor under the land of Bar.Ca, each 
 capable of containing fifty or sixty men k In order to board and 
 examine one of the largest of these, Captain P. manntd three of his 
 boats ; but the Malays in the prow for some tune refused permission 
 to Lieutenants Cuthbert and Mackay to come on board them. As 
 these officers, however, persisted in accomplishing their orders, the 
 Malays at length suffered it without opposition, but ic was found im- 
 possible to effeft their purpose of searching them for Dutch pro* 
 perty and papers ; for such was the ferment among the Malays on 
 board, that to avoid the consequence with which they were threatened 
 for insisting on this examination, they were obliged to insure their 
 safety by a hasty retreat over the side, and return to their own sh.p* 
 Captiin P. resented this conduct by the discharge of some of hw
 
 2 |j A CIRCUMSTANTIAL NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 twelve pounders, which soon dispersed the pirates, and sent them into 
 shoal water under the land. 
 
 Having weighed anchor about nine o'clock next morning, and cut 
 out a Malay sloop that had been captured by the pirates on her way 
 from Batavia, and was left at her anchors when they deserted 
 her the preceding night, Captain P. proceeded with her on his voyage 
 down the Straits. As the sloop was presumed to be Dutch pro- 
 perty, the paptrs belonging to which her Malay captain was suspected 
 of having destroyed, and if condemned would have been of some 
 value, being laden with cloth, salt, and other merchandize, she was 
 detained till the evening after the second day from her re-capture, 
 when it was intended that her commander (still on board the Resistance) 
 should be restored to his vessel, and herself released. With a view to 
 this, the Resistance came to an anchor in the Straits of Banca at an 
 early hour in the evening on the 2jd of July, as the sloop had at 
 that time fallen so much astern as to be entirely out of sight ; and the 
 latter joined, about one o'clock the next morning, and dropped 
 anchor under the stern of the Resistance. 
 
 The officer of the deck, Lieut. Cuthbert, hailed the sloop in 
 order to put her commander on board, but not being heard, re- 
 conciled the Malay Captain to this short further detention by the 
 assurance that he should depart for his vessel with the morning's 
 dawn : a dawn, alas! neither was to see. For Scott, the narrator, 
 sleeping at the larboard side of the quarter-deck (as it was so fine a 
 night that he did not wish to retire to his berth below), was suddenly 
 awakened by a fierce blaze, that seized his clothes and hair, suc- 
 ceeded in an instant by a tremendous explosion, from .the shock of 
 which, he conjectures, he became utterly senseless for five minutes or 
 more. 
 
 He computes this dreadful accident to have taken place about four 
 o'clock in the morning (24111 July 1798), from the day appearing 
 about an hour after he was blown up ; but how it did or could hap- 
 ptn, circumstanced as the ship then was, he professes himself totally 
 in?.ble to cfFer an opinion, or hazard a conjecture. 
 
 When lie recovered a little, he found himself half suffocated with 
 water, floating and struggling with twelve others in the same situation, 
 the small remainder cf the fine ship's company to which they had just 
 belonged. He made shift with these to reach the nelting of the ship 
 on the starboard side, which just remained above the water. 
 
 At the dawn of the day the people belonging to the sloop, then not 
 out of hail astern, who must easily have discovered the co dition of 
 the wreck, ar,d heard the repeated shouts of the wretched beings who 
 tvcre clinging to it, callous to every impulse of humanity, after the dis-
 
 LOSS op HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP RESISTANCE. 215 
 
 charge of a single musket, having weighed anchor, stood over, with- 
 out regarding their situation, to the Island of Banca. The weather 
 continuing mild and the water smooth, they set to work about eleven 
 o'clock in the forenoon, to make a raft of such pieces of timber as they 
 were able to pick up around them : they were fortunately enabled 
 to accomplish this by means of the main-yard, which, lying along- 
 side the wreck, furnished them with ropes sufficient for lashings ; it 
 also gave them cloth for sail, which they fixed to the mast of the 
 jolly boat, and they completed their task by making a platform upon 
 it of such planks as they could find. 
 
 From the shock and severe scorching that one and all of the sur- 
 vivors had experienced, they were unable to accomplish their work 
 before one o'clock P. M. in fad, four or five only of the number 
 were left in any circumstances to bear a part in it, the united labour 
 of whom was very insufficient to secure, as it ought, the raft they had 
 thus contrived. The solicitude they must have felt in their distressful 
 condition, to reach the shore before night, was considerably augmented 
 by the circumstance that the piece of the wreck by which they clung 
 would only bear the weight of two of the most shattered amongst them 
 (James Sullivan and Robert Pulloyue, seamen), and whom the compas - 
 sion of their comrades had agreed, accordingly, to give the preference 
 to, by mounting them upon it : a single pumkin being at the same time 
 the amount of all the sustenance the whole party had to depend on. 
 
 Having committed themselves to this raft, they made sail for the 
 nearest shore, which was the low land of Sumatra, distant about three 
 leagues, and about six leagues to the southward of the Dutch settle- 
 ment of Palambang. About seven o'clock it came on to blow fresh, 
 and the sea ran high, with a strong current then setting in against 
 them. They were yet a considerable distance from the land, when 
 the lashings of their raft began to give way, and itself to part. 
 Not only every plank of the platform was presently washed 
 off; but to complete the misery of their situation, their mast and 
 sail were carried away. But resource, not despair, is the character 
 of a British seaman. Seeing an anchor-stock, which had been lately 
 a part of the raft, and which promised more security to those who 
 might be able to reach it, floating a considerable way from them, S. 
 Scott, being the stoutest of the party, resolved to swim after it, and 
 encouraging Quarter- master Alexander M'Carthy, John Nutton, and 
 Joseph Scott, seamen, to follow his example, they all four brought it 
 in safety. 
 
 It was at this time one o'clock A. M. and clear moon-light, eight 
 poor souli still remained by the raft (PuUoyne being dead), who 
 seeing this part of their number, from whose exertions alone a ray of
 
 * CIRCUMSTANTIAL NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 liope appeared, thus consult their own safety by the only possibltf 
 chance for it, bewailed their separation bitterly. 
 
 The adventurers on the anchor-stock tost sight In another hour 
 of the forlorn companions of their distress, and never heard nor saw 
 them more. 
 
 By means of two spars, lashed across to keep the stock from rolling, 
 they continued to be borne in safety upon it till about nine o'clock next 
 morning ; when the current, changing again, set them fast towards 
 the land ; under the lee of which, though they had been driven out 
 further to sea than they were when they left the wreck, they fortunately 
 arrived, with the help of a paddle, about nine o'clock the same 
 flight (25th). Some surf running along the shore, they found it a 
 matter of no less difficulty, in their exhausted and weakly state, after 
 again betaking themselves to swimming, to reach the beach. 
 
 Having thus providentially effefted their escape from the dangers 
 of the deep, others no less formidable stared them in the face upon 
 this desert coast ; or a coast, if not desert, prefied only by the foot- 
 tteps of men scarce less savage than the wild beasts that roamed its 
 adjoining thickets. The first care of the seamen, after their fatigues 
 and sufferings, xvas to gather leaves and dry grass* with which they 
 made themselves a bed, whereon to repose. On this they slept sound 
 till morning, when awakened by the call of thirst, they went to look 
 for water, which they found at hand ; but no manner of refreshment 
 could they discover besides, not even a single shell fish. 
 
 In this deplorable condition, and almost naked (a single jacket and 
 couple of shirts being their whole stock of clothes), they remained 
 starving till about four o'clock the same afternoon (26th), being a 
 term of three whole nights and two days from the time of their being 
 blown up, when straggling along the shore, and almost in utter 
 despair of all human succour, one of the party discovered a Malay 
 prow, lying in a Bight, hardly a quarter of a mile from them. Upon 
 this they consulted what was best to be done ; and it was resolved 
 that T. Scott, being able to talk the Dutch and Malay tongues 
 fluently, should approach it singly, while the rest kept out of sight. 
 And wrll it was for them that such was the plan and precaution they 
 observed; for, had they all advanced together, unarmed and de- 
 fenceless as they were, it is almost a moral certainty that not a life 
 would have been spared. On a nearer approach he presently dis- 
 covered four more pirate prows with the first, some of the people 
 belonging to which were at work on the shore, repairing a boat. O 
 perceiving Scott, their head man immediately made towards him, 
 with an uplifted axe in his hand ; upon a loud shout given by whom, 
 a crowd followed, equally determined to put him to death. But
 
 loss OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHI? RESISTANCE* 215 
 
 Falling upon his knees, and supplicating for mercy in their own 
 tongue, the Chief relented, and forbad any of his people to do their 
 prisoner harm. They asked him earnestly what countryman he was ? 
 From whence he came ? And what he wanted among them ? He re- 
 plied he was an unfortunate Englishman, one of a small remainder that 
 survived the accident which had lately befallen his ship. They 
 repeated the question, whether he was a&ually an Englishman ? And 
 charged him, if a man of the Dutch Nation belonged to, the number 
 saved, that he should discover him to them, at his peril. Beino- an- 
 swered in the negative, the Chief (or Rajah, as they styled him) 
 enquired particularly whether their Captain survived ? In which case 
 he would undertake himself to convey them all safe to Malacca ; but 
 his people, as well as the Malay Chief himself, vowed that if the 
 party that accident had thus put into their hands had been Dutch, 
 no consideration should have induced them to shew quarter to a single 
 man. 
 
 Some of the pirates were now directed to where the seamen were, 
 who presently returned with them, trembling under the most alarming 
 apprehensions, that they should be massacred, as they conceived Scott 
 had already been ; for they had seen the latter surrounded by an 
 angry and threatening crowd, themselves then being undiscovered. 
 
 On their arrival, all four were made to sit down, till they fully 
 satisfied their curiosity, by asking a thousand questions relating to the 
 ship, and their prisoners. The next step the pirates took, was to 
 divide the captives ; each of the Rajahs taking two into his own 
 boat ; the quarter-master and Hutton into one, the two Scotts into 
 the other. 
 
 It was now past six o'clock P. M. when the almost famished 
 seamen at last had the wants of nature relieved by a plentiful 
 meal of fish and rice, which was served to them in each of the 
 boats. 
 
 The time allowed for this refreshment being expired, the five prows 
 immediately put off for the Resistance's wreck; but after a vain 
 search of two whole days, they returned without being able to pick 
 up any part of the ship, or of her contents. Some seamen's chests, 
 containing a few dollars and articles of little value, however, and a few 
 of the bodies, continued to be washed on shore, from time to time, 
 for some days after. 
 
 While these five prows, which formed a part of a fleet of eighteen 
 or twenty, that were distributed along the land, remained cruising 
 separately up and down the Straits, on the look out for trading craft 
 from China, Java, &c. (which might be about three weeks) , the
 
 2I< 5 A CIRCUMSTANTIAL NARRATIVE OF THE 
 
 Malays continued to behave so well towards their prisoners, as to leave 
 them no great cause to complain. 
 
 About the 25th of August, the prow Rajah, or principal prow, in 
 which the narrator was, at nine A. M. fell in with a sloop from Java. 
 The crew of this vessel, under cover of the preceding night, had 
 abandoned her, betaken to their boats, and escaped to the nearest 
 shore, making the best of their way (probably with what specie they 
 possessed) for the neighbouring town of Banca, whither it was believed 
 they were bound, and where they were secure of protection. Imme- 
 diately on seeing this formidable prow, which carried one twelve- 
 pounder, two swivels, and a proportion of musketry, swords, &c. 
 lying at anchor to windward, and it being well ascertained, from her 
 strength and appearance, what she was, as well as that no mercy was 
 to be expected from the sanguinary band aboard her, they wisely made 
 this sacrifice to their personal security. 
 
 Before the prow Rajah boarded the sloop, the English seamen re- 
 ceived a promise of a small dividend of any cloth or provisions that 
 might be found on board. Being laden, however, only with salt and 
 oil, a small proportion of fowls, rice, and cocoa nuts, part of her stock, 
 came to their share, in common with the other hands. The prow 
 proceeded from thence, with the sloop, for Penobang, a town on the 
 Island of Lingan ; which they reached in three days, and where their 
 prize fetched the captors 1500 rix-dollars. Here the two Scotts were 
 separated, Joseph being sent en in the prize to the town of Lingan, 
 and Thomas remaining with the Rajah of the prow behind at Peno- 
 bang. The pirates have a small fort or block house at this place, 
 surrounded by water, mounting several guns, which are occasionally 
 run out of their houses, which are eredled universally upon stakes or 
 piles. 
 
 Thomas Scott remained as a slave here with the Rajah of the 
 prow, his master, four or five weeks, when he had the news of 
 Quarter- master M'Carthy and Hutton arriving in the small prow at 
 Lingan ; that the young Rajah who commanded that prow, had very 
 liberally and humanely rejected any ransom for his captives, and freely- 
 presented them to the Sultr.cn. 
 
 A few days afterwards he heard that his namesake (Joseph) Scott 
 had been ransomed of the Timormcn on board the prize, where it 
 was his fate to be disposed of for fifteen rix-dollars ; and, finally, that 
 the Sultaun of Lingan had (with an alacrity and generosity which at 
 once stamps the natural disposition of his heart, and the regard and 
 refpt-cl he bears in it towards the British Nation) provided all the 
 surviving seamen of which he appears to have had any knowledge, 
 with a prow to transport them to Pinang.
 
 LOSS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP RESISTANCE. 217 
 
 Thus did the national charafter of the land from whence these 
 poor fellows sprang become a blessing to its individuals, in the most 
 trying and perilous situation imaginable: it would not become , us 
 to reverse the medal, and make the allusion, however it might apply, 
 to any other country, whose condudl towards the Malay Islanders 
 has been been so widely different, and in consequence of which they 
 experience very different effefls. 
 
 It was not till nine days after the liberation and departure of his 
 comrades for Pinang, that Thomas Scott was brought up by his 
 owner from Penobang to Lingan, about half a day's sail, and there 
 sold in the market for thirty-five rix-doUais. 
 
 His purchaser was another Rajah, or head mate, who proved to him 
 a kinder and more considerate master than the former ; he had now 
 a better allowance of victuals, more liberty, the gift of a cloth to 
 cover him, with an handkerchief. Lamenting the hardship of his fate, 
 in being the sole person of his countrymen left behind in bondage, 
 lu's new master encouraged him by the assurance, that whenever he, 
 Scott, should be able to pay him back the original amount of his 
 purchase, he would immediately release him. But his deliverance, 
 and that from a quarter totally unimagined and unexpected, was, 
 under the dispensation of Heaven, then at hand ; for the next 
 day, to his unspeakable joy, he found the Sultaun had become his 
 ransomer also from the Macassar Rajah. Being ordered into the 
 presence of his benefactor, he was given to understand, that in conse- 
 quence of a letter received by the Sultaun the preceding day from 
 Major Taylor, commanding at Malacca, requesting the Sultaun's t 
 attention and relief to any of the crew of his Majesty's ship which 
 might be found in those parts (too certain intelligence of which had 
 been given him at Malacca), he, the Sultaun, was happy to discover ' 
 that there yet remained another Englishman, of whom he before had 
 no knowledge, on the island ; and to whom he could have the 
 pleasure of bestowing his liberty. Several other kind expressions 
 were at the same time used by him. 
 
 Accordingly, after a delay of nine days of the prow dispatched 
 by Major Taylor to Lingan, Scott had the Sultaun's permission to 
 depart for Malacca. The prow arrived with him there on the $th of 
 December, after a tedious passage of fourteen days, and where, 
 upon official examination, he delivered in the above report to the 
 commanding officer, offering to attest the same (to tht best of his 
 belief and knowledge) at that time, or whenever after he might be called 
 upon. 
 
 l. IV. F F
 
 2lS 
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 
 
 Officers, Ship's Company, &c, belonging to, or on beard, his Majfsfy'f 
 Ship Resistance, ix>h;n she blew vp, as 'well as Scott can recollici : 
 
 Captain Edward Pakenham, 
 
 Commander. 
 
 Mr. Haughton, ist Lieut. 
 Mr. Cuthbert, 2d ditto. 
 Mr. Mackay, 3d ditto. 
 Mr. Powis, Surgeon. 
 Mr. Hust, Master. 
 Mr. Rosenhagen, Lieut, of 
 
 Marines. 
 
 Mr. Brown, Master at Arms. 
 Mr. Dawson, Gunner. 
 Mr. Pike, Boatswain. 
 
 Mr. , Carpenter. 
 
 Mr. Mercer, Purser. 
 Mr. Hargood, Master's Mate. 
 Mr. Walsh, Midshipman. 
 Mr. Derham, ditto. 
 Malacca, December 8, f 798. 
 
 Mr. Courtenay, ditto. 
 
 Mr. Woolfe, ditto. 
 
 Mr. , ditto. 
 
 Mr. , ditto. 
 
 Three Master's Mates. 
 
 Mr. Evans, Coxswain. 
 
 Mr. , Surgeon's Mate. 
 
 Serjeant Stevens, of Marines. 
 
 Five Quarter-masters, the 6th 
 (Mr. M'Carthy) being saved. 
 
 Four Boatswain's Mates ; about 
 30 Marines; and 25oSeameiu 
 
 Three Englibh women, mar- 
 ried on board one Malay 
 woman, of Amboyna. 
 
 Fourteen Spanish prisoners, 
 taken in the prize biig. 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 TN offering to your notice a few remarks on the Cables and Anchors 
 of Ships in the Royal Navy, 1 cannot but feel the disadvantage 
 under which I may lie when thus attempting to show that objects of 
 so much importance, after having for ages, nay centuries, employed 
 the most sagacious and minute observers > and received the benefit of 
 their inquiries and experience, still admit of farther improvement. 
 But if, as. I conceive, any ckfecl still exists in matters of this mo. 
 rnent, you will allow that a man of principle may feel anxious for 
 the disclosure of those idf.as which he, rightly or otherwise, imagines 
 essential to its remedy. Under this impression, I take the liberty of" 
 requesting you to insert the following letter, in which I have thrown 
 together my reflections on the subject, and the facts by which those 
 reflections have been suggested. 
 
 The fii\st position which I shall attempt to establish is one that has 
 every claim to prior consideration, and which, if admitted, of itself 
 points out the necessity of some such other new regulations as those 
 that I am about to piopose. 
 
 I. it appears to me, after the fullest consideration and research, 
 that his Majesty's ships are insufficiently cabled. In support of this
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 2 IQ 
 
 opinion 1 must remark, i. That merchant ships, being from three 
 hundred tons to seven hundred and fifty, which latter description 
 includes the smaller vessels of the East India Company, are certainly 
 not provided with cables of a strength more than adequate to their 
 size, wants, and degrees of exposure ; 2. That these degrees of ex- 
 posure, and consequent wants in the merchant vessels are far from 
 being equal to those of his Majesty's ships ; 3. That merchant vessels 
 are not over cabled ; but that on the contrary, as all who are ac- 
 quainted with them readily agree, could they manage them, cables of 
 a still larger size would be desirable ; now, these postulates being 
 granted, it follows that his Majesty's ships, not having cables of: 
 one-half, nor in some instances of one-third, of the strength of those 
 on board such merchant vessels, are not cabled to one-half, and in some 
 instances to one-third, of the requisite strength. This is a fact which, 
 as rumour has said a redu&ion of the cables in the service has been 
 proposed, seems to be either unknown or unregarded. This I know, 
 that the relative proportion of strength between the single cables of 
 ships of the line and those of merchant ships of 3 or 4co tons, is not 
 more than as three, or even two to six ; and that in length and 
 number, they hardly exceed the actual length and number of an East 
 India ship of 750, and have not at the same time, more than one half 
 or a third proportion of relative strength ; whence it follows, I con- 
 ceive, that if an India ship is not greatly over-cabled, a ship of the 
 line is greatly deficient. 
 
 If I am right in this idea, it will no longer be urged against me, 
 that the subject has been already completely examined. If this dis- 
 proportion is really productive of the evils which I attribute to it, it 
 will be allowed that even though the fads alleged are weaker, and 
 the arguments inferior, it would become the duty of every friend to 
 his country and his countrymen, to stand forward in such a cause. 
 What relates to the most important branch of the navy, to the 
 general defence and welfare, and to a point so interesting to their 
 safety, as firm anchorage and retention, can be of no slight or trivial 
 consideration. Single ships of the line of battle arc of a value, and 
 what is more, include a population equal to those of some states that 
 have a name in Europe. United, they are the greatest of the 
 national energies, the acknowledged support, if not the source, of the 
 wealth and power of the nation. They contain an assemblage of 
 men forming a body not to be paralleled for force, bravery, and 
 skill ; and which, should any misfortune overwhelm, ages to come 
 might not replace. Ought a pledge of such immense worth, and a 
 pledge too for the public safety, the guaranty of wealth, liberty, and 
 glory, and, as things now stand, of every thing near and dear m
 
 22 O ANCHORS AND CABLE*. 
 
 private as well as public estimation, to be permitted, if the contrary 
 is possible, to exist a moment in danger of suffering from the Ju- 
 commodiousness or inadequacy of the instruments they employ. 
 
 In watching the enemy's coast, which is become a usual duty, and 
 in many exposed situations both at home and abroad, our ships want 
 retaining po'wers of the greatest strength j and ihould these powers, 
 from error in calculation, or any other cause, be formed of less than 
 that required strength, and much more if, in the most important in- 
 stances, it is less than half of what it ought to be, it would be extremely 
 criminal were we passively to witness so great an evil. It is not ex- 
 travagant to suppose, that such a distribution of the navy may be occa- 
 sionally required, as would leave half of it or nearly the whole, upon 
 the shores of the enemy, or in our own roads, exposed to the necessity 
 of outriding the most destructive gale ; and a gale of that increased 
 violence which late instances lead us frequently to expeft. Tn such a 
 case, the flower of the heroism of Great Britain might be buried in the 
 ocean : a catastrophe too dreadful for thought, but which, as far as 
 second causes are concerned, must be influenced by the hold of 
 anchors, and the strength of cables. 
 
 II. It is my opinion, that the complicated nine-strand lay of 
 cables is of inferior strength, and coiled with greater difficulty than 
 simpler combinations. 
 
 III. That it would be highly for the good of the service, and is 
 practicable, to adopt, for sheet and spare cables, if not for bowers, 
 cordage of double or more than double substance. 
 
 IV. That the bitts might be altered to that end, and in;i man- 
 ner beneficial to all cables, according to the recommendation of Mr. 
 Snodgrass, and that these improvements might be carried still 
 farther. 
 
 V. That anchors of the present magnitude, being much more than 
 adequate to cables now in use, would be sufficient, or nearly so, for 
 those of the proposed fabric. 
 
 VI. That an alteration might be made, which, though the anchor 
 is in my judgment, nearly perfect in its common forms, would, in 
 some cases, aid its office ; and, 
 
 VII. That ships, to ride secure, do not want so great a scope of 
 cable as is commonly supposed. 
 
 The anchors of ships of the line are,, it is allowed, in tolerable 
 proportion, though perhaps rather below what their circumstances 
 require ; a ship of 300 tons possessing anchors of twelve or fourteen 
 cwt. ; East India ships, of 750 tons, anchors of thirty-two or thirty- 
 four cwt. ; seventy. fours, of 1800 tons, from seventy to eighty cwt. ;
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 221 
 
 second-rates, from eighty to ninety ; and, as I have been informed, 
 the anchors of first- rates, which are of 2200 or 2300 tons burden, lately- 
 approached to five ton weight. These respective weights, common 
 arithmetic shews, are nearly proportional to those of the merchant 
 and East India Company ships ; and perhaps nearly sufficient ; for I 
 never heard that, except in very loose ground, where the form of 
 an anchor is of more consequence than its weight, the anchors 
 of merchant ships are not sufficiently powerful for the cables to which 
 they are attached. They have appeared in all the instances re- 
 specting which I have either had experience, or opportunity of 
 making inquiry, to be what they ought to be that is, completely su- 
 perior to the cables ; and, consequently, till farther experience - 
 amends present conceptions, it may not be improper to receive them 
 as sufficient in all instances for the equivalent proportions of cable. 
 Such have they at least, been proved, for those which the ships of the 
 East India Company annex, and which are the best in all respefts for 
 comparison with his Majesty's ships, as well on account of their size, 
 methods, and habits, as of the reasoning and experimental inquiry 
 which has been made in this service, and the knowledge which is 
 generally possessed, or easily obtained, respecting the properties and 
 powers of those ships, and their instrumental parts. 
 
 To these c< mparisons J now proceed, by means of which I shall 
 point out that his Majesty's ships fall beneath others in the propor- 
 tion of their cables ; and that those ships bting barely sufficiently found, 
 the King ? s being still interior, must be obviously defective. 
 
 The East India Company's shijrs, I mean the smaller, preserve 
 pretty nearly the proportion customary in the merchants' service, 
 and this is scarcely sufficient ; but they can take better stations for 
 riding than can the ships of the line, and have none of those pressing 
 occasions for extreme power in their retainers, which occur perpetually 
 in the public service. 
 
 The elevation of the lowest ships of the line, joined to the in- 
 creased proportion of their masts and yards, the superior measure 
 allowed in his Majesty's tonnage, added to their outside berth, cause 
 the least disadvantage they sustain in riding to be not reasonably less 
 than a fourth more than their nominal tonnage compared with the 
 East India ships adduced ; while second and first rates may be reason- 
 ably set at a third more than theirs. This statement, indeed, does 
 not greatly exceed their real tonnage in merchant measure, and these 
 considerations will cause seventy- fours to be rated at 2100 tons of 
 East India tonnage, according to the strain they exert in cables; 
 second rates at not less than 2600 ; and first rates- not below 3000.
 
 C zzz ] 
 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 ssavs en " tie Cause of the Naval Superiority of England over the 
 French," extracted from the MONITEUR, by French Writers In 
 continuation from page 148. 
 
 ESSAY III. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 "TpHE Author of the Memoir upon the Marine, some time ago m- 
 serted in the Moniteur *, has treated this interesting question so 
 as In some measure to awaken the attention of every sailor, and of 
 every Marine Artillery Man. This subjeft appearing to be rather 
 out of the sphere of a private officer, I may be blamed for publishing 
 the following observations, which I would not presume to hazard did 
 not I believe that they may be of greater utility than those contained 
 in the Memoir. But this is of little consequence. Should they 
 only attract the criticism of the Officers of the Marine Artillery, I 
 shall have attained my objeft ; for this would be one means of draw- 
 ing them from the apathy in which they seem to be held. 
 
 The Author has fixed upon three causes, which he thinks sufficient 
 to give superiority in naval combats : ist, A superior excellence of 
 ships, zd, A more profound knowlrdge in the officers of Naval 
 Ta&ics ; and ^d, The more advantageous use and direction of the 
 artillery. 
 
 The Author next having, in some way or other, demonstrated 
 that the two first causes are in favour of the French, concludes that 
 It is the bad use we make of our artillery that is the cause of our 
 reverses. 
 
 It appears to me that he would have been more just had he con- 
 eluded, that our defeats arise merely from the inferiority of our ar- 
 tillery. 
 
 The two first points not being within my sphere, and having been 
 already resolved, I shall now, in concert with the Author, examine 
 what is the influence of the third. 
 
 It cannot be doubted that this influence is very great in naval en- 
 gagements, since it is well known that artillery is employed in them 
 as the principal agent that if it often prepares the victory to land 
 armies, it must by sea not only prepare but determine it. I am far 
 from thinking that much does not depend upon the skilful manoeuvring 
 of the ships, but can these manoeuvres be always executed under the 
 wperior fire of an enemy's artillery ? 
 
 * See page 146 of this Work.
 
 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 22$ 
 
 The Author states, that " The French dlreff their guns at tie 
 tvhicb comprehends every thing that is above the body of th? 
 vessel^ that three-fourths of this space is a void, and consequently t thai 
 three -fourths of the balls so direcJed, must lose themselves in air." 
 
 The last phrase is not correct, for the balls do not lose themselves 
 in air, but in water, " From the vague elevation which is given to tie 
 balls when they are f red at the rigging-, the balls ivhkh hit the mails 
 must necessarily strike them one above the other ; and experience proves, 
 that fifty cannon shots received in this manner by a mast will not break 
 it, WV," 
 
 When the rigging is fired at, It is only at a distance from which 
 some kind of advantage may be expected by this direction of shot. 
 Thus, when a vessel is precisely distant from its adversary that space 
 which a gun will carry without giving it elevation, then it is unneces- 
 sary to allow much, and the degree necessary may be exaclly deter- 
 mined. But when the guns are fired beyond this distance it be- 
 comes necessary to give them elevation, on account of the distance. 
 Then it is that their muzzles conceal the hull of the enemy's vessel, 
 and even its rigging, if the distance is considerable, from the eye of 
 the officer who points the guns, and it is from hence, no doubt, that 
 the Author has supposed the fire was directed at the rigging of 
 the enemy's vessel when it is only proposed to reach it. J will agree 
 that when the Marine cannoneer fires beyond the distance of point- 
 blank shot, he has nothing which indicates to him how much he 
 elevates or lowers his piece ; that he does not know the precise degree 
 in which he has elevated or lowered it at the moment of the departure of 
 the ball. Hence it follows, that besides its being possible that he may 
 be able to bring back, for several shots, his piece to the same degree 
 of elevation that it had before, it necessarily follows that the balk 
 must lodge in the masts, or strike them precisely one above the other. 
 
 " Tie English always direct their guns at the butts of the vessels, &c." 
 
 The Author ought to have established a term of comparison from 
 which we could set out, in order to estimate the effecls of artillery. 
 Let us suppose any fixed distance ; it is evident that every shot directed 
 at the hull of the enemy's vessel at the distance of two cables length, 
 cannot miss it, since it is impossible that the balls can miss it by 
 diverging laterally, and as the degree to which they fall cannot exceed 
 seventeen or eighteen feet ; but if we suppose a distance of six cables 
 length, the guns ought no longer to bt directed at the hulls of the 
 enemy's vessels, for the balls would touch the water at about a third 
 part of that distance, and would never reach the vessels. It would 
 be necessary in this case to give the guns a certain elevation. 
 Their muzzles will then conceal the objed from the cannoneer, who
 
 224 
 
 \vill be obliged to take his aim by the sides of the gun a method 
 which cannot but produce error, and of which, the pn~.ftice is only 
 recommended for want of better means. It is not uncommon, with 
 such uncertain methods of pointing, for the best trained cannoneer to 
 mistake one degree or even more in the elevation of the gun, which 
 causes him to miss every part of the enemy's vessels ; since at the 
 distance we are supposing, the fall of the balls must be from two to 
 three hundred feet. I think it too tedious and useless to point out all 
 the errors which might arise from lateral pointing. 
 
 When guns are fired at a greater distance than the gun carries' 
 point-blank, they are almost always aimed by chance. There can 
 therefore be no security that they will strike any determined part of 
 the enemy's ship ; but they are fired in the hope that they will strike 
 it some where or other. It is easy to see from this, how ridiculous 
 it would be to aim so as to sink it in this case. 
 
 < When the guns are directed at the body of the enemy's vessels t the 
 lolls which pcss above must pass almost at the same height, so that those 
 which strike the masts must strike them nearly in the same place." 
 
 What the Author says here is true ; when the guns are fired at a 
 distance which they will carry point-blank, I think I have already- 
 proved, that beyond this distance there can be no security that the balls 
 v ill in any degree strike. 
 
 Thus the instructions which the Author has given respecting the 
 management of artillery at sea, only relate to firing point-blank. 
 His views are undoubtedly not confined to this point, he has given 
 room to hope that in a second Memoir he will explain them for the 
 instruction of the Officer* of the Marine Artillery'. 
 
 " // may be supposed from the condufl of the French in battle, that their 
 intf niton -was only to get clear of the English vessels, in order to avoid a 
 decisive aSion" 
 
 I suppose that the intention of the French sailors when they are 
 tngagtd, is to do all the ill possible to the enemy, and that if the 
 effect does not correspond with their intention, it is the fault of thr 
 arms which they use. 
 
 I shall only cite one fact to give an idea of the effect of our ar- 
 tillery. Upon the return of the Trench and Spanish fleets, com- 
 manded by Admiral Bruix, they fired 900 cannon shots at least, at 
 an Algerine corsaire, without the smallest effect. I do not believe 
 that in a combat of this nature, there was ever so much unavailing 
 firing. 
 
 Though the preference ought to bs given to directing the guns so 
 as to make them strike the hull of the enemy's vessel, I do not think 
 that this opinion of the Author ought to be considered as an exclu-
 
 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 3*5 
 
 aive principle. For instance, in a particular engagement the com- 
 mander of a ship, the superiority of whose artillery over that of its 
 antagonist is discernible, ought, it appears to me, to save the enemy's 
 vessel, and only to fire at the rigging. 
 
 The Author, in examining the conduct of the English Admirals in 
 battle, asserts that they have negltctul manoeuvring, with the advanU 
 ages of position, and that they have reckoned solely on the superiority 
 of their artillery. The English Admirals have done what -every able 
 General will do, when having the superiority of force, he can, by 
 combating the enemy's armament in parallel order, fight it along the 
 whole extent of its front and destroy it completely. 
 
 The Author observes, " that the English have only produced one 
 contemptible work upon Naval Tallies." But they have produced 
 several excellent ones upon Artillery, which is at least as essential. 
 *' That they have no Marine School." We have in opposition to that, ' 
 no School for Artillery. " Lastly, that they have no Naval Corpt of ~~ 
 Artillery." It may now be asked, if we have any f If that Body 
 which we know by the name, is organized as it ought to be ? If the 
 men who compose it are chosen, and if they are commanded at sea by 
 the officers who trained them ? 
 
 The only French Author who has written upon the subject of the 
 Naval Artillery is Citizen Tcxier Norbie. His vyor}c, though mo- 
 dern, appears tp me incomplete, because he has not taken notice of 
 the great changes made in the Land Artillery in 1765, and since that 
 period* nor of the discoveries which have arisen from the discussions 
 which the subject of artillery has undergone, although he could not 
 be unacquainted with them. It is true that it does not seem tq have 
 been his object in his researches to appreciate the importance or ad- 
 vantage of these changes, nor to make any application of them to the 
 Naval Artillery. 
 
 The Laud Artillery having been carried to a pitch of perfefHon, 
 which has attracted the attention of all military men, and even of the 
 learned of Europe, it would have been surprising, if the Naval Ar- 
 tillery had not reaped some Improvement from this perfection, were 
 it only in those parts of its construction or management which are 
 analogous or similar to those of the Land Artillery, if it had had 3 
 corps destined particularly to its service, of which the officers had 
 been artillerers. This corps} not having existed, the Naval Artillery 
 has undergone very little change. 
 
 I have proved that our Naval Artillery does not furnish any means 
 of taking a sure aim. It is still more defective with respect to its 
 mounting, because this is not established on any rational principle ; 
 some of them being contrary to the simplest rules of Mechanics, it 
 
 IV. G O
 
 226 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 would be impossible to resolve them all into one. I conclude, that 
 ia every respect it is inferior to that of the English. We have 
 indeed the melancholy experience of this. It would not then be 
 sufficient to secure us constant success, merely that we have perfected 
 the construction of our vessels, that we have investigated deeply into 
 Naval Tallies, and formed good Naval office iv, ; it would still remain ne- 
 cessary to improve our artillery, and to render it, if possible, superior 
 to that of the enemy. I shall offer some leading ideas as to the means 
 which I think best adapted to make it regain this superiority. 
 
 It will be necessary to make our artillery lighter, which may be 
 done without danger, as is proved by the example of the English, 
 and of our allies the Spaniards, whose artillery-is one fourth lighter than 
 ours/; to fix the dimensions of the guns upon an accurate knowledge 
 of the laws of cuhtsion, of the force of tenacity in the particles of 
 ca.5t iron and of the effeft of the powder- which tends to brcvk them. 
 
 It will be necessary to adapt to our guns Loutous de mire * and 
 '&amses mobiles, similar to those with which field-pieces are provided, 
 but of which the properties will be more extended, and the use more 
 sure, without requiring any greater skill on the part of the cannoneer. 
 
 The next thing requisite will be, to facilitate the means of taking 
 aim by the sides cf the gun ; some method of rr.aking fast the guns, so 
 .that their weight being nearer to the centre of gravity as to the vessel, 
 the motion may be made less, which must also be provided. 
 
 The carronndes ought to be cast a-new, as their construaion, as 
 well as that of their frames, is evidently bad. 
 
 Schools of Artillery for the Naval Service ought to be established, 
 in which officers, by being taught a good theory, may be prepared for 
 serving usefully. 
 
 A corps of Marine Artillery, of chosen men, ought to be formed ; 
 to the officers of which ought to be granted, the power of dire: 
 the artillery at sea, and that of commanding and disciplining their 
 cannoneers. These officers not being then so completely null as they 
 are at present on board cur vessels, would have the glory of being able 
 to contribute to our success, the only one cf wlych they could, bj 
 jealous. 
 
 ' The zeal which animates me for the honour of the corps to which, 
 I am proud of belonging, will plead my pardon for the faults of tbu? 
 :.y. If I am deceived in the conclusions which 1 have dr&wa, I 
 eagerly wish tint seme officer?, more masters of the theory and ; 
 tice of the profession, may, by making it known, propose better. 
 
 BY AN OFilCER OF THE' MARiNfc ARTILLIRY, 
 
 The Translator is unacquainted with the Eng!!sh terms for this and the f5- 
 lowirg expression (bauaa mcMct}, hut what is meant by loutcxi dt mire is tLs 
 un.ll mark near the muzzle of the gun, to dired more steadily the aim of ths 
 person \vho points it.
 
 ( 227 ) 
 
 FOR THE NAVAL CHRONICLE. 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 E Moniteur, or, in other words, the official Gazette of France, 
 of which you have given a translation *, having thought proper 
 to obtrude some observations upon the comparative Naval Talics 
 of France and England, and to draw from those observations a 
 particular inference, the remarks with which I shall trouble you 
 are intended as an answer to those observations. I shall, how- 
 ever, answer the Moniteur rather substantially than regularly, and 
 shall reply more to the result of his arguments, than criticise his 
 individual paragraphs. The remarks of the Moniteur are evidently 
 the language 01 Consular command. It is an obvious finesse of 
 Government, to excite their navy to the hope of rivalling their army. 
 *The Moniteur insists that the superiority of a marine force, when in 
 aftion, must depend on three things : i. The better condition of the 
 vessels 2. The greater naval skill of the officers 3. The better use 
 of the artillery. I grant to the Consulate Gazette that such things 
 are the causes, but not the only causes of superiority. There is one 
 other cause, and that, fortunately for this country, a cause which is aa 
 much a property of our nature, as fog and beef are the characteristics 
 of our island : that cause, Sir, is the matchless firmness of our seamen ! 
 The Moniteur remarks, that the continual victories of the English 
 at sea must arise from the imprudence of the French in firing at our 
 rigging, rather than at our hulls ; but English seamen are disposed to 
 insist, that fire as they may, at hull or rigging, the French fleet always 
 shall, and always must, be beaten. England, says the Moniteur, has 
 had but one author who has written on Naval Tafcics, and he was 
 not a seam'an : all their knowledge, therefore, he adds, must be drawn, 
 from French authors. The author alluded to by the Gazette of' 
 France is Clarke. Cbrke has written a book, and a most excellent 
 book it is, upon Naval Tadics ; and by the principles of that book, in 
 some measure, have the French, Spaniards, and Dutch, been severely 
 chastised. But Clarke is not the only author, although the others 
 have not published any elaborate treatises on the subject. Admiral 
 Russel (not to go farther back.) was an author. on Naval Tadics. 
 Boscawen, Hawke, Rodney, were authors of the same sort. Howe, 
 Hotham, Jarvis, Duncan, and Ntlson, have published upon the same 
 topic. There is a publication called /} Quarter Boardy composed of 
 pages of most important composition. The authors above-mentioned 
 have been rather nervously concise than eloquently diffuse. " i o;nt 
 your guns well, my laclr, ; don't throw away a single shot ; see but 
 their whiskers and you will singe them." 
 
 The letter of th$ Moniteur insinuates, that the cause of the inva- 
 riable defeats of the Frcr.ch proceed from their firing at our masts and 
 * See Page 143.
 
 228 FRENCH NAVAL TACTICS. 
 
 rigging ; and that the uniform victories of the English arc the natural 
 result of firing at the French hulls. It is not here intended to reply 
 to the individual arguments used in the Moniteur to substantiate his 
 ' statement. It is more to the purpose to resort, in the first instance, 
 to the truer source of British triumph, and the cureless cause of French 
 defeat. When a very valiant Captain of a French line of battle ship* 
 whose vessel was sunk, after a most handsome resistance, was saved 
 from the impending peril of drowning, by the Commander of a British 
 ship, in Lord Howe's memorable action, the prisoner, in the fullness 
 of his gratitude for his life preserved, and a 'great part of his crew 
 rescued from perdition, having thanked the English Captain with a 
 candour correspondent to his courage, very frankly declared, that 
 nothing in the world could stand against the broadside of a British man 
 of war, which he pronounced to be a perfect bait-storm of bullets* 
 
 When the surviving first officer of a line of battle ship, taken in an 
 a&ion between the French fleet in the Mediterranean, and the British 
 fleet under Admiral Hotham, had, some days afterwards, his sword 
 returned to him, he congratulated himself upon receiving it, and at the 
 same time observed, that he had been obliged to thrust that sword 
 through the bodies of several of his seamen, to mak^ the remainder 
 stand to their guns : he at the same time a&ked the First Lieutenant 
 of the Admiral's ship, on board of which the Frenchman was prisoner, 
 how the English officers contrived to keep their men to their 
 guns ? " We have no necessity to keep them to their gnns," replied 
 the Lieutenant, " for the Devil himself could not drive them from 
 them ;" and, pointing to his speaking trumpet, said, " We have only 
 to make them he-ar, they will be sure to obey." In short, Sir, the 
 hail-storm, as the first- mentioned officer emphatically described it, is 
 the trne and only cause of conquest on one side, and the irresistible 
 impulse that dismays, disconcerts, and defeats the other party ; and 
 as to John Bull, the hail-storm, with all its concomitant thunder 
 and lightning of artillery, has no other effeft upon him than to 
 make him pelt away in return till he h;is silenced and subdued his 
 antagonist. 
 
 It is not here intended to draw illiberal or national comparisons j 
 the letter in the Monitenr has set no such example, mid requires 
 no such return : much less is it designed to vaunt any preternatural 
 prowess ; and, less than all is it meant to allude to the numbers 
 sacrificed to give a temporary colouring of success to the French 
 armies. There is no affinity between the two services. The hail- 
 storm here alluded to, is the hail-storm of the main. It is sufficient 
 just to observe, that pushing hundred upon hundred, and devoting 
 to death thousand after thousand, to fatigue the enemy by continuation 
 of slaughter, may answer the purposes of desperation on shore ; but
 
 JFRENCB NAVAL TACTICS* 2 2 9 
 
 such temerity afloat, whether applied to the hull or rigging of the British 
 ships, will only augment destruction, and ensure defeat to their assailants 
 
 The Moniteur states, that this superiority of the English, in firing 
 at the hull, was evinced in the combat with Lord Howe* and in that 
 with Nelson, at the Nile : but here, in joining with the Moniteur, as 
 to the incontrovertible superiority manifested by the British squadron 
 upon the latter unparalleled day, I must dissent from him in affixing 
 the glory of it to that cause to which he assigns it j to no defection 
 on the part of his countrymen's tactics, to no indiscretion of firing at 
 the rigging instead of the hull, was the event of that matchless 
 transaction to be attributed. No, Mr. Editor, to the hail- storm 
 alone must we apply for an explanation of that proud and unexampled 
 manoeuvre* 
 
 As to Howe's renowned battle in the Channel, be it remembered, 
 that the ships of France were, on that occasion, better found and 
 better fought than they had ever been under the old regime ; every 
 national, every republican, every pecuniary nerve was strained, to 
 empower that formidable fleet to resist the English ; every exertion 
 was made to lay their ships close to the enemy ; the old practice of 
 firing at the rigging was completely abandoned. The prisoners in 
 that well disputed combat unanimously declared, that the substituted 
 system of firing at our hulls had been adopted, and executed with as 
 much precision as the French seamen could be prevailed on to perse- 
 vere im But they did not, they could not persevere ; the hail-storm 
 totally defeated the design. 
 
 As to the fight of the Nile, be it recollected that the French ships 
 were at anchor ; that they had a three-decker of very heavy metal ; that 
 Nelson had two-deckers only ; that the French purposely, declaredly, 
 and universally pointed their whole numerous and ponderous artillery 
 at our hulls, their broadsides at our hulls, end on : Jt was, at first, 
 hundreds of shots to one, broadside to bow, point blank aim at ships 
 necessarily less certain in their aim, because steering, and occasionally 
 yawing ; some length of time brought our ships hull to hull : then 
 came on the aforesaid hail-storm : then might any Frenchman, a !- 
 vanced in the elegances of the English tongue, have exclaimed, "From 
 Hell, Hull, and Hail-storm, good Lord deliver us !" 
 
 In short, Sir, the Moniteur is correct in his data, but has erred in 
 his conclusion, like Monsieur D'Arcon, who sug;;c^ttd and super- 
 intended the floating batteries at Gibraltar. That able Engineer pro- 
 nounced his batteries (no doubt upon plausible data) to be impene- 
 trable, incombustible, and insubmersible ; whereas the batteries of 
 Monsieur D'Arcon were shot through) set on fire, and sunk. 
 I am, Sir, your humble servant, 
 
 HAIL-STOHM.
 
 C 230 1 
 
 GREAT BRITAIN, 
 
 A POEM. 
 
 VINCIT AMOR PATRIJE. 
 
 HAIL ! happy land, around whose rocky shores 
 The restless wave of hoary Ocean roars, 
 How shall the Muse recount thy endless praise ? 
 Weak is her fancy, low her loftiest lays ; 
 To Britain's glory, strains sublime belong ; 
 Heroic verse, and richer streams of song. 
 
 Here, from the earliest age, was ever seen 
 The martial form of liberty serene 
 Here^the brave Chief, whose steady valour bore 
 Rome's haughty eagles to the German shore, 
 Tam'd the fierce Gaul, and saw Pharsalia's day, 
 And broke of Munda's war the firm array 
 Here found that courage, warm'd with Freedom's fire?, 
 The fearless minds with scorn of death inspires. 
 Unskilled in every art of civil life, 
 The savage Britons in the noble strife, 
 The well-train'd legions gallantly withstood, 
 The Seas ran purple with the Roman blood. 
 Here too these dauntless heroes could restrain,. 
 The sweeping ravage of the cruel Dane. 
 Thee, Alfred ! fam'd in learning and in war, 
 That rough and hardy race was taught to fear, 
 Scar'd at thy warlike voice in dire dismay, 
 The Northern Raven * droop'd and fled away. 
 Name, to the sacred Muse, for ever dear, 
 Who 'raid the gloom of ignorance so drear, 
 Could teach the light of Science how to shine, 
 The wild Barbarian polish and refine, 
 Pour each fair moral on the human mind, 
 And ruffian rage with legal sanftions bind. 
 
 * The Danish Standard. 
 
 Z
 
 KAVAL LITERATURE. 33! 
 
 But, all ! unfriendly to each gcn'rous art, 
 When death unspairing chill'd thy glowing hcart ? 
 The age to fierce barbarity return'd 
 No more with love qf ancient glory burn'd. 
 
 ' Now brighter aeras claim my willing lays ; 
 
 See heroes born the race of happier days. 
 
 In pomp majestic see the Chief* advance, 
 
 Whose courage shook the throne of haughty France,, 
 
 See Poi&ier's plain and Cressy's glorious field ; 
 
 See the young Victor f with the sable shield, 
 
 Unmatch'd in valour as in courtly grace, i 
 
 '* The first in combat, as the first in place." 
 
 See from his ashes too, , whose deeds adorn 
 
 '1'h' historic page, another hero born. 
 
 He, the fifth Henry, on the frighted shores 
 
 Of hostile France, his well-train'd army pours ; 
 
 Who knows not Agin'court ? there nobly brave, 
 
 Ten thousand warriors found a glorious grave ; 
 
 There fell the weight of that destructive blow, 
 
 That humbled France, and laid her heroes low ; 
 
 There Bourbon fell on heaps of Princes dead ; 
 
 There Dalbr^t died and bold Alencon bled. 
 
 But endless were the task, O Land of Fame 1 
 Thy warriors' valiant aftions to proclaim ; 
 France and Iberia feel their matchless force, 
 And climes far distant tremble at their course. 
 Not the stout Flemish on his wasted fields, 
 Nor German bold, the glitt'ring sword who wields, 
 Nor Swiss descending from his mountain's brow, 
 Clad in fierce tempests, and a waste of snow, 
 ,Nor hardy Russians, nor intrepid Swedes, 
 Of Chaiks still boasting high the warlike deeds. 
 Nor ruthless Turk, nor Austrian firm in fight, 
 Could of thy heroes quell the dauntless might : 
 Germania's plain, and Flanders dy'd in blood, 
 The Danube rolling slow his sanguine flood, 
 And Ganges' broken wave, that murm'ring flows, 
 Clogg'd with dire carnage of thy slaughter'd foes, 
 Pear thro' recording times thy fair renown, 
 Arid Nations yield to thee the martial crown. 
 
 * Edward III. t Edward the Black Prince.-
 
 JUVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 But while thy valour sways the tide of war, 
 Illustrious Country ! o'er the regions far, 
 With sheet expanded to the blowing gales, 
 Thy fleet triumphant on the ocean sails ; 
 Bold are thy fearless seamen on the wave, 
 Bold on that furious clement they brave, 
 They court fair honour, 'mid the roaring sound 
 Of surging billows, on the seas profound, 
 Firm aud.experienc'd in the naval art. 
 They guide their daring course with steady heart i 
 Firm and intrepid they direct the heLn, 
 Far to that cold inhospitable realm : 
 The seat of Winter bleak> where mountains glow, 
 Bright with eternal f;-ost and hoary snow ; 
 Far to the polar regions of the skies, 
 Where waste impassive continents of ice 
 Stretch to the chilling North in dreary view* 
 Thy sailors glory in those tra&s pursue. 
 
 'Tis Britain's honojtir to make discord cease. 
 And join the Nations in the league of Peace ; 
 Bid harvests flourish where the desert scowl'd, 
 And plant fair cities where the savage howl'd;' 
 Spread each ennobling virtue of the mind, 
 And the vast world in social commerce bind ; 
 For this Drake ventur'd to the Western shore,. 
 Thro' seas that never felt the keel before ; 
 For this too, Raleigh, wise experienced sage, 
 The pride and stain of a degen'rate age ; 
 For this, of equal fame tho' later time, 
 Thy Cook undaunted $i avcrs'd every clime. 
 Muse! at that name let tears eternal flow, 
 Pay to the sacred dead the meed of woe ; 
 See Commerce weep, and drooping Science njournj 
 With hair dishevell'd o'er his silent urn. 
 
 But when incens'd to punish lawless pride. 
 Thy fleets, Oh Britain ! on the oc, j an r^de, 
 Fierce from their ports the blasting vengeance flits, 
 Then wild defeat and desp'rate rout arise ; 
 Death on the deck assumes his dreadful stand, 
 And points the cannon with his slaughtering hand. 
 Thus fell the armament of boasting Spain, 
 Brave Howard whelm'd them in the British main j
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 233 
 
 So where Domingo rises o'er the flood, 
 France shed in copious streams her flowing blood, 
 When gallant Rodney thro' her centre broke, 
 In vollied thunder, and a night of smoke : 
 Great Naval Hero ! to thy deathless name, 
 The rescued Nation plans the bust of Fame ; 
 Still shalt thou live, while time shall flow along, 
 In lays historic, and the Poet's song ; 
 But while thy Britain glories in her Chief, 
 Her feeling bosom throbs with tender grief; 
 She weeps her warriors in the raging fight, 
 Who nobly perish'd in their country's right ; 
 She sees her Blair among her Heroes dead, 
 And stretch'd with Blair, on Honour's a\vful bed, 
 Her Manners too, the gallant, young, and brave, 
 Who fell to conquer, and who died to save. 
 Ah ! virtuous heat, and Valour's gen'rous flame ; 
 Ah! daring lust of honourable fame. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLI. 
 
 rpHIS Plate represents the situation of the William Tell, French 
 * ship of war, of 84 guns, as disabled by his Majesty's ship the 
 Penelope, of 36 guns, Captain Blackwood, on the night of the 29th of 
 March, 1 800, on her endeavour to escape from Malta. The Lion, 
 of 64 guns, Captain Manly Dixon, and the Foudroyant, of 74 guns, 
 Captain Sir Edward Berry, are seen coming up from a distance at 
 day-break. For Gazette account of the engagement, we refer our 
 readers to vol. iii. page 500 ; also for minute particulars, see page 508 
 of the same volume, given in a letter from onboard the Foudroyant. 
 
 The following is the French account of this memorable capture, as 
 transmitted to the Minister of Marine, by which our .readers, on 
 comparison, may form an idea of the fallacy of republican official, 
 veracity. 
 
 yice-.4dmiralDzcn.ES to the Minister of Marine and the Colonies. 
 " C IT I Z E N M I N 1ST E R, Hi Floreal, %th year. 
 
 I HAVE the misfortune to transmit to you an account of the 
 capture of the ship William Tell, commanded by Captain Saunier, 
 and on board of which I had recently hoisted my flag. It was on 
 the 8th Germinal, at eleven at night, when the ship left the port, 
 the moon had gone down about an hour, scudding before the wind, she 
 had already doubled a part of the enemy's fleet; when she was re- 
 cognized by a frigate, which immediately pursued her, at the same 
 IV. H H
 
 2J4- FRENCH ACCOUNT OF THE 
 
 time firing her guns in order to point out the chase, and bring up 
 the enemy's ships. It was the Penelope, of 44 guns, which unfor- 
 tunately gained ground of the William Tell ; she gained so fast upon 
 her, that at one o'clock of the morning of the gth, she was near 
 enough to fire right into her stern. The William Tell returned the 
 fire from her stern chases ; her shot several times struck the Pene- 
 lope, but did not prevent her repeating her fire during the whole of 
 the night, with all the advantage which she derived from her superior 
 style of sailing and the choice of position, as well as from the neces- 
 sity which compelled me to fly. An hundred times I was tempted 
 to manoeuvre in order to cripple her from righting, as well as some 
 cutters that folio ived her and annoyed us with their fire, but as the 
 wind blew fresh, and I observed, notwithstanding the darkness of the 
 night, several ships at the extremity of the horizon in full sail to 
 support her, I was sensible that by lying to, I should be giving them 
 all time to come up, and that my escape would be impossible. We 
 were thus annoyed during the whole of the night by this frigate, 
 whose fire brought down our main-top-mast about five in the morn- 
 ing. At that moment the Lion, of 64 guns, came up within musket 
 shot to the larboard of the William Tell, while the Penelope con- 
 tinued firing astern. For three quarters of an hour, during which 
 the Lion was on our quarter, a brisk fire was maintained on botk 
 sides. At last her's slackened, and we were within pistol-shot of each 
 other, when, perceiving that there was not a single person on the 
 quarter-deck, I ordered Captain Saunier to seize the first opportunity 
 of boarding. The first attempt made by that gallant officer did not 
 succeed, owing to the precautions of the enemy, but having tried a 
 second effort, the William Tell's bowsprit was entangled in the 
 shrouds of the Lion, and we should certainly have succeeded in 
 boarding if our bowsprit had not gone in two and disengaged the 
 ships, at the moment when one of our sailors had reached a part of 
 their rigging, and a troop of brave fellows were preparing to follow 
 him. This coup de main failing, the Lion, without a single sail, her 
 rigging cut to pieces, and her mast ready to go by the board, was 
 compelled to fall back without firing a single cannon. The William 
 Tel] for some minutes pursued her, but was soon compelled to quit 
 her, in order to receive the Foudroyant, who now took part in the 
 engagement. It was about six o'clock ; the Foudroyant, of 84 guns, 
 one of the finest vessels in England, passed astern of the William 
 Tell, calling out to her to strike, and at the same time pouring in her 
 whole broadside. In consequence of their manoeuvres the two ships 
 were soon alongside of each other, the Foudroyant on the starboard, 
 and the Penelope on our quarter ; the fire at that moment on both 
 sides was terrible, we continued as close to each other as it was 
 possible without being able to board. In about thirty- six minutes
 
 CAPTURE OF THE WILLIAM TELL. 2$$ 
 
 the fore- mast of the William Tell gave way, and at three- quarters 
 past six her main-mast shared the same fate. The sails and rigging 
 of the Foudroyant were cut to pieces, and she was for some time un- 
 governable, and as her stern was towards us, her mizen-mast was 
 divided, and several of her yards were hanging in different directions. 
 In the mean time the Lion, which had retired from the engagement 
 for more thau an hour, had repaired her damage, and returned to 
 attack us on our larboard. In the state in which the William Tell 
 was, I confess I had but little hopes of the issue of so unequal a 
 combat, but the determined resolution of her crew was such, that I 
 was certain she would be dearly purchased by the enemy ; besides, 
 while the ship was manageable, we were capable of any bold attempt, 
 without dread of the consequences. It was for that reason I ordered 
 Captain Saiuiier to board the Foudroyant, whose fire I perceived had 
 abated. The Commander seized the first opportunity that presented 
 itself, and rushing suddenly on her starboard, he crossed her bow. 
 sprit. The enemy judging of our intentions, manoeuvred in order 
 to prevent our boarding ; the two vessels nearly touched each other, 
 but could not absolutely meet. The result of this manoeuvre was, 
 that the Foudroyant, which had already lost her mizen-mast, was 
 terribly mauled both fore and aft, her fore-top-mast had fallen, and 
 she was fain to sheer off with what masts she had standing. During 
 the rest of the engagement she kept at a distance, which did not 
 admit of our boarding her. It was then that Captain Saunier, who 
 had direded the manoeuvre with uncommon ability, was severely 
 wounded. He was immediately replaced by Lieutenant Donadieu, 
 an officer of very great merit. From seven o'clock the William Tell, 
 having only her mizen and mizen-top-mast left, had to engage two 
 ships of the line and a frigate ; she answered their fire by both her 
 broadsides, and frequently by her guns astern. The rigging had 
 several times taken fire, and had been repeatedly extinguished ; 
 several explosions which I had heard on board the enemy's ships, 
 
 assured me that the same accident had happened to them. Unfor- 
 tunately the falling of the masts obstructed the working of several of 
 ur larboard guns, and we were obliged to be continually throwing 
 water on that side where the ruins of the masts and rigging, which 
 we were unable to remove with sufficient speed, threatened every 
 moment to set fire to the ship. At eight o'clock (and I mention 
 this moment because I cannot determine what was the state of the 
 guns at the end of the aftion), there were two destroyed by the 
 
 enemy's shot, and nineteen dismounted, without reckoning those on 
 the quarter-deck. As the main- mast had been twice cut, one of the 
 
 pieces, which was fourteen feet long, lay across the quarter-deck, 
 
 and so entirely obstructed it, that it was impossible to move. Not-
 
 2j6 FRENCH ACCOUNT, &C. 
 
 withstanding tin's accident, and the appearance of the blood, which 
 overflowed all the decks, the resolution of the crew seemed to - 
 crease ; and notwithstanding the united fire of three ships of the line, 
 the defence of the William Tell, at half past eight, was still vigorous ; 
 at that moment her mizen-mast fell on the larboard side. The whole 
 of that side against which the fire of the Lion was directed, was 
 obstructed by the masts. The enemy taking advantage of our em* 
 bairassed situation, were enabled to chuse that which was most con- 
 venient for them, while it was impossible for us to avail ourselves of 
 the same advantage. The Foudroyant, which had received the most 
 of our fire, was unable to haul on our starboard, but the Lion was on 
 our larboard quarter, though her sails, ligging, and yards, were cut 
 to pieces. At length the Penelope, which had received but little 
 damage, headed us, and the William Tell received the fire of all 
 three : without a mast standing, the ship ungovernable, and reeling 
 from the violent motion of the waves, which she had no mast or sail 
 to counteract:, we were obliged to shut her lower ports in order to 
 prevent her filling. In this situation it was too evident not only 
 that it was impossible to save the ship, but that it was out of my 
 power further to injure the enemy. I was sensible that the men I 
 might lose by a longer resistance, would be the useless victims of a 
 vain obstinacy ; upon this conviction, and persuaded that the de- 
 fence of the WilLam Ttll had been in every respe& truly honour- 
 able, 1 thought it my duty to submit to fortune, and about thirty- 
 five minutes past nine, after the ship was a wreck, the flag was struck. 
 The Penelope was the only ship able to take possession of her, and 
 board her with a sufficient number of sailors to cany her to Syracuse. 
 The enemy did not attempt to conceal the considerable loss they 
 sustained, and from what 1 have seen, and what I was informed im- 
 mediately after the affair, it is certain that in this respeft the van- 
 quishers have not been more fortunate than the vanquished. I deem 
 it superfluous to make any encomiums on the conduct of the crew 
 of the William Tell; the faft alone of the engagement, and of the 
 three attempts to board, which, notwithstanding the superiority of 
 the enemy, piomised success, will sufficiently inform you, Citizen 
 Minister, what confidence I was justly inspired with by the talents 
 of the Captain, the devotion of the officers, and the bravery of the 
 whole of the crew I had the .honour to command. 
 
 DECRES.*' 
 
 In our next Publication we shall give some critical remarks and 
 observations on the preceding statement ; and by comparing the two 
 accounts, that of Captain Dixon's with the French, shew at one view 
 the ialsehood and absurdity of the lutttr.
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICK, AUG. Zj. 
 
 Ce/<y C/ 1 a Letter from Captain Durham, of tis Majesty's Ship Anton, to Evan 
 Wcfearif jjr. dated Gibraltar, 2Jt& June. 
 
 MI. 1141 
 
 kvvwvu Titty >111 Ui UlllWlUHb \l^D\-iiyn\Jit3, Alt \.u\, uuans ux lULdlLdi. X 
 
 immediately got under weigh and gave chase ; on our approach they got under 
 the batteries, where they were covered by twenty-five gun-boats, who, together 
 with the forts, very much annoyed us; notwithstanding, with the assistance 
 of two Gibraltar row-boats, we captured eight, one of which was afterwards 
 re-taken^ they prove to be Spaniards, bound from Malaga to Cadiz. 
 
 I have the satisfaction to inform their Lordships, that I have this moment 
 returned to my anchorage with the prizes. 
 
 I feel much obliged to Captain Hay, of the Constance, for his disposition of 
 the armed boats, which, had it been calm, would have rendered our success 
 much more complete. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 P. C. DURHAM. 
 
 - 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG. 23. 
 
 Cefy of anotber Letter from Captain Durham, of bis Majesty's Slip An'.on, to Evan 
 Nepean, Esq. dated Gibraltar, 30/A June, &t. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have great satisfaction to inform my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 that last night I had an tpportunity of cutting off two of the Spanish gun boats 
 (the Gibraltar, and alvador) who had been for several days a very great an- 
 noyance to my convoy ; they are fine vessels, commanded by King's Officers, 
 mounting two eighteen pounders in the bow, and eight guns of different di- 
 mensions, manned with sixty men. They defended themselves very gallantly, 
 and 1 am afraid have lost a number of men. 
 
 I^am, &c. 
 
 P. C. DURHAM. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, AUG. 30. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Captain Mudge, Cotr.mjnJer of bh Majesty's Sloop Fly, to Evan 
 
 Nepean t Esq dated Guernsey Radi, the ^^tb instant. 
 SIR, 
 
 The heavy gales from the N. E. to N. N. W. obliged me to quit the coast of 
 Cherbourg, and with much difficulty cleared l.a Hogue, off which place I cap- 
 tured the Trompeur French cutter privateer ; had been from Cherbourg two 
 days, and had taken nothing. It blows still hard from the Northward, but the 
 moment it moderates wrll proceed as before. 
 
 I am, with respect, &c. 
 
 ZACHARY MUDGE. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, SEPT. 6. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from the Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of the White, &c. to 
 
 Evan Nepean, Esq. dated off Usbant, Sept. 2. 
 SIR, 
 
 For the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I enclose 
 a letter this moment received from Rear-Admiral Sir John Borhse Warren, 
 of his Majesty's ship Renown, and another fron* Captain Keats, of his Majesty's 
 ship the Boadicea. I am, &c. 
 
 4 ST. VINCENT.
 
 238 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 Cff>y f a Lcfttr from Rear- Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, K. B. t Admlrelf 
 the Earl of St- Vincent, K. B. dated Renown, Bay of Playade Dominot, Aug. 27. 
 
 MY LOSD, 
 
 I beg Jcave to inform you, that the squadron and convoy under my command 
 arrived off this Bay on the 2jth instant, without having fell in with any thing 
 excepting the St. Vincent Schooner, who had parted from Captain Curzon. 
 
 General Sir lames Pulteney having desired that the troops might be disem- 
 fcarked, I dire&ed Sir Edward Pellew to superintend that service, assisted by 
 Captains Hood, Dalrymple, Fyffe, and Blackpool, with Captains Guion, Searle, 
 and Young, which was most ably performed on the same night in the Bay 
 above-mentioned, after a fort of eight twenty-four pounders had been silenced 
 by the fire of the Impttueux, Brilliant, Cynthia, and St. Vincent gun-boat ; 
 the whole army were on shore without the Joss of a man, together with sixteen 
 field-pieces, attended by seamen from the men of war to carry gcaljng-ladders, 
 and to get the guns up the heights above Ferrol. 
 
 On the morning of the 26th the General informed me, by letter, that from 
 the strength of the country and works, no further operations could be carried 
 on, and that it was his intention to re-embark the troops, which I ordered to 
 take place, and the Captains of the squadron to attend ; and I have the satis, 
 faction to add, that, by their indefatigable exertion, the whole army, artillery, 
 and horses, were again taken on board the transports and men of war before 
 <tey-break on the 27th. 
 
 I shall immediately proceed with the squadron and convoy, in pursuance of 
 the latter part of your Lordship's orders. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 J. B. WARREN. 
 
 M7 LORD, Boadhea, of Ferrol, August 2O. 
 
 I have the honour to inform your Lordship of the capture of the Spanish 
 
 hip La Union, of 650 ton?, 22 guns, and 130 men, by his Majesty's ship under 
 
 my command, on the i-jth instant ; the ship sailed from Corunna on the JJth, 
 
 was bound to Buenos Ayres, and has oil board various merchandize. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 rit Earl / St. Vincent i X. B. &c. R. G. KEATS. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, SEPT. 1^. 
 
 Cof>y of a Letter from tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of tls IVlite, &C. to 
 van Ncpeait, Efj. datid an board the Royal George, off U*bant, Sept. "J. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I enclose letters from Rear- Admiral Sir John Warren, this moment received 
 ty the Brilliant. I am, &c. : 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, Rsnovjn, Vigo Bay, Srfit. 2, l8CO. 
 
 I beg leave to inform you, that, on having ordered Captain Hood of the 
 Courageux to lead into this Bay, I received a letter from him on the same even- 
 irg, and immediately ordered two boats from this ship, the Impetueus, and Lon- 
 don ; and refer your Lordship to aletter which accompanies this, for the account 
 of 2 gallant action performed by the boats of Captain Hood's detachment 
 under Lieutenant Burkc's orders, whose merit upon this as well as former oc- 
 casions will, I trust, induce your Lordship to recommend him to the favour of 
 the 1 ords Commissioners of the Admiralty, more especially as he has been 
 severely wounded in the service. 
 
 1 h-ive the honour to be, &c. 
 Earl of St. Vincent, X. B. JOHN WARREN. 
 
 SIR, His J\I 'jetty's Sblp Cauragcux, Vigo-Bay, Aug. 30. l8Co. 
 
 Perceiving yesterday afternoon 'the 1 rench privateer in the harbour had re- 
 moved for security near the Narrows of Rcdondella, close to the batteries, 
 where I thought there was a probability of her being attacked with success ; I 
 ordered two boats from each ship numcd in the margin *, with those of the 
 Kcnown, J-np'etueux, and l.ondcti, you sent me, and lour from the Courageux, 
 
 *' Amethyst, Staj:, Amelia, Brilliant, and Cyathia.
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 239 
 
 commanded by Lieutenants volunteering their services, to be ready at nine 
 o'clock, and phced them under the direction of I ieutenant Burke, of the Re- 
 nown, whose gallant conduct has so often merited your commendation.- 
 About forty minutes past twelve they attacked her with the greatest bravery, 
 meeting with desperate resistance, her Commander having laid the hatches over 
 to prevent her people giving way, and cheered as the boats advanced ; but not- 
 withstanding this determined opposition, she was carried in fifteen minutes. 
 
 I am sorry to add Lieut. Burke his received a severe wound, but I hope not 
 dangerous. Our loss has been as per enclosed list, the greater part occasioned 
 by the desperate conducl. of her Commander, who was mortally wounded. 
 Too much praise cannot be given to these deserving Officers and men, who o 
 gallantly supported Lieut. Burke, and towed her out with much coolness 
 through the fire of the enemy's batteries. I need not, Sir, comment on the 
 ability and courage of the commanding Lieutenant, his former services having 
 gained your esteem; and I have no doubt the sufferings of his wound will be 
 alleviated by that well-known attention shewn to Officers who have so gal- 
 lantly distinguished themselves, for which I beg leave to offer my strongest re- 
 commendation. 
 
 The privateer is a very fine ship, named La Guipe, of Bourdeaux, with a 
 flush deck, 300 tons, pierced for 22 guns, carrying 18 nine-pounders, and 161 
 men, commanded by Citoyen Dupan, stored and provisioned in the completed 
 manner for four months. She had twenty five killed, and forty wounded. 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 SAMUEL HOOD. 
 
 A Report of tie lilleJ, ivoimded, and misting in tie Boats employed in taking tie Ft end 
 
 Privateer La Guipe, in Vigo-Bay, on tie Evening of the 2<)tb of August, j 3oo. 
 Lieut. Henry Burke, of the Renown, wounded. 
 
 Lieutenants John Henry Holmes and James Nourse, of the Courageux, 
 slightly wounded. 
 
 Three seamen and marine, killed. 
 
 Three Officers, twelve s;amen, and five marines wounded. 
 
 One seaman missing. 
 
 (Signed) SAMUEL HOOD. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, .SEPT. 13. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour, Commander in Cl',ef of Lit 
 Majesty 's Slip* and Ve:seh at the Leeward Islands, to Evan Nefican, Esq. daiui 
 fort-Royal Bay, Martinique, "June 15, 1800. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 SI IV, 
 
 I have the satisfaction to enclose to you, for the information of my Lords 
 Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter which I have received from Captain 
 Western, of his Majesty's ship Tamer, acquainting me, that he had on the ist 
 instant, fallen in with and captured, after a chace of eight hours, the 'Frcnck 
 privateer ship General Massena. 
 
 N I am Sir, &c. 
 
 H. SEYMOUR. 
 
 MY LORD, Tamer, Barbadcef, June 3. 
 
 I have the honour to inform your lordship, that on Sunday last, the ist 
 instant 1 fell in with and captured, after a chace of eight hours,' within gun- 
 shot (his stern-chaces constancy flying over the Tamer), the French private, 
 ship General JV'assena, pierced for eighteen guns, besides a bridle port, but 
 only sixteen on board, and 150 men ; his guns, except four brass twelve- 
 pounders, with all his boats, spars, &c. he threw overboard during the ch: 
 he is forty days from Bourdeaux, and coming as a cruiser amongst these lands, 
 he had captured the Adventure of Liverpool, laden with coals, bound to Dt 
 merara, and burnt her ; and two Americans, one of which he burnt, and tl 
 other he sent to Guadaloupe. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 T. WESTERN.
 
 240 3 
 
 JOURNAL OF 'THE PROCEEDINGS 
 or 
 
 VICE-ADMIRAL DICKSON's SQUADRON. 
 
 Extrafi of a Letter from Yarmouth^ Sept: 14. 
 
 " '"THE return of the squadron under the command of Vice-Admiral Dickson 
 to Yarmouth Roads enables me to furnish you, for the information of the 
 "public, with an account of its operations from the time it quitted England to 
 this period. 
 
 ' [ shall begin by informing you, that we sailed from Yarmouth with the 
 ships and vessels named in tha margin *, on the gth of August, at seven in the 
 morning: we had a fair wind, though but little of it during our passage; 
 nevertheless, by ordering the fast sailing ships to tow the slow sailing ones, we 
 reached the Skaw on the 151 h following, having previously dispatched Sir 
 Home Popham, in the Romney, to advance as high as to the entrance of the 
 Sound, for the purpose of procuring intelligence of the strength and position 
 of the Danes, and for forwarding such dispatches, as he might meet with from 
 Lord Whitworth. 
 
 " On the 1 4th we had received information, that three sail of Danish 74 
 gun ships were moored with springs on their cables, across the narrowest part 
 of the Sound, extending from Cronberg Castle to the Swedish shore; and that 
 the guardship (a frigate of 40 guns) was moored so as to defend that flank of 
 their line next the Castle. 
 
 " On the i6th, at four o'clock in the morning, the whole of the squadron 
 had advanced as high as the Kholt ; it blew hard at N. W. which \vind is di- 
 revSly through the Sound, and it would appear the Admiral's orders were not 
 to enter it. 
 
 " On Saturday the I7th, a Danish 74 gun ship passed through the squadron 
 and proceeded to E sineur, where she took her station in the line: for two 
 days, during a hard gale of wind at N. W. did the squadron continue to beat 
 against it, and by great exertions nearly held its ground ; but it continuing to 
 blow with equal violence on the third day, and the Ardent and Glatton (two 
 bad sailing ships) being in a very dangerous and critical situation, and the 
 masters, pilots, and others in the fleet, having already declared that the Sound 
 afforded no anchorage for the squadron, the Admiral dispatched a letter to Sir 
 Home Pophani in the Romney (who, on account of the gale, had entered the 
 Sound), desiring him to apprize Lord Whitworth and the Panish Commodore 
 of his intention to proceed to Elsineur : a situation the Admiral chose for three 
 reasons (I apprehend) : first, to afford security and protection to the British 
 trade in the Baltic ; secondly, for safety to the squadron ; and, lastly, by 
 his aftual presence, to give weight to the negotiations 1 ord \Vhitworth was 
 charged with. With this view the Admiral caused the squadron to bear up on 
 the igth for Elsineur; it proceeded accordingly to the Sound, in which it an- 
 chored at 3 P. M. and rode in safety, notwithstanding the pilots had asserted 
 it to be impossible. The Admiral stopped here for the purpose of making his 
 arrangements for passing the Castle and the Danish squadron, in the event of 
 hostile proceedings on their part; but he had scarcely anchored, before he 
 
 * Monarch, Glatton, Polyphemus, A/dent, Veteran, Ronney, T ~'?, Waakzam- 
 heid, and Martin; Volcano, Hecla, Sulphur, and Zebra bombs; Boxer, Furious, 
 Griper, Swinger, and Haughty gun- vessels.
 
 JOURNAL OF VICE-ADMIRAL DICKSON's SQJJADRON, 24! 
 
 received a very polite letter from Commodore Leiken, commanding the 
 Danish ships, inviting him, in the name of his King, to come to Elsineur 
 Roads. 
 
 __ *' I shall not take upon me to decide, whether this measure was dictated by 
 sincerity, or whether it was an acl arising from necessity, on the part of the 
 Danish Court; but I fancy it did away a difficulty in the Admiral's orders.- 
 Here Sir Home Popham went on board the flag ship ; the Admiral also re- 
 ceived dispatches from Lord \Vhitworth, requesting him to come to Elsineur. 
 He now determined to put his plan into execution ; diredions were therefore 
 given this evening, accompanied by an order of anchorage, for the ships to 
 weigh separately on the succeeding morning, and passing the fort and Danish, 
 line, to anchor above them, agreeably to the prescribed order : in the morn- 
 ing the Admiral went on board the Romney, and passing very near the Castle, 
 proceeded about twelve miles up, and anchored off Sophienberg, in expeifta- 
 tion of seeing Lord Whitworth ; but his Lordship being engaged with the Da- 
 nish Ministers this day, could not meet him. He went the next, when he met 
 his Lordship, when a plan of co-operation was agreed upon, in consequence of 
 which the Romney advanced to Copenhagen, and four bombs and two gun- 
 vesstls occupied the intermediate space between that ship and the squadron, for. 
 the purpose of communication, which, by means of a telegraph established by 
 $ir Home Popham, was both rapid and correcl. Matters being carried thus 
 far by way-of demonstration, the Danish Court, which at firs: treated with 
 ridicule our pretensions, began to see things in. a serious point of view ; it had 
 inquired, and found that our vessels chosen for communication were composed 
 of bombs, placed also in a situation to bombard the city of Copenhagen, and 
 the squadron advanced, so as to be able to protect and cover them, in the exe- 
 cution of such service. 
 
 " On the aad, the Danish men of war seeing themselves cut off, made a 
 movement, anchored above the liritish squadron, and moored up and down 
 the channel leading to Copenhagen : they gave as a reason for this movement, 
 that they had anchored on bad holding ground ; the Admiral therefore pleaded 
 the same excuse, and made a counter-movement, and placed the squadron in 
 its relative position to that of the Danish ships; but from our numbers, we were 
 much advanced above them, and in a situation to cut them oif as cffeclually as 
 at first, without the fear of being annoyed by the fort. 
 
 " On the 24th the Danish ships made another movement, which the Ad- 
 miral intended in the evening to counteract, ;md weighed for that purpose, but 
 they again got under sail, and ran higher up. As enough had been done, 1 
 apprehend, by way of demonstration, I conclude the Admiral intended to let 
 them rest here ; but their movements and the several positions they had taken, 
 were merely feints to disguise their real intentions, for the next day they ran 
 up to Copenhagen, passed the .Ronincy, and moored across the harbour. The 
 Dani h Court now held a different language ; it fame into terms, and matters 
 were amicably adjusted. 
 
 " It is common in Denmark, during the harvest, to permit the free men be, 
 longing to the army to assist in getting in the corn; the whole of them, on this, 
 occasion, were called in to join their several regiments, and all the country 
 round was employed in repairing anil strengthening the fortress of Cronberg, 
 and the works around Copenhagen. A great expence has been incurred by 
 Denmark, which they have levied a tax of two and a hall' per cent, on ail trade 
 c defray." 
 
 I I
 
 Courta 
 
 PORTSMOUTH, SEPTEMBER $. 
 
 THIS day, pursuant to an Order from the Lords CommlsiioRers of the 
 Admiralty, a Court Martial was held on board the Gladiator, in this Harbour, 
 on Mr. GEORGE HUDSON, Surgeon of His Majesty's ship Btavtr, for striking- 
 and using reproachful language to Lieutenant SYMONS, of the said ship. 
 
 Admiral HOLLOWAY, President, 
 Capt. E. HAXV.EY, Capt. PICKMORE, 
 
 . . . T. S. YoRtcs, GREY, 
 
 MACNAMAKA, LORI NO, 
 
 LAKCOM, '. MAINWARING, 
 
 POYNT?, PKOUSE. 
 
 M. GREETHAM, Esq. JiMge Advocate. 
 
 The charge having been proved against the said Mr. GEORGE Han SON, and 
 a* the offence faih under the aad Article of \Var, the Court did, therefore, 
 adjudge him tosuQer JJtatl, on board such ship of His Majoty, at Spithead. or 
 in Portsmouth Harbour, and at such time, as the Commissioners for executing 
 the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, <kc. or any three 
 of them for the time being, bhould direift. But it appearing that the offence 
 proceeded from an error in judgment of the said George Hudson.; and the Court 
 bting fully convinced thereof, by the contrition he repeatedly exhibited as soon 
 as he was aware of the same, and by his very earnest desire to make atonement 
 for the offence the Court did, in the most earnest and impressive manner, 
 recommend the said George Hudson for mercy. Since which we are happy to 
 say he has received His .Vajesty's most gracious pardon. 
 
 n. A Court Martial was held on board the Gladiator on Lieutenant E. H. 
 CLAKK, of the Alliance, fur absenting himself without leave. 
 
 .-. dmiral HOLLOWAY, President. 
 
 The charge being fully proved, he was sentenced to be dismissed His Ma- 
 jesty's service, and rendered incapable of serving in any capacity whatever in 
 the Royal Navy. 
 
 16. Lieutenant PACY, of the Scai-er, was tried by a Court Vartial, held on 
 board the GlaJiiftor, for Disobedience of Orders; and being lound Guilty, he 
 was dismissed his ship, and put at the bottom of the list. 
 
 PLYMOUTH, SEPTEMBER 2. 
 
 This Day a Court Martial was held on board .he Cam'jriJgt flag ship, in Ha- 
 r'..".3/e, Admiral Sir T. PARKER, Bart, on JOHN BARNET, one of the AiUtinters 
 of the ZW.V. Captain 1 ord PROEY. 
 
 Vice Admiral Sir HENRY HARVEY, K. B. President 
 
 BARNETT was discovered in-iViil prison on Sunday the 24'h ult. the day 
 previous to his marching 4 for Stapleton prison with 400 other prisoners, by 
 Lieut. NEVILLE LAKE, fust of the Dan^c. Mr Cieverton, at hi* request, with 
 his usual promptitude, had the prison mustered in his presence; after ": 
 through the ranks, he fixed on 1 arnett as the man who steered the ship into 
 r-.marct Kiiy, and a principal ringleader in ti.e A.utiiiy: it was niore than pn>- 
 babie he would have escaped, as he is a Jersey man and speaks ! rcnch fluently. 
 lie was taken in La J-~j::y-.-ur French privateer about 3 months since. The Court 
 'Mi.niai s.iitenced him, after a fair and impartial trial, to be hanged at the yard- 
 arm of suci; ship as the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty shall appoint. 
 
 EXECUTION. 
 
 9 This morning pursuant to Orders from the Lords Commissioners of the 
 Admi;a'ty, the above unhappy man was conveyed on board La Pique oi $ 
 guns. Captain YOUNG, attended by all the boats of the fleet, manned and armed 
 to witness the awful sight. The signal for punishment was flying from day- 
 break on board the Ctu.'.znJgc and LJ Piyue. At half past ten o'clock, the pri- 
 f<::er, accompanied by the Chaplain, proceeded a!oi,g the gangway to the 
 platform on the forecastle when the Pio>o.-t artial placed the rope round his 
 i.tck. He the n pra)ed fervently for s-)iv.e time ; afrer which the fatal gun fired, 
 and he was it.srantly run up to the fort yard arm, a dreadful example t> ail 
 Motioccrk. After hanging one hour, his body was lowered into a shell, a^J 
 convey^ to the Royal Kavil lio.-pital for interment,
 
 C *43 3 
 
 'MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 DENMARK. 
 
 IN our former number we had the disagreeable task of relating some 
 unpleasant circumstances which had threatened to be the forerun- 
 ners of a serious rupture between Denmark and Great Britain. It is 
 exceedingly gratifying to us that, in the present, we are enabled to 
 v iud up our narrative with an account of a favourable termination of 
 the affair j and that the situation of things seems to warrant a hope that 
 the two countries will preserve a good understanding with each other. 
 It was not that Britain had any tning to fear: a single effort of her 
 power must have crushed so weak an enemy; but the feelings of hu- 
 manity recoiled from the necessity of extending the horrors of war. 
 Happily, that dreadful alternative, that " last," and deservedly last, 
 " argument of kings," has been avoided. 
 
 The decided conduft of our Cabinet has dissipated every apprehen- 
 sion, and, if we do not greatly err, averted all danger of the threat- 
 ened Armed Neutrality. No time was lost in deputing Lord Whitvvorth 
 to the Court of Denmark, accompanied by the Fleet under Vice-Ad- 
 miral Dickson*, consisting of seven sail of t:ie line, besides bomb 
 and gun-vessels, to procure a full explanation. The Danish govern- 
 xuent inmu-di. .tcly dispatched messengers to the court of Petersburgh, 
 ;md appeared to rest its proceedings on the result of those communi- 
 cations. On the 29th of August, however, the British Envoy had the 
 satisfaction of signing a convention with the Danish minister, Count 
 Bernstoff. 
 
 The following are the principal articles of the Convention : 
 
 " '1 he Danish frigate and convoy, carried into Deal, shall be repaired at the 
 expence of Great 1'ritain, and then released. 
 
 " M,he discussion res-petting the asserted right of the Fnglish to visit con- 
 veys, shall be adjourned to a farther negotiation in London. 
 
 ' Until this point is decided, Danish ships shall only sail under convoy in 
 the Mediterranean seas, to protect them frc.m the Algerine cruisers, and shall 
 be liable to be searched as heretofore. . , 
 
 " The convention shall be ratified by the two courts within three weeks " 
 
 We are sorry to observe that the court of Denmark stili considers 
 " the right of the English to visit convoys 1 ' as a point that requires 
 discussion. That such a right necessarily exists, seems evident from the 
 plain consideration suggested by Sir William Scott, in his very able and 
 intelligent speech delivered on a kte occasion, and which we have 
 already iusei ted.f j " that unless neutral vessels be visited, it is imr 
 possible to ascertain their neutrality/' 
 
 Extracl of a Letter from an Officer on board the Trusty. 
 
 f r ho Bay, Aug. 3 I. 
 
 We arrived here last night, when some boats were maimed vith sailors, and 
 sent to cut out seme vessels that were observed lying under the batteries. They 
 returned this morning with a sloop of war ; and sorry 1 am to state, that v c 
 lost in this service eight men, and seven are wounded. '1 he fjrst Lscutciia t 
 of the Renown was shot through the thigh with a musket-ball. \Ve expect 
 more sport to-night, as orders are given to make another attack upon two nu're 
 sloops of war and some me;chr.ntmen, that are lying under the batteries, \\ here 
 we go next i* uncertain,; but it is generally supposed Malta vnl be our ucsti. 
 'nation from this place. 
 
 * See Journal cf Proceedings, page 240. t See page 2c6.
 
 244 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 BLOCKADE OF CADIZ. 
 
 Copy of the Notice sent by Rear Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, to 
 Consuls of Neutral Nations at Cadiz. 
 
 jffis Britannic Majesty's Ship, S'ciftmre, off Cadiz, 
 GENTtEMEN, July 22., l8cO. 
 
 I have this moment received your letter of the i$th instant, and in reply, 
 fccg leave to refer you to Lord Keith's letter of the jth of December, 1799, in 
 which you will observe that the Consuls of all the nations in amity with Great 
 Britain, have been duly informed of the Blockade of Cadiz, and that any vessel 
 attempting to enter or sail from that port would be detained, and proceeded 
 against according to law. I am dire<5led, as far as possible, to enforce the 
 blockade, and I cannot allow any laden vessel to depart from Cadiz, unless she 
 has a pass from the Commander in Chief of his Britannic Majesty's fleet in the 
 ^Mediterranean ; but neutral vessels without cargoes will not be molested, the 
 Prosper American ship escepted, which entered Cadiz after being warned not 
 to do so, and was cleared out for Algiers. It is very possible several vessels 
 may have escaped our cruisers, and got into Cadiz ; but some of his Britannic 
 Majesty's ships have always been off the Port. Vessels departing from Cadiz 
 in ballast, are to endeavour to speak any British man of war they may fall in 
 with in the neighbourhood. 
 
 I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, 
 
 Your most obedient humble servant, 
 (Signed) R. BICKERTON, Rear-Adni. 
 
 To fLe rcspifUve Neutral Consult resident at Cadiz. 
 
 Extract of a Letter from an Officer of one of the Ships of War that 
 have arrived in Cawsand Bay. 
 
 Caiviand Bay, Sept. 1 1. 
 
 We arrived on Monday from the fleet : you, of course, wiH'expeCt some- 
 thing new; but all the information I had to give has already appeared in the 
 papers. I have, however, an opportunity of sending you the following port 
 intelligence : 
 
 LIST or SHIPS IN CAWSAND BAV. 
 
 &'** Guns. Commanders. 
 
 Ramilies ... - _ 74 Capt. Grindall. 
 
 Captain 74 Sir R. Strachan. 
 
 Bellona - - - - - 74 Sir T.I hompsou. 
 
 IN PLYMOUTH SOV'ND. 
 
 Brilliant - - - - _ 28 Capt. Hon. C. Paget. 
 Havick ..... : 8 P. Bartholomew. 
 
 IN STONEHAM TOOL. 
 
 Viper Cutter - - - - 14 Lieutenant Coghlan, 
 
 Several Gun- Vessels, Hired Cutters, &c. 
 
 I.\ JIAMOAZE. 
 
 ta Pique ..... 4O Capt. Young. 
 
 1. 'Ambuscade - . - 40 Hon. J. Colvili*. 
 
 Jhffibe ' 36 R. Barlow. 
 
 Eur >'dice -4 -J. Talbot. 
 
 1,'Heurcux - - - - 24 L. O. Bland. 
 
 L Vidoneuse - . . Jz J.Richards. 
 
 2 . c an Joseph is in great forwardness, and will be undocked shortly. It b 
 said the Nemesis ship's company will be turned over to her, on her arrival 
 J he Garland, (late Mars,) of 24 guns, and the Raven, of 18 guns, arc fitting 
 in dock. 1 he Culloden, of 74 gum, is in dock also, to have hu- leaks stopped 
 it is said she is quite unserviceable. 1 he shipwrights are employed in getting 
 the irame of the Hibernia up. The Sampson, Lienfaisant, t.urope, and Pru- 
 <kr.t, have had their prisoners taken cut : it is thought they will be raid off. 
 ine Kesoiue, ct 36 guns, is fitting for a slop-ship. The Myrmidon, of 20 
 gur.s, is to be paid off. 
 
 " the rwowagwc, of 74 c^s, Capt. Knight, to join the Channel Fleet.
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS." 2^ 
 
 A List of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels now on the Lisbon, 
 Gibraltar, and Mediterranean Stations. 
 Those marked thus * arc on their passage. 
 Those marked thus f are armee enjlute. 
 
 Name. Guns. 
 
 Commanders. 
 
 j 
 Name. Guns. Commanrftraj 
 
 fceTigre, - - - 
 
 Foudroyant, - - 
 .Alexander, ... 
 Audacious, 
 Dragon, ... 
 
 So 
 So 
 74 
 74 
 
 74 
 
 f Com. S,ir Sjdney Smith. 
 1 Capt. E. J. Canes. 
 Sir E. Eerry. 
 A. I. Ball. 
 D. Gould. 
 G.Campbell. 
 
 L'AUrore (pris. sh.) 3 
 Couraceux, - . 5 
 Mermaid, .... 
 * Greyhound, - - 
 t Nieer, - - - 
 Pearl, .... 
 
 i 
 2 Capt. J. Richardsi 
 R. T>. Oliver. 
 Charles o^le. 
 2 James Hillrar. 
 S. J. Ballard. 
 
 Genereux, . . 
 
 74 
 
 M. l.'ix ,n. 
 
 Success, - - 
 
 S. Peard. 
 
 Kent, - - . - 
 
 74 
 
 W. Hope. 
 
 Aurora, .... 
 
 i P. Beaver. 
 
 leviathan, ... 
 
 74 
 
 CRear-Adm. I. T. Duck- 
 2 worth; 
 
 Mercury, ... 
 + Pegasus, - - - 
 
 T. Rogers. 
 J. Pengelly. 
 
 
 
 tCapt. I. Carrenter. 
 
 ' Thisbe, .... 
 
 J. Monison. 
 
 Minotaur, - - - 
 
 74 
 
 f-Vice-Adm. Lord Keith, 
 ^ K. B. 
 
 t Vestal, ... 
 Alliance (st. ship), 
 
 O. Col lard. 
 ? J. Melhui h. 
 
 
 
 /Capt. T. Louis. 
 
 Champion, ... 
 
 G. E. Hamnnd. 
 
 Swiftsure, - - - 
 
 74 
 
 CRear-Ad. Sir R. Bicker- 
 < ton. 
 
 Coromandel(ar. tran.) 
 La Comtance, - - 
 
 J. Mortimer. 
 J. E. Hay. 
 
 Northumberland, 
 Theftus, - - - 
 
 74 
 74 
 
 Capt. B.HilloweH. 
 G. Mai tin. 
 John Stiles. 
 
 La Bcrr.e Citoyenne, 
 Cormorant, - - - 
 Perseus (bomb), - 
 
 Robert Jackson. 
 Hon. C. Koyle, 
 o H. Compton, 
 
 5 Stately, - 
 
 64 
 
 G. Scott. 
 
 Corso, .... 
 
 W. Ricketts, 
 
 ^f Wassenaer, - 
 
 H 
 
 J. Larmour. 
 
 Cameleon, 
 
 Hn. G.H. L.Dundas. 
 
 Xion, ... 
 
 64 
 
 I ord w. Stuart. 
 
 La Fortune, 
 
 Ceo. Davies. 
 
 f Charon, - . 
 
 44 
 
 Richard Bridges. 
 
 Port Mahon, - - 
 
 W. Buci.anan. 
 
 Dover (armed trar. 
 
 ) 44 
 
 Lieut. H. Kent. 
 
 El Vincelo, - - 
 
 Geo. Lent. 
 
 Expedition (st.-shi] 
 
 l 44 
 
 Cupt. T. Wilson. 
 
 Minorca, ... 
 
 Geo. Miller. 
 
 t Experiment, do 
 
 44 
 
 I.G. Saville. 
 
 La Mondovi, - - 
 
 John Stewart. 
 
 Immortalite, 
 
 44 
 
 K. Hotham. 
 
 Netley, - - - - 
 
 6 Lieut. F.G. Bond. 
 
 I. a Minerve, 
 Santa Dorothea, 
 
 4 2 
 42 
 
 G. Cockhurn, 
 M. Downn.an. 
 
 La Sakmine, - - 
 Jeterell, - - - 
 
 6 Capt. T. Briggs. 
 6 
 
 Sanra Theresa, 
 Princess Charlotte, 
 
 42 
 4 
 
 R. Campbell. 
 T. Stepnenson. 
 
 Incendiary (firesliip), 
 La Mutit.e, - - 
 
 4 R. D. Dunn. 
 Wm. Hoste. 
 
 t Hebe, .... 
 
 Phsron, - . 
 
 33 
 
 George Reynolds. 
 
 I. N. MBlTll. 
 
 Speedy, .... 
 Transfer, ... 
 
 Kt. H- id. Cochrane. 
 
 . 
 
 -t Pallas, ... 
 
 
 I. Edmonds. 
 
 Bulldog (bomb), - 
 
 B. nacres. 
 
 Thetis, ... 
 
 38 
 
 H. E. R. Parker. 
 
 La Fulmiante (cut.) S Lieut, win. Robinson. 
 
 ' La Topize, - - 
 
 3t 
 
 S. G. Church. 
 
 Strombolo (bomb), 8 Capt. A. Thompson. 
 
 Caroline, - - 
 Emerald, - - 
 
 36 
 16 
 
 W. Bcwen. 
 T. M. \va!.er. 
 
 Thunder (bomb), 8 F. Kewcon.be. 
 Torride, .... 7 
 
 Flnra, ... 
 
 36 
 
 R. G. Middi--ton. 
 
 La Legere (gun-ves.) 6 Lieut. Geo. Lansford. 
 
 Florentia, 
 
 36 
 
 J. BrfjU['l.tc>n. 
 
 Urchin (giui-vcssel) Daviei, 
 
 Plxrnix, 
 
 36 
 
 L. w. luhtnd. 
 
 V'iftoire (tender), 
 
 Pent'lope, . . 
 t Romulus, 
 
 Thalia, . . . 
 
 ,6 
 It 
 
 H. Blac!;woOJ. 
 J. Culv.rhouse. 
 .'. Nesbitt. 
 
 Lady Nelson (cutter), > 
 L'Entrepenante. 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 15 Sail of the line. 
 
 s 39 Frigates. 
 
 26 Sloops &c. 
 
 Total 80 
 
 I. R. 
 
 QUARANTINE. 
 
 A PROCLAMATION has been recently published on the subject of qua- 
 rantine. It orders that all vessels coming irom or through the Mediterranean, 
 or from \Vcs>t Barbary on the Atlantic Ocean, and all ships whatsoever having 
 cotton or cotton articles on board, not coming diredly from the East and West 
 Indies, and having on board clean bills of health, are to perform fifteen days 
 quarantine at the places appointed, viz. those bound to the port of London, or 
 to any part of the Thames or Medway, in Standgate Creek ; those bound to 
 Ipswich, Yarmouth, Lynn, Boston, Hull, Newcastle or Berwick, in White- 
 booth-road, between Hull and Grimsby; those bound to Chester, Liverpool, 
 Lancaster, Carlisle, and the Isle of Man, at Highlake, near Liverpool ; those 
 to the Welch ports and Bristol, at Kingroad and Porshute-hill ; thore to Exeter, 
 Plymouth, &c. at St. Ives Pool ; those for Portsmouth, Southampton, &c. at 
 the Mother-bank; those for Leith and all the eastern coast of Scotland, at in- 
 verkeithing Bay ; those to Glasgow, and the western ports of Scotland, in the 
 Isle of Arran ; those to the northern ports of Scotland, in Cromarty bay ; those 
 to Dumfries or Kircudbright, at the mouth of the river Nith. Atid ait vessels 
 whatsoever coming from the Mediterranean or West Barbary, rot being fur- 
 nished with clean bills of health, are to perform quarantine in Standgate Creek, 
 and no where else.
 
 j^6 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 Extract of a Letter from an Officer of one of the Frigates employed in 
 the Blockade of Malta. 
 
 His Maje 
 We arrived off this place 
 
 taking it by storming, for the walls and batteries are all bombproof; and the 
 only way that it is likely to be taken, is by starving them out ; and as there 
 an be no communication whatever, either by land or sea, it is supposed that . 
 they cannot hold out much longer, for they have very little provisions now left. 
 On the 1 6th of June our batteries opened on them, and a very heavy cannon- 
 ading continued for a_long time, and every three or four days they are batter- 
 ing at one another; 
 
 ,^-^x* 
 
 TO THE EDITOR OF THE NAVAL CHRONICLE. 
 
 tribute publicly paid to the gallantry and al.ility of an Officer becomes 
 historical favft, which it is the duty of every writer to transmit to 
 posterity, I have enclosed you the copy of a letter, officially written by the in- 
 nitants of the hhnd of Trinidad, to Captain Dickion, of his Majesty's brig 
 "Victorieuse, which accompanied the present of an elegant sword, voted him 
 by the same Colony, as a small and very inadequate testimony of -the high 
 respect which they entertained for, and the value they set on, the services which 
 he had rendered them. 1 trust, Sir, I may be permitted to say without in- 
 curring any charge of interested flattery, for I really have not the honour of 
 being personally known to Captain Dickscn, that no man in any station has 
 ever been more respe&ed, more loved, and more revered : that there is not an 
 fcnglish inhabitant of the Island of Trinidad, who would not as much re- 
 joice on receiving the news of his promotion and advancement, as if he were 
 their own immediate relative. His mildness and suavity of manners have 
 been only exceeded by his gallantry, and thi? latter only equalled by his bene- 
 volence. 
 To EDWARD STERLINT, DJCKSON, Esquire, Captain cf kit Majesty's Brig La 
 
 Viclorieuse, and Senior Officer of tic Nti-val Department at '1 rinidad. 
 SIR, Tiii'.idad, 1st January 1799* 
 
 Tfie English inhabitants of Trinidad, impressed with a due sense of the 
 activity and diligence with which you discharge the duties cf the service com- 
 mitted to your care, and convinced of the important obligations which the 
 Colony at large owes you, have resolved to present you a sword (the reward 
 of military virtue) of the value of one hundred guineas, in testimony of their 
 gratitude and esteem, and they will have it iminediately prepared and deli- 
 vered to your agen* in London. 
 
 (Signed) JOHN NIHELL, Chief Justice, and by all the 
 principal English Inhabitants of Trinidad. 
 
 To the above Letter Captain Dickson returned the following Answer : 
 SIR, La Vifiorieuie, Port cf Spain, Trinidad, qtb July .1799. 
 
 I have this day received your Letter of the first of January, informing me 
 that the English inhabitants of Trinidad had presented me a sword, value owe 
 hundred guineas, as a reward of military virtue. I have to beg you will d"o 
 -me the favour to convey to them the high sense I have of the honour they have 
 .conferred on me, and accept my most grateful acknowledgment for the same. 
 I have the honour to be, with great regard, Sir, 
 
 Your most obedient. and humble servant. 
 (Signed) EDWARD STERLING DICKSON. 
 
 To Join Niljell, Et quirt, Chief Jmtict, ijV. cT 5 ... \^c. Trinidad. 
 
 The zeal of Captain Uickson in protecting the coast of Trinidad, and driving 
 from them the French privateers, carried him a little too far to leeward, in 
 January 1799. In beating up he hud the misfortune to lose one of his masts, 
 in a heavy gale of wind, and was obliged by this circumstance to bear away 
 for Jamaica to rep.iir. He did not return to Trinidad till the be<yi!inin<r of July 
 following. This is mentioned to ;u-coti:it for the difference of dates in the 
 letter, which was written to communicate the vote cf a sword, unii his aaswer 
 to it. 2
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 ADMIRAL KINGSMILL. 
 
 Cork, Sept. 9. 
 
 THIS day Admiral Kingsmill gave a splendid entertainment to the 
 Merchants, Mayor, Sheriffs, and principal inhabitants of this city j at 
 which Major-General Myers and his Staff, Major-General Sir Charles 
 Ross, and all the principal Naval and Military Officers in this neigh- 
 bourhood were also present. The dinner was such as might have beer* 
 expedted from the munificence of the dignified and respected charaftep 
 who presided. It was equal in splendor and elegance to any entertain- 
 ment ever given in this country, and, while it bespoke the high estima- 
 tion in which the worthy Admiral holds the inhabitants of Cork, it 
 reflected the highest honour on his liberality. The entertainment was? 
 provided by Mr. Scraggs, who -had his rooms prepared with uncommon 
 magnificence for the occafion. At the upper end of the table was a 
 beautiful transparent painting of Commerce, under the figure of 
 Minerva, protecting by her JEgis the trade of Ireland (the JEgis bearing 
 the Arms of Cork) from the attacks of her enemies : above was seen a 
 winged genius, soaring aloft, holding out a laurel wreath. At the 
 lower end of the table was another transparent painting, representing 
 an Admiral's ship in the centre, a Seaman on each side, standing on the 
 pedestals of Fortitude and Valour, supporting an Admiral's flag. Over 
 the ship was displayed a naval crown, and beneath, two dolphins hold- 
 ing a labelj on the one side of which were the words; < ; Our Trade pra- 
 and on the other, " Our Enemies " 
 
 The wines were of the greatest variety, and of the utmost excellence. 
 Amongst a great number of loyal, patriotic, and mirth-inspiring toasts, 
 the following were given by Admiral Kipgsmill -. 
 
 Kis Majesty, and God bless him, with three times three. 
 
 The Lord 1 ieutenant, and Prosperity to Ireland, with three times three. 
 
 The City of Cork, and may its Commerce be as prosperous as my wishes for 
 it are unbounded ! with three times three. 
 
 The Army and Navy of the United Kingdoms, with three times three. 
 
 The Mayor and Corporation of Cork. 
 
 Sir Alan Gardner, my worthy intended Successor. 
 
 Lord Shannon, and the County of Cork. 
 
 Lord St. Vincent, and his Squadron, with three tunes three. 
 
 By the President of the Committee of Merchants 
 
 The Irish Squadron, and the worthy Admiral who commands it. 
 
 Toast by Sir Pa: rick O'Connor 
 
 May the Trade ai;d pommerce of Cork continue to be protected as it has 
 ver been, by the vigilance, attention, and ability of Admiral Kinjrsmill, in the 
 judicious disposition of his squaJ.ron ! and may the People of Ireland ever 
 retain a grateful recollection of the eminent services he has done them, and of 
 the valour of the gallant Officers and Seamen under his command I 
 
 Never was there a scene witnessed of more social happiness, or of more 
 perfect harmony, than this entertainment exhibited. The Admiral, 
 feeling himself among p-uests whom he regarded, omitted none of those 
 attentions, which, while they infuse pleasure, impel regard ; and his 
 guests, feeling that they were entertained by a mitn who, by his activity 
 and talents, had protected their trade, and, by the wisdom of his 
 arrangements, had preserved their country, were animated to a degre* 
 of enthusiastic affection, which could only be repressed by the painful 
 recollection that they were soon to be deprived of those services, and 
 those social virtues, which had raised him in their gratitude as aA 
 AdrjUial, and in t^it estimation as a M;m,
 
 MONTHLY REGISTKR 
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FROM AUGUST l6 TO SEPTEMBER ig. 
 
 Augujt 16. WIND Variable. Sultry. Came in Mr. W. Pring, prize master 
 of L'Alert French privateer, of 14 guns, and 75 men, prize to Commodore 
 Keats' squadron. Also La Gironde, 18 guns, and fjo men, taken off Cap* 
 Ortugal, by the Fisgard, 48 guns; she also re-captured the Joseph, Humphries, 
 laden with skins and oil, taken by the Minerve French privateer, of 22 guns, 
 and 160 men, and re-taken by the Fisgard three weeks since. Sailed the Suf- 
 fisante, 14 guns, on a cruise off St. Maloes. 
 
 17. Wind Variable. Sultry, with Thunder Clouds. Came in the Caisar, 
 84 guns, Captain Sir J. Saumarez, from the fleet, to refit. She left them all 
 well on the I5th inft. Also the Santa Margaretta, 36 guns, with a convoy 
 from Quebec, after a passage of six weeks. Also, from the squadron off the 
 Coast of Spain, the Unicorn, 32 guns, Captain Wilkinson. From the fleet the 
 .Atlas, 98 guns, Captain Jones. Also theSuwarrow, 18 guns. Lieut. Nicholson, 
 with dispatches from Earl St. Vincent for the Admiralty, which were forward- 
 ed directly by express. 
 
 1 8. Wind N. W. Sultry. Sailed the Saturn, 74 guns; Magnificent, 74 
 guns, on a cruise. Arrived the Arethusa, 36 guns, Captain Woolley, from a 
 cruise off the Coall of France. 
 
 19. Wind N. W. Cloudy, with Hail, Thunder, and Lightning. 
 
 zo. WindN. W. Cloudy, with Thunder and Rain. Passed up the Invin- 
 cible, 74 guns, Captain Cayiey, from Martinique, with forty sail under convoy. 
 Eleven sail were convoyed up the Briftol Channel by the Scourge, 18 guns. 
 Arrived from off Corunna the Triton, 32 guns, Captain Gore; and from Isle 
 Bas the Spitfire, 24 guns, Captain Seymour, both to refit. Sailed to join the 
 fleet the Formidable, 98 guns; and the Barfleur, 98 guns Arrived 1 Belas 
 Spanish packet, from the Havannah, with a cargo of coccu, 6cc. prize to the 
 Clyde, 44 guns, Cunningham, bound to Corunna. 
 
 21. Wind N. W. Cloudy and Cool. Went into Cawsand Bay the Princess 
 Royal, 98 guns, Captain M. Russell ; she has received the crew of the Culloden, 
 74 guns, Sir T. Trowbridge, iSart. lately paid off, Alio the Centaur, 74 guns, 
 Captain iVlarkham, having repaired her damages in running foul of the JV;arl- 
 borough, 74 guns, near the Black Rocks, a few weeks since. Arrived from a 
 cruise the Arethusa, 38 guns, Captain Woolley; Triton, 32 guns, Capt. Gore, 
 from off Brest; and the Spitfire, 24 guns, Captain Seymour, from Isle Jb as. 
 Passed up the Invincible, 74 guns, with a fleet from Martinique, all well, after 
 a fine passage. 
 
 22. Wind N, W. Cloudy. Arrived the Spanish packet El Belas, from 
 the Havannah to Cprunna (with dispatches, which were sunk), and a valuable 
 cargo of cocoa, indigo, &c. prize to the Clyde, 38 guns, Captain Cunningham. 
 .Sailed to join the Channel fleet Barfleur, 98 guns, Rear-Admiral Collingwood ; 
 Formidable, 98 guns, Captain Thornborough ; and Unicorn, 32 guns, Captain 
 Wilkinson. R ear-Admiral Culder hoisted his flag en board the Caesar, 84 guns, 
 Captain Sir James Saumarez, Bart, in Cawand Bay. Admiral Sir A. Gardner, 
 Bart, struck his flag on board the Royal .Sovereign, no guns, Captain \V. Bed- 
 ford, and set off this morning to pay his respeib to their Majesties at \Vey- 
 mouth. He is to succeed Admiral Kiugsmill on the Irish station. 
 
 23. Wind N. W. Cloudy and Temperate. .Sailed the Sinus, 36 guns, Capt. 
 King, with the Fisgard's prize masters of 1 a Gironde r.nd L'Alerte, viz. Mr. 
 \V. Pring, (one of the little heroes of the Nile in the Majestic, 74 guns, a/ro- 
 ftW of the late lamented Captain Westcott), and two others; she joins the 
 squadron off Corunna. Letters from the fleet state, that 100 sail of transports, 
 with troops under Litut. Gen. Sir J. Pulteney, passed thrcu^h Earl St. Vincent's.
 
 ov NAVAL EVENTS^' 
 
 249 
 
 fleet the I4th. The men of war manned ship and cheered them as they passed, 
 which the troops returned with great -vivacity. A spectator says it was the 
 most animating sight he ever beheld - 3 the weather being remarkably fine, with 
 a gentle rippling breeze. 
 
 24. Wind N. Fair. Flying Clouds. Arrived from Earl St. Vincent's fleet 
 the Suwarrow schooner, Lieutenant Nicholson, with dispatches, which were 
 forwarded to the Admiralty express. Lieut. N. had reconnoitred the Island of 
 Belleisle about three months ago, 'and again, per order, within these ten days. 
 He says, every point of land or creek that was not fortified at the former period 
 is now put in a respectable flate of defence. Sailed the Arethusa, 38 guns, Capti 
 Woolley, on a cruise. 
 
 25. Wind N. W. Cloudy. Arrived from Earl St. Vincent's fleet the Lady 
 Duncan lugger, Lieutenant Coot, with dispatches to Admiral Sir T. Paisley. 
 
 26. Wind N. Fair, with flying Clouds. By the French officers of La Gi- 
 ronde. prize to the Fisgard, 48 guns, is learnt that she had captured the follow- 
 ing vessels in her late cruise, viz. owan, Milton, from Oporto, with wines ; the 
 Counters of Lauderdale, Runnett, from Demarary, with sugar, tobacco, &c. ; 
 Active brig, Tucker, from Burmuda, with sugar and t >bacco; William, Bacon, 
 from the Southern Whale Fishery, captured by La Gironde after a most gallant 
 and spirited action of three hours and a half; the W-lliam and Active are since 
 re-taken and carried into Cork. Sailed the Duke of Clarence Weft ndia packet, 
 Captain Dennis, for Falmouth, to wait for the mails for the I. eeward Islands. 
 5 P. M. This moment arrived, after a fine passage, the following East India- 
 men : F-arl Howe. Captain Burrows; Earl Mornington, Captun Carnegy; 
 Caledonia, Haweis, all from Bengal; Hercules, M'Farlane, from Bombay, under 
 convoy of the Cerberus, 32 guns, Captain M'Namara ; and Reliance, 14 guns, 
 Captain Waterheuse. 
 
 27. Wind N. W. Cloudy. The Cerberus, 33 guns, Capt. M'Namara. fell 
 in with the four East indiamen between the Western Islands and Cape Clear. 
 The Heliance, Captain \Yaterhouse, left Port Jackson, New Holland, the 
 6th of February, when the settlement was in good order, and the harvest 
 well got in ; but East and West India produce, as well as European, sold extra- 
 vagantly dear. The Reliance doubled Cape Horn in dreadful weather in the 
 midst of v. inter, and, after a passage of three months arrived at St. Helena, 
 joined tise four Indiamen, and put into this port after a voyage of eleven weeks. 
 ^afled this afternoon for the River the Cerberus, 32 guns, Captain M'Namara, 
 with the Fast Indiamen which arrived yesterday. 
 
 28. Winds. W. Cloudy. Arrived the Prince, 98 guns, Rear-Admiral Sir 
 C. Cotton ; Prince George, 98 guns, Captain Walker ; and Achilles, 74 guns, 
 Captain G. ^Murray, from the Channel fleet. Sailed the Venerable, 74 guns, 
 Captain Sir G. Fairfax, to join the Channel fleet. Arrived the Albion, with 
 rum and sugar, from Jamaica, captured by la Braave French privateer, of 44 
 guns, and re-taken by the Dryad, 36 guns, Captain J. Mansfield. 
 
 29. Wind S. W. Cloudy. ^Arrived the Spy, 1 8 guns, Captain Hay, with 3 
 convoy from Falmouth. Also the Eugenie, 18 guns, Captain Somerville, w/'th 
 a convoy for tfee Downs. Spy sailed again directly with those convoys ready for 
 their different stations. The celebrated Musical Figure, a most curious piece 
 of mechanism, late the property of Tippoo -aib, and taken among his trea- 
 sures at the storming Serjngapatam,'is on board the Earl Howe, and, it is said, 
 is meant as a present to her Majesty. Sailed on a long cruize to the Southwai d 
 the Lucky Triton, Capt. Gore. 
 
 30. Wind S. E. Cloudy. This day Vice- Admiral Sir H. Harvey, Bait, 
 hoisted his flag on board the Royal Sovereign, ir^ guns, in Cawsand Bay. 
 Sailed the Atlas, 98 guns, Captain Jones; and Centaur, 74 guns, Captain lyiark- 
 ham, to join the Channel fleet; on a cruise, the Santa Margarita, ,6 guns, 
 Captain Parker. Arrived from convoying out the outward-bound Halifax fleet* 
 thePhcebe, 36 guns, Captain Barlow Came in from a ruise, the ^caGull, 18 
 guns, Captain Lavie ; and Serpent, 18 guns. 
 
 3r. Wind S. S. E. Rain. Cloudy. Sailed, the Caesar, 84 I? 5 . Rear-Ad- 
 jteiral Sir R. Calder, to join the Channel fleet. Arrived the Dasher, i gun, 
 l IV, K K
 
 JO MQKTHLY REGISTER , 
 
 Captain Tobin, from a cruise. This forenoon arrived from Halifax, after a. 
 passage of six \vecks, the Assistance, of 50 guns, having the royal standard 
 flying at the main, in compliment to his Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke 
 ot "Kent. As soon as she anchored, the royal standard was hoisted at Govern- 
 ment House, Dock ; at the Victualling Office, Plymouth ; and at Pridham's 
 Long Rooms, Stonehouse. A colour guard was mounted at the Citadel from 
 the North Hants regiment : the Plymouth (or Prince of Wales's own) volun- 
 teers, I.icutcnant-Colonel Hawker, were also under arms, with their colours, to 
 receive his Royal Highness with every mark of respect due to his rank. At 
 eleven o'clock A. M. the men of war in Cawsand Bay, the Sound, and Hamo- 
 aze, with the citadel, fired a royal salute of twenty-one guns. At half past six 
 1'. M. his Royal Highness embarked in the Assistance's twelve-oared barge, 
 when the royal standaid xvas struck on board her, and hoisted in the stern sheets 
 of the barge ; on which the citadel and the fleet again fired a royal salute, 
 which the Assistance answered, when all the men of war manned their yards, 
 and cheered his Royal Highness as he passed into Stonehouse Pool to the 
 Admiral's r ard. where he landed, amidst the acclamations of thousands of spec- 
 tators, who cheered him to his carriage ; his Royal Highness politely bowing 
 on each side to the multitude. He was received on landing by General Gren- 
 ville, General England, Admiral Sir T. Paisley, Bart, and their suites. At a 
 quarter before seven, his Royal Highnes? passed through Plymouth in his phae- 
 ton, on his route to \Yeymouth, to pay his duty to their Majesties At the east 
 end of the town, a concourse of young men and women were collected to see 
 him, and as the carriage passed slowly on, he was received with nine hearty 
 cheers, and loud plaudits, at which he seemed particularly pleased, repeatedly 
 bowing to the spectators. He looks a little pale, but is far better hi health than 
 was expected. 
 
 Sept. i. Wind S. E. Cloudy. Sailed the Assistance, of 50 guns, Captain Hall, 
 for Portsmouth. Arrived this day to inspect the dock-yard, victualling-office, 
 &c. General Bentham and suite. The General has proposed a plan to the Cor- 
 poration of having a pipe conveyed to the victualling-office of two inch bore, 
 sufficient to turn a steam engine to grind all the wheat wanted by Government 
 for the use of the Navy : the water thrown off from the engine is to be em- 
 ployed in scalding and cleaning the casks of the cooperage. It is understood the 
 saving to Government will be very great. 
 
 2. Wind S. E. Cloudy. La Resolue, of 44 guns, is appointed as a slop and 
 receiving ship at this port, under the direction of that indefatigable officer, Dr. 
 J. Law M'Clellan, surgeon of the Myrmidon slop ship. La Resolue is fitting 
 up for this purpose, as the Myrmidon is to be put out of commission. 
 
