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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


THE 


Ctjromcle, 


FOR  1814: 

CONTAINING  A 

GENERAL  AND  BIOGRAPHICAL  HISTORY 

OF 

THE  MOYAJL  NAVY 

OF   THE 


WITH  A  VARIETY  OF  ORIGINAL  PAPERS  ON 
NAUTICAL  SUBJECTS. 


UNDER  THE  GUIDANCE  OF  SEVERAL 

LITERARY  AND  PROFESSIONAL  MEN. 


VOL.  XXXI. 

(FR03J.    JANUARY    TO   JVKE.) 


Tt>  regere  imperio  poptloi  Brilanne  memento 
Hat  tiii  ervnt  arta 


*'  These  are  imperial  arts,  and  worthy  the*." 

-=— —       r===  * 

LONDON: 

PRINTED  AND  PUBLISHED  BYAND  FOR  JOYCE  GOLD,  103,SHOE-tASJ£  ; 

And  sold  by  Messrs.  Longman,  Hurst,  Rees,  Orme,  &  Brown,  Mr.  Wilkie,  Messrs.  Sherwood, 
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in  tU«  diffrrrnt  Seaport  1  own*  throughout  the  United  Kingdutn» 


TO 


THIS  THIRTY-PIRST  VOLUME   OF   THE 

jftattal  C&ronicie 

B  RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED, 
Br  THE  PROPRIETOR, 


,y 


PLATES  IN  VOLUME  XXXI. 

From  Original  Detign$» 


PLATE 

CCCCVI.    Portrait  of  Admiral  ROBERT  BLAKE.    Engraved  by  BLOOD.       1 

CCCCVII.     Chart  of  CROEE  BAY  and  ROAD,  also  the  situation  of  a 

danger  not  before  laid  down  in  Charts.  Engraved  by  Rowe.     57 

CCCCVIIT.     Representation  of  H.'M.  S.  CLEOPATRA,  in  a  Storm.— 

Engraved  by  BAILEY. 13i 

CCCCIX.  Chart  of  BACK  BAY,  in  the  ISLAND  of  CEYLON,  surveyed  in 
1800,  by  Mr.  \Ym.  M'Keller,  R.  N.  Master  of  H.  M.  S.  Bel- 
liqueux.  Engraved  by  ROWE  164 

CCCCX.     Portrait  o/  the  late  Sir  GEORGE  YOUNG,  Knt.  Admiral  of  the 

White.     Engraved  by  BLOOD,  from  a  Miniature  by  SMART.     177 

CCCCXI.  Representation  of  BCLT,  AND  Cow  ROCKS,  and  part  of 
Dursey  Island,  on  the  west  cnast  of  Ireland.  Engraved  by 
BAILY,  from  a*  Drawing  by  G.  T.  in  1807 216 

CCCCXII.  Portrait  of  ALEXANDER  FRASER,  Esq.  Rear  Admiral  of 
the  White  Squadron.  Enprnved  hy  BLOOB.  (N.  B.  In  bind- 
ing this  V7olume,  particular  attention  must  be  observed  in 
placing  this  portrait  opposite  to  page  89.) 288 

CCCCXIII.  View  of  the  High  land  ofNEvER-siNK  and  SANDY-HOOK 
X,ICHT-HOUSI  .  Engraved  by  BAILY,  from  a  Drawing  by 

J.E '.  319 

. 

CCCCXIV,     Portrait  oFCaptain  JAMES  ALEXANDER  GORDON,  R.  N. 

Engraved  by  BLOOD ...............  353 

CCCCXV.    View  of  II.  M.  S.  ATAI.ANTE  passing  Sambro,  Halifax, 

N.  E.     Engraved  by  BAILY,  from  a  Drawing  by  J.  E 388 

CCCCXVI.     View  of  C/vcLfAT;i— SARDINIA.     Engraved   by  BATLY,  47G 
from  a  Drawing  \>y  Richard  S.  4813..  ........."....... 

CCCCXVII.     Chart  of  BRAZIL 48g 


PREFACE 

TO  THE  THIRTY-FIRST  VOLUME. 


X  HE  XXXIst  Volume  of  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  closes 
ihe  NAVAL  history  of  the  late  eventful  war,  in  which,  quoting 
the  words  of  an  able  correspondent,*  we  fearlessly  affirm — ; 

"  It  was  this  arm  of  her  power,  which,  amidst  the  wreck  of  nations, 
and  the  overthrow  of  mighty  empires  and  states,  brought  into  the  ports 
of  Great  Britain  the  treasures  of  the  whole  world.  It  was  the  Royal 
Navy  of  Great  Britain  that  prepared  the  way  for  the  glorious  fields 
fought  in  the  peninsula — and  the  laurels  that  adorn  the  brows  of  the 
great  Wellington.  It  was  the  Royal  Navy  of  Great  Britain  that  carried 
the  terrors  of  her  power  to  every  shore  ;  displayed  the  ensigns  of  her 
strength  to  cheer  despqiuling  nations;  and,  amidst  preponderating  gloom* 
shed  a  never-failing  stream  of  hope. 

"  If  it  were  to  be  asked,  what  would  at  this  time  have  tyeen  the 
situation  of  Great  Britain,  had  not  her  victorious  fleets,  under  the"  favour 
of  Divine  Providence,  protected  her  shores— been  a  shield  to  her  com- 
merce and  her  numerous  colonies — what  answer  could  be  given  ?" 

Such  are  the  expressions  used  by  a  correspondent,  who,  if  we 
do  not  err,  has  fought  for  his  country  as' an  officer  in  that  navy 
whose  cause  he  so  ably  advocates.  To  attempt  to  detract 
from  the  glory  of  our  army  \youlcj  Display  a  mean  and  impotent 
spirit — far  from  it — we  are  the  foremost  to  allow  that,  in  the 
race  of  glory,  it  has  overtaken  the  royal  navy,  and  finished  its 
labours  with  an  eclat  never  exceeded  by  the  most  brilliant  pe- 
riods of  our  military  history.  We  affirm,  however,  that,  but  for 
the  matchless  patience  and  toils  of  our  seamen  in  many  a  weary 
blockade, — their  swiftness  in  pursuit, — their  irresistible  fury  iii 
battle — Europe  had  been,  with  the  exception  of  these  islands,  to- 
tally subdued  ;  and  even  on  our  own  shores,  w.Kere,  amidst  the 
>vildest  rage  of  warfare,  peace  and  safety  dwelt,  we  should  have 
experienced  the  horrors  of  \yar,  had  it  not  been  for  the  energies 
ef  our  navy. 

The  orders  given  by  Napoleon  to  Admiral  Villeneuve  were, 
."  if  possible,  to  avoid  a  battle,— to  touch  at  Brest  for  the  naval 
force  which  might  be  ready  for  sea,  thence  to  steer  north  about, 
for  the  Texel  fleet,  and  then,  with  the  united  fleets,  cover  the 


*  Arion,  p.  368. 


VI  PREFACE. 

embarkation  of  the  immense  armies  assembled  on  the  coast  near 
Boulogne,  and  pour  them  on  the  shores  of  England." 

Buonaparte  was  at  Boulogne, — the  flotilla  was  prepared — 
and  every  thing  ready  for  embarkation  the  moment  the  combined 
fleets  should  have  appeared.  After  three  of  the  most  anxious 
days  that  pei  ha,  ~  f  !iat  personage  ever  passed  had  elapsed  beyond  the 
time  he  expected  his  fleets  might  have  arrived — the  telegraphs 
communicated  the  unwelcome  tidings,  that  SIR  ROBERT  CAL- 
DER  had  forced  the  combined  fleet  to  action,  and  had  so  far 
crippled  it,  that  it  was  returned  into  port  to  refit ! — Our  readers 
may  rely  that  the  preceding  anecdote  is  strictly  true, — and 
although,  if  those  mighty  armies,  flushed  with  victory,  and 
headed  by  a  general  then  deemed  invincible,  had  been  waited 
to  our  shores,  we  have  no  doubt  of  their  ultimate  destruction ; 
jet,  in  all  human  probability  this  METROPOLIS  would  have 
been  occupied  by  the  foe,  and  our  internal  sources  of  wealth 
and  power  have  received  a  shock  which  this  country  might  have 
felt  for  many  ages.  Thence,  whilst  we  admit  that  the  claims  of 
the  navy  to  the  gratitude  and  plaudits  of  the  nation  are  not 
greater  than  those  of  the  army,  we  affirm,  that  the  army  is 
indebted  for  its  present  elevated  rank,  to  the  exertions  and  vic- 
tories of  the  royal  navy  ;  and  we  are  also  of  opinion,  that,  in  the 
distribution  of  military  honours  and  rewards,  something  re- 
sembling parsimony  towards  the  naval  defenders  of  the  empire, 
ti  too  perceptible. 

The  dismantling  of  our  victorious  fleets  must  necessarily  throw 
a  great  number  of  officers  out  of  active  service,  and  if  the  ad- 
vance of  half-pay  be  still  inadequate  to  the  increased  price  of 
all  kinds  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  we  sincerely  rejoice  that  some 
addition  has  been  made,  and  trust  to  the  JUSTICE  of  the 
country  still  to  increase  it,  till  it  shall  be  equal  in  value  to  the 
possessor  to  what  it  was  fifty  years  since.  We  do  not  claim 
any  merit  in  having,  as  far  as  is  in  our  power,  contributed  to 
an  act  of  national  justice,  and  our  pages  will  still  be  open  to 
those  who,  in  terms  of  becoming  respect,  may  wish  to  point 
out  any  amelioration  of  which  the  naval  service  may  be  deemed 
susceptible. 

As  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE;  will  be  looked  up  to  by  posterity 
as  the  most  authentic  source  of  information  respecting  those 
officers  who  have  fallen  in  the  late  glorious  war,  we  call  upon 
the  friends  or  relatives  of  the  deceased,  to  supply  us  with  any 
authentic  particulars  that  they  may  possess  relative  to  the  pro- 
fessional services  of  their  friends.  We  do  not  address  this 
invitation  to  the  friends  of  commanding  officers  alone,  but 
generally  to  all.  We  should  feel  as  much  pleasure  to  record  an 
act  of  extraordinary  gullantry  or  nautical  skill  performed  by 


PREFACE.  Ti8 

a  private  seaman,  as  by  a  commander.  We  hope  this  call  will 
be  generally  answered,  and  that  we  shall  have  abundance  of 
valuable  matter  thus  supplied,  to  enrich  the  pages  of  our  future 
volumes.  So  much  for  the  biography  of  the  deceased. 

A  feeling  of  delicacy,  highly  commendable,  and  which  is 
indeed  inseparable  from  true  merit — has  precluded  our  pages 
from  many  a  valuable  memoir  of  existent  officers.  We  refer  to 
the  memoirs  of  Captain  James  Alexander  Gordon,  and  Admiral 
Otway,  as  evidence  of  our  intention  to  avoid  every  thing  re- 
sembling flattery — which  even  towards  the  dead  is  disgraceful — 
but  to  the  living — disgusting.  If  we  were  well  supplied  with 
materials,  we  might  devote  a  portion  of  our  succeeding  volumes 
to  the  recording  the  services  of  the  LIEUTENANTS  OF  THE 
ROYAL  NAVY — confining  ourselves  to  a  mere  statement  of 
facts — leaving  the  reader  to  supply  the  comments. 

Amongst  many  valuable  correspondents,  A.  F.  Y.  claims  our 
particular  regard,  not  merely  on  account  of  the  valuable  com- 
munications his  able  pen  affords,  but  the  useful  suggestions  he 
supplies.  In  p.  135  of  the  present  volume,  he  threw  out  the 
idea  of  ourgiving  "chronological  engravings  of  ships  and  vessels 
of  all  nations,  and  particularly  British,  from  the  skin  canoe 
of  the  ancient  Britons  to  the  present  Nelson — which  I  trust  will 
be  for  some  time  the  ne  plus  ultra  in  point  of  tonnage,  and 
number  of  decks." — We  approve  the  idea  very  much,  and  if  we 
are  supplied  with  materials,  w  ould  certainly  make  the  attempt ; 
confining  ourselves,  however,  in  the  first  instance,  to  British 
vessels  only. 

We  are  encouraged  by  certain  august  personages  in  a  manner 
that  renders  it  probable  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  will  speedily 
find  its  way  into  distant  countries,  where  at  present  its  existence, 
except  to  a  very  few,  is  probably  unknown.  We  are  also  taking 
active  measures  to  circulate  the  work  generally  on  the  continent, 
and  particularly  in  the  provinces  of  Holland,  whence  we  hope 
to  derive  much  valuable  matter  to  enrich  our  future  pages,  in 
which  we  shall  occassionally  introduce  foreign  biographical  me- 
moirs, nautical  anecdotes,  and  extracts  from  interesting  voyages. 
The  absence  of  Gazette  letters,  promotions,  &c.  will  afford  more 
space  for  original  matter — with  which  we  hope  to  be  supplied 
by  the  kindness  of  our  patrons  and  correspondents. 

This  Volume  will  be  found  to  contain  a  full  proportion  of 
original  biography.  In  the  memoir  of  Captain  Philip  de  Sau- 
marez,  will  be  found  a  letter  written  by  that  officer  when  he 
was  first  lieutenant  of  the  Centurion,  Commodore  Anson.  We 
feel  greatly  indebted  to  Admiral  Sir  James  Saumarez  for  this 
interesting  document,  and  we  hope  his  example  may  stimulate 
ether  persons  to  favour  us  in  a  similar  way. 


O»r  correspondent,  Om/f,*  has  favoured  eur  readers  with 
6ome  hints  that  we  hope  may  be  attended  to ;  aud  now  that  peace 
will  afford  leisure  to  »o  many  naval  officers,  we  shall  not  have 
to  complain  of  a  want  of  "  regular,  scientific  correspondents." 
And  we  hope  te  be  supplied  with  many  interesting  relations  of 
men  and  things,  that  they  have  noticed  in  the  various  parts  of 
the  globe  visited  by  them.  We  shall  endeavour  to  avoid  loading 
our  pages  with  dry  matter,  and  by  uniting  the  useful  with  th« 
agreeable,  support  the  claims  of  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE 
to  the  warmest  support  and  patronage  of  its  friends. 

Under  the  Hydrographical  department  will  be  found  much 
valuable  and  useful  information,  and  several  original  communi- 
cations which  have  been  occasionally  contributed  by  scientific 
friends. — Our  Hydrographer  is  requested  to  receive  our  par- 
ticular acknowledgments,  for  bis  very  kind  exertions  in  our 
behalf. 

We  are  much  indebted  to  the  following  correspondents  for 
their  various  contributions.  ./Bolus,  Impartial,  Historicus, 
Nestor,  Tom  Starboard,  Albion,  Iron  Gun,  Captain  Horton, 
R.N.  Jack  Larboard,  Captain  J.  H.  Peachey,  R.N.  Captain 
Krusenstern,  of  the  Russian  Navy,  Oceanus,  Serus,  Mr.  J. 
Brown,  Captain  Dalyell,  R.N.  Zeno,  Occasional,  A.  B.  Cap- 
tain J.  P.  Stewart,  Junius,  An  Old  Officer,  &c. 

The  Editor  takes  this  opportunity  to  thank  our  correspondent 
Avon,  for  his  beautiful  little  piece  of  poetry — The  Morn  of 
Trafalgar.  The  mind  that  attuned  those  numbers  is  gifted 
with  a  genius  truly  poetic,  and  he  invites  the  author  to  favour 
him  with  other  communications.  The  Editor  wishes  to  supply 
the  readers  of  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  with  original  naval 
poetry—  of  merit ;  but  he  depends  principally  on  the  genius  and 
industry  of  his  readers  for  contributions. 


Communication^  &c.  intended  for  insertion  in  the  \AVAT,  CHROMCLK, 
are  requested  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  JOYCE  GOLD,  103,  Shoe-lane,  Condon  ; 
and  aUo  to  our  Letter  Box,  at  Mr.  Andrews'*,  Naval  Print-seller, 
Charing  Cross. 


*  Page  3 15. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOIR 


ADMIRAL    ROBERT   BLAKE.* 


"  Thy  name 


•r 

Was  heard  in  thunder  through  the  affrighted  shores 
Ofjrale  Iberia,  of  submissive  Gaul, 
And  Taghs  trembling  to  his  utmost  source. 
O  !   ever  faithful,  vigilant,  and  brave, 
Thou  bold  asserter  of  Britannia's  fame, 
Unconquerable  Blake." GLOVER. 

A  T  a  time  when  the  nation  is  engaged  in  a  war  with  an  enemy, 
-jLJL  whose  insults,  ravages,  and  barbarities,  have  long  called  for 
vengeance,  an  account  of  such  English  commanders  as  have  me- 
rited the  acknowledgments  of  posterity,  by  extending  the  power, 
and  raising  the  honour  of  their  country,  seems  to  be  no  improper 
entertainment  for  our  readers.  We  shall,  therefore,  attempt  a 
succinct  narration  of  the  life  and  actions  of  Admiral  Blake ;  in 
which  we  have  nothing  farther  in  view,  than  to  do  justice  to  his 
bravery  and  conduct,  without  intending  any  parallel  between  his 
achievements  and  those  of  our  present  admirals. 

Robert  Blake  was  born  at  Bridgwater,  in  Somersetshire,  in 
August,  1598,  his  father  being  a  merchant  of  that  place,  who 
had  acquired  a  considerable  fortune  by  the  Spanish  trade.  Of 
his  earliest  years  \ve  have  no  account,  +  and  therefore  can  amuse 
the  reader  with  none  of  those  prognostics  of  his  future  actions,  so 
often  met  with  in  memoirs. 

In  1615  he  entered  into  the  University  of  Oxford,  where  he 
continued  till  1623,  though  without  being  much  countenanced  or 
caressed  by  his  superiors,  for  he  was  more  than  once  disappointed 
in  his  endeavours  after  academical  preferments.  It  is  observable, 
that  Mr.  Wood  (in  his  Athence  Oxonienses)  ascribes  the  repulse 
he  met  with  at  Wadham  College,  where  he  was  competitor  for  a 

*  This  memoir  was  an  early  production  of  Dr.  Johnson's.  The  Editor 
has  appended  some  Notes,  which  he  conceived  to  be  illustrative  of  the 
subject. 

+  He  was  educated  at  the  free  grammar-school  in  Bridgwater. 

*2at>.  Cfcron,  2tol.  XXXI.  B 


5  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

fellowship,  either  to  want  of  learning,  or  of  stature.  With  re- 
gard to  the  first  objection,  the  same  writer  had  before  informed 
us,  that  he  was  an  early  riser,  and  studious,  though  he  sometimes 
relieved  his  attention  by  the  amusements  of  fowling  and  fishing. 
As  it  is  highly  probable  that  he  did  not  want  capacity,*  we  may 
therefore  conclude,  upon  this  confession  of  his  diligence,  that  he 
could  not  fail  of  being  learned,  at  least  in  the  degree  requisite  to 
the  enjoyment  of  a  fellowship  ;  and  may  safely  ascribe  his  disap- 
pointment to  his  want  of  stature;  it  being  the  custom  of  Sir  Henry 
Savil,  then  warden  of  that  College,  to  pay  much  regard  to  the 
outward  appearance  of  those  who  solicited  preferment  in  that 
Society.  So  much  do  the  greatest  events  owe  sometimes  to  acci- 
dent or  folly  ! 

He  afterwards  retired  to  his  native  place,  where  he  lived  (says 
Clarendon)  without  any  appearance  of  ambition  to  be  a  greater 
jnan  than  he  was,  but  inveighed  with  great  freedom  against  the 
licence  of  the  times,  and  power  of  the  court. 

In  1640  he  was  chosen  burgess  for  Bridg water,  by  the  Puritan 
p»rty,  to  whom  he  had  recommended  himself  by  his  disapprobation 
of  Bishop  Laud's  violence  and  severity,  and  his  non-compliance 
with  those  new  ceremonies  which  he  was  then  endeavouring  to 
introduce. 

When  the  civil  war  broke  out,  Blake,  in  conformity  with  his 
avowed  principles,  declared  for  the  Parliament ;  and,  thinking  the 
bare  declaration  of  right  not  all  the  duty  of  a  good  man,  raised  a 
troop  of  dragoons  for  his  party,  and  appeared  in  the  field  with  so 
much  bravery,  that  he  was  in  3  short  time  advanced,  without 
meeting  any  of  those  obstructions  which  he  had  encountered  in  the 
University. 

In  1645  he  was  governor  of  Taunten,  when  the  Lord  Goring 
cume  before  it  with  an  army  of  10,000  men.  The  town  was  ill 
fortified,  and  uosupplied  with  almost  every  thing  necessary  for  sup- 
porting a  siege.  Th«  state  of  this  garrison  encouraged  Colonel 
Windham,  who  was  acquainted  with  Blake,  to  propose  a  capitu- 
lation ;  which  was  rejected  by  Blake  with  indignation  and 

*  He  had  taken  the  degree  of  B.  A.  Feb.  10,  1617  ;  and,  in  1C?3,  wrote 
•  copy  of  vcrsts  on  die  death  of  Camden. 


THE   LATE    ADMIRAL    ROBERT    BLAKE. 

contempt :  *  nor  were  either  menaces  or  persuasions  of  any 
effect ;  for  he  maintained  the  place,  under  all  its  disadvantages^  till 
the  siege  was  raised  by  the  Parliament's  army,  f 

He  continued,  on  many  other  occasions,  to  give  proofs  of  an 
insuperable  courage,  and  a  steadiness  of  resolution  not  to  be 
shaken  ;  and,  as  a  proof  of  -hi?  firm  adherence  to  the  Parliament, 
joined  with  the  borough  of  Taunton  in  returning  thanks  for 
their  resolution  to  make  no  more  addresses  to  the  King.  Yet  was 
he  so  far  from  approving  the  death  of  Charles  I.  that  he  made  no 
scruple  of  declaring,  that  he  would  venture  his  life  to  save  him,  as 
willingly  as  he  had  done  to  serve  the  Parliament.;}; 

In  February,  1648-9,  he  was  made  a  commissioner  of  the  navy, 
and  appointed  to  serve  on  that  element,  for  which  he  seems  by 
nature  to  have  been  designed.  He  was  soon  afterwards  sont  in 
pursuit  of  Prince  Rupert,  whom  he  shut  up  in  the  harbour  of 
Klngsale,  in  Ireland,  for  several  months,  till  want  of  provisions, 
and  despair  of  relief,  excited  the  Prince  to  make  a  daring  effort 
for  his  escape,  by  forcing  through  the  Parliament's  fleet :  this 
design  he  executed  with  his  usual  intrepidity,  and  succeeded  in  if, 
though  with  the  loss  of  three  ships.  He  was  pursued  by  Blake 
to  the  coast  of  Portugal,!  where  he  was  received  into  the  Tagus, 
and  treated  with  great  distinction  by  the  Portuguese. 

Blake  coming  to  the  mouth  of  that  river,  sent  to  the  King  a 
messenger  to  inform  him,  that  the  fleet  in  his  port  belonging  to 
the  public  enemies  of  the  Commonwealth  of  England,  he  demanded 
leave  to  fall  upon  it.  This  being  refused,  though  the  refusal  was 

*  The  answer  of  Blake  was  this  :  "  These  are  to  let  you  know,  that  ds 
we  neither  fear  your  menaces,  nor  accept  your  proffers,  so  we  wish  you  for 
time  to  come  to  desist  from  all  overtures  of  the  like  nature  to  us,  who  are 
resolved  to  the  last  drop  of  our  blood  to  maintain  the  quarrel  we  have  un- 
dertaken ;  and  doubt  not  hut  the  same  God,  who  has  hitherto  protected  us, 
will,  ere  long,  bless  us  with  an  issue  answerable  to  the  justice  ot'oar  cause  : 
however,  to  him  alone  we  shall  stand  or  fall. 

f  For  this  service  the  Parliament  ordered  the  garrison  abounty  of  2,OCO/. 
and  the  governor  a  present  of  500/. 

J  This,  however,  has  been  imputed  to  the  humanity  of  his  temper;  for 
after  the  death  of  the  King,  he  entered  into  all  the  measures  of  the  Re- 
publican party;  and,  indeed,  next  to  Cromwell,  was  the  aW&st  and  most 
successful  officer  the  Parliament  had- 

$  A  map  of  Portugal  will  be  fouad  in  our  XXIVth  Volum«( 


4  N.tTAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

in  very  soft  terms,  and  accompanied  with  declarations  of  esteem, 
and  a  present  of  provisions,  so  exasperated  the  admiral,  that, 
without  any  hesitation,  he  fell  upon  the  Portuguese  lleet,  then 
returning  from  Brazil,  of  which  lie  took  17  ships,  and  burnt 
three.  It  was  to  no  purpose  that  the  King  of  Portugal,  alarmed 
at  so  unexpected  a  destruction,  ordered  Prince  Rupert  to  attack 
him,  and  retake  the  Brazil  ships.  Blake  carried  home  his  prizes 
without  molestation,  the  Prince  not  having  force  enough  to  pursue 
Lim,  and  well  pleased  with  the  opportunity  of  quitting  a  port 
where  he  could  no  longer  be  protected. 

Blake  soon  supplied  his  fleet  with  provisions,  and  received  or- 
ders  to  make  reprisals  upon  the  French,  who  had  suffered  their 
privateers  to  molest  the  English  trade  ;  an  injury  which,  in  those 
days,  was  always  immediately  resented,  and,  if  not  repaired,  cer- 
tainly punished.  Sailing  with  this  commission,  he  took  in  his  way 
a  French  man  of  war,  valued  at  a  million.  How  this  ship  hap. 
pened  to  be  so  rich,  we  are  not  informed  ;  but,  as  it  was  a  cruiser, 
it  is  probable  the  rich  lading  was  the  accumulated  plunder  of  many 
prizes.  Then  following  the  unfortunate  Rupert,  whose  fleet,  by 
storms  and  battles,  was  now  reduced  to  live  ships,  into  Cartha- 
gcna,  he  demanded  leave  of  the  Spanish  governor  to  attack  him  in 
the  harbour,  but  received  the  same  answer  which  had  been  returned 
before  by  the  Portuguese ;  that  they  had  a  right  to  protect  all  ships 
that  came  into  their  dominions  ;  that  if  the  admiral  were  forced  in 
thither,  he  should  find  the  same  security,  and  that  he  required 
him  not  to  violate  the  peace  of  a  neutral  port.  Blake  withdrew 
upon  this  answer  into  the  Mediterranean,  and  Rupert  then  leaving 
Carthagena  entered  the  port  of  Malaga,  where  he  burnt  and  sunk 
•evcral  English  merchant  ships.  Blake,  judging  this  to  be  an 
infringement  of  the  neutrality  professed  by  the  Spaniards,  now 
made  no  scruple  to  fall  up«n  Rupert's  fleet  in  the  harbour  of 
Malaga,  and  having  destroyed  three  of  his  ships,  obliged  him  to 
quit  the  sea,  and  take  sanctuary  at  the  Spanish  court. 

In  February,  1650-1,  Blake,  still  continuing  to  cruise  in  the 
Mediterranean,  met  with  a  French  ship  of  considerable  force, 
.and  commanded  the  raptaiti  to  come  on  board,  there  being  no 
war  declared  between  the  two  nations.  The  captain,  when  he 
came,  was  asked  by  him,  whether  he.  was  willing  to  lay  down  his 
«\rord,  and  yield  ;  which  he  gallantly  refused,  though  ia  his 


THE  LATE  ADMIRAL  ROBERT  BLAKE.  S 

tncmy's  power  :  Blake,  scorning  to  take  advantage  of  an  artifice, 
and  detesting  the  appearance  of  treachery,  told  him,  that  he  wa* 
at  liberty  to  go  back  to  his  ship,  and  defend  it  as  long  as  he  could. 
The  captain  willingly  accepted  his  offer,  and  after  a  fight  of  two 
hours,  confessed  himself  conquered,  kissed  his  sword,  and  surren- 
dered it.* 

In  1652  broke  out  the  memorable  war  between  the  two  com- 
monwealths of  England  and  Holland  ;  a  war,  in  which  the  great, 
est  admirals  that  perhaps  any  age  has  produced,  were  engaged  on 
«ach  side;  in  which  nothing  less  was  contested  than,  the  dominion 
of  the  sea,  and  which  was  carried  on  with  vigour,  animosity,  and 
resolution  proportioned  to  the  importance  of  the  dispute.  Tha 
chief  commanders  of  the  Dutch  fleets  were,  Van  Trump,  De  Ruy- 
ter,  and  De  Witt,  the  most  celebrated  names  of  their  own  nation, 
and  who  had  been  perhaps  more  renowned,  had  they  been  opposed 
by  any  other  enemies.  The  States  of  Holland  having  carried  on 
their  trade  without  opposition,  and  almost  without  competition, 
not  only  during  the  unactive  reign  of  James  I.  but  during  the 
commotions  of  England,  had  arrived  to  that  height  of  naval  power, 
and  that  affluence  of  wealth,  that,  with  the  arrogance  which  a 
long-continued  prosperity  naturally  produces,  they  began  to  in- 
vent  new  claims,  and  to  treat  other  nations  with  insolence,  which 

7       V 

nothing  can  defend  but  superiority  of  force.  They  had  for  some 
time  made  uncommon  preparations  at  a  vast  expence,  and  had 
equipped  a  large  fleet,  without  any  apparent  danger  threatening 
them,  or  any  avowed  design  of  attacking  their  neighbours.  This 
unusual  armament  was  not  beheld  by  the  English  without  some 
jealousy,  and  care  was  taken  to  fit  out  such  a  fleet,  as  might 
secure  the  trade  from  interruption,  and  the  coasts  from  insults  ; 
of  this  Blake  was  constituted  admiral  for  nine  months.  In  this 
situation  the  two  nations  remained,  keeping  a  watchful  eye  upon 
each  other,  without  acting  hostilities  on  either  side,  till  the  18th 
of  May,  1652,  when  Van  Trump  appeared  in  the  Downs  with  a 
fleet  of  45  men  of  war.  Blake,  who  had  then  but  20  ships,  upon 
the  approach  of  the  Dutch  admiral,  saluted  him  with  three  single 

*  This  ship,  with  his  four  other  prizes,  he  sent  to  England,  and  norm 
afterwards  came  with  his  squadron  to  Plymouth  ;  when  he  received  the 
thanks  of  Parliament,  and  was  made  Warden  of  the  Cinque  F'orts. 


6  fcATAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

shots,  to  require  that  he  should,  by  striking  his  flag,  shew  that 
respect  to  the  English,  which  is  due  to  every  nation  in  their  own 
dominions:  to  which  the  Dutchman  answered  with  a  broadside  ; 
and  Blakf,  perceiving  that  he  intended  to  dispute  the  point  of 
honour,  advanced  with  his  own  ship  before  the  rest  of  his  fleet, 
that,  if  it  were  possible,  a  general  battle  might  be  prevented. 
But  the  Dutch,  instead  of  admitting  him  to  treat,  fired  upon  him 
from  their  whole  fleet,  without  any  regard  to  the  customs  of  war, 
or  the  law  of  nations.*  Blake  for  some  time  stood  alone  against 
their  whole  force,  till  the  rest  of  his  squadron  coming  up,  the 
fight  was  continued  from  between  four  and  five  in  the  afternoon 
till  nine  at  night ;  when  the  Dutch  retired  with  the  loss  of  two 
•hips,  having  not  destroyed  a  single  vessel,  nor  more  than  fifteen 
men,  most  of  which  were  on  board  the  admiral,  who,  as  he  wrote 
to  the  Parliament,  was  himself  engaged  for  four  hours  with  the  main 
body  of  the  Dutch  fleet,  being  the  mark  at  which  they  aimed  ; 
and,  as  Whitlock  relates,  received  above  a  thousand  shot.  Blake 
in  his  letter  acknowledges  the  particular  blessing  and  preservation 
of  God,  and  ascribes  his  success  to  the  justice  of  his  cause,  the 
Dutch  having  first  attacked  him  upon  the  English  coast.  It  is, 
indeed,  little  less  than  miraculous,  that  a  thousand  great  shot 
should  not  do  more  execution,  and  those  who  will  not  admit  the 
interposition  of  Providence,  may  draw  at  least  this  inference  from 
it,  that  the  bravest  man  is  nol  always  in  the  greatest  danger,  t 

*  The  admiral  was  in  his  c;ibin  drinking  with  snme  of  his  officers,  little 
expecting  to  be  so  saluted  ;  when  tlie  shot  broke  the*windows>  of  his  ship, 
and  shattered  the  stern,  which  put  him  into  a  vehement  passion  ;  and  curl, 
ing  his  whiskers,  as  he  used  to  do  when  lie  was  angry,  he  commanded  his 
men  to  answer  the  Dutch  in  their  kind  ;  saying,  when  his  heat  was  some- 
what over,  he  took  it  very  ill  of  Van  Trump,  that  he  should  take  his  ship 
for  a  baudy  house,  and  break  his  windows. 

t  Of  this  very  remarkable  action  a  narrative  was  printed  by  order  of  the 
Parliament  of  England,  from  which  we  give  the  following  extract : — 

"  Upon  Tuesday  the  J8ih  of  May,  1652,  in  the  morning,  General  Blake 
being  gone  to  the  westward  as  far  as  Rye  Ray,  eight  days  before,  with 
twelve  or  thirteen  ships,  leaving  Major  Bourne  in  the  Downs,  with  eight 
ships  only,  there  appeared  upon  the  back-side  of  the  Godwin  a  Holland 
fleet  of  men  of  war,  consisting  of  two-and-  forty  ships,  one  whereof  had  a 
flag  on  the  main-top-mast  head,  the  rest  jacks  and  ancients ;  and  being 
come  to  the  South  Sand's  head,  two  of  them  bore  up  towards  the  English 
ships  in  &«  Downs ;  whereupon  Major  Bourne  sent  out  the  Greyhound  to 


THE  LATE  ADMIRAL  ROBERT  BLAK.E. 

In  July  he  mat  the  Dutch  Fishery  fleet,  with  a  convoy  of  twelve 
wen  of  war,  all  which  he  took,  with  100  of  their  herring- busses. 
And  in  September,  being  stationed  in  the  Downs  with  about  60 
sail,  he  discovered  the  Dutch  admirals,  De  Witt  and  De  Ruyter, 

examine  them,  and  to  know  the  reason  of  their  so  near  approach  ;  who 
answering,  that  they  had  a  message  to  the  commander-in-chief  in  tha 
Downs,  were  permitted  to  come  in  ;  and  having  saluted  the  flag,  the  two 
captains,  named  Tyson  and  Aldred,  came  aboard  Major  Bourne,  and 
acquainted  him  that  they  were  sent  by  Van  Trump,  to  let  him  know 
that  he  had  been  riding  about  Dunkirk  with  his  fleet,  where,  by  reaspn 
of  foul  weather,  they  had  lost  many  of  their  cables  and  anchors,  and  the 
wind  being;  northerly,  were  driven  farther  to  the  southward  than  they 
intended,  which  Van  Trump  thought  fit  to  signify,  to  prevent  any  misap- 
prehensions or  jealousies.  And  having  said  this,  and  received  for  answer, 
that  the  reality  of  what  they  said  would  best  appear  by  their  speedy  draw- 
ing off  from  this  coa=t,  they  departed  to  their  fleet,  and  immediately,  upon 
their  arrival  with  them,  the  whole  fleet  stood  up  to  Dover,  and  came  to 
an  anchor  within  little  more  than  gun-shot  of  the  castle,  the  same  day  in 
the  afternoon.  Upon  their  coming  before  Dover  Castle,  and  riding  there 
with  a  flag  in  the  main-top,  without  saluting  the  Castle,  fche  Castle  made 
three  shot  at  them  ;  notwithstanding  which,  tlia  Dutch  admiral  kept  up 
his  flaw,  and  roHe  there  at  anchor  until  the  next  day  dt  noon,  and  exer- 
cised his  musketeers,  by  discharging  volleys  of  small  shot  many  hours 
together.  Upon  Wednesday,  about  twelve  o'clock,  the  Dutch  fleet 
weighed  anchor,  and  stood  off  towards  Calais  some  few  leagues  unto  the- 
south-east.  About  the  same  time  the  English  fleet,  under  General  Blake, 
coming  from  the  west  towards  the  Downs,  discovered  them,  and  supposed 
by  their  course  that  they  had  been  going  back.  Major  Bourne  likewise 
was  in  sight,  coming  from  the  Downs  to  join  with  General  Blake.  About 
an  hour  or  two  after,  the  Holland  fleet  altered  their  course,  came  back 
again,  made  all  che  sail  they  could,  and  bore  directly  with  General  Blake. 
Van  Trump,  the  headmost,  with  his  flag  in  the  main-top,  and  being  come 
within  shot,  the  general  shot  a  gun  at  his  main-top,  and  then  two  single 
shot  more ;  whereupon  Trump  shot  a  single  shot  through  the  general's  flag, 
and  then  immediately  gave  the  first  broadside,  and  took  in  his  pendants, 
and  hung  out  his  red  flag  under  the  Holland  colours,  which  was  the  signal 
on  their  part  for  the  whole  fleet  to  engage  ;  and  so  the  fight  began,  which 
happened  between  four  and  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  continued 
until  nine  o'clock.  In  the  fight  the  English  took  two  of  the  Holland  fleet ; 
one  whereof,  having  six  foot  water  iu  the  hold,  they  left,  taking  the  cap- 
tain and  officers  aboard  :  the  other  was  a  ship  of  thirty  guns.  General 
Blake  lay  all  night  where  the  light  began,  or  near  thereabouts  ;  and  the 
Holland  fleet  was  espied  about  four  leagues  distant  towards  the  coast  of 
France  next  morning.'' 

To  this  let   us  subjoin    the  letter  written   by  the  admiral   himself,  on 
account  not  only  of  several  curious  circumstances  contained  therein,  but 


8  NATAL   BfOGRAPHY. 

with  near  the  same  number,  and  advanced  Cowards  them  ;  but  the 
Dutch,  being  obliged,  by  the  nature  of  their  coast,  and  shallowness 

also  because  it  may  serve  as  a  specimen  of  the  plain  blunt  temper  of  this 
illustrious  Hero.  It  was  addressed  to  the  Right  Honourable  William  Len- 
thall,  Esq.  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Commons,  and  conceived  in  the  follow- 
ing terms  :— 

"    HIGH!    HONOURABLE, 

"  I  have  despatched  away  this  express  to  your  Honours,  to  give  you  an 
account  of  what  passed  yesterday  between  us  and  the  Dutch  fleet.  Being 
in  Rye  Bay,  I  received  intelligence  fmrn  Major  Bourn,  that  Van  Trump, 
with  forty  sail,  was  off  the  South  Sand  Head;  whereupon  1  made  all  possi- 
ble speed  to  ply  up  towards  them,  and  yesterday  in  the  morning  we  saw 
them  at  anchor  in  and  near  Dover  road.  Being  come  within  three  leagues 
of  them,  they  weighed,  and  stood  away  by  a  wind  to  the  eastward  ;  we 
supposing  their  intention  was  to  leave  us,  to  avoid  the  dispute  of  the  flag. 
About  two  hours  after  they  altered  their  course,  and  bore  directly  with  us, 
Van  Trump  the  headmost  ;  whereupon  we  lay  by,  and  put  ourselves  into 
a- fighting  posture,  judging  they  had  a  resolution  to  engage.  Being  come 
within  mu:>ket-sl)0t,  I  gave  order  to  fire  at  his  flag,  which  was  done  thrice 
after  the  third  shot  he  let  fly  a  broadside  at  us.  "Major  Bourn,  with  those 
ships  that  came  from  the  Downs,  being  eight,  was  then  making  towards 
us.  We  continued  fighting  till  night  ;  then  our  ship  being  unable  to  sail, 
by  reason  that  all  our  rigging  and  sails  were  extremely  shattered,  ourmizen- 
mast  shot  off,  we  came,  with  advice  of  the  captains,  to  an  anchor,  about 
three  or  four  leagues  off  the  Ness,  to  refit  our  ship,  at  which  we  laboured 
all  the  night.  This  morning  we  espied  the  Dutch  fleet  about  four  leagues 
distance  from  ours,  towards  the  coast  of  France  ;  and,  by  advice  of  a 
council  of  war,  it  was  resolved  to  ply  to  windward  to  keep  the  weather- 
gage,  and  we  are  now  ready  to  let  fall  our  anchors  this  tide.  What  course 
the  Dutch  fleet  steers  we  do  not  well  knaw,  nor  can  we  tell  what  harm  we 
have  done  them  ;  but  we  suppose  one  of  them  to  be  sunk,  and  another,  of 
thirty  guns,  we  have  taken,  with  the  captains  of  both  ;  the  main-mast  of 
the  first  being  shot  by  the  hoard,  and  much  water  in  the  hold,  made  Cap- 
tain Lawson's  men  to  forsake  her.  We  have  six  men  of  ours  slain,  and 
nine  or  ten  desperately  wounded,  and  twenty-five  more  not  without  dan- 
ger ;  amongst  them  our  master  and  one  of  his  mates,  and  other  officers. 
We  have  received  about  seventy  great  shot  in  our  hull  and  masts,  in  our 
s<iils  and  rigging  without  number,  being  engaged  with  the  whole  hody  of 
the  fleet  for  the  space  of  four  hours  ;  being  the  mark  at  which  they  aimed. 
We  must  needs  acknowledge  it  a  great  mercy  thai  we  had  no  more  harm  ; 
and  our  hope  is,  the  righteous  God  will  continue  the  same  unto  us,  if  there 
do  arise  a  war  between  us,  they  being  first  in  the  breach,  and  seeking  an 
occasion  to  quarrel,  and  watching  as  it  seems  an  advantage  to  brave  us 
upon  our  own  coast,  ike.  Your  bumble  servant, 

"  From  aboard  thr  Jomes,  three  "  ROBERT  BLAKE." 

leagues  tiff  the  Hyde,  the  Wtlt 

of  May,  1652.'' 


THE    I  ATE    ADMIRAL    ROBERT    BLAKE.  9 

«f  their  rivers,  to  build  their  ships  in  such  a  manner  that  they 
require  less  depth  of  water  llian  the  English  vessels,  took  advantage 
of  the  form  of  their  shipping,  and  sheltered  themselves  behind  a 
Flat  called  Kentish  knock  ;  so  that  the  English,  finding  some  of 
their  ships  a-ground,  were  obliged  to  alter  their  course  ;  but  per. 
ceiving  early  the  next  morning  that  the  Hollanders  had  forsaken 
their  station,  they  pursued  them  with  all  the  speed  that  the  wind, 
which  was  weak  and  uncertain,  allowed,  but  found  themselves 
unable  to  reach  them  with  the  bulk  of  their  fleet,  and  therefore 
detached  some  of  the  lightest  frigates  to  chase  them.  These  came 
so  near  as  to  fire  upon  them  about  three  in  the  afternoon  ;  but  the 
Dutch,  instead  of  tacking  about,  hoisted  their  sails,  steered 
toward  their  own  coast,  and  finding  themselves  the  next  day 
followed  by  the  whole  English  fleet,  retired  into  Goree.  Th« 
sailors  were  eager  to  attack  them  in  their  own  harbours  ;  but  a 
council  of  war  being  convened,  it  was  judged  imprudent  to  hazard 
the  fleet  upon  the  shoals,  or  to  engage  in  any  important  enter- 
prise  without  a  fresh  supply  of  provisions. 

That  in  this  engagement  the  victory  belonged  to  the  English  is 
beyond  dispute  ;  since,  without  the  loss  of  one  ship,  and  with  no 
more  than  40  men  killed,  they  drove  the  enemy  into  his  own  ports, 
took  the  rear-admiral  and  another  vessel,  and  so  discouraged  the 
Dutch  admirals,  who  had  not  agreed  in  their  measures,  that  De 
Huyter,  who  had  declared  against  hazarding  a  battle,  desired  to 
resign  his  commission,  and  De  Witt,  who  had  insisted  upon  fight- 
ing, fell  sick,  as  it  was  supposed,  with  vexation.  But  how  great 
the  loss  of  the  Dutch  was  is  not  certainly  known  j  that  two  ships 
were  taken  they  are  too  wise  to  deny,  but  affirm  that  those  two 
were  all  that  were  destroyed.  The  English,  on  the  other  side, 
affirm  that  three  of  their  vessels  were  disabled  at  the  first  encoun- 
ter, that  their  numbers  on  the  second  day  were  visibly  diminished, 
and  that  on  the  last  day  they  saw  three  or  four  ships  sink  in  their 
flight. 

De  Witt  being  now  discharged  by  the  Hollanders  as  unfortunate, 
and  the  chief  command  restored  to  Van  Trump,  great  prepara- 
tions were  made  for  retrieving  their  reputation,  and  repairing  their 
losses.  Their  endeavours  were  assisted  by  the  English  themselves, 
now  made  factious  by  success ;  the  men  who  were  iutrusteJ  with 

JSato.  Cjjtcn,  Ool.  XXXI.  c 


10  NAVAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

t'u-  civil  administration  being  jealous  of  those  whose  military  coin, 
mantis  had  procured  so  much  honour,  lest  they  who  raised  them 
should  be  eclipsed  by  them.  Such  is  generally  the  revolution  of 
affairs  in  every  State  ;  danger  and  distress  produce  unanimity  and 
bravery,  virtues  which  arc  seldom  unattended  with  success  ;  but 
success  is  the  parent  of  pride,  and  pride  of  jealousy  and  faction  ; 
faction  makes  way  for  calamity,  and  happy  is  that  nation  whose 
calamities  renew  their  unanimity.  Such  is  the  rotation  of  interests, 
that  equally  tend  to  hinder  the  total  destruction  of  a  people,  and 
to  obstruct  an  exorbitant  increase  of  power. 

Blake  had  weakened  his  fleet  by  many  detachments,  and  lay 
•with  no  more  than  40  sail  in  the  Downs,  very  ill  provided  both 
•with  men  and  ammunition,  and  expecting  new  supplies  from  those 
•whose  animosity  hindered  them  from  providing  them,  and  who 
clioie  rather  to  see  the  trade  of  their  country  distressed,  than  the 
sea  officers  exalted  by  a  new  acquisition  of  honour  and  influence. 

\  .1:1  Trump,  desirous  of  distinguishing  himself  at  the  resump- 
tion of  his  command  by  some  remarkable  action,  had  assembled 
SO  ships  of  war,  and  10  fire-ships,  and  steered  towards  the 
Downs,  where  Blake,  with  whose  condition  and  strength  he  was 
probably  acquainted,  was  then  stationed.  Blake  not  able  to  re- 
strain his  natural  ardour,  or  perhaps  not  fully  informed  of  the 
superiority  of  his  enemies,  put  out  to  encounter  them,  though  his 
fleet  was  so  weakly  manned,  that  half  of  his  ships  were  obliged  to 
lie  idle  without  engaging,  for  want  of  sailors  :  the  force  of  the 
•whole  Dutch  fleet  was  therefore  sustained  by  about  22  ships. 
Two  of  the  English  frigates,  named  the  Vanguard  and  the  Vic- 
tory, after  having  for  a  long  time  stood  engaged  amidst  the  whole 
Dutch  fleet,  broke  thrjugh  without  much  injury,  nor  did  the 
English  lose  any  ships  till  the  evening,  when  the  Garland,  carry- 
ing 40  guns,  was  boarded  at  once  by  two  great  ships,  which  were 
opposed  by  the  English  till  they  had  scarcely  any  men  left  to  de- 
fend the  decks  ;  then  retiring  into  the  lower  part  of  the  vessel, 
they  blew  up  their  decks,  which  were  now  possessed  by  the  enemy, 
and  at  length  were  overpowered  and  taken.  The  Bonavcnture, 
a  stout  well-built  merchant  ship,  going  to  relieve  the  Garland, 
•was  attacked  by  a  man  of  war,  anJ  after  a  stout  resistance,  iq 
which  tbc  captain,  who  defended  her  with  the  utmost  bravery, 
was  killed,  was  likewise  Carried  oft?  by  the  Dutch.  Blake,  in  the 


THE   LATE   ADMIKAL    ROBERT    BLAKE.  11 

Triumph,  seeing  the  Garland  in  distress,  pressed  forward  to 
relieve  her,  but  in  his  way  had  his  foremast  shattered,  and  was 
himself  boarded  ;  but  beating  off  the  enemies  he  disejigaged  himself^ 
and  retired  into  the  Thames  with  the  loss  only  of  two  ships  of 
force,  and  four  small  frigates,  but  with  his  whole  fleet  much  shat- 
tered. Nor  was  the  victory  gained  at  a  cheap  rate,  notwithstand- 
ing the  unusual  disproportion  of  strength,  for  of  the  Dutch  flag- 
ships one  was  blown  up,  and  the  other  two  disabled.  A  proof  of 
the  English  bravery,  which  should  have  induced  Van  Trump  to 
have  spared  the  insolence  of  carrying  a  broom  at  his  topmast  in  his 
triumphant  passage  through  the  Channel,  which  he  intended  as  a 
declaration  that  he  would  sweep  the  seas  of  the  English  shipping; 
this,  which  he  had  little  reason  to  think  of  accomplishing,  he  soott 
after  perished  in  attempting. 

There  are  sometimes  observations  and  inquiries,  which  all  histo- 
rians seem  to  decline  by  agreement,  of  which  this  action  mar 
afford  us  an  example  :  nothing  appears  at  the  first  view  more  to 
demand  our  curiosity,  or  afibrd  matter  for  examination,  than  this 
wild  encounter  of  22  ships,  with  a  force,  according  to  their 
accounts  who  favour  the  Dutch,  three  times  superior.  Nothing 
can  justify  a  commander  in  fighting  under  such  disadvantages,  but 
the  impossibility  of  retreating.  But  what  hindered  Blake  from 
retiring  as  well  before  the  fight  as  after  it  ?  To  say  Jie  was  igno- 
rant of  the  strength  of  the  Dutch  fleet,  is  to  impute  to  him  a  very 
criminal  degree  of  negligence,  and,  at  least,  it  must  be  confessed 
that,  from  the  time  he  saw  them,  he  could  not  but  know  that  they 
were  too  powerful  to  be  opposed  by  him,  and  even  then  there  was 
time  for  retreat.  To  urge  the  ardour  of  his  sailors  is  to, divest 
him  of  the  authority  of  a*commander,  and  te>  charge  him  with  th« 
most  reproachful  weakness  that  can  enter  into  the  character  of  a 
general.  To  mention  the  impetuosity  of  his  own  courage,  is  to 
make  the  blame  of  his  temerity  equal  to  the  praise  of  his  valour  ; 
which  seems,  indeed,  to  be  the  most  gentle  censure  that  the  truth 
of  history  will  allow.  We  must  then  admit,  amidst  our  clogies 
and  applauses,  that  the  great,  the  wise,  and  the  valiant  Blake 
was  once  betrayed  to  an  inconsiderate  and  desperate  enterprise,  by 
the  resistless  ardour  of  his  own  spirit,  and  a  noble  jealousy  of  the 
honour  of  his  country. 

It  was  mot  long  before  he  had  an  opportunity  of  revenging  hU 


12  NATAt   BIOGRAPHY. 

loss,  and  restraining  the  insolence  of  the  Dutch.  On  the  18th  of 
February,  IG52-3,  Blake  being  at  the  head  of  80  sail,  and  assisted, 
at  his  own  request,  by  Colonels  Monk  and  Dean,  espied  Van 
Trump  with  a  fleet  of  above  100  men  of  war,  as  Clarendon  re- 
lates, of  70  by  their  own  public  accounts,  and  300  merchant  ships 
under  his  convoy.  The  English,  with  their  usual  intrepidity,  ad- 
Tanced  towards  them,  and  Blake,  in  the  Triumph,  in  which  he 
always  led  his  fleet,  with  twelve  ships  more,  came  to  an  engage- 
ment with  the  main  body  of  the  Dutch  fleet,  and  by  the  disparity 
of  their  force  was  reduced  to  the  last  extremity,  haying  received 
in  his  hull  no  fewer  than  700  shots,  when  Lawson,  in  the  Fair- 
fax,  came  to  his  assistance.  The  rest  of  the  English  fleet  now 
came  in,  and  the  fight  was  continued  with  the  utmost  degree  of 
rigour  and  resolution,  till  the  night  gave  the  Dutch  an  opportu- 
nity of  retiring,  with  the  loss  of  one  flag-ship,  and  si*  other  men 
of  war.  The  English  had  many  vessels  damaged,  but  none  lost. 
On  board  Lawson's  ship  were  killed  100  men,  and  as  many  on 
board  Blake's,  who  lost  his  captain  and  secretary,  and  himself  re- 
ceived a  wound  in  the  thigh. 

Blake,  having  set  ashore  his  wounded  men,  sailed  in  pursuit  of 
Van  Trump,  who  scut  his  convoy  before,  and  himself  retired  fight, 
ing  towards  Bulloign.  Blake,  ordering  his  light  frigates  to  follow 
ihc  merchants,  still  continued  to  harass  Van  Trump  ;  and  on  the 
third  day,  the  20th  of  February,  the  two  fleets  came  to  another 
battle,  in  which  Van  Trump  once  more  retired  before  the  English, 
and  making  use  of  the  peculiar  form  of  his  shipping,  secured  him. 
Self  in  the  shoals.  The  accounts  of  this  flight,  as  of  all  the  others, 
arc  various ;  but  the  Dutch  writers  themselves  confess  that  they 
lost  eight  men  of  war,  and  more  than  twenty  merchant  ships  ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  they  suffered  much  more  than  they  are 
willing  to  allow,  for  these  repeated  defeats  provoked  the  common 
people  to  riots  and  insurrections,  and  obliged  the  States  to  ask, 
though  ineffectually,  for  peace. 

In  April  following  the  form  of  government  in  England  was 
changed,  and  the  Supreme  Authority  assumed  by  Cromwell  ; 
upon  which  occasion  Blake,  with  his  associates,  declared  that, 
notwithstanding  the  change  in  the  administration,  they  should  still 
be  ready  to  discharge  their  trust,  and  to  defend  the  nation  from 
insults,  injuries,  and  encroachments.  "  It  is  not,"  says  Blake, 


THE  LATE  ADMIRAL  ROBERT  BLA&E.  13 

"  the  business  of  a  seaman  to  mind  state  affairs,  but  to  hinder 
foreigners  from  fooling  us."  This  was  the  principle  from  which  he 
never  deviated,  and  which  he  always  endeavoured  to  inculcate  in 
the  fleet,  as  the  sorest  foundation  of  unanimity  and  steadiness. 
'£  Disturb  not  one  another  with  domestic  disputes,  but  remember 
that  we  are  English,  and  our  enemies  are  foreigners.  Enemies  J 
which,  let  what  party  soever  prevail,  it  is  equally  the  interest  of  our 
country  to  humble  and  restrain." 

After  the  30th  of  April,  1653,  Blake,  Monk,  and  Dean, 
sailed  out  of  the  English  harbours  with  100  men  of  war,  and  find, 
ing  the  Dutch  with  70  sail  on  their  own  coasts,  drove  them  to  the 
Texel,  and  took  50  doggers.  Then  they  sailed  northward  in  pur- 
suit of  Van  Trump,  who,  having  a  fleet  of  merchants  under  his 
convoy,  durst  not  enter  the  Channel,  but  steered  towards  the 
Sound,  and  by  great  dexterity  and  address  escaped  the  three 
English  admirals,  and  brought  all  his  ships  into  their  harbour ; 
then  knowing  that  Blake  was  still  in  the  north,  came  before 
Dover,  and  fired  upon  that  towa,  but  was  driven  off  by  the 
Castle. 

Monk  and  Dean  stationed  themselves  again  at  the  Mouth  of  the 
Texel,  and  blocked  up  the  Dutch  in  their  own  ports  with  80  sail ; 
but  hearing  that  Van  Trump  was  at  Goree  with  120  men  of  war, 
they  ordered  all  ships  of  force  in  the  river  and  ports  to  repair 
io  them. 

On  June  3d,  the  two  fleets  came  to  an  engagement,  in  the  be- 
ginning  of  which  Dean  was  carried  off  by  a  cannon  ball,  yet  the 
fight  continued  from  about  twelve  to  six  in  the  afternoon,  when 
the  Dutch  gave  way,  and  retreated  fighting. 

On  the  4th,  in  the  afternoon,  Blake  came  tip  with  18  fresh 
ships,  and  procured  the  English  a  complete  victory,  nor  could  the 
Dutch  any  otherwise  preserve  their  ships  than  by  retiring  once 
more  into  the  flats  and  shallows,  where  the  largest  of  the  English 
vessels  could  not  approach. 

la  this  battle  Van  Trump  boarded  Vice-admiral  Pen,  but  was 
beaten  off,  and  himself  boarded,  and  reduced  to  blow  up  hi? 
decks,  of  which  the  English  had  gotten  possession.  He  was  then 
entered  at  once  by  Pen  and  another,  nor  could  possibly  have 
escaped,  had  not  De  Ruyter  and  De  Witt  arrived  at  that  instant 
and  rescued  kirn. 


14  NATAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

However  the  Dutch  may  endeavour  to  extenuate  their  loss  Irt 
this  battle,  by  admitting  no  more  than  eight  ships  to  have  been 
taken  or  destroyed,  it  is  evident  that  they  must  have  received  much 
greater  damages,  not  only  by  the  accounts  of  more  impartial  his. 
torians,  but  by  the  remonstrances  and  exclamations  of  their  admi- 
rals themselves  ;  Van  Trump  declaring  before  the  States,  that 
"  without  a  numerous  reinforcement  of  large  men  of  war  he  could 
serve  them  no  more  ;  "  and  De  Witt  crying  out  before  them,  with 
the  natural  warmth  of  his  character,  "  Why  should  I  be  silent  be- 
fore my  Lords  and  Masters  ?  The  English  are  our  masters,  and 
by  consequence  masters  of  the  sea." 

In  November,  1654,  Blake  was  sent  by  Cromwell  into  the 
Mediterranean,  with  a  powerful  fleet,  and  may  be  said  to  have 
received  the  homage  of  all  that  part  of  the  world  ;  being  equally 
courted  by  the  haughty  Spaniards  and  surly  Dutch,  and  the 
lawless  Algerines. 

In  March,  165G,  having  forced  Algiers  to  submission,  he  en. 
tered  the  harbour  of  Tunis,  and  demanded  reparation  for  the  rob- 
beries practised  upon  the  English  by  the  pirates  of  that  place,  and 
insisted  that  the  captives  of  his  nation  should  be  set  at  liberty. 
The  governor  having  planted  batteries  along  the  shore,  and  drawn 
up  his  ships  under  the  Castles,  sent  Blake  an  haughty  and  insolent 
answer,  **  There  arc  our  Castles  of  Goletto  and  Porto  Ferine," 
said  he,  "  upon  which  you  may  do  your  worst;"  adding  other 
menaces  and  insults,  and  mentioning  in  terms  of  ridicule  the 
inequality  of  a  fight  between  ships  and  castles.  Blake  had  like- 
wise demanded  leave  to  take  in  water,  which  was  refused  him. 
Fired  with  this  inhuman  and  insolent  treatment,  he  curled  his 
whiskers,  as  Mas  his  custom  when  he  was  angry,  and  entering 
Porto  Ferino  with  his  great  ships,  discharged  his  shot  so  fast  upon 
the  batteries  and  castles,  that  in  two  hours  the  guns  were  dis- 
mounted, and  the  works  forsaken,  though  hu  was  at  first  exposed 
to  the  fire  of  GO  cannon.  He  then  ordered  his  officers  to  send  out 
their  long-boats  well  manned  to  seize  nine  of  the  piratical  ships 
lying  in  the  road,  himself  continuing  to  fire  upon  the  castle.  This 
was  so  bravely  executed,  that  with  the  loss  of  only  25  men  killed., 
and  48  wounded,  all  the  ships  were  fired  in  the  sight  of  Tunis. 
Thence  sailing  to  Tripoli,  he  concluded  a  peace  with  that  nation  ; 
then  returning  to  Tunis,  he  found  nothing  but  submission.  AIK! 


THE  LATE  ADMIRAL  ROBERT  BLAKE.  15 

Such,  indeed,  was  his  reputation,  that  he  met  \vith  no  farther  op- 
position, but  collected  a  kind  of  tribute  from  the  princes  of  those 
countries,  his  business  being  to  demand  reparation  for  all  the  inju- 
ries offered  to  the  English  during  the  civil  wars.  He  exacted  from 
the  Duke  of  Tuscany  60,000^.  and,  as  it  is  said,  sent  home  16 
ships  laden  with  the  effects  which  he  had  received  from  several 
States. 

The  respect  with  which  he  obliged  all  foreigners  to  treat  his 
countrymen,  appears  from  a  story  related  by  Bishop  Burnet. 
When  he  lay  before  Malaga,  in  a  time  of  peace  with  Spain,  some 
of  his  sailors  went  ashore,  and  meeting  a  procession  of  the  host, 
not  only  refused  to  pay  any  respect  to  it,  but  laughed  at  those 
that  did.  The  people,  being  put  by  one  of  the  priests  upon  re- 
senting this  indignity,  fell  upon  them,  and  beat  them  severely. 
When  they  returned  to  their  ship,  they  complained  of  their  ill 
treatment  ;  upon  which  Blake  sent  to  demand  the  priest  who  had 
procured  it.  The  viceroy  answered,  that,  having  no  authority  over 
the  priests,  he  could  not  send  him  j  to  which  Blake  replied,  "  that 
he  did  not  inquire  into  the  extent  of  the  viceroy's  authority,  but 
that  if  the  priest  were  not  Sent  within  three  hours,  he  would  burn 
the  town."  The  viceroy  then  sent  the  priest  to  him,  who  pleaded 
the  provocation  given  by  the  seamen.  Blake  bravely  and  rationally 
answered,  that  if  he  had  complained  to  him  he  would  have  pu- 
nished them  severely,  for  he  would  not  have  his  men  affront  th« 
established  religion  of  any  place  ;  but  that  he  was  angry  that  the 
Spaniards  should  assume  that  power,  for  he  would  have  all  the 
•world  know,  that  an  Englishman  was  only  to  be  punished  by  an 
Englishman.  So  having  used  the  priest  civilly,  he  sent  him  back, 
being  satisfied  that  he  was  in  his  power.  This  conduct  so  much 
pleased  Cromwell,  that  he  read  the  letter  in  council  with  great 
satisfaction,  and  said,  u  he  hoped  to  make  the  name  of  an  English, 
man  as  great  as  ever  that  of  a  Roman  had  been." 

In  16.06,  the  Protector,  having  dc-clared  war  against  Spain, 
dispatched  Blake  with  25  men  of  war  to  infest  their  coasts,  and 
intercept  their  shipping.  In  pursuance  of  these  orders  he  cruised 
all  winter  about  the  Streights,  and  then  lay  at  the  mouth  of  the 
harbour  of  Gales,  where  he  received  intelligence  that  the  Spanish 
Plate  fleet  lay  at  anchor  in  the  Bay  of  Santa  Cruz  in  the  Isle  of 
Tcneriffe.  On  the  13th  of  April,  1657,  he  departed  from  Cales? 


Jg  KAVAL   BIOGRAPHIC. 

and  on  the  20th  arrived  at  Santa  Cruz,  where  he  found  sixteen 
Spanish  vessels.  The  bay  was  defended  on  the  north  side  by  a 
castle,  well  mounted  with  cannon,  and  in  other  parts  with  seven 
forts  with  cannon  proportioned  to  the  bigness,  all  united  by  a 
line  of  communication  manned  with  musketeers.  The  Spanish 
admiral  drew  up  his  small  ships  under  the  cannon  of  the  castle, 
and  stationed  six  great  galleons  with  their  broadsides  to  the  sea: 
An  advantageous  and  prudent  disposition,  but  of  little  effect  against 
the  English  commander  ;  who,  determining  to  attack  them,  or- 
dered Stayner  to  enter  (he  bay  with  liis  squadron,  then  posting  some 
of  his  largest  ships  to  play  upon  the  fortifications,  himself  attacked 
the  galleons,  which,  after  a  gallant  resistance,  were  at  length 
abandoned  by  the  Spaniards,  though  the  least  of  them  was  bigger 
than  the  biggest  of  Blake's  ships.  The  forts  and  smaller  vessels 
being  now  shattered  and  forsaken,  the  \vholc  fleet  was  set  on  fire, 
^the  galleons  by  Blake,  and  the  smallest  vessels  by  Stayner,  the 
English  vessels  being  too  much  shattered  in  the  fight  to  bring  them 
away.  Thus  was  the  whole  Plate  fleet  destroyed,  and  the  Spa- 
niards, according  to  Hapin's  remark,  sustained  a  great  loss  of 
fhips,  money,  men,  and  merchandise,  while  the  English  gained 
nothing  but  glory.*  As  if  he  that  increases  the  military  reputation 
of  a  people  did  not  increase  their  power,  and  he  that  weakens  his 
enemy  in  effect  strengthens  himself. 

The  whole  action,  says  Clarendon,  was  so  incredible,  that  all 
men,  who  knew  the  place,  wondered  that  any  sober  man,  with 
what  courage  soever  endued,  would  ever  have  undertaken  it,  and 
they  could  hardly  persuade  themselves  to  believe  what  they  had 
do/ie  :  while  the  Spaniards  comforted  themselves  with  the  belief, 
that  they  were  devils  and  not  men  who  had  destroyed  them  in 
such  a  manner.-  So  much  a  strong  resolution  of  bold  and  coura- 
geous men  can  bring  to  pa^s,  that  no  resistance  or  advantage  of 
ground  can  disappoint  them  ;  and  it  can  hardly  be  imagined  how 
small  a  loss  the  English  sustained  in  this  unparalleled  action,  not 
one  ship  being  left  behind,  and  the  killed  and  wounded  not  exceed- 
ing 200  men  ;  when  the  slaughter  on  board  the  Spanish  ships  and 


*  See  Andrew  Marvell's  Lines  on  Admiral  Blake's  victory  at  TeneriffC) 
in  N.  C.  viii.  329.    See  also  pp.  125  ami  303  of  the  same  volume. 


THE  LATE  ADMIRAL  &OBERT  BLAKE.  17 

*n  shore  was  incredible.*  The  general  cruised  for  some  time 
afterwards  with  his  victorious  fleet  at  the  mouth  of  Gales,  to  inter- 
«>ept  the  Spanish  shipping,  but,  finding  his  constitution  broken  by, 
the  fatigue  of  the  last  three  years,  determined  to  return  home,  and 
died  before'he  came  ta  land,  t 

His  body  was  embalmed,  and,  having  lain  some  time  in  state  at 
Greenwich  House,  was  buried  in  Henry  V I  Ith's- Chapel,  with  all 
the  funeral  solemnity  due  to  the  remains  of  a  man  so  famed  for  hU 
bravery,  and  so  spotless  in  his  integrity ;  J  nor  is  it  without  re* 
gret  tkat  1  am  obliged  to  relate  the  treatment  his  body  met  a  year 
after  the  Restoration,  when  it  was  taken  up  by  express  command, 
and  buried  in  a  pit  in  St.  Margaret's  church-yard.  Had  he  been 
guilty  of  the  murder  of  Charles  I.  to  insult  his  body  had  been  a 
mean  revenge  ;  but  as  he  was  innocent,  it  was,  at  least,  iuluima- 
nity,  and,  perhaps,  ingratitude.  <f  Let  no  man,"  says,  the  ori* 
cntal  proverb,  <c  pull  a  dead  lyon  by  the  beard.'' 

But  that  regard  which  was  denied  his  body  has  been  paid  to  his 
better  remains,  his  name  and  his  memory.  Nor  has  any  writer 
dared  to  deny  him  the  praise  of  intrepidity,  honesty,  contempt  of 
wealth,  and  love  of  his  country.  "  He  was  the  first  man,"  says 

*  As  soon  as  the  news  arrived  of  this  extraordinary  action,  the  Protector 
gent  to  acquaint  his  second  Parliament,  then  sitting,  therewith  ;  whereupon 
they  ordered  a  public  thanksgiving,  and  directed  a  diamond  ring,  worth 
500/.  to  be  sent  to  Blake  :  100A  was  given  to  the  captain  who  brought  tli£ 
news  ;,  and  the  thanks  of  the  House  was  ordered  to  all  the  officers  and 
seamen,  to  be  given  them  by  their  admiral. 

f  He  died,  as  the  fleet  was  entering  Plymouth  Sound,  on  board  his  ship, 
the  St.  George,  August  17,  1657,  being  about  59  years  of  age. 

+  On  the  4th  of  September,  it  was  carried  by  water  in  »  barge  of  state, 
covered  with  velvet,  adorned  with  escutcheons  and  pencils,  accompanied  by 
his  brother,  relations,  and  servants,  in  mourning ;  by  Oliver  Cromwell's  privy 
council,  the  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  and  Navy,  the  lord  mayor  and 
aldcnuen  of  London,  the  field  officers  of  the  Army,  and  many  other  per- 
sons of  honour  and  quality,  in  a  great  number  of  barges  and  wherries 
covered  with  mourning,  marshalled  and  ordered  by  the  heralds  at  arms, 
who  directed  aad  attended  the  solemnity.  Thus  they  passed  to  Westminster 
Bridge,  and,  at  their  landing,  proceeded  in  the  same  manner  through  a 
guard  of  several  regiments  of  foot  to  the  Abbey,  his  dear  friend,  General 
Lambert,  though  then  in  disgrace  with -the  Protector,  attending  oo  his 
hqrse.  The  procession  being  over,  the  body  was  interred  in  a  vault,  built, 
tin  purpose,  in  the  chapel  of  King  Henry  VH. 

,  ftol,  XXXI.  » 


18  NAVAL    BIOOnAPIIY. 

Clarendon,  "  that  declined  the  old  track,  and  made  it  apparent 
that  the  sciences  might  be  attained  in  less  time  than  was  imagined. 
He  was  the  first  man  that  brought  ships  to  contemn  castles  on 
sfcore,  which  had  ever  been  thought  very  formidable,  but  were 
discovered  by  him  to  make  a  noise  only,  and  to  frigM*those  who 
could  rarely  t)e  hurt  by  them.  He  was  the  first  that  infused  that 
propertion  of  courage  into  seamen,  by  making  them  see,  by  ex- 
perience, what  mighty  things  they  could  do  if  they  were  resolved, 
and  taught  them  to  fight  in  fire  as  well  as  upon  the  water  ;  and 
though  he  has  been  very  well  imitated  and  followed,  was  the  first 
that  gave  the  example  of  that  kind  of  naval  courage,  and  bold  and 
resolute  achievements." 

To  this  attestation  of  his  military  excellence,  it  may  be  proper 
to  subjoin  an  account  of  his  moral  character  from  the  author  of 
Lires  English  and  Foreign.  "  He  was  jealous,"  says  that  writer, 
*'  of  the  liberty  of  the  subject,  and  the  glory  of  his  nation  ;  and 
as  he  made  use  of  no  mean  artifices  to  raise  himself  to  the  highest 
command  at  sea,  so  he  needed  no  interest  but  his  merit  to  support 
him  in  it.  He  scorned  nothing  more  than  money,  which,  as  fast 
as  it  came  in,  was  laid  out  by  him  in  the  service  of  the  state,  and 
to  shew  that  he  was  animated  by  that  brave,  public  spirit,  which 
has  since  been  reckoned  rather  romantic  than  heroic.  And  he  was 
so  disinterested,  that  though  no  man  had  more  opportunities  to 
enrich  himself  than  he  who  had  taken  so  many  millions  from  the 
enemies  of  England,  yet  he  threw  it  all  into  the  public  treasury, 
and  did  not  die  500/.  richer  than  his  father  left  him  ;  which  the 
author  avers  from  his  personal  knowledge  of  his  family  and  their 
circumstances,  having  been  bred  up  in  it,  and  often  heard  his  bro- 
ther give  this  account  of  him.  He  was  religious  according  to  the 
pretended  purity  of  these  times,  but  would  frequently  allow  him- 
self to  be  merry  with  his  officers,  and  by  his  tenderness  and  gene- 
rosity to  the  seamen,  had  so  endeared  himself  to  them,  that  when 
he  died  they  lamented  his  loss  as  that  of  a  common  father." 

Instead  of  more  testimonies,  his  character  may  be  properly  con- 
cluded with  one  incident  of  his  life,  by  which  it  appears  how 
much  the  spirit  of  Blake  was  superior  to  all  private  views.  His 
brother,  in  the  Jast  action  with  the  Spaniards,  having  not  done 
bis  duty,  was,  at  Blake's  desire,  discarded,  and  the  ship 


TUE  LATE  ADMIUAL  ROBERT  BLAKE.  19 

given  to  another  ;  yet  was  he  not  less  regardful  of  him  as  a  brother, 
for  when  he  died  he  left  him  his  estate  ;  knowing  him  well  qua. 
lified  to  adorn  or  enjoy  a  private  fortune,  though  he  had  found 
him  unfit  to  serve  his  country  in  a  public  character,  and  had 
therefore  not  suffered  him  to  rob  it.* 

*  Winstanley,  who  was  contemporary  with  Blake,  wrote  the  following 
rerses  upon  his  death  :— - 

Here  lies  a  man  made  Spain  anil  Holland  shake. 

Made  France  to  tremble,  and  the  Turks  to  quake : 

Thus  he  tam'd  men  ;  but  if  a  lady  stood 

In's  sight,  it  rais'd  a  palsy  in  his  blood; 

Cupid's  antagonist,  who  in  his  life 

Had  fortune  as  familiar  as  a  wife. 

A  stiff,  hard,  iron  soldier;   for  he 

It  seems  had  more  of  Mars  than  Mercury ; 

At  sea  he  thundered,  calm'd  each  raging  wave, 

And  now  he's  dead,  sent  thund'rir.g  to  his  grave. 

From  these  verses  it  looks  as  if  the  admiral  had  been  little  addicted  to  the 
fair  sex, 

Mr.  Granger,  speaking  of  Blake's  being  nearly  fifty  years  of  age  before 
he  rook  the  command  of  a  fleet,  observes,  that  his  want  of  experience 
Seems  to  have  been  of  great  advantage  to  him:  "  He  followed  the  light  of 
hfs  own  genius  only,  and  was  presently  seen  to  have  all  the  courage,  the 
conduct,  and  the  precipitancy  of  a  good  sea  officer. — The  very  temerity  of 
his  enterprises  struck  terror  into  his  enemies,  and  contributed  greatly  to 
his  success.  He  not.  only  improved  the  method  of  attack,  but  carried  th« 
naval  power  of  Cromwell  to  a  greater  height  than  had  been  known  in  any 
age  or  nation/' 

Mr.  Hume's  character  of  our  great  admiral  is  drawn  up  with  that  histo« 
rian's  usual  elegance  and  spirit.  ll  Never  man,  so  zealous  for  a  faction, 
was  so  much  respected  and  esteemed  even  by  the  opposite  factiotis.  He 
was,  by  principle,  an  inflexible  republican  ;  and  the  late  usurpations, 
amidst  all  the  trust  and  caresses  which  he  received  from  the  ruling  powers, 
were  thought  to  be  very  little  grateful  to  him.  "  It  is  still  our  duty,"  he 
said  to  the  seamen,  "  to  fight  for  our  country,  into  whatever  hands  the 
government' may  fall."  Disinterested,  generous,  liberal;  ambitious  only 
of  true  glory,  dreadful  only  to  his  avowed  enemies  ;  he  forms  one  of  the 
most  perfect  characters  of  that  age,  and  the  least  stained  with  those  errors 
and  violences,  which  were  then  so  predominant.  The  Protector  ordered 
him  a  pompous  funeral  at  the  public  charge  :  but  the  tears  of  his  country- 
men were  the  most  honourable  panegyric  on  his  memory. 


fiO 
NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  Sec. 


FORTUNATE   ESCAPE    OP    JER.  O'SVLIIVAN,    AND    SUROEOM    HOCAK. 

following  is  an  extract  of  a  letter  received  by  James  O'Sulliran, 
Esq.  of  Limerick,  from  his  son,  dated  Halifax,  Nov.  18,  1813  : — 

"  The  Government  of  the  United  States  becoming  more  strict  on  those 
aliens  who  refused  to  take  the  oaths  of  citizenship,  many  attempted  to 
extricate  themselves  from  the  impending  storm  ;  another  and  I  were  taken, 
and  were  near  forfeiting  our  lives.  After  many  difficulties,  I  got  on  board 
the  Valiant,  of  74  guns,  Captain  Oliver,  off  New  London:  from  Captain 
Oliver  I  received  every  attention,  and  on  the  Atalanta  sloop,  Captain 
Hickey,  being  ordered  with  despatches  to  this  port,  the  Consul  of  New 
London,  and  I,  took  our  passage  in  her.  We  were  but  four  days  out, 
when  a  thick  fog  rose,  and  on  the  5th  day  we  struck  on  a  ridge  of  rocks, 
called  the  Blind  Sisters,  within  fourteen  miles  of  the  land,  and  twenty-one 
of  this  port.  In  twelve  minutes  she  was  literally  torn  to  pieces;  the  crew, 
137  in  number,  swam  to  the  boats,  fortunately  launched  ;  and  to  see  so 
many  poor  souls  struggling  for  life,  some  naked,  others  on  spars,  casks,  or 
any  thing  tenable,  was  a  scene  painful  beyond  description. 

"  I  was  in  the  cabin  when  the  ship  struck ;  the  shock  told  me  our  fate. 
I  flew  out;  pot  on  the  poop  and  into  the  cutter  that  hung  over  the  quar- 
ter-gallery :  with  two  others  we  lowered  her  down,  and  in  an  instant  were 
providentially  enabled  to  put  off  from  the  wreck,  and  I  am  glad  to  tell 
you,  I  was  instrumental  in  saving  my  townsman,  Surgeon  llogan,  who  ac- 
companied me  safely  into  port,  where  all  our  brave  crew  have  happik 
arrived.  To  the  honour  of  Captain  Hickey,  he  was  the  last  who  left  the 
wreck  ;  his  calmness,  his  humanity,  and  his  courage  during  the  entire  of 
this  awful  scene,  was  superior  to  man  :  every  tiling  is  lost  but  our  lives. 

"  I  had  letters  of  introduction  from  Captain  Oliver  to  Sir  J.  B.  Warren, 
Admiral  Griffiths,  and  Mr.  Frasier,  the  LJSS  of  which  has  been  of  serious 
inconvenience;  but  Captain  Hickev's  attention  to  me  since  the  misfortune-, 
has  been  uniformly  kind.  The  war  has  increased  the  trade  of  this  place  to 
mi  amazing  degree ;  beef,  pork,  butter,  shoes,  caudles,  &c.  would  par 
handsomely." 

REMARKABLE    INSTANCE   OF    PRESERVATION'    AT    SEA. 

THE  Almeira,  formerly  of  New  York,  foundered  on  the  Banks  of  New- 
foundland in  Jan.  last  in  a  severe  gale  of  wind.  Capt.  Gre»wold  took  to 
liis  boat,  with  his  men  (fifteen  in  number)  without  a  compass  chart,  or  any 
nuvigable  utensils  whatever.  The  wind  being  a-head  and  blowing  very 
fresh,  she  put  away  for  the  West  Indies,  and  finally  arrived  at  Fayal,  with 
the  loss  of  one  man,  after  being  out  twenty  days  from  the  time  he  left  th& 
Banks,  and  having  Imd  several  very  severe  gales  of  wind  in  that  time. 

When  Capt.  (3.  arrived  at  Fayal,  he  had  nyt  drank  a  glass  of  watsc  for 
three  days,  and  hardly  eaten  any  bread. 


NAUTICAL   AKECDOTES,    &C. 


tIST   OF   FLEETS   AND   THEIR   STATIONS,   TO   A    RECEST   DATE. 

Channel,  Coasts  of  Ireland,  Spain,  and  Portugal. 


Ships.  Guns.         Commanders. 

;Af1m.  Ld.  Keith 
Roar-adm.  Pult.  Malcolm 
Capt.  11.  Jackson 

ir-ii    j    r>    •       itn  $  Rear-ad m.  SirH.B.Neale 
\illedcParis..  "°  }  Capt.  Chas.  Jones 

Capt.  T.  G.  Caulficld 

C.  W.  Fabie 

R.W.  Otway 

G.  M'Kinly 

D.  Milne 

•. J.  C.  "White 

H.  Yansittart 

• Ld.  W.Stuart 

Hon.  E.R.  Baker 

Thos.  Elphinstone 

— — •  Jos.  Bingham 

Sir  M.  Seymour 

W.T.  Lake 

— —  Sir  C.  Cole 
Rear-adm.Ld.A.Beauclerk 
Capt.  E.  Dix 

J.  West 

• Hon.  C.  Paget 

T.  R.  Rickris 

Ld.  C.  O'Bryen 

— —  G.  Tobin 

G.  Harris 

SirJ.  Staines 

H.  Presort! 

-  .   '  J.  Pliillitnore 

• •  Hon.  J.  Percy 

W.Goate 

• Hon.  W.  Gordon 

J.  W.  Dundas 

R.  Elliot 

— —  P.  Carferet 

Hon.  W.Waldegrave 

L.  Curtis 

-  J.  A.  Gordon 

• J.  W.  Montague 

F.  Langford 


Royal  Sovereign  110 

Abercrombi*    .  -  74 

Aj&x   74 

Bellona 74 

Bulwark 74 

Centaur    74 

Clarence 74 

Conquestador . .  74 

Denmark 74 

Dublin... 74 

Egmont 74 

Hannibal 74 

Magnificent... .  74 

Rippon 74 

Royal  Oak  ....  74 

Sultan 74 

Superbe    74 

Vengeur 74 

Warspite 74 

Andromache  ...   38 

Belle  Poule 38 

Briton 38 

Eridanus 38 

Eurotas 38 

Hotspur   38 

Fortunee 38 

Magicienne  ....  38 

Pyramug 38 

Surveillante   ...    38 

Pouione    38 

Voluntaire   ....   38 
Madagascar....  38 

Seahorse 38 

Niobe    38 

Cydnus 38 

President 38 

Menelau* 38 

Leonidas 38 

Rota 38 

Garland    24 

Porcupine     ....   24 

Andromeda .   24 

Tartarus   20 

Sabrina -20 

Myrtle SO 

Achates 18 

Beagle 18 

Bittern 18 

Brisk 18 

Bacchus    18 

Badger 18 

Beaver 18 

Cygnet 18 

Challenger   ....   18 

Dispatch 18 

Derwent 18 

Dauntless 18 

Fly    18 

Hovaltst lit 


•  F.  Mason 

•  Sir  P.  Parker 

•  G.  Seymour 

•  P.Sommerville 

•  R.  P.Davies 

•  R.  Arthur 

•  J.  Pascoe 

•  A.  R.  M'Kenzie 

•  W.  Puterson 

•  J.  H.  Morrison 
J.  Smith 
G.A.  Hire 

H.  Higmsn 
G.  Willcs 

C.  Hole 

E.  O.  Drury 
R-  Russel 

F.  Venor 

J.  Galloway 

G.  M.  Kiujm 

D.  Barber 
Sir  W.  Parker 
J,  Ci.  Breraer, 


Ships.  Guns. 

Foxhound 18 

Helena 18 

Jalouse 18 

Jaseur 18 

Orestes 18 

Pelican 18 

Reindeer 18 

River    18 

Stork 18 

Savage 18 

Sparrow    18 

Trinculo 18 

Woolverene. . . .  18 

Zenobia 18 

Harlequin 18 

Penguin   18 

PortMahou  ...   18 

Ferret 14 

Bermuda 14 

Jasper 14 

Lyra 14 

Hope 14 

Snap    14 

Albau 14 

Scylla 14 

Rapid 14 

Rinaldo 14 

Opossum 14 

Swinger    14 

Parthian 14 


Commanders.- 

-  J.  Pariuli 

-  H.  Montressot 

-  A.  Lowe 

-  G.  W.  Watts 

-  W.  R.  Smitl» 

-  F.  Maunsell 

-  W.  Manner* 

-  J.  Finley 

-  R.  J.  Coulson 

-  W.  Bissel 

-  F.  E.  Lock 

-  A.  Renny 

-  C.  Ken 

-  R.  Foley 

-  W.  Kenipthorne 
G.  A.  Byron 


—  F.  W.  Burgoyne 

W.  llamsdcu 

W.  Wolrig* 

J.  Jcnkinsoii 

D.  O'Reilly 

E.  Saurin 

W.  B.  Daslnrood 

M.  Wright 

C.  M'Douald 

J.  Foote 

— —  E.  Lyons 

' T.  Wolrige 

— —  R.  Wauchope 
• J.  F.  Garreiy 


Impregnable 


Scarborough....  78 

Chatham  ......  74 

Bedford    ......  74 

Blenheim   .....  74 

Colossus    ......  74 

Cornwall  ......  74 


Cressy  ........   74 

Cumberland  ...   74 
Elephant  ......   74 

Montague  .....  74 

Norge  ........   74 

Princess.  Caroline  74 
Theseus  .......   74 

Wafrio?  .......   74 

Tigre  .........  74 

York  .........  74 

Grampus  .....  .   50 

Antelope  ......    50 

Ulysses  ........  44 

Forth     ........  40 

Hamadryad....   38 

Pactolus  ......    38 

Desiree  .......   38 

Nynipheu  .....   38 

Alexandria   ...     .32 

Horatio   .......   32 

Unicorn    ......   3  '2 

Jason     ........  Ji! 


North  Sea  Fleet. 

(Admiral  W.  Young 
98  ^Rear-adm.  Wm.  Bedford 
(Capt.  J.  W.Loring 
Rear-adm.  Ferricr 
Capt.  J.  Halstead 
Rear-adm.  M.  A.  Scott 
Capt.  R.  Maunseli 

J.  Walker 

•  S.  Warrea 

—  T.  Alexander 

E.  C.  W.  Owen 

— —  C.  Dashwood 

T.  Baker 

F.  W.  Austen 

P.  Heywood 

J.  S.  Rainier 

— —  H.  Downmau 
— —  W.  Prowse 

— —  Lord  Tovringtoa 
— —   J.Halliday 

A.  W.  Schomberg 

F.  G..Collier 

S.  Butcher 

T.  Browne 

Sir  W.  Bollon 

— —  E.  Chatham 

Hon.  W.  Aylmer 

— —  A.  Farquhar 

....  .  .  J.  Hancock 

. R.  Cat  heart 

Lord  G.Sumrt 

G.J.  Pecheil 

— —  HOB.  J.  Jtuug 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTE!,   &C. 


Ships. 

North  Sea  Fleet. 
Guns.         Commanders. 
32    J.  P.  Stewart 
20    J.  Green 
.  20    G.  Acklom 
.  18     D.  Ross 

Ships. 
Edinburgh  .  .  . 

Gum.        Commanders. 
.  74    —  —  Hon.  G.  L.  Dun<?a9 
.74    —  —  Hon.  E.  L.  Gower 

Daphne    .  .... 

.  74    W.Bathurst 

.   74     W.H.Gage 

_.    C  Rear-adm.  Hollowell 

.  18     A.  M'  Vicar 

LMWnl 

'   74$Capt.  S.  H.  Inglefield 
t  Rear-adm.  T.  F.Freinantl« 

.   18    C.  Warde 

.   18     —  —  J.  Stirling 

'  74  I  Capt.  Marklnml 
.   74     T.  J.  Malmg 

18     T.  Groube 

18    —  C.  W.  Payne 

.   74    Sir  J.  A.  Wood 

_    . 

18     -1  '-  -i  J   Tobin 

'em  broke    .. 

.   74    Jas.  Busbane 

18     •           J   Forbes 

.  74    G  rah.  E.  Hammond 

.   18    —  G.  Trollope 

lepulse    .... 

.   7-1     Rob.  Mowl.ray 
_  .  <  Rear-adm.  SirS.Gor« 

MercBrius 
Nightingale  •  •  • 

.  18    T.  Ren  wick 
.18    C.  Nixon 
18     •  T-  Murray 

'         <  Capt.  W.  Carrol 
.   74    Hen.  Heathcote 

.   74    E.  s.  Dicksou 

niin 

18     —  W  Farrin^ton 

Tremendous  . 
Bacchante    .  . 

..   74    R.Campbell 

.   14    _  —  J.  Ross 

.  .   SB     \V.  Hoste 
.   58     C.  Napier 

Chanticleer  ... 

.  14    S.  Blacker 
14    W    Evans 

.  .   58     E.  Chamberlaine 

Sheldrake     .  .  . 

.   14     G.  Brine 
14     J   Carter 

.    08     E.  L.  Graham 

.  .   58     .  B.  W.  Taylor 

14    J.  Codd 

.  .   38     A.  King 

14     —  —  W  Rama^e 

.  .    ^g     •  •  Wm.  Mounscy 

Brittoiuart    .  . 
Brevdagereu 

.   14     R.  Riddel 
.    14    F.  B.  Devon 
.    14    H.  T.  Frazer 

[lavannah    .  . 
Imperieu.ie  .  . 
Undaunted  .  . 

.  .   38     Hon.  G.  Cadogau 
.  .   38     Hon.  H.  Duncan 
.  .  38     T.  Usher 
.  .   38     J.  ClavelL 

Drake            • 

14    G.  Grant 

..    38               J.  Tower 

14     •          R  Banks 

Franchise  .  .  . 

.     38               J.  Buck 

14    —  —  G  Elliot 

..    32     J.  Diikes 

14    C.H.Reid 

.  .    32     T.  Garth 

14     J.  Dickenson 

..    24     F.  Stanft-ll 

14    G.  Truscott 

.  .    24               W.  Elliot 

TJ 

14          *•  J.Rose 

.  .   2-t               E.  H.  A.  Court 

.   14    E.  Brazier 

Myrmidon   .. 

.  .   24     H.  Bouchier 
..    fj.    Wm.  Hamilton 

14            •  J.  Christian 

.  .   14     -  .   '  H.  Thompson 

Termagant   .  . 
Blossom 

.  .  20     J.  L.  Manley 
.  .    20     J.  R.  Rowley 

.  .    20               A.  R.  Sharps 

Finchcr    •  .  .  . 

14     J.  Wallis 

•p  _fc..  •« 

14     i    _,.  T   F  IVake 

Redbreast    .. 

.  .  14    Sir  G.  M.  Keith 
14        .  i.    G.  Lcnnock 

Philomel  .  .  .  . 

.  .    "0      (.',  Shaw 

..    18     J.  Davis 

14     —  __  A.  Frazcr 

..18     J.  Smith 

14    D.  St.  Clair 

..    18    E.  riynn 

Holla 

.  14    \v.  HJ1 

..   18     A.  Addi-rly 

Mediterranean  Fleet. 
rVice-adra.  Sir  E.  Pcllew 
110  <Rear-adro   J   Pellcw 

..    18     J.  Bellamy 

Grasshopper 
Guadaloupe. 
Minorca    .  .  . 

..   18    H.  Batiersby 
.  .   18     A.  Stowe 
...    18     R.  Wormley 

Hibernia 

St.  Joseph    .  . 
Royal  George 

(Capt.  T.  Coghlaa 
.in  <  Vice-adm.  Sir  S.  Smith 
'•11U  }Capt.  C.T.  Smith 
.10  $  Rear  ad  m.  Si  rR,  King 
t  Capt.  W.  Stewart 
.  .  no    T.  F.  C.  Mainwariug 

.  .    13     J.  C.  Roberts 

.  .    18     •  T.  Dtncli 

..    ig     S.C'obl) 

,  .    38     j.  i  jay 

..   10    R.^jambier 

p,lot     

..   is     —  —  J.  T.  Nicholas 

IMades  

.  .    18     J.  \Vymess 

08               George  Burltun 

.  .    18     R.  Mainwaring 

.  .  98     Rob.  rianipin 

Pailndge... 
Prometheus. 

..    18     G.'C.  Phillot 
.  ..    18     11.  Robinson 
...    18    J.  Harper 

P.  of  Wales.. 

.  .  98     J.  E.  Douglass 
pg               Rob   Holies 

.  ..    lil     P.  Crispin 

America    .  .  . 

.  .   74    Sir  J.  Rowley 

Sparrow  ha«k 

.  .   18    T.  B.  Clowe. 
18               E  R  Siblev 

Armada     .  .  . 

74    (,h.  Grant 

...18    —  —  G.  M.  Junes 

Berwick    .  .  . 

.  .    74     —  —  L.  Bract: 

Weazle  .  .  .  • 
\\  izard  .  .  .  • 

.    .    1«     J.  Black 
.  ..    18     —  —  J.  M«risby 

74    —  —  R   L  mbt'rt 

EaL'le    . 

.   74    Cfa.  ROA!.V 

bhviirrvater  . 

...1&    W.R,Sffljtfc 

NAUTICAL   ANICPOTESj   &C. 


Braiil  Station,  Coast  of  Africa,  rf-c. 

HEAR  ADMIRAL  MANLEY  DIXOW. 

Sfctps.             Guns.         Commanders. 
Ackbar         ....    50    Captain  A..  C.  Dickson 

Ships.            Guns.         Commanded. 

,-'     i                         .,0          w    H   Godfrev 

Indefatigable   ..   40    J.  Fyffe 

Morgiana  18     D.  Scott 

Inconstant      ...  38    SirE.  lucker 
Salcette    38     J.  Bowen 
Jris    38     H.  Christian 

Moselle  18     J.  Maberley 

Partridge  18     J.  Adye 

Sta*  38    P.Hornby 
•*Tagus   38     •  P.  Pipon 
*^iger    38     —  P.  Rainier 

Raleigh    18    G.  W.  Hooper 
Recruit  18     G.  Dickens 
Sylph    18     -W.Kmsman 

Aquilon  32     Win.  Bowles 
Cyane  20     F.  Forrest 

Wasp    »...  18     T.  Everard 
Helicon    10     H.  Hopkins 

Favorite    20     J.Maxwell 

Hermes  20     P.  Brown 

•yL^ii^                      -m     .  -..  ..-    T    K   White 

Cherub  20     T.  T.  Tucker 

'VT.  n,i  11.                    1  A     —     —  *  E   Collier 

Albicore  18    H.  T.  Davies 

Lakes. 

«in    J.  t.  YEO,    COMMODORE, 

Capt.  W.  H.  Mulcaster 

Plover  18     Col.  Campbell 

Racoon     .    .         18     •  •  J.  Black 

Satellite    18     .  J.  Porteus 

Fairy  14    H.  Fatten 

Halcyon  14    J.H.Marshall 

Coast  of  America. 
if  Vice-ad  m.  Sir.  A.Cochrane 
•Asia    74  ^Rear-adm.  H.  Hotham 

.  O'Connor 

•  Spilsbury 

England 

,  Dobbs 

i  •  Anthony 

(Captain  W.  Wainwright 
...  I  Rear-adm.  Cockburu 

.  R.  Barclay 

/• 

East  Indies. 
CVice-adm.  SirS.Hoo<J 

\  Captain  C.  i>.  Ross 
<ih  TVim;  irrr.          7/1    .          _  T  n  Peche'l 

LaHooue  74    Hon.  T.  B.Capel 

Valiant  74    •  T.D.Oliver 

Albion  74    J.  F.  Devonshire 
Planta^enet  74     •  R.  Lloyd 
Ramillics                74     —  Sir  T.  Hardy 

Sterling  Castle..   74    Sir  H.  Popham 

Dragon  ...   74     R-  Barry 

CornwaJlis    ....  74    —  — 
A  iv.^iino                AO     i               Hon.  E.  RodneT 

Goliath  54    ,  F.  L.  Mattjand 

Diadem    54     Hon.  G.  Byng 

*Revolutionnaire  38    J.  C.  Woolcombe 
Doris  38    E.  O'Brien 

*Saturn  54     J.  Nash 
Endymion    40     Hen.  Hope 
Acaita  40     A.  R.  Keir 

Phoenix  38    W.  H.  Webley 
Leda  38    G.  Sayer 
Hussar  38    Hon.  G.  Elliot 

Loire  40     T.  Browne 
*'Sercrn    40     Jas.  Nourse 

TJieban  38    Sir  T.  Digby 
Trincomalee     .  .   58    M-  Maxwell 

Belviderc  38     R-  Byron 

-tatira                     38     •       —  H    Srarkpo'e 

Junon   38     Cl.  Upton 

OwenGlendower  32     B-  Hodgson 

%mphe   '..   38     F.  P.  Epworth 
Tenedos  38     Hyde  Parker 

Acorn  24    •  G.Henderson 

Maidstone    38     Geo.  Burdett 
1    Niemen  ....   .  .   38     Sam.  Pym 

Hecate  18     Win.  Case 

Phesapeake..  .  .    38     •  A!.  Gordon 

Pi  n          .     .    T  Curzon 

A'rmide  3#    Sir  T.TroifbriflgjB 

Baros^d                  30         W  H  Sherriff 

Orpheus                 ^a     •     ....  II,  Pi™ot 

West  Indies. 
(Rear-adm.  Phil.  Durham 

Mi  icrvi                 3*^     •  •  -   •"  •-  R   Hawkins 

Rosamond  20     D.  Campbell 

Herald  £0    Cl.  Milward 

Aiuaranthe  ...i   18     —  O.  Pringle 

Ar.trir.ll                                    1  rt         .^  15     C     CiltOr 

•Queen  74     I-orH  iColville 

pL.arn  74     •  J.  W.  Spranger 

Castilian  18     D.  Braimer 

»Glo.icester....    74    R.  W.ll.ams 
•LeTiathan....   74    —  A.  Drummond 

^arlew     18     •      -     •  M.  Ilead, 

NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 


WeX  Indies. 
Shipi.             Gvnt.         Commanders. 
Areo...              .    ^f^ar-adm.W.Browi. 

Shipijitting  and  ref.tling  in  Port  and  nearly  ready 
for  Sea. 

Shipt,             Guns.         Commandert. 

l  Captain  W.  Fothergill 

Rhin  38     .               Ciias  "Malcolm 

Conqueror    ....  74     •  R.  Ra»«»et. 

Achille  74     —A   P  Hollii 

Cleopatra               32     ....    -  C   Gill 

Invincible    ....   7i     •  C.  Adam 
Benbovr                 71                -  R  II   Pcar'on 

*Talbot    20     ...        .  Sp   Swain 

-MarlboroHgh   ..    7i     R.  Honevman 

>J-rfl,    Ct.,r                        «n                                    1  hnr-      Pnrt 

Orestes  38       ..           ]y  J)  Cochranft 

»Colnmbine  18    H.  Muddle" 

Granicus                38     ——  ••    -  Vr   F  Wills 

T>nffcrrl                            1R       _____    TAT      14     Ttnnlnl 

*Frhn                                   1fi        •—  .—  —    T     Pnrriiinl 

Hyperion               ^''     —  •     ••       \V   Comby 

Kciipse       .  ....    18     *             H  Lynnc 

Cyrus   20     —  •  -     -  II   Hart 

Heron           •         18     —  —  •       \    Al'Culloch 

Flk                        18       ..      •     J  B  H  Curraa 

Sappho                   18             -      H  O'Grady 

Minstrel                18     •-    —       R  Mitford 

cnake                      18     —    •  —  ••  G   Robbin 

Wolf                   18    -         ••  H  B  T  Collier 

*Zephyr                18     •-    T  C  Hicl'cns 

Newfoundland. 

+T*,  HD»«^».««         >TA  ?  Vice-adm.  Sir  R.  Keats 
Tcclleropnon  .  .   74  >  „ 
5  Captain  L.  Hawker 

•Ships  bringing  fan-ward  for  Commission. 
Dreadnought  98     Dartmouth          .       38 

Vindictive  74     Sirius    •  38 

Dr^ad  08     E  Gahvay 

Excellent    74      Melampus  38 

Comet  20                    <3.  W    Jil'anev 

+  Electra   18     •    -  •  W   GrifiinhootFc 

t.Muros  18     -T   B  Gregory 

Pheasant  13     -    -     ••  J    Palmer 

•f  \Vanderer  ....  18     F.  Newcombe 
•j-  Hazard                 18        J    Coobcrg 

SO  Ships  of  the  lino  building,   and  32  frigntes 
from  50  to  3^  guns. 

Paid  fiff  lately. 

Cape  of  Good  If  ope. 
Lion..                .   64SRear-A(l,.i.T.!rr 

^  Captain  II.  Kaine 

Semiramis  ....      .S3     .  C'.  Ilicliardson 

A.strea                     38     ••  •     -  -  J    T  vrlriirli 

Phrrbe                      18     •      •    T    II  l!vi  r 

JJarpv                      18     «-r,    .  .  -•  ^am   Horc 

\jfidr«te                 o"              •••-  J   ('  (Jj'trvfonJ 

Going  out  u'ith  Conrws., 


f  Coining  home  with  dttto. 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C,  25 

GALLANT  ACTION. 

BY  a  letter  from  Tencriffe  we  have  an  account  of  the  arrival  there,  ori 
the  6th  of  November,  of  the  Montague  and  Pelham  packets,  after  a  des- 
perate action  with  the  American  privateer  Globe,  of  eight  nine's,  and  one 
long  gun  in  the  bow,  with  upwards  of  one  hundred  men,  on  the  2d  of  No- 
vember, off  Madeira,  which  island  they  had  iefc  on  the  preceding  evening. 
The  action  commenced  by  the  Globe  running  the  Montague  on  board ; 
this  attempt  was  most  gallantly  and  successfully  resisted ;  but,  unfortunately, 
with  the  loss  of  her  brave  commander,  Captain  Norway,  the  surgeon,  and 
several  of  the  crew.  The  conflict  was  of  so  warm  a  nature,  that  in  ten 
minutes  from  its  commencement  the  Montague  was  completely  disabled. 
It  was  then  continued  by  the  Pelham  (which  vessel  had,  from  the  situation 
of  the  Montague,  been  prevented  firing  into  the  American)  for  forty  mi- 
nutes, within  pistol-shot,  when  the  fire  of  the  privateer  totally  ceased,  and 
she  made  off.  This,  though  much  crippled,  her  great  superiority  of  sailing 
enabled  her  to  do,  notwithstanding  every  effort  of  the  Pelham  for  two 
hours  to  come  up  with  her.  The  Montague  had,  in  addition  to  her  com-, 
mander  and  surgeon,  four  men  killed,  and  the  master  and  nine  men 
'wounded,  the  former  severely.  The  Pelham,  though  much  cut  up  in  her 
jnasts,  sails,  and  rigging,  sustained  no  other  loss  than  her  commander, 
Captain  Pcring,  severely,  and  one  man  slightly  wounded.  The  privateer 
is  the  Globe,  of  Baltimore.  A  letter  from  the  Grand  Canary  Islands  men- 
tions her  arrival  in  a  most  distressed  state,  with  the  loss  of  33  killed  and 
19  wounded,  besides  six  who  were  taken  prisoners  on  boarding  the 
Montague. 

SUSPENSION     OF    A    NAVAL    CAPTAIN. 

LETTERS  from  Malta  notice  the  arrival,  at  that  island,  of  the  Kite 
tloop  of  war,  in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Johnston  ;  the  commander,  Captaip 
Canning,  having  been  suspended.  The  following  relation  explains  the 
grounds  of  the  suspension,  and  likewise  communicates  the  distressing  par- 
ticulars of  the  loss  of  many  valuable  lives;— 

"  In  September,  1812,  the  Kite  sloop  of  war,  Captain  Canning,  at- 
tacked a  vessel  under  Turkish  colours,  and  had  one  man  wounded.  Com- 
plaint was  made  at  Constantinople,  and  the  captain  was  reprimanded.  In 
March,  1813,  the  Kite  broke  the  neutrality  which  is  observed  by  British 
ships  of  war  betvyeen  the  Turkish  government  and  the  islands,  countries,  or 
districts  which  are  in  a  state  of  rebellion.  A  second  complaint  was  made, 
which  was  followed  by  the  captain  receiving  another  rebuke.  In  June  last, 
being  still  cruising  in  the  Archipelago,  the  boats  of  the  Kite  were  sent  to, 
Idromo,  a  small  island  lying  near  the  entrance  to  the  Gulf  of  Salonica,  to 
obtain  intelligence.  The  people,  unable  to  bear  the  grievous  tyranny  of 
the  Turkish  government,  had  thrown  off  the  yoke,  and  taken  up  arms. 
On  the  boat's  crew  landing,  they  were  surrounded  by  the  natives,  and  two 
of  their  nnmber  detained  as  hostages,  until  a  supply  of  powder  was  ob- 
tained. With  this  demand,  however,  Captain  Canning  very  properly  re- 
fused compliance,  and  returned  fo?  answer,  that  "  English  ships  of  war 

OI,  XXXI.  E 


26  NAUTICAL    ANECPOTES,    &C. 

never  paid  contribution."  The  inhabitants,  on  receiving  this  reply,  de- 
clared that  thfy  were  friendly  to  the  English;  that  they  were  in  hostility 
only  to  Ali  Pacha  and  the  Governor  of  Salonica,  by  whom  they  had  been 
shamefully  oppressed.  Consonant  to  this  declaration,  they  treated  the 
British  officers  and  seamen  with  civility,  and  sent  a  present  of  some  sheep 
and  cheese  to  Captain  Canning,  which  was  accepted,  and  a  return  made  of 
rum.  After  much  friendly  conversation  they  separated,  and  the  boats  re- 
turned to  the  ship.  The  same  night  Captain  Canning  declared  his  intention 
of  destroying  the  pirates'  boats,  and  made  the  necessary  preparations. 
The  natives  of  Idromo  observing  that  the  Kite  continued  to  remain  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  island,  though  the  wind  was  fair  for  departing,  be- 
gan to  suspect  treachery,  and  prepared  to  counteract  it.  At  daylight  the 
Kite  was  brought  to  anchor,  and  opened  a  fire  upon  that  part  of  the  island 
where  the  native  boats  lay.  The  latter  being  manned,  put  off  to  attack  the 
Kite,  probably  vnth  the  intention  of  carrying  her  by  boarding  ;  but  when 
they  had  approached,  a  brisk  fire  qf  musketry  was  opened  on  them,  which 
tilled  many,  and  obliged  the  others  to  return.  The  boats  of  the  Kite  were 
then  despatched,  with  the  seamen  properly  armed,  to  complete  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  native  boats.  This  service  was  not  one  of  apparent  difficulty. 
The  seamen  boarded  the  boats,  which  were  presently  abandoned.  They  then 
made  preparations  for  bringing  them  ou£,  or  destroying  them,  when  on  a 
gudden  they  discovered  that  they  were  placed  in  such  a  position  as  to  be 
commanded  from  the  heights.  Stones  of  immense  size  and  weight  were 
immediately  precipitated  from  this  elevation,  which  crushed  all  upon  whom 
they  fell.  No  shelter  could  be  obtained  from  these  immense  masses  in  the 
open  Ijoats,  which  were  abandoned,  nor  could  those  belonging  to  the 
Kite  be  immediately  regained.  In  this  melancholy  conjuncture,  many  of 
the  seamen  threw  themselves  overboard,  in  the  hope  of  gaining  the  shore  ; 
but  the  channel  being  several  feet  deep,  their  escape  not  only  became  a 
matter  of  difficulty,  hut  their  powder  and  ammunition  were  rendered  unser- 
viceable. At  this  time  the  natives,  placed  upon  the  heights,  were  taking 
deliberate  aim.  Every  stone  proved  fatal,  and  the  fall  of  every  seaman 
was  marked  by  a  shout  of  triumph.  It  became  necessary,  therefore,  for 
the  survivors  to  separate,  without  attaining  their  unjust  object,  and  aban- 
don their  killed  and  wounded  companions  to  the  fury  of  the  exasperated 
enemy.  The  result  of  this  unfortunate  and  imprudent  enterprise  has  been, 
that,  of  forty  officers  and  seamen  who  manned  the  boats,  twenty  were 
killed,  and  eighteen  wounded.  Among  the  killed  were  many  who,  having 
been  badly  wounded,  and  unable  either  to  run  or  swim,  were  stoned  to 
death  as  they  lay  on  the  beach.  The  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  Williams  ;  the 
purser,  Mr.  Edgar  ;  and  the  senior  midshipman,  are  included  in  the  list  of 
and  wounded." 


PIRATES. 

FROM  America  we  learn,  that  on  a  rocky  island  called  Bnratavin,  adja- 
cent to  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  a  number  of  French  pirates  have 
formed  a  regular  establishment.  From  thence  they  send  out  numerous 
vessels,  ar.d  most  grievously  infest  the  coast  of  Louisiana,  pluudep- 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &C.  & 

ing  and  destroying  the  Spanish  vessels,  nnd  those  of  every  other  nation, 
the  French  excepted.  The  property  they  thus  pillage  they  deposit  within 
the  ramparts  of  a  fort,  which  for  this  purpose  they  have  constructed  and 
provided  with  11  pieces  of  artillery.  To  give  a  sort  of  character  to  these 
proceedings,  they  have  formed  a  tribunal,  which  they  denominate  a  court 
of  vice-admiralty,  and  where  they  condemn  without  ceremony  the  property 
they  have  thus  acquired.  After  judgment  is  passed,  the  merchandise  is 
sold  at  low  prices,  but  for  ready  money,  and  in  open  market.  This  mar- 
ket is  kept  two  days  in  a  week  ;  and  if  no  buyer  be  found,  the  goods  are 
introduced  into  New  Orleans  as  articles  of  contraband  trade.  Information 
of  these  proceedings  has  been  given  to  the  Governors-general  of  the  Ha- 
vanna  and  of  the  Floridas. 

THE    LATE    CAPTAIN    BLYTII,    R.N. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Portland,  in  the  United  States  of  America. 

THE  remains  of  Captain  Blyth,  late  Commander  of  his  Majesty's  brig 
Boxer,  who  nobly  fell  in  action  with  the  Unired  States  brig  Enterprize, 
on  the  5th  inst.  (Sept.)  off  this  coast,  were  interred  here  with  military 
honours,  on  the  7th.  The  officers  have  caused  a  tomb-stone,  with  a  suitable 
inscription,  to  be  placed  over  his  grave,  as  a  tribute  of  their  admiration  and 
regard.  The  following  is  the  inscription  :— 

In  Memory  of  CAPTAIN  SAMUEL  BLYTH, 
Late  Commander  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ship  Boxer, 

He  nobly  fell 

On  the  5th  day  of  September,  1813, 

In  action  with  the  U.  S.  brig  Enterprize. 

In  Life  honourable ; 

In  Death  glorious  ! 

His  Country  will  long  deplore  one  of  her  bravest  sons; 
His  Friends  long  lament  one  of  the  best  of  Men. 

Aged  twenty-nine  years. 

The  surviving  Officers  of  his  Crew 

Offer  this  feeble  tribute  of  admiration 

and  regard. 

SHIPWRECK     AND   MUTINY. 

PRIVATE  advices  from  Penang  confirm  the  report  of  the  loss  of  the  ship 
Asia,  of  Bombay,  in  the  Eastern  Seas,  on  her  return  to  Bombay  from 
Batavia.  This  ship,  it  seems,  shortly  after  quitting  the  latter  port,  had 
encountered  a  violent  gale  of  wind  off  Java  Head,  by  which  her  main  and 
mizen-masts  were  carried  away;  and  the  vessel  becoming  quite  unma- 
nageable, with  a  leak  increasing  fast  upon  her,  the  officers  and  crew  were 
obliged,  for  their  own  preservation,  to  abandon  her,  and  betake  them- 
selves to  the  boats.  Captain  Stewart,  the  first  and  second  officer,  and  an 
European  passenger  from  Batavia,  embarked  in  the  long-boat,  and  Mr. 
Paton,  the"  third  officer,  in  the  cutter  ;  and  scarcely  had  they  quitted  the 
ship,  when  she  sunk.  To  this  story,  the  same  accounts  add  the  distressing 


48  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,   &C. 

information,  that,  on  the  13th  of  April,  the  Seacurmies,  in  conjunction 
•with  four  Malays  and  a  Caffree,  rose  on  the  Europeans  in  the  long-boat, 
and  put  every  man  of  them  to  death.  They  afterwards  removed  Mr.  Pa- 
ton  from  the  cutter,  and  compelled  him  to  take  charge  of  the  long-boat,  id 
which  they  arrived  at  Poolo  Bouton,  where  meeting  fortunately  with  some 
prows  belonging  to  the  King  of  Quedah,  they  were  conveyed  to  that  place, 
and  from  thence  sent  on  to  Penang.  Why  the  boats  should  have  been 
steered  so  strange  and  circuitous  a  course,  and  by  what  means  the  crew 
were  enabled  to  supply  themselves  with  food  for  &o  long  a  voyage,  remain 
to  be  explained.  The  circumstances,  however,  are  so  minutely  related, 
that  no  doubt  can  be  well  entertained  as  to  the  general  truth  of  the  story, 
especially  as  it  is  known  that  Mr.  Paton  had  arrived  at  Penang. 

STATE  OF  THE  FRENCH  NAVAL  FORCES  IN  THE  SCHELD. 

5  ships  of  80  guns  disarming,  having  still  two  or  three  hundred  men  on 
board. 

4  in  ordinary. 

6  ships  of  74  guns,  entirely  fitted  out  with  guns  in,  but  having  only  two 
or  three  hundred  men  on  board. 

2  of  74,  fitted  out  without  guns,  with  only  three  hundred  men  tin  board, 

5  of  74  in  ordinary. 

2  frigates  in  ordinary. 

10  or  12  gun-brigs  fitted  out  and  manned. 
20  ships  of  the  line. 

2  frigates. 
12  gun-brigs. 

Total    34  vessels. 

Off"  Flushing,  in  the  Basin. 
1  80  gun-ship,  without  guns,  having  only  80  men  on  board. 

3  frigates,  idem,  only  20  men  ;    several  gun-brigs  and  gun-boats* 

In  the  Road  at  Flushing. 

4  frigates  of  44  guns  ready  for  sea. 
Hague,  December  4fA,  1813. 

SINEWS   OF    WAR. 

AN  official  account  laid  before  the  House  of  Commons,  and  printed, 
states  the  amount  of  the   net  produce  of  the  permanent   taxes  in   Great 


and  fur  the  year  ending  the  15th  October,  1813,  at  37,833,366/.  12*.  l£o. 
being  a  deficiency  of  about  900,000/.  The  same  account  states  the  total 
amount  of  the  net  produce  of  the  war  taxes,  for  the  year  ending  the  25tl» 
January,  1812,  at  21,822,532/.  14s.  lOJrf.  ;  and  for  the  year  ending  the 
25th  October,  1813,  at  22,740,568/.  4s.  0%d.  being  an  increase  of  about 
the  amount  of  the  deficiency  in  the  permanent  taxes.  Thus  the  net  produce 
tit'the  whole  of  the  taxes  in  Great  Britain,  for  the  year  ending  the  25th  of 


NAUTICAL    AVECDOTES,    &C.  gQ 

October,  exceeds  sixty  millions. — An  account  of  the  reduction  of  the  Na- 
tional Debt,  from  the  1st  August,  1786,  to  the  1st  November,  1813  ;— . 

Redeemed  by  the  Sinking  Fund £.227,412,2 15 

Transferred  by  Land  Tax  redeemed 24,569,830 

Ditto  by  Life  Annuities  purchased 2,284,730 

On  Account  of  Great  Britain    254,266,770 

Ditto  of  Ireland 11,979,791 

Ditto  of  Imperial  Loan 1,482,848 

Ditto  of  Loan  to  Portugal 207,606 

Ditto  of  Loan  to  the  East  India  Company 241,356 

Total £.268,178,376 

The  sum  to  be  expended  in  the  ensuing  quarter  is  4,621j526/.  3s.  8rf. 

CONFLAGRATION   OF  A   LIGHT-HOUSE. 

ON  the  afternoon  of  Thursday,  14th  October,  a  report  reached  Westport, 
that  the  Light-house  on  Clare  Island  had  been  burnt  the  night  before. 
Mr.  I.  Farrell,  the  Marquis  of  Sligo's  Architect,  as  soon  as  possible  re- 
paired to  the  place  (a  distance  of  nine  leagues  from  Westport),  and  found 
that  the  lantern,  with  all  its  apparatus,  was  entirely  consumed.  So  great 
was  the  conflagration,  that  some  of  the  metal  was  melted  into  balls,  and 
all  the  glasses,  &c.  broken.  The  first  cost  of  the  lantern  alone  was  1,1  OO/. 
the  reflectors  were  all  inlaid  with  silver,  and  each  pane  of  glass,  on  account 
of  their  make  and  great  thickness,  cost  four  guineas.  The  keeper  assigns 
a  snuff  falling  into  the  oil,  as  the  cause  of  the  conflagration.  To  prevent 
any  accident  to  the  shipping  from  the  want  of  this  light,  exertions  are 
making  to  have  a  temporary  lantern  erected,  until  further  instructions 
«hall  be  received. 

DISCIPLINE   AND   SUICIDE. 

ON  Thursday,  4th  November,  an  Inquest  was  held  at  Carrickfergus,  on 
the  body  of  John  Hooper,  a  boy  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  ship  Helena 
(now  lying  in  that  harbour),  who  had  inflicted  a  severe  wound  on  his  throat 
with  a  knife,  on  the  Monday  morning  previous.  It  appeared  from  the  evi- 
dence of  Surgeon  Dease,  of  the  ship,  and  others,  that  the  unfortunate 
youth  had  been  threatened  with  punishment,  in  consequence  of  improper 
conduct;  that  he  secreted  himself  on  Monday  morning  at  muster  time ; 
that  a  corporal  of  marines  was  ordered  between  decks  to  search  for  him  ; 
•who  found  him  on  the  cable  tier,  hiding  behind  the  mast;  that  he  did  not 
answer  when  spoken  to,  and  on  dragging  him  from  the  place  of  conceal- 
ment, his  throat  was  cut,  and  bleeding  profusely ;  a  knife  was  found  beside 
him.  Every  assistance  was  immediately  given  ;  but  he  expired,  from  low 
of  blood,  on  Wednesday.  Verdict — 


3d 
CORRESPONDENCE, 


MR.  EDITOR,  London,  Eth  December,  1813. 

rriHROUGH  your  Work,  I  beg  leave  to  convey  my  thanks  to  your 
-•-  correspondent  NESTOR,  in  placing  me  as  one  of  those  advocates  for 
the  improvement  of  our  envied  and  unconquered  Bulwarks.  As  my  mo- 
tives are  pure  and  impartial,  I  must  confess  I  cannot  agree  with  him,  and 
A.  F.  Y.  in  the  propriety  or  necessity  of  a  secondary  Board. — I  think,  and 
I  believe  it  is  generally  allowed,  that  the  Admiralty,  Navy,  and  Transport 
Boards,  are  equal  to  carry  on  the  management  of  the  navy ;  it  is  ascer- 
tained as  a  fact,  that,  as  it  is,  the  Superior  Board,  very  often  acts  contrary 
to  the  propositions  and  suggestions  of  the  Navy  Board  ;  how  would  it  ]>e 
if  there  was  a  third? — Every  man  and  every  Board  have  always  such  con- 
fidence in  their  own  ideas,  that  they  cannot  conform  to  the  structure  of 
others ;  in  that  case,  the  different  Boards  must  disagree,  and  only  tend  to 
bring  disgrace  on  some  branch  or  other. — NESTOR  will  certainly  allow, 
that  if  the  Admiralty  are  men  of  ability  (and,  for  my  own  part,  I  have  not 
a  doubt  of  it),  that  the  more  compressed  you  can  bring  public  oflices  the 
better; — for  instance,  in  the  whole  history  of  our  own  country,  we  have 
never  found  an  expedition  succeed,  either  by  sea  or  land,  where  a  council 
of  war  has  been  called  ;  but  commanders-in-chief  have  always  found, 
that  a  confidence  in  their  own  professional  abilities,  was  the  best  and 
safest ;  yet,  in  those  cases,  I  confess,  that  the  choice  should  be  select,  and 
none  entrusted  with  a  command,  but  those  whose  talents  and  professional 
skill  have  been  well  established.  Another  instance  I  shall  mention  ;  many 
captains,  when  they  join  a  ship,  cut  and  destroy  (for  what  they  call  im- 
provements), u>  a  most  wasteful  expenditure,  and  an  enormous  expense  to 
the  country,  which  I  believe  was  well  understood  at  the  Aclminilty ;  for,  a 
few  years  since,  a  new  74  was  ordered  to  he  fitted,  as  a  model  for  the  service 
to  strictly  abide  by,  and  three  captains  of  great  merit  and  ability  were  sent 
to  Chatham  for  that  purpose  (one  of  them  the  captain  of  the  said  sh:,i), 
and  she  was  fitted  on  an  admirable  and  improved  plan  ;  yet  I  hare  heard, 
from  good  authority,  that  on  the  first  cruise,  her  captain  altered  the  whole 
of  his  own  plans;  it  is  a  grievance,  and  a  heavy  one,  that  they  are  not 
themselves  obliged  to  defray  the  expense  of  such  mutilations.  1  have  a 
high  opinion  of  the  present  Board,  yet  they  are  liable  to  errors  as  well 
as  others ;  unfortunately,  every  misconduct  in  the  navy  is  attributed  to 
them  ;  this  is  unfair  ;  for,  after  the  Admiralty  have  issued  sailing  orders  to 
the  ships,  a  part  of  the  responsihility  must  belong  to  the  coiiunander-in- 
chief,  under  whose  orders  they  are  placed,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  pro- 
vided the  commander-in-chief  on  a  foreign  station  has  a  sufficient  force 
placed  under  him;  therefore,  A.  F.  Y.  will  certainly  allow  that  all  com- 
manders-in-chief are  assistants  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  or  why  are  port 
admirals  appointed,  but  with  that  intent,  and  the  Channel  Fleet  is  directed 
by  its  admiral  living  onshore. 