 3. WindN. W. Fair. Last Saturday the Havick, 1 8 guns, Captain Bayly, 
 and Suffisante, 14, Captain Wittman, fell in with a French frigate, armee 
 enjlute, of 18 guns, a corvette of 18 guns, and a gun brig of 14 guns, having a 
 convoy of fourteen sail with provisions and stores for the French fleet at Brest. 
 They brought them to action in a gallant style, and drove them under the batte- 
 ries near Morlaix, which annoyed the Havick and Suffisante very much. Cap- 
 tain Bayly was wounded in the arm, one Midshipman lost his leg, and two 
 seamen were killed. 
 
 4. Wind N. E. Fair. This evening was launched from Oreston 
 
 -fine West Indiaman, called the Admiral Sir J. B. Warren, the property of 
 T. Lockyer, Esq. This is the first ship of her burthen, 300 tons, ever launched 
 %o high up Catwater as Oreston. 
 
 5. WindN.W. Fair. Arrived the Montague, 74 guns, Captain Knlghf. 
 express from Earl St. Vincent. She brought the duplicates of the dispatches 
 from General Sir James Pulteney, Bart, and Rear-Admiral Sir J. B. Warren, 
 Uart. to Admiral Sir T. Paisley, Bart, containing an account of the troops having 
 effected a landing at Ferrol, but finding it too strong, the troops, artillery, and 
 stores, were re-embarked with little lo?s. Earl St. Vincent sent in positive 
 orders for all ships ready for sea to join him directly, without delay. In conse- 
 quence of these orders the following sailed from Cawsand Bay immediately, viz'. 
 Royal Sovereign, 1 10 guns, Vice-Admiral Sir H. Harvey ; Princess Royal, 98,
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 25! 
 
 Captain M. Russell ; Prince, 98, Captain Sutton ; Prince George, 9*?, Rear- 
 Admiral Sir C. Cotton, Bart. ; Bellona, 74, Captain Sir T. B. Thompson, Bart ; 
 and Achille, 84,. Captain G. Murray. They were all clear of Penlee Point by 
 night-fall. Arrived from the River, for Bengal and Bombay, the Gcorgiana 
 East India packet, to wait for the Hon. W. Wellesley and dispatches from Go- 
 vernment and the East India House. 
 
 6. Wind S. E. Fair. Letters from the fleet off Brest, dated Black Rocks, 
 the ad inst. state, that Rear Admiral Sir R. Calder, Bart, is appointed to the 
 command of the in-shore or flying squadron, consisting of the Cxsar, 84 guns, 
 Excellent 74, Marlborough 74, Defence 74, and Elephant 74. The Britisk 
 fleet were so moored that nothing could escape them. 
 
 7. Wind N. E Rain. Sailed to join the squadron off Weymouth, the 
 Anson, 44 guns, Captain P. C. Durham. 
 
 8. Wind N. E. Fair, Arrived the Ramilies, 74 guns, Captain Cjrindall from 
 the Channel fleet, which she left all well Saturday the 6th. Amved La Dra- 
 gon packet, 14 guns, from Guadaloupe, for L'Orient, in twenty-five days, laden 
 with cocoa, coffee, indigo, and cotton, prize to the Brilliant frigate, Hon. 
 Captain Paget. 
 
 9. Wind Variable, Rain. 
 
 ' 10. Wind N. W. Fair. Came in the Eurydice, of 24 guns, Captain Talbot, 
 from a cruise; and the St. Antonio, Spanish lugger, in ballast, captured by the 
 Argo, Captain Bowen, from which she parted all well on the 191!! ult. Arrived 
 the Polly from Teneriffe, with wine, for Hamburgh, detained by the Plymouth 
 lugger, Lieutenant Elliot. Passed up the Castor, of 32 guns, Captain Gower, 
 with the Oporto fleet all well. 
 
 n. Wind variable. Fair. Came in the Huckamida, Groot, from Bourdeaux, 
 with wine and brandy, detained by the Excellent, of 74 guns, Hon. Captain 
 Stopford. Letters from off Vigo, dated the 3d of September, state, that a 
 French corvette, of 20 guns, and 160 men, being discovered in a bay, was 
 attacked and carried by the boats of the frigates, manned and armed, under the 
 command of Lieutenant Burke, of the Renown, of 74 guns, Rear- Admiral Sir 
 John Eorlase Warren, after an obstinate resistance. The enemy lost seventy 
 men killed and wounded. Lieutenant Burke was badly wounded in the thigh 
 with a pike, but will do well, See Gazette Letters, page 239. 
 
 12. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Arrived the Suffisante, of 14 guns, Captain 
 Wittman, with a Danish galliot, from Bourdeaux, for Embden, with wines and 
 brandies. Came in the" Henrietta, Poppins, with deals and timber for the 
 dp.ck-yard. Sailed the Penguin, of 1 8 uns ; Pelican, j 6. ; and Spider schooner, 
 on a cruise. Arrived La Guipe, of 20 guns, gallantly cut out oi a bay near 
 Vigo, by the boats of the fleet, under Lieutenant Burke. 
 
 Wind S. W. Cloudy. As a striking proof among many others, of the 
 
 their duty at their respective stations, it is a tact worm rcLonm.g, .... - -- - 
 Tuesday there was only the Montague, of 74 guns, Captain Knight; and Ka- 
 milies, 74, Captain GrindaU, in Cawsand Bay. In the Sound not * ship ol 
 war of any sort. And in Hamoaze only the Phoebe, 38 guns; Ambuscade, 
 44; Eurydice, 24; and Vicftorieuse, 18, fitting for Sea. Sailed t he Havi ck 
 of 1 8 guns, Captain Bayly, on a cruise. Went into the Sound the W*' 
 38 guns. Arrived La Providence French brig, with wine soap, and brandy 
 for the Brest fleet. .She was discovered under the guns of two batteries near 
 Camaret Point, by the Mnvarrow, of J 4 guns, Lieutenant Nicholson who 
 gallantly resolved to cut her out with his boats, which he effected, notw 
 Ending the heavy fire of the batteries. The Elephant, of 74 guns, Captain 
 Fpley; and the Naiad, 38, Captain Pierrepoint were m sight m t ' O?g 
 The 0%ers and ships' companies very generously relinquished <luir *n.ai
 
 2^2 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 the prize-money to Lieutenant Nicholson and his gallant crew, in testimony 
 of their approbation of their conduct. 
 
 14. Wind E. Fair. Sailed for the coast of Ireland on a cruise, the Phcebe, 
 of 36 guns, Captain Barlow. Went into the Sound the Fanny, tf 14 guns; 
 Lieutenant Frissell I-he goes convoy to Cork Arrived from London 
 P. Birdwood, Fsq. foint Agent to the n-oiiourable East India Company, with 
 th.-ir dispatches. Also the Honourable W. U'ellesley, who went with the 
 dispatches on board the Georgiana East India packet, which sailed directly for 
 Bombay and Bengal. 
 
 15 Wind E. 3. E. Fair. Captain Stanhope, commander in chief of all 
 the Sea Fencibles in the district of Devon and Cornwall, reviewed the two 
 companies of Hymouth Sea Fencibles, trained by that veteran Officer Lieut. 
 Nev. ton "J hey exercised the great guns at the Lunette battery of eighteen- 
 poundtrrs in the lower fort of the citadel, with great skill ; the review finished, 
 Captain Stai..*Tope made them a suitable speech from the battery, and thanked 
 them for the great impiovement they had made in the exercise of great guns, 
 which was received with three cheers, and the corps was then dismissed. 
 
 j6. Wind S. E. Rain. Arrived from the Channel fleet off Brest the Royal 
 George, of no guns, Captain Domct, to refit ; she left them all well on Satur- 
 day last. The VHe de Paris, 11: guns, ir T. Trowbridge, was arrived, and 
 had joined the fleet, and Earl .St. Vincent had shifted his flag oil board her. 
 Came in the Plymouth lugger, Lieutenant tliot, from a cruise. Sailed the 
 Ramilies, of 74 guns, Captain Grindall, to join Earl St. Vincent. Sent back to 
 be paid, the Lellona,of 74 guns, Sir T. B. Thompson. 
 
 17. Mind variable. Cloudy. Arrived an American from Morlaix. She 
 brings account that the French seamen at Brest were very turbulent at not 
 being paid. 
 
 18. Wind S. E. Rain. Sailed to join the Channel fleet, the Captain, of 74 
 guns, Captain Sir R. Strachan. Letters from the advanced squadron on? 
 .Brest, dated Monday last, state that a movement had been made by several 
 French men of war in the outer road, but on ours standing in they all came 
 too again 
 
 . 19. Wind vaiiable. Cloudy. Letters from the Cresar, of 84 guns, Rcar-Ad- 
 miral Calder, dated the 1 6th, state, that she, with the F.xcellent, of 74; Marl- 
 borough, 74; 1 lephant, 74; and Defence, 74, composing the squadron off the 
 Black Rocks, were all well. They had taken possess ; on of a small island about 
 twr inile? from the coast, where there was plenty of game, rabbits, pigeons, &c. 
 which, with fish and vegetables, affords, them many comforts. Just arrived 
 the Uprightly cu ter, Lieutenant junk, from Jamaica, in forty-five days, with 
 the mails and passengers. 
 
 PORTSMOUTH REPORT. 
 
 FROM AUGUST 25 TO SEPTFMBER 29. 
 
 Aug. 45. Arrived the Penguin, Captain Mansell, with'a convoy from the 
 Downs; and afterwards sailed for Ireland. 
 
 26 Arrived the Harpy, Captain Pirchall, from a cruise. 
 
 27. Sailed the Dido, Captain Colby, for Cowcs. The Osprey, Captain 
 Watts, with the fhips bound to the Cape of Good Hope and the South Seas, 
 went down to St. Helens. 
 
 a8. Arrived the Modeste, Captain Hinton, with 300 riflemen from Cork; 
 
 29. Arrived the Solebay, Captain Poyntz, from Jamaica; and the Rambler, 
 Captain Schomberg, from a cruise, totally di-iviastcd in a gale of \\intl off the 
 Race of Alderney, where she parted with the Fly, Captain Mutige, and a 
 French privuteer, which they captured oil the coast.
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS* 
 
 Sept. a. Arrived the Cerberus, Captain Macnamara : and Beaver, Captain 
 Jones, from a cruise. 
 
 3. Arrived the Eugenie, Captain Somerville ; and Spry, Captain Grosvenor 
 from Plymouth. 
 
 4. Arrived the Sea-horse, Captain Foote, from the Mediterranean. 
 
 5. Sailed the Greyhound, Captain Ogle, with a convoy for the Mediterra- 
 nean ; and the Santa iviargarita, Captain Parker, with the outward-bound 
 East India ships under his convoy. 
 
 6. Sailed the Spencer, Captain Darby, .to join the Channel fleet; and the 
 Osprey, Captain \Vatts, with several vessels under his convoy, for Africa, and 
 the Cape 'of Good Hope. 
 
 7. Sailed his Majesty's ship Harpy, Captain Birchall, with sealed orders. 
 Also, I, a Loire, Captain Newman, for jersey ; Hind, Captain Larcom, with a 
 Convoy for the \V est Indies ; and Voltigeur, Captain Thompson, with a convoy 
 for Newfoundland and Halifax. 
 
 8. Arrived the Proselyte, Captain Fowke, from Havre, having been relieved 
 on that station by L'Oiseau, Captain Lin zee. 
 
 9. Arrived the Anson, Captain Durham, from Gibraltar ; and the Endy- 
 inion, Captain iir 'Ihomas Williams; and Aclive, Captain Davers, from a 
 cruise. 
 
 r~. Arrived the Swan, Captain Walton, with the Commerce under convoy, 
 from Halifax; also the John, from Mew Voik, for Amsterdam, detained by the 
 Swan. 
 
 .11. Arrived the Champion, with dispatches from Marcou. On Tuesday 
 last, in company with the iJolphin cutter, and Sparkler and Bouncer gun-brigs, 
 he drove on shore and destroyed two sloops, laden with barilla. 
 
 12. Arrived the Hindostan, Captain Mulock, from the Mediterranean. 
 
 13. Sailed the Cerberus, Captain Macnamara, for Cowes, to take troop* 
 from thence to Jersey, and then proceed to Ireland. 
 
 14. Sailed the Earl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenant Leekey, to join the 
 Harpy, Captain Eircha.l, who sailed a few days sines with sealed orders. 
 The .scourge, lately returned from the West Indies, is paid off, and her crew 
 turned over to the Ganges ; and the Solebay, Captain' Poyntz, is gone to Chat- 
 ham, to be paid off. 
 
 IS- Arrived the Earl Spencer cutter, Lieutenant Rye, with a neutral ves- 
 sel, which he detained . 
 
 16. Arrived the P : aidstone, Captain Donelly, with a convoy from Qutbecj 
 and Bittern, Captain Kittoe, from the West Indies. 
 
 1 7. Arrived the Wolverene, Captain Wight, from a cruise ; and has brought 
 in with him the Neptunus, laden with naval stores, which he captured going 
 into Havre de Grace. Sailed the Reliance, Captain Waterhouse, with a con- 
 voy for the Downs ; and the Beaver, Captain Jones, on a cruise. 
 
 1 8. r l hursday arrived the Resource and Dido, from Guernsey. 
 
 31. Sailed the Hindostan, Capt. Mulock, with a convoy for the Downs. 
 
 22. Arrived jhe Modes>te, Captain Hinton, with four transports from Guern- 
 ey, and a Danish vessel, prize to the Yopaze, Captain Church. 
 
 23. Sailed the Prince of Wales, Captain Prouse, to join the Channel fleet. 
 
 24. Sailed the Discovery, Captain O'Bryen, to lie as guard-ship at the 
 Needles. 
 
 25. Arrived theCulcutta, Captain Anderson, with several transports from 
 Guernsey. 
 
 36. sailed the Wolverene, Captain Wight, on a cruise off Havre. 
 
 27. Went out of Harbour, after being refitted, the Ganges, Captain Free- 
 mantle ; Triumph, Captain Harvey; 1 homes, Captain Lukin ; and Rambler, 
 Captain Schomberg. .. . 
 
 28. Sailed the Triumph, Capt. Harvey, and Thames, Capt. Lukin, tojou 
 the Channel Fleet,
 
 EAST- INDIA REPORT. 
 
 AUGUST a8. 
 
 THE Purser of the Caledonia, extra ship, Captain Stephen Haweis, from 
 China and Bengal, arrived at the East-India House with his dispatches. Thi* 
 *hip put into the Cape of Good Hope, hrjiieward-bound, on the igth March 
 last, in great distress, having lost her masts, and been rendered a complete 
 wreck, in several furious storms, \yhich she encountered in her passage from 
 Bengal. The Caledonia sailed from the Cape the 2Qth of May, and from St, 
 Helena the jyth of June, at which time she made twelve inches water per 
 hour, which, during her voyage home, encreased to thirty inches, so that the 
 ship was only kept above water by continually pumping. The following ships 
 have also safely arrived in Plymouth Sound, in company with the Caledonia^ 
 *nd under convoy of his Majesty's ship Reliance, viz. the Earl Howe, Captain 
 Robert Burrowes, from Bombay, Madras, and Bengal ; Hercules, extra ship, 
 from Bombay ; and the Lord Mornington packet, Captain Simson, from Bengal 
 and Madras, after a remarkable quick passage, having sailed from this country 
 on the iSth of November last. 
 
 Sept. i. The Pursers of the undermentioned ships attended at the Eajf India 
 House, and received their final dispatches for the governments of Bengal, Madras, 
 and Bombay, wkh which they immediately proceeded to Portsmouth to join 
 their respective ships, viz. The Sir Edward Hughes, Capt. James Urmston ; 
 Prince William Henry, Captain Robert Baskctt ; and Hawke, Capt. David; 
 Bristow Baker. 
 
 Sept 23. Arrived under convoy of his Majesty's ship Madras, Capt. Dilkes, 
 the undermentioned ships, viz. 
 
 From BENGAL. The Minerva, Captain Kinnard Smith; Princess Char- 
 ctte, Captain Charles Elton Prescott; Rose, Captain Wemyss Orrok ; Lord 
 Thurlow, Captain William Thomson ; andLprd Hawkesbury,, Captain William. 
 Donaldson^ 
 
 From BENCooiiN. The Sir Stephen Lushington, Captain George Gooch. 
 
 From MADRAS. The Charlton, Captain Thomas Welladvicc ; and the Asia, 
 Captain Robert Wardlaw. 
 
 From CHINA. The True Briton, Captain Henry Farrer (who did on hi* 
 passage) ; the Alfred, Captain James Faicjuharson ; the Warley, Captain Henry 
 Wilson; the Hindostan, Captain George Millett; the Hope, Captain James 
 Horncastle; the Earl of Abcrgavenny, Captain John Wordsworth ; and the 
 Duke of Bnccleugh, Captain i homas Wall ; together with the Percher and 
 Britannia, country ships, from Madras ; and the Cartier, from Amboyna. 
 
 The above ships left -St. Helena on the zad of July, ajt which time the Island^ 
 Was in perfed tranquillity. 
 
 LOSS OF THE CORMORANT. 
 
 We are extremely sorry to state, that His Majesty's ship Cormoraat, of. 20 
 guns, has run on shore three miles and a half from the Bogaz of Rosetta, and i* 
 totally lost. We have, however, the pleasure of stating, that the worthy 
 Commander, the Hon. Captain Boyle, his Officers, and .chip's Company, are 
 all saved, after exerting, in vain, every effort for her preservation. >'<he waa 
 formerly the L 'Etna corvette, built at Havre de Grace in the year 1793. 
 
 LOSS OF THE STAG. 
 
 It is with extreme regret we have to state the loss of another of His Ma, 
 jesty's ships : the Stag, of 32 guns, Captain \Vinthrop, was driven on shore the 
 6th of September, in Vigo Bay, in a violent gale of wind. We are, however, 
 happy to hear no lives were lost. Lieutenant M. Smith, of the Milbroolj 
 schooner, was very active, and saved a great many of the crew. They are dis. 
 tributcd among the fleet. The ship was totally destroyed by the Officers, and 
 M*. Pym, the fiwt Lieutenant, was blown up.;' but is quite recovered.
 
 OF NAVAL ETENTS. 
 
 _ WE have the particular satisfaHon of being enabled to insert the 
 following important Article, containing, not only the ships of war 
 their force, and the names of their Commanders, but also the exact 
 arrangement of the line of battle of the CHANNEL FLEET, commanded 
 by EARL ST. VINCENT. 
 
 Ships. 
 Barflevr, . - - 
 
 Gun? 
 98 
 
 Commanders. 
 (Rear-Ad. Collingwood. 
 Capt. Stephens. 
 
 Ships. 
 Royal George, - 
 Courageux, . 
 
 Guns. Comman4ere 
 too Domett. 
 
 74 !i,n ,( 
 
 Superbe, - - - . 
 ExccJjent, - - 
 
 74 
 74 
 
 Suttoa. 
 Stopfbrdi 
 
 Beilona, - - 
 Atlis, - g- 
 
 74 
 9* 
 
 Thompson. 
 
 Namur, - - - - 
 
 9 
 
 Lute. 
 
 Marlhorough, 
 
 74 
 
 Sothehy. 
 
 Warrior, - - - 
 
 74 
 
 Tyler. 
 
 Canada, 
 
 74 
 
 jDe Courcy. 
 
 Neptune, - - - 
 
 98 
 
 Vashon. 
 
 Venerable, - 
 
 74 
 
 Fairfax. 
 
 Royal Sovereign, - 
 
 too 
 
 rVice-Admiral Sir Henry 
 < Harvey. 
 
 Glory, 
 Russel, - - 
 
 74 
 
 Wells. ' 
 Sawyer. 
 
 
 
 tCapt . 
 
 Pompee, 
 
 So 
 
 Stirling. 
 
 Ramilies, - - - 
 
 Ksfiance, - - - 
 Elqilianr, - - - 
 
 74 
 74 
 74 
 
 Grindall. 
 Shivers. 
 Foley. 
 
 Renown, - '- - 
 
 74 
 
 rRear-Admiral Sir 1. Jf 4 
 < Warren. 
 CCapt. Eyles. 
 
 Centaur, - - - 
 
 74 
 
 Markham. 
 
 London, - - . . 
 
 & 
 
 Pums. 
 
 Temeraire, - - - 
 
 9 
 
 Marsh. 
 
 Magnificent, 
 
 74 
 
 
 X.*Achil!e, - - - 
 
 74 
 
 Murray. 
 
 
 it 
 
 "* -t/ * 
 
 Edgar, .... 
 Prince, - - - - 
 
 74 
 98 
 
 Puller. 1 
 Walker. 
 
 Triumph, - - - 
 Speucer, ... 
 
 * -T 
 
 74 
 
 74 
 
 Harvey. 
 
 Formidable, - - 
 Rotvsst, - . - - 
 M.,rs, .... 
 
 9* 
 74 
 74 
 
 Thornborough. 
 Countess. 
 Moockron. 
 
 Windsor Castle, - 
 
 If 
 
 CKear- Admiral Sir Aatttm 
 < Mitchell. 
 CCaptain Norton. 
 
 Prince George, 
 
 9* 
 
 r&ear-AJmiral Sir Charles 
 1 Cotton. 
 (.Capt. Surtun. 
 
 Montague, - - - 
 Princess Royal, 
 Defence, - - - 
 
 74 
 ft 
 
 74 
 
 Knight. 
 Russell. 
 Paulett. 
 
 Impetueux, - - 
 
 74 
 
 Peilew. 
 
 Juste, - . . . 
 
 m 
 
 Trollope. 
 
 C'ptain, - - 
 
 74 
 
 Strachan. 
 
 
 
 CRear-Aamiral Sir Ratfrt 
 
 St, George, - - 
 Ctsar, . . . . 
 
 98 
 80 
 
 Edwards. 
 Siumarer.. 
 
 Princ of Wales, - 
 
 fiS 
 
 < Calier. 
 CCapt. Plows*. 
 
 
 
 CArtm. Earl St. Vincent. 
 
 
 
 
 tille rie Paris, - 
 
 ICO 
 
 < Sir T. Trowbridge. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CCpt. Grey. 
 
 
 
 
 PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. 
 
 ADMIRAL Sir Henry Harvey, K. B. is appointed Second in Command In tfie 
 Channel Fleet, and has hoisted his flag on board the Royal Sovereign of 109 
 guns, Capt. Bedford, late the flag ship of Admiral Gardner, appointed to the 
 Irish station. 
 
 Vice Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, K. B. is also appointed to a command 
 in the Channel Fleet, and has hoisted his flag on board the Windsor Castle of 
 98 guns. 
 
 The Right Hon. Lord Hugh Seymour, Vice of the Blue, is Chief in Com- 
 mand on the West India station, in the room of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker. 
 
 J. T. Duckworth, Rear of the White, succeeds Lord H. .Seymour on the 
 Leeward Island station. He arrived at Tortola in the Leviathan of 74 guns. 
 Captain Carpenter, the a8th of July. 
 
 Rear-Admiral Sir R. Bickerton, Bart, has taken the command of the ships OB 
 the Lisbon station, aad hoisted hi flag on beard the Swiftsure of 74 guns, 
 Capt. B. Hallowell. 
 
 Admiral Sir C. Cotton, who is serving in the Channel Fleet, has shifted his 
 flag from the Prince to the Prince George of 98 guns. 
 
 TKe Right Hon. the Earl of Northesk is appointed to the command of the 
 Prince of 98 guns, vice Walker. 
 
 Captain Retalick is appointed to the leis of 50 guns, vice Oughton. 
 .Captain H. Hill, late of the Gorgon, is appointed to the Megxra fire-ship. 
 
 Capt. Geo. Hope is appointed to the Prince of Orange (late Washington} of 
 74 guns, one of the Dutch ships taken at the Helder. 
 
 Capt. Lenox Thompson, late of the Aledlo (F. S.) is appointed to the Volti- 
 geur of 14 guns, vice Shortland. 
 
 Lieut. Edward O'Brien, Esq. late First of the Melpomene, is promoted t 
 the rank of Master and Commander, and appointed to the
 
 itft MONTHLY REGISTER OP NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 Capt. E. S. Dickson, late of La Viorieu;e, is promoted to the rank of Post 
 Captain. 
 
 Capt. Keen, of the Chapman, is appointed to the Spitfire, and not Kun, a* 
 mentioned In our last. 
 
 ' Capt. Bland, who so gallantly captured the Ligurian Pirate, and prote&ed a 
 valuable convoy in the Mediterranean, is appointed to the Heureux. 
 
 Capt. S. Forster is appointed to the Retribution (late the Hcrmione) of 44 
 guns, at Jamaica. 
 
 Capt. R. Mends, at Jamaica, is also promoted from the Abergavcnny, of 44 
 gnns, to the Thunderer of 74. 
 
 Captain Bover, of the Megsera, who was First Lieutenant with Admiral 
 Colpoys, is acling in the Windsor Castle. 
 
 Lieut R. T. Hancock, of the Prince of Wales, of 98 guns, is promoted to 
 the rank.of Master and Commander. 
 
 ' Lord Faulkland is promoted to the rank of Master and Commander, and ap- 
 pointed to the Busy. 
 
 Lieutenant Alt, late of the Royal William, is appointed to the Carteret cut- 
 ter; and Palmer, Esq who particularly distinguished himself under Sir 
 
 Charles Hamilton, at Goree, is made a Lieutenant of the Melpomene. 
 
 Captain Malbon, of the Cynthia, is made Post. 
 
 Captain Searle is appointed to command the La Deferminie, fitting at Ports- 
 mouth ; and Captain Giffard, pro temfore, to the Active, in place of Captain 
 Davers, who is indisposed. 
 
 Lieutenant Haweis, of the Renown, of 74 guns, is made a Master and Com- 
 Blander. 
 
 Lieutenant Hancock, late of the Queen, on the Jamaica station, is promoted 
 to the rank of Master and Commander. 
 
 Captain Prowse is appointed to the Prince of Wales, and not Penrose, as 
 stated in our last. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Flight, of his Vajesty's Marine Forces, has just been 
 appointed Adjutant- General of the Channel Fleet, and in consequence has 
 taken post on board the Ville de Paris, the flag ship of the Commander in 
 Chief. 
 
 J. Sedgewick, Esq. one of the Clerks of the Admiralty, is appointed Purser 
 cf the Ville de Paris, of no guns. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Lately, Sir Charles Henry Knowles, Bart. Rear-Admiral of the White, tn 
 Miss Charlotte johnstone, daughter of Charles fohnstone, Esq. of Ludlow. 
 At Weymouth, Captain Fitzgerald, of the Royal Navy, to Miss Jane Webbi 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 A few days since died at Bristol, Captain Knighton, of the Marine Forces, 
 who, in consequence of ill-health, had lately gone out on the retirement. Co- 
 lonel Dawes, of the Plymouth Division, gets the retirement, and Captain Foy 
 tucceeds to the company of Colonel Dawes. 
 
 A few days since died, at Plymouth, J. Kcmpthorne, Esq. a Purser of z. ship' 
 in ordinary, and Lieutenant of the Cornish Miners. 
 
 In April last died, off Cape St. Vincent, aged 19, Mr. Philip Henry Trant, 
 only son of Mr. James Philip Trant ; he was doing-duty as Captain of Marines 
 in the Queen Charlotte, private ship of war, when by some accident he fell 
 everboard, and was unfortunately drowned. 
 
 Lately, Mrs. Wray, wife of Capt. Wray, of the Royal Navy. 
 
 At Portsmouth, Lieutenant Syme, of the Marines, in a fit ; and on Thurs- 
 day he wa.s buried with military honours, at the Garrison Chapel, attended by 
 his two brothers, and all the officers and privates of the corps. The pall wa 
 supported by six Lieutenants, his particular friends. He was a fine promising 
 young man, and much respeclcd. 
 
 On the ztst of May last, on his passage from China, much lamented, Hcnrjr 
 Farrer, lisq. Commander of the True Briton East Indiaman. 
 
 On Tuesday last died, at Plymouth, the Lady of Captain H. Hill, o th 
 Royal Navy.
 

 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF 
 SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 
 
 The Heavenly maid, with strength divine endued 
 His daring soul ; there all her powers combin'd : 
 Firm constancy, undaunted fortitude, 
 Enduring patience, arm'd his mighty mind, 
 Unmov'd in toils, in dangers undismay'd. 
 
 SPENCER. 
 
 CjIR Erasmus Gower is the eldest son of Abel Gower, 
 Esq. of Glandoven, in the county of Pembroke, South 
 Wales, and Lsetitia Lewes Gower, only daughter to the Rev. 
 Erasmus Gower, D. D. William Gower, the grandfather 
 to Mr. Abel Gower, was representative in Parliament for 
 the borough of Ludlow, in the county of Salop, during an 
 uninterrupted period of twenty-six years. Sir Erasmus 
 having been destined by his father for a naval life, was sent 
 to sea at a very early age, under the protection of Captain John 
 Donkley, his uncle * ; he served after the death of his relative, 
 under a variety of other commanders, on the North Ame- 
 rica, the home or channel station, in the Irish, and the 
 North Seas. And during the time he continued, according 
 to the rules of the service, in the subordinate stations of 
 midshipman and mate, acquired the universal love and 
 esteem of all those under whose orders he chanced to be 
 placed. In the month of August 1762, being then very- 
 young, he passed through the necessary examination to 
 
 * Captain Donkley was appointed a lieutenant in the Navy on the 2d of 
 June 1742, and from that station was promoted to be commander of a sloop of 
 war on the 5th of July 1745. We find no subsequent mention made of him for 
 ten years after the above time ; at length, about the month of September 1755, 
 he appears to have been commissioned as commander of the Brilliant ; of what 
 force or class this vessel was, docs not particularly appear, but certainly held no 
 higher rate than that of a sloop of war. On the 27th of March 1756, he v/as 
 promoted to be Captain of the Nightingale frigate, as successor to Captain 
 Digges. In this ship, however, he never proceeded to sea, having been in the 
 .course of the ensuing month, appointed to the AlJl.crough, a frigate of the 
 same force, just before launched He was some time aftervards removed into 
 the Enterprize, and ordered to America, on his return from which station he 
 died, having lived only to resch the entrance of the channel, on the I7th of 
 March 1758. 
 
 i, iv. L L
 
 2$t BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 qualify him for the rank of Lieutenant, and was soon 
 afterwards selected as one of the officers whom it was deemed 
 expedient to send into the Portuguese service. The station 
 allotted to Mr. Gower, was that of second Captain on board 
 a ship of the line, an appointment which, considering his 
 youth, certainly reflected on him the highest honour. 
 
 The apprehension of an attack made on Portugal, or 
 some of its transmarine possessions, by a Spanish fleet, 
 having been prevented by the assiduity as well as the success 
 which marked and attended the different enterprises under- 
 taken by the British navy, Mr. Gower, after continuing in 
 tedious suspense for the space of five months, returned to 
 England. Soon after peace was concluded, as he had not 
 obtained that promotion he so well deserved,, to the rank of 
 Lieutenant, and at the same time disdained to lead an inactive 
 life, he went on board the Dolphin, of 20 guns, then 
 equipping for a voyage of discovery round the globe, under 
 the command of Commodore Byron. 
 
 On his return from this fatiguing, and troublesome ser- 
 vice in the year 1766, he was at last promoted to the rank of 
 Lieutenant, being one of three persons only who were 
 seleftedjfrom among the mates or midshipmen belonging to 
 the Dolphin, to be honoured with that advancement. He 
 was immediately appointed to remeasure nearly the same 
 course which he had just concluded, and was sent out 
 Lieutenant of the Swallow, commanded by Captain Car- 
 teret. The sufferings and distresses experienced by that 
 gentleman and his crew, during their perilous voyage, which 
 commenced in 1766, and was not concluded till 1769, have 
 been already related, though but imperfectly and faintly, 
 in the account written by the late Dr. Hawkesworlh. On 
 the arrival of the ship in port, the journals as well as all 
 private memorandums made by the different officers, were 
 ordered to be delivered in to the Admiralty Board without 
 reserve, and promises of immediate promotion being uni- 
 formly held out to all, the commands were most rigidly 
 complied with, without hesitation or murmur ; these pr- 
 
 i
 
 OP SIR. ERASMUS COWER, KNIGHT. 2 $<) 
 
 raises were not fulfilled, owing to certain causes, which it 
 would be irrelevant to the present purpose to repeat here. 
 As some alleviation, however, to the disappointment ex- 
 perienced by Mr. Gower on this occasion, he was informed 
 that the lieutenancy of the Swift sloop, then under orders 
 for the Falkland Islands, where she was to continue three 
 years, was vacant , and as the Captain of her was to be the 
 commanding officer on that station, if Mr. Gower thought 
 proper to accept of the appointment of Lieutenant, he might 
 depend on promotion in case of any vacancy taking place 
 during his absence; and that his appointment, whatever it 
 might be, should certainly be confirmed by the Board of 
 Admiralty as soon as it was known. 
 
 Mr. Gower closing with this proposal, accordingly embark- 
 ed as Lieutenant of the Swift at the end of the year 1769, and 
 arrived at the place of destination very early in the ensuing 
 spring. On the 13111 of March, the Swift had the misfortune 
 to be wrecked in Port Desire, on the coast of Patagonia, a 
 misfortune owing to her having grounded on a sunk rock 
 just as it was high water. The officers and crew remained 
 during the whole of the ebb in the most anxious and dreadful 
 state of suspense; but though their situation was considered 
 dangerous when the fatal accident had taken* place, no sinister 
 subsequent occurrence led them to apprehend the destruction 
 of their vessel was so near at hand. At length, however, 
 when hope appeared to reanimate each countenance, and 
 give the crew almost an assurance of deliverance, the vessel 
 suddenly slipped off the rock, overset, and went to the 
 bottom in nine fathom water. 
 
 The greater part of the unfortunate crew were at this 
 time nearly naked, as they had been indefatigably endea- 
 vouring, though fruitlessly, during the whole of the tide, to 
 guard against the very accident which had so fatally befallen 
 them. The situation of Mr. Gower himself may serve to 
 point out that of his wretched co-sufferers. He had on 
 nothing more than his shirt, a waistcoat without sleeves, a 
 pair of trowsers, and an old pair of shoes, but neither hat.
 
 260 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 breeches, nor stockings. In a nearly equal state of equip* 
 ment, with respect to apparel, were the whole of the eighty- 
 eight unhappy persons composing the crew of the Swift, at 
 the time they might be supposed to consider themselves fortu- 
 nate in reaching the shore. The sun was within a few days of 
 entering into the winter quarter of that part of the globe : the 
 country on which they were thrown was dreary, desolate, and 
 inhospitable, unproductive of provisions necessary for their 
 sustenance, and destitute even of water *. The same dreary 
 scene uninterruptedly presented itself for the extent of several 
 degrees both to the northward and southward* Added to 
 which the weather was so cold and inclement, that long 
 before these apparently devoted sufferers were enabled to quit 
 that coast, the ground was uninterruptedly covered with 
 snow. 
 
 Many a long ling'ring Jay in lonely vale, 
 Stunn'd with th' eternal turbulence of waves, 
 Lo, with dim eyes that never learn'd to smile, 
 And trembling hands, the famish'd sailor craves 
 j Of Heaven his wretched fare ; shivering in caves, 
 Or dreary rocks, he pines from day to day ; 
 But Science gives the word ; and lo he braves 
 The surge and tempest, lighted by her ray, 
 And to a happier land wafts merrily away. 
 
 BEATTIF. 
 
 Thus fared it with Mr. Gower and his distressed com- 
 panions during their continuance of twenty-nine days on 
 that wretched spot, almost without clothes or other pro- 
 tection from the weather, save what they were fortunate 
 enough to meet with, in the cavities of the rocks j deprived of 
 that palliating comfort fire, save what was produced from 
 a scanty pittance of the tang or sea-weed torn by the tur- 
 bulence of the waves from the rocks, and left on the 
 shore above high- water murk. Added to these accumulated 
 circumstances of distress, their store of provisions, parti- 
 
 * The only supply of this grand preservative of life which these unhappy 
 people were capable of procuring, was from two old wells dug by some per- 
 sons who had formerly landed on the same spot. It was brackish and so dirty, 
 as to be loathsome in the extreme.
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS COVER, KNIGHT. 26t 
 
 cularly bread *, became so scanty, that they were reduced to 
 the wretched allowance of a biscuit a day for each man. 
 
 On the I2th of April, however, their distresses drew in 
 great measure to a close. The Favourite sloop of war ar- 
 rived and conveyed them all to Falkland Island in safety. 
 This relief was obtained by the very gallant exertions of 
 Mr. William White f, the master, who, with six volunteers, 
 proceeded in an open boat to the island, though the distance 
 was nearly one hundred and fifty leagues. When the season 
 of the year, the tempestuous climate, and the length of the 
 run, are taken together, and compared with the means pos- 
 sessed by these gallant adventurers for the accomplishment 
 of their purpose, it will become a difficult matter, perhaps, 
 to decide which is most worthy of admiration, the gallantry 
 of tne undertaking itself, or the prudence and skill with 
 which it was carried into execution. 
 
 No situation hardly could be more hopeless than that of 
 those who remained behind ; they had nearly given up all 
 idea of relief from their countrymen at the Falkland Islands, 
 and had projected a variety of romantic schemes to further 
 their deliverance, none of which probably could ever have 
 . been carried into execution. The arrival, however, of their 
 companions closed at once their fears, their chimerical 
 projects, and their distresses. Mr. Gower remained at the 
 settlement on the Falkland Islands till the month of June 
 ensuing, when, as it is well known, a squadron consisting of 
 three Spanish frigates, a xebec, and a sloop of war, arrived 
 there, and forcibly dispossessed the English, whose whole 
 
 * They were able to save but a very small quantity from the ship, and even 
 that was considerably diminished by mice, which infested them in great num- 
 bers. 
 
 | Now Captain White, who has been employed during the greater part of 
 the present war, as regulating officer or. the impress service at the port of 
 Liverpool. He served in the late war on the Lisbon station, was promoted to 
 the rank of commander by Commodore Johnston, and appointed to the Porto 
 sloop July 17, 1780. He afterwards commanded the Hound, and was ordered 
 to the East Indies with Vice-Admiral Parker, where he was raised to the rank 
 of Post Captain Aug. 28, 1783, by appointment t the San Carlos.
 
 262 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 strength amounted only to two sloops of war, with their 
 crews, to whom were added Mr. Gower and his fellow- 
 sufferers, who had served on board the Swift. 
 
 Almost immediately after the violent measure just men- 
 tioned had been taken, the Favourite sloop was dispatched 
 home to England with the interesting intelligence, and Mr. 
 Gower, together with the crew of the Swift, took their pas- 
 sage on board her ; it was extremely prosperous and speedy, 
 that vessel having arrived at the Motherbank on the 22d of 
 September, after a voyage of seventy days. Mr. Gower 
 continued unemployed after his arrival till the appointment 
 of Sir George Rodney to the Jamaica command, which took 
 place in the year ensuing. 
 
 An instance of the ill-luck, with respe& to promotion, 
 which attended Mr. Gower on this occasion, is of too sin- 
 gular a nature to be passed over unnoticed. He was ap- 
 pointed second lieutenant of the Princess Amelia, which was 
 the ship of the commander in chief, so that he consequently 
 might be considered in the direct and certain channel for 
 advancement. At the time Sir George first hoisted his 
 fiag, the late Sir Robert Harland was on the point of pro- 
 ceeding to the East Indies as commander in chief of a 
 squadron ordered thither to watch the motions of the French. 
 The present Sir John Colpoys, Vice- Admiral of the Red 
 Squadron, was at that time third lieutenant of the Nor- 
 thumberland, and being ordered out with a party to press 
 men for the purpose of manning the squadron, an affray 
 took place, in consequence of which a man unfortunately 
 lost his life. 
 
 It then becoming necessary, pro forma, that the conduct 
 of Lieutenant Colpoys should be legally investigated, he was 
 obliged to remain in England for that purpose, and a pro- 
 posal was made to Mr. Gower, that he should exchange 
 situations, as the trial would be over in sufficient time to 
 permit Mr. Colpoys to proceed with Sir George Rodney, 
 who was not quite ready for sea, to the West Indies, while 
 on the other hand, the detention would prevent his accom-
 
 OF SIR. ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 263 
 
 panying Sir Robert to the East. The chance of promotion 
 which Mr. Gower possessed in his own station, being 
 ostensibly so much superior to that which was offered him, 
 he naturally rejected the proposal, and Mr. Colpoys, soon as 
 the trial was over, followed his Admiral, having taken his 
 passage on board an Indiaman. The event, however, proved 
 directly contrary to human foresight, one vacancy only hap- 
 pened on the West India station during the whole time of 
 Mr. Gower's absence. He consequently experienced no 
 farther advancement than from the station of second to that of 
 first lieutenant, while Mr- Colpoys had the good fortune in 
 the same interval of time to be advanced to the rank of Post 
 Captain, by commission bearing date August 25, 1773, ap- 
 pointing him to the Admiral's ship the Northumberland. 
 
 Mr. Gower of course returned to England a lieutenant, 
 and not having obtained promotion, was obliged to remain 
 inaftive on half-pay till the month of March 1775. He was 
 then appointed first lieutenant of the Levant frigate, com- 
 manded by Captain George Murray, uncle to the present 
 Duke of Athol. He sailed on the 4th of June following, 
 and continued during the space of nearly four years on the 
 Mediterranean station, under the progressive commands of 
 Vice-Admiral Man and Rear-Admiral Duff. The Levant 
 was, after the commencement of the American war, ex- 
 tremely successful, having captured so considerable a number 
 of prizes, that few vessels, perhaps, have ever quitted 
 a station with more eclat respefting herself, and more regret 
 from the officers and other persons concerned, who derived 
 advantage from her good fortune, and the activity of her 
 
 people. 
 
 The Levant having been ordered to England in 1779, 
 was sent immediately after her arrival, with many other in- 
 ferior ships and vessels, under the command of Captam 
 Murray, over to Helvoetsluys. The objea of this errand 
 was to escort from thence the packet on board which t 
 present Dutchcss of Devonshire, with many other personages
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 of high rank, had embarked, and whose passage was rendered 
 somewhat precarious, on account of the many ships belong- 
 ing to the enemy which then swarmed in the North Sea. 
 The Levant, however, was prevented from executing this 
 service by a contrary wind. 
 
 Sir George Rodney, the former friend and patron of Mr. 
 Gower, received about this time his well-known appoint- 
 ment to the chief command on the West India station, and 
 immediately chose Mr. Gower to be his first lieutenant on 
 board the Sandwich. The fleet, with a considerable number 
 of merchant vessels under its protection, sailed the latter end 
 of December, and on the 8th of January had the good for- 
 tune to fall in with a Spanish convoy belonging to the Royal 
 Company of Garaccas, bound from St. Sebastian's to Cadiz. 
 Of twenty-seven sail which composed this fleet, twenty-six 
 were captured, seven of which were armed, and completely 
 fitted according to their different rates, as ships and vessels 
 of war. The Commodore's ship, called the Guipuscoana, 
 mounted 64 guns, and being deemed in every respect fit 
 for service, was immediately commissioned by Sir George 
 as a British ship of the line, and called the Prince Wil- 
 liam, Mr. Gower being appointed her Captain. 
 
 This commission being confirmed without hesitation by 
 the Admiralty, Mr. Gower, as some recompence for those 
 manifold disappointments he had before experienced, escaped 
 passing through the intermediate rank of commander of a 
 sloop of war, a circumstance very unusual in the service. 
 
 On the 1 6th of the same month in which Captain Gower 
 met with that well deserved advancement just mentioned, 
 the memorable aftion took place off Cape St. Vincent be- 
 tween the Britsh fleet and the Spanish armament, commanded 
 by Don Juan de Langara, an event so recent as not to require 
 any farther account than what has been already given in the 
 Memoir of Lord Rodney, more particularly as the Prince 
 .William was not fortunate enough to have any interesting- 
 share in the action.
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS COWER, KNIGHT. 26$ 
 
 The fleet soon afterwards reached Gibraltar with the 
 prizes it had so successfully made, and effectually relieved 
 that fortress from the famine-like distress which the hosti- 
 lities with the Court of Spain, and the close blockade conse- 
 quent to them had necessarily occasioned. During the con- 
 tinuance of the fleet in Gibraltar Bay Captain Gower was re- 
 moved first into the Porcupine, of 24 guns, secondly into 
 the Enterprise of 28; and lastly, on the I4th of February 
 1.780, into the Edgar, of 74, as Captain under Commodore 
 Elliot, who hoisted his broad pendant on board that ship, 
 being left behind the fleet as commander in chief of a small 
 force which it was supposed would assist in the defence of the 
 fortress. 
 
 It being experimentally found, after a few months con- 
 tinuance there, that to persist in the same measure, was to 
 render so fine a ship nearly useless, Commodore Elliot 
 returned to England. Captain Gower continued in the 
 same command, sometimes serving under the Commo- 
 dore himself, and during his absence, commanding the 
 Edgar as a cruiser or a private ship in the channel 
 fleet, till the year 1781, when Mr. Elliot having struck 
 his broad pendant and resumed his station of a private 
 Captain, Mr. Gower of necessity quitted the Edgar, and 
 continued till the month of November 1781, on half- 
 pay. He was then appointed Captain of the Medea, a 
 frigate, of 28 guns, under orders to join the squadron 
 fitting out for the East Indies, under the command of 
 Commodore Sir R. Bickerton. Accidents,' however, pre- 
 vented Captain Gower from joining his companions, 
 and he accordingly proceeded alone as far as Rio Janeiro 
 on the coast of Brazil, where he met with the Sceptre, 
 x)f 64 guns, one of the ships composing the same arma- 
 ment. After continuing at the same port for six weeks, 
 in daily expectation that the squadron which had sailed from 
 England three days before the Medea, would arrive, the two 
 ships proceeded to India in company; when on their passage, 
 in doubling the Cape of Good Hope, the Medea captured, 
 
 IV. MM
 
 266 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 on the fcist of May 1782, a large French ordnance storeship, 
 bound also to India. This vessel had parted company only 
 on the preceding day from several others of the same de- 
 scription, under convoy of a small squadron of ships of war. 
 The prize proved so dull a sailer as to retard very consi- 
 derably the passage of Captain Gower; the Medea being 
 obliged to take her in tow, and continue that measure with- 
 out interruption till they jointly arrived at Madras, the 
 passage thither was accordingly prolonged to no less a space 
 of time than four months. But the tediousness and diffi- 
 culty of this operation was fully compensated by the injury 
 the enemy sustained from the capture, not only in the in- 
 trinsic value of the cargo, but the grievous necessity they 
 were under for a considerable part of those articles which 
 composed it. The first service in which the Medea was 
 employed subsequent to her arrival in India, was to attend 
 the army, which was then on the point of proceeding under 
 the command of General Sir Eyre Coote, on the expedition 
 sent against Pondicherry. This event took place in the 
 month of September, and the season of the year made it a 
 task of the greatest difficulty to fulfil the order. 
 
 Captain Gower, according to his instructions, used every 
 possible endeavour to reach Pondicherry by a limited day. 
 His exertion was peculiarly necessary, for the soldiery had not 
 been able to carry with them more than a very limited pro- 
 portion of provision from Madras, and the monsoon, 
 which then blew contrary to the Medea's intended course, 
 threatened very powerfully to impede and prolong her pas- 
 sage. What then must have been the fate of those troops, 
 had he not resorted to extraordinary means for their sup- 
 port? To have waited for the storeships and vessels which 
 he was ordered to protect, would but have increased his 
 difficulties and his delay ; to quit them was dangerous ; but 
 the special emergency determined him to adopt the latter 
 measure. He communicated to the General his opinion of 
 the small chance there was of his arrival at the place of his 
 destination by the limited time, provided he was not freed 
 from his incumbran.ee ; but as the safety of the whole army
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 267 
 
 depended on at least a partial succour, Captain Gower under- 
 took to relieve their most pressing necessities by converting 
 the Medea herself into a storeship, and leaving the convoy 
 to creep along shore, that it might seize all favourable op- 
 portunities of proceeding on its route. 
 
 In order to accomplish the important service he had 
 undertaken, he himself, his officers, and all his crew, were 
 obliged to forego every accommodation, and repose them- 
 selves in the best manner they could on the deck itself. 
 The cabins, the decks, in short the whole ship, was com- 
 pletely filled with rice, or other articles of the first necessity, 
 and through the most diligent exertions, actually arrived at 
 her place of destination before she was expefted. The ex- 
 pedition, however, was unfortunately obliged to be laid aside, 
 in consequence of the commander in chief becoming so 
 indisposed as to be totally incapable of assuming the com- 
 mand, and the officer next in point of rank was under the 
 necessity of returning to Madras with the troops. 
 
 On the agth of September, the Medea was ordered to 
 Bengal, having the General, Sir Eyre Coote, on board as a 
 passenger, that change of air being considered as indispensa- 
 bly necessary to the recovery of his health. Captain Gower 
 was ordered to remain afterwards on the coast of Coro- 
 mandel, for the better protection of the coasting trade during 
 the continuance of the south-west monsoon ; the British 
 fleet having proceeded to Bombay in order to avoid that 
 tempestuous weather to which the former coast is so ex- 
 tremely liable during the three months then ensuing. 
 
 Early in the month of January 1783, the French fleet, 
 which was then under the command of the Count de Suf- 
 frein, anchored in Ganjam road, one of the northern set- 
 tlements on the coast of Coromandel. The Chef d'Escadre 
 intended to continue there for some time in the hope not 
 only of being able to intercept and disturb the British com- 
 merce, but of efFe&ing some depredation or confusion 
 among the settlements in that quarter, and Captain Gower 
 entertaining not the most distant idea that the enemy were
 
 268 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 even in those seas, the Medea came to an anchor a little way 
 without them. The night was foggy, but notwithstanding 
 the haze, the British frigate was visible from the French 
 fleet, in consequence of the latter being tinder the land. 
 Suffrein being well assured that she did not belong to his 
 squadron, very vigilantly formed his plan for securing her 
 the next morning. 
 
 Great indeed was the astonishment of Captain Gower and 
 his people when they discovered, on the approach of day, 
 several ships moving towards them, while the appearance of 
 others in the offing, which had been detached thither during 
 the night, appeared totally to preclude all possibility of es- 
 cape. The Medea being, however, a very swift sailer, and 
 extremely well managed, was fortunate enough to efFet 
 her escape, though at one time within cannon-shot of the 
 ships which were in chase of her, and her capture was con- 
 sidered by the pursued, as well as the pursuers, inevitable. 
 
 On the i6th of the same month (January) the Medea was 
 again chased by a French cruiser, but as the vessel did not 
 appear larger than a frigate, Captain Gower ordered the ship 
 to be put about, and stood for her. He brought the enemy 
 to a&ion in the evening, and after a contest of eighteen 
 minutes, had the pleasure of seeing his antagonist surrender. 
 The prize proved to be the Chaser, a ship of war, mounting 
 20 guns, six pounders, charged with dispatches from the Isle 
 of France for the French commander in chief. The Medea 
 immediately proceeded to Madras, and dispatched the Chaser 
 from thence to Bombay, where the British fleet still con- 
 tinued, with an account that a French armament was on the 
 Coromandel coast on the 23d of January. 
 
 The Earl of Macartney, who was then Governor of Fort 
 St. George, having received intelligence that three large 
 storeships belonging to the enemy, and arm'ec enfnte, were then 
 at Goudelour, or Cudclalore as the English term it, a French 
 settlement distant about twenty-eight leagues from Madras, 
 he immediately communicated this intelligence to Captain 
 Gower, who put to sea the same evening, notwithstanding
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 269 
 
 his complement of officers and seamen was very much re- 
 duced in consequence of his having in great measure manned 
 the Chaser. He had laid his plan with much care and pre- 
 caution, hoping that he should be able to get up with the 
 enemy before daylight, and make himself master at least of one 
 of them before he should be heard of, or discovered. The 
 whole of the plan, however, was unfortunately frustrated by 
 the failure of the vrind. The Medea, therefore, sheltered 
 herself near the coast during the whole day, and the time 
 was consumed in assiduously attempting to disguise and 
 disfigure the vessel in such a manner that its real character 
 and condition should not be discovered by the enemy. In 
 this project also Captain Gower had the misfortune to be 
 disappointed. The enemy received intelligence of every 
 circumstance that occurred, but ignorant of this, and con- 
 sidering himself perfectly secure, he again made sail as, soon 
 as it became dark. The wind failed a second time, and 
 the Medea was more than three miles distant from the road 
 of Cuddalore at the dawn of the day. 
 
 Instead of finding three ships in the road, as the information 
 promised, there remained but one, apparently a very large 
 vessel, having her topsails loose, and with every other indica- 
 tion of being prepared to put to sea. She had a complete tier of 
 lower-deck ports hauled up, and was at anchor with springs 
 on her cables under the protection of the forts ; the vessel had 
 Dutch colours hoisted, and began to fire at the Medea the 
 instant she arrived within gun-shot. The situation of the 
 frigate was critical, the enterprise was extremely arduous, 
 and nothing but the greatest and most prompt exertions 
 could render success even probable. 
 
 To have attacked the enemy according to the previously 
 proposed plan, by running on board her, and entering 
 a sufficient number of men, appeared not only dan- 
 gerous but impradticable, first, on account of the high 
 state of preparation in which the ship of the enemy appeared, 
 and secondly, from her extreme loftiness or elevation above 
 the surface of the water. It was therefore resolved, as the
 
 2JO BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 only method that could be adopted, desperate as it appeared, 
 to run between the forts and the ship, receiving the joint 
 fire of both at the same time. The shore was so bold and the 
 objecl: of attack lay so near to the batteries, that the shot from 
 the latter went through both sides of the Medea ; she re- 
 served her fire till she got abreast of the enemy's ship, and 
 dropped anchor close to her so as to preserve that situation : 
 then for the first time did Captain Gower commence his 
 cannonade, which was well directed, and kept up with so 
 much animation, that in a very short time victory declared 
 itself completely in his favour. 
 
 The enemy was instantly boarded, and the cables of both 
 ships being immediately cut, they ran out into the offing, till 
 they were so far distant from the forts as to be under no 
 apprehensions whatever from their fire. Here they again 
 came to anchor in order to arrange, and set matters to rights 
 in the best manner circumstances would admit of. The 
 prize proved to be the- Vryheid, a Dutch East India ship, 
 pierced for 64 guns, but having no more than 32 mounted. 
 She had brought a cargo of ordnance stores to Cuddalore, 
 and was to have quitted it on the very day she was captured, 
 being bound for Trincomale in the Island of Ceylon. The 
 lower masts and bowsprit which formerly belonged to a 
 French ship of the line, that had been stranded and lost near 
 Pondicherry, were secured alongside; the lower-deck guns and 
 carriages were some of them on the lower deck of the prize, 
 the remainder were in the hold, and those guns with their 
 carriages, were fortunately as well fitted and adapted to the 
 ports of the prize as though they had been purposely intended 
 for her. 
 
 This circumstance would have rendered the Vryheid com. 
 pletely effe&ive as a ship of the line the instant the guns 
 were ran cut of the ports : it was even intended she should 
 have joined the French fleet and been stationed as a vessel 
 of that class, so that the loss of her must have been 
 much felt by the enemy. The merit of the foregoing trans- 
 ?.&ion, independent of the great inferiority of the Medea's 
 
 4
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 2?! 
 
 force in comparison with that of her antagonist, and the 
 peculiar circumstances and disadvantages under which she 
 was compelled to commence her attack, was considerably 
 heightened by the disadvantage of a very short complement, 
 the first lieutenant, together with thirty of the b-st seamen, 
 having been dispatched to Bombay, as already related, in the 
 Chaser. 
 
 The crew had experienced a scarcely less consequential 
 diminution, owing to the master, the boatswain, the gunner, 
 and many other persons belonging to the ship, being ashore at 
 Madras when the intelligence was received : notwithstanding 
 which Captain Gower resolved to put to sea without them, 
 fearing that if he used not the utmost expedition, the enemy 
 might receive intelligence of his intention at Cuddalore. 
 What must be the anxiety of a commander in so trying a 
 situation with so reduced a number of men ? He had to 
 navigate a ship which was three times the burden of that 
 he commanded, in addition to his own ; he had more than, 
 one hundred prisoners to guard, and was to effedl: his pas- 
 sage into Madras Road against the monsoon, with a French 
 fleet to windward of him upon the same coast. The only 
 officer that continued in the Medea, exclusive of Captain, 
 Gower himself, was the Lieutenant of Marines, so that 
 these two gentlemen were obliged to take watch and watch 
 during the whole passage, which continued five days, and 
 Captain Gower himself is said to have scarcely quitted the 
 deck for the whole time. 
 
 The conduft of this gentleman on the occasion just men- 
 tioned, as well as his former services, were considered so highly 
 meritorious that the Governor and Presidency of Fort St. 
 George requested Sir Edward Hughes, the naval commander 
 in chief, to convey to him their sincere thanks ; and the 
 Lords of the Admiralty themselves, as soon as they became 
 acquainted with the different circumstances which attended 
 the transaflion, were equally forward in shewingsimilar marks 
 of approbation with regard to Captain Gower himseli, to- 
 gether with the officers and people whom he led to viftory.
 
 272 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 The prize, through the possession of which he had very 
 justly acquired so much honour, got safe to Madras, where 
 the captors were offered the sum of thirty-six thousand 
 pounds for the hull and furniture, but Captain Gower fear- 
 ing that the proposed purchasers intended, through the 
 noxious medium of a neutral power, to resell the vessel im- 
 mediately to the enemy, who at that time stood grievously 
 in need of some reinforcement, most patriotically rejected 
 the personally advantageous offer. It was then proposed to 
 him, that he should permit the vessel to proceed to Bengal 
 and bring back a cargo of rice ; for this voyage 6ooo/. were 
 offered, with a farther proposal, that as the French fleet was 
 then in the neighbourhood, the sum which had been before 
 offered for the purchase of the vessel, should be paid to the 
 captors in case she was unfortunate enough to fall into the 
 hands of the enemy, or meet with any other untoward ac- 
 cident. 
 
 All these offers also were peremptorily rejefted on the 
 instant they were made, through an apprehension of the 
 same insidious kind of contrivance which Captain Gower 
 was fearful of in the former instance. An account of these 
 different offers, together with a description of the vessel 
 herself, were immediately conveyed both by sea and land, 
 for the puYpose of more effectually securing their arrival, to 
 Sir Edward Hughes. It was accompanied by a declaration 
 of Captain Gower's opinion, that the vessel in question 
 was in every respel properly adapted for his Majesty's ser- 
 vice, and that in consequence of that idea, he would continue 
 to decline any proposal whatever that might be made for 
 the purchase of it till the pleasure of the commander in 
 chief should be fully known. The ship continued for three 
 months after this in the possession of the captors, when a 
 squadron of French ships having stood into the Road of Ma- 
 dras, merely with a view of insulting that port, and fired a few 
 shot at the different vessels which were anchored there, they 
 themselves continuing under sail the whole time, the people 
 on board the prize were so strongly apprehensive that the at-
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. yj9 
 
 tack of the enemy was principally intended against their ves- 
 sel, which was the only one in the road that appeared worthy 
 the attention of a foe, that they accordingly veered away 'the 
 cable in the hope of preserving her by getting nearer to the 
 shore. 
 
 The apprehension probably was groundless, but the mea- 
 sure taken for her preservation was certainly fatal. The 
 ship unfortunately got into the surf and was totally lost. 
 Thus did the brave captors, owing to their over zeal for the 
 service, lose that valuable and well earned pecuniary re- 
 ward which their gallantry so justly merited. Previous to 
 the loss of the Vryheid, the Medea had on the 5th of Fe- 
 bruary very narrowly escaped being captured by the French 
 fleet herself, when they were on their passage from the 
 Ganjam to the southward ; though nearly surrounded she 
 was, however, fortunate enough to effect her escape. On 
 the i6th of March she, for the third time, experienced a 
 similar instance of good fortune off Pondicherry. Two 
 French frigates, under cover of the night and a thick haze 
 which then prevailed, got within hail of the Medea before 
 they were discovered. 
 
 Early in the month of May following, owing to the great 
 exertions which the French were then making, it became 
 natural to expe6l that an action must inevitably take place 
 between the two fleets, and as the British force consisted at 
 that time of eighteen sail of the line, divided into three 
 squadrons, under an Admiral and two Commodores, it was 
 strongly recommended to Sir Edward Hughes that he should 
 appoint an additional or first captain to his own ship, by way 
 of lessening liiat fatigue of body and mind which he must of 
 necessity undergo in case of an a&ion, as having so exten- 
 sive a command to attend to. This honourable station was 
 accordingly offered, as is customary on such occasions, to 
 several of the senior Captains; they declined it in the hand- 
 somest manner, and at the same time unanimously joined 
 in recommending Captain Gower, as the fittest person to 
 take upon him so important a trust and office. 
 
 2301. IV. N N
 
 274 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 The arrangement was made accordingly, but the appoint- 
 ment did not actually take place, owing to the extreme deli- 
 cacy of the commander in chief, who, notwithstanding the 
 arduous task which presented itself to him, hesitated to 
 comply with. his own wishes and inclination, as well as those 
 of every person under his orders, because he did not actually 
 command at the time that sufficient number of ships which, 
 according to the rules of the service, would have rendered 
 such a measure a mere matter of course. 
 
 From the I3th to the 2ist of June, both fleets were 
 manoeuvred in sight of each other, in the mutual hope of 
 being able to seize some moment and opportunity pecu- 
 liarly favourable to attack ; an aftion certainly appeared 
 unavoidable, but the enemy, though they possessed the 
 weather-gage, not thinking even that advantage sufficient 
 to warrant their hazarding an action, appeared to decline a 
 contest till some' occasion additionally favourable should 
 occur. Under these circumstances the engagement was de- 
 ferred till the evening of the list. During the whole of the 
 period in which the two fleets had been in sight of each 
 other, the Medea had been uniformly employed during the 
 night in watching the motions of Monsieur de SufFrein. 
 The service was of the most important nature, and the risk 
 proportionably great. The squadron of the enemy was ex- 
 tremely alert, and the Medea from her situation was, un- 
 avoidably, in hourly danger of being captured. 
 
 The unfortunate alion which followed the exertions just 
 mentioned, was productive of what the enemy had never, 
 before that time, been fortunate enough to acquire in any- 
 part of the world an advantage over the Britiih fleet with a 
 force evidently inferior. This unprecedented event was 
 occasioned not only by the bad condition of several ships 
 which composed the British fleet, but also by the dreadful 
 sickness and mortality which then prevailed among the 
 crews. The disgrace at least, for the enemy reaped no ad- 
 vantage whatever but the honour of having obliged the 
 British to decline all farther contest, might have been hap-
 
 OF SIR. ERASMUS COWER, KNIOHT. 2*] $ 
 
 pily prevented had the intelligence that the articles of peace 
 were signed, arrived from England within the time generally- 
 required to convey it from thence. But though private 
 accounts. and newspapers, which had reached India over- 
 land before the adlion took place, all agreed in asserting the 
 same event, yet the official account that tranquillity was re- 
 established between the contending nations, did not reach 
 Madras till the 3151 of August following. 
 
 This interesting intelligence was brought by his Majesty's 
 ship Crocodile, and pending her arrival no inconsiderable 
 share of address and management had been necessary to 
 induce M. de Bussy, who then held the supreme command 
 of the' French naval force in that country, to consent to a 
 truce before the pleasing intelligence was officially confirmed. 
 His hesitation and demur was the natural consequence of the 
 late advantage which his countrymen had obtained by sea, 
 and the successes which had, for a short time preceding, at- 
 tended their land operations also in the same quarter. So 
 that good fortune naturally gave birth to the most imperious 
 assumption which haughty pride could diftate. 
 
 The probability of peace being, however, established, the 
 Medea was ordered to be dismantled early in the month of 
 July, and being converted into a flag of truce, was ordered to 
 convey a part of the Council of Fort St. George up to Cud- 
 dalore, for the purpose of treating with General de Bussy 
 as to the farther terms of pacification, Captain Gower being 
 commissioned by Sir Edward Hughes to ad in the same 
 capacity, with regard to the naval department, between him- 
 self and Monsieur de SurTrein. A common newspaper, 
 which had reached India from Europe, was the most au- 
 thentic document which Captain Gower possessed in proof 
 of the treaty of peace being concluded in Europe; but he- 
 contrived with the best address to carry his point and pre- 
 vent any recommencement of hostilities. This delicate and 
 interesting business being concluded, he was next employed 
 in negotiating the exchange of prisoners, a species of
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 diplomatic occupation in which he was equally as successful 
 as he had been in the former instance. 
 
 On the 8th of September he sailed from India in the 
 Medea, being chosen by the commander in chief to be the 
 bearer of his duplicate dispatches for the Admiralty Board, 
 together with his letters for the Secretary of State ; the 
 originals had been sent away three weeks before, but the 
 Medea having arrived at the Cape on the 25th day of Octo- 
 ber she there overtook them. No material or interesting 
 occurrence took place with regard to Captain Gower, who 
 continued his voyage to England, till the ijih of December, 
 when the Medea being off the Western Islands, had the mis- 
 fortune to encounter a most dreadful gale of wind, in which 
 she not only lost her main and mizen-masts, but was in 
 other respe&s so materially injured, as to be in the most 
 perilous state. An event took place on this occasion which 
 is far too interesting, too instructive to mankind, in respeft 
 to that providential care which so frequently snatches them 
 from the very jaws of death, and preserves them safe and 
 unhurt in the midst of a myriad of surrounding perils, to 
 be omitted in this place. 
 
 At the time the masts went overboard there were thirty- 
 six of the crew employed aloft, every man of whom were, as 
 a natural consequence, instantly precipitated into the sea, 
 but were all of them taken up without having sustained 
 the s :.ailest injury, one person only excepted. The ship 
 being refitted as well as circumstances would permit, as soon 
 as the gale had in some degree moderated, she proceeded on, 
 her course to England, and had the good fortune to arrive 
 at Spithead without having met with any other sinister 
 accident, on the ^th of January 1784. Notwithstanding the 
 delay occasioned by the misfortune just related, which had 
 so nearly proved fatal to Captain Gower and all his crew, 
 he had the satisfaction to find that he preceded the original 
 du atclies, which did not reach England till three weeks 
 after his arrival. In 1785 Captain Gower had the honour
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 277 
 
 of being nominated by the late Earl Howe, at that time first 
 Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, to go to India with a 
 broad pendant as senior officer of a squadron consisting of 
 five ships of the line, but with only those emoluments at- 
 tached to a Commodore who has not a Captain under him 
 on board his own ship. 
 
 Captain Gower was kept for a considerable time in a state 
 of suspense, no equipment of the ships in question taking 
 place. At length, Commodore Elliot being in 1786 ap- 
 pointed governor and commander in chief on the New- 
 foundland station, the solicitation made by the latter that 
 Captain Gower would accompany him thither as his Captain, 
 put an end to the embarrassment. The Admiralty Board 
 being immediately informed of the proposal consented to his 
 accompanying his friend thither, and were more particu- 
 larly induced to comply with the request, the service being 
 considered so nearly allied to the home station as to afford 
 an opportunity to the Board of recalling, and sending him 
 into any other quarter, provided it should be deemed ex- 
 pedient and necessary at a notice extremely short. 
 
 An appearance, however, of some commotion or disturb- 
 ance in the East Indies, rendered it expedient to send out an 
 officer of higher rank in the service than that which Captain 
 Gower then held, so that he continued in his station, and 
 continued to serve under Mr. Elliot, who was afterwards 
 promoted to a flag, long as he himself retained his appoint- 
 ment, which he did till the month of November 1788 ; 
 when the Salisbury, which was the Admiral's ship, was 
 paid off. During the time he was thus engaged, the idea of 
 sending out an ambassador to China had suggested itself to 
 the British Government. It was after some debate and de- 
 liberation positively determined on. Colonel Cathcart was 
 the person at that time fixed upon to fill this diplomatic 
 character, and he having held various conversations with 
 Captain Gower on the subjeft, conceived, from his manner 
 of expressing himself, that the command of the ship intended 
 
 4
 
 2y8 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 to be employed on that occasion, would be an appointment 
 by no means disagreeable to him. 
 
 The business had proceeded so far that the Vestal frigate 
 was ordered to be equipped for the service, and Captain 
 Cower was not only nominated to the command, but a 
 gentleman for whose nomination to the station of lieu- 
 tenant under him he had intended to solicit, received that 
 commission. Affairs being in this situation it was resolved 
 to send out a vessel to Newfoundland, where Captain Gower 
 then was, in order that he might return to England, and 
 enter upon the duties of his function. 
 
 Farther consideration caused, however, as much of the 
 plan as related to Captain Gower to be abandoned. Such 
 expedition was used in fitting the ship, that it was found 
 she would be ready for sea long before he could return to 
 England, and as it was conceived that nothing would con- 
 tribute to the success of the plan so much as the prompt 
 execution of it, lest, other nations taking the alarm should 
 use means to frustrate the intention, the ambassador was 
 induced, for the purpose of saving time, to consent to the 
 appointment of another gentleman as Captain. It would 
 certainly have been immaterial to relate this circumstance, had 
 not the singularity of his commission in the same line of 
 service five years afterwards, sanctioned the recital. Lord 
 Macartney being then nominated ambassador to China, Capt. 
 Gower took upon him the command of the Lion, of 64 guns, 
 which ship was ordered to be equipped for the purpose of 
 conveying his Lordship to the scene of negotiation. 
 
 Previous to his departure he was honoured by his Majesty 
 with knighthood, as well, perhaps, in testimony of the sense 
 which was entertained of those services which the object of 
 the honour had rendered to his country, as to stamp a 
 consequence on the embassy itself. The Lion sailed in 
 the month of O&ober following, and proceeded to the Yellow 
 Sea, distant from the city of Pekin, where the Emperor cf 
 China frequently resides, about one hundred arid twenty
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT, 379 
 
 miles. On their outward voyage they called at Madeira, and 
 the remarks made by this gentleman relative to their passage 
 thither, with other particulars, are too interesting and curious 
 to be omitted. 
 
 All ships bound from Europe for the Island of Madeira will dis- 
 cover that their way is influenced by a current, or* set from the 
 Western Ocean into the Bay, formed between Ushant and Cape 
 Finisterre, and into the Mediterranean ; and as well as the observations 
 made by Captain Gower, in five visits to Madeira, could enable him 
 to ascertain, that current should be estimated as setting south-east 
 about eleven miles in fifty leagues. 
 
 All ships bound for the Island of Madeira should endeavour to 
 make or steer for Porto-Santo, and then proceed for the Brazen Head, 
 or eastern point of the Road of Funchal, the capital of the island, by 
 going between it and the Desertas, off the northernmost of which is 
 a high rock that is frequently mistaken for a sail. The passage is 
 about nine miles wide but without soundings, except in very deep 
 water close to Madeira. The latitude of the Road is thirty-two de- 
 grees, thirty-seven minutes, thirty seconds North, and the longitude, 
 ascertained by several eclipses of the satellites of Jupiter, and an 
 eclipse of the sun on the ^.th of June 1788, is seventeea degrees, 
 thirty-five minutes West of Greenwich. The compass has eighteen 
 degrees thirty-five minutes variation to the westward of the Pole. 
 The tide flows, at the full and change of the moon, north-north west, 
 and south-south-east; spring tides rise perpendicularly seven feet* 
 The flood sets to the eastward. The regulations of the port require 
 all ships, before, or immediately on anchoring, to send to acquaint 
 the Governor of the Island with an account of what they are, and 
 their reasons for stopping there. Men of war are not to send their 
 boats to vessels coming into the Road, until they are visited by thr 
 pratique- boat, or boat whose business it is to inquire, lest any in- 
 fectious disorder should be on board.. The same ib to be observed 
 respecting vessels that are departing, which are not to be boarded 
 after the visiting officer has been to search for natives leaving the 
 Island clandestinely, and for prohibited goods. Englishmen of war 
 salute with thirteen guns, after receiving an assurance of the return of 
 an equal number. 
 
 Ships' boats may land on the beach during the summer months ; 
 but when there is no landing of goods to make it necessary, it is better 
 to be avoided at all seasons, both for the safety of the boats, which 
 are driven by a violent surge upon a shingly shore, and for preventing 
 the common men from having the opportunity of frequenting the
 
 28O BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 disorderly houses in the neighbourhood of the beach, and drinking 
 the pernicious spirituous liquors vended thereabouts. The landing 
 near the Loo Rock, being defended from the surge, is very safe and 
 easy ; and though there are cottages near to it, the boats' people 
 may be easily kept from them. Caution is necessary, likewise, 
 against the boats coming on board, under pretence of selling fish, 
 fowls, and vegetables, for their chief objeft is the sale of the worst 
 Spirituous liquors, and often concealed goods. Fresh beef, water, 
 and vegetables, are to be procured here for the ship's company, and 
 are sent on board in boats belonging to the place. The British 
 Government allows the contractor five shillings a ton for water, and 
 sixpence a pound for beef, for the use of the crews of his Majesty's 
 ships of war. The contract wine is of a weak quality, and will not 
 keep; and the price is 1 61. for a ton, containing one hundred and 
 twenty gallons. A fleet of twenty sail of men of war may be amply 
 supplied with refreshments here, if their stay should not exceed ten 
 days. 
 
 The Road is open from the west to the eouth-south-east. The 
 winds blow strongest here from south-west to south-east. Ships 
 obliged to anchor in the winter in Funchal Road, should be very at- 
 tentive to the dark gloomy appearance of the weather to the south- 
 ward, with a swell setting in ; for it^is'very dangerous remaining at an- 
 chor with these prognostics. 
 
 The Lion proceeded afterwards to TeneriiFe, St. Jago, one 
 of the Cape de Verde islands, Rio Janeiro, the Capital of 
 Brazil, the Tristan d'Acunha Islands, hardly ever touched 
 at, and but little known by Europeans ; the extraordinary 
 island of Amsterdam ; the Straits of Sunda, Banca, Formosa ; 
 the eastern extremity of Asia ; and lastly, the Yellow Sea. 
 None of the navigation from Chusan to the extreme point of 
 the voyage had ever been traversed before by Europeans, 
 and as these enterprising men received no assistance what- 
 ever from the Chinese, who were extremely astonished at the 
 attempt, the particulars of this tedious passage cannot fail to 
 prove extremely interesting. 
 
 The Yellow Sea is bounded by China, Tartary, and the peninsula 
 of Corea. It takes its name from the prodigious quantities of 
 yellowish mud which is brought into it by the Whang- Ho, or Yellow 
 River of China. Beyond the Chusan Islands, the whole of this sea, 
 for about ten degrees of latitude and six of longitude, was before this
 
 OP SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNIGHT. 281 
 
 expedition utterly unknown to Europeans ; and it may be considered 
 as no trifling advantage gained by the Embassy, that it afforded an 
 opportunity of exploring, without giving offence or exciting suspi- 
 cion, even under the guidance of those who were constantly em- 
 ployed in its navigation, a tradl of so considerable extent. 
 
 At Chusan, the mandarin had compelled two native pilots to under- 
 take the care of the Lion and Hindostan. Though forced into 
 this service, they appeared, when on board the ships, extremely ready 
 to perform as well as they were able. 
 
 On the 9th of July 1793, the squadron under Sir Erasmus Gower 
 entered this sea. The weather was dark and cloudy. A thick fog 
 covered the horizon. A heavy swell came from the east- south east. 
 The departure, or point whence the progress of the squadron is to be 
 computed, is the isle called Patch-Cock, lying in twenty-nine degrees 
 fifty-two minutes north latitude, and one hundred and twenty degrees 
 fifty-two minutes east longitude. The ships when sailing in six 
 fathoms water, drew up the mud in such quantities, that each left in 
 her wake a streak of yellowish brown for near half a mile. A cir- 
 -cumstance which, to persons not apprized of it, would be apt to create 
 alarm, lest it should denote a sudden shoaling of water. 
 
 Wednesday the loth of July. Thick hazy weather, and a constant 
 heavy swell from the eastward. In the morning two islands were 
 perceived, which the pilots called Tchin-San and Shoo-Tong-Yang, 
 bearing north-west by west, distant eight or nine leagues. Soundings 
 from thirty-two to thirty-seven fathoms; bottom fine sand. 
 
 Thursday the i ith of July. Light airs and calms during the first 
 part of the day. In the evening a breeze sprung up from the south- 
 \vaid. At five in the morning two new islands, small and rocky, were 
 discovered to the westward, seven or eight leagues distant. The pilot 
 called those islands Pa-Tcha-San and Te-Tchong. 
 
 On Friday the izth of July, the pilots observed that the squadron 
 was then opposite the Chinese province of Kiang-Nan ; and that in 
 the neighbourhood were large shoals, the approach to which was an- 
 nounced by the bottom being sandy. In the morning the fog be- 
 came so thick that it was scarcely possible to see from one end of the 
 Lion to the other. It may be difficult to explain why a shallow sea 
 generally has the atmosphere over it foggy ; but the facl: has been 
 observed likewise upon the banks of Newfoundland, and other places 
 covered with little water. Another circumstance took place almost 
 as difficult, perhaps, to be accounted for. In the shallowest parts, 
 but where no land was visible above water, swarms of the dragon fly 
 suddenly appeared about the ships, which, in deeper water, quickly 
 disappeared. 
 
 K IV. o o
 
 2#2 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 Efforts were made to keep the ships together during the 'fog, by 
 firing guns in the way of fog -signals ; notwithstanding which, the 
 Hindostan was separated this day from the rest of the squadron. 
 Shortly afterward she perceived three large Chinese vessels, which by 
 choice or accident had deviated from the usual system among them 
 of sailing near the coast. The soundings hereabouts were found by 
 all the squadron to vary so frequently and suddenly, that, notwith- 
 standing the presence of the pilots, it was thought expedient to pro- 
 ceed with uncommon caution, and even sometimes to lie to. The 
 soundings throughout this sea never exceeded forty-two fathoms ; in 
 the deepest water the bottom was usually muddy, and was generally 
 sound where the water shoaled. The pilots observed that the thickest 
 fogs accompanied the south-east winds, which generally lasted four or 
 five days at a time. 
 
 On Saturday the wind and fog continued as before. In the morn- 
 ing the fog being for a time dispelled, several land birds appeared, 
 and sea- weed and bamboos were seen floating upon the water ; to 
 gether with other indications of being near land. 
 
 The Endeavour, which had called at Chusan, brought from thence 
 such a pilot as was first offered to the squadron. He conducted her 
 close to the shore with little danger to the Endeavour, as she drew 
 but a few feet water. She passed near the island of Tsung-Ming, 
 opposite the river Kiang. This island, unlike those of Chusan, is 
 very low, and to all appearance, formed of earth which is brought 
 down by the current of the river, between the mouth of which and the 
 island, the water is extremely shallow. The land seemed to be gain- 
 ing upon the water very fast ; and it is not unworthy of notice, that 
 in the map preserved in the Ducal Palace of Venice, supposed to be 
 taken, so far as relates to China, in great measure, from the draught 
 made by the celebrated traveller of that city in the thirteenth century, 
 Marco Polo, no traces are found of the Island Tsung-Ming, though 
 those of Chusan, not much to the southward of it, are distinctly 
 marked ; whether it was at that period so small as not to be thought 
 worthy of notice, or so low as to remain unobserved, is uncertain. 
 
 The Lion kept to the eastward of the track of the Hindostan, and 
 nearer, though not in sight, of the western coast of the peninsula of 
 Corea, which stretches from Tartary in a southern direction. The 
 peninsula of Shan Tung extends from the main continent of China so 
 far to the eastward, as to reduce the breadth of the Yellow Sea to 
 about forty leagues or thereabouts, between the eastern extremity of 
 Shan-Tung and the opposite part of the peninsula of Corea. 
 
 Both divisions of the squadron had on the i5th a wind from the 
 southward, attended, during part of the day, with a fog. While it
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWF.R, KNIGHT. 283 
 
 Vrtis clear the Hindostan perceived a small cone-sliaped island, called 
 by the pilot Ka-Te-Noo ; and on the next day came in sight of the 
 rugged land of Shan-Tung promontory, as well as of a small island to 
 the southward of it. At this place a slight current was observed to 
 8?t to the northward. The longitude here was 122 degrees, forty 
 minutes east. The latitude was thirty-five degrees ten minutes 
 north. From hence the Lion steered north-west by compass, until 
 she got into the latitude of thirty- six degrees twenty minutes north. 
 The water then began to shoal rapidly from forty to sixteen, four- 
 teen, and twelve fathoms, there being a difference of two fathoms 
 every quarter of an hour ; the bottom sandy. Such a sudden shoaling 
 of the water naturally occasioned apprehension. It was, however, 
 calmed, more by the reports of the brigs which were kept going 
 a-head, and constantly heaving the lead, than by the assertions of the 
 pilots, whose ignorance of the English language made them some- 
 times to be considered as unacquainted with their business. 
 
 On the 1 6th, the island which the Hindostan observed to the 
 north-east, appeared at the same time from the Lion being to the 
 eastward, to the north-west. The ships and brigs all joined on 
 Wednesday the i ;th. They perceived on that day two headlands, or 
 capes, which, together with the island above mentioned, are likely to 
 be the first lands made by ships navigating dire&ly from the south- 
 ward toward the gulf of Pekin ; it was thought desirable, therefore, 
 by Sir Erasmus Gower, to ascertain their situation with exactness, 
 and to grft each a name. These three points of land, with their 
 latitudes and longitudes, are as follow r 
 
 C,pe Macartney, ,. 54 ) , H"' } g ^" rf - * 
 
 f. j. ( ' J i2Z IJ ? By sun and moon. 
 Cape Gower, 3* 57 >|< IM B y time-piece. 
 
 1 S I IZ2 Q / By sun and moon. 
 aunton s Island, 36 47 J w (_ IM ,J J B y time-piece. 
 
 Cape Macartney, when bearing from north-north-east to north- 
 west, has a remarkable appearance of six pointed peaks. Within this 
 Cape is an inlet, in which several small vessels were descried at anchor. 
 Near Cape Gower is a reef of rocks running out from a neck of land. 
 The ground being foul, it was deemed prudent not to approach too 
 near ; but a snug harbour appeared to be within the low point, the 
 entrance to which was between Cape Gower and the reef already 
 mentioned. A great number of vessels were perceived within the 
 harbour, behind which was seen a town of considerable extent. 
 
 Thursday the 1 8th of July. The wind was for the most part easterly, 
 and the weather foggy. In the course of the afternoon, the squadron 
 passed another harbour, which was spacious, and contained several
 
 284 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 large junks. At this time the northernmost extremity of Shan- 
 Tung promontory bore north by west about eight leagues. When 
 seen from this situation, the highest and most proje&ing point of 
 land appears in the form of an oblate cone., with its vertex elongated, 
 as if on the summit were erefted a spire or pagoda, and it was fami- 
 liarly compared to a mandarin's bonnet. Between Cape Macartney 
 and the above point the coast in general is bold ; the mountains ap- 
 pearing to extend far into the country. They were interspersed with 
 beautiful vallies along the shore, highly cultivated, with inlets fit for 
 the reception and security of flat-bottomed vessels, such as those of 
 the Chinese. 
 
 Friday the igth of July. The wind from east-south-east to 
 north ; the weather hazy. The squadron now considering itself as 
 sufficiently clear of the Shan-Tung peninsula, and having rounded 
 the extreme eastern land of China, steered west by north. At mid- 
 night there was so thick a fog that it was thought advisable to lie 
 to ; when in the course of the following morning it cleared up, the 
 ships and brigs found themselves close upon a small rocky island, 
 bearing south-east, half east, two miles, and from a point upon the 
 continent within it, south-east, half east, five miles. Here is an ap- 
 pearance of a convenient harbour, at least for vessels not drawing- 
 much water. Soundings, three miles from the shore, sixteen and 
 eighteen fathoms ; bottom soft mud. 
 
 The weather being now perfectly clear the squadron made sail and 
 stood to the westward, in a course parallel to the coast, at the 
 distance of five or six miles. From the small island last mentioned, 
 the westernmost visible point of land is a remarkable cone-shaped hill, 
 which terminates a range of broken mountains, distant from the 
 island about eight leagues west by south. Part of this coast is rocky 
 and barren, but in general it is level cultivated ground, terminating in 
 a sandy beach. As soon as the last conical point was doubled by 
 the squadron, a second came in sight, having near it a small hill with 
 a knob upon its top. Between these two points, a course was steered 
 nearly due west, within two or three miles of the shore, in seven or 
 eight fathoms water. Vast crowds of people were here assembled 
 on the rising grounds to see the European vessels pass. Beyond the 
 last point, the squadron got into a deep bay, which the pilots were 
 understood to say was the harbour they had mentioned before they 
 left Chusan, as fit to receive the squadron ; but it was soou dis- 
 covered by means of the people whom curiosity had attracted from 
 the shoie, that this was the Bay of Ki-San-Seu ; and that the har- 
 bour of Mi-A-tau was in an island distant fifte n leagues farther to the 
 Vestward, and differing in latitude a few miles only to the northward.
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS COWER, KNIGHT. 38$ 
 
 The Bay of Ki-San-Seu is spacious, and well sheltered from every 
 wind, except from east-north-east to east-south-east, being the direc- 
 tion of the entrance into the Bay. It is shut in to the northward by 
 a group often or twelve small islands, and a number of large rocks; 
 and is inclosed by the continent on the western and southern sidts. 
 This Bay extends from east to west at least ten miles, and nearly as 
 much from north to south. Within it are two harbours ; one behind 
 a high bluff point, called Zeu- A-Tau, which has four fathoms depth 
 of water, and had in it a great number of Chinese vessels ; the other 
 behind a small projecting tongue of land on the south-east side of the 
 Bay, in the mouth of a river called Ya-Ma-Tao. The number of 
 junks perceived in almost every bay along this coast, indicates a con- 
 siderable interchange of commodities between this and other provinces 
 of China. Such a circumstance, beside adding to 'the population by 
 the many who are necessarily employed in carrying on this intercourse, 
 introduces more of the movement and bustle of busy life than is 
 generally observed among the quiet though industrious cultivators of 
 the soil. Across the mouth of the Ya-Ma-Tao is a bar, over which 
 are only two fathoms and a half of water, but immediately without 
 it are four and five fathoms ; the width of the river from a quarter to 
 half a mile. The country immediately behind the Bay, though not 
 very mountainous, has yet a barren aspeft, and the inhabitants bear 
 strong marks of poverty. Between Zeu -A-Tau point, and one of 
 the islands to the eastward, forming the group already mentioned, 
 there is a narrow passage, lying directly north and south, leading out 
 of the Bay of Ki-San-Seu, and through which there are eight, nine, 
 and ten fathoms water close to the shore on either side } but near the 
 eastern islands of the same group there are small sandy keys or banks, 
 which are observed only when they are very near, as they are almost 
 even with the surface of the water. The bluff point, or Cape of 
 Zeu- A-Tau, is the extremity of a small but bold and rugged penin- 
 sula, stretching to the northward. Along the centre of the great 
 peninsula of Shan-Tung, in the direction of east and west, ran a high 
 range of mountains, the sides of which consist in great measure of a 
 perpendicular and naked mass of granite. 
 
 A day was consumed in the Bay of Ki-San-Seu ; but on Sunday 
 the 2 i st, the squadron, after being provided with new pilots, stood 
 out through the passage between Cape Zeu- A-Tau and the islands, 
 keeping nearer to the former than to the latter. A little to the 
 westward of the most northern point of Zeu- A-Tau, was a bay, into 
 which several vessels were seen entering ; and upon the original map 
 of China, on a very large scale, construed with great apparent
 
 fclbGRAFHlCAL MEMOIRS 
 
 accuracy, and now in the possession of a great and revered per* 
 sonage, a convenient and safe harbour is here laid down. 
 
 The course, after clearing the east point, was north-north-west for 
 two miles, then north-vest by north, north-west and west, keeping 
 the coast well on board all the way. After continuing thus till the 
 evening, the squadron hauled round a projecting headland, very 
 similar to that of the entrance of Ki-San-Seu. Here also, all the 
 rising grounds were covered with spectators. The hills behind the 
 coast, along which the ships sailed this day, had a peculiar character, 
 and appeared to be rather the work of art than of nature. Their 
 tides were rounded off as with a spade, and on the summit of each 
 stood a small heap of earth in form of a barrow, or ancient burying 
 place. 
 
 After having hauled round the last projecting headland, another 
 bluff point appeared due west from the former, and about eight miles 
 distant from it. The shore between these two points formed a kind 
 of bay, called Teu-Choo-Foo Bay, which is open to the east and west, 
 but partly sheltered in the northern quarter by groups of small 
 islands, scattered about at different, distances, from five miles to twice 
 as many leagues off the main shore. These islands extend two-thirds 
 cf the breadth of the sea in this part, leaving only a streight between the 
 opposite projecting point of the province of Le-A-Tung, and the 
 northernmost cluster of those islands. Among these are two islets 
 remarkable for the regularity of their form, as truncated cone's, and 
 looking like glass-houses rising from the sea. They were, most 
 probably, produced by the explosion from volcanoes of matter of so 
 light weight, and impelled with so moderate a force, as to continue 
 where first it fell ; and thus gradually rising into a heap, and assum- 
 ing the regular figure just mentioned. 
 
 The squadron came to anchor in seven fathoms water, in the Bay 
 of Teu-Chco-Foo, within two or three miles north-east of the city 
 of that name. The anchorage was foul, with hard ground and shells. 
 The road was found so unsafe, that little apprehension being enter- 
 tained of the possibility of changing for the worse, the determination 
 was taken of entering without farther delay into the gulf of Pekin. 
 
 In the evening of the 23(1 of July, the wind being easterly, and 
 the weather moderate, clear, and pleasant, the squadron made sail, 
 keeping the Mi-A-Tau islands on the right. On Thursday the 2jth 
 the squadron stood to the westward under easy sail, inclining a little to 
 the southward, to keep clear of the low islands. The depth of water 
 regularly decreased from fifteen to seven fathoms, when another small 
 low island appeared, bearing north, and distant about six miles.
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS GOWER, KNMJHT. jjg* 
 
 The squadron stood on a western course from thence till mid- 
 night, when, though the Lion's depth of water was six fathom^ 
 the Clarence made the signal of danger. The ships consequently 
 hauled their wind to the south-east, and deepened the water to ten 
 fathoms ; standing on this course about four miles, and then bearing 
 away west- north-west four miles more, the depth of water was de- 
 creased to six fathoms and a half, when they came to anchor. 
 
 On reaching the gulf, it was found that no secure harbour was to 
 be expected upon its shores. A good harbour is generally found by 
 the means of massy rocks, or at least of considerable mounds of 
 compact earth, thrust forward by some irregular operation or in some 
 convulsion of nature, and leaving within them an inlet of the sea, 
 which those projecting points may protect from the violence of the 
 winds and waves ; whereas the country which terminates this gulf 
 is utterly devoid of any solid and elevated masses capable of becoming 
 a bulwark, behind which there might be a safe retreat for shipping. 
 Instead of such a bulwark nothing is seen but a low and level surface, 
 the natural effeft of a gradual deposition of soil washed down from the 
 interior of the mountains, which soil fills up every original inequality, 
 and meets afterwards in a regular line the open sea, where no shelter 
 is afforded. A part, no doubt, of the' waters falling from tic 
 mountains, is collected into streams which swell by their union in'o 
 rivers; but the motion which had been acquired by such waters in 
 their descent from the heights, will, in some degree, be afterwards 
 retarded according to the extent of flat country which those riveig 
 have to traverse. The land here appearing to gain gradually upon 
 the sea, and consequently the extent of flat country being upon the 
 increase, the river (the Pei-Ho) may be supposed to lose somewhi.t 
 of the force with which it used to carry and disperse into the gulf the 
 earth it had brought with it from the mountains. This earth is at 
 length accumulated a little below the river's mouth, and forms the 
 bar which crosses it completely. 
 
 The mandarins, upon being informed that the English ships cou ! d 
 not cross the bar, immediately conceived their s"ize to be immense, 
 and formed a proportionate idea of the quantity of presents necessary 
 to fill them. They gave orders for preparing junks to bring these 
 presents, as well as the passengers and baggage, on shore. A con- 
 siderable building near the river's mouth, was provided for the recep- 
 tion of the Embassador, where it was expected he would remaia 
 some days to recover from the fatigues of so long a voyage. 
 
 The Lion returned to England in the month of Septem- 
 ber 1794, and Sir Erasmus had the satisfaction of bringing 
 home with him in safety, a valuable convoy of ships from
 
 2?g BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 China and the East Indies, whose cargoes were valued at 
 five millions sterling. Late in the month of November 
 following, he was appointed to command the Triumph, of 
 74 guns, in which ship he afterwards joined the Grand or 
 Channel Fleet, then under the orders of the late Earl Howe. 
 Sir Erasmus afterwards served in the same station with Lord 
 Bridport, who, on the retirement of that nobleman, suc- 
 ceeded to the important trust. The Triumph was one of 
 the small detached squadron, consisting of five ships of the 
 line and two frigates, under Admiral Cornwallis at the time 
 he made his masterly retreat on the iyth of June 1795, in 
 the face of a French armament, composed of thirteen sail of 
 the line, fourteen frigates, two brigs, and two cutters, 
 which pursued, and had it aaually in their power to bring 
 the British ships to aftion from nine o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, when the firing commenced, till eight at night, when 
 they abandoned all farther contest against so judicious and 
 
 determined a foe. 
 
 The conduft of Sir Erasmus on this very trying occasion 
 was so highly meritorious, as to draw the following very 
 justly deserved encomium from the commander in chief: 
 The Mars and Triumph," says he, tf being the sternmost 
 ships, were of course more exposed to the enemy's fire ; and 
 I cannot too much commend the spirited conduct of Sir 
 Charles Cotton and Sir Erasmus Gower, the Captains of 
 those ships;" and again, " The Triumph has shifted and 
 repaired some of her sails, but any damage she has received 
 is so trifling, at least in her Captain's eye, that Sir Erasmus 
 Gower has not thought it worth reporting; indeed, the 
 cool and firm condud of that ship was such, that it appeared 
 to me the enemy's ships dared not come near her." Sir Eras- 
 mus, with the Admiral, and the rest of the officers, received 
 the thanks, of both Houses of Parliament for their great 
 gallantry and good conduct on the foregoing occasion. 
 
 When the dreadful mutiny at the Nore broke out in 
 1798, Sir Erasmus quitted the Triumph, and hoisted his 
 broad pendant on board the Neptune, of 98 guns, in the rive
 
 OF SIR ERASMUS COWER, KNIGHT, 289 
 
 Thames, and took upon him the command of all his Ma- 
 jesty's ships and vessels, amounting to at least fifty, that 
 were equipped or equipping to at against the mutineers. 
 The insurre&ion having happily terminated without 
 bloodshed, he continued second in command in the same 
 quarter, under the orders of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas 
 Pasley, Bart, in which capacity he tried sixty-eight of the 
 mutineers. That duty being ended, he struck his broad 
 pendant, and served in the grand or channel fleet, as a 
 private captain in- the same ship, the Neptune, until he was 
 promoted, on the i4th of February 1799, to the rank of 
 Rear-Admiral of the White. He has not held any active 
 employment since he became a Flag-Officer. 
 
 Of his gallantry and very meritorious public services, the 
 foregoing detail has been sufficiently illustrative; of his 
 private virtues, all who have ever been connefted with him 
 in service, either in a subordinate or superior station, uni- 
 formly render the most unequivocal testimony. Few are 
 the persons, however correft their conduft and complacent 
 their behaviour may be, who are fortunate enough to pass 
 through life without attracting the malignity or obloquy of 
 the envious ; and though aspersion may be considered as no 
 proof of real demerit, yet it certainly stands forth as no 
 slender mark of worth, never to have in the slightest degree 
 incurred it. 
 
 Heraldic Particulars relative to Sir ERASMUS GOWER. 
 
 Mr. Gower, father to the subjeft of the present Memoirs, had by 
 his wife, Lxtitia Lewes Gower, niHeteeu children, ten of whom were 
 gons, and the remainder daughters. Of the former six are now 
 living, and of the latter five. Sir Erasmus is, at present, unmarried. 
 
 ARMS.] Azure, a chevron, between three wolves head* erased Cr. 
 
 CE K t T .] A wolf's head, erased Or. 
 
 .IV.
 
 C 290 ] 
 
 ON THE MARITIME CHARACTER Of 
 THE MODERN GREEKS. 
 [Concluded from Page 480, Vol. III.] 
 
 TTTOMER, who was the first to lay all nature under contribu- 
 JLJL tion, ; n order to furnish that crowd of images which are 
 dispersed over his works ; did not forget the fishes. Describing the 
 defeat of Penelope's suitors, he represents them after the combat, 
 " scattered upon the ground and panting for breath, like fishes taken 
 from the net, just thrown upon the shore. Laid in heaps on the dry 
 *and," says Homer, " the finny race thirst for the moist element 
 which they so recently enjoyed. They palpitate in every part, from, 
 the heat and aridity of the air, just ready to destroy them. Thus 
 fell the lovers of Penelope : Thus they found one common 
 grave *." Homer then mentions the fishing with nets, which 
 practice was very ancient in Greece and in Egypt. But the Greeks* 
 according to Athenaeus, existed some time before they could eat 
 fish. And Mad. Dacier observes, that at the time of the siege 
 of Troy, warriors abstained from the use of fish, as a food of 
 too delicate a nature for men of that profession. Menelaus, in the 
 Odyssey, excuses his companions who remained with him at the island 
 of Pharos, for fishing with the line ; by saying, that hunger carried 
 them such lengths, they were to eat whatever they could find t. 
 
 After the Greeks had adopted the art of fishing, they brought it to 
 the greatest perfe&ion. Pollux has been more particular than even 
 Theocritus, in his account of the utensil necessary for carrying on 
 this employment. But you will, I hope, excuse me from displaying 
 my erudition on this occasion. I shall only observe, that they had 
 mazes wherein the fish were snared. They also made of rushes or 
 netting, a sort of circular inclosure in order to keep the fish alive, in 
 the same manner that cattle are shut up in a fold. And here we find 
 the origin of our maaraques for the tunny fishery, clearly explained. 
 Let us follow these Greeks to Marseilles, and confine ourselves to that 
 fisher}', which is the most remarkable in nature. 
 
 Oppian has not omitted mentioning the fishery for the xiphias, or 
 sword-fish, carried on by the people of Marseilles. He calls this the 
 Sacred City. Next to the xiphias and the pilchard fishery, carried 
 on by the Greeks in the Black Sea J, there is no species of fishing 
 
 Odyssey, 1. z. 
 
 f Ibid. 1. 4. t. i. p. 298. Tradu&ion de Madame Dacier. 
 
 J S. Basil, orat. 7. in Arist. S. Hist. Aniin. cap. 13. Kittersh. halicut, Thi 
 fishery cannot fail to be very abundant, because it comprises the fish of that, 
 sea, a* well a those of the rivers which empty themselves into it. It was from 
 
 4
 
 CHARACTER OF THE MODERN GREEKS. 391 
 
 more ancient than that for the tunny. They were esteemed the best 
 and the largest fish of the sea. They appeared formerly in shoals*; 
 and according to Pliny, a company of them once pursuing the ships 
 of Alexander, his whole fleet were seized with terror, and formed 
 themselves into a line as if attacked by an enemy f . 1 have indeed 
 observed that the tunny fish delights in following ships ; which, m 
 some degree accounts for the decline of that fishery upon our coasts 
 since the war with England. 
 
 This fish was in as great estimation among the ancients as now with 
 the moderns. They were served at the best tables ; and the Romans, 
 like ourselves, greatly esteemed the flavour of them. According to 
 Aulus Gellius, our pickled tunny J, and botargo, are more ancient 
 than we imagine. 
 
 Formerly, as at present, there was a certain season for the capture 
 of this fish ; and the days were fixed on which it should commence 
 and finish. We cannot be surprised that the Baeotians should sacri- 
 fice their largest eels to the gods ; seeing that our people of the tunny 
 fishery, after drawing their nets, offer one of their fish to Neptune . 
 This sacrifice was called StwAalo*. They had also oblations which 
 they preferred to the Sovereign of the sea at the commencement of 
 the season, imploring his assistance to keep their nets clear of the 
 sword-fish, which never failed to tear and destroy them. 
 
 The tunny-fish still continue to pass through the Straits of Gi- 
 braltar in large companies, about the commencement of spring. 
 There is a great fishery of them at a village called Conil, about seven 
 kagues from Cadiz. Particular days are fixed for the captures j and 
 the spectators, who are generally numerous, consider themselves 
 fortunate to be present. I have been assured that the Duke of Me- 
 dina Sidonia draws from that village and its environs, the clear sum of 
 eighty thousand ducats yearly, by means of this fishery alone; not- 
 withstanding the tuilny is a fish in no great repute with the Spaniards. 
 
 this circumstance that an ancient author makes the fish speak, and mutually 
 invite each other to a rendezvous in the Euxir.e sea ; under an assurance of 
 finding the water more soft and agreeable than the water cf other sets. 
 * Et pavidi mugno fugientes agminc thynni. Ovid, halicut. 
 f Plin. hist. 1. 9. c. 3. 
 
 ^ Porrd Thunnorum abdomina salita (Greci a, poretftyoi} apud Yeteret in 
 deliciis habita sunt. Id. facile inulligas, ex Lucilii versibus apud Nonniaso, 
 Ct Aul. Cell. 1. 10. c. z. 
 
 Ad ccenam adducam, et primura hie abdomina Thunni, 
 
 Advenientibus priva dabo ; 
 
 Poutarque, salsamentum pischun ; S/^et, 
 
 ./'/} defoisscni ftttetlt talft, 
 
 $ Athen. 1, 17, c. 137.
 
 tgt OK THB MARITIME CHARACTZR OF 
 
 It is generally bigger and coarser in Spain and Portugal than in 
 Provence, but not so subtle, and therefore easily taken. The water 
 of the Mediterranean is supposed to purge off those oily particles, 
 which communicate bad flavour. The tunny is still poorer about the 
 island of Sardinia than in Provence; but by the time it has reached 
 the Black Sea it becomes fat, and often of a very insipid flavour. 
 
 The tunny fish pass the Dardanelles into the Black Sea early in the 
 spring. Like the sword-fish, they avoid the adverse stream, there- 
 fore come with the currents in the early part of the year, and follow 
 those in their return at autumn. They are caught in large nets; with 
 which they arc surrounded during the night. 
 
 Diodorus, speaking of the Ichthyophagi, a people who inhabited 
 the country from Caramania and Gedrosia, to the borders of the 
 Black Sea, gives this account of them : 
 
 " Their houses," says he * are situated near the sea 5 interspersed 
 with deep vallies, precipices, slopes, and hollows, naturally oblique. 
 The inhabitants, profiting by the disposition of the country, stop all 
 the outlets of the vallies and precipices with great stones, thus pre- 
 venting the retreat of the fish, which the sea may have poured in 
 upon them.'* 
 
 The same historian proceeds with an account of the progress of 
 that infant fishery ; and gives a very ample description of an inven- 
 tion, since brought to great perfection. 
 
 * On the coasts of Babylon," says Diodorus, " is a country well 
 cultivated, and enriched with trees. The inhabitants have such an 
 abundance offish, that they find it difficult to preserve them. They 
 stick an innumerable quantity of reeds into the earth, along the banks 
 of the sea, which appear like nets spread on the ground. In this 
 fence are a great number of doors, in form like a hurdle, which are 
 easily opened and shut. When the tide comes in, it opens them, and 
 at its return they naturally close ; by which means the fish thrown 
 in from the sea are detained in these inclosures. At low water, you 
 may see an immensity of the finny tribe panting in heaps in the snare. 
 The people draw great profit from this fishery, and those whose huts 
 are distant from the sea make trenches, which admit the fish up to the 
 very doors of their houses. 
 
 " They stop this trench with a door made of willows, which they 
 open when the tide comes in, and shut again as soon as it begins to 
 ebb. The water escaping through the doors, leaves the fish behind *. 
 This method was made use of by the northern people, according to 
 Pliny, to supply themselves with that article of life +." 
 
 * Diod. 1. 3. 
 
 f Fugientesque cum rnari pisecs circum, Tuguria venantur. Died. 1. 16. c. i.
 
 THE MODERN C&ECKI. 
 
 The Greeks were not the last to adopt this manner of catching 
 and detaining the inhabitants of the watery element ; and they have 
 continued that, like most of their customs, to this day. (See Tournc- 
 fort ou that head.) At Salines, a port .in Naxos, an island of the 
 Archipelago, they have a great fishery for eels and mullet, by the 
 means of snares made of reeds, and manufactured into a certain form. 
 Those snares are very pliable, and so disposed, that the fish once 
 lodged in them, cannot get out. The Provencals make use of the 
 ame kind of machines in the canal of Martiques ; but their'a arc 
 much larger and stronger. The invention is very ancient, as you have 
 already seen. 
 
 We find the same practice among the Cossacks. The Cossacks 
 have a fishery at Citchon in Circassia ; and, according to M. Pey- 
 sonnel, are called Sacrisnadl, and subject to the Cham of Tartary. 
 They follow this employment from the beginning of May to the last 
 day in October. It is not practicable the rest of the year, by reason 
 that the river Kouban is generally frozen during that interval. At 
 the opening of the fishery every year, the Bey gives a great entertain- 
 ment. The sturgeon fishery is also carried on in a very singular 
 manner. An inclosure of willows, with a door, being placed in the 
 water, is so contrived as to admit all the fish that come that way, with- 
 out the possibility of their getting out again *. 
 
 You will see by the description I shall give you of our Madraque f, 
 to what a degree of perfection it is brought by the Marseillians, for 
 the capture of the tunny, and all other species of fish that swim in 
 shoals. 
 
 The inhabitants of the coasts, and the shepherds themselves, who 
 live near the borders of the sea or great rivers, we may easily suppose, 
 might acquire a knowledge in the art of fishing, by which means 
 their families were more easily supported ; in those places where the 
 tide brings up the fish, their first care must have been to find some 
 method of detaining them ; and they accordingly formed a close, 
 much resembling the folds used for enclosing cattle in the middle of a 
 field. The Greeks had the same idea, and have preserved it. 
 Mandra in Greek, signifies a stable or fold, and from the words f**fy 
 and X<u, we undoubtedly derive the Provengal term Madraque, 
 originally received from the Greeks. Thus, in tte word alone we 
 find the history of the thing. Originally, the Madraque was nothing 
 more than an inclosure, which being placed in the water, received the 
 
 * Lett 5 . v. i. p. 248. 
 
 f "Manuscript Memoirs on the Port* and Commerce of the Black CM,
 
 394 ON THE MARITIME CHARACTER OF 
 
 fish, and prevented their escape. There cannot be a doubt, but thrs 
 was first formed upon the model of the mandra, or sheep-fold. 
 
 A remark made by M. Hardion*, upon the loth idylltum of Theo- 
 critus, confirms this opinion : *< There is," says he, " in the Greek, 
 the word partya, which signifies a stable or sheep-fold. The Italians 
 lare retained this word in their language. Sannazar has the same 
 word in his Arcadia. And Tasso uses it both in his Amintas, and 
 bis Jerusalem Delivered." 
 
 Compare our fishery with that which Oppian has so minutely 
 described : " The tunny-fish," says he, " press in multitudes to the 
 nets laid for them, and into the snares, from whence they can never 
 withdraw +. They leave the great ocean in the spring, when they 
 visit our seas. The haughty Spaniard waits for them at the Straits, 
 and gets the first draughts. Soon after they become the prey of the 
 Celtas, who live near the mouth of the Rhone. And then to the 
 Marseillians, a race descended from the ancient Phocians. At length 
 they reach the Sicilian shore, and serve to fatten the inhabitants of 
 the Tyrrhenian coasts. 
 
 " The arrival of this vernal animal is matter of joyful intelligence 
 to the fishermen. They wait for them on the coasts, and choose a 
 situation neither too much confined, nor greatly exposed to the wind ; 
 some kind of open bay. The person appointed to watch their ar- 
 rival, gets on the top of a neighbouring mountain J, and as soon as he 
 perceives them, a concerted signal is given. The nets being already 
 pread, form, as it were, apartments in the sea ; for you will find a 
 porchresembling the entrance of a house, rooms within, and at the 
 bottom another chamber ." 
 
 You will, perhaps, not be displeased with Oppian's elegant verses 
 on the tunny fishery. The beautiful translation of Maria Salvini, 
 will, at least, make them worthy your attention ; 
 
 De Tonni la progenie e pur del vasto, 
 Oceano, ed all* opre del mar nostro 
 J)i pnmavera Marciano i furore, 
 Quando assilo di nozze ne li pungc. 
 Questi preiidono in pria ncl mar Ibero, 
 Komini Iberi per valor superbi. 
 A bocca poi di Rodano i caccianti 
 Celt!, egli abitatori di Focca, 
 Amicameati rinomati ; e in terzo 
 
 Mem. dc 1'Acid. des Inscript. 
 
 f Cupient irremcabilium insidiarum irruere htibulum. Opp. 1. > 
 
 | Sx'jvs^xoTor, Thunnis pcx. 
 
 5 'i he fishermen of Marseilles czll it ttrfcu*
 
 THE MODERN CRSEM. 2 <vy 
 
 Qaoqo prendougli quanti in la Trinacria, 
 Isola albcrgano, del mar Terreno 
 Nelle ondc ; quindi in infiniti fondi 
 Qucsti, c quelli di qua, di la, si spargono, 
 E cobi empion tutto quanto il mare. 
 Molta, e stupenda caccia e apparecchiata, 
 Ai pescator i, quando se ne vienc, 
 Di Tonni alia stagion di primavera 
 L'escrcito. II paese in primo luogo 
 Disegnavo del mar nc moho angusto 
 Sotto ombrose riviere, ne anco molto 
 Corsa da venti, e a lor carriere esposto. 
 Ma chc tenessc in se giuste misure 
 Tra'l sereno scoperto, ed 51 bacio. 
 AlLora in pria sorr'erto ed alto colle 
 Sale il perito spiator di Tonni, 
 Che de diversi branch! la venuta. 
 Conosce e quali essi si sieno, e quanti, 
 Ed a. compagni i porge avviso. 
 Ora tulle le reti, di cittade, 
 A quisa, su pe' flutti ne caminano. 
 Avvi recetti, ed avvi postc, ed avvi 
 Profende gallerie ed atrii e costi ; 
 Quelli veloumcnte in schiere muovonBij 
 Come falangi d'uomini chc marcino 
 Schicrati, &c. 
 
 You may see at any time the modraque of Oppian upon our coasts. 
 Which, however, we did not borrow from him, but received from the 
 Greeks our ancestors. There is this difference only between us, that 
 the look-out is from a bark a-head of the madraque, instead of being 
 made from the mountain. The dexterity with which the sailors seize 
 the fish would astonish you ; and the moment fish are in the fold they 
 turn it, whereby the fish lose their force insensibly. This ingenious 
 manoeuvre would, I am certain, afford you great entertainment. 
 
 You will, probably, doubt the truth of this derivation of the ma* 
 draqut, unless accompanied by some corroborating circumstances, to 
 how that the terms in general made use of by the professors of this 
 art, are derived from the Greek. The names of the several species of 
 sh in the Provencal language, are evidently taken from the Greek, 
 as are most of the Latin words for the same particulars. I foresaw 
 that I should not be able to follow o.ur Greek friends to Marseilles, 
 without writing in the Provensal, before the conclusion of my letter. 
 You may talk on this subject to our philosophers in the language of 
 Provence, they will certainly understand you, and take it for Greek.
 
 SICGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES Of 
 NAVAL OFFICERS 
 
 YIWO HATE HITHERTO- FASSLP NEARLY UNNOTICED BY HISTORIAN*. 
 
 f We commenced our promised Publication of such Circumstances as could b 
 gathered relative to eminent Naval Officers hitherto nearly unnoticed, 
 with some. Memoirs of Lord Clinton, some time Lord High Admiral of 
 England, from the Colle&ion of Biographical Trads by Mr. Lodge, 
 Lancaster Herald, lately published, with Bartolozzi's fine Imitations of 
 Holbein's Portraits, in the Royal Cabinet. We now beg leave to offer to 
 our Readers the Life of Fitzwilliam Earl of Southampton, taken from th* 
 same magnificent Work.} 
 
 WILLIAM Fitzwilliam, Earl of Southampton, and Knight of 
 the Garter, descended from a very ancient and powerful 
 northern family, and was the second of the two sons of Sir Thomas 
 Fitzwilliam, of Aldwarke in Yorkshire, Knight, and Lucy, daughter 
 and co-heiress of John Neville, Marquis Mountacute. Some short time 
 before the death of his elder brother, who was slain at Flodden-field, 
 he was introduced at the Court of Henry VIII. who appointed him 
 one of the Esquires for the body, which office was confirmed to him 
 for life, by a patent dated 1513. The fashion of that day requiring 
 that a courtier's education should be finished in a campaign against 
 France, Fitzwilliam accordingly obtained some respectable situation 
 in the fleet which sailed thither in the following year, and received a 
 severe wound in an action near Brest, where, as well as at the siege of 
 Tournay, he gave such proofs of his gallantry and discretion, that 
 Henry, at his return, conferred the honour of Knighthood upon 
 him, and made him Vice- Admiral, in which character he commanded 
 the squadron which attended the King to Boulogne in 1523. He 
 was soon after sent Ambassador upon some matters of no great im- 
 portance to Paris, from whence, as Lord Herbert informs us, he re. 
 turned in 1523, to take the command of a strong fleet, destined to 
 protect the English merchant ships in the channel, as well as to support 
 the Earl of Surrey, General of the Forces, at Calais, in concert with 
 whom he made a predatory descent on the coasts of Normandy and 
 Britanny. In the beginning of the following year, he was made Ad- 
 miral of the fleet, which was sent to intercept the Duke of Albany, 
 who had projected the invasion of Scotland with a French army ; and 
 in 1525 went on a second embassy to France, to receive the Queen 
 Regent's ratification of the treaty lately concluded with England. 
 He is named about this time as Captain of the Castle of Guisnet, 
 and Treasurer of the Royal Household j but the date ef those ap- 
 pointments are not known.
 
 ANECDOTES or NAVAL OFFICERS. 297 
 
 The private life of an eminent Englishman of 'that day affords us 
 but little worthy of note. The gallant Fitzwilliam returned from 
 his embassy probably to become the silent spectator of balls and 
 tournaments, since for ten years after that period, we have scarcely 
 any intelligence from history concerning him, except that in 1550 
 he subscribed the articles against the Cardinal. In 1536, however, 
 be was once more sent to Paris, with* the Duke of Norfolk and Dr. 
 Cox, to treat of a league between England and France, which was 
 to have been cemented by the marriage of the Duke of Angouleme, 
 third son to Francis, with the Princess Elizabeth. In the ensuing 
 year he was constituted Admiral of England, Wales, Ireland, Nor- 
 mandy, Gascony, and Aquitain ; on the i8th of Odober 1538, he 
 obtained the Earldom of Southampton, and was soon after appointed 
 Lord Privy Seal. 
 
 In the autumn of 1543, ne commanded the vanguard of the army 
 then sent against Scotland under the Duke of Norfolk, and assisted 
 in the management of a treaty at York, by which the Scots had vainly 
 hoped to avoid the terrors of Henry's resentment, but the negotiation 
 proving abortive, Southampton marched on with his power to New- 
 castle-upon-Tyne, where he died after a short illness, having ordered 
 by his will that his body should be interred at Midhurst, in Sussex, 
 in a chapel, for the building whereof he allotted five hundred marks. 
 
 The great Earl married Mabel, daughter of Henry Lord Clifford, - 
 and sister to Henry, the first Earl of Cumberland of that family, by 
 whom having no issue, the daughters of his deceased brother, 
 Margaret, wife of Godfrey Foljambe, and Alice, wife of Sir Jamea 
 Foijambe, Knight, became his heirs. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLIII. 
 
 'TPHIS Plate represents the British Fleet, consisting of two sail of 
 -** the line, three of fifty guns, besides frigates, under the command of 
 Rear- Admiral Barrington, at anchor across the mouth of the Bay of 
 the Grand Cul tie Sue, in the Island of St. Lucia, on the 15th of Dec. 
 1778. The French Fleet, in number twelve sail of the line, under 
 the command of the Count d'Eslaing, bearing down with an inten- 
 tion of breaking the English line to cut out the transports then at 
 anchor in the Bay. The leading ship of the Enemy finding she could 
 not succeed in her attempt on the British line, is represented standing 
 off; the rest of the fleet followed her example *. 
 
 * For Admiral Harrington's official Account of the above Action, see 
 page 181 of this Volume. 
 
 IV.
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 THE NAVAL GUARDIAN, in Two Volumes, ly Charles Fletchef, 
 M.D. Author of " A Maritime State considered as to the Health of 
 Seamen," &c. Ofiavo, 1 800. Price 143. Chapman. 
 