I  shall  now  call  your  attention  to  the  ships  placed  under  the  orders  oX 


CORRESPONDENCE.  31 

the  port  admiral  on  the  Western  Station  ;  I  have  always  understood  they 
are  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  trade  from  the  Start  to  the  Scilly 
Islands ;  if  that  is  the  case,  how  do  we  hear  constantly  of  our  coasting 
traders  being  taken  close  into  our  harbours  and  off  our  headlands,  and 
the  "  True-Blooded-  Yankey,"  very  lately,  cruising  for  a  long  time  off  the 
Scillies  ?  In  my  opinion,  it  arises  from  those  cruisers  considerably  extend- 
ing their  limits,  for  the  purpose  of  picking  up  a  fat  prize  ;  in  the  mean 
time,  the  enemy's  small  privateers  are  destroying  our  merchantmen.  I 
know  not  the  ships,  or  their  number,  appointed  for  that  service  ;  but  I  be* 
Heve  there  are  several.  I  wish  some  of  your  abler  Correspondents  would 
take  up  the  subject,  on  a  larger  scale  ;  and  I  know  no  one  more  capable 
than  A.F.Y.  if  I  may  judge  by  his  writings,  not  having  the  least  idea  who 
he  is.  Would  it  not  be  advisable  to  have  a  small  squadron  under  the  direc- 
tion of  a  post  captain,  of  an  active  mind,  and  some  standing,  to  be  sta- 
tioned at  Scilly  ?  the  anchorage  is  good,  and  the  entrances  numerous;  I 
would  not  take  them  from  the  command  of  the  port  admiral,  they  should 
still  be  under  his  orders,  and  much  time  would  be  saved,  in  their  going 
forward  and  backward  to  replenish,  and,  as  is  often  the  case,  the  whole  of 
them  are  at  Plymouth,  but  a  part  of  them  ought  always  to  be  about  Scilly 
until  relieved  ;  at  all  events,  the  losses  we  meet  with  require  some  serious 
consideration.  A  late  port  admiral  (a  very  worthy  good  man)  too  fully 
proved,  in  giving  up  his  opinions,  the  injustice.. he  has  done  the  ser- 
vice, for  I  have  understood  that  he  was  considered  only  as  a  secondary 
person  to  his  secretary  ;  and  I  heard  (only  a  week  since  as  far  as  from 
Yorkshire)  that,  at  the  commander-in-cliief'a  table,  when  a  question  was 
put,  tlie  secretary's  auswer  was,  we  have  sent  so  and  so  ;  the  whole  com- 
pany were  astonished;  well  they  might,  when  the  secretary  considered  him- 
self as  jointly  in  command.  I  should  have  been  cautious  in  crediting  this, 
liad  I  not  taken  the  Poj-jsinoulh  paper,  in  which  I  saw  an  address  to  the 
port  admiral,  on  his  quitting  his  command,  by  the  merchants  of  a  respec- 
table borough,  for  his  kind  and  conciliating  manners;  this  may  all  be  very 
right,  but  what  follows  ?  why  one  also  to  the  secretary,  for  his  kind  com- 
munications, and  easy  access  to  the  calls  of  the  merchants. — Does  not  this 
look  like  his  being  considered  as  a  colleague  with  the  chief? — The  great* 
error  and  mischief  arise  from  a  secretary  being  appointed  prize  agent  and 
broker,  whereby  they  have  a  connection  witli  all  the  merchants  and  Jews 
in  the  place  ;  and  I  have  heard  by  several  officers,  that  the  office  at  a  cer- 
tain port  is  generally  known  by  the  name  of  the  New  Exchange,  and  go 
into  it  whenever  you  wouid,  the  secretary,  during  a  certain  period,  was 
surrounded  by  Jews  ;  assuredly  he  had  quite  sufficient  to  occupy  his  time 
in  his  public  capacity,  without  carrying  on  extensive  commercial  communi- 
cations ;  and  I  am  convinced,  that  instances  occur  of  communications 
made,  and  information  given,  tending  to  the  injury  of  the  service  ;  and  the 
influence  over  commanders- in- chief,  which  is  generally  supposed  to  take 
place,  is  derogatory  and  scandalous.  Some  persons  entertain  an  idea,  that 
the  secretary  is  appointed  agent,  for  no  other  reason,  than  that  he  will' be 
£l>Ie  to  benefit  his  friends  by  recommending  them  fora  good  cruise  ;  and  to 
thp  assertion,  I  shall  mention  a  circumstance  which  took 


32  CORRESPONDENCE. 

about  two  years  since:— the  secretary  on  a  home  station  wrote  to  his  bro- 
ther scribe  at  S— — ,  saying,  if  such  a  captain  does  not  appoint  you 

agent,  black-ball  him  :  on  this  being  known,  he,  very  properly,  was  black- 
bailed  himself.  I  have  been  told,  also,  that  the  secretary  to  an  admiral 
commanding,  some  time  since,  on  the  Eastern  coast,  threatened  to  get 
one  or  two  cf  the  captains  bad  cruises,  because  they  would  not  appoint  him 
their  agent ;  and  it  is  reported,  that  on  the  chief  interrogating  Mr.  Secre- 
tary, as  to  the  fact,  he  could  not  deny  it;  on  which  he  replied,  "  By  Jasus  ! 
I  made  you  a  purser  ;  and,  by  Christ  !  here  is  douse  you:  "  true  it  is,  the 
secretary  was  dismissed  from  that  day.  The  officers  in  the  dock-yards  are 
strictly  forbid  to  have  any  concern  in  agency,  then  why  allow  admiral's 
secretaries  ?  it  is  not  possible  for  the  former  to  do  half  the  mischief,  that 
is  in  the  power  of  the  latter ;  he  is  a  confidential  servant  to  the  crown, 
he  is  master  of  many  important  secrets,  such  as  secret  orders  in  council  ; 
are  not  the  latter  connected  most  seriously  with  all  prize  concerns  ?  and  it 
is  fully  in  the  power  of  a  secretary  to  drop  such  hints  to  the  cruisers  and 
brokers,  sufficient  to  divulge  the  views  of  government.  Give  the  secretary 
pay  adequate  to  his  situation,  but  never  allow  him  to  be  a  prize-agent  or 
broker ;  for  it  is  now  so  customary  to  attend  to  the  wishes  of  the  chief, 
that  there  is  not  a  cruiser,  who  docs  not  appoint  the  secretary  to  the  agency, 
or  the  ci-devant  secretary  is  their  broker.  Fifty  other  circumstances  I  have 
beard  related,  such  as  gratuities,  &c.  &c.  but  I  rather  wish  to  believe  such 
a  degradation  does  not  exist.  However,  it  appears  to  be  full  time  that  the 
Admiralty  should  interfere,  and  that  secretaries  should  not  be  permitted  to 
have  any  concern  with  prize  agency  or  brokerage,  either  as  an  ostensible 
partner,  or  a  sleeping  one  ;  if  necessary  to  add  to  their  pay  something  con- 
siderable, so  much  the  better;  for  even  if  many  of  those  circumstances  do 
not  exist,  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  the  world  to  comment  so  severely  on 
the  influence  of  secretaries  over  the  chief,  and  the  preference  given  to  the 
Jews  to  serve  the  ships,  through  the  kind  recommendation  cf  the  agent, 
and  to  the  total  exclusion  of  the  regular  tradesman.  I  hope  that  some 
other  of  your  correspondents  will  continue -this  subject,  so  essentially 
necessary  to  do  away  the  stigma  cast  on  the  navy,  and  some  of  them  more 
able,  and  better  acquainted  with  facts,  than 

IMPARTIAL. 

MR.  EDITOR,  December,  1313. 

HAVING  already  reasoned  generally  on  the  prudential  motives  which 
call  for  the  adoption  of  more  extensive  encouragement  in  our  naval 
government,  I  now  propose  to  enter  more  minutely  on  the  practical  meaiss. 

I  shall  commence  with  the  lower  classes,  who  constitute  what  is  dtnoini- 
mted  the  ship's  company,  more  especially  keeping  in  view  that  most  valu- 
able body,  which  forms  the  very  foundation  of  the  whole,  able  beair.cn. 

No  one  will  deny  the  policy  of  enacting  such  measures  as  will  tend  more 
closely  to  assimilate  the  manning  of  our  fleets  with  voluntary  service,  and 
discipline  with  willing  obedience.  As  our  maritime  regulations  now  stand, 
we  cannot  expect  any  material  alteration  for  the  better;  for,  ns  compared 
with  our  sister  service,  the  army,  the  seaman  is  left  with  little  or  iio 


CORRESPONDENCE.  33 

excitement ;  it  amounts  to  a  moral  certainty,  however,  that  a  system  of 
commensurate  liberality  would  beget  in  the  breasts  of  our  tars  that  pro- 
fessional pride  and  regard  so  much  to  he  desired,  and  which  has  so  amply 
crowned  the  improved  regulations  of  the  army. 

The  subject  in  its  various  bearings  is  necessarily  intimately  connected 
with  the  impress,  and  in  a  less  degree  with  the  mode  of  punishment.  I 
would  willingly  leave  the  latter  untouched,  well  knowing  the  delicacy  of  its 
texture.  Its  necessity  I  grant,  in  the  most  unqualified  sense  ;  for  it  is 
clear,  that  if  corporeal  punishment  was  exploded,  we  must  resort  to  exe- 
cutions as  the  substitute.  Human  nature  is  too  prone  to  stray,  even  from 
the  sacred  paths  of  religion,  and  the  strict  bounds  of  integrity,  to  remain 
without  restraint  within  the  rigid  pale  of  martial  law.  But  though  I  admit 
its  necessity,  I  think  its  frequency  reducible ;  not,  however,  arising  from 
lux  discipline,  but  in  a  progressive  degree,  as  increased  incentives  to  good 
conduct  are  interwoven  in  our  naval  institutions.  Now  the  great  means  to 
lessen  punishments  are,  to  diminish  our  almost  entire  dependance  on  the 
impress,  and,  by  degrees,  to  make  it  merely  an  auxiliary,  not  a  principal, 
method  of  manning  our  ships.  The  object,  therefore,  which  I  shall  en- 
deavour to  shew,  is  the  way  to  effect  this ;  but  before  I  enter  on  it,  I  can- 
not refrain  from  adverting  to  another  most  objectionable  cause  of  the 
cat-of-nine-tails  being  in  such  frequent  use.  I  allude  to  the  system  of 
allowing  so  many  vagabonds  to  compromise  every  shade  of  crime,  to  avoid 
the  pains  of  a  prison,  or  the  horror  of  transportation,  by  making  themselves 
over  to  a  British  man  of  war.  It  is  a  practice  degrading  to  honest  pride, 
and  baneful  to  the  growth  of  professional  emulation ;  it  classes  the  duties 
of  our  gallant  seamen  with  the  chastisement  of  thieves  and  swindlers, 
making  their  wooden  walls  floating  gaols,  to  save  the  trouble,  or  to  reduce 
the  number  of  prosecutions,  with  the  very  pithy  compliment,  that  officers 
have  the  power  of  flogging  good  characters  into  them.  Let  this  debasing 
custom  be  discontinued,  and  many  a  feeling  of  indignation  in  the  bosoms 
of  conscious  and  offended  worth  will  be  wiped  away,  and  the  naval  ser- 
vice will  emerge  from  the  degraded  rank  which  it  almost  universally  holds 
among  the  lower  orders  of  these  kingdoms. 

I  shall  now  endeavour  to  point  out  the  species  and  degree  of  encourage- 
ment which  strikes  me  as  bestcalculated  for  the  diminution  of  impressment.— 
And  first  of  the  established  state  of  bounties — It  requires  no  unusual  know- 
ledge of  the  human  heart  to  estimate  the  considerable  effect  this  must 
always  bear  to  voluntary  service ;  and  hence  it  is  difficult  to  fathom,  by 
what  rules  of  policy  or  justice  so  vast  a  disparity  is  made  between  the  sol- 
dier and  sailor  in  this  respect.  It  would  seem,  as  if  the  convenience  of  the 
impress  overcomes  every  idea  of  ever  adopting  any  other  increased  means 
of  procuring  men.  At  all  events,  whilst  the  boon  held  out  to  the  two  ser- 
vices is  so  unequal,  we  cannot  wonder  at  the  military  drum  gaining  recruits 
in  abundance,  whilst  the  "  proud  old  British  Union"  hangs  smoke  dried 
and  neglected  over  the  door  of  every  pot  house  we  choose  to  dignify  with 
the  name  of  rendezvous.  If  the  impress  i$  necessary,  let  it,  at  least,  ba 
resorted  to  after  an  equalization  of  inducement  fails  in  effect.  If  bounty 

(Bol.  XXXI.  * 


34  CORRESPONDENCE. 

is  meant  ai  &ny  thing  but  a  lure,  it  is  as  a  reasonable  compensation  for 
engaging  in  the  King's  service,  and  why  such  material  difference  in  the 
quantity  of  such  compensation  should  exist  for  wearing  a  red  jacket  or  a 
blue  one,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  divine,  unless,  as  I  before  observed,  the  conve- 
nience of  the  impress  is  the  plea. 

I  do  not,  most  distantly,  intend  to  under-rate  the  value  of  a  soldier  to 
the  state,  or  infer  that  their  services  are  too  dearly  purchased  :  I  reason 
only,  to  gain  foe  the  seaman  an  equal  regard  from  his  cuuntry,  and  that  if 
his  services,  from  the  exigencies  of  the  times,  must  be  exacted  against  his 
will,  it  may  not  be  without  holding  out  equal  remuneration  and  inducement 
to  that  his  contemporary  brethren  receive.  As  if  to  mark  the  disparity  more 
distinctly,  every  militia  man  is  now  to  be  proffered  10/.  10s.  for  a  transfer 
of  his  duty  from  home  to  active  service. 

To  sum  up  this  portion  of  my  subject,  1  am  obliged  to  say  that  the 
relative  bounties  of  soldiers  and  sailors  are  at  variance  with  sound  policy 
and  justice,  nor  can  I  can  see  how  the  warmest  advocates  of  its  present 
footing  can  support  its  disparity,  but  by  the  perverted  and  unwise  plea  of 
national  economy  :  I  say  perverted,  for  all  economy  must  be  so  which  is 
not  founded  on  equitable  principles  ;  I  say  unwise,  for  that  parsimony  is 
assuredly  so  which  enervates  the  national  strength. 

AEOLUS. 

P.  S.  I  believe  rtie  following  is  a  correct  \ic\v,  or  nearly  so,  of  th« 
comparative  state  of  bounties  given  to  the  Army,  Marines,  and  Xavy, 
which,  whilst  it  cannot  fail  to  excite  surprise,  must  plainly  shew  the  solid 
grounds  on  which  I  have  brought  this  important  subject  forward. 

AEMY. For  l$en £.16  16     0 

Lads 12     0    0 

Boys 800 

MARINES — For  Men  and  Lads  above  5  feet  2  inches,  being 

1<3  years  of  age    16*16    0 

Boys  being  5  feet 8    0    0 

!$AVY.— — Able  Seamen 5    5    0 

Ordinary .................. 3     C>     0 

Landsmen  and  Boys 2    0 


MR.  EDITOR,  1  January,  181 1. 

I  READ  in  Archdeacon  Coxe's  History  of  the  Bourbon  Kinps  of  Spain, 
that  the  Sword  presented  to  Lord  Nelson  by  the  present  King  of  the 
Two  Sicilies  (Ferdinand)  was  the  same  which  was  given  by  Louis  XIV.  to 
his  grandson  Philip,  when  the  latter  quitted  France  to  take  possession  of 
the  kingdom  of  Spain.  Some  of  your  readers  can  probably  tell  what  is 
become  of  that  sword  ?  which  I  shall  be  glad  to  know,  through  the  medium 
of  your  pages.  UISIORICUS. 


«?,.  KDUCR,  8//t  January ,  1814. 

I  HAVE  perused  with  no  small  degree  of  satisfaction,  and  no  common- 
interest,  the   letter  from  /Eolus,  inserted  in  your  number  for  Noverrj- 
ber  last,  relative  to  tlie  necessity  of  a  gradual  reformation  of  the  present 
system  for  obtaining  and  preserving  British  seamen  to  fight  their  country's 
battles. 

Tliis  subject  had  of  late  engaged  much  of  my  own  attention,  and  1  had 
resolved  to  lay  some  of  ray  own  opinions  before  the  public,  through  the 
channel  of  your  CHRONICLE,  had  I  not  been  anticipated  by  this  truly  valu- 
able and  able  writer ;  with  whose  opinion*,  so  far  as  tie  has  yet  made  them 
known  in  general  terms,  my  own  completely  coincide  (for,  although  the 
evil  is  great,  the  remedies  ought  to  be  gradually  applied,  and  in  such  mea- 
sure as  the  state  of  the  country  will  allow).  He  has  promised  to  resume 
the  consideration  of  this  most  important  subject  in  subsequent  letters,  to 
which  I  look  forward  with  much  anxiety,  as  involving  a  question  that  ought 
long  ere  now  to  have  engaged  more  of  the  public  attention ;  and  which,  now 
that  it  is  likely  to  do  so  of  necessity,  will,  I  hope,  be  prudently  managed, 
and,  in  the  etui,  lead  to  the  most  beneficial  consequences ;  at  the  same 
time,  I  am  aware  that  it  is  pregnaot  with  difficulties,  which,  perhaps, 
necessity  alone  would  induce  the  B.  of  A.  to  consent  to  encounter  :  how- 
ever, it  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  the  task,  although  Augean,  is  one  of 
amelioration  and  improvement,  and  will  be  regarded,  (if  successful,  which, 
if  properly  managed,  it  must  be)  by  our  posterity,  ns  one  of  the  greatest 
improvements  of  the  age.  Leaving  the  future  consideration  of  it  to  the  far 
abler  Correspondent  I  havs  already  mentioned,  I  have  nuw  to  remark,  that 
the  suggestion  of  another  Correspondent,  "  A  Friend  to  Naval  Merit," 
appear  to  have  been  nearly  completely  anticipated  by  the  very  proper  and 
impartial  selection  of  officers  for  promotion  on  the  late  occasion  ;  and  it  is 
but  justice  to  allow  to  Lord  Melville  and  the  Board,  every  praise  for  their 
conduct  in  attending  to  the  claims  of  the  eldest  of  each  respective  class  of 
orticers  ;  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  avoid  offence  to  some  ;  but,  on  the  whole, 
they  appear  to  have  aimed  to  anticipate  the.  wishes  of  ihe  service,  a«d  the 
country;  and  it  is  fair  they  should  have  the  approbation  and  confidence 
such  conduct  merits.  At  the  same  time,  I  hope  the  sera  is  not  far  distant, 
v»btn  the  naval  concerns  of  Britain  will  devolve  entirely  into  naval  hands, 
with  a  Statesman  at  their  head,  which  almost  all  seem  to  agree  on  thinking 
necessary,  for  the  very  plain  reason,  that  a  naval  First  Lord  has  never  yet 
given  satisfaction  to  the  country  or  to  his  own  profession  ;  but  that  the 
other  members  of  the  Board  ought  all  to  be  naval  men,  is  no  less  a  matter 
of  justice  than  it  would  be  of  certain  benefit  to  the  service;  and  as  the 
adjutant-general,  quarter-raasttr-gciieral, commissariat,  andmedical  depart* 
ment,  are  all  under  separate  management,  but  one  common  head  in  the  ar- 
my, I  am  sure  our  naval  business  would  be  greatly  simplified,  and  more 
easily  managed,  by  the  appointment  of  subordinate  Boards,  from  among  the 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty  themselves,  or  to  act  under  their  direction,  increas- 
ing their  number,  or  continuing  them  as  at  present,  and  hereafter  appoint- 
ing naval  men  only.  I  hope  A.  F.  Y.  and  myself  will  live  ty  see  this  change. 

NESTOR. 


36  CORRESPONDENCE. 

MR.  EDITOR.  December  27,  1813. 

I  REQUEST  your  particular  attention  to  the  following :— To  ine  it  ap- 
pears inexplicable,  and  deserving  of  elucidation.     You  will,  therefore, 
for  that  purpose,  have  the  goodness  to  record  it  in  your  valuable  CHROIUCLE. 

Not  many  days  since,  I  appointed  to  meet  a  brother  officer  at  that  great 
house  where  all  our  profession  look  most  anxiously.  How  far  their  ex- 
pectations are  realised,  shall  not  be  entered  into  in  this  letter.  Being 
earlier  than  the  hour  appointed,  I  sauntered  on  tlie  opposite  side  the  street, 
in  the  hope  of  seeing  my  friend,  ere  he  entered  the  "  hallowed  roof.'' 
During  this  perambulation,  I  observed  a  board,  conspicuously  displayed  on 
the  wall  inclosing  the  house  of  the  First  Lord  of  the  Admiralty,  and  not 
many  yards  distant  from  the  entrance  gates.  Many  conjectures  entered 
my  mind  as  to  the  nature  of  the  information  it  contained.  At  one  time,  I 
conceived  it  possible,  that  his  Lordship  had  quitted  his  residence,  and  it 
was  the  notice  of  his  new  abode ;  at  another,  that  it  was,  perhaps,  similar 
to  what  is  frequently  met  with,  "  THIS  HOUSE  TO  LET,"  &c.  So  many 
thoughts  entered  my  mind,  as  induced  me,  at  the  hazard  of  being  knocked 
down  by  carriages,  to  cross  the  street,  and  satisfy  my  curiosity.  None  of 
tJie  ideas  I  had  formed  were  correct,  and  my  surprise  exceeds  description. 
All  the  attempts  I  have  subsequently  made  are  ineffectual.  For  ftar  of 
errors,  I  copied  the  mysterious  inscription,  carefully  placing  it  in  an  old 
pocket-book,  long  my  empty  companion.  I  hasten  to  send  you  the  copy, 
the  original  of  which  is,  to  borrow  an  expression  from  a  distinguished 
Speaker  of  Saint  Stephen's  Chapel,  "  as  notorious  as  the  sun  at  noon  day." 

It  is  as  follows: — "  Whoever  is  found  begging,  here  will  l>e  prosecuted." 
I  cannot,  at  this  moment,  refrain  exclaiming,  What  can  this  mean  ?  Has 
his  Lordship  been  importuned  so  much,  on  various  subjects  connected  with 
the  extensive  department  under  his  orders,  us  to  cause  it  necessary,  thus 
against  his  own  residence,  »nd  in  the  public- street,  to  give  such  notice  ? 
No,  no,  it  cannot  be,  he  inherits  too  much  the  disposition  of  his  noble  sire, 
to  be  unwilling  in  attention  to  the  applications  for  reward,  or  employment, 
when  those  things  are  justly  due.  But  what  interpretation  can  be  given  the 
concluding  words,  "  here  will  be  prosecuted,"  I  candidly  acknowledge  my 
incapacity  to  attempt.  That  some  explanation  of  this  mysterious  nnd 
public  notice  should  be  given,  there  cannot  be  a  doubt  entertained,  and,  it 
appears  to  me,  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  is  the  most  probable  source  to  derive 
.1  1'rum. 

TOM  STARBOARD. 


LETTER  XXVIII. 

MR.  EDITOR,  Sept.  20,  1C13. 

rrMIE  British  Press  is  open  to  fair  animadversion  on  the  overt  acts  of 
-*•  public  men  ;  as  a  Briton,  I  trust,  it  will  ever  remain  so ;  as  au  ho- 
nest man,  I  will  never  use  this  liberty  but  to  conscientiously  point  out  public 
grievances,  or  public  errors,  as  they  appear  to  my  judgment;  and,  in  the 
still  higher  character  of  a  Christian,  I  svill  never  attribute  malignity,  or 
even  selfishness  of  native,  when  the  erring  judgment  of  man  i;  so  liable  Vo 


•  ORKESFONDSNCE.  57 

lead  to  a  wrong  conclusion,  against  motives  the  most  pure,  and  intentions 
the  most  honourable. 

To  suspect  the  zeal  and  good  intentions  of  men  in  office,  merely,  because 
their  measures  appear  to  a  writer,  contrary  to  the  interests  of  their  country, 
is  a  species  of"  uncharitable  folly,  which  can  never  enter  the  minds  either  ol 
the  wise  or  the  virtuous.  I  have  now,  in  the  course  of  several  letters, 
pointed  out  what  I  deem  the  weak  points  of  our  naval  administration, 
placed  in  several  points  of  view;  and  I  should  not  at  all  have  entered  into 
the  sometimes  unfortunate  selection  of  naval  individuals  (which,  I  think, 
lias  not  unfrequently  taken  place),  had  I  not  known,  that  when  the  choice 
has  been  good,  much  good  to  the  service  has  resulted  from  it;  and,  vice 
versa,  I  am  much  misinformed,  and  very  much  mistaken,  if  measures  for 
which  a  First  Lord  has  incurred  the  censure  of  the  service,  have  not 
originated  from  an  ill-chosen  naval  adviser,  who,  nevertheless,  may  have 
had  as  honest  intentions,  as  if  the  service  had  really  received  benefit  from 
his  advice. 

The  personal  integrity  of  Mr.  Pitt,  and  his  unwearied  zeal,  did  not  pre- 
vent the  loud  opinion  of  the  public  from  reprobating  some  of  his  measures, 
nor  could  the  amiable  philanthropy  of  Mr.  Fox  stop  the  clamours  of  abuse 
against  him.  The  thoroughly-established  character  of  Mr.  Perceval,  for  all 
that  is  worthy  and  amiable  in  man,  did  not  prevent  millions  of  people 
from  thinking  him  a  very  mistaken  minister;  and  thus,  I  have  heard  many 
respectable  men,  who  had  been  in  the  habits  of  intimacy  with,  and  who  had 
the  most  friendly  esteem  for  officers  serving  at  the  Board,  for  their  sakes, 
as  well  as  that  of  the  service,  lament  their  being  there  ;  not  from  a  doubt 
of  honest  zeal  and  goodness  of  intention,  but  either  because  they  were  in  a 
situation  where  they  could  not  do  good  to  a  service  which,  being  ignorant 
of  that  inability,  looked  up  to  them  for  patronage  and  support ;  or,  because 
their  talents  were  not  adapted  to  the  offices  they  held,  and  thus  were  too 
apt  to  love  the  esteem  of  old  friends,  and  to  facilitate  evils,  which  they 
would  willingly  have  removed,  had  they  been  allowed  to  do  so,  or  known 
how.  I  should  apprehend,  that  Impartial  must  have  given  my  letter  a 
merely  partial  reading,  or  he  would  perceive,  that  I  had  not  only  confined 
myself  in  the  first  instance  to  a  fair  expression  of  disapprobation  of  the 
public  measures  of  the  gentlemen  in  question,  but  had  even  expressed  my- 
self, in  a  subsequent  sentence,  perfectly  convinced  of  their  professional  and 
moral  worth.  In  fact,  I  have,  on  many  occasions,  carefully  guarded  against 
a  possibility  of  mistake  in  this  respect  ;  and  if  your  correspondent  will 
really  give  my  letters  an  impartial  perusal,  he  will,  at  least,  give  me  that 
credit.  In  a  work  like  yours,  Mr.  Editor,  a  detail  of  all  the  reasons  on 
which  opinions  are  founded,  would  occupy  greatly  too  much  s^ace,  there- 
fore it  will  often  produce  a  controversy  of  opinion,  without  the  full  evi- 
dence of  corroborating  circumstances  to  support  them.  If  your  corre- 
spondent can,  however,  produce  proofs,  that  the  measures  pursued,  since 
the  gentlemen  he  advocates  came  into  office,  have  been  wise  and  beneficial 
to  the  service,  no  one  will  more  seriously  rejoice  than  myself,  or  more 
readily  own  the  errors  of  my  judgment,  though  they  have  hitherto  appeared 
correct  opinions,  according  to  the  best  evidence  of  my  senses. 


98  CORRESPONDENCE. 

With  respect  to  my  supposition  argument  of  a  baibt  for  the  C;K>JCC  of 
the  L.  C.  A.  it  is  evident  to  all,  who  chuse  to  take  a  candid  view  of  it,  that 
it  expresses  simply,  what,  /  believe,  to  be  the  opinion  of  naval  officers  in 
general  on  the  subject.  It  is  most  true,  Sir,  that  it  is  now  many  years  since 
I  have  mixed  with  the  busy  politics,  or  personally  heard  the  opinions  of 
metropolitan  orators,  or  even  been  sojourning  in  one  of  our  great  sea- 
ports; but  the  number  of  naval  opinions  I  have  the  means  of  knowing,  is 
fay  no  means  small ;  and  I  can  truly  assure  you,  Sir,  I  never  have  yet  heard 
the  smallest  variation  in  those  opinions.  I  have  known  many  who  truly 
esteemed  officers  at  the  Board,  and  who  gave  them  every  possible  credit 
for  professional  skill,  zeal,  and  integrity,  yet  who,  as  I  have  before  said, 
lamented  their  being  placed,  where,  either  from  want  of  power,  or  the  pe- 
culiar kind  of  talent  requisite  for  their  situation,  all  their  good  qualities  be- 
came nugatory.  It  might  as  well  be  said,  that  I  believe  not  in  the  naval 
skill,  heroic  gallantry,  and  honest  zeal  of  the  Member  for  Westminster,  be- 
cause I  do  not  think  he  advocates  the  cause  of  the  navy  with  good  judg« 
ment.  I  confess,  Mr.  Editor,  ihat  in  the  zeal  of  a  mind,  earnest  on  the 
subjects  which  occupy  it,  I  am  apt  to  intrude  too  much  on  the  space  or 
your  valuable  pages,  and,  perhaps,  to  give  iny  opinions  more  weight,  it 
would  be  right  that  I  should  delay  and  condense,  for  hitherto  I  have  given 
you  my  uncorrectcd  effusions  a*  they  arise,  and  as  my  health  and  leisure 
allowed— But  take  my  criticisms  on  the  naval  portion  of  the  Board  toge- 
ther, and  they  amount  to  this,  that,  although  I  am  clearly  of  opinion,  that 
its  selection  has  seldom  been  the  best  that  could  have  been  made  (to  say 
the  least),  yet  that  the  errors  I  complain  of,  are  stated  to  be  in  general  the 
errors  of  the  construction  of  the  Board  at  which  they  act,  and  that  with 
such  a  limited  power  as  I  believe  them  to  possess,  their  individual  means, 
either  of  extending  error,  or  doing  good,  has  not  been  great.  And  when  I 
see  men  long  in  office,  without  any  good  arising  from  their  efforts,  and,  on 
the  contrary,  can  see,  or  think  I  see,  abundance  of  error  in  their  mode  of 
governing  the  service  they  superintend,  I  naturally  conclude,  that  there  is 
either  a  want  of  power  or  ability.  If  it  be  the  latter,  and  the  professional 
men  at  the  Board  have,  as  at  present,  the  character  of  skilful  seamen  and 
honourable  men,  there  must  then  he  a  deficiency  of  that  pliancy  of  mind 
which  adapts  some  men  to  various  situations,  and  of  that  general  knowledge 
of  human  nature,  so  absolutely  requisite  to  those  who  attempt  to  govern 
men.  I  delight,  Sir,  in  all  controversy  which  leads  to  the  developement  of 
truth;  but  this  must  arise  from  a  discussion  of  opinions,  and  comparison  of 
fuctt,  not  an  accusation  or  recrimination  of  motives',  and,  as  useful  con- 
troversy can  only  be  maintained  by  men,  whose  acquirements  of  icience  and 
endowments  of  education,  place  them  above  all  rancour,  eitlier  of  thought 
or  expression,  I  trust,  I  shall  ever  avoid  even  a  retort,  on  the  most  open 
opponent,  in  language  which  I  should  scorn  to  use  otherwise,  either  in 
writing  or  in  speech. 

And  now,  Sir,  I  turn  with  pleasure  to  your  correspondent  Nestor's  letter 
in  the  same  CHRONICLE  (August).  From  the  turn  and  temper  of  Nestor's 
writings,  and  from  the  soundness  of  his  opinions  on  all  matters  on  which  I 
can  pretend  to  juiige,  I  have  very  great  reliance  both  on  his  statements  and 


GORIiF.SrONRF.NCE.  39 

opinions  on  matters  which  have  been  long  out  of  my  reach  of  hear  ob- 
servation 

His  opinion,  that  a  board  of  revision  may  nowexist,  gives  me  real  satisfac- 
tion, as  I -have  no  possible  motive  to  induce  me  to  expose  errors,  bat  in  hop* 
of  their  meeting  the  eye  of  those  who  are  empowered  to  enquire  into  or 
possess  the  means  of  removing  them ;  and  I  will  farther  hope,  that  some- 
times the  power  and  inclination  may  coincide.  I  cordially  agree  with 
Nestor,  in  believing,  that  both  the  present  First  Lord,  and  his  advisers, 
mean  and  wish  to  act  in  all  respects  for  the  good  of  the  service,  as  far  as 
their  knowledge  of  its  wants  extends,  and  their  time  admits ;  for  I,  also, 
most  fully  agree,  in  wondering  how  so  much  can  be  done  by  the  present 
means. 

I  feel  much  flattered  by  some  striking  coincidences  of  opinion  which 
have  appeared  in  the  writings  of  Nestor  and  myself,  and  hope  he  is  right  in 
his  opinion,  that  some  of  the  valuable  suggestions  which  have  appeared  in 
the  N.  C.  have  been  adopted. 

I  trust,  Sir,  that  this  long  story  winds  up  my  opinion  on  the  subject  of 
the  constitution  of  our  B.  of  A.;  and,  as  it  is  not  long  or  often  that  I  can 
flatter  myself  I  shall  be  able  to  continue  to  offer  you  my  opinions  on  any 
subject,  I  have  to  request,  from  the  candour  of  your  readers,  that  they  may 
be  sought  for  in   the  general  tenor  of  my  writings,  and  not  in  a  partially 
selected  sentence.     Zealous  in  the   lave  of  my  profession,  ardent  in  my 
temperament,  and  somesvhat  garrulous  from  the  ravages  of  time,  I  pretend 
not  to  have  escaped  from  errors;  but  be  assured,  Sir,  that  I  have  been  un- 
biassed by  any  selfish  motive;  but  influenced  alone  by  the  love  of  my 
country,  which  I  have  shewn  in  your  pages  by  my  zeal  for  my  profession,  I 
have  always  offered  to  your  notice  the  most  impartial  view  I  could  take  of 
public  measures,  and  the  state'of  the  navy  on  which  so  much  depends.     I 
have  done  this,  Sir,  in  perfect  Christian  charity  with  all  the  actors  in  tho*« 
measures,  whether  I  have  applauded  their  wisdom  or  deplored  tb«ir  folly. 
I  remain,  Sir,  &c.  A.  F.  Y. 

P.  S.  I  cannot  pretend  to  judge  of  the  number  of  subscribers  likely  to 
give  their  names  to  the  publication  of  the  index  I  proposed,  but  my  sub- 
scription would  soon  follow  the  advertisement.  I  should  hope,  when  consi- 
dering the  length  of  the  naval  list  and  commercial  navy  also  of  Britain,  that 
500  names  would  not  he  long  collecting  ;  as  I  am  certain,  that  a  volume  ef 
index  would  greatly  enhance  the  value  of  your  30  volumes  to  all  who  possess 
them. 


MR.  EDITOR, 

THE  following  is  a  nnrr.itive  of  all  the  circumstances  connected  with 
the  court  martial,  which  on  31st  Dec.  1813,  sat  on  board  the  Sal- 
vador del  Mundo,  at  Plymouth,  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  Cnptain  Phi- 
lip Carteret,  of  H.  M.  S.  Pomone,  for  not  having,  on  the  21st  Oct.  preced- 
ing, brought  au  enemy's  frigate  to  action  when  in  sight;  and  which  court 
martial  was  ordered  to  assemble  by  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  at  Captain 
Carteret's  own  request :—  S.  T. 

"  The  Pomone  had  encountered  a  heavy  gale  of  wind  ia  the  Bay  of  Bis- 


40  eoUKESPONULNCH. 

cay,  whereby  she  lost  her  fore-yard,  and  her  main-yard  was  badly  sprung  in 
two  places.  While  repairing  these  damages,  early  on  the  morning  of  21fct 
Oct.  last,  she  fell  in  with  a  ship  under  jury-masts,  which  soon  proved  to  be 
a  French  frigate.  Immediate  preparations  were  made  to  attack  her ;  and 
Pomonewas  about  to  do  so,  when  another  ship  hove  in  sight  (which  every 
body  onboard  considered  to  be  a  frigate),  with  a  brig  under  a  French  en- 
sign, all  steering  the  same  way  with  that  first  seen.  Soon  afterwards,  three 
other  ships  were  seen  astern  of  these  last.  Nobody  now  doubted  but  that 
it  was  a  French  squadron.  The  utmost  caution,  therefore,  was  necessarv» 
especially  in  Pomone's  nearly  disabled  state.  But  Captain  Carteret,  think- 
ing that,  though  a  squadron,  he  might  still  keep  company  with  them  until 
he  could  get  a  reinforcement,  resolved  to  get  well  out  to  windward  of  them, 
so  as  to  observe  them  accurately  and  reconnoitre,  yet  not  commit  his 
safety.  The  disabled  frigate  was  not  quite  a  secondary  object.  The  wea- 
ther being  remarkably  hazy  and  deceptive  rendered  all  things  so  very  in- 
distinct, that  many  hours  were  lost  in  reconnoitring.  When  the  weather 
cleared  away  in  the  afternoon,  it  was  discovered,  that  all  the  vessels  were 
merchantmen,  excepting  the  disabled  French  frigate,  and  the  ship  which 
every  body  had  considered  to  be  a  frigate  also,  and  which  they  still  deemed 
to  be  such.  This  was  her  whicli  (as  before  described)  was  with  a  brig 
under  French  colours;  and  which  brig,  on  seeing  Potnone  wear  to  stand 
towards  them,  ran  away  down  to  the  disabled  frigate,  as  if  with  some  mes- 
sage from  one  to  the  other.  As  the  weather  had  now  cleared  away,  nnd 
only  that  one  frigate  in  perfect  order  and  condition  in  sight,  Pomone  bore  tip 
to  attack  her.  But,  alas  !  she,  too,  proved,  on  near  approach,  to  be  a  mer- 
chantman, being  a  large  Portuguese  East  Indiaman  from  Bengal,  which  had 
been  taken  three  months  since  by  the  French,  retaken  by  some  English 
cruisers,  who  c  trried  her  into  Fahnouth,  and  she  was  now  returning  to 
Lisbon.  Grieved  and  mortified,  at  having  thus  let  slip  'through  his  fingers, 
so  rich  a  feast  as  the  disabled  French  frigate,  Captain  Carte) et  went  in 
pursuit  or  search  of  her.  It  was  nearly  sun-set,  when  Poinone  made  bail 
after  her;  the  search  was  continued  for  three  days  and  nights;  on  tin: 
fourth  day,  they  fell  in  with  a  British  cruiser,  which  informed  them,  that 
the  said  crippled  ship  had  been  captured,  without  any  resistance,  on  the 
preceding  day,  by  the  Andromache  ! 

"  On  arriving  at  Lisbon,  Captain  Carteret  gave  a  detailed  report,  in 
writin",  of  all  these  circumstances,  to  his  admiral,  with  which  he  was 
thoroughly  satisfied.  But  wishing  the  Board  of  Admiralty  to  l>c  so  too,  lie 
requested  the  admiral  to  transmit  it  home.  Some  da^s  afterwards,  a 
letter,  addressed  to  the  admiral  at  Lisbon,  was  picked  up  on  the  Pomone'- 
deck,  which  Captain  Carteret  immediately  took  to  him.  lin  read  if,  ami 
gave  it  to  Captain  C.  Finding  it  to  be  an  anonymous  letter,  subscribed 
'  Pomone's  ship's  company,'  assertirg,  that  he  had  '  run  from  a  French  fri- 
gate,' Capt.  Carteret  at  once  asked  for  a  court  martial.  That,  however, 
could  not  well  be  granted  at  that  moment,  because  all  the  captains  there 
•were  his  juniors,  and  Pomonewas  under  orders  to  go  home,  where  it  could 
better  take  place.  But  Captain  Carteret  avowed  his  determination  to  have 
»i,e,  if  possible,  and  implored  his  admiral  to  write  t'_>  the  Board  and  Iran*- 


CORRESPONDENCE*  41 

rait  every  t!:lng  home  fully  and  openly,  by  the  packet,  that  not  a  moment 
might  be  lost.  Or>  arriving  at  Plymouth,  he  renewed  his  application  to  the 
Admiralty;  who,  however,  he  afterwards  found,  had  received  every  thing 
by  the  packet,  and  had  already  ordered  a  court  martial  to  assemble.  Ac- 
cordingly, two  days  before  the  trial,  Capt.  C.  addressed  his  people;  told 
them  of  the  pending  court-martial,  which  himself  had  demanded,  in  con- 
sequence of  that  anonymous  letter  which  none  would  own  j  and  require^  all 
to  come  forward  fairly  and  openly,  to  say  the  truth  before  the  Court.  He 
promised  to  guarantee  them  from  all  harm,  on  account  of  their  evidence,  if 
true.  Not  to  be  mistaken  by  them,  he  wrote  an  order  to  the  above  effect^ 
and  stuck  it  up  in  a  conspicuous  place,  that  all  or  any  might  come  forward 
and  subscribe  their  names  as  witnesses  against  him;  but  not  a  man  would 
show  himself.  Therefore,  he  was  forced  to  order  all  those  whom  lie  sus- 
pected to  be  most  averse  to  him  to  be  summoned,  as  well  as  an  entire 
quarter  of  the  whole  ship's  company  taken  by  lot.  A  list  of  these  he  laid 
before  the  Court.  On  the  31st  December,  the  court  martial  assembled, 
and  Captain  Carteret  was  arraigned,  as  usual,  as  the  prisoner  before  it. 
Rear-admiral  Byam  Martin  was  President;  Rear-admirals  Pulteney,  Mal- 
colm, and  Penrose,  with  the  senior  captains  at  the  port,  composed  the  rest 
of  the  Court.  The  examinations  of  both  officers  and  men  were  as  strict  aa 
possible  ;  but  not  one  word  was  said  in  any  the  remotest  degree,  affecting 
the  conduct  of  the  ship  when  in  presence  of  the  enemy.  Captain  Car- 
teret declined  making  any  defence  ;  and  the  Court  fully  '  acquitted  him  of 
all  blame  whatever,'  in  not  bringing  to  action  an  enemy's  frigate,  although 
in  sight."— This  diabolical  attempt  to  blast  his  reputation,  could  not  have 
happened  to  a  man  whose  tried  and  established  character  was  better  able 
to  stand  it.  His  services  (on  record  at  the  Admiralty),  especially  wheu 
Commanding  the  gun-boat  flotilla  in  the  Scheldt,  and  when  defeating  Bo- 
naparte at  Boulogne,  sufficiently  prove  his  merits. 

***^-^* 

MR.  EDITOR, 

1T1HE  following  letter,  containing  some  account  of-the  late  Lieutenant 

-"-      Ashworth,  of  H.  M.S.  Centaur  (who  was  a  companion  in  French 

captivity  of  Captain  O'BRIEN),  may  serve  to  add  additional  interest  to  his 

Narrative,  which  has  appeared  in  your  CHRONICLE,  and  which  you  appear 

to  intend  to  publish  in  a  separate  pamphlet. 

LIEUT.  HENRY  ASHWORTH,  recently  dangerously  wounded,  in  the  act  of 
saving  from  the  jaws  of  death,  and  from  the  barbarous  hand  of  an  impla- 
cable and  inhuman  enemy,  the  unfortunate  beings  who  had  escaped  mas- 
Sacre  at  the  fall  of  Tarragona,  had  himself  previously  endured  a, severe  trial 
of  his  fortitude  and  strength  of  mind. 

That  brave  and  deserving  young  officer,  had  been  wrecked,  when  a  mid" 
shipman,  in  Feb.  1804,  on  board  his  Majesty's  ship  Hussar,  of  38  guns,  on 
the  Saints  rocks,  near  Brest.  He,  with  the  remainder  of  the  crew,  (one  bout 
excepted)  were  made  prisoners,  and  marched  into  the  interior  of  France, 
where  he  remained  three  years.  When  weary  of  coufii  enrir,  and  ha- 
rassed by  cruelties,  tie  attempted  his  escape,  and  got  down  to  Estnples  "n 
the  coast,  but  was  unfortunately  retaken,  loaded  with  chains,  cast  into 
dungeons  and  subterranean  prisons  nearly  eighteen  m.nuiis  ;  when  ano.tlie.' 

feat).  £J>ron.  flcl.  XXXI.  e 


41  CORRESPONDENCE. 

chance  of  regaining  his  liberty  presented  itself,  which  was,  undermining  the 
walls  of  the  fortress  of  Bitche.  In  this  daring  enterprise,  he,  .with  several 
others,  were  detected,  and  tried  by  a  military  tribunal  in  the  city  of  Metz; 
where  he  was  sentenced  to  fifteen  years  slavery  in  the  gnlleys  :  However, 
the  tyrant  thought  proper  to  repeal  die  sentence,  and  our  second  Duron 
Trenck  was  rcconducted  to  the  fortress  of  Ditche,  with  strict  injunctions  to 
the  commandant,  to  have  him  more  closely  confined,  if  possible.  Notwith- 
standing, after  a  few  months  had  expired,  this  persevering  and  intrepid 
young  man,  with  three  other  determined  naval  characters,  forced  the  doors 
of  their  dungeoiiSj^eluded  the  vigilance  of  the  sentinels,  and  got  into  Ger- 
many, where  a  Severe  trial  still  awaited  our  hero:  he  was  taken  ill,  and,  of 
course,  left  by  his  companions.  In  this  trying  situation,  his  perseverance 
and  magnanimity  supported  him.  He  passed  for  a  Frenchman,  (being  a 
perfect  linguist)  until  at  length  he  arrived  at  Trieste,  got  on  board  11.  M.S 
L'Unite,  and  from  thence  went  to  England,  where  he  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  lieutenant.— I  remain,  Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

TIM.  WEATIIERSIDE. 

MR.  EDITOR, 

OBSERVING  in  a  newspaper  of  Nov.  9,  that  a  French  Astronomer  lays 
claim  to  a  new  discovery  of  a  white  shining  spot  on  the  southern  pole 
of  the  planet  Mars,  with  his  conjecture,  that  it  was  a  mass  of  ice  or  snow 
in  winter,  and  disappeared,  by  melting,  in  summer;  it  is  but  justice  to  say, 
that  our  Dr.  Herschel  published,  in  the  74th  volume  of  the  Philosophical 
Transactions,  more  than  twenty  years  ago,  an  account  of  the  white  appear- 
ances on  both  poles  of  Mars,  with  lus  remarks,  as  follow  -. — "  If  we  find, 
that  the  globe  which  we  inhabit  has  its  polar  regions  covered  with  ice  and 
snow,  we  may  well  be  permitted  to  surmise  that  the  same  causes  may  have 
the  same  effect  on  the  globe  of  Mars ;  that  the  bright  spots  Are  occasioned 
by  the  vivid  reflection  of  light  from  frozen  regions,  and  that  the  re- 
duction in  size  of  those  spots  is  ti»  be  ascribed  to  their  being  exposed  to 
the  Sun,  and  meltedtfcy  it  in  summer." — The  whole  paper  is  too  long  to  be 
inserted  in  your  CHRONICLE  ;  but  I  must  call  your  attention  to  the  modest 
terms  in  which  the  British  Astronomer  announced  his  opinions,  so  many 
years  since,  which  arc  now  brought  forward  by  Monsieur  Desnigues,  as 
new  discoveries  of  his  own. — I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

TRUTH. 

MR.   EDITOK, 

AS  the  Nelson,  n?w  on  the  stocks  in  his  Majesty's  Yard  at  Woolwich,  is 
considered  by  judges   of  naval   architecture   to  be  one  of  the  btst- 
finished  ships  in  his  Majesty's  Navy,  I  inclose,  for  your  information,  her 
dimensions.     Her  figure-head  represents  the  immortal  Nelson. 

NELSON— 120  Guns.  ft.     "'• 

Length  from  the  forepart  of  the  Figure  to  the  aft-part  of  theTafrail    2-14     0 

Length  on  the  G  un-iieek     ,_ | W$     f> 

Keel  for  Tonnage 170  30^ 

Extreme  Breadth 5^     6 

Depth  in  Hold 54     O 

Burthen  in  Tons    26014 

October  <27, 18  lo. 


43 
NAVAL  BULLETINS 

OF 

LIEUTENANT  O'BRIEN'S  RECENT  CAPTIVITY  AND  ESCAPE. 
[Continued  from  Vol.  XXX.  page  331.] 


BULLETIN     THE    TWELFTH. 

DECEMBER,  1807. — I  inquired  of  my  companions,  if  they  were  never 
permitted  to  breathe  the  fresh  air  ?  They  informed  me,  they  never  had 
enjoyed  that  indulgence.  It  appeared  to  me  an  impossibility  to  exist  many 
days  without,  and  I  thought  it  would  be  advisable  to  solicit  that  indulgence 
by  a  joint  letter  to  the  commandant,  stating  our  situation.  At  the  same 
time  requesting,  if  it  was  his  intention  to  deprive  u?  of  health,  and  to  cause 
us  to  linger  away  by  degrees,  instant  privation  of  life. 

This  application  had  the  desired  effect,  and  we  were  permitted  to  breathe 
the  air  every  day,  between  the  hours  of  eleven  and  one :  but  no  in  treaty 
whatever  could  procure  us  any  more  cleanliness,  We  were  worse  thau 
hogs,  literally 

We  therefore  again  began  to  devise  and  meditate  upon  plans  for  escaping. 
One  proposed  undermining  the  dungeon;  I  saw  no  prospect  whatever  of 
succeeding  in  this  point :  I,  however,  was  willing  to  try  every  means  to  regain 
my  liberty.  Hammers  and  chissela  with  great  difficulty  were  procured,  and 
we  carried  them  always  about  us,  as  the  dungeon  was  ransacked  every  day 
in  our  absence.  We  hung  an  old  coat  up  against  that  part  of  the  rock 
which  we  intended  to  commence  upon.  Rope  was  necessary  to  descend 
the  ramparts  with,  get  out  of  the  dungeon  how  we  could.  We  accordingly 
got  some  friends,  who  obtained  permission  to  come  and  see  us,  to  pur- 
chase some  stout  linen  for  shirts  (which  we  really  much  wanted) ;  and  front 
the  shoemakers  amongst  the  prisoners,  we  got,  now  and  then,  a  ball  of 
twine.  We  procured  needles,  bees-wax,  &c.  by  de«ees,  a;id  made  a  rope 
of  four  or  live  fathom  for  each  ;  which  we  marled  with  the  remainder  of 
the  twine,  and  passed  tJght  round  our  bodies  underneath  the  shirt.  Our 
working  time  was  immediately  on  being  locked  up,  after  breathing  the  air. 
Night  would  not  do ;  as  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  candlelight,  and  we 
might  have  Seen  seen  through  the  bars  by  our  sentinels. 

(1807).  The  undermining  business  was  found  impracticable;  conse- 
quently dropped.  Having  a  rope,  we  flattered  ourselves  we  might,  some 
day,  while  out,  be  able  to  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  sentinels,  and  scale  the 
walls:  however,  it  was  a  thing  difficult  to  be  accomplished;  and,  after  be- 
ing liberated  from  the  dungeon,  we  were  in  hopes  to  have  an  opportunity  of 
u~ing  it,  if  not  before.  These  ideas  were  very  consoling  to  us  ;  the  hopes 
of  once  more  getting  out  of  their  clutches  was  cherished  by  each  of  us,  and 
\v c  entertained  each  other  with  the  pleasant  sensations  occasioned  by  such 
hopes — the  direction  we  should  next  tnke,  and  how  we  should  act  in  case  of 
'being  auain  enlarged,  &r.  were  our  constant  conversation. 

On  CuKisiM4»  NJGJII,  we  were  reflecting  ou  uur  miseries,  nothing  to 


44  NAVAfc   BULLETINS. 

soothe  them.  The  pleasure  and  enjoyment  common  in  our  cour.try  on 
this  night  frequently  occurred  to  me  :  at  length  I  got  weary,  and  fell 
asleep.  I  was,  in  a  short  time,  roused  hy  my  companions,  and  dragged 
from  where  I  lay,  into  a  corner  of  the  cell.  Upon  enquiry,  it  was  in  con- 
sequence of  the  sentinel,  who,  it  appeared,  had  burnt  priming  through  the 
bars  at  Mr.  Worth,  and  had  snapped  his  piece  again  before  I  was  apprized 
ot  it :  which,  if  it  had  gone  off,  must  have  passed  through  my  body,  as  I  was 
point  blank  opposite  to  the  hole.  lie  desired  Mr.  Worth  to  put  his  candle 
out,  who  refused ;  and  this  scoundrel  (perhaps  intoxicated),  without  say- 
ing a  word  more,  took  the  above-mentioned  method  of  enforcing;  his  orders. 
AVe  were  placed  out  of  his  power  at  present,  and  th»  candle  was  still  burn- 
ing; he  begging  one  of  us  would  put  it  out,  his  musket  levelled  the  whole 
time  at  the  candle.  We  knew  the  principles  of  such  rascals  better,  and 
kept  out  of  his  way.  At  midnight,  he  was  relieved  ;  we  made  known  his 
conduct  to  the  corporal  of  the  guard,  who  rebuked  him,  and  gave  us  per- 
mission to  keep  our  candle  burning. 

We  determined  to  report  this  fellow  the  next  day,  nnd  endeavoured  to 
compose  ourselves  for  the  night ;  grateful  to  Divine  Providence  for  this 
hair-breadth  escape. 

Accordingly,  during  the  time  we  were  out,  I  made  the  afi'air  known  to 
the  Murechal  de  logis,  who  was  second  in  command.  I  observed  to  him 
the  inhumanity  of  this  wretch,  wishing  to  deprive  potor  prisoners  of  war  of 
their  lives,  (who  were  placed  already  in  the  most  horrible  state  imaginable), 
for  having  an  inch  of  candle  a-light  on  Christmas  night.  Pie  replied  with  a 
vast  deal  of  sang  froul — "  But  his  piece  did  not  gooff,  none  of  you  rcerc 
hurl ,  and  where  is  the  use  of  tu king  any  more  notice  of  it  ?".,.„....._ 

(January.  1808).  In  a  month,  we  were  transported  from  the  Dun- 
geon to  a  Souterrain,  where  Messrs.  Tuthill  and  Ashworth,  with  fifty  of  our 
countrymen  were.  Here  1  remained  four  months,  planning  and  scheming 
every  thing  possible  to  effect  my  escape  ;  but  in  vain  :  I,  however,  wore  iho 
rope  constantly  round  me;  but  the  guard*  were  so  watchful,  I  had  very 
little  hopes  of  being  able  to  make  the  proper  use  of  it. 

I  remained  in  this  place  nearly  four  months  ;  at  the  expiration  of  which 
the  commandant  had  the  kindness  to  allow  me  to  go  up  into  a  room,  where 
there  were  already  twelve  more.  This  indulgence  he  had  the  courtesy  to 
gay,  was  in  consequence  of  my  good  conduct.  Messrs.  Tuthill,  Ashworth, 
and  Urine,  were  of  the  number.  I  svas  much  pleased  at  this  circumstance  • 
the  latter  wore  his  rope  as  I  did,  and  was  the  only  person  of  the  party,  then 
in  the  room,  who  knew  I  had  one.  We  became  daily  more  intimate  from 
this  confidence  in  one  another.  After  a  vast  number  of  fruitless  endca- 
vonrs,  on  the  17lh  of  August  1808,  the  term  of  our  slavery  ;ippeared  to  be 
drawing  to  a  conclusion  ;  I  »vas  told  in  confidence  by  one  of  the  seamen, 
that  a  party  had  thoughts  about  breaking  ont  that  night  from  the  Souterraiti. 
He  was  one,  and  informed  me  who  the  principal  people  were.  I  began  to 
vcgrct  being  out  of  the  cave  at  this  moment.  However,  I  imagined  there 
xvas  u  probability  of  getting  down  amongst  them  for  the  night.  I  accord- 
ingly waited  on  the  heads  of  the  party,  and  requested  they  would  have  the 
goodness  to  alloiv  me  to  visit  them  that  evening  without  intimating  my  mot 


NAVAL   BULLETINS.  45 

live.  They  stared  ;  and  it  immediately  struck  them,  that  I  had  a  know- 
ledge  of  their  project :  I,  therefore,  did  not  hesitate  telling  them.  They 
assured  me  they  could  not  permit  my  coming  among  them,  as  it  had 
been  already  fixed,  that  none  of  those  upstairs  were  to  be  admitted  :  their 
reason  was,  they  supposed  it  would  cause  suspicion,  as  it  would  be  neces- 
sary to  obtain  the  Murechal  de  logis's  leave,  before  any  of  us  could  get  be- 
low. I  felt  greatly  mortified  at  their  resolution  ;  they  were  locked  down  at 
the  usual  hour  (six  o'clock),  and  I  told  them  at  parting,  that  I  had  still 
hopes  of  spending  the  evening  amongst  them  :  after  they  were  locked 
down,  the  Marechal  de  logis  generally  quitted  the  fort  for  some  time,  and. 
of  course,  they  deemed  it  impossible  to  go  down  without  bis  sanction. 

I  watched  until  I  saw  him  go  out  of  tlie  fort,  which  was  about  half-past 
six  :  at  seven*  we  were  to  be  locked  up  in  the  room.  I,  therefore,  lost  no 
time — went  instantly  to  the  gend'arme,  or  guard,  told  him,  I  was  invited 
to  celebrate  the  anniversary  of  a  friend's  birth  night  in  the  Souterrain, 
and  that  he  would  oblige  me  greatly  by  allowing  me  to  descend.  He  he- 
sitated ;  but,  when  I  observed — what  apprehensions  could  he  be  under  ? 
was  I  not  more  secure  beliw  than  up  stairs  ?  he  granted  it.  Messrs.  T.  A. 
and  B.  t  apprized  of  the  business,  they  insisted,  also,  upongoing  to  celebrate 
the  birth  iiight.  I  was  afraid  that  their  applying  would  cause  suspicion, 
and  prevent  even  my  being  allowed :  however,  it  did  not ;  and  they  made 
use  of  the  same  stratagem,  and  obtained  leave.  The  noise  which  was 
made  to  prevent  the  working  of  saws,  chissels,  and  other  tools,  being  heard, 
convinced  me  they  had  already  commenced  their  operations.  Some  were 
singing,  others  shouting,  and  dancing,  &c.  Before  seven,  we  were  amongst 
them,  having  taken  a  few  necessaries  with  us  for  the  night,  which  were  not  to 
be  observed,  in  ourpockets.  They  received  us  with  open  arms,  and  admired 
our  perseverance.  I  found  they  were  getting  on  rapidly;  the  miners  were 
very  active— one  door  was  already  forced ;  the  second  door  was  an  im- 
mense iron  one  ;  it  was  impossible  to  break  through  it;  the  miners  worked 
away  the  earth  and  rock  under  it.  It  was  half-past  ten  before  we  got  a 
hole  large  enough  for  a  sm-.il!  man  to  creep  through,  which  enabled  him  to 
force  the  bolts  and  bars  at  the  opposite  side,  and  open  the  door.  The 
principle  obstacles  were  now  removed  in  every  one's  opinion,  and  there 
remained  but  two  slight  doors  more  to  impede  our  advancing  to  a  subter- 
raneous passage  that  led  out  of  the  fort.  This  was  a  very  intricate  passage, 
and  we  had  to  feel  for  our  way  to  the  next  doors,  as  it  was  dangerous  to 
have  candlelight.  How  valuable  would  a  dark-lanthorn  have  been  at  that 
moment !  every  body,  except  the  few  that  were  appointed  to  force  the 
doors,  were  preparing  for  their  march.  It  was  now  nearly  midnight.  The 
over-eagerness  in  forcing  the  third  doar,  shot  the  bolt  back,  which  caused 
a  noise,  and  alarmed  the  sentinels  out-side.  This  occasioned  the  general 
alarm  to  be  instantly  beat — all  hopes  were  at  an  end.  What  unfortunate 
uretches  zee  are  !  were  the  only  words  that  eould  be  heard  ;  every  body  en- 
deavouring to  get  to  his  respective  place  before  the  guards  entered.  Those 
who  were  all  over  dirt,  trying  to  strip  and  hide  their  clothes;  the  confusion 

*  In  summer  they  allowed  us  to  remain  until  seven. 


46  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

was  great  in  all  parts  ;  running  against  one  another,  mistaking  racli  others' 
beds,  &c.     The  visitors  were,  of  all  others,  worst  off:  their  friends,  whom 
they   came  to  spend  the  evening  with,   had  no  beds  to  offer  them.     The 
doors  were  now  opening,  the  guards  entering,  and  I  was  all  over  dirt,  ramb- 
ling about,  without  being  ahle  to  find  any  place  to  creep  to.     By  accident, 
I  tumbled  over  a  bed  :  I  immediately  crawled  under  the  blankets,  boots  and 
every  thing  on.    The  guards  passed  close  by  me,  in  going  to  the    spot 
whence  they  conjectured  they  heard  the  noise.     Every  thing  was  silent, 
and  yon  would  have  supposed  every  body  in  a  seund  sleep,  some  snoring- 
By  the  guard's  light,  after  they  had  passed,  I  discovered  I  was  in  a  ser- 
vant's bed  :  the  fellow  was  quite  intoxicated,  and  I  was  some  time  before  I 
could  make  him  understand  who  I  was,  and   what  brought   me  to  partake 
of  his  bed:  however,  this  done,  he  desired  me  to  cover  myself  over,  and 
assisted  as  well  as  he  could.     It  appeared  he  had  gone  to  bed  with  an  idea 
of  getting  sober  by  the  time  we  should  be  ready  to  be  off.     On  discovering 
the  first  door  opened,  the  commanding  officer  observed,  with  a  sneer,  that 
he  would  give  them  weeks  to  get  through  the  next,  meaning  the  iron  one ; 
but  on  advancing  a  few  paces,  one   of  the  guards  attested,  with  an  horrid 
oath,  that  the  second  was  also  opened.     This  made  the  officer  swear  vehe- 
mently at  the  sacres  coquins,  to  find  out  the  chiefs  of  this  horrible  conspiracy  ! 
•'  Where  are  those  visitors,"  cried  he,  "  who,  I  understand,  prevailed  on 
the  gendarme  to  be  admitted  down  ;  they  must  be   the  heads  of  this  busi-/ 
ness?"     They   then  called    over  the  names  of  Tuthill,    Ashworth,   and 
O'Brien  :  the  two  former   answered,  who  were  stripped,  and,  by  this  time, 
in  bed,  with  some  others :  however,  this  did  not  protect  them  ;  they  were 
desired  to  put  on  their  clothes  instantly,  and  ordered  to  be  conducted  to 
my  former  habitation,  the  dungeon.     They  again  repeated  my  name  ;  j,\Ir. 
Brine,  through  mistake,  answered  ;    he  was  immediately  ordered  to  join 
the  other  two.     I  remained  close  covered,  and   the  servant  sat  up  in  the 
bed,  and  declared  (when  they  were  advancing  towards  him),  that  there 
was  only  himself  in  his  bed.     This  they  took  for  granted,  and  passed  to  the 
next.     I  saw  no  prospect  whatever  of  escaping  from  being  discovered  (a$ 
they  were  certain  of  my  being  below);    and  I  was  frequently  on  the  point 
of  jumping  up  and  jom:ng  my  comrades,  who  were  now  marching  out  for 
the  dungeon.     The  servant  (though  intoxicated)  observed  it  would  be  time 
enough  to  join   that  party,  when  I  was  discovered,    and  I  ought   to  wait 
patiently  the  result.     I  found  a  good  deal   of  reason  in  what   the   fellow 
said,  and   remained   quiet.      There  were  three  or  four  more  ringleaders 
(as  they  called  them)  discovered   by  the  clay  and  stuff  found  about  their 
garments ;  and  the  whole  were  escorted  to  the  dungeon.     The  doors  were 
again  locked  ;  having    placed  sentinels  on  those  that  had  been  broke  open. 
I  expected  that  the  guards  would   return   to  search  for  another  set  of  ring- 
leaders,  and  I  remained   i'uil  of  anxiety  waiting  for  them.     In  the  nif.au 
time,  I  was  of  opinion  it  would  be  as  well  to  have  my  boots  and  clothes  olF 
also  :  accordingly  stripped,  and  concealed    those  that  were  full   of  earth 
and  dirt  in  different  parts  of  the  Souterrain.     Some   time  elapsed,  and  n 
return  of  the  guards.     I   composed   myself  as  well  as  I  could  ;   my  bed* 
fellow  left  me  lull  possession,  and  I  ftl|  into  a  profound  sleep. 


NIVAL   BULLETINS.  47 

January,  1808.  When  I  awoke  it  was  daylight.  The  usual  hour  for 
allowing  the  prisoners  to  breathe  the  fresh  air  arrived  :  but  the  doors  were 
not  opened  ;  and  they  were  informed  that  they  would  be  kept  locked  down, 
until  they  thought  proper  to  deliver  up  the  names  of  all  those  who  had 
intended  to  desert  on  the  preceding  night.  The  prisoners  laughed  at  such 
a  proposition  :  there  was  nothing  inort  certain,  than  that  all  those  \vho 
were  at  all  capable  of  walking,  would  have  embraced  so  excellent  an  op- 
portunity of  regaining  their  liberty.  On  second  consideration,  it  was 
agreed  to  mention  only  those  already  in  the  dungeon,  as  they  were  certain 
of  punishment.  The  commandant  would  not  credit  this  assertion,  and  the 
Souterrain  was  kept  locked.  At  all  events,  I  was  now  certain  of  being 
missed  from  my  room,  as  there  was  no  possibility  of  getting  up.  At  11 
o'clock  they  generally  mustered— the  gendarme  who  gave  us  permission  was 
also  confined  :  it  appeared  that  he  did  not  give  the  correct  names  in  the 
beginning,  and  he  had  not  been  interrogated  particularly  afterwards ;  which 
accounted  for  the  mistake  between  my  name  and  Mr.  Brine's. — However, 
the  moment  (which  left  no  hope  of  avoiding  detection),  was  approaching 
fast.  The  commandant,  and  all  the  other  officers  of  the  fortress,  descended 
about  9,  to  see  the  havoc  that  had  been  made  the  night  before.  They 
were  all  astonished— how  could  we  make  so  much  progress  in  so  short  a 
time,  and  with  so  few  tools  ?  having  found  only  an  old  piece  of  saw,  a 
hammer,  and  a  couple  of  old  chissels.  I  had  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  to 
avoid  them  while  below  ;  but  effected  it,  although  it  appeared  of  little  con- 
sequence ;  as  I  imagined  eleven  o'clock  would  decide  my  fate. 

At  about  ten,  a  waggon  of  wood  came  for  the  prisoners;  permission  was 
then  asked  to  have  the  doors  opened,  that  they  might  come  up  for  it.  This 
was  denied,  and  the  prisoners  in  the  rooras  were  ordered  to  throw  the 
billets  clown  through  the  bars  of  the  air  holes  ;  but^  fortunately  for  me,  it 
was  too  Ir.rge,  and  they  were  compelled  to  open  the  Souterrain,  and  allow 
a  certain  number  up  to  take  it  down,  a  strict  guard  being  first  placed  on  the 
door.  I  got  a  shift  of  clean  things  conveyed  to  me,  and  concerted  a  plan 
with  one  of  those  who  was  bringing  the  wood  down  :  he  was  to  make  a  par- 
ticular sign  when  the  guards'  eyes  were  off  the  door;  which  he  did,  and  I 
that  instant  jumped  out.  The  sentinels  seized  me,  and  desired  I  would 
descend  again.  I  asked,  why  they  had  just  that  moment  before  permitted 
me  to  pass  them,  and  go  down?  that  I  did  not  belong  to  the  Souterrain — 
went  merely  through  curiosity  to  see  what  the  prisoners  had  been  about 
the  last  night,  and  reminded  them  (who  had  been  in  the  habit  of  muster- 
ing the  room  I  belonged  to)  of  the  mistake  they  were  making  -.  they  were 
convinced,  and  supposed  they  had  actually  let  me  pass  a  few  minutes  be- 
fore ;  begged  my  pardon,  and  suffered  me  to  return  to  my  apartment, 
where  I  was  in  a  few  seconds  indisposed,  and  snug  in  bed. 

There  was  no  danger  of  being  now  discovered,  until  the  gendarme  who 
gave  us  permission  was  liberated.  In  the  afternoon  I  obtained  leave  to  go 
to  the  dungeon,  to  see  my  poor  comrades,  and  condole  with  them  :  they 
were  very  much  rejoiced  at  my  good  fortune,  but  feared  it  would  soon  be 
found  out.  Eight  days  passed  on — I  frequently  paid  those  poor  fellows  a 
visit  during  the  time  :  the  gendarme  was  then  released,  and  I  was  obliged 


48  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

to  keep  constantly  in  the  room,  when  he  was  on  duty  ;  and  when  fie  came 
to  muster  us,  I  was  covered  over  in  bed  :  they  never  call  over  the  names— •*. 
to  count  heads  is  their  method,  which  suited  me  admirably.  Five  more 
days  had  passed  away  in  a  similar  manner,  when  we  received  orders  to 
prepare  for  a  general  review,  which  usually  takes  place  once  a  month. 
We  were  all  placed  in  ranks,  and  minutely  inspected  :  it  appeared  to  my 
friends,  and  myself,  that  I  could  not  avoid  discovery  on  tins  day,  as  all 
the  sendarmes  attend.  There  is  no  exception,  or  excuse  of  sickness,  to  be 
made,  if  a  prisoner  is  nhle  to  crawl,  he  must  attend,  and  frequently  they 
are  carried.  I  took  my  station  in  the  ranks,  expecting  in  u  few  minutes  to 
be  lodged  with  my  old  companions  in  limbo. 

The  gendarme  whom  I  had  so  long  avoided,  rivetted  his  eyes  upon  me. 
I  received  information,  that  he  was  going  to  make  known  to  the  com- 
mandant, or  general,  that  I  had  importuned  him  more  than  the  others, 
and  was  the  person  who  prevailed  on  him  to  let  any  down.  He  was 
astonished  at  seeing  me,  having  been  informed  that  I  was  in  the  dungeon. 
Shortly  afterwards  he  passed  me,  and  I  saw  him  go  and  speak  to  the 
above-mentioned  officers.  I  was  now  confident  he  had  completed  the 
business.  The  review  took  place ;  every  one  was  inspected,  and  some 
asked  several  questions.  I  was  passed  over  with  very  little  notice — I  could 
not  account  for  it — and  was  of  opinion,  they  would  have  said  something  on 
the  subject,  had  they  been  made  acquainted  with  it.  We  were  all  dis- 
missed, and  the  officers  retired. 

I  was  confounded  at  my  additional  success,  yet  feared  there  was  some- 
thing brewing. 

Walking  to  and  fro  in  a  kind  of  dilemma,  I  was  accosted  by  the  gendarme 
in  nearly  these  words  : — "  By  what  miracle  have  you  escaped  the  dun- 
geon ?  and  how  did  you  get  up  out  of  the  Souterrain  ?  I  have  seen  you 
walking  about  some  days,  although,  perhaps,  you  did  not  see  me."— 
"  Pray,  Sir,  why  should  I  be  put  in  the  dungeon  ? "— "  My  God  ! "  ex- 
claimed he,  "  were  you  not  the  person  who  w:ts  chiefly  the  occasion  of  my 
letting  the  other  three  and  you  down  to  visit  yourfriends,  asyou  called  it  ?  '' 
— "  You  must  certainly  make  a  mistake,  it  was  not  me." — He  replied,  he 
was  certain  it  was  me ;  but  added,  it  would  afford  him  no  satisfaction  to 
have  me  punished — his  own  punishment  was  over.  It  had  been  his  inten- 
tion to  tell  the  general  and  commandant ;  but  his  wife  had  persuaded  him 
not  to  do  it.  I  assured'him  that  he  would  lose  nothing  by  what  he  had 
suffered.  I  knew  the  disposition  of  the  gentlemen  on  whose  account  he- 
was  confined.  The  fellow  laughed — «e  became  good  friends,  and  he  took 
me  to  the  dungeon  that  afternoon  to  see  my  companions.  Nothing  could 
astonish  them  more  than  my  appearing  with  this  fellow,  whom  they 
imagined  it  impossible  to  appease,  or  to  prevent  from  reporting  me.— 
I  gave  them  the  history,  and  they  congratulated  me,  observing,  that  I  wa» 
yery  fortunate. 

(To  be  continued.) 


T 


49       ,.H 

HYDROGRAPHY,  PILOTAGE,  &c. 

EUROPE. 

RUSSIA. 

HE  following  is  one  of  the  two  contributions  from  Captain  Krusen- 
stern,  acknowledged  at  page  439  of  the  last  (xxxth)  volume  : — 


A  New  Guide  for  the  Navigation  of  the  Gulf  of  Finland.  By  Captain 
LEONTET  SPAFAKIEFF,  of  his  Russian  Imperial  Majesty's  Navy.  Trans- 
lated  into  English  by  Captain  KUUSENSTERN.  St.  Petersburg,  1813, 
Imprimatur,  Jatzenkoff  Censor.  An.  1813.  d.  4.  August.  Petropoli. 

CERTIFICATE. 

This  is  to  certify,  that  the  College  of  Admiralty,  having  examined  the 
/charts  and  draughts  of  the  Light-houses,,  that  have  in  the  gulf  of  Riga  and 
Finland  been  partly  built  anew,  partly  rebuilt,  by  Chevalier  Spafarieff, 
captain  of  the  first  rank  in  his  Imperial  Majesty's  Navy,  and  director  »f  the 
Light-houses  in  the  Baltic,  has  found  them  perfectly  correct.  In  conse- 
quence of  which,  the  .College  of  Admiralty,  by  an  Ukase  of  his  Imperial 
Majesty,  does  not  only  sanction  the  changes  made  by  Captain  Spafarieff, 
tut,  considering  the  publication  of  his  charts,  draughts,  and  the  description 
of  them  very  useful  to  all  those  who  visit  the  Baltic,  with  the  approbation 
of  his  Excellency  the  Minister  of  Marine,  Admiral  and  Chevalier  Marquis 
de  Traverse,  grants  to  Captain  Spafarieff  the  privilege  to  publish  the  above 
mentioned  charts  in  any  language  he  pleases,  and  whatever  benefit  may 
arise  from  the  sale  of  these  charts,  is  solely  to  be  reserved  for  Captain 
Spafarieff,  as  a  well-deserved  reward  for  his  unremitting  zeal  and  his 
distinguished  abilities  in  this  department  ;  Captain  Spafarieff  being,  besides, 
the  first  who  has  introduced  in  Russia  the  present  more  perfect  system  of 
illuminating  Light-houses. 

St.  Petersburg,  14  July,  1813. 

(Signed.)       Vice-Admiral  &  Chevalier  KARTZOFF. 

Vice-Admiral  &  Chevalifer  KOLOROLTZOFF. 
(L.  S.)       vice.Admirai  &  Chevalier  SARITCHEFF. 

Vice-Admiral  &  Chevalier  MESOEDOFF. 

(Countersigned  :)  Director  of  the  chancery  of  the  fafte  class  and 
Chevalier  IEVANOFF, 

Remarks  on  the  Circkt,  made  on  the  Charts  around  the  Light-houses,  in 

order  to  facilitate  the  Navigation,  of  the  Baltic  by  Kight* 
Previous  to  the  publication  of  these  brief  directions,  relative  to  the  night 
navigation  in  the  Baltic,  I  have  endeavoured  to  ascertain,  by  my  own  ex- 

*  The.  original  of  this  small  tract  is  accompanied  with  a  chart,  particularly 
adapted  to  the  navigation  by  night,  with  all  necessary  explanation,  derived  fifpra 
experience  and  actual  observation!, 

Cfcrsii.  «ol.  XXXI.  K 


50  HYDROGRAPHY. 

periencc,  the  utility  of  the  changes  that  have  been  made  within  these  last  ten 
years,  respecting  the  Light-houses.  They  are  all  marked  on  the  charts, 
accompanying  these  directions,  from  the  const  of  Courland  to  Cronstadt, 
with  the  addition,  upon  a  large  scale,  of  the  islands  on  which  they  are 
built,  and  all  the  anchoring  places  of  th«  south  shore,  with  the  entrances 
into  them. 

On  these  charts  are  marked  likewise  the  distances  from  whence  the 
light-houses  are  seen,  at  the  height  of  15  feet  above  the  surface  of  the 
water,  and  what  part  of  the  horizon  is  enlightened  by  them,  which  is  very 
essential  to  know,  as  some  lights  remain  concealed,  merely,  for  the  sake  of 
shewing  the  navigator  the  deviation  from  his  real  course,  or  his  approach 
to  the  shoals  in  the  vicinity  of  the  lights.  As  to  the  circles  drawn  on  the 
charts  around  all  the  light-houses,  for  shewing  at  what  distance  they  are  to 
be  seen,  no  great  reliance  is  to  be  placed  on  them  at  all  times,  as  a  change 
in  the  state  of  the  atmosphere  will  give  a  very  different  result,  and  may 
lead  him,  who  is  not  aware  of  this  circumstance,  into  error.  The  line  of 
horizon  is  frequently,  as  I  myself  have  found  it  by  experience,  particularly 
when  the  wind  blows  from  the  east,  very  badly  defined,  even  when  the 
sky  is  clearest,  and  a  light  will,  at  the  same  distance,  appear  at  one  time 
sooner  than  at  another,  owing  to  the  well  known  effect  of  refraction, 
which,  however,  operates  more  powerfully  on  open  lights,  than  on  those 
that  are  inclosed.  I  have  farther  added  a  compass  on  the  charts  at  every 
light-house,  which  may  he  of  some  use,  particularly  to  ships  beating  in  a 
narrow  space  to  windward,  and  entering  in  the  night  time  into  some  an- 
choring place,  that  may  be  situated  close  to  the  light-houses. 

The  west  coast  of  the  island  of  Ezel  has  always  been  considered  as  one 
of  the  most  dangerous  parts  of  the  Baltic  ;  frequently  it  has  proved  disas- 
trous to  ships  that  were  bound  to  the  Gulf  of  Finland  or  to  the  Bay  of 
Riga,  and  had  been  kept  for  a  while  by  contrary  winds  between  the  islands 
of  Gotland  and  Ezel ;  in  such  a  case,  a  ship  has  no  means  to  ascertain  her 
true  place,  except  that  of  dead  reckoning,  on  which  very  little  dependence 
is  to  be  placed,  owiog  to  the  irregular  currents,  out  of  the  Gulf  of  Bothnia 
and  Riga  bay,  setting  ships  coming  from  the  west  to  the  north,  and  those 
coming  from  the  east  to  the  south  of  their  reckoning  ;  in  either  case  they 
are  driven  towards  the  dangerous  shoals  and  reefs  that  surround  the  west 
coast  of  Ezel.  Between  Dagerort  and  the  south  point  of  Ezel,  there  was 
formerly  not  one  light-house  to  guide  the  navigator  in  a  dark  night,  parti- 
cularly to  guard  him  against  that  low  spit  of  land  called  Horriland,  or 
Svalferort,  running  out  into  the  sea  at  a  great  distance,  and  on  which 
almost  every  year  ships  have  perished.  It  has  frequently  been  the  case, 
that  ships  bound  to  Riga  Bay,  and  being  set  by  the  currents  tp  the  north, 
have,  in  hazy  weather,  mistaken  the  woods  on  the  south  point  of  Ezel  for 
the  coait  of  Courland,  and  the  woods  on  the  headland  of  Gourla  and 
Carale  for  the  south  point  of  Eze) ;  thus  supposing  themselves  to  be  in  the 
fair  way  into  the  bay,  they  have  run  ri»ht  upon  the  low  land  that  lies  be- 
tween these  points.  Formerly  there  was  indeed  a  light-house  on  the  south 
point  of  Eze!,  to  lead  ships  into  the  bay  of  Riga,  but  it  being  only  50  feet 


HYDROaHAFHY*  51 

above  the  surface  of  the  water,  it  could  not  be  seen  at  a  great  distance, 
and  as  to  ships  from  the  west  sailing  up  the  Gulf,  it  was  to  them  of  no  use 
whatever.  Considering  then,  that  the  safety  of  the  navigation  of  the  Bal- 
tic wa»  not  sufficiently  provided  for,  government  determined  upon  the 
following  changes,  which  now  are  all  executed. 

The  light-house  on  the  south  point  of  Ezel,  called  the  Zirlick  light,  has 
been  built  up  to  the  height  of  110  feet.  It  consists  now  of  two  lights ;  the 
upper  one  enlightens  the  whole  of  the  horizon  towards  the  sea,  the  lower 
one,  at  its  old  height  of  50  feet,  is  arranged  in  such  a  manner,  that  vessels 
coming  from  the  west  will  see  its  bearing  S.W.  by  compass,  and  those 
coming  from  the  east,  S.  The  reason  for  lighting  it  in  this  way  is,  that  a 
ship  may  know  by  it  her  distance  from  the  coast  of  Courland,  and  from  the 
shoals  lying  to  S.W.  of  the  Island  of  Ezel ;  the  distance  at  which  these 
lights  may  be  seen,  being  marked  on  the  chart,  according  to  their  respec- 
tive elevation,  you  may  now,  even  in  the  darkest  night,  keep  on  your 
course  without  the  least  danger.  When  yon  are  sailing  into  Riga  Bay,  you 
have  to  take  care,  that  the  angle  between  the  two  Domessness  lights, 
which  you  will  see  to  'the  eastward,  always  should  increase  ;  if  the  con- 
trary happens,  you  are  nearing  fust  the  coast  of  Courland,  for  the  two 
lights  are  placed  along  the  shore,  and  when  they  are  in  one,  they  are  also 
on  with  a  shoal,  that  stretches  to  the  north-east  of  the  coast. 

The  light-house  on  the  Island  of  Runo  has  been  heightened  from  40  to 
80  feet,  but  its  place  has  not  been  altered. 

An  entire  new  light-house  has  been  built  on  the  west  side  of  the  Island 
of  Filzand.  As?  it  stands  half  way  between  the  light-houses  of  Dagerort 
and  Zirlick,  it  was  of  the  greatest  consequence,  to  distinguish  its  light  in  a 
striking  manner,  from  the  light  of  Zirlick  particularly.  It  consists  of  two 
lights  one  above  the  other;  the  upper  one  at  the  height  of  110  feet  is  a 
revolving  light,  performing  its  revolution  in  a  minute'*  time,  coming  forth 
every  half  minute,  and  being  eclipsed  the  other  half.  The  height  of  the 
lower  light  is  86  feet ;  it  is  also  a  revolving  one.  enlightening  one  part  only 
of  the  horizon  towards  the  sen,  as  indicated  on  the  chart.  You  will  see  it, 
after  having  run  1J  mile  from  the  time  the  upper  light  was  seen.  In  clear 
weather,  both  lights  being  in  sight  from  a  ship's  deck  (about  15  feet  high) 
you  may  estimate  yourself  at  the  distance  of  15  miles  from  the  shore. 
Thus  the  west  coast  of  Ezel,  notwithstanding  its  many  dangers,  and  the 
uncertainty  of  your  dead  reckoning,  may  (with  the  assistance  of  these 
different  lights)  be  safely  approached  even  in  the  darkest  night.  The  light- 
house on  the  Island  of  Filzand  will  be  equally  of  use  in  the  day-time,  it  be- 
ing, on  account  of  its  high  tower,  an  excellent  turning  mark,  and  easily 
distinguished  from  the  tower  of  the  Zirlick  light-house,  by  a  black  painted 
band,  encircling  the  whole  of  the  tower,  at  that  part  where  the  lower  fire  is 
burning  ;  it  has,  besides,  two  wings,  which  will  easily  be  perceived  by  ail 
ships  at  sea. 

It  is  the  intention  of  government  to  build  a  light-house  on  the  north  point 
of  the  Island  of  Nargin,  and  lest  it  should  be  mistaken  for  either  one  of 
the  neighbouring  lights  of  Surop  and  Packerort,  its  light  will  be  like  that 
of  Filr/and,  a  revolving  one.  This  new  lighl-hpuse  will  ia  many  respects 


52  HYDROGRAPHY. 

be  of  the  greatest  utility  to  the  navigation  of  the  Gulf  of  Finland.  1.  The 
north  point  of  Nargin  projecting  farther  out  into  the  sea,  than  any  other 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Gulf,  and  the  breadth  of  the  fair  way  being  very  nar- 
row about  this  place,  it  is  in  dark  tempestuous  weather  a  rery  dangerous 
point  to  pass,  and  many  a  ship  has  been  lost  upon  it.  2  Ships  coming 
from  the  Gulf,  and  hound  to  the  Bay  of  Reval,  will  know  by  it  how  to 
steer  for  the  light  of  Catharinenthal,  and  for  those  that  are  bound  to  the 
westward,  it  will  warn  them,  not  to  come  too  near  the  Reva!  Stone,  which 
is  a  very  dangerous  rock.  This  light-house  is  not  to  he  higher  than  40 
feet,  for  the  following  reasons:  a  ship  coming  from  the  eastward,  after 
having  passed  the  Koschkar  light,  but  stifl  in  sight,  and  perceiving  the 
Nargin  light  from  her  deck  (allowing  it  to  be  15  feet  above  the  surface  of 
the  water),  will  then  not  only  know  her  distance  from  the  Revel  Stone  to 
be  2f  miles,  but  that  she  is  at  the  same  time  on  the  meridian  of  the  Devil's 
eye.  Thus,  having  both  lights  in  sight,  she  may  continue  her  course 
without  the  least  apprehension  of  all  those  dangerous  shoafs,  that  lie  be- 
tween the  Islands  of  Koschkar  and  Nargin. 

In  order  to  enable  ships  to  sail  out  and  into  the  Bay  of  Reval  in  the 
night  time,  a  light-house  has  been  erected  near  the  barracks  on  the  Cntha- 
rinenthal  hill.  It  is  placed  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  light  of  it  is  only 
seen  when  coming  up  between  the  reef  of  the  north  end  of  the  Island  of 
Wolf,  and  a  shoal  with  in  feet  water  upon  it,  that  lies  to  the  east  of  Nar- 
gin. Ships  coming  from  the  east,  and  intending  to  run  up  the  bay  in  the 
night,  have  to  observe  the  following  rules  : 

Coming  down  with  a  fair  wind,  the  Koschkar  light  wilf  direct  you  to  run 
between  the  shoals  of  Reval  Stone  and  the  Devil's  eye ;  after  having  passed 
the  latter  to  the  westward,  you  have  to  alter  your  course  to  S.W.  which  leads 
you  clear  of  the  reef  to  the  north  of  the  Wolf;  taking,  however,  good  care, 
not  to  bring  the  Koschkar  light  to  bear  to  the  north  of  E.  {- N.  otherwise 
you  run  the  risk  of  coming  too  near  the  Wolf.  Continue  this  course,  till 
you  perceive  the  light  of  Catharinenthal  hilt,  which,  as  has  been  men- 
tioned above,  enlightens  no  more  than  the  angle  of  the  fair  way,  between 
the  18  feet  shoal  and  the  Wolf  reef.  Ships  coming  from  the  east,  will 
see  the  Catharinenthal  light  by  compass  S.  li°  E. ;  at  S.  15*  E.  it  is  seen  no 
more.  When  it  bears  S.  88  E.  the  light  is  brightest ;  you  are  then  in  the 
middle  of  the  fair  way,  and  you  continue  this  course,  till  you  come  to  au 
anchor  in  the  road.  1  here  is  no  fear  of  taking  another  fire  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  town  for  the  Catharinenthal  light,  because  5  reflectors  are  placed 
perpendicular  to  the  point  of  bearing  (viz.  S.  8°  E.)  which  throw  all  their 
light  right  into  the  direction  of  the  fair  way,  viz.  S.  '2°  E.  to  S.  15°  E. ;  far- 
ther no  light  is  to  be  seen.  In  the  year  1806,  when  the  first  trial  of  this 
light  was  made,  some  officers  of  the  navy  seemed  to  doubt  of  its.  answer- 
ing the  intended  purpose,  although  upon  mathematical  principles  it  was  to 
be  demonstrated,  that  it  could  not  fail  ;  it  was  therefore  repeatedly  sub- 
mitted to  the  test  of  experiment.  It  is  now  proved  beyond  any  farther 
doubt,  that  a  ship  may  not  only  sail  into  the  bay  with  a  f;iir  wind,  but 
may,  without  the  least  danger,  with  a  foul  wind,  beat  into  the  bay.  The 
elevation  of  this  light-house  above  the  surface1  of  the  sea  is  135  feet. 


HYbfcOGRAPHY.  53 

Remarks  on  the  Light-house  upon  the  high  land  of  Surop. 

A  ship  from  the  east  and  bound  to  the  Bay  of  Reval,  will,  on  its  approach 
towards  the  Wolf  Island,  perceive  the  Surop  light  bearing  S.  W.  and 
S.VV.  b.  W.  but  hauling  up  to  the  southward  it  shuts  itself.  The  reason  of  it 
is,  that  on  the  Island  of  Nargin,  there  is  in  that  line  of  bearing,  between 
the  thick  wood,  with  which  the  Island  is  almost  totally  covered,  some  places 
cut  out  purposely,  and  low  bushes,  over  which  the  Surop  light  is  distinctly 
seen.  Ships  that  sail  with  a  S.E.  wind  in  the  night  time  into  the  Bay  of 
Reval,  ought  to  ke  aware  of  this  circumstance  ;  for  their  seeing  the  Surop 
light  does  not  denote  that  the  flags  of  the  Nargin  shoals  are  under  their 
lee,  but  that  they  are  only  abreast  of  them. 

On  the  Island  of  Eckholm,  opposite  the  Bay  of  Monwick,  there  has  been 
built  a  new  light-house,  bearing  the  name  of  this  bay,  for  the  purpose  of 
enabling  ships  to  run  in  the  night-time  into  the  Bays  of  Papenvvick,  Cas- 
parwick,  and  Monwick.  Particularly  into  that  of  Monwick,  where  ships 
frequently  take  shelter  in  bad  weather,  and  where  good  anchoring  ground 
is  to  be  found.  It  is,  besides,  of  great  use,  to  take  a  safe  course  from 
Koschkar  to  Hogland ;  for  provided  you  do  not  lose  sight  of  it,  you  have, 
even  with  a  southerly  wind,  nothing  to  apprehend  from  the  dangerous  shoals 
of  Kalbo  Ground  ;  it  is  equally  useful  for  ships  going  up  to  Narwa,  by 
warning  them  against  the  dangers  of  the  shoals  of  Calko-Ground.  The 
elevation  of  this  light-house  above  the  surface  of  the  water  is  75  feet. 

Narva  light-house  stands  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  Narova,  on  the  right 
bank  of  that  river;  although  the  commerce  of  that  place  is  not  extensive, 
yet  as  vessels  frequently  arrive  here  in  the  night  time,  the  building  of  a  light- 
house has  been  thought  necessary,  particularly  on  account  of  ships  that 
load  here  with  timber.  The  mouth  of  the  river  being  very  shoal,  they  are 
obliged  to  lay  off  at  a  great  distance  from  the  shore,  and  boats  going  to  and 
coming  from  these  ships,  have,  for  want  of  a  light,  frequently  been  lost, 
with  their  crews. 

The  foul  grounds  of  Lavensaar  Island  were  esteemed  very  dangerous  for 
large  men  of  war,  and  squadrons,  that  had  to  beat  up  or  down  with  a  foul 
wind  ;  to  lessen  these  dangers,  a  new  light-house  has  been  built  upon  the 
Island  of  Summers,  and  as  this  island  lies  half  way  between  the  Islands  of 
Seskar  and  Hogland,  ships  are  now  led  from  one  linht  to  the  other. 

Seskar  light-house  stood  formerly  on  the  N.  E.  point  of  the  island. 
According  to  the  advice  of  Admiral  SaritschefF,  it  has  been  pulled  down( 
and  a  new  one  built  on  the  N.W.  point.  The  new  light-house  is  40  feet 
higher  than  the  old  one,  which  was  only  45  feet  high. 

Talbeacon  light-house  has  likewise  been  rebuilt  on  its  old  place ;  its 
elevation,  like  that  of  Seskar  light-house,  is  85  feet ;  if,  therefore,  a  ship 
sees  neither  of  these  light-houses,  she  must  be  Jialf  way  between  them,  and 
clear  of  the  Diamond  stones. 

To  ensure  the  safety  of  the  passage  between  Talbeacon  lighthouse  and 
the  London  Chest,  there  has  been  placed  a  floating  light  upon  the  north 
point  of  that  shoal,  consisting  of  three  lights  in  a  triangular  form,  which 
may  be  seen  at  tbr  distance  of  4  miles,  but,  at  iu  some  years  the  frost 


54  HYDROGRAPHY. 

sets  in  so  early  as  the  latter  end  of  October,  these  8aating  lights  are  taken 

off  the  *  °  of  October. 

* 
Merchant  ressels  going  up  to  Cronstadt  in  the  night-time,  have  strictly 

to  observe,  thnt  they  are  not  to  pass  the  guard  ship,  but  come  to  anchor 
close  to  her.  The  guard-ship,  which  is  always  a  frigate,  lies,  in  general,  at 
anchor  in  the  fair  way,  about  3  or  4  miles  from  Cronstadt,  and  carries  at 
all  times  a  light  in  the  main-top.  On  the  fortress  called  the  Rees  bank  are 
two  lights,  one  above  the  other. 


gulations  respecting  the  Light-houses  in  the  Bultic. 

1.  All  the  light-houses  in  the  Baltic  are  under  the  immediate  inspection 
of  a  director,  appointed  by  the  minister  of  the  marine. 

2.  They  are  all  lighted  by  reflectors. 

3.  The  lighting  of  them  commences  enrly  in  the  spring,  as  soon  as  the 
navigation  is  open,  and  continues  till   the  latter  end  of  May.     It  recom- 
mences the  -J-j  of  July,  and  is   continued    till  the  navigation  ceases.     It 
happens,  however,  sometimes,  that  the  western  ports,  such  as  Reva!  and 
Port  Baltic,  are  all  the  winter  free  from  ice  ;    it  has,   therefore,  been  de- 
termined, to  light  the  light-houses  to  the  westward  of  Reval,  throughout  the 
whole  winter. 

4.  In  case  of  any  unfortunate  accident  in  the  vicinity  of  a  light-house, 
the  master  of  a  ship  has  a  right  to  demand  every  assistance  ;  the  officer  at 
the  light-house  is,  in  obedience  to  his  instructions,  bound   to  exert  himself 
as  much  as  possible,  to  afford  the  assistance  required. 

5.  Masters  of  ships,  on  their  arrival  in  port,  are  requested  to  complnin, 
when  they  have  observed  some  neglect  or  other  at  the  light-houses  ;  for 
instance,  if  the  light  is  not  bright  enough,  if  it  is  lighted  too  late  in  the 
evening,  or  put  out  too  early  in  the  morning,  they  must,  in  that  case,  be 
very  exact,  in  assigning  not  only  the  day  of  the  month,  but  also  the  hour 
of  the  day,  and  the  cause  of  their  complaint,  in   order  to  compare  their 
dates  with  the  journal  kept  on  each  light-house;    an  inquiry  will  immedi- 
ately be  made,  and  the  punishment  be  very  severe,  particularly  when  it  is 
proved,  that  in  cases  of  shipwrecks  the  officers  of  the  light-houses  have 
been  neglectful  of  their  duty. 

Now  that  light-houses  have  been  built  on  all  dangerous  places  in  so 
great  a  number,  that  as  soon  as  one  disappears,  the  other  heaves  in  sight, 
those  lights  again,  which  are  at  rather  near  a  distance,  being  clearly  distin- 
guished from  each  other,  either  by  revolving  or  double  lights,  it  is  to  be 
hoped,  that  the  navigation  of  the  Baltic,  particularly  that  of  the  Gulf  of 
Finland,  by  far  the  most  dangerous  of  any  known  sea,  will  be  found  now 
perfectly  safe  even  in  the  latest  season. 

Postscript.  —  The  translator  not  being  an  Englishman,  he  requests,  that 
should  some  parts  of  these  directions  not  appear  very  distinct,  any  obser- 
vations hereon  may  be  transmitted  to  Mr.  Booker,  tiie  English  Consul  in 
Cronstadt,  for  the  sake  of  farther  elucidation. 


HYDROGRAPHY.  55 

ASIA. 

BAY    OF    BENGAL. 


*  ON  the  eve  of  13th  November,  1808,  gained  soundings  in  55  fathoms, 
and  gradually  decreased  our  water  to  35  fathoms,  with  a  bottom  of  soft  blue 
mud ;  when  we  hove-to,  fearing  the  Terribles.  At  day-light  saw  land  (but 
nothing  of  the  Terribles),  which  proved  to  be  Cheduba;  though  at  first  we 
thought  it  the  Terribles,  by  its  making  so  low:  kept  standing-in  towards 
the  coast  of  Ava,  and  at  noon  made  the  most  northern  rock  of  Cheduba  to 
be  in  latitude  18°  56'  30"  N.  by  a  very  good  meridian  altitude  of  0.  Saw 
nothing  of  Captain  Heywood's  rock,  lying  in  18°  58'  N.  and  93°  16'  E. 
On  our  nearer  approach  to  the  coast  of  Arracan,  we  perceived  the  flat 
table-land  mentioned  by  Captain  H.  and  it  is  a  capital  mark  to  lead  in* 
At  7h.  30m.  anchored  in  8  fathoms,  better  than  half-way  over  from  the 
Cheduba  coast ;  at  day-light  weighed,  and  found  the  «hoal  of  Cheduba  to 
stretch  a  considerable  way  farther  off  shore  than  has  been  mentioned  by 
any  who  have  visited  this  port,  and  I  strongly  recommend  keeping  the 
Arracan  shore  close  on  board,  being  convinced  the  Cheduba  shoal  runs 
more  than  %  way  over  oft'  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  island  :  by  combining 
all  the  information  I  have  by  me  with  my  own  observations,  I  am  confident 
these  remarks  will  be  found  correct,  and  the  passage  easy  of  access.  At 
noon  anchored  in  latitude  18°  53'  4"  N.  longitude  by  chronometer  (the 
mean  of  three  sights),  93°  40'  30"  E.  and  by  ©  d  93°  46'  E.  Sent  an 
officer  on  shore  under  French  colours,  understanding  the  Chedubians  were 
partial  to  that  nation.  Captain  H.'s  directions  for  standing  to  an  anchor- 
age we  find  to  be  very  good;  but  it  is  recommendable  to  keep  a  careful 
look-out  for  the  Sugar-loaf,  as  there  are  many  hills  of  similar  shape  along 
this  coast,  nor  did  we  find  out  the  hummock  so  particularized  until  we 
came-to.  When  Round  isle  bears  S.  then  you  will  be  abreast  of  the 
Sugar-loaf,  and  may  steer  for  your  anchorage,  3  miles  from  Cheduba  river, 
bearing  W.  b.  N.  The  Sugar-loaf  and  Round  isle  bear  one  from  the  other, 
S.  b.  W.  |  W.  and  N.  b.  E.  f  E.  I  think  my  anchorage  to  be  the  best  in 
the  road-stead  ;f  but  would  not  advise  any  ship  of  war  to  come  nearer  the 
Cheduba  side,  as  we  touched  at  low  water.  At  the  return  of  our  cutter  we 
received  the  acceptable  information,  that  the  Rajah  would  supply  refresh- 
ments, but  first  wished  to  see  me  :  on  which,  learning  that  every  thing  was 
to  be  obtained  by  presents,  I  took  half  a  barrel  of  powder  and  a  sword 

*  These  remarks  arc  extracted  from  the  same  MS.  book  which  was  placed  in 
our  hands  by  the  late  Captain  of  H.M.S.  Belliqueox,  and  from  which  so  much 
valuable  matter  has  been  lately  transferred  to  the  N.  C.  But  that  officer's  indi- 
vidual observations  appear  Jo  close  with  our  last  preceding  Irydrogrspliical  article 
of  Rodrig.ue*  ;  and  the  present  glf  aning  from  that  collection  evidently  has  been  the 
contribution  thereunto  of  some  other  commander. — (Hvon.) 

t  A  technical  or  grammatical  definition  of  the  precise  meaning  attached  to  thi« 
s ynoaymu  requested  from  any  of  thp  correspondents  or  readers  of  the  N- C.— 

(HYDB.) 


56  HYDROGRAPHY. 

with  me  on  shore.  I  found  this  Rajah  to  be  a  crafty  man,  who  would  fur- 
nish nothing  until  we  should  come  to  a  preliminary  agreement  respectii  g 
water,  which  he  would  not  let  us  have  under  2  dollars  a  ton  :  apprehension 
of  danger  to  the  health  of  my  people,  from  the  excessive  heat,  made  me 
agree  to  this  proposal  ;  but  finding  on  the  17th  that  no  boats  came  off  for 
our  casks,  I  determined  to  enforce  performance  of  the  contract,  and  ac- 
cordingly proceeded  with  all  boats  manned  and  armed.  On  our  landing 
with  a  party  of  marines  and  pikemen,  the  natives  assembled  in  great  num- 
bers, not  less  than  a  couple  of  thousand,  nnder  arms,  such  as  rusty  mus- 
kets, rude  swords,  spears,  bows  and  arrows  ;  at  the  exercise  of  the  latter 
they  are  very  expert,  and  employ  poisoned  arrows.  After  much  alterca- 
tion, they  agreed  to  send  off  water  at  the  price  stipulated,  but  required 
two  hostages,  which  I  complied  with.  Next  morning  the  water  came  off, 
and  I  received  a.  letter  from  the  officers  left  on  shore,  stating,  that  they 
were  detained  prisoners  at  the  furt.  On  the  19th,  I  was  about  to  seek  the 
release  of  my  officers  by  force  of  arms,  when  I  understaod  a  new  Rajah 
had  arrived,  that  he  immediately  enlarged  my  officers,  and  gave  permis- 
sion for  the  public  to  trade  with  us  :  on  this  I  went  on  shore,  with  two 
brass  musketoons  as  a  present  for  the  new  magistrate,  and  obtained  every 
refreshment  at  a  low  rate,  that  is  to  say  :  16  fowls  or  18  ducks  for  a  dol- 
lar, a  goat  and  2  fine  kids  at  the  same  price,  yams,  plantains,  and  oranges 
in  plenty ;  3  boat-loads  of  wood  for  10  dollars,  and  all  sent  off  by  the 
venders.  Having  gained  a  good  footing  with  the  new  Rajah,  I  went  to  the 
interior  country,  and  found  the  island  to  be  a  fine  country,  with  abun- 
dance of  the  best  cattle  I  have  seen  in  India,  much  game  of  all  kinds,  and 
no  doubt  spars  might  be  obtained.  It  is  against  the  sovereign  (of  Ava)'s 
commands  to  sell  cattle  ;  but  by  having  the  Rajah  for  my  guest  on  board, 
and  their  great  confidence  in  us,  had  I  impressed  my  desire  we  might 
have  gotten  them  at  2  doljars  a-head  :  I,  however,  deferred  doing  so,  as 
the  Rajah  told  me,  that  clandestine  dealings  might  expose  his  very  head  to 
risk,  and  that  he  would  write  to  the  king  for  the  needful  assent,  so  that  I 
doubt  not  we  or  any  succeeding  English  ships  would  be  permitted  to  make 
such  purchases.  The  island  is  governed  in  chief  by  a  temporary  Rajalr,  such 
as  I  have  described,  and  also  by  a  natjve  permanent  Rajah  :  but  it  shoujd 
»eem  as  if  neither  could  act  but  in  concert  with  the  other.  The  one  from 
Ava  is  deputed  every  three  years,  the  other  is  an  hereditary  chieftain,  and 
consequently  has  more  influence  over  the  natives.  But,  after  all,  my  ad- 
vice is,  not  to  trust  this  people,  nor  commit  yourself  in  their  power  ;  for  if 
•nee  they  deem  you  defenceless,  I  believe  them  treacherous  enough  to  takt 
every  advantage  :  at  the  same  time  be  polite  to  them,  without  lowering  dig- 
nity, and  they  then  will  be  tractable.  On  my  departure,  I  had  many  de- 
monstrations of  friendship  made  tome  by  both  Rjijahs,  with  firm  assurances 
of  always  behaving  friendly  to  English  ships.  1  omitted  to  mention  in  its 
place,  that  on  my  arriva}  I  found  a  Frenchman  on  the  Island,  who  went 
away  in  the  retinue  of  tlje  old  Rajah  :  I  afterwards  understood  it  was  that 
personage's  practice  to  insist  o»  two  hostages,  and  then  detain  them  until 
redeemed  by  some  considerable  present :  J  therefore  advise  all  comman- 
ders to  beware  of  acceding  to  such  a  demand,  and  generally  to  use  distrust 


>LATE    CCCCTII.  57 

in  transactions  with  the  magistracy  of  this  place.  A  ship  of  war  might 
wood  and  water  in  defiance  of  all  obstruction,  but  in  all  probability  would 
lose  more  men  by  the  arms  of  the  natives,  or  by  sickness,  than  the  object  be 
worth  under  ordinary  circumstances  ;  for  a  great  degree  of  hent  prevails  in 
the  river ;  and  the  casks  must  be  filled  at  low  water  a  considerable  way  up. 
The  river's  mouth  bears  from  the  entrance  of  Arracati  harbour  W.  b.  N. 
and  from  the  Sugar-loaf  about  W.S.W.  The  sea-breeze  always  sets  in  at 
2  P.M.  from  N.N.YV.  to  W.  and  the  land-wind  at  day-light,  or  perhaps 
before,  at  E.  I  am  sorry  the  necessity  for  getting  on  my  station  prevented 
we  from  exploring  more  of  this  coast,  and  in  particular  the  harbour  of 
Arracan  :  according  to  general  appearance,  the  former  is  steep-to,  and  the 
latter  commodious. 


PLATE  CCCCVII. 


(or  Kro'i)  is  an  English  settlement  on  the  west  coast  of  the 
Island  of  Sumatra,  of  which  the  reader  will  find  hydrographical  no- 
tices in  N.  C.  Vol.  XXVIII.  p.  70.  130 ;  and  Vol.  XXIX.  p.  224.  The 
MS.  Survey,  from  which  the  annexed  Chart  has  been  executed,  was 
obligingly  lent  to  us  by  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Viscount  Torrington. 

"  The  district  of  Krojf,  near  Mount  Peegong  (says  Mr.  Marsden,  in  his 
History  of  Sumatra),  is  governed  by  five  magistrates,  called  Panggau-limo, 
and  a  sixth,  superior,  called  by  way  of  eminence,  Panggau;  but  their 
authority  is  said  to  be  usurped,  and  is  often  disputed.  The  word,  in  com* 
nion,  signifies  a  gladiator  or  prize-fighter, 

"  Four  miles  up  the  river  Kro'i  there  is  a  cave  of  very  considerable  size, 
which  abounds  in  the  edible  birds'  nests,  so  much  celebrated  as  a  peculiar  lux- 
ury of  the  table,  especially  among  the  Chinese.  The  birds  are  called  layang- 
layang,  and  resemble  the  common  swallow,  or,  perhaps,  rather  the  martin. 
They  are  distinguished  into  white  and  black,  of  which  the  first  are  by  far 
the  more  scarce  and  valuable,  being  found  in  the  proportion  of  one  only  to 
twenty-five.  The  white  sort;  sells  in  China  at  the  rate  of  a  thousand  to 
fifteen  hundred  dollars  the  pikul (according  to  the  Batav.  Trans,  for  nearly 
its  weight  in  silver),  the  black  is  usually  disposed  of  at  Batavia,  at  about 
twenty  or  thirty  dollars  for  the  same  weight,  where  I  understand  it  is  chiefly 
converted  into  a  kind  of  glue.  The  difference  between  the  two  sorts  has 
by  some  been  supposed  to  be  owing  to  the  mixture  of  the  feathers  of  the 
birds  with  the  viscous  substance  of  which  the  nests  are  formed  ;  and  this 
they  deduce  from  the  experiment  of  steeping  the  black  nests  for  a  short 
time  in  hot  water,  when  they  are  said  to  become  white  to  a  certain  degree. 
Among  the  natives  I  have  heard  a  few  assert,  that  they  are  the  work  of  a 
different  species  of  bird.  It  was  also  suggested  to  me,  that  the  white  might 
probably  be  the  recent  nests  of  the  season  in  which  they  were  taken,  and 
the  black,  such  as  bad  been  used  for  several  years  successively,  This 
opinion  appearing  plausible,  I  was  particular  in  n\y  inquiries  s^>  to  that 

.  Ilol.XXXI.  * 


58  CHRONOLOGICAL   SKETCH,    &C. 

point,  and  learned  what  seems  much  to  corroborate  it.  When  the  natives 
prepare  to  take  the  nests,  they  enter  the  cave  with  torches,  and,  forming 
ladders  of  bamhoos  notched  according  to  the  usual  mode,  they  ascend  and 
pull  down  the  nests,  which  adhere  in  numbers  together,  from  the  sides  and 
top  of  the  rock.  I  was  informed,  that  the  more  regularly  the  cave  is  thus 
stript,  the  greater  proportion  of  white  nests  they  are  sure  to  find,  and  that 
on  tJJis  experience  they  often  make  a  practice  of  beating  down  and  destroy- 
ii>5  the  old  nests  in  larger  quantities  than  they  trouble  themselves  to  carry 
away,  in  order  that  they  may  find  white  nests  the  next  season  in  their 
room.  The  birds,  1  am  assured,  are  seen,  during  the  building  time,  in 
large  flocks  upon  the  beach,  collecting  in  their  beaks  the  foam  thrown  up 
Ly  the  surf,  of  which  there  appears  little  doubt  of  their  constructing  their 
gelatinous  nests,  after  it  has  undergone,  perhaps,  some  preparation  from 
commixture  with  their  saliva,  or  other  secretion  in  the  beak  or  the  craw  ; 
and  that  this  is  the  received  opinion  of  the  natives,  appears  from  the  bird 
being  very  commonly  named  layiing-huhi,  the  foam-swallow.  Linnaeus, 
hovvever,  has  conjectured,  and  with  much  plausibility,  that  it  is.  the  animal 
substance  frequently  found  on  the  beach,  which  fishermen  call  blubber 
or  jellies,  and  not  the  foam  of  the  sea,  that  these  birds  collect  ;  and  it  is 
proper  to  mention,  that,  in  a  description  of  these  nests  by  M.  Hooyman, 
printed  in  Vol.  III.  of  the  Batav.  Trans,  he  is  decidedly  of  opinion,  that  the 
substance  of  them  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  sea-foam,  but  is  elaborated 
from  the  food  of  the  bird.  Mr.  John  Crisp  informed  me,  that  he  had  seen 
at  Padang  a  common  swallow's  nest,  built  under  the  eaves  of  a  house, 
which^was  composed  partly  of  common  mud,  and  partly  of  the  substance 
that  constitutes  the  edible  nests.  The  young  birds  themselves  are  said  to 
be  very  delicate  food,  and  not  interior  in  richness  of  flavour  to  the 
beccaiico. 


;  CHRONOLOGICAL  SKETCH 

OF   THE 

MOST  REMARKABLE  NAVAL  EVENTS 

OF  THE  YEAH   1813. 

JANUARY 

A  PPEARED  in  the  London  Gazette,  his  Royal  Highness  the  Princp 
-L*-  Regent's  Declaration,  in  answer  to  the  American  Manifesto, rela- 
tive to  the  war  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  of  America. 

14.     Arrived  an  account  of  a  dreadful  shock  of  an  earthquake  in  {lie 
jsland  of  Jamaica,  which  occurred  on  the  14th  of  November. 

MARCH. 

}8.  An  order  issued  to  the  Custom-house,  authorizing  the  clearance  of 
vessels  for  Prussian  Ports,    and  the  admission  of  Prussian  \essels  into  Eng- 
orts. 


NAVAL  POETRY.  5£ 

19.  Account  of  the  capture  of  the  Java  frigate,  by  the  United  States  fri- 
gate Constitution,  after  a  desperate  engagement,  in  which  Captain  Lam- 
bert, of  the  Java,  with  most  of  the  officers  and  many  seamen,  were  killed. 
The  action  took  place  on  the  29th  of  Decemher. 

23.  Captain  Irby's  dispatch,  detailing  the  desperate  action,  on  the  7th 
of  February,  between  the  Amelia  frigate  and  the  French  frigate  Arethusa. 

APRIL. 

20.  Official  account  of  the  action  between  the  Java  and  Constitution: 

MAY. 

8.  Account  of  the  loss  of  the  Peacock,  in  an  engagement  with  the  Arne* 
rican  brig  Hornet,  brought  by  his  Majesty's  ship  Seahorse. 

JULY. 

9.  Capture  of  the  Chesapeake  by  the  Shannon,  after  a  desperate  action 
of  about  fifteen  minutes. 

AUGUST. 
16.  Capture  of  the  American  sloop  of  war  Argus,  by  the  Pelican. 

SEPTEMBER. 

5.  Intelligence  of  the  capture,  by  the  Americans,  of  the  Macedonian 
frigate. 

OCTOBER. 

21.  Intelligence  received  of  the  capture  of  his  Majesty's  brig  Boxer  bjf 
the  American  brig  Enterprize. 

24.  Intelligence  of  the  capture  of  the  Weser,  a  French  frigate  of  41  guns. 

NOVEMBER. 

2.  Intelligence  of  the  capture  of  the  French  frigate.  La  Trave,  of  44,  by 
the  Andromache,  of  38  guns. 

—  Intelligence  received  of  the  loss  of  the  Laurentinus  frigate,  in  a  hurri- 
cane, off  the  Bahamas. 

11.  Arrival  of  American  papers,  detailing  the  action  on  Lake  Erie. 

21.  Intelligence  received  of  a  Counter-revolution  in  Holland. 
DECEMBER. 

7.  Account  of  the  Prince  of  Orange's  entry  into  Amsterdam,  where  he 
was  saluted  by  the  titlq  of  William  I.  Sovereign  Prince  of  the  Netherlands, 


THE  SAILOR'S  HOME. 

WHEN  riding  on  the  mountain  wave, 
The  dauntless  sailor,  ever  brave, 
A  noble  mind  displays ; 
He  laughs  at  dangers,  smiles  on  fate, 
And  risks  his  life  to  save  his  mate, 

Nor  sordid  fear  betrays; 
For  well  lie  knows,  whate'er  his  doom, 
The  occao  is  th§  sailor's  home. 


60  KAVAL   POETRY. 

And,  when  on  shore  'mid  needy  friends, 
His  generous  soul  its  succour  lends 

To  cheer  their  hapless  lot; 
When  cull'd  from  pleasure's  luring  train 
To  brave  the  hardships  of  the  main, 

He  flies  and  murmurs  not. 
For  well  he  knows,  whate'er  his  doom, 
The  ocean  is  the  sailor's  home. 

In  fight,  where  death  terrific  sways, 
The  sailor  cheerfully  obeys, 

Where'er  by  duty  cnll'd ; 
Tho'  round  him  wounded  messmates  lie, 
And  tears  of  pity  dim  his  eye, 

He  never  stands  appall'd. 
Tor  well  he  knows,  what'er  his  doom, 
The  ocean  is  the  sailor's  home. 


THE  STEERSMAN'S  SONG. 

WHEN  freshly  blows  the  northern  gale, 
And  under  courses  snug  we  fly; 
When  lighter  breezes  swell  the  sail, 

And  royals  proudly  sweep  the  sky ; 
Longside  the  wheel,  unweary'd  still 
I  stand,  and  as  my  watchful  eye 
Doth  mark  the  needle's  faithful  thrill, 
I  think  of  her  I  love,  and  cry, 

Port,  my  boy  !  port. 

When  calms  delay,  or  breezes  blow 

Right  from  the  point  we  wish  to  steer; 
When  by  the  wind  close-haul'd  we  go, 
And  strive  in  vain  the  port  to  near ! 
I  think  'tis  thus  the  Fates  defer 

My  bliss  with  one  that's  far  away; 

And  while  remembrance  springs  to  her, 

I  watch  the  sails,  and  sighing  say, 

Thus,  my  boy  1  thus. 

But  see,  the  wind  draws  kindly  aft, 

All  hands  are  up  the  yards  to  square, 
And  now  the  floating  stu'n-sails  waft 

Our  stately  ship  through  waves  and  air, 
Oh!  then  I  think  that  yet  for  me 

Some  breeze  of  fortune  may  thus  spring, 
Some  bree/e  to  waft  me,  love,  to  thee! 

And  in  that  hope,  I,  smiling,  sing, 
Steady,  boy  !  so. 


61 

llato. 


A  T  a  Court  Martial  assembled  and  holden  on  board  H.M.S.  Hibernia, 
•**•    off  the  Rhone,  on  Saturday,  the  2d  day  of  October,  1813  ; 

*  PBESENT 

Sir  WILLIAM  SIDNEY  SMITH,  Knight  Commander  and  Grand  Cross  of  the 

Royal  Military  Orders  of  the  Sword  and  St.  Ferdinand,  Vice-admiral 

of  the  White,  and  Second  Officer  in  the  command  of  his  Ma- 

jesty's Ships  and  Vessels  in  the  Mediterranean,  President. 

ISRAEL  PELLEW,  Esq.  Rear-admiral  of  the  White,  and  Captain  of  the  Fleet, 
Sir  RICHARD  KING,  Bart.  Rear-admiral  of  the  Blue. 

Captains. 

George  Burlton  George  Parker 

John  Erskine  Douglas  Robert  Rolles 

Sir  Edward  Berry,  Bart.  Sir  James  Athol  Wood,  Knt. 

Richard  Hussey  Moubray  Henry  Heathcote 

Norborn  Thompson  Jeremiah  Coghlan. 

The  Court,  in  pursuance  of  an  order  from  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Bart. 
Vice-admiral  of  the  Red,  and  Commander-in-chief  of  his  Majesty's  Ships 
and  Vessels  employed  in  the  Mediterranean,  dated  the  29th  of  Sept.  1813, 
and  directed  to  Sir  W.  S.  Smith,  Vice-admiral  of  the  White,  and  Second 
Officer  in  the  command  of  his  Majesty's  Ships  and  Vessels  employed  in  the 
Mediterranean,  proceeded  to  investigate  the  conduct  of  the  Hon.  Captain 
W.  J.  Napier,  the  officers  and  crew  of  his  Majesty's  late  sloop  Goshawk,  re- 
specting the  loss  of  that  vessel,  and  try  them  for  the  same:  And  the 
Court  having  fully  investigated  the  whole  of  the  particulars  respecting  the 
loss  of  the  Goshawk,  is  of  opinion,  tiiat  she  was  lost  in  consequence  of  get- 
ting aground  on  the  evening  of  the  21st  of  September,  1813,  about  two  and 
a  half  miles  to  the  eastward  of  the  mole-head  of  Barcelona,  owing  to  the 
wind  baffling  and  dying  away,  and  a  heavy  swell,  when  in  the  act  of  wear- 
ing to  stand  offshore  in  her  usual  soundings,  having  been  standing  inshore, 
for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  a  supply  of  provisions  which  was  expected 
by  sea  that  night,  for  the  service  of  the  French  army,  in  vessels  of  light 
draught  of  water,  that  no  blame  whatever  is  imputable  to  the  Hon.  Cap- 
tain W.  J.  Napier,  the  officers  or  crew  of  the  said  sloop,  it  appearing  that 
they  did  their  utmostHo  preserve  the  vessel,  and  did  not  abandon  her  until 
it  became  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  their  lives.  The  Court  doth, 
therefore,  adjudge  the  Hon.  Captain  W.  J.  Napier,  the  officers  and  crew  of 
his  Majesty'*  late  sloop  Goshawk,  to  be  fully  acquitted,  and  they  are  hereby 
fully  acquitted  accordingly. 

Signed  by  the  Court, 

RICHARD  SPEARE, 
Officiating  Judge  Advocate. 


62 

NAVAL  I1ISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813-1814* 

(December—* 'January. ) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

ALTHOUGH  the  past  month  has  been  unproductive  of  naval  actions  of 
any  importance,  we  have  the  unpleasant  task  of  recording  some 
serious  losses,  by  accident  and  the  weather. 

The  Daedalus  frigate  has  been  lost  on  a  shoal  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Ceylon,  hut  her  crew  was  happily  saved. 

From  Halifax  we  learn,  that,  in  a  dreadful  hurricane  which  happened 
there,  upwards  of  100  vessels  were  driven  on  shore  in  that  harbour.  Se- 
veral of  them  were  bilged,  and  all  greatly  damaged  :  among  the  latter  were* 
La  Hogue  and  San  Domingo,  of  74  guns  each  ;  the  Maidstone  frigate,  36 
guns;  the  Epervier  sloop,  of  18  guns;  the  Manby,  14;  arrd  the  Corso 
schooner,  of  16.  To  these  accidents  we  have  to  add,  the  total  loss,  off 
New  London,  of  the  Atalante  sloop,  Capt.  llickey,  of  18  guns;  the  offi- 
cers and  crew,  however,  were  saved. 

At  Newfoundland,  the  Tweed,  Capt.  Mather,  of  18  guns,  was  lost  on  a 
rock;  the  purser  and  surgeon,  and  65  of  the  crew,  we  lament  to  find, 
perished. 

In  the  Mediterranean,  the  total  destruction  of  the  Barfleur,  98,  Sir  Ed- 
ward Berry,  was  very  narrowly  averted.  Lightning  struck  her  foretop  gal- 
lant-mast, which  it  shivered  to  pieces  ;— descended  the  foretop-mast  and 
foremast;  and,  proceeding  through  all  the  decks,  tore  up  part  of  the  lead 
at  the  light-room  door,  which  is  situated  close  to  the  magazine  ! 

The  Queen  transport,  No.  332,  Carr,  master,  has  been  driven  on  Tre- 
fugis  Point  and  beaten  to  pieces.  She  had  brought  home,  from  the  British, 
army  on  the  Continent,  325  sick  and  invalided  soldiers,  63  women,  and 
58  children  ;  besides  whom,  she  had  on  board  six  French  officers,  prisoners 
of  war,  and  a  crew  of  21  men,  making  a  total  of  473  persons.  The  soldiers 
were  all  artillerymen,  except  about  20,  who  belonged  to  the  30th  regiment. 
One  hundred  men  and  four  women,  with  great  difficulty,  got  a-shore  • 
and  all  the  rest,  360  in  number,  perished  with  the  ship. 

We  extract  the  following  account,  of  the  wreck  of  the  Cumberland  inari 
of  war,  from  a  private  letter,  dated  Hosely  Bay,  Jan.  22  : — 

"  I  avail  myself  of  the  first  leisure  moment,  to  inform  you  of  a  mis- 
fortune we  encountered  on  the  morning  of  the  20th  :  wind  S.  E.  blowing 
fresh,  wiih  a  heavy  sea;  unfortunately  the  Bedford  was  a-head  of  us, — she 
parted, — and,  in  consequence  of  a  sudden  gust,  came  on  board  us  before 
we  could  possibly  do  any  thing  to  extricate  ourselves.  At  this  time  our 
perilous  situation  threatened  imminent  danger;  our  bowsprit  went  first, 
then  our  fure-mast,  and,  finally,  our  main  and  mizcn-masts.  Providence 
so  directed  it,  that  we  lost  no  lives;  five, -however,  were  severely  wound- 
ed :  one  man  !obt  all  his  fingers  from  one  hand,  and  part  of  his  nose  was 
completely  carried  away ;  another  man  lost  one  finger,  and  the  rest  suf- 
fered in  a  similar  manner.  We  are  much  damaged  in  the  hull,  so  that  we 
must  be  paid  off  immediately.  I  assure  you  the  scene  is  shocking;  bus 
trunk  God  we  have  cleared  u.vay  the  greater  part  of  the  wreck." 


KATAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1813  —  1814.       QS 

In  order  to  restrain  that  shopkeeping  turn  for  commerce,  which  the  Eng- 
lish are  apt  to  indulge  in  too  freely,  Buonaparte  had  very  obligingly  order- 
ed all  the  ports  under  his  dominion  to  be  shut,  and  extended  his  civility 
even  to  many  foreign  ones.  Our  Prirjce  Regent  has  now,  in  return  for  hig 
politeness,  given  orders  that  the  Ft encfi  ports  shall  be  opened*  for  English 
trade,  merely  for  the  sake  of  accommodating  the  inhabitants  of  France; 
an  instance  of  urbanity  that  could  scarcely  have  been  expected  from  "  a 
juttiun  of  shopkeepers!" 

An  old  naval  practice  lias  been  lately  revived,  by  order  of  the  Lords 
Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty ;  viz.  the  forming  the  warrant  and  petty 
officers  of  the  navy  into  juiies,  to  sit  on  the  bodies  of  such  persons  as  un- 
fortunately meet  with  accidental  death.  The  first  of  these  juries  sat,  at 
the  beginning  of  the  month,  onboard  the  Gladiator  at  Portsmouth,  on  the 
body  of  a  seaman,  who  fell  from  the  main-yard  of  the  Illustrious  at 
Spithead. 

We  have  been  informed,  that  Sir  Philip  Broke  is  to  be  honoured  with  a 
gold  medal,  to  be  worn  with  his  full  uniform,  for  the  capture  of  the  Chesa- 
peake frigate. 

Admiral  Sir  Alexander  Cochrane  is  going  out  to  America,  with  a 
considerable  force,  to  relieve  Sir  J.  B.  Warren,  on  that  station;  and  the 
newspapers  have  stated,  that  his  nephew,  Lord  Cochrane,  was  appointed 
to  act  under  him,  with  a  squadron  of  five  frigates  and  three  sloops  of  war, 
and  a  large  flotilla  of  flat- bottomed  boats.  But,  says  the  Morning  Chroni- 
cle, "  there  is  no  foundation  for  the  report  of  Lord  Cochrane's  being  to 
have  the  command  of  a  squadron  of  frigates.  That  would  look  like  energy 
in  the  Admiralty  Board." 

We  have  not  an  enemy  now  left  in  Europe,  except  one,  with  whom  it  is 
our  proud  and  glorious  distinction  to  be  at  war.  DENMARK  HAS  AT 
LAST  JOINED  THE  COMMON  CAUSE!  Definitive  treaties  of  peace 
and  alliance  have  been  concluded  by  Denmark  with  our  government,  -mid 
that  of  Sweden  ;  signed  by  Mr.  Thornton  on  our  part,  and  by  Baron  Wef- 
terstedt  for  Sweden.  The  following  is  an  official  summary  of  the  con- 
ditions:— 

All  conquests  a  re  to -be  restored,  except  Heligoland, 

Prisoners  of  war  on  both  sides  to  be  released. 

Denmark  to  join  the  Allies  with  10,OUO  men,  if  England  will  give  a  sub- 
sidy of  400,000/.  in  the  year  1814. 

Pomerania  to  be  ceded  by  Sweden  to  Denmark  in  lieu  of  Norway. 

Stralsund  still  to  continue  a  depot  for  English  produce. 

Denmark  to  do  all  in  her  power  to  abolish  the  slave  trade. 

England  to  mediate  between  Denmark  and  the  other  Allies. 

PEACE  ir,  MOST  EVIDENTLY  AT  HAND  !  The  black  clouds  with  which  our 
political  horizon  has  been  so  long  surcharged,  have  separated,  and  all  the 
symptoms  of  a  serene  and  undisturbed  futurity  are  visible. 

The  harbour  of  Fornelles,  on  the  north  side  of  Minorca,  immediately 
opposite  to  Toulon,  has  been  surveyed  by  the  master  of  the  Hibernia,  with 
a  view  to  consider  the  eligibility  of  the  Mediterranean  fleet  making  that 
their  port  of  refuge  in  future. 

*A  late  Gazette  contained  an  Order  of  Council,  releasing  from  the  restric- 
tions of  blockade  all  such  ports  and  places  in  France  as  now  are,  or  max  be, 
placed  in  the  military  occupation,  or  under  the  protection,  of  his  Majesty,  in 
consequence  of  the  success  of  his  Majesty's  arms, or  by  the  voluntary  stibuiisMou 
of  the  inhabitants;  and  opening  the  same  to  the  free  trade  of  this  country,  and 
Jh,c  subjects  of  friendly  ;u;d  ueulral  powers. 


64      JTAVAL    HI9TORT    OF   IHI   PRESENT    TEAR,    1813—1814,    ] 


en 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LOSDON 


ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,   DECEMBER  14,     1813. 

ADMIRAL  LORD  KEITH  has  transmitted   to  John  Wilson  Crokef, 
Esq.  a  letter  from  Captain  Dundas,  of  H.  M.  S.  Pyramus,  giving  an 
nccount  of  his  having,  on  tlie  29th  of  last  month,  captured  off  Ushant,  the 
Zephyr  American  ship,  of  four  guns  and  twenty  rue;.,  bound  from  L'Orient 
to  Charlestown, 

DECEMBF.R    18. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Admiral  Young,  Coirmuttidcr-ln-chicfofhis  Majesty's 
Ships  and  Vessels  in  the  North  Sea,  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  dated 
on  board  the  Impregnable,  off  the  Scheldt,  the  11th  instant. 

SIR, 

I  enclose,  for  the  information  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admi- 
ralty, the  copy  of  a  letter  from  Captain  Lord  George  Stuart,  of  II.  M.S. 
Horatio,  giving  an  account  of  the  surrender  of  the  French  force  on  the 
island  of  Scho\ven  ;  and  of  that  island  being  again  under  the  Dutch  govern- 
ment; in  which  their  Lordships  will  perceive  great  promptitude  of  decision 
in  Lord  George  to  storm  the  batteries,  and  very  spirited  preparation  for 
doinjj  so,  if  the  enemy  had  not  immediately  surrendered. 

1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  YOUNG. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Horatio,  off  Z'uderie  Zee,  Island  of  Schowen, 

December  8,  1813. 

Yesterday  morning  some  pilots  brought  off  a  letter,  from  a  gentleman 
who  had  been  in  the  British  service,  requesting  aid  to  drive  the  French 
from  Zuderie  Zee.  I  lost  no  time  in  working  up,  and  anchored  just  out  of 
gun-shot  of  a  heavy  battery,  which  totally  commanded  the  passage.  As 
it  was  necessary  to  pass,  in  execution  of  your  orders,  I  made  the  disposition 
for  attacking  it.  I  therefore  collected  fifty  marines  and  seventy  seamen 
from  the  Horatio,  with  the  same  number  from  the  Amphion,  with  a  deter- 
mination of«t«rmiiig  it  from  the  rear,  as  soon  as  the  tide  \vouid  answer 
for  the  boats  to  have  the  ship,  which  could  not  be  tiil  nine  P.M.  During 
the  interval,  a  deputation  from  the  principal  citizens  came  on  board  under 
a  flag  of  truce,  from  the  French  general,  requesting  that,  in  order  to  save 
the  eft'iiMon  of  blood,  and  prevent  the  disorders  which  were  likely  to  ensue 
in  the  city,  then  in  a  state  of  insurrection,  terms  of  capitulation  should  he 
granted,  by  which  the  French,  with  their  baggage,  should  be  allowed  to. 
withdraw  and  be  conveyed  to  Borgen-op-Zoom  :  this  I  peremptorily  re- 
fused, and  sent  back  the  terms  herewith  enclosed.  The  thickness  of  the 
weather  did  not  triable  the  deputation  to  quit  the  ship  before  ten  o'clock 
at  night,  which  induced  me  to  extend  the  time  tiil  midnight.  I  had  not 
proceeded  any  considerable  distance  from  the  ship,  before  the  signal,  in 
token  of  submission,  was  made.  1  landed  at  the  buttery,  which  having 
secured,  I  went  forward  to  the  town,  and  found  the  native  French  had 
made  their  escape.  I  directed  the  seamen  to  remain  at  the  cate,  aud 
entered  with  the  murinf-s,  amidst  the  acclamations  of  an  immense  multi- 
tude; proceeding  to  the  town-hall,  I  was  n;ct  by  the  mi.^t  rc-pect»ble 
inhabitants  in  a  body,  and  then  having  dissolved  the  French  Municipal 
Authorities,  I  directed  the  ancient  Magistrates  of  the  city  to  resume  their 


NAVAL   HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1813— I$l4t       &$ 

functions.  This  morning,  in  compliance  with  my  directions,  the  magis- 
trates of  the  town  of  Browcrshaven  reported  their  having  driven  the  French 
from  thence,  and  they  received  similar  injunctions  with  respect  to  their 
Provisional  Government.  I  took  possession  of  a  brig  of  fourteen  guns,  for- 
merly his  Majesty's  brig  Bustler,  which  the  enemy  had  attempted  to  scuttle, 
also  a  French  gun-boat,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  powder,  and  have, 
in  the  course  of  this  day,  brought  in  twenty  prisoners,  and  more  are 
expected. 

I  feel  happy  in  having  obtained  so  important  an  acquisition  as  the  whole 
island  of  Schowen,  without  bloodshed,  and  facilitating  the  means  of  open- 
ing a  communication  with  the  allied  forces  in  the  South  of  Holland. 

In  closing  this  despatch,  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  your  particular 
notice  the  zeal  and  activity  of  Captain  Stewart,  of  the  Amphion,  together 
with  Lieutenant  Whyte,  first  of  the  Horatio,  with  the  rest  of  the  officers, 
seamen,  and  marines  under  my  command,  in  this  service.  I  must  here 
beg  leave  to  express  how  much  I  am  indebted  to  Captain  Hamilton  Smith, 
of  the  Quarter-Master-General's  Department,  for  his  advice  and  nssistance, 
who,  from  his  knowledge  of  the  Dutch  language,  and  of  the  people,  hsjs 
very  much  facilitated  these  operations.  I  also  enclose  thelist  of  ordnance, 
&c.  taken.  I  have,  &c. 

Admiral  Young,  §c.  G.  STUART. 

Dated  on  board  H.  R.  M.  S.  Horatio,  at  half-past 
SIR  7  o'clock,  December  7,  1813. 

With  a  view  to  spare  the  effusion  of  blood,  as  senior  officer  in  command 
of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  forces,  I  feel  it  my  duty,  after  the  communication 
I  have  received,  and  the  resources  which  I  at  present  have,  to  summons 
you  to  surrender,  prisoners  of  war,  with  the  French  officers  and  troops  un- 
der your  immediate  command. 

No  other  conditions  will  be  admitted.  I  expect  a  decisive  answer  by 
twelve  o'clock  this  night ;  my  authority  will  not  admit  of  the  suspensjoa  of 
hostilities  longer  than  that  period. 

If  accepted,  one  gun. 

If  not,  three  ditto.  G.  STUART. 

To  (he  commanding  officer  of  the  French  «VJ1 

troops  in,  the  town    of  Zuderie  Zee, 
Island  of  Schowen.  .  .:~»- 

4  List  of  Ordnance,  SfC.  taken  possession  of  by  his  Majesty's  Ships  Horatio 

and  Amphion,  on  the  morning  of  the  3th  of  December,  1813. 
6   iron  36-pomulers,  6  iron  24-pounders,  2  brass  6-pounders,  2  brass 
J3-inch  mortars,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  shot  and  ammunition. 

G.  STUART,  Captain  and  Senior  Officer. 
Mem. — Brass  ordnance  embarked. 

Copy  fff  another  Letter  from  Admiral  Young  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 
(luted  on  board  tht  Impregnable,  off  the  Scheldt,  the  llth  inttunt. 

SIR, 

I  enclose,  for  the  information  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admi- 
ralty, the  copy  of  a  letter  from  Captain  Lord  George  Stuart,  of  H.  M.  S. 
Horatio,  giving  an  account  of  the  destruction  of  a  battery  of  six  24-pounders 
on  the  i,laud  of  Tholen,  which  would  have  materially  interrupted  the  pro- 
gress of  the  ships  to  the  Keetan. 

The  precipitate  flight  of  the  enemy  prevented  the  bringing  them  to  aetioa^ 

.  tf&roiu  fflol.  XXXI.  * 


68     NAVAL   HISTORY    Of    THE   PRESENT    tEAR,    1813—1814, 

but  takes  nothing  from  the  determined  spirit  with  which  Lieutenant  Whytff, 
and  the  officers  and  men  under  his  command,  advanced  to  attack  them. 
1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  YOUNG. 

SIR,  Horatio,  off  Zuderie  Zee,  December  10/1813. 

The  thickness  of  the  weather  preventing  the  Tickler's  sailing  yesterday, 
enables  rne  to  acquaint  you  of  a  brilliant  affair  by  the  boats  of  the  Horatio 
nnd  Amphion,  under  the  immediate  command  of  Lieutenant  Whyte,  first 
of  the  Horatio. 

Having  received  information  that  the  French  had  augmented  their  forces 
in  ihe  island  of  Tholen  with  four  hundred  men,  and  it  being  necessary 
to  secure  the  battery  at  the  point  of  Steavinesse,  in  order  for  the  ships  to 
pass  up  the  Keetan,  I  despatched  the  boats  of  the  two  ships  at  ten  P.M. 
with  the  boats  crews  only,  when  they  landed  two  miles  in  the  rear  of  the 
battery;  immediately  on  their  approach,  the  French  precipitately  fled,  and 
did  not  enable  our  brave  fellows  to  oppose  them,  and  we  made  only  three 
prisoners.  The  battery  consisted  of  six  24-pounder  guns.  Lieutenant 
^'hyte,  with  the  assistance  of  Lieutenant  Champion,  first  of  the  Amphion, 
and  the  officers  and  men  under  their  command,  dismantled  the  battery, 
spiked  the  guns,  destroyed  the  carriages  and  ammunition,  and  returned 
on  board  at  half-past  three  A.M.  Though  the  enemy  did  not  oppose  our 
force,  I  hope  it  will  not  diminish  the  merits  of  the  officers  nnd  men  em- 
ployed, and  that  their  zeal  and  activity  will  merit  your  approbation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
To  William  Young,  Esq.  $c.  G.  STUART. 

DECEMBER    21. 

Co/'y  of  a  Letter  from  Vice~admiral  Sir  R.  G.  Keats,  K.B.  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Eaq.  dated  on  board  H.M.S.  Bdleropltont  off  the  Isle  of  Wight, 
the  10M  instant. 


sin, 

I  beg  you  will  report  to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  the 
capture  of  Le  Genie,  French  lugger  privateer,  of  16  guns,  and  73  men,  by 
the  Belierophon,  this  morning,  off  Portland.  I  am,  &c. 

K.  G.  KEATS. 

DECEMBER    25. 

Despatches,  of  which  the  following  are  extracts,  have  been  received  at 
this  oraoe  from  Admiral  Young,  addressed  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

Impregnable,  in  tfte  Roompot,  December  19,  1813. 

Captain  Owen  having  landed  on  South  Beveland  with  the  marines,  I 
enclose,  for  their  Lordships'  information,  his  account  of  the  manner  in 
which  he  was  received  by  the  inhabitants. 

SIR,  Ter  Goes,  in  Soulk  Bevclqnd,   December  17,  1813. 

I  proceeded  with  the  earliest  light  this  morning  with  the  parties  of  the 
royal  marines  you  did  me  the  honour  to  place  under  me,  and  landed  at  the 
entrance  of  the  haven,  about  three  miles  from  Ter  Goes. 

The  peasants  flocked  to  me  from  every  quarter:    the  flag  of  the  Dutch 
•uion  appeared  borne  by  crowds  on  every  side,  and  our  march  to  Goes 
covered  by  the  multitude  of  these  flags  which  gathered  round  us,  whilst 
B*  v  of  Orange  Boven  resounded  on  every  side. 

wa,^  "ene  was  the  most  animating  and   the   most  interesting  that  I  ever 

the  cr,  •  the  proclamation  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  of  Orange 

The  !>-  well  as  one  from  the  magistrates.,  from  the  windows  of  ihft 

witnessed  , 
was  read,  a» 


SAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAE,  1813 — 1814.         67 

Stadt-Huuse,  and  was  followed  by  the  most  enthusiastic  cheers  and  accla- 
mations. 

Tha  intention  of  the  enemy,  in  the  requisition  he  had  ordered  for  the 
garrison  of  Flushing,  has  been  defeated,  and  the  Dutch  flag  is  flying  upon 
every  steeple  near  the  western  shore. 

The  conduct  of  the  parties  of  the  royal  marines,  in  the  midst  of  this 
intoxicating  scene,  and  the  kindness  showered  upon  them  by  the  inhabitants, 
ha->  been  marked  with  regularity.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

G.  W.  C.  R.  OWEN, 

Admiral  Young.  Captain  of  H.  M.  S.  Cornwall. 

Impregnable,  in  the  Hoompot,   December  20,  1813. 

t  request  you  to  inform  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  that 
Captain  Owen  reports,  that  he  was  on  the  18th  at  Borselen,  in  South 
Beveland.  Information  having  reached  him,  that  the  enemy  were  actually 
levying  at  Krabbendyke  the  supplies  forBatz,  for  which  requisition  had  been 
made,  he  cent  Major  Bartleman  to  interrupt  them,  and  his  men  cut  off 
their  knapsacks,  and  pursued  the  enemy,  but  did  not  arrive  in  time. 

Captain  Owen  found  at  Borselen  two  capital  batteries,  one  of  ten  iron 
guns,  and  two  brass  mortars  ;  the  other  of  six  or  eight  guns,  and  two  mor- 
tars. All  the  guns  were  spiked  ;  he  ordered  two  of  them  to  be  cleared, 
proposing  to  occupy  with  a  small  detachment  the  tower  of  Borselen,  where 
there  is  a  tolerable  barrack,  and  to  laud  a  small  quantity  of  powder  to 
interrupt  a  little  the  enemy's  communication  by  the  river. 

Captain  Owen  found,  on  hi«  arrival  at  Goes,  that  the  Dutch  had 
already  formed  there  three  companies  of  national  guards,  th«  officers  of 
which  have  strictly  adhered  to  Captain  Owen's  wishes  in  every  thing,  and 
attended  him  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  six  troops  of  cavalry,  of  «xty 
men  each  ;  and  six  companies  of  infantry,  of  one  hundred  each.  Of  the 
former  force,  much  is  already  arranged,  the  inhabitants  eagerly  offering 
themselves,  and  their  horses.  Large  parties  are  on  duty,  and  patroles  and 
guards  are  established  on  the  roads  and  principal  points  of  the  shore. 

Information  having  been  brought  to  m«  yesterday  evening,  of  the  enemy 
having  landed  a  force  of  five  hundred  men  at  Borseleu,  I  sent  immediately 
to  reinforce  Captain  Owen  ;  but  I  have  not  to-day  had  any  report  from 
South  Beveland.  I  have  no  doubt  of  some  French  having  landed,  though 
I  think  it  probable  the  number  of  them  was  increased  by  the  apprehensions 
of  the  people  who  sent  the  report.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

W.  YOUNG. 

Impregnable,  in  the  Roompot,  21ji  December,  1813. 
I  request  you  to  inform  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  that 
Captain  Owen  reports  that  the  French  corps,  which  landed  at  Borselen, 
was  immediately  repulsed ;  all  the  inhabitants  flew  to  arms,  and  every  per- 
son who  could  find  a  weapon  of  any  description,  joined  the  small  party  of 
royal  marines  who  were  near  Borselen,  and  marched  against  the  enemy, 
who  embarked  as  soon  as  he  discovered  their  approach.  Captain  Owen 
speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  the  enthusiasm  of  the  inhabitants,  and  of 
the  alacrity  and  good  conduct  of  the  marines. 

Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker, 
Esq.  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  Captain  Duncan,  of  II.  M.  S.  Imperieuse, 
Stating,  that  the  Audacieiix,  French  privateer,  vas  captured  on  the  31st 
of  August,  off  the  Straits  of  Bonifacio,  by  the  above  ship  and  the  Swallow 
sloop.  Sue  carried  three  suns  and  forty  men,  and  had  sailed  two  days  be- 
fore from  Ciyica  Vecchia." 


68         NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1813 — 1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Hopkins,  of  IT.  M.  Slovp  of  War  ffelicon, 
addressed  to  Vice-admiral  Domett,  and  transmitted  by  the  latter  to  John 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.  M.  Sloop  Helicon,  Plymouth,.Deccmber  23,  1813. 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that,  on  the  22d  instant,  the  Eddy- 
•tone  bearing  north,  distance  five  leagues,  his  Majesty's  sloop  under  my 
command  captured,  after  a  short  chase,  the  French  privateer  schooner  La 
Revenant,  of  It  guns,  and  77  men.  She  sailed  the  day  before  from  St. 
Malocs,  and  had  not  made  any  capture.  H.  M.  S.  Nemesis  joined  in  the 
chase.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

HARRY  HOPKINS,  Commander. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Chetham,  of  H.M.S.  Hamadryad,  to 
John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  dated  in  Wingo  Sound,  the  13th  instant. 

I  bej  leave  to  report  to  my  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  the 
capture  of  his  Danish  Majesty's  cutter  Abigail,  commanded  by  Lieutenant 
Kierulf,  by  H.M.S.  under  my  command,  yesterday,  between  the  Scawr 
and  the  island  of  Lassoe.  She  is  armed  with  three  cohorns  and  small  arms, 
and  forty  men,  and  had  sails  and  other  naval  stores  on  board,  belonging  to 
the  late  Danish  frigate  Nyaden,  from  Frtderickswarn  bound  to  Copen- 
hagen. ______ 

The  under-mentioned  letters  have  been  transmitted  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq.  by  Admiral  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren,  viz. 

From  Captain  Godfrey,  of  H.  M.  sloop  Emulous,  dated  at  St.  John's, 
N-B.  19th  October,  reporting  the  destruction,  in  Passamaquuddy  Cay,  of 
two  American  privateers ;  one  a  schooner,  called  the  Orion,  of  one  guu 
and  lt>  men,  and  the  other  a  row-boat,  carrying  17  men,  with  small  arms. 

From  Captain  Lawrence,  of  H.  M.  sloop  Fantome,  dated  off  the  islands 
of  Metimicas,  5th  October,  stating  his  having  captured  the  American  pri- 
vateer schooner  Portsmouth  Packet  (late  the  English  privateer  Liverpool 
Packet),  carrying  five  guns,  and  45  men,  out  the  day  before  from  Ports- 
mouth. 

From  Captain  Ilandley,  of  H.  M.  sloop  Arab,  dated  off  Cape  Sambro, 
3d  November,  stating  the  capture  of  the  American  privateer  schooner 
Industry,  of  five  guns,  and  26  men,  14  days  from  Murblehead,  without 
making  any  capture. 

JANUARY    1,    1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edicard  Ptllezv,  Bart.  Commander- 
in-chief  of'  H.  M.  Ships  and  Vessels  in  the  Mediterranean,  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  off  Toulon,  the  6th 
November,  1813. 

SIR, 

If  I  were  not  aware  that  erery  shot  fired  from  his  Majesty's  fleet  before 
Toulon  upon  that  of  the  enemy,  would  be  pompously  displayed  in  the 
Moniteur,  by  the  Government  of  France,  to  deceive  all  Europe,  as  well  as 
their  unhappy  subjects,  I  should  have  considered  it  unnecessary  to  trouble 
their  Lordships  with  the  following  detail  of  the  transactions  of  the  squadron 
under  my  command  on  the  5th  instant. 

His  Majesty's  fleet  had  been  blown  off  their  station  by  a  succession  of 
bard  gales  for  eight  days,  and  it  was  only  yesterday  mornim;;  that  the  land 
was  discovered,  together  with  the  in-shorc  squadron,  as  per  margin,*  which 

*  bcipion,  Mulgrave,  Pembroke,  Armada. 


UJLTAI,   HISTORY   Of   THE   PHEstNt    TEAR,    181S— 1814.       6J 

had  reached  Cape  Sicie  the  preceding  evening.  The  fleet  were  standing 
with  close-reefed  topsails,  towards  Toulon,  to  reconnoitre,  with  a  strong 
wind  from  E.N.E.  when  at  ten  A.M.  the  enemy,  as  customary  with  such 
winds,  was  seen  getting  under  weigh,  and  came  out  with  fourteen  sail  of 
the  line,  and  seven  frigates,  for  their  usual  exercise,  close  in  shore,  be- 
tween Cape  Brun  and  Cape  Carcaviane.  A  sudden  change  of  wind  to 
N.W.  seemingly  unexpected  by  them,  permitted  me  to  hope  that  we  should 
be  able  to  bring  the  rear  to  action ;  and  the  Scipion  having  communicated 
by  signal  the  prospect  of  cutting  off  the  leewardmost  ships,  she  was  di- 
rected, with  the  advanced  squadron,  to  attack.  The  Caledonia,  Boyle, 
and  San  Josef,  leading  some  distance  a-head,  and  followed  by  the  fleet, 
were,  I  thought,  near  enough  to  afford  support,  with  every  prospect  of 
success  ;  but,  unfortunately,  from  the  wind  heading,  they  were  not  able  to 
fetch  the  leewardmost  ship,  a  three-decker,  hearing  the  flag  of  a  rear- 
admiral,  to  windward  of  St.  Marguerite,  and,  consequently,  only  a  partial 
firing  took  place,  in  passing  on  different  tacks,  and  after  wearing  from  the 
shore,  between  Sepet  and  Cape  Brun. 

Had  the  body  of  the  fleet,  fortunately,  been  more  advanced  when  the 
change  of  wind  took  place,  I  am  confident  we  should  not  only  have  brought 
the  enemy  to  close  action,  but  every  ship  we  had  weathered  would  have 
been  our  reward,  although  they  had  not  been  above  a  league  eastward  of 
the  port,  and  always  under  cover  of  the  batteries. 

The  French  fleet,  the  moment  the  wind  changed,  used  all  possible  expe- 
dition to  get  back  into  the  harbour,  and  the  vice-admiral  was  among  the 
first  that  reached  the  anchorage. 

The  casualties  in  the  ships  on  this  occasion,  are  too  trifling  to  mention, 
were  it  not  for  the  wounds  of  two  fine  young  officers,  Lieutenant  Clarke, 
of  the  marines,  and  Mr.  Cuppage,  signal  midshipman  of  the  San  Josef, 
who  each  lost  a  leg  by  one  unlucky  shot. 

I  have,  in  ccmrn"M  with  every  officer  and  man  in  this  fleet,  deeply  to 
lament  that  a  fairer  opportunity  was  not  afforded  for  displaying  the  full 
extent  of  their  exertions  in  the  cause  of  their  Sovereign,  and  in  support  of 
the  honour  of  his  flag,  confident  there  cannot  be  found  more  ardent  Zeal 
in  this  jtist  struggle,  than  among  the  officers  and  men  I  have  the  happiness 
to  command 

I  beg  leave  to  enclose  a  return  of  the  casualties  on  this  occasion,  and 
have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

To  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  -EDWARD  PELLEW. 

Casualiies.-^-Killed  and  Wounded. 

Caledonia.— S  wounded  slightly. 

San  Josef. — 4  wounded,  viz.  Lieutenant  Clarke,  royal  marines,  Mr. 
Cuppage,  midshipman,  each  lost  a  leg,  two  men  slightly. 

Scipivn.—l.  killed  by  accident,  1  wounded  by  the  enemy,  slightly. 
Boyne. — 1  wounded  slightly. 
Pompee. — 2  slightly  burnt  by  accident. 
Pembroke.— &  wounded  slightly. 

EDWARD  PELLEW. 


A  List  of  Ships  and  Vessels  captured,  detained,  and  sent  into  Halifax  ly  the. 
Squadron  wider  the  Command  of  the  Right  Han.  Sir  J.  B.  Warren, 
Bart.  K.B.  between  the  20M  April  and  the  20th  September,  1813,  not  be- 
fore gazetted. 

'Brig  Sally,  of  143  tons,  from  Portland,  bound  to  St.  Margaret's,  cap- 


70     .  NAVAL   HISTORY   0*    THE   PRESENT   "YEAR,    1813—1814. 

tured  by  the  Curlew,  April  J4,  1813.  Brig  Hector,  of  156  tons,  from  Ha- 
vaunah,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  by  the  Spaiian,  April  30,  1813, 
Schooner  Ann.  of  43  tons,  frum  New  Orleans,  bound  to  Bourdeaux,  cap- 
tured by  the  Nympbe,  Shannon,  Tenedos,  and  Emulous,  May  5,  1818. 
Ship  Youup  Phoenix,  from  Jersey,  recaptured  by  the  Orpheus,  May  9,  1813. 
Schooner  Emperor,  frotn  Carolina,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the 
Orpheus  and  liamillie?,  May  C,  ISIS.  Brig  Paragon,  from  Aberdeen,  bound 
to  New  Brunswick,  rec:*ptured  by  the  Shannon  and  Nova  Sotia,  May  19, 
1813.  Ship  Duck,  from  Waterford,  bound  to  Newfoundland,  recaptured 
by  the  Bold,  May  18,  1813.  Ship  Fidelia,  of  243  tons.  ,rom  New  York, 
bound  to  Cadiz,  captured  by  the  Orpheus  and  Raiuili.es,  May  19,1813. 
Sloop  Juliet,  of  92  tons,  from  Cuba,  bound  to  Newport,  captured  by  the 
Paz,  May  10,  1813.  Sloop  Branch,  of  78  tons,  from  Boston,  bound  to 
Dear  Island,  captured  by  the  Bream,  May  26,  1813.  Sloop  Seruirainis,  of 
85  tons,  from  P.  River,  bound  to  Boston,  capture<l  hy  the  Bream,  April  23, 
1813.  Schooner  Columbia,  of  98  tons,  from  Martinique,  captured  t>y  tha 
.Rattler,  May  10,  1813.  Schooner  Postboy,  of  154  tons,  from  Salem, 
bound  to  St.  Domingo,  captured  by  the  Shannon,  Tenedos,  and  Hauler, 
May  24,  1813.  Schooner  Joanna,  of  48  tons,  from  Co.-rnn,  bound  to  Ease 
Port,  captured  by  the  Dart  privateer,  June  1,  1813.  Schooner  Washing- 
ton, of  65  tons,  from  Portland,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Dart 
privateer,  June  5,  1813.  Ship  Cuba,  of  176  tons,  captured  by  the  Dart 
privateer,  June  6,  1813.  Brig  Christiana,  of  132  tons  (in  the  possession  of 
the  American  privateer  Teaser),  captured  by  the  Wasp  and  Rover,  June 
16,  1813.  Schooner  Lark,  captured  by  the  Wasp  and  Rover.  Schooner 
Eunice,  of  193  tons,  from  St. Ubes,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  hy  the 
Wasp,  June  18,  1813.  Brig  Thomas,  from  Cadi?,  bound  to  Boston,  cap- 
tured by  the  Wasp.  Ship  Gustava,  of  123  tons,  from  Boston,  bound  to 
Madeira,  captured  by  the  Sylph,  June  22,  1813.  Ship  North  Star,  of 
117  tons,  from  Sc.  Salvador,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Tenedos, 
June  24,  1813.  Brig  St.  Japo,  of  267  tons,  from  Salem,  bound  to 
Malaga,  captured  by  the  Woolwich,  June  26,  1813.  Ship  Minerva,  of 
184  tons,  from  Boston,  bound  to  Lisbon,  captured  by  La  H"gue,  June  30, 
1813.  Packet  Ship,  Liverpool,  captured  by  the  Dover.  Schooner  Harriet, 
from  Newfoundland,  bound  to  London,  captured  by  the  Dover,  June  17, 
1813.  Schooner  Little  Bill,  from  St.  Bartholomew's,  bound  to  North 
Carolina,  captured  by  the  Loup  Cervier,  June  27,  1813.  Ship  Herman,  of 
413  tons,  from  Baltimore,  bound  to  Lisbon,  captured  by  the  Chesapeake 
squadron,  June  24,  1813.  Brig  Fanny,  of  146  tons,  from  Newhaven, 
bound  to  Halifax,  captured  by  La  Hogue,  July  8,  1813.  Schooner  Swift, 
of  63  tons,  from  Cape  Cod,  bound  to  Ipswich,  captured  by  ti  c  Curlew, 
July  7,  1813.  Schooner  Two  Brothers,  of  53  tons,  from  Kcnnt-beck, 
bound  to  Ipswich,  captured  by  the  Curlew,  same  date.  Ship  Srartowcr, 
re-captured  by  the  Fantome.  Schooner  Precilla,  of  01  tons,  bound  to  Bos- 
ton,  captured  by  the  Curlew,  July  9,  1813.  Brig  Ellen,  from  St.  Bartholo- 
mew's, bound  to  Portland,  captured  by  La  Hogue.  Schooner  Rebecca,  of 
86  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Cadiz,  or  Halifax,  captured  by  the 
Boxer,  July,  37,  1813.  Schooner  Nancy,  of  14  tons,  taken  inhaibourat 
Little  River,  by  the  Boxer,  July  28,  1813.  Schooner  Prudentia,  bound  to 
Cadiz,  captured  by  the  Rattler,  July  7,  1813.  Sloop  Eunice,  captured  by 
the  Curlew,  August  7,  1813.  Brig  Anna',  of  125  tons,  from  Nen  haven, 
bound  to  Laguira,  captured  by  the  Poictiers.  Alaitlstone,  ami  Nimrod, 
August  13,  1813.  Ship  Uepuiilicap,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Port  an 
Prince,  captured  by  the  Nimrod,  August  11,  1813.  Ship  Manchester,  cap- 
tured by  tlie  Nimrod,  Poictiers,  and  Maidatonc,  August  18,  1813.  Brig 
Isabella,  of  128  tons,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Picton,  August  19, 
Schooner  Lively,  from  St.  Thomas's,  bound  to  Halifax,  captured 


NAVAL  HISTOUY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813—1814.    71 

by  the  Epervier,  August  2Q,  1813.  Ship  Gusfoff,  of  374  tons,  from  New 
York,  hound  to  Beaufort,  captured  by  the  Statira  and  Martin,  June  14, 
1813.  Schooner  Providence,  captured  by  the  Nymphe,  July  22,  1813. 
Brig  Fanny,  from  Morice  River,  bound  to  Philadelphia,  captured  by  th« 
Statira,  .June  1,  1813.  Ship  Ulysses,  of  248  tons,  from  the  Savannah, 
bound  to  Boimleaux,  captured  by  the  Majestic,  June  30,  1813.  Brig 
John  Adams,  of  223  tons,  from  Portland,  bound  to  St.  Ban holornew's,  cap- 
tured by  the  Rattler  and  Retrieve  privateer,  July  11,  1819.  Schooner 
Bet*cy,  of'  117  tons,  from  Tort<>la,  bound  to  Portland,  captured  by  the 
Bream,  July  14,1813.  Schooner  Triton,  of  182  tons,  from  St.  Thomas's, 
bound  to  K<  nnebeck,  captured  by  the  Bream,  •same  date.  Schooner  Jef- 
ferson, of  99  tons,  fn  in  Boston,  captured  by  the  Bream,  July  12,  1813. 
Briii  Sr,nn  er.  from  Liverpool,  bound  to  Halifax,  captured  by  the  Ring- 
dove, July  28,  1813.  Sloop  Mary,  captured  by  the  Nimrod  Ship  Flor 
c!e  .f:is.o,  ot  16A  tons,  from  Lisbou,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the 
Manly.  Bri«  Hop<^,  from  Batavia,  bound  to  Providence,  captured  by  the 
Manly,  August  2,  1815.  Schoom-r  Four  Brothers,  captured  by  the  Emu- 
lous August  4,  1813.  Silip  Roxana,  captured  by  La  Hogue.  Sloop 
William  and  Ann,  of  77  tons,  from  Scotland,  bound  to  Ireland,  captured 
by  the  Nimrod,  Julv  31, 1813.  Sloop  Minter,  of  56  tons,  from  Province 
Town,  hound  t>  New  Bedford,  captured  by  La  Hogue,  July  11,  1813, 
Schooju-r  two  fy  others,  of  89  tons,  from  Tanfield,  bound  to  Eastport,  cap- 
tured l>y  the  Boxer,  July  6,  1813,  Sloop  Friendship,  of  100  tons,  from 
Blackrock,  hound  to  Eastport,  captured  by  the  Boxer,  July  6,  1813. 
Schooner  Polly,  captured  by  the  Statira,  August  13,  1813.  Schooner  King 
George,  of  204  tons,  from  Liverpool,  captured  by  the  Recruit,  August  18, 
1813.  The  Gennett,  of  35  tons,  from  Hingham,  hound  to  Fishing,  captured 
by  the  Nymphe  and  Curlew,  August  12,  1813.  Sloop  Endeavour,  of  184 
tons,  from  Castine,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Nymphe  and  Cur- 
lew, August  17,  18^3.  Schooner  Rebecca,  of  117  tons,  from  Townsend, 
bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Boxer,  August  3,  1813.  Sloop  Fairplay 
captured  by  the  Boxer,  July  25,  1813.  Schooner  Porpoise,  of  32  tons, 
captured  by  the  Rattler,  July  31,  1813.  Brig  Anaconda,  captured  by  the 
Sceptre.  Schooner  Euphernia,  of  90  tons,  from  Havanpah,  hound  to  Bos- 
ton, captured  by  the  Majestic,  August  27,  1813.  Brig  Elizabeth,  cap- 
tured by  the  Shelburne,  August  26,  1813.  Schooner  Espoz  y  Mina,  from 
La  Guira,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  by  the  Statira,  August  24,  1813. 
Ship  Flor  de  Mar,  of  311  tons,  from  Fayal,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by 
La  Hogue,  August  16,  1813.  Brig  Alicia,  captured  by  the  Loire  and 
Martin.  Ship  jane,  captured  by  the  Loire  and  Martin.  Ship  Divina  Pas- 
tora,  of  380  tons,  from  Ilavannah,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  by  the 
Statira,  September  1,  1813.  Ship  Jerusalem,  of  750  tons,  from  Havan- 
nah,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Majestic,  September  3,  1813. 
Sloop  Dolphin.  Brig  Mariner,  captured  by  the  Poicticrs,  August  29, 
1813.  Schooner  Fortune,  captured  by  the  Boxer,  August  31,  1813. 
Brig  Watson,  captured  by  the  Poictiers,  September  3,  1813.  Schooner 
Torpedo,  captured  by  the  Plantagenet,  September  11,  1813.  Ship  Cata- 
lonia, captured  by  the  Shannon,  September  16,  1813.  Ship  Alliance,  cap- 
tured by  the  Shannon,  September  16,  1813.  Schooner  Queen  Charlotte, 
captured  by  the  Shannon,  September  17,  1813.  Ship  Massachusetts,  cap- 
tured by  the  Censor,  -September  11,  1813.  Ship  Santa  Cecilia,  from 
Lisbon,  bound  to  New  Bedford,  captured  by  the  Wasp,  September  14, 
1813.  Ship  Active,  captured  by  the  Epervier,  September  20,  1813. 
Schooner  Mary,  of  61  tons,  bound  to  Boston,  captured  by  the  Sylph,  Sep- 
tember 13.  1813.  Flor  de  Jago, 

JOHN  BORLASE  WARREN, 


72       XAVAL  HISTORY    OF    THE   PRESENT!    YJAR,    1813  — !Sl4i 

JANUARY   8. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Farquhar,  of  H.  M.S.  Desirte,  to  John 
Wilson  Crokcr,  Esq.  dated  vff  Gluckstadt,  December  23,  1813. 

I  have  to  acquaint  their  Lordships,  that  on  Sunday,  the  19th  instant,  I 
was  made  acquainted,  by  letter  from  Captain  Marshall,  of  his  Majesty's 
•loop  Shamrock,  that  a  detachment  of  the  Swedish  army  was  advancing 
towards  Gluckstadt,  I  determined  to  move  up  next  morning  with  his  Ma- 
jesty's ships  Desiree  and  Blazer,  but  the  weather  was  so  extremely  thick 
that  it  was  impossible  to  move;  the  same  day  I  received  another  commu- 
nication from  Captain  Marshall,  that  Stoar  battery,  a  little  below  Gluck- 
stadt, was  attacked  by  the  Swedes,  when  the  enemy  set  fire  to  the  gun- 
carriages,  spiked  their  guns,  and  retreated  into  the  town.  1  therefore  re- 
solved to  proceed  up  the  river  that  night  in  a  gun-boat,  and  ordered  the 
Jrigate  and  brig  to  come  up  as  soon  as  the  weather  should  clear,  and  tliej 
arrived  this  morning. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Hostf,  of  H.  M.  S.  Bacchante,  addressed 
to  Rear-admiral  Fremantle,  and  transmitted  by  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward 
Pelleio,  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  E.M  S.  Bacchante,  off"  Castel  Nuova,  Oct.  16,  1813. 

T  arrived  off  Ragusa  on  the  18th  instant,  and  joined  the  Saracen  and 
three  gun-boats,  with  a  detachment  of  the  garrizon  of  Curzola  on  board, 
commanded  by  Captain  Lowen,  who  had  been  directed  by  Colonel  Robert- 
son to  act  on  this  coast. 

From  the  information  I  received  from  Captain  Harper,  of  the  Saracen, 
together  with  the  state  of  the  country  about  Cattaro,  and  the  insurrection 
of  the  Bocchese,  I  lost  no  time  in  proceeding  to  this  place,  with  the 
vessels  under  my  orders.  On  the  13th,  in  the  morning,  we  forced  th« 
passage  between  Castel  Nuova  and  the  fort  of  Rosa,  and  after  some  firing, 
secured  a  capital  anchorage  for  the  squadron  about  three  miles  above 
Ca§tel  Nuova. 

In  the  evening,  I  detached  the  boats  of  this  ship,  with  those  of  the 
Saracen,  and  the  two  Sicilian  gun-boats,  under  Captain  Harper's  orders, 
who  very  handsomely  volunteered  his  sen  ices,  to  capture  the  enemy's 
armed  naval  force,  which  I  understood  were  lying  between  the  Isle  St. 
George,  and  the  town  of  Cattaro.  Captain  Harper  completely  succeeded: 
the  enemy  had  destroyed  their  boats  on  his  approach,  but  having  suc- 
ceeded in  manning  them  with  the  armed  Bocchese  in  the  neighbourhood, 
he  most  gallantly  attacked  and  carried  the  Island  St.  George,  the  con>. 
ruandant  and  his  garrison  surrendering  at  discretion.  I  enclose  his  report 
of  the  affair,  with  the  account  of  the  guns,  &c.  captured.  This  is  a  point 
of  the  utmost  importance  to  our  future  operations :  it  commands  and 
fronts  the  narrow  channel  to  the  narrow  branch  of  the  river  that  leads  up 
to  Cattaro  itself;  and,  fortified  as  it  is,  it  would  have  been  with  difficulty, 
if  at  all,  the  ships  of  war  could  have  passed  it.  The  fort  of  Peroste  was 
taken  by  the  Bocchese  the  same  night,  and  I  have  now  the  pleasure  to 
acquaint  you,  that  Castel  Nuova,  and  Fort  Espagnol,  surrendered  by 
capitulation  to  the  British  force  this  morning,  a  copy  of  which  I  enclose. 
The  garrison  remain  prisoners  of  war  till  exchanged  ;  the  officers  are 
allowed  their  parole.  There  are  several  Croats  amongst  the  garrison,  who 
are  willing  to  enter  the  Austrian  service,  and  I  intend  sending  them  to 
Fiume.  I  shall  lose  no  time  ingesting  up  to  Cattaro.  Fort  St.  John  is 
the  only  place  the  enemy  possess  in  the  Boccy.  The  French  general, 
Gaathier.  has  retired  into  the  fart,  with  about  six  hundred  men :  it  »i 


NAVAL    HISTOUY    OF   THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1813 — 1814.         73 

about  fifteen  miles  up  the  river,  and  is  a  very  strong  place.  I  intend  pro- 
ceeding there  directly  I  have  arranged  our  affairs  here. 

I  have  left  a  garrison  in  Fort  Espagnol,  and  enclose  the  return  of  the 
stores,  guns,  &c.  &c.  taken  in  the  three  places.  The  Montenegrins  have 
been  of  considerable  service  in  closely  blockading  the  country  round 
Espagnol,  and  the  neighbourhood.  I  cannot  mention  in  too  warm  terms 
the  conduct  of  Captain  Harper  ;  he  is  ever  ready,  and  most  indefatigable, 
and  the  capture  of  the  Isle  of  St.  George  does  him,  the  officers,  and  men, 
the  highest  credit. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  Captain  Lowen  for  the  ready  advice  and  assist- 
ance he  at  all  times  gives  me ;  and  the  zeal  that  animates  every  one  is 
highly  praiseworthy.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Rear-admiral  Fremant le,  SfC.  \\.  HOSTE. 

Saracen,  off  Cast  el  Nuova,  Bocca  di  Cattaro, 
SIR,  October  13,  1813. 

Agreeably  to  your  directions,  I  send  the  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
boats  you  did  me  the  honour  of  putting  under  my  command.  At  ten  P.M. 
on  the  12th  instant,  I  left  the  Saracen  with  the  two  gun-boats,  the  launch 
and  barge  of  the  Bacchante,  and  the  boats  of  the  sloop  under  my  command, 
and  pulled  towards  Caitaro.  On  going  through  the  passage  of  Cadone,  the 
enemy  on  the  island  of  St.  George  opened  u  heavy  tire  on  us.  We  fortu- 
nately escaped  without  damage.  At  midnight,  within  four  miles  of  Cat- 
taro, I  found  the  enemy's  four  gun-boats  in  a  state  of  revolt.  I  instantly 
took  possession  of  them.  The  appearance  of  the  English  at  th:s  moment 
had  the  happiest  effect.  I  landed  at  the  different  places;  summoned  the 
principal  inhabitants,  who  immediately,  at  my  request,  armed  en  mas^e 
asaii^r.  the  French.  As  there  was  not  a  moment  to  be  lost  in  carrying  into 
execution  your  further  orders  respecting  the  island  of  St.  George,  I  hoisted 
the  English  and  Austrian  flags  in  the  four  gun-hoats  taken,  and  manned 
them  with  part  English,  and  the  remainder  inhabitants,  volunteers,  and 
proceeded  down  to  the  attack  of  that  place.  At  daylight,  I  landed  at  the 
town  of  Persale,  and  found  die  inhabitants  had  taken  possession  of  a  small 
castle  of  three  gun i  from  the  French.  Seeing  these  guns  might  be  em- 
ployed with  advantage  against  the  fortifications  of  St.  George,  and  the  in- 
habitants putting  themselves  under  my  orders,  I  hoisted  the  English  and 
Austrian  colours,  and  took  the  command.  I  ordered  Lieutenant  Gostiing 
to  bring  up  the  gun-hoats  to  the  attack,  which  he  did  in  the  most  handsome 
manner.  At  six  A.M.  this  morning,  a  heavy  and  well-directed  fire  was 
opened  at  the  island,  and  returned  from  it.  In  fifteen  minutes  the  enemy 
was  driven  from  his  guns,  and  made  a  flag  of  truce  and  offered  to  capitu- 
late. I  insisted  on  their  surrendering  at  discretion,  the  whole  to  be  pri- 
soners, and  allowed  tiiem  five  minutes  only  before  I  commenced  firing 
a^ain,  to  which  they  submitted,  and  I  took  possession  of  the  island,  and 
hoisted  the  English  colours.  I  am  happy  to  say,  this  strong  place  has  been 
reduced  without  any  loss  on  our  side. 

It  i*  with  the  iire:itest  pleasure  I  have  to  report  the  good  conduct  of 
every  officer  and  man  employed,  and  if  I  had  been  obliged  to  storm  the 
island,  as  I  intended,  1  feel  confident  the  result  would  have  been  complete 
*ucccss. 

Lieutenant  Gostiing,  of  the  Bacchante,  to  whom.  I  gave  the  command 
of  the  gun-hoais,  brought  them  up  to  the  attack  iindera  heavy  fire  from  the 
enemy,  in  the  mo->t  cool  and  determined  manner.  [  have  landed  the  ma- 
rines, and  given  him  the  command  of  the  island  until  your  pleasure  ia 
known.  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  describe  the  juy  and  enthusiasm  <»*  the 
^habitant;,  at  seeing  the  English  flag  flying.  la  two  hours  1  hud  the 

.  Jlol.XXXI.  *- 


74       NAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1813  —  1814, 

whole  population  armed   under  my  command,  and  ready  to  execute  any 
thing  I  might  order. 

The  gun-boats  I  had  taken,  I  have  ordered  to  blockade  the  town  and 
castle  of  C;ittarr,  l>v  sea,  and  the  armed  inhabitants  by  land,  which  they  are 
doing  in  the  btrictest  manner. 

Enclosed  I  send  returns  of  gun-boats,  prisoners,  ordnance  stores,  &c. 
taken.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  HARPER,  Commander  of  the  Saracen. 
W'dliam  Hoste,  Esq.  Capta'm  of  H.  M,  S*  Bacchante. 

A  Rejurn  of  G  tin  loa/g  taken  on  the  Evening  of  the  13th  October,  1813, 

near  Cattaro. 

2  gun  boats,  each  1  long  24-pounder  in  the  bow,  1  12-  pounder  carronade 
in  the  stern,  manned  with  30  sailors  and  6  soldiers  each. 

2  gun-boats,  each  1  long  '24-pounder  in  the  bow,  manned  with  26  sailors 
and  C  soldiers  each. 

These  gun-boats  had  on  board  four  large  brass  Q4-pounders,  carriages, 
shot,  &c.  and  were  going  to  Cattaro  to  be  mounted  on  the  fortifications, 

J.  HARPER,  Commander  of  the  Saracen. 

A  Return  of  Prisoners  taken  at  the  Island  of  St.  George  and  small  Castle 

ofVcsarte,  on  the  Morning  of  the  \3th  October,  J813. 
1  captain-commandant,  2  lieutenants,  1  captain  of  engineers,  9  gunners, 
2  serjeaius,  4  corporals,    120  privates. 

J.  HARPER,  Commander  of  the  Saracen. 


An  Account  of  Ordnance  Stores,  &-c.  taken  at  the  hland  of  St.  George, 
October,   1813. 

1  24-pounder  brass  gun,  4  18-pounder  brass  guns,  1  18-pounder  iron 
gun,  3  six  and  half-pounder  iron  guns,  shot  springes,  &c.  &c.  complete  ; 
1  six  and  hah'-ir.rh  bras=.  mortar,  shells,  &c.  ;  1  furnace  for  heating  shot, 
66  barrels  of  powder.  8  cases  of  musket  balls,  3  ca^es  of  hand  grenades, 
1  case  of  live  shells,  18  casks  of  bread,  5  casks  of  wine,  1  cask  of  salt  fish. 
J.  HARPER,  Commander  of  the  Saracen. 

ARTICLES  of  CAPITULATION,  agreed  on  between  the  Forces  of  his 
Britannic  Majesty,  commanded  by  William  Boste,  Esq.  Captain  of  his 
ftri/annic  JMujesly's  Skip  Jiucchante,  and  S<^nior  Officer  in  the  Bocco  d\ 
(.'tittaro,  on  O'tr  stile  ;  and  the  French  Garrisons  yf  Castel  Nuova  find 
Fort  Espagnnl,  on  the  other,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-colonel  Holezroi'z. 

Art.  I.  The  French  troops  shall  march  out  of  the  place  with  the  ho- 
nours of  war  j  5-h:iIl  deposit  their  arms  on  the  glacis,  and  shall  be  em- 
barked on  board  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ships,  and  shall  be  considered  as 
prisoners  uf  \var. 

Art.  II.  The  colonel  and  officers  shall  remain  on  their  paroles,  and  not 
to  serve  till  regijlarly  exchanged.  Tnty  shall  be  allowed  to  retain  their 
swords. 

Art.  III.  Tbe  Croats,  officers  and  soldiers,  have  permission  to  return 
to  their  own  country,  and  shall  be  recommended  to  the  Hou^e  of  Austria, 

Art.  IV.  Ti.fc  fortress  and  Cartel  Nuova  shall  remain  in  the  same  state 
it  is  at  present  ;  the  magazines  and  public  stores  shall  remain  in  the  same 
»tafe  they  are  actually  in, 

Art.  V.     All  private  property  shall  be  respected. 

Art.  VI.  'i  ho  tioop;.  of  his  Britannic  Majesty  shall  take  possession  of 
J"ort  Espagnol  and  of  Ca:tel  Nuova  ut  eight  o'«lock  to  morrow  morninet 


it  AVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PursENT  YEAR,  1813 — 1814.       75 

Art.  VII.  A  guard  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  troops  shall  immedi- 
ately tie  sent  into  the  city  to  preserve  tranquillity. 

The  ollicer  who  delivers  this  will  wait  half  an  hour  for  an  answer. 

WM.  HOSTE,  Captain  of  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  ship  Bacchante. 

P.  LOWEN,  Captain,  commanding  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  Troops. 

IIOLEVVOITZ,  Le  Colonel-Comman- 
dant de  Castel  Nuova; 

Return  of  the  Garrison  of  Castel  Nuova  and  Fort  Espagnol,  on  the  iGtft 
October,  1813. 

4th  Regiment  of  Croats. — 1  colonel,  1  lieutenant,  1  serjcant-major, 
1  private. 

3d  Regiment  of  Croats. — I  captain,  3  lieutenants,  1  aide-major,  1  sub- 
lieutenant, J  adjutant,  2  serjeant-majors,  6  serjeants,  14  corporals,  236 
privates,  4  drummers. 

4th  Italian  Regiment.' — 1  Serjeant,  5  privates. 

Artillery. — 1  lieutenant,  1  guard  of  artillery,   10  gunners. 
•  Gendarmerie. — 1   brigadier,  5   gendarmes,   2  engineer   and  magazine 

guards.-; Total— 299. 

Le  Colonel  HOLEWOITZ. 
W.  ffoste,  Captain  of  H.  M.  S.  Bacchante.. 

An  Account  of  Ordnance^    Stores,  SfC.   taken  at  Fort    Espagnol,  on  the 
morning  of  tJie  Wth  October,  1313. 

4  brass  3-pounders,  7  iron  12-pounders,  4  iron  4-pounders,  1  iron  l3- 
•pounder,  dismounted,  7  iron  swivels,  40  barrels  of  powder,  100  Ibs.  each, 
900,000  musket-ball  cartridges,  400  tilled  cartridges  for  guns,  3000  eleven- 
inch  live  shells,  600  hand  grenades,  4000  three,  tour,  and  12-pounders. 

Castel  Nuova. 

2  brass  12-poundcrs,  1  iron  24-pounder,  4  iron  12-poundcrs,  2  iron 
4-pounders,  dismounted,  3  barrels  of  powder,  200  His.  each,  1  barrel  of 
powder,  100  Ibs.  2000  shot,  different  sizes,  1500  eleven-inch  shells,  300 
hand  grenades,  not  iillcd.  W.  11OSTE,  Captain. 

Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellevv  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Crokcr, 
Esq.  a  letter  from  Captain  Dickson,  of  H.  M.  S.  Swiftsure,  reporting  the 
capture,  off  Cape  Rousse,  in  the  Island  of  Corsica,  on  the  26th  of  Novem- 
ber, of  the  French  schooner  privateer  Charlemagne,  of  eight  guns,  and  93 
men,  by  the  boats  of  the  above  ship,  under  the  directions  .of  Lieutenant 
William  Smith. 

The  schooner  had  sailed  from  Genoa  twenty-four  days  before,  stored  for 
a  six  months'  cruize,  and  was  availing  herself  of  her  sweeps  to  escape  from 
the  Swiftsure,  when  the  boats  were  despatched  in  pursuit  of  her.  On 
tlitir  approach,  the  enemy  made  every  preparation  for  resistance,  and  re- 
served their  fire  till  the  boats  had  opened  theirs,  when  they  returned  it  in 
the  most  determined  manner  for  soine  minutes,  until  tiio  vessel  was 
boarded  on  the  Low  and  quarter,  and  instantly  earned. 

Captain  Dickbon  commends,  in  very  high  term?,  the  gallantry  of  all  the 
officers  and  men  employed  in  the  boats. 

Mr.  Joseph  Douglas,  midshipman,  and  four  seamen,  were  killed  ;  apd 
Lieutenants  Fuller  and  Harvey,  L'etttuuaut  Thompson,  oi'  :he  marines, 
Mr.  Field,  midshipman,  and  eleven  ieamtn,  wounded. 


76         If  AVAL    HISTORY    OF   THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1813—1811. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  about  equal ;  the  first  and  second  captains  of 
the  pr.vateer  (both  national  orhcers)  were  severely  wounded. 

JANUARY  11. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from    Rear-admiral  Fiemantle,  to  John  Wilson  Croker, 
Esq.  datid  on  board  II. M.S.  Milj'ord,    Trieste,  December,  181J. 

sru, 

I  huve  the  honour  of  enclosing  a  report  from  the  Hon.  Captain  Cadogan, 
of  H.  M.  &.  Havannah,  giving  an  account  of  the  surrender  of  the  very 
impoitant  fortress  of  Zara  to  the  Austrian  and  British  forces. 

The  judgment,  perseverance,  and  ability  shewn  by  him,  on  every  occa- 
sion, will  not,  I  aiu  persuaded,  escape  their  Lordships'  observation. 

Captain  Cadogani  with  the  crews  of  a  frigate  and  a  sloop,  has  accom- 
plished as  much  a&  required  the  services  of  the  squadron  united  at  Trieste. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


SIR,  '  H.  M.S.  Ha-cannali,  before  Zara,  December  6,  1813. 

It  is  with  great  satisfaction  I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  the 
fortress  of  Zara  has  this  day  capitulated  to  the  combined  Austrian  and 
English  forces,  after  sustaining  a  cannonade  of  thirteen  days  from  the 
English  batteries,  consisting  of  two  32-pound  earronades,  eight  18-poun- 
ders,  and  seven  12-pound  long  guns,  as  well  as  two  howitzers  worked  by 
Austrian*. 

As  the  courier  which  conveys  this  information  will  set  out  immediately, 
I  shall  defer  entering  into  particulars  until  another  opportunity,  and  con- 
fine myself  to  the  general"  terms  granted,  which  are,  that  the  garrison  are 
to  march  out  with  honours  of  war;  to  ground  their  arms  on  the  glacis,  and 
then  to  he  conducted  as  prisoners  of  war,  until  exchanged,  to  the  outposts 
of  the  nearest  French  army. 

The  outwork  of  the  garrison  to  be  occupied  this  evening  by  tlie  Austrian 
troops,  and  the  whole  of  the  enemy  to  march  out  on  the  Uth,  at  ten  A.M. 

As  soon  as  1  can  make  ready  a  copy  of  the  terms,  I  shall  have  the 
honour  of  forwarding  them  to  you  :  in  the  mean  time, 

I  have  the  honour  to  he,  &c. 
Rear- admiral  Fremanlle,  %c.  CEO.  CADOGAN,  Captain. 

The  letters,  of  which  the  following  are  copies,  have  been  transmitted  to 
John  \Vilson  t'roker.  Esq.  by  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  IVIIew,  Bart.com- 
mander-in  chief  of  his  Majesty's  ships  and  vessels  in  the  Mediterranean. 

SIR,  H.  AT.  Sloop  Suallow,  at  Sea,  September  16,  1813. 

Being  well  in-shore  at  day-light  this  morning,  between  the  Tiber  and 
D'Aiizo,  p.  brig  and  xebeck  were  discovered  between  us  and  the  latter  har- 
bour, and  having  li^lu  baftling  winds  at  the  time  from  the  eastward,  I 
thought  the  boats  wtjuki  have  a  chance  of  reaching  them  before  they  got 
into  port,  and  tht-y  were  despatched,  under  the  direction  of  Lietiteii;u>r 
Samuel  Edward  Cook  ( first  of  the  Swallow),  assisted  by  Mr.  Thomas  Cole, 
ii:ate,  and  Mr.  Henry  Thomas,  midshipman,  and  alter  a  row  of  two  hours 
they  came  up  with,  and  bronj^jt  out  from  close  under  D'Anzo  (from 
whence  numerous  boats,  besides  two  gun-- boats,  had  been  scni  to  her 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813—1814.          77 

assistance,  and  kept  her  in  tow  till  the  moment  of  the  boats  boarding), 
the  French  brig  Guerriere,  of  four  guns  and  sixty  stand  of  small  arms. 

There  could  not  have  been  more  steady  cool  bravery  displayed  than  on 
this  occasion.  Lieutenant  Cook  speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  every  per- 
son with  him. 

I  am  sorry  to  say  his  loss  has  been  severe,  having  had  two  seamen  killed 
and  four  severely  wounded  in  his  boat,  as  you  will  find  in  the  enclosed 
return.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

E.  R.  SIBLY,  Commander. 

To  the  Hon.  Henry  Duncan,  Captain 
of  H.M.S.  Imperim.se,  $c. 

List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  off  TfAnzo^  September  the  16th,  1313,  belong' 
ing  to  his  Majesty's  Sloop  Swallow. 

Killed. — Thomas  Philips,  ordinary  seaman  ;  N.  Jones,  ordinary  seaman. 

Wounded.— James  Fitzgerald,  ordinary  seaman,  severely  ;  John  Boyles, 
ordinary  seaman,  ditto  ;  James  Dorsey,  able  seaman,  ditto ;  William 
Dixon,  ordinary  seaman,  dangerously. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Edinburgh,  ojfD'Anzo,  October  5,  1813. 

In  obedience  to  your  directions,  I  put  to  sea  and  joined  Captain  Duncan, 
of  the  Imperieuse,  and  the  ships  named  in  the  margin,*  this  morning,  off 
this  place,  where  he  had  been  watching  a  convoy  for  some  days,  wilh  the 
intention  of  attacking  them  the  first  favourable  opportunity.  The  necessary 
arrangements  having  been  made  by  that  officer  for  the  attack,  I  added  the 
force  of  this  ship  to  it,  and  made  the  signal  that  those  arrangements  would 
be  adhered  to,  and  to  prepare  for  battle.  The  place  was  defended  by  two 
batteries,  mounting  three  heavy  guns  each  on  a  mole  ;  a  tower  to  the 
northward  of  this  with  one  gun,  and  a  battery  to  the  southward  with  two 
guns,  to  cover  the  niole.  Every  thing  being  prepared,  at  half-past  one 
P.M.  the  ships  bore  up  and  took  their  stations  as  follows : — the  Imperieuse 
and  Resistance  to  the  mole  batteries ;  the  Swallow  to  the  tower ;  the 
Eclair  and  Pylades  to  the  battery  to  the  southward ;  the  Edinburgh  sup- 
ported the  last-named  ships. 

Shortly  after  the  ships  opened  their  fire,  which  they  did  by  signal  toge- 
ther, the  storming  party,  under  Lieutenant  Travers,  of  the  Imperieuse, 
and  marines,  under  Captain  Mitchell,  landed  in  the  best  order  close  un- 
der the  southern  battery,  which  Lieutenant  Travers  carried  instantly,  on 
which  the  enemy  flew  in  all  directions  :  Lieutenant  Mapleton  having  taken 
possession  of  the  mole  head,  the  convoy,  consisting  of  twenty-nine  vessels, 
was  brought  out  ;vithout  any  loss,  twenty  of  which  are  laden  with  timber 
for  the  arsenal  at  Toulon. 

On  leaving  the  place  all  the  works  were  blown  up,  and  most  completely 
destroyed.  I  feel  the  destruction  of  the  defences  of  this  place  to  be  of 
consequence,  as  it  was  a  convenient  pure  for  shipping  the  very  large  quan- 
tity of  timber  the  enemy  now  have  on  the  adjacent  coast.  The  captains, 
officers,  and  ships'  companies,  deserve  my  warm  acknowledgment  for  their 
exertions  on  this  occasion.  A  few  shot  in  tbc  hulls  and  rigging  of  the 
ships  is  the  only  damage  done. 

Captain  Duncan  informs  me,  that  he  gained  very  material  and  ne- 
cessary information  respecting  this  phice,  by  a  very  gallant,  exploit  per- 
formed a  few  nights  ago  by  Lieutenant  Travers,  of  the  Imperieu>e,  who 


*  Resistance,  Swallow,  Eduir,  and  Pylades, 


T8       NAVAL   HISTORY   Of   THE   MIESENT    YEAR,    1813 — 1814. 

stormed,    with   a  bbat's  crew,    a  tower  of  one  gun,  destroying  it,  an4 
bringing  the  guard  away. 

I  am,  &c.  G.  II.  L.  DUNDAS,  Captain. 

To  Captain  Rowley,  H  M.S.  America,  Senior  Officer. 

sin,  H.  M.  S.  Furieuse,  at  Sea,  October  8,  1813. 

I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you,  that  on  the  4th  instant,  running  along  the 
coast  to  the  island  of  Ponza,  at  one  P.M.  I  observed,  a  convoy  of  nineteen 
vessels  in  the  harbour  of  Mariuclo  (about  six  miles  to  the  eastward  of 
Civita  Vecchia),  protected  by  two  gun-boats,  a  fort  of  two  long  Si- 
pounders,  and  a  strong  fortified  castle  and  tower,  and  it  appearing  prac- 
ticable to  cut  them  out,  as  the  wind  was  fair  for  that  purpose,  Lieutenants 
Croker  and  Lester,  with  Lieutenants  Whylock  and  Davies,  of  marines, 
gallantly  volunteered  to  storm  the  fort  on  the  land  side,  with  the  whole  of 
the  marines  and  boats' crews,  whilst  the  ship  anchored  before  it,  which  ser- 
vice was  promptly  performed  ;  and,  after  a  fe'v  broadsides,  I  had  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  the  battery  carried,  and  guns  spiked,  by  our  gallant  party 
on  shore.  The  enemy  retreated,  and  took  the  strong  positions  of  the 
castle  and  tower  overlooking  the  harbour,  where  they  kept  up  a  constant 
fire  of  musketry  through  loop-holes,  without  the  possibility  of  being  dis- 
lodged;  although  I  weighed  and  moved  in,  so  that  the  whole  fire  of  the 
ship  was  directed  against  it.  Nothing  could  damp  the  ardour  of  the  party 
on  shore,  who,  together  with  Lieutenant  Lester  in  the  boats,  lost  not  a 
moment  in  boarding  and  cutting  the  cables  of  sixteen  vessels,  under  a 
most  galling  fire,  two  of  which  were  sunk  in  the  entrance  of  the  harbour, 
and  fourteen  got  out.  I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  twelve  brave  men 
killed  and  wounded,  which  is  less  than  might  have  been  expected,  as  more 
than  five  hundred  regular  troops  arrived  from  Civita  Vecchia;  but  were 
kept  in  check  in  coming  along,  and  forced  to  take  a  circuitous  route,  by  a 
well-directed  fire  from  the  ship,  which  allowed  sutiicicnt  time  for  all  our 
men  to  embark. 

It  is  now  a  pleasing  duty  to  pay  a  just  tribute  of  praise  to  the  very  gallant 
and  determined  conduct  of  Mr.  Croker,  first  lieutenant,  whose  zeal  on 
this  and  every  other  occasion  merits  my  warmest  commendation  ;  and  he 
speaks  in  the  highest  terms  of  admiration  of  the  determined  bravery  of 
Lieutenants  Ltster,  Whylock,  and  Davies,  the  petty  oliicers,  seamen,  and 
royal  marines  under  his  command. 

The  whole  of  this  service  was  most  successfully  accomplished  in  three 
hours,  and  fourteen  vessels  deeply  laden  got  clear  off,  which  I  was  obliged 
to  take  in  tow,  as  their  sails  hud  ail  been  unbent,  and  taken  on  shore  to 
prevent  our  getting  them  out.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

WM.  MOUNSEY,  Captain. 
The  Hon.  Henry  Duncan,  Cttptuin  of  H. M.S.  Imuerieuse. 

Killed. — William  Wilson,  ordinary  seaman;  William  Chambers,  marine. 

Wounded. — Henry  Wad  by,  captain  of  forecastle,  very  severely  ;  William 
Govier,  captain  of  ibretop,  ditto;  Archibald  Cowan,  captain  of  maintop, 
ditto:  William  Hogg,  seaman,  ditto;  John  Thompson,  seaman,  ditto; 
Joseph  Kempster,  seaman,  ditto  ;  Samuel  Hooker,  marine,  ditto ;  Chris- 
topher Weeks,  marine,  dangerously;  William  Yiimicotnbe,  seaman,  dan- 
gerously ;  Henry  Luke;  marine,  duto. 

WM.  MOUNSEY,   Captain. 
E.  EVANS,  Surgeon. 


KA.YAL  HISTORY   OF  THE  PRESENT   YEAR,    1813—1814.      70 

A  List  of  Vessels  captured. 

Cun-boat  Le  Bacchus,  1  long  brass  24-pounder  and  4  swivels; 
Gun-boat,  name  unknown. 

Xebeck  St.  Antonio,  pierced  for  12  guns,  2  long  6-pounders  mounted  ; 
and  J3  settees  laden  with  salt,  tobacco,  marble,  and  sundries. 

WM.  MOUNSEY,  Captain. 

SI-R,  H.M.S.  Revenge,  off  P alamos,  November  9,  1813. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  I  discovered  yesterday  a  French 
felucca  privateer,  in  the  harbour  of  Palarnos,  which  Lieutenant  Richards, 
senior  lieutenant  of  this  ship,  handsomely  offered  to  bring  out.  Upon, 
reconnoitring  the  place,  I  did  not  observe  any  insurmountable  impediments 
to  the  enterprise ;  consequently,  at  half-past  eight  P.  M.  I  gave  him  the 
boats  of  this  ship,  aided  by  Lieutenant  Blakiston,  Captain  Speerin  (and  a 
detachment  of  royal  marines  under  his  command),  and  Messrs.  Quelch, 
Ilolfe,  Fisher,  Mainwaring,  Harwood,  Munbee,  Fraser,  Maxwell,  Bu- 
chanan, and  Davey,  master's  mates  and  midshipmen  ;  and  I  have  the  satis- 
faction to  state,  that  they  completely  achieved  their  object  at  eleven  P.M. 
without  an  officer  or  maa  being  hurt;  and  at  one  o'clock  brought  alongside 
their  pri?^,  with  twenty  prisoners  out  of  forty-nine,  the  others  having 
jumped  overboard  ;  and  it  is  a  very  gratifying  part  of  iny  duty  to  inform 
you,  that  Lieutenant  Richards  highly  commends  the  good  conduct  and 
gallantry  of  every  officer  and  man  under  his  orders. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  GORE,  Captain.     ' 
To  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Bart.  fyc. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Undaunted,  off  Pert  Nouvelle,  Nov.  9,  1813. 

1  have  the  honour  to  report  to  you,  that  the  port  of  Nouvc-l!e  was 
attacked  to  day,  and  the  batteries  stormed  in  the  most  gallant  manner  by 
Lieutenant  Hastings  and  Lieutenant  Hunt,  of  the  marines,  the  whole  un- 
der the  command  of  Lieutenant  Hownam,  senior  lieutenant,  who  speaks 
in  great  praise  of  the  officers  and  men  of  this  ship,  and  those  of  the  Gua- 
daloupe,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant  Hurst,  and  Mr.  Lewis,  master. 

The  vessels  as  per  margin  *  fell  into  our  hands. 

I  should  be  wanting  in  duty,  if  I  did  not  express  my  high  sense  of  the 
discretion  and  gallant  conduct  of^the  officers  and  nien  of  this  ship,  who, 
jn  tiie  short  time  she  has  been  under  my  command,  have  taken  or  de- 
stroyed, principally  in  the  boats,  seventy  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  and 
with  comparatively  a  very  small  loss. 

It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  state  that  only  one  man  was  wounded. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &r. 

THOMAS  USHER,  Captain. 
Vice-admiral  Sir  E.  Pelletc,  Bart. 


Vige-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew  has  also  transmitter]  to  John  Wilson 
Crnker,  Esq.  a  letter  from  Captain  Hamilton,' of  H.  M.  S.  Rainbow,  dated 
off  Madalemi,  the  llth  September,  stating  that  her  boats,  under  Lieute- 
nant Coffin,  had  captured,  in  the  Bay  of  Ajaccio,  two  lattine  vessels,  one 
having  on  hoard  n  lieutenant  and  several  men  of  the  yd  battalion  of  French 
pioneers  ;  and  the  other  laden  with  wheat  :  And  one  from  Captain  Hole, 

I — ' ' ' '          ~~~ 

*  Vessels  captured,  2 ;  destroyed,  a. 


80    If  AVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813 — 1814. 

of  H.  M.  sloop  Badger,  dated  off  Port  Mahon,  the  30th  October,  giving 
an  account  of  his  having  captured  L'Aventure  French  privateer,  of  two 
guns  and  28  men,  out  four  days  from  Barcelona,  and  had  not  taken  any 
prize. 

JANUARY    12. 

Lieutenant  Kneeshaw,  commanding  his  Majesty's  gun-vessel  Piercer, 
this  Hay  arrived  at  this  office  with  despatches,  of  which  the  following  are 
copies  and  extracts,  addressed  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  by  Captain 
Jarquhar,  of  H.M.S.  Desirce. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Dcsirte,  off  Gluckstadt,  6th  January,  1814. 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  you,  for  the  information  of  my  Lords 
Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  copies  of  two  letters  which  I  have  written 
to  Admiral  Young,  relative  to  the  operations  of  his  Majesty's  squadron  un- 
der my  command,  before  the  fortress  of  Gluckstadt,  and  the  surrender  of 
the  same  by  capitulation,  on  the  5th  instant. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
/.  W.  Croker,  Esq.  $c.  ARTHUR  FARQUHAR. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Desiree,  off  Gluckstadt,  2d  January,  1814. 

In  my  letter  of  the  23d  ult.  I  had  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  with  the 
arrival  of  H.M.S.  under  my  command  at  this  anchorage,  and  squadron  as 
per  margin,*  for  the  purpose  of  co-operating  with  a  detachment  of  the 
Crown  Prince  of  Sweden's  army,  under  the  command  of  General  Baron 
de  Boye,  in  the  reduction  of  the  fortress  of  Gluckstadt. 

On  the  23d  ult.  six  32-pounders  were  landed,  to  be  formed  into  a  bat- 
tery, assisted  by  a  party  of  seamen  and  marines  of  this  ship,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Green,  Lieutenants  Haultain  and  Archer,  and  Mr, 
George  Richardson,  midshipman.  On  the  25th,  two  guns  only  were  in 
battery,  which  were  intended  to  flank  the  pier  head  and  enemy's  gun-boats  : 
from  the  extreme  badness  of  the  roads,  the  officer  in  command  of  the 
engineers  did  not  prepare  for  more,  conceiving  tljat  those,  in  a  joint  attack, 
might  prove  sufficient. 

I  have  already  stated,  in  the  before-mentioned  letter,  that  there  was 
not  sufficient  water  to  enable  the  Dt-siree  to  approach  within  gun-shot  of 
the  fortress  :  to  obviate  this  rnisfortuue  as  much  as  possible,  1  deemed  it 
expedient  to  strengthen  our  attack,  by  putting  two  long  J8-pounders  from 
this  ship  into  each  brig.  On  the  evening  of  the  25th,  I  ordered  the  gun- 
boats to  cnnoonade  the  town.  On  the  following  morning,  a  general  attack 
was  made  by  the  brigs  and  gun-boats,  under  the  immediate  direction  of 
Captain  Marshall,  which  was  kept  up  with  great  spirit  the  principal  part  of 
the  day,  and  did  the  enemy  considerable  injury  in  tlie  fortress,  as  well  as 
sinking  one  of  his  gun-boats. 

On  the  27th  the  attack  was  reneved  with  equal  spirit  and  effect,  and 
continued  on  the  morning  of  the  28th.  Finding,  however,  the  fire  from 
the  fortress  still  continued  extremely  heavy  and  well  directed,  both  to  the 
bea  and  land,  Jt  was  resolved,  without  delay,  to  strengthen  our  batteries  ; 
and,  for  that  purpose,  I  lost  no  time  in  landing  two  long  13-pounders  from, 
the  ship,  and  two  mortars  taken  from  the  enemy  at  Cuxliavcn. 

Having  on  the  31st  completed  our  batteries,  coii'-isiing,  the  first  of  two 
long  18-pounders,  served  with  red  hot  shot;  the  itcuitd  of  four  32-ponders; 
and  the  third,  of  two  mortars,  exclusive  of  those  of  the  co-operatmg  land 


*  Shamrock,  Heurty,  Blazer,  Piercer,  Redbreast,  and,  gun-boats,  No.  1,  8, 
3,  4,  j,  8,  10  and  li. 


WAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813—1814,  81 

force  ;  on  the  morning  of  the  1st  instant,  a  most  tremendous  attack  was 
made  on  the  enemy's  works,  both  by  sea  and  land,  and  continued  until  this 
night  ;  but,  notwithstanding  the  town  was  fired  in  several  places,  the  garri- 
son still  returned  a  very  spirited  and  determined  opposition. 

Ascertaining  from  the  appearance  of  the  town,  and  the  information  of 
numerous  deserters,  that  the  enemy  have  suffered  severely  by  the  latef 
attack,  it  is  my  intention,  in  conjunction  with  the  general  commanding  the 
land-forces,  to  send  a  flag  of  truce  to  morrow,  to  summon  the  fortress, 
which  I  hope  will  be  attended  to. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

A.  FARQUHAR,  Captain. 
William  Young,  Esq.  Adin.  of  the  White,  fyc. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Desirke,  offGlucksladt,  Jan.  6,  1814. 

In  my  letter  of  the  2d  instant,  I  had  the  honour  of  laying  before  you  an 
account  of  the  operations  of  his  Majesty's  squadron  under  my  command, 
from  the  25th  ultimo,  in  the  siege  of  the  fortress  of  Gluckstadt,  and  that  I 
intended  next  day  to  send  a  flag  of  truce,  and  again  make  proposals  for  the 
surrender  of  the  place,  which  had  already  suffered  most  severely  from  a 
heavy  bombardment  by  land  and  water. 

I  have  now,  Sir,  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that,  on  the  4th,  the  gar- 
rison was  summoned,  but  the  governor's  answer  (that  he  might  be  allowed 
time  to  send  to  his  sovereign  at  Copenhagen)  being  inadmissible,  [  again 
ordered  the  squadron  to  advance  to  the  attack.  Negociations  were  the?i 
happily  set  on  foot,  and  I  have  now  the  greatest  satisfaction  in  informing 
you,  that  yesterday  this  extremely  strong  fortress,  which  has  been  several 
times  besieged  by  powerful  armies,  but  never  carried,  has,  at  length,  after 
an  investment  of  sixteen  days,  and  a  most  effectual  bombardment  of  six, 
surrendered  to  a  division  of  the  Crown  Prince  of  Sweden's  army,  under  the 
command  of  the  general  of  division  Baron  de  Boye,  and  that  of  iiis  Britan- 
nic Majesty's  squadron  under  my  command,  as  per  margin.*  But  injustice 
to  the  governor  and  garrison  of  Gluckstadt,  I  beg  to  state,  that  they  de- 
fended their  post  as  brave  men,  and  that  the  cause  of  humanity  appears  to 
have  determined  the  governor  to  surrender. 

The  city  has  suffered  much  by  fire,  as  well  as  in  deaths,  and  I  firmly 
believe,  a  few  days  bombardment  would  have  entirely  destroyed  it.  On 
the  night  of  the  2d  and  3d,  we  had  two  eighteen-pounders,  and  two  thirty- 
two  pounders  within  point  blank,  constantly  at  work  with  red-hot  shot, 
besides  the  mortar  and  rocket  battery,  which  caused  immense  destruction, 
and  kept  the  city  in  constant  flames.  The  terms  of  capitulation  and  sur- 
render I  have  now  the  honour  to  enclose  ;  a  list  of  guns,  stores,  and  am- 
munition, in  the  fortress  has  not  yet  been  obtained  ;  nor  of  armed  vessels, 
except  the  flotilla,  consisting  of  seven  gun -boats,  and  one  gun-brig. 

I  have  now  a  most  pleasnnt  duty  to  perform,  in  expressing  my  bc^t  thanks 
and  praise  of  the  conduct  of  Captains  Marshall,  Banks,  and  Rose,  Lieuten- 
ants Kneeshaw,  and  Sir  G.  Keith,  and  all  the  other  officers  and  men  em- 
ployed in  this  most  arduous  service,  both  by  land  and  water,  at  this  incle- 
ment season  of  the  year. 

*  Decree  ;  Shamrock,  Captain  Mirsliall;  Blazer,  Captain  Banks;  Hearty, 
Ciiptain  Rose;  Piercer,  Lieutenant  Kneeshaw;  Redbreast,  Sir  George  Keith, 
Bart.  Gun-boats— No.  1,  Lieutenant  Hanmcr;  No.  '>,  Mr.  Thomas  Riches, 
mate;  No.  3,  Lieutenant  Se;ile  ;  No.  4,  Lieutenant  Tullock  ;  No.  .'>,  Mr.  John 
Jlallowes;  No.  8,  Lieutenant  Soper  ;  No,  10,  Lieutenant  Roimn-y  ;  No.  li1, 
Lieutenant  Henderson. 

!;:fln.  Clol.  XXXI,  M 


82        NAVAL   HISTORV    OT   TUE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1813 — 1814. 

I  beg  to  enclose  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded  belonging  to  the  squadron, 
and  which  has  been  almost  miraculously  small,  considering,  the  continuance 
of  the  bombardment, exposed  to  upwards  of  thirty  pieces  or' heavy  artillery ; 
nor  has  the  squadron  been  materially  damaged  ;  both  brigs  and  gun-boats 
have  received  a  considerable  number  of  shot  in  iheir  hulls,  and  rigging 
much  cut.  Nos.  1  and  12  gun-boats  were  dismasted,  but  the  damage  has 
been  immediately  replaced.  The  squadron  is  again  in  an  effective  state. 

The  unanimity  of  the  army  and  navy  has  been  such  as  could  not  fail  to 
ensure  success  ;  I  am  most  particularly  obliged  to  General  Baron  de  Boye 
for  his  marked  kindness  and  attention  to  all  my  wishes,  as  also  to  the  ex- 
ertions of  his  officers  and  men  in  forwarding  the  public  service. 

I  have,  &c. 

Win.  Young,  Esq.  Adm.  of  ike  ARTHUR  FARQUIIAR,  Capt. 

White,  <$T. 

CAPITULATION  of  the  Fortress  rf Gluchstailt,  as  agreed  !o  ly  the  under- 
mentioned Parties,  (he  Commanders  of  the  Allied  besieging  Forces,  by 
land  and  by  water,  and  the  Commandant  of  the  Garrison  in  the  Fortress. 

1st.  The  troops  comprising  the  garrison  of  Giuckstadt,  naval  and  mili- 
tary, shall  march  out  of  the  fortress  with  dnms  beating  and  colours  flying, 
and  proceed  to  Itzehoe  the  first  day,  and  to  Kelinhausen  the  second, 
where  they  w.ll-remain  for  the  further  orders  of  his  Royal  Highness  the 
Crown  Prince  of  Sweden,  as  to  the  port  from  whence  they  are  to  proceed 
to  Snnrtcrburg,  in  the  island  of  Alsen. 

2d.  The  garrison  shall  retain  their  arms,  baggage,  their  provision  wag- 
gons, and  empty  powder  waggons ,-  they  shall  not  serve  against  the  allied 
armies,  either  by  land  or  sea,  for  the  space  of  one  year  and  one  day. 

3d.  All  officers  of'  the  garrison,  naval,  military  and  civil,  shall  retain  all 
their  private  property,  and  have  every  assistance  from  the  allies,  in  the 
transport  of  their  baggage,  &c.  £c. 

They-shull  keep  their  horses  also,  and  every  thing  that  belongs  to  them 
individually. 

4th.  The  allied  forces  will  give  provision  to  the  garrison  until  they  shall 
arrive  at  Sonderburg,  or  the  island  of  Alst-n. 

6th.  The  cavalry  in  the  garrison  shall  retain  their  horses,  arms,  and 
baggage. 

tith.  The  horse  artillery,  consisting  of  five  three  pounders  brass  guns, 
r.ith  empty  powder  waggons,  shall  inarch  with  the  garrison. 

7lh.  All  private  property  shall  be  respected,  and  ail  prisons  who  have 
left  the  garrison  shall  be  permitted  to  return  to  the  fortress  with  their 
effects. 

8th.  All  the  papers  belonging  to  the  garrison  shall  be  retained  by  them, 
excepting  the  plans  of  the  fortress  of  Glnckstadt. 

9th.  All  the  gun  boats  belonging  to  the  garrison  sh;ill  be  given  up  to  the 
allied  forces,  in  the  state  in  which  they  now  arc. 

lOlh.  All  the  ordnance,  arr.imiuitfon,  stores  military  and  naval,  shall  be 
given  up  to  the  allies,  and  commissaries  ->h:ill  be  named  bv  each  party  to 
take  inventories  of  the  same. 

llth.  The  officers  having  civil  employments,  shall  be  allowed  to  remain 
in  the  fortress  until  further  orders. 

12th.  The  wives  and  children  of  all  military,  naval,  and  civil  officers, 
shall  be  allowed  to  follow  them  with  their  property;  and  every  assistance 
shall  be  given  in  transporting  them  and  their  effects,  to  their  husbands. 
The  necessary  aids  in  money,  &c.  shall  be  supplied  them  on  their  journey 
for  this  purpose  by  the  allies 

13th.  The  sick  ami  wounded  shall  remain  hi  the  hospitals,  and  be  taken 


NAVAL   HISTORY    OF    THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1813—1814.       83 

care  of  by  the  Danish  surgeons  at  the  expence  of  the  allies ;  when  cured 
they  shall  be  sent  to  join  the  garrison. 

14th.  The  foregoing  articles  shall  be  signed  and  ratified  on  the  6th  of 
this  month  ;  and  the  allied  troops  shall  this  evening  take  possession  of  the 
Ravelin  of  Krempe  Thor  with  a  guard  of  six  men,  the  garrison  likewise 
placing  a  guard  of  six  men  at  the  advanced  posts  of  the  allies  :  the  keys  of 
the  fortress  shall  be  given  up  as  soon  as  these  articles  shall  have  been  ra- 
tified, (the  same  to  be  drawn  up  in  triplicate)  and  the  undersigned  com- 
manders shall  bind  themselves  by  their  words  of  honour  to  a  strict  obser- 
vance of  them.  t 

Concluded  in  Gluckstadt  and  Lubehessucht,  before  Gluckstadt,  the  5th 
Jan.  1814. 

GUSTAVUS  BARON  DE  BOYE,  Major-Gcneral. 
ARTHUR    FARQUIIAR,    Commanding    the   British 

Squadron  in  the  Elbe. 

CERNIKOFF,  Major-General,    and  Commandant    of 
the  Fortress  of  Gluckstadt. 

List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  on  board  H.M.  Squadron  off  Gluckstadt,  between 
the  25th  ultimo,  and  4lA  instant. 

BLAZER.— Killed. 

John  M'Evoy,  ordinary  seaman,  belonging  to  Desiree;  William  Jackson, 
captain  of  the  fore  top. 

Wounded. — Lawrence  Anderson,  able  seaman,  belonging  to  Desirde. 

HEARTY. — Wounded. 

James  Rose,  captain  ;  Richard  Hunt,  midshipman  ;  John  Riches,  elerk  ; 
William  Stanford,  pilot;  John  Batters,  captain  of  the  maintop  ;  B.  Brown, 
able  seaman  ;  George  Wood,  captain  of  the  fore-top ;  Richard  Riches, 
ordinary  seaman  ;  Edward  Jefferies,  private  marine. 

REDBREAST. — Killed. 

Lewis  Triko,  seaman. 
Wounded.- -William  Morse,  boy. 

BATTERY    ON    SHORE.  —  Wounded. 

John  Anderson,  yeoman  of  the  sheets,  belonging  to  Desiree. 
GUN-BOAT,  NO.  2. — Wounded. 

Charles  Barrett,  boy,  2d  class,  belonging  to  Desired;  Samuel  Sharp, 
teaman  ;  D.  M  Carthy,  seaman  ;  N.  Clerk  Smith,  seaman,  belonging  to 
Desiree.  ARTHUR  FARQUHAR,  Captain. 

Return  of  Brass  and  Iron  Ordnance  taken  by  the  allied  Forces  in  the  For- 
tress of  Gluckstadt,  on  the  6th  January,  1814. 

Brass  Guns. 

8  twenty-four-pounders,  4  eighteen- pounders,  21  twelve -pounders,  22 
six -pounders,  19  four-pounders,  4  three-pounders,  2  two-pounders.  Total,80. 

Iron  Guns. 
11  eighteen-poanders,  22  twelve-pounders,  2  eight-pounders.    Total— 35. 

Howitzers. 

4  brass  five-and-half  inch,  4  brass  four-and-two-fifths-inch,  4  iron  ditto. 
Total— 12. 

Mortars. 

3  brass  thirteen-inch,  6  brass  ten-inch,  6  brass  five-and-half  inch,  1  iron 
ten-inch,  2  iron  five-and-half-inch,  16  four  and  two-fifths  inch  cohorr 
mortars.—— Total,  34. 


84       NAVAL   HISTORY    OF    THE   PJIE3ENT    YEAR,    1813 — 1814. 

Grand  Total — 161  iron  guns,  jnortars,  howitzers,  brass  guns,  &c.  witfj 
carriages  to  each  gun,  and  two  magazines,  containing  an  immense  quantity 
of  ammunition,  stores  for  military  purposes,  &c. 

AMHERST  WRIGHT,  Lieutenant  com- 
manding English  Rocket  Brigade. 

List  of  Vessels  captured,  recaptured,  and  detained  by  His  Majesty's  Ships 
and  Vessels  under  the  Orders  of  Admiral  Lord  Keith,  K.  B.  not  before 
reported. 

French  chasse  mare"e  La  Roze,  of  32  tons  and  5  men,  from  Bourdeaux, 
bound  to  Nantes,  captured  by  the  Belle  Poule,  September  20,  Ibl3. 
French  chasse  L' Ambition,  of  25  tons  and  3  men,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound 
to  Rochelle,  captured  by  the  Belle  Poule,  same  date.  Spanish  ship  Mar- 
quess de  la  Roinana,  of  270  tons  and  19  men,  from  the  Ilavanna,  bound 
to  Cadiz,  recaptured  by  the  Hotspur,  October  4,  1813.  French  brig  St. 
Anne,  of  160  tans,  captured  by  the  Sultan  (Ajax,  Hotspur,  and  Goldfinch 
in  sight),  October  13,  1813.  French  chasse  rmuee  La  Julie,  of  40  tons  and 
5  men,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Brest,  captured  by  the  Ajax,  October 
22,  1813.  English  ship  Betsey,  of  2  guns,  256  tons,  and  19  men,  from 
Bristol,  bound  to  St.  Vincent,  recaptured  by  the  Eurotas,  Octol»er26,  1813. 
English  ship  Avon,  of  260  tons  and  18  men,  from  Bristol,  bound  to  Tobago, 
recaptured  by  the  Eurotas  (Clarence  in  sight),  October  27,  1813.  Spa- 
nish sloop  Gaditaine,  of  96  tons  find  6  men,  from  the  Havanna,  bound  to 
Cadiz,  recaptured  by  the  Revolutionare,  November  5,  1813.  English  ship 
Wolfescove,  of  2  guns,  364  tons,  and  20  men,  from  Quebec,  bound  to 
London,  recaptured  by  the  Briton  (in  sight  of  the  Brest  squadron),  Decem- 
ber 1,  18J3.  French  sloop  L'Adele,  of  29  tons  and  4  men,  from  St. 
Haloes,  bound  to  Brest,  captured  by  the  Madagascar,  Decembers,  1813. 
English  brig  Liberty,  of  219  tons  and  12  men,  from  St.  Lucar,  bound  to 
London,  recaptured  by  the  Briton,  December  12,  1813.  English  brig 
Watson,  of  200  tons  and  10  men,  from  Quebec,  bound  to  London,  recap- 
tured by  the  Briton,  December  13,  1813.  American  brig  Squirrel,  of  2 
guns,  169  tons,  and  17  men,  from  Arcasson,  bound  to  New  York,  captured 
by  the  Belle  Poule,  December  14,  1813.  French  &loop  L'Heureuse  Marie, 
of  100  tons  and  6  mew,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by 
the  Eurotas,  December  15,  1813.  English  brig  Racehorse,  of  200  tons 
and  10  men,  from  Newfoundland,  bound  to  Dartmouth,  recaptured  by  the 
Derwent,  December  19,  1813.  English  snow  Fanny,  of  2  guns,  192  tons, 
and  8  men,  from  St.  Jolih's,  bound  to  Gibraltar,  recaptured  by  the  Eurotas, 
December  25,  1813.  American  schooner  Antoinette,  of  2  guns,  240  tons, 
and  20  men,  from  Philadelphia,  bound  to  Bourdeaux,  captured  by  the 
^loyalist  (in  sight  of  Basque  Roads  squadron),  December  18,  1813. 

(Signed)  KEITH,  Admiral. 


JANUARY   18. 

Admiral  Lord  Keith  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  a  let- 
ter from  Captain  Tobin,  of  H.  M.S.  Andromache,  giving  an  account  of  his 
having,  on  the  20th  of  last  month,  captured,  off  Arcasson,  the  French  na- 
tional schooner  Prosp^re,  carrying  five  guns  (pierced  for  eighteen),  and 
sixty  men,  and  commanded  by  an  enseigne  de  vaisseau. 


WAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1813—1814.         85 

SDromotioas  anU  Appointments. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Miller,  R.M.  to  supersede  Colonel  Foley,  as  inspect- 
ing field-officer  in  the  London  district. 

Lieutenant-colonel  Lee,  to  command  the  division  of  royal  marines  now 
blockading  the  fort  of  Batz,  in  South  Beveland. 

Dr.  W.  M'Donald,  to  be  surgeon  to  prisoners  of  war  at  Halifax,  Nova 

Scotia. 

Mr.  O'Brien,  to  be  dispenser  of  the  Naval  Hospital  at  Halifax,  vice 
Hume,  superseded. 

Captains,  &c.  appointed. 

Captain  Waiiiwright,  to  the  Asia;  11.  Raggett,  to  the  Ton  nan  t ;  Sir 
Jahleel  Brenton,  Bart,  to  be  commissioner  of  the  naval  yard  at  Port 
Mahon ;  C.  J.  Johnstonc,  to  the  Scarborough;  William  Wilkinson,  to  the 
Monmouth  ;  Henry  Weir,  to  the  Thais;  R.  Russel,  of  the  Snipe,  to  the 
Espoir ;  Provo  William  P.  Wallis,  late  the  lieutenant  of  the  Shannon,  to  ihe 
command  of  the  Snipe  sloop;  G.  W.  Wills,  to  the  Bacchus;  J.  Christian,  to 
the  Leveret;  J.  Forbes,  to  the  Erebus  ;  W.  Evans,  to  the  Cadmus;  R.  li. 
Bow-den,  to  the  Gorgon  hospital  ship  ;  John  Concle,  to  the  Porcupine,  the 
flag-ship  of  Admiral  Penrose  ;  William  Nowell,  to  the  Weazle  ;  Lord 
George  Stewart,  to  the  Newcastle;  C.  Dillon,  to  the  Horatio;  Hon. 
J.  Spencer,  to  the  Carron. 

Captain  Norborn  Thompson  has  been  appointed  to  the  Aboukir,  vice 
Captain  George  Parker,  removed  to  the  Bombay. 

Lieutenants,  &c.  appointed. 

James  Athil  (1),  to  the  Venerable;  Edward  Andrews  (1),  to  the  Cen- 
taur; Henry  Bird,  to  the  Elephant;  James  Bland  ford  (2),  to  the  Archer; 
James  B.  Boyd,  to  the  Hydra;  Francis  Bligh,  to  the  Challenger;  Jere- 
miah Brown,  to  the  Porpoise;  Thomas  Board  man  to  the  Superb  ;  Robert 
Bruce,  to  the  Dover ;  R.  P.  Brereton,  to  the  Leopard;  Moses  Crawford, 
to  the  Corso;  Thomas  William  Charlton,  to  the  Cadmus;  George  Cheync, 
to  the  Woodlark  ;  William  Henry  Dixon,  to  the  Devastation  ;.John  Elwin, 
to  the  Penguin;  James  Eikie,  to  the  Cumberland ;  James  W.  Eagle,  to  the 
Podargus;  W.  E.  Fiolt,  to  the  Leander;  Henry  Garrett,  to  the  Medway; 
Lewis  Grant,  to  the  Talbot ;  Robert  Gore,  to  the  Orion  ;  C.  R.  Gordon, 
to  the  Colombra;  Richard  Hambly,  to  the  Orestes;  William  Jacobs,  to 
fhe  Bulwark  ;  Alexander  Ingram,  to  the  Cumberland  ;  John  Kerr,  to  the 
Scai  borough  ;  Magnus  M.  Kelly,  to  the  Antelope  ;  Thomas  Edward  Knight, 
to  the  Devastation ;  Nagle  Lock,  to  the  Asia;  Edward  Luscombe,  to  the 
Leopard ;  Thomas  Lcnthorne,  to  the  Dover  ;  Duncan  M'Donald,  to  the 
Asia;  Montague  Montague,  to  the  Puissant;  G.  M.  St.  John  Miklmay,  to 
the  Leander  ;  George  Maule,  to  the  Zephyr  ;  John  M'Doug;tll  (2),  ti.  the 
Leander  ;  Thomas  Mackenzie,  to  the  Rennrd  ;  William  Ody,  to  tiie  Rinal- 
do ;  W.  Phipps,  to  the  Brevdageren ;  J.  J.  Parr,  to  the  Venerable;  W. 
G.  Roberts,  to  the  Asia ;  George  Saycr,  to  the  Zealous;  Charles  Tamm, 
to  the  Penelope  ;  John  Toone,  to  the  Elk ;  George  Thomas  (2),  to  the 
Erebus ;  George  Williamson,  to  the  Ceylon ;  David  Wilson,  to  the  Cal- 
liope; Michael  Wrayford,  to  the  Asia;  Edward  Yowell,  to  the  Orestes; 
Lieutenant  R.  Finnis,  to  the  rank  of  commander;  W.  Maiicy,  to  the 
rank  of  commander ;  Mr.  G.  Syme,  to  be  a  lieutenant ;  H.T.Lancaster, 
to  be  lieutenant  of  the  Hibernia;  Mr.  S.  Weddle,  midshipman,  to  be  a 
lieutenant;  and  Mr.  Robert  T.  Brush,  to  be  a  lieutenant;  P.  Fitzgibbon, 
to  the  Myrmidon;  J.  S.  Smith,  to  the  Terror  ;  B.  Manstll,  to  the  Saturn; 


86  NATAL  HISTOKY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,   1813 — 1814. 

» 

W.  Richards,  to  the  Penelope :   F.  Sykes  and  Anthony,  to  the 

rank  of  commanders;  T.  Banks,  of  the  Blazer,  to  be  a  commander,  and  to 
retain  the  command  of  that  vessel  ;  Joshua  Kneeshaw,  to  be  a  commander, 
and  to  retain  the  command  of  the  Piercer  ;  James  Cole,  to  be  agent  for! 
tiansportsat  Port  Mahon;  N.  Duff,  to  be  flag-lieutenant  to  Sir  Alexander 
Cochrane ;  H.  Davis,  to  the  Seahorse ;  A.  Darley,  to  the  Belle- 
rophon;  C.  Earle,  to  the  Nemesis;  G.  Green  (1),  to  the  Steady;  T.  D. 
Lauznn,  to  the  Dannemark  ;  G.  Mortimer,  to  the  Venerable  ;  S.  Malbon, 
to  the  Asia  ;  J.  Moffatt,  to  the  Myrtle;  H.  Leeds,  to  the  Bulwark  ;  Hon. 
G.  Trefusis,  to  the  Ethalion  ;  Messrs,  H.  B.  Dobson,  P.  Holroyd,  and 
J.  Sommerville,  to  the  rank  of  Lieutenant,  the  former  to  the  Royal  Sove- 
reign ;  J.  H.  Belliars,  to  be  a  lieutenant. 

Lancelot  Cooper,  Esq.  to  be  secretary  to  Admiral  Linzee;  W.  Bal- 
hntchet,  Esq.  to  be  secretary  to  Sir  Alexander  Cochrane  ;  Mr.  Dyer,  to  be 
secretary  to  Admiral  Penrobe. 

Lieutenant- colonel  Miller,  R.M.  to  supersede  Colonel  Foley,  as  inspect- 
ing field-officer  in  London. 

Mr.  Seaton,  to  be  builder  of  the  Naval  Yard  at  Bombay. 
Mr.  Helby,  to  be  boatswain  of  Sheerness  Yard. 
Rev.  E.  Beatty,  to  be  chaplain  of  the  Rodney. 

Masters  appointed. 

Thomas  Stokes,  to  the  Serapis  ;  W.  Balliston,  to  the  Tonnant ; 
L.  John  (2),  to  the  Podargus;  J.  Crear,  to  the  Cherokee;  T.  Johnson,  to 
the  Asia;  li.  Lanyon,  to  the  Venerable;  J.  Caiger,  to  the  Woodlark  ; 
W.  Owston,  to  the  Superb;  T.  Pierce,  to  the  Vulture;  J.  Lewis,  to  the 
Briton  ;  M.  Richards,  to  the  Fortun£e  ;  T.  Jay,  to  the  Magnificent  j 
J.  Britton,  to  the  Hotspur ;  J.  Bruce,  to  the  Lyra. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

$hcerne.ss.—G.  A.  Rix,  H.  G.  Kellock,  G.Cole,  B.Andrews,  S.King. 
W.  Baker. 

Portsmouth. — J.  Newton,  J.  Strong,  F.  Gordon,  J.  Pearson,  A.  Kennedy, 
I.  L.  Crooke,  J.  Rawstone. 

Plymouth.— W.  Ward,  P.  Peterie,  C.  H.  Sullivan,  J.  Coombe. 

Surgeons,  &c.  appointed. 

W.  B.  Smith,  to  the  Renown  ;  Robert  Shand,  to  the  Medway;  William 
Gongh,  to  the  St.  George  prison  ship  ;  William  Dixon,  to  the  Dover ; 
Ja-nes  Kennedy,  to  the  Devastation  ;  John  Greig,  to  the  Crescent ;  John 
P.  O'Bierne,  to  the  Temeraire  ;  Charles  Thomas,  to  the  Neptune  ;  Henry 
Smith,  to  the  Oiseau  ;  Henry  Evving,  to  the  El  Firme  ;  Francis  Johnstone, 
to  the  Defiance  ;  William  Ray,  to  the  Porpoise  :  Mark  Thompson,  to  the 
Sheerwater ;  George  Grant,  to  the  Success  ;  James  Arnott,  to  the  Mu- 
tine;  Thomas  Thomas,  to  the  Espoir  ;  R.  M.  Ford,  to  the  Colombra ; 
Walter  Steel,  to  the  Carnation  ;  Thomas  Hanna,  to  the  Montague ;  George 
Thompson,  to  the  Drake;  Henry  Barnes,  to  the  Rinaldo  ;  Mark  Thomp- 
son, to  the  Blossom  ;  Samuel  Morrison,  to  the  Sheerwater  ;  James  M'Fer- 
nan,  to  the  Cleopatra  ;  Hugh  Stewart,  to  the  Leander  ;  E.  Grimstone,  to 
the  Tonnant;  William  Hyndman,  to  the  Asia;  T.  Sankey,  to  the  Briseis; 
C.  Carter,  to  the  Guadaloupe ;  James  Seniby,  to  the  Harrier. 

Assistant-Surgeons,  &c.   appointed. 

II.  B.  White,  to  be  hospital  mate  at  Mill  Prison  ;  T.  A.  Muller,  to  Por- 
chester  Castle  ;  John  Beatty,  to  the  Zealous ;  Robert  Gomby,  to  the  Ele- 


NAVAL   H1STOUY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1813,— -1814.         87 

phant ;  Andrew  Montgomery,  to  the  Leander;  George  Sibbald,  to  the 
Camel;  John  Hewetson,  to  the  Renown;  Edmund  Finucane,  to  the  Me- 
dina; John  Reid,  to  the  Venerable ;  William  Griffith,  to  the  Centaur; 
Michael  M'Ennally,  to  the  Illustrious ;  Patrick  Maguire,  to  the  Buffalo; 
James  Clarke,  to  the  Chesapeake ;  William  Cannon,  to  the  Sealark  ;  Rich. 
Smith,  to  the  Serapis ;  Francis  Hyndman,  to  the  Clinker ;  H.  Hollyrnan,  to 
the  Protector }  M.Kelly,  to  the  Myrmidon  ;  Archibald  Blacklock,  to  the 
Asia  ;  James  Burnside,  to  the  Warrior;  Henry  Carter,  to  the  Royal  Sove- 
reign; Lawrence  Lacy,  to  the  Growler;  David  Nimmo,  to  the  Royal  Sove- 
reign; W.  T.  Llewelyn,  to  be  hospital  mate  at  Haslar;  W.  J.  Hoggan,  to 
the  Bellerophon  ;  John  Knox,  to  the  Superb;  James  Kay,  to  the  Quebec; 
James  Stewart,  to  the  Monmouth;  James  Fry,  to  the  Ceres;  William  Gu- 
land,  to  the  Halifax. 


BIRTHS. 

At  Portsea,  the  lady  of  Lieutenant  Davidson,  of  H.M.S.  Gladiator,  of 
a  daughter. 

The  lady  of  Captain  Austin,  of  H.M.S.  Elephant,  of  a  daughter. 
Lately,  of  a  still-born  daughter,  Lady  Andover,  wife  of  Captain  Henry 
Digby,  R.N. 

At  Bath,  the  lady  of  Captain  Rooke,  R.N.  of  a  son. 

On  the  12th  of  January,  the  lady  of  Admiral  Robert  Murrny,  commander- 
in-chief  at  Yarmouth,  of  a  daughter,  which  died  on  the  following  day. 

MARRIAGES. 

Lately,  at  North  Yarmouth,  Captain  G.  G.  Willes,  to  Ann,  second 
daughter  of  Sir  Edmund  Lacon,  and  sister  of  E.  Lacon,  Esq.  member  for 
that  place. 

Lately,  at  Plymouth,  Lieutenant  Ford,  royal  marines,  to  Miss  Payne. 

Lately,  Captain  G.  Bell,  to  Miss  Ball,  of  Falmouth. 

At  St.  John's,  Newfoundland,  on  the  21st  November  last,  Lieutenant  D. 
Brisac,  royal  marines,  to  MissC.  Graves,  of  the  British  Coffee-house  at  that 
plnce. 

On  the  1st  January,  Captain  May,  R.N.  to  Miss  Flamank,  of  Newton 
Abbott,  of  Devon. 


DEATHS. 

On  the  llth  November,  was  drowned,  by  falling  from  the  fore  topsaii- 
vard  of  H.M.  sloop  Fantome,  when  in  chase,  Mr.  William  Henry  Cotterell, 
midshipman  of  that  vessel,  and  second  son  of  Mr.  Charles  Cotterell,  ot 
Portsmouth. 

Lately,  at  Halifax,  Lieutenant  Brand,  R.N. 

On  hoard  the  Resistance,  on  his  passage  to  England,  of  a  consumption, 
Lieutenant  David  Rory,  royal  marines. 

Lately,  in  the  naval  hospital  at  Haslar,  of  a  consumption,  in  the  prime  of 
life,  Captain  Tillard,  late  commander  of  the  St.  Juan. 

Lately,  Lieutenant  Charles  Hill,  formerly  of  H.M.S.  Rota. 


88:        MAtAL   HISTORY    OF    THE   FRLSENT    YEAR,  1813 — 1814. 

November  24th,  oji  board  tl>e  Unite  frigate  when  returning  from  Sicily 
to  England,  for  the  benefit  of  his  health,  in  his  31st  year,  Joseph  Smith' 
Esq.  eldest  soa  of  Thomas  Smith  Esq.  of  Stoke-Newington,  Middlesex, 
This  gentleman  originally  entered  a  professional  career  connected  with 
the  navy,  under  the  auspices  of  Admiral  Sir  Sidney  Smith;  whom  he 
accompanied  as  secretary  to  the  Mediterranean  in  the  beginning  of  the 
year  1806,  when  ttiat  otiicer  hoisted  his  flag  on  board  hisli.  M.  S.  Pompee. 
The  same  patronage  soon  after  operated  his  introduction  to  the  diplo- 
matic line  as  secretary  of  legation,  aud,  eventually,  charge  d'affaires,  at  the 
court  of  Sardinia,  for  which  office  he  proved  himself  eminently  qualified, 
and  discharged  its  functions  with  honor  to  himself  and  advantage  to  the 
public  service.  His  private  life  was  equally  adorned  by  every  endearing 
virtue,  as  his  public  character  was  marked  by  talent,  aud  his  death  is  n 
subject  for  real  regret.  He  had  fur  some  years  resided  at  the  Sardinian 
capital  (Cagliari),  where  his  remains  were  deposited  with  every  mark  of 
respect  shewn  to  his  memory  not  only  by  his  own  countrymen,  but  by  all 
the  foreign  ministers,  at  that  station,  and  nearly  the  whole  population  of  the 
citv.  To  prevent  confusion  it  is  proper  to  add  that  no  consanguinity 
existed  between  Mr  Smith  and  his  early  patron  Sir  Sidney  which  similarity" 
of  name  might  otherwise  induce  a  supposition  of. 

At  Sunday's  well,  near  Cork,  Miss  Drury,  sister  of  the  late  Admiral 
Drury. 

Lately  in  Spain,  Lieut.  Carrol,  brother  of  the  brave  Capt.  Carrol,  of  the 
royal  navy,  and  youngest  son  of  Dr.  Carrol,  of  13alh. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Brace,  of  II.  M.S.  Berwick,  on  the  3fcditcr- 
ranean  station,  to  W.  M.  Pi(t,  Esq.  member  for  Dorsetshire,  on  the  occa- 
sion of  the  recent  death  of  Lieut.  Henry  Johnston  Sweedland,  First  of  that 
Skip,  who,  ajter  succeeding  in  taking  Fort  Negage,fell  in  the  arms  of 
Victory,* 

"  MY  DEAR  SIR,  "  Beruicl;,al  Sea,  Dec.  12,  181.3. 

"  It  is  my  painful  task  to  have  to  communicate  unpleasant  News,  and  to 
i  itrude  the  unwelcome  office  of  breaking  it  to  your  friend, 'who,  I  trust,  will 
have  firmness  of  mind  enough  to  meet  the  severe  shock  he  will  receive  on 
hearing  of  the  death  of  his  son,  who,  jioor  fellow,  stood  unrivalled  in  my  opi- 
nion as  an  officer,  and  from  his  amiable  manner*  endeared  himself  to 
me  as  a  man.  Jt  will  be  some  consolation  to  his  afflicted  friends  to  know, 
that  he  died  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  in  the  service  of  his  country  ;  after 
taking  Fort  Negage,  he  was  in  the  act  of  firing  his  pistol  at  an  officer  on 
board  one  of  the  schooners,  when-  he  received  the  fatal  ball  through  his 
head.  lie  was  beloved  and  adored  by  his  shipmates,  and  I  am  sure  he  wiil 
be  lamented  by  nil  tlr.u  knew  his  worth.  I  must  conclude  this  distressing 
subject,  ;nul  remain,  my  dear  Sir,  your  sincere  and,,  obliged  servant, 

"(Signed)  •' J.  BRACE." 

»  Lieutenant  Sweedland  is  the  same  g.'illant  young  officer,  who,  only  a  few- 
mouths  ago,  as  stated  in  the  Gazette,  succeeded  in  capturing  or  destroying  two 
and  twenty  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  with  the  corvette  that  protected  them,  and 
\vith  the  loss  of  only  one  man  ;  on  which  occasion  an  equally  hnndj-ome  testimony 
was  bc-roc  by  iiis  Captain  on  the  manner  of  hi?  conducting  this  enterprise.—  Lieut. 
Svvredland  was  the  ejdest  son  of  Sir  Charles  Sweedland  of  St.  Helen's-place, 
and  it  may  w  ith  truth  he  said,  that,  in  h:5  premature  death,  the  navy  luis  lobt  one' 
of  its  ornaments,  his  country  a  real  patriot,  his  King  a  most  l;»yal  subject,  and 
hi-  disconsolate  family  a  sunrcr  of  j-»v. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOllt 

OF 

ALEXANDER    ERASER,    ESQ. 

'REAR-ADMIRAL   OF  THE  WHITE  SQUADRON. 


-"  Oh,  it  much  imports  yon,  'tis  your  all, 


To  keep  your  trade  entire,  entire  rtie  force 
.And  honour  of  your  fleets.'" — • THOMSON. 

THE  subject  of  this  memoir  is  descended  from,  and  connected 
with,  the  most  ancient  family  in  Scotland;  his  father  being 
the  6th  in  lineal  descent  (by  the  Strichen,  branch)  from' Alexander. 
the  5th  Lord  Lovat,  who  died  in  1553";  "and  his  maternal  grand- 
mother was  eldest  daughter  of  John  Hamilton,  Esq.  of  Gilkers- 
fcleugh,  descended  from  the  1st  ilafquis  of  Hamilton,  (die  2d 
daughter  was  mother  to  that  eminent  judge,  the  late  Lord 
Braxfield). 

In  the  year  17GO,  when  only  9  years  of  age,  the  late  Admiral 
George  Gayton,  then  commanding  the  Fly  sloop,  being  in  Shet- 
land, where  his  father  was  surveyor  of  II.  M.  Customs,  finding  in 
the  boy  a  desire  to  go  to  sea,  kindly  took  him  under  his  protec- 
tion ;  and  during  the  continuation  of  that  war  behaved  to  him  in  alf 
respects  as  a  father.  With  Captain  Gayton  he  was  at  the  siege  oi 
Belleisle,  and  also  in  Basque  Road,*  when  the  praams  from  the 
river  Charentc  attacked  the  squadron  oft*  Aix. 

.At  the  conclusion  of  the' war  he  returned  to  Edinburgh,  where- 
he  continued,  to  finish  his  education,  until  the  end  of  1707  ;* 
when,  his  predilection  for  the  sea  service  continuing,  he  went,  as 
midshipman  of  the  Mermaid  frigate, .  to  America,  and  remained  in. 
Tier  three  years  ;  and  then  went  acting  lieutenant  of  the  Bonetta 
sloop,  commanded  by  Captain  (the  fate  Admiral)  Matthew  Squire, 
•who  had  been  lieutenant  of  the  Mermaid,  and  had  a  particular  regard 
for  Mr.  Fraser.t 

*  See  a  cliart  of  this  Road,  N.  C.  Vol.  XXf. 

+  During  four  years  on  this  station,  he  had  opportunities  of  acquiring  n, 
considerable  knowledge  of  the  whole  coast  and  harbours  or"  Ara€ricaT-frum- 
tlie  Gulph  of  St.  Lawrence,  to  Georgia  and  thfc  B;Uia;ii«  Itla;,.is. 

*2sb.  e&ttn.  fflol.  XXXI.  .>* 


90  K.VVAt.    BIOGRAPHY. 

Returning  to  England  in  the  winter  of  1772,  lie  passed  for 
lieutenant  at  the  Navy  Office,  March,  1773,  and  in  June  the  same 
year  was  ordered  on  board  the  Royal  Oak,  74,  at  Spithead,  where 
a  fleet  had  been  assembled,  and  was  then  to  be  reviewed  by  his  Ma- 
jesty.* Not  having  the  good  fortune  to  be  in  the  number  of  the 
successful  candidates  for  promotion  which  took  place  on  that  oc- 
casion, he  remained  in  the  Royal  Oak  till  the  autumn  of  1774, 
when  he  went  again  to  America,  acting  additional  lieutenant  of  the 
Scarborough,  of  20  guns,  Captain  Andrew  Barclay. f 

When  hostilities  with  America  broke  out,  it  was  thought  fit  to 
destroy  some  of  their  sea-port  towns,  and  the  late  Captain  Henry 
Mowat,  in  the  Canceaux,  being  entrusted  with  the  execution  of 
this  service,  for  which  he  had  a  small  squadron,  and  2CO  additional 
marines  embarked,  Mr.  Fraser  was  ordered  on  board  the  Can- 
ceaux  as  lieutenant.  The  town  of  Falmouth  being  the  first  object, 
Mr.  Fraser  was  sent  on  shore  with  a  flag  of  truce,  offering  to 
spare  the  town,  on  the  condition  of  delivering  up  all  their  arms, 
and  giving  hostages  in  the  mean  time  :  this  not  being  complied 
with,  a  bombardment  took  place,  by  which  a  great  part  of  the 
town  was  reduced  to  ashes  ;  and  Mr.  Fraser,  with  a  party  of  sea- 
men and  marines,  landed  to  set  fire  to  such  parts  as  could  not  be 
destroyed  from  the  ships  :  in  effecting  this,  he  was  a  good  deal 
annoyed  by  the  Americans  from  behind  hedges,  £c.  ;  but,  being 
covered  by  the  ships,  he  rcimbarked  the  whole  party,  having  only 

*  Although  sent  down  recommended  by  the  late  Earl  of  Bristol,  then 
Admiral  Harvey,  and  one  of  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  it  was  some  time 
before  Captain  Balfour  could  obtain  permission  frcm  the  commander- in- 
chief  (Sir  Thomas  Pye)  to  receive  him  on  hoard  the  Royal  Oak  ;  an  order 
having  been  issued  from  the  Admiralty,  that,  at  the  ensuing  review,  no 
captain  should  have  on  his  quarter-deck  more  young  gentlemen  than  the 
rated  number.  The  consequence  was,  that  every  ship  discharged  perhaps 
from  six  to  ten  young  men,  most  of  whom  had  passed  for  lieutenants,  and 
who  never  returned  tu  the  service  :  a  loss  which  was  severely  felt  for  years 
afterwards. 

t  The  late  Captain  John  Hutt,  who  was  unfortunately  mortally  wounded 
on  board  the  Queen,  the  1st  of  June,  17P4,*  was  lieutenant  of  the  Scar- 
horoiinh  ;  between  whom  and  Mr.  Fraser  an  intimate  friendship  bewail  at 
this  time,  which  continued  without  interruption  till  the  death  of  that  ex- 
cel Ifnt  officer. 

*  See  X.  <'.  Vol.  [. 


ALEX.ANPER.  TRASS!?,  ESQ.  SI 

a  few  wounded.  In  tliis  service  he  was  assisted  by  fhe  1-ate  Cay- 
tain  John  Klphinsfone,  and  D'Auvergne,  Prince  of  Bouillon, 
both  at  that  time  midshipmen.* 

Admiral  (Lord)  Siiuldhain,t  soon  after,  superseding  Admiral 
Graves  in  the  command,  Mr.  Fraser  found  himself  strongly  recom- 
mended to  his  Lordship  for  promotion,  by  some  friends  who  had 
claims  on  his  attention,  and  he  removed  from  the  Scarborough  to 
the  Chatham  ;  when,  during  the  whole  ensuing  campaign  of  1776, 
lie  was  constantly  employed  in  the  flat  boats  at  Long  Island,  New 
York,  &c.  and  particularly  at  the  taking  of  Fort  Washington, 
where  he  led  one  of  the  divisions  of  boats  in  which  the  light  infan- 
try were  embarked,  and  which  were  exposed  to  a  very  galling  fire 
of  grape  and  musketry,  while  waiting  for  the  flowing  of  the  tide 
to  proceed  up  the  creek  ;  oa  this  occasion  he  had  two  killed  and 
several  wounded  in  his  boat;  and  it  is  remarkable,  that  the  two 
killed  were  of  the  boat's  crew  consisting  only  of  10,  M'hereas  the 
number  of  troops  was  60. 

Lord  Shuldham  returning  now  to  England  in  the  Bristol,  having 
been  some  time  superseded  in  the  chief  command  by  Lord  Ho\ve,£ 
Mr.  Fraser  returned  with  him,  without  having  obtained  the  pro- 
motion which  he  had  strong  reasons  to  expect  from  his  Lordship.  . 

In  the  following  year  (17/7),  Lord  Sandwich,  then  at  the 
head  of  the  Admiralty,  gave  him  his  first  confirmed  commission, 
with  the  flattering  compliment, — that  it  was  for  his  services  in 

*  nr.AR  SIR, 

I  beg  pardon  for  having  so  long  delayed  returning  you  Mr.  Fraser's 
most  distinct  journal.  I  am  persuaded  he  is  very  deserving,  and  shall  be 
happy  if  the  enclosed  letter  for  Sir  Pettr  Parker  proves  of  any  advantage 
to  him,  which  you  will  please  cause  forward  to  Mr.  Fraser,  and  desire  him 
to  deliver  to  Sir  Peter  himself.  I  arn^-  &c. 

To  John  S</we>  Esq.  Edinburgh.  KEITH  STEWART. 

Sir  Peter  Parker  was  also  at  this  time  in  America. 

t  See  N.C.  Vol.  XXIV. 

}  This  nobleman,  who  paid  every  regard  to  merit  wherever  he  found  it 
having  much  approved  of  the  conduct  of  the  flat  boat  service,  caused  it  to 
be  intimated  to  those  gentlemen  of  Lord  Shuldham's  quarter-deck  who  had 
passed,  that  he  would  receive  on  board  the  Engle  such  of  them  as  chose 
to  remain  in  America  ;  and  would  promote  them,  next  to  those  of  his 
own  quarter-deck  who  came  fiom  England  with  himself.  Several  accepted 
the  offer  ;  others  declined  it. 


82  NAVAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

America.  The  appointment  was  to  the  Hector,  74,  Sir  John 
Hamilton.  The  next  year,  June  1778,  Lieutenant  Fraser  -was 
ordered  to  take  charge  of  La  Licornc  French  frigate,  detained  by 
the  Hector,  and  carried  her  into  Portsmouth  harbour.*  On  the 
27th  July  following,  he  was  present  in  the  action  of  Mr.  Keppelt 
with  D'Orvilliers;  iu  which  the  Hector,  being  of  the  van  dirision, 
had  little  share.  The  Hector  continued  in  the  Channel  Fleet  until 
1779,  when  she  was  ordered  to  the  West  Indies  with  Sir  George 
Rodney,  and  carried  down  a  convoy  to  Jamaica.  Lieutenant 
Fraser  had  then  become  first,  and  soon  after  had  an  opportunity 
of  seeing  the  intrepid  conduct  of  Captain  (Admiral)  Cornwallis,+ 

*  It  is  but  justice  to  the  memory  of  the  Chevalier  de  Bclizal,  who  com- 
manded La  Licorne,  to  state  here,  that  his  conduct  was  much  misrepre- 
sented, or,  rather,  the  circumstances  exaggerated,  at  tiie  time  ;  it  being 
said,  that  he  wantonly  fired  a  broadside  into  Lord  Longford's  ship,  the 
America,  at  the  moment  he  hauled  down  his  colours,  and  while  his  Lord, 
ship  was  actually  speaking  to  him  on  the  gangway.  The  fact  is,  on  a 
general  chase  tlie  day  before,  La  Licorne  had  refused  to  bring-to  ior  the 
Milford,  Sir  William  Burnaby,  until  the  Hector  arriving  up  fired  a  shot 
over  her;  when  Sir  John  Hamilton,  without  sending  a  boat  on  board,  hailed 
and  ordered  her  to  lie  by  the  Hector  all  night,  until  the  admiral's  pleasure 
was  known.  The  Hector  and  America  continued  near  her  (by  order)  until 
daylight,  when  she  was  hulled  by  the  Hector,  directing  her  to  tack,  and 
stand  towards  the  fleet,  then  at  several  miles  distance.  The  wind  \vas 
very  light ;  and  when  the  Hector  had  tacked,  observing  La  Licornc  did  not 
do  so,  as  she  had  been  directed,  a  shot  was  fired  across  her  :  on  the  instant, 
every  gun  in  La  Licorne  was  discharged,  but  at  no  particular  object,  and 
her  colours,  which  had  been  up  all  night,  hauled  down.  That  there  was 
no  premeditated  design  of  firing  into  the  America  is  plain,  from  there  being 
r.o  object  on  the  one  side  (though  all  the  guns  were  fired),  and  the  Ame- 
rica was  a  considerable  distance  on  her  lee  quarter,  and  certainly  not  then 
within  hail  ;  though  ie  is  true,  that  one  or  two  shot  accidentally  struck  her, 
and  wounded  two  of.  her  people.  Lieutenant  Frascr  was  on  board  La 
Licorne  in  ten  minutes  afterwards,  and  before  four  in  the  morning,  and 
found  all  the  guns  had  been  laid  down  (j.  c.  bed  and  coins  out)  prepara- 
tory to  their  being  fired  ;  which  they  only  waited  for  the  Hector  enforcing 
the  order  for  tacking,  to  do.  And  Mons.  Bclizul,  on  being  questioned  by 
Lieutenant  Fraser,  why  be  fired  bis  guns  and  hauled  down  his  colours,  there 
being  no  intention  of  making  prize  of  him,  answered,  he  could  do  no  less, 
"  pour  1'honneur  du  Pavilion  ;"  and  refused  to  hoist  the  colours  again, 
though  requested  to  do  so.  No  other  British  officer  was  ever  on  board  La 
Licorne ;  nor  does  the  writer  of  this  think  that  the  America  was  at  all 
within  hail  that  morning. 

f  See  N.  C.  Vol.  VII.  +  Sec  N.  C.  Vol.  VII. 