 IPO give our readers a thorough idea of the nature of the work 
 before us, it will only be necessary to observe that it is formed 
 upon the model of those miscellaneous sketches of life and manners 
 which have been called Periodical Papers, and among which the 
 GUARDIAN appears to have furnished the found-.tion of its title ; 
 the plan of adapting this sort of composition to naval readers must 
 be confessed a very happy one ; and Dr. Fletcher has certainly pro- 
 duced upon it a "book of considerable information and amusement. 
 Having embraced every subject that can be interesting to seafaring- 
 persons, whether as matter of instruction or of curiosity, his pages will 
 afford a valuable supply of knowledge ; and the manner in which it is 
 written, the agreeable form of correspondence, and the enlivening 
 introduction of narrative and poetry, will render it one of the most 
 plea&ing books to which an intelligent man can resort for an hour's 
 amusement. Dr. Fletcher has contrived to weave much moral dis- 
 quisition into several parts of his work, and is always as much the 
 friend of virtue as of seamen. His account of the mental and cor- 
 poral progress of man, will greatly attract his readers, and we can 
 justly mention a judicious selection of anecdote, much naval criticism, 
 history, and animadversion, as forming the principal features in his work. 
 All plans relating to the Navy are noticed, various improvement* 
 proposed, and many subjects of dissatisfaction discussed in a conciliating 
 manner. From among the paper* of this latter description we shall 
 make an extradl that will at once serve as a specimen of the work 
 under review, and form an interesting article among the contents of 
 our own Publication. The passage we are about to present belongs 
 to the service professionally ; we could with pl.-asure, did our limits 
 permit, transcribe many articles of a lighter kind ; and even refraining, 
 as we are compelled to do, from this indulgence, we cannot turn over 
 the page without reciting one spirited remark. Speaking of the 
 dishonesty with which Europeans are but too well known to 
 deal with other nations, and to the experience or wtli- founded 
 apprehension of which, among other important causes, he justly attri- 
 butes the coolness manifested by the Chinese Government to the 
 virtues of the British, he observes, that " When men are in the 
 habit of taking advantage of each other, when at home and among
 
 NATAL LITERATURE. 399 
 
 themselves, and which, I am sorry to say, is but too much the case, 
 such dealers will not scruple to carry the like principles to foreign 
 markets ; so that, when I have seen an advertisement in a Paper an- 
 nouncing an Association for the ProteSlon of Trade against Swindles, 
 it has often occurred to me, that there should be formed a similar 
 Association for the ProteSion of the Public against Swindlers in Trads." 
 p. 212. vol. ii. 
 
 We now subjoin the extract which we have already anticipated. 
 
 On the Case of a Lieutenant iuho was broke on the single Testimony of 
 his Captain. 
 
 " I have said that you had almost persuaded me to be a convert on 
 the side of the Navy, as to superiority of moral conduct ; but the 
 following circumstance should rather incline me to recant, and wear 
 ship about, to run foul of breakers. 
 
 *' The case I allude to is that of a Court- Martial, held a few 
 days past upon a Lieutenant of the Navy, for having given the lie to 
 his Captain privately. This Court-Martial is said to have been 
 instituted at the suit of the Lords of the Admiralty, as prosecutors, 
 on complaint preferred by the Captain ; when the Lieutenant, upon 
 the sole testimony of the former, was broke ; and this case being, it 
 should seem, without a precedent, will stand upon record as one in all 
 future cases of a like nature. 
 
 " In this case, it is alleged, by the friends of the defendant, that 
 having been treated with the most galling indignities, they could not 
 be brooked by so spirited a young man as he was ; and that the case, as 
 before observed, being moreover without precedent, the punishment, 
 it was said, exceeded the offence. 
 
 " Upon this extraordinary affair, and as a subject of farther dis- 
 cussion for your little academy on board, of which, by the way, I 
 request to be admitted an honorary member ; I shall beg leave, with 
 all deference, to offer a few remarks. First, I shall even suppose that 
 the commanding officer or captain, had treated his lieutenant in 
 rather a rigorous manner, by putting him upon unnecessary duties, 
 and for the express purpose of degradation ; yet, was such mode of 
 redress proper or compatible with the dignity of the service, which 
 points at Courts-Martial for relief in cases of cruelty and oppression ? 
 Did not such conduft likewise go directly to the infra&ion of that 
 article of war which states, * That any man in or belonging to the 
 fleet, who shall use provoking speeches or gestures, tending to pro- 
 mote quarrel, every such person, being convi&ed thereof, shall, &c. ?' 
 If such is the prohibition among those of equal rank, how much 
 more is it to be understood of an insult offered by such means to a 
 uperior officer, while in the execution of his office ? For it appears
 
 3OO NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 that this covert an was done in the great cabin, when the commanding 
 officer is consequently supposed upon guard or duty ; and when snch 
 conducl was likewise 'destructive to the issuing of all orders or com- 
 mands. 
 
 " Let us now suppose this scene to have taken place on board a 
 ship of war having a separate command upon a foreign station ; that 
 the commanding officer had accepted the challenge couched under this 
 abusive language ; that he had also fallen, and that the lieutenant, as 
 second in command, had succeeded to the same ship ; with what 
 sentiment., I ask, would that ship's company look up to such an 
 officer, thus stained with the blood of his predecessor ? Or, what 
 kind cf order or subordination, could be expected from a man so 
 principled? Or, lastly, with what feelings could the Lords of the 
 .Admiralty confirm such a one in his post ? Nay, rather let us suppose 
 that the Board of Admiralty, disgusted with such conduct, would 
 upon this occasion, by instituting a Court-Martial, become his pro- 
 secutors ; in which case, could there remain a doubt of the justice 
 of that Court who should sentence such an officer to be broke ? 
 
 " But still it is contended by the friends of the defendant> that 
 being without proof or precedent, a Court- Martial is incompetent to 
 take cognizance of the matter. With regard, however, to the latter, 
 or the precedent, it must be obvious that the same might once have 
 been said of every existing law, as well as the continued extension or 
 creation of laws throughout the kingdom, which, for the good of the 
 whole, the multiplied crimes, trespasses, or misdemeanors of indi- 
 viduals tender necessary, as in the present case under consideration ; 
 with regatd to the former, or proof, it is to be recollected, that 
 though, indeed, the case may stand without a precedent, and though 
 the testimony of bye-standers would have rendered it more plain, yet 
 perhaps, from the frequency of the crime, and of the complaints 
 ^hereof to the Admiralty, the latter, from a sense of its pernicious 
 consequences to the Navy, might have thought it expedient to en- 
 deavour to check that mode of revenge so much in violation of the 
 rights cf Courts-Martial, by submitting it at once to their authority. 
 
 *' But, farther, there are not wanting instances of offences being 
 admitted upon single testimony on oath, especially where society may 
 be deteriorated, as in the case of rape ; and even strong circumstances, 
 as in the case of murder^ in which not the individual alone, but the 
 society at large is supposed to suffer a deep stab, are accounted suffi- 
 cient to convift. 
 
 " It must likewise occur to thought, that a British Naval Com- 
 mander must feel himself placed in a very awkward situation by such 
 treatment before he can bring himself to prefer a complaint of the
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. gOI 
 
 km'3 ; yet being in a high state of responsibility to his country, and 
 no shadow of want of courage attaching to his person from choosing 
 to decline a challenge so couched by an inferior officer, he conse- 
 quently stands without any alternative of redress from daily insults of 
 the kind. 
 
 Upon the whole then, it is to be presumed, that as the bare 
 testimony of the captain would not be considered by the Court as 
 sufficient ground of condemnation, without some collateral circum- 
 stances in proof of the fact ; such as the character in which he stood 
 with his officers and men, together with some traits of general dit- 
 respeEt on the side of the lieutenant ; I say, that if such circum- 
 stances can be substantiated in favour of the commander, and which 
 leading questions must, I think, have been put, then it follows, that 
 there is something more than prtsumptwe proof of guilt in this case ; 
 and that, as it is highly improbable that any undue advantage would 
 be taken by a superior to crush an officer who might be obnoxious 
 to him, by such arrangements in his favour, and as such mode of 
 redress on the side of the lieutenant must be admitted as unfair, il- 
 liberal, and by no means aboveboard, there consequently seems no 
 great grounds for murmuring or discontent upon such case going into 
 precedent. 
 
 t( Or, lastly, if the justice of a Court could be arraigned for such 
 sentence by saying that, had the case been tried by lieutenants, or 
 those of his own corps, he would have got off more leniently, or by a 
 reprimand ; then, such need only turn over to the numerous instance* 
 of Courts- Martial upon Captains and Admirals now upon record, in 
 order to convince them of their error, by proof of the impartiality 
 of such process. 1 he very recent circumstance of a captain, who 
 having while on shore at Portsmouth, abused his surgeon in a very- 
 gross manner, and who having been caned by said surgeon, and a 
 court of inquiry being the result ; the latter, all the circumstances 
 duly considered, was acquitted by the Court, and a very severe re- 
 primand to the captain implied in said acquittal. 
 
 " To these remarks I shall just add, that this unhappy affair 
 having, it is said, originated in an order to the lieutenant to supeu'n- 
 tend the issuing of grog to the people ; and this duty being usually 
 assigned to the mate, the office was considered by the lieutenant as 
 degrading, and resented in the manner above-mentioned ; but might 
 it not have been possible that the mate at such time being absent 
 from sickness or otherwise, and irregulatities in the distribution of it 
 having occasioned such degree of murmuring among the ship's com- 
 pany, as to have rendered it necessary for the good of the service 
 that the lieutenant should, fro tem/ore, superintend that duty. If
 
 5<32 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THE 
 
 such was the case, and the purity of motive farther evinced by a 
 uavity or gentleness in the delivery of the order ; then, it is only 
 to be lamented that the commanding officer had not waited for a more 
 ample proof of disaffection in his officer ; and which such a vindictive 
 spirit must soon have afforded. 
 
 " On the other hand, if the lieutenant was really aggrieved by the 
 imposition of any humiliating duty, and this was farther confirmed by 
 the manner of enforcing it ; then, it is only to be equally regretted that 
 he had not remonstrated in an amicable manner upon the hardship of 
 the case ; and if, after such remonstrance, a similar treatment should be 
 persisted in, it is to be presumed that a commanding officer so afting 
 would have committed himself; and that the lieutenant, instead of 
 having preferred so unwarrantable, so disorganizing a revenge, might 
 Juive gone into Court for legal redress." Vol. i. p. 279. 
 
 STATE PAPERS 
 
 RELATIVE TO THE DISPUTE BETWEEN 
 
 ENGLAND AND DENMARK. 
 
 r "flpHE differences between these two powers relative to the affair 
 - of the first Danish frigate, taken by the English in the neigh- 
 bourhood of Gibraltar, but which have since been adjusted, in conse- 
 sequence of a due explanation on the part of the Court of Denmark, 
 are thus stated to have arisen, by Mr. Meriy, the British Minister at 
 Copenhagen, in the following ktter addressed to Count Bernstorff, 
 viz. 
 
 " Copenhagen, April i o, 1 800. 
 
 " The importance which the Danish Court must necessarily attach 
 to the event which happened in the month of December last, in the 
 neighbourhood of Gibraltar, between some frigates of the King and 
 the frigate of his Danish Majesty, named Haufersen, commanded by 
 Captain Van Dockum, and the orders which, in consequence, have 
 been sent me by my Court upon this point, impose upon me the 
 painful duty of repeating t.o you, in writing, the complaint which I 
 had the honour to make to you upon this point by word of mouth, 
 in the audience which you had the goodness to grant me for this 
 purpose three days ago. 
 
 " The fa&s of this affair are in themselves very simple, and I think 
 that we are already agreed on them. The fafts are, that the English 
 frigates met the Danish frigate in open sea, having under her a con- 
 voy of vessels. The English commander, thinking it proper t
 
 DISrUTE BETWEEN INCLAND AND DENMARK. 303 
 
 exercise the right of viJting this convoy, .sent on board the Danish 
 frigate, demanding from the captain his destination. The latter 
 having answered that then he was going to Gibraltar, it was replied, 
 that since he was going to stop in that bay, no visit should be paid to 
 his convoy, but that if he did not mean to cast anchor there, the yisit 
 should be paid. Captain Van Dockum then informed the officer 
 who went on board him, that he would make resistance to such a step. 
 Upon this answer, the English commander made the signal for ex- 
 amining the convoy. A boat from the Emerald frigate was proceed- 
 ing to execute this 1 order : a fire of musketry from the Danish frigate 
 fell upon them, and one of the English sailors was severely wounded. 
 This frigate also took possession of a boat belonging to the English 
 frigate the Flora, and did not release it till after the English commander 
 had given Captain Van Dockum to understand that if he did not im- 
 mediately give it up he would commence hostilities. The 'Danish 
 frigate then went with her convoy into the Bay of Gibraltar. There 
 some discussion took place on this affair, between Lord Keith, 
 Admiral and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Naral Forces in 
 the Mediterranean, and Captain Van Dockum, whom Lord Keith 
 could not but consider as personally responsible, and guilty of the 
 injury done to one of the King's subjects, not thinking it possible 
 that this captain could have been authorised by instructions fiom his 
 Court. To clear up this point, Admiral Keith sent an officer to 
 Captain Dockum to entreat him to show, and to explain the nature 
 of his instructions ; but he said to the officer, that they were in sub- 
 stance, that he should not permit his convoy to be visited, and thar, in 
 firing upon the boats, he had only dischtrged his orders. The same 
 captain afterwards made a similar reply, upon his word of honour, in 
 speaking with Lord Keith, and in the presence of the Governor of 
 Gibraltar, but he promised at the same time to appear before the 
 Judge, and to give security for his appearance, and upon this promise 
 he was told that he might return on board. Having entered hi 
 boat, he sent a letter to the Admiral, in which he refused to give the 
 necessary security. These discussions were terminated by a declara- 
 tion which Lord Keith made to Captain Van Dockum, that if he 
 failed to surrender himself, thus wishing to frustrate justice, the affair 
 should be represented to his Court. 
 
 <f Such, Sir, is the state of facts which have given rise to the com- 
 plaint that I am commissioned to urge to the Danish Government. 
 I flatter myself that you will find it correct and conformable to what 
 is stated in the Correspondence between Lord Keith and Captain Van 
 Dockum, of which, as you did me the honour to tell me, you are in 
 possession.
 
 STATE PAPERS RELATIVE TO THB 
 
 ' The right of visiting and examining merchant ships in open s, 
 of whatever Nation they may be, and whatever may be their cargoes 
 and destination, is considered by the British Government as the in- 
 contestible right of every Nation at war a right founded on the 
 Law of Nations, and which has been generally admitted and re- 
 cognised. It follows, therefore, that the resistance of a Commander 
 of a ship of war, offered by a Power at amity, must necessarily be 
 considered as an aci of hostility, and such as the King persuades him- 
 self cannot be enjoined to the Commanders of the ships of war of his 
 .Danish Majesty in their instructions. His Britannic Majesty there- 
 foie entertains no doubt that his Danish Majesty will have felt much 
 displeasure at hearing of this violent and insupportable conduct on 
 . the part of an officer in his service ; and the King is persuaded of the 
 alacrity with which his Danish Majesty will afford him that formal 
 Disavowal and that Apology which he has so good a right to expect 
 in such a case, together with a Reparation proportioned to the nature 
 of the offence committed. 
 
 " I am specially commissioned, Sir, to demand of you this Dis- 
 avowal, Apology, and Reparation. The confidence which I must 
 feel in the known justice of his Danish Majesty, leads me to hope that 
 this simple and amicable representation will be sufficient to obtain it 
 with that dispatch which so important a case requires ; but I must 
 not at the same time conceal from you, that great and sincere as is 
 the desire of the King my Master, to maintain and cultivate the most 
 strict harmony and friendship with the Court of Denmark, nothing 
 shall induce him to depart from this just demand. 
 
 (Signed) " ANTH. MERRY*'* 
 
 +^"+^-^*^> 
 Reply of the Danish Minister to the above Note of Mr. MERRY. 
 
 " BOTH custom and treaties have no doubt conferred on the 
 Belligerent Powers the right of searching neutral vessels, not under 
 convoy, by their ships of war, &c but as this right is not a natural 
 one, but merely conventional, its effects cannot be arbitrarily extended 
 beyond, what is agreed to and conceded, without violence and in- 
 justice. None, however, of the maritime and independent Powers of 
 Europe, as far as the undersigned has observed, have ever acknow- 
 ledged the right of permitting neutral ships to be searched, when 
 escorted by one or several ships of war ; and it is evident they could 
 not do so without exposing their flag to degradation, and without 
 forfeiting a certain essential proportion of their own rights. 
 
 " Far from acquiescing in these pretensions, which at present are 
 ao longer acknowledged, most of those Powers have been of opinion, 
 4
 
 DISPUTE BETWIEH ERGLAND AKD DENMARK. 30$ 
 
 t'nce this question has been stirred, that they ought to hold out an 
 opposite principle In all their conventions respecting objefts of this 
 nature, in conformity with a number of treaties concluded between 
 the most respedable Courts of Europe, which contain proofs of the 
 propriety of adhering to that principle. 
 
 ^ " The distinction attempted to be established between ships 
 with and without convoy, is moreover equally just and natural 
 for the former cannot be supposed to be in the same predicament as 
 the latter. 
 
 ! The search insisted upon by the privateers or state ships of the 
 Belligerent Powers, with respect to neutral bottoms not accompanied 
 by convoy, is founded on the right of acknowledging their flag, and 
 of examining their papers. The only question is to ascertain their 
 partiality and the regularity of their instructions. When the papers 
 of these ships are found in strict order, no further examination can be 
 legally enforced ; and it is consequently the authority of the Govern- 
 ment, in whose name these documents have been drawn up and issued, 
 that procures for the Belligerent Power the required security. 
 
 " But a neutral Government, escorting by the armed ships of 
 the state the commercial ships of the subject, thereby alone holda 
 out to the Belligerent Powers a more authentic and positive pledge 
 than that which is- furnished by the documents with which these shipa 
 are furnished. Nor can a Neutral Government, without incurring 
 dishonour and disgrace, admit, in this respect, the least doubt or sus- 
 picion, which must be as injurious to that Government as they 
 would be unjust on the part of those who should entertain or mani- 
 fest them. 
 
 " Again, if it were to be admitted as a principle, that the convoy 
 granted by a Sovereign does not secure ships of his subjects from 
 being visited by the state ships or privateers of foreigners, it would 
 follow that the most formidable squadron should not have the right 
 of relieving from a search the ships entrusted to its protection, if that 
 search was exacted by the most pitiful privateer. 
 
 *< But it cannot be reasonably supposed that the English Govern- 
 ment, which has uniformly, and on the most just grounds, shewn a 
 marked jealousy for the honour of its flag, and who in the maritime 
 wars, in which it has taken no part, has nevertheless asserted with 
 vigour the rights of neutrality, would ever consent, should such 
 circumstances occur, to an humiliating vexation of that nature ; and 
 the King of Denmark reposes too much confidence in the equity and 
 justice of his Britannic Majesty, to harbour a suspicion that it is his 
 intention to arrogate a right which, under similar circumstances, he 
 would not grant to any other independent power. 
 
 mi iv. R R
 
 306 STATE PAPERS PtLATlTE TO THK 
 
 " It seems sufficient to apply to the fact in question, the natural 
 result of these observations, in order to make it evident that the 
 Captain of the King's frigate, by repulsing a violence which he had 
 no right to expect, lias done no more than his duty ; that it was 
 on the part of the English frigates, that a violation of the rights of 
 a neutral Sovereign, and of a power friendly to his Britannic Majesty, 
 has been committed. 
 
 " The King has hesitated to signify any formal complaint on this 
 head, as long as he regarded it as a misconception which might have 
 been done away by amicable explanations between the respective 
 Commanders of the naval force which the two Governments kept up 
 in the Mediterranean ; but seeing himself, much to his regret, dis- 
 appointed in that hope, he has only to insist on the reparation that is 
 due to him, and which the justice and the friendship of his Britannic 
 Majesty seem justly to be called upon, to secure to him. 
 
 (Signed) C. BERNSTORFF." 
 
 Reply of Lord GRF.NVILLF, to the Note of the Count DE WEDEL JARLS- 
 BOURG, hit Danish Majesty's Minister, resfeQlng the Capture of the 
 Freya Frigate. 
 
 " THE Undersigned, his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State 
 for Foreign Affairs, has had the honour to lay before the King the 
 note which he received yesterday from Count Wedel Jarlsbourg, 
 Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the King of 
 Denmark. 
 
 " It was with the greatest surprise and concern that his Majesty 
 received the first accounts of the transaction to which that note re- 
 lates. Studiously desiring to maintain always with the Court of 
 Copenhagen those relations of friendship and alliance which had so 
 long subsisted between Great Britain and Denmark, his Majesty has, 
 during the whole course of his reign, given repeated proofs of these 
 dispositions, which, he had flattered himself, were reciprocally en- 
 tertained by the Government of his Danish Majesty. Notwith- 
 standing the expressions made use of in Count Wedel's note, his Ma- 
 jesty cannot even yet persuade himself that it is really by the orders 
 of the King of Denmark, that this state of harmony and peace has 
 been thus suddenly disturbed, or that a Danish officer can have acted 
 conformably to his instructions, in actually commencing hostilities 
 against this country, by a wanton and unprovoked attack upon a 
 British ship of war, bearing his Majesty's flag, and navigating the 
 British seas. 
 
 " The impressions which such an event has naturally excited in hi 
 Majesty's brtust have received additional force from the perusal of a
 
 DISfrUTE BETWEEN ENGLAND AND DENMARK. 307 
 
 Note, in which satisfaction and reparation are claimed as due to the 
 aggressors from those who have sustained this insult and injury. 
 
 " His Majesty allowing for the difficulty in which all Neutral 
 Nations were placed by the unprecedented conduft and peculiar 
 chara&er of his enemy, has on many occasions, during the present 
 war, forborne to assert his rights, and to claim from the Danish Go- 
 vernment the impartial discharge of the duties of that neutrality which 
 it professed a disposition to maintain. But the deliberate and open 
 aggression which he has now sustained cannot be passed over in a 
 similar manner. The lives of his brave seamen have been sacrificed, 
 the hdnour of his flag has been insulted, almost in sight cf his own 
 coasts ; and these proceedings are supported by calling in question 
 those indisputable rights founded on the clearest principles of the 
 Law of Nations, from which his Majesty never can depart, and the 
 temperate exercise of which is indispensably necessary to the mainten- 
 ance of the dearest interests of his empire. 
 
 " The Undersigned has, in all his reports to his Majesty, rendered 
 full justice to the personal dispositions which he has uniformly found 
 on the part of Count Wedel, to remove all grounds of misunderstand- 
 ing between the two countries. He cannot, therefore, now forbear 
 to urge him to represent this matter to his Court in its true light, to 
 do away those false impressions, under which (if at all) a conduct so 
 injurious to his Majesty can have been authorised; and to consult the 
 interests of both countries, but especially those of Denmark, by bear- 
 ing his testimony to the dispositions with which his Majesty's Go- 
 vernment is animated ; and by recommending to his Court, with all 
 that earnestness which the importance of the occasion both justifies 
 and requires, that these dispositions may, in so critical a conjuncture, 
 find an adequate return ; and that a speedy and satisfactory answer 
 may be given to the demand which his Majesty has directed to be made 
 in his name at Copenhagen, both of reparation for what is past, and 
 of security against the repetition of these outrages. 
 
 " In order to give the greater weight to his Majesty's representa- 
 tions on this subject, and to afford at the same time the means of such 
 explanations respecting it, as may avert the necessity of those ex- 
 tremities to which his Majesty looks with the greatest rcludance, his 
 Majesty has charged Lord Whit worth with a special mission to the 
 Court of Denmark, and that Minister will immediately sail for his 
 destination. 
 
 " That Court cannot but see in this determination a new proof of 
 the King's desire to conciliate the preservation of peace with the 
 maintenance of the fundamental rights and interests of his empire. 
 
 (Signed) " GRENVIJ.LE." 
 
 1800.
 
 RIGHTS 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BRITISH FLAG. 
 
 AS this subjeft, which has lately agitated all ranks of society, mnst 
 be peculiarly interesting to all concerned in the Navy, the fol- 
 lowing observations have been collected from the best authors and from 
 authentic records, in order to point out the antiquity, the exercise, 
 and the recognition of the RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG by 
 the Commercial States of Europe : Rights, which, after a full, 
 clear, and impartial investigation, we are convinced it is the bounden 
 duty of Britons to maintain and support inviolate : 
 
 When Caesar intended the invasion of this island, he summoned the 
 Gauls who dwelt in the sea-ports, to inform him of the shores, havens, 
 &c. imagining their information might accelerate his conquest. The 
 sea-faring men answered, " that all commerce and traffic was inter- 
 dicted before licence had, nor could any but merchants enter the British 
 ports*." This is a sufficient proof that the antient Britons possessed 
 traffic and commerce, and also the power of protecting it. The very 
 first classical author who speaks of Britain, says, that when the Romans 
 became masters of this island, they, in conjunction with the Britons, 
 built a fleet, and frequently sailed round it, making every nation, 
 tributary for several centuries, and commanding their obedience f. 
 
 As the view of this disquisition is candour and truth, it must be 
 acknowledged that the immense power of the Romans at this period 
 was fully sufficient to produce such an effe6t. That mighty empire, 
 in the impenetrable scale of human and physical vicissitudes, becarre 
 subject, to fate. The continual supply of Britons to replenish the 
 Roman legions, enfeebled the country, and made it an easy prey to 
 their pretended friends the Saxons. The dreadful struggles between 
 the natives and their treacherous visitors, and also the no less dreadful 
 havock between the Princes of the Heptarchy, when it was estab- 
 lished, permitted no opportunity of displaying the British Flag, 
 until the reigu of the great Alfred, who was, in fa, the founder of 
 the Anglo-Saxon Navy, and the first that repulsed and held in check, 
 the pirates and infidels of Denmark and Norway. 
 
 Edgar, who was crowned King of all England, in Wittenagemote, 
 at Winchester, A. D. 800 (one thousand years since), firmly estab- 
 lished Alfred's noble plans, and continually kept up a navy of four 
 Lundred stOut ships, with which he asserted the entire and uncon- 
 
 * Gall, Bell. lib. 4, fol. 72. f Tacitus in Vita Agricol*.
 
 RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG. 309 
 
 trolled sovereignty of the British seas, and vindicated his Naval do. 
 minion, visiting all shifts, and making them pay obedience to his flag. 
 The very style which he assumes, and which is recorded, is the best 
 and most convincing proof*. 
 
 The use which Edgar made of his power was truly worthy of him- 
 self. It is recorded by two of the best narrators of the history of that 
 time t, " that immediately after Easter, he commanded his ships from 
 every shore to be brought into two collefted bodies. He then sailed 
 with the eastern fleet to the western coast, where they were dismissed ; 
 and from thence he proceeded with the western fleet to scour the sea 
 around the island to the northern and eastern parts ; being exceeding 
 diligent to prevent the incursion of pirates J, courageous in the de- 
 fence of his kingdom against foreigners, and receiving the submission 
 of the chiefs of the islands. Legancester (West Chester) was his 
 principal northern port, where he had a palace, and where, in one of 
 his voyages, he received the oaths of six petty kings to serve him by 
 sea and by land." Those Kings rowed him in a stately barge, himself 
 being at the stern steering the vessel, attended by a cloud f boats 
 and subjects, with minstrels and other music j. His constant maxim 
 was, that no Prince could boast of being truly a Monarch of England, 
 unless, like him, he was Lord of the British Seas ; a maxim which 
 ought to be impressed upon the mind of every sound-hearted British 
 subject, and citizen, particularly at the present momentous period. 
 
 Here we dismiss the Anglo-Saxon dynasty with thin short observa- 
 tion, that during the reign of Ethelred, a very large fleet was main- 
 tained and supported ; but through the sluggishness and personal 
 cowardice of that King, " who distressed rather than governed the 
 kingdom thirty-seven years |)," the nation was continually harassed 
 by sea and land with the incursions of the Danes. He saw his error 
 too late ; and in the year 1008, he commanded ships to be built in all 
 the seaports of England, and the produce of the land to pay for them, 
 
 * " Ego Eclgarus Anglorum Easileus, omniunique rerum, insularum Ocean!, 
 qu.-E Britanniam circumjacent, cunctarumque natiouum, qua; infra earn in- 
 cluduntur, Imperator etDominus. "--Pre served by Sir John Boroughs, fol. 21. 
 
 f William of Malmsbury, and Florence of Worcester ; but they have jncrcas:d 
 his fleet to the number of four thousand stout ships. 
 
 J Pira, in the Attic tongue, signifies craft or art. Afterwards U was applied 
 to such as were sea-robbers. 
 
 At this .-era of our history it was held impossible to rank with Gentleman 
 if a person was ignorant of music. 
 
 ,! William of Malmsbury's charader of that King: ' His life was cruel a: 
 the beginning, miserable in the middle, and dishonourable in the cone
 
 RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG. 
 
 namely, every hundred and ten hides of land one ship *. The Danes 
 had at last settled themselves in the greatest and best part of England, 
 until Canute was elefted King of all England, A. D. 1017, which 
 formed the third conquest of the country. A most immense power- 
 ful fleet was kept up during the whole of this reign, with which he 
 protected and maintained the empire of the seas in its fullest extent. 
 He governed by the antient Anglo-Saxon laws, which to this day are 
 the foundation of the common, law of England ; and it may fairly 
 be said of him, what a Roman author does of one of his Emperors, 
 ' It would have been well for this kingdom if he had never reigned 
 at all, or else had continued longer." 
 
 That faithful collector of antient history, Henry of Huntingdon* 
 relates a story, which has generally been considered as a mark of the 
 King's vanity and weakness ; but upon a closer review, perhaps, it i* 
 a proof to the diredl contrary, and that he meant it as the severest 
 reproach which he could cast upon his venal flatterers and parasites. 
 It is as follows : in the very zenith of his power> being at Southamp- 
 ton, his nobles in attendance declared to him, that being Lord of the 
 Sea, he could command the waves. This being frequently impressed 
 upon his mind, in order to confound and put to shame those base 
 court minions, he caused a royal seat to be placed upon the shore 
 whilst the tide was coming in, and being surrounded by the venal 
 nobles, with a majestic air he said, " That sea belongs to me, and the 
 land whereon I sit is mine ; nor hath any one unpunished resisted my 
 commands f. I charge thee, therefore, come no further upon my 
 land, neither presume to wet the feet of thy Sovereign Lord." But 
 the laws of nature would be obeyed, and the sea came rolling on and 
 dashed over him. The King rose up and reminded his flatterers of 
 their treachery, telling them that the sea would obey none but Him 
 whose eternal laws created heaven and earth. After this he never 
 wore his crown J. 
 
 We now pass over the following reigns, during which time very- 
 large sums were raised upon the people to support the fleets, until we 
 arrive at the death of Harold, and the accession of William of Nor- 
 mandy, which forms a new epoch in our history, io which the doeu- 
 
 Thus the ship.inoney originated ; a measure as weak as it was wicked, 
 and which has been therefore very justly exploded by the whole nation. 
 
 t That part of the story being literally true, it shews the immense power of 
 bis naval force, 
 
 This was a more manly and noble action than the cockle-shell story of the 
 ula.
 
 RIGHTS OP THE BRITISH FLAC. f 
 
 tnents and proofs of the sovereignty of the sea will be confirmed 
 beyond the possibility of contradiction. 
 
 William the First became possessed of the Crown by acquisition, 
 and not by conquest , A. D. 1066. There is not a single record 
 before Edward the First that gives him that denomination; nor did 
 he ever style himself a conqueror. His power, when added to that of 
 Duke of Normandy, was immense. Amidst the tumults of his reiVn. 
 he maintained a very powerful navy, which" he frequently commanded 
 in person, by means of which he defeated the confederacy of si* Kings t 
 four of whom were northern, who, with a navy of 1 800 sail, at- 
 tempted to invade him. In his turn he invaded Philip of France f , 
 and committed great devastations, until he died at Rouen, in 1087 J. 
 
 William Rufus had no wars with France, nor can any thing ma- 
 teriaj be adduced from his history. He lived despised, and died by 
 the stroke of an arrow, unlamerited. 
 
 The reign of Henry the First is also barren as to our immediate 
 pursuit ; suffice it that, during his twenty years reign, no power what- 
 ever pretended to dispute the empire of the British seas ; a very suffi- 
 cient proof of itself, by what we have already seen, that no Monarch 
 durst attempt it. This King sweetened his government by relieving 
 the people from all unjust taxes, and punishing the principal agents. 
 Being an Englishman born, he acted as became one, by severely 
 
 * Sir William Temple justly observes, ' who was invidiously termed the 
 Conqueror, by the monks of those times." His submission to the Kentish- 
 men's claims ; his Charter of Confirmation of St. Edward's laws ; his abolishing 
 the tax of Danegelt ; his confirming the power of Aldermen, Sheriffs, and 
 Juries; all tend to prove the facl. Sir William Churchill, grandfather to the 
 great Duke of Marlborough, in the history, called Divi Britannici, says, " he 
 was an imaginary conqueror." See also Argumentum Anti Normanicum, 
 Petit's and Atkins's Works, and Tyrrell's History of England. 
 
 f This was the very origin of all the subsequent wars between England and 
 France, which arose from those Norman and continental connexions, that have 
 continually deluged both countries with blood. 
 
 \ In him we behold the sad vicissitudes of human affairs, the contemplation 
 of which ought to humble proud looks, and lofty eye-brows. This King, with 
 all his greatness, was deserted by the world, almost as soon as his immortal 
 spirit had left it, even by two of his own sons ; it was three days before his son 
 Henry could get the body removed, and nine days before he could prevail 
 upon any person to convey it to Caen to be interred, where it was left in the 
 street, the people having all ran away to quench a fire. When brought to the 
 grave, the funeral was forbad till the ground was paid for. The grave was too 
 small, the body burst, and the people ran away a third time. One hundred 
 years afterwards, some drunken soldiers, in search of treasure, dug up the re- 
 mains, but finding none, they scattered the ashe& and the bones about the burial 
 ground !
 
 j !2 RIGHTS OP THE BRITISH FLAG. 
 
 treating evil Ministers, particularly the Bishop of Durham, who being 
 raised from a base condition by baser means, btcame chief minister to hi 
 brother William. His charter, in which he abolished all bad customs, 
 is a bold proof that his love for the people was substantial *. 
 
 Stephen's reign was taken up with intestine broils and contestt 
 with the Empress Maud and her son. 
 
 Henry the Second, who succeeded to the Crown, was the first of 
 the Plantagenets. His dominions of England, in France, and of 
 Ireland (which he conquered) were so equally divided by the two 
 seas, that they may be said to have ran as a great river between them* 
 He maintained a very large navy, with which he scoured those 
 seas. So powerful was his navy, and so well appointed, that although 
 he had a great part of the naval force under his own commandupon 
 the first expedition against King Louis of France f, yet when the 
 Earls of Bolloign and Flanders attempted to make a descent upon 
 England with 600 sail of stout ships, there remained sufficient force 
 under the High Admiral Lacy, who was made Regent, to baffle theij 
 attempt and punish their temerity ; nor was the French expedition in 
 the least deranged. Thus we behold of what immense consequence a 
 strong navy, brave tars, and able commanders, is to the honour aad 
 safety of our country, yea to its very existence. 
 
 The unnatural conducl of his two sons, and his two brothers, 
 Richard and John, proved a sad alloy to all Henry's human greatness. 
 The beautiful but miserable Rosamond was one of this meretricious 
 King's numerous fair companions, by whom he had nineteen base 
 children. 
 
 After the Royal crusader, Richard the First's return from that 
 mad and ruinous expedition, he was re-crowned, and to revenge an in- 
 sult offered by Philip of France against Normandy in his absence , 
 he passed into France with two hundred sail of very stout ships, full 
 of horsemen and valiant archers, which so frightened the French, that 
 the commander raised the siege of Vernuil and ran away. R?hard 
 in return committed great depredations. After this he fitted out 
 one hundred sail of ships for Normandy, to chastise the rebellions 
 of his brother John, and the Barons of Poi6liers, and was shot with 
 an envenomed arrow, of which he died, in the tenth year of his reign, 
 
 * Art. II. " Et omnes males consuetudlnes, quibus Rcgnum Anglise injuste 
 opprimebatur, in de Aufero, quasmalas consuetudines in parte hie pono." Mati 
 1 aris, p. 55. 
 
 f Upon this occasion, Malcolm, King of Scotland, and a Welch King, with 
 the Earls of Normandy, Aquitain, Anjou, and Gascony, accompanied him. 
 
 * Here we perceive, that during the six reigns, a!l the foreign wars, and 
 many of the domestic broils, sprung from one and the game cause, namely, thfr 
 fatal and destructive continental conneclions.
 
 RIGHTS OP THE BRITISH FLAG. 313 
 
 We now arrive at the reign of King John, who, notwithstanding 
 all the dreadful perturbations of his time, hath carefully recorded in 
 the Ordinances of Hastings*, the duty of salutation, which anciently 
 had been paid by foreign vessels, as well as natural born subjects, to 
 * the Royal British Flag. The record is preserved in the Tower, and 
 copies of it In Matthew Paris and Selden's Mare Clausum. It is 
 exadtly of eight hundred years standing, and the following is the 
 translation: " Item, If a Lieutenant in any -voyage, being ordained 
 by Common Council of the kingdom +, do encounter upon the sea 
 any ships or vessels, laden or unladen, that will not strike and veil 
 their colours (bonnets) at the commandment of the Lieutenant of the 
 King, but will fight against them of the fleet, that if they can be 
 taken they shall be reputed as enemies, and their ships, vessels, and 
 goods taken and forfeited as the goods of enemies, although the 
 masters or possessors of the same should come afterwards and allege 
 that they are the ships, vessels, and goods of those persons who arc 
 friends to our Lord the King ; and that the common people in the 
 same ships be chastised by imprisonment of their bodies, at dis- 
 cretion of the King, for their rebellion." 
 
 And here we must observe, that if the greatest caution had been 
 used at the late unpleasant disagreement with the Court of Denmark, 
 to confirm and sustain by a law the honour of our Sovereign and the 
 National Flag, it seems impossible that it could be more closely or 
 effectually applied, than this law of eight hundred years standing (and 
 then only a recognition of still older well-known rights and laws) is 
 to the late crisis of affairs, and the immensely important question 
 agitated at that awful conjuncture. 
 
 The unfortunate King John was now in full possession of the British 
 Seas, confirmed by precedents for a long series of years, which he 
 fully maintained. The greater part of this reign was what Pope calls 
 a regular confusion ;" but from this domestic and foreign perplexity 
 sprang the glory of the English law, Magna Charta, the golden 
 anchor J of ancient British liberty ; at the confirmation of which, 
 
 * Inter. Leg. Marinas sub une anni regni Regis Johannis Secundi. 
 
 f The authority of Parliament was infinitely superior a that time, compared 
 with the present; and it also indubitably shows that there were ParliamenU 
 long before the 49th Edward III. when the records begin. 
 
 | Lord Bacon. 
 
 $ Lord Coke says, as the refiner carefully sweeps up all the durt, and citra<a 
 the precious metals from it, so ought the good and diligent lawyer to preserve 
 every line and syllable of the Great Charter. 
 

 
 314 RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG. 
 
 in Runney Mead (the Mead of Council) the 1 5th of June 1215, on 
 the part of the King, were two Archbishops, seven Bishops, and 
 fifteen Peers ; but on the part of the people, the Barons and great 
 men were innumerable *. The balance of power and politics was at 
 this sera held by the citizens of London +. 
 
 Edward the First was a wise and victorious Prince J. During his 
 thirty-four years reign, he maintained the empire of the Biitish sea 
 with a steady and unerring hand. The statutes passed in his reign 
 fully prove that he was by no means the dupe of the clergy . 
 
 During this reign a document appears, containing a solemn ad- 
 judication, that never was or can be contradicted, in which ALL the 
 maritime and commercial nations in Europe confirm the ancient Rights 
 of the British Flag over the narrow seas. The record is too diffuse 
 to insert, but the following is a faithful account of it y : 
 
 During the reign of Philip the Fair, King of France, a war broke 
 out between him and Guy, Earl of Flanders. Grimbald, then Ad- 
 miral of France, captured or despoiled all the Earl's merchants 
 ships which his fleet found in the narrow seas. The nations of Eu- 
 rope complained of this infringement of the law maritime. Philip 
 and Edward caused a meeting at Westminster of certain Judges, 
 chosen by the Proctors, Prelates, and Nobility of all England and 
 France ; and unto these were joined the suffrages of the following 
 maritime nations : Genoa, Catalonia, Spain, Almaign, Zealand, 
 Holland, Friezland, Denmark, and Norway, and other States of lebs 
 note. After long and solemn consultation, the Assembly ALL jointly 
 declared and affirmed, that, without all controversy, the Kings of 
 England and their predecessors, beyond the memory of man, have had 
 the Supreme Government of the English Seas and the Islands thereof. 
 
 j * Totius Nobilitas Angliz in unum collefia, M. Paris, p. aj6. 
 
 f London-bridge was now built with stone. In iai6, when the King 
 inarched to I ondon to besiege it, the citizens manfully threw open their gates; 
 but when he beheld their courage and their numbers, he with great difficulty 
 retreated. The citizens at that time knew the value of liberty, and the Great 
 Charter which confirmed it. In this year the Londoners with their own ships 
 utterly destroyed sixty-five pirates, which the King had hired to block up the 
 Thames. 
 
 J He conquered all Wales and Scotland; the latter four times. 
 
 The law against ravishment makes it felony to commit a rape upon a lay- 
 woman, and only a trespass to commit the same crime upon a Nun. 3d Edw. I. 
 Cap. 13 and 33. The latter is omitted in the Statute Book. The Statutes of 
 IVortmain, which restrain persons from giving lands to the church, was a very 
 severe check upon the pride and insolence of the dignified clergy. 7th, jut, ani 
 34th of Edw. 1. 
 
 U RoL Abridg. 538.
 
 RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG. 315 
 
 They further adjudged, that Grimbald's patent was an usurpation upon 
 the King of England's dominion. It was also further decreed, that 
 the French Admiral should make satisfaction, and if he proved unable, 
 that King Philip, his master, should. 
 
 Here, is an universal consent of every neighbouring nation, which 
 forms a stronger basis to this Right of the British Flag than the Laws 
 of Oleron, or all the laws that ever were, or could be ena&ed by in- 
 dividuals who were interested. The extent of this right is the Four 
 Seas, from Cape Finisterre, in the west, to the middle point of the 
 land Van Staten, in Norway *. 
 
 The Empire of the Narrow Seas was now acknowledged and con- 
 firmed by all Europe. 
 
 Edward III. ascended the throne in 1326. Early in his reign he 
 listened to the voice of his people ; and as Roger Mortimer, Earl of 
 March, the Queen Dowager's paramour, had been the author of most 
 of the evils which the nation endured in the preceding reign, Edward 
 punished him in an exemplary manner. 
 
 Edward claimed the Crown of France in the right of his mother, 
 Queen Isabel, the sister to Charles. King of Fiance, in whom the 
 masculine line of Hugh Capet failed. Philip, the uncle by affinity, 
 seized the French diadem, and at a solemn assembly of the French 
 Parliaments it was decided, that, by the Salique law, Edward was not 
 eligible f . A war was the consequence. 
 
 The first: a&ion was naval. Philip had fitted out seven hundred 
 ail of ships to invade England ; Edward equipped a fleet equally- 
 powerful, and sent a message to the enemy not to dare to hoist the 
 French flag in the British Channel Philip's fleet was consecrated by 
 the Pope, like the Spaniards of 88 ; but Edward's navy was com. 
 manded by himself, and direfted by an immortal Deity, the wind 
 
 * Queen and Sir John Constable's Case, apth EHz. reported by Leonard, b. 3, 
 part 7*. Selden de dom. Mails, L ^. c. 14, 27, 28. 4th Institute, p. 1403. 
 Burroughs, fol. 42. 
 
 f Philip also wanted to strip Edward of his patrimonial territories in France. 
 SaligyeA law which Michael Drayton, in Poly- Albion, says everybody speaks 
 *f, but few or none understood an ancient and fundamental law of France, 
 by which the Crown cannot fall from the lance to the distaff, /. t. be inherited 
 by a woman. In fad, neither Edward or Philip had any just right to the 
 Crown for Queen Joan, the dowager of the late King Charles, was left with 
 child which proved a female, and being named Blanch, was afterward* 
 Dutches* of Oilcans. Added to that circumstance, Hugh Capet, the founder 
 of that family, from whom both the Kings formed their claim, was him 
 an usurper of the French Crown. 4
 
 316 RIGHTS OF THE BRITISH FLAG. 
 
 and sun being in his favour. The whole French navy perished, with 
 above thirty thousand men. With this most memorable action we 
 dismiss the historical part of the inquiry. Let us now consider the 
 effect of the dominion and superiority over the narrow seas. Sove- 
 reigns cannot alienate this right, because it is not simply their oiun t 
 but it really appertains to the whole empire, and the dereliction of 
 the most slender part of it might in the event prove fatal. First, 
 Such as are born within this regal jurisdiction are natural-born sub- 
 jects of England. Secondly, The right of prescribing laws and rules 
 for navigation to the vessels of strangers, as well as those of the 
 English. This most evidently appears by the solemn and authentic 
 record between Edward the First and Philip the Fair of France*, and 
 all the other maritime nations, which we have quoted Thirdly, The 
 regality of fishing. Fourthly, The power of imposing customs and 
 other imposition upon those who navigate. Fifthly, The right of 
 restricting the navigation in part, or altogether. These are some of 
 the effects resulting from a real and absolute Sovereignty. The latter 
 consideration induced Henry VIII. to introduce a port-cullis into the 
 Royal Banners of the Navy. The glorious Elizabeth followed her 
 father's example, and stamped a port-cullis upo those dollars which 
 were intended for the East India trade, both those Monarchs inti- 
 mating their power to shut up the narrow seas as they thought fit. 
 Elizabeth maintained this right so strictly *, that when the King of 
 Denmark and the Hanseatic Towns solicited her Majesty's per- 
 mission to transport corn into Spain, she refused them ; and when a 
 Protestant fleet of the Hanse Towns, notwithstanding the refusal, 
 presumed to do so, she ordered her fleet to seize, take, burn, and 
 destroy them; which was executed within sight of Lisbon. This 
 Queen justified her conduct in a Manifesto, stating, " that they had 
 not only relieved her enemy with provision, but had presumptuously 
 made use of her seas, without obtaining her Royal permission." 
 
 After these irrevocable proofs, let no nation on earth dare to dis- 
 pute the RIGHTS of the ROYAL BRITISH FLAG to the end of 
 time. 
 
 * 40th Eliz. June 30, A. D. 1598. Portugal was then under the dominio* 
 f Philip 11. King of Spain.
 
 C 317 J 
 
 CRITICAL REMARKS 
 
 ON 
 THE OFFICIAL VERACITY OF THE FRENCH; 
 
 PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT TO NAVAL TRANSACTIONS. 
 
 Illustrated by Extr ads from the Public Letters of Captain DJXON and 
 Admiral D E c R E 8. 
 
 npHAT the defence of Le Guillenme Tell was creditable to the 
 French, appeared sufficiently from the account given in our 
 Gazc.te Letters *. Captain Dixon, of the Lion, in his account of 
 the capture of this admirable vessel, says, The French ship of war, 
 Le G'illaume Tell, of 86 guns, and 1000 men, bearing the flag of the 
 Contre Admiral Decres, surrendered, after a most gallant and ob- 
 stinate defence of three hours and a half, to his Majesty's ships 
 Foudroyant, Lion, and Penelope." 
 
 With this lesson of more than justice, of high liberality, before his 
 eyes, the Republican commander, a month after, has given an ac- 
 count, the errors of which, a Briton, feeling for the slandered cha- 
 ra&er of his country, naturally endeavours to correct 
 
 The French Admiral, treating of the fire, during the night, of the 
 Penelope, Captain Blackwood, whose merit is beyond our praise, says, 
 that at five o'clock in the morning (March 310, 1800), it occasioned 
 him to lose his main top-mast. 
 
 The subsequent contradictions respecting the time at which Ad- 
 miral Decres mentions that the fore and main-masts of his ship were 
 carried away, together with her having at half past eight o'clock 
 sustained " the united fire of three sail of the line," instead of two 
 of the line and a frigate, though important, by showing that this 
 officer did not write from book, we pass without a comment, confining 
 our investigation to the most material passages in a statement which 
 represents our brave defenders as a parcel of poltroons. 
 
 We might here observe, that the admitted veracity of our naral 
 narrations, leaves little to be apprehended in the eye of Europe on a 
 contrast with the proverbial poetical licence of the French ; even before 
 the memorable ist of June, when, in accounting for the absence of 
 the numerous ships we had taken from them, it was asserted, that 
 they had been dispatched in pursuit of tbefying English ; but we wave 
 the question of national character, and go to the mere consistency of 
 the French Admiral's own statement. He says, that at the expire- 
 
 * Vol. III. page 500. Also page 508, for minute particulars, in a letter 
 from on board the Foudroyant, Captaiu Sir Edward Berry, dated Syricu.;, 
 April 2, 1800.
 
 CRITICAL REMARKS ON THB 
 
 tion of three-quarters of an hour's fight, he, in the second attempt t 
 board, run his bowsprit in the shrouds of the Lion ; whilst Captain 
 Dixon mentions this event to have taken place at the very commence- 
 ment of the action, owing to his (Captain Dixon's) endeavour to place 
 the Lion in the advantageous position which she in consequence ob- 
 tained. Continuing, however, to suppose that the statement of each 
 officer deserved an equal degree of credit, and even that Captain 
 Dixon could desire, or would dare to tell a falsehood, which not only 
 every ma in his own ship, but in each of our two others, could and 
 caould have disproved, it requires all Admiral Decres' ingenuity to 
 reconcile other parts of his statement. He says, that being withii* 
 pistol-shot of the Lion, and her fire slackened, he perceived that there 
 
 Was NOT A SINGLE PERSON ON THE QUARTER-DECK } and that 1)C 
 
 failed in his attempt to board owing to the frecautitns of the enemy. 
 Where, we would ask the narrator, could precautions be adopted, 
 xcept upon the quarter deck, in which place not only the ship is 
 steered, but some of the principal sails arc directed ; and how could 
 precautions be made if there was not a single person to make them ? 
 admitting, as in other instances, for the sake of argument, the pro- 
 bability that the quarter-deck of a British ship of the line, with an 
 enemy almost touching her, should have been entirely deserted. He 
 ays that " the Lion, without a single sad t her rigging cut to pieces, and 
 her mast ready to go by the board, tuas compelled to fall back, without 
 fr'mg a single cannon ; tlie William Tell for some minutes pursued her." 
 How, we would again ask, in the wholly ungovernable state in 
 which the Lion is here represented, was it possible she could sue- 
 cessfully retire from a ship so near her, and which is not stated to have 
 been disabled ? 
 
 Nor is consistency more attended to in this narration (not written 
 in the heat of the fight, but several weeks after) in the conducl of 
 the Foudroyant, so ably commanded by Sir Edward Berry. It ap- 
 pears by the excellent letter from Captain Dixon, that the Pentlope 
 had, during the night, shot away the main and mizsn-top-masts and 
 main-yard of the enemy* Admiral Decres says, that at six o'clock the 
 Foudroyant was close as possible alongside of him ; that in thirty- 
 six minutes the fore- mast of the William Tell gave way, and at three- 
 quarters past six her mam-mast shared the same fate. The sails and 
 rigging of the Foudroyant were cut to pieces, and she was for some time 
 ungovernable." He continues to observe, " the Lion, which had 
 retired from the engagement for more than an hour, had repaired her 
 damage, and returned to the attack on us." Notwithstanding which, 
 with one ship close alongside, and one on each quarter, he says, 
 perceiving that the fire of the Foudroyant " had abated," and feeling 
 ftbat without dread of the consequence he was equal to any bold
 
 CAPTURE OF THE WILLIAM TBLL. 
 
 attempt " WHILE THE SHIP WAS MANAGEABLE," he directed 
 Captain Saunier to seize the first opportunity to board the Fou- 
 droyant, "and RUSHING SUDDENLY on her starboard, he crossed 
 her bowsprit. The enemy, judging of our intention, manccu<ured t ia 
 order to prevent our boarding." How, in the name of common 
 sense, was it possible for a ship which, having lost her fore and main- 
 masts and mizen-top-mast, could only set her mizen and mi/en-stay- 
 sails, and must have lain nearly as unmanageable as a log upon the 
 water, to RUSH SUDDENLY upon another ? And how was it possi- 
 ble for that other, which he represents to be " UNGOVERNABLE," 
 to manawvrt ? 
 
 The William Tell, unquestionably, did more than bear a great 
 deal of beating ; she fought gallantly, and had the French Admiral 
 been satisfied with a statement of fads, he would have stood amongst 
 the most prominent of his country for honourable distinction. As it 
 is, we shall merely observe, that we conceive we should be always 
 eompens tod for the effect of his valour by a continuance of his pre- 
 sent system of proclaiming it. 
 
 From the long time our ships had been on service, it is probable 
 that, though with their full complement they would have had about 
 1,500 men, they actually did not contain a greater number than was 
 on board the enemy; their mode of fighting, therefore, was the 
 most judicious to prevent her escape, and to obtain her ultimate pot* 
 session with the smallest sacrifice. 
 
 The following interesting Particulars of the melancho-y Fate of his 
 Majesty's Ship TRINCOMALE, have been received at the India House. 
 
 Bombay, Jan. 18. 
 
 BY a dingey, which arrived a few days ago, a letter has beta 
 received from Mr. John Cramlington, late chief officer of the 
 Pearl, dated Muscat, November 10, containing a confirmation of the 
 capture of that ship, and the melancholy fate of his Majesty's sloop 
 the Trincomale, Captain J. Rowe ; the particulars of which are as 
 follow : 
 
 The Pearl left Bushire on the 4th ult. and was proceeding on her 
 voyage with light winds from the W. and N. W. On the 7th, at 
 hah past eight in the morning, the great Tomb bearing 6. distant 
 about two miles, they were surprised by the sudden appearance of a 
 ship right a-hcad, and close to them, which it afterwards appeared 
 had been lying at anchor under the great Tomb, and had seen the 
 Pearl at sun- set, but was concealed from the Pearl's view by the land, 
 and the hazy state of the atmosphere. The two ships soon ap- 
 proached, and Captain Fowler of the Pearl, on hailing the stranger, 
 was answered, The Swift, Company's cruizer, from Bombay," IB
 
 - 20 ACCOUNT OF THE LOSS OF 
 
 good English ; Captain Fowler being hailed in his turn, answered, 
 < The Pearl ;" on which the enemy instantly hauled his courses up, 
 and discharged his broadside with a volley of musketiy into the 
 Pearl ; some guns were without loss of time returned, and Captaio 
 Fowle'r gave orders for getting the tacks down, to trim the sails on a 
 wind, and thus endeavour to escape ; with which view Captain 
 Fowler took the helm himself, but was unfortunately soon afterwards 
 killed by an eight-pound shot, which struck him on the breast ; the 
 maintop-sail-tye was shot away about the same time, and the ship 
 taken aback ; oa which the crew all quitted the deck, and the chief 
 officer had no alternative but to surrender, having previously thrown 
 overboard three packets which Captain Fowler had in charge for 
 Government. Six men were killed and several wounded. On the 
 following day the freight-treasure was removed on board the priva- 
 teer which proved to be the Iphigene, Captain Malroux, from the 
 Isk of France,mounting 22 guns, four of which were 4 8lb. carronades, 
 the rest twelves and sixes, and 200 men. Mr. Cramhngton, wit 
 the gunner and some of the crew, were shifted to the pmateer. 
 enemy, elated with his success, had determined to quit the gulf in 
 company with his prize, when on the loth at midnight, being off 
 the Coins, the Pearl, about two miles a-head of the privateer, fell 
 with his Majesty's sloop Trincomale, and the Comet cruizer, whc 
 Sing the Pearl, and not receiving a ready or savory answer, 
 fc3 into her ; on which the privateer fired two guns in that direftion, 
 and put about and stood from them, judging one of them to be an 
 English frigate, and that the Pearl was retaken.-Contrary to Qapt. 
 Malroux'sexpedation, however, the Pearl was nearly up with tl 
 privateer at daylight in the morning, the Tnncomale and Comet at 
 the same time considerably to windward, bearing down ; from which 
 circumstance it would appear, that on the privateer discovering ; 1 
 self by the firing of the two guns, the gallant but unfortunate Captam 
 Rowe left the Pearl to pursue what he probably deemed a more nob < 
 objea, which he might think had a chance of escaping ten, if 
 any time by taking possession of the Pearl. 
 
 About eleven o'clock iu the forenoon several shots were . 
 changed between the Trincomale and Comet, and the Iphigene, 
 without cffea. Light and baffling winds and calms, and the tardy 
 manoeuvres necessary under these disadvantages to favour the d, 
 views of the respedive commanders, the French captaw being, no 
 doubt, desirous to a.ail himself of the assistance of his prize, whicl 
 ta" well armed, and Captain Rowe being, in all hkehhooc, as desirous 
 of separating them, for the same reason, prevented the.r coming t 
 close adion till about ten o'clock on the night of the ,2th, when a 
 furious cannonade commenced, which lasted for about two hours : 
 the Trincomale and her adversary then fell on board of each other,
 
 HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP TRi.NCOMALE* 321 
 
 land remained in that situation some time, the privateer having her 
 ttudding-sail boom rigged out, and grappling irons fixed to their ex- 
 tremities, when she engaged. The strength and number of her crevr 
 encouraging them to place great confidence in boarding, it appears 
 they were in the aft of making an attempt of that kind, when the 
 Trincomale blew up, and every person on board perished, except one 
 English seaman and one Lascar : the ships touching each other at 
 this time, the shock stove in the side of the privateer, and forced the 
 main and mizen-masts clear out of the ship. Mr. Cramlington was 
 then on the orlop, or platform appropriated for the wounded, 
 whom he describes to have been numerous ; he consequently had 
 two decks over his head, and the hatchway was suddenly choaked 
 with lumber ; but in the midst of this wreck and desolation he provi- 
 dentially, by a ray of light which the moon afforded through the 
 shattered side, discovered a hole in the deck, through which he as- 
 cended, and finding a corresponding opening in the upper deck, he, 
 with five or six others, succeeded in extricating themselves from their 
 dismal situation. The Iphigene was at this time going forward, and 
 Mr. Cramlington ran aft over heaps of dead and dying, and jumped 
 overboard, when he made every exertion to swim from the sinking 
 vessel, which soon disappeared ; four minutes having elapsed, as near 
 as Mr. Cramlington can guess, from the moment of her receiving the 
 shock. This Gentleman owes his safety to a piece of the floating 
 ruin, by which he supported himself for about two hours and a half, 
 with thirty Frenchmen in a similar situation. The Pearl and Comet 
 were in the meantime firing at each other, which prevented their 
 sending immediate relief to the sufferers 5 but at length the Comet 
 made sail. The Pearl then sent her boats, and took all the survivors 
 off the wreck. The privateer, according to their own account, lost 
 about 115 men, among whom were the captain, surgeon, boatswain, 
 gunner, carpenter, and seven other officers. By information received 
 from the French survivors, it appears that there were eight privateers 
 fitted out at the Isle of France this year, two of which were intended 
 to cruise on the Malabar coast ; one of them a brig, named the 
 General Muiat, mounting twenty guns, and a fast sailer. The 
 Iphigene was the other proposed for that cruise, after her visit to the 
 Gulf. A J^vv passenger, whom the Pearl had received on board at 
 Bussora, and several of the Pearl's crew, went down in the Iphigene. 
 The Pearl anchored at Muscat on the i jth of O&ober, from whence 
 she soon after sailed for the Isle of France, after landing all the 
 Lascars, Sepoys, horse- keepers, and Scacunnka, retaining the gunner 
 and carpenter." 
 
 IV. Jr. T T
 
 C 3" 3 
 
 STANZAS 
 
 On the Capture of the FOUDROYANT, of $4. Guns, ly the MONMOUTH, 
 of '64, Anno 1758. 
 
 S LOUIS sat in regal state, 
 
 The Monarch, insolently great, 
 Accosts his crouching slaves, 
 ' Yon stubborn Isle at last must bend, 
 " For now my Foudroyant I send, 
 " The terror of the waves. 
 
 *' When once he bursts in dreadful roar, 
 ** And vomits death from shore to shore* 
 
 ' My glory to maintain ; 
 ' Repenting Britons then will see, 
 " Their folly to dispute with me, 
 
 ' The empire of the Main." 
 
 He spake, th' obedient sails were spread, 
 And Neptune rear'd his awful head, 
 
 To view the glorious sight ; 
 The Tritons and the Nereiads came y 
 And floated rcund the high built frame, 
 
 With wonder and delight* 
 
 When Neptune thus the Gods adtJress'd : 
 " The sight is noble 'tis confessed, 
 
 " The structure we admire ; 
 " But yet this monstrous pile shall meet 
 ' With one small ship from Britain's fleet, 
 
 And strike to Britons' fire." 
 
 As from his lips the sentense flew, 
 Behold his fav'rite sails in view, 
 
 And signal made to chace ; 
 Swift as Camilla o'er the plain^ 
 The Monmouth skimm'd along the Main* 
 
 Unrival'd in the race*
 
 NATAL POETRY. 
 
 Close to her mighty foe she came, 
 Resolv'd to sink or gain a Name 
 
 Which Envy might admire ; 
 Devouring guns tumultuous sound, 
 Destru&ive slaughter flam'd around, 
 
 And seas appear'd on fire. 
 
 When lo ! th' heroic Gardner fell, 
 Whose worth the Muse attempts to tell, 
 
 But finds her efforts vain ; 
 Some other bard must sing his praise, 
 And bold as fancy's thoughts must raise, 
 
 The sadly mournful strain. 
 
 Carket *, who well his place supply 'd, 
 The mangling bolts of death defy'd, 
 
 Which furious round him rag'd ; 
 While Hammick + points his guns with care, 
 Nor sends one faithless shot in air, 
 
 But skilfully engag'd. 
 
 Baron J and Winzar's conduft show'd 
 Their hearts with untam'd courage glow'd, 
 
 And manly rage display'd ; 
 Whilst every seaman firmly stood, 
 'Midst heaps of limbs and streams of blood, 
 
 Undaunted, undismay'd; 
 
 Austin j| and Campbell ** next the Muse 
 Thro' fiery deluges pursues, 
 
 Serenely calm and great ; 
 With theirs' the youthful Preston 'sH name 
 Must shine, enroll'd in list of fame, 
 
 Above the reach of fate. 
 
 Hark ! how destruction's tempests blow, 
 And drive to deep despair the foe, 
 
 Who trembling fly asunder ; 
 The Foudroyant her horror ceas'd, 
 And whilst the Monmouth's fire increas'd, 
 
 Lost all her pow'r to thunder. 
 
 * First Lieutenant of the Monmouth. 
 
 f Second ditto, who commanded the lower gun-deck. 
 
 $ Third ditto ditto. Fourth ditto ditto. 
 
 || Captain of Marines. Lieutenant f Soldien. 
 
 |f Lieutenant of Marines.
 
 NAVAL fOETlY. 
 
 Now haughty Louis cease to boat> 
 The mighty Foudroyant is lost, 
 
 And must be thine no more ; 
 No gasconade will now avail, 
 Behold he trims the new-drcss'd sail. 
 
 To deck Blitannia's shore. 
 
 If e'er again his voico be heard* 
 With British thunder-bolts prepar'd, 
 
 And on thy coast appears ; 
 His dreadful tongue such sounds will sendj 
 As all the ncigbb'ring rocks shall rend, 
 
 And shake all France with fears. 
 
 VERSES 
 
 ON LAUNCHING A SHIP OF EIGHTY GUNS AT CHATHAM* 
 
 HILE acclamations rend the vaulted skies, 
 
 The vast mass moves and swift as light'ning fliesj 
 The crowd affrighted, shun its smoking course, 
 Admire its form, and dread th' impetuous force } 
 Beneath its weight the lab'ring shore gives way, 
 And yields its passage to the subjedl sea, 
 Smote by its fall, the waves on either side, 
 Break, foam, and whiten the receding tide. 
 
 Go, pompous fabrick, spread the op'ning sail^ 
 Display thy pomp and glitter in the gale, 
 Britannia's cross to distant regions show, 
 Far as the billows roll, or breezes blow, 
 And let thy thunders teach her foes to yield, 
 To her the empire of the azure field. 
 
 So when led on by valiant Jason's power, 
 Greece bent her vengeance to the Colchian shore, 
 Dodona's grove (Jove's consecrated wood), 
 Forsook its place, and rush'd into the flood ; 
 In vain wild Boreas from his cave withdrew, 
 And to his lov'd Nerea's succour flew, 
 The victor vessel all his efforts braves, 
 Sustains the tempest, and subdues the waves, 
 Thro' dangers joys its steady way to keep, 
 And awes the god whose trident rules the deep.
 
 t 325 3 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, SEPT. 20. 
 
 Cpy of a Letter from tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of tie IPTtile, tsV. fr 
 Evan Nepean, Esq. dated on board his Majesty' i Ship nil e de Paris, at Sea tbt 
 J^tb instant. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I herewith transmit a letter which I have received from Captain Fayerman. 
 of his Majesty's ship Beaulieu, giving an account of his having captured the 
 Dragon French Letter of Marque, from Guadaloupe bound to Bourdeaux. 
 
 J am, Sir, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORU, Seaulien,atSea,Aug.^T. 
 
 . I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that I captured in his Majesty's 
 ship under my command this morning (his Majesty's sloop Sylph in company), 
 the Dragon, a very fast sailing copper-bottomed sloop letter of marque, fn m 
 Guadaloupe to Bourdeaux, laden with sugar, coffee, and cotton, out tiirty-two 
 days, and am now hastening to go in chase of a ship and a schooner. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c, 
 Vht Earl of Si. Vincent, K. B. &c. F. FAYERMAN. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, SEPT. ig. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, K. B. Commander in Chief of lit 
 Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean , to Evan Nepean, jj. dated OM 
 board the Minotaur, in Leghorn Reads, $d Aug. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 The inclosed letter received by me from Captain Ballard, of his Majesty't 
 ship Pearl, will inform their Lordships of a gallant and successful attack made 
 by the boats of that ship on two Spanish xebecs and six small vessels under 
 their protection. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 MY LORD, Pearl, off M ah on, 'July 23. 
 
 The aoth instant, being of Couronne, in his Majesty's ship under my com- 
 mand, the boats with their gallant crews, under the direction of Lieutenanc 
 Crawley, captured two .Spanish xebecs, one mounting eight guns, and six settees, 
 mostly armed and deeply laden. Five of them anchored with me here this 
 day, ai.d the other three I was obliged to scuttle, owing unfortunately to a 
 gale of wind coming on, by which, 1 am sorry to say, James Parker, seaman, 
 was drowned, and the most valuable boat I had (the yav.l) sunk. 
 J have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 S. J. BALLARD. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, SEPT. 2O. 
 
 Copy of a Lttter from Captain Price, of b'n Majesty's Slip Badger, to Evan Nefean t 
 Mfg. dated at St. Marcou, Sept 1 6. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg leave to represent to you, for the information of their Lrdships, the 
 account of a very gallant action performed yesterday by two of the boats be- 
 longing to his Majesty's gun-vessel, within four miles of the West Island, 
 under the command of Lieutenant M'Cullen, of the Marines. 
 
 About two P. M. of the 5th, 1 observed a long lugger between Fssegney 
 and us, and thought I could cut her off from La Hogue ; 1 directed Lieutenant 
 M'Cullen, with twenty-four picked men in my ten-oared galley and sir-oared 
 cutter, to endeavour to board her, and directed Lieutenant btevens (by signal) 
 %o slip and cover the boats with his Majesty's gun-brig Sparkler, then for aU 
 boats manned and a^med to support the leading boats.
 
 326 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 The service was so Well performed, that the Sparkler took the fire of tw* 
 batteries of two twenty-four-pounders and two twelve-pounders, which pre- 
 vented its being directed against the boats : the lugger perceiving the boat* 
 determined, lowered her sails, rowed on shore, cut away all her masts and 
 rigging, and got on shore ; our cutter immediately boarded her under the fire of 
 several hundred musquetry, and towed her off. She proves to be La Victoire 
 privateer (row-boat), Captain Barier, belonging to Boulogne, mounting four 
 swivels, rows twenty-six oars, quite new, from appearance had at least forty 
 men on board ; she is sixty feet long, nine feet beam, and the completes! boat 
 for the service of the islands that could possibly be constructed. 
 
 In performing this, I beg you will mention the gallant manner Lieutenant 
 Stevens ran the gun-brig into two fathom water ; kept up a continual fire for 
 one hour under the batteries, which diverted their fire from the boats; Lieut. 
 M'Cullen, of the Marines, who so determinedly led the boats ; and the good 
 condudt of the twenty- four men, who so well pei formed the service ; and, from 
 the continual fire of musquetry, I am happy to find so small a loss as my gun- 
 r.er's mate (Joseph Silki wounded by a musquet-ball in the shoulder. The 
 Spnrkler has received no other damage than a few shot through her sails, and 
 some of her rigging cut. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 CHARLES P. PRICE. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, SEPT. 2J. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, late Commander In Chief of bit 
 Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Jamaica, to van Nepean, tq. dated on board the 
 Trent, at Spitbead, the l^tb intt. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour to enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioner* 
 of the Admiralty, an account of armed vessels and merchant vessels which 
 were taken, sunk, or destroyed by his Majesty's squadron under my command, 
 from the 2Oth day of May to the 3d of August last, the day 1 sailed from 
 Jamaica. I am, Sir, &c. 
 
 H. PARKER. 
 
 An Account of Armed Vessels captured, detained, 6r deitroyed since tie istb of 
 May, 1800. 
 
 Diligent, French National Corvette, mounting twelve long twelve-pounders, 
 and 1 30 men : taken by the descent. 
 
 Spanish Felucca Del Carmen, mounting two four-pounders, and 30 men ; 
 destroyed by the Bonetta. 
 
 Spanish gun-boat, mounting two guns : taken by the Rattler. 
 
 Row-boat privateer, with small arms, and nineteen men: taken ty the 
 Quebec. 
 
 Spanish Felucca privateer, mounting one gun, and thirty-five men : taken 
 by the Melampus, 
 
 Spanish ship of war, eighteen guns, no men, with a valuable cargo : taken 
 by the Apollo. 
 
 ("Here follows an account of merchant vessels captured, detained, or destroyed, 
 since the aoth of May, 1800, amounting to 87.] 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, SEPT. 23. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour, late Commander in Cliff of 
 his Majesty's Ships and Vessels at tie Leeward Islands* to E-van Ncpean, Efq. dated 
 at Port-Royal Harbour, Jamaica, the 1st of August, 1800. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Herewith you will receive, for the information of the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, an account of the vessels captured and re-captured, as well as 
 a list of those which are detained upon suspicion, between the -zjth day of 
 May, i8oc, and the aoth day of July following, by the ships of the squadron 
 lately employed under my command at the Leeward Islands, amounting to- 
 gether to sixty-two sail, of which fourteen were enemy's privateers, eight
 
 <JAZKTTE LETTERS. 
 
 I ana, Sir, &c. H, SEYMOUR 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 4. 
 
 ^! Z /'/r/7" ''''"-MMral Lvrd KeM, C mma nd er in Chief of hi, 
 ******* r eit ,h,n the Mediterranean, to E van Nefean, E tq . dated on b 
 Minotaur % in Leghorn Roads, tbe lOtb of July 18:0. 
 SIR, _'; 
 
 - C ? y f A K"\ r from Ca P tain Halsted of h Majesty' 
 mtwith. National 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 MY LORD, 
 
 ) ) j 
 
 nff th g H- aVe t , , ac 5 uaint / ur , Lordship, that early yesterday morning. beb e 
 bL fH er nd , & ' 5? d i" k id. I nt Lieutenant Thompson, with thf 
 boats of his Majesty's sh,p Phan.x, in chase of a small vessel standing in for 
 Hicres Bay ; and at nine A. M. they captured her. She proved to bll.a Re- 
 ie 1-rench National vessel, coppered, mounting four carriage jmns and 
 four swivels, with twenty-seven men, partly laden with brandy, wine, cheese 
 and pork, two days from Toulon, and bund to Malta with dispatches which 
 were thrown overboard. 
 
 I am sorry to add, that in capturing the above vessel we lost one man and 
 iintortunatcly this morning, it blowing strong, she overset, but happily na 
 lives were lost. 
 
 I have the honour to he, &c. ' 
 
 Sight Hon. Lor J Keith, K. B. L. W. HALSTED. 
 
 y ice- Admiral of the Red, l3"c. 
 
 ADMIRA1TY-OFFICE, OCT. II. 
 
 Cofy of a Letter from Captain George Martin, of bis Maj-sty's Ship Nirtliualfrhruf, 
 to Evan Ncpean* sy. dated ojf St. Paul's, the $tb Heft. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 As my Lord Keith is now at Mahon, and it may be some time before he ha 
 an opportunity of communicating with their Lordships, I have the honour to 
 enclose a copy of my letter to his Lordship, giving an account of the surrender 
 of the French garrison of La Valette, and one of the ajth August, acquainting 
 him of the capture of La Diane French frigate. 
 
 I am : ir, &c. 
 
 GEORGE MARTIN. 
 
 MY LORD, Northumberland, off Malta, S;ft. 5. 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint you. that the French ganison of La Valeite 
 surrendered yesterday to the allied forces serving at Malta, and to enclose the 
 copy of the Articles of Capitulation. 
 
 I have not yet been able to obtain an account of the ordnance and stores in 
 the garrison ; the moment it can be prccured I will transmit it to your 
 Lordship. 
 
 I enclose a list of the ships and vessels found in the harbour. 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (Signcdj OJKORGE MARTIN. 
 
 37 1 Ri?Lt Hon. Lord Kiiib, K* B. 
 Commander in Chief, J^V.
 
 $2$ GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 A List of Vessels found in tie harbour of La Valette, ivten tit Place capituteitieti 
 L'Atenian, Maltese ship of sixty-four guns, in good condition. 
 Le Dego, Maltese ship of sixty four guns, not in a state to proceed to scSfc 
 La Cattagenoise Maltese frigate, not in a state to proceed to ssa. 
 Two merchant ships, wanting repair. 
 One brig, fit for sea. 
 One xebec and two other small vessels. 
 Five or six gun- boats, not fit for service. 
 
 MT LORD, Northumberland, off St* Pdufs^ ZQtb Aug. l8o(X 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint you, that the frigates La Justice and La Diane 
 sailed from the harbour of La Valette on the night of |he I4th, and were im- 
 nediately pursued by his Majesty's ships off that port ; and that the latter, after 
 a chase of some hours, and a running fight with the Success, struck to that ship, 
 the Genereux, and Northumberland. La Justice, I am sorry to add, escaped 
 under cover of the night, and has not since been heard of. 
 
 La Diane mounts 43 guns, eighteen and nine-pounders, but had only 1 14 
 men on board, having left the remainder to assist in the defence of the garrison. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 (bigncd) GEORGE MARTIN. 
 
 fke Right Honourable Lord Keith, K. B. 
 Commander in Chief, {&c. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. II. 
 
 Co fiy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, Commander in Chief of his Ma' 
 ' j'-'ty't Ships and fcssets in the Mediterranean, to Evan Nepean, sy. dated fon- 
 droyant, Gibraltar-JBay t Sept. 15, l&OCu 
 SIR, 
 
 My letter of the i ith instant, will have acquainted their Lordships of my 
 having formed the resolution of attempting an enterprise against two armed 
 vessels, reported to be receiving stores in the Road of Barcelona for the relief 
 of Malta. I have now the satibfa3ion of informing you, that this service has 
 been very judiciously arranged by Captain Louis of the Minotaur ; and most 
 gallantly and successfully executed by Captain Hillyer of the Niger, and Lieut. 
 Schomberg of the Aiinotaur, in the boats of these ships, as will appear by the 
 report made to me thereon by Captain Louis, a copy of which is herewith in- 
 closed. I have no doubt that their Lordships will justly appretiate the meriss 
 of the Officers by whom this gallant and enterprising service has been per- 
 formed. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 J*Y LORD, Minotaur, Sept. ft. 
 
 Knowing how anxious and desirous your Lordship was, as well as the service; 
 to my country, by cutting out or destroying the two corvettes, lying in Barce- 
 lona Road, mentioned in your Lrdship*s orders to Captain Oliver; and, in 
 order to check the two ships sailing upon this intended Secret Expedition, in- 
 duced me to persevere in rhe following attempt : 
 
 On the evening of the jdinst. after having delivered Captain Hillyer of the Ni- 
 ger his orders to join your Lordship, a breeze sprung up from the westward, with 
 every appearance of a close night. 1 again called him on board, with the signal 
 at the same time to prepare boats. Captain Hillyer and Lieutenant Schomberg 
 volunteered the service, assisted by Lieutenants Warrand, Lowry, Lieutenant 
 Hcaly of the Niger, Mr Reid, \i aster, and Lieutenant Jewell of the Marines. 
 The boats left the Minotaur about eight o'clock in the evening. The firing 
 began fr*m all quarters at near nine ; about ten o'clock I had the pleasing satis- 
 faction to see two ships dropping out of the Road under a heavy fire from the 
 ships, four strong batteries, ten gun-boats, two schooners, with two forty-two 
 pounders each the fort of Mount Joui the same time throwing shells. The 
 Minotaur and Niger were well placed ir. good season to cover the party. The
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 329 
 
 service was performed throughout with an enterprising spirit, good condutf, 
 and in a gallant style. The loss, which I shall inform your Lordship, of killed 
 and wounded, fell principally upon two boats, not great, when compared to the 
 situation the number of boats, and so many men, were placed in for a consider- 
 able time. The ship* about eleven o'clock were perfectly free from the fire of 
 the enemy's batteries and gun -boats, the men of war checking the movements 
 of the latter : the ships captured, named Conception, alias Esmiralda, and La 
 Paz, about 400 tons each, mounting 22 brass guns, twelve and nine-pounders, 
 laden with provisions and stores, &c. supposed for Batavia, and on Dutch ac- 
 count ; they were to have taken 300 troops of the regiment of Batavian Swiss 
 on board from the Island of Majorca. I found several Dutch officers on board 
 the Esmiralda. The officers and several of the men of La Paz, during the 
 action, quitted her in boats. La Paz is a very fine ship, quite new, never at 
 sea before, sails remarkably well, and I make no doubt your Lordship will find 
 her in all respects calculated for his Majesty's service; the Esmiralda is also a 
 very fine ship. I beg leave strongly to recommend to your Lordship's notice 
 Captain Hillyer and Lieutenant Schomberg; their services upon this occasion 
 deserve the first attention and highest praise ; at the same time I cannot pass 
 without notice the general good conduct of every officer and man serving under 
 iiiy command. 
 
 I herewith send the list of killed and wounded. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. &c. 
 
 THOMAS LOUIS. 
 
 Viet- Admiral Lord Keith, Commander 
 in Chief ; fcV. &c. 
 
 List of Killed and Wounded. 
 
 Minotaur. Mr. Reid, Master, slightly wounded. 
 
 Niger. Two seamen killed; four seamen and one marine (since dead), 
 wounded. 
 
 Killed and Wounded on board the Enemy's Slips, 
 
 La Paz. One seaman killed ; four seamen wounded. 
 Esmiralda. Two seamen killed i seventeen seamen wounded. 
 
 (Signed) THOMAS LOUIS. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, OCT. 14. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, K. B. Commander in Cliff of lit 
 Majesty': Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated on 
 board the Foudroyant, at Sea, $d Sept. l8oO. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 T have the honour of inclosing, for the information of their Lordships, a 
 list of merchant vessels and others, captured by his Majesty's ships on _this 
 station, under my command, so far as the same have been reported to me since 
 
 my last return. 
 
 I have the honour to be, KC. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 [Here follows a list of merchant vessels captured by his Majesty's ships and 
 vessels on the Mediterranean station since the last return, so far as the same 
 have been reported to the Right Hon. Lord Keith, K. B. Vice- Admiral of the 
 Red, Commander in Chief, &c. &c. &c. except those of which returns nave 
 been akeady transmitted, amounting to 84.] 
 
 IV. u u
 
 C 330 ] 
 
 FRENCH MARINE. 
 
 TN a former part of this Work, we presented to our Readers a 
 variety of new regulations then adopted for encouraging the 
 French Marine *, and remarked that it appeared to be the intention 
 of the ruling Powers there, to continue actively employed on that 
 head until its regeneration should be complete : since our publication 
 of those papers, the following Articles have been decreed by the Con- 
 suls of the Republic ; the principles of which our Readers may wibh 
 to be acquainted with, as affording an insight into their proceedings : 
 
 ART. I. The Gunnery Department shall be composed of three 
 ranks of Marine officers, 'viz. an Aid-Gunner, a Second Master, 
 and a Master Gunner. There shall be three classes in each of these 
 ranks. 
 
 II. No one shall obtain the station of Aid-Gunner who has not re- 
 ceived a year's instruction in the Theoretical Schools of Gunnery, 
 unless he has obtained a certificate of merit, and fulfilled the other 
 conditions required by the law respecting the promotion of sea- 
 men. 
 
 III. First-rate seamen, who in time of war shall have served twelve 
 months as loaders on board ships of the Republic, may be made Aid- 
 Gunners, though they have not been at the Theoretical Schools, nor 
 obtained a certificate of merit. 
 
 IV. Seamen who shall obtain the rank of Aid-Gunner, shall, at first, 
 have only the pay of the third class of that rank 5 tiie farther increale 
 shall be according to the rules established for promotion in the Marine 
 Service. 
 
 V. Half the number of Masters, Second Masters, and Aid-Gunners 
 necessary for the armament of ships and other vessels of the Republic, 
 shall be taken from the seamen who have attained rank from their 
 service. 
 
 The 6th and jth Articles relate to their comparative ranks with 
 Officers of the Artillery. 
 
 VIII. There shall be maintained in the different ports of the Re- 
 public fifty-four Master Gunners. 
 
 Their Pay 'will be divided into four Classes. 
 
 3 of the first, at _.-_._ 1080 francs. 
 
 5 of the second, at ------ 960 
 
 23 ofthetiiird, at ------ 84.0 
 
 23 of the fourth, at ------ 720 
 
 * Sec Official Papers, Regulations, &c. page 739. and Essays on the Cause of the 
 Naval Superiority of the English over the French, by French Authors, pages 14* 146, 
 22 226. Answer to ditto, 227229.
 
 FRENCH MARINE. 
 
 They shall be distributed as follows : 
 
 33 1 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 '* 
 
 C 
 
 i> 
 u 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 & 
 
 U 
 
 B 
 
 
 ctf 
 
 
 u 
 
 Q 
 
 M 
 
 1 
 
 05 
 U 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 ffi 
 u 
 i-1 
 
 c 
 
 3 
 
 -Q 
 
 O 
 
 H 
 
 I. Class. 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 II. Idem. 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 5 
 
 III. Idem. 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 
 IV. Idem. 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 23 
 
 
 21 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 54- 
 
 Their destination may be changed as the exigency of the service may 
 require. 
 
 IX. The Master Gunners maintained shall be attached to the park 
 of artillery, and employed there in the different details of the service. 
 They may, nevertheless, be embarked to discharge the functions of 
 First Masters on board the ships of the Republic when the Maritime 
 Prefect may think necessary. They shall have the rank of Subaltern 
 Adjutants, and not change their uniform. 
 
 X. The places of Regular Master Gunners shall be given to Master 
 Gunners of the Maritime Inscription, having the rank of Master of 
 the First Class, able to read and write, and who shall be distinguished 
 for their talents, their services, and their good conduct. 
 
 XI. When the place of a Master Gunner maintained in a port shall 
 be vacant, the Maritime Prefeft shall make it known to the officer of 
 the administration of the Maritime Inscription employed in the circle 
 of the prefecture. The latter shall without delay send him the state of 
 service, and justificatory pieces of the Master Gunners who shall have 
 sufficient pretensions to the vacant place. The chief of the park shall 
 also send him those of the Master Gunners domiciliated in the port. 
 These shall be examined by a council under the presidency of the 
 Maritime Prefect of the port, and composed of the Military Chief, the 
 Chief of the Park of Artillery, the Chief of the Administration, and 
 two Naval Officers named by the, Maritime Prefeft. The Council 
 shall make choice by the absolute plurality of suffrages of the three 
 candidates who unite the best titles to their favour. The Maritime 
 Prefeft shall send the list, together with his opinion to the Minister, 
 who shall nominate the person whom he shall judge intitled to the 
 preference. 
 
 COMPANIES OF APPRENTICE GUNNERS. 
 
 XIII. There shall be maintained, for the instruction of young sea- 
 men, four companies of apprentice gunners two at Brest, one at 
 Rochefort, and one at Toulon. Each of these companies shall be com- 
 posed as follows : 
 
 1 Chief of Company Captain of Artillery. 
 
 2 Subaltern ditto Lieutenants of Artillery. 
 4 Regular Master Gunners. 
 
 4 Master Gunners not Regular. 
 8 Second Masters. 
 
 16 Apprentices Chiefs of Squadrons, 
 104 Apprentice Gunners.
 
 33* FRENCH MARINE. 
 
 Amongst whom are two officers and four regular Master Gunners, be- 
 sides 552 men, eight Officers, and sixteen Regular Master Gunners. 
 
 XIV. There shall only be admitted into these companies, in quality 
 of Apprentice Gunners, young seamen from eighteen to twenty years 
 of age. 
 
 Those who announce a disposition for the sea service, and know 
 how to read and write, will have the preference. 
 
 XV. There shall be chosen from the apprentices sixteen of those 
 most distinguished for their application and good conduct, to be Chiefs 
 of Squadrons, with an additional pay of three francs per month. 
 
 The Chiefs of Squadrons may be kept for eighteen months in the 
 companies of Apprentice Gunners; but in that case they shall, when 
 their time is out, be capable of a higher promotion than a simple Ap- 
 prentice Gunner. 
 
 XVI. The Apprentice Gunners shall remain at the Theoretical 
 School of Gunnery for a year, then sent to quarters, and their places 
 filled up by others j but in such a manner, that no whole company 
 shall be received at a time. 
 
 XVII. They shall be allowed, according to the book of rates, 
 travelling expences, from their quarters to the port of their destination, 
 and back again when their time of service is expired. 
 
 The 1 8th, i9th, zoth, aisr, and azd Articles, relate to the manner 
 of filling up vacancies. 
 
 XXIII. The posts of Lieutenants in the companies of the Apprentice 
 Gunners shall be given to the regular Master Gunners. 
 
 When a Lieutenancy is vacant, the Minister of the Marine shall 
 present to the First Consul a list of the regular Master Gunners, 
 capable of that promotion from the nature of their service ; the First 
 Consul shall make choice of the person most proper to be appointed. 
 
 XXIV. The vacant places of Captains in the companies of Ap- 
 prentice Gunners shall be bestowed according to the choice of the 
 First Consul, either on the Lieutenants of these companies, or on 
 officers of the Marine Artillery. 
 
 XXV. The promotions of Captains in these companies to the rank 
 of Chief of Battalion, shall be according to the regulations for or- 
 ganizing the Marine Artillery. 
 
 XXVI. The pay of each company of Apprentice Gunners shall be 
 regulated as follows : 
 
 DESIGNATION OF RANK. PAY. 
 
 Individ. Total. 
 
 i Captain, .._-_.-__- 2500 fr. 2500 fr. 
 
 i Lieutenant, _-___._. - 1500 1500 
 
 4 Regular Master Gunners, ----- 
 
 4 Ditto, not regular, ....... 576 2304 
 
 8 Second Masters, ---*--._- 456 3648 
 
 1 6 Apprentice Gunners, Chiefs of Squadrons, 324 5184 
 
 104 Apprentice Gunners, -_.--_ 288 29,952. 
 
 Total pay of a company, _---__, 45,088 
 
 Pay of the four companies, ----- - 180,352
 
 FRENCH MARINE. 333 
 
 In consequence of the above rate of pay, no supplement will be 
 allowed to any Officers, or Master Gunners employed in these com- 
 panies. 
 
 XXVII. The irregular Master Gunners, Second Masters, and Ap- 
 prentices, shall have no other food at the expence of the Republic, but 
 twenty-four ounces of bread per day. 
 
 Government will be at the expence of barracks and firing, in the 
 same manner as provided for the Subalterns, Officers, Bombadeers, 
 and Gunners of the Marine Artillery. 
 
 XXVIII. The Apprentice Gunners shall wear a blue jacket, and a 
 leather cap, with a brass-plate, with an artillery device, which shall be 
 furnished from the general magazine. The price of the jacket will be 
 deducted monthly by an eighth of their pay. The cap will be supplied 
 at the expence of the Republic. 
 
 XXIX. The Apprentice Gunners must, on no account, be per- 
 mitted to sleep out of their barracks, nor more than one half $f the 
 Masters and Second Masters. 
 
 The three next Articles respect the services in which they may be 
 occasionally employed. 
 
 XXXIII. The companies of Apprentice Gunners may also be em- 
 ployed, when the exigencies of the service require it, in working the 
 vessels in the harbour. When they are in a condition to furnish de- 
 tachments for that purpose, they shall be employed under the orders 
 of the officers of the port, and shall always be led to their work by an 
 Officer, or Master Gunner, who must himself lend a hand in ex- 
 ecuting such orders as may be given. 
 
 XXXIV. They shall be under the same regulations as the troops of 
 the park of artillery. 
 
 XXXV. They shall, at stated times, undergo an examination before 
 the Subaltern Chief, and the Adjutant of the Park, and the Officers 
 and Master Gunners of the company. It shall extend to all the 
 theoretical and practical parts of gunnery for which they are de- 
 signed. 
 
 XXXVI. The Chief of the park of artillery shall report such ex- 
 amination to the Maritime Prefect, who is to deliver the certificates of 
 merit, and allow an increase of pay to those who distinguish them- 
 selves by their improvement and good conduct. 
 
 XXXVII. A statement of such increase shall be sent to the proper 
 officer, and the Chief of the Administration shall send extracts of them 
 to the native places of those who shall have obtained them. 
 
 The remaining Articles grant proportionate increases to the su- 
 perior Officers of the different Classes who shall be found deserving of 
 them. 
 
 Thus far we have collected and presented to our Readers what has already 
 taken place in France relative to the recruiting and spiriting up of their humir 
 Hated Marine, not doubting but that whatever energy and effect they may be 
 enabled to give to it, will only add fresh laurels to our gallant tar.
 
 334 1 
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
 
 HOWEVER highly the Naval Transactions of Britain, and the 
 conduct of her officers during preceding wars may have tended 
 to raise her consequence, and to inspire foreign countries at once 
 with awe and with admiration, it may he fairly asserted, without 
 the smallest degradation of those very renowned characters who in 
 earlier contests have so splendidly distinguished themselves, that 
 no war has ever been so productive as the present, of exertions, many 
 of them so extraordinary as to become almost incredible. Early in 
 this month, an official account, which had been preceded for some 
 days by the repeated murmurs of the Spanish Gazette, was re- 
 ceived of the capture of two Spanish corvettes, cut out of the Road of 
 Barcelona, by some boats belonging to the Minotaur and other ships 
 of war, detached by Lord Keith, from the fleet under his command. 
 ^The circumstances of the attack were singular and unprecedented : 
 the skill and adroitness with which it was conducted, may challenge 
 the admiration of ages to come, while it may almost defy being sur- 
 passed on any future occasion whatever. 
 
 It were immaterial to enter into any particular detail of the circum- 
 stances attending the transaction, as they will be found sufficiently 
 Fecorded in the very brief and modest official account transmitted by 
 Captain Louis *, who superintended and directed the operations j but 
 the conduct of the Spanish Court on this occasion cannot fairly be 
 passed over so silently. Irritated and provoked, as it Is not unna- 
 tural to suppose the Government of a country must be on finding 
 the batteries, even of their principal ports, not capable of afford- 
 ing protection to their vessels of war, they have endeavoured, by 
 every species of obloquy that disappointment and resentment could 
 invent, to persuade the rest of Europe, that this very extraordinary 
 success was effected by means injurious to the rights of neutral powers, 
 and such as it was highly incumbent on a variety of other States, in- 
 sulted as they \verje in what may be considered the person of an indi- 
 vidual, to resent, as a common and general cause of affront. The 
 fact, when simplified, appears nothing more than that the Captain of a 
 British ship of war, having casually met with a merchant vessel be- 
 longing to Sweden, confessedly a neutral power, thought proper to 
 seize on, and compel the service of that vessel for a certain period, in 
 aid of his projected enterprise. This procedure, it seems, has been 
 loudly complained of as a direct violation of the rights of neutral 
 Nations. Had the ship in question belonged to the State of Sweden, 
 there might then have been some ground of complaint as an insult 
 offered to the Swedish flag 5 but, in the present case, the objection, or 
 charge, is so ridiculous as to render it not a little extraordinary, that 
 the most extravagant political partizan could entertain, and foster the 
 idea even for a moment. 
 
 It may be asked, If this doctrine were admitted, and if it were decided 
 that the Swedish flag was insulted in consequence of a British ship of 
 war compelling a merchant vessel of that nation to perform any ser- 
 vice which should be dictated to her, how are those rights to be de- 
 fined, since it has been the invariable practice of the powers at war 
 
 * Gaactte Letters, pag^zS.
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER OF NAVAL EYZNTS. Jj^ 
 
 ivith each other to hire, and even compel, the service of neutral vessels 
 as transports j and since those vessels have without hesitation been cap- 
 tured by the enemies of the compelling power whenever they fell ia 
 their way ? Two of the principal storeships belonging to that armament 
 intercepted by the late Admiral Barrington, on its passage to the East 
 Indies, in 1782, were Swedish vessels. They had been forced to engage 
 in the service of France, and as they were captured without hesitation, 
 so were they condemned without complaint. The cases appear as nearly 
 parallel as the diit'erence of the services will admit : and it is certainly 
 no unfair inference to say, that if the Law of Nations depends on an 
 unwritten and ill-defined code, recourse must be had to that best 
 system of explanation, precedent and general usage. 
 
 Information of the foregoing event was attended by one of in- 
 finitely superior consequence. A success which, resting on a ground 
 materially different from the former, tends to elevate the character and 
 consequence of the British Navy far higher than ever it has been before 
 raised, even in its proudest days of success. The capture of the 
 Island of Malta, principally owing to the indefatigable exertions of die 
 British Navy *, will stand on the page of history as a most incon- 
 trovertible proof of its own consequence, as well as of the mnremittinjj 
 assiduity of its commanders. 
 
 Unassailable with any prospeft of success, on account of its natural 
 and artificial strength, the fortifications of Valette, which had bade 
 defiance to the assaults of the most powerful armaments, scowled de- 
 fiance on the usual methods of siege. To have proceeded according to 
 the accustomed mode of attack, would have caused only the need- 
 less sacrifice of the lives of thousands, without materially advancing or 
 furthering the wishes of the assailants. A more sure but infinitely 
 more tedious method was prudently resolved on ; and a determinate 
 perseverance effected that purpose which the utmost effort of human 
 gallantry might probably have been unable to attain. _ When the 
 labour, the difficulty, and the manifold impediments which naturally 
 .oppose the blockade of a port in a far distant quarter of the world, ia 
 defiance of an enemy, assiduous, enterprizing, brave, and anxious ia 
 the extreme to render the project abortive, are considered, the success 
 which attended it cannot tail to reflccl the highest honour on those 
 who undertook the arduous task, as well as on that country possessed 
 of sufficient resources to render it, in spite of every surrounding ob- 
 stacle, eJfeclual and decisive. 
 
 The following is a List of his Majesty's Ships which formed the Blockad*. 
 
 Northumberland, - 74 Captain Martin. 
 
 Genereux, - 74 - Dixon. 
 
 Stately (armee tnfiitc} - 64 - - Scott. 
 
 Charon (ditto), - - 44 ' - Bridges. 
 
 Princes* Charlotte, - 3 ' - Stevenson. 
 
 Pallas (an*fl*rf<) - 3 - Edmund*. 
 
 Penelope, - - - - 3 6 - Blackwood. 
 
 Santa Teresa, - - - 36 - Campbell. 
 
 Success, ..... 3* -- 
 
 i c 
 
 Champion, - - - - 4 - Lord W. Stewart. 
 
 Bonne Citoyennc, - 18 - - Buchanan. 
 
 PortMahon, - - - 16 - Jackson. 
 
 Vincelo, --- - 16 - Long- 
 
 Minorca, - - - - 16 - Migr. 
 
 Strombolo (bomb), - 8 - Thompson.
 
 336 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 The situation of the conquered country renders it of the highest 
 consequence to Britain. Though of the most immaterial value on 
 any other ground, it insures to her the free navigation of the Levant, 
 and of the Adriatic. It seems by its position totally to preclude any 
 second attempt being made by European invaders on Egypt, and 
 insures the tranquillity of the East India possessions of Britain 
 from any disturbance of the same nature with that already pro- 
 jected. It serves, in great measure, to afford protection, if not to 
 all the Italian states, at least to the kingdom of Naples, and gives an 
 authority to Britain, which the aspiring temper of other powers has 
 rendered it necessary for her to assume, contrary, perhaps, to her own 
 natural inclination. 
 
 - The maritime events in other quarters, however less consequential 
 in their interest, have proved no less glorious and honourable to 
 Britain. The navies of her opponents have been content to owe their 
 safety, as heretofore, to the protection t>f their ports, and Britain has 
 enjoyed the negative satisfaction of meeting with no competitor or rival 
 daring enough to contend with her the empire and dominion of the 
 seas. 
 
 While on the one hand, the bravery and general spirit of enter- 
 prise has been so conspicuously displayed, the philanthropy and bene- 
 volent disposition of British Officers has been.no less prominent. 
 An account published by the French themselves, states, that in the 
 beginning of the month of September, a flag of truce arrived at Barce- 
 lona from Port-Mahon, bringing thither more than one hundred 
 prisoners, Spaniards, Ligurians, and French, who had been rescued by 
 the English from the possession of the Turks. The cruelties they 
 are said to have experienced, according to their own report, and the 
 very expressions used in depicting them, " would freeze the very soul." 
 Among the miserable captives, was a person of the name of Theve- 
 mrd, son to an inhabitant of Toulon 5 he was one of the unfortunate 
 men sent by the French on the luckless expedition to Egypt. His 
 brother had fallen in the battle of Aboukir, and he himself had lan- 
 guished in captivity for a considerable space of time, till Sir Sidney 
 Smith, fortunately for him, became apprized of his distressed situa- 
 tion. This truly great man immediately exerted every nerve to pro- 
 cure his release, and was, as might be expected, successful ; bur his 
 generosity did not stop here : he supplied him with necessaries, with 
 money, with recommendations to a variety of persons at Con- 
 stantinople, and afterward caused him to be conveyed to Rhodes, in 
 a. vessel purposely equipped for his use. The conduct of Sir Sidney 
 on this occasion has been attended to with the utmost gratitude by the 
 French; and the following" letter, selected from among many others 
 equally benevolent and philanthropical, has been published in the 
 French papers. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Commodore Sir Sidney Smith to Captain 
 Gabriel Thevenard. 
 
 " On board tie Tigrt, June 15, l8oO. 
 
 " M. Thevenard is requested to come and.dine with bir Sidney ''mith on 
 board the 1 igrc this day, at three o^ciock. Sir Sidney takes the liberty to 
 Send some clothes, which he supposes a person just escaped from prison may 
 require. 'J he great coat is not of the best ; but excepting English naval 
 uniforms, it is the only one on board the 'I igre, and the same Sir Sidney wore 
 during his journey from the Temple till he reached the sea. It will have 
 done good service, if it a^ain serves a similar purpose, by restoring another toe 
 to the arms of his aged father, dying with chagrin." 
 
 Such conduct must Silence the breath of envy, and render all ar. 
 plause nugatory \ 4
 
 OF NAVAL EVENT*. 337 
 
 It is with pleasure we find, that those gallant veterans, the Officers of Green- 
 wich Hospital, are likely to obtain a reiteration of their half-pay, which has 
 been hitherto stopped from them, upon their being admitted members of that 
 great national institution. All who have the good and honour of their country 
 at heart, must be gratified by every instance of public munificence shown to so 
 highly valuable a class of men as the Captains and t ieutenants of the Navy ; 
 from among whom the veterans in question have been selected, as possessing 
 uncommon merit, and as having signalized themselves in the service of their 
 country in the most extraordinary manner. Men who answer to this descrip- 
 tion cannot be sufficiently rewarded. 
 
 Soundings have been lately taken along the Welch coast, as a chain of 
 shipping is to be established, for the purpose of a complete communication be- 
 tween hngland and France. By this means the enemy will find it difficult to 
 escape from Brest without our fleet having immediate intelligence. 
 
 It is reported, that in consequence of particular orders from Lord Keith* 
 commander in chief in the Mediterranean, all marines landed on service, under 
 his command, are to share whatever prizes may be captured by their respe<5tive 
 dhips. This, though a new thing, is but just. 
 
 HOUND SLOOP OF WAR. 
 
 It is with concern we are under the necessity of recording the follawing 
 particulars respecting the Hound sloop of war, as transmitted in a letter from 
 Edinburgh, dated October the lyth. 
 
 " On the 2jth ult. his Majesty's ship Hound sailed from Brassy Sound, 
 having in company the Lerwick packet, of Lerwick, and the Eliza, of Ler- 
 wick, with the mail for Aberdeen. The Eliza returned to Brassy sound on 
 the morning of the 2;th ult. wind S. S. E. blowing a storm, and heavy rain. 
 It is now reported from the Island of Unst, that a topmast. cap, and part of an 
 arm-chest, with the word " Hound" upon each of them, are drove on >hore, 
 in and near the island of Baity, and in Baity Sound ; as also some hammocks, 
 pillows, and slips, a hen-coop, &c. It is likewise reported, that a cow, which 
 was sold by a ~\lr. Thomas Edmonstone, of Buncs, to the purser or some other 
 gentleman of the Hound, the last time she was in Baity Sound, is found among 
 the wreck, and, by marks that were previously cut on the horr.g, they know it 
 to be the same cow that was delivered on board the Hound by Mr. Edmon- 
 stone. From these reports it is feared the Hound has experienced a melancholy 
 accident. Beside the ship's company, there were on board forty-five Dutch 
 fishermen, prisoners." 
 
 Captain Turquand, of the above sloop, was first Lieutenant of the Canada, 
 of 74 guns, commanded by Sir J. B. Warren, when he engaged the French fleet 
 off Tory Island, and brought the Hoche safe into port, for which he was made 
 Commander, and appointed to ad in the room of Captain Raynor of fhc 
 Railleur sloop, during his illness ; Captain Raynor having joined her on the 
 apth of May, the above sloop, with the Trompeuse, commanded by Captani 
 Robinson, and the Lady Jane cutter, parted with the Channel Fleet in a heavy 
 gale of wind, and have not since been heard of. 
 
 CAPTURE OF THE ALBION SLOOP OF WAR. 
 We are concerned to state, that letters have been received from Captain M. 
 Smith, at Tranquebar, announcing the capture of his Majesty's ship the Albion, 
 by a French pnvateer, the Malartique, on the 6th of March, in lat. 20. 24. 
 north, and long. 90. o. east. The privateer fell in with the Albion on the j-th 
 February and the chace (during the whole of which the privateer had English 
 colours flying, and under them kept up a constant fire) lasted until the lol- 
 lowing day at one i'.M. when the enemy being within pistol shot, Captain 
 Smith found h'mself under the necessity of surrendering his ship, 
 before, the Malartique took a vessel from Pe o ue, belonging, to the K:n^ 
 Tsavancore, and, after dismantling her in a great measure, put Capum 
 
 . iv. x x
 
 338 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 and his crew on board, requiring his parole of honour, that nc would proceed 
 to the poit of 'I ranquibar; and for the purpose, it would seem, of preventing 
 Captain t-mith's speedy arrival, lest intelligence of the privateer's motion* 
 might thereby be given, the French Commander ordered the vessel's main-yard 
 to be thrown overboard. The Malartique had captured a very rich Dane and 
 a Portuguese ship, with many chests of dollars on board. 
 
 Courts partial* 
 
 PORTSMOUTH, OCTOBER Ig. 
 
 A Court Martial was held on board the Gladiator, in Portsmouth Harbour, 
 n Thomas M'Carty, a seaman belonging to his Majesty's ship Mclfemcnt, for 
 desertion, 
 
 Admiral HOI.LOWAY, President. 
 
 The charge being completely proved, he was sentenced to be hanged. Thi 
 was the third time of his desertion, after receiving each time the bounty for hi* 
 entering into the service. The last time, he entered into the Marines, and 
 consequently swore, agreeably to orders of admitting men into that Corps, that 
 he did not belong to the Navy or Army, and that he was an Englishimn, and 
 not a Roman Catholic. He has, however, proved his own ad: of perjury, by 
 wnce confessing that he is an Irishman, and of the Catholic persuasion, in addi- 
 tion to the circumstance of his being a seaman at the time. 
 
 1 5. Another Court-Martial was held on board the same ship, for the trial 
 nf Joseph WKIGHT, alia* Marr, a Seaman belonging to his Majesty's fire-ship 
 Otter, tor desertion, and on suspicion of running away with one of the ship'i 
 boats The prisoner was in part found guilty, and sentenced to receive zo 
 lashes, and to forfeit all his pay. 
 
 James KEETJNO, a private Marine belonging to his Majesty's ship Terrible, 
 was also tried the same day, on a charge of disobedience of orders, and (It iking 
 his Serjeant ; and being found guilty, was sentenced to receive 2,00 lahcs. 
 
 SHEERNBSS, SEPTEMBER lj. 
 
 A Court Martial was held on board His Majesty's ship Lit Sensible, in the. 
 Harbour, to try JAMS* BLEW, belonging to the Poumer gun vessel, for deser- 
 tion ; when the Court, in consideration of the extreme good character given 
 him by his officers, only adjudged him to receive zoo lashes. 
 
 Off. a6. A Court Martial was held on board his Majesty's ship Sijnrton. in 
 Sheerness harbour, to try Lieutenant JAMES RYDER, of his Majesty's ship Zea- 
 ianJ, for absenting himself from the ship without leave, when, the charge being 
 proved, he was rendered incapable of serving in the Naval Service of His Ma- 
 jesty, his heirs and successors, for ever; but the Court recommended him t 
 orne consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. 
 
 "J he same day another Court Martial was held on board the ame ship, to try 
 Alexander Brown, a seaman belonging to His Majesty's ship Jiolebay, for de- 
 if-rtion, and for running away with a prize belonging to that ship ; but th 
 hirges not being proved, he was acquitted. 
 
 T. TRING, a eaman belonging to the Centurion, was, on the zist of January, 
 executed on board the Suffolk, at Bombay, pursuant to the sentence of a Court 
 Martial. Tring, with some others, was sent with a prize to the Centurion for 
 the Cape of Good Hope, but the vessel wa re-captured on her passage, and 
 carried into the Mauritius : the Prize-master and his crew shortly after received 
 permission from the French Commander to return home ; but Tring and 
 another, instead of doing so, entered on board the French frigate La Pnidente, 
 and which was afterwards captured by the Daedalus, Tring entered as an 
 American on board the Daedalus, and proceeded with her into the Red Sea, 
 where joining the Centurion, he WAS recognized, Hi& companion was killed i ; , 
 the aion between the frigate*.
 
 OF NATAL BYKNTS. 
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FROM SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 32. 
 
 Stft. 24. Wind S. W. Blows a gale. Passed up for tke Downs, th 
 Madras, of 54 guns, Captain Dilkes, after a fine passage from St. Helena, with 
 sixteen sail of East Indiaman, all well, valued at three millions sterling ; one 
 Indiaman has on board spices to the amount of 500,000!. sterling, from Ceylon. 
 By letters from Jamaica, dated the jd of August last, it appears that the Au- 
 gust fleet of 170 sail, sailed from Bleuficlds the ist of that month under care of 
 the Queen, of 98 guns, Captain Dobson, two frigates, and the Busy, of 18, 
 Captain Ommaney. (They have since arrived.) Several of the Mutineers of 
 his Majesty's late ship Hermione, had been tried, executed, and to operate as 
 a terrible example, their remains had been suspended in chains from gibbets, 
 erected on the Coral Keys or Rocks, lying off Port- Royal harbour. Captain 
 6. Foster, was promoted to the command of the Retribution, of 44 gun?, late 
 Hermione. (Vide NAVAL CHRONICLE, page 256.) Captain R. Mends, of the 
 Abergavenny, of 54 guns, had been promoted to the Thunderer, 74, and had 
 sailed on a twelve weeks cruise. 
 
 25. Wind S. W. Blows hard. Owing to the very heavy gales of wind, 
 and the unsafe riding of the gun-boats, the whole cordon of those vessels is 
 broke up for the winter, and they are gone into Yealm River, Catwatcr, 
 Finisterrc Bay, and Mill Bay. Arrived the Spanish packet El Carlos, of iS 
 guns, and ic o men, richly laden with cocoa, indigo, cotton, and Soool ster'ing 
 in dollars, prize to the Doris, of 36 guns, Captain Lord Ranelegh. She was 
 bound from the Havannah to Corunna, and was captured off the latter port 
 the i7th instant. She threw her dispatches overboard. 
 
 26. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Arrived the Sprightly, of 14 guns, Lieutenant 
 Jump, from a cruise. The Robuste, of 74 guns, Captain Thornborough, from 
 the Channel Fleet. The Louisa, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Truscott, just come 
 from the Straits, is fitting for the same service. Passed up for Torbay, Admiral 
 Earl St. Vincent, with part of the Channel Fleet. 
 
 27. Wind S. W, Blows hard- Arrived from off Brest, and anchored in 
 Cawsand Bay, awing to very heavy gales of wind at S. W. the Temeraire, of 
 98 guns, Rear-Admiral Whitshed; Namur, 98, Captain Luke; Prince, 98, 
 Rear-Admiral Sir C. Cotton, Bart.; Barfleur, 98, Rear-Admiral Colling- 
 wood; Royal George, no, Captain Domett; Neptune, 98, Captain Vashon ; 
 La Juste, 84, Captain Sir H. Trollope ; Russel, 74, Captain H. Sawyer; Mars, 
 74, Captain Monkton ; Marlborough, 74, Captain Sotheby ; Defence, 74, 
 Captain Lord H. Paulet; Elephant, 74, Captain r'oley; Excellent, 74, Hon. 
 Captain Stopford. Came in, in damage, the Mercury of and from Quebec, 
 with timber for London. She was taken the i6th instant by La Bellone, 
 French privateer of 36 guns, and 30x3 men ; and retaken the 20th imtant, by 
 L'lmmortalite,of36 guns, Captain Hotham. 
 
 28. Wind W. Cloudy. Arrived here a mate and six men, part of the 
 Spitfire's crew, which were put on board the Robust, an American, from Haiti- 
 more to Amsterdam with tobacco, and detained and sent f.>r Plymouth by the 
 Spitfire of 24 ~ftns, Captain Keen, off the hddy stone ; while three of the crew 
 were aloft trimming the sails two in the hold stowing the cable tier, one at tl 
 helm and the prize-master at breakfatt, the Americans, armed with pistols, 
 seized the steersman and prize-master, and threatened to shoot the men aloft 
 and below, if they did not give up the ship, forced them into a boat, and it > 
 upposcd steered for Amsterdam (she is since arrived there). The poor fellows 
 after a long pull, got into Salcombe. Passed up Irom Minorca, where she 
 landed General Sir Ralph Abercrombic and suite, the Seahorse, of 38 guns, 
 Captain Foote. 
 
 20 N. N, W. Blows hard. Arrived th? Eeaulieu, of 44 F, Capta.n 
 Skynner, frow cruise. Went into the *oun4, La ?!, * 44 gu> Captwn
 
 540 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 Young; she is victualled for foreign service, and goes to Portsmouth to com- 
 plete her complement of men. 
 
 30. Wind variable. Cloudy. Letters from the Csesar, of 84 guns, Com* 
 modore Sir J. Saumarez, Bait, dated the 26th, state, that the Caesar, 84; 
 Fompee, 84; Captain, 74; Montague, 74; Sinus, 36; and Megsera, 24; com- 
 ' pose the in-shore flying squadron in Dauarnez Bay, near Brest, where, in the 
 late heavy gales of wind at S. W. they by as snug as in Torbay or Cawsand 
 bay, without splitting a rope yarn. The Megasra in expelled in soon to refit. 
 
 05. i. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived a French brig cartel from Nantz, with 
 114 British seamen and Marines, all of whom were taken prisoners about three 
 months since in the boats of Rear- Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren's squadron, 
 in endeavouring to cut out a French convoy from Isle Nourmouticr, but the 
 tide' making a great out, the whole were [taken by the French troops; who, 
 while .our poor fellows were in the mud and sands, fired upon them in their 
 defenceless situation, and killed and wounded several. .Lord H. Paulet's 
 coxswain of the Defence was killed. 
 
 i. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived the Scorpion, of 1 8 guns, Captain Finley ; 
 parted company with the West India fleet in a violent gale of wind off the 
 'Western Islands. Arrived the Cerberus, of 33 guns, Captain Macuamara, from 
 a cruise. Sailed to join the Channel FJeet, the Elephant, of 74 guns, Captain 
 Foley ; also the Fanny, 14, Lieutenant Frissel, with a convoy for Dublin. 
 
 3. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived the Marlborough, of 74 guns, Captain 
 Sotheby, from off Ushant ; and Spitfire, 24, from a cruise, with the Anna, Gil- 
 dea, Master, from Amsterdam, bound to Philadelphia, supposed with Dutch pro- 
 ptrty; also the Aiaris, Torney, with fish from Newfoundland. Sailed the 
 Canada, of 74 guns, Hon. Captain De Courcy, to join the flying squadron in 
 Dauarnez Bay, to watch the motions of the combined fleets in Brest harbour. 
 
 4. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived the Dasher, of 18 guns, Captain Tobin, and 
 the La Rose French schooner from Bourdeaux, bound to Gaudaloupe, with 
 wines and brandies, prize to the Clyde, of 44 guns, Captain Cunningham. 
 Sailed the Indefatigable, of 44 guns, Hon. Captain Curzon, for Torbay. 
 
 j. Wind S. E. Rain. Pursuant to orders from Admiral Earl St. Vincent, 
 the following ships sailed from Cawsand Bay to join his Lordship in Toibay, 
 viz. Prince, of 98 guns, Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Cotton ; Prince George, 98 ; 
 Edgar, 74; Barfleur, 98, Rear-Admiral Collingwood ; F-xcellent, 74 ; Neptune, 
 98; Elephant, 74; and Doris, 36. 
 
 6. Wind S. E. Rain. Letter* received from the Cxsar, of 84 guns, dated 
 off Brest, the 1st instant, state, that the Captain, 74, Captain Sir R. Strachan, 
 spoke on the 30th ult. a large West Indiaman from Jamaica, of 600 tons, taken 
 by La Grand N'ouche French privateer of Bourdeaux, and recaptured going 
 into that port, by the Alarm, Dispatch, and Marquis of Townsend privateers, 
 of Guernsey : when the West Indiaman was boarded by the above privateers, 
 the prize-master found seven of the mutineers of his Majesty's late ship Danae, 
 who on being discovered, were immediately put in irons. It should be ob- 
 served, that the Danae's mutineers entered at Bourdeaux, principally on board 
 the French privateers La Grand Mouche, of 36 guns, and 300 men. and La 
 Belloue, of 36 guns, and 300 men ; by these letters it appears that the combined 
 fleets were in stJtu quo. 
 
 7. Wind variable. Rain. Arrived the Britannia of and from Glasgow, 
 for Charlestown, prize to La Eraave, of 36 guns, and 300 men. of Bourdeaux, 
 and retaken by La Nymphe. of ? 6 guns, Captain Frazer. Arrived aUo La 
 Nymphe from a cruise off Corunna. Arrived from Gibraltar express, with dis- 
 patches for Government, in ten days, the Thalia, of 36 gur.% Laptain Nisbet ; 
 as soon as the dispatches and letters are fumigated, they will be forwarded im- 
 mediately express. 
 
 8. Wind N. W. Fair. The Captain, of 74 guns, and M ars, 74, appeared 
 off the Sound from the westward, laid to for orders, and then sailed for Tur- 
 bay. Sailed for Portsmouth with tick men, the Ramilics, of 74 guns.
 
 HAVAL EVIITrS. 
 
 $. "WindS. W. Fair. Sailed for Portsmouth, the Royal George, of uo 
 guns, Captain Domett, to take Rear-Admiral Sir Hyde Parker on board, who 
 then will join the Channel Fleet. Two boats a few days since in a gale cf 
 wind, were upset near Redding Point, and every soul perished. Thejearaa 
 $o high at the same time that it made a clear breach over the Barbican Pier 
 from the youth west. Arrived from the secret expedition the Amethyst, of 
 38 guns, Captain Cooke; she aud La Nymphe will receive their prize-monej 
 for a French East Indiaman, th ir prize. During their stay in port she netted 
 36,000!. 
 
 10. Wind S. W. Rain. Came in La Racoon French privateer, of 14 vmt, 
 and 90 men, captured by the squadron off Corunna. Also La Magiciennc 
 French schooner Letter of Marqne, Citizen Andoin, richly laden with gurt, 
 ivory, and natural curiosities, from Senegal to Bourdeaux, prize to the Clyde, 
 of 44 guns, Captain Cunningham. Also the Juffrow Dierde, 1 russian galliot, 
 with salt from Croisir, detained and sent in by the Fanny, of 14 guns, Lieut. 
 Frissell. And in damage in a heavy gale of wind, the Danish brig Vrow 
 Elizabeth, with brandy and wine from Teneriffe to Altona. Also a sloop with 
 timber, detained by the Clyde, of 44 guns. 
 
 1 1. Wind S. W. Blows hard. Sailed La Juste, of 84 guns, Captain Sir H, 
 Trollope ; and Saturn, of 74, Captain Totty, for Torbay. Arrived the Kan- 
 garoo, 1 8, Captain Pulling, from the Downs for Belfast, to wait for order*. Came 
 in the El Vivo, Spanish brig of war, of 14 guns, eighteen-poundcrs, and 100 
 men, bound with dispatches from Coranna to Havannah, captured by the 
 Fisgard, of 48 guns, Captain T. B. Martin. She threw her dispatches over- 
 board. 
 
 i. Wind S. W. Blows hard. Arrived the Renown, of 74 guns, Rear- 
 Admiral Sir J. Borlase Warren, Bart. ; Impeteux, 84 ; Captain, 74 ; Courageux, 
 74 ; Superb, 74; from the secret expedition. Since the failure at Ferro) the 
 above squadron have been cruising in the Bay. L'Impeteux, of $4 guns, 
 knocked off her false keel on some rocks in a bay near Ferrol. Arrived the 
 'Telegraph, of 18 guns, Lieutenant Corsellis, from a cruise. 
 
 13. Wind S. W. Rain. Blows hard. Went into Barnpool the Amethyst, 
 of 38 guns, Captain Cooke. Also the Jmpetueux, of 84 guns. It blew so hard 
 this morning;, that the flotilla of trawl-boats fishing off the Eddyttone, were 
 obliged to bear away without being- able to draw their trawls. Sailed for Bel- 
 fast, the Kangaroo, of 18 guns, Captain Pulling. Also on a cruise the Tele- 
 graph, of 1 8 guns, Lieutenant Corsellis. Parsed by the Channel Fleet for their 
 station off Brest. Arrived the 1 .ondon Packet, of 10 guns, Lieutenant Fegen, 
 with a fleet of coasters from the Downs Also the Chapman, of 24 guns, 
 Captain Brown, with a fleet from Milford Haven. 
 
 14. Wind variable. Mild. Arrived from Torbay, with the loss of anchor* 
 and cables in a gale of wind on Saturday at S. . the . uwurrow, of 16 gun?, 
 1 jeutenant Nicholson. 
 
 i$. W r ind 8. E. Fair. Arrived from the Channel Fleet, with orders for all 
 the ships in the bound and pawsand Bay to sail directly, the Megsera fircship, 
 Captain Hill. After delivering her orders she sailed again directly, bailed 
 the Dasher, of 18 guns, Captain Tobin, on a cruise. Arrived 1 a i oire, of 48 
 guns, Captain Newman, to refit. Went up the harbour the impetueux, of 84 
 guns. She stripped directly, and goes into the large dock the next tide to have 
 her keel and bottom examined. Came in the sir Sidney Mmth schooner with 
 a convoy. 
 
 1 6. Wind variable. Fair. Came in the Juno, Patterson, from Riga, with 
 hemp and iron for the dock-yaid. Sailed the Defence, of 74 guns, Captain 
 Lord Paulet, to join the Channel Fleet. Arrived the Plymouth Lugger, 
 Lieutenant Elliott, from a cruise off i ourdeaux; and the Pelican, of 16 guns, 
 Captain Thickness, from Jersey, left all well at the latter place. The Hanger 
 cutter, Captain ! razer, arrived from a cruise alter smugglers, and brought in 
 140 ankers of spirits. Sailed on a cruise, the Cerberus, of 32 guns, Captain 
 Macnumara 5 and George cutter, of iz gung, with a fleet to the eastward.
 
 54* MOHTHLT RtGlSTER 
 
 17. Wind N. W. Fair. Sailed with dispatches for Gibraltar, the Sir 
 Thomas Pasley cutter, Lieutenant Nevin. This day prize-money to a large 
 amount was paid to the Captains, officers, and crews of the Amethyst, of .,8 
 guns, Captain Cooke, and La Nymphe, of 36 guns, Captain P. Frazer. The 
 great sales for prize goods captured in different vessels of the enemy by our 
 cruisers and sent in here, began this day. The prize-vessels and goods of 
 different kinds fetched great prices; and were bought np with avidity by 
 purchasers from London, Liverpool, Bristol, 1-almouth, Exeter, &c. much te 
 the satisfaction of the captors. 
 
 18. Wind E. S. E. Cloudy. Came in and wnt up the harbour, the 
 Kanrnr, of 98 guns, Captain i.nke. Her crew is to be turned over to the St. 
 Joseph, of 1 12 guns, lately repaired, and now fitting for sea in Hamoaze. 
 
 19. Wind E. N. E. Fair. Arrived the Neptune, of 98 guns; Tcme- 
 raire, 98 ; Atlas, 98 ; and Centaur, 74 ; from Earl St. Vincent's fleet. The 
 latter has sprung her fore mast and bowsprit in a gale of wind. 
 
 zo. Wind E. N. E. Fair and mild. Arrived six chasse maries, part of a 
 convoy of eleven sail, laden with salt- fish, cord, wood, and other stores, for the 
 Combined fleets at Brest. They were cut out by the boats of the Magnificent, 
 ef 74 guns, Captain Bowater, and the Montague, of 74 guns, Captain Knight, 
 on Sunday the I3th instant, near L'Orient. One chasse marie burnt, two. sunk, 
 two fitted as armed tenders, and six brought into Plymouth eleven sail. 
 The most material fadl is, that there is now fitting out at L'Orient, a new ship 
 f large dimensions, called L'Argonaut, of 74 guns, and 750 men, launched 
 about three months since, and was the i ith instant, with top-sail-yards across, 
 fitting for sea. It is said she means to try to escape these dark nights for 
 Brest. 
 
 21. Wind W. Fair. Arrived from of Corunna, with 1 60 Spanish prisoners, 
 the Unicorn, Captain Wilkinson. Sailed to join the Channel Fleet, with dis- 
 patches, the Magicienne, of 32 guns, Captain Ogilvie. Letters from the flying 
 squadron off the Black Rocks, dated the i4th instant, state, that the squadioy 
 had a peep into the Brest Outer-road, the loth inst. when the combined fleets 
 were in stain quo. Sailed the London, of 98 guns, to join the Channel Fleet. 
 In deck refitting this day, St. Joseph, of in guns; Culloden, 74; La 
 Nymphe, 36; Scout, 16; Sprightly, 14. The frame-work of the Hibernia, of 
 120 guns, is up and complete, and will remain for seasoning according to the 
 rales of the Navy. P. M. Sailed for Guernsey La Loire, of 48 guns, Captain. 
 Newman. 
 
 PORTSMOUTH REPORT. 
 
 SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 27. 
 
 Sept. 50. Arrived La Pique, of 38 guns, Captain Young, and Sea-Guli, 
 Captain Lavie, with the Howard transport under convoy from Plymouth. 
 
 Off. z. Arrived the Pelican, of 18 guns, Captain Thicknesie, from a cruise, 
 with the Resolution, a Swedish ship, laden with masts, which she detained in 
 the Channel ; and a smuggler, laden with 400 cask* of spirits. Also I a 
 Vidoire, French cutter privateer, prize to the Badger, Captain Price. Sailed 
 the Fairy, Captain Warren, to put himself under the orders of the Prince d 
 Bouillon, at Jersey. 
 
 ' 3. Sailed the Bouncer, with a convoy for the Downs; and the Farl St. 
 Vincent cutter, with a convoy for the westward. 
 
 4. His Majesty' ship Melpomene, Captain Sir Charles Hamilton ; and 
 Tly, Captain Mudge, went oat of harbour to iipithead. 
 
 6. Arrived the Topaze, of 36 guns, Captain Church, from Lisbon, last from 
 the Downs; and the Cumberland, of 74 guns, Captain Graves, fio:n the
 
 OF .NAVAL ETENTS.. 
 
 Jailed his Majesty's ships Triumph, of 74 guns, Captaia E. Harvey; and 
 Thames, of 32 guns, Captain Lukin, to join the Channel Fleet ; and th Pelkan, 
 Captain Thicknesse, for Jersey. 
 
 ?. Arrived the Terrible, of 74 guns, Captain Walseley, and Burdcla, of 
 3* guns, Captain Manby, from the Downs. Also the Earl St. Vincent cutter, 
 Lieutenant Leekey, with the Ocean transport, with troops for Jersey. 
 
 8. Arrived the Jason, of 40 guns, Captain Yorke, from a cruise on th 
 coast of France ; and the Rowcliffe, Lieutenant Donavan, from Guernsey. Sir 
 Hugh Dalrymplc, and suite, came home passengers, and were landed at Wey- 
 Biouth. 
 
 9. Arrived the Juste, of 80 guns, Captain Sir Henry Trollope, from the 
 Channel Fleet ; Cambrian, of 40 guns, Hon. Captain Legge ; St. Fiorenzo, 40, 
 Captain Patterson : and Syren, 36, Captain Gossclin, from Weymouth, where 
 they have been attending their Majesties. 
 
 1 1. Sailed the Ganges, of 74 guns, Captain Freemantlc, to join the Channd 
 Fleet. 
 
 13. Arrived the Harpy, Captain Birchall; Resolution, Captain Gardner; 
 Gorgon, Captain Hidl.and Alkmaar, Captain Maling, from the Downs. 
 
 14. Arrived the Lion, Captain Hammond, with dispatches from the Me- 
 diterranean ; and the Snake sloop of war, Captain Lewis (so long given up ac 
 totally lost), from the coast of Africa. She sailed from Spithead on the j jth 
 f February, and had not been heard of since the ijth of the following month, 
 when she parted with the ships in her company during a most awful storm. 
 She brought in with her a prize. 
 
 ic. Arrived the Dolphin cutter, Lieutenant Jasrctt, and Farce gun-rrijr f 
 Lieutenant Tokley, from Marcou. Sailed the Castor, Captain Gowcr; Prose- 
 lyte, Captain Fowke, for Jersey ; and Active, Captain Giffard, on i cruise. 
 
 16. Sailed the Modeste, Captain Hinton ; Dido, Captain Colby, and Re- 
 source, Captain Crispo, with troops for the Mediterranean. 
 
 17. Sailed the Rambler, Captain Schomberg, and the Rowcliffc, Lieutenant 
 Donovan, with four sail of transports undei convoy, for Guernsey, with troops. 
 
 20. Arrived the L'Oiseau, Captain Linzee, from her station off Havre de 
 Cracc. She was relieved by the Proselyte, Captain Fowke. Earl St. Vincent, 
 Lieutenant Leekey ; and Earl Spencer, lieutenant Rye, from a cruise. Sailed 
 the Hazard, Captain Butterfield, with a convoy for Newfoundland. 
 
 21. Arrived the Serpent, Captain Roberts; and Weazle, Captain Durban, 
 Irom the eastward. Sailed the Ikjuncer gun-vessel, with a convoy for the Downs, 
 
 22. Arrived the Emerald, Captain Waller; and Niger, Captain Hillyar, 
 from the Mediterranean; and Phcebe, Captain Barlow, from Ireland. Sailed 
 the RowclifFe, Lieutenant Donovan, with troops for Jersey. 
 
 23. Arrived the Sensible, Captain Sauce ; Sheerness, Captain Garden; and 
 Dj-omedary, Captain Taylor, from the Downs. Sailed the Lion, Captain 
 Hammond, for Chatham, to be paid off: Braakcl, Captain Clarke, to 6t. 
 Helens ; the Harpy, Captain Birchall ; and Earl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenan: 
 Leekey, on a cruise. 
 
 24 Arrived the Constance brig, Lieutenant Wright, from Jersey ; and the 
 Andromeda, Captain Bradby, from the Downs. Sailed the Jason, of 40 guns, 
 Captain Yorke, for Cowes She is appointed to convoy the Cornwallis and 
 General Boyd; the former bound to Botany Bay, and the latter to the Soutk 
 Seas. 
 
 5 . Arrived the Plover, Captain Galway, with a Urge convoy from th 
 Downs. 
 
 26. Sailed on a cruise the Cambrian, Hon. Captain Lcgge ; and St. Fio- 
 renzo, Captain Patterson. 
 
 The Pbcebe, Captain Barlow, is appointed to take Admiral Sir Alan Gardner 
 to Ireland, to succeed Admiral KiDgsmill as commander ui " " n " at
 
 344 
 
 LOSS OF THE QUEEN. 
 
 The following is an extract of a Letter from an Officer on board the Kent 
 Fndiaman, dated from St. talvadore, on the coast of Brazil, the lyt 
 
 We should have left this place ere now, but for a melancholy accident which 
 has befallen the Queen Indiaman, which had put in here with us a few days 
 since, For want of water. On the 9th, between two and three o'clock A.M. 
 oar Officer who had the watch on deck, discovered a smoke issuing from the 
 Gun-room ports of the Queen, which was moored a little way from us. 
 Immediately we called the Captain and Officers, for although no alarm was 
 given from the Queen, yet as she was evidently on fire, every exertion was 
 made to man our bouts, with the fire-engines, buckets, &c. for their assistance ; 
 but within a few minutes of our discovering the smoke, she was completely i 
 /Tames from stern to the bows, and in a few minutes more, the three masts were 
 overboard. Unfortunately it blew very fresh, and a current of at least three or 
 four knots. This of course rendered it difficult for the boats to get along side to 
 save the people, and so rapid were the flames, that about thirty soldiers 
 perished below decks, being unable to get up the hatchways. All the Officers 
 of the ship are saved ; and fortunately for us, the current carried her clear of 
 the Bay, and she drove a considerable distance before she blew up, about 7 
 A. M. The cause of the fire U not ascertained, as no person had been in the 
 gun-room after eight o'clock ; and although several people slept over the gun- 
 room scuttle, the smoke was not discovered till near three o'clock. The scene 
 was dreadful, from the cries of between 2 and 300 men, and many perishing in 
 the flames or sea. Those that are saved are almost entirely naked, from being 
 hurried out of their beds. The remaining troops, and all the passengers, (about 
 jco), proceed in the Kent to India. There are five Ladies, and General ST, 
 JOHN and Family, are accommodated by the Captain of the Kent with his 
 cabin apartment. 
 
 Most of the passengers, Captain Craig, and some of the Officers were 
 ashore at the time, V nfortunatcly six of the passengers and seventy of the 
 crew perished. The First Mate, Mr. John Craig, was on board, and did 
 not leave the ahip till the very last moment, after having done every thing 
 that it was possible for a man to do. The only way in uhich this dreadful 
 disaster can be accounted for is, that immediately upon the arrival of the Queen 
 at St. Salvadore, a guard of Portuguese were sent on board, to prevent, as 
 they said, smuggling, and a gun-boat at the same time was laid alongside of 
 her, the crew of which kept a fire of wood constantly burning- ; some of it, it 
 is supposed, they threw in at the scuttle-hole of the gun-room, for it was there 
 the fire was first discovered, and no one of the ship's company had been near 
 it with a candle. 
 
 Amongst the unfortunate sufferers on board was EdwarJ Maync, Eq. 
 jun. of Powis Logic, in Scotland, writer in the service of the Hon. East 
 India Company. When just about to step into the boat which was to carry 
 him from the awful scene, he recollected that there was an unfortunate pas- 
 senger confined by sickness to his cabin. He flew to rescue him from the im- 
 pending destruction, and in a short time appeared with the hapless invalid on 
 his shoulders. Alas! it was too lute ; the boat had put off, and in a few 
 minutes the ship blew up. 
 
 The fate of Mr. Smith also, a gentleman of the Bar, was truly deplorable : 
 In endeavouring to get from the ship, one of his amis was jammed between 
 her and a boat lashed alongside, whilst the fire was raging near him, so that 
 apparently, he was precluded from a possibility of escaping. In this dreadful 
 dilemma, he intreatxd some of the people, who were getting over the ship's 
 side into another boat, to cut off his arm, that he might join them ; which not 
 being complied with, he contrived to take a penknife from his pocket, and put 
 aa- immediate cod to his. life, by cutting his throat. 
 
 4
 
 OF NAVAL EYENTJJ 345 
 
 This is the third East Indiaman which has been destroyed by fire since the 
 "year 1701 The two former were the Princess Amelia, and the Earl Fitzwil- 
 liahi. The Commanders of all the three ships were, however, saved. 
 
 OCTOBER 8th, 1800. 
 
 A Court of Directors was held at the East India Ifvuse, this day, at which the 
 following Ships were taken up and consigned as under- mentioned : 
 
 BOMBAY AND CHINA. 
 
 SJjifs. Tens. Commanders. To be in ti't 
 
 
 
 Doiuns. 
 
 New Ship, ... 
 
 iaoo Capt. Thos. Wakefield, 
 
 Dec. 7th. 
 
 New Ship, - 
 
 1200 Andrew Patten, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Nottingham, - 
 
 John Barfoot, 
 
 ditto 
 
 ST. 
 
 HELENA, BENCOOLEN, AND CHINA. 
 
 
 Carnatic, ... 
 
 1 1 89 Capt. James Jackson, 
 
 ditto 
 
 
 COAST AND CHINA. 
 
 
 True Briton, 
 
 1198 Capt. Wm. Stanly Clarke, 
 
 Jan. 2 lit. 
 
 Hindostan, - 
 
 1248 Geo. Millett, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Hope, .... 
 
 1 200 James Horncastle, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Boddam, ... 
 
 ion Geo. Palmer, 
 
 ditto 
 
 
 CHINA. 
 
 
 Taunton Castle, 
 
 1189 Capt. , 
 
 March ;th 
 
 Albion, ... 
 
 96 1 Andrew Timbrill, 
 
 ditto 
 
 \\^r*r*r? fnr^l 
 
 * -r <?"* T im f*c; Tl^**I 
 
 ditto 
 
 Alfred, '- - - 
 
 7c~ T n tfc~.. T7^^.,ul^.^ 
 
 ditto 
 
 I j otj ' j allies i rtr<jun<trson| 
 
 Earl of Abergavenny, 
 
 1 200 John Wordsworth, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Duke of Buccleugh - 
 
 Warley, - - - 
 
 ! j 82 Thomas Wall, 
 Hco Henry Wilsou, 
 
 ditto 
 ditto 
 
 Belviderc, 
 
 
 ditto 
 
 
 
 COAST AND BAY. 
 
 
 Charlton, ... 
 
 818 Capt. Thomas Welladvice, 
 
 Feb. Jth. 
 
 SirS. Lushington, 
 
 608 George Gooch, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Duke of Montrose, 
 
 762 Patrick Burt, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Dover Castle, 
 
 820 . Peter Sampson, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Calcutta, - 
 
 819 . William Maxwell, 
 
 ditto 
 
 Admiral Gardner, 
 
 813 . Edward Bradford, 
 
 ditto 
 
 J,ord Thurlow, - - 
 
 805 - William Thomson, 
 
 Feb. aoth. 
 
 ^Tr_ _,-],, 
 
 
 ditto 
 
 vv aipoic, 
 
 "Venner 
 
 dicto 
 
 '1 he M,orris, - - 
 Asia, - 
 
 . gi cj . Robert Wordlow, 
 
 ditto 
 
 
 COAST AND MOLUCCA. 
 
 
 Princess Charlotte - 
 
 610 Capt. Charles E. Prescott, 
 
 March ;th. 
 
 sr. 
 
 HELENA, BENGAL, AND BENCOOLEV. 
 
 
 New Ship (Mr. Wigram)8oo 
 
 Feb. aoth. 
 
 
 BENGAL. 
 
 
 Henry Dundas, - - 
 Preston, 
 
 8^2 Capt. Walter Carruthcrs, 
 671 Thomas G. Murray, 
 
 April 6th. 
 ditto 
 
 
 BOMBAY. 
 
 
 Lord Hawkebbury, - 
 
 803 Capt. W. Donaldson, 
 
 Jan. 2 1 st. 
 
 Airly Casle, 
 Fort William, 
 
 813 
 
 pg ___ George Simson, 
 
 ditto 
 Feb. aoth. 
 
 Worcestw, - - - 
 
 ^yg . John Hall, 
 
 ~ 
 
 iv.
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER. 
 
 Managing Owners, 
 Sir A. Hamilton - - 
 "U'm Fraser, ^ sq. - 
 Tim. Curtis, Esq 
 Jn. Jackson, Esq. 
 Rt. Wigram, , sq. - - 
 Rt. Wullams, Esq. 
 Alex Hume, Esq. - - 
 Wm. Palmer, tsq. - - 
 Fir Wm. J.eighton - - 
 P. K. Mestaer, Esq. 
 John Atkins, V S q. - - 
 Rt. fcharuock, i-sq. 
 
 with the number of Ships they husband, viz. 
 
 - i Ship J. Woolmore, Esq. - - - i Ship 
 - 4 ditto W. Moffatt, Esq. - - - 2 ditto 
 
 i ditto R. Anderson, Esq. I ditto 
 
 - i ditto R. Donald, Esq. - j ditto 
 
 - i ditto H. Eoulton, Esq. - - - 2 ditto 
 
 - a ditto Peter Esdaile, Esq - i ditto 
 i ditto Rich. Lewin, Esq. - - - i ditto 
 
 - i ditto Sir R. Preston, Bart. - - j ditto 
 
 - i ditto Wm. Dent, Esq. i ditto 
 2, ditto Sam Bonham, Esq. - I ditto 
 
 - i ditto Thos. Newte, Esq. I ditto 
 
 - i ditto W. Hamilton, Esq. - - i ditto 
 
 Total - 33 Ships 
 
 The total amount of regular tonnage engaged by the Company to proceed t 
 the different r residencies this season for cargoes, is twenty-nine thousand five 
 hundred and fifty-five tons. Thirteen of the ships taken up are of the great 
 burthen of upwards of one thousand two hundred tons each, three are new 
 ships and on their first voyage, seven are on their second, six on their third, 
 four on their fifth, and thirteen on their sixth and last voyages. 
 
 The ship Venus, commanded by A'r. Charles Bishop, has been licensed to 
 proceed to the Cape of Good Hope this season with stores, &c. after which she 
 is to proceed to the South Seas, for the purpose of fishing. 
 
 The following are the only ships now on their way to India, and returning to 
 Europe, viz. 
 
 From Bombay and China. Of c eason, 1798-9. The CufFneh, Captain C. 
 B Cotton': Royal Charlotte, Captain Wm Roper; Thames, Captain Robert 
 Williams ; Walmer Castle, Captain George Bonham. Of Season 1799-1800. 
 The anton, Captain Thomas Lushington ; Ganges. Captain Alex. Gray ; harl 
 Talbot, Captain J. H. Dempster ; Cirencester, Captain Thomas Robeitson. 
 Total eight ships 
 
 From China direA Of Season 1799-1800. The Neptune, Captain Natha. 
 niel Spens; Coutts. Captain Robert Torin ; Dorsetshire, Captain John Rams- 
 den; Exeter, Captain Henry A! eriton; Bombay Castle, Captain John Hamil- 
 ton, ' otal five ships. 
 
 From C'oat and China. Of Season 1799 1800. The Ceres, Captain George 
 Stevens ; Waltharnstow, Captain W. T Money; Lady Burges, Captain A. F. 
 W. Swinton ; Marquis Wellesley, Captain Bruce Mitchell ; Lord Nelson, 
 Captain Robert Spottiswoode ; Earl of St. Vincent, Captain J. B. Samson ; 
 Brunswick, Captain James Ludoyick Grant. Total eight ships. 
 
 From St Helena, Beucoolcn, and China. The Arniston, Captain Campbell 
 Marjoribanks. i Ship. 
 
 From St. Helena and China. The Hugh Ingli;, Captain William Fairfax. 
 I Ship. 
 
 From Coast and Bay. .Qf Season 1798-1799. The Britannia, Captain Tho- 
 mas Barrow. i S-hip. 
 
 From Bengal diredt. Of Season 1799-1800. The Lady Jane Dundas, 
 Captain the Hon. Hugh Lindsay ; Bengal, Capt. Adam Cumine ; Lord Wal- 
 si'ijjham. Ca;t:iin Thomas Smalcsj Earl Spencer, Captain Charles Raitt ; 
 Rockm^hani, Captain Thomas Sutler; Melville Castle, Captain John Lamb ; 
 Tellicherry, Captnin Sampson Bak^r; Travt-rs, Captain T. Sanders; Skelton 
 Custle. ' aptain \ atthew Isaacke ; and Herculean, Captain John R. F. Frank- 
 lin. Total 9 hips. 
 
 fin Bengal and Bombay Of Season *7O9-i8co. The Phcenix, Captain 
 "WiilLm Moffatt ; Castle Eden, Captain Alexander Cuming; and City of Lon- 
 don, Captain Abraham Greeo. TQU! 3 Ships.
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 347 
 
 From Madras.- Of Season 1799-1800. The Sir Edward Hughes, Captain 
 James Urmston ; Prince \Villiam Henry, Captain Roger Baskett ; and Hawkc 
 Captain David Bristow Baker. Total 3 hips Making in the whole 39 Si jps! 
 
 Packets new proceeding to and returning from India. 1 he Swallow, Prin 
 ess A.ary, Earl of Mornington, and Georgiana. 
 
 IM*BWM*IIWWI> ^M.WWM 
 
 PRESENTATIONS TO THE KING AT THE LEVEE. 
 Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, on his return from the West Indies. 
 Sir Home Popham, on his arrival from the Court of Denmark. 
 
 PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. 
 
 Admiral Sir Hyde Parker is appointed second in command in the ChannoJ 
 Fleet, and his flag will be hoisted on board the Royal eieorge, of iiOguns. 
 Captain Qtway, of the Trent, is appointed Sir Hyde's Captain. 
 
 Captain Sir Edward lamihon, who so gallantly distinguished himself in the 
 West Indies, succeeds Captain Otway, in the 1 rent, of 36 guns. 
 
 Captain William Bedford, late of the Royal Sovereign, is appointed to the 
 command of the i.eyden, of 64 guns, at Chatham. 
 
 Admiral Holloway's flag is removed from the Determinie, to the Alkmanr, 
 of 64 guns. 
 
 Captain Walker, of the Prince, is appointed to the Isis, of 50 guns, 
 J. A. Ommaney, Esq. late commander of the Busy sloop, is made post. 
 
 Henry Burke, ts<j late i.ieutenant of the Renown, with Admiral ;>ir J. B. 
 Warren, is promoted to the rank of Master and C'ornmander. 
 
 Captain Honeyman is appointed to the Garland, of 28 guns, fitting in Ply- 
 mouth harbour. 
 
 Captain Lewis, of the Snake, is promoted to the rank of a Post Captain, and 
 appointed to the Leda, a new frigate. 
 
 Lieutenant Nokes is appointed to the Signal-house at Cumberland Fort, in 
 the room of Lieutenant Dunn, who has resigned. 
 
 Captain Kinneer, of the Royal Navy, is appointed the Inspecting Naval 
 Officer at Exeter. 
 
 J. Wathen, Esq. is appointed Judge of the Admiralty Court at Minorca. 
 , Mr. Somerville (late of the Renown), is appointed to be Purtcr of the Cano 
 pus, of 80 guns. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 At Culcutta, George Poyntz Rickctts, Fsq eldest son of the late Governor 
 Ricketts, to Miss Sophia Peirce, youngest daughter of the late Captain Peirce, 
 f the Halsewell East Indiaman. 
 
 At Glasgow, Mr. Archibald Galbraith, of Balgair, to Miss Catharine GaU 
 braith, only daughter of the late Rear-Admiral Galbraith. 
 
 At Mevagissey, in Cornwall, Lieutenant Philip Lyne, of the Navy, to Miss 
 Slynian, of Penwarne, in that county. 
 
 Captain Beaver, of the Navy, to Miss Elliot, of Gibraltar. 
 
 Mr. Christie, of the Naval Hospital, Minorca, to Miss Jane Gray, .of 
 Mincing-lane, London, 
 
 At Norwich, Captain Fimpson, ot the Marine Forces, to Miss Harriet Case, 
 daughter of the late Edward Case, Esq. of Great Fransham, N
 
 348 MONTHLY REGISTER oir KAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 Lately, at West Hatch, in Essex, Lady Hughes, the widow of Admiral 
 Sir Edward Hughes, K. B. deceased. 
 
 At a friend's house, in Stanhope-street, in the 14th year of his age, R. E- 
 Porter, of the Victualling Office. He lost a leg on board the Valiant, in the 
 early part of the ever memorable a&ion under Lord Howe, the ist of June, 
 1794. 
 
 Lately, at his house in Devonshire-place. T hn Carter Allen, Fsq\ Admiral 
 of the White rfquadron. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on (he 
 J4th of June 1745, and to that of Commander on the 5th of April 1757 He 
 was advanced to the rank of Post Captain on the 2 ist of March 1758, when 
 he was commissioned to the Kxperiment, and from thence soon after removed 
 into the Repulse In the month of August 176 , being then Captain of the 
 same frigate, he distinguished himself extremely under the command of Com- 
 modore Byron, on the Halifax station, in the attack and destruction of three 
 French frigates, with a considerable number of small craft, in Chalure ' ay. 
 IH 1770, he was appointed to the Ajax, and proceeded in that ship to Gib- 
 raltar, having some troops on board, which were sent thither as part of the 
 garrison. In 1779, he was appointed to the Albion; but he quitted that ship 
 very soon afterward, and removed into the 1-gmont, on board which ship he 
 served under the orders of Mr. Keppel, at the time of the engagement with 
 the French fle t offUsham, on which occasion he very materially distinguished 
 himself. In 1782, he commanded the Royal William, one of the fleet sent to 
 the rtlief of Gibraltar, under the orders of the late Earl Howe Peace having 
 taken place ooon after the retun. of that armament into port, A.r. Alien never 
 held any subsequent command, either as a Captain or Flag Officer. On the Z4th 
 of" September 1787, he was advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral of the 
 "White; in ; 790, to that of Rear- Admiral of the Red; on the ist of Fe- 
 bruary 1793, to that of Vice-Admiral of the White; on the i2.th of April 
 1794, to the same of the Red; on the ist of June 1795, to that of Admiral of 
 the Blue ; and on the I4th of February 1799, to the same rank of the U'hite. 
 
 In the month of beptember 1788, his daughter was married to Robinson, 
 
 Esq. Banker, of Arundel, Sussex. 
 
 The ist inst. on board his Majesty's ship Veteran, Captain George Young, 
 ef the Marine Forces. His remains were interred at Yarmouth with every 
 military honour that could be paid to his rank and talents. Among the many 
 friends that attended his corpse to its place of interment, were Colonel Bewicke, 
 and all the Officers of the Purham militia ; and the Captains of the Navy who 
 were at that port. '1 he chief mourners were, Captain Dixon, and the Officer* 
 of the Veteran's ward-room. His loss, as an able officer, is greatly regretted by 
 his corps, and all his other friends and acquaintances. 
 
 Lately, Charles Peter Handley, Esq. of Howland street, son of the late Thomas 
 Handley, J ?q. of the Six Clerks Office. 1 his gentleman was one of the first of 
 those Officers in the naval employ of the Fast India Company, who volunteered 
 their services during the alarming mutiny at the Nore, and while he was com- 
 manding a gun-boat on that alarming occasion, he himself seized a packet of 
 important corresponder.ee. His activity and zeal were, indeed, so conspicuous 
 at that awful crisis, that Admiral Buekner, who witnessed his gallantry and' 
 kill, honoured him \\ith his thanks personally, and earnestly exhorted him to 
 enter into the British Navy, of which his bravery and professional knowledge, 
 qualified him to become a distinguished ornament. 
 
 I aily Douglas, relict of the late Sir Charles Douglas, Bart. Rear-Admiral of 
 the Blue. 
 
 At his apartments in Wardrobe-place, Do&cr's Commons, EdwdRcddislfc 
 Esq. late Lieutenant in the Navy, upon the Pention List.
 
 T EJO M AH 
 
 - 
 1^ 
 
 v MA R 
 
 
 ' ^ o 

 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF 
 SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. 
 
 VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE RED SQUADRON. 
 
 The generous love of fame the noble strife, 
 That grasps at honour at the risk of lit'-, 
 To vulgar souls unknown inspires the brave. 
 
 CRANK. 
 
 [IR Thomas Pasley is the descendant of an ancient and 
 honourable family in North Britain ; and having from 
 his earliest youth entertained a strong predilection for the 
 naval service, he entered in 1752, as a midshipman, on board 
 the Garland, a small frigate, at that time commanded by the 
 late Captain Saltern Willet. He removed very soon after- 
 ward into the Weazle sloop of war, a vessel at that time 
 under orders for the Jamaica station ; and in which he served 
 progressively under the Captains Cockburn, Webber, and 
 Digby. The latter being in a short time raised to the rank 
 of Post Captain, and appointed to the Biddeford frigate, 
 took with him Mr. Pasley, for whom he had conceived a 
 strong attachment, and promoted him to the rank of adling 
 lieutenant. The frigate was almost immediately afterward 
 ordered to England, having on board 300,000!. in bullion. 
 As soon as the vessel arrived at Portsmouth, Mr. Pasley 
 was dispatched to London with the treasure, having a 
 Serjeant and twelve marines assigned him for his guard. 
 His valuable charge being lodged in the bank, he returned 
 back to Portsmouth without delay, and embarked on board 
 the Dunkirk, to which Captain Digby had been appointed 
 during his. absence, on the successless exepedition in the 
 month of September 1757. The force of the armament 
 was fully sufficient to strike the enemy with dismay. It 
 consisted of sixteen ships of the line, two frigates, five large 
 sloops of war, two bomb-ketches, as many fins'. ips and 
 busses, one storeship, and fifty-five transports, independent 
 of the Jason of forty guns, armee en fi-'te^ and employed in 
 the same line of service, together with the Chesterfield, pro- 
 
 iv. z z
 
 35 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 vided for the purpose of repeating signals. The land force 
 displayed a parity of strength. Ten regiments of infantry* 
 two of marines, with a train of artillery every way adequate to 
 the possible emergencies of the service, formed the invading 
 corps. The fleet sailed from St. Helens on the 8th of Sep- 
 tember, and bore away to the westward with a fair wind. 
 
 Owing, however, to the number of ships composing the 
 armament, it did not reach the Isle of Oleron till the 2Oth. 
 Rear-Admiral Knowles, who had been appointed to cover the 
 landing of the troops with his detachment, was accordingly 
 ordered to proceed for that purpose to Basque Road *. The 
 destruction of an insignificant fort was first to be attempted, 
 and was accomplished with the utmost ease, by Captain, after- 
 ward Earl, Howe, who commanded the M^nanime. After 
 this prelude to success, nothing farther was attempted till 
 the evening of the 23d, when Mr. Broderic, who had then 
 the rank of Rear- Admiral, with the Captains Dennis, 
 Douglas, and Buckle, was ordered to sound along the coast, 
 and to fix on ?. proper spot for the debarkation of the troops. 
 Some difference of opinion unfortunately arose among the 
 sea officers, and raged in a still more violent degree among 
 those of the army. This circumstance, in all probability, 
 proved the bane of the expedition ; for it was agreed 
 in a council of war, held on board the Neptune on the 
 25th, that any farther attempts on Rochefort were neither 
 advisable, nor indeed practicable : and though a subsequent 
 order was issued on the 28th by the commander in chief for 
 the troops to prepare for landing, yet a sudden freshening 
 of the wind about midnight, rendered that spirited resolu- 
 tion of Sir Edward Hawke abortive, and the whole arma- 
 ment quitted the French coast on the ist of October. Dis- 
 agreeable as the event of this expedition Was, and ill calcu- 
 lated to procure either honour or promotion to those who 
 \vcre unfortunate enough to be engaged in it, so highly had 
 the merit of Mr. Pasley attracted the notice of his com- 
 manding officer, that he found, on the return of the Dunkirk 
 
 * See Naval Chronicle, Vol. I. page 119.
 
 Of SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. JI 
 
 to Portsmouth, a commission as an established lieutenant, 
 lying there for him, by which he was appointed to serve on 
 board the Roman-Emperor fireship. 
 
 He was quickly afterwards removed from this vessel at his 
 own special request into the Huzzar, a frigate of twenty- 
 eight guns, commanded by that illustrious naval character, 
 Mr. Elliot. This station, as might be expefted from 
 his wish to obtain it, was particularly agreeable to him; 
 and Captain Elliot being soon after put in command of 
 the Eolus, of thirty-six guns, Mr. Pasley removed with 
 him into that ship. On the I5th of March 1769, being 
 then stationed on a cruise off the coast of France, he 
 had the good fortune to fall in, near Basque Road, 
 with two French frigates, the Blonde, of 36 guns, and 
 Mignone, of 20. Notwithstanding the disparity of force, 
 Captain Elliot, fully confiding in the spirit and conduct 
 of the officers and men whom he commanded, hesitated 
 not a moment in giving chase. The enemy, on the con- 
 trary, crouded all the sail they could set, in the hope of de- 
 clining any contest whatever, and making their escape. 
 The Blonde was fortunate enough to succeed; but the 
 Mignone, after sustaining a short though smart action, in 
 which her Captain, the Chevalier deTransanville, and a con- 
 siderable number of his people were killed, and the second 
 Captain, with twenty-five of the crew materially wounded, 
 was compelled to surrender. The singular disparity of loss 
 sustained on board the pursuer and her prize, deserves not 
 to be passed over in silence. Incredible as it may appear, 
 in the latter, it exceeded not one or two persons slightly hurt : 
 an incontrovertible proof of the superiority with which the 
 English ship was manoeuvred and conduced, comparatively 
 with that of her opponent. 
 
 At the commencement of the year 1760, the Eolus was 
 employed on the Irish station, and having accidentally put 
 into the port of Kinsale to refit, had the good fortune, as 
 subsequent events proved it to be, to rind the Brilliant, com- 
 manded by Captain Logie, and the Pallas, by Captain 
 Clements, both being: frigates of thirty-six guns each, lying
 
 352 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 in the same port. Very soon after Captain Elliot's arrival, 
 he received intelligence from the Duke of Bedford, then 
 Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, that a French squadron, under 
 the command of that well-known character the brave 
 Thurot, was not only off the coast, but had actually effected 
 an invasion of the island itself, by landing more than TOOO 
 troops at Carrickfergus. The chief command of the English 
 squadron rested with Captain Elliot, as being the senior 
 officer ; and such diligence was used after receiving the in- 
 teresting intelligence, that all the frigates were under weigh, 
 though one of them was in an actual state of refitment, in 
 little more than one hour. 
 
 Having proceeded in quest of the enemy, their squadron 
 was fortunately discovered on the 28th of February. Its 
 force was found to consist of the Belleisle, of 44 guns, the 
 Blonde, of 36, and the Terpsichore, of 28. Thurot him- 
 self, with a gallantry that merited a better fate, seemed as 
 little inclined to avoid an engagement as Mr. Elliot. It 
 commenced about nine o'clock in the morning, the Eolus 
 engaging the French Commodore, and her two companions 
 the remainder of the squadron. It was contested with much 
 spirit and ability for an hour and a half, when the brave, the 
 humane, and generous Thurot having fallen, his death 
 appeared to operate as a stroke of thunder among his people. 
 The Belleisle immediately surrendered, and her comrades 
 followed her example. 
 
 An event which took place during the encounter reflects 
 too much honour on the judgment of Mr. Pasley to be 
 omitted in this place. The Eolus had fallen on board the 
 Belleisle, the bowsprit hanging over that ship's quarter- 
 deck, and was consequently not only left exposed to the 
 whole weight of the enemy's fire, without being able to 
 bring, a single gun to bear on her antagonist ; but also 
 compelled to engage the Blonde at the same time with her 
 aftermost guns, that frigate having fallen on board the Eolus. 
 In this perilous situation, Mr. Pasley called the men from die 
 foremost guns, which he at that time commanded, and having
 
 OF SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. 353 
 
 boarded the enemy at their head from the bowsprit, made him- 
 self master of the deck, and obtained intire possession of 
 the ship. As soon as this success was achieved, he sent on 
 board the Eolus for an English jack, which was immediately 
 hoisted on board the prize, as the signal of her surrender. 
 Before it was possible, however, to effeft this necessary pur- 
 pose, Captain Logic in the Brilliant, seeing the dangerous 
 situation of the Eolus, and remaining unacquainted with 
 the surrender of the enemy, bore up to the Belleisle, and 
 poured the whole of his fire into her. The jack, however, 
 being immediately hoisted, a repetition of the same tre- 
 mendous salute was happily prevented, and the victory re- 
 mained complete. The injury sustained by the prize was 
 so serious, as to render it extremely difficult to carry her 
 into port; but exertion prevailed over the weight of disaster, 
 and the captors, together with the captured, reached Ram- 
 sea Bay in the Isle of Man in safety. The whole of them 
 being repaired as well as circumstances would permit, pro- 
 ceeded in triumph to Portsmouth, where they arrived on the 
 26th of March. 
 
 Captain Elliot was soon after his arrival, removed into 
 another ship ; but Mr. Pasley continued to retain his 
 station under Captain, now Lord Hotham, who was ap- 
 pointed to succeed him, and with whom he remained till 
 the year 1762. In the Eolus Mr. Pasley returned to his 
 former occupation of cruising, but was not concerned in 
 obtaining any advantage more material than that of capturing 
 five or six privateers of insignificant force. 
 
 Toward the end of August 1762, being off the coast of 
 Spain, near Cape Ray, in the Bay of Aviles, two large 
 Spanish West India ships, of considerable value were dis- 
 covered, and after a long and tedious pursuit, driven on 
 shore. The Eolus was brought to an anchor as near as it 
 was judged her safety would permit, in order to cover both 
 of the frigates ; the attempt was arduous and dangerous in 
 the extreme ; but the consequence of it. induced the assailants, 
 who were put under the command of Lieutenant Pasley, to
 
 spurn at difficulty and defy danger. The largest of the West 
 Indiamen was homeward bound from the Carracas, deeply 
 and richly laden with hides and cocoa, and of immense 
 magnitude for a ship of that class, being of nearly 1200 
 tons burden. She was protected by a formidable battery, 
 situated on an eminence ; but the fire of the Eolus having 
 in some measure checked the ardour of the enemy in that 
 quarter, they quickly abandoned their guns, and the ship 
 was left to her fate. The prize having unfortunately 
 bilged, her gallant captor was obliged to set her on fire, 
 as, indeed, had been first projected; but her consort, 
 being of lighter draft of water, got afloat during the night, 
 and was successful enough to effect her escape. In 
 recompence for this disappointment, the Eolus captured, 
 on the 2Cth of the same month, a very valuable French 
 ship outward bound, from Bourdeaux to St. Domingo, 
 called the Formidable ; and in two days after their success, 
 met with a French convoy, consisting of eight sail, one of 
 them a ship of the line, which was very gallantly and 
 judiciously attended for the space of five days in the hope of 
 an attack becoming feasible and proper. On the return of 
 the Eolus to England, Mr. Pasley had the satisfaction of 
 finding that he had been promoted during his absence, to the 
 rank of commander, and was appointed to the Albany sloop of 
 war ; a vessel that was employed in the useful though little de- 
 sirable occupation of convoying vessels to and from the port of 
 Milford. After some continuance in that sloop, he removed 
 into the Weazel, on board which vessel he had served almost 
 immediately after his first entrance into the navy in the 
 capacity of midshipman; and soon after he had taken upon 
 himself the command of her, proceeded to the coast of 
 Guinea. The season was so dreadfully sickly, and the time 
 of year when he was ordered out so peculiarly dangerous, 
 that all the engineers (four in number) whom he carried 
 out as passengers, together with a considerable part of the 
 ship's company, died. The remainder, who still survived, 
 were so sickly, that Captain Pasley was under the sad nex:es-
 
 Or SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. 355 
 
 ity, though in a time of profound peace, of impressing 
 men from many of the merchant vessels that he met with, 
 in order to enable him to bring his vessel home to England. 
 After a second voyage to the same unhealthy quarter, but in 
 which he was not so unfortunate as to experience the 
 former evils, he removed into the Pomona, of eighteen guns, 
 and was ordered to Greenock on the impress service, in con- 
 sequence of the apprehension of a rupture with Spain re- 
 specting the Falkland islands. In 1771, he was very de- 
 servedly advanced to the rank of Post Captain, and being 
 appointed to the Seahorse, of twenty guns, was ordered to 
 the West Indies, where he rendered very material service, 
 by his manifold exertions during the contest with the 
 Caribbs. Having returned to England in the ensuing year, 
 and the Seahorse being put out of commission, he continued 
 unemployed till 1776 : being then appointed to the Glas- 
 gow, he was sent out to the West Indies with two sloops of 
 war under his command, to convoy thither a valuable 
 merchant fleet, consisting of 120 sail. 
 
 By his care and unremitting attention to this valuable 
 charge, he had the satisfaction of receiving the very unusual 
 honour of thanks not only from the persons whose pro- 
 perty he protected, but from the cities of London and 
 Bristol, and other ports, the wealth of whose inhabitants 
 he had so materially contributed to preserve. Their gratitude 
 was not confined to this empty compliment of words ; but 
 a piece of plate being prepared by order of the different com- 
 mittees, was presented to Captain Pasley's lady during his 
 absence, as a more substantial proof of mercantile favour and 
 approbation. Singularly marked must have been the con- 
 duct of that man who could on all occasions attend so 
 striaiy to his duty, as to acquire the most general and un- 
 qualified approbation from men, who, however highly we 
 may regard many of them as individuals, considered as a 
 corporate body, are by no means the most ready to allow 
 merit, even where it is due.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 On the return of Captain Pasley to England, he performed 
 a similar service ; and, with the exception of the present 
 alone, had the satisfaction of receiving similar honours. 
 Soon after his arrival in England, he was appointed to the 
 Sybil, a new frigate, of 28 guns, and was sent with Admiral 
 Edwards on the Newfoundland station ; on his voyage from 
 thence to Lisbon, according to the customary routine of 
 service in time of war, he had the good fortune to capture 
 not only an American privateer, which had for a considerable 
 time dogged his convoy in the hope of carrying some of 
 them under cover of the night, but a Spanish packet also, 
 with dispatches of consequence, which he carried with him 
 into the Tagus. After having repaired to England, he was 
 immediately ordered to the Cape of Good Hope, and returned 
 back from thence with two very valuable India ships, which 
 lie was sent out to proteft. 
 
 In 1780, he was promoted to the Jupiter, of 50 guns; 
 and after a short continuance under the orders of Admiral 
 Digby, was, at the commencement of the ensuing year, 
 ordered to put himself under the command of Commodore 
 Johnson, who was then on the point of sailing upon a secret 
 expedition to the southward, with a squadron consisting of 
 two ships of the line, three of 50 guns, including the Jupiter, 
 with several frigates, armed storeships, and transports. 
 The attack made on this armament by Monsieur de Suffrein, 
 while it lay in Porto-Praya Road, at the head of a squadron 
 consisting of five ships of the line, is too recent to render 
 any recital of the circumstances necessary. Suffice it to say, 
 that the Jupiter was very materially distinguished for the 
 power and force of her fire ; and during the torrent of ob- 
 loquy which was indiscriminately, and certainly undeservedly 
 thrown on some persons concerned in that encounter, the 
 condul of Captain Pasley was very justly applauded by the 
 friends and by the enemies of all parties. The subsequent 
 events which took place during the remainder of the voyage, 
 which was successless as to the point for which it was under-
 
 OF SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. 
 
 , have not sufficient interest to engage the attention of 
 the hearer, or to repay the trouble of particular recital. 
 
 ley were confined to the mere capture of a fleet of 
 
 utch India ships, surprised in Saldanha Bay, and which 
 >emg totally incapable of making effective defence, sur. 
 
 idered without resistance. A considerable space of time 
 was unavoidably consumed in the tedious passage to and 
 from Saldanha Bay ; a circumstance that must have been 
 peculiarly irksome to an officer of so aftive a mind. The 
 Jupiter having returned to England in 1772, was, in the 
 month of May, ordered to proceed to the West Indies with 
 the late Admiral Pigot as a passenger, he being appointed 
 commander in chief of the fleet employed in that quarter, as 
 successor to the late Lord Rodney, who was recalled. 
 
 The Jupiter, soon after her arrival, was ordered on acruise 
 off the Havannah, and Captain Pasley had the good fortune 
 to capture five vessels out of thirteen which he fell in with, 
 all of whom he would in all probability have taken, had the 
 commander of an armed brig, then in company with the 
 Jupiter, observed Captain Pasley's instructions properly. 
 This expedition, however, had nearly proved extremely 
 disastrous ; for the prisoners which were taken on board the 
 brig, having risen on the commander and the crew, ob- 
 tained possession of the vessel, which they carried into an 
 enemy's port ; and the people on board one of the prizes 
 having also risen, succeeded, and carried her into the 
 Havannah. Upon getting into that harbour, they in- 
 formed the Spanish Admiral of the situation in which 
 the Jupiter was ; he accordingly dispatched two ships of 
 the line, one of eighty-four, the other of sixty-four 
 guns, to capture or destroy her. Captain Pasley had for- 
 tunately succeeded in getting the Jupiter afloat during the 
 interim ; but almost immediately afterwards he fell in with 
 the Tiger, which was the largest of the Spanish ships. The 
 enemy immediately gave chase, and gained considerably on 
 the Jupiter, which, owing to the injury she had sustained, 
 IV. 3 A
 
 358 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 in consequence of the misfortune just related, sailed very 
 heavily. At the dawn of day, the Tiger was within gun- 
 shot, and Captain Pasley finding escape impossible, called 
 together his crew, whom he spiritedly harangued for a few 
 moments. Their approbation of his declared intention 
 as to engaging the enemy, which was warmly manifested by 
 three hearty cheers, encouraged him in the desperate attempt. 
 The Jupiter brought to, and prepared for action. The 
 enemy, probably intimidated by this appearance of resolution, 
 which they knew not how to account for, immediately 
 hauled their wind, fired two guns, and suffered the Jupiter 
 to continue her voyage unmolested. Captain Pasley ac- 
 cordingly sailed to Antigua, for the purpose of repairing 
 his shattered vessel : and, as some palliation for the disap- 
 pointments he had met with, and the perils he had survived, 
 he made prize of a mast-ship in his passage, and carried it iu 
 safety to the port to which he was bound. Hostilities 
 ceased soon after the last of these events, and the Jupiter 
 went to Chatham, where she was put out of commission 
 and dismantled. 
 
 The five years which immediately succeeded to the cessa- 
 tion of hostilities were passed by Captain Pasley in that re- 
 laxation of domestic retirement, which is absolutely neces- 
 sary to recruit and recover an active mind from the fatigues 
 it has undergone. In 1788, however, he was invested with 
 the chief command of his Majesty's ships and vessels in the 
 Medway; and hoisted his broad pendant in consequence of 
 his appointment, on board the Vengeance. His nomination 
 to this station reflects on him the highest honour ; when it 
 is considered that it is the only home command ever be- 
 stowed on any person in timeof peace, not previously holding 
 the rank of a Flag Officer. From this station he removed, 
 first into the Scipio, and secondly into the Bellerophon i and, 
 while in the latter ship, was ordered to join the main or 
 Channel Fleet, in consequence of the apprehended ruptures 
 first with Russia, and afterwards with Spain. The disputes
 
 OF SIR THOMAS PASLBY, BART. 359 
 
 being both compromised, he repaired to Chatham, where he 
 continued during the customary period allotted to such a 
 command. Retiring temporarily from the service, he 
 again continued unemployed, till the commencement of the 
 dispute with France, at the beginning of the year 1793, 
 served once more to call .forth his exertions and his 
 abilities. He was appointed as an established commodore, 
 to hoist his broad pendant on beard his former ship the 
 Bellerophon, and being immediately ordered to join the 
 main fleet under the orders of Lord Howe, was frequently 
 detached with small squadrons on various services, which it 
 were immaterial td enter into any detail of. 
 
 On the 1 8th of November in the same year, the British 
 fleet had the fortune to fail in with a detachment of the 
 enemy's ships of war, consisting of six sail of the line besides 
 frigates. Earl Howe immediately made the signal for par- 
 ticular ships to chase the enemy, and soon afterward the 
 whole fleet followed their example. The Latona frigate, 
 however, commanded by Captain Thornborough, was the 
 only vessel which was able to get up and exchange any shot 
 with the enemy, as it presently became so totally dark as to pre- 
 vent a farther continuance of the aftion. Earl Howe having 
 at the close of the day made a signal that the ships under his 
 orders should use their utmost endeavours to keep sight of 
 the French during the night, but not to come to any engage- 
 ment, the Bellerophon, with the utmost diligence, accom- 
 plished the instructions ; but Captain Pasley was extremely 
 surprised at finding himself close to his antagonists and 
 'accompanied only by the Latona and Phoenix frigates. 
 Though every other ship composing the British fleet .was out 
 of sight, not the smallest attempt was made on the part of 
 the enemy toward entering into any contest; nor did he 
 again fall in with Earl Howe, or any of the fleet under his 
 outers, till they all returned to Torbay, when he had the 
 satisfaftion of receiving the thanks of that nobleman for his 
 conduft on the preceding occasion, expressed in the most 
 flattering and handsome terms.
 
 360 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 On the 1 2th of April 1794, being advanced to the rank 
 of Rear-Admiral of the White Squadron, he hoisted his flag 
 on board the same ship to which he had been so long at- 
 tached, and was appointed to command a detached or re- 
 connoitring squadron. The events which took place during 
 the a&ion that happened on the first of June following, are 
 top deeply graven, perhaps, in the mind of every Briton at- 
 tentive to the welfare of his country, to render any recital at 
 this shortly distant period necessary. With the events 
 which immediately preceded it, the case is different; nor can 
 those occurrences that so materially conduced to so signal a 
 victory be considered less interesting than others which in 
 the hour of contest procured it. 
 
 On the evening of the 28th of May, the enemy's fleet 
 being discovered to windward, the Rear-Admiral led on his 
 own division with firmness and intrepidity to the attack. 
 The Bellerophon being the headmost, brought the Revo- 
 lutionaire, of no guns, which was the sternmost of the 
 enemy's fleet, to a&ion, and engaged her singly for more 
 than an hour before any other ships of the British fleet could 
 get up and support her. Being then disabled by a contest 
 with so superior a foe, signal was made by the commander 
 in chief for the Rear-Admiral to desist. Lord Hugh Sey- 
 mour, who commanded the Leviathan, also a fourth rate, 
 of 74 guns, was at that time nearly up, and soon after- 
 ward engaged theRevolutionaire, as did Captain Parker also, 
 who commanded the Audacious. The darkness of the 
 night in great measure contributed to put an end to this 
 partial contest. At the dawn of the ensuing day, both fleets 
 appeared drawn up in line of battle, and an engagement 
 partially commenced. Earl Howe having made the signal 
 for the British ships to pass through the enemy's line *, the 
 Bellerophon immediately obeyed and passed through in close 
 
 * A correct description of this attempt is given in the Naval Chronicle, 
 vol. i. page 24. The mannei* will be found clearly exemplified in the plate 
 annexed to it, where the Bellerophon is seen in the *<5t of firing from botk 
 bides at once as she is passing between the ships of the enemy.
 
 OF SIR THOMAS PA6LEY, BART. 
 
 aftion, accompanied by the Royal Charlotte and the Levia- 
 than. Of the circumstances that prevented a farther con- 
 tinuance of this encounter, and of those which preceded it, 
 Earl Howe gives the following account in his supplementary 
 dispatch : 
 
 " The British fleet appearing on the morning of the agth, 
 when in order of battle, to be far enough advanced for the 
 ships in the van to make some farther impression on the 
 enemy's rear, tacked in succession, with that intent. The 
 enemy wore hereupon from van to rear, and continued 
 edging down in line ahead to engage the van of the British 
 fleet. When arrived at such distance as to be just able to 
 reach our most advanced ships, their headmost ships as they 
 came successively into the wake of their respe&ive seconds 
 ahead, opened with that distant fire upon the headmost ships 
 of the van, after bringing about on the starboard tack, and 
 would have come abreast of the Queen Charlotte, had she not 
 kept to the wind ; and the appointed movement conse- 
 quently be liable to fail of the purposed efFeft. The Queen 
 Charlotte was therefore immediately tacked, and followed 
 by the Bellerophon, her second astern (and soon after 
 joined by the Leviathan), passed through in aftion between 
 the fifth and sixth ships in the rear of the enemy's line. 
 She was put about on the larboard tack forthwith after the 
 enemy, in preparation for renewing the aftion with the 
 advantage of that weathermost situation. The rest of the 
 British tieet being at this time passing to leeward, and with- 
 out the sternmost ships, mostly of the French line, the 
 enemy wore again to the eastward in succession for succour- 
 ing the disabled ships of their rear ; which intention, by 
 reason of the disunited state of the fleet, and having no more 
 then the two crippled ships, the Bellerophon and Leviathan, 
 at that time near me, I was unable to obstruct." 
 
 During the two succeeding days, the long and tedious 
 interval between the skirmish last mentioned, and the final,
 
 36l BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 the glorious, termination of this so long pending contest, a 
 thick fog prevented a renewal of the action ; but the hostile 
 fleets in the short spaces of time when the atmosphere be- 
 came less obscure, were constantly visible to each other. 
 Early in the morning of the ist, a day generally and with 
 much justice styled the glorious, the ever glorious, FIRST oP 
 JUNE, the British fleet having had the fortune to obtain the 
 weather-gage in the course of the preceding day, bore up 
 for the purpose of bringing the enemy to a general and de- 
 cisive action, between seven and eight o'clock in the morn- 
 ing. Needless is it to say, that after one of the longest, 
 bloodiest naval battles ever recorded in history, a total 
 defeat of the enemy's armament was effected. The loss was 
 trivial considering the magnitude of the advantage, and 
 would have been still less to be lamented, had it not 
 fallen particularly heavy on officers of high rank, revered 
 by their crews and adored by their fellow subjects. 
 Three Flag Officers, one of whom was Mr. Pasley, were 
 severely wounded: fortunately was it for his country, 
 and equally fortunate was it considered by himself, that 
 the injury he sustained did not take place till the en- 
 counter had nearly been brought to a conclusion. Jt, 
 nevertheless, may be considered unlucky, that after having 
 on so many occasions, and so eminently distinguished him- 
 self, escaped unhurt through the hottest fire, during a great 
 part of which time he had to contend at the same moment 
 with two of the enemy's ships, he should have the misfor- 
 tune to lose his leg when the victory, might be said to have 
 been obtained. He had, however, the satisfaction of re- 
 ceiving every palliative to his wound which the attention 
 of his Sovereign, his commander, and his country could 
 bestow. Of these, the following authentic copies of letters, 
 the first written to him by his noble commander, the second 
 by the British Minister, may form a small and truly ho- 
 nourable specimen.
 
 T SIR THOMAS I'ASLEY, BART. $6j 
 
 *' Portsmouth, June 1 6, 1794. 
 
 ** Lord Howe being again prevented in his intention of waiting on 
 Admiral Pasley to day, to have had the pleasure of seeing him, if hi 
 state of health had admitted of it, he is obliged to postpone calling on 
 him till to-morrow, when he flatters himself his time will be more at 
 his command. 
 
 " He will not trouble the Admiral either with expressions of the 
 sensible concern he felt that the services of a friend he so highly 
 esteemed, and so gallant an officer, capable of such spirited exertions, 
 should be restrained by any disaster from the continued exertion of 
 them ; nor will he dwell on the great pleasure he has received on the 
 assurances given him, that the misfortune was likely to prove aa 
 little injurious as could be looked for under similar circumstances." 
 
 To the praise of a commander, certainly the most 
 honourable existing, was added the just applause of his 
 Sovereign ; an applause not given in words only, but ac- 
 companied by an incontrovertible proof of its sincerity 
 dignity and honour, the proper reward of a warrior's labours. 
 
 Verbatim Copy of the Right Honourable Will'iam Pitt's Letter tg 
 
 Admiral Pasley. 
 
 u S1R , " Downing- street, 26th July, '794- 
 
 " I HAVE received his Majesty's commands to intimate to you 
 liis gracious disposition to confer on you the dignity of Baronet of 
 Great Britain, as a mark of the sense which his Majesty entertains of 
 the distinguished share which you bore in the late successful and 
 glorious operations of his Majesty's fleet under the command of Earl 
 Howe. 
 
 " Permit me to assure you of the sincere satisfaction which 1 
 personally feel in executing this commission ; and of the regard with 
 
 which J am, 
 
 Sir, 
 
 " Your most obedient humble Servant, 
 
 (Signed) " W. PITT." 
 
 " Rear- Admiral Pashy." 
 
 The reward bestowed by his Sovereign was not confined 
 to the mere honorary creation just mentioned; a pension c 
 loool. a year was granted to him, and never, perhaps, h 
 there been one more fairly bestowed, or that met the general 
 approbation of the whole nation more fully.
 
 364 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS, &C. 
 
 An injury so peculiarly detrimental to the services of a 
 naval Officer, as the loss of his leg of necessity must be, 
 naturally deprive the public of those farther a&ive exertions 
 .which might otherwise have been expefted from a person so 
 enthusiastically attached to his profession as Sir Thomas 
 confessedly is. In 1798, he was, in consequence of the 
 mutiny at the Nore, appointed for a short time commander 
 in chief of his Majesty's ships and vessels in the rivers 
 Thames and Medway. This was merely for the purpose of 
 carrying on the customary etiquette of the service; and 
 having quitted it soon as the trials of the different mutineers 
 were over, he was appointed, in the month of March 
 1799, Port-Admiral at Plymouth, which station he has 
 continued to hold to the present time ; uniformly displaying 
 the same activity and ability which constantly marked his 
 character, while the unimpaired state of his body per- 
 mitted him to engage in a more interesting department of 
 the service. 
 
 On the 1 2th of July, subsequent to the a&ion, Sir 
 Thomas Pasley was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral 
 of the Red. On the ist of June 1795, to be Vice-Admiral 
 of the White, and lastly, on the 14th of February 1799, 
 to that of Vice of the Red, which station he at present 
 holds. 
 
 Heraldic Particulars relative to Sir THOMAS PAS LEY. 
 
 Sir Thomas is the fifth son of James Pasley, of Craig, in the county 
 of Dumfries, who died in the year 1773, aged 80, arid was buried at 
 Westerkirk, in the said county. His mother was Magdalen, 
 daughter to Robert Elliot, of Middleholm Mill, in the county of 
 Roxburgh. She was married at Langholm castle in the county of 
 Dumfries 1726. 
 
 Robert Pasley, of Craig aforesaid, Esq. the eldest brother, was 
 bom on the 3d of January 1727 ; and dying in the month of March 
 1792, was buried at St. Mary-le-bone, London. 
 
 James, the second brother, died in Virginia about the year 1756. 
 John Pasley, of Gowsr-street, Bedford-square, and of Colney 

 
 COMMERCIAL HINTS, RECOLLECTIONS, &C. 36* 
 
 Hatch Middlesex, Esq. i. now living. Gilbert, the fourth son, 
 d at Madras, Surgeon-general to the army in the East Indies, in the 
 month of September 1781. 
 
 Sir Thomas, the subjedl of the present Memoir, was born at Cra.V, 
 em the 2 d of March ,734. By his lady, Mary daughter of Thoma, 
 Hey wood, Esq. Chief Justice of the, Isle of Man, who died about 
 the year 1788, and was buried at Avignon in France, he has had 
 two daughters, Maria, married in the month of August to Captaia 
 fcabme of the Guards, and Magdalen. 
 
 William, the immediate younger brother to Sir Thomas,, died in 
 East Florida, about the year 1775. 
 
 Charles, the seventh son, was born at Murtholm, in the county of 
 Dumfries, on the 2 5 th of January , 74 o. He married Jean, daughter 
 to John Carlyle, of the county of Dumfries, and is we believe still 
 living. 
 
 ARMS.] Azure on a chevcron between two roses in chief Argent, barbed 
 Vert, seeded Or, and an anchor erefk in base, gold, three Thistles proper. 
 
 CREST.] Out of a Naval Crown Or, the sails argent, vanes Gules, an armed 
 arm embowed, the hand supporting a staff proper, thereon hoisted a white fla* 
 iowing to the sinister, charged with a cross wavy couped Gules, on a canto!- 
 azure a human leg proper, couped below the knee. 
 
 MOTTO.] Pro Rege et Patria pugnans. 
 
 NAVAL ANECDOTES, 
 COMMERCIAL HINTS, RECOLLECTIONS, &c. 
 
 NANTES IN GURGITE VASTO! 
 
 3150, XVI. 
 
 Sir G. Rooke was sent into the Sound in the year 1700, 
 to assist the King of Sweden, who was threatened with ruin by 
 the King of Denmark, his firmness, and the appearance of the force 
 he commanded, soon effe&ed the treaty at Travendaht. Previous to 
 the execution of it, a few shells were thrown in terrortm over Copen- 
 hagen. Charles complained that they did no mischief; and Rooke 
 coolly answered him : " Sir, I was sent here to relieve you, not to 
 ruin the King of Denmark." 
 
 On the 1 3th of August I 789, died Lieutenant G. Green, of New- 
 castle, in the Russian service. He led the van of the Russian fleet in 
 the attack of that of Sweden on the I3th of August, and was killed 
 before the enemy was defeated. He was one of the few persons 
 who escaped from the wreck of the Sterling Castle man of war in the 
 IV. 3 B
 
 '366 NAVAL ANECDOTfiS, 
 
 West Indies, 17799 after undergoing incredible hardships. Htf 
 served on board the Formidable in the engagement with Count dc 
 Giasse, wSien his cool intrepidity and resolution recommended him to 
 the notice of Sir Charles Do'iglas, and Admiral Rodney, \vho got 
 him promoted to a Lieutenancy. At the conclusion of the war he 
 entered into the Russian service, as the best means that then remained 
 of obtaining honour, where his abilities soon recommended him to Ad- 
 rniiai Greig, who gave him the rank of Captain in that service. His 
 life was glorious, his actions noble, and his merit deserved those re- 
 wards in our service which, doubtless, had the war continued, he 
 would have obtained. 
 
 +^^-^-*** 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 PHILIP BROWNE, Esq. Captain of the Rose frigate, died in 
 consequence of the fatigue he underwent during the attack of the port 
 and town of Savannah in North America by the Count D'Estaing. 
 Caprain Browne never took off his clothes for three weeks. He 
 sickened with a fever, and died in a few days. I well remember 
 lieaiing a Scotch Officer declare, " that the place would have 
 fallen into the hands of the French but for the astonishing and un- 
 wearied exertions of Captain Browne, of the Rose frigate." He mar- 
 ried one of the beautiful twin daughters of the late John Dalby, Esq. 
 of Hurst Park ; who on hearing of her husband's death, being then 
 pregnant with her fourth child, was taken ill and died, as did her 
 infant, leaving three little orphan sons, the eldest only seven years 
 old. It was at length determined, after an unsuccessful application 
 to the Admiralty, that the three orphans should present a petition to 
 his Majesty some Sunday when walking on the Terrace at Windsor ; 
 accordingly, in their deep mourning for both father and mother, the 
 little children knelt and presented their petition, which was graciously 
 accepted. The eldest has been many years in the army, the second 
 entered on board a man of war when only eleven years old ; and when 
 he visited me some time since, apologized for his ignorance of courtly 
 rr.anners, by saying, that he had almost uniformly lived on the Ocean 
 from eleven years old to his present ago twenty-seven. He was at 
 that time a Lieutenant in the Nassau, then commanded by his rela- 
 tion Captain Herbert Sawyer, son to the worthy Admiral of that 
 name. I remember, Mr. Editor, an anecdote of this Lieutenant 
 when only seven years old : I applauded his spirit for flying like a 
 lion, on a mischievous old buck, in his grandfather's park, butting 
 furiously at his eldest brother ; throwing his arms around the animal's 
 neck, he roiled down on the ground, and stedfastly kept hold. On 
 being asked by a relation how he ventured to do it, the spirited boy 
 exclaimed, " Do you imagine I could bear to see that nasty beast kill 
 iny brother ? No, I would do it again." N.
 
 3 6 7 
 
 X 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 IN addition to your Life of Lord Nelson *, you should, I think, 
 preserve the prayer that was used on account of his glorious vi&ory 
 on the rst of August 1798. 
 
 *' O ! Almighty God, the sovereign Ruler of all the world, in 
 whose hands is power and might, which thou hast vouchsafed to the 
 fleet of thy servant, our Sovereign, in distant seas, we offer thee,- as 
 we are most bound, thanks and prasie ; for of thee alone conv.t.h both 
 counsel and strength for the fight ! Thou alone givest viclory unto 
 Kings, and deliverest thy servants from the peril of the sword. \Ye 
 beseech thee, give us grace to improve this, and all thy great mercies 
 to thy glory, the advancement of thy Gospel, the honour of our 
 Sovereign, and, as far as in us lieth, to the good of all mankind : and 
 keep alive, we pray thee, by thy sanftifying spirits in our hearts, 
 such fear of offending thee, such reliance on thy help in time of need, 
 as may daily appear in the conformity of our lives to the doflrine of 
 our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ ; to whom with theeY O Father, 
 and thee, O Holy Ghost, three persons and one only God, be all 
 honour and glory, world without end. Amen." 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 / send you the following Extraft from the ANTIQUARIAN REPERTORY, 
 Vol, I. page 60. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 THE following gallant and almost incredible aftion and signal 
 viftory gained by an English Captain, commanding one small priva- 
 teer, over a large Turkish fleet, is related by Roger Earl of Castle- 
 mayne, in his account of the war between the Venetians and Turks, 
 diawn up in form of a letter, dated 2j|d May 1666, and addressed to 
 King Charles the Second. As the bcuk is rather scarce, ami the fad 
 not much known, I have transcribed it for your Work, and if you have 
 a spare corner should be glad you would insert it. 
 
 Yours, c. 
 
 B.L. 
 
 Among the English that fought bravely, Captain Thomas Mi. die- 
 ton (who had hit, ship hired in the service) did a most p 
 adion It happened that the Admiral, intending a des 
 the Dardanels, put Middleton in so desperate a place, d* 
 danger from land to be sunk at every shot. He admed t 
 
 * See Life, Character, and Services of the Right Hon. Lord NcUon d 
 Nile, vol. iii. page 157. or No. XVI.
 
 368 NAVAL ANECDOTBS, * 
 
 mander of it, and withal told him that the peril of himself and ship 
 did not so much trouble him, as to be set where it was impossible for 
 him to offend the enemy. Having no answer, or at best, a bad one, 
 and seeing it could not prejudice the fleet, he drew off a little the 
 vessel (his own livelihood), from the needless danger it was in. 
 When the business was over, they dismissed him (in a council of war), 
 with the title of coward, and all the soldiers being taken away, he 
 was left with only some fifty English to return home, or whither else 
 he pleased. He had not parted long from the Armada, but in a stark 
 calm met with twenty-five sail, of which eighteen were the best 
 gallies the Great Turk could make in all his fleet; these crying out in 
 derision that they would eat English beef for dinner, fell upon him, 
 wanting no assurance, being assisted with the stillness of the air, and 
 their own strength and number. But for all this confidence they 
 missed their aim, for, after a long and sharp encounter, the two 
 Bassas that commanded were killed, with 1500 to accompany them ; 
 and besides the many that were wounded, the whole squadron was so 
 shattered, that they had hardly oars to get off, and were all unfit to 
 serve, at least for that year. The Captain had neither wind, sails, nor 
 tackle left to follqw them ; but with much ado he yet afterwards came 
 safe to Candie, and there presented to the General a whole ton of 
 salted heads of those he had killed in their often boarding. His Ex- 
 cellency was astonished at the thing, and after all the caresses ima- 
 ginable, he acquainted the Senate with it, who, with universal con- 
 sent, ordered him a chain and medal of gold, as a testimony of their 
 high esteem and his own commendable valour. Middleton afterwards 
 died on his journey home, leaving a son, who commands here a ship, 
 and is very well esteemed by all the Nobility for his resolution and 
 conducl." 
 
 ANECDOTE OF THE EARL OF CLOXCARTIE. 
 WHEN this nobleman was Captain of a man of war, and wat 
 cruising off the coast of Guinea, he happened to lose his chaplain, 
 who was carried off by the yellow fever ; upon which the Lieutenant, 
 who was a Scotchman, gave him notice of it, by saying at the same 
 time, '" that he was sorry to inform him, that he died a Roman 
 Catholic." " Well! so much the better," said his Lordship. 
 '* Oot aw.i, my Loid, how can you say so of a British clergyman ?'' 
 " Why," says his Lordship, " because I believe I'm the first Captain 
 of a man of war that could boast of a chaplain, who had any religion 
 at all."
 
 COMMERCIAL HINTS, RECOLLECTIONS, & C . 5$* 
 
 AN EXTRAORDINARY UNDERTAKING. 
 
 ' THE propositions of Captaine John Bulmcr, in the Office of 
 Assurance, London, for the blowing up of a boat and a man over 
 London Bridge. In the name of God, Amen. John Bulmer, of 
 .London, Esquire, Master and Surveiour-generall of the Kind's Ma 
 jestys mrnesroyall and engines for waterworks, propound^, (by 
 God s assistance), that he, the said John Bulmer, shaU and will at 
 and m a flowing water, set out a boat or vessel with an engine floating 
 with a man or boy in and aboard the said boat, in the river of Thaw, 
 over against the Tower-wharf or lower; which said boat, with the 
 *aid man or boy in or aboard her, shall the same tyde, before 
 low water againe, by art of the said John Bulmer, and helpe of the 
 said engine, be advanced and elevated so high, as that the same shall 
 passe and be delivered over London bridge, together with the said 
 man or boy in and aboard her, and floate againe in the said river of 
 Thames on the other side of the said bridge in safety. And the said 
 John Bulmer, for him, his heires, executors, and administrators, doth 
 hereby covenant and promise, that he, the said John Bulmer, shall and 
 will performe and accomplish the premises within the space of one 
 month next after he shall cawse intimation to be given into the Office 
 of Assurance, London, that he is about, or intends to put the same 
 in practice ; which intimation shall so by him be given at such time, 
 and so soone as the undertakers against him, wagering six for one, 
 shall have deposited and left in the said office such a considerable 
 summe of money as the said John Bulmer may compute will counter- 
 vale the charges of contriving the said boat and engine, and such 
 other disbursements as shall arise and grow in prosecution of the said 
 businesse, and he, the said John Bulmer, shall and will deposite his 
 proportion of monies in the said office accordingly ; and the said 
 monies so deposited by the said undertakers and the said B aimer, 
 shall remaine fa the said office until the said Bulmer shall either have 
 accomplished the same, or the time expired for accomplishment 
 thereof; and the said undertakers, and every of them, shall subscribe 
 and underwrite such summe of money as they, or any of them, shall 
 deposite, adventure, and wager, against the said Bulmer ; which said 
 monies so deposited by the said undertakers and the said John Bul- 
 mer, shall be delivered to the said Bulmer (in case of performance of 
 the premises), otherwise to the said undertakers. Dated the 6th of 
 November 1^43. 
 
 ' And all those that will bring in their monies into the faid 
 office, shall there be assured of their losse or gainc, according to the 
 conditions above mentioned."
 
 [ 370 ] 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 
 
 (Concluded from p. zat.) 
 
 THE thickness of a cable of an East India ship of 700 tons bur- 
 den, is seventeen and a half or eighteen inches. Yet even in 
 this case the strength of the cable is proportionably less than that of 
 smaller ships ; for a ship of 300 tons, which has greater advantages 
 of secure and smooth riding than the Indiaman, has a cable the 
 square of the diameter of which is not less than seventeen and oftener 
 eighteen inches, while the square of that of the latter is only thirty- 
 six ; whereas, if the other is only sufficiently cabled, which is known 
 to be the case, it ought to be forty-two. 
 
 Taking, however, the India ships as sufficiently cabled, it is to be 
 observed, that twenty-two-inch cables were some years ago the largest 
 made, and were then, I believe, in general use among shipi of the 
 line of whatever rate ; but seventy -fours, in some instances, had 
 cables of only 'twenty or twenty-one inches. The strength of the 
 cable of a seventy four, may, therefore, in a cursory estimate, be ex- 
 pressed by the number fifty-one, or fifty-seven, and of first and second 
 rates by only that of fifty-six or fifty-two ; but the real strength of 
 a seventy- four, to be proportionable to her strain, ought to have been 
 108 ; that of a second rate, at the least, 130 ; and of a first rate, 
 in stead of fifty- six or fifty-seven, 144, or upward. 
 
 It appears, then, from the above statement, that a seventy-four has, 
 at most, only half the, strength iu her cable that her tonnage strength 
 requires ; a second rate less than half, and a first little more than one- 
 third. It may occur to the reader, perhaps, on a slight view of the 
 subject, that these ships make up the deficiency of their single 
 cables by superior lengths on them, and a greater number ; but this 
 opinion I shall endeavour to prove erroneous. 
 
 In Falconer's Diftionary is an assertion, the belief of which is, in 
 all probability, the a&ual cause of the evil of which I am complain- 
 ing : it is there said, that " THE RELATIVE STRENGTHS OF CABLES 
 ARE AS THE CUBES OF THtiR DIAMETERS*;" and on this prin- 
 
 *This is taken, it may he presumed, from Savenier, Duhamel, and Morogues. 
 English authors I know, have laid the square which is the true one, or nearly 
 so. The benefits conferred upon science by the Academicians, in giving a 
 large display of nautical matter, must be allowed ; but many false positions and 
 principles obtain in various parts of their works, which must be credited with 
 caution. The error, I am fearful, has been widely extended, and carried into 
 practice, as I have heard muny se,ameu and manufacturers express their belief in 
 its truth.
 
 ANCHORS AD CARLESi 
 
 eiple it is, perhaps, inferred that the relative proportion is preserved, 
 For, thus, upon assuming that a twelve-inch cable is proportioned to a 
 ship of 300 tons, the cube of its diameter being sixty-four, and the 
 cube of the diameter of a first rate's cable from 420 to 430, then 
 there would be the power of nearly seven of the cables of 300 ton 
 ships in one of those of first rates, which will not be much out of the 
 due proportion with their respective nominal tonnage : that is to say, 
 300 and 2,200, which is only a little more than as one to seven ; but 
 it appears from the indubitable and invariable results of experiment, 
 that so far from an augmenting ratio of power being the consequence 
 of the conduplication of materials, even the squares of their diameters 
 absolutely expresses too favourably the relative powers of large rope* 
 against small. Strength, instead of being gained, is lost in com- 
 bination ; for the sum of the aftual strength of the parts of a rope, 
 separately taken, is more than that which their union will produce ; 
 and a small cable is stronger for its size than a large one. It would 
 be much too hasty a deduction, however, to conclude from this 
 position that two or more small cables of a certain strength are 
 therefore preferable for the service in question, to one large cable 
 containing the united materials ; yet this appears to be resorted to as 
 a principle, and brought forward, no doubt, as an argument to justify 
 the current practice, if the propriety of that has at any time been 
 questioned. 
 
 In truth, it is of the highest importance that a ship should possess a 
 single cable to enable it to ride against the utmost force of wind and 
 sea ; for from the strength of two or more cables joined to support 
 the same strain, a considerable deduction, on account of three principal 
 disadvantages, is to be made. 
 
 1. There is not, perhaps, rock, and, some clays excepted, fifty, or 
 I may say ten, square yards of ground, either above or below water, 
 of an equally tenacious quality. The anchor that lies in ground 
 stiffer, in ever so small a degree, than that in which its companion is 
 dropped, will necessarily have the strain upon its own cable, and this 
 will indisputably part before the other. This circumstance accounts 
 for the faft, that ships, in long riding or hard gales, sometimes part 
 one or more of three cables ahead, and are reduced to the security of 
 a single one, and that one, not unfrcquently, the worst, which, after all, 
 holds them in safety. In this case we ought to suppose that the 
 anchor of the successful cable lay in easy ground, which gave way 
 and eased the strain. 
 
 2. The superior hold of the better anchor produces exadly the 
 same effecl: as the unequally stiff ground just adduced; and, that an- 
 chors generally diifer from each other iu degrees of excellence, will 
 be allowed.
 
 '37* ANCHORS AND CABLE!. 
 
 3. The extreme difficulty of stoppering two cables at equal strains, 
 and keeping them in this condition, and the obviously greater, if not 
 impossibility, of doing it upon three or more. 
 
 From these causes, the dependance placed upon the number of 
 cables ought to be greatly lessened. 
 
 It may be supposed, however, to have been hitherto assumed on 
 mere conjectural grounds, that his Majesty's ships ride more insecurely, 
 and part more cables than merchant and East India ships of the 
 tonnage described ; but this is by no means the faft. If reference be 
 made to the log-books of ships of each kind that may have been, at 
 the same time in similar circumstances, enduring great strain on their 
 cables, and riding out hard gales together, it will appear that his Ma- 
 jesty's ships break two good cables at least, or more, to one of the 
 Indiaman's, and that the latter, if in trim and well found, can con- 
 tinue to ride long after the ships of the line are blown from their 
 anchors. 
 
 I do not assert, on the other hand, that the King's ships break 
 their cables in full proportion to that of the relative strength here 
 calculated to be allowed to them and to the merchant ships ; since, 
 in that case, they would break more than two or three for one of the 
 traders : and the reasons that they do not break in this proportion, are, 
 I believe, that they are made of the best hemp, and replaced on 
 sustaining the most trifling damage ; are defended in a completer man- 
 ner, and with better materials ; attended during gales with greater 
 care, and managed with more exquisite skill. Cn all trying occa- 
 sions, the safety of the ships may be said to depend wholly upon the 
 dexterity with which the officers and crew manage the reins of pre- 
 servation, keeping up in the best possible manner an equality of strain 
 on the retaining powers. This, in difficulties of long duration, is 
 more than they can effeft ; and when it is effected, and ships of the 
 line ride as long as well-found merchant ships, in trim for riding, it is 
 to be attributed intirely to the art of the mariner, and not to the in- 
 herent power of the retaining mediums. 
 
 So far as relates to my personal knowledge and evidence of the 
 fafts in question, I declare that I have seen his Majesty's ships part 
 on occasions, which I, who at that time was little acquainted with 
 the true causes, thought extremely trivial, and inadequate to the 
 ruption of a good cable ; and when no such misfortune threatened 
 either ourselves or the neighbouring ships, whose situation was nearly 
 as much exposed as theirs, but who conceived that double the strain 
 then suffered would scarcely have broke us loose. Upon inquiry, I 
 found, that notwithstanding the high character which is constantly 
 allowed to his Majesty's cables, parting is a disaster that very frequent- 
 ly befalls his ships, and much more so than it does merchant vessels.
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 379 
 
 There were in the Downs a few years since, during a week or more 
 of blowing weather, two or three ships of the line, and oo or more 
 merchant vessels : his Majesty's ships frequently parted ; bat if such 
 an accident happened to a single merchantman, it, at least, escaped 
 tny observation and inquiry. 
 
 If the fafts and arguments here adduced, and which more exten- 
 sive information, there is little reason to doubt, would stil\ more 
 strongly confirm, support the position, that his Majesty's greater 
 ships require stronger cables than those now in use, and show that it 
 would be highly advantageous to them to possess one cable, if not 
 two, of sufficient strength to retain the ship against the utmost force 
 of wind and sea, it only remains to be considered how such cables 
 may be procured : some impediments being to be removed, and a 
 new fabric to be composed. 
 
 Before I proceed, however, to this discussion, I may be allowed to 
 call the aitention of the reader to the advantages that would accrue 
 from their use, to those ships which we justly regard with the greatest 
 pride, as well as attachment, as the foundation of glory, defence, and 
 safety, to the British people ; and which ought, if possible, to pos- 
 sess such a hold as will enable them to ride with security on continued 
 stations, and preserve them from wrecking in the most desperate 
 moments. There are very few places of refuge in which the danger 
 or the strain is reduced to less than half the portion of either that is 
 to be encountered in the open sea ; and what I contend for is, that, 
 with cables of double strength, our ships could sustain themselves in- 
 the open sea, with as much security as they can in these retreats : a 
 position that will scarcely be questioned, since, as slims in open situa- 
 tions have ridden out considerable gales ; such, perhaps, as nature in 
 our climates never exerts in double force ; it is not unreasonable to 
 cxpedl, that with double powers of retention, they would be able to 
 brave a nearly double fury of the elements. 
 
 That ships may, indeed, ride firmly in much deeper water, and with 
 less quantity of cable than is commonly supposed, will appear, when I 
 proceed to show the angle of riding or that beyond which the power 
 of retention being lost, rather than gained, by veering the cable, ships 
 may bring up at such a distance from the land, as, if driven from their 
 tation, would allow them room and time to get under sail and beat up, 
 if the wind blew in shore ; or, perhaps, to. ride out a gale against which 
 they could not beat up, and bid defiance to the shore : since, v.-ith the 
 length of cable they possess, they may ride as securely in fifty 
 fathom water as in fifteen, a depth that in almost every part of the 
 world gives a vast offing from the shore. That ships of the line
 
 574 ANCHORS AND CABLE:. 
 
 would be capable of riding longer than all others, were they furnished 
 with adequate instruments, is an observation that forces itself upon 
 the mind. We cannot contemplate their prodigious fabrics, their 
 proud elevation above the surges of ihe ocean, and not feel that they 
 are able to defy the utmost fury of the elements. Thoroughly, how- 
 ever, to equip these ships for service thus daring and exposed, re- 
 quires other alterations and additions than in the article of cables ; but 
 these are foreign to our present inquiry. What I state at present is, 
 that for the current occasions they would be in a very superior degree 
 of safety, were their cables, as they really ought, of double, or nearly 
 double strength. 
 
 The principles on which the acquisition of this strength is recom- 
 mended, are certain and invariable : they are founded not upon 
 opinion, but experiment. 
 
 To increase the strength of cables, their dimensions must be 
 enlarged ; but, in order to procure a cable that, with dimensions thus 
 enlarged, will be manageable, a fabrication different from the present 
 inu c t be introduced. For every quality requisite in a cable, except, 
 perhaps, those of repelling warerand enduring the necessary washing, 
 the construction now in use is the worst that can be adopted. Our 
 cables have nine strands, which is the greatest complication of yarns 
 that is laid ; but, in facl, every departure from a single simple twist, 
 though requisite for work and wear, takes from their strength. The 
 fairer that yarns lay to their strain the better : when they lay dia- 
 gonally to their strain they sustain great injury. The difference in 
 strength of yarns laid in three strands and in nine, their length and 
 quality being the same, is, according to the hardness or moderate, 
 ness of its twist, from a seventh to a twelfth against the latter. It 
 is, besides, fathom for fathom the heavier, in the length of a whole 
 cable some fathoms shorter, and the stiffer in such a ratio, that 
 J conceive half as much more yarn, laid in a three strand-rope, would 
 bend with greater facility ; and I doubt not that twice the quan- 
 tity, laid in three strands of a moderate twist, would bend as easily 
 as the present nine strands ; and moderation of twist, as I have already 
 observed, is an advantage to the strength. 
 
 If it be objected, that these cubles of a three-strand lay would not 
 wash and wear so well as the nine ; I answer, i . Positively, that they will 
 do both much longer than the latter are now expected to do service on 
 board ship of war ; and, 2. That unless hereafter approved, the 
 fabric proposed is by no means intended for common use. As sheet 
 and spare cables they would seldom be wetted, and when wetted 
 their strain would prevent absorption and spunginess : so that these 
 difficulties can be of no weight.
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 3-- 
 
 I have already hinted that a report has reached me of an improved 
 lay of cordage, and coincident reduction of size. I congratulate his 
 Majesty's service on the alteration, so tar as it is an improvement : 
 the improvement was wanting ; but I am impelled to protest against 
 the reduction. It is beyond the power of art to tnake, by any lay 
 of yarn, a variation that will be constantly and uniformly advantageous 
 i* a greater degree ti.an one-sixth, unless it be done in the salvage, 
 which, if at all, will not answer for a great length, and need only, 
 perhaps, be mentioned to be condemned. The practice of bringing 
 all the elepientaiy fibres into order by machinery, and of procuring, 
 by a peculiar mode of combing, and a judicious and assiduous 
 sele&ion of materials, yarn of a superior description, may produce 
 cordage of a quality very extraordinary when compared to other 
 ropes ; but it is to be remembered, that, that part of the process 
 which depends upon the sehSlon must be of a nature somewhat acci- 
 dental, and liable to various occasional and individual failures ; and 
 trnt, therefore, the expectation of a constant supply of cables of equal 
 excellence with the samples, will only be a source of disappointment. 
 
 It is most ardently to be wished, that cables of from three to four 
 thousand yarns, that is, from twenty-eight to thirty-four, and, if 
 manageable, to thirty-six inches in circumference, and of three, or, 
 at most, four simple strands, were fabricated for sheet and spare cables 
 of ships of the line. 
 
 Twenty eight inch cables of this fabric would, for their size, be 
 stronger than ordinary ones. The yarn that will form a nine- 
 strand of twenty-eight inches, would, if laid in a three strand, produce 
 a cable not only stronger but more pliant. It would bend as easily 
 as a twenty-inch nine-strand, if not as a still smaller. The diameter, 
 indeed, of the same number of yarns will be greater if laid in three 
 than if in nine, by half an inch, more or less. It is conceived, that a 
 thirty-six-inch cable of three strands might be laid so as to be 
 managed with nearly as much ease as the usual cables of twenty-two 
 inches; and, if this be true, the difficulty of coiling that might be 
 apprehended is obviated at once. 
 
 The principal impediment to the prosecution of this design, con- 
 eists in the too great acuteness for a rope of such magnitude of the 
 angle of the head of the bitt. The alteration proposed by Mr. 
 Snodgrass would almo&t wholly remove the inconvenience, but tin* 
 may be carried a little farther. If both the bitt-hcads were rounded 
 with additional timber to two and a half or three feet diameter, it 
 would be far the better in every respeft. It is not impost ut, 
 upon trial, a thick coating of lead round them m.ght be found to 
 the fccUon of the cables very sufficiently ; it wears wcl] m the
 
 376 ANCHORS AND CABLES. 
 
 hawse, and might do there ; and then the cables would not fire in a 
 quick run. If lead round the bitt-heads should not be found to 
 answer, a 'close welding of compaft cordage might ; and that, being 
 of an absorbent nature, would probably carry moisture sufficient for 
 the intire removal of all danger of firing. It should be observed, that 
 io-nition is excited upon hard-rubbed wood sooner, perhaps, than 
 upon any other substance whatever, steel excepied. 
 
 With respect to anchors, I wish to suggest that a great improve- 
 ment might be made in them by the introduction of stocks of iron, 
 tapering from five inches in the middle to four at the edge : 
 
 Seven feet long. 
 
 Seven feet long. 
 
 The two parts of which stock might be bolted with four bolts and 
 forelocks. 
 
 With this sharp form, angulated every way, the stock would sink, 
 in loose ground, deep into the earth, and make a prodigious resistance ; 
 by means of a proper scope of cable, it would continue this resistance 
 till the fluke of the anchor was almost so much elevated as to lose its 
 hold, and at the same time help to i etard its elevation as well as 
 preserve its hold *. 
 
 To speak of the fluke's quitting the earth in a strain before the stock 
 be elevated, may seem singular, but we must judge from fact rather 
 than from surmise. The aclion of an anchor can be comprehended 
 only by experiment. By the kindness of Providence, it seems to be 
 governed by laws peculiar to itself, and adapted to its uses. Its 
 manner of resisting is so favourable, that the retainer annexed may, 
 without making a very acute angle with the earth, have all the bene- 
 fit of its powers. The cable being an hypotheneuse of twice and 'a 
 
 * This observation on the fluke's rising before the stock, is only applicable to 
 loose ground ; in hard, the stock rises in a small degree ; in the first, stocks f 
 wood rise sooner than those of iron.
 
 ACCOUNT OF HB1LIG ISLAND. ,7, 
 
 talf the length of the perpendicular height from tke hawse to the 
 ground, is not,, perhaps, sufficient. If the cable veered be three times 
 the length from the ground to the hawse, and it docs not appear that 
 any advantage can be gained by additional extent, ships of war may- 
 work their cables on any deck they please *, and obtain firm ar.chnr- 
 age in forty-fathom water, or deeper. If this position be Hue, as it 
 will most assuredly be found to be, veering a vast length of cable, tu 
 or three on one anchor, as has commonly been done, in twelve or fewer 
 fathom water, is not only unnecessary, but injurious ; sines great 
 lengths of rope, become weaker in a ratio proportioned to that length. 
 To frame experiments that shall demonstrate the truth of the 
 principles here laid down is by no means difficult ; and, if they were 
 thought useful, I should have no objection to pointing out or sup- 
 plying them. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 T. C. PHILONAUT. 
 
 ACCOUNT OF 
 
 HEILIG- ISLAND. 
 
 [From the History of the ANGLO-SAXONS.] 
 
 r TT*HE most celebrated, and the most frequented of the Saxon 
 -*- islands, wasHeilig-island. The words literally mean the sacred 
 island, but the date and reason of this epithet are now lost f . In the 
 eleventh century it had two other names ; Farria, and Fossetis-land ., 
 which have been written with various orthography. 
 
 In the German ocean , not forty miles distant from Eiderstadt, 
 and rather farther from the mouth of the Elbe, stands this venerated 
 
 * Safety of riding would be greatly promoted by raising the hawses higher. 
 
 f Some derive the name from Hilgo, a bishop of the place ; others, and in 
 the opinion of Pontanus, verier, from some holy virgins who inhabited ir. 
 Their sacred steps their respe&ful grass never covered, as all the natives will 
 attest and show. Pontanue Chorog. 739. The name Fossctislaud arujc rout 
 its idol Fosete. AltfridiU, in Spener's Notitia, 371. 
 
 | Ought we not rather to read Fosset island, or still rather, Fosete -island ? 
 See note f, which also, with deference to the Author, seems sufficiently to ac- 
 ceunt for the epithet Leilig (or holy), 01 sacred. EDITOR. 
 
 This description is colle&ed from Adam Bremen, p. 64. Pentium Cho- 
 rog. 738740. i Busching's Geography, 166 168, and from the commu- 
 nications of some gentlemen who have frequented the coast. Nieuwerk, at the 
 very mouth of the Elbe, is a mere sand, with a beacon upon it. In 1714 th 
 island was annexed to the crown of Denmark. : it had been 
 fcy the duke of HoUtein-'JoUo, r . Bur.hing.
 
 378 ACCOUNT OF HEIL1G-ISLAND. 
 
 place If a line from the Elbe to the peninsula of the Eider were 
 supposed to form the base of an equilateral triangle, Heilig-lanrl 
 would be nearly at the vertex. In the middle of the sea, an abrupt 
 projection of lofty rocks rises awfully from the bosom of the waves, 
 and, strong with the inassailable fortifications of nature, it presents 
 one entiance only to the friendly navigator. Viewed distinctly, t\vo 
 divisions of the stony mass are remarked ; one, the highland surtiamed 
 Klif, coloured by its red strata of earth, which is every year disclosing 
 more and more of its solid base to the invading waters, seerrK-J once 
 like a mighty wall erected to coerce the ocean. It ascends towards 
 the sky with an elevation of forty-six German ells. 
 
 A scanty covering of rich clayey mould, from (wo feet and a half to 
 four in depth, produces some species of corn, wliich once excelled the 
 harvests of the Eiderstadt, and a few vegetables, but not sufficient 
 for the demands of its small population ; no trees provide their grate- 
 ful shade and agreeable prospetl ; their absence is compensa; ed by 
 the happy want of all noxious reptiles. The domesticated animals of 
 our food and labour equalled the best produce of Fricsland ; they are 
 now reduced to about sixty cattle, and as many sheep, the sudden 
 steeps occasion their wanderings to be restricted. This spot was 
 formerly famous for the capture of herrings j it is still abundant in 
 fish. 
 
 The other part, the Duhnen or Downs, is sandy, with a small part 
 of rocky ground, on which stands a fourth of the dwellings of the 
 inhabitants, with the apparatus of their fishery. One hundred and 
 eighty steps compose the descent from the Klif. The red portion 
 detains the waters of the sky when they fall. The Duhnen was 
 formerly full of the sweetest fouutainsj but at present the water of its 
 two springs serve only the cattle and common uses. It affords no 
 pasturage, but it ;dmits the vegetation of hemp, and shelters the 
 harmless colonies of the rabbit. A mole secures it from the sea, and 
 a channel deep enough for moderate vessels, and about three quarters 
 of a mile broad, has, since 1728, separated the Duhnen from the Klif. 
 
 In the autumnal season it is visited by innumerable successions of 
 winged emigrants *, who hope to find on a rock so secluse, a safe 
 asylum and more congenial atmosphere ; but its promises are deceit- 
 ful, for man occupies it, and the pleasure of the monarch of creation 
 demands a lavish sacrifice of animal life : yet moralists admit, that the 
 quantity of general happiness is in all probability augmented in that 
 system, whi$:h commands one being to become the food of another. 
 
 * The officer, whose account Pontanus has preserved, particularizes the sea- 
 birds, cranes, swans, ducks, larks, and thrushes, among those which perform this 
 autumnal journey, p. 730.
 
 ACCOUNT OF HEILIG-ISLAND. 370 
 
 To censure the established order of nature is to put our wisdom in 
 absurd competition with omniscient benevolence. 
 
 Its inhabitants imbibe health and vigour from its salubrious sky. 
 They are indefatigable in their occupations, which are generally those 
 of the fisherman and the pilot. Perpetually at sea, like their Saxon 
 ancestors, they disregard the terrors of the ocean, and delight to 
 display their intrepidity when the agitated waters intimidate others. 
 Frugal in their domestic oeconorr.y, the harvest of their nets, and the 
 friendly corn of the poor husbandman of the north, compose the food 
 which contents them. Their agriculture is too simple to boast of 
 th ise instruments, which diminish the labour without, perhaps, im- 
 pairing tl.f. supply. The horse is wanting. They have not even the 
 universal plough ; the nature of the country may prescribe it. The 
 fair sex are the farmers of the island ; they condescend, or submit, to 
 dig the land, sow, harrow, and reap, and even patitntly thresh, and 
 with handmills giind what their industry has obtained : but it seems 
 not to be brutality of disposition, but the imperious necessities of 
 situation, which impose such revolting toil upon the weaker sex. 
 The men, in equal but in varied difficulties, employ their activity, and 
 add the bounty of Neptune to the gifts of their Ceres *. 
 
 A numerous population is not compatible with a life of such hazard 
 and labour. The families who inhabit the rocks arc few ; the ag- 
 gref?io;is of the waves concur to prevent a multiplication. In ancient 
 times, the extent of soil capable of cultivation was much larger than 
 th< small portion which at present is visible. Though sacred in the 
 estimation of man, the elements have not respe&ed it. In the year 
 800, a furious tempest from the north-west occasioned the greater 
 portion to be swallowed up by the waves. In 1300 and 1500, it 
 suffered materially from the same cause ; but the inundation of 1649 
 was so destructive, that but a small part of the island survived it. If 
 another attack should wash away the sandy downs, scarce one-sixth 
 of the present population could subsist. 
 
 Surrounded by nations highly civilized, this island exists for the 
 benefit of all who navigate the Elbe. This commercial river, from its 
 
 * The island contained many curious minerals, some petrefa&ions of filbert* 
 and waxen tapers, and an ore of gold, which was sent to the dukes of Holstein, 
 and in the processes of smelting yielded so much sulphur as to discharge the 
 expence of obtaining the pure gold. Pont.mus 739. This is singular, as gol< 
 Js seldom found united with sulphur, though auriferous pyrites have b 
 with in Peru, Siberia, Sweden, n,d Hurpary. a Schn-.cifter, Mineralogy, z 5 . 
 * Chaptal. Chero. 441- Among the substances indurated by the 
 careous matter, we read of human hands. Pont. 739.
 
 3&> ACCOUNT OP HEILIG-ISLAND. 
 
 dangerous coast, could not be entered without it. A sea-mark by- 
 day, a light -house by night, it points out the path of safety to the 
 anxious mariner, and abounds with skilful pilots, who possess the 
 local knowledge which he needs. They condu& vcsstls to the T< Ibe, 
 the Weser, the Eider, or the Hever. But though now so useful to 
 the navigator, it was in distant times his most fatal terror. Its 
 capacious port, whi h opens to the south, will contain above an 
 hundred vessels of burden within its sheltering arms, and defends them 
 from ;he north and west. So safe an harbour, a situation so con- 
 tiguous to many marts of wealth and industry, invited the adventurers 
 of promiscuous piracv. From the age of the Saxons almost to our 
 own it was thronged with maritime depredators*. The writers of 
 every period annex this dismal feature to its description ; and though 
 we must condemn with delicacy the national employment of our fore- 
 fathers, we may rejoice that the energies of their posterity have been 
 directed to colonize, not to ravage ; to explore with insatiable ardour 
 the boundless fields of science and commercial industry, not to watch 
 Eke the sanguinary tyger for its unsuspecting victim, and prosper by 
 human misery. 
 
 It is a subject of geographical contest, whether it be the Aftania 
 tf Pliny and the island of the Castum Nemus of Tacitus f, p. 28. 
 
 * It has been often the ?eat of royal residence. Radbodus, king of Frisia, 
 Iiad his last sovereignty upon it. The Sea-kengs also frequented it. But this 
 island has been often confounded with Helgoland, a populous district of Norway. 
 Pontan. 739. This Helgoland is mentioned in Ohther's Voyage, Alfred's 
 Orosius, 24; and in Sir Hugh Vi'illoughby's Voyage, Hackluyt, p. 268. The 
 kings of Helgoland, mentioned in the Norwegian Chronicle, were kings of 
 this province. Pont. 
 
 f See Pontanus, 665, 73.7. Cluverius gives Heiligland as Actania, and 
 flagen from its wood and lake, as the island designated by Tacitus, Ant. Ger. 
 107.97. Heiligland has no woods. Pontanus, while he hints the pretensions 
 of Zealand, seems to prefer Heiligland, because it is near the Elbe, and is a 
 translation ofcaslum nevius. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLV. 
 
 HP HE annexed view of Gibraltar is taken from the westward. The 
 portrait of a bomb-ketch on the old construction is introduced, 
 with the fleet under the command of Admiral vSir George Rooke, 
 itanding into the Bay. The following History and Topographical 
 Account of this important forttess will, we doubt not, be found, 
 kighly interesting to our readers :
 
 E 381 3 
 
 HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. 
 
 THE rock at the foot of which this memorable fortress Is ercfted, 
 forms a part of the province of Andalusia. Europa Point, which 
 it its southern extremity, is that of Spain also. The rock itself, 
 which lies in north lat. 35. 50. west long. 5. 35. being the Mons Calpe 
 of the Antients, is nearly seven miles in circumference, forming a 
 promontory of very singular shape, three miles in length, which is joined 
 to the main land by an isthmus of sand very little elevated above the 
 surface of the ocean. Its natural strength appears to have been very 
 little noticed in ancient times. The situation did not afford advant- 
 ages sufficient to induce either the Carthaginians, its neighbours, or 
 the Romans themselves, who subdued them, and reduced Spain be- 
 neath its yoke, to fortify it or make a settlement there. The Saracens 
 were more sagacious ; and an invasion of Spain being made soon 
 after the commencement of the eighth century by a considerable 
 force, commanded by a Saracen chief, named Tarif Ebn Zarca, he 
 immediately availed himself of the encouragement afforded as it were 
 by nature to his projeft, and erefted that fortress on the face of the 
 hill which is to this day called the Moorish castle. This ereftion 
 was called by the Saracens, in compliment to their General, Gibel- 
 Tarif, and from thence, by an easy alteration, is derived the word 
 Gibraltar. A place of arms, established by a powerful and warlike 
 people, on a spot which has latterly proved so impregnable to the im- 
 pressions of every modern improvement and horrid invention of war, 
 rendered considerable service to the invaders, who extending their con- 
 quests, soon became possessed of all the open and most fertile parts of 
 the kingdom. The aboriginal inhabitants, after a bondage, or, if not 
 so, a deprivation of the most valuable part of their possessions for more 
 than five centuries, roused themselves to so high a pitch of national en- 
 thusiasm and valour, as not only to attack but defeat their oppressors in 
 a variety of engagements ; and even to take from them Gibraltar itself. 
 
 This event is said to have happened at the commencement of the 
 fourteenth century ; but it continued in the hands of the Spaniards 
 no longer than till the year 1333 ; when it was besieged and com- 
 pelled to surrender, after an attack of five months continuance, by 
 Abomelique, son of the king of Fez. Alon*o XI. then king of 
 Castile, was on his march to relieve it at the time of Us surrender ; 
 but he desisted not in his approach toward it, hoping to repossess 
 himself of it by a co^-^naln. ere the Moors could establish 
 themselves sufficiently in their new conquest. The attempt was 
 spirited, but the event had nearly proved fatal to him. Mahomed, 
 
 mi iv. 3
 
 382 HISTORY AD TOPOGRAPHIC AL 
 
 the Moorish king of Granada, having entered into an alliance with 
 Abomelique, marched toward Gibraltar with a numerous army, and- 
 encamped in the rear of the Spaniards ; so that famine, and the in- 
 ternal commotions which then prevailed in his kingdom, compelled the 
 brave Alonzo, after having fruitlessly persisted in his attempt for a 
 fe\v months, to enter into a convention, by which the confe Jerated 
 Moors very honourably permitted him to retire in safety with his 
 army. He renewed the attempt fifteen or sixteen years afterward, 
 but was then also equally unsuccessful ; the Moors, sensible of its 
 value, had paid considerable attention to the fortifications, which they 
 had increased to such an extent as to render it, according to the 
 system of military tadtics then practised, as impregnable to human 
 idea, as it is considered at present. Still, however, this sovereign 
 bore his former disgrace so ill at heart, that he resolved to exert every 
 nerve in what he considered as a recovery of hir- honour ; the Moorish 
 garrison was numerous and biave, the fortiess extremely well stored 
 both for its own defence and the annoyance of its enemies ; but such 
 was the spirit of the as.-ailants, and the unremitted perseverance of 
 Alonzo, that the Moors were upon the point of capitulating, when a 
 pestilential disorder having broken out in the Spanish camp, swept 
 away a multitude of their troops, caused the death of their brave but 
 unfortunate leader, and compelled the miserable remainder te raise 
 , the siege in dismay. No farther attempt was made by the Spaniards 
 to re-possess themselves of this fortress for nearly ninety years ; when 
 the Count De Niebla resolved to attack it by sr a, while his son pressed 
 it on the land side with an army he was advancing at the head of. 
 The intemperate precipitancy of the father caused the failure of the 
 whole projecl. He attacked the garrison with his gallies ere the 
 troops arrived to co-operate with him, and was not only defeated, but 
 lost his life in the hasty retreat he was compelled to make. 
 
 In the year 1462, however, it finally reverted into the hands of the 
 Christians ; the garrison which defended it had been withdrawn, for 
 the purpose of joining the party of one of the Moorish competitors 
 for the crown of Granada, and this circumstance coming to the 
 knowledge of the Spaniards, an army was quickly levied, which soon 
 reduced the inhabitants to the last extremity, for though destitute of 
 proper military protection, they defended themselves with the greatest 
 resolution. Henry the Fourth, King of Castile and Leon, was so 
 rejoiced at the intelligence of this conquest, that he added it to his 
 Royal titles. 
 
 In the year 1540, Piali Hamet, a Mahometan chieftain, serving 1 
 under Barbarossa, surprised Gibraltar by a desultory attack, but con- 
 
 * 

 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. 383 
 
 tented himself with pillaging the town, and carrying off the principal 
 part of the inhabitants as prisoners. In the reign of Chu;les the 
 Fifth, this fortress was almost intirely rebuilt, and a variety of addi- 
 tk>ns made according to the modern improvements in military archi- 
 tecture then practised. The whole work was superintended and 
 directed by the celebrated Daniel Speckel, chief engineer to Charles 
 the Fifth. A variety of additions and improvements were afterward 
 made, but no subsequent evtnt seems to have taken place in its 
 history that is sufficiently consequential to require any particular 
 detail, till the year i 704, when it was suddenly attacked and wrested 
 from the crown of Spam, after an assault of very short duration, by 
 a detachment from the combined fleet at that time under the orders of 
 Sir George Rooke. Of this memerable event, no better, perhaps, 
 and certainly no more curious, account can be given than in the 
 following letter written by Sir Edward Whitaker, who was there pre- 
 sent, to Sir Richard Haddock. It is a curious and original record 
 of this great event, and may serve to show how far the account 
 generally given by historians of it, agrees with the real fad. 
 
 
 
 " Dated on loard ler Majesty's Ship Dorut:bire t in 
 "SIR, ' Gibraltar Bay, July ye ^<)tb, 1704. 
 
 " I HERE give you an account of our good success, especially 
 what has related to my own particular part : July 2ist, we anchored 
 here in the Bay, and about four in the afternoon landed about 2000 
 marines, Dutch and all ; I commanded the landing, with three captainea 
 more, all which was don with little opposition, about forty horse 
 came downe from ye towne, which was all, and they run away soe 
 soon as our guns began to play upon them ; we landed about two 
 miles from ye towne , in ye Bay, and marched dirtdly to the toot of 
 the hill, where they posted themselves, within muskett shott of the 
 gates, so cutt off all manner of communication from the land ; we 
 hove into ye towne this evening about 17 shells. The Prince of 
 Hesse landed with us, and immediately sent in a summons to the Go- 
 vernor, which did not return any answer tell the next morning, and 
 then the Governor said he would defend the towne to the very last ; 
 then Admiral Byng, who commanded the cannonading, began to draw 
 up all his ships in a line before the towne, but it proving little wind 
 could not get in with them all, so that we did little this day; there 
 was three small ships in the Old Mold, one of which annoyed oui 
 camp by firing amongst them, having about ten guns lying c 
 the Mold, and just under a great bastion at the north corner , 
 towne, I proposed to Sir George the burning her m ye night, h 
 itt, accordingly ordered what boats I would have to my uniuncc, and
 
 584 HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 about twelve at night I did itt effe&ually, with the loss of but ontf 
 man, and five or six wounded. July 23, at four this morning Ad- 
 miral Byng began with his ships to cannonade a Dutch Rear- Ad- 
 miral, and five or six ships of their's along with him, which made a 
 noble noise, being within half-shott of the towne, my ship not being 
 upon service, I desired Sir George to make me his aducon, to carry 
 his commands from tyme to tyme to Admiral Byng, which he did 
 accordingly, and after about two hours continued firing, sent me with 
 orders to forbare ; upon this I went to every ship in the line with this 
 orders and coming on board Capt. Jumper in the Lenox, found him 
 extraordinary well posted, and within muskett shott of ye New Mold 
 head, and had beat them all out of the battery, and off the Mold, so 
 that I beleived we might attack it with our boats, I went imme- 
 diately and acquainted Admiral Byng with it, who ordered all ye 
 boats to be manned and armed ; from him I went to Sir George and 
 gave him my opinion that the Mold might be attacked, he imme- 
 diately made the signal for all the boats in the fleet, and gave me yc 
 command of ye attacke, with three or four Captaine's along with me, 
 I made all ye hast I could with orders lo Admiral Byng to send me 
 accordingly, but some of the boats got ashore before I could reach 
 them with little or no opposition, severall of our men got into ye 
 castle, upon which it blew up ; we had killed between forty and fifty 
 men (most of all ye boats that landed first were sunk), about 100 or 
 200 wounded, upon which all that remained came running downe and 
 leaped into ye water ; being so mightily surprized, I landed within a 
 minute after ye accident, and rallied our men, we went over a breach 
 in ye wall but one at a time, and took possession of the hill ; I imme- 
 diately sent Capt. Roffy and Capt. Afton with between forty and 
 fifty men, and took possession of a bastion of eight guns, within lest 
 than half muskett shott of the towne wall, and there we pitched our 
 colours ; soon after Admiral Byng came ashore to me, and sent in a 
 drummer with a summons, who returned in about two hours with a 
 letter in answer, that they would surrender the next day, which they 
 accordingly did ; I beleive I had with me at the first onset between 
 two and three hundred men, but we grew in a very little tyme to neare 
 1000 ; this was the manner we took Gibraltar, which I hope we shall 
 maintaine. I hope, Sir, youle excuse this trouble I give, but beleiving 
 that every boddy will right att this tyme upon this occasion, I could 
 not forbeare giving my very good friend, Sir Richard, this particular 
 account of ye whole matter, which I don't doubt but Capt. Had- 
 dock will give much the same account. Pray please to favour my 
 spouse with a line or two, fearing mine should miscarry, my most
 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. 38$' 
 
 Immble service to my good lady and all ye good family, I begg youle 
 make use of this as furr as you shall think fitt, it being a true account 
 of ye whole matter. 
 
 I am, 
 
 " Your most harty humble Servant 
 
 * 
 
 '* And Kinsman to serve, whilst 
 
 " EDWARD WHITAKER. 
 '* P. S. This is rite all in a hurry, Sir, yet I hope youle excuse me." 
 
 An attempt was immediately made by the enemy to re-possess 
 themselves of this important fortress ; but after a variety of losses, 
 both by sea and land, they were content to raise the siege, after having 
 lost before the fortress not less than ten thousand men, ^ogether with 
 nearly twenty ships of war, taken or burnt by Sir John Leake and 
 other officers at different times, five of which were of the line. In 
 1726, a second attempt was made, and a siege was regularly com- 
 menced by a Spanish army under the command of Count DC Las 
 Torres. From, this time, till the long and celebrated siege which 
 it sustained during the late war, against the combined fleets and 
 armies both of France and Spain, nothing appears to have materially 
 interrupted the tranquillity of the garrison. During the two inter- 
 vening wars, the Spaniards were two well aware of its strength, and 
 Lad too much occupation for their force in other parts, to permit 
 their employing any part of it in so fruitless an attempt. 
 
 The views, however, of the enemy became materially altered on 
 the commencement of the dispute between Great Britain and Spain 
 In 1779* The assistance expelled to be derived from the co-opera* 
 tion of France, and the diversion which the dispute with the Ameri- 
 can colonies would necessarily occasion, created in the minds of the 
 ancient possessors the most sanguine hopes of success, and they ac- 
 cordingly commenced their attempt with a force that was considered 
 as adequate to the completion of it. 
 
 When reflection becomes coolly direfted even for a moment to the 
 exertions required from a force never exceeding 7,000 men, to op- 
 ponents who, when reckoned in the aggregate, amounted to at least 
 fourteen times that number, the report of a successful resistance, had 
 it happened in a more remote age, might have appeared fabulous. 
 Although the Spaniards had been foiled in every previous effort to 
 re- possess themselves of a fortress which, while in the power of their 
 enemy, must be an objed of perpetual disgust, yet they were not 
 to be deterred by their preceding ill-success, from a repetition of the 
 same species of attempt in the year 1779, soon as hostilities were
 
 j85 HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 p'."v- T y commenced be 4 "^een that people and Great Britain. The 
 nnval force at that time on the station, consisted merely of an old 
 sixty gun ship, the Panther, three frigates, which were occasionally 
 employed as cruisers, and on which occupation two of them were at 
 that time absent, together with a single sloop of war, called the 
 Childers. This naval force was never expected to contribute ma- 
 terinlly to the defence of the fortress ; the n:mbst limit of its supposed 
 tervices extended not beyond the casual interception of vessels laden 
 with provisions or stores, whose cargoes might be considered service- 
 able to the garrison, or the prevention of desultory harassing attacks 
 from any flotilla which the enemy might think proper to equip. 
 Both these expectations were completely answered during the siege. 
 A variety of prizes were brought in, and the enemy were consider- 
 ably restrained in those annoyances from the sea, which would 
 have been inconceivably numerous and troublesome to the utmost de- 
 gree, had they not stood in awe of opposition. After the siege, or 
 rather the blockade, had continued for some months, a British arma- 
 ment under the orders of Sir George, afterward Lord, Rodney, en- 
 tered the Bay in spite of every opposition that could be made to it by 
 the enemy, and afforded a relief 'to the garrison, which proved effeo 
 tual for more than the space of twelve months. 
 
 The British Admiral had the fortune to fall in on his passage, first 
 with a Spanish convoy, principally laden with provisions or stores, 
 which he carried with him to the place of his destination, and thereby 
 more effectually fulfilled the objeft of his mission ; secondly, with a 
 squadron composed of ships of war belonging to the same country, 
 which were stationed off Cape St. Vincent, for the special pin-pose of 
 intercepting him on his passage, and which he completely defeated, 
 and indeed almost annihilated. The victor, with his prizes, entered 
 the Bay in triumph. The petty armament belonging lo Spain, 
 Which had been previously occupied in what was called the blockade, 
 trembling for its own existence, sought security under the caimou of 
 Algesiras and the adjacent batteries. 
 