ALEXANDER    FRASER,    ESQ.  J)3 

when  the  squadron  under  his  orders,  consisting  of  the  Lion,  Sul. 
tan,  Hector,  and  Ruby,  of  the  line,  and  Niger  frigate,  fell  in 
with  Mons.  de  Ternay,  with  eight  sail  of  the  line,  and  two  large 
ships,  armee  enjlute^  with  a  convoy  (as  was  afterwards  known) 
for  America.  The  squadron  being  on  its  return  to  Jamaica,  after 
seeing  the  homeward-bound  a  certain  distance,  concluded,  on  first 
discovering  the  enemy,  that  it  also  must  be  a  homeward-bound 
French  convoy,  with  perhaps  two  sail  of  the  line :  the  hopes  were 
of  course  sanguine  ;  but  on  a  general  chase,  the  Hector  and  Ni- 
ger (the  only  ships  coppered)  soon  made  them  out  to  be  as  above, 
with  a  fleet  of  30  to  40  transports.  On  this  being  communicated 
by  signal  to  the  commodore,  the  ships  were  recalled  from  chase, 
and  the  line  a-head  formed  on  the  larboard  tack  :  the  Ruby, 
however,  at  this  time  was  far  to  leeward  of  our  squadron,  and  on 
the  lee  bo\v  of  the  French,  who  had  also  formed  in  line  a-head 
with  ten  sail.  Nothing  could  have  saved  the  Ruby,  but  the  deter- 
mined conduct  of  Captain  Cornvvallis,  who  directed  the  Hector  to 
lead  large  two  points,  thereby  crossing  the  van  of  the  enemy,  now 
within  gun-shot,  who  also  bore  up  as  we  did,  and  gave  the  Ruby 
an  opportunity,  by  tacking,  of  weathering  their  van,  and  forming 
in  our  rear,  though  under  a  severe  fire.  When  this  was  effected, 
the  line  ahead  by  the  wind  carrying  all  sail,  was  continued  ;  and 
the  enemy,  though  nearly  double  our  force,  contented  himself 
\vi(h  a  distant  cannonade  for  a  short  time,  and  then  bore  up  to 
rejoin  his  convoy.  A  few  men  were  killed  or  wounded  in  each  of 
the  ships,  and  the  rigging  in  some  considerably  damaged. 

Soon  after  this,  Lieutenant  Frascr  exchanged  into  the  Con- 
queror, 74,  Captain  William  Dickson,  as  first  lieutenant;  being 
desirous  to  return  to  England,  to  join  the  ship  of  his  friend,  the 
late  Commodore  Johnstone. 

On  the  passage  home,  the  Conqueror  experienced  part  of  the 
effects  of  the  destructive  hurricane  in  1780,  losing  her  main-mast, 
and  being  in  other  respects  much  damaged  :  her  pumps  were 
choaked,  and  100  men  were  daily  employed  baleing  the  water  out 
at  all  the  hatchways  during  the  greater  part  of  the  passage  of 
twelve  weeks  :  by  extraordinary  exertions  she  arrived  at  Spithead  ; 
Captain  (afterwards  Admiral)  Dickson  always  declaring  that  the 
preservation  of  the  ship  was  in  a  great  measure  o^ing  to  the  exer- 
tions of  the  first  lieutenant. 


54  NAVAL    BIOGRAPHY, 

Commodore  Johnstone  having,  in  the  mean  time  (being  ready  te> 
gail  on  his  expedition),  completed  (he  number  of  lieutenants  to  the 
Romney,  Lieutenant  Frascr  was  induced  (o  accept  a  commission 
for  the  St.  Carlos,  of  50  guns,  armee  en  Jtuie,  attached  to  the 
expedition  ;  he  was  consequently  in  the  skirmish  in  Praya  Bay, 
when  Souffrein  surprised  the  commodore;  and  on  several  promo- 
tions taking  place,  he  was  removed  to  the  Romney,  the  commo- 
dore's ship  :  in  her  he  continued  during  the  remaining  part  of  the 
expedition,  came  home  first  lieutenant,  and  was  immediately  after- 
wards appointed  to  the  Royal  George,  with  Admiral  Sir  John 
Ross  ;  *  but  Admiral  Pigot  being  appointed  to  succeed  Sir  George 
Rodney  in  the  West  Indies,  and  promising  to  receive  Lieutenant 
Fraser  into  his  ship  on  promotion,  he  preferred  that  prospect ; 
and,  to  effect  it,  was  appointed  first  of  the  Panther,  in  which 
ship  he  was  in  (he  action  with  the  combined  fleets  after  the  relief 
of  Gibraltar  in  1782  by  Lord  Howe  :  the  Panther  had  several 
men  killed  and  wounded  in  this  partial  affair,  which  terminated  at 
10  P.M.  by  the  mistake  of  a  verbal  order  delivered  along  the  line,  f 
The  combined  fleets  were  17  sail  of  the  line  superior  to  the 
British. 

There  being  a  detachment  from  the  fleet  ordered  to  the  West 
Indies  under  Sir  R.  Hughes,  Lieutenant  Frascr  got  an  exchange 
into  the  Ruby  (64),  one  of  the  ships  detached  ;  but  Lord  Howe 
granted  it  only  on  the  condition  of  his  serving  in  the  Ruby  in  the 
place  of  the  officer  with  whom  he  exchanged  ;  so  that  he  went  into 
that  ship  as  third  lieutenant,  though  senior  to  the  first.  On  the 
passage  out,  falling  in  with  a  squadron  of  the  enemy  to  windward 
of  Barbadoes,  the  Ruby,  after  an  action  of  48  minutes  within 
pistol-shot,  took  the  Solitaire,  of  equal  force,  which  had  38 
killed -and  above  40  wounded,  though  the  Ruby  had  none  killed, 
and  but  few  wounded,  and  those  slightly.  +  In  this  action  the 

•  Sec  N.  C.  Vol.  VI. 

f  The  verbal  order  meant  to  be,  and  delivered  in  part,  along  the  line 
was, — To  make  all  sail,  preserving  the  line  ;— but  by  mistake  was,  "  make 
all  sail  and  bear  up,"  i.  e.  from  the  enemy. 

J  SIR,  Formidable,  Gros  Islet  Bay,  St.  Lucia,  1th  Afril,  1783. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  that  I  have  received  the  commands  of  the 
Admiralty,  to  signify  to  you  that  they  are  highly  pleased  with  your  conduct, 
as  well  as  that  of  your  officers  and  men,  in  the  action  with  the  Solitaire,  and 


ALEXANDER   FIIA3EK,    ESQ.  §5 

first  lieutenant,  Smith,  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  commander 
by  the  Admiralty. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Ruby  in  the  West  Indies,  Lieut. 
Fraser  was  removed  into  the  Formidable,  Admiral  Pigot's  ship  ; 
butr  the  peace  taking  place  immediately,  he  had  the  mortification 
of  returning  to  England  again  in  the  flag-ship,  first  for  promo-' 
tion ;  at  which  Commodore  Johnstone,  who  thought  he  had 
strong  claims  on  Admiral  Pigot,  expressed  surprise  and  displea- 
sure.*. Having  declined  an  offer  made  him  by  Admiral  Greig  to 
enter  into  the  Russian  service,  Admiral  Pigot  sent  him  out  lieute- 
nant of  the  Adamant,  Sir  R.  Hughes's  flag-ship  in  the  West  Indies, 
(Leeward  Island  Station).  Here  he  remained  three  years,  without 
any  vacancy  for  a  captain  occurring  ;  and  in  the  autumn  of  17SG 
again  returned  to  England  a  lieutenant.  It  was  on  this  station  he 
had  the  good  fortune  of  acquiring  the  acquaintance  and  friendship 
of  Lord  Nelson,  f  who  then  commanded  the  Boreas  frigate;  which 
friendship  continued  till  the  lamented  death  of  that  great  officer. 
It  may  be  here  mentioned,  that  Sir  Richard  Hughes  finding  it 
necessary  to  order  an  officer  to  reside  at  Antigua,  to  superintend 
and  expedite  the  sailing  of  the  various  transports  which  had  col- 
lected there  at  the  peace,  and  were  loitering  away  their  time,  being 
in  no  hurry  to  be  put  out  of  government  pay,  he  sent  Lieutenant 
Fraser  on  that  service,  which  he  executed  to  the  entire  approba- 
tion of  the  Navy  Board,  and  of  the  commander-in-chief.  + 

the  capturing  of  her.     You  will  please  make   this  known  to  your  officers 
and  ship's  company.  HUGH  PIGOT. 

To  Captain  John  Collins — (afterwards  knighted  for  this  action.) 

Lieutenant  Wm.  Smith,  promoted  ;  Wm.  Limbery  ;  Alex.  Fraser,  3d, 
senior  to  the  1st;  Bartholomew  Huberts. 

*  DEAR  stn,  Kensington  Core. 

Your  disappointment  in  the  West  Indies  grieves  me  much,  and  my  sin- 
cere friendship  tor  you  made  me  feel  it  the  more.  You  know  the  strong 
claims  I  had,  and  1  could  do  no  more,  £c.  It  is  a  lamentable  fact,  that 
political  differences  of"  opinion  stifle  all  claims  from  friendship,  &c. 

To  Lieutenant  Fraser.  GEORGE  JOHNSTONE. 

f  SeeN.C.  Vol.  III. 
I  SIR, 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  acquaint  you,  that  I  a:n  perfectly  satisfied  with, 
and  much  approve  of,  your  conduct  and  behaviour  ia  the  service  upon 


96  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

It  being  now  profound  peace,  and  no  prospect  of  promotion, 
he  took  this  opportunity  of  seeing  his  friends  in  the  North,  having 
been  nineteen  years  constantly  on  board  a  ship.  Lord  Howe,* 
howerer,  in  June  1787,  appointed  him  first  lieutenant  of  the 
Colossus,  a  new  74,  which  ship  he  fitted  out  at  Deptford  for  the 
late  Sir  Hugh  C.  Christian ;  and  the  armament  taking  place  in  Oc- 
tober, of  which  Admiral  Pigot  was  to  have  the  command,  he 
removed  Lieutenant  Fraser  from  the  Colossus  to  first  of  his  own 
ship,  the  Royal  Sovereign,  at  Plymouth. f  Thus,  when  the 
armament  ceased,  he,  on  the  1st  of  December,  1787,  at  last  ob. 

which  you  are  at  present  employed  :  I  am  fully  convinced,  that  your  being 
sent  on  it  will  be  the  means  of  saving  much  more  money  to  the  crown,  than 
the  amount  of  all  the  expenses  attendant  on  the  execution  of  your  office. 
You  will  continue  to  send  off  such  transports  as  may  be  still  remaining,  or 
coming  into  the  harbours  in  the  Island  of  Antigua,  with  all  the  despatch  in 
your  power  ;  and  you  may  be  assured  I  will  not  fail  to  mention  to  the 
Boards  at  home  your  diligence  in  the  execution  of  that  duty,  and  the  ad- 
vantHge  that  government  will  be  likely  to  receive  from  it. 

To  Lieutenant  Fraser.  RICHARD  HUGHES. 

*  See  N.  C.  Vol.  IX. 

t  MY  DEAR  FRASER,  Whitehall,  10th  October,  1787. 

At  the  instant  you  did  me  the  favour  of  calling  at  Whitehall,  I  was  en- 
gngcd  with  your  namesake  (Mr.  Fraser,  under  secretary  of  state)  in  close 
conference  about  you  ;  and  I  can  assure  you,  that  upon  my  return  to  the 
office,  I  was  extremely  pleased  to  observe  the  contents  of  your  card.  I 
wi;h  you  health  and  success  with  all  my  heart.  I  dined  the  day  following 
with  your  admiral,  who  spoke  of  you  to  me  in  the  handsomest  terms.  Be- 
lieve me  very  sincerely  yours, 


DEAR,  SIR,  Portsmouth,  November  8,  1787. 

I  could  wish  to  know  whether  it  will  be  agreeable  to  your  future  plans  to 
resume  your  situation  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Colossus.  I  had  hoped  that 
some  idea  of  promotion,  at  least  from  the  flag-ship's  commanding-in-chtef, 
would  have  been  in  circulation.  I  am  much  concerned  that  I  have  not  as 
yet  heard  of  such  intention.  On  your  account  I  wish  very  sincerely  that  it 
may  yet  take  place  ;  if  unfortunate  ly  it  should  not,  I  shall  be  very  desirous 
to  contribute  to  your  return,  and  hype  the  situation  will  be  acceptable  to 
you,  bciii«  very  sincerely  j(;urs, 

LUutmant  Fraser.  II.  C.  CHRISTIAN. 


ALEXANDER  {-BASER,  ESQ.  57 

tained  the  rank  of  commander,  and  remained  unemployed  till  the 
autumn  of  1790 ;  when  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
Savage  sloop,  on  the  Greenock  station,*  where  he  remained  till 
December,  1792.  The  Savage  was  then  ordered  to  the  Hirer,  to 
assist  in  carrying  to  the  Nore  the  newly-impressed  men  ;  from 
thence  she  was  ordered  to  join  Admiral  M'Bridet  in  the  Downs. 

At  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  with  France,  the  Savage  took 
qne  privateer,  La  Custine,  and  several  Danish  ships  laden  with 
corn,  bound  to  France.  In  April,  1793,  Admiral  M'Bride 
ordered  Captain  Fraser  to  take  the  Ferret  sloop  and  a  number  of 
cutters  under  his  command,  and  proceed  off"  Ostend  :  here  he 
received  a  requisition  from  the  Baron  de  Mylius,+  to  land  and 

*    SIR, 

The  Earl  of  Chatham  received  this  morning  your  letter  of  the  2?lh 
instant;  and  as  before  the  receipt  hereof  you  will  have  been  informer!  of 
your  appointment  to  the  command  of  the  Savage  sloop,  his  Lordship  has 
only  directed  me  to  add,  that  he  felt  great  pleasure  in  being  enabled  to 
employ  you  in  a  manner  so  conformable  to  your  own  wishes. 

Captain  Fraser.  I  am,  &c.  JOSEPH  HUNT. 

SIR,  Admiralty,  Fibruary,  1793. 

1  have  been  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  4th,  and  should  be  Very 
glad  if  I  could  give  you  hopes  of  being  able  to  give  accommodation  to  your 
natural  wishes  for  promotion.  But  I  can  at  present  be  of  no  further  use  to 
any  officer,  than  to  bear  testimony  to  what  I, know  or  have  heard  of  his 
character;  and  yours  stands  so  fair,  that  I  shall  not  fail  to  do  full  justice 
to  it,  whenever  an  opportunity  offers,  being  most  truly,  &c. 

To  Captain  Fraser,  Savige.  HOOD. 

f  See  N.  C.  Vol.  XIX. 

J  MONSIEUR,  Ostende,  5c  Avril,  1793. 

La  ville  et  environs  d'Ostende  etant  menace  par  1'enemi,  qui  n'a  pas 
encore  quitte  Nieuport  et  Fumes,  ou  ils  se  trouvent  plusieurs  de  ses 
bataillons  ;  Je  prie  Mons.  Fraser,  capitaine  navale  et  commandant  de 
^escadre,  a  la  rode  d'  Ostende,  au  service  de  S.  M.  Britanniquc,  de  vouloir 
Tenir  prendre  la  defense  de  la  dite  vilie  et  environs,  avec  les  troupes  e.t 
1'escadre  sous  ses  ordres.  J'ai  1'honneur  d'etre,  avec  le  consideration  le  plus 
diitingue,  Monsieur,  votre  tres  bumble  &  obeissant  serviteur, 

.BARON  DE  MYL1US, 

Colonel  chef  de  corps  de  Loudon  Vert,  et  commandant 
UTI  detachment  de  Tarm£s  iltius  la  Ouut  Flandre, 
cantonne'e  a  Ypres. 

A  Monsieur  Fraser,  capitaine  et  commandant 
de  Cescadre  a  la  rude  d'Ostende,  au  semce 
de  S.  M.  Btitannique. 

.  er&ioru  Sol,  XXXI.  • 


08  KAYAI,    BIOGRAPHY. 

take  possession  of  the  town  and  garrison  ;  with  which  he  com- 
plied, and  ran  the  Savage  into  the  harbour,  landing  about  500 
tten,  partly  marines  and  partly  seamen.  On  the  5th  he  received 
from  the  Court  of  Brussels  the  intelligence,  that  General  Dumou- 
rier  had  arrested  Beurnonvillc  and  the  other  commissioners  of  the 
convention,  and  sent  them  to  the  Count  de  Clayrfait.*  This 

SIR, 

You  are  to  take  the  command  of  the  port  and  town  of  Ostend,  until  such 
time  as  an  Austrian  officer  is  sent  to  possess  the  place.  You  are,  with  the 
utmost  despatch,  to  remount  the  cannon,  and  put  the  place  in  the  best  state 
of  defence  the  circumstances  of  the  time  will  admit.  You  are  to  invite 
the  loyal  citizens  in  so  doing,  marking  those  that  appear  backward  and  dis- 
affected. You  are  to  take  all  the  armed  cutters,  with  a  subaltern's  party  of 
the  29th  regiment  (serving  as  marines),  into  the  harbour,  who,  with  the  crews 
of  the  cutters  and  your  own  marines,  you  are  to  employ  in  the  manner  most 
expedient,  &c.  In  the  execution  of  this  service,  you  are  to  take  care  that 
the  utmost  regularity  and  good  order  is  preserved,  that  none  of  the  inhabi- 
tants be  molested,  injured,  or  insulted  ;  and  you  will,  by  a  proper  conduct 
on  your  part,  endeavour  to  obtain  their  confidence  and  assistance,  to  da- 
fend  the  place  as  becomes  English  seamen  and  soldiers.  Your  party  is 
small,  but  your  cause  is  good  ;  and  1  have  the  utmost  confidence  in  your 
conduct  and  courage. 

To  Captain  Fraser,  Senior  officer  at  Ostend.  JOHN  M'BRIDE. 

Bmsselles,  3  Avnf,  1793. 

*  Le  ministre  vient  de  recevoir  une  lettre  du  General  Clayrfait,  qni 
1'informe,  que  Beurnonville,  ministre  de  la  guerre  en  France,  accompagne" 
de  son  aid  de  camp,  et  de  plusieurs  deputes  de  la  convention  nationale, 
sont  venus  a  1'armee  du  Dumourier  pour  1'arreter.  Le  General  Dumou- 
rier,  au  lieu  de  se  laisser  arreter,  a  fait  arreter  le  ministre  ct  lea  commis- 
saires,  et  les  a  fait  remettre  en  mains  du  General  Clayrfait  a  Mons.  II 
paroitroit  que  cela  devroit  conduire  a  la  paix,  ou  a  contre  revolution  en 
France. 

DEAR  SIR,  Do&ru,  7th  April,  1793. 

Your  letter,  with  the  confirmation  of  the  good  news,  by  Dixon,  will  be 
a  very  welcome  account  indeed.  Although  this  has  not  turned  out  lucrn- 
live,  it  will  be  very  reputable  to  you.  I  think  it  scarcely  possible  that  you 
and  Nowell  are  not  to  have  post :  Boger  and  Wynne  commands.  I  sup- 
pose, from  the  turn  matters  have  taken,  we  shall  very  soon  come  to  a 
conclusion.  JOHN  M'BRIDE. 

DEAR  SIR,  8th  April. 

I  have  all  your  despatches,  and  have  great  pleasure  in  acquainting  you, 
that  the  Admiralty  highly  approve  of  your  conduct,  and  I  hope  you  will 
very  soon  have  more  substantial  proof  of  their  Lordships'  attention.  I  have 
not  failed  to  lend  my  helping  hand,  and  am,  with  great  regard,  most  sin. 
cerely  yours.  JOHN  M'BIUDE. 

To  Cuplain  Fraier,  Oslend. 


ALEXANDER    FP.ASER,    ESQ.  S9 

intelligence,  of  infinite  consequence  to  the  war,  he  instantly 
transmitted  to  the  Admiralty  ;  and  it  was  received  in  so  very  short 
a  time,  that  Lord  Chatham  could  scarcely  believe  the  officer  who 
brought  the  despatch.  In  four  days  afterwards,  the  French  army 
refusing  to  inarch  to  Paris  with  Dutnourier,  he  was  himself 
obliged  to  fly,  which,  of  course,  put  an  end  to  the  armistice  between 
the  Prince  of  Cobourg  and  him.  This  intelligence  Captain  Fraser 
received  through  the  same  channel,  and  was  equally  fortunate  iu 
the  speedy  transmission  of  it  to  the  Admiralty. — As  he  necessarily 
lived  on  shore,  H.  R.  H.  the  Duke  of  York  was  pleased  to  order 
the  commissary-general  to  pay  him  ll.  per  day  for  his  table,  which 
was  continued  all  the  time  he  remained  on  the  station.  Sir  Charles 
Ross,  with  the  37th  regiment,  reliered  him  in  the  command  on 
shore  on  the  20th  April  ;  *  but  he  still  continued  as  commanding 
the  naval  department,  until  the  events  which  succeeded  required 
a  greater  force,  and  officers  of  superior  rank,  among  whom  were 
Admiral  M'Bride  himself,  Captain  George  Murray,  f  &c.  j  pre- 
vious to  which,  he  was,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1793,  promoted  to  the 


*  SIR, 

I  am  ordered  by  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York  to  acquaint  you, 
that  the  37th  regiment  is  to  embark  to-morrow  on  board  boats  to  proceed 
to  Ostend,  and  to  remain  there  for  the  present  in  garrison  :  and  his  Royal 
Highness  requests  you  will  give  Sir  Charles  Ross  every  assistance  in  your 
po'wer,  when  it  is  necessary  to  employ  any  of  the  shipping.  His  Royal 
Highness  has  this  day  given  directions  to  the  commissary-general,  that  20*. 
a  day  should  be  allowed  you  for  the  expense  of  your  table  since  you  landed 
at  Ostend. 

His  Royal  Highness  desires  I  would  express  to  you,  that  lie  will  be  very 
happy  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  at  Courtray,  or  wherever  head- 
quarters may  be ;  and  will  then  give  you  every  intelligence  relative  to  your 
future  destination.  J.  ST.  LEGER, 

To  Capt.  Fraser,  Ostend.  Deputy-Adjutant-General. 

SIR, 

I  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  letter  of  the  26th  instant.  His  Royal 
Highness  is  much  obliged  to  you  for  the  expedition  used  in  sending  off  the 
Baron  de  Wymfen.  The  head-quarters  will  be  for  several  days  at  Tournay^ 
where  his  Royal  Highness  will  be  very  happy  to  see  you. 

To  Captain  Fraser.  JAMES  MURRAY,  Adj.-Sen. 

t  SeeN.C.  Vol.  XVIII. 


JOO  NATAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

post  rank  in  the  Redoubt,  of  20  68  ib.  carronades  ;  *  the  Savage's 
ship's  company  turned  over  into  her,  and  sent  to  the  same  station  ; 
•where,  assisted  by  the  Captains  Sotheron  and  Halket  (now  Rear. 
admirals),  he  materially  contributed  to  the  defence  of  Nieuport  ; 
the  ships  anchoring  close  in-shore,  and  firing  into  the  enemy'i 
camp  over  the  sand-hills.  + 

•  DEAR  SIR,  Dozens,  lOt/i  June,  1793. 

I  am  just  returned  from  town,  having  been  absent  three  days,  which  a 
the  reason  you  have  not  heard  from  me.  I  have  very  sincere  pleasure  in 
informing  you,  that  you  will  shortly  receive,  by  being  promoted,  that  re- 
ward which  your  very  meritorious  and  proper  conduct  so  well  entitles  you 
to  ;  and  be  assured  I  have  great  pleasure  in  the  communication.  If  I  have 
in  any  respect  been  instrumental  in  this  event,  it  was  yourself  who  fur- 
nished me  with  the  materials.  Mr.  Boger  is  ordered  to  relieve  you.  Entre 
nous,  on  your  arrival  you  will  probably  be  ordered  to  Woolwich,  where 
you  will  find  a  ship  belter  calculated  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  Ostend  than 
the  Savage.  Boger  gets  a  step  along  with  you,  so  that  Ostend  has  made 
you  both  a  little  taller.  With  the  greatest  regard  yours  most  sincerely, 

Captain  Fraser,  Osiend.  JOHN  M'BRIDE. 

MY  DEAR  SIR,  London,  August  23,  1793. 

T  have  yours  this  day  ;  your  former  letter  reached  me  in  Torbay,  and  it 
was  not  until  yesterday  I  knew  where  you  were.  Rest  assured,  in  what- 
ever I  may  have  contributed  to  your  promotion,  I  am  amply  repaid  by 
the  satisfaction  I  feel  on  the  occasion.  I  have  no  doubt  t,he  Redoubt  will 
do  all  that  is  required  of  her  when  called  upon.  Most  sincerely  yours, 

To  Captain  Fraxcr,  Redoubt.  JOHN  M'BRIPE. 

+  Aux  habitans  de  Nieuport  le  3d  jour  de  la  premiere  decade  du  2d 
mois  de  la  Republique  Francaise  une  et  indivisible. 

Je  vnus  somtne  de  vous  rendre  sur  le  champ  aux  armes  victorieuses  de  la 
Republique  I'rancaiie,  devant  qui  tout  doitceder  :  que  six  otagesse  rendent 
-i  mon  camp;  ou  sans  quoi,  cernee,attaquee  par  mer  et  par  terre,  votre  ville 
j,cra  detruitp  ;  et  J'y  entrerai  sur  les  monceaux  fumans  de  vos  maisons,  et  les 
debris  palpitans  de  vos  membres.  Que  I'exemple  de  Furnes  vous  apprenue 
a  iie  pas  compter  sur  ceux  qui  se  diseut  vos  defenseurs,  et  qui  nous  calom- 
tiieut  pnrcequc  nous  les  battons. 

Le  General  commandant  1'avant  garde  des  troupes  Francaises  devant 
Kieupo.t,  LAZAR  HOCHE. 

Reponse  du  majistrats  de  Nieuport. 

Comme  notre  ville  cst  presentment  sous  la  commande  mjlitaire,  nous  n$ 
pouvous  repondre  de  notre  chef  a  votre  sommation. 


ctober,  1793. 

Colonel  Wormb,  commandant  of  Nieuport,  is  very  sensible  of  Cap;ain 
Frssei-'s  oSers  of  service,  of  which  he  stands  in  great  need,  havim:  been 


ALEXANDER    FttASER,    ESQ.  101 

After  the  unfortunate  result  of  the  attempt  on  Dunkirk,*  Lord 
Chatham,  at  his  own  desire,  appointed  him  to  the  Proserpine  fri- 
gate, in  July,  1704,  in  which  ship  he  remained  in  the  North  Sea 
under  the  command  of  Admiral  +  (Lord)  Duncan,];  until  Decem- 
ber, 1795 ;  when  Lord  Spencer  was  pleased  to  offer  him  the 

attacked  yesterday  by  a  very  superior  and  considerable  force,  well  supplied 
with  heavy  artillery  of  every  species,  to  which  he  had  only  six-pounders  to 
oppose.  The  inundation,  which  he  was  under  the  necessity  of  malting,  alone 
protected  him.  An  attack  from  the  sand  hills,  perhaps  to-morrow,  is 
almost  certain.  Should  it  happen,  a  flag  will  be  hoisted  upon  a  small  tower  j 
and  if  from  any  other  quarter,  two  flags  wiJl  be  hoisted. 

CARL  VON  WORMB,  Commandant. 

SIR,  Nieuport,  4th  November,  1793. 

Major-general  Dundas  having  marched  this  morning  for  Ostend,  with  the 
troops  which  he  brought  to  reinforce  this  place,  it  fell  to  me  officially  to 
open  your  letter  of  this  date  ;  and  its  zealous  contents  for  the  mutual  de- 
fence of  Nieuport  afford  me  great  satisfaction.  I  shall  be  happy,  on  my 
part,  to  give  you  any  information  in  my  power  for  this  desired  end.  I  shall 
carefully  attend  to  the  signals  you  propose  to  make  in  case  the  enemy 
should  appear  on  the  sand-hills ;  and  should  I  perceive  them  approach  by 
any  quarter,  in  the  day  time,  I  shall  hoist  one  colour  upon  a  round  tower 
as  before  ;  and  in  the  night  a  lanthorn  instead  of  a  colour.  Enclosed  I  send 
you  the  paroles  and  counter-signs  till  the  12th  :  please  to  keep  them  in  your 
own  possession.  CARL  VON  WORMB. 

To  Commodore  Fraser. 

SIR,  Nieunnrt,  15th  November,  1793. 

I  am  honoured  with  your  letter  of  last  night  and  this  morning,  and  beg 
you  will  accept  my  best  thanks  for  your  obliging  attention  to  my  request 
for  ammunition  for  6-pounders  ;  a  receipt  for  which  I  have  given  to  the 
gunner  of  the  Albion,  agreeable  to  your  desire. 

Commodore  Frascr.  CARL  VON  WORMB. 

*  See  N.  C.  Vol.  VII.  and  XIII. 

t  SeeN.C.  Vol.  V. 

J   BEAR    SIR, 

I  am  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  21st  ult.  with  the  intelligerfce,  a 
copy  of  which  you  have  sent  to  the  Admiralty  (respecting  Dutch  fleet  in 
the  Texel),  which,  indeed,  lias  given  me  much  satisfaction;  and  if  appears 
to  me  you  must  have  used  much  address  in  obtaining  it. 

To  Capt.  Fraser,  Proserpine.  ADAM  DUNCAN. 

DEAR  SIR,  Venerable,  Dozens,  December  30,  1795. 

I  am  favoured  with  your  letter,  acquainting  me  your  ship  is  nearly  ready 
for  sea.  In  a  proposed  plan  of  the  Admiralty  for  guarding  the  North  coast, 
you  were  to  be  stationed  with  a  sloop  at  Lcrwick  :  my  opinion  was,  at  this 


NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY* 

Shannon,  one  of  the  new  fir  frigates,  of  32  guns.*  In  this  ship,  on 
the  Irish  station,  he  captured  three  large  privateers,  viz.  Le  Duguay 
Trouin,  of  24  guns,  150  men  ;  +  Le  Grand  Indien,  of  20  guns, 

season  you  could  be  of  little  use  there  ;  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  what  you 
think  :  it  is  certain  the  French  have  made  some  captures,  which  they  have 
at  present  at  Bergen,  («)  and  will  try  as  soon  as  they  can,  as  they  did  last 
year,  to  send  them  north  about  to  France.  It  is  also  not  impossible  the 
Dutch  may  try  to  get  their  India  ships  from  Drontheirn.  All  this  I  write 
you  in  confidence,  to  know  what  time  you  think  ships  should  take  the  nor- 
thern station ;  I  would  send  a  cutter  or  two  with  you. 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  with  regard,  very  much  yours, 
Captain  Fraser,  Proserpine.  ADAM  DUNCAN. 

MY  DEAR  SIR,  November  24,  1797. 

Your  congratulations  are  most  acceptable,  as  I  am  sure  they  are  sincere. 
Should  fate  put  us  together  again  I  shall  be  much  gratified,  as  your  service 
with  me  was  always  highly  to  my  satisfaction.  I  shall  only  add,  that  suc- 
cess and  all  the  comforts  of  life  may  attend  you  is  my  sincere  wish  ;  being 
with  great  regard  most  sincerely  yours,  DUNCAN. 

*  DEAR  FRASER,  Admiralty,  30th  December,  1795. 

If  you  have  an  inclination  to  be  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Shan- 
non, one  of  the  new  frigates  which  will  be  ready  in  the  course  of  next 
month,  I  have  Lord  Spencer's  permission  to  offer  her  to  you  :  let  me  know 
what  you  think  about  her,  and  believe  me  to  be  very  sincerely  yours, 


Captain  Fraser,  Proserpine,  Sheernets. 

t  MONSIEUR,  "Royal  Oak,  Portsmouth,  May  1798. 

Votre  lettre,  que  Je  viens  de  recevoir,  m'a  fait  eprouver  le  premier  senti- 
ment de  joye  quc  J'ai  eprouve  depuis  que  Je  suis  ici.  Je  vous  reads  mille 
graces  de  tout  ce  que  vous  avez  bien  voulu  faire  pour  moi.  J'etoisbicn  per- 
suade de  vos  bonnes  intentions,  et  Je  n'avois  pas  besoin  de  la  preuve  que 
vous  m'en  donne  par  la  lettre  du  Lord  Spencer  :  il  en  a  ecrit  a  peu  pie* 
une  pareille  au  1'Eveque  Conte  de  Leon,  que  ce  dernier  a  eu  la  complaisance 
de  me  faire  passer.  Mais  les  malheureux  circonstances  sont  seuls  la  cause 
que  mes  amis,  et  mes  bientaiteurs,  ne  peuvcnt  rien  faire  pour  moi :  Je  u'en 
conservcrai  pas  moins  le  precieux  souvenir,  et  mon  reconnaissance  sera 
eternelle. 

Je  vous  remercie  tie  la  complaisance  que  vous  avez  eu  de  faire  encerer 
dans  un  papier  publique  la  lettre  que  Je  vous  avois  remet  a  cet  cffet :  Je 

(«)  See  N.C.  Vol.  XIX. 


At-EXANDKR    FRASEIl,    ESQ.  103 

125  men  ;  and  La  Julie,  of  18  guns,  120  men  ;  *  the  latter  of 
whom  would  have  committed  great  depredations  on  the  Jamaica 
convoy,  then  expected,  of  which  the  French  captain  had  the 
most  correct  intelligence,  with  the  force  accompanying  it ;  for 
while  in  the  act  of  shifting  the  prisoners,  the  convoy  ap- 
peared in  sight,  consisting  of  more  than  70  sail,  under  the 
Alfred,  74,  and  Terror  bomb  ;  so  that  La  Julie  would  have 
taken  as  many  of  them  as  she  could  man,  with  very  little  probabi- 
lity of  recapture. 

In  1799,  Earl  Spencer  removed  Captain  Fraser  to  the  Diana, 

ne  scai  qu'elle  produira,  mais  quelque  soil  Peffet,  Je  doute  qu'il  y  ait  un 
second  M.  Fraser  pour  le  trop  malheureux,  qui  sera  toute  sa  vie,  &c. 

DUFRESNE  LEGUE. 

Vous  me  ferez  le  plus  grand  plaisir  si  vous  m'honorer  d'une  visile  dans 
ma  malheureuse  captivite;  dans  le  cas  que  vos  occupations  ne  vous  per- 
mettrois  pas  (ce  dont  Je  serois  bien  fache),  Je  vous  prie  de  recedever  volre 
bonne  recommendation  aupres  de  Capitaine  Rawe. 

Messieurs  Messieurs  Guillemaut  et  Dvfresne  Legue, 
Negocians  a  St,  Mala. 

Je  ne  puis  mieux  marquer  ma  vive  reconnoissance  pour  tous  les  egards, 
«t  les  bontes  qu'a  eu  pourmoi  le  capitaine  de  vaisseau  de  S.  M.  Britanniqutf 
Ja  Shannon,  Mons.  Alex.  Fraser,  pendant  un  mois  que  J'ai  reste  a  son  bord, 
apres  m'avoir  capture  sur  le  corsaire  le  Duguay  Trouin  de  St.  Malo  que  Je 
commandois ;  que  de  vous  recommande'  d'une  maniere  toute  particuliere. 
Vous  voudrez  bien  lui  rendre  tous  les  services  qui  dependerons  de  vous; 
ainsi  qu'a  tous  ceux  que  se  presenterai  de  sa  part,  il  n'  egalerai  jamais  ctux 
-qui  Je  lui  doit,  et  ma  reconnoissance  devera  autant  que  la  vie  de  votre 
ami,  DUFRESNE  LEGUE. 

Guillemaut  was  his  father-in-law.  Captain  Dufresne  Lcgue  had  been 
lieutenant  de  vaisseau  in  the  royal  navy  of  France  before  the  revolution, 
and  Captain  Fraser  had  been  a  little  acquainted  with  him  at  Martinique 
in  1784. 

A'bord  de  Julie,  Cork,  7  Juillet,  1793. 

*  L'instant  approche  ou  Je  vais  probablement  etre  transfei  e  dans  quelque 
prison  ;  prives  de  1'honneur  de  vous  faire  de  vive  voix  ines  sinceres 
retnerciment  du  traitement  noble  et  genereux  que  vous  avez  exerce  envers 
tnoi,  viellee  les  recevoir  par  la  presente,  et  croire  qu'  il  m'en  donner  pour 
vous,  Monsieur,  la  plus  haute  consideration  :  c'est  dans  cet  sentiment  que 
J'ai  1'honneur  d'etre 

Au  Captain  Alexander  Fraser,  PIERRE  GAUTREAtf. 

Commandant,  $c.  la  Shannon. 


104  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

of  JJ8  guns,  in  which  he  carried  out  a  large  convoy  to  the  V»'cit 
Indies,  and  remained  on  that  station  with  the  late  Lord  Hugh 
Seymour  for  one  year,  and  captured  several  small  privateers,  viz. 
Lcs  Quatrcs  Amis,  2  guns,  10  swivels,  and  40  men  ;  Telegraph, 
14  guns,  Medee,  10  guns,  70  men,  and  L' Industrie,  6  guns,  23 
men  ;  the  capture  of  the  last  of  whom,  it  is  but  justice  to  a  good 
officer,  now  dead,  to  state,  was  made  by  Lieutenant  Blake,  first 
of  the  Diana,  in  the  ship's  boats,  after  considerable  resistance  ; 
the  Diana  and  the  privateer  being  both  becalmed  under  Guada- 
loupe.*  During  his  stay  on  this  station,  he  had  to  regret  the 
indifferent  sailing  of  the  Diana,  though  othcrways  a  fine  frigate  ; 
as  he  had  the  mortification  to  chase  a  French  corvette,  of  28  guns, 
for  four  days,  from  Guadaloupe  to  the  Mona  passage,  a  great 
part  of  the  time  within  random  shot ;  when  she  at  last  escaped, 
during  the  fourth  night,  in  a  thunder  squall  which  continued  for 
several  hours.  Having  been  in  the  course  of  one  year  twice  attacked 
by  the  fever  of  that  climate,  he  was,  at  last,  most  reluctantly  obliged 
to  resign  the  command  of  the  Diana  to  Captain  Bercsford,  and 
returned  to  England  in  the  Invincible,  Captain  Caylcy.  t 

Remaining  on  half-pay  for  some  time  to  re-establish  his  health, 
.Lord  St.  Vincent  +  then  appointed  him  to  the  Bershiemer,  a  Dutch 
jhip  of  54  guns,  and  stationed  her  as  a  guard-ship  in  the  Swin, 
until  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  1802,  when  she  was  paid  off,  aud 
Captain  Frascr  was  appointed  to  the  Amphion  frigate,  in  which 
he  had  the  honour  and  good  fortune  to  carry  over  to  Cuxhaven. 
his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Cambridge  and  suite.  A  threatened 
misfortune  of  a  domestic  nature  obliged  him  soon  after  to  resign 
the  command  of  the  Amphion  to  Captain  Sir  Thomas  Mastcrman 
Hardy,  which  he  afterwards  considered  as  very  unfortunate,  being 
thereby  prevented  from  being  in  actual  service  at  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war  soon  after.  He  was  in  1804,  however,  by  Lord 
Welville,  appointed  to  the  Wcymouth  frigate,  and  almost  imme- 
diately to  the  Hindostan,  of  54  guns.  In  her  he  carried  out  a 

*  See  N.C.  VG!.  XV.  and  XVI, 

f  The  Diana  lost,  by  the  yellow  fever,  the  first  lieutenant,  master, 
lieutenant  of  marines,  acting  lieutenant,  several  midshipmen,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  the  ship's  company,  about  this  time. 

i  See  ^.C.  Vol.  IV. 


ALEXANDER    FRASER,    ESQ.  105 

large  convoy  to  the  East  Indies  ;  and  remaining  on  that  station 
about  nine  months,  he  returned  to  England  with  another  convoy 
ia  the  summer  of  1806.  The  Hindostan  (as  a  purchased  ship), 
being  found  unfit  for  his  Majesty's  service  as  a  man  of  war,  was 
paid  off;  and  Captain,  Fraser  was  appointed  by  Mr.  Thomas 
Grenville  to  the  Prince,  of  98  guns,  which  was  only  intended  as 
temporary,  until  the  Vanguard,  74,  was  ready  :  this  last  he  com- 
missioned in  January,  1807,  and  made  part  of  the  fleet  under 
Lord  Gambier,  at  the  last  attack  of  Copenhagen. 

When  the  admiral,  with  the  fleet  and  army,  returned  to  England 
ia  October,  Captain  Fraaer  was  ordered  to  remain  with  the  Van- 
guard, and  a  considerable  number  of  frigates  and  sloops,  for  the 
blockade  of  Copenhagen,  and  the  protection  of  the  trade  still 
remaining  in  the  Baltic  ;  and  other  services,  specified  in  his  orders. 
This  turned  out  a  service  of  much  greater  anxiety  and  difficulty 
than  had  been  foreseen  or  provided  for  :  not  only  did  the  Danish 
government  refuse  all  offers  made  to  it  of  reciprocal  forbearance 
(which  had  been  reckoned  upon),*  but  fitted  out  a  great  number 

In  proof  of  the  confirmed  hostility  of  the  Danes,  after  the  squadron  of 
Admiral  Gambier  had  departed,  it  should  be  mentioned,  that  the  strict 
blockade  of  Copenhagen  made  a  part  of  Captain  Fraser's  orders  ;  never- 
theless he  was  authorized,  and  accordingly  did  make  offer  to  the  Governor 
of  Cronenburgh  Castle,  and  the  commandant  of  Copenhagen,  to  relax  ia 
that  blockade,  in  so  far  as  to  permit  the  importation  of  articles  of  the  first 
necessity  ;  as  fuel,  salt,  &c.  and  timber  for  building,  of  which  they  stood 
in  much  need,  from  a  great  part  of  the  city  having  been  destroyed,  on  con- 
dition that  the  British  merchant  ships  should  be  unmolested  in  their  passage 
down  the  Drago  Channel,  and  through  the  Sound  :  which  was  peremp- 
torily refused.  After  the  capitulation,  some  brass  mortars,  which  were 
stipulated  to  be  returned  on  the  evacuation,  were  stolen,  it  was  supposed, 
from  one  of  the  lunettes  :  and  a  certain  number  of  praams  (private  pro- 
perty) which  had  been  destroyed  or  damaged  by  the  navy  or  army,  it  was 
agreed  (on  the  requisition  of  General  Piemaun,  the  governor)  should  be  paid 
for ;  and  Captain  Fraser  was  authorized  by  Admiral  Gambier  to  draw  bills 
on  the  Navy  Board  on  both  accounts,  taking  the  estimate  on  the  honour  and 
representation  of  General  Piemaun.  The  four  howitzers  were  paid  for  by 
bills  for  about  300  rix  doljars  ;  but  whilst  the  negociation  was  going  on 
respecting  die  value  of  the  praams,  and  which  had  come  so  near  the  con- 
clusion, that  bills  were  actually  drawn  for  7,150  dollars,  payable  to  the 
order  of  the  general,  and  only  waited  for  his  signature  to  the  necessary 
vouchers,  the  Prince  Royal  (now  Kin;/;)  arrived  at  Copenhagen,  put  the 

(Hoi.  XXXI.  P 


106  NATAL    BIOGBAFHY. 

of  gun. boats  in  all  quarters,  which  much  annoyed  the  merchant 
ships  coming  down  the  Baltic  through  the  Grounds,  and  also  the 
fchips  which  arrircd  from  England  bound  up.  None  of  either 
being  aware  of  the  decided  hostility  of  the  Danes  to  any  accom- 
modation, and  consequently  by  coming  down  singly  and  without 
convoy,  several  of  them  were  unavoidably  captured.  He  sue- 
ceeded,  however,  in  sending  safe  through  the  Sound  about  300 

/ 

general  under  arrest,  (a)  and  stopped  all  communication  by  flag  of  truce  or 
otherwise :  thus,  uy  an  ill-timed  resentment,  the  poor  proprietors  of  the 
praams  suffered  the  loss.  And  so  far  did  this  resentment  go,  that  a 
beautiful  yacht,  which  had  been  made  him  a  present  of  some  years 
before  by  the  King  of  Great  Britain  (and  which  had  been  most  carefully 
preserved  from  any  damage  while  the  British  troops  had  possession  of  the 
arsenal),  was  indignantly  returned  to  the  Admiralty  of  England.  She 
came  of  course  under  Captain  Eraser's  examination  off  Ilelsingburgh,  and 
he  certainly  might  have  detained  her  as  prize,  being  Danish  property,  and 
in  no  respect  a  cartel  ;  but  the  circumstance  was  so  novel,  and  the  subject 
of  so  delicate  a  nature,  that  he  did  not  choose  to  interfere,  further  than 
by  facilitating  her  voyage  to  England ;  and  &lie  now  lies  off  the  dock-yard 
at  Deptford. 

The  passport  with  the  yacht  was  in  the  following  terms  :— 
His  Majesty  the  King  of  Denmark  and  Norway,  &c.  &c.  . 

Deputies  in  the  College  of  the  Admiralty  and  Commissariat  at  Copen- 
hagen, make  known  hereby,  That  the  English  shipmaster,  William  Patter- 
son, who  is  now  sent  from  hence  in  an  English  built  frigate  to  England,  to 
deliver  the  same  to  the  Royal  English  Admiralty,  has  permission  to  pass 
the  Boom  at  the  Custom-house  here,  as  also  further  to  sail  from  Copenhagen 
roads  with  the  said  frigate-built  (hut  not  to  return),  whose  crew  consists  of 
a  mate  and  16  sailors,  all  of  whom  are  released  English  prisoners  of  war, 
conformably  with  the  muster-roll  delivered  to  the  said  shipmaster.  Where- 
fore all  whom  it  may  concern  are  requested  to  allow  the  said  shipmaster, 
with  the  frigate,  and  the  said  crew,  to  pass  without  hindrance,  as  well  our 
of  the  harbour,  as  across  the  sea,  on  this  his  voyage. 

College  of  Admiralty  and  Commissariat,  21$t  November,  1807. 

(Signed)         KNUGHT Stctn  Bille— Grove. 

(L.S.) 


(a)  General  Piemaun  was  immediately  tried  by  a  conseille  ile  guerre,  for  having 
giren  op  the  arsenal  and  fleet,  and  condemned  to  death;  but  the  sentence  was 
commuted  to  cou&uerueiit  for  life  iu  the  Island  of  Bornholm. 


ALEXANDER    FRASEK,   ESQ.  107 

sail,  giving  them  ample  protection  from  thence  to  England.*  An 
embargo  also  took  place  in  the  Russian  ports  so  early  as  the 
15th  November;  notwithstanding  which  a  very  few  ships  only 
remained,  as  they  met  with  every  facility  in  getting  ready  and  pro- 
ceeding, from  the  Russian  government,  until  the  embargo  actually 
took  place ;  the  military  even  assisting  in  loading  the  vessels,  f 
Captain  Fraser  remained  off  Copenhagen  till  the  21st  of  No- 

*  DEAR  em,  Hekingburgh,  27th  October,  1807. 

Lieutenant  Collett  will  state  to  you  the  circumstance  of  the  capture,  bv 
the  Castle  of  Cronenburgh,  of  four  English  merchantmen,  forming  part  of 
the  convoy  now  in  sight.  The  man  of  war  is  not  yet  come  up.  There  ne- 
ver was  any  thing  so  cowardly  and  awkward  as  the  conduct  of  these  four 
jliips.  Believe  me,  dear  Sir,  with  great  truth,  yours,  most  faithfully, 

Capt.  Fraser,  Vanguard,  off  Copenhagen.  HY.  PIERREPONT. 

SIR,  Helxingburgh,  November  10,  1807. 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  9th 
instant:  I  cannot  but  perfectly  coincide  with  your  opinion  on  the  risk 
which  those  merchant  ships  hound  up  the  Baltic  would  incur  in  proceeding 
through  the  Drago  Channel.  At  the  same  time,  that  the  measure  proposed 
in  sending  II. M.S.  Gannet  with  them  as  far  as  Bornholm,  appear*  to  me  to 
be  amply  sufficient :  and  it  would  have  been  undoubtedly  (inadvisable, 
that  any  of  his  Majesty's  squadron  should  have*becn  suffered  to  proceed 
farther  up  these  seas  at  so  advanced  a  period  of  the  season.  I  have  the 
honour  to  be,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  Sir, 

Capt.  Frater,  Vanguard,  $c.  HY.  PIERREPONT. 

t  SIR,  Helsingbnrgh,  November  20,  1807. 

Intelligence  has  arrived  from  Peter&burgh,  of  such  a  complexion  as  to 
remove  all  doubt  of  the  commercial  intercourse  between  Russia  and 
England  being  entirely  at  an  end.  I  have  hastened  to  give  you  an  early 
intimation  of  this  circumstance,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  take  such  steps 
as  you  think  necessary,  in  order  to  prevent  English  vessels  of  all  descrip- 
tions from  proceeding  to  the  ports  of  Russia,  which  can  no  longer  be  con«- 
jsidered  as  friendly.  1  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Capt.  Fraser,  Vanguard,  off  Copenhagen.  B.  BATHURST, 

Charge  des  Affaires. 

SIR,  Hehingburgh,  November  21,  1807. 

His  Swedish  Majesty  has  despatched  Mons.  de  Boya  to  Copenhagen,  to 
reclaim  the  Swedish  Consul,  who  was  arrested,  I  understand,  in  conse- 
quence of  having  conveyed  a  letter  from  you  to  General  Peyman ;  and 
unless  every  reparation  is  made  for  this  outrage,  the  Danish  Consul  at 
Malmoe  will  be  put  under  arrest.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great 
truth,  &c. 

Captain  Frater.  B.  BATHURST. 


108  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

vembcr,  and  then  dropt  down  off  Hclsingburgh  to  collect  the  last 
ships  for  the  season,  and  proceed  with  them  to  England  on  the 
30th,  agreeable  to  his  orders.  Here  he  had  the  honour  of  attend, 
ing  the  levee  of  the  late  King  of  Sweden,  Gustavus,  and  was 
accompanied  by  Captains  Staincs  and  Phillimore  :  according  to 
the  etiquette,  they  were  invited  to  dinner,  and  to  be  introduced 
to  the  beautiful  Queen  of  Sweden ;  an  honour  which,  from  the 
situation  of  the  ships  (being  within  gun-shot  of  the  castle  of 
Cronenburgh),  and  the  state  of  the  weather  (a  snow  storm),  they 
were  very  reluctantly  obliged  to  decline. 

A  few  of  the  merchant  ships  (about  eight)  had,  on  their  pas- 
sage  down  the  Baltic,  put  into  Carlsham  and  Carlscrona,  and 
waited  there  for  protection  from  the  gun-boats ;  but  the  season 
was  now  so  far  advanced,  it  was  found  impracticable  to  afford  it 
to  them ;  Captain  Stevenson,  in  the  Gannet,  having  endeavoured 
ineffectually,  for  many  days,  to  proceed  with  some  ships  upwards 
before  the  embargo  was  known,  but,  from  the  prevailing  winds 
and  lee  current,  obliged  to  return  with  all  of  them.  Nothing, 
therefore,  remaining  within  his  power  to  execute  of  his  orders,  he 
sailed  from  Helsingburgh  the  30th  November,  with  a  few  merchant 
ships,  the  Cyane  frigate,  Bellctte,  and  several  other  sloops  of 
war.  The  Castle  of  Cronenburgh,  which  had  hitherto  (it  is  pre- 
sumed) respected  the  neutrality  of  Sweden,  as  soon  as  the  Van- 
guard was  under  weigh,  opened  a  severe  fire,  which  fortunately 
did  but  little  damage  ;  some  shot  passing  through  the  sails,  &c. 
but  served  to  prove,  that  the  ships  had  been  lying  for  weeks  toge- 
ther within  the  range  of  their  shot,  but  had  not  been  molested  at 
their  anchorage. 

The  hard  gales  of  wind  which  occurred  about  this  time  having 
dispersed  some  of  the  convoys,  the  Vanguard,  with  the  Cyane, 
and  several  sloops,  continued  to  cruise  in  the  Sleeve  until  the  12th 
December,  and  then  made  sail  for  England,  where  they  arrived  at 
Yarmouth  the  20th. 

Captain  Fraser  now  found,  to  his  great  astonishment,  that  instead 
of  receiving  the  thanks  of  the  mercantile  world,  whose  property 
he  had  protected,  he  was  called  upon  by  the  Admiralty  to  answer 
the  allegations  of  some  of  those  bodies,  who,  utterly  ignorant  of 
the  existing  circumstances,  either  of  the  continued  and  decided 


ALEXANDER  ERASER,  ESQ.  1Q9 

hostilities  of  the  Danes,  or  the  embargo  which  had  taken  place  in 
Russia,  had  complained  that  the  squadron  had  left  the  Sound  at 
too  early  a  period,  and  even  hinted  that  Captain  Fraser  had  acted 
contrary  to  his  orders  :  he  had  the  pleasure,  however,  of  fully 
satisfying  the  Admiralty  Board,  which  entirely  approved  of  his 
conduct.* 


*   SIR, 

Lord  Gambler  having  laid  before  my  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admi- 
ralty your  letter  of  the  19th  ult.  ;  I  have  it  in  command  to  acquaint  you, 
ihat  their  Lordships  are  pleased  to  approve  of  all  your  arrangements. 

I  am,  &c.  W.  VV.  POLE. 

Captain  Fraser,  Vanguard,  Copenhagen. 

SIR, 

My  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  having  had  under  their  con- 
sideration your  several  letters,  relative  to  the  protection  of  the  Baltic  trade, 
and  your  return  to  Yarmouth  from  your  station  within  the  Sound  ;  I  have 
their  commands  to  acquaint  you,  that  they  are  fully  satisfied  that  you  acted 
according  to  the  best  of  your  judgment,  and  with  the  most  laudable  inten- 
tions ;  and  that  they  are  therefore  pleased  to  approve  of  your  conduct  on 
that  occasion.  I  am,  &c. 

Capt.  Prater,  Vanguard,  Yarmouth.  W.  W.  POLE. 

(Secret.) 

MV  I)EAR  FRASER,  Admiralty,  1st  January,  1808. 

I  assure  you,  that  all  the  sea  people  at  the  Board  are  perfectly  satisfied 
shat  you  have  executed  to  the  utmost  the  very  arduous  service  that  was 
entrusted  to  you  ;  and  we  have  from  the  first  given  as  little  countenance  as 
possible  to  the  mercantile  outcry  that  appeared  to  us  so  undeservedly 
raised,  because  some  of  their  ships  had  fallen  into  the  enemy's  hands. 
All  my  brethren  here  feel  equally  with  myself  the  unmerited  attacks  which 
have  been  made  upon  you,  and  from  which  you  are  perfectly  cleared  by 
«ur  decision  ;  and  you  may  assure  your  friends  to  that  effect. 
I  am,  my  dear  Fraser, 

most  faithfully  yours. 

DEAR  SIR,  Admiralty,  January  2d,  1808. 

I  am  sorry  to  find  that  your  health  requires  a  temporary  retirement  from 
the  active  duties  of  your  profession,  as  the  time  seems  to  be  approaching 
when  we  shall  have  occasion  for  the  greatest  exertions  of  our  navy ;  and  I 
could  wish  you  to  share  in  the  glories  of  the  next  campaign,  which  would 
compensate  for  the  anxiety  you  have  recently  undergone  :  it  will,  however, 
be  satisfactory  to  you  to  know,  that  your  naval  friends  never  entertained 
but  one  opinion  on  your  case.  Believe  me,  with  regard,  yours,  very  truly. 

Captain  Fraser,  Vanguard,  Yarmouth. 


110  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

His  health  being  considerably  impaired  by  the  anxiety  and  fatigue 
of  six  weeks  constant  alarm  and  exertion,  on  the  Vanguard  being 
ordered  again  to  Copenhagen,  in  January,  1808,  he  obtained 
leave  of  absence,  and  an  acting  captain  was  appointed  :  and  his 
health  not  permitting  him  to  join  his  ship  so  soon  as  he  wished, 
Lord  Mulgrave  offered,  in  the  handsomest  manner,  to  prolong 
his  leave  of  absence  for  six  months  ;  and  gave  him  the  alternative 
of  choice  to  the  command  of  the  Sea  Fencibles  at  Dundee,  which 
he  was  induced  to  accept ;  the  first  time,  during  a  service  of  forty 
years,  that  he  had  ever  solicited  or  accepted  any  situation  out  of 
actual  service  afloat.  In  this  command  he  remained  until  the  final 
discharge  of  all  the  fenciblc  corps  in  1810,  and  was,  on  the  1st 
of  August  that  year,  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  William 
and  Mary,  one  of  the  Royal  Yachts :  his  Royal  Highness  the 
Duke  of  Cambridge  was,  at  the  same  time,  pleased  to  appoint  him 
one  of  H.  R.  H.'s  equerrys.  He  continued  captain  of  the  yacht 
until  the  promotion,  1st  August,  1811,  when  he  got  his  flag  as 
Jlcar-admiral  of  the  Blue  ;  and  on  the  12th  August,  1812,  was 
promoted  to  Rear  of  the  White.  Admiral  Frascr  has  not  yet 
hoisted  his  flag,  though  he  has  made  repeated  applications  to  that 
effect. 

He  married,  in  17S8,  Helen,  thoeldcst  daughter  of  John  Bruce, 
Esq.  of  Sumburgh,  advocate,  and  collector  of  the  Customs  in 
Shetland  ;  of  the  family  of  Cultmalundy,  in  Fifeshire,  a  cadet  of 
the  Bruces  of  Clackmanan.  By  this  lady  he  had  three  sons  and 
two  daughters  :  the  eldest  son,  Alexander,  is  a  captain  of  engi. 
peers,  and  has  been  a  prisoner  at  Verdun  near  six  years  ;  the  2d, 
John,  was  first  lieutenant  of  II.  M.  sloop  Magnet,  which  foun- 
dered with  all  her  crew  on  the  passage  to  America,  September, 
1812;  the  3d,  Thomas,  was  educated  at  the  Royal  Naval  Col- 
lege, Portsmouth,  and  is  midshipman  in  the  Hotspur,  with  the 
Hon.  Captain  Joceylin  Percy.  The  daughters  are  unmarried. 

He  lost  his  only  brother,  Thomas,  during  the  American  war, 
lieutenant  of  grenadiers  of  the  71st  regiment,  Highlanders,  who, 
after  being  shot  through  the  body  at  the  taking  of  C'harlestown, 
and  twice  through  the  arm,  was  unfortunately  killed  at  York 
Town,  Virginia,  the  day  before  the  surrender  of  that  post  -by 
Cornwall!? :  he  was  only  23  jears  of  age,  had  been  four 


ALEXANDER    FRAS^R,    ESQ.  Ill 

years  in  the  army,  was  very  much  regarded  by  the  late  General 
Frascr  (Lovat),  his  distant  cousin,  and  colonel  of  the  regiment, 
and  exceedingly  regretted  by  all  those  officers  who  knew  him,  as 
a  brave  officer  and  excellent  young  man. 


HERALDIC    PARTICUtARS. 

To  all  and  sundry  to  whom  these  presents  do  or  may  concern,  We 
Thomas  Robert  Earl  of  Kinnoul,  and  Lord  Lyon  King  of  Anns,  do  hereby 
certify  and  declare,  that  the  ensigns  armorial  pertaining  and  belonging  to 
Alexander  Fraser,  Esq.  captain  in  his  Majesty's  navy,  eldest  surviving  son 
of  Hugh  Fraser,  Esq.  surveyor  of  his  Majesty's  Customs  at  Lenvick,  in 
Shetland,  by  Jane  Linning,  daughter  of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Thomas  Linning, 
of  Walstein,  by  Ann,  daughter  of  John  Hamilton,  of  Gilkerscleugh,  Esq. 
and  5th  in  lineal  descent  from  William,  2d  son  of  Thomas  Fraser,  of 
Strichen,  Esq.  2d  son  of  Alexander  5th  Lord  Lovat,  who  died  in  1558,  are 
matriculated  in  the  public  registers  of  the  Lyon  Office,  and  are  bla- 
zoned on  the  margin,  thus,  viz.  quarterly  first  azure,  three  Fraiziers  * 
argent ;  second  gules,  three  Eastern  crowns,  or  ;  the  third  as  the  second, 
the  fourth  as  the  first :  over  all  in  the  centre  of  the  shield  a  crescent  argent, 
all  within  a  border  gules,  the  doubling  argent,  and  on  a  wreath  of  his 
liveries  is  set  for  crest  a  buck's  head  erased  proper  ;  and  in  an  escrol  this 
motto — "  Jc  suit  Preit."  Which  armorial  ensigns,  above  blazoned,  we  do 
hereby  ratify  and  confirm,  and  assign  to  the  said  Alexander  Fraser,  Esq.  and 
theheirs  male  of  his  body,  as  their  proper  arms  or  bearing  in  all  time  coming. 
In  testimony  whereof  these  presents  are  subscribed  by  James  Home,  Esq. 
of  Linhouse,  our  deputy  ;  and  the  seal  of  our  office  is  appended  thereunto, 
at  Edinburgh,  this  eighteenth  day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lcrd  i810. 

JAMES  HOME. 

Lyon  Office,  18tk  September,  1810. 

This  Patent  is  duly  entered  in  the  records  of  the  Lyon  Office,  by  me, 

JOIIX  KERR, 
Keeper  of  Records  and  Herald  Painter. 


Ciiiquefoils. 


112 

NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &c. 


ANECDOTE   PF   A   SAILOR. 

AN  honest  Tar,  who  had  well  lined  his  pockets  with  the  spoils  of  the 
enemies  of  his  country,  ordered  a  huge  gold  ring.  When  the  trades- 
man had  finished  it,  he  told  him  it  was  common  to  have  a  poesy  en- 
graved on  it.  "  Very  well,  said  the  seaman,  "  what  must  it  be  ?''— "  Any 
thing  you  please,"  replied  the  goldsmith.  "  Then,"  returned  the  other, 
"  put  on  ic 

"  When  money's  low — the  ring  must  go." 

This  was  done,  and  the  honest  son  of  the  waves  was  so  well  pleased  with 
the  execution  of  the  whole,  that  he  ordered  a  massy  pair  of  silver  buckles 
to  be  made,  with  rims  nearly  as  broad  as  the  edge  of  a  two-inch  plank,— 
"  And  here,"  said  he,  "  you  may  as  well  put  a  poesy  on  them  also  ; 
"  If  that  won't  do— the  buckles  too." 

THE  LATE  SIR  ALEXANDER  BALL. 

ROBERT  BALL,  Esq.  the  father  of  the  late  Sir  Alexander  Ball,  was  Lord 
of  the  Manor  of  Stonehouse,  in  Gloucestershire,  and  possessed  an  estate 
nt  Ebworth  in  the  same  county.  He  married  the  daughter  of  Marsh  Dick- 
erson,  Esq.  who  represented  the  borough  of  Brackley,  in  the  county  of 
Northampton,  in  two  Parliaments.  Sir  Alexander  Ball*  was  educated  at 
n  school  at  Northampton,  and  was  afterwards  sent  to  France  to  perfect 
himself  in  the  French  language,  which  was  of  considerable  use  to  him,  both 
in  his  naval  capacity,  and  likewise  in  his  residence  at  Malta.  He  entered 
the  service  about  the  year  1768,  in  the  Dolphin  frigate,  and  was  made 
post  in  1782.  He  died  on  the  25th  of  October,  1809,  in  the  fifty-third 
year  of  his  age. 

REGISTER   OF   SHIPS. 

A  CAUSE  of  serious  consequence  to  seafaring  people  was  lately  determined 
hefore  the  Lords  of  the  Privy  Council,  on  an  appeal  from  the  Bahama 
Islands.  This  decision  lays  it  down,  that,  upon  change  of  property  of  a 
vessel,  a  new  register  cannot  be  obtained  for  her  at  any  other  port  than 
that  where  she  was  originally  registered,  at  or  near  which  the  ship's  owner 
or  husband  usually  resides  ;  and  they  have  also  established,  that  a  British 
subject,  without  a  fixed  place  of  residence,  cannot  be  the  owner  of  a  vessel 

s»o  as  to  be  entitled  to  register  her  a?  a  British  ship. 

i 

ANECDOTE     OF    AN    OLD    SAILOR.  t 

AN  old  sailor,  with  a  wooden  leg,  conversing  with  a  watermnn  on  Point- 
beach,  amongst  other  subjects,  talked  of  the  many  lucrative  situations  held 
by  undeserving  pfrtont;  and  exclaiming,  after  a  deep  sigh—"  Oh  !  that  I 

•  See  Vol.  XXV.  p.  453. 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    <Sf«.  113 

wa?  but  First  Lord  of  the  Admirality  ?"—"  Ha,  ha,  ha,  that's  a  good  thing 
indeed,"  replied  the  waterman,  "  old  Ben  Bowling  First  Lord  of  the  Admi- 
ra/ity'..' — Why  now,  Ben,  what  would  you  do,  supposing  it  were  so  ?• — •'  What 
would  I  do,  did  you  say  ?"  cries  Ben,  turning  his  quid,  "why  d— it  me, 
I'd  make  myself  Cook  of  the  Royal  Billy  !  " 

RESCUE    FROM   SHIPWRECK. 

THE  brig  Venus,  of  Yarmouth,  was  driven  on  shore  in  the  tremendous 
gale  of  the  20th  ult.  half  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  that  pier;  her  large 
draught  of  water  prevented  her  approaching  nearer  the  land  than  two  hun- 
dred yards.  Every  effort  to  rescue  the  crew,  by  the  ordinary  methods, 
was  attempted  without  success.  At  last  the  naval  officer  of  the  signal  eta- 
lion  brought  the  apparatus  invented  by  Captain  Manby  down  to  the  btach. 
At  the  second  fire,  the  shot  with  the  line  attached  to  it  was  thrown  from 
the  mortar  over  the  vessel.  The  facility  with  which  the  crew  were  then 
disengaged  from  their  danger  was  admirable,  and  deserves  detail.  By  the 
line,  with  which  communication  had  been  gained,  a  hawser  was  drawn  from 
the  ship  (in  which  it  was  made  fast)  to  the  shore,  and  distended  by  the 
efforts  of  the  numerous  spectators  ;  the  crew  were  then  brought  to  land, 
one  by  one,  in  a  sling  that  passed  from  the  ship  to  the  shore,  by  lines 
reaching  to  either;  and  ran,  with  ease  along  the  hawser,  by  a  ring,  made 
of  rope,  called  a  grummet.  The  storm  was  of  such  extreme  severity,  that 
if  the  crew  had  not  been  thus  saved,  the  poor  wretches,  supposing  them  to 
have  escaped  drowning,  must  have  been  frozen  to  death. 

MIRACULOUS     ESCAPE. 

As  Lieutenant  Adamson,  of  the  royal  marines,  at  present  employed 
on  the  staff  of  that  corps  in  Holland,  was  returning,  on  the  19th  of  January 
last,  from  the  head-quarters  of  Sir  T.  Graham  to  South  Beveland,  with 
despatches,  he  escaped,  in  a  most  miraculous  manner,  from  perishing  in 
the  East  Scheldt.  Having  left  St.  Martin's  Dyke,  in  the  island  of  Tholen, 
on  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  in  a  small  open  Dutch  boat  (the  only  possible 
method  for  passing  through  the  ice),  and  finding  it  to  be  utterly  impossible, 
from  the  vast  quantity  of  ice,  to  land  in  South  Beveland,  he  attempted  by 
every  means  to  get  on  board  one  of  the  men  of  war  which  were  anchored 
off  the  island ;  but  every  exertion  proving  fruitless,  and  the  tide  running 
rapidly  down  the  river,  the  boat  was  at  last  completely  enclosed  in  sheets 
of  ice,  and  in  this  situation  was  exposed,  for  upwards  of  ffteen  hours,  to 
the  mercy  of  the  tide,  during  the  whole  of  a  most  tempestuous  and  bitterly 
freezing  night.  At  length,  that  part  of  the  ice  which  enclosed  the  boat 
separating  at  the  very  moment  she  was  drifting  near  to  H.M.  S.Cornwall, 
the  then  almost  perished  crew  were  enabled  to  catch  hold  of  a  buoy  which 
had  i*een  thrown  out  to  them  from  that  ship,  on  board  of  which  they  were 
soon  afterwards  taken  in  a  nearly  exhausted  and  frozen  state.  Every 
exertion  was  used  by  the  men  of  war,  while  daylight  lasted,  to  extricate 
the  sufferers  from  their  perilous  situation  ;  and  although  they  were  several 
times,  during  the  night,  within  hail  of  the  shipc,  no  assistance  whatever 
could  be  rendered  them,  the  quantity  of  ice  floating  about  being  so  great  as 

Jflato,  2Fl/ron,  (Holt  XXXI,  « 


114  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 

to  have  entirely  rut  off,  for  several  days,  ;•.!!  communication  with  tho 
Beveland  shore,  and  even  with  Admiral  Young's  fleet  in  the  Roompot. 
Lieutenant  Adamson  was  one  of  the  first  who  ventured  to  cross  the  Scheldt 
during  that  period. 

EXTRAORDINARY    VOYAGE. 

THE  Russian  ship  General  Suwarroff,  now  at  Portsmouth,  is  about  to 
proceed  ou  what  may  appear  a  most  extraordinary  voyage,  being  none 
other  than  the  completion  of  two  military  and  commercial  establishments 
on  the  West  Coast  cf  North  America.  The  Russian  government  have,  for 
nearly  ten  years  past,  had  a  fort,  with  a  few  pieces  of  ordnance,  mounted 
on  the  island  of  Rodiak,  in  lat.  55°  N.  and  long.  160?  \V.  being  the  nearest 
point  of  the  American  continent  to  their  establishment  at  Kamtschaika. 
'Within  these  four  years  they  have  begun  to  form  another  establishment,  on 
the  neck  of  land  called  California,  and  this  ship  takes  out  ordnance  and 
ordnance  stores  of  every  description,  to  give  to  it  an  appearance  of 
military  strength. — The  trude  the  Russians  carry  on  thither,  which  is  very 
great,  is  wholly  in  furs  ;  for  which  article  they  find  a  lucrative  market  in 
China,  from  whence  they  bring  to  Europe  the  produce  and  manufactures 
of  that  country,  and  are  enabled,  from  their  competition  with  each  other, 
to  afford  it  to  the  European  continent  at  a  cheaper  rate  than  this  country. 
The  General  Suwarroff  will  also  endeavour,  in  the  height  of  next  summer, 
to  discover  a  passage  through  Ehering's  Straits,  and,  in  a  northwesterly 
direction,  to  Archangel.  A  gentleman  \vh»  is  on  board  her,  declares,  that 
on  a  former  voyage  of  discovery,  he  was  more  than  half  way  through  the 
Northern  Seas  of  Cape  North  to  Archangel,  when  the  ship  was  stopped  by 
the  ice  :  this  adventure  left  only  about  -100  miles  unexplored,  to  complete 
the  circuit  of  the  world. 

THE   CUMBERLAND    AND    EEDFOHD. 

THE  following  authentic  statement  has  been  published,  of  the  concussion 
which  took  place  between  the  Cumberland  and  Bedford  ships  of  war,  in 
Hoscly  Bay  :— 

"  The  Cumberland  and  Bedford  formed  part  of  Admiral  Terrier's 
pquadron  in  Uosely  Bay,  when  on  Thursday,  the  20th  January,  during  a 
violent  gale  of  wind,  and  a  very  heavy  sea,  with  a  strong  lee-tide,  the 
Bedford  parted  her  small  bower,  and  dropt  io  suddenly  on  the  hawse  of 
the  Cumberland,  that  notwithstanding  the  sheet  anchor  was  instantly  let 
go,  which  parted  also,  and  every  possible  exertion  was  made  by  both  ships 
destruction  seemed  inevitable.  IJad  it  not  been  for  the  operation  of  the 
Bedford's  jib,  combined  with  the  Cumberland's  veering  away  cable,  and 
the  Bedford's  cutting  her  best  bower  cable,  in  order  to  facilitate  their 
keeping  clear  of  each  other,  they  would  have  come  in  contact  in  such  a 
manner,  as  to  have  rendered  their  separation  impossible,  and  consequently 
their  destruction  certain.  The  velocity  with  which  the  Cumberland's  ca- 
ble ran  out,  precluded  the  possibility  of  Captain  Baker's  order  to  cut,  being 
effected  ;  in  consequence  *>f  which  the  Bedford  could  not  clear  the  Cumber- 
land's bowsprit,  which  she  threw  over  her  larboard  cathead ;  and  in  the 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &C,  115 

rourse  of  two  minutes  left  her  a  perfect  wreck.  At  tliis  awful  moment, 
when  Uie  safety  of  both  ships  was  despaired  of,  the  Bedford  was  providen- 
tially disentangled,  and  was  observed  to  wear  and  make  sail,  which  re- 
lieved  the  minds  of  the  whole  squadron  for  her  safety  ;  but  having  only  one 
anchor,  and  no  cable  bent,  and  the  weather,  though  hazy,  enabling  her  to 
keep  sight  of  the  Maze,  and  thereby  to  shape  her  course  for  the  buoys  and 
beacons,  she  fortunately  escaped  the  surrounding  dangers  of  that  critical 
navigation,  in  running  for  the  Nore,  and  for  greater  security  she  proceeded 
to  the  Thames;  meanwhile  the  Cumberland  was  left  in  the  most  awful 
situation,  which  was  increased  by  her  parting  the  cable  she  rode  by,  and 
the  sheet-anchor  being  entangled  in  the  wreck,  it  was  some  time  before  it 
could  be  cut  away  (the  best  bower  not  bringing  her  up).  She  drifted  so 
near  the  Cutlers  as  to  occasion  the  greatest  apprehension  for  her  safety. 
Fortunately  the  sheet-anchor,  being  at  length  cleared,  was  let  go,  which 
brought  the  ship  up,  and  saved  her  from  being  lost  upon  that  dangerous 
shoal.  The  weather  moderating,  with  the  assistance  sent  by  Rear-admiral 
Ferricr,  and  the  exertions  of  her  own  officers  and  crew,  she  was  enabled 
the  following  morning  to  move  to  a  place  of  safety,  when  it  was  found  that 
the  stock  of  the  best  bower-anchor  was  broken.  Having  got  up  jury-masts, 
she  arrived  at  the  Nore  in  safety  on  the  25th  ult. 

It  is  a  singular  circumstance,  that  the  Cumberland  and  the  Bedford 
arrived  at  the  Nore  at  the  same  moment,  when  they  mutually  greeted  each 
other's  safety  with  three  hearty  cheers. 

It  is  also  worthy  remark,  that  the  Cumberland,  on  this  alarming  occasion, 
lost  no  lives;  five  men  only  were  wounded,  and  no  one  dangerously. 

The  Bedford  had  her  mizen-mast  sprung,  and  received  some  injury  in 
her  quarter,  but  no  person  was  hurt. 

NEW   EXERCISE. 

THE  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  having  determined  that  British  seamen  shall 
lie  taught  the  naval  cutlass  exercise,  Mr.  Angelo,  jun.  has  been  some  time 
at  Portsmouth,  drilling  the  seamen  there.  Last  week,  an  inspection  took 
place  in  the  dock  -yard,  before  Captains  Milne  and  Holli?,  the  two  senior 
captains  afloat  at  that  port  ;  when  upwards  of  60  seamen  were  put  through 
the  exercise,  in  the  presence  of  a  great  number  of  naval  and  military  offi- 
cers :  among  whom  were  Sir  A.  Cochrane,  Earl  Norihesk,  and  the  Hon. 
Commissioner  Grey  ;  all  of  whom  expressed  their  approbation  of  the  mea- 
sure. We  understand  that  the  same  practice  is  also  to  be  introduced  into 
such  parts  of  the  army  as  wear  the  sword  :  the  knowledge  of  which  will 
give  the  men  confidence  in  themselves. 


THE  income  of  the  Consolidated  Fund,  for  the  quarter  ending  the  5th 
January,  amounts  to  ll,352,000/.  exceeding  that  of  the  corresponding 
quarter  of  last  year  by  l,014,000/.  The  charge  upon  the  Consolidated 
Fund  is  about  12,000,000/.  being  an  excess  of  about  27P,000/.  compared 
with  that  of  the  5th  of  January,  1813.  The  deficiency,  it  thus  appears,  is 


115  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTKS,    StC. 

not  more  than  647,000/.  whereas  last  year  it  amounted  to  1,383,000/1 
The  war  taxes,  after  deducting  G14,000/.  carried  to  the  Consolidated  Fund 
to  defray  the  charges  of  different  loans,  have  produced  about  3,82°,000/. 
yielding  a  surplus  of  1,001,OQO/.  over  the  receipts  of  the  corresponding 
quarter  of  last  year.  The  property  taxes  have  produced  near  200,000/. 
more.  The  Customs  have  fallen  off  to  the  amount  of  355,000/.;  but,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  Excise  has  experienced  an  increase  of  near  700.000/. 
Wo  understand,  that  in  the  January  quarter,  about  400,000/.  have  been 
paid  into  the  Excise  for  tea  duties,  towards  the  war  taxes,  and  an  equal 
amount  towards  the  Consolidated  Fund. 

RECITE    AGAINST    INFECTION. 

FORTY-SIX  grains  of  black  oxide  of  manganese,  in  coarse  powder,  are  to 
be  put  in  a  small  strong  glass  phial,  with  an  accurately  ground-glass  stop- 
per, to  which  two  drachm  measures  of  nitric  acid  of  1,400  specific  gravity, 
and  an  equ.il  measure  of  muriatic  acid  of  1,134  must  be  added  ;  replace 
the  stopper,  and  secure  the  whole  by  inclosing  it  in  a  strong  wooden  case, 
with  a  good  screw-top,  which,  when  fast,  shall  rest  on  the  stopper  so  as  to 
keep  it  in  its  place. — To  use  it,  merely  open  the  phial,  with  the  nose 
averted,  and  replace  the  stopper  as  soon  as  the  smell  is  perceived  ;  repeat 
it,  of  course,  occasionally*  as  you  \vould  any  other  fumigation.  A  phial 
so  prepared,  will  last,  instead  of  six  months,  several  years  ;  the  mixture 
ought  not  to  occupy  more  than  one-third  of  the  bottle.  Any  chemist  can 
furnish  the  ingredients.  This  apparatus  destroys  all  kinds  of  infection. 

THE    TAR    OUT   OF    HIS    ELEMENT. 

AM  accident  of  an  amusing  tendency,  as  it  happened  to  be  harmless  ir» 
its  effects,  though,  indeed,  it  might  have  ended  in  a  different  result,  took 
place  in  the  presence  of  many  fashionable  spectators  at  Brighton  on  Nevr 
Year's  Day.  An  officer,  a  true  son  of  Neptune  (who,  though  under  twenty 
years  of  age,  has  to  boast  of  much  honourable  service;  amongst  other, 
that  of  having  bravely  fought  in  the  same  ship  under  the  Temeraire  hero,  at 
Trafalgar,  in  the  last  glorious  exploit  of  the  immortal  Nelson ;  and  since 
to  have  survived  the  horrible  carnage  in  the  action  between  the  Amelia, 
commanded  by  the  daring  Commodore  Irby,  and  the  Arethusa,  a  I'rencli 
bltip  of  much  superior  force,  but  which  the  crippled  slate  of  the  Amelia 
alone  prevented  her  from  capturing),  having  hired  a  brisk  poney  and  a  low 
for  his  amusement,  ascended  the  rickety  machine  ;  and  with  a  signal 
smack  from  the  whip,  as  shrill  and  as  loud  as  a  boatswain's  whistle,  in  an 
instant  was  borne  through  the  yielding  and  zcavy  ocean  of  atmosphere,  at 
least  at  the  rate  often  knots  an  hour.  So  long  as  his  course  presented  the 
picture  of  a  straight,  it  was  as  prosperous  in  avoiding  mischance,  as  it  was 
rapid  ;  but  in  endeavouring  to  zceat/ter  the  inlets  and  their  dangerous  pro- 
jecting points  and  angles,  to  be  found  in  ihe  latitude  of  Donaldson's 
Library,  he  r&njoul,  as  it  were,  of  an  e.iposcd  rock,  which  guve  his  gig-like 
skiff  such  a  leam-end  cast  and  position,  as  left  him  in  a  kind  of  horizontal 
foundering  situation  on  the  strand.  Nothing  hurt,  however,  by  this  mishapj 
ite  rcass-jaied  the  command  he  had  so  casually  been  ousted  from,  neglect- 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C.  \\f 

2ttg,  in  his  speed,  to  examine  into  the  injuries  his  whirligig  vessel  had  re- 
ceived ;  the  consequence  of  which  was,  that  the  bow,  shafts  or  sprits,  both 
of  which  had  been  fractured,  escaped  notice,  and  which  were  sprung  soon 
after  he  had  again  made  head,  with  the  impatient  anxiety  of  a  determined 
cruiser  with  an  enemy  in  sight ;  an  event  that  once  more  brought  him  over- 
board, completely  capsized  and  wrecked  his  disastrous  bark,  while  ihejigure 
head  (the  horse)  was  sent  forward  with  an  impetus  seldom,  if  ever,  out- 
done. The  mirth  which  this  latter  misfortune  occasioned  was  as  much 
enjoyed  by  the  cause  of  it  as  by  any  present,  though  he  received  a  few  con- 
tusions that  would  have  given  a  limping  gait  and  a  wry  face  to  many  a 
swaggering  beau. 

AMERICAN   STATISTICS. 

Progressive  Population  of  the  State  of  New  YorL 

THE  earliest  Census,  or  any  authentic  computation  of  the  population 
of  this  state,  then  a  British  Colony,  is  one  taken  in  1731,  when  the  whole 
territory  that  was  then  settled,  was  divided  into  ten  Counties. — The  City 
nnd  County  of  New  York  then  contained  8628  Persons — King's  County 
2150— Queen's  County  7995 — Suffolk  County  7675— Richmond  County 
1817 — West  Chester  County  6033— -Orange  County  1969— Ulster  County 
3728 — Duchese  County  1727 — and  the  City  and  County  of  Albany  8573. 
At  that  time  Albany  County  comprehended  all  the  territory  of  the  Colony 
North  and  West  of  'Duchess  and  Ulster  Counties,  which  area  now  contains 
a  population  of  about  750,000  Inhabitants,  and  near  150,000  Freeholders. 
The  population  of  the  Colony  in  1731,  was  therefore  50,291— of  which 
number  7231  were  Blacks.  In  1756  the  population  was  enumerated  by 
the  Sheriffs  of  the  several  Counties,  and  the  amount  was  96,765 — of  which 
number  13,542  were  Blacks.  In  1771,  the  population  had  increased  to 
163,338— in  1786,  it  was  238,896— of  which  18,889  were  Blacks.  The 
population  in  1790,  was  340,120,  of  which  the  Blacks  were  21,324.  In. 
1801,  population  586,141— the  Blacks,  20,613.  In  1810,  949,220 ;  of  this 
number,  about  15,000  are  Slaves,  and  the  Blacks  may  number,  in  all,  18  to 
20,000.  The  increase,  was,  therefore,  from  1731,  46,474,  in  25  years— or 
1858  persons  annual  average  for  each  year.  In  the  next  15  years  the 
increase  was  66,573.  From  1790  to  1800,  the  increase  was  246,021— from 
1800  to  1810,  increase  373,079— or  an  average  annual  increase  for  the  last 
twenty  years,  of  30,955  persons  in  the  State ;  and  during  the  last  ten  years 
the  average  annual  increase  amounts  to  37,307  persons,  or  102  persons  to 
a  day !  The  City  of  Albany  contains  now  more  persons  than  the  whole 
Province  did  100  years  ago— and  the  present  population  of  the  City  and 
County  <if  New  York  exceeds  that  of  the  whole  territory  of  the  State 
about  53  years  since  !  From  some  transcripts  of  records  made  about  1660, 
there  appears  pretty  good  ground  for  a  supposition  that  the  whole  popula- 
tion at  that  time  did  not  exceed  5000  persons,  exclusive  of  Indians. 

The  average  population  of  the  whole  State  is  208  persons  to  a  square 
mile— and  the  ratio  of  the  two  last  censorial  returns,  doubles  the  population. 
in  less  than  six  years.  We  may  safelv  ventures,  therefore,  from  these 
data  to  compute  the  whole  population  of  the  State  at  4,000,000,  by  the 
middle  of  this  cemury. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


MR.  EDITOR  \6thDecemlcr,  1813. 

IT  is  now  fully  eighteen  months  since  the  declaration  of  war  by1 
the  United  States  of  America  was  known  in  England  ;  and  conse- 
quently, sufficient  time  has  elapsed  to  allow  full  scope  for  the  activity, 
zeal,  and  success  of  our  squadrons,  hitherto  the  never-failing  charac- 
teristics of  the  British  navy.  That  in  the  war  with  America,  the  hopes 
of  the  country  have  been  miserably  and  fatally  disappointed,  is  too 
certain,  as  the  loss  of  our  superiority  on  the  lakes  of  Canada,  and  too 
probably  the  consequent  loss  of  the  upper  province  of  that  name,  be- 
sides the  capture  of  frigates  and  many  rich  merchantmen,  sufficiently 
prove.  Having  iu  former  letters  called  the  attention,  if  not  of  the  A.  B. 
(who  perhaps  prefer  Jonathan's  broad  hints,  and  he  fails  not  to  bestow 
them)  at  least  of  your  naval  readers,  to  the  consideration  of  the  effectual 
prosecution  of  the  American  war,  and  at  the  same  time  bestowed  the 
meed  of  praise,  when  due,  to  the  board,  for  their  exertions  in  preparing 
ships  and  frigates  ofa  suitable  size,  and  this  praise  I  do  not  hesilale  to 
repeat;  I  must  be  allowed  once  more  to  enter  on  the  subject,  with  the 
purpose  of  examining,  whether  the  naval  directors  or  B.  of  A.  have 
done  their  duly  to  the  country,  in  sending  adequate  convoys  and  protec- 
tion with  our  trade,  and  whether  they  have  placed  sufficient  means  in  the 
hands  of  the  Commander  in  Chief  on  the  American  station,  both  to 
defend  our  own  possessions,  and  to  alarm  those  of  the  enemy,  and  de- 
stroy their  navy.  I  say  destroy,  for  "  ddenda  est  Carthago."  On  the 
first  head,  I  am  ready,  and  I  am  happy  to  bear  testimony  to  the  ample 
protection  afforded  to  both  the  outward  and  homeward  bound  convoys 
for  some  time  back  ;  experience  has  made  them  wise  in  this  respect;  and 
finding  that  Commodore  Rodgers,  with  some  heavy  American  men  of 
war,  failed  not  to  cruize  for  them,  the  force  sent  to  guard  our  convoys 
has  been  ample,  and  the  trade^vell  protected  to  and  from  India,  Ame- 
rica, the  West  Indies,  and  latterly  the  Brazils.  I  must  however  observe, 
but  I  do  so  with  reluctance*  because  it  is  really  disreputable  to  the  A.  B. 
that  the  trade  to  Greenland,  Davis'  Straits,  and  Archangel,  to  as  not  suffi- 
ciently protected  last  season,  nor  can  it  be  so  without  a  ship*  of  the 
liae  or  some  heavy  frigates  to  secure  it  from  the  Americans  ;  and  (he 
last  accounts  from  the  South  Seas  too  sufficiently  prove,  that  the  trnde 
and  fishing  there  has  fallen  an  easy  prey  to  the  activity  and  enterprise 
of  our  tormenting  lilliputian  enemy  ;  it  is  really  painful  further  to  re- 
mark, that  stronger  protection  icas  certainly  demanded  last  season,  both 
by  memorials  from  the  ship  owners  and  merchants,  and  by  commumca- 

*  Had  the  President  been  nearer  her  own  coast,  she  must  have  blown  the 
Alexandria  out  of  the  water.  The  excuse  of  want  of  means  to  secure  every  sta- 
tion, when  a  7-t  and  two  frigaics  are  ail  that  are  required,  cauaot  be  sustained, 
when  we  have  1000  pendants. 


lions  through  your  Chronicle,  for  the  Greenland  and  Archangel  fleets  j 
nnd  it  is  said  it  was  also  demanded  for  the  South  Seas,  although  it  ap- 
pears to  have  been  loo  late  to  prevent  the  very  great  mischief  and  severe 
loss  which  has  ensued.  Now,  however,  this  too  will  be  provided  against, 
and  it  is  fit  it  should  be  so.  I  make  no  doubt,  that  two  or  three  74's 
and  as  many  frigates  will  be  sent  to  protect  the  Northern  fishery  and 
Archangel  fleets  in  the  spring,  and  I  know  that  frigates  have  sailed  to 
traverse  the  South  Seas  and  Pacific  Ocean  in  search  of  the  Essex  ;  it  is 
therefore  the  activity  and  dashing  spirit  of  the  enemy  which  teaches 
our  A.  B.  wisdom  with  effect,  thougli  earnest,  but  respectful  requests 
and  memorials  of  our  merchants  and  ship  owners  are  received,  and  are  to 
be  considered  and  perhaps  attended  to,  but  seldom  until  Jonathan  shews 
himself—  they  are  often  either  forgotten  or  neglected.  This  is  a  true 
picture.  I  wish  not  to  overdraw  it — but  I  wish  our  naval  advisers 
v/o\i]d  foresee  just  a  little,  and  not  grope  in  the  dark  like  moles;  surely 
naval  men  could  have  foreseen  the  activity  and  enterprise  of  the  Ame- 
rican navy,  which  has  been  equally  conspicuous  with  their  good  fortune, 
in  so  often  eluding  the  numerous  detached  squadrons  sent  to  cruize  for 
them;  that  they  have  hitherto  escaped  is  not  the  fault  of  the  B.  of  A. 
they  have  for  months  past  constantly  kept  squadrons  cruizing  for  them, 
and  on  the  whole,  my  belief  is,  they  are  anxious  to  merit  the  approba- 
tion of  the  country  ;  and  although  tardy  on  some  occasions,  have  yet 
done  a  great  deal,  although  not  all  they  might;  but  1  hope  they  will, 
ere  long,  be  more  successful  in  the  capture  and  destruction  of  the  Ame- 
rican navy,  than  they  have  been  hitherto.  With  the  exception  of  the 
capture  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Argus,  which  nobly  sought  the  combat, 
we  have  had  little  or  no  success,  except  in  capturing  privateers.  Having 
already  borne  my  tribute  of  admiration  to  the  bravery  and  good  con- 
duct of  Sir  Ph.  Broke,  I  shall  only  now  add,  that  I  am  certain,  could  our 
ships  oftener  meet  the  enemy  as  fairly,  the  same  success  would  attend 
their  efforts.  I  come  now  to  speak  of  the  exploits  of  the  squadron 
placed  under  the  orders  of  the  admiral  on  the  American  station,  who  is 
about  to  resign  it,  I  trust  into  abler  hands.  He  sailed  from  England 
with  the  confidence  of  the  nation— that  he  will  possess  it  on  his  return, 
1  greatly  doubt.  *  He  has  had  ten  or  twelve  saii  of  the  line,  twenty 
frigates,  and  as  many  sloops,  constantly  under  his  command,  and  u-hat 
have  they  done,  in  truth— I  cannot  tell.  I  fear  they  have  shewn,  that 
the  British  lion  was  sound  asleep,  and  that  he  despise*-hi&  enemy  too 
much  to  attempt  any  thing  more  than  to  provide  the  necessary  supply  of 
sheep  and  oxen.  Bnt  the  subject  is  too  serious  to  trifle  with — It  is  too 
certain  that  little  has  been  done,  certainly  nothing  great  or  worthy  of 
this  powerful  fleet,  composed  of  many  of  the  finest  ships,  and  com- 
manded by  some  of  our  best  officers  in  the  navy.  How  it  has  happened 
I  know  not,  hut  they  have  neither  prevented  the  enemy  from  going  out 
nor  coming  into  port ;  and  taking  a  general  view  of  our  naval  operations 
.on  the  coast  of  America,  we  cannot  say  that  they  have  been  attended 

*  As  to  bis  ability  and  activity. 


120  CORRESPONDENCE. 

with  gl»ry  to  the  country,  whatever  may  have  been  the  advantages  ac- 
cruing to  the  admiral  from  his  widely  extended  command.  I  shall  con- 
clude with  remarking,  that  if  it  belonged  io  him,  to  forward  the  neces- 
sary supply  of  seamen  to  maa  the  vessels  employed  on  the  lakes,  hit 
responsibility  is  great  indeed.  It  is  evident  Sir  Geo.  Prevost,  to  whose 
real  and  activity,  as  well  as  that  of  Sir  J.  Yeo,  every  Canadian  bears  tes- 
timony), did  apply  to,  and  depend  upon  the  admiral  for  these  seamen; 
from  the  tardy  arrival  of  whom,  the  superiority  on  the  lakes  has  been 
in  one  instance  lost,  and  is  at  this  moment,  it  is  to  be  feared,  lost  en- 
tirely; and  thereby  the  most  disastrous  consequences  entailed  on  the 
Canada's.  If  the  admiralty  directed  seamen  to  be  sent  from  the  fleet, 
then  is  the  admiral  responsible  for  the  mischief;  if  not,  surely  with  the 
resources  we  have,  viz.  140,000  seamen  so  lately  voted,  the  apathy  and 
•upineness  of  the  B.  of  A.  is  great  beyond  credibility,  that  could  hazard 
the  loss  of  such  valuable  colonies,  by  refusing  to  send,  or  not  doing  it 
in  time,  seven  hundred  seamen,  and  the  necessary  supply  of  carpenters 
for  the  lake  service.  That  a  considerable  number  accompanied  Sir  J. 
Yeo,  I  admit ;  and  I  hope,  with  very  inadequate  means,  he  will  yet  be 
able  to  maintain  his  ground.  But  our  great  loss  is  want  of  discernment 
and  the  capability  of  applying  immediate  and  effective  remedies— in  thi» 
science  our  B.  of  A.  are  novices— "  Sed  experieniia  docet."  Let  our 
naval  motto  be,  the  destruction  of  the  Yankee  fleet — "  delenda  est 
Carthago."  ALBION. 

N.  B.  If  Albion  is  incorrect  in  any  of  his  statements,  he  will  cheerfully, 
on  conviction,  own  his  error.  He  loves  his  country,  and  glories  in  its 
juccess  ;  but  the  victorious  career  of  a  Wellington  and  our  allies  ought 
not  to  Hind  us  to  glaring  misconduct  elsewhere  ;  for  assuredly  the  war 
with  America  has  not  yel  been  glorious  to  Britain  ;  she  has  lost  more 
than  she  has  gained. 

MR.  EDITOB,  Bristol,  4th  Feb.  1814. 

I  AM  sorry  that  it  does  not  lie  in  my  power  to  give  your  Corre- 
spondent A.  F.  Y.  the  information  he  requires,  to  the  exlenl  of  hii 
wishes,  or  the  importance  the  subject  demands,  regarding  the  intent, 
use,  and  construction  of  carronades.  I  have  been  informed,  they  were 
introduced  into  the  service  during  the  last  American  war,  but  by  whom 
I  never  learnt.  Probably,  there  are  some  of  your  readers  that  could 
favour  both  him  and  me  with  this  information;  also  from  what  cause 
they  derive  their  present  appellation. 

Carronades,*  from  the  construction  of  their  interior,  t  appear  to  be 

*  The  first  constructed  carronades,  «hen  fired,  were,  from  their  shortness,  at- 
tended with  the  disadvantage  of  not  carrying  the  ejplosion  clear  of  the  ship;  to 
remedy  this  defect,  (lie  diameter  of  the  bore  or  cylinder  at  the  muzzle  lias  been 
increased,  which  simple  alteration  lia«,  in  a  great  measure,  obviated  this  complaint. 
The  »ame  improvement  would  be  of  great  utility  to  all  short  guns  for  sea  service, 
as  well  as  to  long  guns  used  in  batteries  ;  the  frequent  explosions  from  the  Jattcr, 
constantly  prove  destructive  to  the  sole  and  facings  of  erabrazures,  and  when  faced 
•wilh  fascines  frequently  iet?  them  on  fire.  Thii  merits  investigation. 

•}•  The  interior  construction  of  oiccance  (of  whatever  desertion)  is  the  part 


CORRESPONDENCE,  121 

an  improvement  on  the  principle  of  an  howitzer  ;  which  has  contributed 
to  give  to  their  fire,  a  degree  of  velocity  and  precision,  far  superior  to 
that  of  an  howitzer.  1  apprehend  it  was  part  of  the  inventor's  view,  to 
supersede  the  use  of  guns,  for  which  they  seem  well  adapted,  particu- 
larly when  the  object  is  at  a  close  or  near  distance ;  their  peculiar 
lightness  renders  them  easier  to  work  with  fewer  hands  (being  quicker 
loaded,  readier  pointed,  &c.)  than  guns.  These  qualities  will  ever  give 
them  a  decided  preference,  for  arming  the  forecastle,  poops,  &c.  of  all 
ships,  where  guns  from  their  length  and  weight  would  be  too  cumber- 
some. And  were  the  decks  of  those  ships  thatcarry  12,  9,  and  6  pounder 
guns,  armed  with  68,42,  and  32-pounder  carronades  instead  of  these  guns, 
it  would  be  adding  considerably  to  the  effect  of  their  fire.  The  supe- 
rior efficacy  that  large  calibres  have  over  small  ones,  having  been  gene- 
rally known  for  a  long  time  past,  it  surely  is  high  time  to  banish  from 
the  decks  of  line  of  battle  ships,  all  natures  of  ordnance,  whose  calihrcs 
are  less  than  a  24-potmder,  and  from  the  naval  service  altogether,  all 
that  are  less  than  an  18  pounder. 

From  the  circumstance  alluded  to  by  A.  F.  Y.,  ships  should  never  be 
wholly  armed  with  carronades,  without  their  being  possessed,  in  a  supe- 
rior degree,  of  the  qualities  of  closing  with,  or  leaving  their  opponents. 
Instances  have  occurred,  where  the  enemy  have  taken  the  advantage  of 
these  circumstances,  and  placed  themselves  out  of  range  of  their  carron- 
ades, (without  imputing  any  defect  to  their  shot,  from  either  holes  or 
dents,  or  being  below  the  proper  gauge)  whilst  the  shot  from  the  ene- 
my's long  guns  had  every  effect.  To  obviate  in  some  measure  this  vex- 
atious disadvantage,  to  which  ships  armed  only  with  carronades  are 
liable.  The  carronades  ought  to  be  elevated  as  high  as  their  carriages 
•will  admit,  and  the  charge  of  powder  increased.  Instead  of  using  the 
allowed  medium  charge  of  one  twelfth  the  weight  of  the  round  shot, 
the  allowed  highest  charge  ought  to  be  used,  viz.  (one  eighth  the  weight 
of  the  shot.)  If  this  charge  and  high  elevation  should  not  produce  the 
intended  effect,  the  charge  must  be  increased  to  one  sixth  the  weight  of 
the  round  shot ;  this  I  admit  is  an  extraordinary  high  charge  for  car- 
ronades ;  but  as  it  is  indispensably  necessary  to  return  the  enemy's  fire 
with  some  chance  of  effect,  and  which  has  now  become  the  first  object 
to  commanders  of  ships  thus  situated,  the  risk  of  dismounting  one  or 
more  of  the  carronades,  ought  not  to  be  adduced  as  a  reason  for  not  at- 
tempting the  use  of  this  charge.  No  apprehensions  need  be  entertained 
of  their  bursting,  as  they  already  have  been  proved,  by  being  fired  twice, 
with  a  charge  of  powder  equal  to  one  fourth  the  weight  of  the  shot.  * 

alone  which  affects  their  ranges.  The  exterior  has  no  influence  whatever,  beyond 
determining  its  weight,  and  suitahleness  for  mounting  it  on  carriages.  As  to  the 
external  trappings  and  ornaments  of  rings,  ogees,  astragals,  fillets,  &c.  they  are 
useless,  (juns  would  be  found  equally  serviceable  without  them,  as  those  that 
have  theru. 

*  68  and  42-por.nder  carronades  are  an  exception.  The  former  being  proved^ 
only  with  I31bs.  and  the  latter  with  91bs.  of  powder. 

,  ftol,  XXXI.  » 


12'J  CORRESPONDENCE. 

Whenever  an  enemy,  adopting  this  mode  of  attack,  unexpectedly  finds 
Iiit  fire  returned,  he  will  probably  think  himself  very  fortunate  in  having 
it  in  his  power  to  give  n;>  the  contest. 

The  great  windage  between  the  shot  and  carronade  alluded  to  by 
A.T.  Y.,  I  cannot  conceive  how  it  could  possibly  occur;  for  in  order  to 
give  carronades  as  great  a  velocity  as  possible,  the  allowed  windage  in 
them  is  less  by  one  half  than  what  are  allowed  in  guns  of  the  same 
calibre.  The  allowed  windage  for  a  32-pounder  gun  is  three  inches,  or 
the  one  twentieth  part  of  the  diameter  of  the  shot;  that  of  a  32-pounder 
rarronade,  being  only  fifteen  inches,  or  the  fortieth  part  of  the  diameter 
of  the  shot.  Probably  the  shot  alluded  to,  were  French  26-pounders, 
•which  are  fourteen  inches  less  than  our  32-pounders ;  if  so,  this  will 
account  for  the  great  windage,  and  consequent  shortness  of  their  ranges, 
"better  than  ascribing  it  to  a  dent  or  two  ;  which,  if  they  are  not  of  any 
depth,  can  have  but  little  influence  on  their  range.  With  respect  to  shot 
having  holes  in  them,  this  proceeds  from  a  defect  in  casting,  and  when 
such  are  tendered  to  the  service  by  the  contractor,  they  ought  to  be 
rejected.  Dents  likewise  proceed  from  a  defect  in  casting,  but  which 
are  not  discovered  till  after  having  been  frequently  moved ;  the  collision 
attending  their  removal,  breaks  off*  the  scaly  part,  and  discloses  those 
dents,  which  are  commonly  attributed  to  rust.* 

I  am,  Sir, 

Your  obedient  Servant, 

IRON  GUN. 

s^^X*.^ 

MR.  FDITOH,  6//i  Feb.  1814. 

AT  the  present  moment,  when  we  arc  preparing  to  send  out  a  strong 
naval  force  to  America,  (which  1  hope  will  have  all  sailed  before 
this  letter  meets  the  eyes  of  the  public)  under  a  newly  appointed  com- 
raander,  to  whose  vigilance,  activity,  and  enterprize,  the  nation  wilt  look 
forward  with  no  common  degree  of  interest ;  it  may  not  be  altogether 
unprofitable,  to  advert  once  more  to  that  want  of  success,  which  has 
hitherto  generally  attended  us,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  war  with  Ame- 
rica. So  far  as  the  navy  have  been  concerned,  with  the  exception  of  the 
capture  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Argus,  we  have  surely  little  to  console 

*  The  following  composition  will  effectually  guard  iron  from  rust.  T^ike  equal 
parts  of  fine  red  ochre,  and  the  dust  of  well  burnt  red  brick,  pass  them  through  a 
fine  hair  sieve,  Mix  and  rub  them  together  on  a  painter's  stone,  with  as  much 
Swedish  tar  us  will  thoroughly  incorporate  them  (in  the  same  manner  as  painters 
rub  their  paints');  then  add  as  much  boiling  hot  tar,  as  will  bring  the  composition  to 
a  proper  consistence,  and  fit  to  lay  on  with  a  painter's  brush,  having  previously 
freed  the  iron  from  all  dirt,  rust,  &c.  Two  or  three  coats  will  be  sufficient,  observ- 
ing to  allow  the  first  coat  to  be  perfectly  dry  before  the  next  is  applied.  Thii 
composition  will  effectually  preserve  all  kind  of  timber  or  wood  work  that  may 
lie  exposed  to  sun  and  weather,  and  will  be  found  far  superior  to  any  kinds  of 
'prepared  oils  and  paints,  however  manufactured* 


CORRESPONDENCE.  123 

ourselves  with,  and  if  we  put  the  loss  of  our  own  three  frigates  into  tho 
scale,  our  captures  will  kick  the  beam.  Allowing,  as  I  do,  that  they 
were  bravely  defended,  and  that  no  human  foresight  could  hare  pre- 
vented the  Americans  meeting  them  on  the  vast  Atlantic,  I  would  only 
assert,  that  their  capture  should  have  spurred  us  on ;  should  have  in- 
duced our  commander  on  the  American  station,  to  have  strained  every 
nerve  and  run  considerable  risks,  (if  his  orders  did  not  positively  forbid 
it,  and  we  have  never  yet  seen  naval  enterprise  checked  by  the  govern- 
ment) to  destroy  the  infant  navy  of  this  arrogant  foe,  in  their  own 
ports.  I  do  not  assert  that  this  was  practicable,  but  I  conceive  that  the 
marine  corps  entrusted  to  the  orders  of  Sir  J.  Warren  were  meant  to 
co-operate  in  this  so  every  way  desirable  event ;  and,  I  cannot  help 
thinking,  that  some  of  the  naval  ports  where  their  frigates  lay,  might 
have  been  carried,  as  well  as  the  ships  destroyed,  with  perhaps  consider- 
able loss ;  but  had  it  cost  us  even  five  hundred  men,  the  object  in  my 
opinion  called  for  the  sacrifice,  considering  the  state  of  our  contest  with 
the  United  States.  Had  this  been  done,  instead  of  landing  at  many  dif- 
ferent points,  and  perhaps  distracting  their  attention  a  little,  without 
any  other  object  than  to  put  them  on  the  alert ;  there  would  have  been, 
no  occasion  nova  to  send  a  still  more  powerful  fleet,  and  an  additional 
marine  force  to  that  quarter  of  the  world  ;  for,  crippled  as  our  squadron 
has  been  by  the  hurricane  at  Halifax,  it  ought  still  surely  to  be  very  for* 
midabie  to  an  enemy  possessed  of  only  half  a  dozen  large  men  of  war. 

Hitherto,  however  much  we  may  have  possessed  the  power,  we  have, 
conscious  of  our  superiority,  forborne  to  commit  hostilities  beyond  the 
capture  of  sheep  andoxen,  even  on  that  part  of  their  coast  where  their 
newly  invented  torpedo's  were  preparing  for  the  destruction  of  ouf 
navy.  To  forbear  reprisals  under  these  circumstances,  was  no  doubt 
magnanimous,  as  we  could  perhaps  have  only  punished  the  innocent  in- 
habitants, whilst  those  actually  fitting  out  these  infernals  might  have 
escaped  the  vengeance  of  justly  incensed  enemies.  It  is  much  to  be 
feared,  that  this  unnatural  war  (if  continued,  and  I  do  not  see  how 
peace  is  to  be  expected,  except  the  Americans  recognise  our  right  of 
searching  for,  and  taking  our  own  seamen  from  neutral  ships,  which, 
they  have  sworn  to  resist)  will  become  one  of  unprecedented  cruelty* 
We  have  taken  many  deserters  from  the  British  men  of  war  on  the  Ame- 
rican station,  who  are  now  on  the  eve  of  trial,  and  will  in  all  probability 
sutler  as  traitors;  it  appears  the  American  government  are  determined 
to  retaliate,  and  put  to  death  an  equal  number  of  British  prisoners, 
whom  they  have  already  put  in  close  confinement;  such  conduct  can 
only  lead  to  a  war  of  cruelty  and  extermination,  to  such  scenes  as  must 
be  disgraceful  to  any  European  state;  but  we  know  that  honour  \sfittle. 
known  and  less  practised  by  the  American  government  or  people  ;  and  if 
they  put  their  threats  in  execution,  and  murder  a  single  British  prisoner 
now  in  their  power,  as  a  retaliation  for  the  life  of  a  deserler  from  the 
British  standard  to  theirs,  and  who  suffers  justly  as  a  traitor  to  hi* 
country,  they  mu»t  expect  to  feel  the  full  force  of  British  vengeance, 
and  to  have  their  towns  and  villages  laid  waste  and  destroyed  i  Bwwoer 


124  CORRESPONDENCE. 

unwilling  we  may  be  to  proceed  to  extremities,  false  would  be  that  huma- 
nity, which  saw  such  monstrous  violations  of  the  law  of  nations,  and  of  na- 
ture, not  only  promulgated  to  the  world,  but  acted  upon.  I  know  not  whal 
the  orders  of  the  new  commander  in  chief  ou  the  American  station  may  be  ; 
but,  from  the  quantities  of  Congrere's  rockets,  &c.  shipped  on  board  his  fleet, 
I  have  little  doubt,  if  matters  do  come  to  a  crisis,  and  the  American 
government  put  its  threats  in  execution,  they  will  entail  on  their  devoted 
coHDtry  all  the  ruin  and  misery  which  lire  and  sword  can  effect.  It  will  be 
well  that  they  pause,  before  they  retaliate  on  the  lives  of  innocent  men,  foe 
Ihose,  justly  expiating  to  their  offended  country  the  base  desertion  of  its 
rights  which  they  swore  to  defend.  Yet,  it  is  sincerely  to  be  wished,  that, 
in  the  punishment  of  these  deluded,  unfortunate  wretches,  judgment  may 
be  tempered  with  mercy  ;  and,  whilst  example  shall  warn  others  of  the  fate 
of  traitors,  let  mercy  save  the  multitude,  to  proclaim  the  humanity  and 
mercy  of  their  country,  which  has  spared  their  forfeited  lives.  The  time  is 
now  nearly  come,  when  America,  if  she  still  prolongs  the  contest,  must  feel 
the  full  force  of  Britain's  powerful  arm;  our  attention,  hitherto  diverted  to 
the  continent  of  Europe,  will  soon  be  given  to  the  continent  of  America, 
where  we  can  oblige  her  to  again  bring  forth  all  her  population,  to  prolong 
a  contest  the  American  people  are  already  tired  of,  and  which  if  persevered 
in,  under  these  circumstances,  may  probably  lend  to  disunion  amongst  the 
States,  and  a  dissolution  of  their  rising  empire.  Let  the  fate  of  the 
Corsican  warn  his  friend  at  the  head  of  the  government  in  America,  to 
calculate  Jn's  chances  well.  ALBION. 


T 


MR.  EDITOR, 

HE  following  is  a  copy  of  an  interesting  official  communication,  not 
yet  published,  which  had  been  sent  to  the  Transport  Board. 
Your  frozen  humble  servant, 

TIM  WEATHERSIDE. 

Copy  of  the  Journal  of  the  Sir  William  Bcnsley,  575  Tons. — Complement, 
28  Men,  6  Boys— Armament,  16  1'2 -pounder  Carronudes. 

1813,  1-tth  Dec. — At  30  minutes  paat  meridian,  in  Lat.  48°  46',  in 
Long.  35°  i",  saw  a  strange  sail  to  W.S.W.  of  us,  standing  after,  and  com- 
ing up  with  us  very  fa»t,  set  the  square  main  sail  and  jib,  let  two  reefs  out 
of  the  main  top  sail,  and  three  out  of  the  fore  ones,  and  ail  out  of  the  mi/en 
one,  and  the  reef  out  of  the  fore  sail,  the  stranger  coming  up  with  us  very 
fast.  At  1  10  P.M.  the  stranger,  being  a  long  low  ship,  hoisted  a  pendant 
without  any  colours,  and  set  his  main  top  gallant  sail,  but  was  obliged  to 
take  it  in  again,  being  too  much  wind  and  a  heavy  sea  running  from  the 
southward :  turned  the  hands  up  to  quarters  immediately.  At  1  20  P.  M. 
finding  he  had  so  much  advantage  of  us  in  sailing,  fired  a  gun  to  leeward, 
and  hoisted  our  colours  and  pendant ;  she  answered  it  with  English  colours ; 
she  was  then  within  two  or  three  miles  of  us:  seeing  she  was  a  corvette 
built  ship,  up  courses  and  down  jib  to  be  ready  to  receive  her;  at  150 
P.  M.  the  stranger  was  within  half  pistol  shot  of  us,  she  down  English  co- 
tours,  up  American,  and  fiied  a  shot,  which  we  returned  immcdiattly  with  a 


COttRESPONDEMCB. 

Roadside  from  our  starboard  guns :  she  laid  on  our  starboard  beam  fifteen 
or  twenty  minutes,  and  finding  a  warmer  reception  from  great  guns  and 
small  arms  than  she  expected,  she  shot  a-head  and  run  athwart  our  bows. 
Expecting  that  he  would  have  raked  us  with  his  larboard  guns,  and  drop  on 
our  larboard  bow  to  board  us,  immediately  put  our  helm  up,  endeavouring 
to  run  on  his  quarter;  but  the  ship  would  not  answer  her  helm,  as  the  mi- 
zen  being  set  and  the  colours  being  at  the  peak,  and  not  wishing  to  lower 
them  down  for  fear  he  should  think  that  we  had  struck,  being  within  balf 
pistol  shot  on  our  larboard  bow.  As  soon  as  he  was  out  of  a  raking  posi- 
tion, we  received  him  with  our  larboard  guns,  and  gave  him  a  whole  broad- 
side with  three  cheers  fore  and  aft.  Wore  ship  and  kept  a  continual  fire  as 
long  as  our  shot  would  reach  him ;  he  felled  on  his  larboard  tack  and 
bawled  his  fore  tack  on  board:  we  immediately  hove-to  to  see  if  he  meant 
to  return ;  we  laid-to  about  twenty  minutes.  At  3  40  P.  M.  we  up  jib 
and  wore  ship;  he  squared  his  cross  yard  and  up  jib,  apparently  to  follow 
us.  Well  knowing  we  could  not  get  away  from  him,  we  down  jib  and  hove- 
to  again,  he  immediately  down  jib  and  felled  his  mizen  top  sail  and  down 
main  tack,  and  stood  to  the  westward  clean  upon  a  wind,  with  his  larboard 
tacks  on  board.  We  wore  ship  and  made  sail  on  our  course,  and  fired 
two  guns  to  windward.  She  was  a  long  ship,  pierced  for  ten  guns  of  a 
side,  and  apparently  full  of  men;  but  with  able  assistance  from  Capt.  Hor- 
tie  of  the  George,  in  assisting  to  work  the  ship,  and  Mr.  Eadie  his  mate ; 
likewise  the  whole  of  his  crew,  as  well  as  the  whole  of  our  own,  to  protect 
the  ship  as  long  as  they  were  able,  I  am  happy  to  say  we  had  only  one 
man  slightly  wounded  with  a  splinter  from  a  grape  shot ;  but  we  suffered 
considerably  in  our  rigging,  having  three  main  shrouds,  three  top  mast 
backstays,  and  one  main  top  mast  shroud  shot  away  with  our  starboard 
main  brace,  with  a  quantity  of  our  running  rigging,  and  a  great  quantity  of 
large  and  grape  shot  through  our  sails ;  he  struck  us  between  wind  and 
water  on  the  starboard  side ;  he  stranded  our  main  stay  and  grazed  our  fore 
mast  and  mizen  mast.  At  4  P.  M.  saw  a  stranger  to  the  E.N.  E.  of  us, 
Standing  to  the  westward,  apparently  a  merchant  vessel,  made  signal  of  an 
enemy  in  sight.  At  10A.M.  in  examining  the  ship,  found  three  shot 
through  the  upper  streak  of  her  copper,  and  some  grape  sticking  half  in, 
and  a  great  quantity  of  small  shot  had  struck  her  and  cut  her  copper 
from  the  fore  part  of  the  mizen  chains,  to  the  after  port  of  the  fore  chains, 
and  finding  the  ship  makes  from  two  to  three  inches  of  water  more  than 
she  did  before  the  action  commenced. 
Tuesday,  14th  December,  1813. 

(Signed)        MARMADUKE  WILKIN. 

1813,  Dec.  %2d. — At  meridian,  strong  breezes  and  ^cloudy  weather;  all 
sail  set,  hove  to,  and  sounded  in  75  fathoms  water;  saw  a  strange  sail 
to  the  southward,  in  latitude  48°  58'  N.  longitude. 8°  W.  Fresh  breezes 
and  cloudy  weather,  with  heavy  squalls  of  wind  and  rain ;  the  strange  sail 
still  coming  up  with  us  very  fast,  all  sail  set, 

At  i  P.M.  made  her  out  to  be  a  schooner.  A  strange  sail  to  the  N.ward 
Coining  up  fast  with  all  sail  set.  At  1 .  30.  P.  M.  saw  she  was  a  long  vessel, 


126  CORREWON'DENCI. 

and  edging  to  get  into  our  wake ;  turned  the  hands  tip  to  quarters,  w  iih  fre»h 
breezes,  squalls  of  wind,  and  rain.     At  1.  50.  P.M.  lie  got  iuto  our  wake, 
loosed  his  main-top-sail,  and  fore-top-gallant-sail.     We  then  were  sure  she 
was  an  enemy ;  and  finding  that  he  had  such  an  advantage  of  us  in  sailing,  we 
up  courses  and  took  in  the  main-top-gallant-sail,  and  run  under  our  8  top- 
sails to  see  what  he  was  before  dark.     All  hands,  and  every  thing,  being 
ready  to  receive  him,  knowing  we  could  not  run  away. — At  2.  P.M.  he 
bore  away  in  our  wake  after  us  ;  we  kept  the  ship  under  her  3  top-sails,  so 
as  to  have  her  under  good  command.    At  2.  10.  P.  M.  she   fired  the  first 
shot,  and  hoisted  American  colours ;  we  immediately  up  colours  and  pen- 
dant, and  returned  it  with  our  starboard  broadside.     As  sonn  as  he  had 
fired  his  larboard  broadside,  he  wore  across  our  stern  and   fired  his  star- 
board guns,  with  a  continual  volley  of  musketry,    four  times  successively, 
and  each  time  of  wearing,  his  jib-boom  scarcely  clear  of  our  stern  ;  and 
finding  our  ship  wear  remarkably  well,  and  answered  her  helm  to  our  satis- 
faction, humoured  her  so  as  to  get  our  guns  to  bear  upon  him  every  time  : 
and  continually  kept  a  severe  firing  of  great  guns  and  small   arms,  as  long 
as  we  could  get  them  to  bear  on   him  with   round   and  grape.      The  fifth 
time  he  wore  round  on  our  itarboard  quarter,  we  immediately  put  our  helm 
a-port;  and  having  the  whole  starboard  broadside  readv  with  round,  grape, 
and  double  headed  shot,  poured  the  whole  broadside  into  him,   with  a  con- 
tinual fire  of  small  arms,  with  three  cheers.     He  kept  a  continual  fire  of 
small  arms  and  great  guns.    For  three  or  four  minutes  we  could  perceive  he 
was  greatly  damaged,  both  in  his  hull  and  rigging,  having  his  peak,  haul- 
yards,  and  fore-top-sail-haulyards,  shot  away.    He  immediately  \vore-roMid, 
and  hove-te  to  the    S.  W.rd  and  apparently  in   great  confusion.     At    o. 
15.,  after  his  heaving-to  with  his  head  to  ihe  southward,  we  ran  under  our 
three  top-sails   and    fired  a  gun  to  windward  ;  we  ran  under   that  sail   for 
thirty  minutes,  to  see  if  he  meant  to  follow  us  ;  but  finding  helmd  all  sails 
furled,  and  still  laying  to  the  S.  Wrd.,  we  down   fore  and  main  tack,  and 
set  main-top-gallant-sail,  and  made  all  sail  possible  on  our  course.     He  was 
pierced  for  10  guns  of  a  side,  but  only  perceived  nine  mounted  ;  and  hav- 
ing his  deck  lined  with  men,   as  full  as  he  could  stow,  with  the  immense 
quantity  of  grape  and  musketry,  has  cut  our  sails  to  pieces,  ami  injured  our 
standing  and  running-rigging  greatly,  three  large  shot  between  wind    and 
water,  and  one  about  three  feet  underwater:  our  upper  works,  on  our  lar- 
board side,  our  stern  and  boats,  are  full  of  grape-shot  and  musket-balls, 
but  had  not  a  man  hurt  on  board;  we  had  two  guns  dismounted,  and    one 
of  the  carriages  broke;  but  with  the  able  assistance  of  Captain  Horrie,  his 
mate  and  crevr,  as  well  as  our  own,  we  were  fully  bent  and   determined  to 
keep  the  Sir  William  Bensley  as  long  as  she  would  have  kept  a-float. 

(Signed)  MARDK.  WILKLV. 

Wednesday,  lid  Dec.  1813. 

Memorandum— The  master  and  21  men,of  the  George,  merchant  ship, 
were  on  board  the  Sir  William  Bensley,  having  been  picked  up  at  sea. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  \%1 

»' ~ 

CAPTAIN  HORTON,   R.  N. 

WE  with  great  readiness  give  insertion  to    the    following  commu- 
nication from  this  gallant  officer. 

Walmer,  Deal,  January,  1814. 

As  it  has  not  been  my  good  fortune  to  have  been  in  any  of  the 
great  naval  actions  which  must  hereafter  become  leading  features  in 
the  history  of  the  late  and  present  wars,  I  am  rather  tenacious  of 
such  few  instances,  wherein  the  fortune  of  war  has  favoured  mv  exer- 
tions; [and,  therefore,  cannot  be  desirous*]  of  having  what  little  honour 
and  merit  I  may  have  acquired,  attributed  to  other  officers,  after  53  years 
faithful  and  honourable  service. 

As  the  Editor  of  a  publication  which  will  in  all  probability  become 
the  basis  of  our  naval  history,  it  can  only  be  your  wish  to  render  justice 
to  every  individual.  As  such,  I  feel  myself  called  upon  to  require 
your  attention  to  the  two  following  circumstances,  wherein  great  incorrect- 
ness has  appeared  in  the  Naval  Chronicle,  to  my  prejudice  as  an 
officer,  as  far  as  the  privation  of  certain  claims  of  approved  service  ex- 
tends. 

The  points  alluded  to  are,  in  the  first  place,  relative  to  the  action  . 
of  H.  M.  S.  Dido  and  Lowestoffe,  with  La  Minerve  and  1'Artimese  French 
frigates,  in  the  Mediterranean,  1795  ;  on  which  occasion  you  have  repre- 
sented, in  your  Naval  Chronicle,  18o5,  page  287,  Captain  George  Clarke, 
as  having  beenfir/i  lieutenant  of  the  Lowestoffe,  and  ascribe  merit  to  him 
in  that  capacity,  which  from  my  having  filled  that  station,  and  having 
keen  promoted  to  the  rank  of  commander  for  my  conduct,  is  due  to  my- 
self. Captain  Clarke  was  only  second  lieutenant,  and  was  NOT  promoted, 
for  some  considerable  time  after;  and,  most  decidedly,  NOT  for  that 
action. 

Having  observed  a  similar  mistake  in  a  monthly  publication  about  that 
period,  I  addressed  a  letter  on  that  subject,  to  J.  Mc'Arthur,  Esq.  who, 
I  understood,  had  an  interest  in  the  work,  to  have  the  mistake  corrected  ; 
but  I  never  received  any  answer. 

Secondly,  I  allude  to  the  Memoirs  of  the  late  Captain  James  N.  New- 
man,  under  which  is  noticed,  the  action  of  his  Majesty's  sloops  Fairy  and 
Harpy,  with  La  Pallas  French  frigate  t,  6th  of  February,  (by  log)  1800; 
when  that  frigate  was  ultimately  captured  by  H.  M.  S.  Loire,  Danae,  Fairy, 
and  Harpy  sloops,  off  the  Seven  Islands ;  on  which  occasion  I  had  the 
honour  of  commanding  the  Fairy. 

My  public  letter  on  that  occasion,  eorroborated  by  an  extract  of  the 
Fairy's  log,  which  I  enclose,  proves  the  incorrectness  of  the  statement  in 
Captain  Newman's  memoirs,  both  as  to  time  and  facts;  wherein  la  Pallas 
is  represented  as  having  been  seen  by  Lord  Proby,  at  2  P.  M. ;  and  neither 


*  Strne  such  wards  as  these  seem  requisite  tothe  sense  of  the  passage.— EDITOR. 
t  See  N.  C.  vol.  xxx.  p.  372,  &c. 