 The inconvenience, and the varied insults, to which the garri- 
 son had been subject during the preceding part of the siege, in- 
 duced the British Government to strengthen the maritime force 
 that was stationed there for its support. The Edgar, a new ship of 
 74. guns, commanded by one of the most enterprising office! s in the 
 British service. Commodore, afterward Admiral, Elliot, remained 
 behind the fleet. Experience proved the reinforcement was of no 
 matciial coaKquence to the defence of the place ; so that after an uti-
 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. ,g 7 
 
 Interesting nation there for a few months, the Edgar returned to 
 England, leaving the naval force employed in that quarter precisely 
 as she found it. Reduced as it was, it still remained sufficient to ex. 
 cite the jealousy, and create a spirit of enterprise in the Spaniards, 
 which seemed to rise somewhat above the national character. 1 hey 
 fitted out nine fireships *, at a very considerable expencc, some of 
 them being vessels of large dimensions. These were conducted, under 
 cover of the night, against the British squadron, which was at that 
 time moored under the very walls of the garrison. The- vigilar.cc of 
 the officers and people, together with the adivity they displayed in the 
 hour of danger, rendered the attempt completely harmless. The 
 fireships were towed off by the boats of the squadron without effed- 
 ing the smallest injury, and the failure of the enterprise seemed to 
 promise the prevention of any similar attempt. The sole honour of 
 defeating it was very justly attributed to the exertions of the navy ; 
 and it proved of no small advantage to the besieged that the enemy- 
 had planned so destructive a projeft ; for the hulls of the different 
 vessels employed on the occasion, at least such part of them as re- 
 mained unconsumed, being broken up, afforded very material assist- 
 ance to the garrison, as well as to the inhabitants, for fuel. As it 
 was found that very little succour could be expected from ships so 
 large even as the Panther, while moored under the waDs of the gar- 
 rison, and as it was very properly expected that the destruction of so 
 large a ship might prompt the enemy to a repetition of the same 
 alarming measure, the Panther repaired to England almost imme- 
 diately afterward, and the subsequent defence of the place, far as 
 regarded the navy, was left intirely to a few frigates, two or three 
 sloops of war, and a number of gun- boats fitted out on the spot. 
 
 No very material occurrence happened after this time, till tht 
 month of April 1781, when the British fleet, commanded by Vicc- 
 Admii al Darby, consisting of more than thirty-four ships of the line, 
 besides having a fleet of transports of more than loo sail under their 
 convoy, entered the Bay in spite of all opposition from the enemy, 
 and effectually relieved the garrison from a famine, which was then 
 rapidly approaching, and which, had not the critical arrival of the 
 transports prevented it, must soon have reduced this otherwise JD> 
 piegnable fortress to the utmost extremity of distress. 
 
 Hitherto the enemy had principally confined their attempts to a 
 mere blockade, having contented themselves with firing vtry slowly 
 
 * See Naval Chronicle, vol. iii. p. 145. Life of Captain Harvey.
 
 388 HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 on the town at intervals, without occasioning any loss deserting- of 
 mention among the defenders, or the smallest injury to the fortifi- 
 cations. Failing, however, in their first hope, they immediately 
 changed their system of assault, and commenced a wanton bombard- 
 ment on the town ; which, though it materially afflicted and de- 
 stroyed a considerable number of the inhabitants, tended not iu the 
 smallest degree to accelerate the surrender of the place itself. In- 
 deed, the measure appeared rather as the mean revenge of a vindic- 
 tive disappointed enemy, than as the fair efforts of ao honourable foe, 
 eeking to acquire victory and reputation. 
 
 To enter into a regular detail of the various instances of heroism 
 displayed, not only by naval officers in the King's service, but by a 
 variety of other gallant persons employed on board vessels belonging 
 to merchants, and sent thither for the purpose of relieving the wants 
 of the straitened garrison, would far exceed the limits of the present 
 narrative. 
 
 Amid this multitude of encounters, each of them exalting the cha- 
 racters of the persons concerned almost beyond the power of praise, 
 it were improper to pass over in silence one or two occurrences, more 
 on account of the singularity, than from any wish to attribute pre- 
 eminence or superiority to any, where all were so equal ; for such a 
 measure would certainly be an invidious one. On the morning of the 
 7th of Angust 1781, the atmosphere being then somewhat hazy, 
 and obscuring the vessel in question from the view of the garrison, a 
 signal was made by the Spaniards to their gun-boats, that an enemy 
 was in sight. The fog being somewhat dispelled as the day ad- 
 vanced, a vessel was discovered at a considerable distance, rowing with 
 the current for Europa point. Fourteen gun-boats belonging to the 
 enemy put out from Algesiras, for the purpose of intercepting her ; 
 on perceiving which, Captain, now Sir Roger, Curtis, who com- 
 manded the Brilliant, of twenty eight guns, and was at that time the 
 icnior naval officer on the station, ordered Sir Charles Knowles to 
 row out to meet the vessel, and endeavour to receive any dispatches 
 which she might be bringing for the Governor. Captain Curtis him- 
 self was employed in directing the Vanguard and Repulse prames, for 
 the purpose of protecting and covering the approaching stranger. 
 The boats of the enemy approached the vessel in question, which wa* 
 discovered to be a sloop of war, and afterward proved to be the He- 
 lena brig, commanded by Captain Roberts, much faster than the 
 prames, which were only capable of being towed out. Before eight 
 o'clock, the headmost of them, being then within gun-shot, began to 
 fire on the Helena. The latter returned the compliment with gre%t
 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. 389 
 
 deliberation and ef&&, the crew still continuing to make the same ex- 
 ertions in rowing, as before. The greater part of the flotilla soon 
 afterward surrounded the vessel, and a tremendous fire of grape 
 as well as other shot appeared to threaten her with almost im- 
 mediate annihilation. As some deliverance, however, from this 
 very unequal contest, the Repulse and Vanguard soon got near 
 enough to support her. The enemy did not yet desist ; but the 
 contest soon began to slacken, and before ten o'clock the enemy 
 abandoned their attempt as hopeless. The most singular circum- 
 stance attending this event is, that notwithstanding the long and very 
 heavy fire of the enemy, directed by some of the ablest artil- 
 lerists in the Spanish service, the Helena, though she had received 
 considerable injury in her hull, her masts, and her rigging, had 
 only two persons wounded, and one, the boatswain, killed. It 
 is on account of this singular instance of good fortune that the story 
 has been related ; and for a similar reason it will be no less interesting 
 as well as instructive, perhaps, to mention, that in spite of every 
 attention that could be paid by an alert and irritated enemy to 
 prevent the arrival of any succours, the garrison was kept so well sup- 
 plied during the whole of the siege, by means of the judicious and 
 enterprising conduct in the commanders of other small vessels sent 
 thither for that purpose, that no a&ual want of fresh provisions, or 
 even the luxuries of life ever prevailed. These articles were always to 
 be purchased, though it must be confessed at rather an extravagant 
 price. Commercial speculation felt the risk, and well knew how to 
 make the best advantage of the plausible pretence. 
 
 After a fruitless expenditure of blood, as well as of treasure, the 
 besiegers had the mortification to find that the surrender of the place 
 was not in the sm.illeat degree mote probable than when they had first 
 at down before the place three years before. They were determined 
 jto make one violent and desperate assault, hoping that, with a 
 species of coup-de-main, they might, by assaulting the garrison on all 
 quarters at the same instant, be fortunate enough to find some spot less 
 capable than the rest of resisting their fury. An army of 40,000 
 men, seconded by the countenance of a fleet of nearly fifty ships of 
 the line, appeared in themselves a force sufficient to appal the hearts 
 jof the wearied and almost exhausted garrison. Thtse ordinary and 
 regular instruments of assault were deemed, however, insufficient for 
 the purpose. Thirteen vessels, many of them of large dimensions, 
 which had been originally constructed for Spanish ships of war, were 
 cut down and converted into floating batteries, under the dir ftion of 
 one of the ablest officers then known. Every attention was paid by 
 
 mi iv. 3 *
 
 39 HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 m 
 
 him to render them as destructive as ingenuity applied to the most 
 dreadful purposes could make them. They were covered above 
 in such a manner as to, bid defiance to any impression of shells ; and 
 their sides were also fortified to prevent the red-hot shot, which it was 
 apprehended the garrison would use against them, from taking any 
 effect. The onset commenced ; the moment was critical ; but the 
 event did not long continue doubtful. The perseverance of the de- 
 fenders quickly taught the assailants how unequal these mighty float- 
 ing machines were to the task of subduing the fortress ; the greater 
 part of them being set on fire solely by the heated shot poured into 
 them without intermission, and those which escaped the first cause of 
 conflagration, fell within a few hours victims to the British torch. 
 Sad was the reverse to the enemy, who had vainly flattered themselves 
 but a few hours before, that their measures were so judiciously ar- 
 ranged, that human art should in vain attempt to baffle them. In all 
 the pomp and arrogance of expected victory, the assailants considered 
 the surrender of the fortress as almost inevitable ; but those that on 
 the morning of the igth of September 1782, beheld the British 
 already vanquished in idea, crouching with submission at their feet, 
 were compelled to solicit the protection of, and owe their lives to the 
 exertions of the persons, whose resistance to them they had considered 
 almost as an act of unjustifiable desperation. 
 
 The misfortunes of the enemy did not cease with this defeat. On 
 the loth of October following, a dreadful hurricane materially da- 
 maged the combined squadrons of France and Spain, which still lay 
 at anchor in the Bay of Gibraltar, as if determined to oppose the en- 
 trance of Lord Howe, who was then daily expected with the British 
 fleet. One of their ships, the St. Michael, of 70 guns, was forced 
 by the hurricane under the walls of the garrison ; and compelled to 
 surrender, in order that the lives of the distressed crew might be pre- 
 served. Several others, some of them of still superior force, received 
 considerable injury ; and on the following day, Lord Howe, wuh 
 thirty-four British ships of the line, and a numerous convoy under his 
 protection, made their appearance off this so long-blockaded fortress. 
 In a very short space of time the whole of this much-expected 
 succour of troops, of stores, and of provisions, was safely conveyed to 
 the point of its destination, In defiance of every opposition that could 
 be made tp its introduction. Baffled in the last remnant of their hope, 
 the enemy could scarcely flatter themselves with success ; and from' 
 this time, during the short continuance of hostilities, the siege might 
 be regard. d as carried on rather for form sake, than with, any seriyu* 
 expectation or hope of success.
 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. Jgi 
 
 When it is considered that a garrison never exceeding eight thousand 
 men, withstood the most strenuous efforts made for so long a space of 
 time by a besieging army of five times its force, possessing the constant 
 power of having its losses repaired) and its deficiencies made up ; 
 when it is remembered, that in addition to this land attack, the 
 operations of the enemy were supported by the presence of a fleet 
 consisting of fifty ships of the line ; that the assailants had, during 
 the grand assault, upward of three hundred pieces of the heaviest 
 artillery playing on this distracted force ; it must be fairly admitted 
 that victory is in the hands of Providence alone, and that the utmost 
 of all human efforts are not able to direct or obtain it, in opposition to 
 its immutable decrees. 
 
 The great disparity of loss is a matter of no less wonder than that 
 of the successful resistance made by the English. While that of the 
 assailants was reckoned by thousands, the numbers of the garrison 
 killed, or who afterward died in consequence of their wounds, during 
 the whole siege, amounted to no more than 333 men. 
 
 The immense bass or rock, at the foot of which stands the town of 
 Gibraltar, is of singular shape and appearance ; the idea of which 
 will be better conveyed by the annexed view of its western front, than 
 mere description can possibly effect. It is upwards of 1,300 feet m 
 height, and extends into the sea for a considerable length, as a species 
 of terrene exuberance. Being connefted with the continent, as has 
 been already observed, by a low isthmus, it has been supposed by 
 many inquirers, that it was in former ages wholly surrounded by 
 the sea. The rock, at the foot of which the fortress of Gibraltar 
 is situated, is so nearly perpendicular on the side of the Mediterranean, 
 as to render all artificial mode of defence on that side totally unneces- 
 sary The western front is less precipitous; and in this quarter 
 human ingenuity has been exerted to a very great extent, in order to 
 render it, if possible, impregnable. The space between the lower par 
 of the north-west front and the sea, is completely occupied 
 formidable line of heavy guns, called the Grand Battery The appi 
 to them is rendered ineradicable by an extensive inundation, occupy- 
 n* the whole space between the most northern part of the rock and 
 h? sea-beach. A mound only being left, merely sufficient to confine 
 h water, and separate it from the sea. The approach to the munda- 
 adon itself is prevented by a secondary battery, also of very heavy guns 
 M in what is called the Old Mole , and all Ability of app^h 
 on the part of the enemy may be said to be totally prevent e 
 b r of Lvy batteries, many of them ereded dunng the late ege, oa
 
 39 a HISTORY AND TOPOGRAPHICAL 
 
 the King's, Queen'% and Princesses' lines, together with others of su- 
 perior consequence if possible, because constructed at a greater eleva- 
 tion of the rock above the enemy's approaches, at Willis's* 
 
 The long and unremitting attempt made by the besiegers experi- 
 mentally suggested to the attacked every defeft which had escaped 
 the notice of engineeis pteviously employed there. Guns wore con- 
 veyed, with incredible labour, to the very summit of the rock, frofn 
 whence the enemy's approaches were so completely commanded, as 
 to render it dangerous in the extreme for the soldiers to work the 
 cannon in the batteries, although they were covered with every 
 species of epaulement and traverse military ingenuity c^uid contrive. 
 The advantage derived by the besieged from the possession of so 
 elevated a post, was too conspicuous to be overlooked by the Go- 
 vernor, at that time Sir George Augustus Elliot, and the rest of the 
 officer! under his command. Excavations of considerable magnitude 
 were made near the surface of the rock, at a great height zbove the 
 level of the isthmus ; and the necessary galleries of communication 
 being also formed between the works less remote from the town itself^ 
 a numerous and, on account of its situation, particularly formidable 
 line of artillery has been added to those previous defences which had 
 before baffled the utmost efforts of the assailants. 
 
 Few situations, perhaps, in the whole world have been so peculiarly 
 adapted by nature to withstand an attack. On the sea, a shoal of 
 rocks, extremely dangerous, extends far into the bay along the 
 western front, and totally secures the fortress from the near approach 
 of large ships, whose attacks, especially in conjunftion with the efforts 
 of a land force, might render the situation of the ganison precarious. 
 The channel by which a ship may enter is extremely narrow and diffi- 
 cult ; so that, although a siiip of the line may actually heave down at 
 the New Mole, yet the batteries judiciously erected tu defend those 
 accessible quarters, totally prevent any apprehension of an hostile 
 approach. 
 
 The town itself occupies about one- third of the most northern 
 part of the rock, toward the Atlantic. It was considerably injured, 
 and indeed almost totally destroyed, by the apparently wunton bom- 
 bardment of the enemy during the late siege ; but this, as well as the 
 fortifications which defend it, have risen, like the fabulous phoenix, 
 with greater lustre, as it were, out of its own ashes, and boasts a con- 
 siderable number of buildings, which might be considered an orna- 
 ment to the handsomest city in Europe. 
 
 Although the barrenness of the rock might forbid the traveller 
 from settling there as a grateful and a pleasant retreat, yet the
 
 ACCOUNT OF GIBRALTAR. 4<jt 
 
 climate is peculiarly wholesome. During the summer months, that 
 heat which even in hi, aci latitudes is frequently intolerable, is so 
 considerably moderated by a constant sea-breeze, that those diseases 
 frequently attendant on hot countries are here totally unknown. On 
 the other hand, though the mountains in Spain itself, and those of 
 Africa also, are ofieu covered with snow for many months in the year, 
 it is very seldom known to fall in Gibraltar; and in December and 
 January, notwithstanding heavy rains, attended by violent storms of 
 thunder and lightning, frequently take place, yet being of very short 
 duration, they prove but of the slightest inconvenience. 
 
 The town, in consequence of its situation is, during peaceable 
 times, extremely well supplied with fish. Turbot, dories, soals, sal- 
 mon, cod, mu lies, with many other kinds of less estimation, are 
 caught in jjreat plenty along the Spanish shore ; and in the Bay, at 
 a very inconsiderable distance from the town itself. Mackarcl also 
 resort thither in shoals at the proper seaso . Frui s >f all kinds, as 
 well as fresh provisions, are also brought in sufficient plenty from 
 Portugal, as well as the Barbary shore ; and the prices, except on 
 some tew, and those very extraordinary occasions, are far from being 
 exorbitant. 
 
 The Bay of Gibraltar is extremely commodious for shipping ; and, 
 as it has been remarked by many, appears as if designed by nature to 
 command the entrance of the Straits, but the thick mists which fre- 
 quently prevail, render the utmost alertness necessary, and may some- 
 times enable an enemy, notwithstanding all the vigilance of his 
 opposer, to pass through unobserved. This had nearly been the case 
 in 1 758, with regard to M. Dt la Clue, who had almost baffled the at- 
 tention of Admiral Boscawen, then laying in the Bay for the express 
 purpose of intercepting him, and effected his passage unobserved and 
 consequently unmolested. 
 
 Upon the whole, whether Gibraltar, considered in a political 
 light, is regarded as he key to the Mediter anean commerce ; or, 
 impregnable as it has been rendered by art in aid of nature, it is 
 thought a post or advantageous station from whence a British 
 armament may issue to the terror of its foes, or retire in perfect 
 safety irom the insults of a superior enemy ; it has certainly be- 
 come a place of considerable consequence to Britain. Though pos- 
 sessed of no trad- or aclual commerce which may return a pi<- .Tuury 
 advantage resulting from itself, equivalent to the expencc of maintain- 
 ing it, yet there can be no doubt, that, contrary to the opinion of 
 some who pr fess such a different way of thinking, rvcn the stc.>ndary 
 benefits arising from the possession of a post so situated, would fully 
 warrant a tenfold expenditure on its support.
 
 C 
 
 AUTHENTIC NARRATirE 
 
 THE LATE PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE OF 
 
 CHARLES STURT, 
 
 WeymtutJ}, Sept. 2?, 
 
 PIS Majesty and the Royal Family embarked on board the Cam. 
 brian frigate ; received by the St. Fiorenzo and Syren with a 
 Royal salute ; the Cambrian slipped her cable, as did the two frigates, 
 and stood to sea on the starboard tack. A convoy from Portland Roads, 
 bound to Guernsey, with the 8jth regiment OH board, sailed in com- 
 pany ; about ten got under weigh in my yacht, and stood for the 
 Cambrian ; sailed round her, sometimes on her quarter ; saw Mr. 
 Weld's yacht to leeward upon a wind, bore away to her ; when close on 
 her quarter, hauled my wind, and sailed in company; she had her top- 
 mast down and boat hoisted in, my top-mast up, and boat towing 
 astern, a fresh breeze and a short sea running ; observed Mr. Weld's 
 cutter fore-reached, but I gained to windward : struck my top-mast, 
 passed under the stern of the Cambrian, Mr. Weld to leeward, still 
 rather fore-reaching, but my cutter gaining to windward, we beth 
 stood to sea; finding my boat a great impediment to my cutter's 
 sailing, I proposed to one of my sailors to get into the boat and carry 
 her to Weymouth, this he seemed to hesitate at, upon which I imme- 
 diately observed, " Damn you, you ought to know me better, than 
 to think I would desire you to do a thing I would not do myself, 
 therefore reef the sail, slip the mast, I will go myself." However, in 
 justice to my master, Robbins, he offered to go, and desired me to 
 take the helm, and laughed at the other man for not going, Robbins 
 being a better helmsman than myself, and feeling very anxious my 
 cutter should beat Mr. Weld's, I determined to go myself ; took my 
 pocket compass in my hand, and got into my boat ; my servant, Ben, 
 desired me to change my coat, " Never mind, Ben, I can swim in 
 this as well as any I have :" they let go the painter, and I hoisted my 
 sail, charging Robbins to beat Mr. Weld, and steered N. 'N. E. to go 
 clear of a shoal called the Shambles ; found a good deal of sea run- 
 ning, but nothing my boat was not equal to, as she never shipped a 
 thimble-full of water till I got into the Shambles ; a very strong ebb- 
 spring tide running carried me to the westward, and bodily on for 
 the shambles, which I wished to avoid, put before the wind, but being 
 under a very low sail, for fear of broaching too, I dare not shake the 
 reefs out of the sail to enable m boat to stem the tide, which wa 
 running very strong, End carrying me dead upon the Shambles, where
 
 PROVIDENTIAL I8CAPE OF CHARLES. STURT, $<*. 395 
 
 ^the sea was running tremendously high, and breaking horridly ; no 
 "time to be lost, sensible of my .danger, convinced I could neither get 
 to the westward or eastward of them, I prepared to meet the danger, 
 and to make my boat as lively as possible, thiew overboard my ballast, 
 which likewise prevented her from sinking ; the dismal sound of tie- 
 breakers I began to hear, and soon saw,them right a-head ; aware of 
 the danger, and convinced my boat could not exist many minutes, 
 and nothing but the interposition of Providence save me, to divert 
 my thoughts from the horrid idea of an immediate death, I began 
 singing the sea song of Cease rude Boreas," at the same time 
 keeping the boat's quarter to the surf ; as I was singing the second 
 verse, a dreadful sea ail foaming took my boat on the larboard quar- 
 ter, I hauled aweather my helm, she lost her steerage-way, broached to, 
 and upset, and both overwhelmed, the sea rolling both over and over. 
 Recovering from my alarm, without the smallest hopes of escaping, 
 I swam to my boat, which was laying on her broadside, with difficulty 
 I got to her, and with the greatest difficulty I was able to hold fast by 
 her ; I immediately pulled off my coat, waitscoat, shirt, cravat, and 
 shoes, this I accomplished with some trouble, my things being wet. 
 After this I began to consider what could be done, no sail near me, 
 above fifteen miles from the nearest land, a dreadful hollow brokea 
 sea, running in every direction, frequently overwhelming me, gave me 
 no hopes of saving my life ; to surrender without a struggle I considered 
 weak ; the recollection of those I loved, which at that moment struck 
 me very forcibly, for I fancied I saw them ; recollecting the difficul- 
 ties I had surmounted two years before in saving some men from a 
 wreck off my house, and knowing that Englefield, Riou, and Bligh, 
 were saved from situations as dreadful as my own, by the assistance 
 of Divine Providence, gave me resolution and fortitude to exert my- 
 self ; I began to clear away the boat's masts and sails, which I ac- 
 complished at last, after being repeatedly washed off the boat ; when 
 I had cleared the wreck, I got on her gunwale, and by my weight 
 brought her to right ; I got into her, and sat in the middle of her, 
 attending to her motion, to prevent her rolling over, but the violence 
 of the sea, and coming on so repeatedly, overwhelmed me ; the diffi- 
 culty of regaining my boat against such broken seas exhausted me, 
 and the salt water affected my sight, that it was some time before I 
 could recover my boat ; looking round for a sail, seeing none, the 
 Jand above fifteen miles off, and increasing my distance, I began to 
 think it folly to struggle any longer for a miserable existence of pro- 
 bably a few minutes ; however, the love of life, the hopes of some vt-s- 
 fe.1 heaving in sight, got the better, and I resolved to use everj
 
 PROVIDENTIAL BSCAPB OF 
 
 possible means of preserving my life ; to continue in the boat, re- 
 peatedly washed out and burie< in the waves, I knew could not be 
 much longer supported, I must give way. I then recollected that 
 fishermen in small boats, when caught in a gale, ft.-q-iently let a spar 
 or a mast, fastened to their boat's painter, go ahead, and the spar 
 broke the force of the sea before it came to the boat. Having been 
 by this time near two hours in tta water, for 1 upset about twelve 
 o'clock, I felt myself much fatigued, and that it was absi lutely neces- 
 sary I should tiy ?ome scherre to relieve me a little from such violent 
 exertions, I accordingly got forward to the head of my boat, took her 
 painter, and passed it under and over the after-thwart or seat of the 
 boat; in doing this I was frequently buried under the waves for many se- 
 conds, and the seas following each other so repeatedly, my breath 
 was nearly exhausted, and my sight weakened ; about this period several 
 garnets, a very large specie of gull, hovered close to me, and so bold 
 as to come within two or three feet of my head, I imagined they an- 
 ticipated a good feast on me ; however, by hallooing and screaming 
 pretty loud, I convinced them I was not yet dead, for they took 
 fright and flew away, I never saw another bird after my visitors were 
 gone. I tried how my scheme answered ; when I observed a heavy 
 breaker coming, I got out of my boat and swam to leeward, holding 
 by the painter 1 had made fast, the boat's hroadside being to the sea, 
 and bottom upwards, for v.-hen I quitted her she rolled over, on my 
 pressing her gunwale down the surf broke with violence against her, 
 and or'y a part came over me ; finding this answered my fullest expec- 
 tations, I saved myself from many a heavy sea, and my spirits kept 
 up ; but alas, when 1 could discover no sail in sighc, the sea breaking 
 with the same violence, evening drawing on, and the land at a great 
 distance, my mind was much afftfted ; struggling so long without a 
 prospect of saving my life, now almost insupportable, was but little 
 encouragement for me to persevere. I had been now three hours in 
 this distressed situation, very much weakened from my exertions, and 
 severely bruised by my boat ; about three o'clock I saw two sloops 
 pass me going up channel, no exertion of mine could make them hear 
 me or see me I knew, I therefore made none. Beating about for 
 such a length of time, without having the good fortune to see any 
 sail approaching, gave me slender hopes of saving my life ; contin- 
 ually washed out of my boat, often buried under the waves, and re- 
 peatedly obliged, to avoid the seas that were breaking with prodigious 
 violence, to quit my boat and swim to leeward of her, necessarily 
 diminished my strength ; about a quarter after four a brig came within 
 half a mile, I hailed her, stood as high out of the water as I could,
 
 CHARLES STURT, E3Q. 399 
 
 moving my hands, and using every means for her crew to sec me ; 1 
 succeeded, I observed men go up the main- shrouds, and the cre;r 
 stand close together, but she passed me without offering the smallest 
 assistance ; this, indeed, was enough for me to surrender up a life 
 scarcely any longer supportable such inhumanity excited tlic 
 strongest emotions of anger ; but alas ! I felt I had no means of re- 
 dress. I gave up all hopes of being saved the land further from me, 
 a gale of wind coming on, the tide conveying me on to Portland 
 Race, I took a valuable diamond watch, belonging to Lady Mary 
 Anne, out of my fob, tied it securely round the waistband of my 
 trowsers, pulled them off, and tied them well round the thwart of the 
 boat ; when I had done this I made a running knot with the painter, 
 intending to put it round me in my last moments, knowing that my 
 boat, as the wind was, would be driven near Lyme or Bridport, that 
 then my watch and seal might lead to a discovery of whom I was. 
 Having done this, I became quite indifferent, death was no longer 
 terrible to me, I saw no chance of being saved, I therefore sat qiiittly 
 in the boat, immersed under water all but my head and shoulders, 
 patiently waiting for the next wave to put an end to my sufferings. 
 Still buffetted about, sometimes in the boat, sometimes holding on her 
 keel, washed off and losing her for several minutes, I still found my re- 
 collection and memory sound, and my strength had .not failed me, for 
 I always raised myself up to discover my boat by treading water, 
 which when I did, I swam up to her. About half after four, after 
 experiencing a very severe and long struggle to recover my boat, I saw 
 eight sail to windward ; it was a long time before I discovered whether 
 they were standing from me or towards me, at length I discerned thty 
 were standing towards me, this gave me great spirits as well as 
 strength, for it was the first time I saw a chance of my life being 
 saved, and that Providence had watched over me through all my 
 struggles. At five three or four ships passed me, but without seeing 
 me or my being able to be heard, the sea running high, and breaking 
 so violently ; three or more vessels passed me close to windward, my 
 voice was too feeble to make myself heard, and I reserved my strength 
 for the only two vessels of the eight that had not passed me. A brig 
 eame by, I hailed her, lifted up my hands, and used every possible 
 means of making myself heard or seen ; fortunately I was successful, 
 'for I observed they saw me ; her men went up aloft to see wkat I 
 was, they then shortly tacked and stood towards me, but did not 
 hoist a boat out ; this alarmed me, for having some hours before been, 
 passed by one unfeeling wretch, I almost gave myself up to despair ; 
 there was only one more vessel astern, the evening setting in, a disnul 
 IV. 3 F
 
 398 PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE OP 
 
 sea running, and within two miles of Portland Race ; if this sWp 
 passed me, all was over, I was irrecoverably gone. I roused myself 
 on this occasion ; as she approached I began hailing, got on the boat's 
 bottom and endeavoured to stand upon her, was washed off, got on 
 her again, and again washed off; however, life was still desirable to 
 me, as long as I saw a chance of being saved, I therefore per- 
 severed, and after experiencing great difficulty, I observed a great 
 bustle among the soldiers, and some of them run up the main and 
 fore rigging ; shortly after I observed four men get into a boat hang- 
 ing' astern, and lowered down ; at that period I was much agitated, my 
 firmness seemed to forsake me, for I burst out in a flood of tears> and 
 was seized with a violent vomiting from the vast quantity of salt water 
 I had swallowed ; as the boat approached, I recovered ; the sea running 
 high they could not see me, till the men on board the transport moved 
 their hats and pointed to the spot ; when they came near me I untied 
 my trowsers from the thwart, desired them not to come broadside to, 
 for fear of swampir.g, but come stem on ; I threw my trowsers into 
 the boat, and endeavoured to spring into her, but was too weak, the 
 crew pulled me in by the legs. When in the boat I found myself not 
 so much exhausted as I expedited, or my recollection so lost, as not to 
 be able to steer the boat through a rough sea, and lay her alongside 
 the transport, which I did. I was very humanely received by Lieut. 
 Colonel Jackson, of the 851!! regiment, and the whole crew expressed 
 a sincere and honest gladness at my providential escape. A very few 
 minutes longer she must have passed me, for the afternoon was very 
 gloomy, and the day shutting in fast, had I not made myself heard, 
 there would not have been the smallest chance of my being saved, 
 Mv limbs benumbed, a dizziness in my sight, with a violent pain in my 
 side, and an inclination to sleep, convinced me that it was impossible 
 to survive ai>hour longer. I had been full five hours and a half naked 
 in the water, scarcely ever more than my head and shoulders above 
 water for any time, obliged (to prevent the boat dashing against me, 
 or myself against the boat) to be constantly attending to the direction 
 of the sea when it broke, and always, when in the boat, attending to 
 keep her in an equilibrium to prevent her rolling over ; the exertion 
 v/as extremely fatiguing and difficult. The ship Middleton came to 
 an anchor in Portland Roads about eight o'clock with her convoy. 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Jackson's kindness and attention was extremely 
 great ; warm blankets, hot water in bottles applied to my feet, re- 
 covered me very soon. About nine arrived at Weymouth, with Col. 
 Jackson, in the Middleton's six-oared boat, who accompanied me to 
 try friembj Mr. and Mrs. Smith, from whom 1 received the kindest 
 attention. They thought I was irrecoverably lost, as well as their
 
 CHARLES ST0RT, ESQ^ 399 
 
 Majesties) particularly as Captain Ingram declared he saw my boat 
 seme time, and afterwards disappear : it certainly was extremely rea- 
 sonable to believe I was lost, the sea running very high, and breaking 
 tremendously on the Shambles, it was known no boat could live in it, 
 the wind increasing with the sea. Indeed nothing but this convoy, 
 that sailed in the morning from Portland Roads, returning (from the 
 wind leading them) to Weymouth Roads, could have given me the 
 slightest chance of being saved. Their Majesties very kindly sent to 
 know how I was, the moment they heard of my landing. No- 
 thing could be more obliging and kind than their Majesties were on 
 my seeing them on the Esplanade. The Dukes of Kent and Cumber- 
 land ; Lord and Lady Paulet ; Lords Cathcart and Powis ; Generals 
 Goldsvvorthy and Garth ; Colonels Desborough and Wynyard ; Lady 
 Hugh Dalrymple, Lord and Lady Radnor, Mrs. Freemantle, Lord 
 Loughborough ; in short, every soul in Weymouth, most kindly con- 
 gratulated me on my providential escape. I was dreadfully bruised, and 
 very much agitated from the kind solicitude of my friends. Tuesday 
 23d, went on board the Middleton, Captain Rankin, with Colonel 
 Jackson : distributed fifty guineas amongst the Captain and crew. 
 
 . ,. 
 
 Captain Rankin, - - - 10 10 
 
 BOAT'S CREW. 
 
 John Jones, - - - -55 
 James Napper, - --55 
 John Dayly, - - - -55 
 John Woodman, - - - 5 S 
 
 And to the remaining part of the crew twenty guineas ; and gave 
 the boat's crew that carried me on shore to WtymoUth, bed and 
 board for two days, 
 
 N. B. This copy taken from Mr. Sturt's, corrected at Critchill, 
 Odoberthe 24th, 1800. 
 
 Outlines of a Plan for the Support of decayed and infirm Shipwright in 
 his Majesty's Dock-yards^ 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 IN a country where charity and humanity are its greatest character. 
 istics, whose existence and safety depends on its navy and com- 
 merce, it has long been a subjeft of astonishment to me, that one of 
 Its most useful, loyal, and meritorious classes of men, should never 
 hitherto have found a friend to step forward towards the attainment 
 of an obied which has for its end the preservation of hundreds of 
 jcd, infirm, aad faithful servants of the public, from misery and
 
 10O OUTLINES OF A PLAN >OR THE SUPPORT OF 
 
 want, affording them comfort at a time when there is greatest need 
 for it, their latter days ; a comfort which their hard services dearly 
 purchases. I hope in thus offering sentiments flowing spontaneous 
 From my heart, I may not be thought guilty of partiality to, or 
 casting reflections on any particular class of men whatever far from 
 it ; several melancholy and distressing circumstances which have re- 
 cently, and I may say unfortunately, come to my knowledge, are my 
 principal inducements for interesting myself in their behalf. I could 
 mention one very cogent reason why I do it, or why it should be 
 done, but an earnest wish to avoid offence increases the necessity 
 bf omitting what would otherwise be thought a most powerful 
 inotive. 
 
 I shall now proceed to point out who are the men I could wish to 
 see provided for, and offer a few suggestions on the mode of accomplish, 
 ing so glorious an end ; trusting (should you think it worthy a place 
 therein) that through the medium of the Naval Chronicle, my propo- 
 sition may engage the attention of some more able person, from whose 
 pen, and through the same channel, I shall eagerly expect to see some 
 farther observations. 
 
 Our sailors and soldiers, both equally distinguished for bravery in 
 their separate occupations, have been thought deserving of au 
 asylum in their age : Greenwich and Chelsea Hospitals are the 
 monuments of British munificence, at the foot of which they offer 
 up their tribute of gratitude for the happiness their country ul- 
 timately ensures them. They have bravely fought and bled, it is 
 true ; danger has opened its dreadful prospects to their eyes ; valour 
 and loyalty have supported them through their trials. But what 
 would become of our <( Little Ifland," without a navy, and that 
 numerous? Why then should that loyal and hard-labouring body of 
 men, to whom we are alone indebted for it, be passed over and neg- 
 lected ? Danger is a Shipwright's constant attendant from the mo- 
 ment he rises, till he retires to rest ; men more attacntd to thtir 
 country never existed ; their labour is unparalleled, as are the dangers 
 and accidents they experience, various, unforeseen, a:id beyond their 
 power to guard against ; still, not a murmur escapes them, cheaful 
 they go to labour, contented they return from it ; but alas ! after 
 having passed many years of fatigue and hazard of tlieir lives, upon a 
 pittance scarcely sufficient to afford them sustenance, they are found 
 incapable of farther duty, superannuated as a reward for their services, 
 and left to starve on a pension to the amount of half their former pay; 
 early and late, through all the vicissitudes of seasons, their duty calls 
 them ; every thing is required of them that can possibly be required 
 of man; still, when age overtakes them, they are forgotter, and east
 
 DECAYED AND INFIRM SHIPWRIGHTS. 
 
 upon a wide world to pine away the remainder of their existence, 
 friendless, iu misery, and want. This treatment to a single man is bad 
 enough, how much worse must it be, where probably he has a wife 
 and perhaps daughters to maintain ? I say nothing of his sons, we 
 may suppose them already provided for. Will any man then who can 
 boast but of common humanity, or fellow feeling, say, that this most 
 useful class of men are not deserving of some national recompence for 
 their past, faithful, and laborious services, equal to the sailor or the 
 soldier ? Let it be asked, What could we do without sailors or soldiers? 
 Does not our existence almost depend on them ? I answer in the af- 
 firmative. But ask again, What should we do without shipwrights? 
 To answer this question, will immediately show their importance. la 
 a primitive view, they claim our first attention, or ought to do so, and 
 I am sorry it has not yet been thought so by one, wlio seldom suffer* 
 merit to go unrewarded. 
 
 Having endeavoured to show <u>Jy this class of men are entitled to 
 their country's protection, it remains to ascertain the means that might 
 be adopted to procure it for them, least burthensome to the state, 
 and most advantageous to themselves. The plan I propose is the 
 creftion of an hospital, conducted in a similar manner to Greenwich 
 or Chelsea Hospitals, and appropriated solely to the use, and for the 
 comfort, of decayed and wounded shipwrights. I am aware the grand 
 objection will be expence, and God grant it was only the effusion of a 
 few penurious and contracted minds, but I too much fear, the great 
 are infefted with it. However, to avoid digression, let me proceed 
 and endeavour, by pointing out a few resources, to eradicate this bane- 
 ful obstacle to generous and noble aftions. 
 
 For Greenwich Hospital, we are indebted to King Charles II. 
 and William III. who being defirous to promote the trade, navigation, 
 and naval strength of this kingdom, gave this noble palace, and several 
 other edifices, for the use of those English seamen and th-ir children, 
 who by age, wounds, or other accidents, should be disabled from otlur 
 service at sea. King William also, by letters patent in 1694, ap- 
 pointed commissioners, and therein desired the assistance of his sub- 
 jeds. In conformity to this request, many bepefadions were made 
 to this noble charity, both in that and succeeding reigns. For the 
 better support of this hospital, every seaman in the royal navy ar.d 
 merchants' service, pays 6d per month ; therefore ever-; one who can 
 produce an authentic certificate of his be-in j disabled and rendered 
 unfit for the sea service, by defending any ships belonging to his Ma- 
 jesty, or his British subject, or by taking a ship from the enemy, 
 may be admitted into this hospital, and receive the same benefit as ;f La.
 
 4O2 OUTLINES OF A PLAN FOR THE SUPPORT OF 
 
 had been in his Majesty's immediate service. It has about one hun- 
 dred governors, composed of the nobility, great officers of state, and 
 persons in high posts under the king. 
 
 Chelsea Hospital was originally founded by Nell Gwynn, one of 
 King Charles the Second's mistresses, confirmed and endowed by him, 
 and finished by King William III. The pensioners of this hospital 
 consist of superannuated veterans, who have been at least twenty years 
 in the service. The expences are supported by a poundage, dedu&ed 
 out of the pay of the army, with one day's pay once a year from each 
 officer and common soldier, and when there is a deficiency, it is sup- 
 plied by parliament. 
 
 What I have said of those two hospitals is not by way of de- 
 scribing them ; but, by showing their immediate use, and the means 
 by which they are supported, some judgment may be formed of the 
 iitHity of such an establishment as I am now proposing, and a clue 
 is given by which we may readily observe the various modes to 'which 
 recourse might be had for its maintenance. 
 
 In order to lessen the expence to the utmost, great care should be 
 taken to avoid the admission of improper objects, such as persons 
 whose wounds are not of a nature to prevent their following any other 
 occupation, or who have friends capable of contributing to their sup- 
 port. Age should be attended to in preference to every considera- 
 tion. As an heavy expence is frequently incurred in hospitals by 
 nurses, servants, &c. I would, as an additional help to those for whose 
 benefit I am now writing, propose, that they be chosen from the 
 wives and children of the pensioners ; this method, it is my opinion, 
 would be attended with very inconsiderable expence, as many would be 
 happy in such an asylum to perform the offices of it gratis, or for a 
 trifling gratuity; and none but shipwrights' wives or children should have 
 any concern therein whatever. The money which is now appropri- 
 ated to pay superannuations, might be applied to the use of the hos- 
 pital. A small deduction from the pay of every shipwright, suppose 
 it to be one shilling a quarter, would contribute largely towards de- 
 fraying the expences ; and no man, I am confident, would object to so 
 inconsiderable a sacrifice when he reflected on the comfortable refuge 
 he might have some day or other occafion for. In order to form some 
 idea what aid this single contribution would afford, I compute the 
 number of shipwrights to be about 4,000, which, multiplied by 
 4, gives the sum of 16,000 shillings, or 800 pounds, the annual 
 amount of the whole subscription. Voluntary subscriptions or con- 
 tributions might likewise be admitted from any quarter. Money 
 prising from the sale of old ships should be appropriated to this use.
 
 DECAYED AND INFIRM- SHIPWRIGHTS. 40} 
 
 or if not the whole, a part. No persons whatever fhould be permitted 
 to view the dock-yards without contributing a certain sum towardi 
 the relief of the charity, for, as they come to gratify curiofity, they 
 cannot refuse assistance to the very men who excite it. As our placet 
 of entertainment are all authorized by government, one night in every 
 season should be claimed by the state for the benefit of this establish- 
 ment ; this method would not affe& any one, but on the contrary, I 
 am certain, in confideration of its being for the service of men to 
 whom we are indebted for the navy, which protects us, the houses 
 would experience on those occasions a far more numerous attendance 
 than on any other throughout the season. 
 
 Thus far I have only suggested some means which might be 
 adopted in aid of the government supplies which an establishment of 
 this kind must necessarily require, aware that some might be objc&ed 
 to, while many others might be discovered more efficient. 
 
 Having now, as I should hope, partly removed the most important 
 obstacle in the way of so desirable an end as the founding of an asylum 
 for our aged and infirm countrymen, to the ' sweat of whose 
 brows" we are indebted for the many comforts we enjoy ; it remain* 
 now to confider of the most eligible plan to be pursued in order to 
 obtain a beginning thereof, which I fear will be attended with some 
 difficulty ; I must therefore solicit the assistance of such persons, who, 
 a&uated by ideas similar to my own, may not think it beneath their 
 notice so much as to refuse what will at least be no expence to them, 
 namely, their own suggestions or opinions. 
 
 Had I not been well acquainted with the exalted character of that 
 benevolent, humane, and noble spirited personage, who presides at 
 the head of the Admiralty, and to whom the Naval Chronicle is so 
 justly dedicated, I might never have attempted to propose a thing of 
 this kind ; but sensible how true a friend he is to every man concerned 
 in naval affairs, I am encouraged to hope my projeft may yet excite 
 attention. The only contribution I can at present make, is a tender 
 of my services, in any manner whatever within my power ; and t 
 success may attend this, my humble effort, is the sincere and heartfelt 
 
 prayer of 
 
 Yours, &c. 
 28,1800. NEPTUNE. 
 
 Note. The above writer', laudable and humane endeavour towards raisin* an 
 establishment lor the support of superannuated and casualty Shipwng 
 Majesty's dock-yards, is well deserving of a place in our Work ; aud je hop, 
 V ill be noticed by those emulous to forward so charitable and glor 
 
 undertaking.
 
 r -P4 3 
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 THE SPIRIT or MARINE LAW; or, Compendium of the Stalutet 
 relating to the /Idmiralty ; being a concise but perspicuous Abridg- 
 mtrtt of all the A '8s relative to Navigation, alphabetically arranged, and 
 the Substance and References placed in the Margin. By John Irving 
 Maxwell, of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, and late of 
 the Royal Navy, Chapman, 1800. Offavo. pp. 562. Price izs. 
 
 TN a work like that which is at present before us, the only points 
 that can lead to applause are perspicuity of arrangement and cor- 
 redness ; and the labours of the auchor appear well intitlcd to praise 
 in both the points just mentioned. We perft&ly agree with Mr. M. 
 that it must have appeared very extraordinary, that while other 
 branches of the law, connected with interests of infinitely less conse- 
 quence to the country than its maritime power, should have been most 
 accurately digested and explained by some of the ablest men that 
 ercr graced the British bar, the marine code should have conti- 
 nued, till the publication of the Work in question, in so diffuse and 
 scattered a state through a variety of law books, forming of them- 
 selves almost a library. " To obviate these objections," says the 
 .Author in his Preface, which forms an ample key to the work, " and 
 to diffuse more generally the principles of the Marine Laws, hitherto 
 confined to particular classes of the navy, the present publication 
 was commenced, and advanced up to a certain period ; but other 
 avocations preventing the author from completing his design, the 
 manuscript was liberally presented to the present Editor, to intro- 
 duce such alterations and additions as might be deemed necessary, and 
 to bring down the several acls of Parliament to the present date. 
 
 " With respect to the utility of a publication of this nature to 
 those persons who are immediately interested in the operation of the 
 laws here abstracted, any introductory observation would be super- 
 fluous. The elegant and learned Author of the Commentaries has 
 observed, that a knowledge of the law is an indispensable part of 
 education, in a country where it is an established maxim, that 
 ignorance of the law excuses no man, and where a law is supposed to be 
 promulgated the moment it is enacted." The superior officers of his 
 Majesty's navy are, therefore, peculiarly interested in thoroughly 
 comprehending these laws, which it is their province to enforce and 
 execute, otherwise that navigation and commerce of which they are 
 the executive guardians, would be injured and impeded.
 
 OF NAVAL XVENTS, ^QJ 
 
 But it is not only to the superior officers of the navy that a know- 
 ledge of the Marine Laws is necessary, but to that class of Gentle- 
 men upon the quarter-deck, who, merely as a term of distinftion, 
 are denominated petty officers, that the study of the Mai ine Laws 
 becomes indispensably necessary, because in many instances they also 
 are to enforce the laws, and to aft as officers of the revenue, by 
 seizing vessels not conforming to the regulations prescribed. 
 
 For the use, then, of such whom inclination or professional habits 
 may lead to consult the several subjects here enumerated, the present 
 Compendium of Marine Law has been compiled, arranged, and di- 
 gested. For greater facility of reference, the alphabetical order of 
 arrangement has been adopted, the several afts have been given, some 
 few instances only excepted, in the chronological order in which they 
 have been enacted ; and the numerical references to the afts, and the 
 substance of the respective clauses, have been placed in the margin ; . 
 so that while this work contains the Spirit of the Marine Laws, suffi- 
 ciently dilated to be praftically useful, it will serve at the same time 
 as a copious index to those Gentleman who wish more minutely and 
 at large to consult any particular aft. 
 
 In detailing the several afts, the technical formalities of legisla- 
 tion have been every where rejefted, while at the same time the very- 
 words of every clause, in the several original afts, have been adopted, 
 as best calculated to point out more particularly the precise meaning 
 of the Legislature. 
 
 To make any extraft from the body of a work of this nature, 
 would be frivolous, since it would be the transcript only of some aft 
 of parliament, in the arrangement of which, and not in the matter, 
 the merit of the author must appear. It will be sufficient, both for 
 the information of our readers, and the advantage of the writer, that 
 we content ourselves with, bearing testimony to the truth of what has 
 been urged respecting the utility of the book. For a more full ex- 
 planation of the undertaking, it may be proper to observe, that it 
 comprises the following heads: Admiralty; Apprentices; Articles 
 of War ; Ballastage on the Thames ; Boats, Barges, &c. ; Bullion j 
 Bum-boats on the Thames ; Burning, destroying, or molesting ships ; 
 Canvas and Sail-cloth ; Coasting Trade ; Convoys ; Cordage ; Courts- 
 Martial ; Customs ; Desertion ; Fish, Fisheries, and Fishermen, Green- 
 land and Davis's Straits, Southern Whale, Newfoundland, British Her- 
 ring, Mackarel, Oyster, and Thames ; Freight, Charter-party, and 
 Demurrage ; Greenwich Hospital ; Gunpowder, Combustibles, 5;c. ; 
 Harbours; Hovering; Embezzling Stores; Importation and Ex- 
 portation; Impressing of Seamen ; Insurance; Longitude; Mani- 
 
 i iv. 3 G
 
 406 KAVAL POBTRV. 
 
 and 
 fest ; Mediterranean Passes ; Navigation and Plantations ; Pilots 
 
 Pilotage ; Pirates ; Privateers and Letters of Marque ; Prizes ; 
 Poor Mariners and Soldiers ; Quarantine ; Seamen's Wages, Allot- 
 ment of Pay, Wills and Powers, &c. ; Seamen Merchant Service ; 
 Seducing Artificers, and Exportation of Tools ; Swearing ; Smug- 
 glers ; Smuggling and Run Goods; Stranded Ships and Salvage ; Safe 
 Conduces and Passports ; South Sea Company ; Transport Service ; 
 Wandering Mariners or Soldiers ; Watermen on the Thames ; Wool ; 
 Wet Docks. 
 
 THE ORPHAN BOY'S TALE. 
 BY MRS. OPIE. 
 
 [TAY, Lady ! Stay, for pity's sake, 
 
 And hear a helpless orphan's tale ; 
 Ah ! sure my looks must pity wake, 
 
 'Tis want that makes my cheek so pale ! 
 
 Yet I was once a mother's pride. 
 
 And my brave father's hope and joy ; 
 But in the Nile's proud fight he dy'd, 
 
 And I am now an orphan boy ! 
 
 Poor foolish child ! how pleas'd was I, 
 When news of NELSON'S vi&ory came, 
 
 Along the crowded streets to fly, 
 And see the lighted windows flame. 
 
 To force me home my mother sought- 
 She could not bear to see my joy ; 
 
 For with my father's life 'twas bought, 
 And made me a poor orphan boy ! 
 
 The people's shouts were long and loud ; 
 
 My mother, shudd'ring, clos'd her ears : 
 " Rejoice, rejoice," still cry'd the crowd 
 
 My mother answer'd with her tears. 
 
 " Oh, why do tears steal down your cheek," 
 Cry'd I, " while others shout with joy ?" 
 
 She kiss'd me, and in accents week, 
 She call'd me her poor orphan boy !
 
 NATAL POETRr. _ 
 
 ' What is an orphan boy ?" I said ; 
 
 When suddenly she gasp'd for breath, 
 And her eyes clos'd ; I shriek'd for aid ; 
 
 But ah ! her eyes were clos'd in death ! 
 
 My hardships since I will not teD ; 
 
 But now, no more a parent's joy, 
 Ah ! Lady, I have learnt too well 
 
 What 'tis to be an orphan boy ! 
 
 Oh, were I by your bounty fed! 
 
 Nay, gentle Lady, do not chide ; 
 Trust me, I mean to earn my bread 
 
 The sailor's orphan boy has pride. 
 
 Lady, you weep what is't you say ? 
 
 You'll give me clothing, food, employ ! 
 Look down, dear parents, look and see 
 
 Your happy, happy orphan boy ! 
 
 LINES WRITTEN AT SOUTHAMPTON. 
 
 JIT THE REV. W. L. BOWLES. 
 
 C2MOOTH went our boat upon the summer seas, 
 
 Leaving (for so it seem'd) the world behind, 
 In sounds of mingled uproar : we, recb'n'd 
 
 Upon the sunny deck, heard but the breeze 
 
 That o'er us whisp'ringpass'd, or idly play'd 
 With the little flag aloft. A woodland scene, 
 On either side drew its slope-line of green, 
 
 And hung the water's shining edge with shade. 
 
 Above the woods, Netley ! thy ruins pale 
 
 Pear'd, as we pass'd ; and CE&a's * azure hue, 
 Beyond the misty castle +, met the view ; 
 
 Where in mid channel-hung the scarce seen sail. 
 So all was calm and sunshine as we went 
 Cheerily o'er the briny clement. 
 
 Oh ! were this little boat to us the world, 
 As thus we wander'd far from sounds of care, 
 Circl'd with friends and gentle maidens fair, 
 
 Whilst morning airs the waving pendant curl'd ; 
 How sweet were life's long voyage, till in peace, 
 We gain'd that haven still, where all things cease ! 
 
 Iile of Wight. t Kelshot Castle.
 
 40| KAVAL 
 
 THE SAILOR's PRAYER BEFORE ACTION. 
 
 BY DR. YOUNG. 
 
 OO form'd the bolt ordain'd to break 
 
 Gaul's haughty plan, and Bourbon shake, 
 
 If Britain's crimes support not Britain's foesj 
 And edge their swords. O Power Divine ! 
 If bless'd by thee the bold design, 
 
 Embattled hosts a single arm o'erthrows. 
 
 Ye Warlike Dead ! who fell of old, 
 In Britain's cause, by Fame enroll'd, 
 
 In deathless annal ! deathless deeds inspire ; 
 From oozy beds, for Britain's sake, 
 Awake, illustrious Chiefs ! awake, 
 
 And kindle in your sons paternal fire. 
 
 The day commission'd from above, 
 Our worth to weigh, our hearts to prove, 
 
 If war's full shock too feeble to sustain ; 
 Or firm to stand its final blow, 
 When vital streams of blood shall flow, 
 
 And turn to crimson the discolour'd main. 
 
 That day's arrived, that fatal hour ! 
 " Hear us, O hear, Almighty Pow'r ! 
 
 " Our guide in counsel, and our strength in fight ! 
 " Now war's important die is thrown, 
 " If left the day to man alone, 
 
 " How blind is wisdom, and how weak in Might ? 
 
 " Let prostrate hearts, and awful fear, 
 " And deep remorse, and sighs sincere, 
 
 " For Britain's guilt the wrath Divine appease ; 
 " A wrath more formidable far 
 " Than angry Nature's wastful war, 
 
 '* The whirl of tempest, and the roar of seas* 
 
 '< From out the deep to thee we cry, 
 < To thee, at Nature's helm on high ! 
 
 " Steer thou our conduct, dread Omnipotenee J 
 " To thee for succour we resort ; 
 " Thy favour is our only port ; 
 
 " Our only rock of safety, thy defence,
 
 NATAL POETRY. 
 
 O Thou ! to whom the lions roar, 
 * And, not unheard, thy boon implore! 
 
 1 Thy Throne our bursts of cannon loud invoke ; 
 " Thou can'st arrest the flying ball, 
 * Or send it back, and bid it fall, 
 
 " On those from whose proud deck the thunder broke, 
 
 " Britain in vain extends her care 
 
 " To climes remote *, for aids in war ; 
 
 " Still farther must it stretch to crush the foe : 
 " There's one alliance, one alone, 
 " Can crown her arms, or fix her throne, 
 
 " And that alliance is not found below. 
 
 " Ally Supreme ! we turn to thee ; 
 '* We learn obedience from the Sea ; 
 
 " With seas and winds henceforth, thy laws fulfil j 
 f< 'Tis thine our blood to freeze or warm, 
 " To rouse or hush the martial storm, 
 
 " And turn the tide of conquest at thy witt. 
 
 *' 'Tis thine to beam sublime renown, 
 '* Or quench the glories of a crown ; 
 
 " 'Tis thine to doom, 'tis thine from Death to free, 
 M To turn aside his levell'd dart, 
 { Or pluck it from the bleeding heart : 
 
 " There we cast anchor, we confide in thee. 
 
 ' Thou! who hast taught the North to roar, 
 ' And streaming t lights no&urnal pour, 
 
 " Of frightful aspeft ! when proud foes invade, 
 " Their blasted pride with dread to seize, 
 Bid Britain's flags as meteors blaze, 
 
 " And George depute to thunder in thy stead. 
 
 * The right alone is bold and strong ; 
 Black hov'ring clouds appal the wrong 
 
 " With dread of vengeance. Nature's awful Sire ! 
 Less than one moment should'st thou frown, 
 Where is Puissance and Renown ? 
 
 Thrones tremble, empires sink, or worlds expire. 
 
 * Ru5t + Aurora 
 
 4
 
 {tO NATAL POETir. 
 
 " Let George the just chastise the vain : 
 " Thou ! who dost curb the rebel main, 
 
 *' To mount the shore when boiling billows rave! 
 <{ Bid George repel a bolder tide, 
 " The boundless swell of Gallic pride, 
 
 '* And check ambition's overwhelming wave. 
 
 " And when (all milder means withstood), 
 
 " Ambition, tam'd by loss of blood, 
 
 " Regains her reason ; then, on angels' wings, 
 
 " Let Peace descend, and shouting greet, 
 
 ' With peals of joy, Britannia's fleet, 
 
 " How richly freighted ; it triumphant brings 
 " The poise of kingdoms, and the fate of kings.'* 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF A CALM SEA AT MORN: 
 From the POEM OF THE SEA, by the Rev. S. BIDLAKE, A.M, 
 
 Chaplain to his Royal Highness the Duke ofCLA&ENCi. 
 ' N silv'ry veil, see virgin morn arise ! 
 
 Fresh as a new creation, wash'd in dews 
 Etherial, baltn'd in rosy sleep she treads, 
 Forth darting heav'n-born joy, and looking softness : 
 Hush'd Nature listens ; calm reflection smiles. 
 She lifts her golden eye, and beams abroad, 
 And tips with tint the sluggish mists, 
 And rolling clouds, that ling'ring cling around 
 Yon mountain's base, yon wide horizon's verge. 
 What kindling glories gild the glowing skies ! 
 What blushes fill the smooth expanse below ! 
 The wide-spread mirror wherever modest face 
 With answering beauty shines a perfect calm. 
 Not fluid mercury boasts more polish'd gloss. 
 Abroad no zephyr steals ; no dimple curls 
 The now quiescent wave, that sleeps along 
 The placid shore, with pendant verdure crown 'd; 
 No more repugnant or averse ; but deep 
 Within its winding arms, encircling warm 
 The glassy green ; well pleas'd itself to vievr 
 In shadowy length, with the mimic plain, 
 Saunt'ring, the fisher in his idle bark, 
 Awaits the whisper of the fav'ring gale ; , 
 
 Nor spreads the sail, that of the sluggish hour
 
 KAVAL POET8.Y. 
 
 Impatient hangs. But stealth of fav'ring gale 
 The perfect plain denies, such quiet reigns. 
 Or if a vagrant solitary breeze 
 Perchance pass light its momentary way, 
 Yon skimming main its secret kiss avows ; 
 And, like offended chastity, shudders 
 At every wanton wish that rudeness breathes. 
 Or leaps a fish, a spreading ringlet runs, 
 And wid'ning trembles to the distant shore, 
 The air no clamour wounds. Ye lighter barks ! 
 That with the finny oar glide smooth along, 
 Spare the rude stroke, nor spoil the level wave ; 
 Nor break the solemn silence of the scene. 
 See vermil morn yet gladdens into birth, 
 For lo ! the lazy fogs steal soft from view, 
 And as they fade brightens the gorgeous scene, 
 And stately all the naval pomp appears ; 
 Wars awful ensigns. By more grateful fleets, 
 Thy better pride, all humanizing commerce ! 
 Green islands lone ; tall cliffs ; the circling port, 
 Where traffic lavish spreads his crowded wharfs, 
 Inverted all in imitative shade. 
 
 ENGLAND AND SWEDEN. 
 
 NOTE transmitted by the Swedish Ministry to the Minuter of tit 
 CATHOLIC MAJESTY at Stockholm^ in Answer to the Representation 
 of the Spanish Court, dated St. Ildefonso, September 17,1 800. 
 
 " Drottingltlm, Off. , l8oO. 
 
 " T "JTIS Swedish Majesty has understood with the utmost concent 
 **- the violence used by some Officers of the English navy to- 
 wards a merchant ship from Swedish Pomerania, by employing the same 
 in an hostile enterprise against two frigates in the Road of Barcelona. 
 He perfectly accords with his Catholic Majesty, with respeft to the 
 light in which this new abuse of power is to be considered, and the com- 
 mon danger which such examples must occasion both to neutral and 
 belligerent powers. His Majesty will, therefore, immediately make re- 
 monstrances to the Court of London, to which he is equally induced by 
 his friendly connections with the Spanish Court, and the violation of 
 the neutrality of his flag. In these remonstrances, which will have for 
 their first objeft the right of the Swedish flag,'and of Swedish subjects, 
 Lie Catholic Majesty will certainly admit it to be right that the King
 
 4*2 STATE 
 
 ehould consider himself as the principal party j, but while he attends t 
 his own interests, he will not neglect those of Spain. Justice requires 
 that what has been obtained in an unjustifiable manner shall be 
 restored. His Majesty will demand, but without answering for the 
 consequence of this measure. He will, when it shall be time, make 
 confidential communications to the Spanish Court with respeft to the 
 dispositions which the English Government shall manifest on the sub- 
 ject j but the justice of his Catholic Majesty will undoubtedly leave 
 to him the free choice of the forms and means to be employed in his 
 negotiation, nor attempt to limit any precise time and mode of 
 restitution. Spain and all Europe are acquainted with the long 
 process which Sweden has carried on in London on the subject of 
 restitution ; and there can be no reason to expect that speedier justice 
 will be done in a cause which requires restitution to be made to an 
 enemy. In the mean time, his Swedish Majesty cannot consider 
 himself as liable to any kind of responsibility with respect to an affair 
 to. the causes of which he was entire stranger. According to the 
 statement of the Spanish Court itself, it was, under the circumstance 
 in which it took place, not supposed that the Swedish Government 
 and Nation were involved in it. It would be much to be lamented 
 should the injustice of a third power be able to break connections 
 which several direct discussions during the present war have not 
 altered. Unfortunate events of this nature have frequently taken 
 place, and seem as if they were peculiar to Spanish ports. A Swedish 
 ship, which was taken by the English in the harbour of Passage itself; 
 a second Swedish ship plundered and entirely destroyed by the French 
 in Alicant ; and several others taken by French privateers at the 
 entrance of the harbour of Malaga, have occasioned his Swedish Majesty 
 to make friendly representations and remonstrances to the Court of 
 Spain, to procure respect and security to the trade of his kingdom. 
 His Majesty would have been happy to have seen the Court of Spain 
 manifest in his favour the same energy with which it now makes 
 complaints ; but the fruitlessness of his remonstrances never induced 
 him to pass the bounds of the moderation and candour which should 
 be cultivated by friendly Courts, and to which his Majesty trusts the 
 Court of Spain will return, when it shall have carefully inquired into 
 the true causes of the different accidents which have occasionally taken 
 place in its ports. The undersigned Chancellor of the Court has the 
 honour to make the present representations to the Chevalier de la 
 Huerta, Envoy Extraordinary from his Catholic Majesty, as an 
 answer to his communications of the 17th of September, and avail* 
 himself with pleasure of the opportunity to express hisestetm, &c. 
 (Signed) " F. Vow EHR.KNHKIM."
 
 letter*. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 14. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from William Ricketti, E,q. Commander \f la Majettjt Stttb l 
 Corso, to E-van Nepean, tq. dated Trieste, Sept. 14. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I herewith inclose you a copy of a letter to the Right Hon. Lord Keith, 
 K. B. Vice- Admiral of the Red, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty'* hip 
 and vessels in the Mediterranean. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. &C 1 . 
 
 W. RICKETTS/ 
 
 MY LORD, El Corn, AKCO*a, 8tf A:g. 
 
 In compliance with your order to destroy the vessels in the harbour, and 
 make a proper example of the town of Coicnatico, I proceeded with his Ma- 
 jesty's cutter the Pij ;ny, off that port; but findiyg it impossible to ^et within 
 grape-shot of the Mole, was under the necessity of deferring the attempt till 
 the night of the 26th, when the boats of br-th vessels, under the oidcrs'of 
 Lieutenant Yeo, I'irst of J-.l Corso. proceeded to Ccsenatico and soon after 
 day-light I perceived 'hem in possession of the town, successfully maintaining a 
 position against some French troops in the neighbourhood ; hut about eight, ob- 
 serving a party of horse in full speed from Cervia, I judged it prudent to call 
 them immediately on board, though not before we had the satUfa&ion of seeing 
 that the gallantry of Lieutenant Yeo, aided by Mr Douglas, Master of the 
 Pigmy, had been crowned with the fullest success, the vessels and harbour at 
 that time forming but one flame ; and that the intent of this cnterprizc might 
 toot be lost on the coast, I shortly afterwards sent in the attached Note. 
 
 1 have the honour likewise to inclose the Report of Lieutenant Yeo, and 
 remain, &c. 
 
 (Signed) W. RICKETTS. 
 
 To tie Inlalitantt rf Cefenatico, 
 
 The treachery of your Municipality, in causing to be arrested an Officer 
 ivith dispatches, has been long known to the British Admiral in these seas. 
 
 The Municipality may now sadly know that the severity of judgment, long 
 delayed, is always exemplary. 
 
 That the innocent suffer with the guilty, though much to be rfjrretted, is the 
 natural feature of war ; and the more terrible infliction on this ocr.iion, the 
 inore striking the example should prove to surrounding Municipalities. 
 
 (.signed) W. RICKhTTS. 
 
 REPORT. 
 
 Of thirteen vessels of different descriptions laying within the MoleofCese- 
 hatico, two were sunk and eleven burnt, one of them deeply laden with copper 
 money and bale goods ; the harbour choaked by the wreck of four, sunk in the 
 mouth of it, and both pieis entirely consumed. 
 
 (Signed) JOHN LUCAS \EO. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 14. 
 
 fo*V of a Letter from tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of the /*<&* H 
 Evan Nefea*, Efj. dated on board tic Kile <U Paris, Tcrtay, ICttOff. l8o<X 
 
 I inclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty- 
 letters which 1 have this day received from Captain Keats, of esty . 
 
 .hip Boadicea, giving an account of the capture of the Spanish br.g .~P of 
 war El Vivo, and Rancune French privateer, by hii Majesty s .hips ui 
 
 lam.&c.&c, ST. VINCENT. 
 
 l. IV. 3
 
 414- GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 MIT LORD, Boadicca, at &a, \th Oft. 
 
 I have the honour to inform you, that the Fisgard chased from the squadron^ 
 on the 3<Dth ultimo, and on tl'c day following brought in the Spanish brg (sloop 
 of war) El Vivo, as reported in Captain Martin's accompanying letter, and 
 also that Captain Griffiths, of the Diamond, returned to the squadron on the 
 ist inst with a French brig privateer, of fourteen guns, and sixty men, named 
 I. a Rancune, taken by that ship on the 27th ultimo. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. &c. 
 
 R. G. KEATS. 
 
 Right Hon. Admiral Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. &c. 
 
 SIR, Fisgard, at Sea, ^OtL Sept. 
 
 I beg to inform you, that his Majesty's ship Fisgard, under my command, 
 has captured the El Vivo, Spanish brig of war, of 14 eighteen-pounder car- 
 ronades, and one hundred men ; two days from Ferrol, bound to America, witfe 
 sealed orders and dispatches, which they threw overboard in the chase. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Caft. Keats, Boadicca. T. B. MARTIN. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, OCT. l8. 
 
 Caff of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, K. J3. Commander in Chief of his 
 Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated 
 Port Mahon, zgtb Aug. l8oo. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I inclose, for the information of their Lordships, a copy of a letter received 
 by me from Captain Cockburne, of his Majesty's ship La Minerve, reporting 
 undry captures made by that ship, and inclosing one from Captain Middleton, 
 of his Majesty's ship Flora, stating the capture of the San Antonio y Animes 
 Spanish privateer. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 MY IORD, La Miner-ae, ojf Vigo, April 1 6. 
 
 I have the honour to inclose, for your Lordship's information, a letter I have 
 received from Captain Middleton, acquainting me of the capture of the San 
 Antonio y Animes Spanish privateer, by his Majesty's ship Flora, under his 
 command. 
 
 As your Lordship may not have received my letters on the subject, I send, per 
 margin*, a list of the privateers taken by his Majesty's ship unde-r my com- 
 mand, since cruising on this coast. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. &c. 
 
 G. COCKBURNE. 
 Lord Keith, K. B. &c. bV. 
 
 SIR, His Majc'.tys SJjip Flora, at Sea, April 9. 
 
 I have to acquaint you that this day, at eleven A. M. Vigo bearing E. by S. 
 distance thirty leagues, I discovered a schooner in the act of boarding two 
 brigs; after a chase of five hours [ had the satisfaction of capturing her. She 
 proves to be the San Antonio y Animes, alias Aurora, belonging to Vigo, com- 
 manded by Don Francisco Fernendcz Ferros, mounting ten guns, three of 
 tvhich she hove overboard during the chase, manned with fifty-five men; has 
 been out three days from Vigo, without making any capture, 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 Cockburne, Esq. Captain of his ROBERT MIDDLETON. 
 
 Majesty's Ship La, Minerve. 
 
 * La Mouche, of Bourdeaux, of twenty guns, and 145 men, 
 Nosfta Signora dcj Carjao, of Mores, 01 one gun, and thirty-four mes.
 
 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 4'5 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 2J. 
 Ctfy of * Letter from tie Earl of St Vincent, K. B. Admiral ./ tie Wbitt, Ut. / 
 
 Evan. Nrpean, Esq. dated tbe IJtL instant. 
 
 C 
 
 By the Lord Nelson cutter I have this day received the inclosed letter from 
 Captain Knight, of his Majesty's ship Montague, detailing a very meritorious 
 piece ot service performed by the boats of that ship and of the Magnificent ; and 
 Lieutenant ' ercy informs me, that on the ist instant, in the Lord Nelson, he 
 captured and burnt a sloop from Camarct, bound to Bourdeaux, laden with 
 empty casks ; and on Monday last drove on shore, under a battery, three brig 
 and three sloops, apparently empty, which had made their escape from within 
 the Penmarks during the late gales of wind. 
 
 I am, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, Montague, at &a, 0<. 13. 
 
 On returning westward yesterday beforo L'Orient, 1 *aw at noon a small 
 k convoy of brigs, sloops, &c. taking refuge in Port Dar.enne, which I approached 
 and prepared the armed boats of the two ship* to attack, and while placing 
 this ship to cover them, dispatched the Montague's boats under the diredioa 
 of Lieutenants Bysett and Knight, who were followed and ably supported by 
 those of the Magnificent, in which were Lieutenants Dunlop and Griffiths, 
 who, notwithstanding the fire kept up from two of the vessels who were armed, 
 and a battery firing round and grape, under which the vessels lay touching the 
 ground, they boarded, took possession, and brought out eleven vessels, and 
 burnt one ; another had been sunk by the enemy's shot, leaving only one, whose 
 situation in the Creek would not admit of getting her out. 
 
 This little piece of service, completely and expeditiously performed, with the 
 loss ot only one seaman killed and two wounded of the Montague, and one of 
 the latter of the Magnificent, has won my approbation, and 1 trust will merit 
 your Lordship's. On this duty, Lieutenants Alexander, Montgomerie, Mit- 
 chell, and Jordan, of the marines, were employed, as was Lieutenant Samarin, 
 of the Russian navy, who volunteered his service, all entitled to applause, as 
 were the seamen and marines, for their regular and spirited conduct. 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 
 JOHN KNIGHT. 
 
 Admiral tbe Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. We. We. 
 List of Vessels. 
 Three sloops (one of them sunk), three brigs, and five luggera. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, OCT. 2J. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keitl, Commamder in Cbtefoft'u Majrttyi 
 Sbipf and Vessels in tbe Mediterranean^ to Evan Neftan, Eiq. dated Gibraltar, 
 Sept. 30, 1800. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour of inclosing a copy of a letter from Captain Skipsey, of h 
 Majesty's sloop Termagant, reporting the interception of a French national 
 vessel, destined with supplies for Egypt. 
 
 1 am, &c. &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 MY LORD, Termagant, Leglr* t Stft. 6. 
 
 I have to acquaint your Lordship, that on the ist instant, in his Majesty's 
 sloop under my command, thirty leagues to the westward of Corsica, af 
 chase of two hours, I captured a French national polacre, called 
 cicue commanded by Citizen (iandferrand, Enseignc dc Vais*au, m 
 L au'ns, manned with sixty-eight men, was victualled for two months, had 
 left 9 ! oulon three days, and was bound to Egypt 
 
 She had on board 35 "and of arms, a quantity of shot, a French 
 and a Chef de Batailion ; but the dispatch^ (except the two letter* 1 have the 
 honour to inclose), were destroyed before I boarded her.
 
 416 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 I have also to add, that on the 4th inst. after a short chase, ten leagues from, 
 this place, I took the General Holtz French privateer, with two guns and 
 twenty-sit men, which I scuttled and sunk. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Ri s bt Hon. LordKcitb, K- B. & c . W. SKIPSEY. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 2J. 
 
 Coty of a Letter from Admiral Milbantc, Commander in Chief of bis Majesty's Stifl 
 and Vessels at Pott. mouth, to Evan I\'efeaa, Esq. tinted tie 2 1st hut, 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Inclosed I beg leave to transmit, for their 1 ord^hip's information, a letter 
 which I have received from Captain Durban, of the Weazle sloop, with an 
 account of his having taken a small trench privateer, and re-captured her 
 prize. 
 
 I am, &c. &c. 
 
 M. M1LBANKE. 
 
 SIR, His Majesty's Sloop Weazle, Sfitbead, Off. 21. 
 
 I beg to inform you of my arrival here, and that on the 191)1 ir.st 1 captured 
 off Portland, the small French cutter privateer, etit Chasseur, of Granville, 
 Pierre Antonare, Master, armed with one carriage' gun, muskets, and sabre?, 
 &c. ; she had taken a brig belonging to Suriderland, which 1 re-captured : her 
 Dame unknown, it being late when we boarded her. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Admiral MUoanlte, &c. W. DURBAN. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. 25. 
 Ctpy of a Letter from Captain Cunningham, of bis Majesty*! Slip Clyde, to Evan 
 
 Nefeatt, Esq. dated Plymouth Sound, Off. 22. 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg you will be pleased to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
 miralty of the arrival of his Majesty's ship Clyde under my command, having 
 towed in the Dick Guineaman, which was made quite a wreck in a very gallant 
 resistance against a French privateer before she was captured. 
 
 I inclose, for their Lordships' further information, a copy of the letter ad- 
 dressed to the Earl of St. Vincent, upon my arrival. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 C. CUNNINGHAM. 
 
 MY LORD, Clyde, Plymouth Sound, 0<9. 22. 
 
 I have the honour to transmit, for your Lordship's information, a list of 
 vessels destroyed, captured, and re-captured curing the late cruise of his Ma- 
 jesty's ship under my command: Deux Amis Spanish letter of marque, four 
 funs and twenty-seven nien, from Yera Cruz to tt. Andero, burnt in the har- 
 our of St. Vincent; captured El Beloz, rpanish packet, four guns and thirty 
 men, from the Havannah to (Jcrunna; La Rose French schooner, from Bour- 
 deaux to Gaudaloupe; and La Magicienne French schooner, from Senegal to 
 Bourdeaux; recaptured the Tick Guineaman, of Liverpool, taken by the Grand 
 Decide privateer; at this time the Fisgard was in sight, who, 1 apprehend, 
 captured the latter about two hours aff;r. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 C. CUNNINGHAM, 
 JRigbt Hon. Earl of Si. Vincent, K. 3. ^'e. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, OCT. 25. 
 
 Copy of a Letter front Captc.in CoMurne, of his Majesty's Ship La Minerve, to Eva* 
 
 Neiean, Esq. dated at Sea, 29 f Se^t. 
 SIR, 
 
 1 have the honour to inclose, for their Lordships' information, a copy of my 
 letter to Captain Haisuad, dated the zSth inst. 
 
 J have the honour to be. &c. 
 
 Gi-ORGt 'COCKBURNE.
 
 CAZ1TTE LETTERS. 
 
 ? l *' La Minerve, at Sea, Sift. 48. 
 
 T K- VC ^ , H , r t0 5nf rm yml ' that * th ' 8 da y "ptured, off Cape Fmi.tcrre. 
 1 ^ 1Ve . , relKh lctter of m;ir <l ue > fr Guadaloupe bound to Bourdeaux 
 loaded w.rh sugar and coffee I beg leave to add, that on the 2 6th I captured' 
 the J idoneux French merchant brig, from Cayenne bound to Lourdeaux laden 
 With cotton, coffee, and sugar ; and on the , 6th I re-cuptured, in company with 
 the Doris, El Key Carlos Spanish packet, loaded with sugar, indieo, an<J 
 cochmcal. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 GEORGE COCKBURNE. 
 
 fapt. Halstead, of Its Majesty's Slip Pbanix. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICB, OCT. 25. * 
 
 Extra of a Letter from Captain Foiike, of bh Majesty's Skip Protege, to Eva* 
 
 A'eptan, E.<q dated ojf Havre, the Kjt/j instant . 
 
 I beg also to inform their Lordships, that the Victor Natalie, a small French 
 cutter, from Dieppe bound to Concalle, in ballast, was captured by his Ma. 
 jesty'sship under my c, mmaud this morning. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, OCT. JI. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Admiral the Earl of 6V. Vincent, K. B. t Evan Nepean, Etq. 
 
 dated Villc dt Paris, in "Torbay, Ott. 37. 
 SIR, 
 
 1 enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 a letter I have received from Captain Cunningham, of hi< Majesty's ship Clyde, 
 giving an account of the vessels captured and recaptured by that ship during her 
 last cruise. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. &c. ST. VINCENT. 
 
 MY LORD, Clyde, Plymouth Sound, 03. M. 
 
 \ have the honour to transmit, for your Lordship's information, a list of ves- 
 sels destroyed, captured, and recaptured during the late cruise of his Majesty'* 
 ship under my. command : 
 
 Deux Amis Spanish letter of marque, four guns and twenty-seven men, front 
 Vera Cruz to St. Andero, burnt in the harbour of St. Vincent. 
 
 Capfured Fl Beloz pani&h packet, from the I-favannah, bound to Corunna, 
 four guns and thirty men. 
 
 La Rose i-'rench schooner, from Bourdeaux to Guadaloupe, and La Magi- 
 cienne French schooner, from Senegal to Bourdeaux. 
 
 Recaptured the Dick Guineaman, of Liverpool, taken by the Grand Decide 
 French privateer ; at this time the Fisgard was in sight, who, I apprehend, 
 captured the latter about two hours after. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 CHARLES CUNNINGHAM. 
 Admit al tie Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, NOV. I. 
 Copy of a Letter from the Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. Admiral of tbt Wtlfe, V(. H 
 
 JL-uan Nepeati, Esq. dated in lor bay, ibt $Qtb Oflobcr. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 a letter which I have received from the Hon. Captain Stopford, of his Majesty'* 
 ship Excellent, giving an account of the boats of that ship having cut out three 
 brigs from a creek to the eastward of Abreverak. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCENT. 
 
 Mv LORD, Excellent, of Abrevcral,0a. 11. 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship, that I sent the boats of his Ma 
 iesty's ship under my command, last night, under the diredion of Lieutenant 
 Bain, to cut out three large brigs, which I had observed in a reek to the caite 
 ward of Abreverak.
 
 4.18 GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 The service was very dexterously and completely executed, and they were 
 all brought out through a very intricate navigation. 
 
 One of the brigs mounts three carriage guns, and her crew being in great 
 measure prepared for the attack, made some resistance, which was, however, 
 soon overcome by boarding, but (I am sorry to add; with the loss of one sea- 
 man (a quarter-master), who was mortally wounded. 
 
 One of the vessels is loaded with biscuit for Brest ; another with wood for 
 the same place, .and the third is in ballast. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 R. STOPFORD. 
 
 Right Hon. tie Earl of Si. Vinient, K. B. l*c. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, NOV. 4. 
 
 Cfpy of a Letter frtm Vice-Admiral Lntividgc, Commander in Chief of ' bis Majesty** 
 Shift and Vesicit in the Downs, to Evan Ncfrean, Efq- dated the id instant. 
 SIR, 
 
 I beg leave to inclose to you, for the information of my Lords Commissionerj 
 of the Admiralty, a letter which I have received from Air. Stephen Butcher, 
 Master of his Majesty's hired lugger Nile (3), giving me an account of his 
 having last night fallen in with and captured the Renard French cutter priva- 
 teer, of Calais, mounting two three-pounders, and having on board thirteen men. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. &c. 
 
 S. LUTWIDGE. 
 
 SIR, Nile Lugger {^d} Downs, Nov. 2. 
 
 Lieutenant Whitehead being sick on shore, I beg leave to acquaint you, that 
 at nine o'clock last night, while in the execution of your orders, I fell in with 
 and captured, off Folkstone, the Renard French cutter privateer, of Calais, 
 Michael Bernard Hamelin, Commander, carrying two three-pounders, and' 
 thirteen men, at the time she was alongside a laden merchant ship standing in 
 for the Downs; the privateer left Calais at four o'clock yesterday afternoon. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. &c. 
 
 STEPHEN BUTCHER. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, NOV. 7. 
 
 Bpy of a Letter from Admiral tbe Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. &c. tSV. to Evan Ae- 
 fean Esq. dated Torbay, Nov. 4. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I inclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, 
 letters which I have received from the Captains Knight, Hotham, Bowen, and 
 Lurin, cf his Majesty's ships Montague, Immortalite, Argo, and Thames, giving 
 an account of the vessels captured and re captured by them during their re- 
 spective cruises. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c. ST. VINCENT. 
 
 Extra fi of a Litter from Captain Kniglt, of tis Majesty's Slip Montague, to Ad- 
 miral tbe Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. &c. &c. dated at Sea, 0<3. 21. 
 MY LORD, 
 
 Since my letter of the 1 3th instant, informing your Lordship of having cut 
 eleven vissels out of the port of Danenne, the boats of the Montague, under the 
 command of acting Lieutenant Wells, have taken from under the walls of Port 
 Louis a large brig, laden with wine and brandy; in covering whom the ship 
 has only received two shots in her hull, without any other damage. 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 JOHN KNIGHT. 
 Extract of a Litter from Captain Join Kniglt, of bis Majetsy'i Ship Montague, it 
 
 tie Riglt Hon ibe Earl of St. Vincent, K. B. dated at Sea, Oii. 26. 
 
 Since my letter of the 2 ist instant, a lugger going to Palais with firewood 
 
 was- cut off, which I destroyed ; and the Marlborough, while in company, 
 
 captured a French brig laden with butter, tallow, and hides. I have now th 
 
 hoiiour to state, that, on returning Irom the Loire, which is very shallow at iti 
 
 3
 
 GAZETTB LETTERS. 
 
 419 
 
 *ntraiice, in hauling round Croisic, the several batteries opened their fire with a 
 View to defend a brig and two sloops that lay under them, waiting the 
 Hood to get mto the port; however the boats of the Montague, with great in- 
 trep.dity and alacrity, brought them out. In this affair I have to lament the 
 Joss of a valuable seaman killed, one seaman and a marine badly wounded, and 
 two slightly. While drawing near to those vessels, and previous to their crewi 
 abandoning them, it was observed the brig hauled down French colours at the 
 ensign-staff, and substituted those of Hamburgh at the matt-head. 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 JOHN KNIGHT. 
 fxtraa of another Letter from Captain Join Knight, of tie Montague, dated oftb 
 
 Isle ,Grca, Off. 36. 
 
 On the z8th instant, a small ship and a few chasae marees were the only YC- 
 els that could be seen above Point Nazairc, in the Loire : within the Isle 
 Noirmoutier I saw two brigs and a galliot (French), which the boats of the 
 Montague boarded ; and although in possession of them for a whole flood, so 
 intricate and shallow were the channels on the flau where they lay, it waf 
 judged expedient to fire them. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 farlofSt. Kncent, K. . JOHN KNIGHT. 
 
 MY LORD, fmnortalifc, at Sea, Oft. 30. 
 
 I have the honour to report to your Lordship, that on the uth of September 
 , I captured a small Spanish vessel laden with stone, which I was obliged to 
 cuttle, to enable me to chase two French privateer ships (l.e Brave and La 
 Bellone), who hove in sight (coming out of the Geronde) at the time 1 was 
 boarding the Spaniard ; but as it was late in the evening, and as they tacked, 
 and stoodfrom me under every sail, as soon as they discovered L'Immortalit 
 to be a rnan of war, they did not leave it in my power to get near them, al- 
 though by steering the course that I judged they would adopt to avoid me, I 
 kept them in sight all the next day, but in the second night they escaped, after 
 my having chased them 259 miles to the westward. However, oa the aoth, I 
 retook an English ship (the Monarch) of 645 tons, laden with timber, which L* 
 Bellone had captured four days before on her passage from Quebec to London. 
 On the zad of the same month, in the latitude of Cordouan Light-house, blow- 
 ing hard from the westward, a French brig of war came in sight to the north- 
 ward, to whom I got near enough by sun-set to keep sight of after dark, and to 
 insure my coming up with her ; bnt at half past nine o'clock, when 1 wai with- 
 in musket shot, and about to bring her to, we both unexpectedly took the ground 
 (going nine knots,) on Noirmoutier, where she was totully dismasted and de- 
 stroyed, but I had the good fortune to get off at day-light the next morning, 
 without any material damage, and with the loss only of a bower anchor and 
 cable, and a boat. Not having seen the lani before dark, and not having run 
 the distance of it by the reckoning, I was unable to ascertain what was my exact 
 situation till the day broke, and as it was ebb tide when we went on shor-.-, I 
 was prevented from getting off before. In the morning, having got the ship 
 under weigh, and worked off from the land, finding myself able to keep the 
 sea, I returned to my station ; and the next morning (the 24th) I fell in with a 
 French schooner letter of marque, bringing coffee and sugar from Guadaloupe 
 to Bourdeaux, but a Guernsey privateer lugger, who was also in sight, and 
 nearer to the schooner than I was, brought her to before I got up with her. 
 
 I am, &c &c. 
 Marl of St. rincent, K. B. fcrV. 
 
 MY LORD, Hit Majesty i Ship Argo^ at Sea, 0<3. r. 
 
 I have the honour to inform your Lordship, that yesterday his Majesty's ship 
 tinder my command captured (after fifteen hours chase, blowing ire&h; the 
 Spanish letter of marque, San Fernando, mounting twelve long six ponnderg 
 and fifty-three men, pierced for and shows twenty-two guns on one deck, five 
 days from St. Andero, bound to La Vera Cruz, laden with bar iron and bale 
 
 foods, of considerable value, belonging to the Royal Phillipine company, they 
 ad Government dispatches on board, which they sunk; she i a fine v sel, 
 ^uite pew, measures near 300 tons, coppered, and fit for his Majesty'* Krvice,
 
 42O GAZETTE LETTERS. 
 
 The vessels taken and destroyed as per margin *, exclusive of the above caj J 
 ture, is the suw of our success 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. &c. 
 
 J. BOWEN. 
 
 P. S. We have not seen an enemy's cruiser during our cruise. 
 Earl of St Vincent, &f. 
 
 MY LORD, Themes, at Sea, 2-jtL 08. 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship, tint on the 26:h ir.stant, the 
 tower of Caduan E S. E. 36 leagues, his Majesty's ship I command fell in with 
 and captured i e Diable a Quatre French ship privateer, of sixteen twelve and 
 ix-pounders, and 150 men; she was discovered at half pa-it nine A. M. and 
 after a chase of five hours with the wind on the quarter, bloX-ing fresh, the Im- 
 mortalite was seen directly a -head cf the enemy ; she iniineiM ittly joined in the 
 pursuit, and much facilitated the capture of this privateer, which is a fast sailer, 
 and is extremely well found, having been out from J ourdeaux only one day. 
 
 1 am &c. &c. 
 tie Earl of Si. Vinctnt. \V. LUK.X. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, KOV. 8. 
 Ctpj of another Letter from tbe Earl of St. Vincent, K B. Admiral of tlte White, 
 
 &c. to Evan Nepeaa, Esq. dated Tori/ay, the 466 instant. 
 SIR, 
 
 I inclose, for the information of the I ords Commissioners of the .Admiralty, a 
 letter I have received from Captain Keats, of his Majesty's ?hip Boadicea, trans- 
 mitting one from the Hon. apt Curzon. of his Majesty's ship Indefatigable, 
 giving an account of his having captured La Venus French frigate, of 34 guns," 
 and 200 men, from Rochfort, bound to Senegal 
 
 1 am, &c. 
 
 ST. VINCFNT. 
 
 MY LORI), Boadicea, off ferrol, Off. 2$. 
 
 The Indefatigable, which left the squadron in chase on the 2f,d instant, hag 
 just rejoined with the Fisgard, and the French prize reported in Captain Cur- 
 zon s inclosed letter. I have the honour to be &c. 
 
 Right Hon; Admiral Ear I ef St. Fincent, &c. R. G. KEATS. 
 
 *IR, Indefatigable, at Sea, Ofi. 23. 
 
 The ship to windward I made the signal for, and afterwards chased, was La" 
 Venus French national frigate ; carrying 32 guns and 200 men, from R chfort, 
 tound to Senegal, and accounted a very fast sailer, which I had the good for- 
 tune to come up with and capture so early as seven in the evening, owing to the 
 Fisgard having come in sight in the afternoon dircclly in the wind of the chase, 
 and turning her, so that both ships crossed upon her course : we arrived up 
 with her nearly at the same time. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Captain Keats, Boadicea. H. CURZON. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour, to R-jan Nepean, sf, 
 dated on board the Aberga-venny, Port Royal Harbour, Jamaica, August 3 ! 
 SIR, 
 
 I have very sincere pleasure in forwarding to you, for the information of the 
 Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a letter which I have received from 
 Capt. Milne, of his ' ;i)esty's ship Seine, describing an atftion which does great 
 honour to him, his Officers and ship's company, and which ended in the capture 
 of the French Republican frigate the Vengeance, a ship of a very superior force 
 to that which he commanded. Captain Milne has dofte so much justice to his 
 Officers and men by his report of their conduct on that occasion, that I have 
 only to offer my congratulati ins to their Lordships upon the success which at- 
 tended their exertions, and to express my hope that it will receive ma r ks of 
 their Lordships' favour proportioned to the satisfaction which they must derive' 
 from the event, which has brought forward the merit of those engaged in it. 
 I am, Sir, &c. &c. H. SEYMOUR. 
 
 * French brig Maria Louisa, in ballast, sent in ; Spanish barque, Sel Vincento, laik 
 With iron ove, seat in ; two Spanish barques, aames unknown, laden with iron ore; suk.
 
 CA7ETTE LETTERS. 
 
 4JI 
 
 MY LORD, His Majeity't Ship Stine, of St. Damingo, Aug, a?. 
 
 I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship, that on the morning of the 
 20th inst. I observed a ship on the starboard tuck standing to the northward 
 through the Mona Passage ; I soon perceived she was an enemy, and nude all 
 sail.in chase, with very light breezes; the wind having come to the northward 
 .obliged her to tack, as she could not wearier Cape Raphael on the St Domingo 
 shore; she then stood S. S. E. and made all sail ; by thi time it was near *uti- 
 set, and 1 could perceive she was a large frigate; it was n*ar midnight before 
 I could bring her to a&ion, and then not so close as 1 could wish, as he alwajs 
 bore up and kept at long shot ; she however did us considerable damage in our 
 rigging an d sa i' s > but to appearance he suffered equally ; we separated for 
 some time, and ; took that opportunity to get our rigging, c. again in com- 
 plete repair. On the morning of the 25th, 1 had the pleasure of bringing hini 
 to close action : and after about an hour and a half hard fighting, an Officer 
 came out on her bowsprit (the only place he could be se;n from, owing to the 
 mass of confusion, by the loss of her fore-must, mizen-mast, and main-top-mitt 
 having fallen on board), and said they had struck to the British flag, .^he wa 
 immediately taken possession of, nd proved to be the French frigate the Ven- 
 geance, Citizen Pitot, Capitaine dc Vaisscau, Commander, mounting 28 ei^h- 
 teen-pounders on her main deck, 16 twelve -pounders, and eight fnrty-two- 
 pounders catronades on her Quarter-deck arid forecastle, and brass swivel* on 
 the gunwhale, with shifting guns on the main and quarter-decks. The weight 
 of metal I have mentioned in French pounds. The behaviour of the Officer* 
 and ship's company was such as has always characterised the British seamen. 
 To my First Lieutenant, Mr. Chcethatn, I am greatly indebted for his coo! 
 teady behaviour, and for the amazing fire kept up from the main deck, which 
 bothing could surpass. My Second Lieutenant, Mr. Oeo- Milne, fell fighting 
 nobly about the middle of the action. In him his Majesty has lost a valuable 
 and as zealous an Officer as any in the service. '1 o my 1 bird Lieutenant, Mi. 
 Jideveair (whom I mentioned on a former occasion, when Gunner of the I'ique), 
 1 am equally indebted for his services; as ikewise Mr. Barclay, the Master, 
 and Mr. M'Donald, Lieutenant of Marines, who was ukeii down wounded, 
 and came up again when dressed, but was obliged from a sttond wouiiH to be 
 taken below. But, I am happy to state, the life of this valuable v fficcr will be 
 saved to render further services to his Majesty. The behaviour of the Petty 
 Officers, Seamen, and Marines, were such as docs them the highest credit. 
 The Vengeance is a very large frigate, five years old, and cxa21y the dimen- 
 sions of the Fisgard in his Majesty's service, and is the ship which had the adioa 
 some time since with the American frigate the Constellation. Previous to her 
 leaving Cnracoa, she h:id a hrge supply of seamen from Guadaloupc, and wa 
 every way completely found, and bound to France. His Majesty's ship under 
 my command has suffered much in her mast and hull; sails and rigging cntirc!f 
 cut to pieces. Your Lordship will perceive ihe Vengeance is superior in size, 
 yuns, and number of men to his Majesty's ship 1 hav^ th- honour :o command* 
 but nothing could withstand the steady behaviour of this Jup crew. I h-ve 
 the honour of enclosing a list of the killed and wounded. The loss of the ene- 
 my hus been very great, but I hav^ rot yet got a return. 
 J have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 DAVID MILNE. 
 
 Riglt Hon. LerJ Hugb S-ymour, '"f. 
 
 A Rt'ur* of Killed and VCunded on board hh M.'jttty's &!!> bine, in the AXitn -Jiitk 
 the Freixb Republic* fri^Jte the Vtngemct, 2 lit August. 
 
 Killed. One Officer and iz seamen. 
 
 Wounded. Three Officers, z^ teamen, three manner, and one boy. 
 
 Andrew Barclay, Master ; 
 
 I. IV*.
 
 t 4 J 
 
 THE NAV.^L ARMISTICE. 
 
 A S the Correspondence between our Government and that of 
 Jt A France, respecting a NAVAL ARMISTICE between the two 
 Nations, is the most important and interesting subjeft of political 
 curiosity, we have selected, as under, the First Projet off" red by 
 France, the Counter-Pro'et by England* and the Second Prujei trans- 
 mitted in answer by France, which has been finally rejefted by our 
 Government, in consequence of its requiring us to enter into a sepa- 
 rate Treaty, contrary to our honour and interests. 
 
 TRANSLATION. 
 
 PROJET. 
 
 " ART. i. There shall be a suspension of hoftilities between the 
 fleets and armies of the Fiench Republic and those of Great Britain. 
 
 ' t. The ships of war and merchant vessels of each nation shall enjoy 
 a free navigation, without being subject to any search, and shall obferve 
 the usage established previous to the war. 
 
 " 3. All vessels, of either nation, captured after the of FrucYidor, 
 thai! be restored. 
 
 " 4. The places of Malta, Alexandria, Belleisle, shall be assimilated 
 to the places of Ulm, of Philipsburg, and of Ingoldstadt ; that is to say, 
 all neutral or French vessels shall have permission freely to enter them 
 in order to furnish them %vith provisions. 
 
 *' 5. The squadrons which blockade Brest, Cadiz, Toulon, Flushing^ 
 shall return into their own harbours, or at least shall keep out of sight 
 ef the coart. 
 
 * 6. Three English officers shall be dispatchedj one directly to the 
 Admiral commanding in the Mediterranean, another to the Commander 
 of the squadron before Malta, the third to the commander of the 
 blockade of Alexandria, to notify to them the present Armistice, and 
 to convty to them orders to conform themfclves thereunto. The faid 
 officers lhall pafs through France, in order the more expeditiously to 
 arrive at their destination* 
 
 " 7. His Catholic Majesty and the Batavian Republic are included 
 in tiu pr^nt Arniiiticc. 
 
 COUNTER-rROJET. 
 
 It having been agreed that Negotiations for a General Peace be 
 immediately set on foot between the F.mpercr of Germany, his Bri- 
 tannic Majesty, and the French Republic, and an Armistice having 
 been already concluded between the forces of his Imperial Majesty 
 and those of the French Republic, it is agreed that an Armistice shall 
 also take place between the forces of his Britannic Majesty and those 
 of the French Republic, on the terms, and in the manner following, 
 That is to say, 
 
 ART. i. All hostilities, both by sea and land, between the forces 
 vt the two contracting parties shall be suspended, and shall not be re- 
 newed until after fourteen davs notice given of the termination of th 
 Armistice. This notice, in so far as relates to the parts of Europ-
 
 THE NAVAL ARMISTICE. 423 
 
 North of Cape St. Vincent, must be given by one of the two Govern- 
 ments to the other, and is to be reckoned from the day In which the 
 same shall be received by the Government to whom it is givtn. In the 
 Mediterranean, or other parts of the \vorld, the notice must be given by 
 the respeftive Commanding Officers. But in case of the renewal of 
 hostilities between Austria and France, the Armistice between Great 
 Britain and France is likewise to be considered as terminated, so soon as 
 such renewal of hostilities shall be known to the Officer commanding the 
 British forces ; except only in so far as relates to prizes of merchant 
 vessels, which shall be regulated by the third Article of this Con- 
 vention. 
 
 " 2. Orders shall be immediately sent by the two Governments to 
 their Officers in the different parts of the world, to conform themselves 
 to this agreement ; sea-passes shall be given to the ships which are to 
 carry these orders; and His Britannic Majesty's Officers to be sent for 
 that purpose through France, shall be furnished with the necessary 
 passports and facilities to expedite their journey, 
 
 ' 3. All prizes made in any part of the world during the continuance 
 and operation of the Armistice, by any officers having actually received 
 due notice of this agreement, shall be restored ; and generally, whether 
 such notice shall have been received or not, all prizes made in the 
 Channel, or in the North Seas, after twelve days (to be reckoned from 
 the exchange of the ratifications of this Convention), shall be restore*! ; 
 and the same periods shall be allowed in this respedt for the other parts 
 of the world, as were stipulated by the azd Article of the Prelimina- 
 ries of the last Peace, 
 
 " 4. Malta, and the maritime towns and ports of Egypt, shall be 
 placed on the same footing as those places which, though comprised 
 within the demarcation of the French army in Germany, are occupied 
 by the Austrian troops, consequently nothing shall be admitted by st* 
 which can give additional means of defence j and provisions only fat 
 fourteen days at a time, in proportion to the consumption, as it shall be 
 ascertained by C om mission crs to be named foi the purpose, who shal 1 
 have power to establish the necessary regulations for (giving efffft to thin 
 stipulation, conformably to the principles of the 4th Article of the Con- 
 vention. 1 ' 
 
 TRANSLATION, 
 
 PROJET. 
 
 V In consideration of its having been agreed that Negotiations for 
 a general Peace (hall be immediately opened between ;he French 
 Republ c and its Allies on one fide, and his Imperial Majesty, his 
 Britannic Majesty, and their Allies, on tue other side ; and that the 
 Armistice which has a ready been concluded between the Armies of 
 the French Republic, and those of his. Imperial Majesty, may be 
 prolonged, if any equivalent Armistice fhou d r>e concluded between 
 the forces of the French Republic and those of his Britannic Ma- 
 jesty, the two Governments have agreed to conclude the said Armi- 
 stice upon the following conditions : 
 
 V i. All hostilities by sea and land between the two nations shall be 
 suspended, and shall not DC renewed until after a month's notification 
 prior to the end of the Aimistice. In all parts of the world the Arnv. 
 stice shall not be broken without the express order of the contracting 
 ^overnmentsj and hostilities shall not be renewed until a month after
 
 424 THE NAVAL ARMISTIC?. 
 
 the nrtihcaticn which may have been given by the General or Command- 
 ing Officer of one> of the two nations to that of the other nation. 
 
 '* 2. Orders shall be immediately trsnsmitted by the two Governments 
 toihe Commanding Officer* in the several parts of the world, dire^ing 
 them to aft in conformity with this Convention. Passports shall be- 
 given to the pe^s ns who shali carry out these orders : and the OfT.^ers 
 of his Britannic M*jesry who <-hull travel through Frnicc for this pur- 
 p-> r >e bh'ill receive sale conilucls and the necessary facilities for accelerat- 
 ing their journey. 
 
 *' 3. All prizes mide in anyp^rt of the worM, during the continuance 
 cf the Armistice, by any Officer having actually received the notinca-' 
 li:>n of this Convention, shall be restored. j\n<\ generally (whether this 
 notification shall have been madi or not) all prizes made in the Channel, 
 or in the North Seas, afrer twelve days, to be computed from the ex- 
 change of the ratifications of tnis Convention, shall be restored ; and. in 
 retard to this objeft, the ttrms shall be fixed for tiie other parts of tire 
 v.orld conformably to the stipulations of the isd Article of the Prelimi- 
 naries of the l.'St Peace ; whence it results, that, c nputing from the 
 cUv ; of the saul exchange, alt trading \'esse!s of either nation shall have 
 the power of putting out to sea, and of navigating freely as before the 
 \v a r.. 
 
 " 4. Malta and Egypt shall be assimilated to the places in Germany* 
 which, although blockaded by the French Army, have been permitted to' 
 enjoy the benefit of the Continental Armistice. Malta shall be furnished 
 >vuh provisions for fifteen <!ays at a time, ac the rate of 10,000 rations 
 pc-r diem. With regard to Egypt, fix French frigates shall have the li- 
 berty of sailing from Toulon, of unlading at Alexandria, and of re- 
 tinning without being starched, and without suffering any oppofition 
 during their passage, eitlur from English s>h;'ps or from tho^e of the Al- 
 )HS or Great Britain. An English Officer t.f rank shall for this purpose 
 emb rk on board one of the frigate*,' ami thall travel through France on 
 l.is way to Toulon. 
 
 " 5. The blockade of Brest, of Toulon, and of every other French 
 port, shall be razsd j and all the British Captains shall receive instructions 
 nut to interrupt the trade of any vessel eittur entering therein or going 
 out thereof. No ship of the line, however, of two or three decks, ac- 
 Juaily at anchor in the said ports, shall be at liberty to go out before the 
 renewal of hostilities, for the purpose of changing its liation ; but fri- 
 gates, sloops, and oihcr small ships of v\sr, may freely go out and navi- 
 gate, and in the event of their meeting at sea with ships belonging to 
 his Britannic Mjtfty, they shall observe the cuftoms established before' 
 the war. 
 
 <; 6. The land forces in the pay of his Britannic Majesty shall not have 
 the powtr of disembarking in atiy Port of Italy during the continuance of 
 the present Armistice. 
 
 "7. The AH'us of France, namely, Spain, the Batavian Republic, 
 find Genoa, shall participate in the benefit of the present Armistice. (If 
 ' -, Britannic Majesty insist upon including his Allies in the Armistice, 
 fhy shall enjoy the same advantages with those of France.) 
 
 " 8. The present Convention shall be ratified, aad the ratification* 
 >'nall be exchanged ip the space of ten days, or sooner if it should be,
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 GF.NERAl, OBSERVATIONS FOR KOVI Mi:VR. 
 
 THE month of October concluded with the receipt of intclli. 
 which, though it were improper under the circumstances that 
 attended it, to consider unfortunate, was at least contrary to the hopes 
 and the expectations of Britain. A junction between the fleet and tne 
 army which had proceeded from England several months since, under 
 the command of Sir Ralph Abercrombie, having been eft'ccied with 
 that more numerous corps since dispatched to the same quarter under 
 the command of Sir William Pulteney, the whole, protected bv the 
 principal part of the naval force commanded by Lord Keith, took it$ 
 Cation otf Cadi?, early in the month of Oftober. The port had beea 
 previously blockaded by a detached squadron under Sir Richard! 
 Bickerton, and had created no inconsiderable degree of alarm on th 
 part of the Spaniards. Thus far had reached the knowledge of the 
 English for some days, previous to the arrivd of that information 
 which at one instant annihilated their hopes of fancied conquest. 
 Disappointment, as a natural consequence, creates a momentary un- 
 easiness j but a short reflection rarely rails to produce comfort, and 
 tiot unfrequently serves to convince the most eager, and consequently 
 the most distressed, that the occurrence is either immaterial in itself, 
 or, perhaps, not in the smallest degree disastrous. The facl ap;> us 
 simply to have been, that the prospect of success depended on a coup- 
 de-main! that from unavoidable delays which took place in the junction 
 of the two armaments, the Spaniards were enabled to make every pre- 
 paration to withstand the attempts of their assailants j that owing to 
 these, which are the ostensible causes, the attempt could not be said 
 to have failed, because it really never was made; that it extended not 
 beyond the preparation to land scarce an eighth part of the whole force^ 
 and that that preparation exceeded not the mere act of receiving the 
 allotted division froin, the transports into the boats intended to convey 
 them to the scene of attack. 
 
 The abandonment of the enterprise could neither be called a check 
 nor a failure ; and though such a reason has never been avowed, it 
 may not, perhaps, be unfair to suggest (as a mere supposition), that 
 the dangerous and miserable calamity which then visited the inhabit- 
 ants of that quarter, and the soldiers which defended it, might have 
 no small weight with the British commanders, who might, even by 
 the most bloodless success, have sacrificed the lives of thousands 
 to the most inglorious end, and augmented, without benefiting their 
 own countrv, the calamities of a people whom Heaven had visited 
 with the neatest of all scourges. The very tenor of the letters win. 
 passed on the occasion between the British commanders in cni 
 those of the Spaniards, appear in great measure to warrant the I 
 that humanity operated at least as strongly as any other cause in pre 
 vention of the farther prosecution of this projeft. The 1 
 extraft of a letter from Port Real, will give the reader a more sucunft 
 iccountofthe operations of the^attempt.
 
 426 MONTHLY REG1STIR 
 
 Port Real, O{. y, 
 
 The fleet under Admiral Keith lay at anchor for several days be. 
 tween Tetuan and Ceuia. On the 3d instant, it weighed anchor, and, 
 took a station in the line of battle between Cadiz and Saint Pictri. 
 
 On the 4th it advanced into the Bay cf Cadiz, as far as the point of 
 Rotta. 
 
 The fleet consisted of fourteen ships of the line, eighteen frigates, 
 and ninety transports. We supposed that it might carry about 
 iS,ooo tryops. 
 
 On the 5th a.nd 6th the fleet remained in. the same position, and 
 seemed to make preparations for a descent between Rolta ^nd Port 
 Saint Mars. 
 
 The Spaniards are ready to receive them ; their troops are in motion, 
 and every thing is in the greatest forwardness. The Governor is not 
 inaclive, but is employed in making all necessary dispositions. Fort 
 St. Sebastian is entrusted to an experienced officer. 
 
 During our station off this plage the following copies of letters 
 passed between the Governor of Cadiz, a.nd our Admiral Lord Keith 
 and General Abercrombie, which terminated this affair. 
 
 [ No. I. ] 
 
 TO THE ENGLISH ADMIRAL. 
 
 " The afflidHon which carries off in this city and its environs 
 thousands of victims, and which threatens not to suspend its ravages 
 until it has cut off all who have hitherto escaped, being calculated to 
 excite compassion, it is with surprise that I see the squadron under 
 tlie command of your Excellency, come to augment the consternation, 
 of the inhabitants. I have too exalted an opinion of the humanity of 
 the English people, and of yours in particular, to think that you 
 would wish to render our condition more deplorable. However, if, 
 in consequence of the orders which your Excellency has received, 
 you arc inclined to draw down upon yourselt the execration of all 
 nations, to cover yourself with disgrace in the eyes of the whole 
 universe, by oppressing the unfortunate, and attacking those who 
 are supposed to be incapable of defence ; I declare to you, that the 
 garrison under uiy orders, accustomed to behold, death with a serene 
 countenance, and to brave dangers much greater than, 'all the perils o 
 war, know how ro make a resistance which shalj not terminate but 
 with their entire destruction, I hope that the answer of your Ex-, 
 ceilency will inform me, whether ^am to. speak the language of conso- 
 lation to the unfortunate inhabitants, or whether I ara to rouse then* 
 to indignation and vengeance. 
 
 " May God preserve your Excellency. 
 
 Oflober 5, iSoo. THOMAS DE MORLA." 
 
 " The vessels employed in the blockade have not, till now, pre- 
 vented the fishers from exercising their harmless industry. It mut 
 excite astonishment, that your Excellency should deprive us of thii 
 small comfort."
 
 OP NAVAL EVERTS. 
 
 4*7 
 
 [ No. II. ] 
 
 THE COMMANDERS IN CHIEF OF THE SEA AND LAND FORCES OF HM 
 BRITANNIC MAJESTY, FORMING THE EXPEDITION BEFORE CADIZ. 
 
 " On board bis Britannic Majestfi Ship tiit 
 " Foudroyant, off Cadiz, O3. 5. 
 
 " We have had the honour of receiving your Excellency's letter of 
 this date, in which you describe to us the deplorable state of this city. 
 We are deeply afflicted at this calamity, though we have good reason 
 to believe that its effects have been much less disastrous^ 
 
 " We are not ignorant that a great number of his Catholic Ma- 
 jesty's vessels are armedj in order to join the naval forces of the 
 French, and to be employed in prolonging the troubles which afflift 
 all the nations of Europe, disturb public order, and destroy the happi- 
 ness of individuals. We have received orders from our Sovereign to 
 use every effort to defeat the projects of the common enemy, by endea- 
 vouring to take or destroy the ships of war which are in the harbour 
 and arsenal of Cadiz. 
 
 " The number of troops intrusted to our command, leaves but 
 little doubt as to the success of the enterprise. We are iittle disposed 
 to multiply unnecessarily the evils inseparable from war. ShoxUjour 
 Excellency consent to give up to us the vessels armed or arming, in orJer to at 
 Agaitist our King, and h prolong the misfortunes of neighbouring nations, jov 
 creivs and officers shall be at liberty, and our fleet shdH withdraw ; otherwise 
 we must aft 'conformably to the orders which have been given to us, 
 and your Excellency 'cannot attribute to any other than yourself th 
 additional evils which you fear. 
 
 " We have the honour to be, with respeft, &c 
 
 " R, ABERCROMBIE. 
 " KEITH." 
 
 " A frigifte will remain in the harbour, to wait for the answer of 
 your Excellency, that there may bfcno delay." 
 
 [ No. III. ] 
 
 TO THE COMMANDERS OF HIS BRITANXIC MAJESTY'S SEA AND 
 LAND FORCES. 
 
 ' When I represented to your Excellencies the melancholy condi- 
 tion of this city, witli the view of engaging your humanity not to 
 aggravate it by afts of hostility, I could not have supposed that my 
 request would have been regarded as the efieft of fear or weakness. 
 Unfortunately I rind that your Excellencies have misinterpreted my 
 expressions, since they have led to a proposal as inculting to the person 
 to whom it is addressed, as it is but little honourable to those who 
 have made it. Your Excellency will take this as a sufficient n,: 
 tion that you must make more suitable propositions, it you intend 
 that they shall be accepted. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 QOoter 6, 1800. " THOMAS DE MORLA. ' 
 
 Thus terminated the whole of this business. The fleet and trans- 
 ports, after some little consultation between the English Admiral; 
 Generals commanding the land-forces, weighed anchor and 
 
 U> sea.
 
 4*5 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 i v 
 
 To approach .near home : the British fleet under the orders of tlifi 
 Earl of St. Vincent, which has been for so long a. space of" time suc- 
 cessfully occupied in watching the motions and confining the conij 
 bmed armaments of France and Spain to the harbour of Brest, were 
 compelled, on the i3th of October, to put into Torbay. The enemy 
 showed no disposition to avail itself of the temporary absence of its 
 guard ; and the greater part of the fleet resumed its original station 
 and system of action. The pursuit of this necessary plan of opera* 
 tions has not, however, been unattended during this inclement 
 season of the year, with circumstances somewhat disastrous. Several 
 ships have receivejd considerable damage during the gales of wind that 
 have taken place during the month. The Marlborough, of 74 guns; 
 a ship so much distinguished in the memorable action on the ist of 
 June 1794, being then commanded by the Honourable Captain 
 George Berkeley, has been driven on shore and completely wrecked 
 off the coast of France *. Other ships have very narrowly escaped the 
 same miserable fate ; but it is some consolation to reflect that these 
 misfortunes have been inflicted by the hand of Providence and not by 
 that of our enemies f . 
 
 Amidst these uncomfortable occurrences, anxiety feels some conso- 
 lation on finding that on every possible occasion of contest afforded by 
 the enemy, the arms of Britain have been uniformly successful. The 
 capture of the Vengeance, a French ship mounting fifty-two guns, 
 by the Seine frigate, mounting forty two, commanded by Captain 
 David Miine, a ship taken in 1798, from the French themselves, adds 
 another leaf to that laurel crown with which Fame will, to the most 
 remote ages, decorate the memory of British naval heroism. Other 
 successes and captures, though inferior in .consequence J, prove at 
 once the activity as well as the intrepidity which uniformly pervades 
 the character of the British seamari, and renders it so formidable to 
 its enemies. 
 
 Among the incidents of the present month, the arrival of the Right 
 Hon. Lord Nelson from the Mediterranean, after witnessing the com- 
 plete annihilation or capture of that armament, which he so gloriously 
 and successfully gave -the death-blow to off the mouth of the Nile,; 
 ought not to be passed over in silence. Eager, while life remains, to 
 
 * The MarlborouR?i, while cruisin- on the 4th instant, in company with the Captainj 
 <>f 74 guns, Captain Sir R. J. Strucrun, struck on a sunken rock near Belleisle, wheri 
 she hung for several hours, but bygrcar exertion';, and throwing several of-her guus over- 
 bo.ird, was got oft", and cleared thtretl'on which she h'ii struck. She was Sound, how. 
 evtrr, to have received so much damage, that it was deemed necessary to cutaway the 
 mists, and throw the remainder of the suns overboard, which was done, and the ship 
 brought to anchor ; but finding on the following day that the water gained on her con-* 
 siderably, a signal for assistance was made to the Captain, and she immediately ran 
 down and took out the officers and crew, by which time the ship was in a sinking state, 
 and i* supposed to have gone down a few hours afterwards. Provideutially all the cr<-w 
 Avere saved. A Lieutenant and nineteen seamen, lately belonging to her, ure arrived at 
 Plymouth in the Danish brig Amity, Captain Hblsen, frorrTMalaga, which vessel was 
 detained some days since by the Captain. The remainder of the crew are 0:1 board the 
 latter. 
 
 The Marlborough was one of the old class of seventy-four's, and built in the yeac 
 1767. 
 
 f See our Plymouth and Portsmouth Reports for an account of th dreadful storm 
 which raged on the 8th and gth of November, pages 434, &c. 
 
 f t The gallantry of Lieutenant Beaufort of the Phaeton, who, with the boats of that 
 ship, captured a Spanish armed vessel belonging to the King, mounting fourteen guns. 
 Wist not be forgotten. See Gazette Letters.
 
 OF NAVAL BVINTS. ,~ 
 
 C*ert himself in the service of his country, he ' ' - 1 not an instnv 
 after reaching .his native shore, to soHcita re-apoo.ntmen to ac ral 
 command. HIS request, it is almost needless to say, 2Ti2akSr 
 complied with 8 and the San Josef, of no guns, , , ', , J 
 
 first rate, and one of the ships boarded and taken hv hi 
 the adhon off Cape bt. Vincent, is appointed to receive his 
 .It cannot be considered as improper in us to have recorded the 
 circumstance just mentioned/ in a professed Register of N,\d 
 Events ; for though an account of that nature mi -in be thought pro- 
 perly confined only to the occurrences of active service, and the events 
 wf encounters, yet a short notice of an appointment apparently so 
 >>rteimve of future consequence, ought, when candidly regarded, not 
 to be censured as either impertinent or misplaced. 
 
 i. The chamber, where 
 
 The GOOD man meelfc his doom, is priviicg'J 
 Beyond the common -walks ot" lite. 
 
 rovxc. 
 
 We are favoured by a correspondent with the following slu>; 
 'count of some circumstances attending the arrival of this illustriou* 
 
 person *: 
 
 His Lordship, with the Hon. Sir WILLIAM HAMILTON and L-.dv, 
 LiridecJ at Yarmouth, OR the 6th of November, after an absence of. three 
 years. The instant he stepped on shore, the populace assembled in 
 crowds to greet the gallant Hero of the Nile, and, taking the horses 
 from his carriage, drew him to the Wrestler's Inn amidst bursts of ap- 
 plause. The Mayor and Corporation immediately waited on his Lord- 
 ship and presented him with the freedom of the town, some time since 
 voted to him for his eminent services. 
 
 The infantry in the town paraded before the inn where he lodged, 
 with their regimental b.ind, &c. &c. 5 firing fcux de joje of musquetry 
 and ordnance till midnight. 
 
 The Corporation in procession, with the respectable officers of the 
 navy, went to church with him, accompanied by Sir William and Lady 
 Hamilton, to join in thanksgiving. An excellent sermon was preached 
 on the occasion by Mr. Turner. 
 