128  CORRESI-ONDtSCt.. 

Harpy  or  Fairy  are  admitted  to  have  taken,  any  sliare  in  tlie  action  at 
night  ;  which  operated  at  the  time  very  much  against  the  interests  of  Cap- 
tain H.  Bazely  and  myself;  but  which  in  some  degree  I  obviated,  by  laying 
the  Fairy's  log  book  before  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  through  Lord  Spencer  ; 

and  my  confutation  of  Captain  N 's  statement  led  to  the  promotion 

of  my  friend  Captain  II.  Bazely,  after  it  had  been  previously  refused  and 
withheld  from  the  incorrectness  of  his  letter  alone ;  and,  speaking  of  the 
action  of  the  morning,  his  representation  of  Lord  Proby's  having  seen  La 
Pallas,  at  2,  P.  M.  was  quite  impossible;  as  the  Fairy  and  Harpy  were  in 
close  action  with  her  at  that  period,  which  did  not  cease  tilll  J  before  3. 
A  quarter  before  4,  was  the  earliest  moment  La  Loire,  Danae,  and  Ruilleur, 
were  discovered  from  our  mastheads,  although  we  were  looking  out  most 
anxiously  for  them,  knowing  their  station  :  and  the  chief  merit  I  claimed, 
on  the  part  of  the  officers  and  crews  of  the  two  sleeps  under  my 
orders,  was,  our  contriving  to  give  chace  to  La  Pallas,  so  expeditious!)-, 
after  being  so  much  crippled  in  the  action,  and,  by  a  little  manoeuvre, 
cutting  her  off  from  the  land :  as,  had  she  succeeded  in  getting  in  shore  of 
us,  she  must  have  effected  her  escape ;  but,  from  the  impression  we  had 
made  upon  her,  she  would  not  risk  the  renewal  of  the  action. 

Regarding  the  action  of  the  evening,  to  prove  moreover  the  want  of 
candour  on  the  part  of  Captain  N.  I  must  likewise  beg  leave  to  notice, 
that  the  Harpy  had  been  a  considerable  time  closely  engaged;  not  less  than 
Jo  minutes  lying  on  her  quarters,  when  she  was  hailed  from  the  Pallas, 
to  cease  firing,  in  the  following  terms: 

"  Ne  tirez  pas  encore— nous  sommes  a  vous ;" 

upon  which  Captain  Bazely;  sent  his  first  lieutenant  (Watson)  on  board 
La  Pallas,  who  took  the  French  captain  on  board  La  Loire.  After  the 
prisoners  were  removed  by  the  boats  of  the  squadron,  Captain  B.  went  on 
board  to  pay  his  respects  to  Captain  Newman.  When  presented  to  the 
French  Captain,  he  observed,  that  the  Black  brig  had  done  him  more 
damage  in  the  night  action,  than  the  whole  squadron. 

The  Harpy's  force  was  16-32-pounder  cnrronndes,  and  2  long  9-pounders. 
The  impressions  vessels  of  a  similar  force  have  since  made  (single  handed) 
on  the  enemy's  frigates,  in  various  instances,  you  must  he  sensible  of. 
From  the  time  La  Loire,  Danae,  and  Railleur,  joined  in  chace,  the  whole 
squadron  were  carrying  royals;  and  I  believe,  until  after  L'a  Pallas  ceased 
firing,  (unless  from  calm)  not  one  of  the  squadron  ever  could  have  taken 
them  in,  from  too  much  rcind;  although,  from  Captain  Newman's  statement, 
one  might  be  induced  to  suppose  it  had  blown  fresh  at  the  time. 
Extract  from  the  Log  Book  of  H.  il/.  Shop  nf  War  Fairy. 

"  On  the  5th  inst.  the  Fairy  and  Harpy  in  company.  At  8,  the 
Cordelier,  N.  E.  five  or  six  miles.  At  half-past  11,  baw  French  frigate. 
At  2,  brought  her  to  action.  At  a  quarter  before  3,  the  enemy  ceased  firing, 
and  made  all  sail  to  the  N.  E.  Refitted  and  made  sail  after  her.  At  a 
quarter  past  3,  set  the  steering  sails.  The  enemy  heaving  up  to  theN. 
and  W.  made  the  Harpy's  signal  to  gain  the  wind  of  her.  At  4,  saw  from 
the  mast-head  three  strange  sail  ;  made  the  signal  for  an  enemy,  which 
repeated  with  a  gun  every  five  minutes;  as  did  the  Harpy.  A  quarter  past 


4,  the  enemy  bore  up;  20  minutes  past  4,  made  the  signal  to  engage,  at 
coining  up  with  the  enemy;  half- past  4,  Roquedau,  N.  N.  E.  6  or  7 
milts  ;  made  the  preparatory  signal  to  rake  the  enemy  ;  half-past  5,  the 
chace  W.  ;  the  Harpy  W.  by  S,  light  breezes ;  at  7,  the  three  sail  4  or  5 
miles  before  the  lee  beam  ;  wind  S.  S.  W.  Half-past  8,  made  the  private 
signal  to  the  ships  to  leeward,  which  they  did  not  iinswer.  At  9,  spoke 

11.  M.  S.  La  Loire,  and  pointed  out  the  chace  to  Captain  Newman,  then  a 
gun  and  hair'  shot  on  our  weather  quarter;  tacked  in  compliance  with  his 
orders.     At  10,  spoke  the  Rallieur,  tacked  occasionally.     Quarter-past  11, 
La  Loire  and   Ruilieur  firing  their  bow-guns  at  the  chace.     The    enemy 
tacked  at  half-past   11,  and   getting  close   in   with  the  Seven  Islands,  a 
smart  action  commenced  between  her  and  La  Loire  ;   20   minutes  before 

12,  gave  the  enemy  our  broadside  on  passing,  which  repented  on  the  other 
tack  ;  several  guns  firing  from  the  batteries;  Rallieur  and  Harpy  as  well  as 
La  Loire,  occasionally  engaging  the  enemy,  which,  at  half-past  2,  struck 
her  colours,  and  proved  to  be  the  Pallas,  a  new  Trench  frigate,  of  46  guns, 
and  380  men,   from  St.  Maloes." 


MR.  EDITOR, 

I  WAS  much  surprised  at  seeing  last  month,  a  very  -considerable  portion 
of  a  page  of  your  Chronicle  occupied  by  a  correspondent  of  yours, 
"  TOM  STARBOARD,"  jn  preferring  a  complaint  against  the  Lords  of  the 
Admiralty,  for  having  fixed  a  board  on  the  wall  in  front  of  the  Admiralty. 
What  motive  your  correspondent  can  have  in  making  a  charge  which  is  un- 
founded, and  which  can  answ-er  no  good  end,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  discover; 
possibly  it  might  be  to  fill  up  a  little  of  his  vacant  time,  of  which  no  doubt 
Jie  has  plenty  to  spare,  if  he  cannot  find  any  better  employment  than  criti- 
cising the  notices  against  the  walls  of  the  public  offices. 

I  will  not  go  any  farther  about,  but  come  to  the  point  at  once. 

Your  correspondent  says,  there  is  a  board  fixed  on  the,  wall  in  tire  front 
of  the  Admiralty,  giving  notice,  that  "  Persons  found  begging  here  will  be 
prosecuted,"  menning.  as  he  wisely  enough  (in  his  own  opinion)  imagines, 
to  imply  that  any  of  those  gallant  defenders  of  our  country  who  are  found 
there  waiting  for  their  due.  will  be  prosecuted  there. 

But  it  does  not  allude  to  them  in  the  most  distant  manner;  it  is  intended 
•only  to  apply  to  those  mendicants,  who  used  to  be  in  the  habit  of  attending 
that  place  in  considerable  numbers,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the  passers- 
by  ;  and  lias  on  the  face  of  it  a  very  different  meaning  than  that  attempted 
to  be  put  upon  it  by  your  Correspondent  ;  for  if  he  will  give  himself  the 
trouble  to  walk  to  the  Admiralty  and  again  look  .at  the  board,  lie  will  find 
that  the  comma  is  placed  after  the  word  "  here*'  which  is  pt-rfectly  correct, 
and  gives  the  exact  meaning  it  is  intended  to  convey  ;  and  completely  alters 
44  from  what  it  would  be  if  it  was  placed  after  the  word  "  Begging,"  as  your 
Correspondent  says  it  is. 

JACK  L^ARBOAKD. 


£f>rcn,  SJoI,  XX  XL 


190  LORRLbJ-ONDEVCt, 

if*.  turroR,  New  York,  January  3,  1814. 

TTT  may  he  useful  to  many  of  your  readers  to  have  laid  before  them  the 
•*•  following  official  documents,  respecting  prisoners  of  war  in  this  part  of 
the  world.  Your's,  with  respect,  G.  D. 

STATEMENT 

Of  American  and  British  prisoners  now  in  close  confinement,  on  retaliatory 
orders  from  the  respective  government*. 

(A) 

*Return  of  British  Prisoners  confined  in  the  gaols  of  Concord  and  Port- 
land ;  and  of  American  Prisoners  of  War  confined  in  the  town  gaol  at 
Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  Sept.  1,  1813. 


BRITISH. 


Nu/ncs  of  Prisoners  con- 
fined ut  Concord,  fyc. 
with  their  rank. 


Description  of  per. 
sons  they  are  con- 
Jinedfar. 

John  Pierce  seaman  lEr.  ship  of  war  "|  For  Iseaman  of  the 
Robert  Robinson  do  j  Guerrierre  J  U.S.  brig  Nautilus. 
John  Squirrel  do  "I  lir.  ship  of  war>  For  John  Stevens, 

James  Russel  do   J        Dragon  I  carpenter,  &  Tho- 

William  Keats, carpentr  \  c      .,  ,    .    |  mas  King,  seaman, 

*•  Swallow   packet.  I  TT  0 

J  U.  a.  si 


A.  Redingfield,  boats 


Capt.Barss,  commander 
Capt.  Woodward,   do 


Ships  they  be- 
longed to. 


sloop  Vixen. 


}  Privateer   Liver- "J  For  Captain   Ni- 
pool  Packet.     >cholas,  late  of  De- 
r  ,  .      ~  •     . 


Unknown. 
AMERICANS. 


J  catur  Privateer 


Names  of  prisoners  coiifin- 

Ships  they  belong- 

Man  of  War  or 

edat  Hulifajctwith  their 

ed  to. 

Privutecr. 

rank. 

Thos.Carpemert  seaman 

Chesapeake 

Man  of  War 

John  Prt»syt             do 

do 

do 

Stephen  Ballt           do 

d« 

do 

Sylvester  Slacy         do 

do 

do 

Joseph  Goodall        do 

do 

do 

Jolm  Chappel           do 

do 

do 

Jumcs  Peterson        do 

Ho 

do 

Ibaac  Porter             do 

do 

do 

George  iNJiller,  carpenter 

do 

do 

Math.  Rodger?,  gunner 

do 

do 

James  Trasli,tsail-  master 

Revenge 

Privateer 

John  Light,  lieutenant 

Julian  Smith 

do 

J.  11.  Morgan,  f-  comiiiand. 

F.nterprize 

do 

William   Lane,         do 

Wily  Reynard 

do 

David  Perry,  lieutenant 

do 

do 

Thomas  Swaine        do 

do 

do 

No  IE— The  person*  marked  thus  \  have  been   twice  found  tir  arm* 
loro  exchanged. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

In  consequence  of  Thomas  King,  of  theU.  S.  sloop  Vixen,  having  made 
his  escape  from  Bermuda,  in  an  open  boat,  and  since  arrived  in  the  United 
States,  Squirrel  and  Russell,  who  were  confined  for  him,  have  been  released 
by  the  American  government  from  close  imprisonment ;  and  orders  have 
been  given  at  Halifax  to  release  Goodall,  Chappel,  Peterson  and  Porter,  in 
consequence  of  information  having  been  received  there  of  the  release  of 
Squirrel  and  Russell. 

For  the  Sixteen  American  Prisoners,  above  named,  the  American 
Government  have  put  into  close  confinement  at  Ipswich,  Mass,  the  fol- 
lowing British  Prisoners. 

Thomas  Cooper,  carpenter,  British  brig  Boxer,  confined  Oct.  7  1813. 
John  Clark,  gunner,  do  do.  Adam  Kirby,  seaman,  do  do.  Samuel  Thorp 
do  do.  John  Benbow,  do  do.  James  Onion,  do  do.  Richard  Howe,  do  do. 
Danl.  Dowland,  do  do.  Thomas  Hewes,  shipTenedos,  do.  John  Humphries 
ship  Nymph,  do.  E.  Clements,  master,  privateer  Fly,  do  12th  of  Oct.  \Vm. 
Nickerson,  lieut.  of  privateer  Weazel  do.  Win.  Owen  do  privateer  Experi- 
ment do.  Robert  R.  Black  do  privateer  Fly  do.  Jas.  Ross,  commander  pri- 
vateer Dart  Nov.  2.  Benj.  Johnson,  mate,  Pitt  M  V  Oct.  19. 

(B) 
COPY. 

\Vo,  George  Thomas  and  John  Williams,  both  of  Portsmouth,  in  the 
county  of  Rockinghnm,  and  state  of  New-Hampshire,  mariners,  of  lawful 
age,  testify  and  say,  that  on  or  about  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  November 
last,  we  sailed  from  Boston  in  the  privateer  Decatur,  (belonging  to  New- 
bury-port,  Captain  Nichols,  being  master)  on  a  cruise.  That  on  the  16th 
day  of  January,  the  Decatur  was  captured  by  the  British  frigate  Surprise, 
commanded  by  Captain  Thomas  Cochran,  and  on  the  twenty  second  of 
said  month  we  arrived  at  Barbadoes,  when  Captain  Nichols  and  his  officers 
were  icn t  on  shore  on  parole.  That  some  time  after  this  Captain  Nichols 
was  apprehended  and  put  on  board  the  guard  ship,  on  account,  as  alleged, 
of  some  ill-treatment  he  had  given  to  some  English  sailors  when  he  was 
in  the  brig  Alert. 

r  His 

,c.       ,.  GEORGE   X   THOMAS. 

.     (S'gned)  j  Mark 

I    JOHN  WILLIAMS, 


QUESTIONS. 

1st.  Was  Captain  Nichols  confined  in  a  cage  of  five  feet  wide  and  seven 
feet  long,  as  stated  by  one  James  Foote,  in  the  Newbury-port  newspaper, 
on  the  first  of  June  last  ? 

Answer — No.  There  was  no  such  thing  as  .1  cage  on  board  the  prison 
ship;  but  a  barracado  merely  to  secure  the  prisoners  from  having  inter- 
course with  the  guard.  Yet  Captain  Nichols  had  a  state  room,  together 


132  CORRESPONDENCE. 

with  the  liberty  of  the  cabin  and  of  the  quarter  deck,  while  on  board  trie 
prison  ship. 

2d.  Did  you,  or  either  of  you,  hear  from  Captain  Nichols  himself,  or 
from  any  other  person  at  Barbadoes,  lhat  he  was  ill-treated  on  board  the 
prison  ship  ? 

Answer — No.     We  did  not. 

3d.  Had  James  Foote  any  more  means  to  be  informed  in  what  manner 
Capt.  Nichols  was  treated  than  you  had,  while  at  Barbadocs  ? 

Answer — No.  Nor  so  much,  as  he  was  in  the  hospital  all  the  time  he 
was  at  Barbadoes,  excepting  a  few  days  previous  to  his  taking  passage  for 
New-London. 

His 


r  His 

,c.       ,.  GEORGE  X   THOMAS, 
(S'Sncd)            ]  Mark 

I  JOHN  WILLIAMS. 


Porls»imith  Aug.  16,  1813. 


State  of  New  Hampshire, 
Portsmouth,  to  wit. 

On  this  day,  the  sixteenth  of  August,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirteen,  before  me  Samuel  Ellint,  notary 
publiCj  in  and  for  eaid  state,  by  letters  patent  duly  commissioned  and 
sworn,  and  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Rockingham,  in  said 
state,  personally  came  and  appeared,  George  Thomas  and  John  Williams, 
who,  being  by  me  duly  sworn  according  to  law,  made  solemn  oath  to  the 
truth  of  the  foregoing  deposition,  by  them  subscribed. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and 
(SEAL.)  affixed  my  Notarial  seal  of  office,  the  day  in  the  year 

herein  last  above  written. 

SAMUEL  ELLIOT, 
Not.  Pub.  and  Jus.  Peace. 

(Q 

List  of  59  military    American    prisoners  of    war,  sent  frop    Halifax  to 
England  iii  the  British  bhip  Melpomene — supposed  to  be  British  subjects. 

Deserted  from  14th  B.  re»t.  of  foot,  John  Doud,  John  M'Gowan,  John 
Brown,  James  Henry,  Barby  Cannady,  Patrick  M'Dennis,  James  Carey, 
James  Givin,  Ilindrew  Anderson,  John  Makey,  Thomas  Stewart,  Robert 
Maxwell,  Matthew  Flagerty,  James  Miller,  James  Scott,  Hugh  M'Guir*. 

Do.  from  the  Oth  regt.  Edward  Cranney,  Andrew  Coke. 

Do.  from  1st  light  artillery,  G.  M'Hendrick. 

Do.  from  14th  regt.  foot,  Thomas  Taggart,  Thomas  S.  Newland,  J. 
Fitzpatrick,  James  Lowry,  Michael  Wayne,  John  Lyncli,  Thomas  Clayton, 
James  Evans,  Barney  Hey,  Major  Watson,  Matthew  Campbell,  John 
Napernay,  William  Melvin,  William  M'Koy,  Edward  Evans,  Chariot 


CORRESPONDENCE.  133 

M'Keever,  Charles  Deuson,  Edward  Denmade,  George  Courtney,  William 
Sluin,  Archibald  Patterson. 

Do.  from  6th  regt.  Robert  Norton,  Edward  Gorman. 

Do.  14tb,  Dominick  Cannon. 

Do.  6th,  James  Hunter. 

Do.  14th,  James  Brown. 

Do.  5th,  John  Barlow. 

Do.  14th,  William  Kelley,  Patrick  Cahoe. 

Do.  1st,  John  Eagan. 

Do.  14th,  Samuel  Gray,  William  M'Ever,  John  Smith,  John  Todd, 
George  M'Mullen,  Charles  Kelly,  John  Smiley,  B.  M'Coneghy,  Con.  O'Ncd, 
John  Fenney  —  Total  59. 

For  these  59  prisoners,  the  American  government  have  confined  an  equal 
number  of  military  British  prisoners  at  Chilicothe,  in  Ohio,  their  names 
arc  not  yet  known. 


List  of  101  American   prisoners  of  war  sent  to  England  from  Halifax,  in 
the  British  ship  Regulus,  1st  September,  1813. 

'fhomas  Costen,  gunner,  belonging  to  the  Wily  Reynard,  privateer; 
John  Jonefr,  boatswain,  do;  John  Jackson,  Cook,  do;  Henry  Butler,  Stew- 
ard, do;  John  Charles,  seaman,  do  ;  John  Brisk,  do  do;  John  Macbahao, 
dodo;  John  Bo)c-r,  do  do;  William  Kirkpatrick,  do  do;  Perry  Hall,  do 
do;  William  Lindsey,  do  do,  Hezekiah  Wilson.t  do  do  ;  Manuel  Tois,  do 
do  ;  Joseph  Wood,  do  do  ;  Jos.  Brown,  do  do;  N.  Holdcn,  do  do;  Charles 
Kingman,  do  do  ;  Robert  Parker,  do  privateer  Thome  ;  Joseph  Forrester, 
dodo;  Zach.  Hunter,  do  privateer  Hunter;  George  Pirier,  cio  privateer 
Cossack  ;  Nathaniel  Weston,  do  do;  Charles  Green,  do  do  ;Benj.  Ward,  do  do; 
Benj.  Hill,  do  4o  ;  Daniel  Ropes,  do.  privateer  Montgomery;  E.  Henfield, 
do  do;  Wm.  Clark,  do  do  ;  William  Wanton,  do  do  ;  John  Forbes,  do  do; 
Thomas  Sparks,  do  do  ;  John  Pbinney,  do.  privateer  Julian  Smith  ;  Asa 
Higgins,  dodo;  Geo.  Lawrence  do  do;  Nicholas  Verplust,  do  do;  Thos. 
Snow,  do  do  ;  Joseph  Cloutman,  do  privateer  Enterprize  ;  John  Widger, 
do  cio  ;  Peter  Melzard,  do  do  ;  Nathan  Fuller,  do  do;  John  Clothy,  do  do- 
Henry  Torry,  do^io  ;  Robert  Russell,  do  do  ;  Frederick  Williams,  do  do  ; 
Jesse  Goss,  do  do  ;  William  Clothy,*  do  do  ;  Isaiah  Pettigal,*  do  do  ;  John 
.Tarlton,  do  privateer  Gen.  Plutnen  ;  Isaac  M'Kenny,  do  do;  Joseph 
Verney,  dodo;  Samuel  Moore,  do  do;  M.  Wateihouse,*  do  privateer 
Teazcr  ;  A.  Francis*  do.  privateer  Porcupine  L.  of  M  ;  Daniel  Lucas,*  do 
do  ;  Jacob  Johnson,*  do  do  ;  James  Andrews,  do  do  ;  John  Thompson,  do 
privateer  Thomas;  John  Card,  do  do;  Robert  Ilillsbrook,  do  do  ;  Henry 
Pitman,  do  do;  John  Marshall,  do  do  ;  P.  M'Intire,  do  do  ;  J.  Diiscoe,*  do 
do  ;  Ephraim  Crass,*  do  do  ;  Robert  Brown,  do  privateer  Wasp  ;  Thomas 
Ferguson,  do  do;  Jas.  Hunter,  dodo;  Robert  Forsyth  do  do  ;  Edward 
Cooper,  do  doj  James  Richardson,  do  do';  Elisha  Smith,  do  privateer 
Yorktown  ;  Asa  Tuftif.s,  do  do  ;  Joseph  Spauldings,  do  do  ;  Robert 
Stoddurd,  do  do;  G.  W.  Hamilton,  do  do;  Goodman  Anderson,  cio  do  » 


134  COBRESPONUEN^fe. 

John  Jessamine,  dodo;  John  Davis  t,  do  do;  Charles  Blake,  do  do  j ' 
J.lisha  Punal,*  do  do;  Henry  Bump.*  dodo;  Chas.  Johnson,*  do  do; 
Samuel  Goulding,  do  do  ;  Isaac  Gilbert,  do  do  ;  James  Wilson,  do  do  ;  W. 
Rogers*  do  do  ;  Richard  Eddy,  do  do;  John  M'Kay,  do  do  ;  Hans  Selby, 
dodo;  Charles  Brown,  dodo;  Daniel  Stroms,  dodo;  Edward  Phillips, 
prizemaster  of  the  Lnvinia,  recaptured  from  the  Yorktown ;  John  Burns, 
seaman,  privateer  Snap-Dragon  ;  Win.  Brown,  dp  privateer  Polly  ;  John 
Cook,  do  do  ;  Isaac  Hawkins,  do  privateer  Columbia  ;  F.  Burmingham,  do 
L.  of  M.  privateer  Ulysses  ;  Thomas  Brown,  do  privateer  Fox  ;  Th.  Hutt, 
do  privateer  Thomas ;  James  Evert,  do  privateer  Yorktown  ;  J.  Walling, 
do  do— Total  101. 

List  of  101  British  Prisoners,  put  into  close  confinement  by  the  American 
government,  in  retaliation  for  the  101  prisoners  (before  named)  sent  to 
England  in  the  British  ship  Regulus. 

Peter  II.  Dircide,  gunner;  Antonio  Fernandez,  mate;  William  Collings, 
eook  ;  Thomas  D.  Purney,  steward  ;  Alexander  Gouge,  prize  master; 
John  Walm,  seaman;  William  Randall  do;  William  White  do;  John 
Selby  do  ;  John  Harvey  d»  ;  Robert  Durl'ey  do  ;  James  Clucas  do  ;  Richard 
Curtney  do  ;  Alexander  Stewart  do  ;  Alexander  Cummmgi  do  ;  Charl*  s 
Williams  do  ;  Charles  Rcll,  marine  ;  John  Monks,  seaman  ;  John  Riley  do; 
John  Storey  do;  John  Finsman  do  ;  Edward  Downing  do  ;  Dela  Hunting- 
ton,  marine;  John  Will  atns  seaman;  Richard  Whitear  do;  Christopher 
Roust  do  ;  Isaac  Ouffee,  marine ;  Isaac  Muse  do  ;  Joseph  Frotten  do  ; 
Alexander  Tropson  do;  Isaac  Connell  do;  John  Young  do;  Andrew 
Guillurney  do  ;  William  Playcard  do  ;  James  Fry  do  ;  George  Wheeler  do  ; 
James  Arnold  ;  Author  Benson  do  ;  John  Lloyd  do ;  Nicholas  Mesurier  do  ; 
Isaac  Coss;  seaman;  John  White  do;  George  Couthard  do;  Thomas 
Sommers  do ;  John  Tilt  do;  Peter  llolloway  do  ;  John  Careman  do  ;  John 
Williams  do  ;  James  Morrison  do  ;  William  Gratage  do;  Henry  Horn  do  ; 
James  Taylor  do  ;  John  Millcy,  do  ;  John  Lanihs,  do  ;  Edward  Jones,  do  j 
John  Anderson,  do  ;  James  Campbell  do  ;  John  Leslie,  do  ;  Wm.  Radclitfe 
do ;  Patrick  Fothergreen  do  ;  William  Stevens  do  ;  James  Cooper,  do  • 
J.imes  Jackson  do  ;  Samuel  Sherman  do  ;  James  Dawson  do  ;  Benjamin 
C'arr,  Matthew  Robinson  do  ;  John  Cracker,  do  ;  John  Dode  do  ;  William 
Slater  do  ;  Edward  Crooke  do  ;  James  Norland,  do  ;  James  I!add  do  ;  James 
Bird  do ;  John  Bent  do  ;  John  Ray,  do  ;  Stephen  Ridding  do  ;  James 
Stays  do  ;  Joseph  James  do  ;  Thomas  Stephenson  do  ;  Charles  Nelson  do  ; 
John  Nicholas  do  ;  John  Miller  do;  Jacob  Monks  do  ;  Benjamin  Tell  do  • 
Andres  l.uhert  do ;  John  Howell  do  ;  John  Ar^on  do  ;  Joseph  M'Cullum  ; 
James  Gilbert  do;  Edward  Pimister  do;  William  Bollman  ;  Watson 
Drown  do  ;  J.  Fairbotbam  do;  Owen  Pritchard  do  ;  Fryer  Fowler  do; 
Henry  Gillyard  do;  John  L.  Prevost  do;  Alexander  Deman  do;  John 
(iambic  d»  John  Johnson  do. — Total  101. 

Those  marked  (*)   are  men  who  have  been  twice  found  in   arms  befone 
they  were  exclumged. 
Those  marked  (f)  are  supposed  to  be  British  subjects. 


MR.  EDITOR, 

N  a  former  letter,  I  took  the  liberty  to  recommend  an  index,*  &c.  to  your 
consideration  ;  and  after  expressing  my  wishes  for  a  more  general  dif- 
fusion of  your  work,  I  mentioned  the  great  utility  which  might  be  derived 
from  family  records.  It  is  my  sincere  wish,  that  some  great  naval  work 
should  be  widely  spread,  and  your  periodical  means  appear  to  me  as  ex- 
cellently calculated  to  produce  that  very  desirable  national  good  :  and  a 
litde  general  assistance  might  enable  you  to  add  both  to  the  benefit  and 
pleasure  it  is  calculated  to  produce. 

I  would  now  recommend  to  you,  sir,  to  endeavour  to  procure  a  series  of 
engravings  from  naval  meduls,  of  which  there  are  many,  both  ancient  and 
modern.  Chronological  engravings  of  ships  and  vessels  of  all  nations,  and 
particularly  British,  from  the  skin  canoe  of  the  ancient  Britons  to  the  pre- 
sent Nelson,  .which  I  trust  will  be  for  some  time  the  ne  plus  ultra  i:\  'poiftt 
of  tonnage  and  number  if  decks. 

There  are,  I  believe,  some  excellent  prints  and  pictures  which  represent 
accurately  the  form  and  rigging  of  most  of  the  ships  which  followed  the 
Armada.  I  have  seen  a  good  engraving  of  the  Great  Harry,  with  her 
towers,  &c,  and  of  the  Royal  James. 

There  are  some  models  from  whence  drawings  might  be  made: — that  ef 
the  Old  Victory  at  the  Naval  College,  Portsmouth,  shows  the  poop,  royal, 
spritsail,  topmast,  &c. ;  The  Mediterranean  presents  an  endless  variety  in 
the  possitkm  of  masts  and  shapes  of  sails  :  and  I  think  you  might,  without 
difficulty,  procure  a  set  of  drawings  from  thence. — It  is  curious  to  observe, 
in  going  round  our  own  coast,  that  you  rind  some  peculiar  construction,  or 
rig  of  boat,  in  almost  every  port;  and  although  accident,  perhaps,  led  at 
first  to  some  particular  form  or  ornament,  yet,  upon  the  whole,  each  boat  is 
the  best  adapted  to  the  nature  of  the  port  or  beach.-— This  variety  is  peculi- 
arly striking  on  the  western  coast  of  America. — I  dare  say  your  occasional 
very  able,  and  most  worthy  correspondent,  Mr.  Whidby,  could  give  you  some 
information  on  that  head.  It  is,  however,  a  singular  circumstance,  that  the 
same  kind  of  boat  should  have  been  selected,  both  for  the  smooth  water  of 
the  Thames,  and  the  rough  and  dangerous  navigation  of  Spithead.  A  sea- 
man, who  has  been  taken  off  to  hisship  at  Spithead  by  a  skilful  watenimn 
in  a  good  wherry,  must  think  himself  in  another  nation,  when  he  is  taken 
out  to  Plymouth  Sound  in  a  boat  from  the  Barbican.  In  your  numerous 
engravings,  we  have  already  a  great  and  beautiful  variety  of  ships  and  ves- 
sels, in  all  positions ;  but  my  present  recommendation  is,  a  systematic, 
chronological,  and  historic  series. — Reference  to  your  plates  would  do  a 
good  deal,  but  a  new  series-would  be  better. — Is  not  the  tapestry  of  the 
House  of  Lords  engraved  in  a  series  of  prints?  t 

I  call  upon  your  readers  to  yield  their  assistance;  and,  more  especially, 
to  point  out  to  their  friends  tLe  .satisfaction  and  advantage  which  must  be 
derived  from  a  work,  which  details  the  naval  events  of  the  greatest  naval 
power  in  the  world,  and  is  elucidated  bv  comparisons  with  all  oilier*.  Let 

*  To  this  we-  replied  in  our  Answers  to  Coirespoudc/it.>,  ic.  'E». 

f  We  think  that  it  ho»  been  en^mveu.  ED.  . 


136 

not  the  dust  from  the  glorious  and  "'ell-fought  field  of  Vittoria,.  prevent 
their  still  perceiving,  that  "  Britain's  Lest  bulwarks  are  her.  wooden 
walls.''— 

Thus,  Mr.  Editor,  must  an  old  man  be  content  to  sit  still  and  "ive  hints 
to  young  ones;  and  those  I  now  offer  spring  from  a  patriotic  affection  for  my 
country  in  general,  and  my  profession  in  particular. — You  will,  also,  I  trust 
be  assured,  that  I  am  a  sincere  friend  to  your  work. 

Yours,  &c.  A.  F.  Y. 


PLATE  CCCCVIII. 


MR.  EDITOR, 

IX  the  former   part  of  jour  work  you   gave  us   the  portrait  of  II.  M.  5. 
Cleopatra,  in  three  positions.— I  enclose  a  rough  stetch  of  a  fourth  po- 
sition, which  is  the  representation  of  her  in  a  situation    to  which   the  ar- 
tist has  been  afraid  to  do  justice,  for  fear  of  a  suspicion   of  exaggeration. 
The  circumstance  was  as  follows:— 

The  Cleopatra  was  crossing  the  Gulph  stream,  under  a  reefed  fore-sail 
and  niizcn  stay-sail,  in  a  strong  gale,  not  f«r  to  the  northward  of  C.  Ilnt- 
terus,  in  a  night  rendered  dark  by  a  deep  and  jet  black  thunder  cloud, 
which  had  obscured  the  moon.  After  very  vivid  lightning  and  a  loud  ex- 
plosion, the  wind  shifted  in  a  heavy  squ;ill,  so  as  to  bring  the  ship  up  seve- 
ral points,  and  head  to  a  very  high  and  much  agitated  sea,  giving  her  at  the 
jnme  time  fresher  way  through  the  water.  —Her  first  plunge  put  the  whole 
of  the  forecastle  deep  under  water,  and  the  officers  on  deck  hardiv  expect- 
ed to  see  ht-r  ri~e  again. — The  captain,  who  was  in  his  cot  in  the  cabin,  gut 
a  severe  blow  by  being  dashed  violently  against  the  beams. — The  ship,  how- 
ever, rose,  throwing  a  vast  body  of  water  aft,  which  hurst  open  (he  cabin 
balk  head,  breaking  loose  every  thing  upon  deck  but  the  gur.s.  In  this 
send  aft,  ilie  tafifrrel  and  after  part  of  the  quarter-deck  were  far  under 
wutf.T. — Luckily,  only  part  of  the  after  hatchway  was  open,  and  no  great 
body  of  water  went  below. — The  fore-sail  was  hauled  up,  ai.d  the  damage 
found  to  be  only  the  loss  of  j.b  boom,  sprir-sail-yard,  bumpkins,  and  bow- 
sprit and  fore  ynni  fr-ninu. — Small  cutter  carried  away  from  the  davits; 
the  spanker  boom,  and  many  ropes  broke. 

But  the  principal  view  of  making  the  sketch  was,  to  minute  the  very  pe- 
culiar state  of  the  sky  and  clouds. — The  block  thunder-cloud  passed  rapidly 
to  windward,  ;it  the  instant  moat  vivid  lightning  was  seen  in  the  direction  of 
the  foremast  in  the  drawing,  shewing  the  violently  breaking  sea  in  all  its 
mngni£ceiit  fury.— -At  the  same  time  a  snow  shower  passed  a-cmss  the 
stern,  the  clouds  clearing  away  behind  it,  shewing  a  clear  sky  and  bright 
moon,  which  shone  on  the  passing  shower  with  a  briyhmess  not  easily  de- 
scribed, particularly  when  contrasted  with  the  neighbouring  gloom.— If  your 
engraver  can  mnkc  any  Innd  of  a  sketch  so  unfinished,  I  can  only  say  it  i» 
at  your  service.  I  amain,  Sir,  yours, 

A  CONSTANT  READER. 


137 
NAVAL  BULLETINS 

OF 

LIEUTENANT  O'BRIEN'S  RECENT  CAPTIVITY  AND  ESCAPE. 

[Continued  from  page  48.] 


BULLETIN    THE  THIRTEENTH. 

SEPTEMBER,1808.— The  next  day  these  poor  fellows  received  orders  to 
prepare  for  a  march  to  Metz ;  whither  they  would  be  escorted,  to 
take  their  trial  as  conspirators;  the  gendarme  to  go  as  prosecutor.  I 
now  deemed  myself  fortunate  indeed.  I  had  the  mortification  to  see 
them  loaded  with  irons  (after  being  a  number  of  days  in  a  most  abomi- 
nable dungeon),  to  proceed  nearly  25  leagues,  accused  of  a  conspiracy ; 
and,  in  a  few  days,  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ashworth,  giving  me  a 
detail  of  the  trial,  &c.  and  stating,  that  he,  Mr.  Brine,  and  several  others, 
were  sentenced  to  remain  as  slaves  fifteen  years  in  the  galleys  ;  Mr.  Tut/till 
nine  only.  I  was  so  shocked  at  this  intelligence  (which  filled  tlie  first  part 
of  the  letter)  that  I  threw  it  away,  and  related  the  contents  to  my  com- 
panions; who,  with  myself,  exclaimed  against  the  injustice  and  tyranny  of 
a  nation  that  could  suffer  such  a  sentence  to  be  passed. 

I  was  in  the  greatest  consternation  and  dejection  imaginable.  One  of 
my  friends  proceeded  to  peruse  the  letter;  and,  on  reading  a  little  farther, 
he  found  the  sentence  had  been  repealed.  This  appeased  me  greatly  ;  but 
I  had  the  same  opinion  of  the  nation.  It  also  informed  us,  that  two  of 
our  stamen  were  actually  condemned  for  six  years,  and  had  been  sent  to  the 
galleys  a  few  days  before,  from  Bticfie.  I  knew  them ;  one  was  an  Italian 
by  birth,  the  other  an  Englishman;  the  former,  John  Gardner,  alias  Italian 
John,  was  accused  of  making  out  a  false  passport  for  the  latter,  Henry 
Hudsel,  alias  Quiz.  He  escaped  with  this  passport,  and  travelled  several 
leagues  before  the  imposition  was  discovered.  This  was  the  only  crime 
they  had  been  guilty  of,  to  the  eternal  disgrace  of  a  nation  that  styles  itself 
civilized.  If  the  reader  will  only  consider  the  horrible  treatment  which 
our  prisoners  endure  ;  no  prospect  of  having  an  exchange  during  the  war; 
and,  although  this  said  crime  may  be  termed  forgery,  it  was  not  to  molest 
or  harm  any  person  whatever;  itwas  simply  planned  to  liberate  the  bearer— 
1  have  not  the  smallest  doubt  but  the  reader  will  agree  with  me  in  opinion, 
that  it  falls  very  short  of  a  punishment  equal  to  six  years  (with  all  denomi- 
nations of  malefactors)  in  the  galleys. 

There  was  an  Englishman  lately  arrived  from  thegal'.eysj  who  had  served 
in  the  army  on  the  continent,  under  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York; 
his  name,  to  the  best  of  my  recollection,  was  Barnes.  He  stated,  that  Ire, 
with  some  others,  had  been  made  prisoners ;  and,  by  some  accident,  one 
of  their  guards  was  killed  :  they  were  accused  and  sentenced  to  twelve  or 
thirteen  years  slavery  (I  am  not  confident  which),  however,  he  was  the  only 
survivor.  His  time  beuig  up,  they  conducted  him  to  the  depot  of  punish* 
mtnt,  still  to  be  considered  as  a  prisoner  of  war :  another  proof  of  the 

ol.  XXXI.  I 


138  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

strict  justice  of  the  French  nation.  Several  most  curious  occurrences  took 
place  during  my  confinement,  too  tedious  to  state  here  ;  all  of  which  have 
served  to  corroborate  me  in  my  opinion  of  the  wretched  country  I  was  in— 
a  nation  of  savages,  governed  by  a  fiend. 

September,  1808.  I  had  now  another  plan  of  escaping  in  contempla- 
tion, and  with  every  hope  of  success.  The  arrival  of  a  Mr.  Hewson*  and  a 
i\Jr.  Butterfteld,  midshipmen,  who,  in  March  last,  escaped  from  Verdun, 
and  got  down  to  the  t^ilpli  of  Lyons,  in  the  Mediterranean,  where  they 
were  arrested  and  brought  back,  favoured  my  plan  very  much.  Mr.  Hew- 
son being  a  friend  and  very  old  acquaintance,  I  communicated  it  to  him; 
he  rejoiced  exceedingly  at  an  opportunity  so  soon  ouering  for  another 
attempt  to  escape.  However,  it  was  necessary  to  wait  some  time,  us  he 
was  placed  in  the  Souterrain.  I«  a  lew  days  lie  contrived  (owing  to  indis- 
position) to  be  moved  up  stairs,  into  a  room  appointed  for  the  sick.  I  now 
hoped  to  be  soon  able  to  execute  our  project ;  and  had  procured  keys,  with 
which  I  could  at  any  time  get  out  of  my  own  room  ;  it  only  remained  to 
open  the  hospital  room  door,  and  the  wished-for  junction  would  be  formed. 
This  I  attempted  two  nights  successively,  but  without  eiFect :  it  was  im- 
possible. As  I  only  waited  for  the  worthy  Hewson,  it  was  necessary 
to  endeavour  to  get  him  up  into  my  room — no  other  prospect  was  left. 
He  made  application  by  letter,  to  the  commandant;  and,  on  the  llth  of 
September,  succeeded.  We  wanted  nothing  now  but  a  favourable  moment. 
The  next  day  a  Dr.  Barclimore,  an  acquaintance  of  ours,  also  received  per- 
mission to  reside  in  our  apartment.  We  were,  fortunately,  only  seven  in 
number,  in  consequence  of  the  poor  fellows  who  were  at  Metz;  and  of 
these  seven,  three  were  confined  to  their  beds;  the  fourth  was  a  Mr.  Bar- 
clay, a  dragoon  officer  of  the  East  India  Company's  service,  who  had  been 
a  long  time  in  the  room,  and  informed  me  that  he  conjectured  what  we 
were  about,  and  requested  to  be  allowed  to  join  and  partake  of  our 
chances— which  we  agreed  to.  No  opportunity  of  getting  by  the  sentinels 
yet  presented  itself.  Our  friends  arrived  from  Metz,  but  were  put  below. 
I  communicated  the  business  to  them ;  they  thought  it  a  very  dangerous 
and  hazardous  plan  ;  however,  would  have  willingly  run  the  same  risk 
with  us,  if  they  could  ;  but  that  was  impossible. 

This  was  the  13ih  of  September,  and  the  third  night  since  Hewson 
joined.  Our  poor  friends  were  secured,  after  taking  an  affectionate  leave 
of  us.  The  night  was  very  inclement,  and  proved  much  in  our  favour. 
Every  thins;  was  put  in  readiness;  our  rope  made  into  a  ball,  and  tied  up 
in  a  handkerchief.  Night  at  last  arrived.  It  rained — blew — thundered  — 
and  lightened ;  I  never  recollect  a  more  desperate  night.  We  unlocked 
our  door,  and  remained  at  the  bottom  of  the  stairs,  waking  to  see  the  sen- 
tinels go  into  their  boxes.  It  was  about  eight  o'clock,  and  we  continued 
in  this  position  until  midnight,  without  any  success.  The  .sentinels  were 
ou  the  alert  during  the  whole  time,  and  without  their  great  coats.  Jt  was 
uow  agreed  to  return  to  our  apartments  until  the  ensuing  niglit,  and  to 

*  'At  present,  we  believe,  raised  to  the   rank  «f  commander. 


NAVAL   BULLETINS.  139 

deposit  all  our  apparatus  in  places  fixed  for  them  ;  but,  upon  second  consi- 
deration we  imagined  that  the  relief  at  midnight  might  not  be  so  very 
active,  therefore  continued  in  expectation  until  two  in  the  morning;  when 
we  returned,  having  secured  our  door,  &c.  and  went  to  bed.  The  Sotiter- 
rain  opened,  -and  our  friends  came  running  up,  imagining,  from  the  incle- 
mency of  the  night,  that  we  must  have  succeeded  ;  but  were  greatly  dis- 
appointed at  finding  us  all  in  our  beds.  I  related  the  circumstances  to 
them,  and  they,  with  ourselves,  were  not  sanguine  at  our  being  able  to  pass 
in  fair  weather,  if  we  could  not  in  such  a  night  as  the  last  had  been. 

Doctor  Barclimore  had  recently  recovered  from  a  severe  fit  of  the  ague, 
and  was  still  very  weak.  I  was  much  afraid,  even  if  we  did  succeed  in 
getting  out  of  the  fort,  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  perform  the  very  long 
journey  we  were  going  to  take  :  however,  he  was  resolved  to  try. 

September,  1808.  We  dined  early  the  next  day  (the  14th")  that  we 
might  have  the  pleasure  of  our  Souterrain  friends'  company.  They  stated 
the  njimber  of  difficulties  we  should  have  to  surmount  in  passing  the  guards ; 
the  danger  that  would  attend  it;  expressed  the  anxiety  they  were  under 
for  us.  We,  however,  were  determined  not  to  relinquish  our  undertaking, 
and  to  be  ready  every  night,  until  an  opportunity  offered.  We  parted  as 
we  had  done  the  night  before:  they  did  not  suppose  we  should  have  any 
chance  that  night,  as  the  weather  was  moderate  and  fair.  At  our  usuai 
hour  (six)*  we  were  locked  up,  and  immediately  commenced  our  prepara- 
tions. We  thought,  perhaps,  the  sentinels  would  be  more  careless  early 
in  the  evening  (that  is  to  say,  before  eight),  which  was  the  usual  time  to 
set  the  night  natch,  and  give  the  necessary  orders. 

We  were  now  all  ready.  Our  door  opened,  and  we  could  see  the  sen- 
tinel, whom  we  had  most  to  fear,  walk  up  and  down  before  our  windows; 
his  box  was  in  front  of  the  door,  through  which  we  had  to  go  into  the  yard; 
but,  as  our  guards  lived  un<lerne.vh  our  apartments,  we  thought  he  would 
take  a;>y  body's  moving  about  so  early  for  one  of  them,  and  it  was  unusual 
to  hail  before  eight. 

At  about  seven  the  fellow  entered  his  box.  I  instantly  descended  the 
stairs,  it  was  just  dusk  ;  and  I  was  to  take  six  minutes  before  Mr.  Hewson 
followed,  who  was  next  on  the  list.  I  passed  the  sentinel  quite  close ; 
could  see  him  leaning  over  his  musket;  he  never  moved,  and  I  arrived,  pro- 
videntially, at  the  spot  fixed  upon  to  make  fast  the  rope;  which  I  very 
soon  accomplished  ;  and  was  just  in  the  act  of  descending,  when  my  friend 
Hewson  arrived.  In  two  or  three  minutes,  to  my  inexpressible  satisfac- 
tion, all  four  were  down  at  the  bottom  of  the  first  wall.  The  principal 
object  being  now  accomplished,  we  felicitated  each  other.  We  had  two 
walls  yet  to  descend,  the  heights  1  have  already  mentioned  in  a  former 
page.  We  all  clapped  on  the  rope,  in  order  to  break  as  much  of  it  as 
would  enable  us  to  descend  the  others;  it  soon  gave  way  to  our  weight; 
and,  luckily,  we  had  an  abundance.  We  made  it  fast  to  one  of  the  tipper 
stones  of  the  embrasure,  and  descended.  Clapped  on  again,  and  broke 
enough  to  go  down  the  third.  We  had  taken  the  precaution  of  providing 

*  As  the  winter  regulation  now  commenced. 


140  NAVAL 

two  long  boot-hooks,  to  stick  in  the  wall,  to  make  our  rope  fast  to,  in  case 
we  had  no  other  means,  and  these  we  found  of  the  greatest  service  hi 
descending  the  last  rampart,  as  there  was  nothing  whatever  besides  that  we 
could  fasten  our  rope  to.  Having  now  descended,  we  had  only  to  pass  the 
outside  sentinels,  who  were  few  ;  and  which  we  fortunately  succeeded  in 
doing;  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  we  were  on  the  high  road  to  Strasburgh  ; 
on  which  we  continued,  running  as  fast  as  we  could  for  nearly  half  an 
hour,  then  halted,  to  put  on  our  shoes,  which,  until  then,  we  had  hung 
round  our  necks,  and  also  to  take  a  last  vie-v  of  the  Mansion  of  Tears.* 
We  then  returned  our  thanks  to  God,  and  shook  hands  with  each  other, 
replete  with  joy  at  this  miraculous  adventure  ;  took  each  a  little  spirits, 
out  of  a  cantine  procured  for  the  journey  ;  and  which,  from  experience,  I 
knew  was  necessary  to  preserve  the  health  when  lying  in  the  woods, 
dripping  wet,  in  the  day-time.  The  transactions  of  the  last  hour  actually 
appeared  to  me  like  u  vision.  I  could  hardly  suppose  I  was  again  free  and 
my  ov/n  master;  I  frequently  stared  at  my  companions,  and  said  to  my- 
self, '  My  God !  is  it  then  possible,  that  we  are  clear  of  the  Tyrants  of 
the  world,  and  delivered  from  abject  slavery  ?'  I  now  addressed  them,  and 
observed  how  much  ii  behoved  us  to  proceed  cautiously.  It  was  Messrs. 
Hewson's  and  Barclimore's  second  attempt,  Mr.  Barclay's  first,  but  my 
third.  I,  consequently,  had  most  reason  to  be  on  my  guard ;  and,  of 
course,  became  the  leader.  I,  therefore,  candidly  observed,  that  I  should 
run  no  risks  that  could  by  any  means  be  avoided — the  moment  they  should 
attempt  any  thing  that  I  deemed  rash  or  imprudent,  I  would  quit  them. 
They  expressed  the  utmost  satisfaction  at  my  observations,  and  ardently 
desired  to  conform  to  them.  We  unanimously  directed  our  course  (by 
the  star*)  due  east,  which  would  take  us  directly  to  the  Rhine,  and  a  con- 
siderable distance  to  the  northward  of  Strasburgh. 

September,  1308.  At  day-break  on  the  15th,  we  entered  an  excellent 
wood  on  a  mountain's  side,  close  to  the  high  road;  got  well  up,  and  had 
a  full  view  the  whole  day  of  those  who  passed  underneath,  without  a  possi- 
bility of  being  seen.  We  saw  some  of  the  gendarmes  from  our  late  MAN- 
6ION,  in  full  gallop  towards  the  Rhine,  and  were  certain  they  were  in  pur- 
suit of  us,  and  to  give  our  descriptions,  as  they  advanced,  to  their  brethren, 
who  were  quartered  in  the  adjacent  villages. 

Dr.  B:irclimore,  to  our  mortification,  began  already  to  feel  strong 
eymptoms  of  a  relapse  of  fever:  however  unfortunate  this  was,  we  were 
determined  not  to  quit  either  him  or  Barclay  until  we  had  piloted  them 
across  the  Rhine.  At  about  eight  at  night  we  descended  from  our  lurking 
place,  and  proceeded  cautiously  along  the  above-mentioned  direction.  A 
little  before  day-light  (the  16th)  we  halted  ;  Mr.  Barclay's  feet  became  ex- 
ceedingly sore  and  painful ;  and  having  a  secure  hiding  place,  we  thought  it 
most  prudent  not  to  advance  farther  until  the  next  night.  Our  refreshment 
was  a  little  ammunition  bread  and  sausage,  with  what  other  things*  we  pro- 

*  This  is  the  name  Bitche  goes  by  when  mentioned  by  the  prisoners ;  some  of 
whom  have  shed  an  abundance. 

*  Cabbages,  turnips,  &c.  &c. 


1CAVAL   BULLETINS.  141 

cured  in  the  fields.  At  dark  we  again  commenced  our  journey;  our  two 
companions  were  very  weak  and  weary ;  were  therefore  obliged  to  proceed 
slowly.  On  the  17th  we  halted  and  remained  in  a  wood,  similar  to  the 
two  preceding  days.  At  dark,  again  proceeded,  pushing  forward,  expecting 
to  be  within  a  few  hours  march  of  the  much  desired  river. 

The  morning  of  the  18th  brought  no  appearance  of  it,  and  what  was 
much  worse,  no  wood  in  view  to  screen  us.  It  was  Sunday,  and  we  ^vere 
contiguous  to  a  village,  which  exposed  us  greatly.  We  advanced  about  a 
mile,  when  we  discovered  a  vineyard,  which  we  hastened  to  and  entered ; 
it  was  very  thick,  and  well  hung  with  grapes.  We  were  apprehensive  of 
being  discovered  by  the  guard  ;  consequently,  kept  creeping  forward,  until 
we  supposed  ourselves  about  the  centre.  The  ground  was  very  uncomfort- 
able and  wet,  from  the  drops  offthe  vines ;  however,  we  were  highly  pleased 
at  being  so  secure.  About  an  hour  had  elapsed,  when  we  heard  a  man 
whistle  at  a  short  distance  ;  it  struck  us  this  was  the  guard  ;  and  were  cer- 
tain, if  he  saw  us,  he  would  suspect  we  came  (at  all  events)  to  pick  the 
grapes,  which  were  almost  ripe,  and  is  a  serious  offence  in  this  countrv. 
Not  many  seconds  had  elapsed,  when  we  heard  the  report  of  a  musket  • 
the  small  shot  rattled  through  the  vines  over  our  heads  :  a  huge  fox,  with 
dogs  in  chace,  instantly  passed  us  ;  a  fellow  shouting  at  a  small  distance 
behind,  who,  fortunately,  did  not  follow  the  dogs  direct,  or  he  would  have 
come  right  upon  us.  How  to  act  we  could  not  tell ;  to  quit  the  vineyard 
would  have  been  extremely  dangerous,  as  we  should  have  been  exposed  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  village  passing  or  repassing  :  so  we  agreed,  after 
some  deliberation,  to  remain  where  we  were.  About  ten  we  were  again 
alarmed  by  voices  approaching  us  fast.  Mr.  Barclay  had  lost  one  of  his 
shoes  on  entering  the  vineyard,  and  we  supposed  that  had  led  to  our  foot- 
steps .being  discovered,  and  that  these  voices  (which  we  now  plainly  disco- 
vered to  be  men's)  were  in  search  of  us.  We  lay  close  down  on  our  faces 
•with  no  hopes  of  escaping  from  being  seen.  The  voices  still  drawing  near 
— we  now  perceived  they  were  at  a  stand,  but  close  to  us.  I  lifted  up  my 
head  to  peep  through  the  vines,  and  saw  the  legs  and  thighs  of  two  men 
close  to  me;  their  great  coat  skirts  almost  touching  where  we  were,  but 
their  backs  were  turned,  and  they  were  moving  in  an  opposite  direction  ; 
in  a  few  minutes  we  lost  sight  of  them — I  need  not  observe  what  pleasure 
tin's  gave  us.  I  proposed  to  move  to  some  other  part,  as  we  were  in 
constant  alarm  since  we  entered  this  ;  and  I  was  of  opinion  we  were  near 
a  patlnvay.  We,  accordingly,  crept  along  in  another  direction,  where  we 
were  pretty  certain  of  not  being  annoyed  until  dark  ;  but  had  been  scarcely 
an  hour  in  this  new  spot,  when  we  again  heard  a  rustling  among  the  vines 
•—each  alarmed,  lifted  up  his  head,  and  looked  towards  the  place  whence 
.we  heard  the  noise.  Mark  our  astonishment !  We  discovered  a  woman, 
with  an  infant  in  her  arms,  leading  a  little  girl  about  seven  years  old.  She 
was  directly  upon  us— the  woman  couid  not  see  us  in  the  beginning,  but 
the  child  did  !  her  little  head  being  considerably  under  the  branches  ;  she 
immediately  screamed,  and  seized  the  woman  by  the  hands;  upon  which 
I  stood  up  and  saluted  her  in  German.  She  was  dressed  in  thnt  country 


142  NATAL  BULI.ET1H*. 

style ;  appeared  much  alarmed,  and  made  no  reply.  She  proceeded  art, 
and  we  agreed  to  quit  the  vineyard  before  she  could  get  to  the  village  to 
give  an  account  of  this  occurrence  ;  our  motions  were  exceedingly  quick; 
and,  in  a  few  minutes,  we  were  upon  the  high  road ;  which,  from  its 
immense  breadth  and  good  repair,  we  were  convinced  wns  a  public  one. 
At  that  moment  there  were  only  two  women  on  it,  and  they  were  coming 
towards  us.  We  advanced  very  deliberately.  I  had  studied  German  a 
little  in  Bitche,  and  found  it  now  of  material  service.  I  asked  them 
what  distance  we  were  from  the  Rhine  ?  "  Three  hours,"  they  replied- 
We  parted,  and  continued  our  route,  eagerly  wishing  to  see  some  place  of 
concealment.  There  was  a  man  now  advancing  towards  us,  who  appeared 
like  a  traveller,  having  his  coat  on  his  stick  over  his  shoulder.  We  ac- 
costed him.  He  told  us  we  were  very  near  the  Rhine.  -He  surveyed  us 
with  astonishment,  covered  as  we  were  (in  spite  of  every  effort  to  avoid 
it)  with  earth  and  mud ;  Barclay  hardly  able  to  crawl  along,  on  account  of 
his  feet ;  we  must  have  appeared  most  singular  beings !  We  still  ad- 
vanced ;  and  observed  the  fellow  turn  back  frequently,  to  look  after  us. 
We  now  discovered  a  shrubbery  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  before  us  ;  and 
soon  got  to  it;  and,  about  the  same  time,  lost  sight  of  this  man— two  for- 
tunate occurrences!  In  a  few  minutes  we  were  snug  and  concealed  again 
—it  was  one  of  the  best  hiding  places  we  had  as  yet  been  in  ;  close  to  the 
road;  the  time  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  not  far  from  the 
Rhine:  we  hoped,  thus  circumstanced,  to  be  able  to  cross  it  that  night  at 
all  events.  Our  conversation  was  now  on  the  difficulty  that  attended  our 
getting  a  boat ;  the  danger  of  approaching  a  house  on  this  side,  and  our 
provision  nearly  exhausted ;  however,  we  became  very  sanguine,  and 
anxiously  wished  for  night. 

The  desired  hour  arrived  ;  we  set  forward  with  great  spirits,  at  the  same 
time  with  caution.  As  those  parts  were  infested  with  smugglers,  it  was 
natural  to  suspect  there  were  also  a  number  of  custom-house  officers,  which 
kept  us  greatly  on  our  guard. 

About  eleven  we  had  made  the  circuit  of  a  very  large  town;  and  about 
midnight  (to  our  unspeakable  joy)  we  descried  the  long  wished-for  river; 
were  now  on  its  banks.  Each  washed  himself,  and  rested  a  few  minutes. 
There  was  an  excellent  wood  hard  by:  this  we  reserved  to  retreat  to,  in 
case  of  not  falling  in  with  a  lir.it  that  night ;  and  we  agreed  to  proceed  on, 
at  least,  for  an  hour,  towards  the  northward;  which  course  we  com- 
menced ;  prying  into  every  little  creek  and  nook.  The  morning  was  star- 
I'ght,  beautiful  and  serene  ;  could  hear  the  cocks  crowing,  dogs  barking, 
&c.  on  the  German  side.  A  beautiful  river,  about  a  mile  in  breadth,  not 
an  island  to  impede  the  view,  which  is  not  a  common  thing  in  this  river. 
My  God  !  how  we  longed  to  be  conveyed  across!  This  anxiety  prevented 
our  enjoying  the  delightful  prospect  before  us.  It  was  certainly  a  terrestrial 
paradise.  We  continued  nearly  an  hour,  admiring  and  advancing,  when 
the  Omnipotent  Ruler  of  all  human  affairs,  whose  Providence  had  so  much 
favoured  us  throughout  on  this  attempt  to  escape,  exposed  to  our  view  a 
boat,  made  fast  with  a  chain  to  a  stake  driven  into  the  bank,  close  to  a 
heap  of  wood,  which  I  supposed  she  was  to  have  been  loaded  with  at  day» 


TELEGRAPHIC   SIGNALS.  143 

aght.  On  examining  it  further,  we  found  the  chain  locked.  The  doctor 
land  myself  got  hold  of  the  stake,  and,  with  little  difficulty,  drew  it  out  of 
the  bank.  Mr.  Hewson,  an  old  sailor,  and  myself,  soon  constructed  a  pair 
of  paddles  out  of  a  couple  of  pieces  of  the  wxjod.  We  then  embarked  our 
two  passengers,  whom  we  placed  in  the  bottom  of  the  little  boat;  and,  in 
about  twenty  minutes,  we  were  safe  landed  on  the  opposite  side.  We 
drove  the  stake  in  the  ground,  that  the  owners  of  the  boat  might  find  her 
at  day-light;  and  proceeded  into  the  country  as  fast  as  possible. 

September,  1808.  At  day-break  it  was  excessively  thick  and  foggy ; 
poor  Barclay  almost  knocked  up,  the  doctor  very  much  fatigued,  and  our- 
selves rather  weary.  We  discovered  a  village  on  the  Merg,  and,  after 
surveying  it  strictly,  we  agreed  to  enter  it,  and  to  goto  the  first  public-house 
we  should  see,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  ourselves  refreshed  and  put  a 
iiule  i«  order ;  we  might  pass  there  as  Frenchmen  ;  and,  from  my  former 
knowledge  of  the  German  small  villages,  I  was  not  in  the  least  appre- 
hensive. 

[To  be  continued.] 


TELEGRAPHIC   SIGNALS. 

are  indebted  to  Mr.  M' Arthur,  author  of  the  Principles  and 
Practice  of  Naval  and  Military -Courts  Martial,  for  the  following 
Plan  of  Telegraphic  Signals,  by  the  combination  of  a  very  few  flags  to 
correspondent  numbers  in  arithmetical  progression.  This  gentleman  had 
been  an  early  contributor  to  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE,  and,  among  other 
articles,  he  favoured  us  with,  there  is  one  on  Telegraphic  Signals  by  day  and 
night  (see  Vol.  I.  page  509),  which  he  had  communicated  to  the  Admiralty 
Board  in  December,  1797.  Mr.  M.  had,  previous  to  that  period  (viz.  in 
1792),  made  a  new  arrangement  of  Earl  Howe's  Signals  and  Instruction? 
for  the  Navy,  and  had  also  prepared  a  new  code  of  night  signals,  on  a  nume- 
rary  plan,  by  guns,  false  fires,  and  lights,  which  were  then  approved  by 
the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty.  These  signals  were  printed 
accordingly,  and  were  for  the  first  time,  early  in  J793,  issued  to  die  ships 
under  Admiral  Lord  Hood's  orders  ;  and  they  hare,  as  we  are  informed, 
been  continued  as  the  established  codes  iu  the  service  ever  since,  with 
litlle  or  no  variation  in  form  or  substance. 

In  1803,  Mr.  M.  published  for  private  circuhition,  at  the  printing  office 
of  the  NAVAL  CHRONiCf.E,  as  die  title  bears — Thoughts  on  seve/al  Plans, 
combining  a  System  of  Universal  Signals  by  day  and  night,  adapted  fur 
JVuia/,  Military,  Commercial,  and  Poli.ical  Purpwez  ;  with  Migrations 
jt>r  the  general  utensiim  and  iri/pruzetitent  of  Day  and  flight  Telegraphic 
Signals,  on  principle*  adayltd  to  carry  un  Public  or  Private  Cvritspun- 
fitnce,  by  the  Symbols  <••}' Flags  and  Lighli  beluem  th».  J&ir^Mrt  jfifo/tiM 


144 


SIGNALS. 


of  the  Universe."  The  plans  now  offered  may  be  considered  improvements 
ou  some  of  his  thoughts,  published,  as  we  have  mentioned,  eleven  years 
ago.  We  must  do  him  the  justice  to  say,  that  he  claims  no  merit  tor  the 
originality  of  his  arrangement  or  ideas  on  this  or  on  former  occasions  :  lie 
is  only  desirous  of  giving  them  publicity  through  the  channel  of  our  work  ; 
trusting  that  officers  may,  on  such  solid  foundations,  exert  their  energies, 
to  build,  as  has  been  already  done,  improved  fabrics  of  Telegraphic  Cor- 
respondence for  the  benefit  of  our  Naval  and  Military  Services. 

TELEGRAPHIC  SIGNALS,  by  the  Combination  of  Six  Flags  only,  and  a 
Substitute  Pendant,  adapted  to  Naval,  Military,  Commercial,  and 
Political  Correspondence,  to  a  vast  variety  and  extent,  arranged  on  the 
Arithmetical  Progression  of  Numbers,  with  Integral,  Decimal,  and  Cen- 
tesimal Powers.  By  JOHN  M'ARTHUE,  Esq.  LL.D. 

TABLE  I.     Representing  Flags  and  Numbers. 


Substitute 
Pendant. 

FUgs 
1st 
Scries. 

1 

tomm 

3          B. 

te---i 

C. 

Where 
hoisted. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

Mizen 
or 
Right. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

M  izen 
or 
Right. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

Mizen 
or 

-Right. 

Units. 

l 

2 

3 

4 

1 

G 

7 

8 

9 

The  flags  of  the  first 
Series  are  shewn 
inverted,     as    in 
the   vertical   co- 
lumn underneath 

Flags 
2d 
Series. 

P     ,. 

IB  E. 

pi  •, 

Where 
loisted. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

Mizen 
or 
Right. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

Mizen 
or 
Right. 

Fore 
or 
Left. 

Main 
or 
Centre. 

Mizen 
or 
Right. 

lens. 

10 

20 

30 

40 

M 

GO 

70     |         80 

90 

1" 

1-Fore. 
(• 

100 

llO 

190 

130 

140 

130 

160 

170 

180 

190 

>  Main. 

800 

CIO 

220 

230 

240 

250 

260 

270 

280 

290 

UfaM 

300 

310 

320 

330 

340 

350            360 

370 

380 

390 

sill 

Fore. 

400 

410 

420 

430 

440 

450 

460 

470 

480 

490 
590 

)  Main. 

(-- 

500 

610 

520 

530 

HO 

550            560 

570 

580 

B. 

Miztn. 

COO 

rilO~ 

620 

(i30 

640 

650            660 

670 

680 

690 

Fore. 

700 

no 

720 

730 

740 

750     j       760 

770 

780 

790 

.|Main. 

*oo 

810 

820 

830 

840 

850            860 

870 

8  SO 

890 

^  Mizen. 

900            U10 

920 

9*0 

940 

950     1       960 

970 

980 

990 

Flags  D,  E,  F,  of  the  2d 
Series  being   inverted,  as 
in  lower  line,  will  repre- 
sent Thousands. 

P    • 

pn  , 

HH 
miM! 

1 
F. 

Fore. 

Main. 

Mizen. 

Fore. 

Main. 

Mizen. 

Fore. 

Main. 

Miztn. 

10(10 

0000 

3000 

4000 

5OOO 

60OO 

7000 

8000 

<;«>o 

TELEGRAPHIC    SIGNALS.  14& 

General  flbsemations  on    the   Nature,    Extent,   and  Advantages  of  the 
annexed  Table  and  Plan. 

1st.  By  the  arithmetical  combination  of  numbers,  made  with  six  dif- 
ferent flags  and  a  substitute  pendant,  in  the  series  of  units,  tens,  and  hun- 
dreds, a  greater  number  of  signals  or  ideas  may  be  expressed,  than  bj 
either  the  numerary  or  telegraphic  code  of  signals,  as  practised  with  20 
flags  and  several  pendants,  in  the  navy. 

2d.  The  plan  now  submitted,  is  so  simplified  iu  principles,  that  it  is 
equally  adapted  for  the  navy  and  army,  either  in  separate  or  conjunct 
operations  ;  and  is  peculiarly  useful  as  a  code  for  the  military,  commercial, 
and  political  correspondence  of  the  East  India  Company,  to  a  very  great 
variety  and  extent. 

3d.  So  few  flags  (only  six  in  number)  being  required,  the  plan  for 
cheapness  and  facility  is.  not  only  universally  adapted  to  ships  or  hired 
transports,  in  the  merchant  service,  but 'is  also  convenient  for  communi- 
cating signals  between  ships  and  boats  detached  on  particular  service;  also 
between  ships  of  war  and  the  signal  stations  on  the  coast,  as  well  as  be- 
tween one  military  station  to  another  on  an  extended  line  of  an  army.  In 
a  military  point  of  view  the  plan  may  be  considered  of  some  importance, 
from  the  variety  and  extent  of  signals  that  may  with  celerity  be  communi- 
cated from  one  wing  of  an  army  to  another,  either  in  making  forward 
movements  in  front  of  an  enemy,  or  in  retreating  from  a  superior  force, 
and  that  in  situations  where  the  flags  may  be  observed  in  most  occasions 
at  if  or  two  miles  distance,  from  one  station  to  another,  unless  the  atmos- 
phere be  very  dense  with  fog,  or  that  the  wind  should  blow  the  flags  in  the 
direction  of  the  observer  at  the  respective  stations. 

4th.  With  respect  to  the  advantages  to  be  derived  by  the  mercantile 
body,  insurers,  and  underwriters,  from  so  cheap  and  easy  a  mode  of  commu- 
nication, it  may  suffice  to  mention,  that  every  ship  or  vessel  furnished  with 
six  signal  flags  and  a  pendant,  could  at  all  times,  and  in  every  situation, 
communicate  ideas  of  importance  to  their  correspondents  or  agents,  in- 
volving either  the  safety  of  the  vessel,  crew,  and  cargo,  or  accelerating  the 
benefit  of  the  concern,  by  landing  and  receiving  of  the  cargo,  the  supplies 
of  necessary  stores,  provisions,  &c.  1st.  To  effect  this,  as  will  be  mare 
fully  explained  in  the  examples  to  be  given,  one  signal  at  a  time  can  ex- 
press preconcerted  sentences  applicable  to  numbers  from  1  to  999  inclusive: 

A  second  arrangement  can  be  made,  by  representing  letters  of  the 
alphabet,  for  the  purpose  of  spelling  words,  composing  sentences. 

A  third  arrangement,  if  necessary,  by  two  signals,  may  be  made,  appli- 
cable to  the  words  of  a  vocabulary  or  dictionary,  to  the  extent  of  no  less 
than  25,974  words,  most  common  in  use,  as  will  be  explained  at  the  coil* 
elusion  of  examples. 

Explanation  of  the  Table  I.  prefixed,  and  Combination  of  Numbers. 

1st. — Description  of  Flags. 

The  table  of  flags,  six  in  number,  and  a  substitute  pendant,  having  cor- 
respondent  numbers  annexed,  is  capable  of  representing  in  the  first  ordcr> 

*2a»»  C&ron.  Qol.  XXXI.  u 


14(J  tEi/EGRArmc  SIGNALS; 


999  distinct  signals  or  ideas,  and  by  an  additional  substitute  pendant, 
9,999  signals  may  be  communicated,  by  inverting  the  ilags  D  E  and  F,  as 
exhibited  under  the  double  line  at  the  bottom  of  Table  I.  But  as  999  sig- 
nals may  be  deemed  fully  adequate  for  either  naval  or  military  operations, 
separately  or  conjunctly,  as  well  as  for  all  commercial  purposes,  the  cor- 
respondent numbers  to  that  extent  are  only  exhibited  in  Table  I.  But,  to 
those  persons  who  may  be  curious  to  ascertain,  or  apply  the  combinations', 
with  an  additional  pendant,  some  observations  and  examples  of  this  power, 
from  1,000  to  9,999,  shall  be  given  at  the  end,  which  probably  some  reader* 
may  consider  rather  a  subject  of  curiosity  than  of  public  utility. 

The  six  flags  in  the  annexed  Table  1.  for  the  sake  of  distinction,  and  that 
they  may  not  be  confounded  with  the  numbers  or  figures  correspondent  to 
their  positions,  as  well  as  to  facilitate  the  references  to  the  explanations 
and  examples,  are  defined  by  the  letters  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  and  to  eack 
flag,  correspondent  marks  or  labels  of  distinction  should  be  attached,  for 
the  facility  of  practice. 

The  first  flag,  marked  A,  is  red  and  blue  horizontally  divided. 

The  2d  (lag,  B,  is  red  and  yellow,  do.  do. 

The  3d  flag,  C,  is  blue  and  yellow,  do.  do. 

The  4th  flag,  D,  is  red  and  blue  quartered. 

The  5th  flag,  E,  is  red  and  yellow  quartered. 

The  6th  flag,  F,  is  blue  and  yel[ow  quartered. 

Here  it  may  be  necessary  to  observe,  that  three  tinctures  or  colours  are 
only  employed,  and  that  each  of  the  six  flags  has  two  distinct  colours,  so 
as  to  represent  different  signals,  when  the  flag  is  inverted.  The  tincture 
or  colour  of  each  flag  in  the  annexed  Table  I.  is  distinguished  as  follows, 
according  to  the  rules  of  heraldry  ;  viz.  Red,  by  perpendicular  lines  thus, 


Blue  by  horizontal  lines  thus  and  Yellow  is  represented 

by  dots  thus 


$d.— Method  of  shewing  the  Flags  afloat,  or  on  shore. 

1.  The  flags  may  be  shewn  at  the  fore,  main,  or  mizen-top-masts  of  * 
•hip,  or  which  implies  the  same  thing,  forward,  centre,  or  tift,   if  made  by 
vessels  with  one  mast,  or  by  ships'  boats  ;    or  if  made  from  three  distinct 
posts  on  shore,  the  terra  left,  centre,  or  right  post  will  make  the  dis- 
tinction. 

2.  They  may  be  shewn  by  ships  or  vessels  at  the  most  conspicuous  mast- 
head and  yard  across  ;  and  in  like  manner  may  be  answered  or  communi* 
cated  from  signal  stations   on  the  coast,  where  a  mast  and  yard  is  only 
erected  ;  and  in  such  case  the   term  larboard,  or  left,  when  applied  to 
yard-arm,  is  to  be  considered  as  a  synonymous  term   to  the  position   of 
fore-mast  or  forward,  and  the  term  centre  synonymous  to  main-mast,  and 
starboard  or  ri^ht  synonymous  to  the  position  of  mizen  or  left. 


TJFXrGRAPHIC    SIGNALS.  147 

3d. — Order  of  the  Flags  and  Correspondent  Numbers  represented  in  Table  I. 

1st.  The  three  flags,  A,  B,  C,  arranged  as  the  first  series  or  order  in 
the  upper  horizontal  column,  shewn  at  the  different  parts  specified,  represenc 
units  as  expressed. 

2d.  The  second  series,  or  horizontal  order  of  flags,  -clz.  D,  E,  F,  being 
hoisted  at  three  different  parts,  will  represent  tensor  decimals,  as  expressed 
by  the  numbers  under  them  respectively. 

3d.  The  vertical  column  of  three  flags,  being  the  first  series  or  order, 
A,  B,  C,  hoisted  inverted,  will  represent  hundreds,  as  expressed  by  the 
figures  prefixed  to  their  different  positions, 

N.  B.  If  thousands  were  necessary  to  be  represented,  the  flags  of  the 
2d  order,  D,  £,  F,  would  be  inverted  as  in  the  horizontal  column  at  the 
bottom  of  Table  I. 

Examples  of  the  Combinations  representing  Numbers. 

1.  The  order  in  the  first  horizontal  column  is  explained  by  the  integral 
numbers,  from  1  to  9  inclusive ;  namely,  the  flag  A,  (rod  and  blue),  hoisted 
at  ihe  lore,  or  lefr,  represents  1  ;  if  hoisted  at  the  main  or  centre,  2;  if  at 
the  mizen  or  right,  3.  The  flag  B,  (red  and  yellow),  at  the  fore  or  left,  is 
4  ;  at  the  main  or  centre,  5  ;  and  at  the  mizen  or  right,  6.  The  flag  C, 
(blue  and  yellow),  hoisted  at  the  fore  or  left,  is  7  ;  at  the  main  or  centre, 
8 ;  and  at  the  mizen  or  right,  9. 

2d.  The  flags  D,  E,  F,  in  the  second  order,  represent  tens,  and  when 
accompanied  by  the  integral  or  first  order  of  flags,  A,  B,  and  C,  the  cor- 
respondent units  are  to  be  added.  Thus  the  decimal  flag  D,  hoisted  at  the 
fore  or  left,  will  represent  10,  and  A  at  the  fore  or  left  hoisted  above  it, 
will  represent  1 ;  making  together  11,  the  number  represented  by  the 
combination  of  both  flags,  and  so  forth,  to  19  inclusive,  by  hoisting  with 
the  flag  D  at  the  fore,  any  of  the  other  unit  flags,  at  the  part  or  parts 
indicated.  By  a  similar  combination  of  the  other  decimal  flags,  E  and  F, 
with  the  unit  flags,  99  signals  or  ideas  can  be  expressed,  as  in  the  annexed 
Table  I. 

3d.  The  flags  A,  B,  and  C,  being  inverted,  as  exhibited  in  the  vertical 
column,  on  the  left,  they  will,  as  previously  mentioned,  represent  tUe 
series  of  hundreds,  and  the  blue  pendant  will  then  become  a  substitute  to 
the  respective  flags,  in  the  first  order  of  units.  Thus,  the  flag  A,  (which 
in  the  inverted  order  will  be  shewn  half  blue  and  red  divided  horizontally) 
at  the  main  or  centre  will  represent  200,  as  prefixed.  The  flag  D,  of  the 
second  or  decimal  order,  shewn  over  it,  at  the  main  or  centre  will  repre- 
sent 20,  and  the  substitute  pendant  over  this  last  at  the  main,  will  repre- 
sent in  the  order  of  units  No.  2,  making,  when  added  together,  222. 
If  these  two  flags  were  hoisted,  as  already  expressed,  and  the  substitute 
pendant  at  the  mizen  or  right,  the  number  represented  would  be  223. 
But,  if  224  were  to  be  represented,  the  aforesaid  two  flags  would 
be  hoisted  at  the  main,  and  the  flag  B,  (red  and  yellow)  at  the  fore, 
making  together  224. 

If  the  fia.g  A,  in  the  inverted  order,  as  in  vertical  column,  were  hoisted 


145  TELEGRAPHIC    SIGNALS. 

at  the  mizen  or  right,  it  would  represent  300,  as  expressed  against  it}  and  . 
if  accompanied  by  the  flag  D  at  the  mizen  representing  30,  and  flag  C  at 
the  main  representing  8,  these  numbers  added  together  represent  338,  and 
so  forth  from  I  to  999  inclusive. 

It  is  to  be  observed,  that  when  two  or  three  flags  representing  a  number 
are  shewn  at  the  same  place,  their  correspondent  numbers  are  to  be  taken 
in  the  order  represented  in  the  Table  ;  that  is,  the  lower  flag  represents 
hundreds,  the  middle  or  centre  flag  tens,  the  superior  flag,  or  if  the  substi- 
tute pendant  be  occasionally  used  in  its  stead,  it  will  represent  units,  as  in 
the  foregoing  examples. 

The  Table  is  so  constructed,  by  arranging  the  three  first  flags  in  the 
upper  horizontal  column,  or  series,  as  units,  the  three  flags  in  the  second 
horizontal  column  or  series,  as  tens,  in  arithmetical  progression  ;  and  the 
third  series,  being  the  flags  of  the  upper  horizontal  column  inverted,  and 
shewn  in  the  vertical  column,  represent  hundreds  ;  so  as  that  the  eye  can 
immediately  perceive  the  number  of  any  signal  represented  by  one,  two, 
or  three  flags. 


he  Combination  of  the  Flags  in  the  Vertical  Column,  representing 
Hundreds,  with  those  in  the  second  Horizontal  Series  of  Tens. 

Suppose  the  flag  B,  (yellow  and  red),  inverted  as  in  vertical  column, 
were  hoisted  at  the  main,  with  the  flag  D,  (red  and  blue,  quartered),  at 
the  mizen,  casting  the  eye  on  the  angle  of  meeting  of  the  position  of  vertical 
and  horizontal  flags  in  Table  I.  the  correspondent  number  represented  will 
be  found  to  be  530  ;  and  if  any  of  the  flags  of  the  first  series  were  at  the 
same  time  hoisted  with  the  two  flags  named,  it  would  add  the  correspondent 
number  of  units,  to  the  number  so  found  as  above  in  the  angle  of  meeting 
of  the  centesimal  and"  decimal  flags. 

It  having  been  stated  in  the  outset,  that  the  Table  of  six  flags 
exhibited,  representing  the  combination  of  numbers  from  1  to  999,  is  sus- 
ceptible of  representing,  by  the  aid  of  an  additional  pendant,  no  less  than 
9,999  diitinct  numbers  or  signals,  it  is  thought  proper  to  give  the  following 
explanations  and  examples. 

It  is  to  be  observed,  that  the  three  flags  in  Table  I.  representing  the 
decimal  powers  from  10  to  90  inclusive  ;  viz,  flags  D,  E,  F,  quartered  red 
and  blue,  &c.  may  be  allotted  to  represent  the  series  of  thousands,  when 
hoisted  in  the  inverted  order,  at  the  parts  specified,  that  is,  from  1000  to 
9000  inclusive;  and  the  second  substitute  pendant  to  be  used  will  repre- 
sent the  corre<pondent  decimal  number,  or  tens  of  this  flag,  so  inverted. 

Example,  if  1010  were  to  be  represented.  The  flag  D  would  be  shewn 
inverted  at  the  fore  (making  in  this  order  Blue  and  Red  quartered)  re- 
presenting 1000  ;  and  the  second  substitute  pendant  for  decimals  would 
be  shewn  at  the  same  time  over  the  said  flag  at  the  fore,  representing  its 
place  10,  making  together  1010.  If  2110  were  to  be  represented,  the 
flat;  D  would  be  hoisted  in  the  inverted  order  at  the  main,  denoting  2000, 
with  the  flag  A  also  inverted  at  the  fore,  representing  100,  accompanied* 
ty  tbe  decimal  substitute  pendant  at  the  lore,  representing  10,  making, 


TELEGRAPHIC    SIGNALS. 


149 


when    added  together,  2110,  and  so  forth,   from  1000  to  9999  signals 
inclusive. 

Preparative  signals  to  the  different  arrangements  of  which  the  Table  is 
susceptible,  can  be  made  without  interfering  with  the  tabular  numbers  ;  vig. 
flag  A  hoisted  over  flag  B  at  the  most  conspicuous  part,  would  denote  the 
numbers  of  the  Table  to  be  applied  to  the  significations  or  sentences  so 
numbered.  2dly.  Flag  B  hoisted  over  flag  A  at  the  most  conspicuous  part, 
would  denote  the  Alphabetic  Table  II.  for  spelling  of  words.  3dly.  Flag  G 
hoisted  over  flag  D  at  the  most  conspicuous  part,  would  be  the  preparative 
for  the  subsequent  signals  or  numbers  to  be  applied  to  the  words  of  a  vwca- 
bulary  or  dictionary.  Several  other  preparative  signals  may  be  made,  with- 
out interfering  with  the  tabular  numbers. 

TABLE  IT. 

Representing  the  letters  of  the  alphabet  by  the  six  flags  in  the  preceding 
Table  I.  having  only  one  flag  hoisted  at  a  time  at  the  parts  specified. 
N.B.    The  six  flags  are  distinguished  by  Roman  numerals. 


The  annexed  Table,  representing  letters  of  the  alphabet,  requires  little 
or  no  explanation,  as  the  flags  I.  II.  and  III.  express  the  first  nine  letters; 
namely,  from  A.  to  I.  inclusive,  under  the  parts  where  they  are  to  b« 
respectively  hoisted,  and  so  forth  of  the  other  flags  as  represented  iu  the 
Table,  each  flag  indicating  a  letter  of  the  alphabet. 

The  termination  denoting  a  word  being  spelt,  may  be  represented  by 
foisting  flag  IV,  inverted,  The  termination  of  3  sentence  by  flag  V.  in- 


150  HYDROGRAPHY. 

verted;  and  the  annulling  or  negative  signal  by  flag  VI.  inverted,  or  by 
any  other  flag  or  combination  of  flags  that  are  not  in  the  Alphabetic  Table. 

Third  arrangement  to  represent  words  of  a  vocabulary  or  dictionary,  by 
resorting  to  the  Alphabetic  Table  of  letters  last  explained,  and  Table  I. 
representing  numbers  from  1  to  999  inclusive. 

By  having  the  most  essential  words,  or  those  in  common  use  for  naval 
or  military  purposes,  falling  under  the  26  letters  of  the  alphabet,  num- 
bered from  1  to  999  inclusive,  affixed  on  the  margin  of  a  vocabulary  or 
dictionary,  it  would  only  be  necessary  in  referring  to  the  correspondent 
number  prefixed  to  the  word,  to  make  in  the  first  instance  the  alphabetic 
signal  or  letter  under  which  the  word  was  numbered  ;  and  2dly,  the  signal 
ia  Table  I.  correspondent  to  the  number  of  the  word  ;  consequently,  by 
making  two  signals  for  a  word,  no  less  than  25,974  words  may  be  indi- 
cated, which  is  demonstrated  by  multiplying  the  999  numbers  of  Table  I. 
by  the  26  letters  of  Table  II. 

N.B.  As  several  letters  of  the  dictionary  do  not  contain  999  words,  the 
blanks  might  be  filled  up  with  sentences,  names  of  ships,  &c. 

To  prevent  discovery  of  the  signals,  the  order  of  the  flags  may  be  trans- 
posed, while  the  numbers  and  letters  in  the  Tables  would  remain  per- 
manent. 


HYDROGRAPHY,   PILOTAGE,  &c. 


EUROPE. 

BRITAIN. 

OX  Thursday  the  17th  of  March,  1814,  the  LIGHT  which  has  hitherto 
been  exhibited  on  the  elevated  part  of  the  Hill  of  Ilowth,  in  Dublin 
Bay,  will  be  discontinued;  and  that,  on  the  same  day,  it  will  be  replaced 
by  n  LIGHT,  to  be  shewn  in  the  New  Light-house,  lately  erected  on  the 
Little  Baily.  The  Little  Baily  of  Ilowth  bears  S.S.W.  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  Old  Light-house ;  the  elevation  of  the  Light  from  the  sea  1 10 
IVct,  and  its  bearings  from  the  Headlands  and  Kish  Light,  nearly  the  same 
as  the  Old  Light-house." 

ORIENTAL  NAVIGATION. 

WARLF.Y'S  SHOAL, 

Is  described  by  Capt.  Collins,  of  that  ship,  to  be  a  small  coral  bank 
(which  she  parsed  over,  at  7  A3I.  May  7th,  1813),  about  100  feet  long, 
and  50  feet  broad,  which  was  too  distinctly  seen  to  admit  of  any  mistake;* 
lor  its  edges  were  clearly  delineated,  and  upon  it  several  ridges  of  rock 

*  I  think  it  nevertheless  possible,  that  it  might  have  been  a  shoal  of  Devil-fish 
which  the  Warley  passed  over,  us  they  are  gregarious,  and  very  large  near  the 
equator;  and  as  they  swim  at  great  depths,  their  variegated  backs  appear 
exactly  like  coral  rocks. — (llor.SBURGn). 


HYDROGRAPHY.  151 

appeared,  with  sand  between  them.  The  ship  passed  too  quickly  over  it  to 
admit  of  time  to  sound,  as  it  was  accidentally  seen  by  Capt.  Collins,  whea 
looking  over  the  quarter.  He  thinks  there  may  be  full  7  fathoms  water  over 
the  shoalest  part ;  and  a  quarter-master,  who  also  saw  it,  thinks  the  least 
water  on  this  shoal  may  probably  be  10  or  12  fathoms.  The  fleet  at  this 
time  consisted  of  8  ships,  including  II.  M.S.  Salsette,  their  convoy;  and 
by  mean  of  all  the  observations  and  chronometers  of  those  8  ships,  this 
rocky  bank  is  situated  in  latitude  5°  4'  23"  N.  longitude  21°  25'  40"  W. 
It  is  a  matter  of  regret  that  this  bank  was  not  carefully  examined,  so  as  to 
have  established  its  existence  beyond  alWoubt.* 

DOUBTFUL   SHOA13, 

Situated  to  the  eastward  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  hare  recently  called 
the  attention  of  those  who  navigate  the  Eastern  Seas.  One  of  these 
shoals  was  seen  by  Capt.  Macneven,  of  the  American  ship  Union,  fct 
4  P.M.  22d  July,  1812,  when  the  weather  was  clear,  with  a  light  breeze  of 
wind.  They  saw  a  rock,  20  yards  in  length,  and  6  feet  above  water,  sur- 
rounded by  a  sand-bank,  with  breakers  as  far  as  the  eye  could  discern  from 
the  main-top-mast-head  ;  and  at  sunset  the  ship  was  about  three  miles 
from  the  body  of  the  shoal,  bearing  from  N.E.  $  E.  to  E.  b.  S.  no  bottom 
with  120  fathoms  of  line.  The  latitude  at  noon  was  35°  23'  S. ;  longitude 
41°  29'  E.  by  chronometer,  and  41°  12'  E.  by  lunar  observations;  and  the 
distance  run  from  noon  was  very  little,  until  the  shoal  was  seen,  having 
just  wind  enough  to  steer  the  ship.  His  Majesty's  sloop  Otter,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1810,  saw  a  very  extensive  shoal,  no  part  of  it  above  water,  which 
she  made  in  latitude  33°  56'  S.  longitude  36°  E.  The  American  brig 
Atalante,  is  said  to  have  seen  a  shoal  in  latitude  37°  S.  longitude  about 
52°  E.  The  existence  of  these  shoals  appears  very  doubtful ;  for  after  an 
examination  of  the  Otter's  journal  at  the  Admiralty  it  seemed  to  me  very 
probable,  that  it  was  only  a  strong  rippling  produced  by  a  collision  of  cur- 
rents, or  by  a  shoal  of  fish,  which  was  mistaken  for  a  dangerous  shoal. 
The  supposed  rock  seen  by  the  American  ship  Union,  might  probably  be 
a  dead  whale,  surrounded  by  a  bed  of  fish-spawn  resembling  a  sand-bank, 
with  ripplings  like  breakers  extending  from  it ;— -for  if  a  danger  of  the  na- 
ture and  extent  described  by  this  ship,  existed  in  the  situation  assigned  to 
it  by  her,  it  certainly  could  not  have  escaped  the  vigilance  of  navigators  so 
long.  It  may,  however,  be  prudent  to  keep  a  good  look-out,  when  near 
the  situations  described  above.f 

CAHGADOS   GARAJOS, 

Is  now  ascertained  to  be  the  St.  Brandon  Reef  of  the  charts.  His  Ma- 
jesty's ships  Cornelia  and  Sir  Francis  Drake,  visited  this  group  of  low  islets 

*  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  :  i,  357  ;  xii,  452 ;  xxv,  222 ;  xxvii,  26;  xxviii,  71  ^ 
xxix,  220,  303. 

•f  The  scientific  author  of  these  directions  will  find,  upon  examination,  that  the 
doctrine  lie  now  recommends  has  been  sedulously  inculcated  in  various  parts  of 
the  NATAL  CHRONICLE,  and  more  especially  in  the  twelve  latter  volumes.  See 
S'.C.  xis,  279,  426;  xxr.  136;  xxvi,  234.— ( 


152  HYDROGRAPHY. 

and  shoals,  in  January,  1810,  and  Lieut.  J.  Henderson  determined  their 
situations  as  follows  :  —  The  anchorage  at  the  south  islet  is  in  latitude 
16°  47'  S.  longitude  50°  34$'  E.  by  Q  D  ,  and  59°  53}'  E.  by  chronome- 
ter.* The  anchorage  of  the  north  islet,  where  there  are  several  huts,  is 
in  latitude  16°  27£'  S.  longitude  59°  39'  E.  by  chronometer,  and  59°  40J' 
E.  by  0  ])  .  On  this  islet  there  is  brackish  water,  but  none  at  the  south 
islet  ;  the  water  being  procured  at  an  islet  called  Water  Isle,  which  bears 
S.  b.  E.  7  miles  from  North  Islet.  The  flag-staff  of  the  South  Islet  bears 
•S.  27°  W.  from  the  flag-staff  of  the  North  Islet,  distant  23  miles.  Tiie 
south  point  of  the  shoal  bears  from  the  north  S.  20°  W.  distant  30  miles. 
These  are  all  true  bearings,  the  variation  of  the  compass  being  9°  westerly. 
The  narrow  chain  of  islets  and  reefs  called  Cargndos  Garajos,  is  steep-ta, 
on  the  east  side,  having  in  general  32  or  34  fathoms  water  within  a  J  or  \ 
mile  of  the  breakers  ;  but  the  west  side  is  not  so  steep,  and  may  be 
approached  in  several  places  to  18  or  20  fathoms, 

SAYA    DE    MALHA, 

Has  lately  been  found  more  extensive  than  represented  in  all  former 
descriptions,  particularly  in  a  north-westerly  direction.  His  Majesty's 
•hip  Galatea,  July  26,  1811,  got  upon  a  coral  bank  of  9  and  10  fathoms, 
the  rocks  distinctly  seen  under  the  bottom  of  the  ship  :  —  she  was  at  this 
time  in  latitude  8°  36'  S.  longitude  59°  58£'  E.  by  chronometer,  and  the 
bank  appeared  to  extend  in  the  direction  of  east  and  west  about  5  miles. 
This  was  probably  the,  north  westernmost  patch  of  the  bank  Saya  deMalha, 
Tfhich  the  Galatea  got  upon  ;  for  several  ships  have  recently  had  soundings 
near  the  same  place,  and  the  bank  (particularly  its  N.W.  and  western 
sides)  seems  to  be  formed  by  detached  large  coral  patches,  having  very 
deep  water  between  them,  as  will  be  perceived  by  the  following  extracts 
taken  from  the  journals  of  the  Honourable  Eastlndia  Company's  ships.  The 
Northumberland  got  upon  the  Saya  de  Malha  at  daylight,  1st  January, 
1811,  in  latitude  9°  19'  S.  longitude  60°  26'  E. 

I.  at,  Ltng. 

Sounding  t.  "    '  °     ' 

This  ship  had    -    7  to  10  fathoms  coral,  in  9    3  S.  60  43  E.")  Bj;  lunar  observations  agree- 

18  fathums     -    -    do.      -  8  55  60  3D       [-     ing  v.-itliiu  3  miles  of  cliro- 

40    -    -     -    -    -    do.      .  8  51  60  37       J      nometers. 

Huddart  had        \S2    -    -    coral  and  sand  1044  <iO  44  by  chronometer. 

December,  i»io  J  Hand  15   do.    -    ...  965  60  56  and  then  no  ground  steering  N.bE. 

Preston  and  Pho-nix  10  fathoms    -    -  coral  9  45S.  60  32E.-» 

In  December,  1810    no  ground     -.    -  942  eo  31  TI,O«_    !„„„•,  ,!„„     .„  v., 

6}  and  7  fathoms  do.  9  21  60  14       I   .uj1'",6,  lo71Elt»des  are  ]> 

9jand,0--.  do.  844  6010       I                    ^            *    " 


Hand  IS  fathom,   do.     8  tt 

12  to  15         do.  do.      819  60 

no  ground  -  «  17         eo 


nix  Tl         p 

1?  fSSS^kSSS 

l      \  !&ul  '5    railcs    more  ™1' 
3 

-* 


English  navigators  have  hitherto  considered  no  part  of  the  Saya  de  Malha 
Bank  dangerous;  but  as  the  Northumberland  had  7  fathoms  coral  rock  OR 

*  The  Huddart,  in  December,  1810,  made  the  South  Islet  in  latitude  1C0  4?'  S. 
longitude  5i»°  Si'E.  by  chronoim-ter  ;  and  the  Semillante  French  frigate  made  it 
also  in  longitude  59°  31*  £.  as  will  be  seen  at  page  499,  Part  Second,  of  th» 
Judia  Directory. 


MWMMMKfi  15$ 

«ne  part  of  it,  and  the  Preston  only  6|  fathoms  coral  rock,  on  a  different 
part,  it  seems  necessary  that  ships  which  happen  to  get  upon  this  bank 
should  use  caution,  and,  if  possible,  avoid  the  shoal  patches  ;  more  parti- 
cularly,  if  confidence  «an  be  placed  on  the  statement  of  an  experienced 
French  navigator  belonging  to  the  island  Mauritius,  who  nsserls,  that  ou 
the  southern  extremity  of  the  Saya  de  Malha,  there  are  breakers  on  som« 
of  the  coral  patches,  where  a  ship  would  be  liable  to  strike. — The  Eliza 
schooner  is  said  to  have  been  in  4  fathoms  close  to  breakers,  on  this  part 
of  the  bank.  The  northern  extremity  of  Fortune  Bank,  is  likewise  said  to 
have  dangers  on  it. — And  the  bank  S.W.  of  the  island  Coetivy  is  said  to  be 
dangerous  for  large  ships. 

MA.LDIVA    ISLANDS, 

Have  been  described  in  Part  First,  page  301,  of  the  India  Directory, 
and  in  Part  Second,  page  499  ;— but  as  these  islands,  and  their  separating 
channels,  have  never  been  regularly  investigated,  the  additional  informa- 
tion now  to  be  given  (for  which  I  am  principally  indebted  to  Capt. 
W.  F.  W.  Owen,  of  the  royal  navy)  will  probably  be  acceptable  to  navi. 
gators,  and  enable  ships  coming  from  the  S.W.  when  bound  to  Ceylon  or 
the  Coromandel  Coast,  to  approach  the  southern  Attollons  of  the  Maldiras 
with  confidence,  and  to  pass  through  their  contiguous  channels,  the  boun- 
daries of  which  seem  well  ascertained.  Our  knowledge  of  the  channels 
which  separate  the  Northern  Attollons  is  still  very  imperfect,  excepting 
that  the  northern  limit  of  the  chain,  called  the  Head  of  the  Isles,  or  Tilla 
Dou  Matis,  may  be  considered  well  determined  by  the  following  state- 
ment :— 

l.at.  Long: 

01  01 

Tilla  Dou  Matis  Northern  limit  7  6  N.  73  8  B.— Mean  of  several  ships  observations. 

75     .  733 Mr.  Topping,  astronomer. 

74     .  73  o Ship  Aitcll's  chronometers,  1813. 

Monsieur  Fortin,  says,  "  he  has  run  through  all  the  channels  which  se- 
parate the  Northern  Attollons,  and  found  no  anchorage  outside  of  any  of 
the  Attollons,  but  within  them  good  anchorage  may  be  found  of  20  and 
30  fathoms  on  a  bottom  of  white  sand."— He  says,  "  there  is  particularly  a 
channel  between  latitude  4°  and  5°  N.  which  would  be  adopted  if  its  pre- 
cise limits  were  known."— The  channel  here  alluded  to,  is  probably  that  of 
Caridou  or  Cardiva,  situated  to  the  north  of  the  Attollons  Ari  and  Male, 
and  its  western  entrance  is  perhaps  in  latitude  about  4°  40'  north. 

ARI-ATTOLLON, 

Is  one  of  the  westernmost,  and  was  seen  by  the  Snpw  Fancy,  26th  April, 
17P4-: — the  following  observations  were  taken  from  the  journal  of  Captain 
Win.  Dcnniston,  then  an  officer  in  the  Fancy:— 

Lat.  Long. 

Westernmost  of  11  isles  seen  from  S.  %o  E.  to  S.  48°E.  4°    9'N.— 73°  7'E.obs.of  ©  J) 

Other  isle 4   16 

A  single  island  to  the  north  of  the  Aitollon     ...  .4  24          73  15 

The  channel  to  the  southward  of  the  Ari-Attollon  is  probably  in  lat.  >\boat 

G&ton.  filol.  XXXI.  *  * 


154  IIYDEOGRAPHT. 

4°  N.  and  although  formerly  frequented  by  Europe  ships,  the  knowledge  of 
it  is  lost  to  navigators  of  the  present  time,  and  therefore  it  should  not  be 
.entered  until  better  known,  unless  in  a  case  of  necessity. 

COT.LOMANDOUS-ATTOLLON, 

Was  examined  very  close  on  the  west  side,  by  his  Majesty's  ship  Sir 
Francis  Drake,  27th  July,  1808,  and  found  to  consist  of  small  islets  covered 
with  cocoa-nut  trees,  and  united  together  by  necks  of  sand  partly  dry. — These 
islets  are  all  low,  well  wooded,  and  many  of  them  inhabited.  By  endea- 
vouring to  pass  between  this  Attollon  and  that  of  Adoumalis,  in  the  night, 
she  ran  upon  the  steep  reef  which  forms  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
latter;  but  fortunately  the  sea  being  smooth,  she  was  hove  off  the  reef  by 
an  anchor  laid  out  in  60  fathoms  water,  at  less  than  £  a  cable's  length  dis- 
tance from  the  ship.  When  clear  of  the  reef,  she  steered  to  the  north- 
eastward through  the  channel,  which  Lieut.  J.  Henderson,  of  the  Sir  Fran- 
cis Drake,  describes  to  be  perfectly  free  from  hidden  danger,  about  7  or  8 
miles  wide,  and  as  many  leagues  in  length.  The  flood  was  found  to  set 
-through  the  channel  N.E.  and  the  ebb  S.W.  about  £  of  a  mile  per  hour. 

coLLOMANnous  (or  SIR  FRANCIS  DRAKE'S)  CHANNEL, 

Described  above,  was  found  by  the  observations  of  Lieut.  Henderson, 
to  be  bounded  on  the  northern  side  as  follows  :— 

Lot.  Long. 

Colloinandous  Attollon  N.W.  extremity  2°  30'  N. — 73°     8'  E.  by  chro. 
S.  West  or  Long  Island       -2     21     -      73       8 
.South  Islet 2     13     -      73     21 

From  this  South  Islet,  the  southern  edge  of  the  Attollon  takes  a  direc- 
ting N.E.  b.  E.  about  7  leagues.  On  the  south  side,  tiie  channel  is 
bounded  by  the  northern  edge  of  Adoumatis  Attollon.— 

Lot.  Long* 

N.W.  Islet 2°  7'N.— 73°  35'  E.  by  chronometer. 

N.E.  Islet 2     9      -     73     46 

so  that  the  western  entrance  of  this  channel  is  in  latitude  2°  10'  N.  longi- 
tude 73°  2l'  E.  for  the  South  Islet  of  Collomandous  Attollon  may  be  con- 
sidered as  the  northern  boundary  of  the  entrance,  which  extends  farther 
.westward  than  any  part  of  the  Adoumatis  Attollon  :  and  the  latter  Attollon 
is  of  much  Jess  extent  east  and  west,  than  is  the  Collomandous  Attollon 
which  forms  the  northern  side  of  the  channel.  With  a  steady  wind  in  the 
day-time,  this  channel  seem?  to  be  safe  ;  but  it  ought  probably  not  to  be 
entered  in  the  night,  particularly  as  a  %vide  and  safe  channel,  now  to  be 
described,  is  situated  near  it  to  the  southward. 

ADOUMATIS  (or  ONE  AND  A  HALF  DEGREE)  CHANNEL, 

Is  formed  by  the  Attollon  of  this  name  on  the  north,  and  by  the 
Attollon  of  Suadiva  on  the  south  side,  being  17  leagues  wide,  and  per- 
fectly free  from  danger. — This  channel  seems  not  to  have  been  known  to 
English  navigators,  until  Capt.  Win.  Richardson  passed  through,  in  the 
Thetis,  1st  September,  1805,  and  determined  its  norlhern  boundary  ;  aud 


HYDROGRAPHY.  155 

Capt.Owen,  in  H.  M.  brig  Seaflower,  explored  its  southern  boundary  when 
he  passed  through  it)  September,  1806. — Captain  Richardson  made  the 
northern  boundary  of  this  channel  as  follows  :— 

Lot.  Long. 

Adoumatis  Attollon,  S.W.  extremity  1°  50'N. — 73*  2?'£.  Lunar  observations 

Southernmost  islet 1    49    •     73   33         and  chronometers 

Another  islet  more  easterly  1    51     -     73   38        corresponding. 

Lieut.  Henderson,  of  the  Sir  Francis  Drake,  states,  that  the  southern 
limit  of  this  Attollon  appeared  to  him  to  extend  from  longitude  73°  30'  E. 
to  73°  45' E. 
Captain  Owen  made  the  southern  boundary  of  the  channel  thus  : — 

Lat.  Long. 

Suadiva-Attollon,  N.E.  islet  seen       0°  58' N.— 73°  33'E.  Lunar  observa- 

N.W.  islet    0    51     -     73   '20£          tions. 

S.W  islet  of  north  group  0    48    -     73    19 

Between  this  last  mentioned  islet  and  the  other  part  of  the  Attollon  to 
the  southward,  there  is  an  apparent  separation,  through  which  the  Sea- 
flower  endeavoured  to  pass,  in  tracing  the  west  side  of  the  Attollon  very 
close,  but  she  was  obstructed  by  a  narrow  isthmus  of  sand  above  water, 
which  connected  the  two  parts  of  the  Attollon,  and  extended  from  the  islet 
before  mentioned  S.W.  b.  S.  about  5  leagues,  in  which  there  appeared  only 
one  very  small  opening  close  to  the  islet. — This  isthmus  of  sand  was  noc 
seen  until  within  3  miles  of  it,  and  it  may  be  said  to  separate  the  Suadiva 
Attollon  into  two  groups  or  divisions  on  the  western  side.  As  the  foregoing 
channel  contains  a  clear  space  from  latitude  0°  58'  N.  to  latitude  1°  49'  N. 
it  may  be  considered  very  safe ;  and  for  ships  coming  from  the  S.  W. 
towards  Ceylon  or  the  Coromandel  coast  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  or  from 
March  until  November,  it  is  certainly  preferable  to  the  circuitous  route  by 
the  eight  or  nine  degrees  channel,  with  the  additional  advantage  of  proba- 
bly having  more  clear  and  favourable  weather  for  observations  than  is 
experienced  in  those  northern  channels.  Ships  running  to  the  eastward  in 
November,  December,  and  January,  may  also  adopt  either  the  one  and 
a  half  degree  channel,  or  the  equatorial  channel,  where  variable  westerly 
winds,  with  a  current  setting  to  the  eastward,  may  generally  be  expected 
in  these  months,  by  ships  which  keep  near  the  equator. 

SUADIVA-ATTOLLON. 

Was  seen  by  the  Snow  Fancy,  April  26th,  1794. — The  noon  observed 
latitude  was  0°  44'  N.  when  eight  islets  on  the  west  side  of  the  Attollon 
bore  from  E.  b.  N.  to  E.  b.  S.  \  S.  distant  about  5-J  leagues,  which  made 
the  westernmost  islet  in  latitude  0°  43'  N.  and  in  longitude  about  73°  10'  E. 
by  computation  from  observation  0  ])  of  the  preceding  day.*  The 

*  The  Fancy  places  these  islets  in  the  space  where  Captain  Owen's  observations 
of  latitude  give  only1  an  extensive  sand  bank  without  islets,  which  unites  the 
north  and  south  parts  of  the  Attollon .;— -  but  probably  his  observations  nay  be 
more  correct  than  those  of  the  Fancy. 


156  HYDROGRAPHY. 

limits  of  the  southern  group,  or  apparent  division  of  the  Suadiva  Attollon, 
seem  to  be  ascertained  with  considerable  precision,  by  the  following 
observations  :— 

Lot.          Long* 


f  North  Islet  0  34  N.— 73     8E. 
Suadiva,         I  N.W.  Islet  0  28    -     73     2 
Southern  Group,]  S.W.  Islet    0  18    -     73     4 

[South  Islet  0  11     -     73  12 

South  extremity  of  Reef 0    9    -    73  15 

Of  all  those  seen  the  N.E.  Islet  0  28    -     73  38 


Capt.  Owen,  in  1806, 

by  lunar  obs.  and. 

chron. 
Capt.  Owen,  in  1811, 

by  lunar   obs.  aud 

chron. 


S.W.  extremity  of  Islets  0  11    -  73     0     /  Fancy  by  0  »  carried 

'  \     on  o  days. 

S.W.         do.         do.         0  12     -  73  12  Southampton*  D  *\  17H, 

73  18          do.          BQ*J 

South        do.         do.        0  13     -  *    -     Mr.  Bonvouloir,  1795. 

N.E.        do.         do.        0  52    -  -    -  do. 

N.E.        do.         do.         0  51^  -  73  SO  Europe  by  Account  1707. 

The  eastern  extremity  of  this  Attollon  appezns  to  be  in  longitude  about 
73°  40'  E. 

EQUATORIAL    (also    SOUADOU    Or    SUADIVA)    CHANNEL, 

'  Is  bounded  on  the  north  side  by  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Attollon 
of  Suadiva,  as  described  above,  being  about  10  leagues  wide,  free  from 
danger,  and  may  be  used  in  either  monsoon,  by  ships  which  approach  the 
south  part  of  the  Maldiva  chain.  This  channel  is  bounded  on  the  south 
side  by  the  Island  Addon,  situated  by  itself,  and  having  a  reef  projecting 
2£  miles  from  its  southern  extremity.— The  true  position  of  this  island  may 
be  approximated  as  follows  •. — 

Lat.         Long. 

O       I  O         I 

Addon  Island,  Body        0  2JS.— 73  35  E.     Contractor  by  0  J  1792. 

-    -    -    021-    73  35     1  Fancy  by  different  observa- 
NorthendO  19    -     73  20     J      tions,  1794. 
Body   -     0  21    -     7335     Southampton  by  ©  5  *   \   17R« 
73  29  do.  *D*  J   1 

73  25     French  M.S. 

The  north  extremity  of  Addon  Island  seems  to  be  in  latitude  0°  19'  S. 
from  whence  it  extends  about  2  leagues  to  the  southward,  including  th« 
reef,  and  except  at  the  south  part,  it  is  apparently  safe  to  approach: — like 
many  of  those  islands,  it  is  inhabited. 

SOUTH  (or  ADDON)  CHANNEL, 

Is  about  7  leagues  wide,  and  clear  of  danger,  by  giving  a  birth  to  the 
Island  Addon,  which  bounds  it  to  the  north-east,  and  to  the  Attollon 
Pona  Molubque,  or  South  Atlollon,  which  bounds  it  on  the  S.W.  side. 
This  South  Attollon  is  well  inhabited,  and  its  geographical  situation  seeias 
nearly  ascertained  as  follows  • — 


HYDROGRAPHY.  J57 

Lot.         Long. 

O       /  Of. 

Pona  r  North  extreme  0  34  S.— 73  10  E.  to  73°  20'E.  \French  M.S. 
Molubque  \South  do  -  0  44  -  78  15  -  -  -  -  J&  Capt.  Owen. 

North  Part      0  34   -     73  25  Southampton  0  J)  *      -     1782. 

North  do.  -    0  34$     -     -      Bonvouloir     ....     1795. 

N.E.  do.  -    0  36 J       73  25  Contractor  0  J)  -     -     -     1792. 

West  do.  -     0  36   -     73  25  Fancy  0  D  and  Account  1794. 

South  do.   -    0  40  -    -     -    Bonvouloir    -     ...    1795. 

South  do.  -  0  36  -  -  -  M.  Violette  ....  1773. 
This  Attollon,  which  terminates  the  Maldiva  chain  to  the  southward, 
consists  of  14  islets,  forming  a  bay  in  the  shape  of  a  horse-shoe,  open  to 
the  northward. — The  islets  being  covered  with  tall  trees,  are  discernible 
at  the  distance  of  5  or  5$  leagues,  and  are  tolerably  bold,  having  no  reefs 
that  project  farther  than  2  miles  from  them. 

OWEN'S  BANK, 

Situated  to  the  westward  of  Diego  Garcia,  and  considerably  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  Pitt's  Bank,  and  to  the  N.W.  of  the  Centurion's  Bank,  was 
discovered  20th  November,  1811,  by  Capt.  Owen,  when  giving  convoy  to 
some  transports  from  Batavia  towards  Bombay.  He  accidentally  saw  the 
bottom,  and  carried  soundings  of  19  and  20  fathoms  for  half  an  hour  on  the 
bank,  although  the  other  ships  had  no  soundings.  He  made  the  latitude 
at  the  time  6°  46£'  S.  longitude  70°  12' E.  by  chronometer,  from  Diego 
Garcia  in  3  days,  and  observes  that  the  bank  may  be  of  considerable  ex- 
tent, as  they  probably  were  on  it  some  time  before  it  was  perceived. 

INSTKUCTIONS   ISSUED   BY  THE  MASTER  ATTENDANT  AT  CALCUTTA,   TO  PILOT 
VESSELS    PROCEEDING   TO   THE   CRUIZING   STATION. 

1st.  "  THE  vessel  under  your  charge,  being  ready  for  sea,  equipped, 
and  completely  stored  for  a  cruise  of  three  months,  you  are  hereby 
directed  to  proceed  out  with  her  into  the  roads  with  all  practicable  expe- 
dition, in  order  to  cruise  (for  the  general  benefit  of  the  trade  resorting  to 
this  port)  off  the  outer  edge  of  the  reef  off  Point  Palmiras,  bringing  the 
point  to  bear  by  sight  or  computation  W.  which  position  will  place  you 
in  about  16  fathoms  water  (the  ground  composed  of  sand  and  gravel,  with 
broken  shells  and  black  specks),  or  in  latitude  about  20°  43'  N.  and  this 
line  is  to  be  the  southern  boundary  of  your  cruising  station  during  the 
S.W.  monsoon.— 2d.  As  the  position  above  assigned  is  invariably  passed 
or  crossed  by  all  ships  and  vessels  bound  into  the  Kiver  Hoogly,  during 
the  S.W.  monsoon,  it  is  therefore  desirable  that  you  should  keep  as  near  it 
during  the  continuance  of  your  cruise,  as  the  state  of  the  winds,  weather, 
and  tide  will  admit  ; — all  considerations  which  comprehend  the  security  of 
the  vessel  under  your  charge  from  the  enemy,  and  other  disasters,  are  left 
to  your  discretion,  as  the  necessary  consequence  of  the  dependence  plnced 
in  your  zealous  and  faithful  execution  of  the  important  trust  confided  to 
your  management. — 3d.  On  the  change  of  the  seasons,  you  are  to  quit  the 
station  prescribed  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  and  to  cruise  off  the  tail  of 


158  HYDROGRAPHY. 

Saugor  Reef,  in  latitnde  21°  N.  longitude  (about)  88*  40'  E.  being  parti» 
cularJy  cautious  in  guarding  against  the  designs  of  the  enemy's  cruisers." 

AMBOINA    SHOAL, 

Mentioned  in  the  India  Directory,  part  second,  pages  373  and  374,  has 
been  ascertained  to  exist  beyond  all  doubt,  by  Capt.  T.  Harrington,  of  the 
Scaleby  Castle,  from  whose  journal  the  following  description  is  taken  : — 
"  On  the  17th  January,  1812,  about  11  A.M.  discovered  shoal  water  on  the 
larboard  bow  when  steering  E.  b.  S.  put  the  helm  down,  with  the  hope  of 
clearing  it  to  the  southward,  but  immediately  afterward  seeing  coral  rocks 
under  water,  close  to  the  ship,  on  the  weather  quarter,  up  helm  again  and 
providentially  cleared  the  shoal,  although  not  without  touching  on  it,  at  the 
same  time  there  appeared  to  be  4j  fathoms  alongside  by  the  lead.  We  had 
no  soundings  till  close  upon  the  shoal,  and  the  water  over  it  was  of  a  bright 
green  colour,  with  a  strong  rippling,  but  not  breaking  sufficiently  to  attract 
notice  at  any  distance.  The  shoal  appeared  to  be  about  half  a  mile  across 
in  an  east  and  west  direction,  and  immediately  after  clearing  it,  Bonthian 
Kill  (indistinctly  seen)  bore  N.W. ;  Point  Lassoa  E.  b.  N. ;  body  of  North 
Island  E.  4°  N. ;  Middle  Island  E.  1  S. ;  body  of  South  Island  E.  21°  S. ; 
North  point  of  Salayer  E.  24°  S.  j  and  the  S.  W.  point  of  Hog  Island  S.  i  E." 

ROYAL    GEORGE   SHOAL, 

Was  examined  by  Capt.  Gribble,  with  the  boats  of  the  Royal  Gr ,  -s;e,  on 
the  25th  November,  1812,  this  ship  having  got  into  J  less  5  fan; . TUS  water 
on  it,  when  proceeding  towards  China  by  the  Strait  of  Macassar.  This 
shoal  seemed  to  be  nearly  circular,  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  in  extent, 
aid  situated  in  latitude  4°  17^'S. ;  when  upon  its  centre,  in  4%  fathoms, 
Dwaalder  Island  bore  W.  ^  S.  distant  about  3  leagues;  Button  Hock 
N.  |  E.  about  7  miles  ;  and  the  south  end  of  Pub  Laut  N.W.  b.  W.  This 
no  doubt  is  the  shoal  mentioned  in  page  332,  part  second,  of  the  India 
Directory,  bearing  about  E.  b.  N.  10  miles  from  Dwaalrler  Inland,  and 
saitl  to  have  six  fathoms  water  on  it.  But  in  sounding  carefully  over  it, 
Capt.  Gribble  found  only  4|  fathoms  coral,  and  he  thinks  there  may  pro- 
bably be  rather  less  water  on  some  of  the  patches. 

OREIG'S  SHOAL, 

Was  discovered  by  Capt.  William  Greig,  of  the  ship  Lord  Minto,  in 
1809,  and  he  gives  the  following  description  of  it,  in  a  letter  dated  Malacca, 
14th  October,  1809: — "  This  dangerous  shoal  we  got  upon  at  noon,  the 
9th  of  June  last,  and  found  it  to  extend  from  latitude  0°  52'  S.  to  latitude 
0°  58'  S. ;  although  there  is  deep  water  within  this  extent,  I  think  it  ought 
to  be  considered  as  one  shoal.  On  both  extrerres  of  it,  we  were  often  in 
yearly  the  same  depth  of  water  as  the  vessel  drcv.-  which  was  13  feet,  and 
this  was  in  steering  through  between  much  shoaler  spots,  with  the  body  of 
Carimata  then  seen  from  the  deck,  bearing  between  S.S.E.  \  E.  and  S.E.  b  S, 
and  the  shoal  btars  nearly  N.  ^  W.  from  the  west  point  of  Souroutou."— 
This  may  probably  be  the  shoal  mentioned  in  page  324,  part  second,  of 


HYDROGRAPHY.  ,1$0 

the  India  Directory,  which  the  ship  General  Wellesley*  got  upon  near  noon; 
but  cloudy  weather  prevented  her  from  determining  its  situation. 

PALMER'S  SHOAL, 

On  the  east  coast  of  Banca,  has  been  recently  discovered  by  the  ship 
Palmer,  Capt.  Rordem,  who  describes  it  as  follows: — "  August 27th,  1811. 
At  45  minutes  P.M.  the  ship  suddenly  struck,  having  sounded  about  five 
minutes  before  in  14  fathoms  ;  saw  the  water  discoloured  on  both  sides  un- 
der the  quarters,  and  had  then  10  fathoms  by  the  lead  in  the  main  chains, 
the  vessel  having  passed  rapidly  over  the  shoal;  next  cast  had  11,  10,  11 
fathoms,  then  anchored,  the  wind  blowing  fresh  from  S.  E.  against  us. 
When  at  anchor,  Tanjong  Ryot  bore  W.N.W.  distant  5  leagues,  the 
southernmost  low  islands  in  sight  (named  Vansittart's-Wreck  Island  in  the 
charts)  S.S.W.  J  W.  distant  12  or  14  miles,  the  shoal  on  which  we  struck 
bearing  about  N.N.E.  2J  miles,  according  to  the  distance  run  until 
anchoring." 

TRINDER'S  SHOAL, 

In  the  Strait  of  Macassar,  seems  not  to  have  been  known  hitherto  ; 
Capt.  John  Trinder,  of  the  armed  brig  Amboyna,  describes  it  thus:— "At 
noon,  October  12th  (1803  or  1804),  saw  an  extensive  shoal  bearing  from 
south  to  N.W.  the  nearest  part  distant  about  a  mile  :  no  part  of  it  appeared 
above  water,  but  small  breakers  were  seen  in  various  parts  of  the  shoal, 
the  centre  of  which  is  in  latitude  2°  59*  S.  Cape  Mandhar  bearing  from  it 
S.E.  b.  E.  distant  18  miles."  If  the  latitude  assigned  to  this  shoal  is  cor- 
rect, and  the  relative  position  of  Cape  Mandhar,  it  would  place  this  cape 
in  latitude  3°  9'  S. ;  but  observations  taken  in  the  Arniston,f  made  it  in 
latitude  3°  35'  S.  which  will  place  the  shoal  much  farther  to  the  southward 
than  the  latitude  assigned  it  above.  But  its  relative  situation,  as  given 
from  Cape  Mandhar,  will  be  the  best  guide  for  avoiding  this  apparently 
dangerous  shoal  ;  for  as  Capt.  Trinder  seems  not  to  have  examined  it 
closely,  its  existence  is  not  very  satisfactorily  ascertained.  - 

STAG'S  SHOAL, 

In  the  China  Sea,  seen  also  in  the  brig  Amboyna,  is  described  by  Capt. 
Trinder  as  follows: — "  September  7th,  1802.  At  6  A.M.  saw  a  reef  of 
rocks  extending  from  E.N.E.  to  S.E.  the  nearest  part  distant  about  l£  mile. 
Had  no  soundings  at  80  fathoms  within  half  a  mile  of  the  north  end  of  the 
reef,  the  rocks  upon  it  being  as  high  as  boats  out  of  the  water,  from 
whence  it  extends  S.E.  and  S.S.W.  in  a  triangular  form,  with  breakers  on 
various  parts,  and  the  intermediate  space  apparently  very  shoal,  the  reef 
extending  farther  to  the  southward  than  the  eye  could  discern  from  the 
mast-head.  Latitude  of  the  north  end  of  the  reef,  by  observation,  8°  24'N. ; 
longitude  112*  57'  E.  I  have  called  it  the  Stag's,  from  the  resemblance 
of  the  rocks  to  the  horns  of  that  animal."  The  above  shoal  is  situated 

*  NAVAL  CHRONICLE:    xviii,  115. 

f  The  Arniston's  position  of  Cape  Mandhar,  is  corroborated  by  other  obier- 
•»atioas  in  my  possession. — 


160  HYDROGRAPHY. 

nearly  midway  between  the  easternmost  shoal  seen  by  the  London,  and 
that  seen  by  the  Walpole  nnd  by  other  ships,  and  seems  to  be  another  addition 
to  the  multitude  of  shoals  which  occupy  the  south-eastern  part  of  the 
China  Sea.  The  Amboyna  brig  saw  another  sand-bank  and  rocks  above 
water,  in  latitude  7°  51'  N. ;  longitude  113°  6'  E. 

SEAFLOWER'S  CHANNEL, 

Is  situated  between  the  Islands  Se-Beeroo  and  Se-Pora,  near  the  west 
coast  of  Sumatra  ;  and  to  English  navigators  it  appeals  to  be  a  New  Dis- 
covery, made  by  Capt.  Owen,  who  passed  through  it  in  H.  M.  brig  Sea- 
flower,  10th  November,  1806,  during  the  night. — Being  in  latitude  2°  18' S. 
longitude  99°  5'  E-  at  noon,  with  the  appearance  of  a  clear  passage  open 
to  the  N.Eastward  between  the  Islands  Se-Beeroo  ayd  Se-Pora,  he  steered 
for  it  N.E.  b.  E.  and  afterwards  N.  E.  in  passing  through  the  channel, 
which  he  entered  in  the  evening,  and  got  clear  of  it  about  10  P.M.— This 
channel  is  bounded  on  the  west  side  by  an  islet  that  lies  near  the  S.E.  point 
of  Se-Beeroo,  and  on  the  east  side  by  the  N.W.  end  of  Se-Pora,  and  an 
islet  near  the  north  end  of  the  latter. — These  isletb  bear  about  E.  \  N.  and 
W.  $  S.  of  each  other,  distant  12  or  13  miles,  and  when  about  half  way 
between  them  in  midchannel  at  8|  P.M.  the  Seaikmer's  place  was  latitude 
2°  O'S.  longitude  99°  33' E.  or  1°  20£'  W.  from  Indrapoor  Point,  by 
chronometer. — The  islet  off  Se-Bceroo  that  forms  the  west  side  of  the 
channel,  appeared  to  be  in  latitude  2°  l'  S.  deduced  from  noon  observa- 
tion, and  1°  26' west  from  Indrapoor  Point. —Capt.  Owen  describes  this 
channel  to  be  8  miles  wide,  clear  of  danger,  and  they  got  no  soundings  at 
30  fathoms  in  passing  through  it.  The  Seaflower  went  through  this  channel 
again  in  1808,  steering  about  N.  b.  E.  \  E.  until  clear  of  it  to  the  east- 
ward, but  the  officer  named  above  was  not  in  her  at  this  time.  These 
observations  of  Capt.  Owen  make  the  south  end  of  Se-Beeroo  about  12 
miles  to  the  southward  of  what  Capt.  Torin's  observations  made  it,  as 
stated  in  India  Directory,  Part  3d,  p.  82.  The  Seaflowei's  Channel,  de- 
scribed above,  certainly  cannot  be  that  mentioned  in  page  81,  Part  2d,  of 
the  India  Directory,  through  which  the  Jenny  passed  ;  as  the  latter  was 
found  to  be  intricate  and  winding,  not  more  than  a  mile  wide  in  the  nar- 
rowest part,  with  soundings  of  20  and  25  fathoms. — It  is  probable,  there- 
fore, that  Se-Beeroo  is'not  one  continued  island,  but  is  separated  into  two 
parts  by  a  Gat  which  the  Jenny  went  through,  in  latitude  about  1°  40'  S. 
or  1°  45'  S. 