 On leaving the town, the corps of cavalry unexpectedly drew up, 
 saluted, and followed the carriage, not only to the town's end, but to 
 the boundary of the county. 
 
 All the ships in the harbour had their colours flying, and the reader 
 (who has a heart to rejoice on the successes of merit so transcer.da.it 
 as Lord Nelson's) will of course conclude that the Admiral of the 
 fleet,. Dickson, also endeavoured to distinguish himself hy salutes, &c. 
 to his superior officer. 
 
 On the 3th his Lordship arrived in London, in the travelling carriage 
 of Sir William Hamilton, and alighted at Ne.ot's hotel, King-street, 
 JSr. James's. The noble Admiral, who w.^s dressed in full uniform, 
 with three stars on his breast, and two gold medals, was welcomed 
 by repeated huzzas from the crowd, which the illustrious tar returned 
 with a low boAv. Lord Nelson looked extremely well, but in perfm i> 
 very thin; so is Sir William Hamilton; but Lndy H-imilton lo< 
 charmingly, and is a very fine woman. These distinguished perfon 
 travelled very easily, only two stages a-d:;y, in their way to town ; the 
 
 As It is a prominent feature of this \Vcrk to record all the gallant r xj^oit* of 
 cur Naval Heroes, we deem it rot k,sm:r duty to attend to tho>e , 
 which the o-ratitude of the Country bestows on them; byvhu.'i n: ; .i.s they 
 may be handed down to posterity as example* for future characleii to IM* : t. 
 
 IV. 3 *
 
 43O MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 carriage stopped at the house of Lord Nelson's father, who they 
 hud left it ou Friday morning for town. The iirst interview between 
 Lady Nelson, the Admiral, and his father, took place in the hall of 
 Nerot's hotel. About ten minutes after their arrival his Grace the 
 Duke of (Vueensberry paid them a visit, and staid about an hour. 
 
 At five o'clock, Lord and Lady Nelson, Sir William and Lady Ha- 
 milton, dined together. At half after seven his Lordship went in a 
 chariot to Earl Spencer, and about half an hour after Lady Nelson paid 
 a friendly visit to the Countess Spencer, where with a seleft party they 
 passed the evening. . 
 
 The 9th, being Lord Mayor's day, his Lordship was invited to the 
 Civic Feast and joined the cavalcade in its way to Guildhall. When 
 the procession reached the top of Ludgare-hiil, the mob took the horses 
 from the carriage of Lord Nelson, and drew him to Guildhall, amidst 
 repeated huzzas. All the way he passed along Cheauside, he was 
 greeted by the ladies from the windows with their handkerchiefs, and 
 the loudest acclamations- At six o'clock the company sat down to a 
 very elegant dinner, which was extremely well conducted. After the 
 visual toasts had been drank, the company were gratified by the pre- 
 sentation to Lord Nelson of a very elegant Sword, voted to his Lord- 
 ship by the Corporation, after the Battle of Aboukir, which was deli- 
 vered to him by Mr. Chaaiberlain Clarke, who addressed his Lordship 
 as follows 
 
 " LORD 1 NELSON', 
 
 * In cheerful obedience to an unanimous resolution of the Right Hon. Lord 
 Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the City of London, in Common Council 
 assembled, I present your Lordship with the Thanks of the Court, for the very 
 impurunt victory ohtained by a squadron of his Majesty's ships under your 
 command, over a supeiior French fleet, off the TvTouth of the Nile, on the ist 
 f August, 1 798 a victory splendid and decisive unexampled in Naval History 
 and refleding the highest honour on the courage and abilities of your l.ord- 
 *liij- :ti-'J your Officers, and the discipline and irresistible bravery of British 
 Joanna; and which must be productive of the greatest advantages to this 
 ioimtiy, and etery part of the civilized world, by tending to frustrate the 
 designs of our implacable enemy, and by rousing other nations to unite and re- 
 sist iheir unprincipled ambition ! 
 
 " .-Mid, as a further testimony of the high esteem which the Court entertains 
 of your Lordship's puMic service?, and of the eminent advantages which you 
 have rendered your country, 1 have the honour to present to your Lordship 
 Till' SWCRD! 
 
 " 'J he const qucnces of the action I am thus called on to applaud, are, perhaps, 
 BNFQU.XI.I.KD IN THE uisTOKV or MANKIND! A numerous army, which hatl 
 triumphed in .Europe over brave and veteran troops, commanded by officers of 
 the most CptaMis-hed reputation, landed in Egypt, under the command of him 
 who now sways the Gallic Sceptre, with designs of the most ambitious and ex- 
 pensive nature. One of their objects, as ackno\vl< dged by themselves, was t 
 annihilate, by degrees, the English East-India trade, and, finally, to get int 
 their possession the whole commerce of .Africa and A^ia. 
 
 " Such were the gigantic views of our implr.cable foe; and such confidence 
 had they in the ficct which conveyed them, and in the station it took on the 
 coast of the devoted country, that it bade defiance to the whole Navy of Britain. 
 But, at this momentous period, the Almighty directed your I.ordthip, as his 
 chosen instrument, to check their pride, and crush their force, as a maritime 
 power, during the present contest 
 
 " The circumstance s attending this gi and display of Providential interposition 
 and British prowess, mu^t nuctcst the feelings of every Englishman.- Had a 
 tj):ice bfceii cho.-en to cxhihit to the World a struggle for superiorly in nauticivl 
 skill and personal valour, between the two greatest Naval Powers of the Globe, 
 no- c c< u d Ivive been mere happily selected. 'I he three gr<ind divisors o. 1 the 
 Ancient World were wiener* , aud the shores which Lad beheld ths destine-
 
 OT NATAL rvrxrs. ^ 
 
 lon or the Persian Navy by the Greeks and the heroic as of Sesortri, t mw r 
 sounded with the echo erf British thunder ! '1 o your Lordship belong, the pr li 
 of having added glory to such a scene ! The h-.-roi. we applaud would thc- 
 selves have applauded us ! a IK! he who, ajes smce, led l.i< three hanJn. 
 
 , 
 an ajmost countless host, might, on that proud day, have wished himself a Briton. 
 
 'Jhe thanks of your Country, my Lord, attend you; its honour* await 
 you ; hut a higher praise, than even these imply, is yours. In the moment of 
 your unexampled victory, you saved your Country In the n-.-xt moment you 
 did still more you exemplified that virtue which the heathen world could nol 
 emulate ; and in the pious " Nan 4/i, Da-xiae" of your modest dispatches, y<.* 
 have enforced a most important truth, that the mos,t independent Conqueror 
 felt, in the most intoxicating point of time, the influence and protection of him, 
 whom our enemies, to their shame and their ruin, had foolishly and impiouJy 
 defied. 
 
 " May that same Power, my Lord, ever protect and reward you ! May it 
 long, very long, spare to this Empire *o illustrious a teacher, and o poteut a 
 champion !" 
 
 After which Lord Nelson, amidst the plaudits of the Company, ad- 
 dressed Mr. Chamberlain Clarke in the following short but impressive 
 Speech : 
 
 'SIR, 
 
 " It ii with the greatest pride and satisfaction J receive from the Honourable 
 /' C A ourt THJS TSSTIMONY of their approbation of my conduct ; and with i u is 
 " VERY SWORD holding it up in his left and remaining hand) I hope 1009 
 " to aid in reducing our implacable and inveterate enemy to proper and due 
 ," limits \Vithout which THIS COUNTRY call neither hope for, nor expeft, a 
 *' solid, honourable, and permanent peace !" 
 
 The above sword, which is of admirable workmanship, cost io 
 guineas. It is richly ornamented ; the handle gold, with blue enamei, 
 studded with diamonds. The crocodile appears as emblematical of the 
 grand event ; and the guard is supported with anchors. 
 
 OEl. 25. Captain Sir Edward Hamilton, whose brilliant exploit in 
 cutting out the Hermione * (that very day twelvemonth), dined at the 
 Mansion-House, London. The Chamberlain was invited to thz enter- 
 tainment, for the purpose of delivering the Freedom of the City, which 
 was voted to him, in a gold box. After the oath of a free:nan hid 
 been administered with due solemnity, the Chamberlain, in an appro- 
 priate speech, delivered the thanks of the Corporation for his conduS 
 in an aftion, which, in the language of Sir Hyde Parker, " must ever 
 rank among the foremost of the gallant actions executed by our Navy 
 this war." Sir Edward expressed his sense and satisfrciion of tn 
 honour done him in being carolled as a freeman of the first commer- 
 cial city in th world ; which honour was rendered more valuable to 
 him, because it was conferred during the mayoralty, and presented to 
 him in the hospitable Mansion-house of a Chief Magistrate, whote 
 public services have so justly obtained h&i the approbation of his 
 fellow-citizens. 
 
 Court* rpartiaK 
 
 PORTSMOUTH, OCTOBER 2 1 }. 
 
 THIS day a Court-Martial was held on board his Majesty's ship G/*Stt*:'m 
 this Harbour, for the trial of JOHN BROWN, a private marine belonging to h, 
 Majesty's ship Cvmtela* frr writing a disrespectful letter re 
 ondud of Captain GARDINER, of the Marines, and. Captain 
 
 * See Official Account, vol. iri. page 310.
 
 4g2 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 on WILLIAM DEAN, *ud THOMAS TAYLOR, private marines, for abetting a.Jt 
 advising the said John Brown in his libellous and seditious conduct, and tot 
 endeavouring tJ propagate the same disrespectful spirit amongst the ship'* 
 company. 
 
 Admiral Ho L IOWA Y, President. 
 M. GKEKTHAM, Esq. Judge- Advocate. 
 
 The charges being proved against the prisoners, Brown was sentenced t 
 receive too lashes, aud the two others 50 lashes each. 
 
 The same day, WILLIAM M'MILLADOE. a seaman belonging to his Ma- 
 jesty's ship Trent, was tried for having, ivith two others, not yet taken, run 
 away with the King's boat from alongside the Perseverance hulk. The charge 
 not being proved against the prisoner, he was acquitted. 
 
 30. JOHN SHOWN, a seaman of his Majesty's ship L"Oieau, was tried on 
 bonrd the Gladiator, for having left his duty when on shore, and absented him- 
 elf from the ship without leave ; and, being found guilty, was sentenced to 
 forfeit three months pay for his services on board the said ship, and to be re- 
 primanded and admonished to be careful of his conduct in future. 
 
 THOMAS POWELL, a corporal of marines, and JOBS HERBERT, a private 
 marine, belonging to his Majesty's' ship Juste, were at the same time tried for 
 having deserted from the said ship while on shore on duty at the dock-yard, 
 and found guilty, but in consideration of their good characters, the Court sen- 
 tenced the former to be teduced to a private marine and receive fifty hshe, 
 and the latter to receive fifty lashes. 
 
 AW. 14. A Court-Martial was held on board the Gladiator, in this harbour, 
 for tlic trial of WILLIAM lii-ns, who was taken as one of the crew onboard 
 L'Eolc French privateer, at her capture on the zyth of June last, by his Ma- 
 jesty's ship Dr\.-:J, 'and sent to Spithcad in the Serpent sloop, and who tuincil 
 out to be a subject of this country, and had deserted from the fame prison ship 
 in the month of December, 1798. 
 
 'I he Court being of opinion that the charges had been proved against the 
 prisoner,' did therefore adjudge him to suffer Dratb, by being hanged on board 
 such of his Majesty's ship* at Spithead as the Lords Commissioners of the Ad- 
 miraky should direct. 
 
 On the morning of the I7th the above unhappy man was executed on board 
 the Puissant, at Spithead, pursuant, to his sentence. 
 
 22.. A Court-Martial was he'd on board the Gladiator, in this harbour, for the 
 trial of ANDREW DRYDKX. belonging to the S^nta Margarita, for desertion. 
 '! he charge being proved, he was sentenced to receive fifty lathes, and forfeit 
 all his pay. 
 
 SHF.ERNE:s, OCTOBER 24. 
 
 This day a Co'.irt-Vartial was held on board his Majesty's ship Shannon, in 
 this harbour, to try Lieutenant JAM is RYDER, of his Majesty's ship /-;.tlan3, 
 for absenting himself from the ship without leave, when the charge being 
 proved, he was rendered incapable of serving in the naval service of his .\ . a- 
 jesty, his heirs and successors, for ever ; but the Court recommended him tc 
 the consideration of the Lords Commissioner* of the Admiralty. 
 
 The same day another Court-Martial was held on board the same ship,to try 
 ALEXANDER BROWN, a seaman belonging to his Majesty's ship So'ttbay, for 
 desertion, and for running away with a prize belonging to that ship ; but the 
 charges not being proved, he wa* acquitted. 
 
 Nov. 2,0. A Court-Martial was held on board the Shannon, in this harbour, 
 to try Mr. SAMUEL PORTER, Carpenter of his Majesty's ship Madras, for 
 drunkenness; when the charge being proved, he was rendered incapable of 
 ever jerving again as an officer in his Majesty's Navy. 
 
 Same day another Court-Martial was held on RICHARD HALL, a seaman 
 r>e!<.njrin<? to his Majesty's ship Ze.'knJ, for desertion ; when the charge being 
 proved-, the Court, in consideration of the goad character given him b'y hia 
 fficcrs, only adjudged him to receive 20O la&hes.
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 PROM OCTOBER 21 TO NOYEMBEK 20* 
 
 ^| U. - ft""" ' \*i* lVMj tftltWA 
 
 as desperate an aclion as ever wa$ fought for seven hour* and a half. The 
 Dick <M not strike till after every thing Was carried way, and she was reduced 
 to a mere wreck. The brave Captain Grahme and eleven of his crew were 
 ieverely wounded *. La Grande Decide had twenty-seven killed and wounded. 
 Fortunately the Clyde, of 44 guns, and Fisgard, of 48, hove in sight; the 
 former soon took possession of the Dick apd brought her in here. The latter wa 
 left in chase of the former and firing at her, and it was hoped she would not 
 escape. Captain Cunningham took all care of the wounded men, and entered 
 them as supernumeraries, by which humane conduct they arc comfortably 
 lodged in the Royal Naval Hospital, where every care will be taken to complete 
 the cure of their wounds. 
 
 23. Wind N. W. Fair. Arrived the Assisthausen, Swede, from Bayonne, 
 detained by the Nile, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Armies. Sailed the c uwarrow, 
 of 14 guns, Lieutenant Nicholson, with dispatches for the Channel Fleet. 
 Sailed the Havick, of 18 guns, Captain Bartholomew, for Guernsey and Jersey. 
 And Ravage, of 18 guris, with a convoy lor the Downs. 
 
 24. Wind E. N. E. Fair. 
 
 25. Wind S. W. Blows hard. Arrived the Alcmcne, of 36 guns, Captain 
 Pigby. The Revolutionaire, of 44 guns, Captain Twysden ; and Sirins, of 36, 
 Captain King; from off Ushaut ; last from the squadron off the Ijlack Rocks. 
 Being the anniversary of his Majesty's accession to the Throne was observed 
 accordingly. 
 
 26. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Sailed the Neptune, of 98 guns, Captain Vashon ; 
 Temeraire, 98, Rear- Admiral Whitshcd ; and Centaur, 74, Captain :. arkliam, 
 to join the Channel Fleet. Arrived two brigs with xvhcat, part of six sail cut out 
 in a very gallant style from a bay near Camaitt Point, by the boats of the MOD- 
 tague, of 74 guns, Captain Knight. They were laden with stores for the Brest 
 iit-et. Letters from the squadron off the Black Rocks state, that they arc 
 plentifully supplied with fresh beef from a neighbouring island. They piy in 
 ready money on the average about three guineas a bullock, from two to three 
 hundred weight each. Arrived the Joseph cutter, with dispatches from Earl 
 St. Vincent. It appears that the last time the combined fleet* were reconnoi- 
 tred, there appeared forty sail of the line and fifteui irigates with topsail-yard* 
 across. 
 
 27. Wind S. W. Cloudy. Letters from the flying squadron off the Black 
 Rocks, dated the 2jd, statr, that on that day the hips composing it were the 
 Cxsar, of 84 guns, Com. Sir J. Saumarez, Eart. ; l-omprc, 84, Captain Stir- 
 ling Canada, 74, Hon. DC Courcy ; Defence, 74, Captain Lord H. Faulett; 
 Edgar, 74, Captain Bulier ; Warrior, 74, Captain Tyler ; DeBance, 74, Capt. 
 Shivers; and Nimrod cutter; the weather then off Dcuarncz Bay w*s very 
 fine. 
 
 28. Wind W. S. W. Cloudy. Passed up for Torbay, the Channel Fleet, 
 under the Riglk Hon. Earl St. Vincent. Arrived from off Sound _frn 
 fleet, 
 
 i>{ Vice-Adr 
 
 iu La Belle l._. , , 
 
 ihip Excellent, of 74 guns, Hon. Captain Stopford. 
 
 * Since which we have to lament the death of the gallant comnjwder. *V* Obi nury. 
 
 1
 
 43-f MONTHLY RS6UTEK. % 
 
 29. Wind S. E. Blows hard Sailed to join the fleet in Trbay, the Atlat* 
 ef 98 guns, Captain Tone?. Arrived with wine for the French fleet, a brig, cat 
 out of a bay near Brtst, by the bonts of the Magnificent, Qf 74 guns, some time 
 since. Sailed the Sirius, of 36 guns, on a cruise to the 'westward. Arrived 
 from the Channel Fleet the Russell, of 74 gur.s, Captain Sawyer. The fleet 
 had very blowing weather their last cruise. 
 
 30. Wind S. E Cloudy. Letters from the expedition off Cadiz, dated the 
 jth Instant, state that the men of war had borne away for Gibraltar and the 
 Bay of Tetuan. Went into the Sound La Victorieuse, of 18 guns. Captain 
 Richards, bailed for Torbay, with fifteen tons of vegetables for the fleet, and 
 beer, several gun-vessels. 
 
 31. Wind W. N. W. Cloudy. Wcr.t down the Grand Fleet for the static? 
 cff Brest. The vessels which sailed yesterday with stock, fcii in with the fleet 
 off the Ftart, and shipped on board all their fresh stock and beer ; Earl S^. 
 "Vincent has hoisted his flag on board the Leliona. of 74 guns, hav ; ng takes 
 a. house at Torbay for the winter ; Admiral Sir H. Parker, Bart, will have the 
 command protempore. Vice-Admiral Vitchell goes <v.t this cruise Arrived 
 the Fanny, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Frissell, with a convoy from Milford. 
 
 Nov. i. Wind S. W. Rain. Arrived a. fine French frigate La Venus, of 
 32 guns, and 3^0 men, from Bourdeaux to Senegal, with dispatches and a 
 valuable cargo, on account of the French Republic, taken by the Fisgard, of 
 48 guns, Captain Martin, after a long chase, and the Indefatigable, of 44 guns, 
 Jiou. Captain C,ur?on. She threw her dispatches overboard. La Venus fired 
 one broadside before she struck. Arrived in the afternoon the Fisgard, of 48 
 guns, after a long and successful cruise off the coast of Spain of tlmtctu weeks. 
 
 2. Wind S. W. Blows an hurricane with heavy rain. 1 ast night it blew 
 a very heavy gale of wind at 3. W. with a heavy pitching sea in the Sound, 
 the men of war rode out the storm in safety in the oouad, Cawsand Bay, and 
 Hamoaze, till it abated, and the wind hifted to the west and moderated Ar- 
 rived the Admiral Mitchell, of 14 guns, from the squadron off the Black Rocks, 
 with dispatches for Admiral I'arl iit. Vincent. The squadron was all well and 
 rode out the late gales of wind in Deuarnez Bay in perfect safety. 
 
 3. Wind Q . W. Blows hard. Arrived a beautiful ship corvette, of 20 gun*, 
 (16 mounted,) and t6omen, called i.a Liable a Quatre, captured after a very 
 long chase by the Thames, of 32 guns, Captain Lukin. She was only two days 
 from Bourdeaux, and eighteen months old, well found in all kind of- stores for 
 a cruise of three months, .she had not made any captures. 1 'Immortalire, of 
 44 guns, Captain ''otham, was insight at the capture. The i.'lmmortalite 
 ran a famous French privateer, of 1 8 guns, called Las Trors Diabl.s, on the 
 coast of France, where she was totally destroyed. Our frigates grounded also, 
 but got off without drmagc in the morning. By la Diable a Quatre it is learnt 
 that 1 a Bellone, of 36 guns, and 300 mea, is at t'assage in Spain refitting for a 
 cruise, and La Braave of the same force, was cruising off the coast of Spain. 
 
 4. Wind W. S. W. Cloudy. Arrived a deep laden brig with rosin, pitch, 
 &c. ; and a sloop with 30' sacks of flour, part of a convoy of six sail third con- 
 voy,) cutout by the boats of the Lxcellenl, of 74guns; and Montague, 74, in 
 a bay near Brest. In tr) ing to turn up Catwater they missed stays, r.nd not 
 answering the helm, it blowing hard, they tailed ashore on the Cobler's 
 1 edge and bilged ; it is feared they will be both lost. A third brig wirh flour , 
 is just gone up Catw ater, part of the same convoy. Having lost her main-mast 
 and her bowsprit in a gale of wind. Five P. M. just arrived a fine French 
 schooner, called L'Unique, of six guns and eighty men, with a very valuable 
 rargo of coffee, elephants teeth, cocoa, &c. &c. from Guadaloupe to lourdeaux. 
 She sails like the wind, and was captured the 3ist of O&ober within thirty-six 
 h'ours sail of Bourdeaux, by the Thames, of 32 guns. L'lmmortalite, 44, in 
 tight at the capture. 
 
 5. Wind W. S. Rain. Mr. Whitford, Coroner for Devon, took an incjjv- 
 sition on the bodies of three seamen who were killed on board La Nyriipnc,
 
 Of NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 f J6 gfihs, Captain Frasar, while in'Parnpool; The accident wai owine to 
 i Hawser ihppiflg. hy which means rhe main-top-mast fell with a jerk through 
 Me mam-cap and jammed two seamen to death, the sudden shock threw tho 
 tmra seaman on the quarter-deck with such force, that the body rebounded 
 several feet high, and tdl !>r. at bless on the <icck. Verdicl by the jury ( takin* 
 an the rircmmtances of this unfortunate accident into their consideration?) 
 accidental death. 
 
 6. \Yind S. W. Fair but blows hard. Came in the Busy cutter, Captain 
 Frazer, with a large seizure of spirits, taken from a raft found off the Deadman. 
 Fussed up the Channel Fleet, for Torbay, being driven off their station by the 
 violence of the gales at S W. Also a fleet from the Straits under the convoy 
 f.fthe Pawns frigate, they parted with La Guillaume Tell, of 86 guns, in a gala 
 i wind off Cape Finisterre. 
 
 7. WindS. W. Blows hard. Rain. Mr. Whitford took an inquisition on 
 the body of a seaman, washed ashore at Yealm ; it appeared from the best evi- 
 dence that could be produced, that he was the boatswain's mate of the 
 Clyde, of 44 guns, Captain Cunningham, washed overboard two months since 
 from the sprit. sail yaid, whilst trying to take in the sprit-sail, which Sapped and 
 knocked him overboard. Wrdi accidental death . Arrived La Pompce, 84, from 
 off the coast of France. In the gale of wind on the zd instant she was laid on 
 her beam eids between Conquet and Ushant, but being a ttiff ship she oo 
 righted and bore away for Cawsand Bay to refit. Also she Magnificent, of 74 
 guns, having carried away her fore-top-sail-yard and fore-top-sail, in a gak oi 
 wind. Orders came down this day for the troop ships to sail the first fair 
 wind. 
 
 8. Wind S. W. F.lows a gale. Arrived from Torbay the Warrior, of ^4 
 Captain Tyler, to refit. >he left there thirty-one sail of th line ready for >c*. 
 .Mr. Whitford, Coroner, took an inquisition on the body of a seaman washed 
 on shore on the coast near Revelstock. Verdict accidental dtatb. Hi* body was 
 mo*t curiously tattooed with figure , of Romish priests, &c. and his arms with 
 crucifixes. This forenoon I. a ViiSoireuse, of 18 guns, Captain Richards, in * 
 heavy sea, parted one of her cables in the f'ound, but by the attention of the 
 people of the dork yard, who brought down ftesh anchors and cablet, and the 
 exertions of the officers and crew, they secured her at one P. M. in safety. 
 
 9. Wind W! S. Blows an hurricane with rain. The gale of last night and 
 this morning was awfully grand, accompanied by * heavy rolling sea ; the most 
 tremendous this season. It b ew with incredible fury till seven A. M. when 
 hi a moment the wind shifted from S. and S. W. diredly to N. W. by which 
 
 - 
 
 . 
 ened in the ni^ht, every soul must have pcr 
 
 lying in Bair.pool, by the 
 ks iYr M. Nicholas* Island, 
 
 unown, of 74 gum, I* ear- Admiral Mr J Warren 
 
 pcncnc Jd a violent gale of Wind o the .6th ult. by which some 
 KffSSSl SrieS away, but they r.dc ut the gale hct;r; th,.
 
 436 MONTSLY REGISTER 
 
 / 
 
 have been expe&cd. The Admiral Pasley, extraordinary to relate, was oriTy 
 twenty six days absent from this port to her return. She sailed the I5th of 
 October for Lisbon, Gibraltar, and Tetuan Bay, and returned with answers to 
 the Government dispatches this forenoon. 
 
 11. Wind W. S. \V. Hard rain. The tide yesterday rose near the Pier 
 Head three feet, and as suddenly receded. At Monwelham Quay on the river 
 Tamar, the river rose six feet, and meeting the freshens from the mountains; 
 entered the cellars of Gill and Rundle, and washed away near joo/. worth of 
 salt into the river. It lifted on New Quay a sloop of ninety tons, when th<$ 
 tide as suddenly fell back and left her quite dry. The sime sudden rising and 
 recession of the tides at this port and its vicinity preceded the dreadful earth- 
 quake at Lisbon iu 1755; al1 ^ tne earthquake at Quito in South America in 
 J"8:v Arrived the Meg.iira, of 16 guns, Captain HiUJ from Torbay. She was 
 Wown on ." unday by the violence of the wind at .V. W. off Portland, and with 
 difficulty bore away for Plymouth Sound. Also from the coast of France, the 
 Centanr, of 74 guns, Captain Mark ham, having sprung her ivtain-mast ; and 
 the Defence, 74, Captain Lord H. Paulett, having sprung her bowsprit in a 
 gale of wind. The Centaur spoke the Perseus, of 32 guns, Captain Compton, 
 with the Straits fleet all well, off the Lizard, on Monday last. Arrived the 
 Santa Margarita, of 36 guns, Captain Parker, having convoyed out the East 
 Jnuiamen the 4th of last -September. 
 
 12. \VindW.S.\V. Cloudy. Arrived a brig frdm Jersey. The account 
 ihe brings of the effects of the late hurricane on that coast are dreadful ; La 
 Loire, of 48 guns, Captain Newman, parted all her cables and anchors ; at high 
 tide she passed over a ledge of rocks, the night being pitchy dark, and got safe 
 to Spithcad, after 'they had given themselves up. M he Havick, of itf guns* 
 Captain Bartholomew ; the 1-elican, 18, Captain Thicknesse ; the Lion, 14, 
 Lieutenant Tathum : and a Guernsey privateer, were all driven from their 
 4nchors on shore on the rocks, where they lie bilged. The officers and crews' 
 ^'ith difficulty saved their lives. The tide ro&e several feet in the height of 
 the gale. The Redhridge, a schooner, Lieutenant Lempriere, drove to sea mid 
 was supposed to have foundered, (since arrived at Spithead with the loss of all 
 her guns.) The Telegraph, of 18 guns, Lieutenant Gorscllis, brought up with 
 her best bower anchor, and was saved by cutting away her main- mast. Ar- 
 rived the Providence, John, Smuggling lugger, of Palperro, with 970 ankers of 
 brandy, and three tons of tobacco, sent in by L'Oiseau, of 36 guns, Captain 
 Linzec, (since restored, being taken out of the limits.) 
 
 13. Wind S. W. Rain. Accounts brought by one of the cruisers, state 
 that a large smuggling lujjger in alternating to weather Ram Head in the late 
 storm, got embayed in Whitsund Bay, and went down, and every soul 
 perished. Came in from the westward in great distress, the Speedy, . v alter, of 
 London, from Faro, with fruit. Spoke the Straits fleet, homeward hound all 
 well, the 1st instant, off Cape Finistcrre. Letters from Torbay state that in 
 the late gale the Ramilies, of 74 guns, Captain Grindall, after parting her 
 cables, was driven out to sea, without a rag of sail set, but the wind shifting 
 she put back again without damage. 
 
 14. This day spare anchors, cables, .cordage, sails, and other store's, were 
 shipped on board the Dido, Resource, and IVIodeste, troop-ships, lying in the 
 Sound, for the men of war and transports at Gibraltar. Arrived, after a short 
 pas'-age, from Malaga, in only twenty-two days, the Neptunus, a .Swedish 
 schooner, with a very valuable cargo of fruit, (the first for the season.) She 
 left Malign in a very healthy state, and no appearance of the plague there. 
 This day prattique i:*ived from 1 ondon for the Admiral Pasley, of 14 guns, 
 Lieutenant Ncvin, when Earl Cavan and suite landed and set off for town. Tt 
 juit the minds 01 thos.- concerned for their friends in the expedition, Lieutenant 
 Kevin hat requested the writer of this article to assure all his friends, that the 
 representation of the disastrous state, of the fleet and transports in some prints, 
 after the gale of the i6th ult. was unfounded to the degree mentioned. A few 
 afitturs, cables, &c. had bc.cn 4*t, but the vci.cls of all descriptions were in <*
 
 OF NAVAL KVBNTf. 
 
 order as could be expefted after so violent a gale of wmd, anJ the troot 
 in n.gh health and spirts. The provisions were rather short, on account of the 
 want of communication with the Birbary shore. Lieutenant N. lett Te;uao 
 Bay ine 2 9 th ult. received his dispatches from Lord. Keith the i it, and wired 
 here the ioth inst. 
 
 was floated off by c<sks, and warped into Sutton Pool, through the sluice 01 the 
 Pier Heads. Her cargo will mostly be saved. 
 
 1 6. Wind W. N. W. Cloudy, Blows Hard. Came in LMmmortalite, 44 
 guns, Captain Hotham, in damage, and the Indefatigable, 44, Hon. Captain 
 Curzon. The latter parted her cables and anchors in a gale of wind ott the 
 .Coast of France. She is gone between the Island and Main to refit. 
 
 17 Wind W. N. W. Fair. Arrived the Amity Dan'sh btig, from Malaga, 
 .detained by the Captain, 74 guns, Captain . c ir R. Strachan. he brought 
 Lieutenant Williams and twenty men of his Majesty's late -hip Marlborough, 
 04 guns, Captain Sotheby, shipwrecked on a ledge of rocks near Isle Grouat, in 
 a violent gale of wind, on the night of the 4th inst. Dreadful wa their situa- 
 tion for several hours, in a perfe& hurricane, the sea making a clear breath over 
 her. But by throwing her guns overboard, and clearing the wreck, she light- 
 ened a little, yet >till stuck fast in a kind of cove on some sharp rock*. In the 
 morning, the -boats of the Captain,, the weather having moderated, pushed 
 through the surf with great perseverance and gallantry, and, fortunate t> relate, 
 brought off safe to her all the Officers and crew ; Lieutenant W. and twi-i.ty 
 men were put on board the Dane, and suffered extreme hardships for eleven day* 
 previous to their arrival here. The Marlborough went to pieces soon after they 
 left her. On the arrival of the Amity, Mr. P. Symons, merchant and broker, 
 waited on Admiral Sir T. Pasley, who directed Captain Wickey to send off 
 two gun-boats to relieve them from their unpleasant situation, having brea on 
 board the Dane twelve days on the deck, in shocking we-ther, and not able to 
 take off their clothes. Fresh provisions were also sent to them ; and they are 
 now performing quarantine till they receive prattiquc. 
 
 18. Wind N. N. W. Fair, and a Summer's Day. Sailed on a crui, the 
 fanny, 14 guns, Lieutenant i rissell. Passed by the Channel fleet to the wet- 
 \varJ, thirty-two sail of the line. Went up the Harbour to refit, the Edgar, 74 
 guns, Captain Buller. Arrived from 1 orbay, the Glory, 58 gun, Captain 
 "Weils, to refit. She went up Hamoazc diredly. 
 
 19. Wi'.idN. N. E. Fair. Sailed on a cruise, the Spitfire, 24 guns, Captain 
 Keen. Also for jersey, L'Ambuscade, 44 guns, captain Hotham, to ukc 
 stores saved from the wrecks of the Havick and , -elicaii, lost on th 
 
 Also for ipithead, the anta Margarita, 44 guns, Captain G. . arker, to 
 
 . , pitneaa, tne anta ,\iargaru<i, <H- &"" 
 
 docked. Arrived from a cruise, La Renard, 20 guns, Captain Spicer. Sail' 
 to join the Channel fleet, the Excellent, 74 guns, Captain atopford, aud t 
 sell, 74 guns, Captaiu Sawyer. 
 
 ao. Wind N. N. E. Fair. The San Josef, i u ?uns i, to go out of dock 
 the next spring tide. She is to be fitted for the <Ug of R^r-Admural 1 
 Nelson; the Jew of the Namur, 98 guns, now in tfamouc, ,.. 
 over to her. Captain Luke, of the Namur, will succeed Capta.u N 
 the Mars, 74 guns. Sailed to join the fleet, the fcagdificent, 74 g. ^ 
 Bovvater the g PonuA, 84, Captain Vashon ; ^.^^^J^^i 
 Knight Went to Dock last night, to be overhauled, the Auinira 
 guaf Lieutenant Nevin. bhe is fitting again for the Stra ltt to carry 
 to i,oid Keith and General bir Ralph Abcrcrombic. 
 
 IV. 3 fc
 
 43* MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 PORTSMOUTH REPORT. 
 
 % FROM OCTOBER 27 TO NOVEMBER ij. 
 
 Oft. 27. Arrived his Majesty's i4iip Rambler, of 14 pun?, Cap'ain Scliort- 
 . berg, with four transports, containing Dutch troops under convoy from Jersey. 
 
 28. Arrived his Majesty's ship Poyal Georre, of IT^ gnn, Captain Otwar, 
 from the Channel fleet ; Theseus, Captain Stiles, from the Mediterranean ; and 
 the Harpy, of 16 guns, Captain Eirrhall, from z cruise. 
 
 29 Sailed the Cambrian, of 40 guns, Hon. Captain I c^pe ; St. Fiorenzo, 
 of 4ogurts, Captain Patterson ; Aclivc, of 38 guns Captain GitTord ; and Harpy, 
 of 3 2 pirns, Captain Birthall.cn a cruise; and the Terrible, of 74 puns. Cap- 
 tain Wolesley. to join the Channel fleet. Also the Earl Spencer, Lieutenant 
 Rye, and Earl St. Vincent, Lieutenant Lackey, for the coast of France. 
 
 30. Arrived the Asia, of 64 jruns, Captain Murrav, from Halifax. She 
 failed with the following transports under convoy five veeks since, viz. 
 Alary Ann, with the 24th regiment on board ; Duchess of Rutland, with the 
 26th regiment ; Diamond, with the Duke of Kent's horses and effects ; l.eigh- 
 ton, Laurel, and Duke of Kent : the two former arrived here, and the latter are 
 gone for the Downs. 
 
 31. 'Arrived the Fairy, of 16 guns, Captain Warren, from T ersey, with the 
 los of three anchors ; the Hussar, of 38 guns, Captain Lord Garlie.% with a 
 convoy of Vest India ships from Ireland; and Grand Falconer cutter, Lieute- 
 nant '.hiltott, from Marcoii. Abo the Constitution cutter, Lieut. YV. H. 
 Faulknor, from a cruise. 
 
 Nov. i . Arrived the Gi'illaume Tell, of 86 guns, Captain Elphinstone, from 
 the Mediterranean, ^he was immediately put under quarantine. 
 
 2. Arrived the -Wolverene, of 16 guns, Captain Wight, from a. cruise. 
 Sailed the Bittern, of 16 guns, Captain Kittoe, with a convoy for the Downs. 
 
 3. Arrived the Argo, of 44 guns, Captain Rov-'en. She has captured a; d 
 brought in with her, the Spanish letter ef marqne St. Fernando, of 18 guns 
 (pierced for 22), laden with silks, from St. Andtro, bound to Vera Cruz. Her 
 cargo is very valuable, and will prove a good prize to the captors. Also the 
 
 'Serpent, of 16 guns,' Captain Roberts, from a cruise. 
 
 4. Sailed the Endymion, of 44 guns, Captain Sir Thomas Williams, on a 
 cruise, the was forced to return, owing to strong gales at V. . t-. W. 
 
 6. Arrived La Loire, of 44 guns, Captain Mewman, from Jersey, with 
 the loss of her anchors and cables. i ailed the Plover, of 16 guns, Captain 
 Cialvvey, for the Dowrs. 
 
 8 Arrived the Anson, of 44 guns, Captain Durham, and Constitution, cf 
 14 guns, Lieutenant Faulknor, from a cruise. 
 
 9. ' Arrived the Active, of 38 guns, Captain Giffard, from a cruie. 
 
 10. Arrived the Harpy, of 18 guns. Captain Birchall. from P. cruise ; and 
 Redbridge schooner, I ieutenant Len^pricre, irorn Jersey, with ths loss of all her 
 guns, which she threw overboard in a ::e.ivy gale of wind, and otherwise much 
 damaged. Also the Perseus, of 20 gun,Captain Compton, from Gibraltar, i-he 
 tailed from thence with a fleet of merchantmen under convey, but parted -with 
 tlum in a gale of wind. 
 
 1 1. Arrived the Zarl Spencer cutter. Lieutenant Rye, ft cm a cruise, and the 
 Ecifiower brig, Lieutenant Murray, from Gtu'n^ey. 
 
 12. Came into harbour the Hussar, of 38 guns. Captain I. rd Garlics ; 
 Bourdelais, of 32 guns. Captain . . r . .nby ; RcdUridge schooner. Lieutenant Lem- 
 priere ; and Requin brig. Lieutenant Fowell, to repair the dair.a^-s they sus- 
 tained in the gale of wind on .^unday last. 
 
 13. Sailed the Royal ''eorge, of too guns, A 'miral Sir Hyde Parker, Cap- 
 tain Otway ; Phoebe, of 5 6 guns, Adtairal iir Aian Gardner, C-r tain Uzrluvr,
 
 OF NAVAL ETENTS. 
 
 
 paid off > n ilM - for 
 
 i J. Sailed the Earl St. Vincent cutter, Lieutenant Lackty, on a crui.e. 
 17- > rrivcd his Majesty', ship Agincourt, of 64 ^uns, Admiral Pole, from 
 Newfoundland, with only two s!n, s out of fourteen merchant |M P , chat M ilcd 
 under her convoy; the rest parted from her in a gale of wind. Ai-o the Ca.>tor, 
 Captain Gower, from Jersey, and Santa .Margarita, 'Japuin Parker, Iron con' 
 voymgthe outward bound hast Indiamen. tihc cap:urcd <> her voyage and 
 sent into Cork, the sinp , oote, from Bourdcuux, laden with wine and brand v. 
 Sfilcd the Royal George of no guns, Admiral ,,r Hyde Parker, to join the 
 Channel Sett ; Phoebe, of 36 puns, ..aptain Barlow, with Admiral Gardner on 
 board, for Ireland j and Auson, Captain Durham, on a cruise. 
 
 19. Sailed the Braakcl, Captain Clarke, for Ireland ; Adivc, Captain Gyf. 
 lard ; and Constance brig, Lieutenant Wright, for jersey. 
 
 20. Arrived the Atalante, Captain Griffiths, with near two hundred tail of 
 outward-bound merchant ships under her convoy, from the Downs. 
 
 21. Bailed the ;uste, of 84 guns, Sir Henry Trollope, an i Cumberland, of 74 
 guns, Captain Greaves, to join the Channel fleet ; i.a Pique, Captain oung, 
 Sea Horse, Captain Foote, and .Maidstone, Captain Donnelly, with a laigc convoy 
 for Lisbon, Oporto, and the Aieaiterranean. 
 
 21. Arrived the Anson, Captain Durham, from a cruise off 'avre ; and 
 Rose cutter. Lieutenant Richardson, from Marcou She fell in yesterday with 
 a French privatter, of ten gmis, off . uiu'.cne.--, which she engage! !,'r two 
 hours. The privateer afterwards made oft"; and the Rose, from her i.!;jttend 
 condition, was unable to pursue her. 
 
 23. Sailed the Constitution, Lieutenant Faulknor, on a cruise ; and Earl 
 Spencer cutter, Lieutenant Rye, in quest of a pnv-t-jer oS the back of the Isle uf 
 Wight. 
 
 WEST INDIA REPORT. 
 
 CAPTURE OF THE DUTCH "ISLAND OF CURACOA. 
 
 ON the 7th instant arrived the Gmntbam packet, from Jamaica ; and, 
 anu>ng other interesting intelligence, brought an account of the Dutch Island 
 of Curacoa, in the West Indies, which was lately tak n pos, C s*ion of by the 
 French, having fallen into the hands of the English. We are ei.abled to tatc 
 Some of the particulars of this capture. :n the following cxtradl of a letter from 
 Lieutenant i j aul to his father, from on board La Nereidc irigate, Captain Wat- 
 ki::s, of 36 guns ; 
 
 " We last night cut out a schooner from Curacoa Ray, and thi* morning we- 
 sailed in*o the Bay, and found the French and the Dutch firing upon on,.- an- 
 other. Captain Watkins called a Council, and it wai determined to attack both 
 parties, which we did with great success. I he Dutch soon offered to surrender 
 UP the whole island, provided we would nrotecl them agiiin-t the French, which 
 \v- arn-eed to ; and the whole of the treasure, dollars, plate, Jkc. belonging to 
 tiio v-ttlement, is now on board La Nercide; and the union flag is Hying on all 
 the forts. 
 
 " I was dispatched with this intelligence to Admiral Lord Huj;h Seymour, 
 commanding on this station, who immediately ordered three frigate* to our 
 
 ' 1 a'm nnw keeping gtprd over the famous French Black Captain, VICTOR 
 HUGUES who has done so much mischief t< oisr country this w^r, and who ha 
 bet-u so ion" Commander in Guadaloupe : he was taken on hi-- pw.i;;e to avumc 
 the cioverninent of Curacoa; which Maud he imagined, by the time ot hi* 
 arrival, would have been in quiet possession of the French.' 
 
 Thi* is the only instance, perhaps, of tb,e surrender of a whole Uland to a 
 single frigate. Curacoa was the only settlement belonging to the D
 
 West Indies ; it is situated to the north of Terra Flrma ; is about thirty mile* 
 in length, and fourteen in breadth, with a good harbour and port, which may be 
 rendered of considci able importance to us in the protection of our merchantmen 
 from the depredations of the enemy's privateers. It is thought capable of great 
 improvements, being little more in the hands of the Dutch than a rendezvous for 
 smugglers. 
 
 CAPTURE OF LA VENGEANCE. 
 
 THE following particulars of the action between La Sims and La Vtngeanse* 
 inay be depended on lor their correctness : 
 
 ' Mcf.tcgo Bay, Sept. 6. 
 
 " Cn the morning of the aoth of August, a strange sail v, as observed from 
 the Seine, stindmg to the northward, on the starboard tack, through the Mona 
 fat t'ge, .d which she immediately gave chace : it was sun-set before they got 
 Stitiic.ci.tly near tn rn :ke her out plainly, when they perceived her to be a large 
 frigate. About mi-i^'ight the Seine brought the cha:-e to action, brt not so close 
 as Captain Miir.e v\i-hed ; the sVi'>s suffered considerably in their rigging and 
 sails during this brush ; and, from that circumstance, departed for some lime. 
 On ;he morning of ;he 2ist, the ,-eine brought the chase to close a&ion ; and^ 
 after j MVi-rt. contest lor ?.n hour and a half, she struck, and proved to be the 
 Vm e rce French fiigate, commanded by Cit:/.en Fitot, Capital e de Vais- 
 feau, mounting twenty-eight eighteen- pounders on the main-deck, sixteen 
 twelve-pounders and eight forty-two pound carrouades on her quarter-deck 
 and forecastle, w.th brass sv- ivels on her gun -wale. 
 
 " I\T. <.;eorge A iine, . etond Lieutenant of the Seine, and twelve seumen^ 
 \v.ere killed in th a&icn, and twenty-nine wounded ; ainorfg \vhnm is the 
 Lieutenant of Matines. The particulars of the loss on tl:e part of the enemy 
 are not yet ascertained, but it is supposed mast be considerable, from the loss of 
 her fore mast, mizen mast, and njan-top-mast, which all fell on board Cap-* 
 tain Milne speaks in very high terms of the good conducl of his Officers and 
 hip's company. 
 
 " The French frigate, out of a complement of 453, lias only brought into 
 port 2i i men. On hoard La Vengeance were five or six Generals, and several 
 other Officers of the French army, who ..ssisfcd \\. erever theii talents couid be 
 of use during the tngagement. i.a Vengearre had. we understand, near ten 
 feet warer in her hold when she came into Port Royal. 
 
 " v. a, tain Pilot has mentioned, that in the action he had with the Constella- 
 tion, fhc ^ruck three times ; that he saw her in the iv.orning, when his ship 
 was entirely dismasted, and might have been made a prize of; but that the 
 Constellation did not appear anxious to renew the struggle. 
 
 " i he Captain of i.a Vengeance is the $au;e Oflicer \\ho commanded La 
 Rcnommee when taken by his Majesty's ship Alfred. 
 
 " Oap:ain DJVH! JVhine, who. brought i a Vengeance French frigate intd 
 Port R yal, on ti.e 27th ult. is the same v -entl< man who was Second Lieutenant 
 of; a iiiai.che, at the capture of La Pique, oil iVarigatante, 6th January 1795, 
 after a u:ost obstinate aciion of five hours ; in the middle of which CaptJirt 
 Faulknor was shot through the heart, ju*t us he had lashed La Hque's bowsprit 
 to i a Blanche's capstern, with his own hands. 'J he i irst ; icuteijant, \\iitkins 
 (now e apt,iin of the Kefourcej, continued the action three hours longer, when 
 La ique surrendered, and Lieutenant ',:lr.c wit I: ten men, swam on board, 
 ami t< ok }.<;.-s>. *!;(. r. of her; s-!.e liad 76 men hilled, and 113 wounded, and 30 
 lest, when her ma.it wtr.t overbojrd, having had a complement of upward 1 * of 
 400 men <it the ccmihencemer.t ; 26 twelve-pounders, three nine-pounders, 
 four twtlvj-pouna carr< i.aiis, be-iues a number of bra^s swivels ; and was fitted 
 but from Gu-daioupe, for the declared purpose of taking La Blanche, whose 
 loss waseifh; kilud. inciudii;g Captain Faulknor, and 21 wounded (two prize- 
 tnasters a r J 12 mm being absent). 
 
 " On the 6th ji-ly, 179^, 1 a t ique, commanded by Captain David Milnc 4 
 came up v.ith La ;,eine . rci.ch frigate, off the taiiites, near iirest, at eleven at 
 
 * See Captain Milne's official Letter to Uie Admiralty. 
 3
 
 Ofr NAVAL EVENTS. ^, 
 
 right, and engaged her until the Tason frigate, Captain StirW, ran between 
 .them La erne wa, drove on shore ; and the Jason drifted <* betVcen t^em 
 in such a positu>n that La .Seine could annoy La Pique, ove7and through the 
 Jason, wh, st La P.que could do very little injury to La Seme. la ZTua! 
 tion, at half past two ,n the mmning, i.a Seine struck : She had 4 z gun,, , , 
 and 9 Pounders wtth carronades, and 610 men, (including soldier* of which, 
 170 were k.lled, ana about , - o wounded, many of them mortally The V& 
 naid frigate, Cuptam Newman, who belonged to Commodore Stirlin c ', soua- 
 cron came up after the aclion was over, and then was so fortunate a, tog off 
 the Jason; La Pique being bulged, was destroyed; but Captain Milne, with 
 his gallant crew, had the sauskdion to get La Seine afloat, the command of 
 Kvhich frcgate was soon after given to him ; and we rejoice that in her he ha. 
 Uded another capital French frigate- td our triumphant N^vy." 
 
 LOS-: OP THE CHARLES BARING WEST INDIAMAN. 
 
 ^ We are favoured by ;.ir. Thoma* Bennett and Mr Fitzmaurice. Passenger* 
 in the Ch-rlr- Caring, Captain Ans, wirh an authentic narrative of the loss of 
 her. She sailed from Port Royal, amaica. o:> the oth of September. Nothing 
 material occurred until about the 151!! of Odober, when we found the sl.ip ro 
 make a considerable quantity of w^tcr, which increased so much, that on the 
 i-th both pumps could scarcely free her In this situation we continued until 
 the morning of the aoth, when on sounding, we found five feet water in her 
 hold. The Cap:?.m immediately ordered the gun-deck to be scnttled, that we 
 might get to the pump well; that being .lone, we sluno two large casks with 
 tackles, which we found to answer our purpose very well, for by twelve o'clock 
 we had reduced the water to three fett. We kept Her from gaining on u until 
 the next morning, the 2 1st, when the pumps were rendered almost uscles-,from 
 the quantity of coffee and cocoa which continually got to them I he danger of 
 our situation now increasing, it wa* thought advisable to heave tlie guns over- 
 board, which was done about ten o'clock, and also a considerable quantity of 
 wood from the Fore Peak. .-U about dark the pump- were quite choaked and 
 entirely useless We now found the leak to gain considerably on us; ill hands 
 that could be spared from baling were employed in clearing the fore hatch- way, 
 which by day-light wass-o far completed, as to enable us to ^..-t two more casks 
 to work. At this time the water wa* up to the orlop-deck beams, and by the 
 most unremitting exertions of ti.e J asseii^ers and cre>v, was kept from gaining 
 until the night of the 23d, when it came on to blow i heavy gale of wind, which 
 heeled theship so much, that thegreatest part of the water we baled returned back 
 to thehold. The water gaining f.'St, the people almost tired to death, and the gale 
 increasing, there was now no hopes of saving the ship, bur only care was how 
 to save ourselves. About the dawn of day the main-mast went over the side, 
 and it v as with much difficulty we could clear it from the ship The water by 
 this time had reached the gun deck; we had no time to ios< in providing for 
 our safety : the boat was got out, and at eight o'clock, much to Captain Aris'i 
 credit, his first objed was to have the Ladies put ;nto it, remarking at the same 
 time to all of us, that there could he no possibility of saving them othcrwie, 
 and that it was also impossible for the boat to contain the entire. He therefore 
 recommended all hands to make a r.<ft w.th spar* and cotton-bags ; but before 
 that could be accomplished, she completely foundered, and every man attempted 
 to swim to the boat, the Captain himself being the last (hat siiitud the *hip; 
 and, miserable to tell, twenty-seven of our number perched. We feel it a duty 
 incumbent on us, to acknowledge, that, under Divine - rovidcnce, we feel 
 much indebted to Captain Aris for his foresight, ready condud, and coolness 
 in so perilous a .situation. 
 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 A most important service to the Naval concerns of thi* Country hi 
 lately effected by the quadras of advanced ships under the r 
 miral Berkeley, livery possib e opportunity wh.Ji could be obi, 
 the other parts of its duty, wa, employed in .urv-yia- and Sounding t 
 Ciunuel uear die Trench Loub The icwlt ha*, most lufptf, been, that he
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 has discovered, between Ushar.t and the small Islands, a Channel tliat wa 
 never known before. It is sufficiently deep to admit hips of the ! ine to pass 
 through it, when navigated by such as have a competent knowledge of its 
 different sounding and bearings. And, as this discovery will most mater-ally 
 facilitate the attainment of our object to keep a perpetual watch ever the 
 sailing of the French Fleet, I hare the plea-lire of informing you, that a Chart 
 of this important passage will shortly be published, engraved from the actual 
 Surveys And, as they were taken by the most celebrated Officers in his squa- 
 dron for Nautical .Surveying, thuy may be e peeled to piove the greatest Na- 
 tioual Utility of any thing that has been published for several years relative to 
 IV.arine Discoveries. 
 
 NAUT1CUS. 
 
 FUMIGATING '.AVPS. 
 
 Obifrvationt on tie l>pertc.nee of tie !, minting Lamps, invented ty Sir 7. PUz- 
 fatrick, tthicb are,fortbejirit Time, introduced, by Order of ibe Duke of Portland, 
 
 ta board ibe Earl CertrwalKl Can-vifi Siif. 
 
 "WHERE many persons breathe in a confined phce, the air is deprived of its 
 oxygen or animating principle. And as this destructive esfe<S is still more in- 
 creased by fl?.me *, used to illume the darkness of places where person* are ne- 
 cessarily confined, these lamps an' provided with b-vsl tubes, to trefcnt this 
 jr.convenience to those prisoners who ?.re on the orlop <k;!;, which is nearly 
 dark, and beneath the surface of the wate". And, to prevent the necessity of a 
 number of lights which would thus still more deprive t'.ie air of its ox.'g-.'U or 
 vital principle, Sir [erome has introduced reflectors into these lamps, by which 
 means, the li< ht isoi: ' !y increased, wuh^ut the rcspirable air being 
 
 diminished. Ai;d by well pl.'ci- g the i..n:p li.:i.^ ov;-r the pi.n containing oil 
 of vitriol and nitre, a proportion of oxyf en is'l.us produced, surfi.ient to supply 
 what the air lose-, by the forc-nicntii. ncd s-polutiou ; and corrective, according 
 to Dr. CarmlUiel, of its malij/nant priii; 
 
 The utility f thes^ binps nii'.^t, wiiere !i;/ht and sulubrity of air are so esscn- - 
 tial as in convict ships, be incalculable. 'J'lie lamps, it must be cb'crveil, arc 
 so contrived as f> prevent the men from enuangciing tlie ship by lighting their 
 f ipes clandestinely. 
 
 tions r mfa. 
 
 PRESENTATIONS TO HIS MAJl 
 
 OJ7. 30 Admiral Sir Alan O. miner was pr; . he honour ta 
 
 kiss their Majesty's hands at the I.evee, on beir 
 
 On his arrival in Enghnd, the gallint Admiral .ord J "c-ired 
 
 in his full naval uniform, decorated with the d':urond ' - wore 
 
 in his hat, presented to him for hi? services bv the cvjrt of N h tie 
 
 Ve ! diions of the K^g-and Que^li of thit Court, u" with 
 
 vhich he has been invested with, as Knight ol Jerusalem, the r !'l. nd of the 
 Order of the Bath, and the elegant sword presented ro him by the I ity of 
 London. 
 
 Captain Es^ington, by -Vd-niral ^ 'ackcnzie and Captain Hervey. 
 
 .Captain Wallis, late of the Brunswick, on his ar ival from Jamaica, by the 
 Right Hon. Thomas Grenville. 
 
 NO-J. 19. HisFxcellency Hadge Tbrahira Candiot, Admiral of Algiers, Am- 
 bas'ador and Minister Flenipt tentiary to the Dry, was presented to his Majesty, 
 who had his first audience to deliver his credentials. 
 
 AW 4. 'I he Kins: was pleased to gr?nt the dignity of a Parrnet of the 
 kingdom of Great Britain to Robert Kingsmill, Esq. Admiral of the Blue 
 Squadron. 
 
 * A Pimr of a hrrrpor' candle inclosed in a hogshead, will first lose its splendour, 
 and alierwa^s be touay
 
 OP NAVAL EVENTS. AJ9 
 
 445 
 
 of hi ' 
 
 Captain Domett, to the command of the Belleisle, of 74 <runs flate Le F 
 midable) taken from the French off L'Orient, by Lord B^idort in The 
 
 795 
 
 Captain J. C. Wh-teto the command of the Renown, of 74 gun, the flar- 
 ship of bir John Borlase Warren, in the room of Captain Eyles. 
 
 Captain William Browne, late of the Vang nan!, is appointed and has taken 
 the command of the Robust, of 74 guns vice Captain Countess. 
 
 Captain Irwin is appointed to the Barflcur of 98 guns. 
 
 Lord Hugh Seymour has appointed Lieutenant Colin Mackenzie, of the 
 Sans Pareil, to La Seine frigate, vice Lieutenant Viilne, killed in afiion. 
 
 Captain Mufdge, of the Fly sloop, is promoted to a Post Captain ; and Cap- 
 tain Puval, who brought the overland dispatches from Lord Nelson, is ap- 
 pointed to the Hy. 
 
 G. Onmby, Fsq is appointed to the command of his Majesty's schooner 
 Scout, of 1 8 guns, fitting at Plymouth. 
 
 Edward Kindall, E*q. late First Lieutenant of the Royal Sovereign, is pro- 
 moted to the rank of Commander. 
 
 Lieutenant Strachey, late of the Resource, i appointed First of tho Helder, 
 fitting for sea at Deptford. ahe is a iiae *hip of her class, aud built much after 
 the English model. 
 
 Mr. Thomas IToskins, Master of the Syren, is removed to the Trent ; and 
 Mr. Hodgson, late of the Fairy, is appointed to succeed him. 
 
 S. Pryme, Esq. is appointed Purser of his Majesty's ship Renown, of 74 gun*. 
 
 H. Somerville, Esq is appointed Purser of his Majesty's ship Canada, of 74 
 guns. 
 
 R. Park, Esq. is appointed Purser cf his Majesty's ship Canop-os of 74 
 guns. 
 
 Mr. Chapman, Purser of the Snake, is appointed to the Lcda, of 38 gun*. 
 
 William Dawes, Esq. an officer in the Marine service, is appointed Governor 
 of Sierra 1 eone, with a very liberal salary. 
 
 The Lords of the Admiralty have been pleased to appoint the ons of Cap- 
 tains Miller, Patten, and Wymes, Lieutenants of the Marine Forces j in 
 .which corps their respective fathers have served many years, with honour to 
 themselves and service to their country. - 
 
 In consequence of the death of George Ma^sh, Esq. one of the Commii* 
 tioneis cf the Navy, the following arrangement will take place : Commis- 
 sioner Hartwell, from Chatham, to the Navy Board; Duncan, 
 
 from Halifax to Chatham: Inglcfield, feom Gibraltar to Halifax; 
 
 and Captain Coates, who is Agent for Prisoners, of War, now in France, a 
 prc-noted to a Commissioner, and appointed to Gibraltar. 
 
 The statement, which, in our last, mentioned tl' appointment of Ctpuia 
 Lewis, of the t nake, to the command of the Leda, a new 33, fil 
 at Chatham, was not qin.e torreA, that ship having been given to Capuia O. 
 Hope, who resigns the i Tiuce of Orange, of 74 guns, to obtain her.
 
 444 MONTHLY REGISTER OF NAVAL EVENTS, 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Lately, the gallant Robert Hope, Esq. Purser of his Majesty's ship Puissant, 
 aged fourscore, to the lovely and amiable Miss Fanny Paul, of Portsmouth) 
 aged 13! 
 
 EPIGRAM ON THE ABOVE. 
 Said an ancient Apostle, 
 
 Of Faith, Hope, and Love, 
 The latter by far 
 
 IViust all ages approve. 
 
 But one Angel (Miss Paul) 
 Adled quite the reverse; 
 For old Hope above all 
 
 She preferr'd with hisfurse / 
 Captain Anderson, to MissEggleston of Kiiham. 
 At Greenwich, Lieutenant Alexander Robert Kc.rr to Miss Raison. 
 
 At St. John's Church, Westminster, by the P.ev. Dr. Vincent, Subalmoner 
 to his Majesty, Lieutenant John Hotchkis, to Miss Pearce, danghter of the 
 late Richard Pearce, Esq. of Westminster. 
 
 James Lucas, Esq. Lieutenant of his Majesty's ship Ardent, to Miss S. Lanov 
 Jum, youngest daughter of >.;r. 1 angham, of Cockfield, Suffolk. 
 
 The jst instant, at Doncastcr, by the Rev John Eyre, Captain George Eyre, 
 to Miss Georgiana Cooke, daughter of Sir Ueorge Cooke, Bart, of Wheatly, in 
 the country of Yoik. 
 
 The i5th ult. at Minorca, Lieutenant Francis Hastings, to Leonora St r 
 Croix, only daughter and heiress of Don Emanuel St. Croix, of that island. 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 Lately in Holland, Admiral Dedel, many years in the service of the Dutch 
 Marine. 
 
 At Gibraltar, Francis Adams, ship-builder. He is greatly lamented by hit 
 relatives and a numerous acquaintance. Lord Keith has appointed the car- 
 penter of the Kent to do the duty. 
 
 At his house, at Blackheath, near London, in the ySth year of h's age, 
 George Marsh, Esq. one of the Commissioners of his iYiajesty's Navy. 
 
 On the i7thult. at Greenwich, Mrs. Brathwaite, wife of Admiral Brath. 
 waite. 
 
 At Newbury, on his way to Bath, Captain John Hall, of the Worcester East 
 ID daman 
 
 Lately, the only son of the Hon. Captain Paget Bayly, nephew to the Earl 
 of Uxbridge. 
 
 In Horse street, Bristol, William Evans, late a mariner under the memorable 
 Captain Cooke, who accompanied him in his three voyages round the world, 
 was present at the time of his death, and was one of those sent on shore to re- 
 cover his remains. 
 
 On the ist instant, at Hill House, near Dumfermline, in the 72d year of her 
 age, universally lamented, Mrs. Mitchell, relid of Charles Mitchell, E-q. and - 
 mother to Sir Charles, and Admiral Sir Andrew Mitchell, who have both 
 distinguished themselves in their King a,nd Ccuntry's service. 
 
 It is with infinite concern and regret we have to announce the demise of the 
 brave Captain William Grahme, who so gallantly defended the ship Ditk in a 
 seven hour's engagement with La Grande Decide, famous French privateer, of 
 much superior force, in which contest he was wounded in the head, and of 
 which he died six days afterwards en board the privateer ; the intelligence was 
 Drought to Liverpool by Captain Grahme'smate, \vho was, with many others, 
 put by the French captain into a prize, which he sent off as a cartel for 
 England. , 
 
 The 23d instant, at Greenwich, Captain John Lee, commander of his Ma- 
 jesty's ship Camel.
 

 
 
 ,, 
 
 -/ . s x > / ' ,( / 
 
 ) // / f>/~ ' '//'S'/'/'//
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF 
 SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH, 
 
 CROSIO* THK ROYAL MILITARY SWID1SH OROI* Ot TI IWkO 
 AND COMMANDER. 
 
 He, high in soul, was mated with the best : 
 First in the lists, where'er those lists were fining 
 He claim'd the prize, nor ever yielded ground j 
 Nor, for the biting sword, nor thrilling spear, 
 With helm on head, was ever known to fear. 
 
 WAY'S FABLIAUX* 
 By Heav'n, to me it were an easy leap 
 To pluck bright honour from the pale-fac'd moon ; 
 Or dive into the bottom of the deep, 
 Where fathom-line could never touch the ground, 
 And pluck up drowned honour by the locks ! 
 
 SHAKSPCA.KK. 
 
 HPHE Author of the State Worthies of England, David 
 Lloyd, a biographer not less remarkable for acutencss 
 of observation than for a forcible singularity of expression, 
 nearly drew the portrait of this gallant officer by anticipation, 
 a century and a half since. It is no disparagement that 
 Sir Walter Raleigh sat for the picture. 
 
 " As for his native parts," says Lloyd, " and those of 
 his own acquiring, he had in the outward man a good 
 presence, in a handsome and well compared person; a 
 strong natural wit, and a better judgment ; with a bold 
 plausible tongue, whereby he could set out his parts to the 
 best advantage ; and to these he had the adjuncts of some 
 general learning, which by diligence he enforced to a great 
 augmentation and perfection, for he was an indefatigable 
 reader, whether by sea or land, and none of the least ob- 
 servers both of men and the times. No soldier fared or 
 Jay harder, none ventured farther; what is not extraordinary, 
 he would say, is nothing. So contemplative was he that 
 you would say he was not active ; so aclive, that you would 
 say he was not prudent." Such was Sir Walter Raleigh ; 
 and such, with the addition of undeviating honour and 
 loyalty, is Sir SIDNEY SMJTH. 
 
 itol. IV. 3 M
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOFRS 
 
 The father of Sir Sidney was bred to the army, and 
 served during the early part of the war of 1756, as aid-de- 
 camp to the Right Hon. Lord George Sackville., When the 
 Court-Martial was held on the conduct of that nobleman 
 at Minden, Captain- Smith came forward in the most zealous 
 manner, not only as an evidence in his behalf, but as a 
 warm and aive friend. The charge againft Lord Sackville 
 is well known to have consisted in an imputed disobedience 
 of the orders received from Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, 
 whom by his commission and inftruftions he was directed to- 
 obey. 
 
 Captain Smith quitted public life soon after this period, if 
 we except an office which he now holds in the Royal House- 
 hold. He has had the happiness to be a living witness of 
 the gallantry and the well-earned popularity of his son ; and 
 enjoys the blessing of a vigorous old age at a villa near Dover, 
 built, and fitted up by himself with equal tafte and sin- 
 gularity. 
 
 Sir William Sidney Smith, the subject of the present 
 Memoir, entered into the navy at the early age of thirteen 
 years. He was born about the year 1764; and received the 
 first rudiments of his education at Tunbridge school,, then 
 kept by Mr. Knox. In 1773, he wa removed to Bath, where 
 he was placed under the tuition of Mr. Morgan ; and in 1777 
 having commenced his maritime career, he not long afterward 
 removed into the Sandwich, commanded by Captain Young *. 
 Previous to his actual embarkation, he had gone through a 
 
 * This gentleman was very deservedly considered as one of the ablest officer* 
 at that time in the British service. Though, extremely young, in respeS to 
 rank as a captain, he received the very honourable .Appointment just mentioned 
 under the late Admiral Rodney, when that gentleman was first appointed to 
 the chief command on the West India stafioji. Such was the estimation in 
 which his talents and abilities were held by his Lordship, that it has been con- 
 fidently reported, no measure of any material consequence was ever taken 
 without the concurrence of Captain Youfog, whom he considered on all 
 occasions as a most able and honest adviser, fate unhappily pi:t a period to 
 his services, and the hopes of his country, by a premature but natural death, 
 the consequence of disease, to which he fell a victim ataut the latter end of the 
 year 17 So, or the beginning f the ensuing.
 
 O? SllfcrittlAW SIDNEY SMITH. 41) 
 
 Bourse of maritime ftudics, and had accordingly been rated for 
 some rime as belonging to the service, in conformity with the 
 indulgences and allowances then made which permitted them. 
 In 1780, he was promoted to the rank of fifth lieutenant on 
 board the Alcide, a ship of 74 guns, at that time under orders 
 for the West Indies, whither she was to accompany the late 
 Lord Rodney. The Alcide was commanded by that very 
 able and worthy officer the late Sir Charles Thompson, but 
 Mr. Smith did not remain in the rank of lieutenant more than 
 two years, and being advanced to that of commander, was 
 appointed to the Fury sloop, of 18 gun*, on the Jamaica sta- 
 tion. Without removing from that quarter of the world, 
 he was again promoted on the 7th of May 1783, to the 
 higher station of Post Captain, by commission, appointing 
 him to the Nemesis frigate, of twenty-eight guns. 
 
 Peace having at this time taken place between all the l - 
 gerent powers, the Nemesis after a short interval was or- 
 dered to England ; where she was immediately put out of 
 commission and dismantled. After an irksome inactivity of 
 nearly five years, on the prospeft of a rupture between 
 Sweden and Russia, Captain Smith, in 1788, with the per- 
 mission of his own Government, entered into the service of 
 the former. 
 
 As his conduct during the period of that northern war, 
 in the complicated objefts of which, so many of the powers 
 of Europe were interested, was of such a nature as to bring 
 his character into general notice, and even procure his ad- 
 mission into an order of Knighthood of the Court which 
 he had served ; it will be necessary to enter into a brief 
 narrative of the several naval operations, but more particu- 
 larly of the action commonly called the Battle of the Gallics, 
 in which he most eminently distinguished himself. 
 
 Toward the latter end of April 1790, the grand fleet of 
 Sweden, under the command of the Duke of Sudermania, 
 consisting of twenty-three ships of the line and eighteen 
 frigates, sailed for Carlscrona, in the province of Smaland. 
 The pretended objeft of the expedition was that of obstrudin g
 
 44& BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 the jun&ion of two divisions of the Russian fleet, one of whicfe 
 was then riding at anchor in the port of Revel, the other in the 
 port of Cronsradt ; the real views, however, were more exten- 
 sive, being no less than the capture of Revel, and the ruin of 
 the enemy's fleet there. Both the latter designs were put into 
 execution ; and though they were not attended with all the 
 desired success, the conduft of them did not by any means 
 tarnish the credit of the officers concerned. On the 3d of May 
 the Duke reached the heights of Hengo, and on the I3th 
 carried his fleet into the port of Revel. The Russian fleet at 
 anchor there consisted of three three-decked ships, eight 
 others of the line, and five large frigates : independent of 
 their own force, they were defended in a very advantageous 
 manner by several batteries in the harbour, and the fortifica- 
 tions of the place, all of which were planted with heavy can- 
 non. On the approach of the Swedes, a tremendous fire com- 
 menced from both sides, notwithstanding which, the Duke 
 continued the attack with the utmost intrepidity, and would 
 in all probability have succeeded, had not, in consequence of 
 the wind changing, a violent storm arose, which prevented 
 several vessels from using their lower tiers, and kept others 
 from taking any share in the aftion, so that in the end the fleet 
 was forced to retire at the very moment in which the enemy 
 was in a manner totally defeated. Nor was this all : through 
 the fury of the elements, one ship *, of iixty guns, after 
 being dismasted, fell into the hands of the enemy ; an- 
 other f of the same force, being also wrecked, was by his 
 highness's orders, set on fire and abandoned, and a third J ran 
 on shore, but was enabled to escape to sea again, by throw- 
 ing overboard part of her guns. On the very next day, 
 such was the diligence and the zeal of the Duke with the 
 commanders under his direction, that the fleet was again 
 under sail, a league and a half from Norglon, and so com- 
 pletely repaired from all damage, that it. waited with im- 
 patience for a second attack. 
 
 The Pricce Charlw. 4 The Rickct Stander. J Tlk Valeur.
 
 OP SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 449 
 
 Of the intervening engagements we shall not enter into * 
 particular account, but proceed to that principal and suc- 
 cessful battle in which Captain Smith was more immediately 
 concerned, premising only that an unsuccessful attempt had 
 been made by the King of Sweden, who commanded in per- 
 son, to destroy the Russian coasting squadron at Viborg. The 
 approach of the Prince of Nassau with the Cronstadt division, 
 had already rendered the position of the Swedes at the en- 
 trance of Viborg bay extremely critical, when the scarcity of 
 ammunition, and the want of provisions, made their return 
 to their own ports a measure of the first necessity. In this 
 situation of affairs, the King resolved to avail himself of a 
 strong easterly wind, which set in on the 3d of June, to gain 
 Swenksund and Sweaborg. It was necessary for the fleet to 
 penetrate through a narrow pass, and to sustain the fire of 
 four Russian ships of the line, two of which were placed on 
 each side the streight ; and after this to engage the whole of 
 Admiral Tschitschakoff's line, which was drawn up along 
 the coast at a small distance, while his frigates were ranged 
 among the islands which lie nearer the shore. The Swedish 
 van, under Admiral Modee, passed the Narrows without 
 suffering any essential loss, firing with great spirit both 
 broadsides, at the same time, against the enemy. The can- 
 nonade from the four Russian ships was, however, so 
 powerful and so well supported, that it was resolved by 
 the Duke of Sudermania to attempt their destruction ; but 
 this operation proved o unsuccessful that the fireslup* 
 employed in it, were driven upon two of his Royal 
 Highness'* own fleet, a ship of the line and a frigate, both 
 of which blew up. Confused in a considerable degree by 
 this peculiarly distressful accident, the *hips that were to 
 follow were unable to proceed with the necessary order 
 and circumspeaion ; four struck upon the rocks, and were 
 left to the mercy of the enemy. During their further 
 course along the coast, already diminished in their force, 
 three more vessels of the line surrendered to the Russian flag.
 
 MiMOJRS 
 
 The engagement continued all night and part of the next 
 day ; and it was not till the evening that the Duke ar- 
 rived at Sweaborg. The King himself, at the same time, 
 after having lost six gallies and a large number of smaller 
 vessels *, reached Swenksund with a considerable part of his 
 remaining fleet f. 
 
 Though the events of the aftions on the 3d and 4th of June 
 were thus unfortunate to the Swedes, his Majesty was in a 
 short time enabled to re-appear at sea in an effective con- 
 dition to re-contest the victory, and obtain ample compensa- 
 tion for his former loss. Having supplied his ships with 
 provisions and ammunition, and being joined by the divi- 
 sion under Lieutenant-Colonel Cronstadt, which had not 
 been able to reach the Bay of Viborg, he sailed immediately, 
 with a view to prevent the Prince of Nassau, who was 
 advancing with the Cronstadt and Viborg squadrons, from 
 getting into the port of Frederickham. This he was fortunate 
 enough to accomplish. An aftion took place on the Qth of 
 July, in which the King commanded in person. It began 
 
 * With the gallies were taken eight hundred men of the guards. Of the 
 small vessels taken or sunk, the number was reported to amount to sixty. The 
 whole loss in men, on the part of the Swedes, was estimated at seven thousand. 
 
 j- Swedish Return of the Losses* 
 
 SHI I'J Of THE LINE. 
 
 Eningheid, (or Union) - - Blown up. 
 Gerechticheght, (or Justice) - -\ 
 
 Sophia Magdalena, - > Tifcen. 
 
 Finland, - * - 3 
 
 Louisa Ulrica - - ) , 
 
 _,.,,.,_, v f Lost on the 
 
 Zarthchkeit, (or Tenderness) - > SandBankfc 
 
 Hadwig Eliza Charlotte - / 
 
 TRIGATES. 
 
 Zcmire, r Burnt. 
 
 Jaroslaw * Taken. 
 
 Upland, - - Stranded. 
 
 MISSING. 
 
 Dragon Cutter. Cossack Schooner 
 
 Thirty Swedish officers were among the killed, wounded, and missing ; and 
 all the baggage of the fleet, amounting to several millions of dollars, likewiw? 
 fell into the hands of the Russians.
 
 OF 31% WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 4^ 
 
 at half past nine in the morning, and lasted twenty-four 
 hours, with the intermission or a short space at midnight, 
 when darkness imposed a temporary ai;nistice. 
 
 On the preceding day, several vessels of the Russian shore- 
 fleet were discovered at Aspo ; on which the King, attended 
 by M. de Cronstadt, went to reconnoitre. On the gth the 
 Prince of Nassau advanced toward the Swedish shore, and 
 the signal was made for the fleet to arrange itself in order of 
 battle. The enemy formed the line by nine o'clock in the 
 morning, and advanced toward Cape Musalo. The right 
 wing of the Swedes advanced to meet them, and the firing 
 commenced. The King, on board the Seraphim galley, 
 made the signal for a general attack. The enemy approaclicd 
 with a brisk fire, which was so warmly returned by both 
 the Swedish wings, that at noon the left of the enemy began 
 to give way. Both the right and left of the Swedes, being 
 reinforced by several divisions posted in the Sound, were 
 enabled to continue the aftion with great spirit. Tle 
 Russian line having likewise received some assistance, the 
 larboard wing advanced again, and returned to the charge. 
 About four o'clock some of their larger gallics quitted 
 the line and struck their colours. Several of these after- 
 wards foundered, and others were taken by the Swedes. 
 The Udema, one of the Swedish gallies, caught fire at 
 about six o'clock, and sunk *. The same fate befel one of 
 the Russian xebecs, and after this accident the smaller vessels 
 began to sheer off. Many of the heavy gallies continued firing 
 till ten in the evening, and then got under sail. Some rail on 
 the shoals and struck their flags. At eleven the cessation 
 produced by the darkness took place. The prisoners were 
 removed, and the conquered vessels taken possession of. 
 
 At three the next morning the cannonade was renewed 
 One of the Russian frigates surrendered, and several of the 
 
 * The crew wre saved.
 
 
 4J2 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 small craft were taken ; the enemy retreated on all sides, 
 and set fire to their stranded ships. They were pursued till 
 ten at night, and forty-five captured. Out of the Russian 
 vessels which were sunk, one officer only and one surgeon 
 were saved. Six of the stranded vessels were burnt by 
 the Swedes. The viftors computed the number of their 
 prisoners at four thousand and five hundred, including two 
 hundred and ten officers *. 
 
 This advantage being quickly succeeded by the peace of 
 Reichenbach, Captain Smith retired from the Swedish ser- 
 vice, and on account of his marked and very intrepid con- 
 dut during this successful battle, was complimented with 
 the Grand Cross of the Swedish Order of the Sword. He had 
 the additional honour of receiving the insignia of his knight-* 
 hood from his own Sovereign at St. James's. 
 
 During a short period which intervened between the 
 conclusion of the Swedish war and that which has agitated, 
 and still continues to agitate all Europe, Sir Sidney, fol- 
 lowing the bent of that enterprising mind with which 
 nature has endowed him, became a volunteer in the marine 
 of Turkey. Toward the conclusion of the siege of Toulon, 
 he came from Smyrna for the express purpose of offering 
 his services to Lord Hood, and acquired considerable 
 reputation by the bold and spirited manner in which he 
 burnt the arsenals, dock-yards, with the several vessels in the 
 bason. 
 
 Having obtained Lord Hood's permission to undertake 
 the destruction of the ships, Sir Sidney proceeded with the 
 force put under his orders, and effected the dreadful 
 enterprise in as great an extent as his powers and peculiar 
 circumstances permitted ; having the satisfaction to ac- 
 
 * c Amflion, Sclnvcnk Sound, lotb July 1790. Five frigates, fifteen gallics, 
 one henneraa, one chebec, one brigantine, nine galliots, one tsohaike, two 
 floating batteries, four cutters, and four shallops, were cither destroyed or 
 taken by the King of Sweden, with a great quantity of stores," &c.
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. ^-j 
 
 complishthedcstruaion of ten of the enemy's ships of the 
 line, then in the arsenal, with the mast, principal store, 
 and hemp, houses *. 
 
 In 1794, Sir Sidney was appointed to the Diamond, of 38 
 guns, m which ship he was fortunate enough to effeft fre- 
 quent services to his country, under the orders of dif- 
 ferent officers, seniors to him in rank. On the 4th of July 
 1795, he distinguished himself exceedingly in a bold but 
 ineffectual attempt on two French ships with their convoy 
 near the shore of La Hogue -f-, and continuing on the same 
 station, as well as occupied in the same species of service, 
 he had in the month of September following the more 
 
 * See Vol. II. p. 35, and Toulon Paper*, No. XIX. p. 293. 
 
 f " SIR, " DlamonJ, at anchor off tie Itlandt of St. Marctu, July 5, 1795. 
 
 In pursuance of the orders of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I 
 sailed from St. Helens on the evening of the ist instant, and stretched acron 
 the channel toward Cherbourg, his Majesty's ships Syren and Syhillc, also four 
 gun-boats, in company. On looking into that port we found that one of the 
 three frigates which had been seen there the last time we were off, WD 
 missing: the master of a neutral vessel just come out informed me she had 
 tailed to the eastward, and I accordingly proceeded in quest of her. Going 
 round Cape Barfleur we saw two ships, one of them having the appearance of 
 the frigate in question, at anchor under the sand, and immediately made sail 
 toward them ; we soon after saw a convoy coming along shore within the 
 islands of St. Manjou. The wind dying away and the ebb-tide making against 
 me, I was obliged to anchor, and had the mortification to see the enemy's 
 vessels drift with the tide under the batteries of La Hogue, without being able 
 to approach them. At four o'clock in the morning of yesterday the breeze 
 springing up with the first of the flood, I made the signal to the squadron, 
 weighed and worked up toward the enemy's shi^s, which we observed warping 
 closer in shore under the battery on l.a Hogue point. As we approached, I 
 made the signal for each ship to engage as she came up with the enemy, and at 
 nine o'clock began the aciion in the Diamond. The other frigates having 
 been sent in chase in different quarters the day before, hid not been able to 
 anchor so near in as we did, and were consequently to leeward, as were two of 
 the gun-boats. The Fearless and Attack were with me, and their commander* 
 conducted them in a manner to merit my approbation, by drawing off the 
 attention of the enemy's gun-boats, of which they had two also. The unall 
 vessels of the convoy ran into the pier before the town ; the largest, a c. 
 continued warping into shoal water ; we followed, engaging her and 
 teries for three quarters of an hour, when finding that the enemy's hp 
 attained a situation where it was impossible to get fa.rly alongiid 
 without grounding likewise, and the pilot!, being positive a to die Dcce*wiy ol 
 
 l. IV. 3
 
 "454 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOrRf 
 
 fortunate opportunity of destroying a French corvette*, 
 which the squadron under his orders fell in with on the morn- 
 ing of the second. A chase of three-quarters of an hour 
 brought him within gun-shot of her. She endeavoured 
 to elude his pursuit in the labyrinth of rocks before Treguier, 
 but the attempt proved fatal to her, for she struck on the 
 Roenna, and soon after filling, fell over. Sir Sidney, with 
 that generous humanity which, even among British officers, 
 may be justly said to render him pre-eminent, immediately 
 ceased firing, and sent the boats of the several vessels to the 
 relief of the crew. Her own boats, which were towing her, 
 saved as many as they could contain ; those of Sir Sidney 
 were not able to preserve more than nine in addition to the 
 former. According to the account of the survivors, about 
 
 hauling off from the shore, where the water had already began to ebb, I ac- 
 quiesced under their representations, and wore ship. The Syren and Sybille 
 were come up by this time, and the zeal and ability of their commanders would, 
 I am persuaded, have carried them into action with some effe5t, if I had not 
 annulled the signal to engage, which I did to prevent them getting disabled, as 
 we were, when we had no longer a prospe<5L of making ourselves masters of 
 the enemy's ship. She had suffered in proportion, and we now see her lying 
 on her broadside with her yards and top-masts struck, but I am sorry to say so 
 much sheltered by the reef which runs off from La Hogue Point, that I cannot 
 indulge a hope of her being destroyed. In justice to my officers and ship's 
 company, I must add, that thsir conduct was such as gave me satisfaction. I 
 received the most able assistance from the First Lieutenant, Mr. Pine, and 
 Mr. Wilkie, the master, in working the ship, on the precision of which evc'rjr 
 thing depended, circumstanced as we were with respect to the shoals and the 
 enemy. The guns of the main-deck were well served under the diretflion of 
 Lieutenant's Pearson and Sandsbury, and the men were cool and collected. No 
 officer was hurt, but I am sorry to say I have lost one of the best quarter- 
 masters in the ship, Thomas Gullec, killed, and two seamen wounded ; the 
 enemy fired high, or we should have suffered more materially from their red 
 hot shet, the marks of which were visible in the rigging. We have shifted 
 our fore and main-top-masts, which, with t\vo top-sail-yards were shot through, 
 and having repaired our Other more trifling damages, I shall proceed in the 
 attainment of the objects of the cruise. Fishing-boats, with which we have 
 had an intercourse, confirm all former accounts of distress for want of provi- 
 sions, and the consequent discontent in this distracted country. 
 
 ' I have the honour, &c. 
 
 V Evan Mfn t Etj." " W. SIDNEY SMITH.': 
 
 L,' Assemble c Kitionale, of aa guns.
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 455 
 
 twenty perished, exclusive of the Captain, who was washed off 
 the wreck a few minutes before the English could reach him. 
 The swell was so great that the vessel went to pieces very 
 soon, and Sir Sidney was obliged to anchor to avoid a 
 similar fate. 
 
 The genius of this gentleman appears, from his earliest 
 entrance into the service, to have been particularly adapted 
 to the most arduous and desperate enterprises. Fortune 
 too, seems to have favoured his inclination ; and though she 
 has denied him that opportunity of enriching himself, which 
 has fallen to the lot of many, by capturing vessels, even 
 superior to their own force, in regular combat, she has not 
 withheld those opportunities of contest, which though in- 
 finitely less advantageous, are certainly no less glorious and 
 honourable both to his country and to himself. In the 
 month of March 1796, he distinguished himself extremely 
 in the attack of a French squadron which had taken shelter 
 in Herqui, of which very spirited transaction he himself 
 gives the following account : 
 
 SIR, " Diamond, ojf Cape Trehel, March 18, 1796. 
 
 Having received information that the armed vessels detached by the 
 Prince of Bouillon had chased a convoy, consisting of a corvette, three 
 luggers, four brigs, and two sloops, into Herqui, I proceeded off that 
 port to reconnoitre their position and sound the channel, which I founc 
 very narrow and intricate, I succeeded however in gaining a know- 
 ledge of these points sufficient to determine me to attack them in the 
 Diamond without loss of time, and without waiting for the ji 
 of any part of the squadron, lest the enemy should fortify tl 
 rtiU farther on our appearance. Lieutenant M'Kinley of the Liberty 
 brier, and Lieutenant Cosset of the Aristocrat lugger, jc 
 th^Cape, and though not under my orders very handsc 
 their services, which I accepted, as small vessels were e . 
 
 ss?^^^ 5 ^^ 1 ^
 
 IJOGRAPHltAL MEM0IK3 
 
 others opened on us as we came round the point, and their command- 
 ing situation giving them a decided advantage over a ship in our 
 position, I judged it necessary to adopt another mode of attack, and 
 accordingly detached the marines and boarders to land behind the 
 point, and take the batteries in the rear. As the boats approached 
 the beach, they met with a warm reception, and a temporary check, 
 from a body of troops drawn up to oppose their landing ; the situa- 
 tion was critical ; the ship being exposed to a most galling fire and in 
 intricate pilotage, with a considerable portion of her men thus de- 
 tached, I pointed out to Lieutenant Pine the apparent practicability 
 of climbing the precipice in front of the batteries, which he readily 
 perceived, and with an alacrity and bravery of which I have had 
 many proofs in the course of our service together, he undertook and 
 executed this hazardous service, landed immediately under the guns, 
 and rendered himself master of them before the column of troops 
 could regain the heights. The fire from the ship was directed to 
 cover our men in this operation, it checked the enemy in their ad- 
 vancement, and the re- embarkation was effected as soon as the guns 
 were spiked, without the loss of a man, though we have to regret 
 Lieutenant Carter of the marines being dangerously wounded on this 
 occasion. The enemy's guns, three twenty four pounders, being 
 silenced, and rendered useless for the time, we proceeded to attack 
 the corvette and the other armed vessels, which had by this time 
 opened their fire on us to cover the operation of hauling themselves 
 on shore. The Diamond had anchored as close to the corvette as 
 her draught of water would allow. The Liberty brig was able to ap- 
 proach near, and on this occasion I cannot omit to mention the very 
 gallant and judicious rranuer in which Lieutenant M'Kinley, her 
 commander, brought this vessel into action, profiting by her light 
 draught of water to follow the corvette close. The enemy's fire 
 soon slackened, and the crew being observed to be making for the 
 shore on the English colours being hoisted on the hill, I made the 
 signal for the boats, manned and armed, to board, directing Lieut. 
 Cosset in the lugger to cover them. This service was executed by 
 the party from the shore, under the direction of Lieutenant Pine, in 
 a manner that does them i. nnice credit, and him every honour as a 
 brave man and an able officer. The . nemy's troops occupied the 
 high projecting rocks r.ll roiv.d the << .Is, whence they kept up an 
 tncessant fire of musketry, and the utmost thnt could be effefted at 
 the moment was to set fire to the corvette (named L'Etourdie, of 
 1 6 guns, twelve- pounders, on the main deck), and one of the merchant 
 bri-s, since, as the tide fell, the enemy pressed down on the sands
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. ^j, 
 
 clofce to the vessels ; Lieutenant Pine therefore returned on board, 
 having received a severe contusion on the breast from a musket-ball. 
 As the tide rose again it bccvme praaicablc to make a second attempt 
 to burn the remaining vessels, Lieutenant Pearson was accordingly 
 detached for that purpose with the boats, and I am happy to add, hit 
 gallant exertions succeeded to the utmost of my hopes, notwithstand- 
 ing the renewed and heavy fire of musketry from the jhorc. ThU 
 fire was returned with great spirit and evident good effeft ; and I 
 was much pleased with the condud of Lieutenant Cosset in the hired 
 lugger, and Mr. Knight in the Diamond's launch, who covered the 
 approach and retreat of the boats. The vessels were all burnt except 
 an armed lugger, which kept up her fire to the last. The wind and 
 tide suiting at ten at night to come out of the harbour again, we 
 weighed and repassed the Point of Herqui, from which we received 
 a few shot, the enemy having found means to restore one of the gun 
 to activity. Our loss, as appears by the inclosed return, is trifling, 
 considering the nature of the enterprise, and the length of time we 
 were exposed to the enemy's fire. Their's, I am persuaded, must 
 have been very great, from the numbers within the range of the shot 
 and shells. The conduct of every officer and man under my com- 
 mand meets with my warmest approbation : it would be superfluous to 
 particularize any others than those I have named. Suffice it to say, 
 the characteristic bravery and activity of British seamen never was 
 more conspicuous. Lieutenant Pine will have the honour to present 
 their Lordships with the colours which he struck on the battery, and 
 I beg leave to recommend him particularly to their Lordships, as a 
 most meritorious officer. 
 
 " I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 < Evan Nepean, Efq. Secretary " W. SIDNEY SMITH." 
 
 to the Admiralty." 
 
 A Rtturn of the killed and wounded belonging to bit Majettft S 
 Diamond, in the three Attach of tie Enemy's Batteries and Shipping i< 
 Herqui, the "Jth of March 1796. 
 Killed two seamen. Wounded First Lieut. Horace 1 
 
 Lieut. Carter of the Maiines, and five seamen. 
 
 W. S. SMITH." 
 
 The period of his services was now unfortunately drawing 
 to a temporary stand. Eager in the pursuit of that syst. 
 warfare which he had already proved himself so comple 
 master of, he had in the ensuing month the misf 
 into the hands of the enemy. Being stalioned off
 
 / * BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 Grace, he captured, on the i8th of April 1796, with the boats 
 of his squadron, being then on a reconnoitring expedition, a 
 French lugger privateer, which by the strong setting of the 
 tide into the harbour, was driven above the forts. In this 
 situation he remained the whole night ; and the dawn of day 
 discovering Jo the French the lugger in tow of a string of 
 English boats, a signal of alarm was immediately given. 
 Several gun-boats and other armed vessels attacked the 
 lugger and the boats; and another lugger of superior force 
 \vas warped out against that which he had captured. By 
 this vessel he was engaged for a considerable time, with so 
 much heavier metal as to render all resistance unavail- 
 ing j and he had the mortification of being obliged to 
 surrender himself a prisoner of war, with about nineteen of 
 his people and companions *. The Diamond, in the mean 
 while, remained in perfect safety, but was totally unable to 
 afford assistance to her commander, on account of the dead 
 calm which prevailed during the whole of the unfortunate 
 transaction f. When the officers on board the Diamond 
 heard of the disaster which had befallen their gallant com- 
 mander, they sent in a flag of truce to inquire whether he 
 was wounded, and to pray that he might be treated with 
 kindness. To this message the Governor answered, that 
 Sir Sidney was well, and that he should be used with the 
 utmost humanity and attention. 
 
 Of the history of his long and well-known imprisonment, 
 including a period of two years of his life, in which the 
 several and successive rulers of France thought proper to 
 deviate from the established custom of permitting the ex- 
 change of prisoners of war; and of his no less extraordinary 
 and celebrated escape, the following singularly interesting 
 particulars are gathered from a paper drawn up a short time 
 after his return to London, by an intelligent French 
 
 * Among the officers captured with Sir Sidney, were Messrs. \V. Moory, 
 R. Kenyon, and R. Barrow. 
 
 f Four cf the seamen irere killed, and oce officer and ux eamcn slightly 
 Wounded.
 
 OF SIR. WILLIAM SIDHEY SMITH. 459 
 
 Royalist. This gentleman collelcd his information from 
 the lips of Sir Sidney himself; and when he had reduced the 
 several particulars into writing, he presented him the narra- 
 tive for his perusal. Sir Sidney allowed its veracity, and 
 expressed his admiration at the fidelity with which th 
 memory of his friend had enabled him to relate the whole of 
 the circumstances. 
 
 When he was taken, the gallant Captain was accompanied 
 
 by his clerk and M. de Tr , a French gentleman, who> 
 
 had emigrated from his country, and who, it had been agreed, 
 was to pass for his servant, in the hope of saving his life by 
 that disguise. Their expectations were not frustrated ; for 
 John, as Sir Sidney called him, was fortunate enough to 
 escape all suspicion. 
 
 On his arrival in France, he was treated at first with un- 
 exampled rigour, and was told that he ought to be tried by 
 a military commission as a spy. The Government, how- 
 ever, gave orders for his removal to Paris, when he was 
 sent to the Abbaye, and, together with his two companions 
 in misfortune, kept a close prisoner. 
 
 The means of escape now became the constant objcft on 
 which Sir Sidney and his friends employed their minds. The 
 window of their prison fronted the street, and from this cir- 
 cumstance they derived a hope sooner or later to effcft theii 
 purpose. They presently .contrived to carry on a silent 
 and regular correspondence by means of signs with s 
 women, who could see them from their apartments, and v 
 seemed to take the most lively interest in their fat 
 themselves proposed to assist in the liberation of Sir Sidnc>, 
 an offer which he accepted with great pleasure; and 
 declared, that notwithstanding the enormous expenc( 
 casioned by their unsuccessful attempts, they have not 
 less claim to his gratitude. Till the time of his deliver 
 in which event, however, they had no share, the.r wh< 
 employment was that of endeavouring to save him ; and 
 had the address at all times to deceive the vigilance 
 
 4
 
 460 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 keepers. On both sides borrowed names were used, under 
 which, correspondence was carried on. Those of the women 
 were borrowed from the ancient mythology ; so that Sir 
 Sidney was now indulged with a direct communication with 
 Thalia, Melpomene, and Clio. 
 
 At length, he was removed from the Temple, to which 
 prison his three Muses soon contrived means of conveying 
 intelligence, and plans for effecting his escape. On the first 
 reception of these interesting projects, Sir Sidney, as was 
 natural, uniformly accepted them all, and enjoyed for a 
 time the prospect of success-; but reflection soon destroyed 
 the hopes to which the love of liberty had given birth. He 
 was also resolved not to leave his English companion in 
 prison, and still less poor John, whose safety, for being 
 a Frenchman it involved his life, was more dear to him than 
 his own emancipation. 
 
 In the Temple, John was permitted to enjoy a consider- 
 able degree of liberty. He was dressed in the light costume 
 of an English jockey, and knew how to assume the manners 
 which belong to that character. Every one was fond of 
 John, he drank and fraternized with the turnkeys, he made 
 love to the keeper's daughter, who was persuaded he would 
 marry her; and as the little English jockey was not sup- 
 posed to have received a very brilliant education, he had 
 learnt by means of study sufficiently to mutilate his native 
 tongue. John appeared very attentive to his service, and 
 always spoke to his master in the most respectful manner. 
 The master, on his part, scolded him from time to time 
 with much gravity ; and to use his own words, frequently 
 surprised himself in the act of forgetting the friend, and 
 seriously giving orders 10 the valet. 
 
 At length John's wife, Madame deTr***, a very interest- 
 ing woman, arrived at Paris, and made uncommon exertions 
 for the liberation of the companions. She dared not come, 
 however, to the Temple, through fear of discovery ; but 
 from a neighbouring house she daily beheld her husband, 
 who, as he walked to and fro, enjoyed alike in secret the
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH* ^j 
 
 pleasure of contemplating the friend of his bosom. Madame 
 Tr*' * soon communicated a plan for their escape to a sen- 
 sible and courageous young man of her acquaintance, who 
 acceded to it without the smallest hesitation. This French- 
 man, who was sincerely attached to his country, said to 
 Madame de Tr***, I will serve Sidney Smith with 
 pleasure, because I believe the English Government intends 
 to restore Louis XVI II. to the throne ; but if the Com- 
 modore is to fight against France, and not for the King of 
 France, Heaven forbid I should assist him !" 
 
 Ch. L'Oiseau (for that was the name which the young 
 Frenchman assumed) was connected with the agents of the 
 King then confined in the Temple, for whom he was also con- 
 triving the means of escape, and it was intended they should 
 all attempt to get off together. M. La Vilheurnois *, being 
 condemned to only a year's imprisonment, was resolved not 
 to quit his situation ; but Brothierf and Duverne de Presle 
 were to follow the example of Sir Sidney and his friends. 
 Sir Sidney has since remarked, that had this scheme suc- 
 ceeded, this Duverne would not, perhaps, have ceased to be 
 an honest man, for till then he had conducted himself as 
 such. His condition at an after-period Sir Sidney thought 
 must be truly deplorable, as he did not believe him formed 
 by nature for the commission of crimes. 
 
 Every thing was now prepared for the execution of their 
 projecl. The means proposed by Ch. L'Oiseau appeared 
 practicable, and it was resolved to adopt them. A hole 
 twelve feet long was to be made in a cellar adjoining to the 
 prison ; and the apartments to which the cellar belonged 
 were at their disposal. Mademoiselle D*, laying aside 
 
 * La Vilheurnois had formerly been a master of requests. As an agent of 
 Louis XVIII. he was condemned by a military commision ; but was on the 
 revolution of the i8th Frudidor, deported to Sinammry, where he died. 
 
 t Brothier was a miuifter of religion, ex-profeor of mathematics, and n 
 agent to Louis XVIII. He was condemned to ten year* imprisonment ; and 
 before the end of his term was deported like La Vilheurnois, and on the me 
 occasion, to Sinamary, where also, like La Vilhcurneu, he d 
 
 . 3
 
 462 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 every prudential consideration, generously came to reside 
 there for a week, and being young, the other lodgers attri- 
 buted to her alone the frequent visits of Ch. L'Oiseau. 
 Thus every thing seemed to farour their wishes. No one 
 in'the house in question had any suspicions ; and the amiable 
 little child which Mademoiselle D*** had with her, and 
 who was only seven years old, was so far from betraying 
 the secret, that she always beat a little drum, and made a 
 noise, while the work was going on in the cellar. 
 
 Meanwhile, L/Oiseau had continued his labours a con- 
 siderable time without any appearance of day-light, and he 
 was apprehensive he had attempted the opening considerably 
 too low. It was necessary, therefore, that the wall should be 
 sounded ; and for this purpose a mason was required. Madame 
 de Tr*** recommended one, and Ch. L'Oiseau not only 
 \indertook to bring him, but to detain him in the cellar till 
 they had escaped, which was to be effected that very day. The 
 worthy mason perceived the object was to save some of the 
 victims of misfortune, and came without hesitation. He 
 only said, " If 1 am arrested, take care of my poor children." 
 
 But what a misfortune now frustrated all their hopes ! 
 Though the wall was sounded with the greatest precaution, 
 the last stone fell out and rolled into the garden of the 
 Temple. The centinel perceived it, the alarm was given, 
 the guard arrived, and all was discovered. Fortunately, 
 however, their friends had time to make their escape, and 
 none of them were taken. 
 
 They had, indeed, taken their measures with the greatest 
 care ; and when the commissaries of the Bureau-Central came 
 to examine the cellar and apartment, they found only a few 
 pieces of furniture, trunks filled with logs of wood and hay, 
 and the hats with tri-coloured cockades provided for their 
 flight, as those they wore were black. 
 
 This first attempt, though extremely well condufted^ 
 having failed, Sir Sidney wrote to Madame de Tr***, to 
 console both her and their young friend, who was miserable 
 at having foundered just as he was going into port. The
 
 OF IIR WILLIAM SIDN1Y SMITH. 463 
 
 confederates were so far, however, from suffering themselves 
 to be discouraged, that they still continued to form new 
 schemes for his deliverance. The keeper perceived it, 
 and Sir Sidney was frequently so open as to acknowledge 
 the fad : Commodore," said he, your friends are de- 
 sirous of liberating you, and they only discharge their duty : 
 1 also am doing mine in watching you still more narrowly." 
 Though this keeper was a man of unparalleled striftness, yet 
 he never departed from the rules of civility and politeness. 
 He treated all the prisoners with kindness, and even piqued 
 himself on his generosity. Various proposals were made 
 to him, but he rejc&ed them all, and kept the closer watch ; 
 disdaining at the same time, no less decidedly, to report 
 the attempts that were made either to corrupt himself, 
 or to break from his custody. One day, when Sir Sidney 
 dined with him, he observed that the attention of his pri- 
 soner was fixed on a window then partly open, which 
 looked upon the street. Sir Sidney saw his uneasiness, and 
 suffered himself for a few moments to enjoy the amuse- 
 ment that it afforded ; however, to put an end to it, he said 
 to him, laughing, " I know what you are thinking of, but 
 fear not. It is now three o'clock, 1 will make a truce with 
 you till midnight; and I give you my word of honour that 
 till that time, even were the doors open, I would not escape. 
 When that hour is passed, my promise is at an end, and we 
 are enemies again." 
 
 " Sir," replied he, * your word is a safer bond than 
 my bars and bolts ; till midnight, therefore, I am pcrfcflly 
 
 easy." 
 
 When they rose from table, he took Sir Sidney aside, and 
 speaking with warmth, said, Commodore, the Boulevard 
 is not far; if you are inclined to take the air there, I will 
 
 conduft you.'* 
 
 Sir Sidney's astonishment was extreme ; nor c 
 conceive how this man, who appeared so severe, could thus 
 suddenly persuade himself to make him such a proposal.
 
 464 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 He accepted it, however, and in the evening they went out; 
 From that time forward, this confidence always continued. 
 Whenever Sir Sidney was desirous to enjoy perfect liberty, 
 he offered his keeper a suspension of arms till a certain 
 hour. This his generous enemy never refused; but when, 
 the armistice was at an end, his vigilance was unbounded. 
 Every post was examined, and if the Government ordered 
 that he should be kept closer than before, the command was 
 executed with the most rigid care. Thus Sir Sidney was 
 again free to contrive and prepare for his escape, and the 
 keeper to treat him with the utmost rigour. 
 
 This man had a very accurate idea of honour. He often 
 said to him, '* were you even under sentence of death, I 
 would permit you to go out on your parole, because I 
 should be certain of "your return. Many very honest pri- 
 soners, and I myself among the rest, would not return in 
 the like case, but an officer, and especially an officer of 
 distinction, holds his honour dearer than his life. I know 
 it to be a fact, Commodore, and therefore I should be less 
 uneasy if you desired the gates to be always open." 
 
 His keeper was right. While he enjoyed his libertv he 
 endeavoured to lose sight of the idea of his escape; and he 
 even felt that he should have been averse to employ for that 
 object, means that had occurred to his imagination during 
 the hours of freedom. One day he received a letter contain- 
 ing matter of great importance, which he had the strongest 
 desire to read without delay ; but as its contents related to 
 his intended deliverance, he asked leave to return to his 
 room and break off the truce. The keeper, however, re- 
 fused : saying, with a laugh, he wanted to take some sleep. 
 Accordingly, he lay down, and Sir Sidney postponed the 
 perusal of his letter till the evening, 
 
 Meanwhile, no opportunity of flight offered. On the 
 contrary, the Directory ordered their truly noble prisoner to 
 be treated with severity. The keeper punctually obeyed all 
 th$ orders he received ; and he, who on the preceding evening
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. ifit 
 
 had granted him the greatest liberty, now doubled his 
 guard, in order to exercise a more perfect vigilance. 
 
 Among the prisoners, was a man condemned for certain 
 political offences, to ten years confinement, and whom all 
 the other prisoners suspefted of afting in the detestable 
 capacity of a spy -upon his companions. Their suspicions, 
 indeed, appeared to have some foundation ; and Sir Sidney 
 felt the greatest anxiety on account of his friend John. 
 He was, however, fortunate enough, soon after, to obtain his 
 liberty. An exchange of prisoners being about to take place, 
 he applied to have bis servant included in the cartel ; and 
 though this request might easily have been refused, happily, 
 no difficulty arose, and it was granted. 
 
 When the day of the kind and affeclionate John's de- 
 parture arrived, he could scarcely be prevailed upon to 
 leave the Commodore, till at length he yielded to his most 
 earnest entreaties. They parted with tears in their eyes, 
 which to Sir Sidney were the tears of pleasure, because his 
 friend was leaving a situation of the greatest danger. The 
 amiable jockey was regretted by every one ; the turnkeys drank 
 a good journey to him, nor could the girl he had courted 
 help weeping for his departure; while her mother, who 
 thought John a very good youth, hoped she should one day 
 call him her son-in-law. 
 
 Sir Sidney was soon informed of his arrival in London, 
 and this circumstance rendered his own captivity less pain- 
 ful. He would have been happy to have also exchanged his 
 secretary : but as he had no other dangers to encounter 
 than those which were common to them both, he alwayt 
 rejeaed the idea, considering it as a violation of that friend- 
 ship, of which he had given Sir Sidney so many proofs. 
 
 On the 4 th of September 1797 (ith Frudlidor) 
 rigour of his confinement was still farther increased. 
 keeper, whose name was Lasne, was displaced j 
 was again kept a close prisoner, and, together with b.s ty. 
 Jost the hopes of a peace, which he had thought apprc 
 and which the revolution that then took place contnbuted 
 to postpone,
 
 466 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 At this time, a proposal was made to him for his escape, 
 which he adopted as his last resource. The plan was, to 
 have forged orders drawn up for his removal to another 
 prison, and thus to carry him off. A French gentleman, 
 M. de Phelipeaux*, a man of equal intrepidity and genero- 
 sity, offered to execute this enterprise. The order being 
 accurately imitated, and, by means of a bribe, the real 
 stamp of the minister's signature procured, nothing re- 
 mained but to find men bold enough to put the plan in 
 execution. Phelipeaux and Ch. L'Oiseau would eagerly 
 have undertaken it ; but both being known, and even 
 notorious, at the Temple, it was absolutely necessary to 
 employ others. M. M. B*** and L***, therefore, both 
 men of tried courage, accepted the office with pleasure and 
 alacrity. 
 
 With this order, then, they came to the Temple, M. B*** 
 in the dress of an adjutant, and M. L*** as an officer. The 
 ke'eper having perused the order, and attentively examined 
 the minister's signature, went into another room, leaving 
 the two deliverers for some time in the crudest uncertainty 
 and suspense. At length he returned, accompanied by the 
 register (or greffier) of the prison, and ordered Sir Sidney 
 to be called. When the register informed him of the 
 orders of the Directory, he pretended to be very much 
 concerned at it; but the adjutant assured him. in the most 
 serious manner, that " the Government was very far from 
 intending to aggravate his misfortunes, and that he would 
 be very comfortable at the place whither he was ordered to 
 conduit him." Sir Sidney expressed his gvititude to all the 
 
 M. Phelipeaux was an officer of the Engineers in the service of Louis XVI. 
 He was a man of talents, and very worthy, of a mild engaging countenance, 
 and of tried undoubted courage. His health appeared extremely delicate ; and 
 though young, he had been engaged in many extraordinary adventures ; having 
 served in all the campaigns of the army of Conde. He commanded in Eerri, 
 and escaped death by breaking out of a state prison. He was offered the rank 
 of a brevet Colonel from the British Government, which he declined, saying, 
 he was in the service of the King of France, He accompanied his friend, 
 liowever, to the coast of Syria, and served as a volunteer in the defence of 
 Aera, where he died, lamented by all to v, horn his amiable chara<Ser was knowo.
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 467 
 
 Servants employed about the prison, and, as may be imagined, 
 Was not very long in packing up his clothes. 
 
 On his return, the register observed, that at least six men 
 from the guard would be requisite ; and the adjutant, with- 
 out being at all confounded, acquiesced in the justice of the 
 remark, and gave orders for them to be called out* On re- 
 fefiion, however, and remembering, as it were, the laws of 
 chivalry and honour, he addressed himself to Sir Sidney, 
 saying, " Commodore, you are an officer, I am an officer 
 also : your parole will be enough ; give me that, and I have 
 no need of an escort." 
 
 " Sir," replied Sir Sidney, " if that is sufficient, I swtir 
 upon the faith of an officer to accompany you wherever you 
 choose to conduft me." 
 
 Every one applauded this noble a&ion, while Sir Sidner 
 and his friends found considerable difficulty in maintaining 
 a serious deportment. 
 
 The keeper now asked for a discharge, and the register 
 gave the book to M. B**, who boldly signed it, with a 
 proper flourish, L'Oger, Adjutwt-G -entrai: Meanwhile, 
 Sir Sidney employed the attention of the turnkeys, and 
 loaded them with favours, to prevent them from having ti 
 to refleft ; nor indeed did they seem to have an} 
 attention than their own advantage. The register and ! 
 accompanied the party as far as the second court. At 1 
 the last gate was opened, and they were 1< 
 long interchange of ceremony and politeness. 
 
 They instantly entered a hackney coach, and the aJjvtaut 
 ordered the coachman to drive to the suburb of Si 
 but the fellow had not gone an hundred paces I 
 broke his wheel against a post, and hurt an unfo 
 passencer. This unlucky accident brought a croud 
 them, who were very angry at the injury the strar 
 tained They quitted the coach, took their portuw. 
 
 ther LdVd went off in an instant. Though UK 
 ^ple observed the party much, they did not say a. 
 
 La, but only abused the coachman. When the
 
 MEMOIRS 
 
 raanded his fare, M. L***, through an inadvertency that 
 might have caused them to be arrested, gave him a double 
 louis-d'or. 
 
 Having parted when they quitted the carriage, Sir Sid- 
 ney arrived at the appointed rendezvous, with only his secre- 
 tary and M. de Phelipeaux, who had joined them near the 
 prison ; and though very desirous of waiting for his two other 
 friends, to thank and take his leave of them, yet M. de 
 Phelipeaux having justly observed that there was not a 
 moment to be lost, he postponed till another opportunity 
 his expressions of gratitude to his deliverers, and imme- 
 diately set off for Rouen, where M. R*** had made every 
 preparation for their reception. 
 
 At Rouen, Sir Sidney and his friend were obliged to stay- 
 several days ; and as their passports were perfectly regular, 
 they did not take much care to conceal themselves ; but in 
 the evening walked about the town, or took the air on the 
 banks of the Seine. 
 
 At length, every thing being ready for him to cross the 
 channel, Sir Sidney quitted Rouen, and without encountering 
 any farther danger, arrived in London in May 1798, together 
 with his clerk and his friend, M. de Phelipeaux, who could 
 not be prevailed upon to separate. He was welcomed in 
 England by the general congratulation of the people. His 
 arrival was considered a miracle, which few who heard 
 of it knew how to believe. His Sovereign received him with 
 the warmest afFe&ion, and afforded him every mark of atten- 
 tion, not only by his behaviour at his public presentation, but 
 by honouring him with an immediate and private interview 
 at Buckingham-house. 
 
 In the month of June following, he was appointed to the 
 command of the Tigre, of 80 guns * ; and in November 
 sailed for the Mediterranean, where he was honoured with 
 a distinct command as an established Commodore on the 
 coast .of Egypt. 
 
 * This fhip was one of those captured off Port I/Orient by the Right Hon. 
 Lord Bridport, on the 2jd of June 1795. See the Naval Chronicle, vol. i. 
 p. 179, ago.
 
 Ot II K WILLIAM I1DKIY SMITH, 
 
 Sir Sidney repaired to Constantinople, where he was received 
 Vith the most heartfelt satisfaaion by the Turks, to whom, as 
 it will be remembered; he was already known. In the month 
 of March 1799, having received intelligence from Ghezzar* 
 Pasha f, Governor of Syria, of the incursion made by Bona- 
 parte's army into that province, and its approach to Acra, its 
 capital, Sir Sidney hastened with a part of the naval force 
 under his orders to its relief, and had the satisfaaion of ar- 
 living there two days before the French. In the defence of 
 this ancient place of strength, one of the first abodes of the 
 Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, from whom it derives its 
 prenomen, the Commodore was enabled, with the assistance 
 of Captain Miller J of the Theseus, to give the most effec- 
 
 The real name of this eminent old man is Abdallah-Selira Bisilcnco; th 
 pithet " Gbezzar" signifies " the butcher;" a name commonly bestowed, by 
 hc Arabs and their neighbours, upon a destructive warrior. 
 
 + This title is commonly written PacLa, and ' Pacca." The mistake has been 
 occasioned by copying the French, who write Packa, because with them thote 
 letters are pronounced Paiba. The title is the same with that which on other 
 occasions we call Bashaw ; of which one of the true spellings is Paithwa ; and 
 cf all those several words the true pronunciation is Paiba, 
 
 4 Captain R. W. Miller was made post in 1796, and distinguished himself 
 very remarkably in the memorable engagement which took plice between the 
 Spanish fleet, and that under the orders of Sir John Jervis, off Cape ^t. Vin- 
 cent, on the i4th of February 1797. (Sec vol. iv. p. 3*.) The Captain 
 having lost her foremast, and not having a sail, shroud, or rope left, so that 
 the ship, her wheel being shot away, was incapable of farther service, either 
 in the line or in chase, the Commodore (the present Lord Nelson \ dirtdeJ 
 Captain Miller to put the helm a starboard, and calling for the boarders, ordered 
 them to euter the .San Nicholas, which they were then alongside of. '1 he succetc 
 was, as is well known, rapid and complete, nor did it end with the capture of tht 
 San Nicholas ; for a fire of pistols or musketry having opened from the stern of 
 the San Josef, immediately as the first ship had completely surrendered, the Com- 
 modore calling to Captain Miller, ordered him to send more men into the Saa 
 Nicholas, which reinforcement being supplied with the utmost promptitude, 
 the ship of the Spanish Admiral fell as speedy a vidim to British bravery, at 
 her consort had before done. Although the part borne by Captain Miller in 
 these transadions, was necessarily from his station of the lew adive kiad, yet 
 it must be allowed that the cool and steady suppoiter of determined enterpm 
 in the midst of hurry and confusion, where the smallest mistake m.ght 
 misfortune, is entitled to unqualified praise. 
 
 Captain Miller was afterward appointed to the Theseus, which 
 commanded at the Battle of the Nile. (See vol. i. p. S3-) ' *' 
 he en-aged and" blew up the Timoleon, from the eiploskm ol 
 principal part of the injury suffered on board hit owu ship ww
 
 DIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 tual assistance. The Turks are brave, and, believing the period 
 of their lives appointed, habitually, as it were, regardless of 
 danger; but they are little capable of making resistance 
 against the more artificial warfare of European armies and 
 tacticians. They form a good breast-work, to use a military 
 phrase, but are not to be reckoned upon in any other light. 
 
 In the siege of Acra, it was observed, with astonishment 
 and vexation, that the walls, almost abandoned by their 
 natural defenders, were left to the care of the English* 
 while the Turks, by some strange want of judgment, mistake, 
 or peculiarity of generalship, acted in the rear of the 
 enemy, and thus presented themselves at the same mo- 
 ment with the besiegers, to the guns of the allies. Perplexed 
 by the impossibility of sparing their friends while they 
 poured destruction on their foes, the English refrained for 
 sometime from discharging their artillery. Distressing as 
 the situation was, it very soon, however, became unavoidably 
 necessary to fire indiscriminately. The French commenced 
 an assault, advanced to the mouths of the cannon, and threvr 
 their ladders against the walls, while their companions fell 
 in heaps beneath the stones hurled down upon them by 
 the defenders. The daring intrepidity of the enemy mad 
 a sensible impression upon the garrison. In this extremity, 
 recourse was had to stink-pots, a combustible machine filled 
 with sulphur and mealed powder, great numbers of which 
 being thrown among the French they were compelled to re- 
 tire. Bonaparte led his men several times over piles of dead to 
 a repetition of the fruitless attack ; for after the failure of the 
 grand assault just mentioned it is well known that the hitherto 
 victorious Corsican was compelled to relinquish his design*. 
 
 he was also instrumental in securing the Tonnant. (vol. i. p, 57.) After 
 having been three days off Jaffa, whither he was dispatched by Sir Sidney 
 Smith, the blue flag was confided to him. This was an honour never befor 
 conferred upon a Christian ; it imparts the power of a Pasta over the subjects 
 vf the Porte. The subsequent death of this meritorious officer and worthy 
 man, was occasioned by the blowing up of part of the quarter-deck of the 
 Theseus, while lying off Jaffa, whither she had been dispatched by Sir Sidney. 
 
 * The siege of St. John D'Acre lasted, almost without intermission, for irty 
 jlays, and was raised on the 20th of May 1799, gee. QfiUiai Accounts, toi. & 
 
 p. 1<). 029.
 
 Or SIR WILLIAM SIDNIY SMITH* 47! 
 
 To the general feelings of approbation which the conduft 
 of Sir Sidney on this occasion excited In the hearts of his 
 countrymen, the recent debates of Parliament bear unequivo- 
 cal testimony. His Majesty himself, on the opening of tht 
 session, in September following, noticed the heroism of this 
 officer, and the advantage which the nation had derived from 
 his success *. His Majesty's Ministers, the friends and even 
 the opponents of those Ministers, joined in paying their 
 tribute of applause ; and if some of these indulged them- 
 selves in hasty dedu&ions from one prosperous event, the 
 future historian will readily forgive the first transport* of 
 elated men. The gratitude of the nation, of both Houses of 
 Parliament, was unanimous ; and Sir Sidney, with the British 
 officers, seamen, and troops under his command, received a 
 vote of thanks from both branches of the legislature f. 
 
 From the termination of this siege to the present time, Sir 
 Sidney has continued on the same station, and amid anunin- 
 termitting succession of interesting Service. In the latter part 
 of the month of Odober he accompanied the Turkish Vice- 
 Admiral seyd-Ali bey, in a second maritime expedition des- 
 tined for the recovery of Egypt; but of this enterprise tb 
 disastrous recital having been already given, we may be 
 spared a painful repetition J. 
 
 The events which for the last ten years have 
 themselves upon each other in rapid and numerous succc 
 render the present period one of the most extraordinary that 
 occurs in the history of the world. This is an observa 
 that must have forced itself upon every man's mind ; a 
 these events, thus numerous and extraordinary, tue uui MI, . 
 which these Memoirs bring before oar view, b 
 arms of Christians and Mahometans, is not 
 markable. We hear with an interest almost bordering on am 
 nent, that the sons of the crusaders of Europe in anuty v 
 Te followers of the Prophet, the descendants of the Saraceru, 
 for their new allies the walls of a city of Palesune, 
 
 .S WT ol.ii.p.43U
 
 47* BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 while, to complete the prodigy, an infidel chief was heard to 
 exclaim with rapture, "Brave, brave, Christians !" From 
 the moment in v,hich Bonaparte invaded the shores of Hgypt, 
 the grand and nearly primary source of all human know- 
 ledge, our ears have listened with unwearied solicitude to 
 every particular of his progress. V/c gather with avidity the 
 detail which regards the pyramids of the Pharaohs, the 
 palm-trees, and the clesart. We read with the most lively 
 sensation that a flag of truce has been presented by an Arabian 
 dervish, our imagination is awakened by the sound of 
 words which, by the association of ideas, bestow a splendour 
 upon our language ; and, influenced by these feelings, we dwell 
 with complacency upon every sentence in which they occur. 
 
 To follow, however, the almost daily transa&ions of our 
 countryman, placed in a situation thus favourable to story, 
 to enumerate the services he has rendered the Ottoman 
 Government and his own, to detail the honours that he has 
 in consequence received, were a task too extensive for the pre- 
 sent limits. That they are so recent as to be matter of public 
 conversation may be a sufficient apology for the omission ; 
 unfortunately, too, all his gallantry and judgment, though 
 exened with incessant assiduity, have not yet been able to 
 accomplish any decisive event. 
 
 Wearied with the hopeless contest, Kleber, who, after the 
 departure of Bonaparte had assumed the command of the 
 French forces, agreed to evacuate Egypt on certain condi- 
 tions, which were assented to by Sir Sidney, but the whole 
 of the treaty was afterwards declared null and void by Lord 
 Keith, the naval commander in chief on the Mediterranean 
 station, and hostilities of course recommenced. 
 
 On this subjet, which has become a source of Parlia- 
 mentary dispute, and which still remains a matter of, perhaps, 
 unavoidable concealment on the one hand, and of reproach 
 on the ether, it might seem necessary to speak with much 
 caution and reserve; but, regarding it as one of those unto- 
 ward accidents which, since no prudence can foresee, nor no 
 skill prevent, an enlarged aud honest mind may fearlessly
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 473 
 
 avow, we shall relate without hesitation a transaction which 
 makes so considerable a figure in Sir Sidney's life, and which 
 presents him to us in a new character, if not, as is asserted 
 by some to be the fa&, in a new office. 
 
 Whether Bonaparte *, fired by the extensive design which 
 his subsequent conduct in Europe and his fortune might 
 tempt us to suspcft, or wearied with the difficulties and dis- 
 tresses of his situation, a motive which his general character 
 will scarcely permit should be attributed to him ; whether in 
 secret, through a coward's fear, or the rational desire of 
 avoiding his enemies, he fled from Egypt, for the purpose of 
 grasping at the Consular throne, is immaterial in the present 
 instance. Kleber, left in the most trying situation, at the 
 head of a dispirited, if not a murmuring army, by th 
 mysterious, and perhaps disgraceful, absence of a com- 
 mander, " himself an host," left 
 
 " To look upon the hideous god of war with disadvantage, 
 To abide," perhaps, " a field, 
 Where nothing but the sound of Hotspur's name 
 Did seem defensible ;" 
 
 accepted with eagerness the offer of a safe conduft to Franc* 
 as the condition of evacuating Egypt. A convention to this 
 efTecl was signed between that General and the Porte, as 
 well as by Sir Sidney on the part of Britain, her ally. 
 
 By an accident, certainly to be deplored, a packet of let- 
 ters, direfted from the army to the Government of France, 
 was about this junfture intercepted. The contents of the* 
 letters, which purported to represent the aflual state of tht 
 French in Egypt and Syria, were of such a natu 
 induce a persuasion that the enemy could by no meant 
 maintain his post, and must immediately submit upon t 
 most unfavourable terms. The consequence of this unhappy 
 discovery was a positive dired.on immediately ,
 
 474 BIOGRAPHICAL MIMOIRS 
 
 the officers on the station, to make no conditions with the 
 French, and to cease hostility only when they should ac- 
 knowledge themselves prisoners. It has been loudly insisted 
 by some, but it certainly cannot be credited, that ministers 
 were already acquainted with Sir Sidney's convention j they 
 refused, however, to ratify it ; they denied the authority 
 of Sir Sidney to enter into the engagement j and in 
 consequence of their instrutions, Lord Keith peremp- 
 torily informed the French that a passage to France 
 would not be allowed *. Rendered desperate by necessity, and 
 forced into aftion against their inclination, Kleber and his 
 followers immediately sought security and relief in the 
 destru&ion of their enemies ; a carnage ensued, in which 
 thousands of the partizans of the Porte were killed, and 
 Considerable wealth fell into the hands of the invaders. 
 
 The authority of Sir Sidney to sign a convention M'ith the 
 French is a point upon which, of course, no opinion can be 
 given. It has been said in the House of Commons, that he 
 possesses a joint diplomatic power with his brother, who is 
 the English Minister at Constantinople ; but by Ministers, to 
 whom the truth or falsehood of such a fat must be known, 
 it is denied. Whether the non-delegation of such power 
 to an officer in his situation, or at least to his brother, the 
 Civil Minister, is to be blamed, is a question on which it 
 would be highly improper in us to decide. The blessings, 
 however, that would have attended the fulfilment of the corn- 
 pad arc obvious ; the misfortunes that have hitherto followed 
 the breach of it are known. It is easy to conceive that the 
 situation of Kleber might be such as to render his submission 
 indispensable j under the circumstances in which he stood, 
 he might not have a man upon whom he could rely as a 
 soldier, or who could be kept within the bounds of order 
 upon any other promise than that of a speedy departure. It is 
 no less easy to guess the influence which the breach of what 
 was considered the British faith might produce. It might in- 
 
 Set Lord Keith'* letter to Gcaicral Kleber, yeL iv. p. 76.
 
 of lift WILLIAM IIDMET tiiiTR. 479 
 
 >pire fidelity in the midst of disaffeaion ; it clearly exonerated 
 their general ; it gave, the courage of anger ; and it united 
 all persons concerned by the general bond of necessity. 
 It furnished matter for plausible harangue, a fair pretext 
 for continuing the war ; and softened the view of their 
 surrounding miseries, by changing the alternative of a return 
 to their homes, for that of an enemy's prison. 
 
 Such was the immediate influence that the feelings of 
 human nature might lead us to expeS from the misfortune. 
 The a&ual result, is an improvement in the condition of tljc 
 foe to such an extent as to enable him to refuse a renewal 
 of the convention; and to place him in such a situation, 
 as to render the prospeft of re-conquest obscure. The 
 fate of Egypt still continues undecided, but we may yet 
 hope that at some approaching period, British exertions 
 may effeft that service, which, considering the distratcd and 
 tottering condition of the Turkish empire, it would hardly 
 be able to efFeft without powerful assistance. 
 
 As it has moreover been said that the situation of Egypt 
 is now almost the only barrier that impedes the return of 
 peace, it is impossible not to feel the utmost regret at any 
 circumstance by which that barrier is still preserved ; yet 
 tn impartial judgment will not feel inclined to exprc 
 iorrow by condemning the persons by whom the calamity 
 appears to have been innocently caused. An error i 
 calculation of future events, is a crime which has 
 claim to pardon; and a mistake arising from mis- 
 tion, where the truth is of difficult accesses a f 
 which human nature does not seem to be answerable. 
 French were supposed to be utterly incapable of persever 
 in their attempt, the natural laws of war d 
 fullest advantage should be taken of their over 
 Something, perhaps, even in the striae* instru* ns, o. 
 to have been left to the discretion of an able officer, a< 
 .ot only on the spot, but in unison with the ally who, 
 
 ^mediate mterest was concerned. How far, however, such
 
 476 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS 
 
 a rule of state, surveyed in every point of view, might be 
 advisable, must not be hastily determined. All that we can say 
 is, the conduct of Sir Sidney was evidently intended for the 
 best ; and if he had not authority to al with promptness and 
 decision in a situation at so great a distance from his supe- 
 riors, that the time spent in making representations, must 
 in all instances produce the most dangerous delay. As the 
 commander in chief of that part of the British naval force 
 employed to co-operate with the Porte, those only who are 
 unacquainted with the regulations of the naval service may 
 think it strange, that he should be considered subordinate to 
 an officer totally unengaged in that branch of the war, 
 with whom he could not communicate without a considera- 
 ble loss of time. For the rest, it has been declared by the 
 administration, that, whether Sir Sidney was authorized or 
 not, had the convention been known it should not have been 
 broken ; and that as soon as it was known, counter-orders 
 were sent, agreeing to its fulfilment. Unhappily, those 
 counter-orders arrived too late; as the subsequent success 
 and strength of the French general induced him to refus* 
 submission* 
 
 Sir Sidney is at present, according to report, on his 
 passage to England, being succeeded in his command by Sir 
 Richard Bickerton. Whether this be true or not, it is cer- 
 tain that whenever peace, or the want of necessary relaxation, 
 shall call him from a station in which he has gained so many 
 laurels, he will have the enviable felicity of leaving a shore 
 on which foreigners and men of a different creed have 
 learnt to forget, in their just admiration * of his character, 
 
 * On the ayth of July last, his Highness the Captain- Pacha, on board the 
 Sukaun-Selim, gave a grand entertainment to Sir iidney, whom, with strong 
 xpressions of admiration and attachment, he presented with a valuable 
 cymerar, and, what was considered as the greatest compliment that he could 
 tenfcr on him, one of his own silk flags ; a badge of distinction which claims 
 from all Turkish Admirals and other commanders, an equal respcdl with 
 that which they owe to his Highness the Pacha ; such as the ceremony of 
 personally waiting upon him previous to their departure from the fleet, and 
 n tbeir rejun&ion with it.
 
 OF SIR WILLIAM SIDNIT SMITH. 477 
 
 all popular and even religious prejudices. I am happy," 
 said the same intelligent Frenchman already mentioned, I 
 am happy in frequent opportunities of seeing Sir Sidney, 
 who is a brave and generous-hearted man, with a fine 
 countenance, and eyes that sparkle with intelligence. Hi* 
 very appearance shows that he has an ardent imagination, 
 which naturally prompts him to form and execute bold 
 and important enterprises ; he seems as it were to be bora 
 to deserve glory, and to acquire it." 
 
 Heraldic "particulars relative to Sir WILLIAM SroKir SMITH. 
 
 Sir Sidney's mother was Miss Mary Wilkinson, daughter of 
 Pinkney Wilkinson, an opulent merchant, who had another daughter 
 married to the late Lord Camelford. The union between Sir Sidney's 
 father and mother, which took place in 1760, being effe&ed without 
 the consent of Mr. Wilkinson, the great property left by that gen- 
 tleman, devolved on Lady Camelford. Previous to Mr. Wilkinson's 
 death, Sir Sidney and his brother being withdrawn from his protec- 
 tion, he cancelled a codicil to his will, by which he had made some 
 provision for them. 
 
 Sir Sidney's brother, as has appeared in the course of these Me- 
 moirs, holds a diplomatic situation at the Porte. 
 
 [The following interesting paper we have been favoured with by a 
 respeftable Naval Officer long employed on the Mediterranean station, 
 which we flatter ourselves will be found highly interesting t 
 readers, particularly as it accompanies the biographical acc< 
 of an Officer who has borne $o conspicuous a part towards its im- 
 portance.] 
 
 70 THE EDITOR. 
 
 Sin, 
 
 ON our putting Into Lisbon from our iast cru.se, yoc 
 valuable 'and useful Work was introduced on board, b 
 Captain, and I assure you met with universal appmbat 
 whole quarter-deck. On perusal, many scenes and 
 to our reconeftion, that we have borne a share ,n, wmch.ou 
 
 IV. 3 *-
 
 47$ SUPPLEMENT TO TOULON PAPERS. 
 
 our being engaged on aftive service, and for so long a time on this 
 station, were almost obliterated from our minds. 
 
 The Toulon Papers we derived great pleasure from, and much 
 admired their accuracy and interest ; these, but for your Work, would 
 have been almost forgotten. I assure you the perusal of them brought 
 to our recollection the whole business of the enterprise, which we re- 
 peated with much pleasure and wonder ; for of that mighty arma- 
 ment lying in Toulon harbour, when we took possession of it, con- 
 sisting of upwards of thirty sail of the line, and neatly half as many 
 fine frigates,, besides a considerable number of other armed ships, few 
 have escaped either being taken, sunk, burnt, or destroyed, by our 
 navy. Your account is tolerably accurate, but if you deem the follow- 
 ing paper of sufficient importance for insertion, it will completely 
 sum up the whole of the account to the present time ; its authenticity 
 you may rely on. With well-wishes for the success of your under- 
 taking, 
 
 I am, Sir, ^ our's, 
 
 A NAVAL OFFICER. 
 
 Supplemental and additional Notes to TOULON PAPERS, No. XXI. 
 in Volume II. page 297, of this Work. 
 
 LIST (A). 
 
 Ships- Guns. Remarks. 
 
 Le Hereux, should be"! f This ship was burnt after the battle 
 
 Le Heureux, - /' \ of the Nile, by Lord Nelson's orders. 
 LeCommerce de Bour- T 
 
 deaux, since named > 74 Blown up in the battle of the Nile. 
 Le Timoleon, - J 
 
 fSet fire to, but not destroyed; sht 
 
 Lc Dugay Trouin, - 74 < has been detached to Brest by the 
 
 French since the evacuation. 
 
 ["Taken by Lord Nelson off Malta, 
 
 Le Genereux, - "74- Feb, 18, 1800, in attempting to 
 
 L escape from that ibland. 
 LaBelleisle, 26 
 
 should be La Bellete, 24 
 La Lampraye, should! f Has been detached to Brest since the 
 
 be L'Empraye, J 1 evacuation. 
 
 The two following Corvettes are omitted in this List. 
 
 {Sent by Lord Hood with four sail 
 of the line to Brest, with dis- 
 affected seamen. 
 
 {Had been taken from the Sardinians 
 at the commencement of the war, 
 since taken by the Egmont off 
 Tunis, March 1 796.
 
 SUPPLEMENT TO TOCL9N PAFIR1. 
 
 479 
 
 Ships. 
 Lc Mercure, 
 
 La Couronne, 
 
 Le Di&ateur, 
 Lc Languedoc, - 
 
 Le Censeur, 
 
 LIST (CJ. 
 
 Gum. 
 
 - 74 
 
 - 8o 
 
 74 
 
 - 80 
 
 - 74 
 
 Lc Guerrier, / 4 
 
 Le Souverain, now ~\ 
 
 called Le Guerrier, J ' 4 
 L'Iphigenie, - - 32 
 
 L'Alerte, brig, now! , 
 called The Minorca, J 
 
 La Brctonne, - - 28 
 
 RemarLs. 
 
 'This ship was burnt after the battle 
 of the Nile, by Loid Nelson'* 
 orders. 
 
 "She was not destroyed on the iRlh 
 of December, 1 793 ; but was re- 
 paired, and taken in an action 
 with Admiral Hotham's fleet off 
 Corsica in 1 794, under the name 
 of Ca Ira, and was afterward* burnt 
 by accident at St. Fiorenzo. 
 Not destroyed, but afterwards detach* 
 
 ed to Brest by the French. 
 " Burnt and destroyed at Toulon the 
 
 1 3th of December 1793. 
 Left at Cadiz in 1 799, not being 
 able to proceed with the combined 
 fleet, the Spaniards giving them 
 the Saint Sebastian, 74, in lieu, 
 which they took with them to 
 Brest. 
 
 Burnt by Lofd Nelson's orders after 
 being taken in the Battle of the 
 Nile. 
 
 Cut down and employed as sheer- 
 \ hulk at Gibraltar. 
 Destroyed on the iFth of Dec. 1793. 
 
 (Taken by Lord Keith's fleet off 
 Genoa, in July 1790. The *hip 
 ran on shore by the Flora, off 
 Brest, must consequently be a- 
 other of the same name. 
 ("Now belonging to the Brest Depart- 
 1 ment. 
 
 BUILDING. 
 
 One ship, named Lei Has been since detached to Brest. 
 
 Barras, - - J ' 
 
 La Diana, 
 La Minerve, 
 
 Le Duquesne, 
 
 For one Frigate read two Fngaltt. 
 
 - 48 Taken at the capture of Malta, iSooi 
 
 f Taken by the Dido and Lowestofie, 
 -44 [ June 1795. 
 
 LIST (D). 
 
 f Detached to Brest by the French 
 
 - 74 since the evacuation. 
 
 La Junon, now called ~\ 
 Princess Charlotte, J 
 
 LaVestale, r * 
 
 ^ ^ ^ Qj . dc off 
 \ August 1799.
 
 SUPPLEMENT TO TOVLON PAPERS. 
 
 Recapitulation of tie Number of Ships belonging to the Department of 
 Toulon, at the time Lord HOOD entered that Port; and the Number 
 taken and destroyed while in Possession, and since the Evacuation. 
 
 I 
 
 Total number of ships in Toulon when taken pos-1 
 
 session of, 
 Total stationed in the Levant, Corsica, &c. including 
 
 one corvette taken from the Sardinians, 
 
 Hoia disposed of. 
 
 Sent as cartels to the ports in the Atlantic, Sep."] 
 tember i 793. 
 
 Taken into the British service previous to the evacua- "] 
 tion, besides eleven xebecs, gun-boats, and galleys, I 
 
 Taken into the Spanish service, 
 
 jriven to the King of Sardinia, as a compensation 
 for one taken from him ; she was afterwards taken 
 by the French, and from them again by the Cen- I 
 taur, June 1799. J 
 
 Brought away by Lord Hood at the evacuation, 
 
 }urnt and totally destroyed at the evacuation, 
 
 jurnt by accident at Leghorn, 
 
 Taken, burnt, sunk, or destroyed since the evacua- ) 
 tion (exclusive of Le Ceiueur, which has been 
 since retaken and exchanged with the Spaniards f 
 for the Saint Sebastian, of 74. guns, now at Brest, J 
 
 "he above ship accounted for, - 
 
 Detached to Brest since the evacuation, 
 
 upposed still to exist in the French service in the] 
 Mediterranean, - - J 
 
 'aken by Lord Hood's fleet previous to the capture 1 
 of Toulon, - . J 
 
 till existing in the French service in the Mediterra-"! 
 nean, and ports of the Atlantic, - J 
 
 -xchanged with the Spaniards, 
 
 10 
 
 '4 
 
 20 
 
 1 1 
 
 20 
 
 9 I
 
 C 481 3 
 
 Jtttoanj of the Signals math at Bamlrough Castle in tie County of 
 Northumberland, in ca.e Shift or Vent It are perceived in &stresi, end 
 of the Charitable Institutions established there for their Atiutance and 
 ReRef, first published by the DireSion of the Trustees of Nathaniel 
 late Lord Crcive, -with the Approbation of the Matttr, Pilots, and 
 Seamen, of the Trinity House, Newcastle, 
 
 SIGNALS. 
 
 I. A GUN (a nine-pounder), placed at the bottom of the tower, 
 +^> to be fired as a signal in case any ship or esscl be observed 
 in distress, viz. 
 
 Once, when any ship or vessel is stranded or wrecked upon the 
 
 islands, or any adjacent rock. 
 Twice, when any ship or vessel is stranded or wrecked behind 
 
 the castle, or to the northward of it. 
 
 Thrice, when any ship or vessel is stranded or wrecked to the 
 southward of the castle, in order that the custom-house officer* 
 and the tenants, with their servants, may hasten to give aO 
 possible assistance ; as well as to prevent the wreck from being 
 plundered. 
 
 2. In every great storm two men on horseback are sent from the 
 castle to patrole along the coast from sunset to sunrise, that in case of 
 any accident one may remain by the ship, and the other return to alarm 
 the castle. Whoever brings the first notice of any ship or vessel being 
 in distress, is entitled to a premium in proportion to the distance from 
 the castle, and if between twelve o'clock at night, and three o'clock ia 
 the morning, the premium to be double. 
 
 3. A large flag is hoisted when there is any ship or vessel seen in 
 distress upon the Fern Islands or Staples, that the sufferers may have 
 the satisfaction of knowing their distress is perceived from the shore. 
 and that relief will be sent them as soon as possible. In case of bad 
 weather, the flag will be kept up, a gun fired morning and evening, 
 and a rocket thrown up every night from the north turret, till 
 time as relief can be sent. There are also signals to the Holy Island 
 fishermen, who, from the advantage of their situation, can put off 
 the islands, at times when no boat from the main lai.d can get over tfr 
 breakers. Premiums are given to the first boats that put off for t 
 Islands to give their assistance to ships or vessels in distrew, and 
 provisions and liquors are sent in the boats. 
 
 4 A bell on the south turret will be rung out in every 
 a signal to the fishing-boats, and a large swivel, fixed on the easl 
 will be fired every fifteen minutes a a ^nal to the slaps without t 
 Islands.
 
 4$2 BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION OF LORD CREWE. 
 
 c. A large weather-cock is fixed on the top of the flag-staff, for 
 the use of the 'pilots. 
 
 6. A large speaking-trumpet is provided, to be used when ship? 
 are in distress near the shore, or are run aground. 
 
 j. An observatory or watch-tower is built on the east turret 
 of the castle, where a person is to attend every morning at day- 
 break during the winter season, to look out if any ships are in distress. 
 
 8. Masters and commanders of ships or vessels in distress, are de- 
 sired to make such signals as are usually made by people in their 
 melancholy situation. 
 
 Assistance ', Stores, and Provisions, prepared at Bamlrougk Castle, for 
 Seamen, Ships, or Vessels^ 'wrecked or driven ashore on that Coast or 
 Neighbourhood. 
 
 1 . Rooms and beds are prepared for seamen shipwrecked, who 
 will be maintained in the castle for a week (or longer, according to 
 circumstances), and during that time be found with all manner of 
 necessaries. 
 
 2. Cellars for wine and other liquors from ship- wrecked vessels, in 
 which they are to be deposited for one year, in order to be claimed 
 by the proper owners. 
 
 3. A store-house ready for the reception of wrecked-goods, 
 cables, rigging, and iron. A book is kept for entering all kinds of 
 timber and other wrecked goods, giving the marks and description of 
 each, with the date when they came on shore. 
 
 4. Four pair of screws for raising ships that are stranded in order 
 to their being repaired. Timber-block- and tackles, handspikes* 
 cables, ropes, pumps, and iron, ready for the use of ship-wrecked 
 vessels. 
 
 JV. . But if taken away to be paid for at prime cost. 
 
 5. A pair of chains, with large iron rings and swivels, made on 
 purpose for weighing ships (of 1000 tons burden), that are sunk 
 upon the rocks or in deep water. 
 
 N. B. These chains are to be lent (gratis} to any person having 
 occasion for them, within forty or fifty miles along the coast, on 
 giving proper security to re-deliver them to the trustees. 
 
 6. Two mooring-chains of different lengths are provided, which 
 may occasionally be joined together when a greater length is re- 
 quired. 
 
 7. Whenever any dead bodies are cast on shore, coffins, &c. will 
 be provided gratis, and also the funeral expences paid.

 
 483 ] 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XLV1I. 
 
 npHE annexed Plate is a representation of the interior harbour of 
 ^ Brest. In the distance, inclining to the left, is seen the dock- 
 yard, with the sheer-hulk, and vessels of war in ordinary. Extending 
 towards the right is the town with its fortifications. To the left, 
 approaching the fore-ground, is the guardship ; and on the rirht a 
 frigate is seen proceeding to sea. For a view of the outer ha. jour, 
 see vol. i. page 1 44. 
 
 TOPOGRAPHICAL DISCRETION AND HISTORY OF t r 
 
 THIS port, which is the principal naval depot, or arsenal, belong- 
 ing to France, on the side of the Atlantic ; or, as it might, pcrhap^ 
 with truth be added, throughout the whole of its territory, is situated in 
 long. 13 9' 10," lat. 48 2Z 2?." To the N. W. of St. Matthew*, 
 which forms the north point of t t Bay, at the distance of little 
 more than four leagues N. W. lies the island of Ushant, between which 
 and the coast, are a number of rocks and small islands, which would 
 render the passage of a fleet between that and the mam, extremely 
 difficult and dangerous. Almost at the entrance of Brest harbour, 
 are two bays nearly opposite each other ; that to the northward, 
 called Berthaeume Road, that to the southward, Camaret Bay The 
 whole of the coast is extremely well fortified, and defended by innu- 
 merable batteries. The harbour is capacious, and the port furnished 
 with immense magazines for the reception of naval stores of every 
 kind. The rope-yards are extensive. The store-hcusei, the docks 
 and every other necessary contrivance and erection for the eqotpna 
 of a fleet, have been rendered as perfed, probably, as human in- 
 genuity and the liberal expenditure of an immense sum could efTed. 
 The town itself is extremely well fortified according to the system 
 of Vauban, and a very considerable part of the works 
 stored under the aftual inspcaion of that celebrated engm 
 labours, however, under the same species of inconvenience whi. 
 vents the town of Toulon from being tenable aga.nst a b 
 army, sufficiently strong to defy any efforts that can b 
 country itself to afford a diversion in its favour. An iMltefo* 
 powerful enough to gain possession of the haght, on the tad . 
 after having made good its tading to the -rthward of 
 and marched a short distance across the country for t ~> 
 
 in a very short tin- compel thi, important fortress tosu kr, 
 
 t place have heretofore^ 
 
 by the Englil, but they have all of them L
 
 TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION AND 
 
 and have therefore failed* The most formidable of these took place 
 in the year 1694 ; when William III. very inadvisedly ordered an 
 attack to be made on it by a detachment from the main fleet, then 
 commanded by Admiral Russel. The Lord Berkeley, who was the 
 ill-fated officer destined to attempt the execution of this perilous 
 enterprise, parted company with the rest of the armament on the 
 5th of June. The force put under his orders, was, it must be con- 
 fessed, extremely formidable. It consisted of no less than twenty- 
 nine English or Dutch ships of the line, independent of a very 
 sufficient portion of frigates, fire-ships, machine vessels, tenders, and 
 bomb- ketches. After some consultation, it was determined the landing 
 should be attempted in Camaret Bay ; for it was considered by all 
 persons impracticable for the ships to penetrate farther. The forts 
 and batteries of the enemy having been previously reconnoitred by the 
 Marquis of Caermarthen, eight ships of the line, English and Dutch, 
 were ordered to bring to against the different batteries, and cover the 
 landing. One of the ships, finding her station far too warm, very 
 improperly deserted the post assigned to her ; the remainder, how- 
 ever, proceeded to their several posts, and were placed by the Marquis 
 with the greatest ability and judgment. The enterprise was unfor- 
 tunately discovered, though too late to prevent mischief, to be far 
 more dangerous than it had ever been considered. Exclusive of 
 those numerous batteries, the existence of which was known to the 
 assailants, several others still more formidable en account of their 
 concealed situation, and the very heavy guns mounted thereon, opened 
 on them the instant they commenced their attack. Tnis being an 
 enemy totally unexpected, had considerable effeft in frustrating the 
 expedition. The fire from the forts, however, being in some measure 
 silenced, the first dis- embarkation of troops, which amounted to no 
 more than eight hundred men, commanded by General Tallmash in 
 person, rowed toward the shore. Here fresh misfortunes befel them, 
 and completely put an end to the whole attempt. The boats stuck fast 
 on the mud, and a body of troops posted behind the intrenchments, 
 nnore numerous than that of the assailants themselves, not only drove 
 back to their boats the very small portion which were able to effect 
 their landing, but destroyed the remainder, while remaining so fair a 
 mark for slaughter, without their ever being able to^extricate themselves 
 from their perilous situation. In short, of the eight hundred which 
 attempted to make the assault, nearly seven hundred were either 
 killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. The General himself, a man. 
 of the most distinguished character, received a wound in his thigh, 
 which unhappily proved mortal in a very few days afterward. The ship* 
 employed in the attack were scarcely less unfortunate. The Monk, 
 of 60 guns, lost every yard and sail she had, and was so materiajly
 
 HISTORY OF iREST, SlC. 4 g. 
 
 Damaged in her hull, that it was with the utmost difficulty she wa, 
 prevented from foundering. A Dutch ship, of thirty guns, 
 the Wcsep, having twelve feet watrr in her hold, was through neccs- 
 wty abandoned, and soon afterward sunk; exclusive of this low the 
 remainder of the whole dct,chmcnt h ; M much j, u 
 
 to be Bought off without considerable difficulty. Since that tir: 
 British, warned by the fatal experience of this mufortu.'.e, have con- 
 faned themselves in time of war, to tie mere blockade of it* port 
 which the enemy, partially during the j : , ' oavc foum j 
 
 themselves compelled to submit to, without making the smal' 
 tempt to retrieve their honour or prevent a repetition of disgracs. 
 
 DIRECTIONS FOR ENTERING THE POXT OF BREST. 
 
 THOSE who wish to enter the Bay of Brest, may run along the 
 Coast on either side with safety ; but not through the mid-channel, 
 on account of the rocks called the Fillets, which arc only perceptible 
 at low water, as aho of one, called the : ;,i c h, except at 
 
 high water, is always above the si: . n-ho come from 
 
 the northward, should keep alorig the north coa.t, carcf i!ly, but 
 without apprehension ; and such as run in from the southward, 
 should in the same manner coast along the Camaret side, keeping 
 the castle of Brest always within sight; Without the point of Pcr.a- 
 kucbj when the two steep points which stand close together on the 
 coast to the east of Camaret, are made, and the castle of Brest is lost 
 behind the point of Penaleucb, a vessel is in danger of being on the 
 Fillets. Between the Fillets and tht Mingan, the passage is ex- 
 tremely dangerous ; numerous rocks being concealed beneath the 
 water. When the Bay is open you may cast anchor at plo> ; :: 
 eight, ten, fifteen, or sixteen fathom water: tfie : mud. 
 
 The tide flows for four hours and a b*lf, and rises five fathom, 
 pendicularly. 
 
 CHART' OF THB ROAD AKD PORT OT RST. 
 
 THIS excellent Port, which forms the grand receptacle for the 
 .French Marrne on the side of the Atlantic, is sitmtc-1 in the 
 province of Brittany ; it is, perhaps, one of the most comrnodiooc in 
 Europe ; for in the part called the road, the whole of that n*vy f when 
 in its most flourishing state, which France possessed, might lye in the 
 most perfeft safety, in a complete state of equipment for immediate 
 service. The annexed chart may be considered one of the most. 
 accurate existing, the soundings and every other ] 
 being derived from an adual survey* 
 
 Wol IV. 3 n
 
 E 486 ] 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS, 
 
 Experitntnt coneirn'mg the luminous Appearance cf the Sea. From the 
 Journal of the Marquis de COURTANVAVX. 
 
 '"TPHE sea; near Calais and Boulogne is subject to the quality of 
 *. being luminous in the night. In some particular parts of it/ 
 every stroke of an oar excites this luminous appearance, but at the 
 distance of, perhaps, twelve feet from thence, it ceases, but re-appears 
 again at a little farther distance. What is the nature and cause of 
 this ? Is it caused by any little animals, or, as some pretend, by the 
 spawn of fish. M, Rigaud maintains that it arises from real animal- 
 cules One should suppose that a microscope might determine this, 
 but the misfortune is, that the experiment is difficult to make, for it 
 is not easy to catch hold of these atoms so as to place them properly 
 within the microscope ; M. Courtanvaux at least could not succeed 
 in it, he discovered, indeed, some animalcules with little feet or fins, 
 but M. Rigaud says, that these are not the objects in question. They 
 therefore tried another, which M. Rigaud pointed out to them, this 
 was by placing a glass of this sea water upon a table in the dark ; on 
 shaking it, the luminous appearance began, and disappeared as soon as 
 it was again at rest. M. Rigaud then poured in some vinegar, the lumi- 
 nousness immediately began seemingly with greater vivacity than 
 before, but after some minutes disappeared altogether, and it was im- 
 possible to excite it again, although they agitated the glass ever so- 
 much. Hence M. Rigaud concludes that the acid killed the animalcules, 
 
 Account of a very extraordinary Marine Production found at the Llanck 
 of Barbadoes. 
 
 DESCRIPTION Or THE ANIMAL FLOWXR. 
 
 AS in man, the most perfect part of the sublunary creation, there 
 are apparently seen several different degrees of perfection both of body 
 and mind, and in animals the sagacity of some is evidently superior to 
 that of others, so likewise in this seemingly-confused species of animal 
 life, and vegetable appearance, the chain gradually descends with a 
 surprising mixture of connexion. 
 
 Whoever hath leisure and abilities to pursue a general inquiry of 
 this nature, will soon find that this progressive series runs through the 
 whole creatieo ; from the most exalted genius to the almost senseless^
 
 fHILOSOl'HICAL PAPERS. ^gj 
 
 from the most sagacious sensible creature to the almost inicnti- 
 ble muscle ; from tlie towering cedar to the hyssop springing from the 
 wall, or the humble moss. 
 
 Such is that universal harmony and connexion which run* through 
 the mimberles* ranks and orders of beings, till we come at last to 
 inanimate matter. 
 
 This surprising creature that I am to treat of, hath for a long time 
 been the objedl of my own silent admiration, and it would even now 
 be thought chimerical to mention much more in description of the 
 qualities of so strange a phenomenon, if the polypus of late yean 
 had not afforded a surprising instance of Almighty Power. 
 
 The cave that contains this animal, is near the bottom of an high 
 rocky cliff, facing the sea in the north part of the Island of Barba- 
 does in the parish of St. Lucy ; the descent to it is very steep and 
 dangerous, being in some places almost perpendicular ; and what adds 
 an horror to this dreadful situation is, that the waves from below 
 almost incessantly break upon the cliff, and sometimes reach its 
 highest summit. 
 
 As soon as you are freed from this complicated apprehension of 
 danger (in your way down), you enter a cave spacious enough to 
 contain five hundred people. The roof of this is in some places im- 
 bossed with conglaciatcd incrustations, intermixed with small tubes, 
 through whose extremities a small quantity of the most limpid water 
 drop .. 
 
 From this you enter another cave, small in comparison of the 
 former. The bottom of this is a natural baeon of water of about 
 sixteen feet long and twelve in breadth ; this at low water is. about 
 ekven feet perpendicular height from the sea, which, when the wim 
 is high on that point, dashes into it, so thai the water in it is entirely 
 salt, except a small mixture of fresh which ouses and drops through 
 the roof of the cave. 
 
 In the middle of this bason there is a fixed stone or rock (as I 
 call it), which is always under water. 
 
 Round its sides at different depths {seldom exceeding eig 
 inches), are seen at all times of the year several seemingly finerad 
 
 of a pale yellow, or a bright straw colour, slightly tinged 
 
 with green. 
 
 These have in appearance a circular bordv-r of thick set pa 
 about the size of, and much res bling, those of a single g d 
 
 Petals are the fine coloured leaves which compose m a mari^oM, md 
 ,ach like flowers, the yellow circular border. They arc called peta* 
 tinjjuish them from the green leaves of the plant.
 
 488 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. 
 
 marigold, except that the whole of this seeming flower is narrower at 
 the discus or setting on of the leaves, than any flower of that kind. 
 
 I have often attempted to pluck one of these from the rock, to 
 which they are always fixed, but could never effeft'ir, for as soon as 
 my fingers came within two or three inches of it, it would imme- 
 diately contract and close together its yellow border, and shrink back 
 into the hole of the rock, but if left undisturbed for the space of about 
 four minutes it would come gradually in sight, expanding, though at 
 first very cautiously, its seeming leaves, till at last it appeared in its 
 former bloom ; however, it would again recoil with a surprising 
 quickness when my hand came within a small distance of it. 
 
 Having tried the same experiment by attempting to touch it with 
 my cane, and a small slender rod, the efFecl was the same. 
 
 These were strong appearances of animal life, yet as its shape and 
 want of local motion classed it among vegetables, I was for some 
 time in suspense, and imagined it might be an aquatic sensitive plant ; 
 and though its contraction to avoid the touch was quicker than any 
 plant of that kind, yet as its seeming leaves might be, and in reality 
 were, of a far thinner and more delicate * texture than those of any 
 plant, and as water is eight hundred times heavier than air, the sudden 
 weight of so thick a medium, by its undulation, caused by the pres- 
 sure of my hand or stick, might very well account for its sudden 
 contraction. 
 
 This was my opinion till a subsequent visit cleared my doubts, for I 
 plainly saw four d;.- k coloured resemblances of threads, something like 
 the legs of the spider, rising out of the centre of what I have termed 
 a flower. Their quick spontaneous motion from one side to the 
 other of this circular yellow border of seeming leaves (which in 
 reality were so many arms or feelers), and their closing together in 
 imitation of a forceps, as if they had hemmed in their prey (which the 
 yellow border likewise soon surrounded and closed to secure), fully 
 convinced me that it was a living creature. 
 
 Its body at a distance appears to be about as big as a raven's quiiJ, 
 and of a blackish colour, one end sticking to the rock, the other 
 extending a very small distance from it, and encircled round with a 
 yellow border, as above described. 
 
 Thus what in its first appearance seems to be of the vegetative kinJ, 
 by its motion and quick sense of self preservation, proves an animal. 
 
 * Though 1 could not by any means contrive to take or pluck from the rock 
 one of these animals entire, yet J once cut off (with a knife which I had for a 
 long time held' out of sijht near the mouth of the hole out of which one of these 
 aninv' 1 , rv/.- ,f these seentifig lei ves ; these when out of the water 
 
 retai: .oe anu colour, \.\it being composed of a membrane-like sub-i 
 
 t;iEce smprisiagiy thin, it soon shrivelled up and decayed.
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. 4*9 
 
 Now since the same wisdom and goodness which give being to 
 creatures, often preserve them in that existence, by ways and means as 
 wonderful as their creation was before ; this lca<' me to offer a pro- 
 table conjedure why God's amazing providence (wlrch doth nothing 
 in vain) endued the arms or feelers of this animal with a fine yellow 
 colour, and hath ordained it to differ in this particular from the 
 several tribes of fungous animals that are always found cleaving to 
 the rocks in the sea. 
 
 As these latter may be fed with spawn or some animalcules which 
 the flux or reflux of the waves may throw in their way, there was no 
 need of any uncommon means to entice their prey (if animals) within 
 their reach, whereas the water in the cave is for the most part void of 
 any motion that can convey food for these animals ; therefore there 
 was a necessity of some extraordinary temptation to allure their prey 
 yvithin their power to seize it, otherwise they might have starved in 
 the midst of plenty. 
 
 To this end, that Divine Goodness which fills every thing living 
 with plenteousness, has finely devised this pi evidential stratagem (if 
 I may be allowed the expression), and given these animals that fine 
 transparent colour to be a means of providing for them their daily food; 
 for as bright rays of light (or some thing similar in its effcfl), are 
 very inviting to several animals, especially those of the aquatic kind* 
 the beautiful colour of this circular border, may serve as a decoy for 
 very young fish or other animalcules to divert themselves (as fliet 
 about the flame of a candle), in swimming about the verge of this 
 seemingly harmless flower, until they come within the circle, when 
 these bright leaves in appearance, prove in reality so many arms or 
 feelers, that with a quick motion close together and surround their 
 prey, which being thus secured, is conveyed to the mouth as above 
 mentioned. 
 
 There are likewise on the uppermost part of the rock in the above 
 described bason, innumerable clusters of what are here called water. 
 bottles, very much resembling scattered clusters of unripe grapes, the 
 outside consisting of a bluish skinny ligament like that of a grape ; 
 the inside full of water, somewhat turbid. 
 
 Among these also, 'are a great number of animal flowers of the 
 arne species with the yellow large ones. These to be dcscr.bed, are 
 likewise fixed to the rock, not in a hole as the above-mentioned, but 
 sticking to the surface among these water-bottles, and generally not 
 above nine inches under water. 
 
 ' The leaves or rather feelers of these are of a greyish purple colour, 
 variegated with black spois. Thtir motkm likewise to avoid I 
 touch is not so quick.
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS* 
 
 Having plucked one of these fiom the rock, I perceived the body", 
 which was about an inch long, to have, whilst between my finger an4 
 thumb, a sensible vermicular motion. The feelers likewise whick 
 decorated one end of it, when exposed to the air, shrunk up and re- 
 mained as liftless j but as soon as tiie whole was dipped in their proper 
 clement, the water, they would immediately, as it were, assume a new 
 life, and appear again in their full vigour. 
 
 Soon after the discovery of these surprising animals, a great num- 
 er of people came to view them ; but as this was attended with some 
 tmall inconveniency to a person through whose land tlu-y were ob- 
 liged to pass, he, therefore, to get rid of the company, resolved to 
 destroy the object of their curjosity ; in order to do so effectually, Ive 
 took a piece of iron prepared for that purpose, and then carefully 
 bored and drilled every part of the holes where these seeming flowers 
 were bred, but to his great surprise, they in a few weeks appeared 
 again issuing from the same holes. 
 
 Let us here for a while stop and see whether our boasted reason can 
 ftnd out how even a latent principle of life can be preserved after the 
 whole organic body is torn to pieces. 
 
 When we see this animal in a short time after resuscitate, and ap- 
 pear in its former proportion, beauty, and life, can we, after such an. 
 pcular demonstration of so astonishing a change of a creature destined 
 for this life only, and removed (in all appearance) but a few degrees 
 from the vegetable creation, any longer entertain doubts about the 
 possibility of another doctrine of a far greater consequence ; and as 
 every past age has been, so, undoubtedly, every future will be blessed 
 with some surprising new discover)' of God's unsearchable power and 
 wisdom. 
 
 Our own has produced a wonderful instance of this, for what 
 sceptic some years ago would have believed the possibility of so ex- 
 traordinary a produftion as the polypus. Who would not have said, 
 with the unbelieving Jews in the wilderness, can God do this ? and 
 yet we find that, this surprising generation is now a known matter of 
 faa. 
 
 That the above mentioned conjecture about the use and efficacy of 
 its colour is not groundless, may be made still more evident by many- 
 analogous striking instances. 
 
 For these ingenious gentlemen, Mr. Turberville Needham ajid Mr, 
 Trembley, observe, that polype and aquatic insedts kept in glass ves- 
 sels, by excluding the light from every part except one little opening, 
 after some time, all assembled at this opening, and yet these polypes 
 have not perceptibly to the strongest magiutier, any organ tU^t in tlxe 
 least resembles eves.
 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS. , g| 
 
 If light u, therefore, so attract to these animals, which are n- 
 
 w I T 7 , ^ n0t bC Kkcwl " e S t0 thcr leule. to u. imper- 
 ceptible ? And may we not further suppose that the appearance of the 
 former towards the light may be in search of these animalcule,, their 
 destined prty. 
 
 But in what manner the rays of lijht affcft these animal;, ffhethe* 
 by its motion aAing upon their whole exceedingly delicate ncrvoirt 
 ) stem, winch like the retina of the human eye, u in etety part 
 Sensitive, fs, I believe inexplicable. 
 
 Where Right is apparently warning as in the pulyptfc, a delicacy of 
 touch may, for ought we know, and hidecd, in all probability, doth 
 take up the gradual chain, and in a surprising manner supply its place. 
 
 Sucli is the insensible gradation which is progressively continued by 
 imperceptible Degrees through the whole creation, from animate to- 
 inanimate, rational to irrational, that we know not where precisely to 1 
 determine their respective boundaries. In like manner light and daik. 
 ness, motion and rest, we speak of as things very different and oppo. 
 site ; yet no one will presume to say what is the precise and' 
 absolute boundary between languid motion and absolute rest, or deter. 
 mine the period where the last dying sound expires in dtad silence. 
 
 Perhaps this gradual chain and connexion terminates not with' 
 sublunary things, but may be progressively continued far above the 
 ken of the most exalted genius, or even the comprehension of, perhaps^ 
 Celestial beings, till all-created perfection is lost in him who is per- 
 fection itself. 
 
 THE SMALL BLUISH ANIMAL SLOWER. 
 
 These grow in clusters upon the rocks between high and lotr 
 water mark. The edges of each are composed of a circular bordet'' 
 of small ftstular thread-like brown petals (if I may so call them,) stnr- 
 I'ounding a fungus substance of about the breadth of an English/ 
 silver two-pence, and of a bluish-green colour. This species is by* 
 far less quick in avoiding approaching danger than those already' 
 described, consequently their organs of sensation are less perfecl, fur 
 they will suffer themselves to he touched before their guardian petal* 
 close together to defend or preserve the whole I have observed 
 larger sort of the same species, having their brown petaV, or army 
 longer than the above described, as well as of an irregular unequal 
 length. These likewise gradually lessen in their sensitive perfection, 
 and are generally found at some distance under water, wbcrens the 
 former i,i neap-tides are often for a short time exposed to the air, and- 
 t!mt seemingly vvithou'. any prejudice.
 
 NAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 A Voyage to ike East Indies, containing, an Account of tie Man,. 
 Customs, &c. of the Natives, with a Geographical Description of the 
 Country, collided from Observations made during a Residence of thirteen 
 Ytars, between 1776 and 1789, in Districts little fm's'jcntetl by 
 Europeans. By Fra. Paolinino da San Bartolomeo, Member of the 
 Academy of Felistri, and formerly Professor of the Oriental Languages 
 in the Propaganda at Rome. With Notes and Illustrations by John 
 Reinhold Forster, LL. D. Professor of Natural History in the Uni- 
 versity of Halle. Translated from the German by William Johnston. 
 03avo. pp. 478. Price 8s . i8co. Vernor and Hood. 
 
 'TPHIS Book is of the most valuable kind, without displaying any 
 of those literary embellishments, through the aid of which it has 
 been, not unfrequently, the practice to swell out a trifling portion of 
 knowledge or amusement into the pompous dress of Imperial quarto. 
 It gives to the world at the most moderate expence, as much real 
 information as would> according to the accustomed manufacture 
 of productions having a similar tendency, we had nearly said, 
 warrant an impost on public curiosity of ten times the amount, 
 This book is replete with interest, and in an age like the present, 
 when the highest honours to which a literary candidate for fame 
 appears to aspire, are well-turned periods, elegance of diction, a well 
 chosen type, and a margin of extravagant breadth, such a production 
 is certainly necessary, were it for no other purpose than that of 
 rescuing the age from the charge of encouraging frivolity. The 
 curious account of the method practised by the natives in carrying 
 their boats through a surf impassable by the means practised in more 
 civilized countries, deserves particular attention. 
 
 ' On the z6th of June I left the ship about noon, and, in com- 
 pany with M. Berteaud the Captain, went on board a small Indian 
 vessel of that kind called by the inhabitants slnlinga. As it is ex- 
 ceedingly dangerous and difficult to land at Puduceri and Madras - 
 patnam, these thilingas are built with a high deck, to prevent the 
 waves of the sea from entering them. This mode of construction is, 
 however, attended with one inconvenience, which is, that the waves 
 beat with more impetuosity against the sides ; raise the slnlinga some- 
 times towards the heavens ; again precipitate it into a yawning gulph,.
 
 NATAL LITEIATUH. 493 
 
 and, at length, drive it on shore with the utmort violence *. In such 
 cases the vessel would be entirely dashed to pieces, if the mucoa, or 
 fishermen, who direct it, did not throw themselves into the sea, forc 
 it back by exerting their whole strength, and in this manner Icsicn 
 the impetuosity of the s>urf. I was greatly alarmed before I reached 
 shore : and was so completely drenched by the waves, that the water 
 ran down my back." 
 
 " In order that our departure might not be delayed, we got ctery 
 tiling ready to go on board on the zist, at a time when there wa a 
 very hollow sea. In that neighbourhood the waves are sometimes to 
 furious that they tear up trees on the shore, and hurry them along 
 with them into the harbour of Puduceri : we employed therefore 
 a shlKng a to convey us to the ship. Besides such articles as were 
 necessary for my voyage, I carried with me a small packet containing 
 two thousand scudi sent from Rome for the missionary establishment 
 on the coast of Malabar, and which was entrusted to my ewe. \ 
 Father Medardus, who was fond of a joke, saw this packet, he ob- 
 served that I h^d done a very imprudent thing in taking it with me, 
 as the Capuchir.s generally experienced some misfortune when they 
 carried money with them. " And as that is the case," said he, " I 
 would rather dispense with your company and pursue my v 
 alone." We rallied each other on this subject, and got on board 
 about five in the afternoon. The crew, who seemed to be expert 
 seamen, avoided with great dexterity the first wave that dashed iuelf 
 against the mast ; but the sea raged with the utmost fury ; and as 
 these people were obliged to row in an opposite direftion, their 
 strength was soon exhausted. We, however, got over the second 
 billow, after great labour and exertion ; but the thiid and most dan- 
 gerous beat with such impetuosity against our jbifinga, that it wat 
 thrown on its end, and stood almost in a perpendicular direction. 
 Just as this happened we were all in the fore part of the vessel. Every 
 thing in the shilinga, therefore, rolltd over us ; the waves forced 
 themselves into it, and we were surrounded by chests, caski 
 bales all in confusion, so that we could not stir. As i 
 lightning, we stood pale and motionless, staring at each other, without 
 
 On the flat coast of Coromandcl there are no harbours; and, for that rea- 
 son, neither people nor goods can be conveyed on shore from A 
 Minai. Tins labour is very dangerous even for such mull veMeU, 
 L> rf the coast for so great an e*ent renders the break, 
 The heir wan have lost many of the.r sh.p. fo 
 
 n the east side of the island of 
 
 l. IV. 3 s
 
 494 VAVAL LITERATURE. 
 
 being able to utter a single word. Our rowers, who had bee* 
 thrown into the sea, clung to their oars, or endeavoured by swimming 
 to overcome the v.-aves, while we almost gave ourselves up as lost. 
 The third wave at length disappeared ; our shiUnga again recovered 
 its proper position ; our rowers got back to their places ; and being 
 a!l gradually freed from our terror, we returned thanks to God for 
 having rescued us from the jaws of death." 
 
 Nor is the philosophical explanation of the reason why that por- 
 tion of sea nearest the equator, contains a greater quantity of salt 
 than any other part of it, less attractive. 
 
 " The Brahmans are not ignorant that the sea, under the equator, 
 is much salter than towards the poles ; but they explain this physical 
 phenomenon by a very ridiculous fable, for they say that Gashyaba, 
 one of their munis (who is nothing else than the star which we call 
 Canopus), lets his urine fall into the sea under the equator, which \i 
 never the case in the neighbourhood of the north pole. The real 
 cause why it was established by the all- wise Creator of the world, 
 that the sea at the equator should contain a greater quantity of salt 
 than elsewhere, and that it should be exposed to greater agitation 
 from its flux and reflux, and also 'from strong currents, winds, and 
 storms, was undoubtedly to prevent the atmosphere from being cor- 
 rupted and impregnated with infectious vapours in so hot a climate, 
 and to render that part of the world as agreeable a residence for man 
 PS either of the poles, where, on account of the severity of the coldj 
 po corruption can take place." 
 
 VERSES 
 JST GEORGE KEA<TE, 
 
 TO 
 
 CAPTAIN BLIGH. 
 On reading bis Narrative of tie Mutiny on board the Bounty, andofJni 
 
 Passage (in an open Boat] across the Pacific Ocean. 
 npHOSE who their dubious track thro' oceans urge, 
 -" And face the perils of the changeful main ; 
 Who brave the tempest's howl, and foaming surge, 
 So flow'd great Israel's harp in plaintive strain : 
 Such, God of Nature. 1 mark thy dread controul, 
 
 Curbing or letting loose the warning wind, 
 'In terrors bid the waves licentious roll, 
 Or in a calm their chrystal surface bind,,
 
 NAVAL FOBTHY. 4g 
 
 By turns anxiety, fear, hope, dismay, 
 
 The mariner's conflicting bosom rend ; 
 While dangers, black with fate, obstruct his way, 
 
 And half his wonted fortitude unbend. 
 Yet scenes far more severe may meet his eye, 
 
 Scenes over which humanity must weep, 
 When mutiny, renouncing <Vry tye, 
 
 Makes man to man, more hostile than the deep. 
 
 With the fell spirit of the first-born wretch, 
 
 Who 'gainst a brother rais'd his murd'rous hand, 
 When power usurp'd its rebel arm dares stretch, 
 
 TV unaided ruler can no more command ; 
 Then ev'ry chain of social life is broke, 
 
 Afloat each passion of the alicn'd heart ; 
 E'en kindest deeds recall'd, but more provoke, 
 
 As more the traitor', pain* d by mem'ry's smart. 
 
 Bay, gallant sailor) wh?.t w r; thy a'.nrms, 
 
 When round ihy bed the ruffian band npp?ar'd| 
 Guilt in each look ; binding t'.,y cr: , 
 
 And led by one thy fost'ring hnncl had rear'd ; 
 Then turn d adrift upon the ruthless 
 
 Far, far remov'd from every frki.dly shore. 
 To meet, thro 1 ling'ring death, a certain grate, 
 
 Or combat horrors scarce conceiv'd before. 
 
 Say, how remembrance pi&ur'd to thy view, 
 
 Those ties of love no distance can efface : 
 liow to thy agonizing fancy drew, 
 
 Thy widow'd partner, and thy helpless race. 
 
 No, shift the thought and rather say, what rays 
 
 Of hope shot round thee by a hand Divine ; 
 Bade thee thy spirits 'mids- the struggl? raise, 
 
 And whisper'd, preservation miglu be thine. 
 And thine it was ; beaming from thee to all, 
 
 The same bright hope their drooping strength susta 
 The sufferings that oppress'd could not appal, 
 
 And Timor's long-sought coast at last wa. gam d. 
 
 With what sensation did each heart then melt, 
 The past, as well as present, scetn'd a dream ; 
 
 Thy mercies, Providence, so strongly felt, 
 
 As must to Life's last moment be their ihcrac J
 
 496 
 
 No stranger then to toil, for at his side, 
 Whose thirst for glory prob'd the southern 
 
 Thy youth adventur'd, each distress defy'd, 
 f roud on his banner thy own name t' enrol. 
 
 O gallant sailor, urge thy bold career ; 
 
 If the prophetic Muse aright foresee, 
 Thro' seas untry'd, thou still thy course may steer, 
 
 And what Cook was, hereafter, Bligh may be. 
 Where cannot Britain's dauntless sails extend ? 
 
 Go, search out tradls, and nations yet unknown, 
 'Midst her proud triumphs some fresh laurels blend, 
 
 And with thy country's fame augment thine own. 
 
 ELEGY 
 On the Death of fame Sailors, ship-wrecked on the Coast of Cornwall. 
 
 HERE lie in peace, life's changeful voyage o'er, 
 The tired wanderers of the faithless main j 
 They find a shelter on that peaceful shore, 
 Where rest the weary from their toil, and pain. 
 
 With courage fir'd, at honour's great commmand, 
 They left the bowers of indolence and ease, 
 
 Forsook the pleasures of their native land, 
 And plough 'd, with dauntless heart, the foaming, seas, 
 
 Britannia's thunder, dreadful to the foe, 
 
 Unwearied o'er the pathless deep they bore ; 
 
 Full oft they aim'd the well-directed blow, 
 Full oft they bid the murd'ring cannon roar. 
 
 Amid the scenes of danger, and of death, 
 Where hostile squadrons meet in dread array, 
 
 Dauntless they stood, prepar'd to yield their breathy 
 Or follow still, where danger led the way. 
 
 The fierce extremes of every clime they bore, 
 
 The burning rage of equinoctial skies, 
 Of where the polar billows ceaseless roar, 
 
 Where horrid mountain* piled of ice arise. 
 
 When rising tempests vex'd the briny tide, 
 And shook old Ocean with tremendous sound, 
 
 WeH were they skill'd the shatter'd bark to guidr. 
 Where hidden dangers coropaw'd them around.
 
 NAVAL POET*Y. 
 
 Far from the comforts of their native soil, 
 
 Amid the scenes of elemental strife, 
 Still pain and penury, and ceaseless toil, 
 
 Mark'd the unvaried tenor of their life. 
 
 But now the fury of the savage blast, 
 
 No more shall rouse them from their bed of clay ; 
 Their weary wand'rings, and their toils are past, 
 
 And all the storms of life are blown away. J. 
 
 WRITTEN 
 
 On reading the interesting Anecdotes in the Life of Earl St. Vwcaf *. 
 
 tho* the Grove of Fame its laurels gave, 
 To grace victorious Nelson's favour'd brow, 
 Tho' with exulting wing she sweeps the wave, 
 Where Nile's triumphant streams serenely flow. 
 
 Yet, them Majestic Ocean, thou shah hear 
 Her echoing voice thy great St. Vincent hail, 
 
 Alike to valour and to virtue dear, 
 
 The chosen subjeci of her proudest tale. 
 
 Bright dawn'd his sun in that eventful hour, 
 
 When valour sparkled in his youthful eye ; 
 He fought, regardless of superior pow'r, 
 
 As if to gain the conqu'ror's wreath, or die. 
 
 The strength of manhood scarce had nervM his frame, 
 When honour's freshest laurel bound his brow, 
 
 And, hov'ring round it, mercy's softest flame 
 Bad its pure buds uiistaia'd, and vig'rous blow. 
 
 But when he sought the sweet abodes of peace. 
 The social virtues made his breast their throne, 
 
 He bad his ardent love of glory cease, 
 And all the soft domestic graces shone. 
 
 When honour cafl'd him from his calm retreat, 
 
 He sprung from all but her divine coiitroul, 
 Laid Spain's proud laurels at his country's fcrt. 
 
 And show'd th' heroic texture of his soul. 
 
 flit Naval Chronicle, vol. IT. page I-
 
 HAVAL POETRY. 
 
 Not only great in battle's fearful scene, 
 
 Whose dangers stalk in various terrors drest J 
 Strong judgment, temper'd zeal, and courage reign 
 
 With watchful patience, in St.' Vincent's brtast. 
 
 Fearless he views the elemental war 
 
 That heaves the vessel on the lofty wave ; 
 His soul, illum'd by Faith's benignant star, 
 
 Dreads not the horrors of the wat'ry grave. 
 
 No earthly ill that noble mind can fear, , 
 
 Which truth and tenderness alike inform^, 
 Which gives to war's sad viftima many a tear, 
 
 Arid the cold heart with lib'ral bounty warms. 
 
 O happy few who feel his gen'rous sway, 
 
 And share with him the smiles of well-earn'd fame J 
 
 Heroic TYowbridge, well thy heart can pay 
 The friendly praise that consecrates his name. 
 
 His the proud claim to love and just renown, 
 Whose bosom gives the mildest virtues birth ; 
 
 St. Vincent's name the purest honours crown, 
 Who to the Hero joins the Christian's worth. 
 > Nv*. 3, 1 800. HARRIET WALKER. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 If you do not consider the inclosed unworthy of notice, yu will greatl/ 
 oblige me by inserting it in the Naval Chronicle. Your's, &c. 
 
 X>tb Nwcmbtr, 1800. NEPTUNE. 
 
 EPIGRAM. 
 
 IT blew an hard storm, and in utmost confusiort, 
 
 The sailors all harried to get absolution ; 
 
 Which done, and the weight of their sins they'dccmfessM 
 
 Were transferr'd, as they thought, from themselves to the priest^ 
 
 To lighten the ship, and conclude their devotion, 
 
 They toss'd the poor parson souse into the ocean. 
 
 >x->^^ 
 
 EPITAPH ON AN HONEST SAILOR*. 
 Whether sailor or not, for a moment avast, 
 Poor Tom's mizen-top-sail is laid to the mast j 
 He'll never turn out, or more heave the lead ; 
 He's now all-a-back, nor will sails shoot ahead ; 
 He ever was brisk, and tho' now gone to wreck, 
 When he hears the last whistle he'U jump upon deck.
 
 ( 499 ) 
 
 NORTHERN CONFEDERACY. 
 
 JPHE discus&ion concerning the privileges of NEUTRAL FLACS*, 
 which was settled or suspended at Copenhagen, is now suddenly 
 revived by the Emperor Paul of Russia, aud eagerly seized upon as 
 a pretext for breaking with Great ihitain, and fur shaking off all 
 alliances that might impede or discountenance his ambitious view*. 
 Varieus are the reasons assigned for this conduct on the part of 
 Russia ; but the abrupt and violent manner which he has adopted, are 
 sufficient to rouse our vengeance without entering into the causes that 
 may have provoked it. Tin's magnanimous ruler, if so he may be 
 called, has, with a cruelty unheard of, not only laid an embargo on all 
 British ships in his ports, to the amount of nearly 300 sail f ; and all 
 
 * The reader is referred to page 157 of the present volume, for the origin 
 of this Confederacy, which at the time was artfully adjusted by the Court of 
 Denmark, until a proper opportunity occurred for this tyrannical aud impotent 
 Monarch to throw off the mask. In the following page (158), i* a correct 
 statement of the force of the Northern Powers by sea, at the commencement of 
 the year 799 ; which force has not been improved by more than ten tail of the 
 line, and about the same number of frigates since. This statement it accom- 
 panied with general observations on the conduct and me;ns of these powers, 
 as to any impression they can make on the Naval force of this country. In 
 Jiage 302 to 307, are State Papers r< helve to the dispute between England 
 and these Courts, by which the reader will be convinced that thit Confederation 
 has for some time been acquiring a systematic consistency. 1'aje 308 contains 
 an Essay, pointing out the antiquity, the exercise, and the recognition of the 
 f Rights f the British flag," by the CommerciM .^tate. of Europe. Right* 
 which it is the bounden duty of Britons to maintain inviolate 
 
 ( On the jth of November the embargo wa laid on at Cronitidf , coodttiaf 
 of the following British ships : 
 
 Hcfuo-e, Bowser Britannia, Allison Centurion, Brambles 
 
 Fcrina, Aukin Manchester, Brown Lolphin, Artley 
 
 Prince-* of Wales, Her- Concord, Nicholion Herald, Wayte 
 
 ; wood Shakespeare, Evison John aad .Sarah, Bell 
 
 Kingston, Appkton Ploughman, Thompson Betsey, Bnc-y 
 
 l-'bxton, Stcphensan Admir.il Nelson, Fullam Ammtor, Evans 
 
 Echo, Anlaby Triton, Garner Ann.Kiiton 
 
 jane, Lun Race Horse, Read Providence, CUrk 
 
 Minerva, Brats Perseverance, l'carin V mum, I ully 
 
 John and Richard, Grinby Port of Sundorland, Hann Harpooner, Knecthaw 
 Dwina, -^haru ' P : ^'Hy Vertumuut, Lee 
 
 Betsey Wood Ariel, .\uktll Tagus Stractun 
 
 JMaria, Stork Jane, GrinJlay Amaithaa Steward. 
 
 Williamson, Wranghom Pilgrim, Bcvcndge 
 Northumberland, Robson Oomnurcf, Howe *ry, Byle 
 
 Mary ! ranees, Bunney Mary, Huul.in^on Requt, f., :rb f 
 
 Baltic Merchant, Atkin- Aquilon, Cuthbmson Lord Carrujgton, B. 
 ^ ou 'I hair, rcaron
 
 500 
 
 NORTHERN CONFEDlRACr. 
 
 British property on shore put under sequestration, but the captain* 
 smd crews have been distributed into the interior of the country, where, 
 unprovided with proper clothing for so rigid a climate, they are now 
 exposed to the most pinching hardships of every kind *. Such is the 
 
 Commerce, Hopper 
 txpcdition, Rcnnaison 
 Benson, Hildreth 
 Edward, Fowler 
 Hope, Winteringham 
 Walker. Hardy 
 Ancona, Street 
 Oeconomy, Grove* 
 Haddock, Harrison 
 Desire, Dickinson 
 Claude Scott, Finlay 
 Jane, Helsoti 
 Carolinc,Virttridore 
 gambler, Appletnn 
 Albion, Fothergill 
 Urania, Thompson 
 Tiber, Trotter 
 
 Minerva, Watson 
 Supply, Beaveridgc 
 Progress, Lacy 
 Zephyr, Brown 
 Commerce, Loft 
 Jane, Spittall 
 Fortitude, Duncanton 
 Fupply, Billard 
 Progress, Bathe 
 Minerva, Anderson 
 Nanny, Kilpatri<,k 
 Laurel, Headley 
 Iselly, Pixby 
 Isabella, Broderick 
 Catherine, Russell 
 Campion, Gibgpn 
 Perseverance, Garbutt 
 
 The 2<)tb 0}. arrived from Riga ivitb ballast, 
 Lively, Oliphant Chance, Lambert 
 
 Thomas and Mary, Pindar 
 Bush & Drcghorn, Earbcr 
 John and iViary, Hanson 
 friendship, Coats 
 .Ann, Duvyer 
 IV.inerva, Bodie 
 Betsey, Put 
 Robert and Elizabeth, 
 
 Davis 
 
 Haddock, Dunning 
 Charlotte Ann, Vv orts 
 Jtfary Ann, Taylor 
 Aid, Broivn 
 Prosperity, Mallet 
 Union, Harrow 
 Britannia, Dale 
 
 In addition to the above, n'nety-one ye?sel* are detained at Riga, but vrtt 
 fcave not hitherto been able to procure their names. 
 
 f TO THE EDITOR. 
 i, 
 
 Various reports having been circulated rcspe&ing the unfortunate BritisI) 
 jnhjcfisnow in Russia, I send you the following authentic information, which I 
 request you will insert in your Chronicle. 
 
 The persons of the Briti-h merchants have hitherto remained unmolested ; 
 and what ready money they had in their possession has not been seized; but 
 their warehouses are sealed, apd all their property is under sequester. All the 
 British ships and their cargoes are seized by ^he Russian Government. The 
 captains ^nd crews are marched into the interior of the country in companies 
 cf one captain and ten or twelve seamen. They are distributed in above a 
 hundred different towns, from one hundred \o two thousand miles distance from 
 the capital. The Russian Government allows for their subsistence daily five 
 copeaks in money (about three halfpence) a small measure of rye flour, and one 
 of buck wheat. 
 
 My brother and some other British merchants, at St. Petersburgb, advanced 
 about 40,000 rubles (a rouble is as. 6d.) for their better accommodation, from 
 which he furnished every captain with two hundred roubles for the use of him- 
 self and ten men, and bought for every man a sheep's-skin coat, a fur-cap, a 
 *ah,a pair of gloves, seme warm shoes, and two pair of stockings. Kibitkas, 
 or common carts of the country, are bought for most of the captains, and some 
 old men ; the rest walk, and the peasants furnish horses for the baggage. On 
 the 2 ist of November, fifty captains, and joe sailors, were thus dispatched from. 
 St. Pctersburgh, and the remainder were daily setting off on their melancholy 
 journey. 
 
 STEPHEN SHAIRP, 
 
 No. 73, Gwtr-strt.-t, Xev. 17, i8oo. Consul-General in Rustif.
 
 NORTHERN CONFEDERACY. 
 
 5*1 
 
 Jghfefid conduft of this tyrant for all the civilities he ha, received 
 from th,s country. His ostensible object is the renewal of the A 
 Neatly, and from the activity of naval preparations!** 
 
 a' d R '" P rti 1 . 0f thC Northeni Poww * ** 
 
 f 80 r ia n T r V an c no doubt bllt ft willbc 8erio 
 
 so, ,t will afford more opportunities for our gallant and oo. 
 
 :o gather fresh laurel,, and to chastise such 'dastardly and in*' 
 distmbers of our repose. 
 
 On November the 7 th, the Court Gazette of Petersburg!, con. 
 tamed the following order : 
 
 IN consequence of accounts received from the Chamberlain 
 Itahnsko., at Palermo, respecting the capture of Malta, his Imperial 
 Majesty has been pleased to order that the following note, ligncd by 
 the First Presiding Mister at the department for Foreign Affair., 
 Count Rostoptschin, and the Vice-chancellor, Count Pai.in, be 
 delivered to the diplomatic corps at the Court of his Majesty : 
 
 PROCLAMATION** 
 
 His Majesty the Emperor of all the Russia* has received circum. 
 stantial accounts respecting the surrender of Malta, by which it 
 aaually confirmed, that the English Generals, notwithstanding the 
 repeated remonstrants on the part of his Majesty's Minisfer at 
 Merino, as well as from the Ministry of his Sicilian Majesty, hai 
 possession of Valetta, and of the Island of Malta, in the name of th- 
 King of Great Britain, and have hoisted his flagon' . neri-'l 
 
 Majesty's just indignation having been raised by this violation ot good 
 confidence, he has resolved not to take off the embargo that has been 
 laid on all English vessels in the Russian ports, until the ngree,; 
 the convention concluded in 17^8, shall be completely carried into 
 execution." 
 
 By letters from Petersburgh of the T4th it is stated : " that the 
 treaty of a Confederacy and Armed Neutrality between the Emperor 
 of Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and Prussia, had been signed a few 
 days before, and was said to contain such stipulations as were dircclly 
 inimical to the naval prosperity of England." 
 
 " From the preparations making in all the maritime departments 
 of Russia, notwithstanding the advanced state of the season, it appears 
 evident, that the Cabinet of St. Petersburgh intends to wage war as 
 soon as its seas shall be again open. 
 
 " At Cronstadt, Riga, Revel, and Petersburgh, the artificers 2nd 
 workmen were constantly employed iu the arsenals and dock- yards, 
 and an equal activity prevailed in the military department." 
 
 Whatever other designs this Confederation may be intended to 
 promote we cannot yet discover, but when we reflect on the spirit of 
 cruelty and injustice that has a&uated the late conduft of the Emperor 
 Paul, against the British subjcfts who arc now unfortunately cxpcicd 
 
 l. IV. 3 T
 
 02" ADMIRALTY SESSIONS'* 
 
 to the wild caprices of his tyrannic disposition, his spleen and indigna- 
 tion against this country appear as unequivocally manifested as we 
 trust they will prove impotent and ill-advised. The most perfect 
 concert seems indeed to subsist between him and the other potentates 
 of the north, and so guarded is the secrecy in which they endeavour 
 to enwrap their designs, that mutual .arid personal interviews are 
 resorted to for their safer disclosure. At such preposterous and 
 provoking conduct our utmost indignation is naturally excited, and 
 we as naturally feel surprised at the moderation and patience with 
 which Government seem to view the barbarous treatment our ftllow- 
 subjefts have been doomed to on the frozen confines of Siberia ; but 
 on calmer reflection, we must recollect that wisdom first prescribe* 
 moderation, and that if wise forbearance should not avail, that ven- 
 geance which unmerited insults and unprovoked cruelties so loudly 
 call for, will not be the less certain and exemplary for having been 
 delayed that is, the vengeance of our Navy} the right arm of Old 
 England ; in whom our chief strength and hopes securely lay. This 
 may incline us to prosecute the contest merely as a naval war, and 
 then at least, we shall have the consolation of foreseeing that the 
 successes and victories we may justly hope for, will be intrinsically our 
 own, and redound solely to our own profit as well as to our security. 
 
 OLD BAILEY, DEC. IO. 
 
 WILLIAM Scarle, Thomas Potter, and Thomas Ventin, were 
 indicted for the wilful murder of Humphrey Lynn, upon the 
 hi^h seas. 
 
 It appeared, that on the night of the z6th of December, i 798, a 
 Custom-house officer went in a boat to look after smugglers, near 
 Cawsand Bay, on the coast of Cornwall ; that he saw a sloop lying at 
 anchor, the people of which hailed him, and asked whose boat it was ? 
 when he answered that it was a King's boat. They said they would 
 fire upon him if he came near them ; he was twenty yards off at this 
 time ; his men rowed up towards the vessel, while he held the Re- 
 venue colours in his hands. They fired at him from the vessel with 
 muskets, and one out of the four men who rowed the boat was killed, 
 a great part of his skull being shot off. The vessel in the mean time 
 slipped her cable, and got off before the wind. The officer then took 
 up the buoy of her anchor and marked it ; so that he could swear to 
 it when now produced in Court. 
 
 The only witness who could bring the charge home to the prisoners* 
 was a man named Roger Toms, who swore that he had been ai
 
 ADMIRALTY SESSIONS. y O | 
 
 mariner on board the vessel (which was called the Lottery) on the 
 night in question. The three prisoners, together with four or five 
 others, were also on board of her. She had just returned from 
 Guernsey, with a cargo of smuggled spirits, and was at the time in 
 question lying at anchor, and delivering out some of the tubs to boau 
 alongside. She was commanded by a man named Richard Oliver. 
 At the time when the Custom house boat came up, the witness was 
 down in the cabin, and the prisoner Ventiu was along with him ; the 
 other two prisoners were on deck. The witness heard several 
 musket-shots fired from on board the Lottery, and some fired from 
 the King's boat. When the Lottery made her escape, he went on 
 deck, and heard Searle say, he was glad they had kept off the boat ; 
 that he had fired, but he meant to do no harm, and he hoped he had 
 done none. But at the same time Porter said, he had fired, that he 
 took a good level, and that after he fired, he looked and saw a 
 man drop in the boat. The Lottery arrived the next morning at 
 Pole Ferro, where she delivered her cargo ; she afterwards made a 
 voyage to Guernsey. In the month of May following, she was taken 
 by Captain Bray, who commanded a Custom-house cutter. The 
 witness on his cross-examination sa>d, that Captain Bray, on taking 
 the Lottery, had put him and the rest of the crew in irons ; and then, 
 for the first time, he gave this account to save his own life. He 
 swore to the buoy of the anchor being the same which belonged to 
 the Lottery. 
 
 On behalf of the prisoners, Mr. Gurney called four or fire wit- 
 nesses to speak to the character of Roger Toms, in order to show 
 that he was a person not to be believed on his oath. They all swore 
 that he was a thief, a liar, and a man of infamous chara&cr. AH 
 these witnesses were closely cross-examined by the counsel for the 
 crown ; and the objeft of the ctoss examination was to show that 
 they, as well as every person residing near the coast, were smugglers, 
 and consequently interested in protecting the prisoners. 
 
 Mr. Justice Rooke summed up the evidence, and told the jury that 
 every person on board at the time those shots were irrd, by which 
 the man was killed, were equally guilty with the person who fired the 
 shot that caused the death of the deceased. The question was, 
 whether the prisoners were on board at this time ; and tliai 
 depend on the evidence of Roger Toms. 
 
 The Jury acquitted Searle and Ventin, and found Potter guilty. 
 Sentence of death was then passed upon Potter, and on the i8t 
 was taken from Newgate to Execution Dock, and there 
 he conduaed himself with gicai penitence, and was 
 Romaa Catholic pricsu
 
 ilettirg. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, NOV. 8. 
 
 Copy ef a Letter from Captain Wight, of hh Majesty's Sloop Wotlvtrint, tf vam 
 Nepean, Etq. dated at St. Helen' t } the qth instant. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 T HAVE to acquaint you, for the information of their Lordships, that on Sun- 
 day morning, Cape Barfleur Light-house W. N. W. about four miles, I di- 
 corered a French cutter bearing under the land ; from my situation to wind- 
 ward, I was happy to have it in my power to prevent her getting round the 
 Cape ; I got so close up with her, that she ran on shore inside of a reef of rock* 
 Under the village of Gouberville, and under a battery, while my shot was going 
 over her. She appeared to strike very hard on the shore, as the.j was a great 
 sea running, and a fresh gale of wind coming on in the evening, she must in- 
 evitably be rendered useless. 1 am, &c. 
 
 JOHN WIGHT. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFflCE, NOV. 15. 
 
 defy of a Letter from Vice- Admiral Lord Keith, K. B. Commander in Chief of hit 
 Majesty t Ships and Vesieh in the Mediterranean, to Evan Nepean, Esq. 
 
 SIR, Foudroyant, at Gibraltar, Ogl. 29. 
 
 I have just received a letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, from Captain 
 Morris, acquainting me with the capture of a Spanish vessel of war by the 
 boats of the Phaeton, under circumstances very highly creditable to Lieutenant 
 Beaufort, and the officers and people who were employed on the occasion. I 
 regret with him the loss and injury which has been sustained in the attack, but 
 I anticipate with equu! satisfaction the approbation with which I am sure their 
 Lordships will regard the gallantry that has been evinced in the execution of 
 the enterprise. I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 KEITH. 
 
 MY LORD, Phaeton, off Malaga^ Z%th Off. i8oo. 
 
 I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship, that on the 2jth instant, hi* 
 Majesty's ship under my command chased a ship polacre, which showed Spanish 
 colours, ensign and pendant, to an anchor under the fortress of Fangerollo, 
 vvhoie a French privateer brig also took refuge. As the wind was on shore, 
 and they were close into the surf, and dircdly under a battery of five heavy 
 guns, there was no prospect of bringing them off then ; the following night 
 the brig escaped to the westward, and the ship made two attempts for Ala- 
 laga, but was driven back ; last night the land breeze appearing favourable, I 
 sent the boats under the command of Lieutenant Francis Beaufort, who, at 
 five o'clock this morning, in opposition to a very obstinate resistance on first 
 boarding at the hatchways with musketry, and from rising the quarter deck, 
 with sabres, got possession, and brought her out; she proves his Most Catho- 
 lic Majesty's armed ship the San Josef, alias L'Aglies, mounting two twenty- 
 four pounder-, iron ordnance in the bow. two brass eighteens for stern chase, 
 four bras* twelves, and six four-pounders, and most completely found in small 
 arms of ail kinds, commanded by an auxiliary Officer of the Navy, and manned 
 by forty-nine seamen (of which fifteen were absent in her boat) and twenty-two 
 soldiers as marines, employed as a packet, and carrying provisions between 
 Malaga and Melila. From the force of the ship, her state of preparation, and 
 situation with respcift to the foit, also the unfortunate circumstance of the 
 launch (fr^m whote carronade much was expected in the plan for the attack), 
 having not been able to keep up with th>. other boats, and being distant when 
 they wtie discovered and fired on by a rrench privateer schooner that had come 
 ill unseen by us in the night, and was placed to flank the ship, and gave the 
 alarm, on which the barge and two cutters immediately pulled to the ship and
 
 GAZETTE LETTtRJ. jrjj 
 
 Voirded ; I am convinced more determined bravery could not hare been di- 
 playd than has been shown by Lieutenant* Beaufort a-id Hui^li, Lieutenant 
 Duncan Campbell of the Marii: lamilton and Stanton. Midshipmen, 
 
 and Mr. Deagon the gunner, und the boat's crew employed upon the service ; 
 and it is with extreme concern 1 add, that one seaman was killed on coming 
 alongside, and that their vrry gallant leader (in whom I have ever found - 
 most capable and zealous assistant) was firt wounded in the head, and after- 
 wards received severa. slugs through hi* left arm and ',>ody ; Lieutenant Campbell 
 received several slight sabre WD-M-U; Mr. Augustus Harrington Hamilton WM 
 shot, while in the boat, through the thigh, notwithstanding which he bozrded, 
 and his conduct is highly spoken of: and John Wells, a seaman, aUo ihot 
 through the thi^h. The loss of the enemy appears to have been thirteen 
 wounded, six badly, and some ar supposed to have been wounded and driven 
 overboard. 
 
 I give your Lordship the detail of this service, feeling i^incnmbent on me to 
 do so, to do justice to the parties employed upon it. humbly hoping that Mr. 
 Beaufort's conduct and wounds will entitle him to the protection given in th 
 present war to officers of distinguished merit ; and I regret exceedingly that 
 IVir. Hamilton wants fome considerable purt of his servitude, as he U of an ag* 
 and in all other respects well qualified fora l.icuten' 
 
 Towards day-light, the signal being made to m: rhat our people were in full 
 possession of the prize, I chased a vessel that had passed ut an hour before, 
 and brought her to, under a battery, in t'ape Molcno. She prove* a lijjht 
 polacre, from Ceuta bound for .Viaiagi. Afterward*, running down to pick 
 up our boats and people, we were carried so far to Iccwr.rd, that the French 
 schooner (which we had not en from the ship] pawed to wiudward aloof 
 shore to Malaga, quite oat f our reach. 
 
 I have the honour, &c. 
 rice-Adm. Lord Kiitb, K. B. &e. JAMES N. MORRIS. 
 
 Copy of an Enclosure front tie Earl of St. Vincent ', * Evan Ntftox, Xtf. 
 MY LORn, His Majesty's Ship CbiUeri, at Sea, OJ? 14, iSoo. 
 
 Yesterday at noon his Majesty's sloop under my command captured a 
 Spanish lugger privateer named L/iligentc, mounting two four-pounders, foot 
 swivels, and having on board thirty nun ; had been out two days from Vijo, 
 and had made no prize. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 ,r! of St. rinceat, K. JB. &. J. C. CR AWI ORD. 
 
 ADMIRALTY OFFICE, NOV. IJ. 
 
 Letter from Mr. TbomaJ AM, Commander of the Htnote fr'tvait Stlf / Wtr,t 
 Evan Nepceut, EJJ. dated fijii, in Portugal, tit lldff OUober, l too. 
 
 You will be pleased to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admirslty, 
 I yesterday afternoon fell in with and captured the Spanish L-. 
 called the Atalante, of Pontc VetJra, Captain Don Barnardo I ope*, of 
 and fifty-six men, having come out of the port of Aresa the day before, and wra 
 just on the point of capturing a British vessel when 1 fe-1 in wuh 
 running from me she threw six of her guns overboard ; the four 
 loaidwere long sixes and nine*. I brought her ia here, and deltvere. 
 fifty-six men to his Britannic .\ aj'.--iy'> Consul. 
 
 1 have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 THOMAS AI.1 1. 
 
 JinMIRALTT OFFICF., MOV. 59. 
 
 C/ ./ ' Letter fro* Caft.in freJnict Wttk,*,, C.nm**Ur of bit Mjjaty'i SL'f 
 XcieiJc, to EVJ* Nffean, Liq. 
 
 j,
 
 506 GA7ETTE LETTERS. 
 
 I beg leave to transmit duplicates of all my letters to the P Jght Hon. Lord 
 Hngh Seymour, and the Articles of Capitu.'atioa agreed between his Excellency 
 Johan Rudolph Lauffer and myself; as also inventories of warlike-stores, ship- 
 ping, &c. I hope their Lordships will sanction my conduct in taking possession 
 of thi^ centrical and valuable island in his Majesty's name. 
 
 Lieutenant Paul I cannot recommend in too strong a language to their I ord- 
 ships, for his zealous exertions during the whole of the siege ; and for any 
 further information he is perfectly able to describe every thing their Lordship* 
 may be desirous of knowing respecting Curacoa. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 
 FRED. \V ATKINS. 
 
 MY LORD, NcreiJc, *jf Amiicrdam, Idand of Curacoa, 1 lib Sept. 
 
 I wish not to lose a moment in sending a fast sailing vessel to inform yonr 
 I,ordship, that the Island of Curacoa has claimed the protection of his Britannic 
 Majesty. I have in consequence felt it my duty to take possession of it in his 
 name. 
 
 I am now running for the harbour, as it is absolutely nedessary to lose no 
 time to save the island from the enemy, who threaten to storm the principal 
 fort to-night ; but I trust the N'ereide's assistance will be the means of frustrating 
 the enemy's views, and saving a most valuable colony L r his Majesty. 
 
 I compute the force of the French to be about 150 now in possession of the 
 west part of the island ; but no strong post of any consequence to prevent my 
 holding the forts commanding Amsterdam, until I am konoured with an answer 
 from your Lordship. 
 
 There is great property afloat belonging to the Spaniards. 
 
 Lieutenant Paul will have the honour of delivering this dispatch to your 
 Lordship, of whose exertions and zeal for the iervkc J cannot speak in too 
 jtrong terms. I havt the honour to be, Ac. 
 
 (Signed) F. WATKINS. 
 
 fbe Right Hon. Lord Hugb Seymour, tsV. 
 
 MY LORD, NereiJe, off Amsterdam t Sept. 14. 
 
 Since sending my last dispatch of the nth instant, Governor Johan Rudolph 
 Itauffer has finally surrendered the Island of Curacoa and its dependencies to 
 his Majesty's arms. Enclosed I have the honour of transmitting to your 
 Lordship a copy of the terms of capitulation. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 RigltHon. Lord Hugh Seymour, &e. FRED. WATKINS. 
 
 [Here follow the Articles of Capitulation, by which it is agreed that Curacoa, 
 and its dependencies, shall be placed under the protection of, and submit to the 
 government of his Britannic Majesty. That the inhabitants shall be secured 
 in their persons, property, and religion, " except such as shall appear to belong 
 to the subjects of the Powers now actually at war with Great i ritain ; such 
 property only excepted as was on board the vessels in the harbour on the loth 
 inst." All vessels of war, artillery, &c. to be delivered for the use of the King. 
 All debts due by the Government of the Island to be paid out of the revenue. 
 No regulations to be made in the laws, except by mutual consent, so long as the 
 I-land, &c. shall remain under the protection of his Majesty ; its inhabitants 
 shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as his subjects in the West Indies. 
 The laws heietofore observed respecting property shall remain in full force. 
 Private. As it is impossible for the inhabitants of the said island and its de- 
 pendencies to subsist without a free intercourse wish the Spanish main, the 
 ports of Curacoa and its'- dependencies shall be open to all Spanish vessels- 
 Answer. Agreed to be allowed the same free trade as the Island of Jamaica.] 
 
 MY LORD, His Majesty's Sbip Ntreide, Curacoa Harbour, &>/>/. 13. 
 
 I have now the satisfaction to inform your Lordship that the English colours 
 are flying in this island, and that 1 have entered this harbour, in consequence 
 of the total evacuation of the French forces last night. I am now arranging 
 affair* in such a manner as to tranquilize the minds of the inhabitants, and 
 restore perfect peace, in the name of his Majesty, in thii valuable island. I
 
 OAI8TTE LETTERS, r O j 
 
 have been received with great faith : and will do my utmost in establishing the 
 secur.ty of the principal fortress till I receive your Lordship's answer for rev 
 further condud. Enclosed I have the honour of trantmitt.ng lo you an in- 
 ventory of warl.ke stores, ammunition, &c. in the garrison, except thoc Utelf 
 in possession of the enemy, which I have not yet received the regular returns ot 
 but have given the necessary orders. It was my intention to kave sent any 
 further dispatch to your Lordship by the remaining Lieutenant, Mr. lime. 
 Hodgson; but, as I do not exactly conceive myself in a pcrfcd state of safety. 
 without having perfed possession of the principal fortress which commands die 
 town, I have appointed him, with a party of my own men, to that command : 
 his zeal, brnycry, and universal steady conduA in any service he is ordered on, 
 makes my mind perfectly cay in doing so ; he has been of the utmott service 
 in a new erected battery in annoying the enemy, and indeed may be considered 
 the principal cause of their retreat. Lieutenant Fitton, commanding the Active 
 tender, I have much pleasure in recommending to yor Lordship's notice, 
 from his activity and spirited conduct since he kas joined me. From him, 
 ny Lord, you will receive material information as to all situations cf the 
 island and its valuable harbour. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c. 
 Jon. Lrd Hvgb Seymour, &c. (Signed) F. W ATKINS. 
 
 The vessels of various si/es found in the harbour of Curacoa consisted of 
 eight belonging to Holland, eight to Denmark, seven to America, eleven to 
 France, seven to Spain, and three English prizes which had been sold at that 
 port. 
 
 The stores comprise two I4lb. and two i81b. brass guns, with four defcdive. 
 Iron guns, five 24lb. ninety-eight i81b. forty-six ixlb. forty-four Ulb. twenty- 
 four 61b. two 4lb. twenty-one 3lb. and two alb. besides thirty-eight of different 
 calibre defective. On the batteries, not including Forts Fiscadera, St. Michael, or 
 False Bay, five 24lb. sixty-three iSlb. (many of them ships' n), twenty- 
 eight nib. twenty-six 81b. and twenty-seven of lesser bore. There are alto a 
 great quantity of ammunition and ordnance stores. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, DEC. 1. 
 
 ExtraSl of a Litter from tie Earl of St. PJHcent, K. B. Admiral tf tin Wlitt, \ft . 
 
 to Evan Nefcan, Esq. dated in Tartay, lit 27/4 nit. 
 SIR, 
 
 I enclose, for the information of the Lords Commissioner! of the Admiralty, 
 a letter which I have received from Captain Sir Richard Strachan, giving an 
 account of the boats of his Majesty's ships and vessels employed under his 
 erders having destroyed a French corvette and two merchant vessels. 
 
 MY LORD, Caftaim, at &d, 2f*f. l8- 
 
 Your Lordship will perceive, ir the narrative of my proceedings, that a con- 
 voy of the enemy had got through the Teigouse passage yesterday, 
 was endeavouring to intercept them from the Morbihan, or passage alon 
 coast. I had the mortification in the morning to perceive that the grc ter part 
 got into the Morbihan ; and lhat the others at the entrance wen 
 ihe tide, protected by the batteries on each side, and a ship corvette of r 
 guns, the Commodore of the convoy. By the skilful managcmen 
 cutter the first vessel up, under the command cf 1 I.UUT.. 
 vettewas kept from the n.uih shore; and soon after, upon the Mag 
 Betting near her, she ran into Port Navale, where she took the gi 
 Ser people began to quit her, and her colours were struck; the I 
 Ma&ienne, tnder Lieutenants Skottowc and Rodney, attempted t 
 but the corvette fired upon th.m, having re hoi :cd her colours, and i 
 sail, ran farther into the port : the Ma R icic-iine recall* 
 Rodney gallantly took a merchant vessel from under one ol 
 
 W As re sot ni as g i could get the boat, out, I sent them all to be under the .rfcr. 
 of CapS Og Ivy, wkh direflions for them to be sent under the orders of the 
 Knio officerof Ais ship, Lieut. Hennah.to deroy the corvette h * v ' n K. und < 
 bU orde s L cut. Clvdc of this ship, and Lieut. Claik, f the Marborough, aad
 
 ft>8 GAZETTK LETTERS. 
 
 the boats were manned by the Captain and -larlborough's men. The enter- 
 prise was conduced with great ability by ieut Hennah, who, notwithstanding 
 a heavy fire from the shore on ail side, bravely boarded the corvette, and 
 having set fire to her. she so. n af :r tvj'v up. He speaks in high terms of 
 commendation of those under his oruers ; ynd I admire the spirit that pervaded 
 all v the officers and men employee upon tho occasion. No prisoners were, 
 taken ; and the condacl of Captain (h ilvy in th~ guidance and management of 
 the Magicienne, by drawing the fire of the hattcrie, from the boats, contributed 
 to the service being effeflcd with very little loss. I am, &c. 
 
 The Earl of Si. VUeni, K. X. &c. R, J.STRACHAN. 
 
 A Lit of Men killed and ivounded in taking the Result named Leloio. 
 One killed belonging to the uw irrcnv. 
 Seven wounded belonging to the Captain. 
 
 List of Pcsself. 
 
 A ship corvette ; destroyed by the boats of the squadron. 
 A merchant ship ; taken by the Magicienne's boat under Lieut. Rodney, 
 mnd afterwards burnt. 
 
 A merchant vessel ; taken by the Nile cutter, and afterward* burnt. 
 
 ADMIRALTY-OFFICE, BEC. 6. 
 
 Copy of a Letter from Lieuttnan t Bond, com/a ind'uig bh Majesty 'j Scbtoncr tit 
 Netley,to Evan Nepean, Esq. dated at Lisbon, Nov. II, 1800. 
 
 SIR, 
 
 I have the honour to forward, for the inspection of the Lords Commissioners 
 of the Admiralty, copies of two letters which I have written to Captain Halsted, 
 of his Majesty's ship Phoenix ; and have the honour to be, Sir, &c. 
 
 F. G. BOND. 
 
 SIR, Kellcy, in tie Tagus, AW. 9. 
 
 After receiving your orders to put myself under your command, I sailed 
 hence on the 5th of September with a convoy for Oporto, at which place they 
 arrived safe on the nth following. 
 
 1 have the pleasure to acquaint ydu, that in his IV^ajesty's schooner we cap- 
 tured, on the 28th of the same month, the Spanish privateer Nostra Senora del 
 Carmen La Confianza, of two guns and twenty-six men ; and that on the 1 6th 
 ult. we retook the brig Mary from Dublin, and the Lial Iiivi&a Yianna, a 
 Portuguese Government lugger of seven guns, both which had been captured 
 the preceding day by a French privateer of fourteen guns, the latter after an 
 action of half an hour. 
 
 As the Mary had on the i4th been cut from her anchorage under the fort of 
 St. John's by a Spanish row-boat, the Governor of Vianna thought it necessary 
 to intercept her, and accordingly sent the lugger on that service, when both 
 fell into the hands of the French : the crew of the Netley have in consequence 
 given up, free of salvage, the Lial Invicta Vianna, to the order of his Excel- 
 lency M. Pedro de Millo. 
 
 I have the honour to be, &c, 
 
 L. W. Hoisted, Esq. Captain of bis Majesty's Ship Phoenix. F. G. BOND. 
 
 SIR, Netley, River Tagus, iVe*. 18. 
 
 In addition to my letter of yesterday's date, which I had the pleasure of 
 writing, I beg leave to acquaint you, that on my arrival off the Rock of Lisbon, 
 on the 7th instant, information was given of a Spanish privateer schooner 
 lurking in the neighbourhood, and that the Newfoundland convoy being dis- 
 persed, were daily approaching the Tagus; "at night a pilot boat acquainted 
 me of the capture of a brig loaded with fish, which induced me to close with 
 the shore, in the hope of intercepting her j she had been taken 1 8 hours before, 
 during light winds, in sight of a remnant of the convoy then in the offing. ' 
 The privateer and her prize (the Hunter, ef Greenock) were discovered by us 
 in the dark at anchor. While the boat was dispatched to the brig, we ran the 
 other on board, dropped our anchor, and, without mischief or firing, took posses- 
 ionofher, though they were at quarters ; she is called the St. Miguel, alia* 
 Alerta, of nine guns, eighteens and sixes, and 65 men, had been off the stocks 
 "about two months, and sailed from the river Pontevedra ; we all three anchored 
 
 within St. Julien's the same day. 1 have the honour to be, &c 
 Gift. HaUtJ, of liis Maje;tft Skip Pbxnis. 
 
 F. G. BOND.
 
 ( 5*9 ) 
 
 STATE PAPERS, 
 Relating to tic Right of BELLIGERENT POWERS to ftarck anJ J f( ,u 
 
 Neutrals* 
 
 The following Note was lately delivered by the Swedifh Minifter for 
 Foreign Aifairs, to the Miniller of his Pruffian Majdty at Stock- 
 holm, on the fubjeci of the Affair at Barcelona. 
 
 M Having stated to the King the manner in which his Prussian \Tajetr fiai 
 Viewed the Memorial of the Court of Spain on the subject of an insult offered 
 to the Swedish flag by the English; the undersigned, Chantellor of the Court. 
 has been commanded to express to M.de Tarach the grateful acknowledgment, 
 of his Majesty for the constant attention which the Court ( Berlin hat'shuwn 
 to the interests of the neutral flags, and the full confidence which he rcpo*e* in 
 the mode in which they are regarded by that Court. The King hat viewed 
 with surprise the public responsibility to which the Court of Spain has called 
 Sweden upon this occasion, and the menaces which it has thereto added ; not- 
 withftanding all the vexations to which neutral flags have been exposed during 
 the present war, this is the most oppressive proceeding which they have yet 
 experienced. Being thus incessantly placed between the offence and the repa- 
 ration, they must soon be dragged into a concern in the war, or cease to ap- 
 pear on the seas where it is carried on. These truths involving consequence* to 
 important to the other neutral Powers, as well as to Sweden, his Swedinh Ma- 
 jt-sty could not, in general, take upon himself any share of responsibility for 
 the improper use which the belligerent Powers may make of the Swedish ves- 
 sels which they may seize upon Thi< principle appears to his Swedish Majesty 
 so well founded, that he flatters himself the Court of Berlin will give it all the 
 support which justice and the common interest appear equally to demand; and 
 it has been hitherto respected amidst all the utragcs which have been commit- 
 ted on both sides, without which the war must have become general, ilad the 
 Ottoman Porte, Russia, and England, attached such responsibility to all the flag* 
 in the port of Alexandria had they claimed the restitution of fcgypt from the 
 respective Governments, because their merchant vessels had been compelled to 
 carry French troops to take that country by surprise and had they u*cd the 
 same forms of application, and insisted on the same peremptory term* and con- 
 ditions-all commerce, all neutrality must have bten at once annihilated ll.< 
 Majesty, therefore, conceived that the violence offered to the >wedih flag at 
 Barcelona was not to be treated in any other manner than that of which he had 
 previously to complain ; and he reserves to himself the privilege of demanding 
 reparation for the injuries done to his subject- or his flag, at such opportunity, 
 and by such means, as his particular situation may afford. His Majesty, how- 
 ever, ought not to conceal, that, in the present case, the injury which lu 
 thence resulted to a friendly Power gives him so much more uneasiness, as he 
 regards the capture made by the English as very illegal, and he i> uxiowty de- 
 sirous of being able, by his representations, to contribute to it rc'tmr. 
 His Majesty will certainly make every exertion to effect an arrangement, up-n 
 which the continuance of amicable relations between Swede. ,- un- 
 
 expectedly made to depend; but he cannot at present take those tcp with re- 
 spec* to the two frigates, which he has not hitherto taken with rctped 
 own convoys, nor give the Court of Spain any better hopes than lie ha, hiin- 
 iclf The Undersigned embracti this occasion, &c. 
 
 D'EHRENHI l.M."
 
 I 5' ) 
 
 A Letter from Stockholm, dated Nov. 30, fays, " Our Government 
 has just published an'O.Ecial Note, which has been handed, to his 
 Swedish Majesty by Citizen Buys, the Minister of the Batavian Re- 
 public. It is as follows : 
 
 " The Br.ivian Republic, being aware of the chara&er of her enemy, and 
 to what point she p'rcter.ds to exercise her dominion over the seas, even with re- 
 aped: to neutrr.l and allird powers, has hitherto abstuined, through a regard for 
 peace, to enforce thi.se rights which she might in justice have reclaimed.' But 
 as the enemy has no longer set any bounds to her pride or to her insatiable ava- 
 rice, the Batavian Government would deem itscif criminally responsible to the 
 Nat.cn, the interests- of which are confided to its care, if it did not raise its 
 voice in order to obtain reparation for so many outrages. 
 
 " As to you, Sire, Europe has its eyes upon you, and expedis with impa- 
 tience t'.vj prompt satisfaclicn*vhich is due to yob. If the ^-ngiish Government, 
 deaf to the voice of honour, and to the representations of your Majesty, do not 
 make, before trie expiration of one year, the reparation w landed, the 
 
 Batavian Government will find iiscif reduced to the harsh necessity of concert- 
 ing with i* lies : - ; :ry means tor securing its ports from any violence 
 similar to th;;t \\. D cxeicised against the Swedish flag. The under- 
 
 signed flatters hims-ii that his Sv.-ctiisii Mcjctty will communicate to the Ba- 
 tavian Government the result of his appiic-uion to the Court of London. He 
 wishes to his Majesty t:.e most complete success, as his > 'ajesty will thereby ac- 
 quire a new right to the. public esteem, and to the gratitude of a Republic which 
 he ha* always honoured 1 ; ! -;-> jjo d will. 
 
 ) BUYS." 
 
 *< The Chancellor of our Court has answered by a Note, in which 
 he thinks the Batavian Govc nment, in the name of his Master, for 
 the part which the former has taken res^ecTiing the insult offered to the 
 Swedish flag. Kis Majesty tiun proceeds to declare, that, with rcFpt-Ct 
 to the term of a year, pointed out for the purpofe of obtaining a repa- 
 ration from England, he dors not think himself by any means circum- 
 scribed in point of time. If unexpected obstacles should interfere to 
 prevent the removal of the existing difficulties, he should not deem- 
 hinr-"'.f ;my more responsible for any abuse of the Swedish flag, which 
 the Belligerent Powers may choose to employ by way of reprisals 
 against England, more than he does for the abuse which Great Britain 
 has committed against Spain. But if the fear of iiich events mould 
 lend some Stater, to measures mere or less vigorous, the Batavian Go- 
 vernment has given too many proofs of the wifdom of its Administra- 
 tion, to suffer his Swedish Majesty to believe that it will have recourse 
 to any measures which in their consequences may tend to involve the 
 Neutral Powers." 
 
 It is now ascertained, that by the laudable foresight and vigilance of 
 Government, o;ir navil stores and arsenals are completely stocked for 
 eighteen months to conic; and that there are about 100,000 barrels of 
 tar more than it is probable will be consumed within that time. Should 
 a War break out between us and the Northern Powers, we are there- 
 fore secured against any embarrassments in the naval service for a 
 much longer period than thole Powers could afford to pursue the 
 contest.
 
 5" 3 
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
 
 THE winter season, particularly at so advanced a period as the 
 present, can rarely be expected produftire of much interest on 
 the score of naval enterprise or events, at least in those seas imme. 
 diately contiguous to Great Britain. The arrival of intelligence 
 indeed from distant quarters of the world may contribute to add spirit 
 to the almost lifeless scene, by presenting us with the n.ost unequivo- 
 cal proofs of an unremitting perseverance in the same line or" conduct 
 which has rendered the exertions of the British Marine so peculiarly 
 successful during the present contest. Thus has it proved in the 
 present instance. 
 
 The very conclusion of the month of November brought t England 
 the interesting and truly important intelligence of the surrender of the 
 valuable Dutch island of Curasoa, under terms of capitulation, to 
 Captain Watkins commanding the Ncreicie frigate. The singular ad* 
 'dress with which the possession of this important settlement was ac- 
 quired, if the circumstances which attended it are truly reported to 
 us, reflects no less honour on Captain Watkins, than the success itself 
 produces advantage to bis country. The Nereide, being on a cruise 
 off the Island, Captain Watkins had the good fortune to ?cquire in- 
 formation that .1 French banditti amounting to 15(0 in number, had. 
 made good their landing a short time before, and were at that very 
 moment in actual contest with the Dutch inhabitants. 
 
 The British commander, with the most prompt decision, seized the 
 favourable moment of joining the latter, and having enabled them by 
 the addition of his force, and the succour which he afforded tiiem to 
 expel their invader, received as the jnst reward of his gallant $ 
 the submission of the whole island. The capture, for such it may be 
 in great measure considered, of so much advantage, stands, we be- 
 lieve, xinprecedented, as having been effected by so slender a force. 
 Humanity must most highly rejoice at a conquest which ir 
 prevented instead of being the cause of bloodshed, and feel the satis- 
 t'uctkiu resulting from smxess, augmented in a tenfold degree by the 
 reflection of having rescued even a foe from the jaws of a tygtr. 
 
 One event indeed connected with the navy, and that of the most 
 singular kind, has happened, or to speak mo:e piv tntic 
 
 information of its having taken place, has been ; . (he con-ie 
 
 of" the month the embargo which the Emperor of Ku?sia has chosen 
 to lay on all British vessels throughout his dominion,. Some of the 
 particulars which have marked his very extravagant conduc: ou th'.s 
 occasion, will be found in the preceding pages. They hrtray an 
 eccentricity which renders comment unnecess 
 
 not the subieft so extremely serious, would cc . subject of 
 
 ridicule and contempt, rather than of" anger. J 'nent mujt, 
 
 wwin .to the interposition of nature, be o: 
 on the side of the Baltic, till the approach.- 
 the avenging arm of the British navy to render us country th 
 it ckwunds, and convince the world that those x%ho pretend to d 
 the laws and the fight* of Nations, should be careful not t frieze 
 nntjji.
 
 512 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 The rest of the naval occurrences, far as has hitherto come to our 
 knowledge during the month, have been confined to the captures of 
 privateers, many of which have scarcely ventured out ere they have 
 fallen victims to their own temerity, and the very gallant preservation 
 of several merchant vessels off Oporto, from falling a prey to the 
 enemy, which was effected by the spirited resolution of Lieutenant 
 Smith, in the Milbrook schooner, who, romantic and almost incredi- 
 ble as it may appear, engaged, and actually compelled a French frigate 
 of more than three times her force, to surrender, though from the 
 very disabled state of his own vessel, he was incapable of reaping the 
 advantage his valour most truly merited. 
 
 This action, with many others during the present war, almost anni- 
 hilate applause/ for on occasions where it is impossible the tribute 
 should equal the merit, gratitude feels herself compelled to be mute, 
 and contemplates the debt she has incurred with silent admiration. 
 
 Falmoutb, Dec. 8. Arrived the Lady Frances packet, Captain Hall, 
 from Jamaica, last from Torbay, where she landed her mail ; she 
 passed this port in a gale of wind, and arrived at Torbay on Thursday 
 last, from whence she sailed on Saturday morning : one man and a 
 boy died on the passage, and she is in consequence thereof ordered 
 into the quarantine pool. She fell in with, and was boarded by the 
 Lark sloop of war, after leaving Jamaica. Several of her men left her 
 in consequence of the alluring advantages held out to them by the 
 Captains of merchant ships ; fifty guineas being a common price 
 offered to a seaman, at Jamaica, for the run from thence to England. 
 Also the Prince Ernest, Pctrie, from New York and Halifax, in 23 
 d;iys, with mails, had three Scotch gentlemen passengers ; the London 
 packet, Faggen, from the eastward, with several vessels under her 
 convoy j the Spider brig, from a cruize ; Fairy sloop, from Torbay ; 
 And the Rasper, Duff, from Cork. Sailed the Duke of Clarence, 
 Faulkener, with mails, &c. for New York ; Reluctance, Horsewell, 
 for Oporto. 
 
 Hull, Dec. \6. We are happy to announce the arrival at this port of 
 twenty-seven sail of vessels from the Baltic. They sailed from Elsi- 
 heur on the i5th ult. in company with near two hundred sail of ships, 
 which were fortunate enough to have reached that place when the 
 embargo was laid on in the ports of Russia. 
 
 Copy of a Letter received by express from Scarborough, on Saturday 
 Evening, by the Mayor of this Town. 
 
 " SIR, Scarborough, Die. 13, l8oo. 
 
 " About an hour ago. two large (-hips (evidently from the Baltic), wetc 
 discovered from the Castle, distance eight or nine milts, at the same time a 
 lugger rigged privateer attacked and captured one of them ; and, as the other 
 skip is not more than one mile to the southward of the privateer, it is apprehend- 
 ed she may be captured also. There are also many other ships in sight, coming 
 from the- northward, and the signal for an enemy is now flying, and the alarm 
 puns fired from the Castle to warn them of their danger, which is all that can 
 he done here for their preservation. We trust you will have the goodness to 
 dispatch any men of war, if there be any in the Humbcr ; and if you will have 
 the goodness to forward a copy of this letter to Yarmouth, to the Admiral 
 commanding there, it might be the means of recapturing the ship or ships. The 
 wind js now from the N. E. a light breeze and fine weather, but rather foggy 
 towards the sea. We are, c. 
 
 (Copy) JOHN COUPON, > B u . ff 
 
 JOHN TRAVIS, ) 
 76e iror&itfil tit Mayer of Hull.
 
 J'S 
 
 On the receipt of which, a copy was immediately forwarded by 
 express trom the Mayor to Admiral Dickson at Yarmouth. 
 
 
 K w r lettcr wa$ received from Admiral Dirkson. 
 
 by the Worshipful the Mayor of this town, in answer to the inform*. 
 ion, sent by express, respecting the French privatceri t 
 
 IIR Monarch, Tjrmeulk RoaJi, Dtt. If 
 
 " I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, ky exprcti, which I 
 received this morning at seven o'clock, acquainting me of an enemy', privateer 
 having captured, off Scarborough, a merchant ihip from the Baltic, and of the 
 probability of her doing further mischief on the coast : and, in return, 1 am 
 to acquaint you, that, in addition to the ships and vtbseli named in the margin *. 
 cruizing for the purpose of affording protedion to the homeward-hound Baltic 
 convoys, I have ordered out the Inspector loop, and Hazard and Diligence 
 cutters ; and that so soon as I am enabled, by the arrival of cruixcrs, I thai I 
 extend them from the l.emon and Oats to the Scaw. The Courier, hired armed 
 cutter has been obliged to quit her station, between FlamborouRh Head and 
 the Humber, in consequence of an action fought with a French privateer brie. 
 a few days back. 
 
 " I am, Si*, &c. 
 
 ARCH. DICKMN. 
 
 Bristol, Dec. 23. Yesterday his Majesty's sloop Kangaroo arrived at 
 King Road, bearing the flag, and having on board Admiral Sir Robert 
 Kingsmill, Bart, with his suite, and Captain Lumsdaine of the Royal 
 Navy, from Cork. 
 
 Boston, Nov. 20. A gallant action was fought on the nth of 
 October, in lat. 22. 50. long. 51. between the American frigate, the 
 Boston, Captain Little, and the French National corvette Le Berceau, 
 Captain Stein. The ships, which were of nearly equal force, con- 
 tinued the action an hour and forty minutes ; when Lc Berceau, 
 having lost all her masts, surrendered. Both were much disabled, 
 and lost several men. Le Berceau is considered as one of the fastest 
 sailing corvettes in the French navy. She served as a look out vessel 
 to the French fleet tor eighteen months, has been frequently chased 
 by the British cruizers, and was never before overtaken. She ha 
 been very successful in capturing British, Portuguese, and American 
 Tessels. 
 
 MUTINY ON BOARD THE THUNDER BOMB VESSEL. 
 It is with much concern we state, that a serious mutiny lately brok 
 out on board his Majesty's bomb vessel the Thunder, Captain New- 
 combe, and that the mutineers, consisting of the principal part of ti 
 crew, having succeeded in overpowering the Commander and the other 
 Officers, traitorously carried the ship into Bilboa, in Spain, and deli, 
 vered her into the hands of the enemy. We fe*l ourselves wholly it 
 a loss to find language with which to give an adequate expression oi 
 our indignation alid horror at the vile conduft of the wrctchr t 
 ha\e thus indelibly disgraced their character, by one of the fouics 
 of perfidy of which human nature, perhaps, can IK deemed capab 
 Among Englishmen there can be but one sentiment of abnorre 
 towards the infamous traitor, who, by so flagrant a breach of every 
 sacred obligation, could basely bring himself to tarnish the honour o 
 his country, diminish its resplendent glory, and injure it 
 surest engine of security. Happily there are, in the annals 
 aavy, but few instances of this horrid specie* of crime. 
 
 , Phoenix !
 
 574 MONTHLY RKGISTEi 
 
 never prove another ; and may the perpetrators of the disgraceful 
 outrage in question meet the prompt and necessary vengeance of the 
 violated laws of their country I 
 
 The Expedition under the command of Captain Sir Home Popham 
 has sailed from Weymouth. South America is understood to be the 
 destination of this force. The valuable Spanish settlements in that 
 quarter r.re at present in a very defenceless situation, and the most 
 reasonable hopes are of course entertained of the success of the en- 
 terprise. 
 
 Important orders have been dispatched by Government to Admiral 
 Lord Keith in the Mediterranean. They are said to contain instruc- 
 tions relative to the conduct to be adopted by our fleet with respect 
 to the Russian squadron and transports in the "Dardanelles, and the 
 trade and fortresses of the Emperor Paul in the Black Sea. 
 
 The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have ordered the 
 Guillaurne Tell's name to be changed to the Malta. 
 
 His Majesty's Post-Master General, with a view to maintain the 
 communication with the Continent in case of severe weather, have 
 ordered two of the Yarmouth packets of the smallest draft of water, 
 to be stationed in the Weser during the winter, to sail to and from 
 Bremerlehe and Heligoland, whenever there shall be obstructions to 
 the passage of the Elbe. 
 
 The prizes taken in the harbour of Curacoa are so valuable, that the 
 Lieutenants of the Nereide frigate, we are happy to learn, are likely 
 to make from twelve to fourteen thousand pounds each. 
 
 The custom of the French, of giving absurdly false accounts of 
 their naval actions, is by no means new. The writer of the life of 
 the famous French Captain Duguay Trouin gives an account of a 
 long and very desperate engagement between two French frigates, one 
 of w'r.ich was commanded by Duguay Trouin, and an English fieet^of 
 twenty-one sail of the line. Fifteen English line of battle ships 
 engaged Trou in Y frigate the whole afternoon, and at length night put 
 an end to the engagement. The writer then goes on to state, that it 
 was Duguay's intention to have boarded the English Admiral the next 
 morning ; but a gale of wind Bringing up, he was separated from the 
 English fleet. 
 
 Couttg partial 
 
 fORTSMOUTl!, NOVEMBER 29. 
 
 . THIS morning a Court-Martial wa held on board His Majesty's ship Glatli* 
 mtvr, in this harbour, lor the trial of Mr. WILLIAM MATTHEW, gunner of the 
 Strptnt, tor drunkenness. The charge being proved, the Court sentenced him 
 to be publicly reprimanded on board the ship to which he belongs. 
 
 Dee. 6. A Court-Martial was held on board the Gladiator, for the trial of 
 JOHM H.VULEN, boatswain of the Hvtjar, for drunkcuness ai:d disobedience of 
 orders, at different times. 
 
 Admiral HOLLOWAT, President. 
 
 The Charges being proved against the Prisoner, he was adjudged to be dis*- 
 missed from his Majesty's service, And rendered incapable of ever serving as an 
 Officer in the Royal Navy again. 
 
 - - J > A Court-Martial was held on board His 3t r ajesty's ship Gladiator, in thi 
 harbour, for the trlui of JOHN HUBBARD and GEORCK HYNES, two seauie* 
 belonging to the St. Geergi, for an unttutur&l triau.
 
 OP MATAl EVENTI. 5,* 
 
 Admiral HOLLO WAT, President. 
 
 The charge being fully proved against the Prioneis, they were sentenced to 
 be hanged on board such *hip or ship*, and at uch times, at the Lord* Com- 
 missioners oT the Admiralty shirili! il. 
 
 The President, in a very appropriate speed), mot severely commented OB dia 
 atrocity and depravity of thr crime, and expoicd iti enormity in a manner tMt 
 raised the greatest compunction in the PrUoncrs. 
 
 Same day, JERKM i \u CRONINO, a H-aman belonging to the RamiHct, was 
 also tried, for insolent and contemptuous behaviour to the first Lieutenant of that 
 ship, and taking him by the collar. 
 
 The charge being proved, the Prisoner was vntenceii to receive one hundred 
 and fifty lashes, to forfeit all bis pay, and to suffer two yean solitary confinement 
 in the Marhalsea. 
 
 PLYMOUTH, DECEMBER 1. 
 
 The Surgeon and Master of His Majesty's sloop Viairiiux, in this harbour, 
 having been brought to a Court- Martial, and found guilty of disrespect to their 
 Captain, are sentenced to serve as Mates in their different professions. Being 
 in every other r-.spe.rt worthy Officers and promising young men, they arc much 
 pitied by all their acquaintance. 
 
 YARMOUTH, DECIMBER 8. 
 
 A Court-Martial wa held on board His Majesty's ship Princeti of Ora-jt, in 
 Yarmouth Roads, for the trial of .Captain HOITKR, of the Marines, criiig oa 
 board His Majesty's ship Ardent, on a charge brought against him by Captain 
 BERTIE, of that ship, for contemptuous language. 
 
 PRESIDENT, 
 
 CHARLES COBB, Fsq. 
 
 Captain of His>iajesty' ship Princut tf Qrwigi. 
 
 MEMBERS, 
 
 Capt. JAMES R. MOSSE, Capt. R. C. REYNOLDS, 
 
 GEORGE HART, CHAS. BOTLI, 
 
 JOHN LAWFORD, A. C DICKSO. 
 