PULO    NYA?,* 

Bearing  from  E.X.E.  to  E.  b.  S.  estimated  distance  8  or  9  leagues.  At 
30  A.M.  31st  October,  1812.  Capt.  Bean,  of  the  Lady  Barlow,  states,  that 
high  breakers  were  seen  from  the  poop,  bearing  E.N.E.  only  two  miles 
distant. — Steered  from  this  time  S.S.E.  5  miles  until  noon,  when  the  ob« 

*At  the  south  part  of  Pulo  Nyas,  ihere  is  good  anchorage  in  an  excellent  hay, 
•where  bullocks,  bufFalos,  goats,  poultry,  &c.  are  in  great  abundance,  and  water 
easily  procured.  The  natives  friendly,  and  of  a  different  character  from  the 
generality  of  Malays. 


HYDnOGRAPHY.  1151 

served  latitude  was  0°  37' N.  longitude  95°  32' E.  by  a  good  chronometer. 
If  this  was  a  real  danger,  seen  by  Capt.  Bean,  it  'is  certainly  at  a  greater 
distance  from  Pulo  Nyas  than  what  has  hitherto  been  assigned  to  any  tf 
the  reefs  fronting  the  west  side  of  that  island. 

BUCCLEUGH'S   SHOAL., 

Seems  to  be  the  danger  mentioned  in  the  India  Directory,  Part  2d, 
page  389  ;  but  the  following  description,  taken  from  the  Duke  of  Buc- 
cleugh's  Journal,  shews  that  it  is  farther  distant  from  Waygeeooe  than  has 
been  hitherto  supposed,  and  that  it  is  probably  separated  from  the  coast  of 
Waygeeooe. — August  24th,  1797,  at  half-past  1  P.M.  saw  coral  rocks  un- 
der the  bottom,  apparently  5  or  6  fathoms  under  water,  up  helm  imme- 
diately as  the  water  appeared  shoaler  on  the  weather  bow. — When  the  lead 
was  got  ready,  the  reef  was  half  a  cable's  length  astern,  had  then  20 
fathoms  sand  and  gravel,  the  extremes  of  Waygeeooe  bearing  from 
N.  52°  W.  to  Point  Pigot  S.  60°  VV.  and  the  small  island  just  open  with 
the  pcint,  the  nearest  part  of  Waygeeooe  distant  12  or  13  miles  j  our  lati- 
tude at  this  time  0°  17' S.  from  noon  observation.  The  shoal  appeared  of 
2  or  3  miles  extent,  as  the  discoloured  water  over  the  rocks  shewed  from 
the  mast-head  ;  and  although  squally  weather  prevented  -us  from  sending  a 
bout  to  sound,  I  have  no  doubt  but  there  is  little  water  on  some  parts 
of  it. 

SYDNEY    SHOAL, 

Was  discovered  by  Capt.  Austen  Forrest,*  bound  from  Port  Jackson 
towards  Bengal  in  the  ship  Sydney.  At  1  A.M.  20th  May,  1800,  she 
struck  upon  it,  and  soon  bilged,  it  being  then  covered  at  high  water,  but 
the  points  of  some  of  the  rocks  appeared  above  the  surface  at  low  water, 
and  there  were  no  soundings  close  to  the  shoal. — The  boats  steered  from  it 
N.  b.  E,  \  E.  58  miles,  and  the  Admiralty  Islands  then  were  seen  bearing 
N.N.E.  distant  3  or  4  leagues,  by  which,  and  other  observations,  this 
dangerous  shoal  was  found  to  be  situated  in  latitude  3°  20' S.  longitud* 
146°  50' .  E. 

LAUGHLAK'S  ISLANDS. 

Appear  to  be  a  new  discovery  rnadc  by  Capt.  David  Laughlan,  in  the 
ship  Mary,  from  Port  Jackson  bound  to  Bengal,  with  the  ship  Clarkson  in 
company. — The  following  description  of  them,  extracted  from  the  journal 
of  the  navigator  named  above,  shews  them  to  be  situated  nearly  in  the 
direct  route  of  ships  steering  for  St.  George's  Channel,  formed  between  New 
Britain  and  New  Ireland. — August  16th,  1812,  at  2  P.M.  saw  from  the 
deck  a  group  of  islands  a-head,  distant  about  7  miles,  hauled  to  the  wind 
in  order  to  clear  the  reefs,  which  appeared  to  surround  seven  inlands,  ex- 
tending E.S.E.  and  W.N.W.  and  bearing  by  compass  from  N.N.W.$  W. 
to  N.W.  b.  W. — At  3J  P.M.  the  extremes  of  the  land  bore  from  West  to 
S.W.  1  W.  distant  7  or  8  miles,  appearing  then  like  two  islands. — Sa\v 
several  cocoa-nut  trees  on  the  western  extremity,  and  a  reef  with  high 

*  See  the  biographical  memoir  of  this  officer,  NAVAL  CHRONICLE,  xxix,  90. 

Art.  £&ron.  flol.  XXXI.  Y 


\6<*  HYttKOORAPUY. 

breakers  appeared  to  encompass  these  islands. — Their  southern  extrerci:/ 
13  in  latitude  9°  20' S.  and  longitude  153°  40'  E.  by  chronometer,  mea- 
sured back  from  Cape  St.  George,  which  we  made  two  days  after  passing 
these  islands. 

MAC-ASKILL'S  ISLANDS, 

Were  discovered  29th  of  October,  1809,  by  Capt.  Mac  Askill,  of  the 
ship  Lady  Barlow,  on  his  passage  from  Port  Jackson  towards  Chin:i. — • 
Thev  appeared  to  be  two  islands  covered  with  trees,  extending  about 
S  leagues  S.E.  and  N.W.  and  seemed  to  be  bold  to  approach  on  the  west 
fi(]e. — By  good  observations,  the  centre  of  these  islands  was  found  to  be 
in  latitude  6°  ISi'N.  longitude  100°  53'  E.  and  the  nearest  land  to  thi» 
situation  in  Admiral  Espinoza's  chart  (which  is  the  last  chart  published 
of  the  Pacific  Ocean),  are  two  islands  about  82  mi'es  farther  to  the  west- 
ward. The  Lady  Barlow  passed  over  the  situation  of  the  large  islands 
llogoleo  and  Tor'ris,  as  represented  in  most  of  the  cliart*,  and  also  over 
the  assigned  places  of  others  of  the  Carolina?,  without  discerning  any  signs 
of  land ;  from  which,  compared  with  the  observations  of  other  ships,  it 
appears  that  the  islands  which  form  the  Carolina  Archipelago,  are  not 
near  so  numerous  as  represented,  and  that  tlieir  geographical  situations  are 
not  well  determined. 

SAIIUL  BANK,* 

Has  been  described  in  pages  93  to  95  of  Part  1st,  of  the  India  Directory  ,f 
and  an  exposition  given  of  the  known  dangers  situated  between  the 
island  Timor  and  the  coast  of  Xew  Holland. — But  the  fo!!  iwtng  danger, 
seen  by  Capt.  Ashmore,  of  the  Hiberuia,  appears  to  be  a  late  discovery  ; 
and  there  are  probably  other  dangers  still  unknown,  in  this  part  of  the 
Eastern  seas.  —  May  8th,  1810,  at  8  A.M.  saw  from  the  mast-head  two 
small  snnd-banks,  distant  5  or  6  miles  to  the  S. Westward,  and  situated 
upon  a  shoal,  the  breakers  on  which  appeared  to  extend  nearly  east  and 
west  about  4  miles.  The  two  sand-banks  lie  near  the  centre  of  the  shoal, 
elevated  about  10  feet  above  water,  and  each  appeared  to  be  in  extent 
about  a  cable's  length. — At  nine  A.  M.  the  shoal  bore  from  S.S.E.  to 
S.W.  b.  S.  distant  about  3  miles,  and  some  rocks  were  visible  above  water 
upon  its  western  extreme.— This  sho;il  was  found  to  be  in  latitude 
11°  56' S.  longitude  123°  28'  E.  deduced  from  Port  Jackson  by  chronome- 
ter in  a  run  of  34  d;iys  through  Torres  Strait. 

RAJAH    BASSA    KOAD, 

Situated  directly  under  the  high  land  called  Refreshment  Head,  that 
forms  the  S.E.  angle  of  Lampoon  Bay  in  the  Strait  of  Sunda,  is  an  excellent 
place  for  the  homeward-bound  China  ships  to  touch  at,  to  procure  refresh- 
ments and  fill  up  their  water,  and  far  preferable  to  North  Island  for  this 
purpose.  Captain  Owen,  of  H. M.S.  Cornelia,  anchored  the  China  ships  in 
Rajah  Bassa  Road  21st  January  1813,  where  they  got  plenty  of  turtle  at  a 
dollar  each,  and  filled  up  with  excellent  water,  and  found  the  natives  verj 

•  NAVAL  CHRONICLE,  jcxvi,  318.  f  Ibid. 


163 

cvvi'l.  The  Neptune  at  anchor  in  16  fathoms  blue  mud,  had  the  western- 
most of  the  Three  Brothers  bearing  S.  56°  W.  Crockotua  Peak  in  one  with 
the  highland  of  Poolo  Sebese  S.  20*  W.  distance  from  the  nearest  of  the 
Three  ijrothers  3|  miles,  and  from  the  Sumatra  shore  about  Rajah  Bassa 
Smiles.  The  soundings  decreased  regularly  to  5  and  4  fathoms  soft  mud 
within  |  mile  of  the  shore,  50  that  ships  may  anchor  much  nearer  it  than 
the  Neptune  did  Within  the  disiance  of  2  miles  along  a  sandy  beach, 
were  3  rivulets  of  excellent  water,  either  of  which  would  supply  a  fleet  of 
ships.  When  the  fleet  left  this  anchorage;  they  worked  to  the  westward  ia 
Laojpoon  Day  with  regular  soft  soundings  of  13  to  16  fathoms,  and  passed 
out  between  Middle  Island  And  Tiems  Rock,  which  is  n  good  channel. 
Captain  Owen  intended  to  have  taken  them  out  through  the  Western  Chan* 
nel,  formed  between  the  west  point  of  the  bay  and  and  Pulo  Gondy  (which 
although  rather  narrow  for  large  ships,  seems  safe  to  adopt  to  run  out  by, 
with  a  leading  land-breeze  in  the  morning),  but  the  Arniston  in  standing 
near  the  north  end  of  Poolo  Gondy,  struck  on  a  sunken  rock  about  a  mile 
off,  which  induced  them  to  bear  away  round  Middle  Island.  Ships  from 
China  should  certainly  prefer  this  route  along  the  Sumatra  shore,  where 
they  will  preserve  good  anchorage,  and  have  less  sea  than  outside,  by 
rounding  Hog  Point  within  a  moderate  distance,  and  then  keeping  along 
the  coast  to  Rajah  Bassa  Road.,  From  hence,  they  may  work  to  the  west- 
ward in  Lampoon  Bay,  and  pass  out  between  Middle  Island  and  Tiems 
Rock,  as  above  mentioned,  or  through  the  Western  Channel  if  circum- 
stances permit,  which  would  enable  them  to  lead  out  of  the  Strait  well 
clear  of  Prince  '-s  Island  with  the  westerly  winds. 

NORTH    ISLAND, 

The  body  of  it  bearing  S.E.  about  \  or  1  mile,  the  Royal  Charlotte 
grounded  on  a  small  know!,  18th  January  1813,  with  3J  fathoms  water  oa 
it,  and  4|  to  5  fathoms  close  to  it  on  both  sides, 

CVMBTUAN'S  REEF,* 

Described  in  the  India  Directory,  Part  2d,  page  305,  seems  to  have  Wen 
seen  very  distinctly  by  H.  M.S.  Cornwallis,  as  will  appear  by  the  following 
extract  from  the  Journal  of  Lieutenant  Smyth,  who  was  an  officer  of  that 
sliip  at  the  time  the  reef  was  seen:—  "  January  6th,  1808,  feeing  under 
double  reefed  topsails,  going  about  8  knots,  at  11  h.  50  minute1}  A.  W.  sa*y 
the  Island  Botel  Tobago  X-ima  bearing  N.N.W.  distant  8  or  9  leagues,— 
At  11  h.  50  min.  we  suddenly  observed  the  water  to  break  a-head,  and 
soon  after  perceived  the  rocks:  on  which  we  bore  up,  and  passed  to  lee- 
ward  of  them,  keeping  them  pretty  close  aboard.  —  At  t.oon  the  breakers  on 
the  rocks  bore  N.  47°  E.  distant  if  mile,  our  latitude  then  21°  41'  N.  ami 
we  make  this  reef  in  latitude  '21°  4fc'£  N.  and  due  south  from  Little  Bottl 
Tobago  Xima.  It  is  remarkable,  that  the  latitude  assigned  to  tlu's  reef  by 
the  Coniwallis,  differs  7$  miles  f.-oin  the  observations  of  Capt.Tare,  of  the 
Cumbrian,  and  agrees  nearly  with  the  latitude  nwigned  to  it  by  Captain 
.  —  The  latitude  of  this  dangerous  reef  seems,  therefore,  not  per- 


CUROXICLR  :   xxir 


161  '  •       PLATE    CCCCIX. 

fectly  determined  ;  but-as  Captain  Tate  had  favourable  observations,  his 
position  of  the  reef  is  probably  nearest  the  truth.*  To  avoid  it,  ships 
should  borrow  either  towards  the  North  Bashee  Islands,  or  keep  near  the 
Botel-Tobago-Xima  Islands,  as  the  reef  is  not  much  to  the  northward  of 
the  Mid-Channel  Track. — (IIonsuuiiGu'b  Sailing  Directions  :  additional 
Appendix,  1H14J 


PLATE  CCCCIX. 


>ACK.  Bay  is  situated  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Ceylon,^  and  on  the  north 
side  of  the  peninsula  which  separates  it  from  Trincomaley;  it  is  about 

4  miles  wide,  and  1  mile  inwards,  bounded  by  Flag-staff*  point  southward, 
and   by  Elizabeth  point  northward.     The  common   anchorage  is  in   the 
southern  part  of  the  bay,  with   Flaw-staff  point   bearing  from  S.  b.  E.  to 

5  E.b.S.  distant  \  or  1  mile,  in  from  1  to  12  fathoms  sandy  bottom.     The 
soundings  decrease  gradually  to  the  sandy  beach,  except  about  1£  mile  to 
the  N.W.  of  the  point  where  rocks  project  from   the  shore  to  4  fathoms. 
Ships  may  lie  secure  in  this  anchorage  during  the  S.W.  monsoon,  and  can 
procure  supplies  of  wood  and   water.     Buffalo  beef  may  be  gotten  ;  but 
vegetables  and  other  refreshments  are  scarce.     Ships  of  war  sometimes  go 
into  the  harbour  to  careen,  or  to  escape  the  bad  weather  often  experienced 
on  the  eastern  coast  of  Ceylon,  and  on  the  coast  of  Coromandel,  about  the 
commencement  of  the  N.E.  monsoon  :  but  as  there  is  little  trade  at  Trin- 
comalcy,  it  is  seldom  frequented  by  merchant  vessels.^     From  September 
to  March  a  ship  bound  to  this  place  should  take  care  not  to  fall  in  with  the 
land  to  southward  of  Flag-staff  point,  as  the  currents  often  run  strong  on 
this  side  of  Ceylon  during  the  N.E.  monsoon.     On  the  same  coast  they  are 
liable  to  fluctuate  in  the  S.W.  monsoon,  although  then  it  is  prudent  to  fall 
in  with  the  land  rather  to  the  southward  than  to  northward  of  Trincomaley. 
In  the  north  part  of  Back  bay,  distant  from  Elizabeth  point  8.S.E.  about 
\\  mile,  there  are  several  rocks  under  water,  having  5£  or  6 'fathoms  close 
co  them  on  the  outside,  and  5  fathoms  within.     Directly  eastward  of  the 
same  point,  d^tant  \  mile,  two  rocks  are  seen,  about  the  size  of  a  boat, 
with  others  under  water,  projecting  from   them   about  |  mile  to  seaward  ; 
iheseare  called  the  Lively  rocks,  having  foul  ground  7  and  8  fathoms  very 
close  to  them,  and  they  ought  not  to  be  approached  nearer  than  1'2  fathoms 
wutcr  on  the  outside.     A  ship   being  abreast  of  Elizabeth   point  and  the 
Lively  rocks,  ought  in  coasting  to  the  northward  to  come   in-shore  under 
18  fathoms,  on    account  of  several   sunken   rocks  situated   between   that 
pjint  and  Pigeon  isle,  which  arc  dangerous  to  ships  making  too  free  with 

*  Particularly!  as  cloudy  weather  prevented  the  Cornwailis  from  obtaining  a 
satisfactory  observation  at  noun. 

•f-  A  chart  of  Ceylon  i»  to  be  found  in  the  XXIXili  Volume  of  N.C. 

£  The  naval  establishment  formed  at  pi.-auiit:  l-.^s  ft-cuuijy  been  removed  hither 
upon  a  pcrmanvnt  luo'in^. — (HvDit.). 


Lirdv  Rocii 


S       jMt.'tt 


S         EMtm  * 


BACK  BAY 

iii  the 

ISLAND  of  CEYLON. 

Siirveyeilin  June  ,18O6, 
r.Mc.  KeiLa:  S^s  JMaster  of 
H3tS.BeiE^aeux:. 


4                 y*              js 

4'i 
6:',                                                 *           Scale  «f  One  ^Re. 

i!i                       »''*                           '? 
J3 

"                            9                                              \ 
S*,                           9 

\          ' 
\          « 

\    **                    J"                                * 

•4                          »4                           1 

/ 

•    i  •• 


NATAL   HISTORY    OF    THE    PRESENT    TEAR,    1814.  165 

the  land.  Two  of  these  rocks,  lying  near  to  each  other,  bear  N.  f  W.  from 
Flag-staff  point,  and  S.S.E.  \  E.  from  Pigeon  isle,  nearly  mid  way  between 
these  places,  distant  about  2  miles  from  the  shore.  In  1797  the  ship 
Fairlie  struck  on  the  southernmost  rock,  and  found  about  20  fathoms  in 
diameter,  with  16  feet  water  on  it,  and  from  9  to  11  fathoms  close  to  it 
all  around.  In  1795,  2d  August,  H.M.S.  Diomede  *  struck  on  the  other, 
which  was  thought  to  be  about  £  a  mile  farther  northward  than  its  true 
situation,  and  after  getting  off,  the  ship  sunk  about  3  miles  to  the  north- 
ward of  Flag-staff  point  :  the  depths  close  to  the  Diomede  were  9,  10,  and 
11  fathoms;  by  which  it  seems  probable  that  in  fact  the  Fairlie  rock  and 
it  are  the  same,  although  they  have  usually  been  deemed  different  dangers. 

S. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

(January  —  February.  ) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

WE  briefly  noticed,  in  our  last  Retrospect,  the  loss  of  the  D&dalu* 
frigate  ;  but  have  since  been  favoured  with  a  sight  of  a  letter  from 
an  omcer  of  that  ship,  dated  Madias,  August  5,  1813,  containing  some 
particulars  of  that  misfortune  ;  and  from  which  we  have  selected  the  fol- 
lowing extract,  for  the  information  of  those  who  may  be  more  particularly 
interested  in  the  circrmstance  :  — 

"  On  tlie  first  of  July,  after  a  prosperous,  though  tedious,  voyage  with  our  con- 
voy, we  made  the  Island  of  Ceylon,  near  Point  de  Galle,  aaci  not  more  than  four 
days  sail  from  our  destination,  Madras.  On  the  morning  of  the  2d,  about  eight 
o'clock,  going  very  fast  through  the  water,  all  hands  were  roused  aud  afarmed,  as 
you  may  eaiily  conceive,  in  consequence  of  the  ship  touching  the  ground,  and 
then  sticking  fast  ;  we  all  rushed  on  deck,  when  the  distressing  truth  too  evidently 
appeared.  ,  The  ship  had  struck  and  grounded  on  a  shoal.  Fortunately  for  us 
and  convoy  it  did  not  occur  at  night,  if  it  had,  certainly  not  a  soul  would  have 
been  saved  to  relate  the  lamentable  tale.  Necessary  signals  were  immediately 
thrown  out  by  us  to  the  convoy,  which  saved  them  from  sharing  the  same  fate 
with  ourselves.  N»  indication  of  shallow  water  had  been  perceptible  ;  though 
coloured,  it  was  not  more  so  titan  all  the  morning  and  evening  previous.  We  re- 
mained on  the  shoal  for  twenty  minutes,  rolling  considerably,  and  while  the  boats 
were  ascertaining  the  deepest  water,  the  ship  gathered  way;  sail  was  immedi- 
ately set,  and  she  once  more  floated.  Whilst  aground,  we  observed  the  false  keel 
and  several  splinters  separate  from  her  but  had  thought  the  damage  extended 
no  fan  her. 

"  A  report  was  now  made  that  the  bread-room  and  cockpit  were  full  of  water. 
The  chain  and  hand-pumps,  which  hud  been  previously  manned,  were  uo>» 
vigorously  woikcd,  and  lor  a  time,  our  exertions  seemed  successful.  At  this  time,  the 
ship  had  run  into  deep  water,  and  the  fleot  out  of  all  risk,  and  hove-to,  by  signal, 
to  send  all  boats  to  our  assistance.  For  some  time,  the  principal  injury  was  sus- 
pected to  be  far  aft,  and  not  much  under  the  water-mark  :  the  cabin  and  afu-r- 

*  That  ship  was  then  commanded  by  Captain  Matthew  Smith,  now  on  the 
superannuated  list,  whose  case  (one  of  peculiar  hardship)  is  stated  in  the  VC. 
Vol.  XXII.  page  42. 


ltJ6  NAVAL    HISTORY    OF    THE    PRESENT    TEAR,    1814. 

most  guns  wtre  run  forward  to  bring  the  ship  by  the  head  for  the  purpose  of 
gettmg  at  the  leak,  but  without  effect.  Soon  the  order  was  given  lo  throw  all 
the  guns,  with  their  shot,  &c.  overboard,  which  was  done  with  !he  greatest  expe- 
dition. All  hands  were  alert  with  hope  and  zeal,  and  particularly  active  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duty. 

"  The  carpenters  now  declared  the  leaks  to  be  far  under  water,  about  the  keel 
andsternpost ;  and  the  rudder  was  found  to  work  so  much,  that  it  was  thought 
judicious  to  get  it  unshipped,  which  was  very  soon  done,  and  brought  alongside. 

"  The  lower  piece  of  the  stern-post  was,  at  this  time,  observed  to  he  gone  ;  liie 
•water  gaining  considerably  on  the  pumps  though  actively  worked,  and  approach- 
ing the  orlop-deck.  A  sail,  prepared  with  oakum  and  tar,  was  now  got  over  the 
stern,  for  the  purpose  of  stopping  the  leaks,  which  were  now  discovejcil  ;  but, 
alas  !  only  to  shew  their  extent  and  danger,  with  the  impossibility  of  stopping 
them,  They  were  on  both  sides,  very  far  aft ;  and,  at  another,  where  the  stern- 
post  fell  out,  a  stream  rushed  in  nearly  as  large  as  a  man's  body. 

"  The  stale  of  the  ship  was  now  nearly  hopeless  ;  the  leaks  were  too  numerous 
and  large  to  be  remedied  in  the  smallest  degree  by  any  means:  the  ship's  crew, 
nearly  exhausted  by  unremitting  labeur  for  eight  hours  at  the  pumps,  and  seeing 
th«  water,  in  spite  of  their  exertions,  rising  to  the  lower  deck,  began  to  flag. 

"  Nothing  remained  untried  to  save  the  ship,  and,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  without 
success.  Our  worthy  commander,  Captain  Maxwell,  now  thought  necessary  la 
provide  for  the  safety  of  the  people  ;  they  were  put  into  the  different  boats  in 
waiting,  and  taken  on  board  the  nearest  Indiamen.  At  this  time,  the  ship  began 
to  take  in  water  at  the  main-deck  ports,  and  was  fast  settling  ;  consequently,  we 
were  well  assured  that  her  time  was  very  short  for  remaining  visible  ;  when  the 
officers,  after  seeing  all  the  ship's  company  out  of  her,  and  going  through  every 
part  of  the  vessel  yet  above  water,  for  the  purpose  ot  making  sure  that  not  a  soul 
remained,  with  heavy  hearts  quitted  the  ship.  Our  worthy  captain  remained 
till  every  one  was  in  the  boats,  and,  about  six  in  the  evening,  he  took  a  final  leave 
of  her.  In  about  five  minutes,  after  lurching  very  deeply,  she  fell  on  iicr  beam- 
ends,  and  continued  so  nearly  a  minute,  then  she  righted  shew  ing  only  her  quarter- 
deck ports  above  water,  when  gradually  and  majestically  disappearing,  the  Dx- 
dalus  sunk  forever!  I  assure  you  the  sight  was  sublime,  but  awful.  I  am  happy 
to  add,  that  every  soul  was  saved,  and  a  great  deal  of  their  private  property."* 

It  is  with  regret  that  we  have  to  add  to  the  losses  mentioned  in  our  62d 
page,  those  of  the  Queen  Charlotte  packet,  the  Holly  schooner,  and  the 
Bercsford  and  Nancy  transports. 

The  two  first  mentioned  met  their  fate  in  the  harbour  of  St.  Sebastian. 
On  the  16th  of  January,  at  noon,  a  gale  suddenly  arose  from  the  N.W.  and 
at  four  1MVI.  the  Queen  Charlotte  parted  from  her  anchor,  and  was  re- 
tained by  a  small  anchor  nnd  cable  for  half  an  hour  ;  but  before  others  of 
&  sufficient  strength  could  be  got  out,  she  was  driven  on  shore  at  five,  and 
about  ten  or  half-past  ten  at  night,  went  to  pieces.  Every  exertion  was 
made  by  the  agent  for  packets  at  Passages.  Mr.  Sehright,  to  afford  asMr-tance 
to  the  crew.  A  party  of  artillery  drivers  were  immediately  marched  down 
to  the  bead)  by  their  officers.  A  party  ot'  artillery  were  ordered  by  Major 
Dyer  to  act  as  a  guard,  and  prevent  confusion  ;  and  the  crew  of  a  gun-boat, 

*  The  Daxldlus  appears  to  have  been  lost  on  one  of  the  Basses.    Vide  Chart  of 
Vol.  XXIX.  ED. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814.  167 

With  several  seamen  of  transports,  also  attended.  It  was,  however,  found 
impossible  to  send  boats  to  her  from  the  mole,  on  account  of  the  night; 
nnd  although,  by  the  exertions  of  the  packet-agent,  a  boat  was  brought 
round  on  men's  shoulders  from  the  mole  to  the  beach,  it  proved  impracti- 
cable to  use  it.  The  surgeon  swam  on  shore  at  an  early  period  ;  and  the 
master  and  two  men  were  picked  up  from  the  wreck.  The  others  who  were 
on  board,  seventeen  in  number,  including  Captain  Mudge,  the  comman- 
der, unfortunately  met  a  watery  grave.  The  remainder  of  the  crew  had, 
luckily  for  them,  received  permission  to  go  on  shore  on  the  previous  day, 
and  had  not  been  able  to  join  the  ship. 

On  the  29th  of  January,  at  four  A.  M.  H.  M.'s  schooner  Holly,  in  a 
violent  gale,  parted  her  cables,  and  ran  on  the  rocks  under  the  Mount  of 
St.  Sebastian.*  Her  commander,  Lieutenant  Samuel  Sharpe  Treacher* 
Mr.  Crane,  the  surgeon,  and  several  of  the  crew,  were  washed  overboard, 
and  seen  no  more  :  the  rest  were  with  difficulty  saved. 

The  Beresford  transport,  Hope,  master,  and  the  Nancy  (marked  W.) 
Potter,  master,  carrying  troops  from  the  Downs  to  Holland,  were  both  lost 
on  the  Ilaake  Sand.  From  the  former  vessel  about  40  persons  were  saved  ; 
but  all  the  troops  on  board  the  Nancy  perished. 

From  this  gloomy  picture  it  is  a  gratification  to  pass  to  one  more  pleasing ; 
and,  first,  to  state,  that  II.  R.  II.  the  Prince  Regent  has  been  pleased  to 
reward  the  meritorious  services  of  Admiral  Sir  John  Thomas  Duckworth, 
K  B.t  and  Capt.  P.  B.  V.  Broke,*  R.N.  with  the  dignity  of  Barontts  of 
the  United  Kingdom. 

The  French  frigates  AJcmene  and  Iphigenia  have  been  captured,  off  Ma- 
deira, by  H.  M.'s  ships  Venerable,  and  the  Cyane  sloop,  of  20  guns. 

Capt.  Sir  P.  Parker,  Bart,  in  the  Menelaus  frigate,  has  arrived  at  Ply- 
mouth with  a  very  valuable  Spanish  ship  (said  to  be  called  the  St.  Jean  de 
Baptiste,  which  she  captured  on  the  14th  inst.  oft'L'Orient,  in  sight  of  the 
Rippon,  of  7-4  guns,  Capt.  Sir  C.  Cole.  She  is  from  Lima,  with  a  cargo  of 
cocoa  and  bark,  together  with  dollars,  diamonds,  and  pearls,  valued  at  an 
immense  sum,  and  was  bound  to  Cadiz  ;  but  captured  on  her  passage,  near 
the  A/ores,  on  the  3d  inst.  by  the  French  frigates  Terpsichore  and  Atalante. 

A  letter  from  Holland,  dated  the  23d  January,  relates  the  following 
gallant  affair,  in  which  Mr.  Coilicott,  a  midshipman,  with  42  marines,  en- 
gaged ten  times,  and  destroyed  thrice  his  own  number  of  the  enemy  :  "The 
French  landed  800  men  in  South  Beveland  ;  and  from  the  Dutch  sentinels 
neglecting  the  alarm,  the  enemy  advanced  so  suddenly  upon  Mr.  Coilicott 
and  his  little  party,  that  he  found  it  necessary  immediately  to  commence  a 
retreat,  but  succeeded  in  bringing  off  a  piece  of  artillery:  400  men  pur- 
sued him  to  the  great  road,  where  he  halted,  and  commenced  a.  well- 
directed  fire  on  the  enemy  at  300  yards  distant ;  a  sharp  action  ensued, 
and  the  enemy  were  completely  repulsed,  leaving  100  men  upon  the  field 
of  battle.''  Mr.  Coilicott  was  not  materially  hurt,  though  he  was  struck 

*  See  a  View  of  this  place,  Vol.  XXX.  p.  41G. 

t  See  N.  C.  Vol.  XVIII. 

4  See  Index  to  N.C.  Vol.  XXX.   Art.  Broke. 


168  NAVAL   HISTORY    OF    THE   PRESEN1    YEAH,    1814. 

by  several  balls,  but  his  little  band  oflieroes  lost  near  half  their  number. 
The  thanks  of  the  commander-in-chief  have  been  sent  to  Mr.  Collicott,  for 
his  distinguished  bravery  on  this  occasion. 

On  the  12th  of  February,  his  Majesty's  Custom  House,  in  Thames  Street, 
was  totally  consumed,  with  almost  all  its  contents,  by  fire.  Several  of  the 
opposite  houses  suffered  in  the  same  conflagration  ;  and  we  lament  to  say, 
that  two  young  orphan  girls  perished  in  the  flames. 

Caution  to  Mastert  of  Merchantmen. — Mr.  Xewlands,  master  of  the 
Coquette,  of  Glasgow,  sailed  from  St.  Thomas's  on  the  12th  February, 
1813,  under  convoy  of  H.  M.  S.  Kangaroo,  and  ran  away  from  the  fleet. 
The  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  instituted  a  prosecution  against 
him  for  the  offence;  and  he  has  been  sentenced  to  a  month's  imprisonment 
in  the  Marshalsea,  where  he  is  now  confined. 

In  consequence  of  an  invitation  from  the  Admiralty,  150  shipwrights 
(unmarried)  from  Plymouth  yard  have  volunteered  to  go  to  the  Lakes  irs 
Canada,  to  construct  vessels.  They  are,  we  are  told,  to  have  10».  a  day  ; 
15s.  for  Sunday  ;  2s.  subsistence  ;  Is.  for  lodging  ;  and  Is.  for  every  extra 
hour ;  and  those  who  conduct  themselves  properly  will  be  entitled  to  a'u 
apprentice  on  their  return. 


on 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LONDON  GAZETTE. 


ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,   JANUARY  22,    1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Barf,  to  John  Wif- 
son  Croker,  Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  at  Port  Muhon,  the 
24/A  December,  1813. 

SIR, 

T WlIIE  enclosed  narrative  will  convey  to  their  Lordships  the  details  of  a 
JB_  gallant  enterpri/e,  very  ably  directed  by  Captain  Sir  Josias  Rowley, 
and  most  zealously  executed  by  the  force  under  his  command,  in  co- 
operation with  the  battalion  of  Colonel  Catanelli,  who  made  a  descent  on 
the  coast  of  Italy,  under  a  hope  of  surprising  Leghorn. 

The  loss  sustained  in  this  affair  has  been  inconsiderable,  when  compared 
with  that  of  the  enemy.  I  am  sure  their  Lordships  will  do  ample  justice  to 
the  merits  of  Sir  Josias,  and  the  captain1?,  officers,  seamen,  and  marines, 
engaged  in  this  spirited  service.  I  have  the  honour  to  ho,  &c. 

EDWARD  PELLEW. 

SIR,  H.  M.S.  America,  off  Leghorn,  15ih  December,  1813. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  in  pursuance  of  my  preceding  com- 
munication t.i  you  from  Palermo,  I  sailed  thence  on  the  29th  ult.  ia  com- 
pany with  t  e  Termagant,  and  anchored  at  Melaz/.o  on  the  following 
night,  where  having  Joined  the  ships  named  in  the  margin,*  and  embarked 
on  board  them  on  the  following  day  the  troops  of  the  Italian  Levy,  amount- 
in'.:  to  :i  out  one  thousand  men,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant-colonel 
CH  melli,  we  sailed  the  same  evening,  and  arrived  on  the  coast  of  Italy, 

*  Edinburgh,  i'urieuse,  Mermaid. 


KAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814,  169 

off  Via  Reggio,  on  the  9th  instant :  having  fallen  in  with  the  Armada  and 
Imperieuse  oft' the  north  of  Corsica,  I  detained  them  to  assist  us  in  getting 
the  troops  on  shore.  Having  anchored  with  the  squadron  off  the  town,  the 
troops  and  field  pieces  were  immediately  landed ;  a  small  party  of  die 
enemy  having  evacuated  the  place  on  a  summons  that  had  been  sent 
in,  and  possession  was  taken  of  two  eighteen  and  one  twelve-pounder  guns, 
which  defended  the  entrance  of  the  river — The  lieutenant-colonel  pro- 
ceeded immediately  to  Lucca,  which  place  was  surrendered  to  him  at  twelve 
the  same  night.  The  following  day  a  detachment  of  forty  royal  marines 
from  tliis  ship,  under  Captain  Rea,  was  sent  to  a  signal  station  to  the 
northward,  which,  on  his  threatening  to  storm,  surrendered  to  him,  and 
eleven  men  who  defended  it  were  made  prisoners  :  he  found  it  to  be  n 
castle  of  considerable  size  and  strength,  walled  and  ditched,  and  capable 
of  containing  near  one  thousand  men.  On  receiving  this  report,  I  sent 
Mr.  Bazalgette,  senior  lieutenant  of  the  America,  who,  with  a  few  barrels 
of  powder,  completely  destroyed  it,  bringing  off  a  brass  nine-pounder  gun, 
which  was  mounted  in  the  castle.  Parties  from  the  Imperieuse  and  Furi- 
eusc  also  brought  off  two  other  brass  guns  from  the  beach  to  the  northward 
and  southward  of  the  town,  those  at  the  lauding  place  having  also  been 
embarked. 

Ttie  lieutenant-colonel  not  judging  it  advisable  to  continue  at  Lucca,  had 
given  me  notice  of  his  intended  return  to  Via  Reggio,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  morning  of  the  12th,  and  signified  his  intention  to  proceed  in  another 
direction. 

Not  conceiving  my  stay  with  this  ship  any  longer  necessary,  I  had  made 
arrangements  for  leaving  the  Edinburgh,  Furieuse,  and  Termagant,  under 
the  orders  of  Captain  Dundas,  to  keep  up  (if  practicable)  a  communica- 
tion with  the  troops,  and  purposed  sailing  to  rejoin  your  flag  as  soon  as  it 
was  dark,  when,  towards  sunset,  we  perceived  a  tiring  at  the  town,  and 
found  that  the  troops  were  attacked  by  a  force  of  about  six  hundred 
cavalry  and  infantry,  with  a  howitzer  and  two  field  pieces.  They  con- 
sisted of  a  detachment  from  the  garrison  of  Leghorn,  which  had  been 
joined  on  iis  march  by  some  troops  at  Pisa;  the  lieutenant-colonel  com- 
pletely routed  them,  with  the  loss  of  their  guns  and  howitzer,  and  a  con- 
siderable number  of  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners  ;  the  remainder  re- 
treated in  much  confusion  towards  P»sa.  Information  having  been  ob- 
tained from  the  prisoners  of  the  weak  state  of  the  garrison  at  Leghorn,  the 
lieutenant-colonel  proposed  to  me  to  intercept  the  return  of  the  routed 
troops,  by  proceeding  immediately  off  Leghorn,  in  the  hopes  that  by 
shewing  ourselves  in  as  much  force  as  possible,  the  inhabitants,  who,  it 
was  supposed,  were  inclined  to  receive  us,  might  make  some  movement  in 
our  favour,  and  that  we  might  avail  ourselves  of  any  practicable  opening  to 
force  our  way  into  the  place. 

I  acceded  to  this  proposal,  and  the  troops  were  immediately  embarked 
in  a  number  of  country  vessels,  which  were  towed  off  by  the  boats  of  the 
squadron,  and  the  whole  being  taken  in  tow  by  the  ships,  we  proceeded 
the  same  night  for  Leghorn  Roads,  where  we  anchored  about  three  o'clock 
on  the  following  day,  to  the  northward  of  the  town.  The  Imperieube 
having  previously  reconnoitred  the  best  spot  for  landing,  the  vessels  were 
immediately  towed  in-shore,  and  the  troops  and  field-pieces  landed  with- 
out opposition.  The  boats  then  proceeded  to  land  the  marints;  but  the 
weather,  which  had  been  hitherto  favourable,  in  the  course  of  the  evening 
became  so  bad,  that  o.-y  a  part  could  be  .got  on  shore  ;  a;id  I  regret  to 
state,  that  the  pinnace  of  the  America  was  swamped,  and  Lieutenant 
Moody  (a  most  valuable  officer),  and  two  seamen  were  drowned.  Early 
in  the  morning  the  remainder  were  landed,  and  proceeded  to  the  positions 
assigned  them. 

er&ron,  del.  XXXI.  z 


!70  NATAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

The  corps  of  the  enemy  which  had  been  defeated  at  Via  Reggio,  was  a 
second  time  reinforced  at  Pisa,  and  at  this  period  made  an  attack  on  our 
marines  without  the  tower.  I  beg  to  refer  you  to  Captain  Dundus's  re- 
port, for  the  particulars  of  their  defeat.  The  lieutenant-colonel  suggested, 
as  a  proper  time  after  this  advantage,  to  summon  the  commandant,  which 
was  accordingly  done,  but  an  answer  returned  that  he  would  defend 
himself. 

The  gates  of  the  town  hnd  heen  closely  examined  during  this  day  and  the 
preceding  night,  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  forcing  an  entrance;  but 
that  or  any  other  means  of  immediate  attack  not  being  considered  practica- 
ble against  a  place  so  strong  and  regularly  fortified,  and  there  not  appear- 
ing any  movement  of  the  inhabitants  in  our  favour,  the  precarious  and 
threatening  state  of  the  weather,  a  change  of  which  would  have  prevented 
all  communication  with  the  ships,  rendered  it  expedient  to  reimbark  the 
whole  without  delay  :  by  very  great  exertions,  this  was  effected  in  the  best 
order  during  the  night,  and  early  the  following  morning,  in  very  severe 
weather,  without  any  molestation  from  the  enemy. 

On  returning  from  the  shore  to  the  America  at  sunset,  I  found  a  depu- 
tation from  the  mayor  and  inhabitants  of  the  town,  who  had  been  per- 
mitted by  the  commandant  to  come  off  with  a  flag  of  truce,  to  petition  us 
to  cease  our  fire  from  the  houses,  he  having  threatened  to  dislodge  us  by 
setting  fire  to  the  suburbs ;  as  arrangements  were  already  made  for  em- 
barking, I  consented  to  a  cessation  of  firing  on  both  sides  till  eight  the 
next  morning  ;  a  favourable  circumstance  for  us,  the  troops  on  their  march 
to  the  boats  being  exposed  to  a  fire  from  the  ramparts 

I  have  very  great  satisfaction  in  reporting  to  you  the  zeal  and  good  con- 
duct of  all  the  officers,  seamen,  and  marines  employed  on  the  above-men- 
tioned services. 

To  Lieutenant-colonel  Catanelli  every  praise  is  due,  for  his  able  and 
indefatigable  exertions  ;  and  I  feel  thankful  for  his  cordial  co-operation. 
The  conduct  of  the.  troops  of  the  Italian  Lc  vy,  both  for  bravery  and  disci- 
pline in  the  field,  and  the  cheerfulness  \\ith  which  they  endured  the  con- 
stant exposure  in  boats  in  the  most  severe  weather,  excited  our  admiration. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  Captain  Grant,  for  lii  8  able  advice  and  assistance; 
'  to  the  Honourable  Captain  Dundus,   who   undertook   the  direction  of  the 
"marines  and  seamen;    and  to  Captain  Hamilton,  who  volunteered  his  ser- 
vices on  shore,  my  thanks  are  particularly  due,  for  the  gallant  manner  in 
•which  they  conducted  them ;    and  I  feel  much  indebted  to  the  Honourable 
Captain  Duncan,  for  the  ready  and  useful   assistance   he  afforded  me  on 
every  occasion.     Captain  Mounsey,  when   the   landing  was  effected,  had 
moved  with  the  1'urieuse  and  Termagant   to  watch  the  motions  of  three 
brigs  of  war  lying  in  the  outer  mole,  but  which  afterwards  moved  into  the 
inner  one,  the  crews  having  landed  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  the  place. 

Captain  Uunn  was  indefatigable  in  his  exertions  at  the  landing  place,  and 
I  feel  called  upon  to  notice  the  good  conduct  of  the  orlicers  aim  crews  of  the 
boats,  through  a  continued  and  most  fatiguing  service. 

I  beg  that  I  may  be  permits  d  to  mention  the  assistance  I  received  from 
Lieutenant  Bazalgette,  senior  of  this  ship,  a  most  deserving  officer  ;  and 
to  notice  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Bromley,  the  surgeon,  who  volunteered  his 
services  on  shore  with  the  troops. 

I  herewith  enclose  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  am  happy  to  say 
our  loss  is  much  smaller  than  might  have  been  expected.  I  have  no  ac- 
count of  that  of  the  Italian  Levy,  but  I  beliex :  it  is  not  considerable, 
There  have  betn  no  correct  returns  of  prisoners,  but  Captain  Duudas 
informs  me,  that  above  three  hundred  have  been  taken  in  the  two  affairs. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &r:. 
Edxard  Pdlew,  $c.  JUS.  ROWLEY,  Captain. 


NAVAL    HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESEXT  YEAR,     1814.  171 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Edinburgh,  off  Leghorn,  Dec.  15,  18  lo. 

In  obedience  to  your  directions,  Captain  Hamilton  and  myself  landed 
On  the  evening  of  the  13th,  with  the  marines  of  his  Majesty's  ships  named 
in  the  margin,*  to  co-operate  with  Lieutenant-colonel  Catanelli.  We 
pushed  on  that  evening  with  the  advance  of  the  marines  and  Italian  Levy, 
and  got  possession  of  the  suburbs  of  the  town  of  Leghorn.  The  extreme 
darkness  of  the  night,  and  the  road  being  nearly  impassable,  prevented 
the  body  of  the  troops  joining  until  the  morning  ;  the  moment  a  sufficient 
number  had  come  up,  in  compliance  with  the  lieutenant-colonel's  arrange- 
ments, die  Italians  occupied  the  suburbs  and  buildings  close  to  the  ram- 
parts ;  the  marines  occupied  a  position  on  the  Pisa  road  ;  as  soon  after  day- 
light as  possible,  we  reconnoitred  the  town  ;  just  as  we  had  finished,  and 
were  returning  from  the  southern  part  of  the  town,  a  firing  was  heard  in  the 
direction  of  the  Pisa  road,  where  we  proceeded  instantly,  and  found  the 
marines  were  at  that  moment  attacked  by  a  considerable  body  of  the  ene- 
my's troops,  consisting  of  at  least  seven  hundred  men,  cavalry  and  infantry,, 
supported  by  two  field  pieces;  the  charge  of  the  ravalry  was  received  with 
great  coolness  by  the  marine?,  they  opened  and  allowed,  them  to  pass, 
killing  all  but  about  fourteen,  who,  with  two  oihcers,  succeeded  in  getting 
through,  but  who  were  all  killed  or  wounded,  excepting  one  officer,  by  a 
small  detachment  of  the  Italian  Levy,  that  was  formed  at  the  entrance  of 
the  suburbs  of  the  town.  After  the  charge  of  the  cavalry,  the  marines 
instantly  closed  and  charged  the  enemy's  infantry,  and  put  them  entirely  to 
the  rout ;  they  lost  in  this  affair  the  officers  commanding  their  cavalry  and 
infantry,  with  about  from  two  hundred  and  fifty  to  three  hundred  killed, 
wounded,  and  prisoners  J  the  remainder  retreated  in  the  greatest  disorder 
to  Pisa. 

In  this  affair  my  most  particular  thanks  are  due  to  Captain  Hamilton, 
who,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  is  slightly  wounded,  as  well  as  to  Captain  Beale, 
of  the  Aroynda,  who  commanded  the  marines,  ns  also  to  Captains  Rea  and 
Mitchell,  of  the  America  and  Edinburgh  ;  to  the  other  officers,  non-com- 
missioned officers,  and  privates,  all  possible  credit  is  due  for  repelling  the 
attack,  and  putting  to  route  the  enemy,  who  were  certainly  double  their 
force  ;  the  marines  lost  on  this  occasion,  one  killed  and  seven  wounded. 

The  Italian  Levy,  who  were  on  the  houses  close  round  the  ramparts,  as 
well  as  those  in  the  advance,  were  indefatigable  in  their  exertions,  and 
their  bravery  was  truly  conspicuous  on  all  occasions.  The  enemy  suffered 
hy  the  destructive  fire  they  kept  up  on  the  ramparts,  killing  or  wounding 
those  who  attempted  to  couie  near  the  guns. 

It  being  arranged  between  you  and  tiie  lieutenant-colonel,  that  we 
should  re-embark,  the  wounded  and  prisoners,  with  our  two  field  guns  and 
ammunition,  were  embarked  at  twelve  o'clock  last  nuht,  marched  off  in 
the  best  possible  order,  through  bad  roads,  and  incessant  ram. 

I  beg  to  offer  my  thanks  to  Lieutenant-colonel  Catanelli,  for  his  attention 
in  pointing  out  what  he  wished  to  be  done  by  us.  to  forward  his  plan.  My 
thanks  are  due  to  Captain  Dunn,  of  ihe  Mermaid,  for  forwarding  every 
thing  from  the  beach  to  us  in  advance  ;  as  well  as  to  Lieutenant*  Mason, 
of  the  America,  and  Mapleton  and  Leach  of  this  ship,  and  Travers,  of  the 
Imperieuse  ;  and  to  the  midshipmen,  and  small-arm  men,  and  those  sta- 
tioned to  a  howitzer,  for  their  steady  good  conduct. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

G.  II.  L.  DUNDAS,  Captain. 

SirJoslaf,  Rozuky,  Bart.  Captain  of  II. M.S.  America. 

*  America,  Armada,  .Edinburgh,  Imperiease,  Furieuse,  Rainbow,  Termagant, 
and  ;Vi',Tiuaid, 


172  NATAL  HISTOEY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1&14. 

Return  of  killed  and  wounded  Seamen  and  Marines  of  his  Majesty's  Ships 
off  Leghorn,  14th  December,  1813. 

America. — James  Moodie,  lieutenant,  drowned  by  the  swamping  of  a 
btiar.  on  the  13th  December  ;  George  White,  able  seaman,  ditto  ;  William 
Ford,  able  seaman,  ditto. 

Armada. — Richard  (jorton,  private  marine,  severely  wounded  ;  John 
Sueli,  ditto,  dangerously  wounded  ;  Robert  Clark,  ditto,  severely 
wounded. 

Edinburgh.— Emanuel  Key,  private  marine,  dangerously  wounded  ; 
Richard  Wilson,  ditto,  severely  wounded  ;  Christopher  Robson,  ditto, 
slightly  wounded. 

Jmperieusc. — William  Vaughan,  private  marine,  slightly  wounded. 

Rainbow.— Captain  Hamilton,  slightly  wounded  ;  Samuel  Page,  marine, 
killed;  John  Todd,  master's-mate,  severely  wounded. 

Termagant. — James  Rowley,  marine,  severely  wounded ;  Robert 
Williams,  ditto,  severely  wounded. 

Total — 1  killed,  3  drowned,  11  wounded. 

JOSIAS  ROWLEY,  Captain. 
E.  F.  BROMLEY,  Surgeon. 

JANUARY    29. 

Admiral  Sir  John  Warren  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 
a  letter  from  Captain  Brown,  of  II.  M.S.  Loire,  giving  an  account  of  his 
having,  on  the  10th  of  December,  captured  the  Rolla,  American  privateer, 
of'  five  guns  and  eighty  men,  out  the  night  before  from  Newport. 

And  also  the  following  letters,  forwarded  to  the  admiral  by  Captain 
Barrie,  of  the  Dragon,  senior  officer  in  the  Chesapeak,  viz. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Cator,  of  his  Majesty's  sloop  Actason,  dated  29d 
September,  reporting  his  having  landed  with  a  party  of  marines  in  Lynha^ 
ven  Bay,  and  destroyed  a  barrack  of  the  enemy,  with  all  the  military 
stores,  after  a  short  action  with  a  body  of  American  dragoons  and  infantry 
stationed  there,  in  which  nine  of  the  enemy  were  taken,  and  several  killed 
or  xvounded,  with  the  loss  of  only  one  marine  badly  wounded. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Jackson,  of  II.  M.S.  Lacedemonian,  dated  23d 
September,  stating  the  destruction  of  several  American  vessels,  by  the 
boats  of  the  above  ship,  and  Mohawk  sloop,  in  C'hereton  and  King's 
Creeks.  The  enemy  assembled  in  numbers  on  the  shore,  but  were  scat- 
tered by  the  fire  from  the  boats,  with  the  loss  of  from  twenty  to  thirty 
killed  and  wounded  ;  one  man  in  the  boats  was  killed,  and  two  wounded. 

A  letter  from  Lieutenant  Pedlar,  of  the  Dragon,  dated  the  5th  Novem- 
ber, giving  an  account  of  his  having,  with  the  boats  of  that  ship  and 
Sophie  sloqp,  brought  out,  without  loss,  three  American  vessels,  from  it 
creek  in  the  River  Potowmak. 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Captain  Manscll,  of  his  Majesty's  Simp  Pdicarj, 
addressed  to  Vice-admiral  Sauyer,  and  transmitted  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.  M.  Sloop  Pelican,  Plynouth,  January  20,  1814. 

I  beg  to  acquaint  you,  that,  on  the  13th  instant,  1  captured,  after  a 
chase  of  twelve  hours,  the  American  schooner  Siro,  letter  of  marque,  of 
225  tons  burthen,  mounting  twelve  nine  pounders,  with  -19  men,  and  a 
cargo  of  cotton,  from  South  Carolina,  bound  to  Bourdc;!ux  ;  is  a  -fe- 
inarkably  fast-sailing  vessel,  quite  new,  picrred  for  sixteen  guns,  coppered, 
and  copper- fastened,  had  bet-n  chased  by  several  of  our  cruisers,  but 
escaped  by  her  superior  sailing,  and  was  intended  to  cruise  fur  the  annoy- 
ance of  our  trade.  1  have  the  honour  to  be,  iS:c. 

THUS.  iMAXSELL. 
To  Vice-admiral  Sawyer,  Commander-in-chief,  $c.  Cvrk. 


173 

FEBRUARY    1. 

Admiral  Lord  Keith  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  a 
letter  from  Captain  Tobin,  of  II.  M.S.  Andromache,  giving  an  account  of 
his  having,  on  the  18th  of  January,  captured,  otf  Bourdeaux,  the  Fair 
American  ship  letter  of  marque,  of  four  guns  and  nineteen  men,  bound 
from  Boston  to  France. 


promotions  ant!  appointments. 

Captains,  &c.  appointed 

Edward  Lloyd,  to  the  Raven;  John  Coode,  to  tl;e  Porcupine;  A; 
M'Meckan,  to  the  Griper  ;  Charles  Mitchell,  to  the  Savage ;  Lord  George 
Stuart,  to  the  Newcastle ;  John  Hancock,  to  the  Liffy;  Matthew  Smith,  to 
the  Nymphea ;  Lord  Cochrane,  to  the  Tonnant. 

Lieutenants,  &c.  appointed. 

P.  C.  Anstruther,  to  the  Basilisk  ;  Lieutenat  John  Hewett,  to  he  a  com- 
mander ;  D.  Buchan,  to  the  Sprightly ;  J.  Jackson,  to  the  Spencer;  J. 
Waldron,  to  the  Hope;  E.  Gordon,  to  the  Barossa;  W.  Stuck,  to  the 
Espoir  ;  T.  Rohbins,  to  the  Conflict ;  H.  Belson,  to  the  Sybille  ;  J.  Strover, 
to  be  a  lieutenant,  and  to  the  Marlbro' ;  R.  Iloiman,  to  the  Salvador ;  A. 
Wilson,  to  the  Elephant;  J.Derby,  to  command  the  Genereux,  prisori- 
sln'p  ;  T.  W.  Davis,  to  the  Pomone  ;  John  Hickraan,  to  the  Redwing;  W. 
B.  Weekes,  to  the  Regulus ;  Nicholas  Tomlinson,  to  the  Hazard ;  J.  I> 
Lauzan,  to  the  Dannemark  ;  Charles  (iolroyd,  to  the  Badger  ;  Hon.  James 
Boyle,  to  the  Barfleur ;  H.  D.  C.  Douglas,  to  the  St.  Domingo ;  James 
Quinton,  to  the  Trident;  G-  B.  Burton,  and  Sylvester  Austin,  to  the  Ton- 
nant; William  Curlewis,  to  the  Warrior;  Nathaniel  Barwell,  to  the 
Wizard;  John  Chainberhyne,  to  the  Weazle  ;  John  Lihon,  C.  D.  Jeremy, 
J.  B.  Tartnell,  and  Thomas  Studdert,  to  the  Tonnant ;  Alexander  Bucha- 
nan, *o  the  Barracoutta ;  J.  H.  Belliars,  to  tlie  St.  Juan  ;  Charles  Crole, 
to  the  Rodney  ;  Stephen  Dillon,  to  the  Carnation  ;  Robert  Brash,  to  the 
Nisus;  George  Burt,  to  the  Sylph;  Christopher  Beer,  to  the  Shark;  WiU 
liam  Henry  Brand,  to  the  Ganymede;  James  Richard  Booth,  to  the  Gor- 
gon; William  Berkitr  (2),  to  the  St.  Domingo;  John  Coleman,  to  the  In* 
constant;  Alexander  Murray,  to  the  Espoir;  Marshall  Hoyle,  to  the  Tri- 
dent ;  Francis  Hallowes,  to  the  Zenobia  ;  Robert  B.  Fenwicke,  to  the  St. 
Josef;  S.  R.  VVeddle,  to  the  St.  Juan  ;  John  Murray  (3),  to  the  America  ; 
John  Coleman  (2),  to  the  Princess  Carolina ;  RobertSnell  (2),  to  the  Bom- 
bay ;  William  Trotter,  to  the  Astrea ;  William  r'aimer,  to  the  Rollaj 
Henry  Love,  to  the  Cydnus  ;  Jenkin  Jones,  to  the  Pomp£e ;  J.  F.  J.  Dixon, 
to  the  Magicienne  ;  Jonathan  Faulknor,  to  the  Statira  ;  Jos.  Bailey,  to  the 
Nautilus;  Stephen  Hodge,  to  the  Wolverene:  Joseph  Smith,  to  tht 
Ulysses;  Charles  Maitland,  to  the  Esk;  S.  M.  Colquhoun,  to  the  Queen 
Charlotte  ;  Henry  Nason,  to  the  Tigre;  Henry  E.  Etough,  to  the  Chanti- 
cleer; Robert  II.  Storck,  to  the  Insolent;  Robert  Watts,  to  the  Warrior; 
Robert  Gore,  to  the  Horatio  ;  Thomas  Stone,  to  the  Horatio  ;  John  Camp- 
bell (4),  to  the  Apelles;  Edward  Collins,  to  the  Challenger;  Harry  Wil- 
ton, to  the  Gritlbn;  John  Lyons,  to  the  Ville  de  Paris  ;  John  Bull,  to  the 
Thracian  ;  Richard  Soper,  to  the  Brilomart ;  W.  A.  Baumgardt,  to  the 
Queen  Charlotte ;  Rawdon  M'LeaH,  to  the  Royal  Sovereign ;  Michael 
Bahb,  and  Charles  Sterling,  to  the  Spencer;  Frederick  Marryatt,  to  the 
Newcastle ;  Benjamin  Smart,  to  the  Pomone ;  Richard  Hetherington,  to 
the  Martial  ;  Robert  Hohnan,  to  the  Salvador;  Robert  Forster,  to  th« 
Tonnant ;  William  Gray,  to  the  Snipe ;  James  Stone  (2),  to  the  Rolla ; 
John  James  Hough,  to  theEgmont:  Thomas  Alexander  Watt,  to  the  Spen- 
cer; Watkin  William  Little,  totheTagus;  W.G.Roberts,  to  the  Asia; 


174  NAVAL    HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814* 

Thomas  Moubray,  to  the  Surprize;  William  Downey,  to  the  Carrion; 
Francis  Brace,  to  the  Berwick  ;  Roger Longlands,  to  the  Pilot;  John  llnd- 
son,  to  the  Repulse  ;  Patrick  Wallis,  to  th-.  Romulus  ;  Georgr  Palmer,  to 
theBriseis;  Harry  B.  Richards,  to  the  Leveret;  John  B.  Joyce,  to  the 
Caledonia;  Arthur  Fanshawe,  to  the  Endymion  ;  Jnmes  Richard  Booth,  to 
the  Gorgon  ;  James  Poad,  to  the  Scipion  ;  Horatio  B.  Cock,  to  the  Griffon ; 
Hon.  F.  Napier,  to  the  Snake ;  William  Muriel,  to  the  Mermaid  ;  James 
Murray  (2J,  to  the  Mcnelaus ;  James  Lew,  to  the  Mermaid  ;  John  S. 
Rowlands,  to  the  Jasper;  Charles  Keith,  to  the  Antelope;  Joseph  Mar- 
shall (l),  to  the  Onyx  ;  Joseph  Marshall  (2),  to  the  Venus  :  Francis  Hal- 
lowes ;  to  the  Zenohia;  John  Morrison  (2),  to  the  Onyx  ;  William  Keats, 
to  the  Partridge ;  William  Caswell,  to  the  Plantagenet:  Patrick  Wiig  lit, 
to  the  Ramillies;  W.  P.  Green,  to  the  Resolute;  George  Bury,  to  the 
Ringdove ;  W.  B.  Dohson,  to  the  Royal  Sovereign ;  Richard  James,  to 

the  Royalist;    Theed,  to  the   Superb;    James   F.Fletcher,  to    the 

Achilie  ;  Charles  H.  Crookc,  to  the  President ;  Robert  Scalloii,  to  the  Na- 
rnur;  Edward  Dillon,  to  the  Lyra;  Mark  Haynham,  to  the  Ceylon  ;  James 
F.  Arnold,  to  the  Puissant ;  Richard  Rason,  to  the  Cretan  ;  Thomas 
Pickernell,  to  the  Oberon  ;  Thomas  Davis,  to  the  I'oiuonc  ;  A.  II.  Wilson, 
to  the  Abercromby  ;  Robert  Forester,  to  the  York;  John  Wilson,  anil 
George  Tyrrell,  to  the  Newcastle. 

Masters  appointed. 

J.  Britton,  to  the  Hotspur;  J.  Caiger,  to  the  Redwing  ;  J.  Jay,  to  the 
Magnificent;  J.  Crear,  to  the  Cherokee;  J.  Johnson,  to  the  Am;  T.  Trel- 
wing,  to  the  IJydra;  J.  Mills,  to  the  Newcastle;  G.  Dujaiden,  to  the 
Dauntless;  E.  R.  Wilde,  to  the  Carron;  J.C.Atkinson,  to  the  Penguin; 
J.  B.  North,  to  the  Rosario;  W.  Balliston,  to  the  Spencer;  W.  Craig,  to 
the  Erebus;  W.  Sheehan,  to  the  Myrtle;  T.Phillips,  to  the  Horatio;  II. 
Langon,  to  the  Tonnant;  J.  Park,  to  the  Porpoise;  D.  Bulberney,  to  the 
Colossus;  J.  Finlayson,  to  the  Nymphen  ;  J.  Lewis,  to  the  Sultan  j  C. 
Cleveland,  to  the  Mnros;  A.Chalmers,  to  the  Terror;  W.  White  (2),  to 
the  Venus ;  A.  Lyall,  to  the  Wanderer ;  T.  Miller,  to  tiie  Thais  ;  W. 
Smith  (2),  to  the  Espiegle;  H.  Howell,  to  the  Barossa;  J.  Barrie,  to  the 
Melpoflfnene ;  M.  Coleman,  to  the  Defence;  J.M' Donald,  to  the  Puissant; 
J.  Kitchener,  Royal  Sovereign. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

Sheerness. — Robert  Robinson,  Hqn.  G.  K.  Barnngton,  W.  II.  Brady, 
George  Gregory. 

Portsmouth. — William   Hewitt,  W.  B.  M'Leroth,  W.  Clarinsrbodd,  J. 
P.  Elston,  Henry  Bayficld,  VV.  G.  White,  G.  II.  M'Dougall,  11. C.  Gordon. 
Plymouth— Richard  Drake,  Augustus  Henniker,  William  Brian,  Edward 
Houghton. 

Surgeons,  &c.  appointed. 

Henry  Barnes,  to  the  Terror;  P.  Henry,  to  the  Vulture;  R.  Gillespie, 
to  the  Esk ;  James  Brown,  to  the  Carron;  Isaac  Johnson,  to  the  Hlakc, 
prison  ship;  John  Grant  (2),  to  the  Atlas;  Thomas  Reed,  to  the  Strom- 
bolo;  Ptter  Cunningham,  to  the  Barbados;  J.  P. O'Bernc,  to  the  Renown, 
prison  hospital  ship;  Robert  Crowe,  to  the  Temcraire  ;  Charles  Kent,  to 
the  Fylla  ;  James  Stewart,  to  the  Rinaldo;  George  Ilogan,  to  the  Had^rr ; 
\V.  Dickson,  to  the  forces  in  South  Bevcland  ;  John  Forbts  (2j,  to  the  Ve- 
nerable ;  J.O.Martin,  to  the  Leander;  Henry  Hall,  to  the  Espciale  ; 
Elias  Ryall,  to  the  Insolent;  Alic-k  Osborne,  to  the  Tigress;  Robert  Scott, 
to  the  Bahama;  John  Richardson,  to  the  1st  Battalion  Royal  Marine*; 
James  Guthrie,  to  the  Spencer  ;  John  Dnke,  to  the  Barossa  ;  John  Mor- 
gan (2),  to  the  Espoir;  Thomas  Thomas  (2),  to  the  Peruvian;  William  M. 
Kennedy,  to  the  Liberty  ]. i  ig  ;  William  Rogers,  to  the  Dover  ;  Alexander 


NAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   FRESENT    YEAR,    1814,  175 

nirvan,  to  the  Sullan;  Robert  Abbott,  to  the  Levant;  John  Strang,  to  the 
Galgo  ;  James  Arnott,  to  the  Rosamond. 

Assistant-surgeons,  &c.  appointed. 

J.  M'Ennally,  to  the  Warrior;  P.  Butler,  to  the  Havock  ;  Alexander 
Linton,  to  the  Protector ;  David  Grier,  to  the  Chatham;  J.  H.  Dalziel,  to 
the  Hearty ;  James  Gregory,  to  the  Regulus  ;  Joseph  Reardon,  to  the  Re- 
nown ;  James  Lawrence,  to  the  Caton,  prison  hospital  ship  ;  James  M'Al- 
pine,  to  the  Ville  de  Paris  ;  James  Cuthbert,  to  the  Penelope ;  D.  B.  Con- 
way  to  be  hospital-male  at  Haslar;  John  Edwards,  to  the  Venus;  Aliek 
Osborne,  to  the  Mnninouth;  J.  M.  Madden,  to  the  Malabar;  Thomas 
Connolly,  10  be  hospital-mate  at  Mill  Prison  ;  Samuel  Irvine,  to  be  hospi- 
tal mate  at  the  same  place  ;  James  Robertson,  to  be  hospital-mate  at  Port- 
chester  Castle  ;  Samuel  Irvine,  to  the  Spencer  ;  Francis  Marsh,  to  the 
Newcastle  ;  Maurice  Roberts,  to  the  Tigre  ;  J.  Reardon,  to  the  Spencer  ; 
Alexander  Anderson,  to  be  hospital-mate  at  Mill  Prison  ;  John  lliddell,  to 
the  Barbara ;  Law  M  Kay,  to  the  Teazer ;  E.  A.  Smith,  to  the  Abundwnce ; 
IN.  Morris,  to  the  Thisbe  ;  J.  Glencorn,  to  the  Sussex,  hospital-ship  ;  Wm. 
Aitkin,  to  the  Bramble;  Wm.  Whittaker,  to  the  Trusty,  port  hospital  ship"; 
John  Cameron,  to  the  Salvador. 

BIRTHS. 

On  the  18th  February,  the  lady  of  Rear-admiral  Malcolm,  of  a  son. 

20th  February,  the  lady  of  Sir  Peter  Parker,  Bart.  R.N.  was  safely  deli- 
vered of  a  son. 

At  Bath,  the  lady  ef  the  Hon.  Rear-admiral  Gardner,  of  a  son. 

At  Sandwich,  the  lady  of  Capt.  Warren,  R.N.  of  a  daughter. 

At  Kingston  Crescent,  Portsea,  the  lady  of  Capt.  Balibur,  of  H. M.S. 
Woodlark,  of  a  son. 

MARRIAGES. 

Captain  Sir  James  Dunbar,  of  Boath,  North  Britain,  to  the  eldest 
daughter  of  J.  Coul,  Esq.  of  Ashgrove. 

At  Plymouth  Dock,  Lieutenant  William  Lowcay,  of  H.M.S.  Trazer,  to 
Miss  Lawrence,  sister  of  Captain  John  Lawrence,  of  H.  M.  sloop  Fautome. 

On  the  2d  February,  Captain  Kains  (late  first  lieutenant  of  the  Warrior), 
to  Miss  Gold,  of  Giliingham. 

On  the  12th  February,  at  St.  George,  Southwark,  Lieutenant  Samuel 
Kentish,  R.N.  to  Miss  Barnes,  only  daughter  of  Peter  Barnes,  Esq.  of 
Surry  Place,  Kent  Road. 

Mr.  Lemon,  purser  R.N.  to  Mrs.  Lemon,  widow  of  Mr.  J.  Lemon,  late 
quartcrmau  of  Plymouth  Dock-yard. 

Lately,  at  Lisktard,  Robert  P.  Hillyar,  Esq.  surgeon  in  his  Majesty's 
royal  navy,  to  Miss  Bennicke,  widow  of  William  Bennicke,  Esq.  lutcofCal- 
liugton. 

DEATHS. 

On  the  23d  of  June,  1813,  at  Hill's  Place,  Lucca,  Ja.miica,  Mrs.  Sarah 
Hill,  a  lady  whose  amiable  qualities  most  justly  entitled  her  to  the  love  and 
fsteeiii  of  all  those  who  had  the  happiness  of  her  acquaintance:  an  inter- 
mittent ffver,  which  occasioned  extreme  debility,  closed  tht:  life  of  this 
valued  and  truly  virtuous  woman.  She  was  mother-in-law  to  Captain 
Paterson,  R.N. 

Killed,  on  board  a  tender  belonging  to  H.M.S.  Poictiers,  whilst  in  action 
•with  an  enemy's  vessel  up  the  Chesapeake,  Mr.  Henry  Morris,  master's- 
mate,  a  promising  youth  of  great  courage,  and  of  an  enterprising  and  deter- 
mined spirit. 

In  January,  at  his  lodgings  in  London,  of  a  consumption,  Mr.  Benjamin 
Emerson,  late  surgeon  R.X. 

At  Exeter,  Captain  John  Stockhnm,  RAT.  Tie  was  first  lieutenant  of  the 
Thunderer,  of  74  guns,  at  the  battle  of  Trafalgar  ;  which  ship  he  fought  on 
that  memorable  day  (the  Captain  being  called  to  England  on  a  court-mar- 


178  V\TA^  HISTOUY  OF  tHE  PnESENT1  YEAR, 


tial),  anr.     frr  'his  gallant   conduct  was   shortly  after  promoted   to  tljp 
rank  of  rest  captain,  and  presented  with  a  sword  by  the  Committee  ad  Lloyd's, 

On  tne  21st  of"  Jariuitry,  at  Plymouth,  Mrs.  Price,  wife  of  Captain  John 
Price,  RN.: 
>    On  thr22d  of  January  ,.  at  Plymouth,  Mrs.  Brice*  wifeofC:ipt.'Brice,  R.N. 

On  the  S3d  of  January,  at  Ayr(  Scotland,  John  Morrison,  seaman  ;  and, 
en  the  18th,  Elizalieth  Wallace,  his  wife,  both  'aged  86,  having  "been  53 
years  married. 

.    On  the  24th  of  January,  in  Portlandrsquare,  G.  Gregory.  Esq.  rear-admi- 
ral of  the  red. 

On  the  8th  of  February,  1814,  at  Bah'.rxgown  Castle,  county  of  Ros% 
Lieutenant-general  Sir  Charles  Ross,  Bart,  colonel  of  the  37  ih  regiment  of 
foot,  and  eldest  son  of  the  late  Admiral  Sir  John  Lockhart  Ross,  of  Balnn- 
gown,  Bart. 

On  the  16th  of  February,  at  his  residence  in  Torpoint,  near  Plymouth, 
John  Stephens  Hull,  Esq.  vice-admiral  of  the  blue,  aged  66  years.  —  This 
.officer  was  made  post,  21st  September  1790  ;  a  rear-admiral,  28th  April 
1808  ;  and  vice-adaiiral  of  the  blue  in  1812. 

Lately,  J.  A.  Norway,  Esq.  a  commander  in  the  R.X.  —  lie  commanded 
the  Montague  packet,  and  was  killed  \vhen  that  vessel  beat  off  the  American 
privateer  Globe,  off  the  Western  Islands.  • 

"  England  expects  that  every  man  will,  do  his  duty;"  but  England  ex- 
pects also  to  know  when  every  man  has  done  his  dtity  :  and  that  she  will  hear 
it,  whether  it  is  the  poor  sailor  before  the  mail,  or  him  whose  flag  flies  at 
the  main,  is  England's  boast  and  glory.  .England  is  the  fostering  mother  of 
.alJ  her  heroes;  let  her  then  publish  the,  deeds  tiiqt  are  done,  while  they  set 
a  bright  example  to  her  sons.  The  following  letter  pays  the  tribute  due  to 
the  gallant  youth,  who  had  juBt  reached  his  eighteenth  year,  who  fell  in  an 
.enterprise,  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant'  Sweedland,  first  of  the  Ber- 
wick, and  whose  dying  words  would  have  graced  a  Nelson. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Brace,  of  tf.AJ.S.   Berztick,  lo  Admiral 
llmvkms  Whitsfied. 

Berwick,  nt  Sea,  Dec.  12,  1813. 

,  "  MY  DEAR  SIR.  —  From  the  nature  of  your  last  letter,  on  the  serious  ill- 
.  ness  nf  your  son  James,  I  am  led  to  hope  that  your  mind  will  bear  with 
tolerable  fortitude  the  afflicting  news  it  is  my  unhappy  situation  to  have  to 
communicate  —  the  loss  of  that  amiable  and  much-to-be-lamente>d  youth, 
\\hosepoodnessofheart  was  alone  rivalled  by  his  course.  He  unfortu- 
nately fell  in  the  morning  of  tl.e  1  1th  instant,  when  attempting  to  haard  thfc 
second  srhooner  in  Negate,  by  a  musket-ball  passing  through  his  head.  His 
last  words  were,  "  Carry  her  if  you  can  :  I  am  no  more."  He  lived  as  he 
Hied,  beloved  and  adored  bv  his  shipmates;  and  no  feeling  mind  passing 
that  of  a  parent,  can  more  sjnceYely  deplore  his  loss  thau  the  unhappy  being 
tiiat  addresses  you.  How  truly  nnd  sensibly  do  I  feel  for  you,  Mrs.  Whir- 
s!.e<l  and  family,  to  whom  1  ran  offer  no  consolation  bevond  that  ot  his 
falling  in  n  glorious  way,  in  the  service  of  his  country.  I  am,  my  dear  Sir, 
with  kind  remembrance  to  Mrs.  Whitshed  and  family,  your  obliged  and 
faithful  Friend  E.  BRACE, 

James  Bentinck  Hawkins  Whitshed  wns-the  eldest  son  of  Admiral  H.  Whitsherl, 
and  was  under  the  orders  of  that  gallant  officer,  Lieutenant  Ssvtedlund,  on  a  simi- 
lar enterprise  a  few  months  past,  and  whose  youthful  mind  gare  hiyh  pronm'', 
'inder  the  car^,  direction  and  example  of  his  distinguished  captain,  of  becoming 
an  ornament  to  his  profession  and  of  possessing  those  virtues*  eminently  ci>;>- 
?pirnoii<«  in  the  Orticer  who«e  fate  he  shared,  whilst  his  disconsolate  parents  feel 
a  melancholy  consolation  in  the  bravery  he  displayed,  and  the  glory  which  he 
shared.  They  deeply  mourn  his  loss;  and  in  humble  resignation  bend  to  the 
v.ili  of  Divine  Providence,  that  snatched  him  from  an  adoring  family. 

»~Se«  p.  88.  ~7~ 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOIR 

OF 

SIR    GEORGE    YOUNG,   KNT. 


ADMIRAL     OF    THE    WHITE. 


*  His  fair  renown  shall  never  fade  away, 

Nor  shall  the  mention  of  Ms  uame  decay." 

GEORGE  YOUNG,  Esq.  the  grandfather  of  this  officer, 
resided  at  Hal  well,  in  Blackmore  Forest,  Dorsetshire,  and 
had  issue  seven  sons  ;  of  whom  the  eldest,  the  Rev.  George  Young, 
was  a  clergyman  at  Bere  Regis  •  and,  by  Eleanor  his  wife,  daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  Knowles,  of  Froster's  Dountain,  near  Eastingfon, 
in  Gloucestershire,  had  issue  several  sons,  and  a  daughter,  Eliza, 
beth,  who  became  the  wife  of  Charlus  Broughton,  Esq.  The 
sons  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Young  were — 1st,  George,  the  subject  of 
this  memoir  ;  of  whom  hereafter  ;  'Zd,  Robert,  lieutenant  in  the 
navy,  and  captain  in  the  Hon.  East  India  Company's  ship  Van- 
sittart,  who  died  in  17825  leaving  a  daughter  ;  3d,  Thomas,  late 
storekeeper  at  Feversham,  in  Kent,  who  died  without  issue  ia 
1810  ;  and,  4th,  James,  late  an  officer  in  the  marines. 

George  Young,  the  eldest  son,  was  born  at  Painswick,  in 
Gloucestershire,  June  17,  1732;  and  went  to  sea  in  1745,  in  the 
Namur,  with  Air.iiral  Boscawen  ;*  to  whose  notice,  we  under- 
stand,  he  was  recommended  by  the  late  Admiral  the  Hon.  John 
Forbes.  +  How  he  came  to  remove,  we  know  not ;  but  he  after- 
wards sailed  under  Sir  Charles  Saunders,  |  and  was  honoured  by 
his  public  thanks,  for  the  coolness,  intrepidity,  and  ability,  which 
he  evinced  in  several  engagements. 

By  a  certificate  from  Captain  Roberts,  commander  of  the  Prince 
of  Wales  East  Indiaman,  dated  December  20,  1757,  we  find  that 
he  had  served  with  great  credit  as  midshipman  in  that  ship  ;  but  we 
have  no  knowledge  of  the  length  of  time  that  he  acted  in  that 
capacity. 

In  the  year  1758  he  came  again  under  the  command  of  Admiral 

•  See  N.C.  Vol.  VII.       f  See  N.C.  Vol.  XXV.       +  See  N.C.  Vol.  VIII. 
?Tj>-on.  flol,  XXXI.  A  A 


178  KAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

Boscawen,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  distingaishing  himself  at  the 
famous  siege  of  Louisbourg,  in  the  York,  Captain  (afterwards 
Admiral)  Hugh  Pigot.  On  the  25th  of  July,  about  noon,  Ad- 
miral Boscawen,  observing  that  all  the  ships  in  the  harbour  had 
been  destroyed,  except  two,  viz.  the  Prudent  and  the  Bienfaisant, 
ordered  two  boats  (a  barge  and  pinnace,  or  cutter)  from  every 
ship  of  the  fleet  (except  the  Northumberland,  an  invalid).  These, 
manned  only  with  their  proper  crews,  and  armed  with  muskets  and 
bayonets,  cutlasses,  pistols,  and  pole-axes,  each  boat  under  the 
direction  of  a  lieutenant  and  mate,  or  midshipman,  rendezvoused 
at  the  admiral's  ship :  from  thence  they  were  detached,  by  two's 
and  three's  at  a  time,  to  join  those  of  Sir  Charles  Hardy's  squa- 
dron, off  the  month  of  the  harbour.  There  they  were  in  the 
•evening,  ranged  in  two  divisions,  under  the  command  of  the  two 
senior  masters  and  commanders  in  the  fleet,  the  Captains  Laforey 
and  Bui  four. 

In  this  order  they  put  off  from  Sir  Charles's  squadron  about 
twelve  o'clock,  and  by  the  advantage  of  the  foggy  darkness  of  the 
night,  and  the  inviolable  silence  of  their  people,  paddled  into  the 
harbour  of  Louisbowrg,  unperceived  cither  by  the  island  battery 
they  were  obliged  to  come  very  near  to,  or  by  the  two  men  of 
war  that  rode  at  anchor  at  no  great  distance  from  them.  There 
was  no  probability  of  their  being  perceived  from  any  part  of 
the  garrison,  not  only  on  account  of  their  greater  distance,  but 
also  of  the  preconcerted  brisk  diversion,  made  upon  them  from  all 
our  batteries  about  that  time.  Besides,  the  besieged  themselves 
left  nobody  an  opportunity  to  hear  any  noise  :  for,  from  having 
in  the  day-time  observed  the  numerous  scaling  ladders  that  were 
brought  into  our  trenches,  they  were  under  some  apprehensions  of 
an  escalade  intended  as  this  night,  and  kept  a  constant  fire  with 
their  musketry  from  the  ramparts  during  the  whole  time  ;  with  the 
design,  if  possible,  to  deter  the  besiegers  from  that  attempt,  by 
shewing  them  how  well  they  were  upon  their  guard  in  all  the 
places  where  it  could  probably  be  mado. 

During  this  seeming  security  and  prudent  precaution  on  both 
sides,  the  bold  stratagem  of  the  boats,  for  surprising  the  two  re- 
maining ships  in  the  enemy's  harbour,  every  moment  ripened  for 
the  execution.  After  pushing  in  as  far  almost  as  the  grand  bat- 
tery, lest  the  ships  should  be  too  soon  alarmed  by  their  oars;  they 


SIR    GEORGE    YOUNG,   KNT.  17g 

took  a  sweep  from  thence  towards  the  part  of  the  bafboar  *here 
the  gentlemen  knew  the  ships  were,  who  had  before  very  well  re- 
conuoitred  it — and  presently  discovered  them.  Each  division  of 
the  boats  was  no  sooner  within  sight  and  hail  »f  the  noble  object 
of  their  attempt,  Captain  Laforey's,  of  Le  Prudent,  and  Captain 
Balfour's,  of  Le  Bienfaisant,  than,  while  the  sentinels  on  board, 
having  hailed  them  in  vain,  began  to  fire  on  them,  each  of  the 
commanders  ordered  his  boats  to  give  way  alongside  their  respec- 
tive ships,  and  to  board  them  immediately  with  all  the  expedition 
and  good  order  they  could  observe. 

The  boats  crews,  no  longer  able  to  contain  themselves  in  silence, 
after  their  manner,  gave  loud  cheers  as  they  were  pulling  up 
alongside,  and  with  the  most  intrepid  activity,  followed  their 
brave  leaders,  and  boarded  the  ships  in  an  instant,  with  great 
spirit,  on  each  bow,  quarter,  and  gangway — and  after  very  little 
resistance  from  the  terrified  crews,  soon  found  themselves  in 
possession  of  two  fine  ships  of  the  enemy,  one  of  74,  and  one 
of  61  guns,  with  the  loss  of  very  few  of  the  seamen,  and  but 
one  mate. 

The  besieged  were  now  sufficiently  alarmed  on  all  sides,  by  the 
noise  of  the  seamen  at  boarding  ;  the  cheers  leaving  them  no  room 
to  doubt  that  it  was  from  English  seamen,  and  the  direction  of  the 
confused  sound  of  voices  and  firing  afterwards,  soon  leading  them 
to  suspect  the  real  fact,  an  attempt  upon  their  ships.  The  heroic, 
successful  adventurers  were  employed  in  securing  their  prisoners 
in  the  ships*  holds,  and  concerting  the  most  effectual  me- 
thods for  securing  their  prizes  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enraged 
enemy  ;  when  both  the  ships  and  boats  received  a  most  furious  fire 
of  cannon,  mortars,  and  muskets,  from  all  parts  fromwhich-it 
could  be  directed  to  them,  from  the  island  battery  at  no  great 
distance,  from  the  battery  on  Point  Maurepas  a  little  farther  off, 
and  from  all  the  guns  of  the  garrison  that  could  be  brought  to 
bear  on  that  part  of  the  harbour. 

After  endeavouring  in  vain  to  tow  off  Le  Prudent,  they  found 
she  was  a-ground,  with  several  feet  water  in  her  hold.  There 
now  remained  nothing  in  their  power  to  do,  to  prevent  her  being 
recovered  by  the  enemy,  but  to  set  her  on  fire— which  they  did 
•with  all  possible  expedition,  leaving  alongside  her  a  large  schooner, 
and  her  own  boats,  for  her  people  to  escape  in  to  the 


180  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

which  was  at  no  great  distance  from  her.  On  board  of  this  ship 
they  found  a  deserter  from  our  camp,  who  was  killed  in  the  little 
bustle  at  our  people's  taking  possession  of  her,  and  by  that  means 
rescued  from  the  ignominious  execution  of  military  justice. 

The  boats  from  Le  Prudent  now  joined  the  others  about 
Le  Bienfaisant,  and  helped  to  tow  her  off  triumphantly  in  the 
midst  of  a  formidable  fire  from  the  mortified  enemy ;  which  they 
did  with  great  speed,  by  the  assistance  of  a  little  breeze,  and  what 
ragged  sails,  yards,  and  rigging,  she  had  left  of  any  service,  after 
the  constant  fire  she  had  so  long  received  from  our  batteries.  When 
they  had  thus  got  her  out  of  the  distance  and  direction  of  the 
enemy's  guns,  they  secured  her  till  the  next  day  by  a  hawser  in 
the  N.E.  harbour,  and  enjoyed  on  board  her  the  first  joyful  mo- 
ment's  leisure  of  securely  Congratulating  each  other  on  their  suc- 
cess and  safety  in  this  hazardous  enterprize. 

The  taking  of  these  two  ships  by  our  fleet's  boats  on  this  memo- 
rable occasion,  gave  conviction  to  the  whole  world,  that,  however 
arduous,  however  apparently  impracticable,  any  proposed  naval 
attempt  may  be,  English  seamen  are  not  to  be  deterred  from  it  by 
any  prospect  of  difficulty  or  danger,  but  will  exert  themselves  as 
far  as  men  can  do,  and  at  least  deserve  success,  when  led  on  to  it 
by  such  as  are  worthy  to  command  them.  The  bold  and  suc- 
cessful execution  of  this  enterprize,  with  the  preparations  made 
for  a  general  assault,  so  icrrified  the  garrison,  that  next  day  they 
surrendered. 

Mr.  Young  afterwards  served  with  Captain  Pigot  in  the  Orford 
and  Royal  William  ;  was  at  the  sieges  of  Quebec,  in  1759,*  and 
the  Havannah  +  in  1762  ;  and  in  this  last  affair  particularly  dis. 
tinguished  himself  at  the  storming  of  the  Moro  Castle. 

He  had,  previously  to  this,  that  is,  in  1761,  been  made  lieute- 
nant. In  1767  he  was  pro-noted  to  the  rank  of  commander,  and 
appointed  to  the  Ferret  sloop  of  war,  in  which  he  was  sent  to  the 
coast  of  Guinea.  He  afterwards  made  two  other  voyages  to 
Guinea,  in  the  Weazle  sloop  ;  and,  having  returned  for  the  third 

*  His  services  on  this  occasion,  both  by  sea  and  land,  obtained  enco- 
miums from  General  Wolfe,  v/hich  were  officially  communicated  to  his 
Majesty's  ministers. 

t  See  N.C.  Vol.  XVIII. 


SIR   GEORGE   YOUNG,    KNT.  ISj 

time,  had  the  coasting  station  assigned  him,  from  Portsmouth  to 
Milford  Haven. 

lu  1775,  the  unfortunate  Avar  with  the  American  colonies  broke 
out ;  toward  the  commencement  of  which  Captain  Young  had  the 
Alderney  sloop  on  the  Yarmouth  station.  In  1776,  he  went  to 
the  East  Indies  in  the  Cormorant  sloop  with  Sir  Edward  Vernon,* 
who  was  in  the  Rippon  ;  into  which  last  ship  he  was  made  post 
and  flag  captain,  November  7, 1777,  and  served  with  great  eclat,  f 
On  the  16th  of  March,  1779,  he  arrived  at  the  Admiralty  with  the 
despatches  from  Sir  Edward  respecting  the  capture  of  Pondicherry. 
"  I  have  (said  the  commodore)  appointed  Captain  Marlow,  of 
the  Coventry,  to  be  captain  of  the  Rippon,  in  the  room  of 
Captain  Young,  whom  I  have  thought  a  proper  person  to  take 
charge  of  my  despatches  for  their  Lordships,  and  his  Majesty's 
Secretary  of  State.  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  Captain  Yeung  to 
their  Lordships'  notice,  and  to  refer  them  to  him  for  any  further 
particulars  they  wish  to  be  informed  of,  respecting  the  operations 
of  this  last  campaign  in  India." 

The  captain  was  soon  after  appointed  to  the  William  and  Mary 
yacht,  and  had  the  distinguished  honour  of  taking  the  Prince  of 
Wales  to  the  Nore,  when  his  Majesty  reviewed  Admiral  Sir  Hyde 
Parker's  J  fleet;  on  which  occasion  he  received  the  honour  of 
knigh'thood,  August  24,  1781. 

Captain  Young  had  afterwards  the  Catherine  yacht ;  and  for  a 
short  time,  during  the  Prussian  armament,  commanded  the  Zealous, 
of  74  guns  ;  but  on  the  differences  being  settled  with  that  Court, 
lie  returned  to  the  yacljt,  which  he  held  till  his  promotion  to  a  flag, 
July  4,  1794.  His  subsequent  promotions  were,  Vice-admiral 
Feb.  14,  1799  ;  Admiral  of  the  Blue  April  23,  1804  ;  Admiral 
of  the  White  April  28,  1803. 

Sir  George  was  twice  married.  By  his  first  wife,  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Bradshaw,  of  Marlow,  in  the  county  of 
Buckingham,  Esquire  (which  lady  died  Feb.  19,  1779),  he  had 
issue  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  The  sons  were,  1st,  Sir  Samuel 
Young,  now  of  Formosa  Place,  Berks,  F.R.S.  and  F.A.S.  who 
v,  as  advanced  to  the  dignity  of  a  Baronet  by  letters  patent,  bearing 

*  Sec  N.C.  Vol.  IX. 

+  In  N.C.  Vol.  XVI.  p.  91,  note,  for  Wddf grate,  read  Yows, 

*  See  N.C.  Vol.  XX. 


182  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

date  November  3,  1«13.  [He  married,  in  1796,  Emily,  daugh- 
ter  of  Charles  Baring,  of  Exmouth,  in  Devonshire,  Esquire,  and 
has  issue  five  sons  ;  viz.  George,  a  midshipman  in  the  royal  navy  ; 
Charles-Baring,  Henry,  Horatio-Beauman,  and  William-Jack- 
son ;  and  two  daughters,  Emily  and  Lucy.]  The  second  son 
of  the  Admiral  -was  George-Forbes-Frecman,  a  lieutenant  in  the 
navy,  -who  circumnavigated  the  globe  in  the  Providence  as  second 
lieutenant,  and  died  unmarried  in  1799.  The  daughters  of  Sir 
George  were,  Lucia.Maria,  who  died  unmarried  in  1786  \  and 
Maria,  who  is  now  living. 

By  his  second  wife,  Anne,  daughter  of  William  Battie,  of 
London,  M.D.  Sir  George  had  no  issue.  This  lady  is  still  living. 

Sir  George  had  once,  in  the  exercise  of  his  profession,  received 
a  severe  wound  in  the  neck  ;  but  we  do  not  know  in  what  action  it 
happened. 

For  his  behaviour  at  the  siege  of  Lonisbourg  Sir  George  had 
received  a  medal  of  merit ;  bearing  on  one  side  a  representation  of 
the  cutting  out  of  the  Prudent  and  Bienfaisant,  superscribed 
Ltouisbourg  taken,  1758  ;  and  on  the  other,  an  allegorical  design, 
in  which  France  lies  prostrate  on  the  earth,  depressed  by  a  globe 
inscribed  Canada,  &c.  supported  by  a  British  sailor  and  soldier, 
surmounted  by  a  figure  of  Victory,  with  appropriate  emblems,  and 
the  motto  over  the  supporters,  Pariter  in  Bello. 

Sir  George  died,  at  his  seat,  Formosa  Place,  Berks,  June  28, 
1810,  aged  78,  and  was  buried  in  the  family  vault  at  Cookhara. 
He  was  one  of  the  best  of  men,  of  patriots,  and  of  officers,  as  the 
late  Captain  Edward  Thompson*  often  said.  So  said  also  our 
immortal  Nelson,  t  after  whom  one  of  Sir  George's  grandsons  has 
been  christened  Horatio.  He  was  likewise  held  in  high  esteem  by 
Admirals  Sir  John  Colpoys*  and  Bourmaster,  who  were  once 
lieutenants  in  the  same  ship  with  him  ;  we  think,  the  Phoenix,  of  44. 

For  many  of  the  latter  years  of  his  life,  Sir  George  was  either 
confined  by  gout,  or  bed-ridden  ;  and,  consequently,  his  King 
and  Country  had  been  deprived  of  his  services.  He  was  a  Fellow 
of  the  Royal  and  Antiquarian  Societies  ;  and  a  zealous  promoter 
of  many  public  charities.  It  was  he  who  first  proposed  the  plan 
of  the  establishment  at  Botany  Bay  ;  and  also  of  the  settlement  of 

*  See  N.C.  Vol.  VII.        t  Sec  N.C.  Vol.  III.       *  See  N.C.  Vol.  XI. 


.  XAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,   &C.  183 

Sierra  Leone,  of  which  Company  he  was  for  some  lime  a  Director ; 
but  withdrawing  in  consequence  of  his  not  approving  of  the  system 
adopted,  he  did  not  engage  in  public  business  afterwards. 

His  only  surviving  son,  Sir  Samuel  Young,  Bart,  inherits  all 
his  estates  and  funded  property.  His  widowed  lady  has  his  town, 
house  (built  by  her  father,  the  late  Dr.  Battie)  in  Great  Russel- 
street,  Bloomsbury,  in  addition  to  her  dowry  ;  and  his  daughter 
Maria  possesses  an  ample  fortune.  Among  other  legacies  to  rela- 
fires  and  friends,  Sir  George  willed  a  handsome  one  to  Admiral  Sir 
Thomas  Boulden  Thompson.* 

ARMS. — Per  fess  sable  and  argent,  in  chief  two  lions  passant  guardant  of 
the  last,  in  base  an  anchor  erect  proper. 

CHEST. — On  a  wreath  a  demi-unicorn  ermine,  armed  and  maned  or, 
gorged  with  a  naval  crown  azure,  and  holding  between  the  paws  an  anchor 
erect  proper. 

MOTTO.— Be  right,  and  persist. 


NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &c. 


ECROTAS    AND    CLORIKDE   FRIGATES. 

THE  CLorinde  is  one  of  the  finest  ships  of  her  class  in  the  French  navy, 
She  was  engaged  in  the  action  off  Madagascar,  wherein  La  Nereide 
and  Renommee  (Madagascar  and  late  Java)  were  taken,  but  made  her 
escape.  Her  commander,  Captain  St.  Cricq,  was  brought  before  a  Naval 
Court  of  Inquiry  for  deserting  his  companions,  and  sentenced  to  have  his 
epaulets  wrested  from  his  shoulders  in  the  presence  of  the  Court,  and  dis- 
missed the  French  service.  This  sentence  at  the  time  was  considered  a» 
extremely  harsh,  as  a  further  perseverance  on  the  part  of  Captain  St. 
Cricq  would  have  been  of  no  avail,  and  only  brought  about  the  loss  of  his 
ihip.  He  was  considered  as  the  victim  of  Buonaparte's  irritability.  We 
are  happy  to  learn  that  Captain  Phillimore  is  doing  well. 

When  the  Dryad  frigate,  Captain  Galway,  coming  from  Newfoundland, 
appeared  in  sight  of  the  Clorinde,  the  Frenchman  hoisted  his  colours,  low- 
ered  down  a  boat,  and,  putting  a  flag  of  truce  in  it,  he  sent  an  officer  to 
the  Dryad.  The  French  officer  acquainted  Captain  G«Iway  that  his  ship 
had  had  a  very  severe  action  with  an  English  frigate,  but  that  his  captain 
had  resources,  and  he  was  determined  not  to  surrender  his  ship,  unless 
Captain  G.  would  offer  him  terms  I  Captain  Galway  saw  the  Eurotas 
coming  down  under  jury-masts,  and  said  to  the  French  officer,  that  he  sup- 
posed the  frigate  to  the  windward  was  the  one  he  bad  engaged  :  he  said  h« 

»  See  N.C.  Vol.  XIV. 


184  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,   &C. 

did  not  know— it  might  be  so — Captain  Galway  told  him  he  had  no  other 
terms  to  propose  to  him,  than  to  proceed  immediately  to  his  ship  and  strike 
the  colours  ;  if  he  did  not,  he  should  soon  be  alongside  of  him,  and  then 
his  captain  might  use  his  resources.  None  other  reply,  we  are  persuaded, 
would  Captain  G.  have  given  the  Frenchman,  under  circumstances  the 
mqst  favourable  to  him.  As  the  Dryad  approached  the  Clorinde,  she  fired 
a  few  shot  at  her,  and  the  Frenchman  hauled  down  his  colours,  and  went 
on  board  the  Dryad  to  surrender  his  sword  to  Captain  G.  but  he  refused 
to  receive  it,  saying,  he  had  not  struck  to  the  Dryad,  but  was  the  prize  of 
the  frigate  coining  down  to  him,  meaning  the  Eurotas.  The  crafty  French- 
man denied  the  fact,  and  returned  to  his  ship,— The  Dryad  took  the  Clo- 
rinde in  tow,  and  being  under  orders  to  proceed  to  Spithead,  she  brought 
her  to  Portsmouth  ;  the  Eurotas  arrived  at  Plymouth.  We  regret  to  hear 
that  Captain  Phillimore's  wound  is  a  very  dangerous  one — a  grape  shot  in 
the  shoulder,  from  which,  it  is  apprehended,  he  will  lose  his  arm  :  the  ball 
jias  not  been  extracted.  He  set  a  noble  example  of  heroism  and  fortitude  ; 
although  he  was  .wounded  early  in  the  action,  he  refused  to  quit  the  deck, 
or  receive  any  assistance  from  Mr.  Jones,  the  surgeon— desiring  him  to 
attend  to  the  wounded  men. — Three  times  before  the  action  ceased,  Cap- 
tain P.  fainted  upon  the  deck,  which  he  did  not  leave  whilst  a  shot 
was  fired.  He  landed  at  Plymouth.  The.  Achates  brig,  Captain 
Morrison,  was  also  in  sight  when  the  Clorinde  struck.  The  Clorinde  was 
returning  to  Brest  from  a  four  months  cruise,  during  which  she  captured 
the  Townshend  packet,  from  the  Brazils,  and  eleven  other  prizes.  The 
Townshend  had  30,000/.  on  board,  which,  we  understand,  sunk  in  her. 
The  Clorinde  burnt  all  her  prizes.  The  Sirius  French  fiignte,  which  sailed 
from  Brest  with  her,  is  still  cruising.  The  Clorinde  is  a  frigate  of  the 
largest  class,  carrying  18-pounders  (French)  on  the  main-deck,  and  400 
men  :  the  Eurotas  24-pounders,  on  Congreve's  principles,  and  330  men. 

On  Thursday  morning  Lord  Keith  sent  his  barge  alongside  the  Eurotas, 
when  her  gallant  captain,  after  requesting  his  crew  not  to  cheer  him,  was 
lowered  in  bis  cot,  and  carefully  removed  to  the  Royal  Hospital,  accom- 
panied by  the  most  heartfelt  wishes  of  his  men  and  officers,  who  saw  him 
quit  the  ship  with  the  strongest  grief.— The  following  letter  has  been 
addressed  to  Captain  Phillimore  by  Lord  Keith,  which  we  are  enabled 
to  communicate  through  a  private  medium  : — 

SIR— I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  yesterday's  Half,  giving 
an  account  of  the  capture  of  La  Clorindu  French  frigate,  after  a  most  severe 
conflict,  on  the  evening  of  the  25th  ult.  between  her  and  the  ship  you  command; 
I  have  not  failed  to  represent  to  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  that 
the  action  reflects  the  highest  honour  upon  your  own  bravery  and  professional 
skill,  and  upon  that  of  your  officers  and  ship's  company. 

You  will  be  pleased  to  acquaint  them,  that  I  most  highly  approve  of  the  zeal 
and  good  conduct  which  they  have  shewn  on  tiie  occasion;  and  while  I  regret 
exceedingly  that  you  have  been  so  severely  wounded,  I  entertain  a  flattering 
hope  that  his  Majesty's  service,  aud  the  country  at  large,  will  not  long  be  de- 
prived of  your  valuable  services.  KEITH. 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &C. 


185 


WHALE   FISHERY. 

No  fewer  than  fifty-eight  vessels  have  been  fitted  out  at  the  port  of  Hall 
nlone,  for  the  Greenland  and  Davis'  Straits  whale  fishery,  this  season.  In 
consequence  of  the  great  importance  of  this  branch  of  trade,  and  the  exten- 
sive property  aud  great  number  of  valuable  seamen  employed  tlierein,  Go- 
vernment have  determined  to  send  for  their  protection  a  very  strong  fleet 
to  each  fishery,  to  remain  there  during  the  whole  of  the  season.— For  Hull 
whale-fishing  enterprise  ;  see  N.C.  vol.  ii,  1,21 ;  xxiv,  235. 

THE    STATE    OF    THE    PRIVATE     SHIP    BUILDERS*   YARDS    IJJ    THE    RIVER 
THAMES,    ON    THE    26TH    OF    FEBRUARY,     1814. 


-a 
11 

Jocks  to 
pairing  S 

r  re- 
liips. 

Ii' 

|  y 

situate* 

Srcc 

11 
53 

Double 
taking 
two. 

<u 
~3t 

'-f> 

a>  ~C 

a,~ 
~  s 

w-fi 

fi  *C2 

i-  2. 

75S 

x'orthfleet  

4 

1 

1 

__ 

Wallis                    

Blackwall  

1 

1 

_ 

Ditto  

7 

2 

2 

..^  _ 

Pitcher  and  Sons  .  1 
Barnard  and  Robarts   .... 
Dudiuan  and  Co.    .    ... 

Ditto  

Deptford    
Ditto  

1 

4 
5 

2 
2 
2 

1 

— 

2 
1 

S.  and  D.  Brent   

Kotherhithe   .  . 

7 

2 

1 

..  _ 

I 

Blackett  .      .  

Mill  Wall  

1 

. 

1 

Hill  and  Sons  .......... 

Liraehouse 

9 

2 

__ 

_ 

1 

Curling  am'  Co. 

Ditto  .  

3 

2 

1 

_ 

3 

Ttbbutt  and  Co. 

Ditto  ....... 

1 

1 

___ 

1 

Dowsou  and  Co.  ....    . 

Ditto  

1 

_ 

__ 

1 

Young  and  Co.  ......... 

itotherhithe.  -  - 

9, 

2 

_ 

_ 

Ditto   

1 

1 

_ 

_ 

.„. 

Mestaer  .    ............ 

Ditto     

9 

1 

1 

— 

- 

RatcliiTCross.  . 

1 

— 

_ 

Fletcher  and  Son  
Luke  and  Co.  .......  

I3eatson  and  Co.  .  ....... 

Shadwell    
Wapping    .... 
Ftotherhithe   .  . 

1 

1 
1 
1 

1 

— 

2 
2 

Brent            .      .  

Ditto  ....  

1 

_ 

1 

Rattenbury  ........  

\Yestlake  ... 

Ditto  
Ditto  

— 

— 

1 

1 

— 

I 

1 

Total  .  . 

41 

51 

11 

1 

18 

ABSTRACT. 

Slips  for  building  ships,  41 And  only  one   ship   now  building. 

Kepairiniz;  docks  capable  1  M    ,-  B          And  only  18  ships  now  under  blight 

of  receiving    ....../*  repairs. 

In  consequence  qf  tlie  great  full  off  in  the  building  of  ships  in  the  port 
of  London,  and  the  few  repairs  going  on,  thousands  of  industrious  indivi- 
duals, connected  with  these  establishments,  are  now  pining  in  misery  and 
distress,  from  the  want  of  employment  !  !  \Ve  understand  that  only  one 
merchant  ship  Ips  been  built  in  the  River  within  the  last  eighteen  months. 


,  (Bol.  XXXJ. 


BB 


18$  NAtfTlCAf,    AtfECpOTESj    &C. 


THE    THIEF    SUMMARILY    PUNISHED. 

A  FEW  clays  ago  an  Inquest  was  held  in  London,  on  the  body  of  a  rnnn 
who  had  been  killed  i'i  an  extraordinary  way,  by  a  youth  belonging  to  a 
vessel  of  the  port  of  -Boston,  called  the  Joseph  and  Ann,  then  lying  in  the 
Thames.  It  seems  that,  in  consequence  of  the  shipping  in  the  River  being 
completely  f»st  in  the  ice,  a  number  of  robberies  had  been  committed  on 
vessels,  by  thieves  from  the  shore,  who  got  on  board  them  during  the 
ru'ght.  Early  ou  Wednesday  morning,  the  12th  instant,  one  of  these  pirates 
visited  the  Joseph  and  Aim,  and  was  in  the  act  of  rummaging  a  box  of 
clothes  belonging  to  a  boy  named  William  Catley,  when  the  boy  awoke, 
and,  calling  out  from  his  hammock,  the  robber  immediately  seized  him  by 
the  throat,  and  threatened  to  murder  him  if  he  maiie  the  least  noise. 

Close  beside  Catley  lay  another  youth  of  the  crew,  named  Irish  Jemmy  ', 
•who,  being  sufficiently  awakened  by  what  had  passed,  thrust  at  the  robber 
with  a  cutlass  (with  which,  from  a  precaution  of  Mr.  Bergh,  the  master  of 
the  vessel,  he  had  been  armed  only  on  the  night  before,  and  which  he  had, 
ready  beside  him  in  his  hammock).  The  blow,  although  aimed  in  the 
dark,  was  given  with  such  good  will  as  to  be  fatal  ;  for  the  weapon  passed 
through  the  heart  of  the  robber,  and  went  cut  on  the  other  side  of  his 
body.  Captain  -Bergh  being  immediately  alarmed,  the  watch  was  called  in 
from  the  shore  ;  and  no  other  invader  than  the  then-dead  man  being  found, 
Irish  Jciumi/  surrendered  himself  to  the  civil  officers  until  a  Coroner's 
Inquest  should  be  held  ou  the  body  :  which  taking  place  on  the  following 
Tridav,  a  verdict  of  Justifiable  Homicide  was  returned,  after  a  full  investi* 
gation  of  tl;j  circumstances  ;  and  the  young  man  was  therefore  suffered  to 
return  to  his  duty  on  board  his  vessel. 

FLIGHT    OF    LARKS. 

CN  the  Iflth  February,  the  Hilsborougli  packet,  on  Jthe  passage 
between  Portpatrick  and  Donaghadee,  was  literally  covered  in  the 
rigging  and  deck  by  a  most  numerous  flock  of  larks  ;  they  had  taken  their 
departure  from  some  place  at  or  neur  Portpatrick,  and,  in  osder  to  have  a 
TOM:  bv  the  way,  swarmed  about  the  packet;  some  clinging  to  the  shrouds, 
some  to  the  gulf  and  top-masts,  nnd  otlvers  upon  deck.  Vast  quantities 
Jet  themselves  down  upon  the  water  alongside  ;  all  those  which  alighted 
with  extended  wing?,  .went  head  foremost  under  the  water,  and  such  as  had 
their  wings  close  to  their  sides,  were  able  .to  take  wing  again  and  proceed. 
So  soon  as  they  got  near  shore,  they  made  a  rapid  flight  for  the  land. 
Many  tlioosands  alighted  not  200  yards  from  the  pier  of  Donaghadee. 

NAVAL    TACTICS. 

WUEX  the  island  of  St.  Clara  was  stormed  by  nur  seamen,  one  of  the 
latter  (the  coxswain  of  the  Revolutiomiaire's  cutter),  armed  with  a  cullaos 
and  two  pistols,  attacked  P.French  soldier;  who,  however,  got  the  first  fire, 
suid  slightly  wounded  his  opponent.  The  seaman,  who-e  name  is  Barton, 
then  attacked  the  soldier,  and  having  killed  him,  proceeded  to  strip  him, 
and  ri££ei/  himself  irv  the  i'renchinau's  g:ar.  Ail  this  yvas  the  work  of  a 


ANECDOtW,    &C.  187 

fe-.v  minutes  only,  and  Jack  proceeding  in  search  of  fresh  adventures,  met 
two  French  soldiers,  who,  deceived  by  his  appearance,  suffered  him  to 
come  near,  mid  were  soon  disarmed  by  him.  The  conqueror  then  drove 
his  prizes  to  the  beach  ;  and,  dressed  in  his  "  glorious  apparel,"  got  on 
board  with  them. 

THE   BRITISH   FISHERIES'. 

Tr  we  except  the  agricultural  improvement  of  a  country,  there  is  no 
other  source  of  national  wealth  and  strength  more  productive  and  perma- 
nent, than  that  of  the  fisheries  ;  and  more  particularly,  when  the  circum- 
stances and  situation  of  its  coasts  are  favourable  for  the  prosecution  of 
them  on  a  grand  scale.  The  greater  the  extent  of  coast  compared  with  the 
area  of  the  laud  which  it  embraces,  the  nearer  will  the  benefits  derivable 
from  the  fisheries  approach  to  those  which  are  drawn  from  the  soil.  Our 
sea-girt  islands  are  most  happily  situated  in  both  respects.  In  addition  to 
a  highly  productive  soil,  the  sens  which  surround  us  afford  an  inexhaustible 
mine  of  wealth — a  harvest,  ripe  for  gathering  at  every  time  of  the  year—- 
without the  labour  of  tillage,  without  the  expence  of  seed  or  manure, 
without  the  payment  of  rent  or  taxes.  Every  acre  of  those  seas  is  far  more 
productive  of  wholesome,  palatable,  and  nutricious  food,  than  the  same 
quantity  of  the  fichest  land  ;  they  are  fields  which,  perpetually  "  white  to 
harvest,"  require  only  the  labourer's  willing  hand  to  reap  that  never-failing 
crop  which  the  bounty  of  Providence  has  kindly  bestowed. 

These  islands  are,  indeed,  favoured  in  a  peculiar  manner  for  carrying  on 
the  fisheries  to  the  greatest  possible  extent.  Not  only  the  seas  belonging  to 
them,  but  all  their  numerous  inlets,  creeks,  bays,  and  havens ;  the  lochs, 
the  lakes,  and  the  rivers,  all  swarm  with  esculent  fish.  They  are  blessed 
moreover,  with  an  abundant  population  to  en;oy  this  plentiful  harvest—- 
they have  capital  to  supply  all  the  necessary  menus  for  collecting,  pre- 
paring, and  distributing  this  valuable  article  of  human  sustenance— they 
have  the  uncontrolled  command  of  the  s>ea,  which  not  only  secures  their 
fishermen  from  the  molestution  of  an  enemy,  but  prevents  the  interference 
of  a  rival  in  the  field.  An  increased  and  increasing  population  ensures  a 
consumption  at  home  ;  and  mines  of  salt,  as  inexhaustible  as  the  supply  of 
h'bh,  enable  us  to  export  with  advantage  the  surplus  produce  to  such  foreign 
nations  as  affurd,  in  return,  those  necessaries  and  luxuries  of  life  that  are 
not  raised  by  ourselves. 

But  other  considerations  combine  at  this  moment  to  excite  us  to  a  vigo- 
rous prosecution  of  the  fisheries.  Food  of  every  description  has  risen  to  an 
extravagant  and  unprecedented  price  ;  butcher's  meat,  once  in  ordinary 
use,  is  now  nearly  beyond  the  reach  of  the  great  mass  of  the  people  ;  the 
labouring  poor  can  scarcely  hope  to  taste  it  ;  and  as  tojfo//,  whether  in  the 
metropolis  or  the  great  inland  towns  of  England,  that  mny  be  con.sidered 
as  a  prohibited  article,  even  to  the  middling  ranks  in  life.  If  then  the  ScaJ 
which  surround  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  are,  and  nobody  will  deny  that 
they  are,  capable  of  affording  an  inexhaustible  supply  of  6s!.~if  fishermen 
are  able,  with  all  imaginable  ease,  to  take  it  in  unlimited  quantities— and 
if,  notwithstanding;  th«  supply  is  not  equal  to  the  demand,  either  in  the 


188  NACTICAt   ANECDOTES,    &C, 

home  or  the  foreign  market,  there  must  be  some  defect  or  discouragement1, 
or  some  want  of  systematic  regulations,  to  withhold  so  important  an  article 
of  food  from  the  community  »t  large-  Highly,  however,  as  we  estimate 
the  public  advantages  derivable  from  the  fisheries,  and  they  can  scarcely  be 
too  highly  estimated,  we  are  not  sanguine  enough  to  join  in  the  confident 
expectations  of  Mr.  Schultes,  that  the  "  establishment  of  a  national  fishery 
(on  his  own  plan,  of  course)  would  extinguish  the  poor's  rate,  afford  uni- 
versal employment,  prevent  ihe  necessity  of  naval  impress,  increase  trade, 
diminish  taxes,  supply  constant  and  perpetual  food,  and  augment  the 
wealth  of  the  nation  annually  twenty  millions  of  pounds."  But  we  willingly 
yield  our  assent  to  the  more  moderate  eipectations  of  the  Members  who 
form  the  Committee  of  the  "  Fish  Association,"  that,  by  the  removal  of 
certain  obstacles  to  a  more  general  use  of  fish  in  this  country,  sustenance 
may  be  provided  for  a  great  additional  population,  employment  afforded 
for  a  numerous  class  of  courageous  and  adventurous  individuals,  provision 
made  for  unfailing  nurseries  of  seamen  for  our  navy  ;  and  a  considerable 
increase  to  the  trade  of  the  United  Kingdom. 

That  the  mine  we  have  to  work  Upon  is  in  reality  inexhaustible,  a  tran- 
sient inspection  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  mobt  sceptical  inquirer. 
We  now  know  that  travellers  do  not  exaggerate,  when  they  tell  us  of 
swarms  of  locusts  obscuring  the  light  of  the  sun;  of  flights  of  white  ants 
filling;  the  whole  horizon  like  a  snow  shower;  of  herds  of  antelopes  scouring 
the  plains  in  thousands  j  neither  are  fishermen  disbelieved  when  they  speak 
of  shoals  of  herrings,  occupying,  in  close  array,  many  millions  of  acres 
near  the  surface  of  the  sea  ;  nor  when  they  tell  us  that,  on  the  coast  oJ 
Ttforway,  in  passing  through  the  narrow  inlets,  they  move  in  such  ileep 
columns,  that  they  are  known  by  the  name  of  herring  mountains.  The 
cod,  hake,  ling,  mackerel,  pilchard,  and  salmon,  though  not  quite  so  nu- 
merous as  the  herring,  are  all  of  them  gregarious,  and  probably  migrating 
animals.  In  thus  ordaining  that  the  most  numerous  of  the  finny  tribe 
should  be  those  which  afford  the  most  wholesome  food  for  man,  \\e  acknow- 
ledge the  benevolent  intentions  of  an  all-wise  and  good  Providence. 

We  are  yet  imperfectly  acquainted  with  the  natural  history  of  the  Her- 
ring. Its  winter  habitation  has  generally  been  supposed  within  the  arctic 
circle,  under  the  vast  fields  of  ice  which  float  on  the  northern  ocean,  where 
it  fattens  on  the  swarms  of  shrimps  and  other  marine  insects  which  are  said 
to  be  most  abundant  in  those  seas.  On  the  return  of  the  sun  from  the 
southern  tropic  towards  the  equator,  tlje  multitudinous  host  issues  forth  in 
numbers  that  exceed  the  power  of  imagination.  Separating  about  Iceland 
into  two  grand  divisions,  the  one  proceeds  to  the  westward,  filling,  in  it* 
progress,  every  bay  and  creek  on  the  coast  of  America,  from  tl>e  Strait* 
of  Bellcisle  to  Cape  Ilatteras  ;  the  other,  proceeding  easterly,  in  a  number 
of  distinct  column?,  of  five  or  six  miles  in  length,  and  three  or  four  in 
breadth,  till  they  reach  the  Shetland  inlands,  which  tlwy  generally  do  about 
ttic  end  of  April,  is  there  subdivided  into  .1  number  of  smaller  columns, 
$ome  of  which  taking  the  eastern  const  of  Great  Britain,  fijl  every  creek 
mid  inlet  in  succession,  frorn  the  Orkneys  down  to  the  British  Channel  . 
nnd  others,  hwnnch'i^  yit  to  the  -.vcv.vyard,  surround  the  const  of  the 


XAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C, 

Hebrides,  and  penetrate  into  the  numerous  firths  and  lochs  on  the 
tern  shores  of  Scotland.  Another  shoal,  pursuing  the  route  to  Ireland, 
separates  on  the  north  of  that  island  into  two  divisions,  one  of  winch, 
passing  down  the  Irish  Channel,  surrounds  the  Isle  of  Man  ;  the  other  pours 
Its  vast  multitudes  into  the  bays  and  inlets  of  the  western  coast  of  Ireland. 
The  whole  of  this  grand  army,  which  the  word  herring  emphatically  ex- 
presses, disappears  on  the  arrival  of  the  several  divisions  on  the  southern 
coasts  of  England  and  Ireland,  about  the  end  of  October;  to  which  period, 
from  its  first  appearance  in  April,  it  invites  the  attack  of  a  variety  of  ene- 
mies, besides  the  fishermen,  in  every  point  of  its  route.  In  their  own 
element,  the  herrings  furnish  food  for  the  whale,  the  shark,  the  grampus, 
the  cod,  and  almost  all  the  larger  kind  of  fishes  ;  and  they  are  followed  in 
the  air  by  flocks  of  gulls,  gannets,  and  other  marine  birds,  which  conti- 
nually hover  about  them,  and  announce  their  approach  to  the  expectant 
fisheiman.  ' 

To  keep  up  this  abundant  supply,  and  to  provide  against  all  the  drains 
which  were  intended  to  be  made  upon  it,  nature  has  bestowed  on  the  her- 
ring a  corresponding  fecundity,  the  spawn  of  each  female  comprehending 
from  thirty  to  forty  thousand  eggs.  Whether  these  eggs  are  deposited  in 
the  soft  and  oozy  banks  of  the  deep  sea,  abounding  with  marine  worms  and 
insects,  and  affording  food  for  winter's  consumption,  or  whether  they  lie 
within  the  arctic  circle,  amidst  unremitting  frost,  and  six  months  perpe- 
tual darkness,  is  yet  a  doubtful  point ;  but  the  former  will  probably  be 
considered  as  the  less  objectionable  conjecture. 

The  esculent  fish,  next  of  importance  to  the  herring,  in  a  national  point 
ef  view,  is  the  Cod  fish,  which  is  also  considered  among  the  number  of 
those  which  migrate  from  the  north,  in  a  southerly  direction,  to  nearly  the 
same  degree  of  latitude  as  the  herring.  But  there  is  reason  to  believe  that 
its  constant  residence  is  on  the  rough  and  stony  banks  of  the  deep  sea,  and 
that  it  is  rarely  found  beyond  the  arctic  circle,  and  there  only  sparingly, 
and  in  the  summer  months.  On  the  great  bank  of  Newfoundland,  on  the 
coasts  of  Iceland,  Norway,  Shetland,  and  the  Orkney  Islands,  on  the 
Well-bank,  the  Dogger-bank,  the  Broad  Forties,  on  the  northern,  western, 
and  southern  coasts  of  Ireland,  the  cod  is  most  abundant,  and  of  the  best 
quality  :  in  some  or  other  of  these  situations,  the  fisheries  may  be  carried 
on  with  certain  success,  and  to  great  advantage,  from  November  to  Mid- 
summer. On  the  western  coasts  of  Scotland  and  Ireland,  all  the  different 
species  of  the  cod  genus,  usually  known  under  the  name  of  white  fish,  are 
plentifully  dispersed.  Every  bank  is,  in  fact,  an  inexhaustible  fishery  ;  for, 
with  fewer  enemies  than  the  herring  to  prey  upon  it,  the  cod  is  at  least  a 
hundred  times  more  productive.  The  fecundity  of  this  fish,  indeed,  so 
far  exceeds  credibility,  that  had  it  not  been  ascertained  by  actual  experi- 
ment, and  on  the  best  possible  authority,  it  would  have  been  considered  as 
fabulous  to  assign  to  the  female  cod  from  three  to  four  millions  of  eggs. 

Not  only  the  Hake,  sometimes  known  by  the  name  of  "  Poor  John," 
but  more  commonly  by  that  of  stock-fish,  and  the  Ling,  are  to  be  reckoued 
among  the  valuable  products  of  the  British  fisheries,  especially  as  articles 
of  foreign  consumption,  but  we  may  also  include  the  Haddock}  wine's  is 


15)0 

another  species  rtf  cod,  as  equally  important  for  the  supply  of  the  liom'S 
market.  Haddocks  assemble  in  vast  shoals  during  the  winter  months,  in 
every  part  of  the  northern  ocean,  and  bend  their  course  generally  to  the 
southward,  proceeding  beyond  the  limits  of  the  cod  and  the  herring;  hu: 
it  is  remarked,  that  they  neither  enter  the  Baltic  nor  the  Mediterranean. 
The  two  dark  spots  a  little  behind  its  head  are  supposed  to  have  gained  the 
haddock,  in  days  of  superstition,  the  credit  of  being  the  fish  which  St. 
Peter  caught  with  the  tribute  money  in  its  mnuth,  in  proof  of  which  the 
impression  of  ths  Saint's  finger  and  thumb  lias  been  entailed  on  the  whole 
race  of  haddocks  ever  since.  Unfortunately,  however,  for  the  tradition, 
the  haddock  is  not  a  Mediterranean  fish,  nor  can  we  suppose  it  to  have 
belonged  to  the  lake  of  Tiberias.  The  truth  is,  the  Italians  consider  a  very 
different  fish  as  that  which  was  sanctified  by  the  Apostle,  and  which,  after 
him,  they  honour  with  the  name  of  11  Jdnitot-e,  u  name  that  \ve  have  con- 
verted into  Johnny  Dory,  with  the  same  happy  ingenuity  that  has  twisted 
Hie  giranolp)  or  turnsol,  into  a  Jerusalem  artichoke. 

Several  other  kinds  of  white  fish,  as  Turh'bt,  Plaice,  Sole,  and  Whitings, 
are  plentifully  dispersed  over  various  parts- of  the  British  seas,  so  ns  to 
afford  an  ample  supply  for  the  home  market,  the  whok  year  round,  with- 
out the  smallest  danger  of  that  snipply  being  exhausted  or  diminished. 

The  Mackerel  fishery  IM  the  KriL-h'-h  Channel  continues  about  four  inonihs 
in  the  year,  commencing  in  .April  or  M'ay.  This  tod  is  a  fish  of  passage, 
tut,  contrary  to  the  course  of  the  herring,  is  supposed  to  visit  the  .British 
seas  in  large  shoals  from  the  southward.  The  mackerel  is  chiefly  caught 
for  immediate  consumption,  but  is  sometimes  pickled  for  winter  use.  Its 
fecundity  is  very  great,  each  Female  depositing,  at  least,  half  a  million 
of  eggs. 

1*1)6  Pilchard,  like  the  herring,  of  which  it  is  a  species,  is  a  fish  of 
passage.  It  makes  its  appearance,  in  vast  shoals,  on  the  coasts  of  Devon- 
Shire  and  Cornwall,  aiid  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Scilly  Islands,  from 
July  to  September.  About  the  time  that  the  pilchards  are  expected  on  the 
Coast,  a  number  of  men  called  huers,  po^t  themselves  on  the  heights  tn 
took  out  for  their  approach,  which  is  indicated  by  a  change  in  the  colour 
of  the  water.  The  boats,  in  the  mean  while,  with  their  nets  prepared, 
are  held  in  momentary  readiness  to  push  forth  in  the  direction  pointed1 
out  to  them  by  die  biters.  On  the  coast  of  Cornwall  alone,  fifty  or  sixty 
thousand  hogsheads  of  this  fish  are  annually  salted  for  home  consumption. 

But  of  all  others  the  Salmon  rusty,  perhaps,  be  considered  as  the  king  of 
fishes;  and  no  part  of  Europe  is  more  bountifully  supplied  with  it  than  the 
coasts  of  Great  Britnin  and  Ireland.  At  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  whole 
shoals  of  this  noble  fish  approach  to  the  mouths  of  rivers,  which  thry- 
ascend  to  Considerable  distances,  surmounting  every  obstacle,  in  order  to 
find  a  safa  and  convenient  spot  to  deposit  their  Spawn.  From  January  to 
September  they  are  in  high  3'  aso'n,  but  in  some  part  or  other  of  the  co;ist 
are  fit  for  use  every  mouth  in  the  year.  The  salmon  fishery  is  of  great 
value,  whether  for  home  consumption  or  exportation.  Prodigious  quanti- 
ties are  consumed  ffesh  iw  the  London  market,  and  in  almost  all  the  sen- 
i&ort  towns  in  JEft^toftd,  Ifeland,  Scotland,  and  Wales ;  btit  a  far  greater 


ANECDOTES,  &C.  191 

quantity  is  salted,  dried,  or  pickled  in  vinegar.  The  lochs  antf  friths  of 
Scotland  and  Ireland  arc  visited  by  salmon  iu  such  copious  shoals,  that 
more  than  a  thousand  fish  have  sometimes  been  takeo  at  a  single  draught. 
The  two  most  productive  fisheries  are  that  of  the  Tweed,  ae^r  Berwick, 
jind  (if  the  £ann,  near  Coleraine  ;  at  the  latter  of  which,  Mr.  Young  savs; 
1,450  salmon  have  been  taken  at  one  drag  yf  a  single  uei.  The  salmon 
jalso  frequents  die  coasts  of  Norway  and  Iceland  in  the  summer  months  iu 
prodigious  quantities.  Hooker  describes  the  salmon  fishery  iu  the  river 
Lax  FJbe  on  the  latter  island,  where  women,  as  well  as  men,  took  with  tiiek 
hands,  in  a  few  hours,  2,200  salmon.  {,i  , 

The  banks  of  the  North  Sea,  the  rocky  coasts  of  the  Orkneys,  and 
the  eastern  shores  of  Britain  afford,  in  abundance,  two  articles  of  luxury 
for  the  London  market,  though  but  .sparingly  drawn  from  those  sources; 
we  allude  to  the  Turbot  and  Lobster.  For  a  supply,  however,  of  the  former, 
we  have  always  had  recourse  to  the  Dutch,  to  whom  we  paid  about  80,000/. 
a  year  ;  and  for  about  a  million  of  the  latter,  taken  on  the  coast  of  .Nor- 
way, the  Danes  drew  from  us  about  15,0001.  a  year ;  for  Eels  we  gave  the 
Putch  about  5,000/,  a  yea--.  These  fisheries  are  calculated  to  give  employ- 
ment to  not  less  than  10,000  seamen. 

Even  the  Oyster  fishery  supplies  the  market  of  the  metropolis  with  an 
article  of  nutritious  food  for  eight  months  in  the  year  ;  anu  if  cultivated 
with  the  same  care  ia  the  neighbourhood  of  Chichester,  Portsmouth, 
Southampton,  Plymouth,  the  coasts  of  Wales,  and  among  the  Hebrides, 
as  it  is  at  Colchester,  Milton,  Feversham,  &c.  there  is  not  a  town  in  Great 
Britain  which  might  not  be«s  abundantly  supplied  with  oysters  as  the  Lon- 
don market. 

NEPTUNE,     CUPID,     AUD    HYMEN. 

Dundee,  February  25. — Two  faithful  lovers  were  united  in  the  hymeneal 
bands  on  Monday,  after  a  c  lurtship  and  separation  of  more  than  ordinary 
length.  The  happy  husband  had  just  returned,  with  honourable  scars  and 
spoils,  from  the  sea,  where,  in  his  country's  service,  he  had  spent  the  last 
five-and-twenty  years  of  his  life,  without  having  once  seen  or  writteq  to, 
or  received  a  letter  from,  his  love.  The  disconsolate  lady,  now  the  blith- 
some  bride,  in  the  mean  time  supported  herself  with  the  wages  of  honest 
industry.  About  the  middle  of  last  week,  she  was  astonished  and  de- 
lighted at  the  re-appearance  of  her  long  lost  sailor,  whose  first  care,  on 
returning  to  this  his  native  place,  was  to  discover  the  mistress  of  his  youth- 
ful affections.  We  need  not  say  with  what  raptures  she  listened  to  the 
renewal  of  his  suit.  — The  bans  of  marriage  were  proclaimed  on  Sunday, 
the  nuptials  were  celebrated  on  the  day  following,  and  the  parties  are  now 
solacing  themselves  with  a  matrimonial  pleasure  jaunt.  Their  ages  are 
alike  ;  and,  united,  amount  to  106. 

CONGELATION    OF    THE    BRITISH    SEA. 

ON  Monday,  the  24th  January,  was  witnessed,  on  the  Solway  Frith,  a 
singular  phenomenon.  The  Channel,  from  the  English  side  to  Scotland, 
was  a  complete  body  of  ice,  without  any  opening,  even  for  a  boat  to  pass, 


192  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 

resembling  in  appearance  a  vase  plain  covered  with  rugged  frozen  snow. 
It  extended  as  tar  to  the  westward  as  below  Workington,  and  presented  a 
most  singular  aspect. 

Upon  this  subject,  a  Maryport  Correspondent  also  writes  us  as  follows:— 
"  The  Solway  Frith  and  Channel  towards  the  Isle  of  Man,  for  the  whole  of 
last  week,  presented  a  phenomenon  never  before  witnessed  by  the  oldest 
inhabitant. — While  the  tide  was  making,  all  to  the  northward  of  Working- 
ton  se«roed  like  a  large  plain  covered  with  hillocks  of  snow,  and  on  the 
ebbing  of  the  tide,  this  scene  was  exhibited  till  the  eye  met  thp  horizon. 
On  Monday  last,  the  revenue  boat,  stationed  at  Whitet.aven,  inane  an 
attempt  to  visit  Maryport,  to  which  place  it  got  within  about  a  mile,  when 
it  was  enveloped  among  innumerable  lumps  of  ice,  some  of  which  were 
from  seven  to  10  feet  in  thickness.  The  boat  was  obliged  to  return  to 
Whitehaven.  The  oldest  seamen  say  they  never  saw  such  a  field  of  ice 
(as  they  term  it)  but  in  high  northern  latitudes,  or  on  the  banks  of  New- 
foundland." 

GALLANT   ACTION. 

ACCOUNT  of  a  gallant  action  between  the  merchant  ship  Hibernia,  of 
London,  Captain  John  Lennon,  with  sir  guns  and  22  men  and  boys,  and 
the  Comet  American  privateer,  of  14  guns  and  125  men :  — 

"  St.  Thomas's,  January  27M,  1814. 

"  Captain  Crabtree,  of  the  brig  Wasp,  arrived  here  the  10th  inst. 
from  London.  He  states,  that  he  fell  in  with  a  privateer  to  the  west- 
ward of  Saba,  on  the  9th  instant ;  which,  supposing  the  Wasp  to  be  a  man 
of  war,  made  sail  from  her  upon  being  chased.  This  privateer  has  for  some 
time  past  been  cruising  to  intercept  the  outward-bound  ships  for  this 
island  and  St.  Croix,  and  would  no  doubt  have  done  much  mischief,  but 
for  the  very  gallant  conduct  of  Captain  Lennon,  and  his  ship's  company. 

"  The  Hibernia  fell  in  with  her  on  the  llth,  having  only  tn'cnh/-luo 
men  and  boys  on  board,  and  six  guns.  The  privateer  (we  learn  from  Porto 
Rico,  where  she  is  now  refitting)  is  the  Comet,  of  Baltimore,  Captain  Boyle, 
mounting  fourteen  12-pounders,  and  carrying  125  men.  Against  this  very 
superior  force,  Captain  Lennon  and  his  little  ciew  bravely  defended  the 
Jliberuia,  for  nine  hours,  the  greatest  part  of  which  time  the  two  vessels 
were  on  board  of  each  other.  The  situation  of  the  Hibernia,  when  she 
came  into  port,  shewed  the  effects  of  the  tremendous  fire  which  tbe  enemy 
must  have  kept  up  ;  not  a  sail  which  was  bent  escaped  the  enemy's  shot, 
and  her  spars  and  rigging  are  much  destroyed.  Out  of  the  small  comple- 
ment of  22,  one  man  was  killed,  and  11  wounded  ;  the  latter,  I  am  happy 
to  say,  are  all  doing  well. 

•'  Too  much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  Captain  Lennon  for  his  con- 
duct during  this  arduous  undertaking  ;  at  the  latter  part  of  the  action,  he 
had  only  two  or  three  men  left,  besides  himself,  at  the  guns:  he  has  fortu- 
nately escaped,  but  has  received  several  contusions,  and  had  two  musket* 
balls  through  his  hat.  The  captain  of  the  Comet  acknowledges  having 
three  men  killed  and  1 1  wounded,  but  it  is  generally  supposed  he  must  have 
lost  more." 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,   &C.  193 

FORCING    OF   THE   WEST   SCHELDT. 

SHORTLY  after  the  Forth  and  Nyrnphen  frigates  had  penetrated  into  the 
West  Scheldt,  and  passed  the  batteries  of  Flushing  and  Cadsand  without 
loss,  certain  movements  of  the  enemy,  both  at  Antwerp  and  Flushing,  ren- 
dered it  necessary  to  send  a  reinforcement  into  that  branch  of  the  river,  to 
support  our  frigates,  in  the  eveiUof  an  unequal  contest. — About  the  llth  of 
February,  the  Antelope,  of  60  guns,  the  Sweabourg  Russian  frigatt,  and 
Resolution  cutter  to  lead,  were  despatched  from  the  Roompot,  to  lie  at  the 
entrance  of  the  Wieland  channel,  and  be  ready  to  make  a  dash  into  the 
West  Scheldt,  as  soon  as  circumstances  proved  favourable.  It  so  hap- 
pened, however,  that  a  series  of  easterly  winds  set  in,  and  completely  pre- 
cluded any  attempt  till  the  1st  of  March.  About  mid-day  (March  J)  the 
wind  veered  from  S.  to  S.S.W.  and  cleared  ;  and  the  ships  prepared  to 
weigh  anchor.  The  enemy  seemed  aware  of  our  intention,  and  tried  the 
range  of  their  shot  between  Flushing  and  Cadsand.  On  the  latter  island  a. 
strong  buttery  (Buonaparte)  has  been  erected  since  our  last  expedition, 
mounting  the  heaviest  ordnance  ;  in  fact,  it  is  now  ascertained  that  nearly 
200  pieces  of  cannon,  including  mortars,  can  play  upon  the  passage  into 
the  West  Scheldt,  which  is  precisely  three  miles  from  shore  to  shore.  At 
40  minutes  past  three  the  ships  weighed,  and  in  18  minutes  the  Wulpirt 
battery  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  us.  At  4.  10.  we  were  abi'east  of  the 
point  of  Breskins,  when  forts  Buonaparte  and  Imperial  opened  on  one  side, 
and  at  the  same  instant  the  batteries  of  Flushing  on  the  other.  The  Ante- 
lope and  Sweabourg  now  commenced  a  well-directed  cannonade  on  the 
Cadsand  batteries,  along  which  they  ran  pretty  close,  in  consequence  of 
the  wind  being  so  scant,  that  they  were  obliged  to  haul  their  bowlines  on 
the  starboard  tack.  This  running  fight  continued  about  half  an  hour, 
without  any  material  injury  to  our  ships.  The  Antelope,  however,  re- 
ceived many  shot ;  and  one,  from  the  Imperial  battery  on  CudsaiuJ,  which 
penetrated  through  the  hammocks  on  the  starboard  side  of  the  poop,  and 
went  out  through  the  bulwark  on  the  other  side,  was  very  destructive;  it 
carried  off  both  legs  of  a  Dutch  pilot,  who  was  standing  on  the  poop,  and 
waiting  to  take  charge  of  the  ship,  as  soon  as  she  should  get  past  the  Hoog- 
plat ;  two  other  men  (a  sailor  and  «t  marine)  each  lost  a  leg  by  the  same 
ball,  which  also  wounded  several  others,  but  not  severely.  The  frigate  lost 
no  men,  nor  had  any  wounded  ;  and  the  Resolution  cutter  had  only  her 
gaff  top-sail  shot  away  by  a  shell  from  off  Flushing,  which  occasioned  hc-r 
to  fall  astern  of  the  ships,  instead  of  leading  a-head,  and  directing  their 
course  by  her  soundings. 

A  little  before  five  o'clock,  it  being  thick  and  hazy,  the  Antelope  unfor- 
tunately grounded  on  the  hook  of  the  Hoog-plat,  and  nearly  at  the  same 
time  the  frigate  also  took  the  ground  astern  of  the  Antelope.  In  ten  mi- 
nutes the  wind  shifted,  all  at  once,  round  to  W.N.VV.  and  blew  fresh,  with 
a  strong  flood-tide  right  upon  the  shoal.  The  stream  anchor  was  got  out, 
but  the  wind  and  tide  counteracted  all  attempts  to  heave  off  the  ship.  At 
high  tide  the  ship  was  shored  up,  and  yards  and  top- masts  struck.  Next 

.  fffrron.  ttol.XXXI.  c  c 


194  NAUTICAL   ANECJ>OTESj    &C. 

day,  March  12,  the  Cretan  and  Banterer  came  to  our  assistance ;  snd  at 
high  water  all  sail  was  made  in  order  to  force  her  over  the  shoal,  but 
without  success.  The  Sweabourg,  however,  got  off,  and  anchored  in 
deep  water.  All  this  day,  while  the  crew  were  using  every  exertion  to 
lighten  the  ship,  the  shells  from  a  battery  to  the  westward  of  Rammekins 
were  falling  in  every  direction  round  the  ship,  the  officers  a'.id  men  exhi- 
biting the  most  undaunted  courage  and  firmness  in  this  trying  scene,  and 
never  for  an  instant  interrupting  their  labours.  Meanwhile  the  Nymphen 
frigate,  Captain  Hancock,  anchored  close  ahead  of  the  Antelope,  and 
within  range  of  shot  from  Walcheren:  and  the  end  of  her  bovver  cable  was 
got  on  board  the  Antelope,  for  the  purpose  of  heaving  her  off,  if  possible, 
next  high  water.  The  enemy  now  redoubled  his  fire,  and  shot  and  shells 
were  incessantly  poured  at  the  Nymphen  and  Antelope  ;  but,  strange  to 
say,  without  producing  any  material  effect.  One  ahcll  burst  in  the  centre 
ofaclustre  of  boats,  without  injuring  a  single  person  !  The  undaunted 
boats'  crews  only  returned  three  huzza's,  and  coolly  went  on  with  their 
work. 

AH  efforts  were  this  day  also  ineffectual,  and  even  in  the  night  the  enemy 
kept  up  their  fire  from  the  mortar  batteries.  On  the  3d  of  March,  at  ten 
in  the  forenoon,  the  ship  was  fortunately  hove  off,  amid  showers  of  shot 
and  shells,  without  much  injury,  and  to  the  utter  mortification  of  the 
enemy,  who  considered  her  as  lost.  Too  much  praise  cannot  be  bestowed 
on  Captain  Butcher,  his  officers  and  men,  for  their  steady  courage  and 
unwearied  exertions;  while  Commodore  Owen  and  Mr.  Douglas  (master  of 
the  fleet,  who  went  in  the  Antelope)  most  ably  and  judicidu&ly  united  their 
efforts  in  the  common  cause.  Captain  Hancock  displayed  his  usual  zeal 
and  ability  in  placing  the  Nymphen  in  an  admirable  though  dangerous 
situation,  for  heaving  the  Antelope  off  the  shoal.  Admiral  Scott,  from 
South  Beveland,  arrived  on  board  at  the  instant  of  her  starting  from  her 
position.  Thus  this  boasted  and  narrow  channel,  bristled  on  each  side 
with  cannon  of  the  widest  calibre,  was  forced  in  the  open  day;  and  when 
misfortune  threw  our  ships  into  a  situation  (the  most  galling  of  all  others) 
where  they  could  not  return  their  adversary's  fire,  it  only  proved  the 
touchstone  of  Anglo-Russian  bravery,  and  taught  our  enemies  what  they 
may  expect  when,  in  future  wars,  new  Nelsons  shall  rise  to  perpetuate  the 
invincibility  of  the  British  navy. 

NAVAL   PREACHING. 

A  CLERGYMAN,  preaching  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Wapping,  observing 
that  most  of  his  audience  were  in  the  seafaring  way,  very  naturally  em- 
bellished his  discourse  with  several  nautical  tropes  and  figures.  Amongst 
other  things,  he  advised  them  to  be  ever  on  the  watch,  so  that  upon  what- 
ever Jack  the  devil  should  btar  down  upon  tfam,  he  might  be  crippled  in 
action.  "  Aye,  Master,"  cried  ;i  jolly  son  of  Neptune,  "  but  let  me  tell 
JOL'.,  that  will  depend  upon  your  having  the  weather-gage  of  them*" 


195 
CORRESPONDENCE. 


MR.  EDITOR,  ISf/t  November,  1813. 

TTTlGHLY  important  as  is  the  consideration  of  every  thing  relating  to  the 
•*-•*•  good  of  the  naval  service,  it  must  be  allowed,  even  by  the  men  of 
office  themselves,  that  much  remains  at  this  moment  to  be  done  for  the  im- 
provement of  every  part  of  this  widely  extended  system.   To  call  the  atten- 
tion of  thobe  at  the  Admiralty  Board  to  this  highly  necessary  duty  (of  which 
they   are   beginning  now  to  be  aware),  has  been  the  aim  and  intention  of 
several  of  your  able  and  zealous  Correspondents,  whose  anxious  wishes  for 
the  good   of  that  highly  honourable  service  to  which  they  belong,  or  of 
which  they  *re  admirers,  cannot,  I  maintain,  be  doubted.    They  have  done 
more  than  barely  state   the  necessity  of  reform  ;    they  have,  in  many  in- 
stances, pointed  out  the  means  and  way  of  making  it;  nor  will  it  be  denied 
that  their  suggestions  and  animadversions  (severe  as  they  may  occasionally 
prove)  have  been  of   use.     Together  with  some  of  these  valuable  Cor- 
respondents, I  have  endeavoured  to  point  out  the  propriety  and  necessity 
of  some  change  in  the  constitution  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  which  cer- 
tainly ought  to  be  composed  entirely  of  naval  members,  with  perhaps  the 
exception  of  the  First  Lord  ;  this  is  but  a  reasonable  demand  and  expecta- 
tion of  our  naval  officers,  and  I  am  inclined  to  think  will  not  much  logger 
be  withheld  ;  so  completely  is  the  public  voice -and  opinion  in  favour  of  this 
great  and  necessary  change,   that  I   take   leave  of  the  subject,  hoping, 
when  the  present  land  Lords  have  had  their  day,  to   see  their  places  tilled 
by  men  who  have  first  directed   the   operations  of  British   fleets  on   the 
ocean,  and  whose  experience  and  scientific  knowledge  give  them  a  greatly 
superior  claim  to  seats  at  the  naval  helm.     At  the  present  moment,  I  am 
glad  to  observe,  there  appears  a  decided  intention  of  the  Admiralty  Board 
to  follow  up  the   suggestions  and  hints  thrown   out  to  them  for  improve- 
ment.    I  noticed  the  other  day  a  paragraph  in  the  newspapers,  stating  the 
appointment  of  two  excellent  officers  (captains)  to  superintend   the  outfic 
and  equipment  of  our  men  of  war  ;  and  it  was  added,  they  were  to  reside 
at  Plymouth;  now  I  could  not  for  a  moment  doubt,  that  the  appointment 
of  these  wo'rthy  officers  was,  in  some  degree,  owing  to  the  able  communica- 
tions   of  your   Correspondents,    Impartial,    Iron    Gun,  &c.  &c    and   am 
inclined  to  think  it  very  proper ;    alt.'iough   I   cannot  exactly  understand, 
how  officers  residing  at  Plymouth  can  superintend   the  outfit  of  ships  at 
Portsmouth,  and  in  the  river;  but,  no  doubt,  they  will  move  from  place  to 
place,  or  perhaps  other  officers  be  appointed  at  the  other  great  na-val  j.ons; 
at  any  rate,  1  consider  that  it  will  be  highly  useful,  and  will  give  employ^ 
ment  to  some  deserving  officers;  although  at  the  same  time  I  consider  that 
it  is  part  of  the  port  admiral's  duty  to  superintend  the  outfit  of  ships  newly 
commissioned.     Whilst  speaking  of  the  outfit  of  our  men  of  war,  it  will 
not  be  improper  to  mention  the  very  inferior  class  of  line-of  battle  shi0s 
built  in  our  merchant  yards  ;  I  mean  in  point  of  durability.   The  Blake,  on$ 
of  these,  only  five  years  old,  is  already  so  unfit  for  service,  as  to  ue  or- 


195  CORRE620MDEKCE, 

dered  to  be  fitted  for  3  receiving  Mp  ;  the  Rodney,  another  of  them,  only 
three  years  old,  has  been  scarcely  twelve  months  at  sea,  met  with  no  acci- 
dent, and  yet  is  now  undergoing  great  repairs  before  she  can  be  commis- 
sioned ;  tliQ  Dublin,  only  two  years  old,  has  also  undergone  repairs,  with- 
out suffering  damage  ;  and  the  Anson,  launched  twelve  months  ago,  is  be- 
lieved, although  a  new  ship,  to  be  unworthy  of  being  commissioned,  until 
some  time  hence  she  can  be  decently  ordered  to  be  repaired  fur  commission. 

I  am  far  from  meaning  to  say,  that  we  can  uphold  our  present  naval 
establishment,  without  the  assistance  of  private  builders;  but  surely,  if 
the  foregoing  instances  are  correct,  or  nearly  so,  there  must  be  some  great 
neglect  or  fault  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners  ot  the  Navy,  which 
ought  to  be  looked  into  and  remedied  ;  that  the  ships  in  question  were 
built  too  rapidly  will  most  probably  be  urged  as  the  excuse;  but  surely  it 
is  no  adequate  one  :  for  six  or  seven  years  past,  we  have  had  no  occasion 
for  this  destructive  rapidity  in  building,  although,  at  the  beginning  of  the 
\var,  I  am  sensible  it  was  most  important  for  ships  to  be  built  as  fast  as 
possible.  Within  the  present  year,  we  have  seen  unexampled  despatch  in 
building  twenty  new  frigates,  from  36  to  50  guns  ;  they  were  undoubt- 
edly wanted  as  fast  as  possible,  and,  being  of  fir,  can  only  last  for  a  c.rtaia 
number  of  years-;  in  this  case  we  know  the  sacrifice  we  make,  which  is 
necessary,  and  far  less  than  in  the  case  of  liive-of-battlc  ships. 

Before  concluding,  I  beg  to  mention  the  high  sense  I  entertain  of  the 
advantages  to  be  derived,  in  obtaining  and  waking  able  seamen,  from  the 
judicious  hints  and  suggestions  of  your  mzc  Correspondent  Barney,  whom 
I  hope  to  see  again  appearing  in  your  useful  pages.  Much  is  to  be  done 
for  our  gallant  tars,  whom  we  must  learn  to  nurse  and  reward  adequately  ; 
and  his  plan  would  form  no  contemptible  beginning  to  the  grand  system 
of  amelioration.  If  the  extracts  you  have  given  from  Lieutenant  flodgskipsV 
book  describe  what  -may  exist,  what  undoubtedly  has  existed,  and  1  fear 
no&  actually  dots  in  some  ships,  who  will  say  that  our  naval  code  of  disci- 
pline does  not  want,  docs  not  imperiously  call  for,  revision  ?  Let  discipline 
subxi&f,  but  let  tyranny  and  oppression  exist  no  longer.  I  maintain,  it  is 
disgraceful  that  it  should. — "  Fiat  juttilia,  et  ruat  caslum,"  . 

NESTOR. 

**~^^r> 

MR.  EDITOR,  Glasgow,  ls<  March,  1814. 

THE  feelings  of  Britons  nre  agnm  touched  by  the  unfortunate  action  on 
Lake  Erie  ;  and  the  letter  of  the  brave  but  unsuccessful  Captaia 
Jfetrclay  ;<gain  rouses  us  by  the  achievements  of  our  American  toes. 

In  contemplating  the  statement  of  this  engagement,  it  is  pleasing  to  ob- 
serve, tha|  neither  individual  bravery  nor  general  exertion  were  o.n  our 
part  wanting;  but  an  unlucky  combination  of  circumstances,  the  number 
of  the  enemy's  men,  and  the  weight  of  his  metal,  effected  what  superior 
^oumue  could  not  avert,  nor  much  nautical  skill  avoid. 

What  \  mean  principally  to  observe  at  present,  however,  is,  Captain 
Barclay's  observation,  by  which  he  attributes  the  capture  of  his  squadron 
jn  %  great  tneasiueto  the.  eqeii^'s  having  the  weathcr-jrnge.  The  importauco 


CORRESPONDENCE.  197 

of -this  position  has  been  often  dwelt  upon;  and  the  many  benefits  which 
belong  ID  it  arc  so  obvious,  that  I  shall  not  at  present  repeat  them  :  how- 
ever, to  set  on  foot  an  inquiry,  how,  in  certain  cases,  it  may  he  obtained, 
will,  1  trust,  be  deemed  of  sufficient  importance  to  merit  a  place  in  the 
NAVAL  CHRONICLE. 

Your  readers  are,  probably,  acquainted  with  the  invention  attributed  to 
Admiral  Schank  ;  namely,  that  of  sliding  keels  ;  the  complete  success  Of 
which  has  been  proved  by  the  manner  in  which  the  Lady  Nelson,  a  brig  of 
sixty  tons,  performed  a  voyage  to  New  South  Wales,  entered  and  made 
several  discoveries  in  Bass' Straits,  and  returned  again  to  Europe;  and 
also  by  the  Experiment  made  by  the  Trial  cutter,  of  less  dimensions  than 
the  former,  which,  although  of  a  very  flat  construction,  beat  upon  a  wind 
several  of  II.  RI.  Ships,  the  KingVFisher  brig,  and  the  Nimble,  Sprightly, 
and  Ranger  cutters. 

Although  this  invention  may  be  attended  with  inconvenience  in  very 
large  ships,  yet  [  doubt  not,  in  any  of  those  which  Captain  Barclay  com- 
manded, it  would  have  been  found  of  the  greatest  consequence;  for  it  not 
only  enables  a  flat  vessel  to  go  to  windward  with  equal  facility  as  a 
sharp  one,  but  also  can  at  anytin:e  be  made  to  supply  the  place  of  a>  rudder; 
the  raising  or  depressing  the  keels  in  a  particular  manner  having  the  same 
power  upon  the  ship  as  a  helm.  This  again  would  have  been  of  much  ser- 
vice in  the  Lake  Erie  engagement ;  for  Captain  B.  expressly  attributes  his 
loss,  in  part,  to  the  Lady  Prevost  having  her  rudder  injured,  and  being 
thus  prevented  from  joining  the  Queen  Charlotte,  which  vessel  she  ought 
to  have  supported. 

The  many  prejudices  which  exist  amongst  seamen  against  any  deviation 
from  the  good  old  way,  is  probably  the  reason  of  these  keels  not  being 
more  generally  in  use  ;  yet  I  am  convinced,  a  fair  trial  would  sufficiently 
shew  their  advantages ;  which,  besides  those  formerly  pointed  out,  are, 
the  manner  in  which  they  contribute  to  the  certainty  of  a  vessel's  putting 
about.  The  Lidy  Nelson,  in  all  her  voyage,  only  missed  stays  once,  and 
this  may  be  fairly  attributed  to  the  vessel  being  ill  managed  at  the  time  : 
the  keels  can  also  be  hove  up  at  pleasure,  and  thus  give  a  flat  vessel  all  the 
advantages  which  such  a  mould  possesses  in  going  large  :  when  they  are 
down,  ,and  the  vessel  at  anchor,  they  add  much  to  her  steadiness. 

These  are  only  a  few  of  the  advantages  which  this  invention  gives  a 
vessel;  yet  they  are  such  as,  in  my  opinion,  ought  not  lobe  overlooked. 
The  opinion  of  some  of  your  readers  might  be  very  useful,  in  bringing  the 
subject  into  notice,  and  would  confer  a  favour  on  your  constant  reader  and 
obedient  servant,  C.  II. 

MR.  EDITOR,  February  1814. 

THE  rapid  succession  of  glorious  events,  which  have  emerged  Europe 
from  its  lung  thraldom,  and  which  hold  out  to  happy  Britain,  a  pros- 
pect of  the  full   harvest   of  her  persevering  exertions,  may   possibly  be 
conceived    to    make    the  subject  on  which  I  have  entered,  of  inferior 
importance.     Itegutuioiis,  it  may  be  said,  for  dismantling  of  our  fleets,  and 


198  CORRESPONDENCE. 

the  discharge  of  our  seamen,  would  be  more  seasonable,  than  suggestions 
for  the  better  organization  of  the  otie,  and  for  measures  of  incitement  to 
the  other. 

On  the  ground,  however,  that  any  treaty  with  the  inveterate  Corsican, 
will  be  but  precarious  surety  for  the  repose  of  Europe,  bt't  more  especially 
of  this  kingdom,  I  shall  not  deviate  materially  from  the  track  which  I  had 
marked  out  for  myself.  Besides,  whether  in  war  or  peace,  alterative 
institutions  are  strenuously  to  be  recommended  ;  indeed,  the  latter  may  be 
the  preferable  period  of  the  two,  that,  by  progressively  arranging  and  ap- 
plying them,  we  may  find  ourselves,  at  the  commencement  of  another  war, 
with  a  renovated  naval  constitution  :  in  its  present  state,  I  much  doubt  the 
practicability  of  keeping  up,  by  -volunlary  service,  even  a  peace  estab- 
lishment. 

To  resume  ;  the  topic  of  bounty,  with  which  I  concluded  my  last  letter, 
might  well  sanction  a  much  more  lengthened  exposition  than  I  have  given 
it;  for  its  strange  disparity  in  the  two  services  strikes  me  to  be  one  of  the 
chief  props  of  impressment.  It  certainly  is  a  cause  of  landsmen,  and 
those  but  slightly  initiated  in  nautical  knowledge,  so  decidedly  selecting  the 
army;  and  the  modern  practice  may  also  be  chiefly  attributed  to  it,  of 
seamen,  of  all  classes,  being  found  in  regimental  ranks. 

From  a  desire  to  avoid  prolixity,  I  will  refrain  from  dwelling  further  on 
this  most  material  theme  :  the  basis  on  which  I  have  reasoned  is  undeniably 
correct,  and  must,  of  itself,  be  amply  sufficient  to  convince  the  many,  of  the 
untenable  foundation  on  which  this  dissimilitude  of  bounty  rests.  I  shall 
feel  indebted  to  any  of  the  worthy  correspondents  or  readers  of  the  Naval 
Chronicle,  who  will  produce  one  solid  reason  for  bounties  being  continued 
in  their  present  state,  or  one  equitable  objection  to  their  being  equalized. 

The  third  point  I  shall  introduce  to  notice,  is  of  ea?y  attainment,  but 
not  less  necessary  to  be  adopted.  It  is  the  custom  of  withholding  from 
petty  officers  and  seamen  all  portion  of  their  pay,  whilst  serving  abroad, 
however  long  such  service  may  be,  and  under  whatever  circumstances. 

Here,  again,  I  may  instance  the  army  for  a  direct  contrary  system  ;  and, 
in  truth,  it  is  not  easy  to  comprehend  why,  in  almost  every  case,  the  sailor 
is  placed  under  such  comparative  disadvantage  to  his  contemporary  fol- 
lows in  arms.  If  the  two  professions  were,  in  their  leading  establishments 
and  incitements,  on  a  similar  scale,  they  might  then,  at  least,  be  advocated 
0:1  the  ground  of  reciprocity  and  impartiality  ;  and  being  nothing  in  the  one 
to  expose  the  imperfections  of  the  other,  we  might  have  the  credit  or  con- 
solation of  acting  on  wrong  principles  with  our  eyes  shut  :  hut,  as  they 
now  stand,  Sir,  the  departure  from  equity  is  doubly  great,  and  doubly  glar- 
ing. It  is  wrapping  one  arm  in  flannel,  and  exposing  the  other  to  the 
inclemency  of  the  weather  :  can  we  then  wonder  at  its  sinews  and  compor 
nent  parts  becoming  relaxed  and  enervated. 

The  soldier,  unless  impracticable  from  insurmountable  causes,  is  punc* 
tually  paid  monthly;  the  sailor,  from  the  period  of  leaving  England,  to  his 
return,  receives  no  part  of  his  pay,  although  he  is  commonly  three,  four,  or 
five  years  absent.  This  being  the  true  state  of  the  case,  let  us  first  see,  what 
can  be  advanced  against  a  nearer  approximation,  I  can  anticipate  but 


CORRESPONDENCZ.  199 

two  objections— that  it  would  withdraw  the  check  on  desertion  from  ships 
abroad,  and  that,  frorn  the  different  nature  of  the  services,  money  is  not 
so  essentially  required  by  the  seamen. 

In  answer  to  these,  I  will  concede  a  little  to  both,  inasmuch  as  the  prone- 
ness  (which  I  have  invariably  laboured  to  press  into  notice)  to  run  from  the 
navy,  is  certainly  too  great  to  take  off  preventive  restraints  too  suddenly, 
and  arrears  of  pay  are  neither  so  fully  or  so  frequently  called  for.  Hence, 
I  will  not  argue  for  the  exact  same  system  being  established  as  in  the  army, 
but  will  confine  myself  to  contending  against  the  notorious  extremes  of  the 
existing  regulations. 

The  plea  of  giving  facility  to  desertion,  would  gradually  be  obviated,  by 
the  alterative  measures  I  am  in  the  course  of  recommending,  which,  by  en- 
gendering improved  feelings  and  better  motives,  would  mitigate  the  weari- 
ness of  maritime  duties,  and  give  birth  to  that  desideratum,  professional 
attachment  and  partiality  in  the  lower  orders. 

As  to  the  second  objection  which  I  have  supposed,  that  seamen  have  lit- 
tle use  for  money  abroad,  there  is  a  wide  difference  between  wanting 
but  little,  and  their  not  having  any.  Naval  officers  need  not  to  be  informed, 
that  their  crews  being  enabled  to  manage  at  all  tolerably,  as  they  are  now 
circumstanced,  on  foreign  stations  is,  by  trafficking  slops,  provisions,  or 
tobacco,  for  articles  of  clothing  or  refreshment ;  a  practice  which,  although 
a  breach  of  regulations,  their  superiors  are  either  induced  to  wink  at,  or 
cannot  prevent. 

If  I  may  venture  to  go  further  than  reason  against  the  system  as  it  now 
stands,  and  to  suggest  specific  improvement,  it  would  be  shortly  this. 

Petty  officers  and  seamen  to  receive  annually,  whilst  abroad,  sir 
months  pay ;  to  take  date  from  the  last  payment  in  England  ;  to  be  under 
the  superintendence  and  charge  of  the  resident  naval  commissioners  of 
dock-yards,  on  foreign  stations,  and  to  be  distributed  at  that  port  only 
at  which  such  commissioners  reside.  To  some  such  arrangement  as  this, 
I  can  conceive  no  adverse  argument  which  could  be  conformable  to  justice, 
without  losing  sight  of  caution. 

I  cannot  conclude  this  letter,  without  thanking  you,  Mr.  Editor,  for 
placing  in  your  Chronicle  the  feeble,  but  honest,  effusions  of  my  pen  ;  it 
shall  never  knowingly  trace  a  sentence  discordant  to  its  pages,  or  incon- 
sistent with  its  views — that  of  wishing  to  advance  the  honour  and  welfare 
of  the  British  navy.  AEOLUS. 

P.S.  I  hope  the  coincidence  of  opinion,  which  Nestor  expresses,  will  not 
be  interrupted  ;  but  regret  that  I  should  have  interfered  with  his  intention, 
of  communicating  his  ideas  on  the  important  subject  in  which  I  am  en- 
gaged. I  am  fully  sensible  of  the  value  of  his  continued  estimation. 


MR.  EDITOR,  Halifax,  Noun  Scotia,  1st  February,  1814. 

I  HEREWITH  send  you  a  plan  of  mine  which  was  carried  into  execution, 
for  raising  the  merchant  brig  Bcllona,  of  200  tons,  which  vessel  sunk 
in  the  best  anchorage  of  this  port,  on  the  12th  November  last,  in  12  fathoms 


200  CORRESPONDENCE. 

water :  the  said  vessel  had  on  board  a  full  cargo,  very  few  buoyant  article* 
in  it,  and  upwards  of  40  tons  of  ballast,  iron  and  shingle."  Mr.  Robert 
Gibson,  flag  lieutenant  to  Rear-admiral  Grifh'th,  superintended  the  whole 
process  ;  to  his  great  perseverance  in  a  very  inclement  season  am  I  indebted 
for  the  complete  success  with  which  it  was  crowned,  the  Bellona  being 
carried  on  shore,  and  her  cargo  got  out  ;  the  rise  at  spring  tides  in  this 
harbour  seldom  exceeds  5  or  6  feet ;  the  Bellona  was  sunk  in  me  mud  so 
much,  that  only  six  feet  of  her  hull  a  midships  was  above  tin-  b.ittom  :  the 
vessels  used  were  two  of  160  tons  each,  and  two  schooners  of  40  snul  GO 
tons  each  ;  the  cables  l-l|  inches,  and  1S|  inches.  Had  I  been  furnished 
with  vessels  calculated  to  heave  a  great  strain,  like  our  mooring  lighters  in 
England,  the  Bellona  could  have  been  hove  up  to  the  surface,  without  the 
assistance  of  tide.  You  will  perceive,  by  the  plan  pursued,  cables  might 
have  been  placed,  if  necessary,  every  six  feet,  and  of  any  size:  two  Ime- 
of- battle  ships,  with  trunks  and  holes  through  their  bottoms  near  the  keel, 
would  lift  three  thousand  tons,  the  precaution  being  observed  or'  heaving 
every  cable  taught  separately,  to  a  certain  strain,  and  marked.  A  first 
rate  of  smaller  class  displaces,  with  every  denomination  of  stores  and  ord- 
nance on  board,  including  provisions,  weight  of  men,  &c.  &c.  &c.  about 
3,900  tons;  under  the  surface,  the  difference  between  the  space  such  a 
ship  would  occupy,  and  the  gravity  of  water,  would  be  about  900  tons ; 
to  this  is  to  be  added  cohesion,  which  increases  daily  where  the  bottom 
is  soft. 

The  feasibility  of  raising  any  ship  that  has  not  been  long  under  water, 
must  appear  obvious  to  every  one,  and  I  hope  this  simple  plan  in  a  like 
disaster  may  be  the  means  of  recovering  valuable  property. 

I  remain,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

EDWARD  FAIRFAX,  Master  Attendant. 

Mr.  FAIRFAX'S  Plan  to  get  up  Vessels  that  Founder  in  Harbour,  Kith  the 
Process  observed  in  raising  the  Brig  Bellona,  which  sunk  in  Halifax  Har- 
bour on  the  I'lth  November,  1813. 

1st.     A  small  vessel  was  placed  on  the  wreck   over  the  centre  as  near  as 

possible. 
2d.     The  large  vessels  employed  had  anchors,  with  Inrge  hawsers,  carried 

out  250  fathoms  from  wreck  ;  one  a- head,  the  other  a-stein,  as  near 

on  the  line  of  the  keel  as  possible. 
3d.    The  vessels  were  now  placed  twenty  fathoms  from  the  wreck— cables 

clinched  and  well  greased. 
4th.     Small  buoy  ropes  ,same  length  as  depth  of  water,  and  red  buoys,  were 

attached  to  the  clinches  ;    also,   to  the  end  of  *  loO  fathoms  of  rope  ; 

a  pig  of  ballast  was  fastened  four  feet  from  each  clinch  ;  likewise  a  pig 

of  ballast  seven  fathoms    from  each  clinch,  with   a  buoy  rope  and 

black  buoy.  > 

5th.     The  bottom  r.ear  the  wreck  was  examined  with  creepers,  and  found 

clear  ;    mark   buoys  were   then  placed   sixteen  fathoms  distance  (all 

round;  from  the  wreck. 


CORRESPONDENCE,  201 

6th.  The  cables  were  carried  outside  of  the  mark  buoys;  the  end  of  one 
and  clinch  of  the  other  on  board  each  vessel ;  when  rove,  they  were 
Jotvered  down  by  the  *  rope  mentioned  No.  4 ;  when  at  the  bottom 
marked  buoys  were  taken  up. 

7th.  The  cables  were  now  paid  out,  and  each  vessel  was  warped  one  hun- 
dred and  forty  fathoms  from  the  wreck,  by  the  hawsers  mentioned 
No.  2,  which  were  laid  out  for  this  purpose. 

^th.  When  arrived  at  140  fathoms  from  wreck,  the  cables  (or  hawsers 
Jast  to  them)  were  gradually  hove  taught  on  board  each  vessel,  and 
clinches  eased  away  and  kept  in  a  proper  direction  by  the  ropet  fast  to 
them,  mentioned  in  No.  4. 

9th.  When  the  red  buoys  that  were  attached  to  the  clinches  came  close  to 
the  head  and  stern  of  the  wreck  (which  was  easily  known  by  the 
IcaJ),  and  a  strain  hove  upon  the  cables  so  as  to  cause  the  black 
buoys  (mentioned  in  No.  4)  to  Come  witiiins 25  feet  of  each  other; 
then,  and  not  till  then,  were  the  two  largest  vessels  allowed  to  approach 
and  heave  a  perpendicular  strain. 

I Oth.  The  same  process  as  before-mentioned  was  again  followed,  and  the 
vessel  swept  on  the  broadside,  with  the  inteniion  to  assist  in  lifting; 
and  at  the  same  time  keep  the  wreck  upright. 

llth.  All  the  cables  were  now  hove  taught  at  very  low  water,  and  a  pur. 
chase  made  fast  to  the  hawser  out  of  the  stern  of  the  vessel  that  had 
the  head  cable  in  ;  this  purchase  was  hoveu  taught  (being  in  the  same 
direction  of  the  keel)  with  the  intention  to  loosen  her  in  her  bed,  and 
let  the  air  get  between  her  bilge  and  the  bottom ;  on  the  second  day 
the  air  bubbles  at  half  tide  shewed  this  point  was  accomplished  ;  at 
high  water  the  Belloua  was  removed  from  her  bed. 

12th.  The  cables  were  hoven  taught  every  low  water  (weather  would  per- 
mit), and  the  wreck  carried  into  shoaler  water  daily,  until  placed  in  a 
situation  to  get  the  cargo  out. 

UftUK0M 

MR.  EDITOR,  \5th  February,  1814. 

7"1~1  BE  difference  of  opinion,  which  appears  to  subsist  between  Impartial 
-*•  (whose  communications  are  in  general  valuable)  and  myself,  relative 
to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  being  all  naval  men,  or  of  the  appointment 
of  a  subordinate  board  of  naval  officers,  if  the  present  system  of  having  the 
greatest  proportion  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty  civilians,  is  continued,  might 
not  perhaps  have  led  to  any  reply  on  my  part,  had  not  this  writer  set  out 
with  the  declaration,  thnt,  "  as  his  motives  were  pure  and  impartial,  lie  dirt 
yot  hold  the  same  opinion  which  I  had  given,  and  \\hich  he  supposed  might 

*  To  catch  a  vessel  that  is  sunken  iu  twelve  fathoms  water,  and  her  gunwales 
onl}  six  feet  above  the  bot'om  (which  was  the  case  with  the  brig  Beilona),  it  was 
necessary  to  go  to  this  distance,  as  trigonometry  will  erplain. 

f  Siveti  fathoms  from  clinches,  where  black  buoys  were  placed,  wasfcalftha 
length  of  the  Brllor.a  ;  25  feet  her  breadth. 

,  (Bol.  XXXI.  DC 


$02  CpaRESPQSDEKCE. 

be  attributed  to  turn ;  however  little  interest  the  public  may  take,  either  in 
his  insinuation,  or  ray  declaration,  as  the  subject  in  question  is  no  further 
interesting  tome,  than  as  a  well-wishar  to  my  country,  and  the  naval  pro- 
fession, and  as  the  pure  and  impartial  motives  which  no  doubt  actuate 
him,  have  an  equally  firm  root  in  my  mind,  it  is  proper  I  should  make  this 
assertion ;  and  I  declare  at  the  same  time,  that  the  Board  of  A  y 

can  neither  reward  my  humble  labours  as  their  defender,  nor  purchase  my 
silence  wJien  I  see  cause  for  animadversion.  Let  not  this  writer  forget  that 
the  insinuation  and  calumniation  which  he  has  used,  not  only  against  me, 
but  also  your  instructive  correspondent,  A.  F.  Y.  whose  correspondence  has, 
(I  am  certain),  been  of  the  greatest  consequence  to  the  service,  and  is  likely 
to  be  of  still  greater  utility,  if  continued  with  temper  and  moderation, 
vliich  his  judgment  and  experience  will  insure.  Let  not  Impartial  forget, 
that  assertions  without  proof  return  with  double  disgrace  on  the  head  of 
Liin  who  uses  them ;  and  whilst  his  own  motives  are  pure,  which  I  doubt 
not  they  are,  let  him  not  shoot  his  darts  at  random,  and  insinuate  that  you 
Lave  no  honest  correspondent  but  himself. 

Having  in  former  letters  given  it  as  my  decided,  and  my  honest  opinion, 
that  there  are  at  present  too  few  naval  men  at  tlie  Board  of  Admiralty,  and 
having  proposed  either  to  increase  their  number,  or  to  form  a  subordinate 
board  of  naval  officers  only,  to  whom  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  might 
refer  such  subjects,  as  either  their  time  did  not  allow  the  mature  consi- 
deration of,  or  on  which  perhaps  their  experience  did  not  enable  them  to 
form  correct  opinions  ;  I  must  be  allowed  to  maintain,  that,  in  either  case, 
I  can  see  no  cause  for  fear  of  jarring  and  disagree  me- tit  that  is  not  cominvn 
to  every  association  of  men,  whose  opinions  will  occasionally  be  very 
different  :  but  that  such  a  subordinate  board  (although  I  greatly  prefer  the 
plan  of  an  entire  naval  supreme  board)  would  be  useful  and  advantageous 
to  the  service,  can  scarcely  admit  of  a  doubt,  and  that  this  is  the  opinion 
of  the  present  Board  of  Admiralty  themselves,  is  clearly  evinced  by  the 
missions  on  which  they  have  of  late  frequently  sent  officers  of  talents  and 
experience  to  the  out-ports,  not  only  to  superintend  different  services,  but 
to  report  to  them  the  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  different  plans,  &c. 
I  miijht  also  add,  that  officers  in  command  of  ships  fitting,  &c.  have  of 
late  been  very  properly  employed  in  examining  the  utility  and  advantages 
of  different  improvements  suggested  by  ingenious  men  for  the  good  of  the 
'service;  and  certainly  the  Board  of  Admiralty  deserve  much  credit  for  the 
attention  they  have  lately  given  to  these  subordinate,  although  very 
important  matters.  I  know  also,  that  for  months  past,  some  of  tha 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty  have  been  unremittingly  employed  in  examining  the 
different  great  naval  arsenals  and  dock-yards,  with  regard  to  which  some 
arrangements,  highly  important  and  interesting  to  the  country,  must  s-oon 
be  made.  These  visits  of  the  Board  (or  part  of  it),  to  the  great  naval  ports, 
are,  in  my  opinion,  highly  proper;  and  were  the  Board  wholly  composed  of 
naval  men,  it  is  evident  these  could  be  much  oftener  made,  with  great 
advantage  to  the  public,  whilst  at  the  same  time  the  ordinary  routine  of 
business  at  ihe  Admiralty  would  go  on  as  usual,  without  experiencing  an; 
delay  or  relaxation.  From  all  I  can  learn  on  this  j.u!>jecl.  'u'.-re  seems  t« 


CORUESPO.VDENCE.  205 

be  but  one  opinion,  that  the  management  of  the  navy  ought  to  be  vested  in, 
naval  men,  with  the  exception  of  the  First  I/ird,  who  is  a  cabinet  minister, 
nmy  with  advantage  be  selected  from  his  rank  and  influence,  and  I  hope 
his  respectable  character.  Could  we  have  such  men  as  Earl  Spencer,  or 
several  who  have  followed  after  him,  at  the  heat!  of  thut  Board,  with  able 
naval  assistants,  the  service  would  be  unquestionably  conducted  better. 
Let  not,  however,  the  name  of  the  present  head  of  the  Bourt)  be  omitted; 
what  his  conduct  is  individually  to  officers  going  to  the  Admiralty  I  know 
Jiot,  but  I  hope  it  is  not  ungracious;  if  it  is,  at  least  he  seems  to  be 
anxious  to  rectify  errors,  and  redress  grievances  and  abuses,  as  far  as  lies  in 
his  power;  and  I  hope  his  administration  at  the  Board  will,  on  the  whole,  be 
marked  with  vigour  and  judgment,  and  a  brilliant  winding  up  of  our 
differences  with  America,  in  the  destruction  of  their  annada.  I  have  great 
hopes  the  appointment  of  Lord  Cochrane  to  that  station  will  }ead  to  this — 
"  what  man  dares,  he  dares;"  and,  however  great  his  zeaf,  his  judgment 
hath  not  yet  in  naval  enterprises  been  far  misled.  Before  I  close,  allow 
me  to  advert  to  ^Eolns's  invaluable  letters;  they  are  fraught  with  useful 
suggestions,  they  are  the  eiYusions  of  an  honourable  and  deeply  thinking 
mind,  guided  by  prudence,  and  acting  from  the  best  principles  which  ever 
actuate  a  Briton  and  a  man:  this  tribute  I  think  due  to  his  exertions;  they 
are  truly  praiseworthy.  NESTOR. 


MR.  EDITOR,  Newstlls  Park,  13th  March,  1814. 

HIS  Majesty's  ship  Sir  Francis  Drake,  under  my  command,  arrived  at 
St.  Helena  from  Bengal,  with  convoy  and  treasure  to  the  amount  of 
three  hundred  thousand  pounds,  in  the  month  of  February,  1813.  During 
the  stay  of  the  Sir  Francis  Drake  ac  St.  Helena,  for  the  purpose  of  com- 
pleting the  water  of  the  convoy,  H. M.S.  President,  bearing  the  flag  of 
Vice-admiral  Stopford,  arrived  there  on  her  way  to  England  (the  Vice- 
admiral  having  been  superseded  in  the  command  at  the  Cape  of  G.  II.  by 
Kear-ndmiral  Tyler.)  On  the  arrival  of  the  President,  I  waited  upon  the 
Vice-admiral,  and,  as  usual,  carried  my  orders;  in  one  of  which  was  a 
clause,  directing  me  to  urge  to  any  officer  I  might  meet,  on  their  return  to 
England,  or  cruising  for  the  protection  of  the  trade,  the  absolute  necessity 
of  their  affording  additional  protection  to  the  valuable  fleet  under  my. 
guidance.  It  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  the  order  alluded  to  was  given 
by  Vice-admiral  Sir  Samuel  Hood,  before  it  was  known  in  India  that  war 
had  been  declared  by  the  United  States  of  America  against  Great  Britain  ; 
that  the  clause  alluded  to  was  applicable  to  the  situation  of  the  President, 
I  should  presume  nobody  would  pretend  to  deny. 

The  Vice-admiral,  instead  of  paying  attention  to  this,  although  urged 
and  repeated  to  him  the  ensuing  morning,  both  by  the  captains  of  the 
India  ships,  and  by  the  governor  of  St.  Helena,  ordered  the  treasure  to  be 
removed  into  the  President,  and  sailed  himself  the  same  evening  for 
England,  directing  me  to  remain  at  St.  Helena  for  the  arrival  of  H.  M.S. 
Horatio,  till  the  10th  of  March :  this  was  given  in  consequence  of  my 
request,  as  the  Vice-admiral  told  me  he  did  not  think  I  should  be  justified 


204  .    CORRESPONDENCE. 

in  attending  to  any  requisition  from  the  Governor  of  St.  Helena,  to  pro- 
ceed alone  with  the  convoy,  a  measure  which  I  was  aware  the  Governor 
had  in  contemplation. 

At  the  time  Admiral  Stopford  delivered  to  me  the  order  for  the  removal 
of  the  treasure,  Captain  Warren,  commanding  the  President,  asked, 
"  How  are  we  to  arrange  the  freight  ?  "  I  replied  (imagining,  of  course, 
that  an  officer  of  the  Vice-ad.miral's  rank  and  experience  would  never  have 
given  an  order  that  was  not  only  perfectly  legal,  but  also  perfectly  con- 
sistent with  the  Osage  of  the  service),  that  I  supposed  we  were  to  divide 
it ;  and  consequently,  acting  on  that  principle,'!  wrote  to  my  agents,  stating, 
that  Captain  Warren  and  myself  were  to  divide  the  freight ;  and  there,  for 
the  time,  the  matter  rested,  and  the  President  sailed  on  the  same  day. 

On  my  arrival  at  Deal,  ahout  the  15th  or  16th  of  May,  T  found  a  letter 
from  Captain  Warren  waiting  for  me  at  that  place,  informing  me  that  the 
Court  of  Directors  refufed  the  payment  of  the  freight,  notwithstanding  the 
money  had  been  actually  delivered,  and  the  original  bills  of  lading  duly 
presented  by  Captain  Warren,  unless  they  heard  from  me  •  ;  a 

circumstance  in  itself  strongly  proving  my  right  to  the  whole  of  it. 

Unfortunately,  I  did  not  at  the  moment  observe  the  full  force  of  their 
meaning;  and  I  answered  Captain  Warren's  letter,  by  writing  to  the  Court 
of  Directors,  as  he  desired,  adhering  to  the  verbal  agreement  between  us 
at  St.  Helena,  explaining  at  the  same  time  to  Captain  Warren,  that  the 
only  officer  of  our  own  rank  I  had  seen,  was  of  opinion  that  he,  Capt.  W. 
had  no  right  to  a  shilling  of  it.  On  my  landing  at  Deal,  and  having  fre- 
quent opportunities  \>f  consulting  many  officers  of  equal  rank,  and  many 
who  were  much  superior  (and  one  in  particular  of  very  high  rank,  no\T 
absent  on  service,  who  expressed  an  opinion,  that  under  all  the  circum- 
stances, it  was  an  unjustifiable  act,  on  the  part  of  Vice-admiral  Stopford, 
the  ordering  the  treasure  to  he  removed),  and  all  concurring  in  its  being 
extremely  arbitrary,  and  some  deeming  it  even  illegal ;  and  as  far  as  the 
public  service  went,  although  the  Vice-admiral's  order  was  prefaced  with 
its  being  essential  to  his  Majesty's  government,  &c.  1  think  there  will  be 
liut  one  opinion,  that  it  would  have  been  benefited  much  more,  by  bring- 
ing home  a  fleet,  at  the  very  lowest  estimation  worth  three  millions  sterling, 
than  of  bringing  home.,only  three  hundred  thousand  pounds,  and  detaining 
-so  many  valuable  ships  at  so  long  and  heavy  a  demurrage.  All  these  cir- 
cumstances combined,  induced  me  to  resist  the  claim  of  Captain  Warren 
to  participate  in  the  freight  in  question  ;  and  consequently  I  entered  a  pro- 
test at  the  India  House,  against  Captain  Warren'sclaim  ;  and,  notwithstand- 
ing my  former  letter,  dated  from  Deal,  written  almost  at  the  moment  of 
my  arrival,  recognizing  the  right  of  Captain  Warren,  I  had  the  satisfaction 
of  finding  my  protest  immediately  attended  to;  but  upon  a  recent  con- 
ference with  the  legal  advisers  of  Captain  Warren,  and  after  a  more 
mature  consideration  of  the  contents  of  the  letter  written  by  me  from  Deal, 
I  was  advised  to  discontinue  the  contest ;  as  that  letter  plainly  inferred  the 
existence  of  an  agreement  between  the  captain  of  the  President  and  myself, 
though  made  with  only  a  single  opinion  on  the  subject,  and  which, 


"CORRESPONDENCE.  205 

not  having  kept  a  copy  of  it,  I  did  not  perfectly  recollect  the  contents  of 
when  I  was  first  induced  to  resort  to  legal  advice. 

I  trust  I  have  made  it  evident,  that  Captain  Warren  has  no  right  to  this 
freight,  excepting  from  my  own  improvident  agreement,  made  of  course 
under  the  circumstances  alluded  to  in  the  early  part  of  this  statement,  and 
that  he  is  only  indebted  to  my  inexperience  in  transactions  of  this  nature 
and  to  the  precipitancy  with  which  I  answered  his  letter  which  was  waiting 
for  me  at  Deal :  for  under  any  other  circumstances  than  those  alluded  to, 
it  cannot  he  supposed  I  could  have  consented  to  an  engagement,  by  which 
I  was  to  lose  1,000/. 

I  have  been  thus  minute  in  endeavouring  to  elucidate  this  case,  as  it  is 
one  I  believe  perfectly  novel ;  and,  as  I  think  it  may  be  interesting,  and 
perhaps  instructive,  to  the  naval  service  in  particular,  and  especially  to 
my  brother  captains,  I  have  to  request  you  will  do  me  the  favour  of  taking 
an  early  opportunity  to  insert  it  in  your  useful  work,  as  I  am  particularly 
solicitous  to  have  it  known  that  I  have  not  in  any  way  compromised  their 
interests  ;  and  that,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  Admiral  Stopford's  right  to  issue 
the  order  still  remains  very  questionable;  and  the  claim  of  Captain  Warren> 
under  any  other  circumstances  than  the  arrangement  I  was  inadvertent 
enough  to  enter  into  so  unadvisedly,  would  be  perfectly  nugatory. 


Captain  R.N. 


MR.  EDITOR, 

I  HAVE  just  read  an  English  translation  of  the  two  first  volumes  of  my 
Voyage  round  the  World,  which  were  published  during  the  course  of 
last  summer,  by  Mr.  Murray,  of  Albemarle-street.  As  the  history  of  sucli 
a  voyage,  performed  for  the  first  time  by  Russian  ships,  will  probably  be 
-read  with  some  curiosity  by  officers  of  the  British  n*vy,  it  cannot,  of  course, 
be  a  matter  of  indifference  to  me,  how  the  account  I  have  given  of  this  ex- 
pedition will  he  received  by  them.  I  am  the  more  concerned  about  it,  as, 
having  served  myself  for  several  years  on  board  British  men  of  war,  I  am 
personally  known  to  many,  whose  good  opinion  is  of  infinite  value  tu  me. 
Their  more  or  less  favourable  opinion  of  my  book  will,  in  a  great  measure, 
depend  on  its  translation  into  English  being  well  executed  or  not  ;  I  regret 
sincerely,  that  this  is  done  in  a  manner  which  makes  every  apology  unne- 
cessary for  offering  to  the  attention  of  my  brother  officers  in  the  English 
navy  the  following  remarks  on  that  performance,  and  which  I  request  you 
tu  insert  in  your  valuable  CHRONICLE. 

The  first  thing  that  will  strike  a  seaman,  on  perusing  it,  is,  that  it  has  been 
translated  by  one  totally  ignorant  of  nautical  science  ;  for  there  is  hardly  a 
eingle  scientific  or  technical  term  that  has  not  been  disfigured  in  the  transla- 


206  CORRESPONDENCE, 

tion  to  such  a  degree,  that  frequently  the  meaning  of  it  cannot  be  even 
guessed  at.  It  is  really  surprising  that  the  translator  did  not  cure  tr» 
procure  the  assistance  of  some  professional  man,  which  in  England  could 
by  no  means  be  a  matter  of  difficulty;  The  translator  has,  besides,  been 
guilty  of  many  inaccuracies,  the  source  of  which  is  even  not  ignorance  ot 
the  subject,  but  merely  a  negligence,  which  certainly  precludes  all  excuse. 
Although  Mr.  Hoppner  ought  to  have  been  sensible  of  the  deficiency  of  his 
translation  with  respect  to  correctness,  he  nevertheless  declares,  in  a  very 
positive  manner,  to  have  executed  his  ta?k  "  with  that  precision  which  he 
conceives  to  be  absolutely  necessary  in  translating  a  work  of  this  nature, 
and  on  which  indeed  its  value  so  mainly  depends."  Many,  then,  not 
doubting  Mr.  Hoppner's  precision,  will,  of  course,  be  tempted  to  suspect^ 
that  what  is  unintelligible  in  the  translation  (and  there  is  a  great  deal  of 
it)  must  equally  be  so  in  the  original.  It  is  a  duty  I  owe  to  myself  to  ob- 
viate such  suspicions  :  my  voyage  is  written,  though  in  a  plain,  yet  in  ;t 
perfectly  intelligible  manner;  and  whoever  is  master  either  of  the  Russian 
or  the  German  language,  in  both  of  which  I  have  published  an  account  ot 
my  voyage,  may  convince  himself  of  it.  But  as  this  assertion  of  mine 
may  not,  however,  satisfy  every  body  as  to  the  validity  of  my  declaration, 
that  the  translator  has  frequently  miscomprehended  his  original,  I  shall 
point  out  a  few  of  such  passages  ;  yet  confining  myself  only  to  what  may 
most  puzzle  a  seaman. 

In  pointing  out  some  of  the  inaccuracies  of  the  translation,  I  shall  place 
in  one  column  to  the  left  Mr.  Hoppner's  words,  and  opposite  to  it  I  shall 
attempt  to  translate  those  passages  into  English  as  well  as  I  am  capable  of; 
by  doing  which  I  shall  aim  at  nothing  but  to  render  them  intelligible.  But 
previous  to  it,  I  may  be  permitted  to  insert  the  whole  of  that  passage  (a 
curious  one  in  more  than  one  respect)  in  the  preAtce,  in  which  Mr.  Hopp- 
ner speaks  of  the  merit  of  his  translation  : — 

"  The  motto  which  Captain  Krusenstern  lias  prefixed  to  his  book,  '  Que  les 
roaring  £crivent  mal,  &c.'  is  certainly  exemplified  in  his  own  instance.  The  cha- 
racteristic feature  of  the  work  is  that  of  accuracy,  rather  than  elegance  of 
description.  An  uncouth  stile,  and  a  cold  precision  of  expression,  must  ever 
preclude  the  author  from  ranking  with  some  of  our  circumnavigator?,  who,  in 
their  descriptions  and  narratives,  have  displayed  a  warmth  of  colouring,  a  taste 
and  feeling,  worthy  of  the  wonderful  talents  which  insured  the  successful  execu- 
tion of  new  and  adventurous  voyages.  The  translator  felt,  however,  that  any 
improvement  which  might  bring  it  nearer  to  other  works  of  a  similar  nature,  could 
only  be  effected  by  a  considerable  alteration  in  the  stile,  and  the  infusion  of  some 
little  warmth  and  sentiment  into  those  descriptive  parts  which  would  admit  of 
it  without  injury  to  the  sense,  or  a  departure  from  the  truth.  But  such  a  step 
wonld  have  been  to  assume  a  licence  which  he  conceived  he  was  by  no  means 
wnrranted  to  take  ;  and,  as  his  aim  was  to  produce  a  correct,  and  not  »n 
amended  copy,  he  had  no  alternative  but  to  follow  the  original,  with  that  preci- 
sion which  he  conceives  to  be  absolutely  necessary  in  translating  a  work  of  ihi* 
nature,  and  on  which,  indeed,  its  value  so  mainly  depends." 


207 


First  Volume. 


Mr.  Hoppner's  Translation. 

Introduction,  p.  xxiv.  That  ships 
should  be  scut  to  the  east  sea,  round 
Cape  Horn  or  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  to  ihe  N.W.  coast  of  America. 

Page  8.— An  achromatic  telescope 
with  tripod  and  equatorial  motions, 
for  observing  on  shore  the  eclipses 
of  Jupiter's  satellites,  which  I  had 
bespoken,  was  not  sent,  but  I  sup- 
plied the  want  of  the  former  in 
England. 

Page  9.— Tbeir  (Burg's  lunar  ta- 
bles) surprising  exactness  enabled 
us  to  ascertain  our  longitudes  within 
a  few  minutes;  while  the  Ephemcri?, 
calculated  according  to  Mason's  lunar 
tables,  put  us  out  of  our  reckoning, 
even  in  our  best  observations,  nearly 
half  a  degree. 

Page  54. — By  these  means  (cross- 
ing the  parallel  of  the  Isl.  of  St.  An- 
tonio in  27°  longitude,  and  then 
steering  S.E.  b.  S.  towards  the  equa- 
tor) they  will  entirely  avoid  these 
islands,  which  are  of  sufficient  mag- 
nitude to  alter  the  direction  of  the 
trade-wind,  for  it  frequently  happens 
that  S.YV.  winds  are  met  here.  Even 
it'  this  should  not  be  the  case,  the 
wind  is  always  very  moderate  in  their 
vicinity  ;  and  it  cannot  therefore  be 
of  much  hinderance  to  steer  1*°  more 
to  the  west  than  the  coarse  lies,  when 
it  is  with  the  certainty  of  keeping  a 
stealy  wind. 

Page  55.  Although  we  had  lost 
sight  of  the  Island,  and  were  in  27° 
of  longitude  ;  the  wind  blew  very 
moderately  from  the  south  and  east. 
I  waited  now  with  impatience  for  t!ie 
true  N.E.  trade-wind,  that  I  might 
return  to  the  eastward,  which  I  pro- 
posed to  do  for  about  90°,  in  order 


K. 


That  ships  should  be  sent  from  the 
Baltic  round  Cape  Horn  or  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  to  the  N.W.  coast  of 
America. 

Although  I  had  ordered  a  marine 
dipping-neeille,  and  an  achromatic 
telescope  of  three  feet  focus,  in  order 
to  observe  on  shore  the  occultations 
of  stars  and  the  eclipses  of  Jupiter's 
satellites,  they  were  not  sent  out, 
but  I  supplied  the  want  of  them  in 
England. 

Their  surprising  exactness  enabled 
as  to  ascertain  our  longitude  within 
a  few  minutes  ;  while  the  longitudes 
deduced  from  the  Nautical  Almanack 
and  Connaissance  des  Terns,  calcu- 
lated according  to  Mason's  tables, 
were,  even  in  our  best  observations, 
frequently  wroug  by  nearly  half  a 
degree. 

By  these  rrfbans  they  will  entirely 
avoid  these  Islands,  which  are  of 
sufficient  magnitude  to  alter  the 
direction  of  the  trade-wind,  for  it 
frequently  happens  that  S.W.  winds 
are  met  with  here.  But  even  if  this 
should  not  be  the  case,  the  winds  are 
always  very  light  in  the  vicinity  of 
these  Islands  ;  it  cannot  be  then  con- 
sidered as  a  loss  of  time,  when  a  ship 
k^eps  15°  out  of  her  course,  as  s'ne 
is  sure  of  carrying  with  her  a  steady 
and  a  fresh  breeze. 


Although  we  had  lost  sight  of  the 
Island,  and  were  in  27°  of  longitude, 
the  winds  were  very  ligld  from  the 
southward  and  eastward  ;  I  waited 
with  impatience  for  the  true  A.K. 
trade-wind,  that  I  might  be  able  to 
get  to  the  eastward,  and  regain  the 
Wth  de«*ee  of  longitude,  in  order  to 


208 


CORRESrONDEXCE. 


Mr.  Hoppner1!  Translation. 

to  keep  clear  of  the  southerly  winds, 
and  strong  eastward  currents,  which 
are  found  in  the  regions  between  the 
N.E.  and  S.E.  trade-winds. 

Page  91. — At  11  this  promontory 
lay  as  much  as  we  wanted  it,  in  a  true 
southward  direction. 

Page  92. — Probably  owing  to  the 
distance  we  kept  from  the  land,  in 
which  I  entirely  followed  Captain 
Cooks  advice,  never  to  approach 
this  Island  nearer  than  12  leagues, 
or  36  miles,  to  secure  yourself  against 
the  strong  currents,  and  not  be  obliged 
to  put  in  o  New  Year  harbour. 

Page  88. — At  ten  o'clock  at  night 
Dr.  Homer  calculated  the  longitude 
by  some  altitudes  of  the  Aldebaran 
to  be  by  our  waiciies  62°  44'. 

Page  109. — At  a  distance  of  two 
miles  from  the  land  we  were  unable 
to  strike  ground  ;  we  next  found  a 
bottom  of  fine  sand  in  50  fathoms 
water,  and  this  depth  decreased  to  15 
J'athoms,  when  again  close  along  the 
coast  it  was  35  fathoms. 

Page  149.— The  longitude  of  Port 
Anna  Maria  at  the  entrance,  deduced 
from  42  sets  of  lunar  observations 
taken  by  Dr.  Homer  an'l  myself,  be- 
tween the  29th  April  and  4th  May, 
and  from  the  4tli  to  the  7th  May  at 
noon,  by  a.  mean  of  the  chronometer 
X.  128.  reduced  to  its  new  rate  of 
going,  is  139°  39' 45"  \V. 

Page  187.  The  current,  as  I  ex- 
pected, setting  constantly  to  the 
•westward,  Vancouver  observed  that 
it  sometimes  set  to  the  northward  ; 
and  I  xvas  not  a  little  surprised  to 
find -it  flow  two  days  following  to  the 
south,  and  on  the  21st  and  22d  of 
this  month,  between  the  4th  and  6sh 
degree  of  latitude,  49  miles  in  the 
direction  of  S.W.  65°.  This  induced 
r.is  to  steer  another  point  to  tlie  N. 
•*-d  eieu  .V.  b.  W. 


secure  ourselves  against  the  southerly 
winds  and  strong  westerly  currents, 
which  are  commonly  found  between 
the  X.E.  and  S.E.  trade-winds. 

At  11  this  promontory  bore  due 
south. 

Probably  owing  to  the  distance 
we  kept  from  the  land,  in  which  I 
followed  Captain  Cook's  advice,  on 
account  of  the  strong  currents  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Island,  not  to  ap- 
proach it  nearer  than  12  league's, 
unless  you  intend  to  put  into  New 
Year  harbour. 

At  10  o'clock  at  night  Dr.  Homer 
calculated  the  longitude  by  some 
altitudes  of  Aldebaran  6i'o  44'. 

Till  wt  got  within  2  miles  off  the 
land  we  could  get  no  soundings  ;  at 
that  distance  we  had  50  fathoms, 
which  did  not  decrease  more  than  15 
fathoms,  for  close  to  the  shore  we  still 
had  35  fathoms. 

The  longitude  of  Port  Anna  Maria 
we  settled  at  139°  39'  45",  from  a 
mean  of  42  sets  of  lunar  distance* 
observed  by  Dr.  Homer  and  myself, 
between  the  29ih  April  and  4th  iMny, 
and  from  that  day  reduced  to  the  7th 
(the  day  we  entered  the  bay)  by 
N.  128.  according  to  its  new  regu- 
lated rate. 

The  current,  as  I  expected,  setting 
constantly  to  the  westward.  Ac- 
cording to  the  observations  of  Cap- 
tain Vancouver,  it  also  sets  to  tlie 
northward  ;  I  was  therefore  not  a 
liule  surprised,  for  two  days  follow- 
ing, the  21st  and  22d  of  this  month, 
between  the  4th  and  6th  degree  of 
latitude,  instead  of  8  northerly,  to 
find  astrongscuthern  set,  vu.S.  65°\V. 
49  miles.  This  induced  me  to  haul 
up  a  point  more  to  the 
and  to  steer  N.b.W. 


eORRSSFONDENCE. 


20? 


Mr.  Hoppner'fi'jTranslation. 
1'age  202. — As  the  meridian  alti- 
tude of  the  sun  on  the  22d  June, 
•would  be  nearly  90°  when  the  sun  is 
very  difficult  to  observe,  Dr.  Homer 
reckoned  before  hand  the  true  time 
of  noon,  and  the  height  thus  obtained 
•we  admitted  as  that  of  the  meridian. 

Page  205. — La  Perouse  continued 
in  the  same  parallel  from  165°  5l' 
east  longitude  of  Paris  to  179  9  51 ', 
one  point  from  13°  41'. 
*Page  250. — As  we  did  not  find  the 
harbour  so  much  to  the  south,  vis. 
32°  32'  N.  as  we  expected  it  to  be 
from  the  general  plans,  we  sailed 
parallel  with  the  coast  at  a  short  dis- 
tance from  these  rocks,  of  which  we 
saw  several  on  the  northern  coast. 

Page  279. — This  eclipse  could  not 
influence  our  determination  of  the 
geographical  longitude  of  Nanga- 
saky, which  had  been  much  more 
correctly  ascertained  by  a  number  of 
lunar  observations,  and  by  the  eclipse 
ff  one  or  two  scars,  than  it  could  be 
done  with  our  imperfect  means  ofob- 
terving  it. 

Page  294. — He  (Captain  Bornoy) 
has  deduced  it  (the  longitude  of 
Nangasaky)  from  the  ascertained 
longitude  of  Tsus-sima,  and  the  dis- 
tance of  this  Island  from  Nangasaky ; 
and  it  appears  that  he  has  taken  the 
mean  of  La  Perouse's  and  Brough- 
ton's  longitude  of  the  north  end  of 
Tsus  sima,  and  of  Kaeropfer  and 
Valentines,  'a*  the  ground  of  his  meri- 
dian distance. 

Page  306. — I  have  always  deter- 
mined the  time  of  the  highest  flood 
and  lowest  ehb  by  corresponding 
altitudes  ;  and,  as  I- had  several  ob- 
servations between  each  change,  I 
could  invariably  lake  the  mean  of 
them.  In  the  syzigies  the  time  of 
the-  highest  flood  is  at  7  h, 52'  4l". 


K. 

As  the  meridian  altitude  of  the  sun 
on  the  22d  June  would  he  nearly 
90°  when  the  sun  is  very  difficult  To 
observe,  Dr.  Homer  previously  cal- 
culated the  true  time  of  noon,  and 
the  altitude  of  the  sun  taken  at  that 
moment  was  admitted  as  the  meridian 
altitude.  ;-  , 

La  Perouse  sailed  in  the  same 
parallel  from  165°  5l'  east  longitude 
of  Paris,  to  179°  31',  a  space  of 
13°  41'. 

Not  finding  Nangasaky  so  much  to 
the  south  as  it  is  generally  allowed  to 
be,  viz.  32o  32',  we  sailed  parallel  to 
the  coast  at  a  short  distance  from  these 
rocks,  of  which  we  could  perceive 
some  even  to  the  northward  of  the 
bay. 

With  respect  to  {the  longitude  of 
Nangasaky,  the  observation  of  this 
eclipse  of  the  moon  was  of  no  mo- 
ment, since  it  has  been  determined 
by  a  great  number  of  lunar  dis- 
tances, and  several  occupations,  with 
much  more  correctness,  than  it  could 
he  done  by  the  imperfect  method  of  a 
lunsr  eclipse. 

He  has  deduced  it  from  tlie  longi- 
tude of  Tsus-sima,  and  its  distance 
from  Nangasaky.  With  respect  to 
the  longitude  of  Tsus-sima,  he  seems 
to  have  taken  ihe  mean  of  Brough- 
ton's  and  La  Percuse's  determina- 
tion ;  and  with  respect  to  the  distance, 
the  mean  of  Valentine's  and  Kaemp- 
fer's  difference  of  longitude  between 
these  two  places. 

The  time  of  high  and  low  water  I 
have  always  determined  from  cor- 
responding heights  ;  and  having  * 
number  of  them  between  each  liHe, 
I  was  enabled  to  take  the  mean  of 
many.  At  full  and  change  it  is  high 
water  at  7h.  5'*'  41''. 


l.  XXXI. 


210 


Stcond  Volume. 
Mr.  Iloppnef't  Translation. 

Page  10. — The  middle  of  that  parf 
of  the  coast  of  Japan  which  we  saw, 
and  of  which  a  line  of  ahout  15  miles 
ran  before  us  in  an  almost  north  and 
south  direction,  lies  in  S3*  52'  N. 
and  230°  18'  30"  W. 

The  whole  of  the  14th,  and  part  of  the  15th  page,  is  very  badly  trans- 
lated, and  hardly  to  be  understood. 


K. 

The  middle  of  what  we  *aw  of  the 
coast  of  Japan,  extending  about  15 
miles  N.  and  S.  lies  in  35°  52'  N.  and 
230°  18'  30"  W. 


Page  20. — '•In  preparing  my  chart 
df  the  Japanese  sea,  I  have,  howe- 
ver, made  no  remarks  on  the  variation 
of  the  compass. 

•  Page  29. — The  proving  of  the  chart 
in  this  manner  was  •very  much  to  its 
advantage  ;  for  although  it  described 
the  western  entrance  of  the  Straits  of 
Sangar  £  of  a  degree  too  much  to  the 
southward,  we  nevertheless  disco- 
vered the  two  Islands  Osiraa  and 
llosima,  which  are  both  nearly  oppo- 
site the  Straits  of  Sangar,  and  arc  de- 
scribed in  this  chart. 

Page  60. — I  was  very  curious  to 
hear  from  him  whtit  connexion  this 
place  had  with  Karafuto. 

Page  61. — By  this  he  must  have 
meant  the  channel  ofTarlary,  which 
LaPerouse  imagined  was  not  naviga- 
ble, and  which  we  afterwards  thought 
ve  ascertained  no  longer  to  exist, 
although  it  once  did,  and  gave  rise 
to  this  opinion  in  Japan. 


Page  63. — In  the  rivt-  were  ten 
large  fiat-bottomed  vessels,  and 
judging  from  the  preparations  in  the 
magazines. 

Page  93. — Towards  noon  if  cleared 
«p,  aud  we  obtained  au  observation 
as  well  of  the  latitude  as  of  (he 
longitude,  namely,  47*  S9'  04"  N. 
mid  215°  15'  5', *  .W.  The  tame  as 
rttults  from  the  tables  I  corrected  in 


On  constructing  my  chart  of  the' 
Japanese  sea,  I  have  not  assumed  any 
variation  of  the  compass. 

We  had  at  first  every  reason  to  be 
satisfied  with  the  accuracy  of  this 
chart ;  for  although  the  western  en- 
trance of  the  Straits  of  Sangar  was 
placed  on  it  £  of  a  degree  too  much 
to  the  southward,  we  nevertheless 
found  the  two  Islands,  Osima  and 
Kosima,  which  are  both  nearly  op- 
posite the  Straits  of  Sangar,  exactly  as 
they  are  delineated  on  this  chart. 

I  was  very  curious  to  hear  from  the 
master,  what  he  knew  about  Kara- 
futo. 

By  this  he  must  have  meant  tlie 
channel  of  Tartary,  which  La  Pe- 
ronse  imagined  was  not  navigable, 
and  of  which  we,  to  all  appearance, 
have  convinced  ourselves  that  it  no 
longer  exists,  although  it  may  have 
existed  at  some  early  period,  and, 
thus  have  given  rise  to  such  an  opi- 
nion in  Japan. 

In  the  river  were,  ten  large  flat- 
bottomed  vessels,  and  to  judge  from 
their  weU-ttared  magazines. 

Towards  noorj  it  cleared  up,  and 
we  got  observations  both  for  1-ititudq 
and  longitude;  ri:.  47°  3'j' 04"  AT. 
and  215°  l.V  .52''  W.  to  which  a  cor- 
rection, calculated  on  our  arrival  at 
Karntscbaika,  Las  already  li.cn  ap- 
plied. 


211 


Mr.  Hoppner's  Translation. 

Page  213. — In  Awats«ha  Bay  the 
variation  of  the  needle  was  found  by 
observations  ou  board  the  ship,  by 
means  of  Azimuths  and  Amplitudes  of 
the  sun  to  be  in  the  mean  5o  39'  east. 

Page  273. — I  altered  ray  course 
.to  the  N.W.  by  N.  to  gain  the  north 
end  of  it  (Formosa),  which  we  had 
lost  by  steering  too  much  to  the 
southward  during  the  night. 

Page  363. — I  had  already  com- 
pared the  longitude  of  these  points 
vytli  the  data  imparted  to  me  by 
Captain  M'Intosh,  at  Canton,  before 
I  saw  Captain  Horsburgh's  new  chart 
of  the  China  Sea, 

Page  373. — The  navigation  of  the 
Straits  of  Caspar  is  attended  with 
much  less  difficulty  than  that  of  Ban- 
C»;  and  it  is  seldom  necessary  to  an- 
chor more  than  once,  as  was  the  case 
with  us  (nor  is  thii  at  all  timei  wia- 
vaidable.) 

Page  131.— The  observations  made 
during  three  days  always  proved  the 
error  of  the  time-pieces  to  be  a  few 
minutes  east ;  but  it  might  have  been 
just  as  weij  to  the  west,  as  such  ob- 
servations at  sea  are  generally  liable 
to  great  inaccuracy  :  at  all  events,  I 
think,  so  long  as  the  difference  be- 
tween the  chronometer  and  the  lunar 
distance  docs  not  exceed  a  quarter  of 
a  degree  ("provided  the  former  be 
well  regulated,  and  a  constant  rate 
of  going  can  be  deduced  from  it), 
that  the  longitude  by  the  chronometer 
generally  deserves  the  preference, 
unless  by  any  great  deviation  from 
its  usual  rate  it  should  become  at  all 
suspicious.  A  heaviness  of  the  at- 
mosphere, the  uneasy  motion  of  the 
ship,  the  shaking  of  the  instrument 
by  any  gust  of  wind,  an  uncomfortable 
as  well  as  an  insecure  position  of  the 


K, 

In  Awatscha  bay  the  variation  af 
the  compass  by  a  mean  of  several 
sets  of  Azimuth  and  Amplitudes,  vb- 
served  on  board  the  ship  5o  39/cast. 

I  hauled  up  to  N.W.  by  N.  in  or- 
der to  regain  the  Northing,  which  vi;e 
had  lost  by  steering  too  southerly  a 
course  during  the  night. 

I  had  already  discussed  the  longi- 
tude of  these  places,  according  to 
the  astronomical  observation  com- 
municated to  me  by  Captain  M'In- 
tosh, at  Canton,  when  I  received 
Captain  Horsburgh's  new  chart  of  the 
China  Sea. 

The  navigation  of  the  Straits  of 
Caspar  is  attended  with  ranch  less 
difficulty  than  that  of  Banca  ;  by  sail- 
ing through  the  former,  you  anchar 
seldom  more  than  once,  as  was  tlie 
case  with  us,  and  it  is  not  even  im- 
possible to  pass  them  without  an- 
choring it*  all. 

According  to  the  lunar  observa- 
tions made  the  17th,  19th,  and  20th 
July,  the  error  of  our  time-keepers 
was  uniformly  a  few  minutes  east,; 
yet  the  real  error  of  them  might  have 
been  just  as  well  as  many  minutes 
west;  for  observations  made  at  sea 
are  liable  to  still  greater  errors.  I 
am  of  opinion,  that  as  long  as  the 
longitudes  given  by  a  chronometer 
and  by  lunar  distances  do  not  differ 
from  each  other  above  a  quarter  of 
a  degree  (allowing,  of  course,  the 
chronometers  to  have  been,  well  re- 
gulated, and  their  daily  comparisons 
leaving  no  cau.ae  to  suspect  that-the 
rate  of  them  should  have  been 
altered),  the  longitudes  by  cbronw- 
meters  should  no  doubt  have  the  pre- 
ference; and  they  are  not  to  be  called 
m  question,  till  a  greater  difference 
than  {o  take  place.  A  misty  airf 


COttUESrONDEKCE. 


Jtfir.  Hoppner's  Translation. 
body,  added  to  the  want  of  common 
sextants,  frequently  occasion  an  error 
of  20"  in  the  distance  measured ;  and 
if,  besides  these,  any  mistake  should 
occur  in  casting  up,  or  there  should 
be  any  in  that  of  the.  moon's  longi- 
tude, which,  as  we  have  experienced, 
is  sometimes  the  case  ia  the  best 
ephemerides,  even  to  a  minute  on  an 
average  ;  an  error  of  J  of  a  degree 
may  easily  be  made  in  observations 
by  no  means  had.* 


violent  motion  of  the  ship,  shocks  to 
which  instruments  may  be  exposed 
from  sudden  gusts  of  winds,  and  an 
uncomfortable  and  unsteady  position 
of  the  observer,  added  to  the  gene- 
ral imperfections  common  to  all  sex- 
tants, may  frequently  produce  an 
error  of  20M  in  the  measured  dis- 
tances; if  we  add  to  this,  errors  tbat 
will  sometimes  creep  into  the  calcula- 
tions of  lunar  observations,  and  the 
errors  of  lunar  tables,  which,  as  w« 
have  ourselves  experienced,  amount, 
even  in  the  best  ephemerides,  some- 
times to  a  minute  of  a  degree ;  it  may 
easily  happen,  that  in  observations 
by  no  means  bad,  the  longitudes  are 
wrong  by  ^  of  a  degree. 

Bef  >re  I  conclude,  I  must  yet  mention  a  few  errors,  which  frequently 
occur  during  the  course  of  the  work. 

Mr.  Hoppner  translates  to  mmr,  to  moor  with  double  anchors ;  a  kedge, 
a  sheet  anchor  ;  hawsers,  cables;  a  marine  barometer,  nautical  barometer  ; 
a  mural  quadrant,  quadrant  to  fix  in  the  wall ;  an  achromatic  telescope  of 
10  feet  focus,  a  10  feet  nchrometer  ;  dipping  needle,  inclinatorium  ;  Board 
of  Longitude,  Commission  for  nautical  longitude;  light-houss,  fire-beacon  ; 
Transit  instrument,  a  passage  instrum&ut  ;  minutes  of  a  degreCi  minutes  on 
average ;  circular  instrument  y  complete  circle. 

This  mny  suffice  to  shew,  how  ill  qualified  Mr.  Hoppner  was  to  translate 
a  nautical  work  ;  nor  is  he  master  enough  of  the  German  to  translate  from 
that  language.  A  competent  judge  will  find  almost  in  every  page  proofs  in 
Support  of  this  charge.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 


St.  Petersburgh,  the  J°  December,  1813. 


*  What  I  have  said  on  this  occasion,  on  the  use.  of  the  reflecting  circle  and  tit 
jextant,  has  been  entirely  omitted,  by  the  translator. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  213 

MR.  EDITOR.  «  26iA  February,  18 14. 

rilllE  recommendation  of  the  cases  of  old  Commanders  and  Lieutenants 
-•-  to  the  consideration  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Board  of  Ad- 
miralty, xvhich  lately  appeared  in  your  CURONICLE,  from  "  A  Friend  to 
Naval  Merit,"  must  have  appeared  to  every  professional  reader,  as  no  less 
well-timed  than  praiseworthy.  In  the  promotion  which  immediately  fol- 
lowed, I  was  happy  to  observe  several  very  old  and  meritorious  lieutenants 
advanced  to  be  commanders  ;  and  from  all  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of 
hearing  on  the  subject,  the  general  promotion  at  that  time  has  given  great 
satisfaction,  having  been  impartially  made  ;  this  is  certainly  honourable  to 
the  Board,  and  worthy  of  men  of  liberal  and  patriotic  minds.  The  perusal 
of  the  before-mentioned  letter,  however,  led  me  to  look  over  Steel's  List 
of  the  names  of  commanders,  from  1796  to  1804;  and  on  that  list,  within 
these  periods,  I  could  not  but  feel  surprise  and  indignation,  at  perceiving 
the  names  of  such  men  as  Captains  Boorder,  Carew,  Ellicott,  Butt,  Leef, 
England,  Oilman,  Tliicknesse,  Johnson,  Waring,  and  many  others  equally 
deserving,  perhaps,  who  commanded  sloops  of  war  during  a  considerable  part 
of  last  war,  or  in  the  early  period  of  the  present,  or  if  they  have  held  no  com- 
mands, who  were  promoted,  at  the  close  of  the  last  war,  or  the  beginning 
of  this,  expressly  for  good  conduct :  how  these  worthy  and  brave  officers  have 
come  to  be  neglected,  and  now  nearly  forgotten  altogether,  appears  to  me 
surprising ;  but  I  believe  it  can  be  accounted  for  in  the  following  manner  :— 
Some  years  ago  (there  being  then  no  general  promotion  in  the  navy,  except 
when  a  change  of  the  Boari  took  place)  men  without  interest,  unless 
they  were  fortunate  enough  to  perform  some  action  of  particular  brilliancy, 
had  very  little  chance  of  advancement,  as  interest  alone  could  effect  it ; 
and  in  the  promotion  of  those  days,  certainly  long  services  and  meritorious 
conduct  for  less  actual  employment,  although  sometimes,  were  not  uniformly 
as  they  are  now  attended  to  and  rewarded ;  hence,  the  gentlemen  now 
remaining  on  the  list  of  commanders,  1796  to  1304,  have  fallen  into  un- 
merited neglect  and  obscurity.  "  A  Friend  to  Naval  Merit"  has  pointed 
out  a  mode  to  the  present  Board,  were  they  inclined  to  befriend  these 
officers,  of  restoring  them  to  the  rank  they  merit,  by  appointing  them  to 
some  of  the  ships  vacant  by  the  late  promotion  ;  that  has,  however,  been 
unattended  to,  whether  from  their  declining  to  serve  or  not,  I  do  not  pre- 
tend to  know,  but  should  be  much  obliged  to  any  of  your  Correspondents 
who  would  inform  me  (and  I  think  the  public  would  be  in  general  interested, 
as  well  as  the  service),  if  they  are  still  able  and  willing  to  serve.  I  cannot 
help  considering  them  as  equally  unfortunate  and  ill  used  ;  already  they 
have  lost  a  great  deal  of  their  most  valuable  time;  but  were  post  rank 
granted  them  note,  it  would  be  a  consolation,  as  few,  I  .think,  will  deny  it 
would  be  matter  of  right.  How  this  is  to  be  accomplished  by  the  present 
Board  of  Admiralty,  may,  indeed,  be  matter  of  some  difficulty  ;  they  have 
the  promotion  of  men  who  distinguish  themselves,  whose  claims  for  imme- 
diate services  are  great,  and  their  own  friends  (for  I  assert  it  is  fair  and 
proper  that  they  should  patronise  these,  under  proper  restrictions)  ;  they 
have  all  these  to  attend  to,  and  the  lists  are  already  swelled  beyond 
founds  :  tliis  is  certainly  true,  and  J  only  see  one  way  of  overcoming  th* 


difficulty  ;  it  is  this— select  six ;  Captain  Boorder,  whom,  although  re* 
tired,  his  country  will  receive  again  as  a  veteran  hero — I  have  heard  that 
he  resigned  through  ill  usage  from  a  former  Board  ;  I  believe,  Lord  St. 
Vincent's — he  was  a  brave,  zealous  officer—let  him  now  receive  post  rank, 
and  his  commission  be  ante-dated  several  years  at  least;  as  well  as  five 
others.  Let  six  more  of  these  worthy  veterans  be  immediately  appointed 
to  sloops  of  the  largest  class,  and  promoted  at  the  next  general  promotion, 
if  no  opportunity  sooner  offers  ;  and  if  some  others  in  the  same  situation 
are  then  put  in  command  of  ships,  the  number  at  the  top  of  the  list  will 
lie  soon  reduced.  If  this  could  be  done,  it  would  confer  honour  on  the 
Board  of  Admiralty ;  and  I  am  sure  they  are  willing  to  do  every  thing  for 
the  good  of  the  service  in  their  power;  and  it  would  heal  the  wounded 
spirits  of  men  who  have  often  fought  for  their  country,  which  they  would 
no  longer  call  ungrateful.  To  redress  this  heavy  grievance  at  once,  I 
think  impossible  ;  but  to  do  it  by  degrees  I  would  hope  is  not  so,  and  that 
the  Admiralty  will  take  it  into  consideration. 

OCEANUS. 

N.B.  The  employment  of  Lord  Cochrane,  Captain  Maitland,  and  Sir 
Christopher  Cole,  affords  me  great  pleasure,  as  it  docs  the  strongest  hopes 
of  brilliant  achievements  gracing  the  commencement  of  Sir  A.  Cochrane's 
command  on  the  coast  of  America,  where  much  surely  might  be  done. 
Allow  me  to  point  out  for  the  command  of  some  of  our  fine  new  frigates, 
ready  to  be  launched,  the  following  officers ;  Captains  Cole,  of  the  Nereid, 
"Willoughby,  Henry  Gordon,  of  the  Wolv«^ne,  J.  W.  Maurice,  who  de- 
fended the  Diamond  Rock  and  Anholt  so  gallantly,  Sir  James  Lind,  a  very 
gallant  officer,  who  defended  the  Centurion  against  Linois,  and  \Vooldridge, 
as  men  of  no  common  energy,  enterprise,  and  determined  resolution. 


MB.  EDITOR,  Brompton,  March  7th,  1814. 

THE  armament  which  we  are  preparing,  to  meet  our  foes  on  the  OV* 
nadian  Lakes,  will,  I  trust,  be  equivalent  to  theirs,  affording  an  op- 
portunity to  our  brave  tars  of  trying  them  on  fairer  terms  than  they  have 
hitherto  done;  and  it  is  to  be  hoped,  that  we  shall  not  again  he  distressed 
at  the  recital  of  misfortune  or  failure  from  want  of  men,  long  guns,  or 
indeed  from  any  cause  that  may  be  foreseen.  That  the  American  force  is 
decidedly  superior  to  our  little  navy  there,  is  a  plain  matter  of  truth;  but 
that  they  should  ever  have  been  permitted  to  hold  such  power  over  us,  is  a 
circumstance  as  much  to  be  wondered  at,  as  it  is  deeply  to  be  regretted. 
However,  as  the  only  remedy  for  an  error  committed,  is  to  endeavour  to 
amend  it,  which  it  seems  we  are  about  to  do,  I  am  therefore  willing  to 
anticipate  the  brilliant  result  of  this  expedition.  Although  I  am  fully  aware 
of  the  folly  of  allowing  our  expectations  to  be  too  sanguine,  yet  the  judici- 
ous selection  of  the  captains  to  be  employed  on  tl.is  particular  service,  by 
the  B.  of  A.  gives  us  every  reason  for  indulging  the  thought.  We  need  not 
speak  of  those  already  there  Sir  James  Yeo  and  Captnin  Mulcastei  (his  ftir- 
aoer  first  lieutenant  in  the  Confiancc)  are  officers  oi"  the  first  inerit.  CSD- 


CORRESPONDENCE.  215 

tain  G.  Downie,  the  senior  officer  going  out,  is  w'Ul  known  for  his  vigilance 
when  commanding  H.  M.  brig  Royalist  in  the  Channel  service,  and  for  his 
indefatigable  zeal  wfts  rewarded  with  promotion  on  the  1st  of  January, 
1813.  The  second  officer,  Captain  F.  Hickey,  is  eminently  conspicuous 
for  his  zeal,  and  the  promptitude  and  correctness  with  which  he  has  always 
performed  those  services  allotted  to  him  for  execution  whilst  in  command 
of  H.  M.  late  ship  Atalanta  for  seven  years  on  the  American  station  :  his 
prowess,  and  firmness  in  moments  of  danger,  are  not  to  be  surpassed.  The 
very  high  compliment  (that  of  being  promoted  so  shortly  after  the  loss  of 
his  ship,  and  appointed  to  very  active  and  arduous  service)  which  has  been 
paid  him  by  the  L.  C.  A.  shews  in  what  very  great  estimation  he  is  held 
by  those  who  know  how  to  appreciate  merit.  The  third  officer,  Captain 
H.  T.  Davies,  is  as  noted  for  ability,  and  the  other  requisite  qualities  to 
form  the  good  officer,  as  the  two  preceding  ones  :  therefore,  we  have  every 
thing  to  hope  for,  from  their  known  abilities.  •^r:  «•*-* 

It  appears  that  all  the  junior  officers,  that  is,  commanders,  lieutenants; 
and  midshipmen,  are  sent  out  for  the  purpose  of  fighting  their  way  up  to 
promotion  ;  no  volunteers,  as  I  am  told,  being  admitted.  It  is  to  be  pre- 
sumed, if  all  those  who  go  out  impressed  with  such  idea,  are  not  fortunate 
enough  to  gain  their  wishes  before  the  termination  of  the  war,  that  they 
will  have  amply  merited  them,  if  it  continues  until  the  close  of  the  year, 
and  I  have  no  doubt  will  be  rewarded. 

I  an*  led  to  understand,  thatvithe  frames  of  two  36-gun  frigates,  and 
several  brigs  of  war,  are  to  be  sent  out  with  the  expedition  to  Canada. 
Perhaps  some  of  your  readers  may  be  better  informed  on  the  subject  than 
I  am,  and  can  explain  the  weight  of  metal  they  are  intended  to  carry  ; 
doubtless  there  will  not  be  any  carronades,  or  at  least  but  few,  after  the 
remarks  in  one  of  Sir  James  Yeo's  letters,  wherein  he  gives  an  account  of 
his  partial  action  with  the  enemy's  squadron  off  Genesee  river,  Lake 
Ontario,  in  September  last  year.  He  says,  "  having  a  partial  wind,  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  within  range  of  their  long  twenty-fours  and  tlitrty-two- 
pounders ; "  and  again,  "  we  remained  in  this  mortifying  situation  five 
hours,  having  only  six  guns  in  all  the  squadron  that  would  reach  the  enemy, 
not  a  carronade  being  fired." 

It  is  to  be  hoped,  that  the  gallant  commodore  will  be  enabled  to  get  his 
large  frigate  in  readiness  to  meet  that  of  the  enemy's,  by  the  early  spring. 
Volunteers  from  the  ships  at  Halifax  have  been  sent  to  man  her;  and  I  pray 
we  may  soon  be  gratified  with  the  glad  tidings  that  his  efforts  have  been, 
<rownedwith  success. 

Your  obliged  servant, 

SERUS.    ' 


216 
PLATE  CCCCXI. 


THE  accompanying  Plate  represents  Bull  and  Cow  Rocks  ;  and  part  of 
Dursey  Island,  on  the  west  coast  of  Ireland. 
A  frigate  is  running  for  Bear  Haven,  with  a  signal  for  a  pilot. 

HYDROGRAPHY,  PILOTAGE,  &c. 


MAGNETISM. 

A  CORRESPONDENT  has  remarked,  that  the  needle,  which  in  this 
latitude  pointed  truly  to  the  north  in  16.57,  and  lias  been  inclining  to 
the  westward  ever  since,  at  the  average  rate  of  about  ten  minutes 
yearly,  has  reached  tkeutmost  extent  of  its  variation — has  been  stationary— 
and  is  now  receding.  From  this  fact,  if  the  observation  be  correct,  it  seems 
that  about  25  degrees  is  the  extent  of  its  variation  westward — that  it  will 
in  about  150  years  again  point  truly  to  the  north,  and  probably  for  the  next 
150  years  will  incline  to  the  east— taking  up  a  period  of  600  year*  in  making 
an  oscillation.  Our  correspondent  wishes  to  know  if  other  observers  have 
remarked  the  same  fact  ? 

Another  correspondent  ("Atlas")  happens  to  have  chosen  this  very 
time  to  favour  the  N.  C.  with  the  following  contribution  on  the  subject  ia 
question  :  being  a  comparative  statement  of  magnetic  variation,  observed 
in  four  different  places  of  the  north  Atlantic  ocean,  little  more  than  a 
twelvemonth  ago  : — 

Variation  of  the  Comrass,  February,  18 IS. 
Latitude  N.         Longitude  W.  by  ckrnnomttir.  Variation  by  amplitude. 

O  I  O  I  O  I 

41  46  15  10  .  22  SO  West. 

27  32  26  14  • 17  54 

15  59  45  45  • •  6  33 

15  30  66  27  • 4  40  East. 

This  appears  well  worthy  the  attention  of  the  former  observer  ;  who,  it 
inclined  to  pursue  the  subject  farther,  will  find  the  mariner's  compass  spe- 
cifically treated  of  in  the  undermentioned  partsof  the  NAVAL  CHUONIC-I.E  : 
r— vol.  i,  p.515;  ii,  59;  xv,  460  ;  xvii,  200,405;  xx,  21;  xxiv,  10o; 
auvii,  194;  xxviii,  S18,  321,  400;  xxx,  59,  324.  S. 

EUROPE. 

NORTH-BRITAIN. 

CONSIDTRING  the  great  accession  to  geographical  knowledge  which  has 
marked  the  last  century,  it  is  strange  that  a  danger  to  mariners,  such/ as 
is  described  in  a  certain  hydrographical  notice,  which  has  recently  appeared 


HYDROGRAPHY. 

in  most  of  the  newspapers,  and  situated  in  a  manner  at  our  very  doors, 
should  be  so  imperfectly  known,  as  to  induce  a  journalist  in  the  year  18 14,  to 
deem  the  fact  of  its  existence  an  article  of  news ;  and  that  the  original 
informants  even  should  feel  that  their  testimony  on  the  occasion  required 
the  confirmation  of  an  oath.  But  such  being  the  case,  and  as  practical 
knowledge  cannot  be  too  extensively  circulated,  we  here  transcribe  the 
article  itself  at  length,  previous  to  making  a  few  remarks  which  its  perusal 
has  suggested  : — 

"  SUNKEN  ROCK  OFF  CAPE  WRATH. — The  following  are  the  bearings  and 
distance  of  the  rock,  with  some  useful  observations  to  mariners,  for  ascertaining 
tlieir  approach  to  it: — From  Cape  Wrath,  N.E.  b.  N.  £  E.  15  miles. — From 
Whiting  Head,  N.  \  W.  20  miles. — From  Farout  Head,  N.  by  E.  13  miles.— 
About  half  a  mile  to  the  southward  of  the  shoals  forming  part  of  the  rock,  you 
will  have  40  fathoms  of  fine  sand  ;  and  to  the  east,  west,  and  north,  when  you 
fall  into  23  fathoms,  with  coarse  gravel,  and  frequently  black  stones,  you  are 
close  to  the  rock.  The  exact  depth  over  the  rock  of  itself  can  be  best  ascer- 
tained from  ihe  log-book  of  H.  M.'s  sloop  Cherokee,  which  vessel  went  in  search 
of  the  above  rock  from  the  information  of  Mr.  James  Brown,  confirmed  by  the 
oalh  of  Mr.  Lachlan  Kelly,  before  Mr.  Gerrard,  deputy  Mayor  of  Liverpool, 
and  forwarded  through  the  medium  of  Copt.  M'Leod,  regulating  captain  at  Li- 
verpool, to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  in  the  summer  of  1813." 

In  the  first  place  we  feel  ourselves  not  only  emboldened,  but  bound  to 
vindicate  the  priority  and  authenticity  of  that  information,  given  to  the 
nautical  world  on  this  specific  subject  as  long  ago  as  the  1st  of  August, 
1810,  in  this  publication.  The  NAVA.L  CHRONICLE,  in  its  xxivth  Vo- 
lume, No.  140,  page  43,  under  tlie  standing  head  "  Hydrography,"  con- 
tains this  paragraph  : — 

SCOTLAND. — The  following  declaration  was  left  with  Mr.  Campbell,  ofScalpa, 
in  Harris  (Hebrides),  by  Captain  George  Maughan,  of  Seton-sluice,  near  King- 
ston-upon-Hull  : — "  I  saw  the  rock  bearing  from  Cape  Wrath  [N.  W.  point  of 
Scotland]  N.W.  by  W.  distant  between  4  and  5  leagues  :  appear*  at  last  quarter 
jfelib.  30th  June,  1785." 

This,  which  is  as  historical  as  names,  dates,  and  facts  can  make  it,  the 
reader  will  perceive  not  only  places  the  existence  of  the  said  rock  beyond 
doubt,  but  takes  us  back  a  period  of  twenty-eight  years,  for  ocular  proof 
of  it:  and  even  then  it  is  not  spoken  of  as  a  discovery,  but  called  simply 
THE  ROCK,  like  any  other  notorious  but  ill  defined  danger.  Still,  however, 
to  render  our  present  information  on  this  subject  complete,  there  remains 
to  be  adjusted,  a  difference  of  no  less  than  9£  points  of  the  compass  ; 
which  is  so  enormous  as  to  be  utterly  irreconcileable  by  magnetic  variation 
or  by  common  allowance  for  error  in  unscientific  observers,  and  only  to  be 
accounted  for  by  a  graphical  erratum,  &c.  It  is,  however,  generally  to  be 
wished  that  navigators  would  be  more  attentive  in  noting  whether  ibeir 
bearings  are  given  by  compass  or  by  the  pole  of  the  globe  :  which  leads  us 
to  recommend  to  their  consideration,  the  rule  by  which  we  are  governed 
in  employing  the  common  terms  denoting  situation  so  astoavoid  ambiguity, 
throughout  this  CHRONICLE  :  a  rule  in  which  we  are  countenanced  by  an 

.  Qol.  XXXI.  ?  r 


HYDROGRAPHY. 

authority  no  less  eminent  than  that  of  the  Hydrographer  to  the  E.  I.  Tom* 
pany,*  that  is  to  say  :  the  bearings  of  land,  taken  from  a  ship,  are  to  be 
understood  by  compass  if  not  otherwise  expressed  :  the  direction  of  any 
coast,  or  bearing  of  any  headland,  island,  danger,  &c.  from  any  other 
place,  to  be  understood  as  the  true  bearing  by  the  world  if  not  otherwise 
expressed. 

If  these  remarks  meet  the  eye  of  any  member  of  the  Admiralty  establish^ 
ment,  we  hope  that  person  will  consider  it  consistent  with  his  duty  to  em- 
ploy his  influence  to  cause  such  official  notice  to  be  made  by  the  Hydrogra- 
pher  of  that  office,  as  may  definitively  settle  the  discordance  between 
Captain  Maughan's  and  Mr.  Brown's  bearings,  and  moreover  give  us  so 
much  of  Cherokee's  log  as  appertains  to  this  investigation,  conformably  to 
the  very  proper  hint  of  the  contributor  of  the  paragraph  herein  quoted  first 
in  order.  And  we  farther  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  the  publishers  of 
maps,  &c.  that  this  rock  be  forthwith  added  to  their  plates  of  this  portion 
pf  our  coast :  in  as  much  as  it  ought  to  be  holden  as  a  fundamental  maxim 
.in  geography,  that  a  chart,  so  far  as  lies  within  the  power  of  its  construc- 
tor, should  be  the  sum  total  of  all  the  existing  geographical  information 
respecting  the  space  delineated.  S. 

SPAIN. 

IN  consequence  of  H.M.S.  "Desirte  having  stricken  the  ground  in  coming 
out  of  the  harbour  of  Passages  on  6th  February,  Rear-admiral  Penrose 
ordered  the  spot  to  be  carefully  sounded  ;  when  at  a  very  low  spring-ebb 
the  following  day  there  was  found  a  rocky  shoal,  on  one  point  pf  which 
was  only  14  feet  water.  This  danger  is  directly  in  the  fair-way  ;  where  the 
first  4j  fathoms  is  marked  in  Tofino's  plan  of  the  harbour.  Concerning 
Passages,  in  "  the  English  Pilot  for  the  Southern  Navigation,  &c."  (Lon- 
don :  177?))  are  the  following  directions  : — "  About  1  j  league  W.  b.  S.  off 
Cape  de  Figure,  lifs  Passage,  also  a  fair  haven.  At  the  W.  side  of  the 
haven's  mouth,  which  is  very  narrow,  lies  a  round  rock  ;  so  that  it  is  bad 
to  come  in  here  with  an  ebb,  but  with  a  flood  it  is  better;  on  the  E.  side 
of  the  haven  stands  a  battery;  without,  it  is  very  clean,  there  being  no 
shoal  nor  foul  grounds,  bat  only  the  before-said  round  rock.  The  town 
stands  a  little  within  the  haven  on  the  water  side  ;  you  may  lie  before  it  in 
7  fathoms."  S. 

KORTII  ATLANTIC  OCEAN. 


"  FOR  the  information  of  mariners,  we  have  extracterl  the  following  par- 
ticulars fro-m  the  log-hook  of  the  brig  Betsey,  Capt.  Hattrick,  by  which  it 
would  appear  that  even  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  in  the  most  frequented  parts, 

«  See  HOR?BVROH'»  "  Direclionsfor  tailing  toandfnm  the  Fait  Indies,"  &c» 
fart  i ;  18V9, 


HYDROGRAPHY;: 

Its  dangerous  places  that  have  not  yet  been  noticed  in  any  Chart*  The 
Betsey  was  on  her  passage  from  Greenock  to  this  island,  and  on  the  17th 
September,  1308,  in  lat.  18°  ?'  N.  long.  50°  W.  passed,  within  a  few  feet 
distance,  a  large  sunken  rock,  of  the  appearance  of  limestone,  about  seven 
or  eight  feet  under  water,  and,  as  low  as  it  could  be  observed,  of  a  conical 
form.  These  particulars  were  distinctly  perceived  by  the  master,  passen- 
gers, and  watch.  From  the  ship's  place  it  would  seem  that  this  rock  is 
about  830  miles  E.  b.  N.  from  the  island  of  Antigua.— (Jamaica  Neats* 
paper.} 

KEW  CHART  OF   ATLANTIC  OCEAST. 

THE  Hydrographer  of  the  East  India  Company  has  recently  published  a 
chart  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  intended  as  an  accompaniment  to  his  book  of 
directions,  on  a  scale  of  |  inch  to  a  degree,  comprehending  the  routes  of 
the  East  India  ships  :  the  space  delineated  extends  from  latitude  62°  N.  to 
43°  S.  and  from  the  meridian  of  Greenwich  to  longitude  44°  W.  which  is 
divided  appropriately  at  the  equinoctial  line  in  two  sections,  containing- 
respectively  the  north  and  south  Atlantic.  The  charts  hitherto  published 
for  the  navigation  between  England  and  the  Cape  of  Good-hope  extend  to 
eight  sheets,  including  North  America  and  the  West-Indies,  parts  that  can 
hardly  be  found  useful  by  oriental  navigators ;  the  introduction  of  which 
swells  the  price  of  those  charts  beyond  the  convenience  of  most  young 
officers,  who  may  be  desirous  of  a  chart  to  mark  their  track  upon.  Thesa 
two  charts  therefore  may  be  considered  as  constructed  principally  for  the 
benefit  of  such  persons  ;  and  accordingly  a  price  is  put  upon  them  which 
we  think  extremely  fair,  viz.  six  shillings  for  the  North-Atlantic  on  atlas 
paper ;  seven  shillings  for  the  South  Atlantic  on  double  elephant.  In  fact, 
when  it  be  recollected  that  the  charge  attending  the  engraving  two  such 
phites  cannot  be  much  less  than  ISO/,  the  value  put  on  these  charts  nlay 
certainly  be  considered  moderate.  As  far  as  we  can  perceive,  these  twd 
sheets  comprise  every  thing  useful,  with  much  new  matter  :  besides  the 
islands  and  principal  head-lands  on  the  coasts  of  Portugal,  Africa,  and 
Brazil,  there  is  appended  to  the  North  Atlantic  an  extra-compartment, 
shewing  the  coast  of  Guinea  from  Cape  St.  Paul  to  Cape  Lopez  :  and  the 
South  Atlantic  has  a  similar  addition,  shewing  the  coast  of  Paraguay  from 
Ilha  Grande  to  Hio  de  la  Plata.  The  soundings,  which  are  abundant  be- 
yond former  precedent,  but  somewhat  confusedly  engraved,  are  given  from 
the  author's  personal  experience,  from  navigation  of  the  East  India  ships, 
or  from  the  authority  of  Captain  P.  Hey  wood,  R.N.  We  do  not  recollect 

*  In  as  much  as  caution  is  the  parent  of  security,  the  mariner  ought  never 
and  no  where  to  disregard  the  brief  but  pithy  admonition  conveyed  by  a  single 
word  in  the  languages  respecttTely  of  tke  four  principal  maritime  nations  oi 
Europe  ;  that  is  lo  say — by  the  Spanish  miraptritos,  the  Portuguese  abrolhos,  the 
French  vigie,  and  the  good  old  English  look-out.  Farther,  the  nautical  reader 
who  may  indulge  incredulity  on  this  subject,  is  invited  to  consult  the  catalogue 
t>f  oceanic  dangers  comprised  in  the  following  pages  of  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  :— • 
vol.  i,  p.  337  ;  iii,452j  xxv,  222  ;  xxvii,  26;  xxviii,  71;  xxix,  220,  303.— 


220  HYDROGRAPHY. 

to  have  ever  before  seen  the  soundings  along  the  coast  of  South  America 
between  the  rivers  Janeiro  and  Plata,  in  any  charts,  English,  Spanish,  or 
Portuguese.  The  variation  of  the  compass  is  marked  in  numerous  place? 
from  the  same  trust-worthy  authorities  already  mentioned.  In  the  cursory 
view  we  have  hitherto  been  able  to  take  of  this  valuable  addition  to  our 
stock  of  knowledge,  and  most  acceptable  contribution  from  the  author  to 
the  hydrographic  library  of  the  N.  C.  we  have  observed  these  pecu- 
liarities.— The  north-western  territory  of  Africa  is  very  properly  deno- 
minated Morocco  instead  of  Morocco,  according  to  vulgar  usage.  The 
most  northerly  and  southerly  limits  of  the  gulf- weed  are  marked  41°  N. 
and  21°  N.  The  following  explanatory  remarks  occur  upon  the  coast  of 
Brazil  :— 

"  Cape  Roque,  the  N.E.  promontory  of  Brazil,  is  generally  placed  in  latitude 
5*  S.  but  the  ship  King-George,  and  another  journal  seen  by  the  author,  place 
this  cape  much  farther  south.  The  former,  5th  June,  1792,  at  6  P.M.  stood 
•within  3  miles  of  Si.  Roque's  bank,  and  made  the  northern  extremity  of  the 
breakers  in  latitude  4°  oi'S.  I'rora  noon  observation  tak«n  the  same  day  ;  which 
determination  is  probably  near  the  truth.  By  crossing  the  equator  too  tar  W- 
that  ship  fell  to  leeward,  and  was  obliged  to  recross  it  in  order  to  obtain  easting, 
which  greatly  prolonged  her  voyage  to  India." 

To  enable  the  reader  to  form  a  more  connected  idea  of  the  useful  labours 
ftf  the  indefatigable  author  of  this  chart,  we  beg  to  refer  to  our  account  of 
liis  last  preceding  publication;  given  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE, Vol.  xxix. 
(1813)  page  315.  S. 

OCKAMC  DANGERS; 
MR.  HYDROGRAPIIER,  GrcenwicTt,  March  bih,  1814. 

IN  looking  over  the  list  of  the  many  British  vessels  lost  this  war,  I  find 
that  one  or  two  which  sailed  for  Halifax  have  not  since  been  heard  of:  it 
appears  to  me,  that  most  of  those  vessels  which  have  left  England  for 
America,  or  America  for  Europe,  between  the  months  of  April  and  Octo- 
ber, and  are  missing,  have  foundered  by  striking  on  floating  logs  of  ice 
which,  during  the  summer  season,  drift  over  to  the  southward  of  the 
parallel  of  the  Azores,  or  Western  islands  ;  how  far  eastwardly  they  are 
driven,  I  cannot  take  upon  me  to  determine,  but  they  are  seen  on  the 
coasts  of  Newfoundland,  and  the  northern  part  of  Nova-Scotia,  formed  in 
masses  of  several  miles  extent."  The  object  which  leads  me  to  enter  on 
this  subject,  is  that  of  drawing  the  attention  of  such  nautical  men  as  are 
readers  of  your  work,  and  who  perhaps  in  the  course  of  their  different  ser- 
vices may  have  occasion  to  traverse  the  space  wherein  these  dangers  are  to 
be  apprehended  ;  for  it  must  be  observed,  that  although  we  have  frequently 
heard  that  such  and  such  a  vessel  has  been  lost  in  her  passage  across  the 

•  I  was  informed  by  an  officer  of  H.  M.  S.  Cleopatra,  who  had  an  opportunity 
of  observing  a  very  large  field  of  ice  off  St.  John's,  Newfoundland,  in  1805,  that 
it*  progrc-ss  through  the  water  was  so  slow,  notwithstanding  the  eft'ect  of  high  wind 
"and  sea,  as  to  have  »carci-!y-  made  any  visible  alteration  in  its  position  for  three. 
days. — it  had  not  grounded,  as  many  might  imagine. 


HYDROGRAPHY.  f2l 

North  Atlantic,  but  in  what  manner  unaccounted  for  !  and  likewise  are 
well  aware  that  these  fields  of  ice  in  foggy  and  tempestuous  weather  bring 
inevitable  destruction  on  the  unwary  mariner :  yet,  with  all  this  knowledge, 
no  apprehension  is  ever  entertained,  no  look-out  kept  more  than  ordinary j 
in  short,  no  thought  of  such  things,  I  am  convinced,  enter  the  minds  of 
the  greater  part  of  naval  officers,  or  masters  of  merchant  vessels,  for  they 
carry  sail  with  as  much  indifference  during  the  thick  fogs  which  prevail  in 
the  northern  ocean,  as  if  they  .were  running  down  a  coast  in  mid-day, 
where  all  is  clear.  I  have  seen  these  much  to  be  dreaded  dangers,  and 
have  witnessed  the  negligence,  and  want  of  care,  when  sailing  in  thes« 
foggy  regions,  and  therefore  speak  from  experience :  two  instances  will 
fully  point  out,  that  the  subject  is  not  an  unimportant  one  ;  but,  on  the 
contrary,  should  be  present  in  the  minds  of  all  commanders,  as  the  pre- 
servation of  a  number  of  valuable  lives  depends  principally  upon  their  care 
and  judgment. 

The  homeward-bound  fleet  from  the  West  Indies  in  1810,  on  the  15th 
of  June,  in  latitude  41°  N.  and  longitude  50*  W.  running  at  the  time 
eight  knots,  passed  several  islands  of  ice  ;  on  the  following  day  more  of 
them  were  seen  approaching,  like  ships  with  steering  sails  set ;  some  of  the 
fleet  hauled  up  to  pass  near  them,  whilst  others  kept  away  to  avoid  them  : 
the  fog,  which  had  been  extremely  thick  for  several  days,  cleared  away  on 
both  these  days  for  a  short  time  only,  giving  the  fleet  an  opportunity  of 
avoiding  these  lurking  dangers ;  had  it  not  become  clear  at  the  moment  it 
did  on  both  days,  some  of  the  ships,  it  may  be  supposed  more  than  pro- 
bable, would  have  struck,  against  them  and  gone  down,  without  it  being 
known  in  what  way  they  were  lost. 

The  second  danger  of  which  lam  about  to  spealc,was  farmore  alarmingin 
its  nature  and  extent  than  the  preceding  one,  and  will  tend  to  shew  how  fre- 
quently (indeed  I  may  dare  venture  to  say  constantly,  as  the  dissolving 
season  comes),  these  fields  of  ice  are  drifted  to  the  very  part  of  the  ocean 
more  regularly  passed,  and  by  a  greater  number  of  vessels,  than  that  of 
any  other,  and  consequently  should  most  seriously  fix  the  attention  of  the 
mariner.  The  fleet  from  Jamaica  on  the  2d  of  August,  1813,  in  latitude 
45°  N.  and  longitude  48°  W.  with  a  fresh  gale,  passed  several  stupendous 
islands  of  ice  ;  a  ledge  or  reef  of  ice,  just  even  with  the  water's  edge,  ex- 
tended N.VV.  and  S.E.  about  two  miles,  over  which  the  sea  broke  with 
some  violence  ;  it  was  attached  by  its  northern  extreme  to  a  very  high  and 
craggy  block  of  ice  :  the  fog,  which  had  been  so  dense  during  the  night  and 
morning,  as  to  prevent  any  object  being  seen,  suddenly  cleared  away  about 
8  A.M.  when  this  novel*  and  imminent  danger  was  discovered:  out  of  one 
hundred  and  sixteen  sail  of  vessels,  nearly  one  half  came  within  the  space 
occupied  by  this  icy  bar,  and  doubtless  would  have  foundered,  had  not  the 
clearing  away  of  the  fog  happened  just  when  it  did,  affording  the  s(»ps 
barely  time  to  clear  it,  when  every  object  was  again  enveloped.  The 

*  I  say  aovel,  because  very  few  persons  in.  the  fleet  had  ever  before  seen  s» 
«xU-usive  and  singular  a  floating  danger. 


422  UYDRdGRAFHtY 

th«rmometfcr  was  at  64°,  with  cold  variable  winds  from  S.\V.  to  W.N.W. 
The  bank  of  Newfoundland  had  been  passed  over  in  36  and  40  fathoms  br 
the  fleet,  two  days  before ;  so  it  is  not  improbable  to  suppose  that 
these  logs  of  ice  sometimes  ground  on  the  bank,*  and  forming  a  resting 
place  for  the  oceanic  birds,  have,  in  hazy  weather,  been  taken  by  naviga- 
tors for  rocks,  &c.  A  lieutenant  of  one  of  H.  M.'s  brigs,  on  her  passage 
home  from  Barbados,  declared  most  seriously  to  me,  that  they  had  seen  a 
rock  above  water,  and  a  dangerous  led^e  even  with  the  surface,  on  the 
southern  extreme  of  the  Great  Bank  ;  the  weather  would  not  admit  of  it 
being  examined  :  may  not  all  those  dangers  seen,  or  said  to  have  been  seen, 
by  different  navigators,  in  these  northern  latitudes,  and  which  are  still 
doubtful,  have  been  ice  islands  as  those  I  have  been  describing?  Imagina- 
tion, fog-banks,  ice-islands,  and  hazy  weather,  will  go  a  great  way  towards 
the  formation  of  such  rocks,  breakers,  and  other  dangers  we  so  frequently 
hear  of.  But  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  deemed  too  presumptuous  in  saying, 
that  I  think  it  rather  a  reflection  on  this  country,  as  being  the  first  mari- 
time power  in  the  world,  to  observe,  numerous  doubtful  and  imaginary 
dangers  delineated  in  our  national  charts  !  Surely  there  are  officers  to  be 
found  capable,  and  vessels  enough  to  be  spared  from  the  great  number  of 
which  our  navy  is  composed,  for  the  determining  of  an  object  not  only  of 
such  national  consequence,  but  of  such  general  importance.  We  ought, 
if  no  other  motive  can  induce  us,  to  be  proud  of  shewing  to  the  world,  the 
most  correct  plan  of  that  ocean  over  which  we  rule.  It  may  be  advanced 
by  some,  that  the  wars  have  been  the  occasion  of  the  neglect ;  but  who 
can  affirm  this,  after  knowing  that  these  dangers,  whether  real  or  imagi- 
nary, have  been  pointed  out  years  before  the  present  or  last  war,  and  that 
the  intervals  of  peace  have  given  time  enough  for  proving  the  existence  or 
non-existence  of  thesedangers  ;  and  in  fact  time  plenty  to  have  re-surveyed 
all  those  places  but  indifferently  known  :  that  it  ought  to  be  done,  every 
person  will  allow ;  but  why  it  is  not  so,  I  have  no  just  reason  to  assign  ; 
however  strange  it  may  appear,  I  have  heard  it  remarked  frequently,  that 
there  is  not  a  country  of  Europe  which  gives  so  little  encouragement  as 
England  for  the  diffusion  of  the  knowledge  of  that  useful  branch  of  science, 
which  some  of  our  naval  characters  were  so  famed  for  at  the  beginning  of  this 
reign  ;  and  I  am  told  that  so  trifling  is  the  notice,  if  any  taken  at  all,  of  the 
numerous  hydrographic  contributions  made  to  the  Admiralty,  that 
the  officers  of  the  navy  are  induced  to  find  a  more  ready  way  of  making 
their  observations  of  places  publicly  known  for  the  general  good  and 
improvement  of  geography.!  It  is  reported,  how  true  I  cannot  say,  that 

*  It  may  appear  rather  problematical,  tliat  any  of  these  logs  occupy  so  great 
a  depth  as  to  reach  the  bottom  in  3C  fathoms,  or  i.'lo  feet;  but  I  aiu  told  that 
their  depth  under  water  iv  as  much  again,  as  their  height  above;  that  is,  they 
float  with  Y  immersed.  See  NATAL  CHRONICLE,  vol.  v.  4C4;  viii.  587; 
x.  181. 