 The Court proceeded to inquire into a charge exhibited by the Right H*n. fn 
 Lord, Commissioners of the 'dmirJtr, against Captain inoM AS Ho?fE of 
 the Marines, belonging to Hii Majesty's ship Jr.i'tnt, for contemptuou* language 
 contained in a letter dated the a6th November, 18 o, addrcsed toTMoMAt 
 BERTIR, Esq. Captain of ! 'is \iaje.-ty 's ship Ardent, to try bin 
 And the Court h iving heard the evidence, and the prisoner's defence, 
 turely and seriously considered the whole, are of opinion that the 
 language alluded to in the aforesaid letter, was not meant for Captain Bi 
 but for Lieutenant MAHBIE, of the \ arines, as it appeared by tl 
 produced. The Court therefore acquit ( aptain HOPPI of any in 
 veying any disrespectful or contemptuous language to Captain B TIE, hi 
 Captain, and he is hereby acquitted accordingly. 
 
 TORBAY, DECEMBER IO. 
 
 A Court-Martial was held, on I.iei-tcnant DII.TIL, of I 
 sliip tormUMt, on the charge of speaking very disrespectfully < 
 Captain. 
 
 Admiral Sir HENRT HAEVIY, President. 
 
 The char-e being fully proved, he was sentenced to be dianmed f 
 Majesty's service, Tendered incapable of .crying again, and to be .mpn*, 
 two years in solitary confinement. 
 
 SHKERNESS, DECEMBER, 2$. 
 
 ai an
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 WEST INDIES. 
 
 LOSS OF THE DROMEDARY. 
 
 The following extraft of a Letter, dated Trinidad, Septembers?, 
 says, 
 
 " You will possibly have seen by the paper, our misfortune of shipwreck in 
 coming to the relief of this island, supposed to be attacked by a force from Gua- 
 daloupe, on endeavouring to get through Abacas, (one of the mouths of the 
 Gulf of Paria). His Majesty's ship Dromedary was carried by the current into 
 the midst of the breakers on thedesart rock, and completely wrecked, at ten at 
 night of the 10th of August. You will think it extraordinary, that the patient 
 obedience and fortitude of the soldiers of the id West India Regiment, con- 
 tributed much to the saving of every soul on board, which was despaired of for 
 many hours. Our escape was considered the most miraculous that ever occurred ; 
 Captain Taylor, his officers and seamen, behaved with a coolness and intre- 
 pidity unexampled in such circumstances. The ship continued beating to pieces 
 among the rocks and breakers against a coast, which to gain by swimming 
 would have been attended with inevitable destruction. She was at laft driven 
 in such a situation, that her bowsprit approached a rock, which a man gained 
 by swinging from a rope; several got to it by that means till a spar was launch- 
 ed from the bow, by which the whole escaped from the wreck. There we 
 were, above 500, clinging to the rock, surrounded by breakers which no boat 
 dare venture to approach ; with not quite a hogshead of water, every moment 
 expecting the wreck to break up and go to sea with the change of current, and 
 leave us to perish by a more deplorable fate. In this state we remained fifteen 
 hours, when, to our great joy and surprise, we discovered a flotilla dispatched 
 by Governor Keton to our relief, in which we embarked before night, by re- 
 gaining the wreck, which still stood our friend, as nothing could come near the 
 rock we were on, to take us off: incredible to imagine ! though there were 
 several women and children, not one life was lost ; the children were tied on 
 their parents backs with the officers' sashes. I cannot avoid mentioning a cir- 
 cumstance of one of the seamen who was tying his wife to him, and was on the 
 point of committing themselves to the waves, but by which I pointed out to 
 him both must perish, adding, that if he would leave his wife with me, and 
 take the soldiers, I would give him leave to get a spar, by which he would save 
 fcer life and every woman and child on board ; he did so, and succeeded, and 
 after leaving her in safety returned to the wreck, and would not quit me till I 
 got on shore. When the ship became full of water, and people were preparing 
 to swim, however fruitless the attempt, several soldiers, expert swimmers, 
 came and stood by their officers, declaring they would not leave them. Poor 
 fellows ! their good nature and fidelity would avuil but little. Lieutenant- 
 Colonel Carmichael was present at the whole of this miserable tcenc, and acted 
 with his wonted presence of mind and manly fortitude." 
 
 ^***^^**+ 
 MR. EDITOR, 
 
 The following Letter reflects so much honour on Capt. B. W. Taylor, 
 kis officers and ship's company, that I trust you will insert it in the 
 Chronicle . 
 
 " DKAR SIR, TriniJaJa, Port of Spain, I4</C> Augu:t, iScO. 
 
 " I most cordially unite with the unanimous desire of the officers of the 
 Second West India Regiment in offering our condolence with you, on the late 
 unfortunate event in the loss of his Majesty's ship Dromedary, under your com- 
 mand, at the moment of your ardent zeal to effect the service in which we were 
 engaged, and was supposed to require the most decided endeavours. 
 
 ' I have great pleasure in also complying with their request in returning our 
 most sincere thanks to you, Sir, the officers, and ship's company of the Drome- 
 dary, for their attention and humanity in their unexampled efforts (after every 
 hope of saving the ship vanished) to preserve the lives of his Majesty's troops in 
 the most imminent danger ; and which, beyond credibility, or any expectation, 
 wai attended with *UCCCM. The cool and colle&ed manner in which your orderi
 
 OF flATAL 
 
 Vere conveyed, and the prompt obedience of your officer* and eamen in their 
 execution, inspired confidence in all person* on board, and evidently prevented 
 the unhappy fate that awaited every individual. 
 
 ^ " It is their wish to assure you, that their esteem for yow chara^er will ever 
 toe warm in their hearts; and I beg leave to add, that I shall ever remain, 
 My dear Sir, your faithful and very sincere humble servant. 
 
 H. L. CARMICHAEL, 
 Lieut. CoL ad Wcjt India Keg. 
 
 Extraft of a Letter from Guadaloupe, dated October 8th. 
 
 " A Boat being sent from the Hornet, Capt. Nash, on the imprest ttrvicr, 
 am! having taken some men from the New Cere*, belonging to Lancaster, had 
 a blunderbuss fired into her by one of the crew the lamentable consequence wa, 
 that the second Lieutenant (Croxall; was killed : Mr. Finegar wounded through 
 both thigh? ; but he is, we arc happy to hear, in a ttatc of recovery. 1 ha 
 Hornet's people went in the rrlornihg alongside the Cere*, when they found all 
 the men had left her, except the chief mate and die steward, whom Capt. Nub 
 ave up to the civil power. 
 
 " Two boats of the Hornet, with two of the Daphne, performed ammtgal- 
 lant service. Being dispatched after a ship c!oo under seven batteries, they 
 boarded her amid- 1 a most formidable fire, and, after cutting with their cot- 
 lasses her cables, they brought her away. One of th: boau returning under the 
 command of Mr. Graves (son of Lord Graves), a midshipman, and for talent* 
 and spirit a very promising young man, was fired into by an armed schooner. 
 \Ve are sorry 'to state, the consequence wi, two killed, and the irm c.f 
 entirely shot away. Considering this is the lint s:ep Mr. Grave* ha* made to 
 sea, we cannot but give him our tribute of praise, for the gallantry he diip.ayed 
 on the above occasion. 
 
 " Captain Carpenter, of the Leviathan, being indisposed, and who is com- 
 ing home for the benefit of hi* health, and Capt. Taylor, whose ship the Drome- 
 dai-y ha, been wrecked on the toast of Trinidad, are coming passenger* in the 
 Charlotte merchant ship." 
 
 LOSS OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP EL GA.LCO. 
 
 We are sorry to announce the loss of this ship, of which melancholy event a* 
 official account has been received at the Admiralty. 
 
 List of the Officers drowned on board bit Majesty's late Skip El Gdgo. 
 Captain G. S. Stovcn Mr. Edward*, Gunner 
 
 Lieutenant Barne Mr. Roberts, Boauwain 
 
 Mr. Gibson, Surgeon Mr. Hnghon, Master'* Mate 
 
 Mr. Roberts, Purser Mr. Simson, Carpenter 
 
 List of Passenger s drvwntd. 
 
 Mr. Grimshaw, f Martinique A French Lady 
 Mr. Poymer, of ditto A Serjeant and eleven private* of 
 
 Mr. Osborne, of Antigua i uh Regiment of Fool 
 
 Mr. Ross, a Clergyman of Jamaica Two Soldier*' Wive* 
 
 List of Persons saved from El Galgo. 
 
 Mr T. Forrest, Master T- Williams, Capt. Afterfnard 
 
 Mr. T. Clark, Midshipman H. Dowling, Lieutenant s Servant 
 
 1. Edwards, Carp. Crew J. Otway, (Boy) 
 
 C I ondon, Capt. Foretop O. Hurd. Gunner * Mate 
 
 T. Griffith* J- Can, Cooper 
 
 \V. Comerford. Afterguard R Fox, Seaman 
 
 3) Dehy, Seaman A. Isaac, (Negro) ditto 
 
 P. Brown, ditto W- *' 
 
 T. Murray, Afterguard S. Bu-,by, d.tto 
 
 Tack Toe fXeero) Cook T. Guy, d.tto 
 
 B Andrew, Q^ai-ter^^ter R- H.*gt. Capt. M.mtop 
 
 R. White, Capt. I-'orec ,stlc A Slave. 
 
 ^, two Officers and twenty-three mea. 
 
 3 *
 
 t s J 
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FROM NOVEMBER 20 TO BECKUBER 22. 
 
 ov. at. Wind variable. Fair. This day Rear Admiral Sir J. Warres, 
 Bart, hoisted his flag on board the Renown, of 74 guns, in Cawsand Bay. 
 .Last night the Flora, armed brig, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Carpenter, at anchor 
 in Hamcaze, by some accident drifted on shore, on the rocks between Mount 
 Wip and the Old Gun \\harf, to prevent her from falling over, the crew cut 
 away her masts, notwithstanding which she soon afterwards hauled off, and sunk 
 in deep water, on her larboard beam-ends. She was a well equipped brig, 
 found in all stores,' and bound for the Strjits. At low water she appeared not 
 the least billed and hopes are entertained she will be soon weighed up, by 
 means of casks and Jig'-.ters. It was a most fortitnate circumstance it did not 
 happen iu the night, as the whole crew must have been drowned in their 
 hammocks. 
 
 22- Wind N. N. E. Great fag. Dispatches came down, this day, for the 
 Straits, which were to have been put on board the Flora (wrecked? ; they 
 immediately sent to the Admiral Paisley, armed bri^, of 14 guns, Lieut. 
 Nevin. She sailed directly for Lisbon, Gibraltar, and Malta. She v. r ?s docked 
 the 1 9th ins:. ; out the morning of the zoth ; victualled and watered for four 
 months, last evening; and sailed this morning, at two A. Al. 
 
 23. Wind 5. S. W. Kard rain, and blcws a gale. Arrived from Jersey. 
 L'Airibnscade, of 40 guns, Hon. Capt Coiville, with the OSicers and crews of 
 the Havick, of iS guns; and Pelican, of 16 guns, *.. t. Aubyn's Bay. 
 Their description of the storm is dreadful : for nearly six hours, after all their 
 ni3>ts were gone, they were exposed to the drifts of a ^ca running mountain'-, 
 high, which made ?o clear a breach over each ship, that the Officers . :id crew* 
 exp*:>ited every moment would be their last ; providentially the tide, which had 
 risen thirty-two feet perpendicular, suddenly receded, and the Officers and 
 crews saved their lives, hut lost ail their property. The Kavick is a total 
 wreck ; but the Ptlican is towed along-side the Pier of St. Helier, though so 
 much damaged that it is thought she cannot be repaired. 
 
 24. Wind S. E. Hard rain. Arrived a French brig, with biscuit, taken 
 by the Excellent, of 74 guns, Captain Stopford. Arrived a Ftench brig pri- 
 vateer, of 14 guns, prize to the Nile cutter, Lieutenam . L : I ,!JS; and Lurcher 
 cutter, Lieutenant Forbes Came in irom C u. . F six weeks, 
 the Wilmington, a sclu oner, Lieutenant Paul, with dispatches for the Admiralty, 
 from Captain Watkins, of La Nereide, cf 36 guns, dated Curacoa, containing- 
 the official account ef that island and its dependencies, w''h forty-four sail of 
 merchantmen, richly laden, for Europe, having surrendered to La Nertide 
 alone; Lieutenant Paul set off express for London. Letters from Jersey state 
 the safe arrival there, after the tcrai of the.jth, of the .Lurydice, of 24 guns, 
 Captain Talbot,- 
 
 25. Wind 3. W. Cloudy. Orders came down this day for LMmmortalitc, 
 of 40 guns, Captain Hothzm, to fit for foreign service. St. Joseph, of 12.3 
 guns, is now in dock, completely coppered, and pa:r.ted, with a light figure 
 head of St. Joseph. What is remarkable-, when t!;s Spanish Admiral Dos 
 Gravina visited the Dock Yard, in 1791, he was particularly requested to look 
 at the New Dock (then jast finished, in which th-=. St. Joseph has been re- 
 pairing;, and was asked if it was not the largest dock he ever saw? Hii 
 answer, though e i not prophetical: he said in French, ' Thii dock, 
 though confessedly very Isrge, would not hold the at. Joseph, cue ot" the first 
 class of Spanish men ef war.'"
 
 OF NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 the Ch 
 
 rt to the wett 
 
 , rkpr 
 
 '' ru : with 
 
 dated Cm -ber. 
 
 i ' * o*iteniiff tra^n 
 
 r.ui alongside tiic Ntr ' - iv ' 
 
 " le . "' jmg off and 
 
 Citizen Pitot (since captured DV ill's ^ -^f 
 
 Mr Rav-n, Master of La N, rt ii c , tvur.lcd^.f 
 
 S- id nT,r fl ' 
 
 fading them, flour appear,-,! at tl.c top; Mr. R.-.vcn thr-. 
 
 K ' 
 
 fciOf joined by the Dutch settlers, drove the Irene'; 
 Guadaloupe) <> the interior of the island ; finding the 
 
 tht - r : rtreated on k 
 
 were , r ' ' J loupe ap,n The Dutch Governor and inhabitant* 
 
 were so rejoiced at getting rid of their French friend., th 
 
 of capitulation, giving up the Mand to his Bruam 
 
 public property, in cojoni il pro luc.; and money 
 
 Fterhnjr.Uo Captain \Vatkins, and !. 
 
 had been sent off for Jamaica, and arrived safe. Th,- rent- 
 
 close prisoner ; General Jomet wa admitted to hi i 
 
 was taken by the Dutch, am! h.in-cd for a spy. 
 
 left Curacoa, the Melca^r In^.c,' 
 
 there trom Jamaica, to secure ti-is important 
 
 interests of this countr. 
 
 Hebe, 
 
 otn 
 
 7. \TindN. \V Hard Fro*t A, Rain at Noon. Arr-e,l th 
 
 e, orfeignmouth, from Newfoundland, v.itl, oil and fi.h. Sh- pl .-:rd tj. 
 inst. from the convoy in a gale of wind, an.: 
 
 O. Bland. Owing to the hard weather, the mail did cot arrive till 
 eleveu o'clock. 
 
 28. Vind N. N. W. Hard Frost. Bailed for th- " 
 
 guns, Rear Admiral -ir J. \Va;ren, B.*rt Alo for the < ham 
 Centaur, 74 guns, Captain Markham; and Warrior, 74 j, 
 The former fell in with Admiral P.rkvr, \vho ordered him to Torbay to wait 
 for orders, supposed tor the North Sea. 
 
 29. Wind W. N. W. Cloudy. Sailed on a cruise I.'Hrrru*, of 14 guns 
 Captain Bland ; Beaiilieu, of 44 g' 
 
 of 44 guns, Hon. Captain Curzon. Arrived from off the < 
 Amelia, of 44 j:uns, Hon. ( aptain Herbert, h . 
 masts in the gale of wind on the 9th in*?. 
 
 of Spain, the Fisgajd. of 48 guns, Captain 'I'. B. Martin. 1 'Iniprtueux. of 84 
 guns, Captain Sir E. Pellew, ..imoazc, ha received order* to 
 
 relieve the C.xsar, of 84 guns, Captain Sir J. Saummz, Bart, on the kiation 
 . off the Black Rocks 
 
 30. Wind W. N. W. Cloudy. Sailed the Sav?ZT, ft" 18 guns Captain 
 Webley, on a cruise. I etters from the squadron off the Black Rock*, dated 
 the 24th inst. state, that an armed boat g. I !reh Hock at thf 
 Quemines Islands, fell in with and ca; tured a bo.tt lot on board. 
 going frcm l;.-li..i;r to ! ie>r. !>.-:, ,,:.-: to the Spanish Admiral; by him wai 
 learnt that the Combined Fleets h:il struck yards and topnuM< It V 
 observed this h^s been an invariable custom with the French fleet when thcd
 
 529 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 wished to push out a'detached squadron. This, however, is certain, that scve* 
 ail of tlie line and three frigates are nearly ready for sea in the inner road, of 
 which the flying squadron has notice, and no doubt these dirk nights Commo^ 
 dore.Sir ]. Saumarez will keep a good look out for them, if they should try to 
 escape. 
 
 Dec. I. Wind XV. N. W. Variable Weather. Letters from the squadron 
 off the Black Rocks, dated the 27th ult. state, that to" the 27th no move- 
 ments hnd been made by the combined fleets, and that the Canada, of 74 
 gun*, Hon. Captain De Courcy, is to take the Marlborough's late station. The 
 Success, of this port, with earthen ware and coals, was captured on th 
 ult. within two miles of the land, 'by a French row-boat, and carried to A!or- 
 laix. This day the Flora, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Carpenter, was weighed up, 
 and towed into Catwater, to be repaired; fortunately, from the ground v 
 he lay being pretty clear, her damage is trdling. 
 
 i. Wind W. N. W. Rain and Sleet. Letters received this day from the Suwo- 
 row, of 1 4 guns, Lieutenant Nicholson, dated the 14th ult. state, that near the 
 C-lenan IsJes, the Captain, of 74 guns, Captain bir R. Strachan, Bart, chaccd 
 a fine French corvette, of 24 guns, on shore. Conceiving it possible to destroy^ 
 her,- the Suworow towed in four boats, with Lieutenant Haunah, and a parl^ 
 of marines and seamen. The Nile, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Argles, and Lur- 
 cher, of 14 guns, Lieutenant Forbes, towed in four other boats, manned and 
 armed, close in shore, though annoyed by a tremendous fire of grape, round, 
 and muaquetry, from a battery high above her. They however succeeded ill 
 landing, set her on fire, and, after seeing her blow up with a dreadful cxplo^ 
 sion, the seamen and marines gave three cheers and re-embarked with their 
 gallant leaders, with the loss of only one man killed by a shot striking the fiutr. 
 of the Suworow's anchor through his head, and seven men wounded, thrcd 
 dangerously. The Suworow was much cut up in her sails and rigging ; and 
 having all her anchors shot away, was fastened to the Captain by an hawser. 
 Arrived the El Eicho a Sociedad, or Happy tociety, .-panish schooner, froai 
 Bourdeaux to New Orleans, with a valuable cargo of sundries, prize to the 
 Maria privateer, of this port. She was one of a convoy of 14 sail under con- 
 voy of a schooner of twelve guns ; and as the Maria is a fast sailer, hopes arc 
 entertained of her picking up some more of the convoy. 
 
 3. Wind W. Fair. Arrived from Earl St. Vincent's fleet, which passed 
 yp for Torbay, the Barfleur, 98 guns, Rear Admiral Collingwood ; London; 
 98, Captain C. Purvis ; Afontague, 74, Captain Knight ; Courageux, 74, 
 Captain Hood ; and Russel, ^4, Captain H, Sawyer. Admiral Sir H. Parker, 
 who has the command of the Channel Fleet, does uot mean to risk flaying 
 with the whole fleet off Brest at this season of the year, when it blows hara 
 at W. or W. s. W. Arrived from a cruize the Fanny, of 14 guns, Lieutenant 
 Frissell. 
 
 4. Wind W. Cloudy, with Rajn. Came in the Patriomoso, Batch, a Prus- 
 sian, from Lisbon for Embdcn, detained by the Ferret privateer, of 14 
 Captain Hosier, who has attained two Danish vesscis, with cotton, not yet 
 arrived.' A court of enquiry was yesterday held on i ieuter.ant Carpenters, of 
 his Majesty's hired brig Flora, bound to the Straits, which drifted, tailed 
 ashore, swung or'r at low water, ancj overset on her larboard beam ends, near 
 the old gun wharf The Ccurt, after taking the existing circumstances of the 
 tae into their serious consideration, did not attach b.ame personally to Lieu- 
 tenant C. in the business, but diJ honourably acquit him- The Officers and, 
 crews of the Sylph, of 18 guns, Captain Dashwood. and the Telegraph, 18, 
 Lieutent Corsellis, were very active in getting out the -men from the Flora^ 
 when she upset, or the whole crew \vould have btcn drowned. The Flora is 
 Bow refitted, and almost ready for s-.-a. 
 
 5. Wind W. N. W. Cold. This afternoon an express arrived at Admiral 
 fir T. Paisley's office from Government, with dispatches for Lisbon and the 
 gtraits. 'ilici are said to be of die highest imj Oi'uacc, and arc for Ad;
 
 D? MAVAL BrENTf. 
 
 Lord Keith, General Sir R. Abercrombie, and General Sir T. Pultenev 
 and we re immcd jatc ly shipped on board i.a Vidorieuse, of ,8 iun, C 
 Richards, who sailed diredly, though the wind 
 -'-^vityhewent out to sea, ' 
 
 Wind N. N. W. Fair. Clear, and Frosty. Came in the Conntmqf 
 Jute, of Glasgow, from Newfoundland, Jadcu with barrelled salmon, oil, and 
 buccalo, for Naples and Lc-ghmn : she parted convoy ou the lOdi uit. in a vio- 
 lent gale of Wind, off the banks of Newfoundland; was captured on the tutjt 
 pit. by La Braaye French privateer, of 36 guns and 350 men, off Bourdcaut; 
 she was recaptured QU the 26th ult. by the Doris, of 36 guns, Capuia Lord 
 Rancbgh. La Kraave, juft after her refitting at Passage, in Spain, wiled on a 
 iresh cruise, and captured the Caledonia, of and to l.unjon, from Jamaica, 
 which had parted her convoy in a gale of wind, with a valuable cargo of rum 
 -.'.rid sugar ; she was sent for, and arrived safe at Bilboi. La Lr.avc ha* escape d 
 all our cruisers, as s,hc sails so fast upon any wind on tack. 
 
 8. Wind N. N. K. hair and Frosty. Orders came down thi* day to vicinal 
 he Russel, of 74 guns, Captain Sawyer, now in Cawsand Bay, for six ir. 
 
 It is supposed she is destined for the Straits or the Cape of Good Hope. 
 
 9. Wind N. N. F.. Fair. That very fine ship the Admiral Sir John BcrUse 
 "Warren, built by Mr. Lockyer, merchant and broker, H taken up and char* 
 >ered for Calcutta, to bring home rice, &c ; she mounts ia eighteen- pound 
 irarronadcs. The San Josef, of 120 guns, did not go out of dock the latt 
 spring tide, as it did not rise high enough. There have been employed in cop- 
 pering her two tons, 660 pounds weight of sheet copper, and upward* of a to* 
 of copper nails, bolts, and fastenings. 
 
 10. \Vind E. S. F. Rain, and Fog. Passed by to Westward, the immense large 
 fleets for Oporto, the Straits, Lisbon, and the West Indies, nearly 550*811, under 
 "convoy of the Seahorse of 36 Runs; Maidstone 32 ; Alliance 44; Chichestcr 44; 
 Serapis 44; La Pique 44 ; Harpy 18 ; and Dromedary 34 ; a dead calm took 
 iheni aback off the Edystonc, and the whole horizon was covered with the 
 floating commerce of Albions proud Isles. The fog cleared off about noon, and 
 presented with the setting sun, a spectacle from the high points of land, round 
 this port, at once grand, picturesque, and interesting to eveiy lover of hit 
 country's commerce and welfare. 
 
 ii. Wind S. E. Cloudy. The wind last night having sprung up at E S E. 
 The above fleets went clean off the Dedman by day-break. Arrived the Sowar- 
 row of 14 guns, Lieutenant Nicholson, from off hrest ; left the ( zr of *4 
 gun?, Commodore Sir J. Saumarez, and the flying squadron off the 1 lack 
 Kocks They had looked into Brest the yth inst \\hni there did not appear th 
 any movement had I>. ,-n in;.<ie. bailed, to join the flying squadron and relieve 
 the Cxsar, of 84 guns, L'lmretueux, of 84 guns, Captain iir F.. I'clltw.Bi 
 ' 12. Wind W. N. W. Pleasant, with clouds. Arrived, last night, the 
 Montreal, Captain Boyd, from Quebec, in thirty-five day*, rLhl) Udcn i:h 
 furs &c she sailed the 7th of October with the following tur sh.ps vi. 
 kweritta, Adeona, Ariadne, and Pelican, all very valuable; she separated 
 a violent gale ef wind, the ijth of O&. and ran it the whole voyage. 
 mails were landed and forwarded by the mail coach. The settlement waj I 
 in fine order, and the crops of all kinds of grain abundant. 
 Antigua, dated OS. 13. from an eminent Sur^on of that island, le 
 Mrs! g C. of Saltash, state the arrival there of the <5 >r *y, armed .chooncr.io 
 four-pounders, and 4 men, Lieutenant C. Bogcr.w.ti, a 1 rcnch brig pnvW. 
 ofYnto * nd a four-pouudcr*, 4j teamen, and j~, ~Li.:., return^ from
 
 522 MONTHLY REGUTER 
 
 Rigaud's expedition against Curacoa : this action was well fought on both siclet 
 for nearly two hours, and the fire of the musquetry of the Freuui chasseurs was 
 well kept up, and very severe; the privateer attempted to run the (iypsey 
 pn board, but by the Gypsey's manoeuvring, and the perscvc: Ty of 
 
 Lieutenant Boger, his Officers, and crew, a severe contest obliged her to 
 strike her colours. Lieutenant Boger and his master were wounded, and three 
 men ; but they were, by the Surgeon's account who attcndi-d thtm, in a fair 
 way of recovery. Lieutenant B. is son of Captain to^cr, of the tea Itncibles, 
 at Fowey, and manyyears a Lieutenant with Earl St. Vinccn:. 
 
 13. Wind W. N W, Fair and fine. There is every reason, from the best 
 authority, to suppose that the Belliqueux, of 74 gun*. Captain R ukcel, in 
 convoying out thirteen sail of *- ast l.idiamcn, for China, has fallen in v, ith and 
 captured two French frigates, viz. i.a Medee, of 44 guns and La Concorde, 
 of 56 gun?, rcrurn'.i.;; irom cruizing off ,'. their con- 
 sort. La Franchise, of 44 guns (whicr. escaped and got into RoJi fort) have 
 realized a great deal of treasure, &c. plundered fh; ortuguesc J3r:wjil 
 inen, besides the plunder they got on the coasts of - fnca last buninuT. Ey the 
 Clyde, of 44 guns, Captain Cunningham, i< since karntd, that in October last 
 she chased La Franchise. 48 hours off Rochtfort, but she escaped by throwing 
 some of her guns overboard ; and a very heavy fog, with rain and squalls 
 arising at the same time, she changed her course, and got into port. Arrived 
 1,' dif, of 16 guns, and 120 men, prize ;o the Thames, of 32 guns, Captain 
 Lukiu ; she is vuite new rigged : on the stocks at Bourder.ux, launched and 
 fitted in seven days, out of port one day, and in Plymouth the third day from 
 her leaving Eourdeaux; on board her was discovered one of the n:i.tinecrs of 
 the Hermione. Sailed the Boadicea, of 44 guns, and Magiciuune of 33 guns, 
 ou a cruize. 
 
 14. Wind S. E. Blows hard, with rain. Arrived the New Lioness, from 
 London to Jamaica; she passed by with the fleet on Wednesday last, and on 
 Thursday night ran foul of a brig of the convoy, which stove in her hows, 
 and carried away her foremast and bowsprit. Arrived the Danish brig St. Cart, 
 Tvith hides, from Lisbon to Hamburgh, prize to the Kerret, of 14 mm* (private 
 ship of war), Captain Hosier. Came in* from a cruize the Amethyst, of 36 
 guns, Captain C. Cooke (ist) ; and Thames, of 32 guns, Captain i.ukin. 
 Passed up for Torbay, after a twenty weeks cruize off the Black Rocki, the 
 Cxsar, tif 84 guns, and Fompee, of 84 guns. 
 
 15. "Wind E. S. E. Clouds with rain. Arrived the J 'n? cutter, 
 with 200 ankers of spirits, prize to the Mary and Betsy gun-bout*; hc -uas 
 taken off Salcombe. Arrived the Tamen Galliot, from Quebec, with pot and 
 pearl ashes ; she fell in with the Mary, Davis, from Barbadocs, in a sinking 
 state, to Newfoundland, with sugars ; the Master and ten men were taken out 
 of her, and she foundered in a few minutes after. Arrived the Lord Duncan, 
 Eesant, master, after a short passage from Riga (having escaped the cm 1 . 
 with a valuable cargo of hemp and iron, for the Dock-yard 1 a-t Thursday, 
 in the grey of the morning, the Start Points bearing six leagues, W. and by N. 
 saw a brig privateer, of 16 guns, full of men, board a deep laden brig and send 
 her off; she then made sail after the Lord Luncan, but, fortunately for her, 
 discovering three sail to leeward, she changed her course and dodged them ; 
 night coming on, the Lord Duncan shaped her course for this port, and arrived 
 safe. 
 
 16. Wind variable. Arrived the Defiance brig, from Padshow to London, 
 with tin, &c. captured by the schooner piivatecr i/Keros, of St. Maior 
 retaken by the Sufiisante, of 14 guns, and sent in here. The other brig, prize 
 to L'Heros, but retaken by the Plymouth lugger, 1 ieuteuunt Eiiot, in trying 
 to weather the May Stone, missed stays and went onshore, and was wrecked. 
 She was from Bristol to London, with iron and potters ware. 
 
 17. Wind S. E. Cloudy. Accounts from Oporto, by the Ferret, of 14^ 
 puns, Captain Hosier, arrived last night, st^te the following very gdiant action 
 of the Milbrcok, of 18 guns, and 45 men, Lieutenant M. Smith ; she sailed oa
 
 OF JUVAL STEVTS. 
 
 
 Bdtona landed her first and second 3UE?iRTSC ""'A' 
 
 ^%^SSSfr3SS: 
 
 i. i i .. Kingdom 5 she can fight fifty-eight poi ts on f%f h 
 
 DroaUsiue, incjudinp her mmrf^r_/l*/L. ..*.i r,.~. _.*i_ 
 
 ^ 
 
 C '& TV"* 1 fijy ."*. ""dor Fort St. Julicn, by ' 
 ns, Captain Hosier, during twelve day*, fifteen tail of transput, 
 troop, and thirty M il ef the dispersed Xewfoundlaod fleet, whicViepartted 
 irom die La bapphire frigate, arrived in damage at Lisbon;, wt wfe imo the 
 Jag;U5. This condud of Captain Ho-.. '.for hid i.c 
 
 prekned mere profit to the protedion of the commercial interetU of hit 
 country he would most likely have made a great deal of money by recapture*. 
 Sailed the Naiad, of 3 S gun$, Captaip Rickets, on a cruise. 
 
 19. Wind variable, mostly S. and S. E. Cloudy. Sailed the Urania, of 44 
 guns, Captain fowry, and Anulia, of 44 gum, Hon Captain Herbert, on a 
 cruise. Came in a Spanish biig packet, with iron and bale goods, p-ize to the 
 
 of 36 guns, Captain King. Order* came down thi day for all crnizcr* 
 
 to detain and send in ail Russian vessels, or vessels with Ru<*ian property oa 
 board. Arrived the Plymouth lugger. Lieutenant Eliot, from a cruuc; alto 
 the America, of Greenock, from Halifax, with masts for the dock yard 
 ran it. Came in the ProspeA, of Hull, one of the LUbon fleet. ,"he patted 
 from them under convoy of the Audacious, of 74 gun*, Captain Gould, off the 
 Eddystone. 
 
 20. Wind \V. Rain. Arrived a sloop with wine and brandy, prize to the 
 Canada, f 74 guns, Hon. Captain DC Courcy. Sailed on a cmitc, the i 
 Vincent, of i;> };uiis i Boys. Went down into thie Sound La 
 
 Kymphe, of 36 gu; -it oa leave.) 
 
 She received thu alteri. . , ,0 oL prize-money, aud. &atkd dirc&lj cm 
 
 a cruise. 
 
 zi. Wind. S. W. Cloudy with Rain. Sailed on a cruic off the PeviauSM, 
 
 the Suwarrow, of 14 guns Lieutenant Nicholson, .vhc i< tu : r the 
 
 squadron under Sir K Pellew, Bart. Letters re - j y iroui K 
 
 mii-al Sir T. Paisley, of 16 guns, Lieutenant Ncvin, dated Lisbon, r 
 arrival therewith his tiispatches from this port i:; : - "> wil 
 
 the next ciay for Uibrakr and .\.ulta, with !i 
 manders on tho^e stations, 5 f. M. Jusrairi.. 
 
 Bourdeaux, with Russian cargoes, detained and sent into ihis poit by the 
 graph, of jS jjuns, Lieutenant Corscllif. 
 
 a
 
 MOJJTHLT REGISTER 
 
 PORTSMOUTH REPORT, 
 
 FROM NOVEMBER 26 TO D'ECEXJBER 28. 
 
 Nov. if. .Arrived the . c uperb, Captain Sutton, from the Channel Fleet, is 
 refit ; and the Wolverene, Captain Wright, from a cruise. 
 
 28. The Hussar, Captain Lord Viscount -Garlics, is come out of dock, having 
 had a through repair j and the Snake, Captain Lewis, and the Sea Gull, Capt. 
 Lavie, taken in. 
 
 39. Sailed the Syren, Captain Goselcn, for Cork, to take the trade under hi* 
 convoy from thence to Jamaica. 
 
 30. Sailed the Fairy, Captain Warren, to Falmouth, to collect the outward- 
 bound ships; who, with the Andromeda, Captain Bradby, and Bourdelais, 
 Captain Manby, will convoy them to the West Indies, as soon as the wind 
 permits. 
 
 Dec. t. Sailed the Endymion, Sir Thomas Williams; La Loire, Captain 
 Newman; and Gorgon (store-ship), Captain Hill, for St. Helens; and Earf 
 Spencer, Lieutenant Rye, on a cruise. Also, the Andrcmeda, with LorJ 
 Lavington On board, for the West Indies. 
 
 a. Arrived the St. George, Captain Edwards ; Defence, Captain Lord H. 
 Paulctt; Ramilits, Captain Grindall; Robust, Captain Browne ; Mar;, Captain 
 Monckton; and Saturn, Captain Totty, from the Channel Fleet. Also the 
 Grand Falconer cutter, Lieutenant Chilcott, from Marcou, with the Champion 
 cutter in tow, dismasted. 
 
 3. Sailed the Atalanta, Captain Griint!?, for the Channel Fleet; and the 
 Niger, armed en flute, Captain Hilyar, for Gibraltar. 
 
 4 Arrived the Princess Charlotte, Sir Edward Berry, with dispatches front 
 Lord Kerth ; and the Adventure, armed enf.ute, Capt. Carter, from Gibraltar. 
 
 5. Arrived the Hazard, Captain Butterfield, from the Downs, f he saw 
 the Newfoundland and Halifax convoy 100 leagues to the westward, off Cape 
 Clear, all well. Also the Beaver, Captain Jones, from a cruise. 
 
 7. Sailed the Sea-Horse, Captain Foote ; La Pique, Captain Young ; Maid- 
 Stone, Captain Donelly; Harpy, Captain Birchall ; and the Chichester and 
 Serapis, store-ships, with 317 sail of merchantmen under convoy, for Lisbon, 
 Oporto, and the Mediterranean. The Harpy is only to see them down Chan- 
 nel, ar.d then return. Also sailed the Andromeda, Captain Bradby, and Bour- 
 delais, Capt-ain Manby, with a convoy for the West Indies. 
 
 1 1. Arrived the Earl St. Vincent cutter. Lieutenant Lackey, from a cruise ; 
 and Nemesis, Captain Baker, with the Eliza, Ann, and Mornington, East In- 
 diamen, under convoy, from the Downs. 
 
 12. Arrived, and sailed again on a cruise, the Constitution cutter, Lieut. 
 W. H. Falknor. 
 
 14. Sailed the Princess Charlotte, Captain Sir Edward Berry, for Chatham, 
 to be repaired ; and the Beaver sloop, Captain Jones, on a cruise. 
 
 15. Arrived the Porcupine, of 24 guns, Captain Evans, with the America, 
 Lord Macartney, and Diamond, laden with naval stores, under convoy, front 
 Halifax. Commissioner Duncan came home passenger in the Porcupine, and 
 landed at Plymouth ; also the Rambler, of 1 6 guns, Captain Schomberg, from 
 Falmouth ; and the Audacious, of 74 guns, Captain Gould, from the Mediterra- 
 nean, and last from Lisbon. 
 
 16. Sailed the Argo, of 44 gun=, Captain Bowen, with sealed orders. The 
 Eliza, Ann, and Mornington, with stores for the Cape of Good Hope, sailed 
 under her convoy ; and the Nemesis, of 28 guns, Captain Baker, on a cruise. 
 
 19. Sailed the Sea-Gull, of 1 8 guns, Captain Lavie, ar.d Rambler, of r<> 
 guns, Captain Schomberg, on a cruise ; but a "contrary wind catised them to 
 return.
 
 MATAL 1Y1XTI." 
 
 -ulngoff 
 
 UM" Ca^ln'f La ^^ f 44 gU " 3 ' C4pUin N 6 *""". ^ the Bearer, of it 
 ^fo^'i^ f SS3T'' """'" ^ *< D ermiD < e ' f '* I-- 
 
 24. Arrived the Bellona, o 
 
 e> r tc r *u 
 
 on the preceding Friday, off the Start, a hrecch l 
 oi 16 guns, wh.ch she would have captured, had not a thick 
 
 d ' and 
 
 to w 
 
 JPromotiono anu appointmratfl. 
 
 Admiral Whitshed is appointed to succeed Ad;niral Gtmbier it the Ait 
 
 tairalty Board. 
 
 Admiral Gambier succeeds Sir Roger Curtis at the Cape of Oood Hop ; and 
 Sir Roger succeeds Admiral Rainier, in the East Indies, who is coming l.o-r.e. 
 
 Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton is gone up thc Mediterranean, to rcliere Sin 
 
 Sidney Smith, at Egypt. 
 
 Admiral Sir John B. Warren succeeds Sir Richard in the commiri'l off Cadis. 
 
 Admiral Sir KrasmusGower is appointed to a command in the Channel ' leet, 
 and will hoist his flag on board the Princess Royal. 
 
 Captain Hardy is appointed to the San Josef, of 112 gun*, as mention:,! ia 
 
 our last. 
 
 Captain Retalick is appointed to thc Defence, of 74 gunr. 
 Captain Ommaney is appointed to thc Barfleur, die Sag-ship of Rear- Admiral 
 Collingwood. 
 
 Captain Stephens, of the Barfleur, is appointed to thc GLtton. 
 
 Lord Amelias Beauckrk is appointed to thc Fortur.cc, of 43 gun*, fitting for 
 sea at Wochvich. 
 
 Captain Rowley is appointed to thc Prince George, in the room of Captain 
 ut:on. 
 
 Captain Cobb, of the Glatton, it appointed to thc Prince* of Orange, in the 
 room of Capt-in hope. 
 
 Captain Hammond, late of thc Lion, is appointed to the Blanche, a new 
 frigate. 
 
 Captain Rickets is appointed to the Naiad, of 38 guns. 
 
 Captain G. Hope is appointed to thc I.eda fiigafe, jut launched at Chatham. 
 
 Captain F. Halliday is appointed to the command of the Thames frigate. 
 
 Captain John O'Brien is appoir.'ed to the Emerald. 
 
 Captain Monday is appointed to the Swan. 
 
 Captain E. D. King, of the Gaiete, is appointed to the Leviathan, W Cape. 
 James Carpenter; and Lieutenant Peacockc of that h.p. to thc command 
 thc Gaic:t. 
 
 Captain Durban, of the Weazle sloop, i made Port, 
 
 I ieutenant Butcher, of the San. Pareil, U promoted to a eommAcder, a4 
 appointed to the Gujfchapin brig.
 
 MONTHLY REGISTER 
 
 Lieutenant Edward Chatham, who so gallantly distinguished himself in the 
 action of La Seine frigate with La Vengeance, of 50 guns, is promoted to the 
 of Commander. 
 
 I icutenant Folvil, of his Majesty's ship Superb, is promoted to the rank of 
 Commander, and appointed to the Sally armed ship. 
 
 Lieutenant Bond, of the Netlcy schooner, is promoted to the rank of Com- 
 mander. , 
 
 Lieutenant Mein is appointed to the Netley. 
 
 Lieutenant E. Kindall, late First of the Royal Sovereign, is made Master and 
 Commander. 
 
 Lieutenant Paul, who brought the dispatches from Captain \Vatkin, of the 
 Ncreide, from Curacoa, is promoted to the rank of a Commander. 
 
 Lieutenant Richards, late First of the Cambridge, is appointed to the command 
 ef La Reaolue, commissioned as a slop and receiving ship at Plymouth. 
 
 Mr. M. White, of the Topaze, is made a Lieutenant, and appointed to the 
 
 Py lades sleep of war. 
 
 Sir Richard Pearson succeeds to the Lieutenant-Governorship of Grer nwich 
 Hospital, vacant by the death of William Locker, Esq. Sir Richard, during 
 the last war, commanded the Serapis, of 44 gun, and very much distinguished 
 himself by his engagement with Paul Jones, off Scarborough. 
 
 F. Atkins, Esq. is appointed Purser of the Saturn, of 74 guns. 
 Mr. Wisey is made a Purser, and appointed to the Fortunee. 
 
 Mr. J. Meik, Clerk of the Foudroyant, it appointed Purser of the Caroline 
 frigate. 
 
 Mr. Archibald Telfer, oftheVille de Paris, is made a Lieutenant, and ap- 
 pointed to the Spy sloop. 
 
 Mr. Duncan, late Commissioner at Halifax, Nova ?cotia, is, we hear, ap- 
 pointed a Comptroller of the Navy. He is succeeded in his late office fay 
 Captain Inglefield. 
 
 MARRIAGES. 
 
 Lately, Captain Anderson, of the Navy, to Miss Eggleston, of JCi'ham. 
 
 The fth instant, at Stoke Damerell, Devonshire, William M'Donald, E*q, 
 Furgeon in the Royal Navy, to Miss Knight, daughter of Captain JCnight, of his 
 Majesty's ship Montague. 
 
 T he gth inst. at St. James's Church, Captain Temple Hardy, of the Navy, only 
 surviving son of the late Sir Charles Hardy, to Miss Warre, of Belmont Lodge, 
 Herts. 
 
 Lately, Sir Thomas Williams, Captain of the Endymion, at Salisbury, to Misi 
 Whapshare, eldest daughter of the late Lhailes Whapshare, Es<j. 
 
 15. By special licence, G. Nelson, Esq. of the Temple, London, brother 
 to the Secretary of the Navy, and a relative of Lord Nelson, to Misi Browne, 
 of Stoke Newington. 
 
 The *3d inst. Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, to Miss Onflow, daughter of his 
 brother .Admiral. The difference of their ages is exactly forty-three years. 
 Lady Parker has a settlement of 2000!. per annum. 
 
 54. At Kingston, by the Rev. W. Fussell, Lieutenant A. Wilson, of the 
 Kavy, to iV.iss E. B M'Kay, of Gibraltar. 
 
 The Z5th, at St. Martin's in the Fields, Captain Dundas, of the Navy, t 
 Miss Charlotte Wood. 
 
 At Truro, Tames Obrien, Esq. Captain in the N r avy, and nephew to the Ear! 
 f Inchiquin, to Miss Bridgmaa William?, daughter of James Williams, Esq. 
 Ml the tzmi place.
 
 Or NAVAL EVENTS. 
 
 At Shrewsbury, Francis Parry, Eiq. Captain in the East India Company'* 
 
 , to Miss Lloyd, of Fitz. 
 
 S. Warren, Esq. late Commander of the Scourge, to Mm Barton, daughter 
 .of Mr. Barton, Clerk of the Survey, Chatham Dock-yard. 
 
 OBITUARY. 
 
 On the ist irst. at Salisbury, John c tanhopc, Esq. Re3r.Adn.ira! of the RH 
 Squadron. After continuing a very limited time in the progressive ranks of 
 Lieutenant and Commander, he was on the fth of >'arch 1799, rl '*^ to that 
 of Port Captain. A singular anecdote is related of him while holding thU ita- 
 tior. : 1'eino- appointed to command some ship which had beca equipped 
 either at Greenwich or Dcptford, he was lying in Long Reach ready for tea, 
 when some of the 1 ords of the Admiralty, amonjf whom wa$, we believe, the 
 jate Bamber ('ascoync, having proceeded down the P iver on a party of pleasure 
 in the Trinity Yacht, that vessel passed the ship commanded by Captain Staa- 
 hope with her pendant dying. Mr. Stanhope fired a shot a-head of her, a* an 
 order for her to strike her pendant. This not being complied with, he fired a 
 second, which passed through her rigging. Some of the patsengen, and Mr. G. 
 in particular, feeling their consequence hurt by thi violence, brought to, and 
 having either sent or proceeded in person on board the ship, complained in very 
 warm terms of the affront, insisting loudly ou their own privilege a Lords of the 
 Admiralty, and the insult offered to it. Captain J>. coolly replied, he knew 
 them not in other charader than that of private individuals, except when a&iof 
 in an official capacity ; and that no vessel whatever, except she belonged to h 
 Majesty, should pass the ship he commanded with her pendant flying. -Captain 
 {Stanhope was advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral of the Blue on the itt of 
 June 1795, and on the ?4th of February 1799. to the same rank in the Red 
 Squadron; but never held any command after he became a flag officer. 
 
 On the 6th inft. Sir George Bowyer, Bart Admiral of the Blue 'quadron. 
 This Gentleman was the descendant of a very ancient and rcfpedable family in 
 the county of Berks. He was appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy on the ijth of 
 February 1758, advanced to :he rank of Commander on the 4th of May 1761, 
 and to that of Poft Captain on the a8th of October 1761 His first hip was the 
 Shecrness, and after quitting that command, he held no other of any material 
 consequence till after the commencement of the dispute with North America in 
 1775, when he was appointed to the Burford of 70 guns. I ie removed in 1778 
 into the Albion of 74 guns, and proceeded almost immediately to North America 
 under the orders of V ice-Admiral Byron. Having at the close of the same year 
 accompanied that Gentleman to the West Indies he consequently became con- 
 cerned in all the actions which took place in that quarter previous to the end of 
 the year 1781, and diftinguishcd himself so highly on all occasions, as to draw 
 from the different Commanders under whom he served the warmest ccmmenda. 
 tions. Having returned to Europe in 1781, he did not receive any othe 
 mission during the war, but after its cessation was appointed to command in the 
 Madway, with the rank of Commodore, and accordingly hoisted his flag 01 
 board the Irresistible. After quitting this honourable Mation, as i cuttoi 
 at the end of three years, he held no further command till 17901 when, on 
 idea being entertained, that a war with Spain was more than probable, he WM 
 appointed to the Boync of 98 guns. The storm dispersing, th ship was put 
 of commission.-On the eve of the present conteit with France. Captain 1 
 being advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the White, homed 1 his flag -,* 
 board the Prince of 8 o guns, being appointed to command the Channel , 
 xmdcr the late Earl Howe. He distinguished himself most gallantly in 
 morable defeat given to the French Fleet on the ist of June 1794; on * 
 
 
 *.,%, >.,.---, in 
 
 occasion he had the misfortune to lose a leg, 
 
 from again taking upon him any farther adivc service 
 
 Ltly rewarded with the applause of his country and the favour of h,, fcovcrr,, 
 
 A gold chain and medal, with the rank of *"*"****?* 
 
 deservedly upon him, together with a pennon .f loocl. a year^ioaic
 
 <-S8 MONTHLY REGIST2SI 
 
 fatioft for the bodily injury he had sustained in his country's service. *-$lt 
 George was advanced to be Rear-Admiral of the Red on die nth of April 1794, 
 Vice of the Blue on the 4th of July following, Vice of the-Rcd on the m of 
 June 1795, and Admiral of the Blue on the i4th of February 1799. 
 
 On the 7th instant, at Hastings, in Sussex, Penjamin Robertson, Esq. a Justice 
 of the Peace for the county of Surrey, and many years a Navy Agent. 
 
 On the 2jd u!t. at Haddington, Mrs. Anne Campbell, rclicl: of Mr. S. Brown, 
 fiurgeon in the Navy. 
 
 At his father's house, Stocket Side, near Aberdeen, on the i8th instant, after 
 a long illness, Mr. Walter Mitchell, in the 3910 year of his age. He wa* 
 many years an Officer in the Honourable East India Company's Service, and 
 last in the Navy. 
 
 On the 4th ult. at Brompton, the Hon. Lieutenant A. J. Stewart, son of the 
 Earl of Londonderry j and Lieutenant in the Navy. 
 
 Of a fever, in the East Indies, in his z$th year, Mr. James Geddies, midship- 
 man of his Majesty's ship Trident. He was a descendant of one of the most 
 aiitient clans in Scotland, from which the town and parish of Gecfburg or Jed- 
 burg takes its name. He had nearly completed the time which is required tti 
 Serve as Midshipman previous to being made a Lieutenant ; was an active and 
 deserving Officer, and an excellent seaman. Mr. G. had been in several 
 engagements j was at the taking of <he island of Corsica, and at that time 
 Served on board his Majesty's ship Fortitude, which was laid against Fort 
 Fiorenzo for the space of three hours, and was on fire in several places with the 
 ted-hot shot from the foft; when they were obliged to cul their cable ; Mr. 
 G. was slightly wounded on the occasion. 
 
 Lately, a South Shields, Mr. Jolin Miller, ship-owner. By a sudden motion 
 6F his vessel, he was thrown into the sen, through the rriain chains, in the pre-J 
 sence of his wife and children, arid sunk before any assistance could be given 
 him. 
 
 The aoth inst. at his house, in Park-street, Westminster, Captain John 
 Hallam, of his Majesty's Navy, aged 8a. 
 
 At Portsmouth, late of Teddington, Middlesex^ Lieutenant William Mac- 
 pherson Rice, of the Royal Navy. 
 
 On board the GiiillaumeTell, the -i6th of Oflober last, on his passage home 
 from Minorca, Lieutenant Francis Lloyd, aged 31 years, eighteen of which 
 he had been in actual service. 
 
 In September last, at Jamaica, Mr. Adam Dickson Dobie, Midshipman on 
 board bis Majesty'* ship Apollo. 
 
 34. The Earl of Ranclagh, at the Fountain Inn, at Portsmouth. His Lord- 
 shrp was Captain of the Doris frigate, the command of which is given to Capt. 
 Lukcn. Lord Ranelagh's title devolves on his brother, Major Jones, who is 
 how on duty with his regiment the 66th, in the island of Newfoundland. 
 
 On the zftth, of a paralytic complaint, William Locker, Esq. Lieutenant- 
 Governor of Greenwich Hospital. He was appointed a Lieutenant in the Navy 
 in 1758, a Commander in 1762, and a Post Captain in 1761, While his private 
 virtues entitled him to the higheft honour in civil society, his abilities as an 
 officer justly acquired him the most distinguished reputation in respect, to the 
 public service. This gentleman was the nautical tutor of Lord Nelson, who 
 loved him with the sincere affection of a friend, revered him as a foster parent, 
 and has seized with avidity every possible opportunity of publicly declaring he 
 was indebted for every honour he had been fortunate in acquiring to the in- 
 strudhons and knowledge he had received from this gbod and gallant man. 
 Such a tribute, and so justly bestowed, reflects equal honour on the gratitude 
 which pays it with the worth that requires it. He succeeded the late Lieu- 
 tenant-Governor Ferguson in his station at Greenwich Hospital in tke month of 
 February 1793.
 
 TO THE 
 
 MEMOIRS, HINTS, PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS, NAVAL 
 
 LITERATURE, POETRY, REMARKABLE INCIDENTS. 
 
 fcfc. &c. IN VOL. IV. 
 
 A. 
 
 ADMIRALTY, High Court of, con . 
 viftions at, 76. Condemnation of 
 vessels at, 78. 
 
 ADMIRALTY SESSIONS, proceedings at 
 the, 502. 
 
 ALEXANDER OF ALTONA, THE, con- 
 demned, 78. 
 
 ALBION sloop of war, capture of, 337. 
 
 AMERICAN MARINE, particulars of, 76, 
 119, 148. 
 
 ANCHORS AND CABLES, letter on, uS, 
 370. 
 
 ANIMAL-FLOWER, description of the, 4.86. 
 
 ARMISTICE, NAVAL, 412. 
 
 6. 
 
 BAKER, Admiral. SeBvNC. 
 
 BAMBOROUGH CASTLE, account of the 
 signals, &c. at, 481. 
 
 B ARRINGTON, the Honourable SAMUEL, 
 his letter, praising Capt. Jerris, . 
 Notice of his decease, 168. Enters the 
 service, 171. Made a commander, 173. 
 Appointed to the Bellona, and engages 
 the Due de Charrres, ib. Removes into 
 the Romney, 174- M^e an established 
 Commodore, and sent into the Mediter- 
 ranean, ib. Negociates for the release 
 of British subjects in slavery, ib. Ap- 
 pointed to the Crown, 175- To tlie 
 Norwich, ib. Sails to North America, 
 under Admiral Keppel, ib. Appointed 
 to the Achilles, ib. Captures the St. 
 Florentine, 176. Proceeds against . 
 Isle, 177. Appointed to the Venus, i; 
 Receives the late Duke of Cumberland 
 on board his ship, ib. Appointed- to t 
 Prince of Wales, 179- P'' oted to { 
 rear-admiralship of the White, 180. 
 Serves in the West Ind.es, '*. H^ 
 official letters from the Grand Cul-de 
 Sac, 181, 184. Engages Count L 
 taing. 1 88. Is second m command 
 undtr Lord Howe, in the : relief 
 hraltar 179. Made admiral of the 
 Promotes the insutution ot 
 
 a socety for the relief of indigent rural 
 officers, their widows, ami children, 
 ib. Raised to the r.u.k of admiral of 
 the White, 197. Appointed colonel of 
 the Chatham division of maiines, ib. 
 General, ib. Heraldic particulars re. 
 speeding, 198. 
 
 BARTOLOMEO'S, FKA. PAOLININO DA 
 SAN, voyige to the East Indies, 49:. 
 
 BELLIGERENT NATIONS, maritime rights 
 of, u-lativc to neutral*, 206. 
 
 BERK ELY, Hon. Adm. discover* a new 
 chasm on the coast of France, 44. 
 
 BERK ELY, Lord, commands a detach- 
 ment against Brest, 484. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTM OF NATAL 
 OFFICERS, from Mr. Lodge** Illustra- 
 tions of Holbein*.; Portraits, 124, 196. 
 
 Memoirs of the Earl of 
 
 St. Vincent, i . Of Lord Viscount Dun. 
 can, 82. Of the Honourable Admiral 
 Barrington,i69. Of Sir Erasmus Cower, 
 258. Of Sir Thomas Paslry, 349- of 
 Sir William Sidney Smith, 445. 
 
 BREST, view of the harbour of, Plate 
 XLVII. 43- 
 
 History and topographical descnp' 
 
 tionot", 483. 
 
 , directions for entering the port of, 
 
 485. Description of the chart of th 
 h:irbotir, ib. 
 
 BROWN, Capt. PHILIF, biographu 
 tice of, 3*6. 
 
 BVLMEI, Cant. JoHX, extraordu 
 dei taking of, 369. 
 
 BYSG, Sir GEORGE, original I or, 
 addressed to A-.i.n i.-l BArr, 4*. 
 
 , Admirji, his aftion off Mta m, 
 
 BARCKLONA, capture of two Spanish cor. 
 VC-M in the road of, 3J*- bwedrtbnoit 
 respcdling the same, 411. 
 
 C. 
 CABLBS AND ANCHORS, letter on, i, 
 
 37- CADII.
 
 INDEX, 
 
 CADIZ, blockade of, 144. Expedition 
 ?. linst, 425. 
 
 CAERMART'HEN', Marq:iis of, reconnoitre* 
 the 1: -. lirest, 4.84. 
 
 CAMP.'-. R DOWN, i !>! se -Mti-n of the ac- 
 tion off. Piate XXXIX, 328. 
 
 CHANNEL FLEET, arrangement of the 
 linenf, 255. 
 
 CHARLES BARING West Indiaman* loss 
 of, 441. 
 
 CLINTON, Lord EDWARD, life of, 1*4. 
 
 CLONCARIIF, Earl of, anecdote of, 368. 
 
 CONFEDERACY, NORTHERN, particulais 
 respiting, 499. 
 
 CoiiMOKANT, lofcs of, 254. 
 
 COURTS MARTIAL, NAVAL, their pro- 
 cecdings on the trials of Captain Alms, 
 Mr. Rothery, Mr. Frims, and the rest 
 of the officer* and ship's company of his 
 Majesty's ship Repulse, 74. Mr. W. 
 Krlly, Mr. John Skea, Lieut. William 
 Wa.ker, John Duncan, and Joseph 
 Brow, 75. Bartholomew Porter, Ar- 
 thur Hughes, Th-.imas Nelson, John 
 Watson, and James A leu, 156. Mr. 
 George Hudson, Lieut. E.Clu'ke, Lieut. 
 Pacy, John Bvirnet, of the Danae, 245. 
 Thomas M'Carty, Joseph Wright, alias 
 Marr, James Keeling, James Blew, 
 Lieut. James Ryder, Alexander Blown, 
 T. Tring, 338. John Brown, 432. 
 William Dean, Thomas Taylor, Wil- 
 liam Millage, John Brown, Thomas 
 Pomek, William Ellis, Andrew Dryden, 
 Alexander Brown, Mr. Samuel For ster, 
 Richard Hall, 43:. 
 
 CREWE, Lord, benevolent institution of, 
 481 
 
 CRONSTADT, embargo at, 499. 
 
 CURACOA, capture of, 439. 505. 
 
 D. 
 
 DENMARK, a convoy of, disputes the rights 
 of the British flag, 157. Articles in her 
 treaty of commerce with Great Britain, 
 158. Temporary convention with, 243. 
 State papeis relative to the dispute, 302.. 
 
 DICKSON, Vice-Admiral, journal of the 
 p oceedings of nis squadron, 240. 
 
 -, Captain EDWARD STIKLIVG, 
 
 receives the ilunks of tne inhabitants of 
 TrinUada, 24.6. 
 
 DIVING MACHINE, newly invented, 135. 
 
 DOCKS, West iridin, ceremony on laying 
 the first stone of, 64. 
 
 DONKLEY, Capt. biographical notice of, 
 
 *57-' 
 
 DUNCAN, Lord Viscount, ancient history 
 c.f his family, Si. Js educated at Dun- 
 dee, 82. Entei'b with Captain Rebert 
 
 Baldanes, 83. Promoted to'be a lieute- 
 n'tnt, 84. Advanced to the rank of 
 commander, 85. Post captain, ib. Ac- 
 companies an expedition against the Ha- 
 vannah, ib. Private anecdote of, 86. Is 
 a member of the court martial held on 
 At'n'iril Keppel, 87. Is engaged in 
 the aclion with Don Juan de Langata, 
 88. Lo<es his pri/e, 91. Appointed 
 to the Blenheim, 93. Removes to the 
 Foudreyam, 94. Promoted to be rear- 
 admiral of the Blue of the White vice 
 of the Blue of the White, 94. Ad- 
 miial of the Blue, ib. Of the White, 
 95. Is appointed to the chief command 
 in the North Seas, ib. Assumes ths 
 command of the Russian squadron, 96. 
 His conducl during the mutiny in his 
 fleer, 97. His victory off Cimperdown, 
 104. List of the English and Dutch 
 fleets, 107. Signals employed, 108. Ex- 
 tiacl from the log-book of the Venera- 
 ble, 107. His official letter, 112. Is 
 created Baron Camperdown, and Vis- 
 count Duncan, ib. Heraldic particulars 
 of, 113. 
 
 DUNKIRK ROADS, attack of the enemy's 
 fleets in, 77. 
 
 DUTCH account of their engagement with 
 the British fleet on the i4th of June 1666, 
 44. 
 
 E. 
 
 EAST INDIES, n*.arine regulations there, 77. 
 . , voyage to, by Fra. Paoli- 
 nino da San Bartolomco, 492. 
 
 EAST INDIA REPORTS, 254, 344. 
 
 EMBARGO at Cronstadt, 499. 
 
 EXPEDITIONS, SECRET, 159- 
 
 F. 
 
 FEVER, essay on Dr. Robertson'?, 57, 126. 
 
 FORRESTER, Lord, some notices concern- 
 ing, 17;. 
 
 FRANCE, new channel discovered on the 
 coast of, 441. 
 
 FRENCH, critical remarks on their official 
 veracity, 317. 
 
 FLAG, BRITISH, rights of, 308. 
 
 FbtTCiif.R, Dr. account of his work, in- 
 titled THE NAVAL GUARDIAN, 298. 
 
 G. 
 
 GALLIES, battle of the,' 450, 
 
 GHEZZAR, his real name, 4*19. 
 
 GIBKALTAR STATION, list of ships on 
 the, ^45. View of the rock of, Plate 
 XLV. 380. 
 
 , history and topographical ac- 
 count of, 381. 
 
 GOWER, Sir ERASMUS, his descent, 137- 
 
 Enters
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Enters the service, il>. Sent Into the 
 Portuguese service, 258. Made a lieu- 
 tenant, . Appointed to the Swallow, 
 I*. Appointed to the Swift, * 59. Wreck- 
 ed on the coast of Patagonia, ib. Con- 
 veyed to Falkland Island, i6 t . Ap- 
 pointed second lieutenant of ihe Princess 
 Amelia, 261. Appointed to the Levant, 
 463. TotheSindwich, 164.. Appointed 
 captain of the Prince William, ib. Serves 
 at Gibraltar, 165. Ordered for me East 
 Indies in the Medea, ib. His hold at- 
 tack cf a Dutch vessel at Cuddalort, 268. 
 Unfortunate engagement with the French, 
 474-. Negotiates with M.-de S.iffiein, 
 275. Providential escape off the V> 
 Islands. 276. Serves on the Newfound- 
 land station, 277. Sent for to Eng- 
 land, on the first project of an embassy 
 to China, 27?. That projeft abandoned, 
 ib. Appointed to the command of the 
 Lion, for the purpose of conveying Lord 
 Macartney to China, ib. His remarks 
 en the passage to Madeira; 179. Parti- 
 cularly his passage through the Yellow 
 Sea, 280. Returns to England, 187. 
 Appointed to the Triumph, 288. His 
 meritorious conduct on the 17111 of June 
 1795, *^' Commands the vessels equip- 
 ped against the mutineers at the Nore, 
 a?9 Promoted to the rank of rear- 
 admiral of the White, ib. Heraldic par- 
 ticulars of, ib. 
 
 GOWER, Mr. his principles of ship build, 
 ing, 50. His essay on naval signals, 133. 
 
 GRAHAM, the Right Honourable Lord 
 GEORGE, some notices conctrning, 171. 
 
 GREEKS, MODERN, maritime ch.u.ictn 
 of, 290. 
 
 GREEN, Lieutenant G. biograpkical notice 
 of, 365. 
 
 GREENWICH HOSPITAL, new regulations 
 
 >n, 337- 
 GUILLAUME TELL. See WILLIAM 
 
 TELL. 
 GUNNERY, NAVAL, questions and an- 
 
 swers relative to, 53. Orders of the 
 
 French government resptclmg, 143, 144, 
 
 & sea. 
 
 H. 
 HAIL STORM, his letter on the French 
 
 lucubrations in naval taSic$, 227. 
 HAMILTON, Capu Sir EDWARD, dines 
 
 at the Mansion Houe, 431. 
 HEILIC; ISLAND, account of, ;, - 
 HISTORY, NAVAL, illustrations of, 48, 
 
 Il6, 202, 383. 
 
 HOLLAND, intelligence ot ships launch 
 
 in, 160. 
 
 HOUND SLOOP OF WAR, intlligencre. 
 , 337. 
 
 HOWE, Earl of, private letter of tiofficv 
 on board the fleet of, 4!. 
 
 I. 
 
 JERVU. See ST. VIMCIWT. 
 INMAN, his condua in the capture of tht 
 Deiiie*c, 77- 
 
 K. 
 
 KEITH, Lord, his Inter to General Kle- 
 ber. 76. 
 
 MILL, Admiral, gives n entrrtiin- 
 ment to the principal inhabitant* of Cork, 
 147. Is created a baronet, 441. 
 
 L. 
 
 LAMPS, FUMIGATING, 449. 
 LKPUR, HL'MPH , of, 50*. 
 
 LISBON STA i ion, lut of Ships on, 145. 
 LITERATI-RE NAVAL, 57, 116,404,49*, 
 
 M. 
 
 MALTA, blockade of, 146, 33 j. 
 MARINES, Lord Keith' regulations coo 
 
 cerning, 337. 
 MAIIN E.FRENCH, regulation in the, 139, 
 
 330. 
 
 ..... LAW, spirit of, 404. 
 MARITIME RIGHT* of belligerent nation* 
 
 :o6. 
 
 MARLBOROUCH, loss ri', 418. 
 MAXWELL'S SPIRIT OF MARINE LAW, 
 
 404. 
 MEDITERRANEAN STATION, list of thrpc 
 
 on, 245. 
 
 MILLER, Capt. bio^ph : nl notice of, 145. 
 MONARCH, three Dutch Aagt at different 
 
 time* surrendered to D .-: . 
 MUTINY on board Adr.nral Duncan's 
 
 fleet, some account of, 97. 
 
 N. 
 
 NARROWS, return of the lot* of the Swede* 
 in the passage of, in 1790, 450. 
 
 TIR\- 
 
 TURE. 
 
 NAVAL POETRY. See POETRY. 
 
 NAVAL GUAKDIA*, D; s 198. 
 
 NAVAL HH IORY. S c HUTORY. 
 
 NAV.U. TACTICS. So: 
 
 NELSON, Lerd, prayer Ufed on aidAintof 
 the victory of, 367. Arrives in Bug- 
 h'ul, 428. Is entertained by r - 
 Mayor, 419. 1 presented with a rwocd 
 nf Cnainberlam of London, 430- 
 
 Ntui RALS, nuritime nghts of belbjffes< 
 n itioiu rr rive to, 106. 
 
 NORRIS. Sir JOHII, oi'ginal letter of, 117. 
 
 NORTHKHN 
 
 concerning, 499. 
 NORTHERN POWERS, their naval force,
 
 I.VDEX. 
 
 158. General observations on their con- 
 duit, 159. 
 
 NOVEMBER, general naval observations 
 for, 425. 
 
 O. 
 
 OCTOBER, general naval observations for 
 
 334- 
 
 OR FORD, Lord, original letter of, to Sir 
 Cloucksly Shovel, 205. 
 
 P. 
 
 PAS LEY, Sir THOMAS, Bart, enters the 
 service, 349. Removes into the Wea- 
 zel, ib. Follows Captain Dighy itito the 
 Dunkirk, ib. Is engaged in the expe- 
 dition of September 1757 against Roche- 
 fort, ib. Appointed to the Roman Em- 
 peror fireship, 351. Removes into the 
 Huzzar, ib. Follows Captain Elliot into 
 the Eolus, ib. Engages two French fri- 
 gates, ib. Employed on the Irish sta- 
 tion, ib. Engages Thnrot's squadron, 
 ib. Captures two Spanish West India- 
 men, 353. Made a post captain, 355. 
 Convoys a West India Fleet, ib. Re- 
 ceives the thanks of the merchants of the 
 cities of London and Bristol, 355. Con- 
 voys a second fleet, and is again thank- 
 ed, 356. Appointed to the Jupiter, tb. 
 Is attacked by Suffrein in Porto-Praya 
 Road, tb. Captures five Spanish ves- 
 sels, 357. Invested with the chief com- 
 mand in the Medway, 358. Ordered 
 to join the main fleet, ib. H'-ists his 
 btoad pendant on bourdthe Belleiophon, 
 under the orders of Lord Howe, 359. 
 Chases a detachment of the enemy ? fleet, 
 ib. Made rear-admiral of the White, 
 360. Engaged in the aflion of the First 
 of June, ib. Loses his leg, 362. Re- 
 ceives a complimentary card trom Earl 
 Howe, and a letter from the Right Hon. 
 < Mr. Pitt, signifying his Majesty's gra- 
 cirn.s disposition to confer on him the 
 d : gnity of B.ironet, 363. Has a pen- 
 sion granted to him, ib. Appointed 
 commander in chief in the Medway, 364.. 
 Made port-admiral at Plymouth, ib. 
 Rear admiral of the Red, ib. Vice of 
 the White, ib. Vice of the Red, ib. 
 Heraldic particulars respecting, ib. 
 PHELIPEAUX, M. a slight accoun of, 
 PHILOSOPHICAL PAPERS AND USEFUL 
 
 NAVAL PRojecT.s, si> 56, 123, 2iS. 
 PLATE XXXVi. Portrait of Earl St. Vin- 
 cent, i. 
 
 XXXVJT. Representation of the 
 
 ad ion fought off Cape St. Vincent, 14 
 Feb. 1797, 47. 
 
 XXXVIII. Portrait of Lord Dun- 
 
 can, 81, 
 
 XXXIX. Representation of the 
 
 aclion off Camperdown, 128. 
 
 XL. Portrait of Admiral Barring- 
 ton, 169. 
 
 XLI. Situation of the William 
 
 Tell on the 14th of March, iSoo. 233 
 XLTI. Portrait of Sir Eiasmus 
 
 Gower, Knight, 257. 
 
 XLIII. Representation of the Bri- 
 
 tish and French fleets at the Grand Cul 
 de Sac, on the 15th December 177?!. 297. 
 
 XLIV. Portrait of Sir Thomas 
 
 Paisley, 34.9. 
 
 XLV. View of Gibraltar, 381. 
 
 XLVI. Portrait of Sir Sidney 
 
 Smith, 445. 
 XLVII. 
 
 View of the Interior 
 
 Harbour . Brest, 483. 
 
 XLVI II. Chart of Brest, 485. 
 
 PLYMOUTH REPORT, 78, if i, 339, 433, 
 518. 
 
 POETRY : On Rear- Admiral Lord Nel- 
 son's victory, 60. Elegy on Captain 
 Courtenay, 129. Great Britain, 230. 
 Stanzas on the capture of the Foudroyant, 
 of 84 guns, by the Monmonth of 64, 
 anno, 1758, 322. Verses on launching 
 a ship at Chatham, 314. The Orphan 
 Boy's tale, 406. Sonnet on leaving 
 Southampton, 407. The Sailor's Prayer 
 before aclion, 2cJ8. Description of a 
 Calm at Sea, at morn, 41 1 . Verses by G . 
 Keate, Esq. to Capt. Bligh, 494. Elegy 
 on the death of some sailors wrecked near 
 the coast of Cornwall, 496. Verses 
 written on reading some interesting anec- 
 dotes in the lift 1 o- Karl St. Vincent, 497. 
 Epigram, 498. Epitaph on an honest 
 sailor, ib. 
 
 POTTER, THO. executed for murder, 503. 
 
 POR i SMOU rn REPORTS, 164, 339, 438, 
 524. 
 
 PROCLAMATION, RUSSIAN, relative to 
 M.dca, and the e^nhaigo, 510. 
 
 Ql 
 
 QUARANTINE, proclamation mi the sub- 
 ject of, 24.5. 
 
 QUEEN INDIA.VIAN, loss of, 344. 
 R. 
 
 RES i STANCE, narrative of her loss, 209. 
 
 i , crew of, account.ot the sur- 
 vivors of tlir, 160, 209. 
 
 RIGA, vessels detained at, 500. 
 
 ROBERTSON, Dr. his essay on fevers, 57. 
 
 ROOKE, Sir GEORGE, anecdote of, 36^. 
 
 RUDDER, description of an artificial one, 
 56. 
 
 RUSSEL, Admiral, original letter of his 
 to Sir Cloudesly Shovel, 204. 
 
 RUSSIA, condition of the British subje&s 
 detained in, 500. 
 
 SEA,
 
 IXDtX. 
 
 S. 
 
 SfcA, experiments concerning the luminous 
 appearances of the, %6 
 
 SF.ARLE, \V. indifted for murder, 50*. 
 
 SHAIRP, STEPHEN, Esq. his letter re- 
 speclmg the state of the British subjefts 
 detained in Russh, 500. 
 
 SHILINGA, an Indian vessel, 491. 
 
 VtxrRis, THO. indifled for murder, 501. 
 
 ST. VINCENT, JOHN JERVIS, Earl of, 
 enters the service, 3. Accompanies Sir 
 Charles Saunders in the expedition against 
 Quebec, ib. Made a commander, and 
 appointed afting captain of the Experi- 
 ment, ib. Captures a large xebec, 4. 
 Entertains the Duke de Chablais, 5. 
 Promoted to the Foudroyant, ib. Joins 
 the Channel fleet under Admiral Kcppel, 
 6. Gives evidence at the subsequent 
 court martial, 7. Afts a distinguished 
 part in an engagement with a French 
 fleet off Brest, 8 . Is promoted by Vice- 
 Admiral Barrington, 9. Is wounded, 
 10. Investedwiththe order of the B ath , 
 n. Attends Earl Howe to Gibraltar, 
 ib. Advanced to the rank of commodore, 
 afid hoists his broad pendant on board the 
 Salisbury, ib. Elected a member of par- 
 liament, ib. Opposes the fortification of 
 the dock yards, 12. Befriends Captain 
 Brodie, ib. Made rear-admiral of the 
 Blue, ib. Of the White, ib. Is appointed 
 captain of the fleet under Admiral Bar- 
 rington, in the expeft.v.ion of a nipture 
 with Russi?, ib. The fleet dismantled, 
 ib. Accepts the command of a squa- 
 dron equipped for the West Indies, ib. 
 Conquests of the islands of M.iitinico, 
 , St. Lucia, and Guadeloupe, 13. A 
 French force eludes the British fleet, and 
 reaches Guadeloupe, ib. The character 
 of Sir John Jervis, together with that of 
 the general of the army, traduced by cer- 
 tain planters and merchants, 14 Sig- 
 nified and satisfactory reply of the naval 
 and military commanders, ib. Several 
 of the persons who had joined in the 
 clamour wait on Sir John Jervis, and 
 express their approbation of Ins conduct, 
 jc. The House of Commons renews 
 its vote of thanks, 31. Speech of Mr. 
 Wilks on presenting the freedom of the 
 city, ib. Sir John takes the Meditw- 
 ranran stition, 31. Js niade vice admi- 
 ral of the White Admiral of the Blue, 
 ib. Defeats the Spanish h\ct, 35. His 
 official letter, ib. Combative view of 
 the force of the British and Spanish fleet$ 
 on this occasion, 36. Sir John is created 
 Baron Jen-is ot'Meaford, and Earl St. 
 Vincent, 40. A pension bestowed on 
 
 him by parliament, ib. Blockade* CidJj, 
 41. Sail* in search of the Brett flm, 
 ib. Commandt the Channel fleet Ar- 
 rangements of its line ot battle, ajj. 
 Heraldic particulars, ib. 
 
 ST. VINCENT'S, representation of the ac- 
 tion off, Plate XXXV JI, 47. 
 
 SHIPWRIGHTS, decayed, pUo for the sup- 
 port of, 399. 
 
 SHOVEL, original letters of Sir CLOUDIS- 
 LY, 116. 
 
 SIGNAL BALLS, scheme for improving, 
 
 m- 
 
 SIGNALS, Mr. Gown's scheme of naval, 
 133- 
 
 SMITH, Sir WILLIAM Siniur, his knar 
 to Capt. Thevcuard, 336. 
 
 --- , enters the 
 service, 446. Made a fifth lieu- 
 447. Enters the Swedish service, /*. It 
 engaged in the battle of the gallics, 450. 
 Receives the grand cross of the order of 
 the sword, 452. Serves as a volunteer, 
 ib. Volunteers his service at Touimi, 
 ib. Destroys the enemy's arter. 
 453. Appointed to the Diamond, tb. 
 Makes ait attempt on two ships near La 
 Hogue,/'&. Attacks a French i <j 
 in Hirqui, 455. Captuies a French lug. 
 ger at Havre, 45!. Is taken privoner 
 by the Frrnch, in. Imprisoned in the 
 Temple, ib. Enters into cerera 
 for his escape, 459. Means by 
 his escape was etfecled, 466. K- 
 Roucn, 468. Arrives in Londjjt, tb. 
 Has a private audience with i 
 ib. Appointed to the Tigrc, /*. M*de 
 a commodore, and sent to the c 
 Egypt, ib. Defends Acra, 469 
 
 > the thanks of , 470. 
 
 Enters mt'i a convention 
 Kleber tm tt.e evacuation ot Kjcy; 
 Its ratihc-.tion r. fused, 4-5. K 
 to be succeeded in h * coir 
 R. Bickatoi), 477- Hermldk parocular* 
 of, ib. 
 
 STAG, loss of , 254- 
 
 STURT, CHAKLKS, Esq. providential e*. 
 c.tpe of, 394. 
 
 SWMIEN, convoy of, disputes th. 
 of Me Bntishti.g, i 
 
 SWEDISH note to. the Spunsh MinUter, 
 resi>efting the affair at barcclon.-.. 
 
 SWIMMING, French prizes : 
 
 SouTHAurroN, Ea ,5. 
 
 T. 
 
 TACTICS, NAVAL 
 114, ly8. 
 
 ' 
 
 a*:,
 
 INDEX. 
 
 T8MPLE, account of Sir William SiJney 
 Smrh's imprisonment in the, 458. 
 
 TIGRE, when taken, 468. 
 
 TORRINGTON. See BYNG. 
 
 TOULON PAPERS, supplemental notes to, 
 478. 
 
 TRANSIT, a newly invented vessel, the 
 principles upon which it is constructed, 
 
 5' '35- 
 
 TRUXTON, Commodore, of the Ameri- 
 can service, official letter of, 120. 
 
 TRINCOMALE, particulars or" the melan- 
 choly fate of the, 319. 
 
 V. 
 VAN DIEMEN'S LAND discovered to be 
 
 an island 159- 
 VAN, pressure upon the, examples of the 
 
 success of a, 42. 
 VENERABLE, extracts from the log-book 
 
 of, 108. 
 
 VENGEANCE, capture of La, 440. 
 VESSEL, intending to sail -with celerity, 
 
 arguments tending to illustrate what 
 
 ought to be the shape of, 135. 
 VICTORY, extraordinary, of an English 
 
 captain over a numerous Turkish fleet, 
 
 367. 
 
 VIGO-BAY, sotve vessels cut out of, 243. 
 VINCENT. See ST. VINCENT. 
 
 W. 
 
 WALLIJ, Captain, testimony of his ex- 
 cellent charafter, 160. 
 WALTON', Capt. his laconic dispatch, in. 
 WELCH COAST, soundings taken of the, 
 
 337- 
 WEST INDIA DOCKS, ceremony of laying 
 
 the first stone of, 64. 
 WEST INDIA REPORT, 439. 
 WHITAKEK, Sir EDWARD, original letter 
 
 of, 383. 
 WILLIAM TELL, French account of the 
 
 capture of, 233. Remarks on the same, 
 
 317. 
 . " , situation of on the night 
 
 of the 29111 March, 1800, Plate XLI. 
 
 *33- 
 WHITE, captain, account of, 261. 
 
 Y. 
 YOUNG, capt. biographical notice of, 446. 
 
 INDEX to the GAZETTE LETTERS, in VOL. IV. ; containing 
 Accounts of the Captures, Proceedings > &c. by and of the under- 
 mentioned Officers and Ships. 
 
 A NDROMEDA, 72 
 ** Anson, 237 
 Argo, 419 
 Badger, 325 
 Biker, Capt. 149 
 Ballard, 325 
 Be:-uilku, 325 
 Bondicea, 155. 238. 414 
 Bond, Lieut. F. G. 508 
 Bower., 419 
 Butcher, 41 8 
 Calypso, 149 
 Campbell, Capt. 74 
 Captain, 507 
 Childers, 505 
 Clyde, 416, 417 
 Cockburne, Capt. 154, 414, 
 
 416.4-17 
 
 Coghlan, Capt. 145 
 Constance, 68 
 Courageux, 238. 
 Cunningham, Capt.4i6,4i7 
 Cur7on, 71. 420 
 Dart, 73 
 
 Defence, 67 
 Durban, Capt. 416 
 Durham, 137 
 El Cor so, 413 
 Excellent, 417 
 Fayerman, Capt. 325 
 Ferris, Capt. 152 
 Fisgard, 67. 70. 150. 155. 
 
 414 
 
 Fly, 237 
 Flora, 152. 414 
 Fowke, Ca;>t. 417 
 Hais'cd, Capt. 327 
 Hamilton, 71, 72 
 Hazard, 15* 
 Hccquard, Mr. 152 
 Hood, C:ipr. -38 
 Hotham, Capt. 419 
 Imrnonaliic, 419 
 Impetueux, 153 
 Indefatigable, 171 
 Inman, 153 
 Ke*l3, Caf 153. 238. 327, 
 
 32$, 319.414,41-5 
 
 Keith, Lord, 69, 74. 150. 
 
 325. 504 
 
 Knight, Capt. 41 5. 41 8. 415 
 Lark, 149 
 Loire, 72 
 l.oring, Capt. 149 
 Louis. Capt. 328 
 Liikii 1 , Capt. 420 
 L'ltwvche, vice-ad. 418 
 Martin, Capt. 67. 70. 150. 
 
 i55' 3^7. 328- 4H 
 Melpomene, 71, 72 
 Mermaid, 69, 74 
 Middleton, Cipt. 152. 414 
 Milbank, 68. 416 
 Milne, 421 
 
 Minime, 152,414. 416, 417 
 Minotaur, 69. 150. 328 
 Montague, 415. 418. 419 
 Mudge, Capt. 237 
 Nereide, 505, 506 
 Netley, 508 
 Newman, 7* 
 
 Nils,
 
 Nile, 418 
 
 Norris, Capt. J. N. 504 
 Northumberland, 327, 3a g 
 Oliver, Capt. 69. 74, 
 Parker, Sir H. 149,150,326 
 Pasley, Sir T. 68 
 Pearl, 325 
 Pellew, SirG. 153 
 Phaeton, 504 
 Phoenix, 327 
 Price, Capt. 325 
 Proselyte, 417 
 Queen, 149, 150 
 Renown, 67. 70. 150. 153, 
 J54.138 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Rickets, Capt. 413 
 Royal George, 153, 154 
 Kubv, 152 
 St. Vincent, Earl of, 7 . 70 . 
 
 *S- '53. 154- *37- JiJ. 
 
 4'3- 4>5-4 1 7 418. 507 
 Seme, 4*1 
 
 Seymour, Lord, 68 239.316. 
 
 420 
 
 Skipsey, Capt. 415 
 Spitfire, 68 
 S'.opfoicl. 418 
 Stiachan, Sir R. 507 
 Tamer, 239 
 Termagant, 415 
 
 Towry, Cap. 1 54 
 
 V|Ut <Je Parif, * 7 . 70. ,5. 
 V.per. 154 
 Unicorn, 67 
 Uranie, 154 
 
 Warren, SirJ.B. 67. 70. 
 150- 3* 
 
 Wkin,, Capt. P. $05 , 5 o4 
 weazel, 410 
 Western, T. j 9 
 Wight, Cnpt. Jubn, SH 
 Wolverene, 155. 504 
 Wright, CpL 6t. 155 
 Yco, Lieut. 413 
 
 INDEX to the PROMOTIONS and Af POINTMENTS. 
 
 A LT, Lieut. 167. 256 
 - rv Atkins, F. Esq. 526 
 Beauclerk, Lord Amel. 525 
 Bedford, Cape. 347 
 Bickerton, Adm. Sir R. 525 
 Bickerton, Sir H. 255 
 Bland, Capt. 256 
 Bond. Lieut. 526 
 Borer, Capt. 256 
 Broughton, Capt. 80 
 Browne, Lieut. j67 
 Browne, Capt. 443 
 Burke, Lieut. 347 
 Butcher, Lieut. 515 
 Calder, S rR. 167 
 Campbel, C<pt. 80 
 Camphel, Capt. P. 167 
 Chapman, Mr. 443 
 Chatham, Lieut. E. 516 
 Coats, Com- 443 
 Cobb, Cipt. 525 
 Cockrane, Lord. 167 
 Conn, Lieut. 167 
 Cotton, Sir C. 255 
 Dsws, Col. 256. 44.3 
 Devonshire, Capt. 80 
 Dick, Capt. 167 
 Dickson, Capt. E. S. 525 
 Domet, Capt. 4*3 
 Don, Rev. H. 107 
 Duckworth, Adm. 255 
 Duncan, Com. 44} 
 Duncan, Mr. 516 
 Dundas, Hon. G. L. 167 
 Durban, Capt. 525 
 Faulkland, Lord, 256 
 Fisher, Mr. 107 
 Flight, Lieut. Col. 
 Folvil, Lieut. 516 
 Forster, Capt. S. 155 
 Foy, Capt. 156 
 
 Freemantle, Capf. 167 
 Gambier, Ad. 515 
 Gardner, Sir A. 167 
 Gower, Ad. Sir Eras. 525 
 Griffiths, 167 
 Halliday, Capt. F. 525 
 Hamilton, SirEJ. 347 
 Hammond, Capt. 545 
 Hancock, Lieut. R. T. 156 
 Hancock, Lieut. 156 
 Hardy, C ipt. 525 
 Hardy, Capt. 443 
 Harvey, Sir H. 155 
 Hartwell, Com. 4*3 
 Haweis, Lieut. 256 
 Hill, Cipt. H. 155 
 Hird, Lieut. W. 167 
 Holloway, Adm. 347 
 Honeyman, C ipt. 347 
 Hope, Capt. 443 
 H >pe, Capt. G. 255. 513 
 Hoskins, Mr. 443 
 Inman, Capt. 80 
 Ingleriel I, Cam. 443 
 Irwin, Capi. 44) 
 K.i.11, Ca|>r. 156. 
 Kindall, L cut. 443 
 Kiiuiatl. Lieut. E. 526 
 King, Cipf. E.D. 
 King.mill, Sir K. 44% 
 Kinnear, Capt. 347 
 Lewis, Capt. 34-7 
 Linzie, Lady, 168 
 Mainwaring, Cap:. So 
 Malton, Capt. 156 
 Meek, Mr. J. 516 
 Mein, Lieut. 516 
 Miller, Capt. 443 
 Mitchel, Sir A. 255 
 Mouart, Capt. 117 
 Monday, Capt. 5:5 
 
 Munro, Capt. 167 
 Nokes, 347 
 Northcsk, Ead, 155 
 O'Brien, Capi. 525 
 O'Brien, Lieut. .15$ 
 O.nmaney, Capt. 347. 5 ij 
 Ormsly, Lieut 443 
 Pilmrr, Lieut. 156 
 Park, Mr. 443 
 Parker, Sir H. 347 
 Patten, Lieui. 443 
 Paul, Lieut. $26 
 Pearson, Sir Richard, 516 
 Phillip*, Capt. 44) 
 Popham, S:r H. 167 
 Prowde, Capt. 156 
 Pryinc, Mr. 443 
 Rainier, Ad. 525 
 Retalic, Capt. 155 
 Retalich, Capt. 595 
 Richards, Lieut. $i< 
 Rickett, C J;- 
 Rowd tf, 167 
 Rowley, Cipf. $15 
 RuiSef, Cipt. 44J 
 Scaile, Cjpt. 156 
 ScJgewick, Capt. 25$ 
 Scy .wur, Lord, 155- 441 
 Seymour, Capt. M- 
 441 
 
 S'cph, s j 
 
 Thomson, Capt. A. 1 9 
 Thorn p . >'. 166 
 
 Thompson, i .'t. L. 155 
 Troubridgc, 167 
 Watkcr, Clfl 
 Wallis, Lieut. P. Eq. 1*7 
 Wardiace, Capt. 167
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Warren, Sir J. B. 525 
 Wiithen, Capt. 347 
 Weobly, Capt. 167 
 White, Capt. 443 
 White, Mr. M. 526 
 
 Whitshed, Ad. 525 
 Wilkinson, J. Esq. 187 
 Wilson, Capt.J. 80 
 Winter, Capt. 167 
 
 Wisey, Mr. 526 
 Wright, Capt. J. 
 Wymes, Lieut. 443 
 Young, Capt. So 
 
 INDEX TO THE PRESENTATIONS. 
 
 Tj' ASTNGTON, Capt. 142 
 -^ Gardner, Lord, 442 
 
 Nelson, Lord, 442 
 Parker, Sir H. 347 
 
 Popham, Sir H. 347 
 Wallis, Capt. 441 
 
 INDEX TO THE MARRIAGES. 
 
 A NDERSON, Capt. 444 
 A 5a 
 
 Beaver, Capt. 454 
 Bligh, Vice-Adm. 168 
 Cliristie, Mr. 347 
 Donald, Mr. 526 
 Dundas, Capt. 526 
 Eyre, Capt. 444 
 Farrer, Capt. 256 
 Fitzgerald, Capt. 256 
 
 Fitzgerald, Mr. 168 
 Hardy, Capt. 516 
 Hastings, Lieut. 444 
 Hill, Mrs. 256 
 Hope, Mr. 444 
 Knowles, Sir C. H. 256 
 Kerr, Lieut. 444 
 Lucas, Capt. 444 
 Lynne, Capt. 167 
 Nelson, Mr. 526 
 
 Nichol, 168 
 Obrien, Capt. t*6 
 Parker, Adm. Sir Hyde,526 
 Parry, Mr. 527 
 Pasley, Miss, 168 
 Pierce, Miss, 347 
 Simpson, Capt. 347 
 Warren, Capt. 527 
 Williams, Capt. SirTho.526- 
 Wilson, Lieut. A. 526 
 
 INDEX TO THE OBITUARY. 
 
 A DAMS, Capt. 444 
 ** Allen, Adm. 348 
 Barrington, Adm. 168 
 Bayly, Mr. 444. 
 Birch, Lieut. 168 
 Bowen, Capt. 168 
 Boyd, Cipt. 1 68 
 Boyer, Adm. Sir G. 527 
 Braithwaite, Mrs. 444 
 Campbell, Mr. A. 528 
 Dedel, Adm. 444 
 Dobie, Mr. A. D- 5-8 
 Douglas, Lady, 348 
 Evans, Lieut. William, 444 
 
 Geddies, Mr. 528 
 Grannie, Capt. 444 
 Hall, Capt. 444 
 Hallam, Capt. 528 
 Handley, W. 348 
 Hughes, Lady, 348 
 Kempthornc, J. 256 
 Knighton, Capt. 256 
 Lee, Capt. 444 
 Lloyd, Lieut. 528 
 Locker, Governor, 528 
 Macpheison, 528 
 Marsh, Com. 444 
 Miller, Mr. 528 
 
 Mitchel, Mrs. 444, 
 Mitchell, Mr. 528 
 Painter, Capt. P. 168 
 Pierson, Capt. 168 
 Porter, Mr. 348 
 Ranelagh, Earl of, 528 
 Reddish, Lieut. 34.8 
 Robertson, B. Esq. 528 
 Stanhope, Adm. 528 
 Stewart, Lieut. A. J. 528 
 Syme, C.tpt. 256 
 Trant, P. H. 256 
 Wray, Mr. 256 
 Young, Capt. 348 
 
 OMISSION, page 365, Life of Sir Thomas Pasley. Magdalen, second daughter to 
 Sir Thomas, was married in the month of September 1798, to Thomas Dowdeswell, 
 
 Esq. eldest son and heir to the Right Honourable Dowdeswell, Chancellor of the 
 
 Exchequer, of Bull Court, in the county of Worcester. Charles, the seventh son, is 
 Still Jiving, v<i his three sons, together with as many daughters. 
 
 Print ta by BONNIV 
 
 ilm*- Lt/!f t Lwttttn,
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL LIST 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Ropal Ba&p of eccat ^Britain, 
 
 At the Commencement oj 'the prefix t JTa/r 1800. 
 
 (Concluded from our lajl ) 
 Arranged according to the Years in which the Ships were built, with their D 
 
 IONS; and the NAMES of the several COMMANDOS appointed to them, from th* 
 Beginning of the PRISKNT WAR. 
 
 0. IV. 
 
 1794 iOHt'mueJ. 
 
 LA RKV01UTIOVAIRK, 44 Gun. f. Captured by :h* Amis, Ciptala *. ftaatt* a*4 Often, off aVct, Otaol* 
 
 sift. C.pMin Francis Cole appointed to her in January 1796. Captain T. TVraca to )*** ma, 
 
 commands her. Chanml, 
 I. A SYBILLE, 44 Guns. F. Captured by the Romney of 50 Cuw, Ike Hoaoarabie Capraia W. 
 
 di-.crranean, June 171(1. capuio Ednar.1 Cooke appointed to kcr In Marth i Tif * 
 
 Septemhcr 1799 jf Jnttic*, 
 SANFIORSIZO, 40 Guns. F. Late U'f.ir.i. Captured at San FiOKnzo Ftt : . . >. 
 
 ippointed to her li Auv'Jrt i ;.;;, anil RiU comiraiul: Mr. Hf^iltrrM^ 
 L'EXGAGIANTE, j* Gun . : y the Contort*, CaftaiB 
 
 \\ . Fry appointed to her in June 17,5. Vice A. 
 MATILDA, 24 Guns. F. La:t Joe- 1 in. Captured by the Cafe*, 
 
 Oftubcr jorh. Captain 0. Vautf.an appnted to txi u . -" * W. OWyi 
 
 Ca;uin H. Mitlbrd in May 1796. t*fttM>. ^^ ^^ 
 
 IE BABE'J-, 20 Guns F. Cr.rf J-t.! by the Flora, Commodore Sir J. B. Warn 
 
 Honourable Ciptai', J. Murray appoiMrd tohtr in Fcfcruiry 179$. Ct, 
 
 *_ j_: _... /._..:.. i r- *,!.; r%. rwr.f . f^fifin I. W .! I7fl7t W^ * 
 
 Honourable Cipta', J. Mumy apfnMr totr n crui '9- , 
 
 Codring-on in M G. L bh in D<.cemlwr. C.ptain J. B. Maiimtftfi 1 JM l7, . 
 
 1 ;i, c nSi.'-2SS? 
 
 . -. 
 ; 
 
 :.ry ;miu; u^^t*.i*.-.u vw ,* TUOT f -. 
 
 BELLEISLE,74G- F- ifl; - -. ' ' ' ' 
 
 evCKYSSl:L, (4 Gur-. D. C | OCWbcr. . A*a*tl !*T*' 
 
 W. SwaffieM af pointed to Mr in Aupi 1706. tip. L_J_iaUjU f lil. > M !? tmm. 
 
 Captain J. Bawly in De^-mber 17^. .. 
 IA MINKRVE, 4^ Gun,. F. Captured by th 
 
 in the Mea.terranein, June j^tti. Captain G. H- To* . ta DUPiir ldi aT. Jfc. 
 
 ,4ouuns. r. V.H *ythe Aftrej.CapaiDPowlett.ln 
 
 AN It, 4<)0vtn. F. r. 
 
 nl^iToftober 11 :- ^ "i^aV^St Caf* of Out 
 
 20" Guns. D- i"V ^JfTOfaji A- 1o*d . 
 
 N. K-mpe in MarO : . 
 Davreil in December i- v ptaia J. F. UrM 
 
 1A RAISON, : 4 nua. * L,j 
 
 "4B^SS^-^? 
 
 iurchV?^ C^ato D. W.4r. in April 17S9- -^' i J 
 her. .>lid::.rrtu::an. 
 I-ENGUi
 
 CHRONOLOGICAL LIST or THE ROY At NAVY. 
 
 ) iS Gum. F, A Sloop, 
 Captain J. Younc app 
 mands her. Plymtulb 
 
 lirii t'Effi-n. Captured by the Lively, Captain G. Burtton, rff Breft, Mrch id. 
 Captain J. Younc appointed to her in January 1796. Captain W. Gror/enor in January 1797, who ftill com- 
 
 mands her. Plymtulb. 
 
 14 Guns. D. A Sloop. Lett Star. Captured by Admiral Elphinftone, at the Cape of Good Hope, Sep. 
 tember I4th. Captain J. Turner appointed to her in January 1796. Captain J. A. Alexander in Mrcn. 
 Captain W. Granger ia January 1797. Captain A. Brine in March 1798, whoftill commands her. Capttf 
 Gci Hvpt. 
 
 HOPE, 
 
 IA SUFFISANTE, 14 Guns. tt. Captured by Admiral Duncan, in the North Seas, Auguft istli. Captain J. Witt- 
 
 man appointed to her in January 1797, who ftill commands her. Channel. 
 VICTORIF.lfiE, 12 Guns. F. Captured by Admiral Duncan, in the North Seas, Augaft 25th. Captain J. B. 
 
 M.i.nwaring appointed to her in oftober 1795. Captain E. S. Dicki'on in November 1796, who (kill com- 
 
 mand', h.r. Jamaica. 
 REQUIN, 12 Guns F. Captured by the Thalia, Captain R. Grindall, in February 1795. Lieutenant W. Champain 
 
 appointed to her in January !79<5. Lieutenant W, W. Senhoufc in Auguft 1798. Lieutenant F. Thefiger in 
 
 December 1799, who now commands her. Sfithead. 
 CRACHE FEU, 3 Guns. F. Captured by Sir R. Stiachnn's Squadnm off the Coaft of France May gth. Lieutenant 
 
 Lewis Mortlock appointed to her in January 1796. Weft Indies, 
 
 1796. 
 
 'DORDRECHT, 64 Guns. D. Captured by Admiral Elphinftone, in Saldinha Bay, Auguft 17th. Captain J. . 
 Rainier appointed to her in April 1797* Captains. H. I.inzee in September. C.iptain C. Brishane in January 
 1798. Ciptain D. Atkins in July. Captain R. Honeyman in January 1799, w ho ftill con.mancis h?r. Nirtb ifa>. 
 PRINCE FREDERICK, fi4 Guns. D. L rte Rtvoiuticn. Captured by Admiral Elphinftone, in Sald.tnha Hay, Auguft 
 I7th. Captain E. Ramage appointed to her in September 1797. Captain C. Hare in January 1798. Captain 
 T. S. Hall in Tune noS. who ftili commands Ver. Plirmutb. 
 
 toner in May 1797. viaptain j, K. wioue in uciooer. uapiam j. waiKer in june 1790, wno irui commands 
 her. T.rnrutb, 
 
 TROMP, S4G"ns. D. Captured by Admiral Elphinftone, in Saldanha Bay, Auguft I7th. Captain ;. Turner appointed 
 to her in February 1797. Captain B. Douglifs iu November. Captain R. Hill in April 1798. Captain R. 
 
 Wn.-fl*v in Tnnp t-rnrt. flkafhatn. 
 
 her. Wep Indies. 
 
 ri.EN, 36 Guns. D. Taken pofl'efUon of by Admiral Onflow at Plymouth. Receiving Ship. Plymouth. 
 .I'S, .n Guns. D. LatiZi-'-yr. Taken polTeirion of hy the Andromeda and others in the Frith of Korth. Captain 
 
 J. Kofo appointed to rer in December 1796. CaptaUi R. Sauce in Augult 1799. Captain )). O. Guion in 
 
 Oflober. who ftill commands her. Sutbea-l. 
 
 Capt 
 THAMtS 
 
 iiiuiMji oy LIU- reiiRuin, v-apzain ruiiu*B June ^n. t^puua j i-'"'iir; appointed to ner 111 aepiemoer i/yn, 
 apt;'in G. Fowke in December 1798, who ftill commands h;r. Downj. 
 
 ., 32 Guns. Built in 1758. Captured by three French frigates i" 1793, and re-captiired by the Santa Mar- 
 ..OTta, Captain T. B. Martin, in 1796. Captain W. Lukin appointed to her in January 1707, who ftill com- 
 mands her. Channel. 
 
 VINDICTIVE, 2S Guns. D. Late Btihna. Captured hy Admiral Elphinftone, Augu-t 17111. Captain J. S. R linier 
 appointed to her in March 1797. Captain S. O'horne in February 1798. Captain J. Gardner in March. Cap- 
 tun A. P. Hollis in June. Sheernef-. 
 
 JAMAICA, 3* Guns. F. Late PerdMte Captured hy the Intrepid, Captain C. Carpenter, in the Weft Indies. 
 Captains. Breaking appointed to her in January 1797. Dcptford. 
 
 LA LEGERE, 24 Gunj. F. Captured by the Apollo, C.iptain Mauley, off Scilly, June 2jd. Captain J. R. Watfon 
 ajvpoime: 1 to her in December J797. Captain C. OJiinton in June 1 79}, who ftill commands her. Jornada, 
 
 MUSETTE, 24 Gum. F. Receiving Ship Plfmwtb. 
 
 SURPRIZE, 24 Guns. /'. Latt I^Unitc. Captured hy the Hiconftant, Captain T. F. Frermantl.:, in tl-e Mediter- 
 ranun, April 20th. Captain E. Hamilton appointed to her ;n December 1797, who ftill commands her. 
 J&xaifa 
 
 SARDI>'F , 11 Guns. F. A Sloop. Captured by the Egmont, Captain J. Button, near Tunis, March gth. Captain 
 A'. \Mikii fon aj pointed to her in December 1796. Captain A. Kcmpe in March. Captain E. Kilwickin May. 
 Pirtfmanb. 
 
 SCOURGE, 22 Guns. F. A Sloop. Lite La Xekuftf. Cap-urcd by Sir J. B. Warren off ths Saints, April nth. 
 Cauuin H. R. Gljnn appnintcd to her in Dec:mher 1706. Captain S. Warren in May, who ftill commands her. 
 
 LA BONNE CITOYENNE, JO Guns. F. Captured by the Phaeton, the Hon. Captain R. Stopford, off Cape Finif- 
 ten-e, March inh. Captain C. Lindfay appointed to her in January 1797. Captain R. Ketalick in May 1797. 
 Captain J- Nesbitt in MJV 1799. Captain T. 3. Maling in Auguft, who rtill com?nand^ her. Utdlirmman. 
 
 CORMOKANT, ;o Gui'S. A Sic<np. F. Late V tr.a. Captured by the Mclampus, Captain J. Moore, in the Chan- 
 nel, November i.itli. Captain J. C. Searle in Oftober 1797. Captain Lord Robert Mark KMT in January i7 9 s. 
 The Hon. Captain C. Boj'le in September 1799, who ftill commands her. Sfilhtad. 
 
 CORSO, iS Guns. S. Capturrd by the Southampton, Captain Macnamara, in the Mediterranean, December jd. 
 Captain B. James appointed to her in December 1797. Captain Lord W. Stuart in January 1799. C,,prain 
 W. Ricketts in November, who ftill commands her. Medittrrantcm. 
 
 HAVICK, i3 Guns. D. Captured by Admiral Elpbinftont in Saldanha J3ay, Aiiguft I7t. Captain P. Birtholomew 
 
 appointed tD her in Marc!, 1797, who ftill commands her. Channel. 
 ""S, 16 Cuns. X>. Takeo jx)ffffin of by Aomjrml enHow at Plymouth. ~
 
 ekOMotooieAt inr or THI toYAt WAVY. 
 
 zszSrszz ' "- ***zz-** .rt. 
 
 ,te2 ftS* 1 * * * 
 
 am HeywuM to *>ll.iir ITt% . fty ta 
 
 rmJUnel7i>8 ' whofli " <:omm:ln< " 11 "- '" ' ' 'Ml IIH 
 
 
 FTSCARD, ^ Gur,-. F. Lait trfjlaiu, CaaMinX br the . rtarew* ami La Mawte aff *. Tanaia T 
 Martin appointed to her in Deceir.her i w , wt*> M COMB** her. CtSSt ** T. . 
 
 "^r^-^sawSaffriS-^^ar ~ 
 
 Frederick Wattina, her prelim contniindfr, appoint* to her to May i;L. c* -.J. 
 LA CONbTANCC, uGuns. F. Captures by Bit 5:. Furoro tnd Li N>a.MKO Brert CUCM! - -- - 
 
 pra'eru commander, appointed to her in Augu* /i- " 
 
 ^- A.I-T.^ - *<yy ^ 
 
 GAIETE, ao Guns. F. A Corvette. Captutcd by the Antaufa, cp<aia T. WoBtr, MT .. 
 Captam E. D. King appointed her in AuW 179^ rTUUomLl, S,! AM 
 BONETTA, IS Guns. F. Captain H. Vanfittart appo-nttdw her in OtUbe! MM 
 
 EUGENIE, 18 Guns. F. A Brig. Captain r. ScoMrrUk apectaod to her to KmoBter 
 Channel. 
 
 L'ESPOIR, 16 Guns. F. A Sloop. Captured by the Thalii, Captain K. rwkt, Wawaaar MOu CaiMa* Laftve 
 
 Ot ...y hnd appointed to her in June 179*. Captain J. Moan lapJat.4 to Bar Mu IM*. raj 
 
 LA MUTINE, 14 Guns. F. Corvette. Cut cut of Sant* Cruz by tM ann uf tac Unt? aM MawnaT May M.' 
 
 Lieutenant T. M. Hardy appointed t her in AuguA 1797. Ctpoin W. tio m Otc*ata<r tfaB, vaMI(aBV 
 
 mands her. Me4i:cmtntjr.. 
 ROSARIO, 14 Gur.s. 5. Captured by the Romulus and MahoniCi iM 
 
 to her in November 1797. Capnin J. Carrbew in Jl] 
 TRANSFER, 14 Guns. F. Last Qu.U'e Frera. Captaia O 
 
 Moore in January :799> Cut. 
 
 1798. 
 
 CANOPUS, foGuns. F. La, Fratilin. Captured hy Rev Admiral Sir 
 
 B.)y. c.iprain B. Jime< appointed to hrr Hi January 179* FaMa\ 
 DONNEG AL, 8a Gun-. F. Late Hxke. Captured by Rear Admiral Mr JO* aVwUft Warm, v f>ff 
 
 tohcr 1 2th. Pljmattt. 
 TONNANT, So Gun-. F. Captured by Rear Admiral sir H. Ndfoa, AmcMt it. 
 
 oiCi -,r CaT, May talk. r^oi. r. Mn * 
 
 y .yyi. .ko .il^uZii* kZ.Mn^. 
 
 . tow*. iffUiM J J* !;,. C^Ca. w. 
 
 ippointed to her in January 1709. C--tiin R. L. K:r/(raU ia nbrMfj. Hfmttt. 
 ABOUKIR, 74 Gun?. F. Late Jftilm. C.ptured by Rear A *>*< T > tflfti. <! it. CafOM *. Ikvai 
 
 appointed to her in January 1799. Ptjrt tttf. 
 CONQUERANT, 74 Guu. F. Captured by (ear Admiral Sir H. , 
 
 pointed to her in Ja.nuary 1799. ftjmmitli. 
 
 L'HERCULE, 74 Guns F. Ciptiired by the Mart, Captain Akxaaan Hoot. * Bmt, Aanl 11*. 
 LE SPARTIATE, 74 Guns. F. Captured by Rear Admiral Sir B. NcUba, Aiat If). Tat 
 
 C. H. 1'itrreptint appointed to her in January 1799* The Bicat "uiili Claiaal LM . mart - lav 
 
 vember, and 11 ill command* her. /-.yimwf*. 
 LA LOIRE, 46 Guns. F. Captured by the Anton, Captain P. C. Durham, off Caat daw, OOato 
 
 J. N. Newman appointed to her in May 1799, and till rnmaialdi ar. Ilaa. 
 LA SEINE, 42 Guns. F. Captured by the Jafcn and athcri of the Brian. JWW I.IB. Caataia P. 
 
 to hrr in Oflober 1798, and dill command, her. jtf-ia. 
 SANTA DOROTHEA, 42 Guns. S. Captured by the Lioo, Ciauia Maatrr Mao*, aear Cottiana, J^ tyk. 
 
 Captain H. DJ nman appointed to her in November iTv*, M rmninli her. * <Ma*. 
 L'AMBUSCADE, 40 Guns. F. Captured by Riar Adm r,. > r J. I. Wtrrca, OOataT lam. Ffatat* 
 LA DECADE, 3 Ouni. F. Ciptured.hy the Mayuxamt, tbc HoaounMc Cpo D< Cmy, mt Kaax. 
 
 \v. Pierrepoint, off Cape ruuiierrt, Auu 14*- Captato W. Warn*, her arfftat caaaiini. aKaMMM 
 
 L'IMMORTAL 7 ITE/'jrG*n!. F. Caprarrt bf the Tilfcir., CayCain T. B. Martto, of Bn, CA 
 
 Captain J. Draper appointed c l.er in Ocr*r 1799. WjiiiMl 
 PROSERPINE, 36 Guns. F. Lou BiUuit. Captured by the Kkafaa, Caaola O. Ceaatel 
 
 ; .... u : 
 fENSIBLV, 3 f.uns. F. Captured by the Seafcorfr, C^ptaia E. J. ra,to IM 
 
 Captain J. B. Hay .ppoioted to ber i> <X**ef 179*. &*** B, MMT to K* 
 
 mir.rh her. OMiaaV
 
 CBJlOHOtoeiCAi. LIST OF THK ROYAL 
 UYtHET.MINAi ;* Gun>. D. Late furii. Captured by the Sirius, Captain F. King, io th* North Seas. 
 
 24th. StXlHUfl. 
 
 WAAKSAAMHEID, 2 Guns. D. Captured by the Sirius, Oftober J4th. Sheetrefs. 
 
 IA VOLAGE, 22 Guns. F. Captain P. Woduhoufc appointed io her in November 1798. Captain F. Vefcy, k 
 
 prelent commander, in Au tuft 1799. Jamaica. 
 
 DANAE, 20 ' : uns. F. Late Kiillante. Ciptured by the Indefatigable, Captain Sir E. Pellew, Auguft 7th. Wotlidib, 
 LA FORTUNE, 18 *lu:is. F. Captured by ne S-virtfjre, Captain B. Hallowell, off the Nile, Auguft nth. Ciptaia 
 
 G. Divies appointed to her in July 1799, and now commanding her. Mediterranean. 
 LA SOPHIE, IS Guns. F. Captain George Burdett, her prefent commander, appoin;cd to her in oftobcr 1700. 
 
 Cbamtl. 
 tA FULMINANTE, 8 Guns. P. A Cutter. Captured by L'Espoir, Captain Loftus Otway Bland, in OSober. 
 
 Lieutenant W- Robinfon Appointed to her in Auguft 1799, and ftill commands her. tlfdiHrrane.-.n, 
 RIGARDj 6 Guns. Navy Tranfport. Porlfmaak. 
 
 1799. 
 
 I. A FORTE, so Guns. F. Captured by the Sybille, Captain E. Cookc, io the Bay of Bengal, February a8th, an* 
 
 Li'utenant, now Captain L. Hardyman, appointed to command her. Maf. India. 
 SANTA TERESA, 42 Guns. S. Captured by the Argo, Captain G. Bowen, February 6th. Captain G. Barker 
 
 appointed to her in July 1799. Captain R. Campbell, her prelent commander, in October. Miditcrranean. 
 JRINCESS CHARLOTTE, 40 Guns. F. Late Jumn. Captured by the Centaur, Captain J. Markhim, June iStb. 
 
 Captain T. Stephcnibn, her prefent commander, appointed to her in September 1799. Meiiurrancan. 
 L'ALCESTE, 36 Guns. F . Captured by the Centaur June iSth. Captain T. Bailey appointed to her in September 
 
 1799. and ftill commands her. Mediterranean. 
 COURAGEUX, 32 Guns. F. Captured by the Centaur, Captain J. Marlcham, June i8th. Captain J. Richards 
 
 appointed to her in September 1799, and ftill commands her. Receiving Ship, iltditerranean. 
 IE BOURDELAIS, 28 Guns. F. Plymouth. 
 DOLPHIN, 24 Guns. D. Captured by the Arrow and Wolverine, at the Vlie Ifland, September isrh. Lieutenant 
 
 R. M'Dougall appointed to her in November 1799. Sbttrncp. 
 SURINAM, 18 Guns. F. Late ffuf:r. Lieutenant Charles Cole appointed to her in November 1799, and ftill com- 
 
 manning her. Martin yu. 
 EL VINCELO, 18 Guns. S. Captured by the Cormorant, Captain Lord R. M. Kerr, March igth. Captain G. 
 
 Long, her prefent commander, appoi'.ted to her in November 1799. Mediterranean. 
 CAMPHAAN, i6Gu;S. D. A Brig. Captured by Vice Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour, at Surinam, Auguft joth. 
 
 Lieutenant R. Thwaits appointed to her in November 1799, and IHil commanding her. ffejl India. 
 I'EPERVIER, 16 Guns. F. Plymutb. 
 
 MINORCA, 16 Guns. F. A Brig. Late Altrt. Captured by Lord Keith, June iSth. Medittrranean. 
 LA SALAMINE, 16 Guns. F. A Brig. Captured by Lord Keith, June iSth. Mediterranean. 
 ANACREON, 14 Guns. F. A trig. Lieutenant Simpfon appointed toner in November 1779, and ftiU commandine 
 
 her. Plyimutti. 
 
 6IER, 14 Guns. D. A Brig. Captured by the Arrow and Wolverine, September 1 2th. Stterneft. 
 POKP01SE, io Guns. S. Late Infanta Amelia. Captured ky the Argo, Captain J. Bowen, off the Coaft of Portu 
 
 gal, in Auguft. Lieutenant William Scott appointed to her in October 1799, and tlill commanding Her. 
 
 firtjtmutb. 
 
 AMOUNT OF CAPTURES FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OP THg 
 
 PRESENT WAR TO JUNE l8oO. 
 
 Line. | 
 
 Fifties. 
 
 Friiate 
 
 (Sloops, Sec. 1 
 
 TotaJ. 
 
 From the French 
 
 Sa 
 
 1 
 
 131 
 
 
 !28 
 
 3' 
 
 From iJie Spaniards 
 
 8| 
 
 o 
 
 14 
 
 
 19 
 
 41 
 
 From the Dutch 
 
 I?! 
 
 7 
 
 31 
 
 
 32 1 
 
 
 
 n 1 
 
 I 177 
 
 1 
 
 179 1 
 
 4 1 
 
 Privateers o 
 
 falln 
 
 ations, 770 Grand Total, 
 
 I2II fail. 
 
 
 SHIPS BUILDING AT THE COMMEWCEMENT OF 
 
 CALEDONIA, no Guns. King's Yard, Plymouth. 
 HIBKRNIA, no Gun-. King's Yard, Plymouth. 
 BO YNE, 98 Guns. King's Yard, Purifmrn tt. 
 DREADNOUGHT, 9? Guns. King's Yard, Pcrtfmvtb. 
 EUROPE, 08 Guns. Kinp's Yard, Chatham. 
 OCEAN, 9!* Gun?. King's Yard, mthaiih. 
 AUGUSTA, 74 Guiis. icing's Yard, P rijinwtb. 
 CONQUEROR, 74 Guns. Gr.,ham's Yard, HaruaOl. 
 COURAGEUX, 74 Guns. King's Yard, Deflfcrd. 
 MII.FORD, 74 Guns. Jacob's Yard, Milf.rd. 
 PRINCESS AMELIA, 74 Guns. King's Yard, Cbatbav., 
 Tl.ANTAGENET, 74 Guns. King's Yard, WKiiou.*. 
 REVENGE, 74 Guns. King's Yard, Ch.Mtjm. 
 SPENCER, 74 Guns. Adam's Yard, BwkUrJbjrd. 
 ANTELOPE, S* Gun'!. Kin s 's Yard, Sheeriitfi. 
 TIGER, 50 Guns. King's Yard, Pcr'.Jtrautb. 
 I.AVINIA, 44 Guns. Jacob's Yard, lfilf t rd. 
 LEKA, 38 Guns. King's Yard, CbM.un. 
 JASON, ,-6 Gun-i. King's Yard, Psrtfmeutb. 
 JCARCISSUS, 33 Guns. King's Yard, Dtptfvrd. 
 
 , 74 Guns. King's Y;-.rd, Dtftfcrd. 
 
 tmt $8 Qua Ship, six 0^74 Owns, and 8v griynu* nkatmtd, boildinj in Mvckisu Yitds. 
 
 H****.
 
 University of California 
 
 SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
 305 De Neve Drive - Parking Lot 17 Box 951388 
 
 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90095-1388 
 
 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. 
 
 
 
 For
 
 A 000438200 
 
 PLEA*T DO NOT REMOVE 
 THIS BOOK CARD 
 
 University Research Library 
 
 
 a 
 
 r 
 
 ^
 
 V-4 
 
 ^r 
 
 \ , < 
 
 -f 
 
 v 
 
 'K ^ 
 
 V] 
 
 V