•J-  Remarks  and  instructions  are  as  necessary  in  their  way,  for  the  guidance  of 
h'u  MnjesU's  ibip«,  as  the  charts  with  which  thev  are  supplied.  Why  then  (toes 
cot  the  B.  u  I<ougitudo  cause  to  be  selected  iroiu  tlie  great  ccHection  in  its 


HYDROGRAPHY.  223 

two  small  vessels  are  to  be  equipped  in  April,  for  the  purpose  of 
re-surveying  Newfoundland  and  the  coast  of  Labrador,*  under  the 
guidance  of  a  master  in  the  royal  navy.  It  does  not  become  the  great 
naval  nation  to  use  means  so  contracted  as  this,  when  she  has  the  power  of 
performing  such  services  in  a  manner  which  would  reflect  credit  on  her. 
Many  captains,  and  other  officers  no  doubt,  would  be  happy  to  be  em- 
ployed on  such  service;  but  their  ardour  in  so  laudable  a  pursuit,  it 
damped  for  want  of  encouragement.  I  have,  however,  wandered  from  my 
original  subject ;  but  as  I  have  started  a  fresh  one,  I  hope  it  will  draw  th« 
attention  of  your  correspondent,  A.  F.  Y.  who,  as  an  old  experienced 
officer,  I  trust  will  give  exercise  to  his  raaturer  judgment,  and  expatiat* 
more  fully  upon  it,  than  I  am  capable  of  doing. 

ATLAS, 

AZORES. 

IN  answer  to  the  Correspondent,  who  under  the  signature  of  DAViD,f 
enquires  :— "  what  is  the  best  mode  of  making  a  passage  from  Spithead  to 
the  Azores,  in  the  months  of  January,  February,  and  March;  and  so  on  to 
the  end  or"  the  year?"  theHYDRocRAPHER  of  N.C.  cannot  positively  say 
what  are  the  best  means  to  ensure  a  quick  passage  thither,  in  as  much  as 
the  winds  in  the  tracks  comprehended  between  the  English  channel  and 
those  isles  are  sometimes  very  different  in  the  same  seasons.  However,  at 
most  times  westerly  winds  prevail,  and  a  direct  course  is  consequently  to 
be  preferred,  taking  every  advantage  of  the  changes  of  wind.  In  the  Bay 
of  Biscay,  and  to  the  westward  of  Ushant,  the  current  often  sets  westward 
in  winter;  but  in  summer  it  generally  is  easterly.  The  Lizard  point  is  in 
latitude  49°  57'  55"N.  longitude  5°  11'  17.7"W.  The  Formigas  [Ant?] 
islots  and  rocks  (the  nearest  portion  of  the  Azores)  are  in  37°  17' N. 
04°  56'  VV.J 

ASIA. 

SUMATRA. 

"Remarks  respecting  the  West  Coast,  Inner  Passage,  Winds,  Currents,  $c.$ 

I  QUITTEP  Madras  on  th*  30th  May,  1809,  and   was  two  days  before  I 

stood  over  for  Sumatra,  having  it  in  Rear-admiral  Drury'g  order  not  to  quit 

possession,  those  that  are  deemed  most  correct,  have  them  printed,  and  distribute 
them  with  the  charts;  likewise  the  views  of  particular  lands,  all  which  would 
tend  to  ensure  the  safety  of  our  ships.  The  French  navy,  that  hare  less  occasion 
(or  such  things,  are  supplied  with  them,  in  exemplary  abundance. 

*  The  Bahamas,  the  shoals  off  Jamaica,  Cuba,  all  the  Spanish  Main,  islfs, 
&c.  and  the  gulfs  of  Mexico  and  Florida,  require  to  be  re-surveyed:  here  tlicu 
ii  a  wide  field  for  such  pursuits. 

f  NAVAL  CHHONICLE  :    xxix,  480. 

$  N.  C.  xxi,  105;  xxiv,  384;  xxvi,  147, 199;  xxvii,  219,  221 ;  xxviii,  479. 

^  These  observations,  which  are  comprised  in  an  anonymous  appendix,  to  the 
Ms>.  remark  book,  kept  by  Lord  Torrington,  when  commanding  the  Bclliqueux, 
ptFer  every  internal  evidence  of  being  the  work  of  the  saptam  of  H.  M.  S.  £i| 
Jjiiucis  Drake.— (live 


224  HYDROGHAPHYc 

the  coast  of  Coromandel  until  I  had  made  the  Basses  :  finding  it  impracti- 
cable for  our  convoy  (the  Bombay-merchant)  to  keep  up  along-shore,  on 
1st  June  I  kept  full-and-by,  and  made  the  islands  in  latitude  1°  301  S.  on 
the  16th.  We  were  a  considerable  time  becalmed  off  the  Poggy  isles 
(this  will  happen  18  times  out  of  20).  We  anchored  in  Bencoolen  road  on 
24th  June,  which  was  reckoned  a  good  passage :  but  no  doubt  it  would 
have  been  effected  in  16  days,  had  we  made  the  islands  in  latitude  about 
4°  N.  and  come  down  inside  them.  From  the  month  of  May  to  August, 
the  most  expeditious  track  is  to  stand  over  from  Madras  road  for  the 
opposite  coast,  always  keeping  full-and-by,  making  as  much  of  your  wind 
as  possible  :  by  not  coming  near  the  line  you  will  carry  your  South-wester 
strong:  do  not  mind  if  you  make  the  land  so  far  north  as  Achin  head, 
would  recommend  to  make  it  in  4°  30'  N.  being  certain  to  meet  with 
strong  N.W.  squalls,  and  a  S.S.E.  current:  seldom  or  never  S.E.  winds  ; 
and  when  they  do  blow,  they  are  so  feeble  as  scarcely  to  turn  the  course 
of  the  current,  so  that  you  may  generally  reckon  upon  it  in  your  favour. 
It  also  frequently  sets  to  S.W.  as  well  as  S.E.  and  sometimes  I  have  known 
it  run  12  miles  an  hour.  In  11  days  we  were  sel;  180  miles  to  S.S.E.  being 
70  miles  from  the  islands  :  this  was  when  we  experienced  frequent  heavy 
N.W.  squalls  ;  which  always  happen  before  and  after  the  full  and  change 
of  the  moon.  If  you  can  readily  make  the  south  part  of  Hog  island,  shape 
a  course  for  Poolo  Baby  on  the  N.E,  part  of  Poolo  Neas,  then  steer  for 
P.  Bintame  off  the  S.W.  part  of  Mansillea  [Mensular  ?]  leaving  that  island 
to  the  southward,  and  steering  for  the  north  point  of  Mansillea,  you  have 
nothing  to  fear :  this  is  certainly  the  best  passage  if  you  are  bound  to 
Peduiig,  as  the  in-shore  passage  from  Mansillea  is  beyond  a  doubt  the 
safest.  You  will  find  but  little  difficulty  in  getting  down  along  the  coast 
from  Achin  head  to  Bencoolen,  although  perhaps  attended  with  some  dan- 
ger; but  not  so  much  so  as  represented  :  great  alarm  is  made  about  the 
N.W.  squalls ;  you  can  always  perceive  them  rising,  and  they  give  you 
time  to  take  in  sail,  not  lasting  longer  than  an  hour,  generally  very  heavy, 
attended  with  much  rain,  and  so  hazy  that  you  can  hardly  see  two  miles 
round  you,  which  makes  it  unsafe  to  run.  I  generally  reefed  close,  let  the 
top-sails  remain  on  the  cap,  and  hove- to  :  they  rise  in  the  N.W. ;  W.N.W.; 
W.  to  S.W.  and  you  always  find  the  effect  of  a  strong  southerly  current  for 
hours  after  the  squalls  have  cleared  away  :  take  in  sail  the  moment  you  per-, 
ceive  them,  as  they  approach  quickly  :  these,  I  think,  are  the  greatest  dan- 
ger to  be  apprehended  on  this  extraordinary  coast.  The  islands  are  most 
commonly  steep- to,  and  the  shoals  plainly  to  be  seen  from  the  mast-head  ) 
I  am  inclined  to  believe  that  many  of  the  shoals  laid  down  in  charts  must 
have  been  fish  a-pliiying,  as  the  rippling  frequently  appears  like  shoal" 
water.  At  night  run  not;  you  can  always  anchor:  I  never  saw  a  coast 
abounding  with  so  many  fine  harbours  :  it  is  but  very  seldom  you  cannot 
shelter  yourself  against  the  N.W.  winds:  it  may  be  worthy  of  remark,  that 
the  French  are  much  on  this  coast,  finding  that  few  English  ships  of  war 
visit  it,  and  it  affording  them  good  spars,  wood,  and  water;  the  natives 
of  the  isles  supplying  them  with  refreshments:  not  a  year  passes  but  they 
take  several  of  our  traders :  the  islands  as  well  as  the  coast  are  laid  down 


HYDROGRAPHY.  225 

from  30  to  40  miles  too  far  westward  ;  nor  is  there  any  reliance  to  be 
placed  on  any  charts  that  I  ever  saw,  nor  on  very  few  of  the  plans  of  har- 
bours, &c.  I  do  not  think  it  safe  to  trust  in  any  surveys  or  remarks  extant : 
I  have  very  many,  but  few  correct :  infinite  caution  is  indispensably  ne- 
cessary ;  for  I  have  been  fortunate  enough  to  have  the  opportunity  of 
making  timely  discovery  of  egregious  errors  both  in  charts  and  plans. 

Receiving  intelligence  of  two  French  privateers  being  off  the  Banjak 
islands,  on  30th  June  I  sailed,  determined  to  proceed  in  search  of  them 
by  the  inner  passage  :  we  had  under  convoy  the  E.  I.  ships  Lord  Castle- 
rengh,  the  country  traders  Bombay-merchant  and  Bengal-Anna.  Three 
days  we  were  using  our  utmost  endeavours  to  get  to  the  northward,  instead 
of  which  we  got  set  ^0  miles  southward  of  Bencoolen  ;  the  northing  that 
we  made  during  the  land  and  sea  wind,  was  overpowered  by  the  southerly 
current  during  the  calms,  between  the  setting  in  of  the  respective  breezes  : 
by  ourselves,  we  sailing  much  better  than  the  convoy,  and  being  able  to 
take  advantage  of  squalls,  and  anchoring  expeditiously  in  calms,  might 
have  succeeded  ;  indeed,  under  such  circumstances,  I  always  advise  early 
anchorage,  for  you  cannot  make  certain  of  the  currents  :  as  we  got  to  the 
westward,  we  lost  the  strength  of  the  current;  in  longitude  96"  E.  and 
latitude  1*  S.  it  took  a  sudden  turn  westward,  with  perhaps  a  little  nor- 
thing :  therefore  I  would  advise  for  a  passage  back  to  Madras  to  steer 
W.S.W.  from  Bencoolen  till  you  get  into  the  steady  S.E.  winds ;  then  run 
down  your  longitude  ;  not  crossing  the  line  till  8<;°  E.  when  I  think  you 
may  be  pretty  sure  of  few  calmS)  and  be  certain  of  making  and  carrying-on 
the  S.W.  monsoon  to  Ceylon. 

On  16th  July,  compared  chronometers  with  those  of  the  convoy,  five  in 
number,  and  found  all  agreeing  to  a  mile.  On  17th,  at  noon,  onr  longitud* 
was  94°  55',  allowing  10  miles  for  westerly  current.  I  am  most  sorry  we 
could  not  obtain  any  observation  this  day  to  satisfy  my  doubt  respecting 
Le-Mewe's*  reef.  In  coming  to  Bencoolen  I  passed  it  8  miles  to  the 
westward:  I  now  suppose  it  to  bearr  N.  78°  W.  19  miles  :  our  convoy 
W.S.W.  distant  15  miles,  which  makes  Le  Meme's  reef  bear  from  them 
N.  57°  W.  11  miles:  they  did  not  see  it,  or  would  have  made  me  a  signal 
to  that  purpose  :  still  it  may  exist ;  but  I  must  owu  I  have  my  doubts. 
(To  be  continued.) 

*  NAVAL  CHRONICLE:  vol.  viii.  (1802)338  ;  xxii.  (1809)99.  Asiatic  Annual 
Register  :  vol.  x.  (1803)  65 1.  Horsburgh's  "  Directions,i<)r  sailing  toandfrofnthe 
*  East  Indies,  &c."  part  ii,  ( I8il)  |>.  77.  Ou  iho  discordance  between  the  lust 
mentioned  authority  and  the  two  others  cited  immediately  before,  concerning  both 
of  (lie  discoveries  of  danger  in  these  seas  attributed  to  Captain  Le-Meme,  the 
navigating  reader  must  be  left  to  excise  hi*  own  judgment.— (Hv»a.) 


flfcat.  €fttm.  Bol.XXXI.  <s  * 


NAVAL  BULLETINS 

OF 

tlEUTENANT  O'BRIEN'S  RECENT  CAPTIVITY  AND  ESCAPE. 

[Continued  from  page  143.] 


•ULLETIN   IHE   FOURTEENTH. 

SEPTEMBER,  1808.  —  About  seven  o'clock  we  got  into  a  sort  of 
tavern ;  a  servant  maid  and  child  were  the  only  people  up — we  wer« 
French  travellers  from  Prussia  going  to  France,  and  wanted  breakfast. 
The  landlady  was  roused — breakfast  was  prepared — a  barber  sent  for 
(who  was  surgeon  as  well) ;  got  our  cloaths  brushed.  Found  it  a  private 
very  well-calculated  house;  and  the  barber,  or  surgeon,  was  an  intelligent 
sort  of  man.  Rastat*  was  but  three  leagues  from  us ;  and,  from  different 
questions  we  asked  the  fellow,  we  found  we  had  crossed  the  Rhine  close 
to  Dourlach.  We  quitted  the  place  about  nine,  having  well  satisfied  thtf 
landlady,  and  being  well  pleased  with  our  breakfast,  which  consisted  of 
coffee,  &c. 

We  now  directed  our  course  towards  Rastat ;  Barclay  was  very  lame ; 
everybody  we  met  took  great  notice  of  him,  and  it  was  impossible  he  could 
continue  the  march  many  hours  longer.  As  I  have  before  observed,  we 
had  intended  to  separate  from  him  and  the  doctor  the  moment  we  got 
across  to  Germany ;  but  his  state  rendered  him  incapable  of  proceeding, 
and  we  now  agreed  not  to  quit  the  other :  the  great  point  was,  where  la 
place  the  invalid,  so  as  to  ensure  his  safety  until  he  had  recovered  the  use 
of  his  limbs.  He  regretted  not  having  remained  where  we  breakfasted. 
\Ve  found  Rastat,  though  an  open  town,  too  dangerous  to  pass  through  ; 
therefore  made  its  circuit,  and  struck  otf  the  road,  to  a  small  village,  about 
two  leagues  distant,  where  we  went  into  a  public  house.  They  could  nojt 
speak  French,  nor  could  we  sufficiently  explain,  in  their  language,  what  we 
wanted  respecting  our  sick  friend  ;  an  old  man  was  sent  for  as  interpreter, 
who  happened  to  be  a  shoemaker  by  trade;  we  bcgnn  by  ordering  a  pair  of 
shoes  for  Barclay;  and  then  observed,  that  we  were  Frenchmen  from  Prus- 
sia, going  to  Strasburgh  ;  our  comrade  was  knocked  up,  and  we  wished  him 
tp  explain  to  the  people,  that  we  meant  to  leave  him  with  them  a  few  days, 
until  he  had  gathered  strength.  We  requested  he  would  pay  every  atten- 
tion, and  explain  matters  for  him.  lie  and  they  agreed.  A  bed  was 
immediately  prepared  for  him.  We  dined  together;  then  took  our  leave 
of  this  poor  fellow;  and  a  painful  leave  it  was.  He,  of  course,  felt  for  the 
miserable  situation  he  was  now  in;  and  we,  in  being  compelled,  for  our 
own  safety,  to  abandon  him.  But  there  was  no  alternative,  aud  our 
engagement  was  fulfilled  with  both  these  gentlemen. 


*  Rastat,  a  town  of  Germany,  in  the  marqui'nte  of  Baden  ;  it  i<  seated  on  the 
rirer  Merg,  four  miles  north  of  linden. 


KAYAL  BU1.Z.ET1JW.  227 

September,  1808.  We  continued  our  pretended  mate,  until  we  lost 
sigh;  of  the  village,  and  then  changed  our  course.  We  commiserated  the 
misfortunes  of  our  poor  companion;  and  feared  even  the  shoemaker  would 
discover  what  he  was,  as  he  spoke  French  so  very  indifferently.  The  day 
was  closing  fast,  and  it  behoved  us  to  look  out  for  a  lodging  for  the  night. 
We  were  at  that  time  in  Baden ;  and,  as  this  was  the  northernmost  part,  I 
sometimes  feared  there  might  be  different  regulations  from  those  I  before 
experienced  to  the  southward. 

We  advanced  towards  a  large  village,  in  our  direction.  It  was  quite 
dusk.  Passed  through  it  to  the  opposite  extreme;  when  it  was  about 
eight  o'clock.  We  were  undecided  how  to  act ;  it  began  to  rain  very  hard. 
We  were  met  by  an  old  man  genteely  dressed,  marching  on  very  fast,  to 
avoid  getting  wef.  He  stopped,  evidently  with  a  design  to  speak  to  us.  We 
accosted  him  in  French  ;  asked  him  what  distance  Baden  was  from  os, 
and  if  we  were  likely  to  fall  in,  shortly,  with  any  place  we  could  put  up  at 
for  the  night,  that  is  to  say,  in  the  direction  we  were  then  going  to  take. 
He  replied,  in  broken  French  (which  we  were  pleased  to  hear),  that  it  would 
be  midnight  before  we  could  arrive  at  any  sort  of  place  that  would  answer 
our  purpose;  as  the  weather  was  inclement,  and  the  hour  so  very  late,  lie 
advised  us  to  turn  back  with  him  to  the  village  we  had  just  passed,  where 
there  were  excellent  accommodations;  and  he  would  take  upon  himself  to 
shew  us  to  a  decent  tavern,  where  we  should  be  well  attended  to,  and 
made  comfortable. 

The  desperate  state  of  the  weather ;  our  wearitd  and  fatigued  situation, 
having  been  six  nights  without  any  rest,  together  with  the  kind  and  disin- 
terested manner  which  the  old  gentleman  displayed,  and  almost  an  assur- 
ance of  running  no  great  risk,  induced  us  to  accept  of  his  services.  He, 
accordingly,  conducted  us  to  a  genteel  house,  close  to  a^lass  manufactory; 
all  the  workmen  lodged  here.  We  ordered  supper ;  invited  the  old  gentle- 
man to  partake  of  it,  which,  after  some  hesitation,  he  agreed  to.  I  began 
to  apprehend  they  might  demand  to  see  our  passports,  which  lessened  my 
enjoyment  until  nearly  bed  time ;  I  then  made  myself  quiet  upon  that 
head.  We  spoke  to  each  other,  and  conversed  with  such  of  them  as  could 
in  French.  I  am  certain  they  took  us  for  Frenchmen ;  which  was  a  for- 
tunate circumstance,  and,  perhaps,  prevented  their  making  any  further 
inquiries.  Shortly  after  supper  our  old  friend  departed,  and  we  wer« 
shewn  to  our  chamber,  where  each  had  an  excellent  bed.  When  in  bed, 
the  servant  retired,  and  our  happiness  was  great,  in  fact,  impossible  to  b« 
described.  The  hail  and  rain  dashing  against  the  windows,  convinced  us 
of  what  we  should  have  suffered  had  we  not  taken  the  old  man's  advice. 
This  was  the  first  very  bad  night  since  we  quitted  the  Mansion  of  Tears. 

We  agreed  to  be  off  from  this  place  very  early,  lest  any  accident  should 
prevent  our  proceeding ;  and  then,  in  a  few  minutes,  were  lost  to  every 
idea  of  danger  in  the  arms  of  Morpheus.  Nor  did  I  unseal  my  wearied 
«yes  until  I  had  been  repeatedly  called  by  my  comrades  the  next  morning, 
the  weather  was  still  very  inclement.  However,  we  got  breakfast  and 
proceeded,  without  asking  to  be  directed  to  any  particular  place,  that  they 


228  NAVAL    BULLETINS. 

might  not  suppose  us  unacquainted  with  the  country.  I  knew  it  was  i>ece3- 
sary  to  keep  to  the  southward,  in  order  to  avoid  a  chain  of  inaccessible 
mountains,  that  would  prevent  our  advancing  into  the  interior;  but,  owing 
to  the  heavy  rain  and  bad  weather,  the  sun  did  not  shew  itselr,  and  we  had 
no  other  means  of  directing  our  course.  We  were  now  surrounded  by 
w.oods  and  deserts,  and  could  not  tell  which  way  to  turn  or  proceed  ;  when 
we  saw,  ac  a  distance,  a  peasant  and  a  little  boy,  loading  a  cart  with  wood,. 
We  made  towards  them,  but  could  not  make  him  understand,  for  a  long 
time,  that  we  had  lost  our  way,  and  wished  to  be  directed  towards  Fribourg, 
as  we  knew  that  was  to  the  southward  of  us.  At  length  we  succeeded.  He 
left  his  boy  and  cart,  and  went  nearly  two  miles,  to  put  us  in  the  right 
road.  We  paid  this  honest  fellow  for  his  trouble,  and  had  some  difficulty 
to  make  him  accept  it. 

About  noon  we  passed  by  the  palace  of  the  Grand  Duke  of  Baden;  and, 
owing  to  the  intricacies  of  the  mountains  that  surround  it,  we  were  obliged 
to  border  closer  than  we  wished  ;  it  had  a  romantic  appearance.  In  one  of 
the  walks  we  had  to  pass,  we  discovered  two  officers  on  horseback  ,  we  im- 
mediately quitted  it,  and  got  concealed  amongst  some  adjacent  trees,  until 
they  passed.  We  soon  got  on  an  immense  high  road,  where  we  perceived  a 
number  of  horsemen,  dressed  in  scarlet,  preceding  a  carriage  ;  they  were 
in  full  speed.  We  turned  off  towards  some  huts,  close  by,  and  barely 
avoided  being  met  by  them.  The  peasantry  were  all  uncovered  as  the 
carriage  passed.  On  enquiry,  we  found  this  was  the  Duke  of  Baden's  son, 
who  had  assumed  already  the  title  of  king.  We  found  that  we  were  in  the 
proper  direction,  and  proceeded  in  great  spirits. 

September,  1808.  We  had  now  to  pass  through  several  respectable 
vjllages  on  the  highway.  About  six  in  the  evening,  in  passing  through  one, 
Barclunore  being  a  good  way  in  ths  rear,  I  heard  him  call  out  to  us  to  stop, 
as  there  was  a  man  \vho  wanted  to  see  our  papers  ;  we  were  in  too  great 
haste  to  be  retarded.  The  man  whom  he  alluded  to,  we  saw  standing  at 
his  door,  which  was  the  last  in  the  village.  He  certainly  was  looking  very 
hard;  but,  if  he  had  been  a  police  officer,  he  would  not  have  hesitated 
pursuing  us.  When  we  had  got  to  a  respectable  distance  we  halted,  for  Ear- 
climpre  to  join:  he  assured  us,  that  he  was  confident  the  above  mentioned 
person  asked  for  our  papers,  but  could  not  account  for  his  not  pursuing  us. 

About  seven,  we  discovered  another  village  in  the  direction  we  had  to 
take;  from  the  above  recent  circumstance  we  were  fearful  of  entering, 
much  more  of  attempting  to  stop  there  for  the  night.  We  withdrew  into  ;» 
field  on  the  road-side,  to  deliberate,  and  waited  there  about  an  hour.  It 
was  then  dusk,  so  we  proceeded  on  the  road  again,  and  entered  the  village, 
which  was  much  smaller  than  we  had  imagined.  We  approached  a  public- 
house,  called  for  some  beer,  and  enquired  if  we  could  be  supplied  with 
beds?  "  No."  But  they  directed  us  to  another  house  ;  where  all  the  beds 
•were  also  occupied ;  and  they  sent  us  to  a  third,  with  no  better  success. 
We  did  not  know  what  to  do,  and  regretted  much  not  being  able  to  remain 
-  little  village  fin-  the  night,  as,  from  its  appearance,  we  had  no  reason 
to  be  under  the  slightest  apprehension.  A  person,  apparently  a  publican, 
peeing  us  in  a  state  of  suspense,  addressed  us  in  French,  aud  said,  "  Gentle- 


NAVAL   BULLETINS.  i29 

men,  you  appear  to  want  lodgings ;  there  is  a  small  town,  about  two  or 
three  miles  on,  where  you  can  get  good  accommodation."  We  returned 
him  thanks,  and  appeared  pleased  at  the  intelligence;  though,  in  fact,  we 
dreaded  being  accommodated  with  lodgings  gratis.  I  asked  him  if  he  did 
not  suppose  the  gates  would  be  shut  before  we  had  arrived  ?  He  assured 
us  it  liad  none,  and  that  it  was  an  open  town.  We  were  not  sorry  for  this 
last  oiece  of  news;  and  agreed  to  march  on  cautiously  towards  it.  As  it 
was  late,  we  could  reconnoitre  it;  and,  if  it  appeared  dangerous,  we  could 
continue  our  route  the  whole  night,  although  we  were  extremely  fatigued. 

At  about  half  past  nine  we  arrived  ;  it  did  not  appear  to  be  a  place  that 
we  had  much  to  fear  from.  We  looked  out  for  an  inn — resolved,  if  pos- 
sible, not  to  go  to  the  first;  discovered  one,  and  entered  it;  were  shewn 
into  a  very  genteel  coffee-room,  and,  from  the  appearance  of  the  guests, 
landlady,  &c.  were  certain  we  must  be  in  the  very  inn  we  had  wished  to 
avoid  ;  however,  it  was  now  too  late,  and  we  were  under  the  necessity  of 
putting  a  bold  face  on  the  business:  so  called  for  some  wine,  and  my 
friends  ordered  supper.  I  was  indisposed,  and  requested  the  chamber- 
maid to  light  me  to  bed  ;  informing  my  companions,  if  they  should  dis- 
cover any  danger,  I  would  be  instantly  ready,  and  we  must  immediately 
decamp.  One  very  fortunate  circumstance— the  landlord  was  much  in- 
toxicated ;  he  often  looked  earnestly  at  us,  as  if  he  wished  to  ask  some 
question  ;  but  could  not  articulate  a  syllable.  I  took  my  leave  (as  is  the 
custom)  of  every  body  in  the  room,  and  withdrew.  I  then  lay  down,  not 
without  some  anxiety,  particularly  from  what  Dr.  B.  had  asserted,  relative  . 
to  the  man  asking  for  our  papers. 

After  supper  my  friends  came  to  bed.  They  informed  me  they  did  not 
suppose  we  were  in  imminent  danger,  nor  were  we  particularly  safe;  it 
chiefly  depended  on  the  state  the  landlord  vvns  in.  We  were,  therefore, 
determined  to  rise,  before  this  fellow  became  sober,  to  pay  our  reckoning 
and  be  off.  At  twilight  we  dressed  ourselves,  awakened  the  servants  ;  who 
instantly  went  to  inform  their  master  that  we  were  preparing  to  go.  He 
appeared,  but  could  scarcely  open  his  eyes,  and  demanded  where  we  were 
going  so  early  ?  "  To  Strasburgh."  He  observed  we  should  be  there  very 
soon,  it  being  only  five  leagues  distant;  we  were  aware  of  that,  and  wished 
him  a  good  morning.  At  ten  we  were  in  sight  of  Offenbourgh  ;  made  its 
circuit,  and  got  on  the  road  to  Gibenbach,  which  we  saw  about  six  o'clock. 
It  was  dangerous  to  approach  the  town  so  early,  therefore  got  into  a  wood, 
where  we  lay  concealed  until  dark ;  and  then  passed  round  under  the  walls 
of  the  town  ;  crossed  the  river  Kinzig,  on  which  it  is  situated,  and  pro- 
ceeded on  the  direct  road  towards  Tutl'mgen.  I  perfectly  recollected  now 
bur  route,  from  having  so  recently  passed  it  with  the  Bavarians.  At  mid- 
night we  halted  in  a  small  poor  village ;  got  supplied  with  refreshments,  and 
a  kind  of  beds.  The  doctor  had  a  severe  fit  of  the  fever  and  ague. 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  September,  we  got  some  breakfast,  and 
proceeded.  We  made  the  circuit  of  several  small  towns  this  day.  At 
about  six,  we  discovered  a  kind  of  fortress  on  the  side  of  a  mountain,  over 
a  small  town.  We  advanced  with  all  possible  precaution;  but,  as  we  ap- 
proached, it  appeared  to  be  a  place  of  little  consequence,  therefore  marched 


130  NAYAL   BULLETINS. 

forward  boldly.  What  we  took  for  the  entrance  of  the  town,  proved  to  be 
onlv  a  few  straggling  houses  in  the  suburbs.  When  we  had  passed  them 
we  found  ourselves  close  to  the  gate  of  a  snug  little  town.  Seeing  no 
military  or  police  officers,  we  advanced  without  much  hesitation  ;  and  pro- 
ceeded right  through.  After  passing  the  opposite  gate,  we  "stopped  at  a 
wine  house,  refreshed  ourselves,  and  was  informed  the  name  of  the  town 
was  Hornberg.*  The  next  halting  place  was  Kriemshieldach,  where  there 
was  a  post  house;  it  was  about  three  or  four  leagues  off,  and  on  the  verge 
of  the  Black  Forest,  which  we  had  to  march  through  before  we  arrived  at 
it.  All  travellers,  they  informed  us,  preferred  stopping  at  Hornberg,  to 
marching  through  so  lonely  and  disagreeable  a  place  at  a  late  hour ;  how- 
ever, we  were  exceptions  to  this  general  rule,  and  so  marched  on. 

Black  Forest  is  a  name  very  applicable  to  this  dreadful  place ;  I  never 
remember  seeing  a  more  dismal,  barren,  mountainous  country ;  it  was  for- 
merly  infested  by  bandittis;  and  the  Germans,  lying  concealed  here  during 
the  late  wars,  committed  great  depredations  on  the  French  troops  in  passing 
through.  We  met  with  two  or  three  people  only  before  we  arrived  at 
Kriemshieldach.  The  road  on  each  side  was  covered  with  trees,  admirably 
well  calculated  for  robbers. 

At  about  eleven  we  arrived  at  the  post  house ;  surveyed  very  attentively 
the  yards,  coach-houses,  &c.  There  were  no  carriages,  except  a  kind  of 
cabriolet,  which  made  us  conjecture  there  were  not  many  strangers;  we, 
therefore,  advanced,  and  rapped  at  the  door;  were  asked  who  we  were  ? 
"  Three  French  travellers  who  wanted  lodgings."  The  door  was  opened, 
and  we  were  shewn  up  stairs,  into  the  public  room.  The  appearance  of 
the  juests  there  inspired  us  with  confidence.  We  called  for  supper,  and 
desired  they  would  prepare  our  beds;  which  they  did.  We  supped.  Dr. 
Barclimore  had  been  very  much  indisposed  all  day.  The  family  and 
strangers  began  a  dance ;  our  music  was  what  the  Germans  called  doodle- 
tack  (a  kind  of  bag  pipe).  Waltzing  was  introduced ;  the  doctor  forgot 
his  illness,  engaged  a  partner,  and  danced  in  great  glee.  Thev  all  observed 
what  a  lively  merry  people  the  French  were  !  My  other  companion 
joined  ;  however,  I  remained  an  exception,  and  never  moved  from  table 
until  we  withdrew  to  go  to  bed. 

In  the  morning  the  doctor  was  scarcely  able  to  move.  I  found  the 
benefit  of  having  remained  quiet,  when  they  were  dancing;  however, 
weak  as  he  was,  we  payed  our  bill  aud  pursued  our  route.  We  had  to 
make  the  circuit  of  several  large  towns.  Early  in  the  afternoon,  having 
failen  in  with  a  small  village,  we  halted,  refreshed  ourselves,  and  went  to 
bed  very  early.  The  doctor  was  extremely  ill,  and  sorry  for  having  so 
strenuously  supported  the  French  character. 

September,  1808.  At  day-light  we  proceeded ;  passed  round  several 
towns ;  and,  at  eight  in  the  evening,  stopped  at  a  small  village,  and  got 
refreshed.  The  people  were  particularly  attentive,  speaking  often  in  praise 
of  the  French  nation — they  had  very  frequently  some  of  our  countrymen 
billeted  on  them.  We  found  we  were  within  three  leagues  of  Guisingen. 

*  Hornbers,  a  town  of  Suabia,  in  tb«  Black  Forest,  seated  on  the  Gutlasb. 


BULLETINS.  231 

Left  Rothwiel*  upon  the  right ;  and  were  told  we  should  be  early  the  next 
day  at  Tutlingen,  where  I  was  in  hopes  of  heing  favourably  received.  We 
were  in  great  spirits ;  passed  the  evening  pleasantly;  and  imagined  that 
the  principal  difficulties  were  surmounted. 

At  day-light  the  next  morning  (Sunday,  September  25)  we  breakfasted, 
and  passed  on  towards  the  much  wished-for  town.  At  eleven,  we  were  in 
sight  of  it.  I  proposed  to  my  companions  to  remain  concealed  in  an  adja- 
cent wood,  while  I  went  into  the  town,  to  try  what  could  be  done;  they 
agreed,  and  we  only  regretted  not  having  our  companion  Barclay  with  us. 

I  entered  the  town  abont  noon,  and  went  where  I  expected  some  assist- 
ance ;  but,  to  my  great  mortification,  could  obtain  none.  I  returned  with 
these  doleful  tidings.  My  companions  had  been  much  alarmed  for  my 
safety.  I  assured  them  there  was  no  danger;  and  went  back  again,  to  use 
every  effort  to  procure  papers.  I  met  the  second  time  with  some  people, 
who  promised  to  assist,  as  much  as  they  possibly  could,  in  promoting  my 
wishes :  so  returned  to  the  wood  after  dark,  and  conducted  my  poor  com- 
panions into  the  town,  and  placed  them  up  stairs  in  a  friend's  tavern  ;  and 
here  we  remained  concealed,  in  daily  expectation  (from  promises)  of  being 
supplied  with  what  we  wanted,  until  Tuesday,  October  the  4th ;  when, 
with  depressed  spirits  and  a  light  purse,  we  were  conducted,  before  day- 
break, on  the  direct  road  to  Mernmingen.t  as  we  had  determined  to  take 
that  course  to  Salzbourgh.  During  our  stay  in  this  last  place  we  procured 
an  old  German  map,  which  we  found  of  material  service.  About  noon, 
we  made  the  circuit  of  Maeskirch,  keeping  about  two  miles  to  the  right 
of  it. 

October,  1808.  „  At  one  we  halted  at  a  small  village  for  some  refresh- 
ments; were  informed  that  Pfullendorf  *  was  about  four  leagues  off.  We 
continued  our  route,  and,  by  great  exertion,  passed  it  by  nine  o'clock, 
having  numerous  rounds  to  make.  We  crossed  the  river  Andalspatch, 
and  determined  to  stop  at  the  first  proper  place  we  should  meet.  We 
soon  discovered  a  house  on  the  road-side  ;  it  appeared  to  be  an  inn  ;  we 
entered  and  called  for  some  bread  and  wine,  which  was  all  the  house 
afforded.  A  light-horseman  acted  as  waiter— I  did  not  much  approve  of 
his  services ;  he  spoke  French.  We,  of  course,  expected  to  have  beds ; 
but  the  moment  we  asked  for  them  they  declared  they  had  none;  The 
waiter,  however,  had  the  goodness  to  say,  there  was  some  clean  straw, 
where  he  and  his  comrades  slept  every  night,  and  we  were  welcome  to 
partake  of  part— he  was  excessively  kind.  We  returned  him  many  thanks, 
and  proceeded  on  ;  having  been  previously  informed,  that  the  next  village 
was  about  a  league  distant.  I  was  pleased  at  having  quitted  this  place — 

*  Rothwiel,  a  city  of  Suabia,  lately  an  imperial  city.  A  mile  and  a  half  from 
it  is  a  famous  abbey,  where  they  receive  none  but  noblewomen.  It  is  seated  on 
the  Neckar. 

•f-  Memmingen,  a  town  of  Suabia,  defended  by  art;  it  has  a  considerable 
trade  in  linen,  fustian,  cotton,  paper,  salt,  and  hops;  and  is  seated  on  the  tive.r 
Her. 

J  Pfullendorf,  a  town  »f  Suabia,  seated  on  the  river  Andalspatch. 


232  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

the  waiter,  I  thought,  was  much  too  inquisitive.  We  pursued  our  route, 
at  least  a  league,  through  the  centre  of  a  forest ;  'tis  true  the  road  was  a 
very  good  one.  At  last  \re  heard  a  prodigious  shouting  a-hesul,  and  could 
not  account  for  such  a  noise  at  so  late  an  hour.  However,  it  announced 
the  proximity  of  a  village,  perhaps  the  one  that  had  been  described  to  us. 
We  advanced  a  pace ;  the  shouting,  singing,  &c.  &c.  still  continued — we 
shortly  discovered  an  immense  concourse  of  people  of  both  sexes  on  the 
road, coming  towards  us;  they  passed  us,  decorated  with  ribbands,  cock- 
ades, &c.  from  which  we  concluded  it  was  a  restival,  or  wedding.  We 
now  saw  the  village  very  plain,  and  soon  arrived  ;  went  to  the  first  public- 
house  we  could  discover,  but  it  was  so  thronged  thru  they  could  not  receive 
us.  By  a  great  deal  of  persuasion  we  prevailed  en  them  to  direct  us  to 
another  ;  where  we  got  beds  and  refreshments.  There  were  a  great  num- 
ber of  police-officers,  soldiers,  &c.  in  the  first  house,  but  tl  py  were  so  much 
elated  and  amused,  that  they  could  not  attend  to  make  any  observations. 

We  paid  excessively  dear  here  for  every  thing:  and  in  the  morning  we 
quitted,  and  proceeded  on  towards  Waldsee.*  At  an  jut  six  in  the  evening 
we  passed  it,  leaving  it  a  respectable  distance  on  the  right.  It  appeared 
to  be  a  snug  compact  town  on  the  edge  of  a  lake.  At  eight  we  stopped  at 
a  small  village,  where  we  got  a  bed  and  supper.  At  day-light  we  commenced 
our  march;  and,  about  four  in  the  afternoon  we  discovered  the  river  Her, 
which  we  had  to  cross.  We  were  quitting  the  territory  of  Wirtemberg, 
and  entering  Bavaria.  We  saw  abridge  ;  but  imagined  also,  that  we  could 
distinguish  a  look-out  house,  or  turn-pike  on  it,  which  alarmed  us  greatly. 
We  tried  to  find  another  passage,  but  failed;  so  concealed  ourselves  in  a 
wood  until  dusk,  and  then  advanced,  and  crossed  the  bridge,  without  any 
difficulty;  there  were  several  houses  on  each  side,  but,  fortunately,  we  saw 
no  police  officer,  or  any  person  that  could  cause  the  least  apprehension- 
Continued  our  route  above  a  league,  when  we  saw  a  small  village,  in  which 
we  halted  for  the  night.  The  tavern  was  thronged  with  waggoners;  got  a- 
private  room,  and  went  very  early  to  bed  ;  our  landlady  was  a  mellow  old 
lady,  and  an  intimate  friend  of  Bacchus. 

The  doctor  had  a  severe  fit  of  fever  here;  and,  as  it  behoved  us  to  be 
very  circumsprrt  now  in  Bavaria,  we  were  fearful  we  should  be  under  the 
necessity  of  quitting  our  sick  companion.  In  the  morning  we  were  happy 
to  find  h  was  much  better,  and  felt  able  to  attempt  the  day's  fatigue.  We 
walk-H  slowly,  to  prevent  harassing  him.  Stopped  at  eight,  and  break- 
fasted at  a  imail village,  about  four  miles  from  Memmingen.  About  noon 
we  passed  a  very  fi:;e  palace,  on  our  road  towards  Eauf'beuren.  We  halted^ 
daring  the  night,  at  a  small  village,  iho  people  in  which  were  very  civil,  and 
our  landlady  not  each  of  us  a  shirt  washed.  The  landlord,  who  was  in  the 

st  sta^e  of  •ousumption,  was  a  will-informed  man,  and  very  inquisitive. 
We  told  him  ^c •  w.rc  French  travellers  going  to  Kaufbueren,  where  we 
had  many  friends;  and  from  thence,  perhaps,  we  should  proceed  towards 
r^h. 

[To  be  continued.] 

*     A  town  of  Suabia,  with  »  castle.  ' 


233 
NAVAL  LITERATURE. 


Oriental  Commerce ;  containing  a  Geographical  description  of  the  principal 
Places  in  the  East  Indies,  China,  and  Japan,  with  their  Produce,  Maim* 
facturcs,  and  Trade,  including  the  Coasting  or  Country  Trade  from  Port 
to  Port  ;  also  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  t lie  Trade  of  the  various  'Euro- 
pean Nations  with  the  Eastern  World,  particularly  that  of  the  English 
East  India  Company,  from  the  Discovery  of  the  Passage  round  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope  to  the  present  Period  ;  with  an  Account  of  the  Company's 
Establishments,  Revenue,  Debts,  Assets,  fyc.  at  Home  and  Abroad.  De- 
duced from  Authentic  Documents,  and  founded  upon  practical  Experi* 
ence,  obtained  in  the  course  of  Seven  Voyages  to  India  and  China,  by 
WILLIAM  MILBURN,  Esq.  of  the  Hon.  East  India  Company's  Service. 
Tico  Volumes  Royal  4to.  price  67.  6s.  in  boards.  Published  by  Black, 
Parry,  and  Co.  7,  Leadinhall- Street  > 

THE  Work  now  before  us  is  dedicated  to  the  Earl  of  Buckingham- 
shire.    In   tlie  preface  will  be  found  the  author's  reasons,  and  the 
source  from  which  he  has  obtained  the  information  contained  in  his  pub- 
lication. 

"  The  commercial  concerns  of  the  extensive  countries  within  the  limits  of  the 
East  India  Company's  charter  are  so  Jittle  known  in  Great  Britain,  that  any 
attempt  to  elucidate  them  must  be  always  acceptable,  but  more  particularly  so  at 
the  present  time,  when  the  public  attention  is  directed  to  the  consideration  of 
East  India  affairs. 

•'  The  materials  of  which  this  work  is  composed)  have  been  collected  during  a 
period  of  twenty-five  years,  actively  employed  in  the  sea  service  of  the  Com- 
pany, and  in  commercial  pursuits  in  England  immediately  connected  with  it. 
During  the  above  period,  the  Author  performed  seven  voyages  to  and  from  the 
East  Indies  and  China,  and  had  the  benefit  of  repeatedly  visiting  the  principal 
places  referred  to  in  the  work.  These  opportunities  were  well  calculated  to 
qualify  him  for  the  task  he  has  undertaken ;  and  with  what  success  he  has  per- 
formed it,  is  now  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the  public.  It  has  been  his  aim 
through  the  whole  to  render  every  thing  in  the  numerous  subjects  it  compre- 
hends, as  plain  and  intelligible  as  possible, 

"  The  geographical  and  historical  matter  has  been  drawn  from  the  best  and 
latest  writers,  and  the  Author  has  endeavoured  to  be  accurate  without  being  too 
diffuse. 

"  The  statements  of  the  relative  value  of  the  coins,  weights,  and  measures, 
were  made  from  personal  observations  at  the  different  places  the  Author  lias 
visited,  from  the  authorities  of  such  as  have  treated  on  these  subjects  before  him, 
and  from  the  kind  assistance  of  various  friends  conversant  therein.  He  lias  to 
regret,  however,  that  they  are  less  perfect  than  he  could  wish,  from  the  want  of 
a  fixed  standard  even  at  the  principal  settlements.  Here  it  may  be  necessary  to 
remark,  that  Indian  accounts  are  kept  in  lacs  of  one  hundred  thousand  each  ; 
thus,  1,234,567/.  would  be  stated  in  rupees  12,34,567:— twelve  lacs,  thirty-four 
thousand,  five  hundred  and  sixty-seven  rupees. 

«*b.  £$r0ru  ttol.  XXXI.  H  H 


234  NAVAL    LITIRATUKI. 

"  The  statements  of  duties,  and  the  various  regulations  in  the  shipping  and 
commercial  departments  of  the  principal  settlements,  have  been  brought  down  to 
the  latest  period,-  and,  as  observations  upon  the  provisions  and  refreshments  pro- 
curable at  the  various  places  must  be  admitted  to  be  essentially  necessary  to 
those  connected  with  the  commerce  of  the  East  Indies,  particular  care  has  al»3 
been  taken  to  give  a  correct  detail  of  them. 

"  The  lists  of  European  and  other  commodities  suitable  to  the  markets  at  the 
British  Presidencies  are  made  up  from  actual  transactions.  Those  at  Bombay 
will  appear  more  extensive  than  at  the  other  settlements.  The  Author's  connexions 
were  chiefly  there ;  and  the  calamitous  fire  which,  a  few  years  since,  destroyed 
the  warehouses  of  the  merchants,  made  the  orders  from  that  settlement  more 
numerous.  By  a  reference  to  these  lists  it  will  be  seen  that  there  is  scarcely  an 
Article  manufactured  in  Great  Britain,  or  any  other  part  of  Europe,  but  what  i» 
carried  in  considerable  quantities  to  India  in  the  investments  of  the  commanders 
and  officers  in  the  Company's  service. 

"  The  directions  for  chusing  the  various  productions  of  India  and  China  arc 
given  from  the  best  authorities;  and  the  quantities  imported  and  sold  will  enable 
the  merchant  to  ascertain,  with  a  great  degree  of  accuracy,  the  demand  for  each 
article,  and  the  price  it  has  generally  borne  at  the  Company's  sales. 

"  The  trade  from  port  to  port  in  India,  carried  on  by  Native  or  European 
merchants  resident  there,  commonly  called  the  Country  Trade,  is  fully  shewn 
by  numerous  tables:  and,  from  the  lists  of  the  articles  which  compose  the  im- 
ports and  exports,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  productions  of  the  western  hemisphere 
bear  but  a  very  small  proportion  in  this  trade. 

"  The  commerce  carried  on  by  foreigners  with  the  British  settlements  is  ex- 
tremely beneficial  to  the  latter,  the  greater  part  of  the  imports  consisting  of 
treasure,  and  the  exports  of  the  manufactures  of  England.  The  articles  imported 
are  principally  wines,  spirits,  naval  stores,  and  metals,  interfering  in  a  very  small 
degree  with  the  trade  carried  on  by  the  East  India  Company,  or  the.  Commanders 
and  Officers  in  their  service. 

"  In  stating  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  commerce  carried  on  with  India  and 
China  by  the  various  nations  of  Europe,  the  best  authorities  have  been  consulted  ; 
and  the  Author  has  entered  into  a  detail  of  their  commercial  transactions,  par- 
ticularly those  of  the  English,  to  a  much  greater  extent  than  has  hitherto  been 
done.  It  was  intended  to  close  the  account  of  the  English  East  India  Company 
with  a  detail  of  the  particular  branches  of  their  service  at  home,  the  benefns 
resulting  to  individuals  belonging  to  their  numerous  establishments,  and  the 
internal  arrangement  of  the  various  departments;  but,  as  delays  have  already 
occurred  in  the  publication  of  this  work,  and  it  seems  particularly  called  for  at 
the  present  juncture,  it  has  been  judged  best  to  give  the  public  that  part  of  it 
which  is  now  ready,  and  to  reserve  what  remains  for  a  future  opportunity. 

"  It  will  easily  be  seen  that  a  work  of  this  nature  required  great  labour  and 
attention,  diligent  reiearch,  and  persevering  enquiry,  to  render  it  worthy  of  public 
attention;  and  the  Author,  as  he  has  already  stated,  has  had  the  advantage  of 
many  years'  experience.  Having  thus  briefly  acquainted  the  reader  with  the 
nature  of  it,  it  is  only  necessary  to  add,  that  it  Tt-as  begun,  and  has  been  carried 
on,  under  circumstances  very  adverse  to  such  an  mulertuking ;  and,  should  it 
experience  thfr-public  patronage,  the  Author  will  think  himself  happy  in  having 
contributed  to  the  commercial  interests  of  the  empire.  A  work  so  arduous  and 
complicated  can  hardly  be  thought  to  be  without  errors  ;  the  Author,  therefore, 
npon  thii  p<jinl  cluiinj  the  indulgent  candour  of  liis  reader." 


NAVAL    LITERATURE. 


235 


As  our  limits  will  not  allow  us  to  devote  so  much  space  as  we  could  wish 
to  the  remarks  we  have  to  often,  we  must  endeavour  to  lay  the  same  be- 
fore our  readers,  in  a  very  compressed  form,  as  they  occur  to  us  on 
perusing  the  Volumes,  and  with  our  usual  impartiality. 

The  introduction  (ciii  pages)  gives  a  copious  account  of  the  Rise  and 
Progress  of  the  Commerce  between  England  and  the  East  Indies,  In  the 
second  paragraph  our  author  surmises  that  India  was  not  unknown  in  very 
antient  times,  even  by  sea.  Qiuere  :  does  not  our  old  friend  Horace  allude 
to  something  of  the  kind  when  he  says, 

f  Impiger  extremes  curris  uiercator  ad  Indos  per  Mare." 

In  tracing  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Commerce  between  England  and 
the  East  Indies,  Mr.  Milburn  has  shewn  great  research.  He  begins  with  the 
reign  of  Henry  VII.  (An.  1497)  and  gives  an  interesting  account  of  the 
principal  events  connected  therewith,  as  they  occurred,  from  that  period 
to  the  present  time  :  we  recommend  the  perusal  of  the  Introduction  to  our 
readers,  not  doubting  that  it  will  amply  repay  them  for  .their  trouble,  as  it 
furnishes  much  information  that  they  may  probably  not  be  able  to  obtain, 
except  from  the  work  now  before  us. 

The  first  Volume  is  divided  into  xviii  chapters,  which  are  arranged  in 
local  order,  and  givjng  an  historical  account  of  the  places  at  which  the  East 
India  shipping  generally  touch  in  the  outward-bound  voyage  from  the  Ma- 
deiras to  Madras,  as  also  of  the  coins,  weights,  measures,  articles  of 
import  and  export,  port  charges  and  regulations,  provisions  and  refresh- 
ments, &c. 

There  are  8  charts  in  the  first  Volume  now  under  consideration,  in 
which,  although  they  are  sufficiently  useful,  the  meridian  of  London  seems 
to  us  ill  chosen  for  any  purpose  of  geography  or  navigation,  because  longi- 
tude is  always  computed  from  some  known  point  astronomically  deter- 
mined, like  the  Observatory  at  Greenwich.  Whereas  London  is  so  wide  a 
field,  that  it  contains  no  less  than  10  minutes  of  longitude  in  itself  com- 
puted from  Greenwich  ;  and,  for  instance,  the  following  positions  therein 
ought  to  be  known  to  the  Hydrographercjf  Oriental  Commerce  to  have  been 
astronomically  determined  ;  -viz.  travelling  westward  from  Greenwich  you 
«ome  to  ; — 

/     a 

1st.     Spital  Square 4  SOW. 

2d.      St.  Paul's  Cathedral  5  47  W. 
3d       Christ's  Hospital   ..   5  51  W. 
4th.    Surry  Street  ......   6  45  W. 

6th.    Navy  Office,  (Somer- 
set-place  0  54  W. 


6th.    Leicester-square     .  .  7  42  W. 
7th.    St.  James's  Church, 

Piccadilly     8     5W. 

8th.    Argyle  Street     8  19  W. 


We  couhl  add  many  more,  but  these  may  suffice  whereon  to  found  an 
inquiry  from  whence  does  the  author  of  the  frontispiece  chart  compute  his 
longitude  under  the  arbitrary  term  "MERIDIAN  OF  LONDON?"  other- 
wise the  simple  outline  is  quite  a  sufficient  companion  to  the  text. 

In  the  chart  facing  Chap.  I.  we  cannot  help  noticing  a  grammatical  error 
fcoo  commonly  adopted  in  the  denomination  of  Cape  de  Verde,  the  real 


236  UAVAL    MTERATURK. 

name  being  Cape  Verde,  or  in  English,  Cape  Verdant,  so  called  from  its 
appearance  :  the  same  remark  also  applie*  to  Chap.  III.  p.  17 — we  merely 
offer  this  hint  for  the  author's  attention  in  case  he  should  re-print  his  work, 
and  which  we  hope  will  not  be  long  first. 

A  list  of  the  coins  in  circulation  at  Rio  de  Janeiro,  in  South  America,  is 
given  at  pp.  24  and  25,  describing  the  names  of  the  gold  and  silver  ones, 
with  their  weight,  sterling  and  current  value.— Quere  ?  is  there  not  some 
incongruity  between  the  golil  and  silver  crusados  ?  *  or  are  there  two  coins 
so  denominated  ? 

An  historical  account  is  given  in  Chap.  V.  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
fsaldanha  Bay,  Table  Bay,  Cape  Town,  Simon's  Town,  Mossell  Bay,  and 
of  Algoa,  or  Zwartkop's  Bay,  with  a  list  of  the  provisions  and  refresh- 
ments, coins,  weights,  and  measures — European  articles  suitable  for  the 
markets — articles  for  export — the  duties— port  regulations — hire  of  wag- 
gons and  horses,  and  other  information  relative  to  each  of  these  places. 

The  East  Coast  of  Africa  is  treated  on  in  Chap.  VI.  and  the  Islands  off 
the  same  coast  in  Chap.  VII.— We  extract  the  mode  adopted  at  St.  August 
tin's  Bay  for  salting  provisions  : — "  The  bullocks  were  killed  in  the  after- 
noon, and  cut  up  at  two  in  the  morning,  salted  and  put  in  casks ;  and 
about  noon  taken  out,  placed  on  four  thick  deals  supported  on  casks,  then 
four  deals  laid  over  the  meat,  and  large  stones  or  other  heavy  articles 
placed  thereon,  to  press  out  the  pickle,  &c.  for  3  or  4  hours  ;  then  salted  i 
packed  in  clean  casks,  and  headed  up.  Boiled  pickle,  with  a  little  saltr 
petre  in  it,  was,  when  cold,  poured  into  the  casks  at  the  bung-hole,  till 
quite  full." 

The  Islands  situate  in  the  Red  Sea,  or  Gulf  of  Arabia,  are  described  in 
Chapter  VIII.  with  the  articles  of  import  and  export,  prices  of  provisions, 
&c.  and  instructions  respecting  the  trade  from  India  to  Judda,  by  Mr. 
J.  II.  Elmore,  wljich  being  too  long  for  us  to  insert,  we  recommend  to  the 
attentive  perusal  of  persons  interested  therein. 

Mokha,  the  principal  port  in  the  Red  Sea  frequented  by  Europeans,  our 
author  says,  was  first  visited  by  an  English  fleet  under  Sir  Henry  Middleton, 
in  1(510,  having  presents  from  the  King  to  the  Basha  and  Agha,  and  who 
was  received  with  all  possible  murks  of  distinction  and  friendship.  The 
civilities  of  the  Turks  were  intended  to  ensnare  the  admiral,  and  to  allure 
him  and  bis  officers  on  shore,  as  well  as  to  entice  their  ships  into  the  har- 
bour ;  but  disappointed  in  the  latter  part  of  their  scheme,  they  fell  upon 
the  admiral,  killed  eight  of  his  attendants,  wounded  himself  and  14  men, 
and  after  stripping  them,  threw  them  chained  into  a  dungeon.  They  next 
made  an  attempt  upon  one  of  the  ships,  but  were  repulsed  with  great  loss. 
Finding  that  open  force  could  not  reduce  the  ships  into  their  power,  they 
threatened  the  admiral  with  death  and  the  torture,  if  he  did  not  order 
t:  em  to  surrender;  but  Sir  Henry,  preferring  the  alternative  of  torments 

*  For   the   numismatic    history  of   Crusado,  see    N.  C.    Vol.  XXI.  p.  389,   ir* 
'  Traiunctiuns  on  the  Coast  of  Portugal. 


VAVAL    LITERATURI.  237 

\ 

and  death  to  an  ignominious  life  and  the  loss  of  honour,  bravely  defied 
them,  and  triumphed  over  their  malice  and  cruelty.  After  six  months  im- 
prisonment, he  found  means,  with  most  of  his  attendants,  to  escape,  and 
arrive  at  the  ships,  which  had  lain  in  an  harhour  on  the  Ahyssinian  shore. 
He  now  had  an  opportunity  of  shewing  his  resentment,  which  he  did 
accordingly  in  a  message  to  the  Agha — that  if  he  did  not  instantly  release 
the  remaining  prisoners,  and  render  ample  satisfaction  for  the  damages  he 
bad  received,  the  English  would  sink  all  the  ships  in  the  road,  and  batter 
the  town  about  his  ears.  This  menace  had  its  effect ;  his  men  and  pinnace 
were  set  at  liberty,  and  18,000  reals  of  eight  paid  him  for  damages;  after 
which  he  proceeded  with  the  fleet  to  India."  After  describing  the  coins, 
&c.  as  in  preceding  chapters,  we  make  an  extract  of  one  article  of  export, 
whose  name  has  been  rendered  well  known  in  this  country,  through  the 
advertising  medium  of  the  renowned  Doctor  Solomon. — "  BALM  OF  GILEAD, 
or  balsam  of  Mecca,  is  a  resinous  juice  that  distils  from  an  evergreen  tree* 
or  shrub,  growing  between  Mecca  and  Medina ;  it  is  much  used  by  the 
Asiatic  ladies  as  a  cosmetic.  The  tree  is  scarce;  the  best  sort  is  said  to 
exude  naturally  from  it,  but  the  inferior  kinds  are  extracted  from  the 
branches  by  boiling.  It  is  at  first  turbid  and  white,  of  a  strong  pungent 
smell,  and  of  a  bitter  and  acrid  taste;  upon  being  kept  some  time,  it  be- 
comes thin,  limpid,  of  a  greenish  hue,  then  of  a  golden  yellow,  and  at 
length  of  the  colour  of  honey.  This  article,  being  scarce  and  valuable,  ig 
very  liable  to  adulteration." 

Never  having  seen  or  tasted  Doctor  Solomon's  Balm,  makes  us  incompe- 
tent to  offer  a  comparative  opinion  of  its  genuine  merits;  but  that  the  pur- 
chasers of  it  may,  if  they  think  proper,  satisfy  themselves  on  this  head, 
the  practical  method  for  discovering  imposture  are  to  be  found  in  Mr.  Mil- 
burn's  1st  Vol.  p.  104. 

Our  author,  in  Chap.  IX.  gives  every  requisite  information  to  traders 
from  the  coast  of  Arabia  to  the  Persian  Gulf.  In  Chap.  X.  a  list  of  the 
articles  procurable  in  the  Gulf  of  Persia,  with  directions  how  to  chuse 
them.  We  recommend  this  chapter  to  the  attention  of  importers  and 
dealers  in  drugs. 

The  settlement  of  Surat,  belonging  to  the  English  East  India  Company, 
is  described  at  considerable  length  in  the  Xllth  chapter.  By  the  author's 
account,  in  the  year  1795-6,  the  charges  of  collecting  the  revenue  exceeded 
the  receipts  in  the  sum  of  22,7001.  4s. :  why  should  the  Company  saddle 
themselves  with  such  an  expense  ? 

Having  thus  far  accompanied  our  author  in  his  voyage  from  England  to 
Surat,  to  whom  we  feel  much  indebted  for  the  amusement,  information, 
and  instruction,  we  have  obtained  through  his  means,  the  next  station 
we  arrive  at  is,  the  island  of  BOMBAY,  on  which  is  the  seat  of  government 
for  the  western  part  of  India  :  it  is  situated  in  lat.  18°  56'  N.  and  long. 
72°  56'  E  :  according  to  the  author  (for  we  must  observe,  that  he  omits  to 
name  his  authorities),  its  length,  from  north  to  soutli  is  about  6£  miles,  and 
its  extreme  breadth  near  the  castle  about  a  mile.  It  is  separated  from  the 
land  by  an  ana  of  the  sea,  and  with  the-  islands  Colabah,  Salset, 


238  KAVAL   LITERATURE. 

Butcher's  Island,  Elephanta,  and  Caranjah,  forms  one  of  the  most  coramo- 
dious  harbours  in  India. 

«'  The  town  of  Bombay  is  near  a  mile  long,  from  the  Apollo  gate  to  that  of  the 
bazar,  and  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  broad  in  the  widest  part,  from  the  bunder, 
or  custom-house,  across  the  green  to  Church  gate,  which  is  nearly  in  the  centra 
of  the  walls,  between  the  Apollo  and  bazar  gates.  There  are  likewise  two  marine 
gates,  having  commodious  wharfs,  and  cranes  built  oat  from  each,  with  a  land- 
ing-place at  the  dock-head,  for  passengers  only,  under  certain  regulations. 
Between  the  two  marine  gates  is  the  castle,  called  Bombay  castle,  a  regular 
quadrangle,  well  built  of  strong  hard  stone.  In  one  of  the  bastions  is  ;i  large 
tank,  or  reservoir  for  water.  The  fortifications  are  numerous,  particularly  to- 
wards the  sea,  and  are  so  well  constructed,  the  whole  being  encompassed  by  a 
broad  and  deep  ditch,  which  can  be  flooded  at  pleasure,  that  it  is  now  one  of  the 
strongest  places  the  Company  have  in  India  ;  besides  which  there  are  several 
forts  and  redoubts,  the  principal  of  which  is  Mahira,  situated  at  the  opposite  ex- 
tremity of  the  island  ;  so  that,  properly  garrisoned,  Bombay  may  bid  defiance  to 
any  force  that  can  be  brought  against  it. 

"  In  the  centre  of  the  town  is  a  large  open  space,  called  the  Green,  which,  iu 
the  fine  weather  season,  is  covered  with  bales  of  cotton,  and  other  merchandise, 
entirely  unprotected :  around  the  green  are  many  large  well  built  and  handsome 
houses.  The  government  house,  and  the  church,  which  is  an  extremely  neat,  com,- 
roedious,  and  airy  building,  are  close  to  each  other,  on  the  left  of  the  church  gate. 
On  the  right  of  the  church  gate  is  the  bazar,  which  is  very  crowded  and  populous, 
and  where  the  native  merchants  principally  reside  ;  at  its  commencement  stands 
the  theatre,  a  neat  handsome  structure.  This  part  of  the  town  suffered  much  by 
a  destructive  fire,  which  broke  out  iu  February  1803, and  destroyed  nearly  three- 
fourths  of  the  bazar,  together  with  the  barracks,  custom-house,  and  many  other 
public  buildings,  and  property  of  immense  value  belonging  to  the  native  mer- 
chants. Many  houses  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  castle  were  battered  dowa 
•y  the  artillery,  to  stop  the  progress  of  the  flames,  and  preserve  the  magazine* 
or,  in  all  probability,  the  whole  town  would  have  been  destroyed.  Since  which 
period  this  part  of  the  town  has  been  rebuilt,  and  the  whole  much  improved,  at  a 
considerable  expence  to  the  company. 

"The  dock-yard  is  large  and  well  contrived,  having  naval  stores  of  all  kinds 
deposited  in  warehouses,  together  with  large  quantities  of  timber  for  repairing 
and  building  ships,  and  forges  for  all  kinds  of  smith's  work.  The  dry  dock  h;,s 
scarce  its  equal  for  size  or  convenience;  it  has  three  divisions,  and  three  pair  of 
strong  gates,  so  as  to  be  capable  of  receiving  three  ships  of  the  line  at  the  same 
timr.  Near  the  dock  is  a  convenient  place  to  heave  down  several  ships  at  once, 
which  is  done  well,  and  with  great  expedition.  Here  is  also  a  rope  walk,  which, 
for  length,  situation,  and  convenience,  equals  any  in  England,  that  in  the  king's 
yard  at  Portsmouth  only  excepted  ;  and,  like  that,  it  has  a  covering  to  protect 
the  workmen  ;  cables,  and  all  sorts  of  lesser  cordage,  both  of  hemp  and  coir,  are 
manufactured  here. 

Our  readers,  under  the  head  Bombay,  will  find  a  description  of  the  neigh- 
bouring islands,  by  whom  first  settled,  the  inhabitants,  their  classes,  houses 
of  agency,  its  revenue,  &c. 

The  government  of  Bombay  and  its  dependencies  is  vested  in  a  governor 


NAVAL   POETRY.  239 

and  three  councillors,  who  are  under  the  controul  of  the  government-ge- 
neral of  Bengal. 

Some  useful  remarks  on  the  coins  of  Bombay  will  be  found  at  pp.  174, 
175,  176;  and,  in  the  four  following  pages,  lists  of  the  weights  and  mea- 
'sures  used  in  commerce,  with  explanations.  ,  The  next  subject  noted  is, 
the  traffic  between  Bombay  and  Surat :  extract  from  Act  33  Geo.  III.  cap, 
62,  relative  to  the  East  India  trade  ;  the  terms  and  conditions  under  which 
the  East  India  Company  are  willing  to  furnish  tonnage,  European  articles, 
•uitable  to  the  Bombay  market,  and  price  current  of  European  goods. 

[To  be  continued.] 


MR.  EBITOR,  No.  5,  Upper  East  Hayes,  Bath,  March  7,  1814* 

OU  have,  no  doubt,  read,  and  will  most  likely  perpetuate  in  your  valu- 
able  CHRONICLE,  the  account  of  young  Whitshed's  glorious  death,*  in 
the  Courier  of  the  10th  ult.  as  related  by  Captain  Brace,  of  the  Berwick 
(under  whose  command  he  was),  to  his  afflicted  father.  I  knew  him  well ; 
and  such  was  the  promise  of  his  early  youth,  that  had  it  pleased  God  to 
have  extended  his  life,  and  opportunities  had  occurred,  I  have  no  doubt 
but  that  he  would  have  rivalled,  in  splendid  actions,  the  most  distinguished 
of  our  naval  heroes.  As  an  humble  tribute  to  his  worth,  I  transmit  a 
Cenotaph,  concluding  with  exactly  the  w.ords  that  he  uttered  with  his  last 
breath.  They  shew  how  gallant  a  soul  he  possessed,  and  how  much  his 
country  has  lost  by  his  premature  departure  from  this  world.  It  will  be  a 
melancholy  gratification  to  those,  to  whom  he  had  made  himself  very  dear, 
by  his  private  as  well  as  the  promise  of  his  public  virtues,  if  you  will  give 
what  follows  a  place  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONTICLE  for  the  ensuing  month. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

J.  B.  HAY, 
Captain,  Royal  Navy. 

CENOTAPH. 

Sacred  to  the  Memory  of  James  Bentinck  Hawkins  Whitshet),  Esq.  eldest 
son  of  Admiral  and  Mrs.  Whitshed,  and  late  midshipman  of  H.M.S.  Berwick, 
who  was  killed,  at  the  head  of  a  few  seamen,  in  the  act  of  boarding  a  French 
vessel  of  war,  of  considerable  force  (which  was  ultimately  sunk),  on  the 
eleventh  of  December,  1813,  after  having  assisted  in  boarding  and  cap- 
turing another  national  vessel  that  morning :  both  having  unexpectedly 
arrived,  while  the  British  party,  during  the  preceding  night,  was  on  shore, 

*  See  p.  176  of  our  last  Number, 


KAVAL    POETRY. 

taking  possession  of  a  battery  and  a  fortified  house,  in  the  port  of  Xegage, 
in  the  Mediterranean,  while  the  Berwick  was  at  a  distance  from  the  land, 
having  been  driven  off  by  the  variable  state  of'  the  wind. 

What  though  but  eighteen  fleeting  years  on  earth 
Had  nurs'd  ingenuous  Whitshed's  growing  worth  ; 
Still  he  had  liv'd  to  be  belov'd  by  all 
Who  love  the  good,  and  can  lament  their  fall. 
His  heart  was  open  as  the  summer's  day, 
When  not  a  cloud  obscures  the  rising  ray; 
Kind  as  the  spring,  that  round  the  verdant  fields 
IlA  beauteous  blossoms  in  abundance  yields, 
.And  smiles,  in  promise  of  the  fruit  in  store, 
When  time  extends,  to  make  that  fruit  mature. 
His  time  was  short !— and  yet  his  glorious  name 
Shall  live  in  mem'ry,  and  be  dear  to  fame; 
Nelson,  expiring,  could  have  said  no  more 
Than  he,  whose  fate  the  brave  must  HOW  deplore. 
.Leading  his  band  to  board  his  country's  foe, 
Too  true,  alas !  was  aim'd  the  fatal  blow  ! 
The  ball  had  pierc'd  the  youthful  hero's  head ; 
But,  e'er  to  heav'n  his  gallant  spirit  fled, 
His  look  display'd  a  soul  despising  death  ! 
He  cheer'd  his  men — and  with  convulsive  breath, 
Dying,  exclaim'd,  amid  the  battle's  roar, 
"  Carry  her,  if  you  can  ! — I  am  no  more." 


DULCE  DOMUM. 

TH1OR  thee  the  tempest-beaten  sailor  sighs, 
-•-     When  horrid  storms  deform  the  angry  skies; 
Thy  soothing  ray,  like  some  fair  friendly  star, 
Cheers  the  mad  frown  of  elemental  war  ; 
Vent'rous  for  thee,  he  dares  the  faithless  waste, 
Exhausts  a  youth  of  toil,  in  hope  to  taste, 
When  life's  wild  storms  exhaust  their  passing  rage, 
The  sober  calm  of  soft-reposing  age. 


THE  SAILING  OF  ARGO. 

FKOM  APOLLOXIUS  RHODIUS. 

round  the  bark,  as  plows  the  solar  beam, 
The  oars  wide  dashing  dart  a  fiery  stream  ; 
The  long  extended  track  one  foaming  white, 
As  the  worn  pathway  through  the  wood  to  sight. 
His  gallant  bark,  in  this  auspicious  hour, 
Fraught  with  her  hosts,  surveys  each  woud'ring  power; 


NAVAL  FOETKY. 

The  demi-^ods  in  arms  !  nor  many  a  maid, 
Peliadae  yclept,  whose  charms  displayed, 
Smile  o'er  the  mountain's  brow,  a  look  forbear 
To  the  dread  fabric  of  Minerva's  care  ; 
Nor  lest;  enraptur'd  view  the  intrepid  band, 
Who  ply  the  stubborn  oar  with  conqu'ring  hand, 
At  once  sage  Chiron,  from  the  heights  he  lov'd, 
(Parental  fondness) !)  ocean's  pathway  prov'd  ; 
Bath'd  are  his  feet,  as  rolls  the  tide  along, 
Am]  much  his  waving  arm  inspires  the  throng ; 
And  much  benignant,  for  the  warrior  prays 
A  safe  return   and  quiet's  happier  days  ; 
His  wife's  affection  bore  the  Pelean  boy, 
And  to  the  sire  upheld  his  infant  joy. — 
Now  from  the  winding  shore  the  warriors  roll, 
When,  such  the  counseled  thought  ofTiphys'  soul, 
Whose  matchless  skill  the  polished  helm  to  guide, 
Nor  leave  the  wayward  baric  to  stem  the  tide  ; 
Fast  to  the  vessel's  depth,  thy  rooted  place, 
With  cords  affix'd,  they  rear  thy  tow'ring  grace,, 
Thou  solid  mast ;  the  flutt'ring  sail  they  spread 
Wide  to  th'unbending  wood's  associate  head. 
Full  breathes  the  whistling  gale  !  the  cable's  length 
Brac'd  to  the  deck,  where  boast  resistless  strength 
The  well  wrought  beams,  the  waves  serene  they  plough. 
Wing'd  in  their  course  beyond  Tisseus'  brow. 
The  sweet  musician  sweeps  the  magic  lyre, 
Chaste  Dian's  smiles  th'  ecstatic  note  inspire  ; 
Thy  empire  hers,  thou  promontory  strand, 
The  watchful  guardian  of  lolcos' land. 
The  great,  the  small,  promiscuous  in  their  play, 
Danc'd  o'er  the  surge  the  finny  nations  stray, 
They  dart  innum'rous,  radiant  to  the  view, 
And  here  and  there  a  winding  maze  pursue, 
As  fleecy  myriads  o'er  the  verdant  reign 
Track  the  slow  footsteps  of  the  guardian  swain  j 
Fili'd  with  the  luxury  of  nature's  treat, 
Till  evening's  fold,  the  bleating  wanderer  greet, 
Guide  of  Iheir  paths,  he  careless  plods  along, 
And  modulates  the  shrill  pipe's  warbled  soug. 


tfjjtoru  Slot,  XXXI,  i  i 


242 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

C  February — March . ) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

WE  have  much  satisfaction  in  announcing  to  our  readers,  that  since 
our  last  retrospective  address,  the  army  tinder  the  command  of 
Field  Marshal  the  Marquis  of  Wellington  has  got  possession  of  the  im- 
portant {>ort  and  city  of  BOURDEAUX  ;  and  we  hope,  before  another  month 
elapses,  to  be  enabled  to  place  on  record  the  further  successes  of  our  gal- 
lant countrymen  in  the  capture  of  other  ports  belonging  to  the  French. 

On  the  entry  of  our  army  into  Bourdeaux,  the  French  inhabitants  dis- 
played the  white  flag  and  cockade,  and  declared  in  favour  of  the  Bour- 
bons, issuing  at  the  same  time  a  well-written  and  spirited  address  (signed 
by  die  Mayor),  inviting  their  countrymen  to  follow  their  example. 

What  effect  this  address  and  example  of  the  Bordelaise  may  have,  a  few 
weeks,  nay  days,  may  probably  decide  ;— should  success  attend  their  endea- 
vours, a  grttei'al  peace  must  be  the  result ;  but,  on  the  contrary, should  Duo- 
naparte's  army  prove  victorious,  and  re-possess  themselves  of  Bourdeuux, 
we  tremble  lor  the  fate  of  its  inhabitants. 

The  capture  of  two  French  frigates,  the  Iphigenia  and  the  Alcmene,  by 
the  Venerable  and  Cyanc,  has  been  as  beneficial  to  our  trade  as  it  was 
honourable  to  British  valour*  As  supplementary  to  the  Gazette  accounts 
of  this  affair,  we  give  the  following  particulars,  collected  from  private 
communications : 

These  frigates  escaped  from  Cherbourg  on  the  26th  of  October  last. 
Tliey  had  proceeded  first  to  cruise  off  the  Western  Isles,  and  next  to  tiie 
coast  of  Africa,  where  they  made  prizes  of  two  Guincamen,  which  they 
burnt,  after  taking  out  the  valuable  part  of  their  cargoes,  consisting  of 
elephants'  teeth,  &c.  From  Africa  they  sailed  to  the  Canary  Isles,  in  the 
vicinity  of  which  they  took  six  other  prizes.  Oo  the  16th  January,  they 
were  fallen  in  with  by  the  Venerable,  74,  Admiral  Durham,  Capt.  Worth, 
and  the  Cyane,  being  descried  from  the  mnffUhead  of  the  latter  ship  early 
in  the  morning;  of  rhat  day,  and  soon  (wcertnrncd,  bv  (heir  mameuvring,  to 
be  enemy's  frigates.  About  half  past  6,  i\  M.  the  Venerable  was  suf- 
ficiently near  to  commence  firing  at  tl»e  A1cmcne-,  which  attempted  to  run 
across  the  Vencrable's  bow,  in  order  to  disubie  her;  but  the  endeavour 
was  productive  of  more  injury  to  her  than  benefit,  the  Venerable  being 
enabled  to  close  the  sooner;  when  her  boarders,  springing  on  the  Alcmene  * 
decks,  knocked  «  few  of  the  enemy  overboard,  and  compelled  her  to  strike 
her  colours.  During  this  period  the  Cyhne,  under  all  sail,  v.;is  Hearing  the 
Iphigenia,  and  saluting  her  with  her  bow-chasers  ;  the  Jphigenia  returning 
the  compliment  with  her  stern-chasers,  with  such  precision,  that  not  s 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OT  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814.      24S 

shot  missed  the  Cyane's  sails  or  rigging.  At  half  past  three  in  the  morning 
of  the  17th,  the  Cyane  gave  the  Iphigenia  a  broadside,  and  repeated  her 
fire  three  times;  but  at  day-light  the  Iphigenia,  perceiving  the  inferior 
force  she  had  to  cope  with,  took  in  her  studding-saiis,  and  gave  the  Cyane 
several  broadsides,  without  effect,  the  shot  passing  either  over  her  mast- 
heads, or  between  the  masts.  The  Cyane,  undaunted  by  the  size  of  her 
opponent,  continued  to  chase  until  Wednesday  the  19th ;  when,  the  Ve- 
nerable and  her  prize  heaving  in  sight,  the  Iphigenia  lightened  herself  in 
every  possible  way  to  effect  her  escape;  but-  the  Venerable,  being  an  ad- 
mirable sailer,  closed  with  her  on  the  morning  of  the  20th;  and,  after 
receiving  three  broadsides,  she  shared  the  fate  of  her  consort.  The  txvo 
frigates,  escorted  by  the  Venerable,  are  gone  to  Barbadoes,  where  they 
<0ill  be  soon  manned ;  and  their  arrival  in  England  is  expected  every  day. 
Nothing  could  exceed  the  eagerness  of  the  Cyane's  crew  to  engage  the 
Iphigenia.  Every  sailor  burned  with  impatience  to  achie\?e  her  conquest. 
The  Iphigenia  and  Alcmene  had  captured  and  destroyed,  during  their  cruise, 
four  English  merchantmen,  one  Spanish,  and  one  Portuguese.' 

lu  our  extracts  from  the  London  Gazette  will  also  he  found  the  interest- 
ing account  of  a  naval  engagement  between  the  Eurotas,  of  38  guns,  and 
La  Clorinde  French  frigate  of  44  ;  which  terminated  in  the  surrender  of 
the  latter,  on  the  Dryad  frigate  and  Achates  brig  appearing  in  sight.  To 
that  official  account  we  are  enabled  by  our  correspondents  to  add  the  fol- 
lowing authentic  detail,  some  of  the  particulars  of  which  have  not  been 
noticed;  and  they  gratify  us,  in  as  much  as  they  exalt,  if  possible,  our 
almost  enthusiastic  admiration  of  the  spirit  of  our  naval  heroes,  from  the 
highest  to  the  humblest  rank. 

Though  the  Eurotas  had  had  20  men  killed,  and  40  wounded,  her  gallant 
commander,  Capt.  Phillimore,  most  dangerously  wounded  in  the  arm,  and 
was  lying  upon  the  water  wholly  unmanageable,  from  the  loss  of  her  masts, 
•ike. ;  yet  did  the  remaining  part  of  her  brave  crew,  the  instant  that  the  ships 
separated,  commence  clearing  the  decks  of  the  wreck,  and  rigged  up  jury- 
masts,  to  recommence  the  action  as  soon  as  daylight  should  appear.  This 
they  most  dexterously  performed — an  exertion  that  we  believe  lo  be  unpa- 
ralleled in  British  naval  history. 

We  regret  to  hear,  that  Cupt.  Pliillimore's  wound  is  a  very  dangerous 
one — a  grape-sfiot  in  the  shoulder.  He  set,  however,  a  noble  example  of 
heroism  and  fortitude ;  for  although  he  was  wounded  early  in  the  action, 
he  refused  to  quit  the  deck,  or  receive  any  assistance  from  Mr.  Jones,  the 
surgeon— desirj^g  him  first  to  attend  to  the  wounded  men.  Yet  this  is  the 
officer  upon  whom  Sir  Francis  Burdett  some  time  since  demanded  an  in- 
quiry, on  a  charge  of  great  oppression  and  inhumanity  ;  which  was  an- 
swered by  proofs,  that,  in  the  instance  referred  to,  Captain  Phillimore  had 
shown  the  utmost  moderation ;  that,  in  his  general  conduct,  he  w;is  dis- 


144  HATAL  HISTORY  OP  TUE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

tinguished  for  his  benevolence;  and  that  his  government  of  his  ship  was 
marked  by  such  a  decree  of  mildness,  as  other  officers  wondered  to  find 
consistent  with  discipline  :  Lonl  G.chrane,  we  think,  bore  testimony  to  this. 

We  have  much  pleasure  in  announcing  the  capture,  also,  of  the  Sirius 
and  Sultaiie  French  frigates.  The  former  was  taken  by  the  Niger  and 
Tagus,  off  San  Antonio,  one  of  the  Cape  Verde  islands.  The  lalter  was 
captured  by  the  Haunibal,  and  has  been  brought  into  Portsmouth.  This 
makes  seven  captured  out  of  the  ten  which  ventured  to  sea;  and  we  trust 
that  we  shall  shortly  hear  of  the  remaining  three.* 

The  means  which  have  been  some  time  in  preparation,  for  a  more  vigo- 
rous and  powerful  prosecution  of  the  war  in  America,  are  nearly  com- 
pleted,  and  OB  the  point  of  proceeding  to  Quebec.  The  Spencer,  74,  Capt. 
Raggett,  has  the  convoy  in  charge.  Four  post-captains,  eight  lieutenants, 
and  14  midshipmen,  are  going  out  to  command,  under  Sir  James  Yeo.  Tfife 
frigates  going  out  in  frame  are  to  be  called  ihe  Pysche  and  Prompte;  the 
brigs,  Calibre  and  Goshawk.  The  Vittoria,  and  another  frigate,  are  ready 
i"jr  launching  on  the  Lakes.  Sir  G.  Collier  has  also  sailed  for  the  Ame- 
rican station,  in  the  Leander,  a  new  ship,  of  the  same  tonnage  and  force, 
in  every  respect  as  the  large  American  frigates. 

Sir  Samuel  Romilly  presented  a  few  days  ago,  to  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, a  petition  signed  by  upwards  of  2000  shipwrights,  caulkers,  saw- 
yers, &c.  of  the  port  of  London  ;  and  Mr.  Mellish  has  since  laid  before 
the  same  House  a  petition  from  the  master-shipbuilders  in  the  river 
Thames  ;t  praying  that,  in  future,  the  ships  employed  in  the  China  trade 
should  be  built  in  GreatBritain;  and  that  all  the  India-built  ships  employed 
in  the  trade  between  India  and  the  United  Kingdom,  should,  on  their  ar- 
rival here,  be  subject  to  such  a  duty  on  entry,  as  will  protect  the  various 
and  numerous  interests  in  this  country  which  are  connected  with  and  de- 
pendent on  ship-building.  During  the  last  session  we  observed,  that  pe- 
titions were  presented  from  the  following  out-port?  against  India-built 
ships :  Greenock,  Liverpool,  Lynn,  Bideford,  Bristol,  N'ewcastle-upon- 
Tyne,  Hull,  Ipswich,  Sunderland,  Whitehaven,  Yarmouth,  &c.  £c. 

So  great  a  national  question,  it  is  evident,  should  be  disposed  of  this 
session,  and  be  no  longer  driven  off  by  the  temporary  expedients  hitherto 
adopted  ;  for  if  it  he  at  all  essential,  to  retain  within  this  kingdom  the  va- 
rious mechanics,  &c.  employed  in  this  branch  of  naval  manufacture,  the 
question  should  now  be  settled,  and  not  left  open,  as  at  the  close  of  the 
I.istwar;  when,  in  consequence  of  the  want  of  employment,  upwards  of 
10,000  shipwrights,  caulkers,  seamen,  and  others,  emigrated  from  this 
country  to  France,  and  other  parts  of  the  continent. 

*    While  this  ?!iv«-t  was  at  pic.--,  a  very  strong  report  prevailed,   that  tuo  ftf 
Ihera  had  been  captured  ;  viz.    l.'Eioile  and  Ln  'IVrpsichore  ;  the  former  by  the 
,s,  of  Sfiginis,  Cajjf.  Ediuuud  Palmer  ;  tin-  latter  hv  the  Majestic,  and  car. 
ried  into  the  Madeiras.  t  See  N.C.  Vol.  XXXI.  page  ic:>. 


KAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814.  245 

On  the  14th  February,  H.M.S.  Orestes,  Captain  Smith,  sailed  from  Ply- 
mouth Sound,  with  Mr.  Stevenson,  the  engineer,  employed  in  the  erection 
of  a  light-house  on  the  Bell-rock,  off  the  coast  of  Scotland.  Mr.  Stevenson 
is  to  make  a  survey  of  the  Wolf  Rock,  which  is  a  dangerous  sunken  reef, 
situated  between  the  Land's  End,  and  the  Scilly  Islands,  and  has  long 
formed  a  great  bar  to  the  navigation  of  the  British  channel ;  on  which,  it  is 
hoped,  that  it  may  be  found  practicable  to  erect  some  permanent  land- 
mark, for  the  safety  and  protection  of  the  innumerable  ships  which  navi- 
gate the  Strait.* 

Bergen-op-Zonm  was  always  considered  to  be  one  of  the  strongest  forti- 
fications in  Europe  :  it  has  undergone  various  sieges.  la  the  years  1586 
and  1622,  it  was  besieged  by  the  Spaniards,  but  they  made  scarcely  any 
impression  upon  it.  About  the  commencement  of  the  last  century,  the 
fortifications  were  rebuilt  by  the  celebrated  Dutch  engineer,  Cohorn,  and 
it  has  beeujiMtly  regarded  by  all  engineers  as  his  master-piece.  In  1747, 
to  the  asix'iiishment  of  all  Europe,  it  was  taken  by  the  French  by  storm, 
after  a  gallant  defence  of  three  months.  It  was  restored  at  the  peace  of 
1748,  and  the  works  were  dismantled. 

The  progress  of  the  Allies  in  France  has  caused  a  very  general  removal 
of  the  prisoners  of  war  ;  but,  we  believe,  no  statement  has  yet  been  pub- 
lished, of  the  precise  situation  to  which  they  have  been  transferred. 
The  following  is  a  libt  of  British  prisoners  in  France  :  — 

At  Arras 1800 

Longwy,  removed  to  Amiens    . . 1400 

Besancon,  removing  to  ditto    .... ..... .    1600 

Bitche,  removing  to  Sedan   .... 200 

Briancon,  removing  to  Maubetige 1950 

Givet,  removing  to  Poictiers 2600 

Montly,  removing  to  Autun    .... 1050 

Sarrelouis   and   Sarreliou,    removing  to    Baucfyain   and 

Baupsaume .„   2380 

Sisteron,  removing  to  Guise  ;  depot  of  punishment  for 

sailors  and  soldiers SOO 

Catnbray     1670 

Valenciennes 16CO 

Verdun 230 

4  16,890 

The  Favourite,  of  20  guns,  Captain  John  Maxwell,-  arrived  at  Ports- 
mouth, from  the  coast  of  Africa,  has  been  absent  nine  months ;  in  the 
course  of  which  time,  she  visited  all  the  British  settlements  on  that  coast, 
burnt  and  destroyed  several  blave  factories  on  the  RioPongus,  and  captured 
four  Portuguese  ships,  which  were  found  employed  in  that  cruel  traffic. 

*  For  Bell  Rock,  see  N.C.  XI.  37.  73.  XVIII.  154.  XXII.  361.  XXIV. 
198.' XXV.  46.  XXVIII.  399. 


246  3JAVAL   HI3TOKY    OF   THE    PRESENT    TEAR,     1814. 


Uttttr*  on 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LOKDQN  GAZETTE. 

ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,   FEBRUARY  5,    1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Shepheard,  of  H.  M.S.  Fylla,  addressed  la 
Rear-admiral  tiarpood,  Commander-in-chief  at  Guernsey,  and  transmitted 
by  the  latter  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H  M.S.  Fylla,  at  Sea,  January  30,  1814. 

IFIA  VE  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that  this  morning;  at  ten,  the  island 
of  Guernsey  bearing  S.E.  eight  leagues,  I  saw  a  sail  in  the  S.S.W.  and 
after  a  chase  of  four  hours  captured  the  French  lugger  privateer  Ulsiconnu, 
of  St.  Muloes,  of  180  tons,  pierced  for  twenty  guns,  mounting  15,  com- 
manded by  Gilles  Jean  Geffroy,  with  a  complement  of  124  men,  and 
having  109  on  board  ;  attempting  resistance,  she  had  her  2d  captain  and 
foiir  men  killed,  and  four  wounded  ;  Lieutenant  W.  II.  Pearson,  first  of 
this  ship,  and  William  Read,  corporal  of  marines,  are  slightly  wounded  ; 
the  lugger  is  quite  new,  a  very  fine  vessel,  snils  well,  and  is  the  largest  of 
that  class  out  of  St.  Maloes,  sailed  from  the  Isle  Bason  on  the  27th  inst. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
Rear-admiral  Hargood,  $c.  WM.  SiiEPHEARD,  Captain. 

FEBRUARY    8. 

Vessels  captured,  burnt,  or  destroyed  by  his  Majesty's  Ships  and  Vessels 
employed  in  the  Blockade  of  the  Chesapeake,  under  ihe  Orders  of  Cap  fain 
Barrte,  of  H. M.S.  Dragon,  between  the  6th  day  0f  September,  1813,  and 
the  \-2th  day  of  January,  1814. 

American  sloop  Alphonso,  of  2?  tons,  and  3  men,  from  New  York, 
bound  to  Charleston,  captured  by  the  Lacedemonian,  off  tin;  Capes,  Sep- 
tember 7,  1813  ;  cargo  taken  out  and  vessel  burnt.  American  sloop  Dol- 
phin, of  58  tons,  and  5  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Charleston,  cap- 
tured by  the  Lacedemonian,  off  the  Capes,  September  8,  1813.  Ameri- 
can eloop,  name  unknown,  burnt  by  the  Lacedemonian  and  Mohawk's 
boats,  in  King's  Creek,  September  IS,  1813.  Three  American  schooners, 
names  unknown,  burnt  by  the  Lacedemonian  and  Mohawk's  boats,  in 
King's  Creek,  September  23,  1813.  American  sluop  Little  Belt,  of  18 
tons,  and  3  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Charleston,  destroyed  by  the 
Armide  off  the  Capes,  September  26,  1813;  cargo  taken  out.  American 
sloop  Ambition,  destroyed  by  the  Acteon,  off  the  Capes,  same  date;  cargo 
taken  out.  American  schooner  Farmer,  of  20  tons,  and  2  men,  from 
Norfolk,  bound  to  Baltimore,  destroyed  by  the  Lacedemonian,  up  the 
bay,  between  the  21st  and  30th  September,  1813.  American  schooner 
Lively  John,  of  27  tons,  and  2  men,  from  Vienna,  bound  to  Norfolk, 
destroyed  by  the  LacedemonHui  up  the  bay,  between  the  21st  and  30th 
September,  1813.  American  sclooner  Nancy,  of  30  tons,  and  2  men, 
from  Vienna,  bound  to  Norfolk,  destroyed  by  the  Lacedemonian  tip  the 
bay,  between  the  21st  and  30th  Septe'mber,  1813.  American  schooner 
IlalCYOU,  of  80  tons,  and  o'  men,  from  Baltimore,  bound  to  Norfolk,  cap- 
tured by  the  Lacedemonian  up  the  bay,  between  the  21st  and  30th  Sep- 
tember, 1813.  American  schooner,  name  unknown,  destroyed  by  the 
Lacedemonian  up  the  bay,  between  the  21st  and  30th  September,  1813. 
Aimric*n  schooner,  name  unknown,  destroyed  by  the  Lacedemonian  up 
the  bay,  between  the  21st  aud  30ih  September,  1313.  American  sloop 


NAVAL   HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  TEAR,    1814.  247 

El«a,  of  60  tons,  and  4  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Savannah,  cap- 
tured by  the  Armide  off  the  Capes,  October  23,  1813.  American  schooner 
Circe,  of  7  tons,  and  3  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Charleston,  cap- 
tured by  the  Actseon  off  the  Capes,  October  23,  1813.  American  brigan- 
tine,  name  unknown,  of  110  tons,  burnt  in  the  Potowmac  by  the  boats  of 
the  Dragon  and  Sophie,  October  27,  1813.  American  schooner,  name 
unknown,  burnt  in  the  Potowmac  by  the  boats  of  the  Dragon  and  Sophie, 
October  30,  1813.  American  schooner  Two  Brothers,  of  70  tons,  and  3 
men,  from  Kinsail,  bound  to  Norfolk,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and  boats. 
in  the  Potowmac,  same  date  ;  cargo  taken  out,  vessel  destroyed.  Ameri- 
can schooner  Gannet,  of  36  tons,  and  2  »en,  from  Baltimore,  bound  to 
Norfolk,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and  boats  in  the  Potowmac,  October  31, 
1813  ;  cargo  taken  out,  vessel  destroyed.  American  schooner  Minerva,  of 
29  tons,  and  3  men,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and  boats  in  the  Potowmac, 
same  date;  cargo  taken  out,  vessel  destroyed.  American  schooner  Alex- 
ander, of  90  tons,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  in  the  Potowmac,  No- 
vember 5,  18 13.  American  schooner  John,  of  George  Tower,  of  36  tons, 
captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  in  the  Potowmac,  same  date.  American 
sloop  Quintessence,  of  60  tons,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  in  the 
Potowmac,  same  date.  American  schooner,  name  unknown,  burnt  by  the 
Sophie  in  the  Chesapeake,  November  6,  18J3.  American  sloop  Frank- 
lin, of  12  tons,  and  1  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  South  Carolina, 
cnptured  by  the  Sophie  off  the  Capes,  November  14,  1813.  American 
schooner  Gleaner,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Charleston,  captured  by  the 
Armide  off  the  Capeb,  same  date.  American  sloop  Liberty,  destroyed  by 
the  Armide  off  the  Capes,  November  15,  1813.  American  schooner  Har- 
mony, of  25  tons,  and  5  men,  captured  by  the  Lacedemonian  off  the 
Csipcs,  same  date.  American  sloop  Betsey,  captured  by  the  Lacedemo- 
nian off  the  Capes,  November  16  1813.  American  schooner,  name  un- 
known, of  60  tons,  from  Norfolk,  burnt  by  the  Sophie  up  the  Bay,  No- 
vember 17,  1813.  American  schooner  l!ee,  of  21  tons,  and  4  men,  from 
New  York,  bound  to  Charleston,  burnt  by  the  Lacedemonian  off  the 
Capes,  November  19,  1813.  American  sloop,  name  unknown,  burnt  by 
the  Sophie  off  Smith's  Island,  same  date ;  not  reported.  American 
schooner  Regulator,  of  80  tons,  and  4  men,  from  Norfolk,  bound  to  Port- 
land, captured  by  the  Dragon's  guard-boat,  running  out,  November  22, 
1813.  American  schooner  Sukey,  of  80  tons,  and  6  men,  from  Norfolk, 
bound  to  Baltimore  ;  sunk  from  a  leak  sprung  in  her  hold  at  night.  Ame- 
rican sloop  New  York,  of  28  tons,  and  4  men,  from  New  Yurk,  to  Nor- 
folk,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and  Actzeon,  up  the  Bay,  New  York,  between 
the  22d  and  28th  November,  1813.  American  schooner  Phosbe,  of  48 
tons,  and  5  men,  destroyed  by  the  Sophie  and  Actaeon  up  the  Bay,  New 
York,  between  the  22d  and  28th  November,  1813.  American  sloop  Ca- 
roline, of  4o  tons,  and  4  men,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and  Action  up  the 
Bay,  New  York,  bc-tweon  the  22d  and  28th  November,  1813.  American 
schooner  Fre:lericksbur«h,  of  38  tons,  and  2  men,  captured  by  ihe  Sophie 
and  Acr&on  up  the  Bay,  New  York,  between  the  22d  and  28th  Novem- 
ber, 1813.  American  sloop  Polly,  burnt  by  the  Sophie  and  Action  up  the 
Bay,  New  York,  between  the  22d  find  28th  November,  1813.  American 
schooner  Peg^y,  burtrt  by  the  Sophie  and  Act&ott  up  the  Bay,  between  the 
22d  and  28ih  November,  1813.  Atner.can  schooner  Lucy  and  Sally,  of 
48  tons,  and  4  men,  from  Frederic .ksburgh,  bound  to  Ommcohe,  captured 
by  the  Sophie  and  Actaeon  up  the  Bay.  betwcpn  the  2'2d  and  28th  Novem- 
ber, 1813.  American  schooner  Poor  Jack,  of  26  tons,  and  3  men,  from 
Kredericksbnrgh,  bound  to  Onnacoh*,  captured  by  tl-e  Sophie  and  Actaeon 
up  the  Bay,  between  the  22cl  and  28th  November,  1813.  Spanish  schooner, 
name  unknown,  of  1'JO  tons,  and  C  men,  from  Norfolk,  bound  ?to  Havan. 


248  XAVAL  HISTORY    OF    THE   PRESENT    Y-EAR,    1814. 

nah,  cantured  by  the  Dragon's  boat,  attempting  to  ran  out,  November  30, 
1813.  American  schooner  Caroline,  of  73  tons,  and  6  men,  from  Nor- 
folk, bound  to  Havannah,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boat,  attempting  to 
runout,  Deceir>i<er3,  1813.  American  schooner,  name  unknown,  burnt 
by  the  Armide  off  t'<e  Capes,  December  7,  1813.  American  schooner 
Republican,  of  43  toi  x  a.id  4  men,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Norfolk, 
captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  off  the  Capes,  same  date  American 
schooner  Peggy,  of  5  tons,  and  2  mep,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Norfolk, 
captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats 'off  the  Capes,  same  date.  American 
schooner,  name  unknown,  burnt  by  the  Dragon's  boats  off  the  Capes,  same 
date.  American  schooner  Teacher,  of  25  tons,  and  5  men,  from  New 
York,  bound  to  Wilmington,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  off  the  Capes, 
December  10,  1813.  American  schooner  Mariner,  of  44*ons,  and  4  me;;, 
from  Salem,  bound  to  Norfolk,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boats  off  the 
Capes,  Dccer.ilier  11,  1813.  American  schooner  Sukey,  from  Norfolk, 
bound  to  Baltimore,  captured  by  the  Armide  off  the  Bay,  same  date. 
American  schooner,  name  unknown,  of  37  tons,  burnt  by  the  Sophie  and 
Action  off  the  Bay,  same  date.  American  schooner  Erie,  of  78  tons,  and 
9  men,  from  liavannah.  bound  to  Baltimore,  captured  by  the  Sophie  and 
Actaeon  off  the  Bay,  December  12,  1813.  Two  American  schooners, 
Barnes  unknown,  one  of  25  tons,  the  other  60  tons,  burnt  by  the  Sophie 
and  Actseon  off  the  Bay,  same  date.  American  schooner  Little  Ealnea,  of 
59  tons,  and  '2  men,  from  Charleston,  bound  to  Baltimore,  burnt  by  the 
Sophie  and  Actxon,  December  16,  1813.  American  sloop,  mime  un- 
known, of  69  tons,  burnt  by  the  Sophie  and  Actajon  off  the  Bay,  same 
date.  American  schooner  Phoebe,  of  61  tons,  and  3  men,  from  Balti- 
more, bound  to  Savannah,  captured  by  the  Dragon's  boat  running  out, 
December  17,  1813.  American  schooner  Sea  Flower,  of  66  tons,  and  4 
men,  from  Bal'.imore,  bound  to  Savannah,  captured  by  the  Actseon  off  the 
Capes,  having  escaped  the  boats,  same  date  American  schooner  Ante- 
lope, of  69  tons,  Irom  Charleston,  bound  to  Baltimore,  burnt  by  the 
Sophie  up  the  Bay,  same  date.  American  sloop,  name  unknown,  of  £4 
tons,  from  Norfolk,  bound  to  Baltimore,  burnt  by  the  Dragon's  boat  oil' 
Smith's  Island,  same  date.  Three  small  craft,  destroyed  by  the  Actison 
off  the  Capes,  not  reported.  American  sloop  Sampson,  of  80  tons,  and  /? 
men,  from  Richmond,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  by  the  Erie  tv,udrr, 
Lieutenant  Douglas,  off  the  Capes,  December  18,  1813.  American 
schooner  George,  of  J05  tons,  and  11  men,  frrm  Baltimore,  bound  to 
JIavannalt,  captured  by  the  boats  of  the  Dragon  running  out,  'December 
22,  1813.  American  schooner  Michaol  and  Eliza,  of  105  tons,  and  9 
men,  from  Baltimore,  bound  to  Havannah,  captured  by  the  boits  of  the 
Dragon  running  out,  same  date.  American  schooner  Atalanta,  of  149 
tons,  1  ij;n  n,  and  15  mm,  from  Baltimore,  Ix.und  to  San  Domin»o,  cap- 
tured Ly  the1  Loats  of  the  Dragon  running  out,  same  date.  American 
schooner,  name  unknown,  of  9  tons,  burnt  by  the  Dragon's  boat  off 
Smith's  island,  same  date.  American  schooner  Tartar,  of  300  tons,  18 
guns,  and  76  men,  run  on  shore  near  Cape  Henry  by  the  Dragon's  boat?, 
and  buint.  American  schooner  F.xpress,  or  150  tons,  and  40  men,  run 
on  shore  near  Cape  Ilenrv  by  UK;  Dragon's  boats,  and  burnt.  American 
brig  (icorgr,  of  240  tons,  from  Balliin.  re,  bound  to  Lisbon,  captured  by 
the  Sophie  ami  Acta-on  up  the  Bay,  December  23,  1813.  American  brig 
Bc-tvey.  of  249  tons,  from  Baltimore,  bound  to  Lisbon,  captured  by  the 
Sophie  ni'd  AcueiHi  up  the  Bstv,  same  date.  American  schooner  Packet, 
of  oO  tons,  and  4  men,  from  Boston,  bound  to  Savannah,  captured  by  the 
Arnndc  of)  ihc  Cape*,  v:;u,e  date.  Amciican  ship  M»ry  Ami,  of  250  tons, 
and  Hi  men.  from  the  South  Sens,  hound  to  Nuntncki  t,  raptured  by  the 
Sophie  off  the  Capes,  December  56,  1K13.  Anurk-au  s-chooncr,  name 


KAVAfc   HISTORY    OF    THE    PltESENT    YEAR,    1814.  243 

Unknown,  of  31  tons,  run  on  shore  near  Cape  Henry  by  the  Dragon's  boat. 
Hud  burnt,  December  28,  1813.  American  schooner,  name  unknown,  of 
.*>4  tons,  burnt  by  the  Dragon's  boat  under  Cape  Charles,  at  anchor,  De- 
cember 2l>,  1813.  American  sloop,  name  unknown,  of  51  tons,  burnt 
Ly  the  Dragon's  boat  under  Cape  Charles,  at  anchor,  same  date.  Ameri- 
can schooner  Friends,  of  49  tons,  and  4  men,  bound  to  Norfolk,  destroyed 
Ly  the  Erie,  Lieutenant  Douglas,  on  the  beach  near  Cape  Henry,  January 
0,  181 4.  American  schooner  Pioneer,  of  320  tons,  17"  guns,  and  170 
men,  from  Baltimore,  oa  a  cruise,  destroyed  by  the  Sophie  up  the  Bay, 
December3],  1813.  ROBERT  BARR1E, 

Captain  and  Senior  Officer. 

COLONIAL  DEPARTMENT. 

DOWNING-STUEET,    FEBRUARY  8,    1814. 

Despatches,  of  which  the  following  are  copies,  have  been  this  day  re-* 
ceived  from  Lieutenant-general  Sir  G.  Prevost,  Bart,  addressed  to  £nrl 
Bathurst,  one  of  his  Majesty's  principal  Secretaries  of  State. 

MY  LORD,  Head-Quarters,  Montreal,  December  12,  1813. 

Having  had  tTie  honour  to  report  to  your  Lordship,  on  the  30th  of  Octo- 
ber and  the  15th  November  last,  the  affairs  which  took  place  between 
his  Majesty's  forces  and  the  American,  armies,  led  on  by  Major-general 
Hampton  and  Major-general  Wilkinson,  I  have  now  the  satisfaction  to 
inform  your  Lordship,  that  the  signal  defeats  experienced  by  the  enemy  on 
the  Chatcauguay  River,  in  Lower  Canada,  and  near  Chrystler's  Farm,  in 
Upper  Canada,  have  relieved  both  provinces  from  the  pressure  of  the 
armies  invading  them,  and  have  obliged  the  divisions  of  General  Hampton 
and  General  Wilkinson  to  retire  to  their  own  territory,  and  seek  for  winter 
quarters,  under  circumstances  so  highly  disadvantageous  as  to  have  pro- 
duced in  both  of  them  discontent,  desertion,  and  disease. 

The  well-timed  appearance  of  a  small  regular  force  in  General  Wilkin- 
son's front,  which  I  had  pushed  forward  from  the  Cuteau  de  Lac  to  sup- 
port and  iiive  confidence  to  the  Glengarry  and  Stormont  militia,  very  shortly 
after  the  severe  lesson  his  vanity  had  received  from  the  corps  of  observation, 
operating  so  powerfully  as  to  induce  him  to  commence  a  precipitate  retreat 
from  onr  shore  to  St.  Regis,  and  up  the  Salmon  River,  and  to  abandon  his 
avowed  project,  of  passing  his  winter  in  Montreal. 

It  appears  the  American  army,  upon  arriving  at  the  French  Mills,  which 
are  situated  on  the  Salmon  River,  about  six  miles  from  its  mouth,  pro* 
ceeded  to  dismantle  their  river  craft  and  gun-boats,  and  to  arrange  on. 
shore,  round  their  block-house,  a  most  cumbersome  train  of  artillery,  for 
the  preservation  of  which  the  whole  of  Major-general  Wilkinson's  infantry 
is  retained  in  tents  and  huts,  at  this  most  inclement  season  of  the  year, 
until  the  winter  roads  should  be  sufficiently  established  to  enable  him  to 
retire  his  guns  to  Platsburg. 

A  rapid  succession  of  severe  frost,  light  snow,  and  sudden  thaw,  to 
which  the  American  army  has  been  so  long  and  so  much  exposed,  has  made 
it  impossible  for  me  to  execute  any  enterprise  against  it,  without  risking 
more  than  my  means  could  justify. 

A  division  of  gun-boats,  with  a  detachment  of  troops,  which  I  had  or- 
dered on  the  1st  of  this  month  to  advance  into  Lake  Cham  plain,  for  the 
purpose  of  molesting  General  Hampton's  division,  succeeded  in  burning  an 
extensive  building  lately  erected  near  Platsburg,  as  a  depot  magazine  ; 
some  batteaux,  together  with  the  ammunition,  provisions,  and  stores  found 
an  it,  were  either  brought  away  or  destroyed. 

ol.  XXXI.  jt  K 


NAVAL  mSTORlr  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1814. 

The  severity  of  the  weather  obliged  Captain  Pring,  of  the  royal  navy", 
under  whose  command  I  had  placed  the  expedition,  to  return  to  the  Isle 
mix  Nois  on  die  5th  ;  in  effecting  which,  he  was  obliged  to  cut  a  channel 
for  his  boats  through  several  miles  of  ice.  The  enemy's  troops  were  in 
considerable  number  in  the  vicinity  of  Platsburg,  but  no  attempt  was  made 
to  annoy  our  force  employed  on  this  occasion. 

In  Upper  Canada  a  conjoint  attack  on  Burlington  Heights,  planned  by 
Major-general  Harrison  and  Commodore  Chaimceyj  has  been  frustrated 
by  the  lateness  of  the  season  and  severity  of  the  weather. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

GEORGE  PREVOST. 

MY  LORD,  Head-Quarters,  Montreal,  25th  Nov.  1813. 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  your  Lordship,  copy  of  a  letter  from 
Commodore  Sir  James  Yeo,  together  with  Captain  Barclay's  official  ac- 
count of  the  action  on  Ijike  Erie,  referred  to  in  my  despatch  to  your  Lord- 
ship of  22d  September  and  8th  October  last.  I  am  happy  to  be  able  to  add, 
that  Captain  Barclay  is  recovering  of  his  wounds,  and  that  there  is  a  pro* 
spect  of  his  valuable  life  and  services  being  preserved  for  the  benefit  of  his 
country.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

GEORGE  PREVOST. 

The  Right  Honourable  Earl  Batlturst,  $c. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Wolfe,  at  Kingston,  November  15,  1813. 

I  yesterday  received  Captain  Barclay's  official  statement  of  the  ill-fated 
action  in  Lake  Erie,  and  as  your  Excellency  most  wish  to  be  informed  of 
every  particular,  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  a  copy  of  the  same ;  it  ap- 
pears to  me,  that  though  his  Majesty's  squadron  were  very  deficient  in  sea» 
men,  weight  of  metal,  and  particularly  long  guns,  yet  the  greatest  misfor- 
tune was  the  hiss  of  every  officer,  particularly  Captain  Fin'nis,  whose  lite 
had  it  beeu  spared,  would,  in  my  opinion,  have  saved  the  squadron. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


Jits  Excellency  Sir  George  Prevost,  Bart*  Commodore. 

Governor  and  General- in-Chief. 

His  Majesty's  late  Ship  Detroit,  Put- in  "Bay,  lake  Eric, 
s**>  September  12,  1813. 

The  last  letter  I  had  the  honour  of  writing  to  you,  dated  the  6th  instant, 
I  informed  you,  that  unless  certain  intimation  was,  received  of  more  seamen 
being  on  their  way  to  Amherstburg,  I  should  be  obliged  to  sail  with  the 
squadron,  deplorably  manned  as  it  was,  to  fight  the  enemy  (who  block- 
aded the  port)  to  enable  us  to  get  supplies  of  provisions  and  stores  of 
every  description  ;  so  perfectly  destitute  of  provisions  was  the  post,  that 
there  was  not  a  day's  flour  in  store,  and  the  crews  of  the  squadron  under 
»ny  command  were  on  half  allowance  of  many  things,  and  when  that  was 
done  there  was  no  more.  Such  were  the  motives  which  induced  Major, 
general  Proctor  (whom  by  your  instructions  I  was  directed  to  consult,  and 
whose  wishes  I  was  enjoined  to  execute,  as  far  as  related  to  the  good 
>t  live  country)  to  concur  in  the  necessity  of  a  battle  being  risked,  under 
*ut  many  disadvantage  which  J  laboured,,  and  it  now  remains  for  me  the 


NAVAL   HISTORY   OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  251 

roost  melancholy  task  to  relate  to  you  the  unfortunate  issue  of  that  battle, 
as  well  as  the  many  untoward  circumstances  that  led  to  that  event. 

No  intelligence  of  seamen  having  arrived,  I  sailed,  on  die  9th  instant, 
fully  expecting  to  meet  the  enemy  next  morning,  as  they  had  been  seen 
among  the  islands;  nor  was  I  mistaken :  soon  after  daylight  they  were 
seen  in  motion  in  Put-in-Bay,  the  wind  then  at  south  west,  and  light, 
giving  us  the  weather-gage.  I  bore  up  for  them,  in  hopes  of  bringing  them 
to  action  among  the  islands,  but  that  intention  wp.s  soon  frustrated,  by  the 
wind  suddenly  shitting  to  the  south-east,  which  brought  the  enemy  directly 
to  windward. 

The  line  was  formed  according  to  a  given  plan,  so  that  each  ship  might 
be  supported  against  the  superior  force  of  the  two  brigs  opposed  to  then;. 
About  ten  the  enemy  had  cleared  the  islands,  and  immediately  bore  up, 
under  easy  sail,  in  a  line  abreast,  each  brig  being  also  supported  by  the 
small  vessels.  At  a  quarter  before  twelve  I  commenced  the  action,  by 
firing  a  few  long  guns  j  about  a  quarter  past  the  American  commodore, 
also  supported  by  two  schooners,  one  carrying  four  long  twelve-pounders, 
the  other  a  long  thirty-two  and  twenty- four-pounder,  came  to  close  action, 
with  the  Detroit ;  the  other  brig  of  the  enemy,  apparently  destined  to  en- 
gage the  Queen  Charlotte,  supported  in  like  manner  by  two  schooners, 
kept  so  far  to  windward  as  to  render  the  Queen  Ch'.irlotte's  twenty- 
pounder  carronades  useless,  while  she  was,  with  the  Lady  Prevost, 
exposed  to  the  heavy  and  destructive  fire  of  the  Caledonia  and  four 
other  schooners,  armed  with  long  and  heavy  guns,  like  those  I  have 
already  described. 

Too  soon,  alas  !  was  I  deprived  of  the  services  of  the  noble  and  intrepid 
Captain  Finuis,  who  soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  action  fell,  and 
with  him  fell  my  greatest  support  ;  soon  after  Lieutenant  Stokes,  of  the 
ftueen  Charlotte,  was  struck  senseless  by  a  splinter,  which  deprived  the 
country  of  his  services  at  this  very  critical  period. 

As  I  perceived  the  Detroit  had  enough  to  contend  with,  without  the 
prospect  of  a  fresh  brig,  Provincial  Lieutenant  Irvine,  who  then  had 
charge  of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  behaved  with  great  courage,  but  his  expe- 
rience was- much  too  limited  to  supply  the  place  of  such  an  officer  as  Cap- 
tain Finnis,  hence  she  proved  of  far  less  assistance  than  I  expected. 

The  action  continued  with  great  fury  until  half-past  two,  when  I  per- 
ceived my  opponent  drop  astern,  and  a  boat  passing  from  him  to  the 
Niagara  (which  vessel  was  at  this  time  pen'ectiy  fresh),  jthe  American 
commodore  seeing  that  as  yet  the  day  was  against  him  (his  vessel  having 
struck  soon  after  he  left  her),  and  also  th&  very  defenceless  state  of  the 
Detroit,  which  snip  was  now  a  perfect  wreck,  principally  froua  the  raking 
fire  of  the  gun-boats,  and  also  that  the  Queen  Charlotte  was  in  such  a 
situation,  that  I  could  receive  very  little  assistance  from  her,  and  the  Lady 
Prevost  being  at  tliis  time  too  far  to  leeward,  from  her  rudder  being 
injured,  made  n  noble,  and,  alas  !  too  successful  an  effort  to  regain  it,  for 
be  bore  up,  and,  supported  by  his  small  vessels,  passed  within  pistol-shot, 
and  took  a  raking  position  on  our  bow  ;  nor  could  I  prevent  it,  as  the  un- 
fortunate situation  of  the  Queen  Charlotte  prevented  us  from  wearing ; 
in  attempting  it  we  fell  on  hoard  her;  my  gallant  first  lieutenant,  Garland, 
was  now  mortally  wounded,  and  myself  so  severely,  that  I  was  obliged  to 
quit  the  deck.  Manned  as  the  squadron  was,  with  not  more  than  fifty 
British  seamen,  the  rest  a  mixed  crew  of  Canadians  and  soldiers,  and  who 
were  totally  unacquainted  with  such  service,  rendered  the  loss  of  officers 
more  sensibly  felt,  and  never  in  any  action  was  the  loss  more  severe;  every 
officer  commanding  vessels,  and  their  seconds,  was  either  killed,  or  wounded 
so  severely,  as  to  be  unable  to  keep  the  deck. 

Lkuteuaut  Buchun,  in  the  Lady  Prevost,  behaved  most  nobly,  and  dick 


XAVAL   HISTORY    OV   THE   PUESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

every  tiling  that  a  hrave  and  experienced  officer  could  do  in  a  vessel  armed 
•with  twelve-pound  cannonades,  against  vessels  carrying  long  guns.  I  regret 
to  btate,  that  he  was  severely  wounded.  Lieutenant  Bignell,  or"  the  Dovtr, 
commanding  the  Hunter,  displayed  the  greatest  intrepidity;  hut  his  guns 
being  small  (two,  four,  and  six-p  under:),  he  could  be  of  much  less  ser- 
vice than  he  wished. 

F-very  officer  in  the  Detroit  behaved  in  the  most  exemplary  manner. 
Lieutenant  In<Jis  shewed  such  calm  intrepidity,  that  I  was  fully  convinced 
that,  on  leaving  the  deck,  I  left  the  ship  in  excellent  hands;  and  for  an, 
account  of  the  battle  after  that,  I  refer  you  to  his  letter  which  he  wiote 
me,  for  your  information. 

Mr.  Hoftmeister,  purser  of  the  Detroit,  nobly  volunteered  his  services 
on  deck,  and  behaved  in  a  manner  that  reflects  the  highest  honour  on  him. 
1  regret  to  add,  that  he  is  very  severely  wounded  in  the  knee. 

Provincial  Lieutenant  Purvis,  and  the  military  officers,  Lieutenants 
Garden,  of  the  Royal  Newfoundland  Rangers,  and  O'Keefe,  of  the  4 1st 
regiment,  behaved  in  a  manner  which  excited  my  warmest  admiration  ;  the 
few  British  seamen  I  had,  behaved  with  their  usual  intrepidity,  and  as  long 
as  I  was  on  deck  the  troops  behaved  with  a  calmness  aud  courage,  worthy 
of  a  more  fortunate  issue  to  their  exertions. 

The  weather  gage  gave  the  enemy  a  prodigious  advantage,  as  it  enabled 
them  not  only  to  choose  their  position,  but  their  distance  also,  which  they 
did  in  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  the  carronades  of  the  Queen  Charlotte 
and  Lady  Prevost  from  having  much  effect ;  while  their  long  guns  did  great 
execution,  particularly  against  the  Queen  Charlotte. 

Captain  Perry  has  behaved  in  a  most  humane  and  attentive  manner,  not 
only  to  myself  and  officers,  but  to  all  the  wounded. 

1  trust  that  although  unsuccessful,  you  will  approve  of  the  motives  that 
induced  me  to  sail  under  so  many  disadvantages,  and  that  it  may  be  here- 
after proved  that,  under  such  circumstances,  the  honour  of  his  Majesty's 
flag  has  not  been  tarnished. 

I  enclose  the  list  of  killed  and  wounded. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

R.  II.  BARCLAY, 
Commander,  and  late  Senior  Officer. 

SIR,  His  Majesty's  late.  Ship  Detnit,  September  10,  1813. 

I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  you  an  account  of  the  termination  of  the 
Jate  unfortunate  battle  with  the  enemy's  sijuadron. 

On  coming  on  the  quarter-deck,  after  your  being  wounded,  the  enemv's 
second  brig,  at  that  time  on  our  weather  beam,  shortly  afterwards  took  ;i 
position  on  our  weather  bow,  to  rake  us,  to  prevent  which,  in  attempting 
to  wear,  to  get  our  starboard  broadside  to  bear  upon  her,  a  nmr.bcr  of  the 
pans  of  the  larboard  broadside  being  at  this  time  disabled,  fell  nn  board  (he 
Queen  Charlotte,  at  this  time  running  up  to  leeward  of  us;  in  this  situation 
the  two  ships  remained  for  some  time.  As  soon  as  we  got  clear  of  her,  t 
ordered  the  Queen  Charlotte  to  shoot  abend  of  us  if  possible,  and  attempted 
to  back  our  fore-lop-sail  to  get  astern,  but  the  ship  laying  complete!*  un- 
manageable, every  brace  cut  away,  the  mizrn-top-mast  and  gaff  clown,  a{l 
the  other  masts  badly  wounded,  not  a  stay  left  forward,  hull  shattered  very 
much,  a  number  of  the  guns  disabled,  and  the  enemy's  squadron  raking 
fcolh  ships  ahead  and  astern,  none  of  our  own  in  a  situation  to  support  us, 
1  was  under  the  painful  necessity  of  answering  the  enemy,  to  say  we  had 
Struck,  the  Queen  Charlotte  having  previously  done  so. 

i  bare  the  foonour  to  be,  &c. 
TO  Captain  Barclay,  <$-c.  GEORGE  LNGLIS. 


SAVAt   HISTORY    OF    THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  253 

^i  Statement  of  the  Force  of  his  Majesty's  Squadron  on  Lake  Erie,  and  that 
of  the  United  States. 

BRITISH    SQUADRON. 

Detroit. — 2  long  twenty-four-pounders,  1  long  eighteen-pounder,  6  long 
twelve-pounders,  8  long  nine-pounders,  1  tweuty-four-pounder  carronade, 
1  eighteen-pounder  carroiwle. 

Queen  Charlotte. — 3  long  twelve-pounders,  14  twenty-four-pounder 
earronades. 

Lady  IVerwsJ.— 3  long  nine-pounders,  10  twelve-pounder  earronades. 

Hun/er. — 2  long  six- pounders,  4  long  four-pounders,  2  long  two-poun- 
ders, 2  twelve  pounder  earronades. 

Little  Beit. — 1  long  nine-pounder,  2  long  six-pounders. 

Chippeway. — 1  long  nine-pounder. 

UNITED   STATES   SQUADRON.  > 

Lawrence. — 1  long  twelve-pounders,  18  thirty-two-pounder  earronades. 

Niagara. — U  long  twelve-pounders,  18  thirty-two-pounder  earronades. 

Caledonia.— 2  Jong  twenty-four-pounders,  1  thirty-two-pouuder  carro- 
nade ;  all  on  pivots. 

Ariel. — 4  long  twelve-pounders  ;  all  on  pivots. 

Summers  — 1  long  twenty-four-pounder,  1  thirty- two- poui  der  carronade; 
all  on  pivots. 

Porcupine. — 1  long  thirty-two-pc  under,  on  a  pivot. 

Tigress. — 1  long  thirty-two-pounder,  on  a  pivot. 

Scorpion. —  1  long  thirty-two-pounder,  1  twenty-four-pounder ;  all  on 
pix-ots. 

2'iiji. — 1  long  twenty-four-pounder,  on  a  pivot. 

(A  true  copy.)         R.  H.  BARCLAY,  Commander. 

A  List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  in  his  Majesty's  Ships  and  Vessels  in  an  Action 
with  th*  American  Sguadrown  Lake  Erie,  the  10th  September,  1813. 

3  officers,  38  men,  killed  ;  9  officers,  85  men,  wounded. 
Total. — 41  killed;  94  wounded. 

Names  of  Officers  Killed  arid  Wounded. 

Lieutenant  James  Garden,  Royal  Newfoundland  regiment,  killed. 

DETROIT. — Killed — First  Lieu  tenant;  John  Garland. 

Wounded. — Captain  It.  II.  Barclay,  dangerously;  J.  R.  Hoffmcister,  pur- 
ser, dangerously. 

QUEEN  CHARLOTTE!— 'Killed — Captain  Robert  Finnis. 

ffounded—Yirst  Lieutenant  Jamts  Stokoe,  severely;  James  Foster, 
jnifishipman,  slightly. 

LADY  PREVOST. — Wounded — Lieutenant  Edward  Buchan,  commanding, 
dangerously;  First  Lieutenant  F.  Rolette,  severely. 

HUNTER. —  Wounded — Lieutenant  George  Bignell,  commanding,  severely; 
Henry  Gateshill,  master's-mate,  slightly. 

CHIPPEWAY,— Wounded — Master's-mate,    J.   Campbell,    commanding, 

flightly. 

R.  II.  BARCLAY, 

Commander,  and  late  Senior  Officer, 


254     WAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

FEBRUARY    12. 

Copy  of  a  "Letter  from  Captain  Carter,  of  his  Majesty's  Sloop  Thracian^ 
addressed  to  Vice-admiral  Foley,  and  transmitted  by  the  latter  to  Johr^ 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  His  Majesty's  Sloop  Tkracian,  Downs,  February  8, 1814. 

His  Majesty's  sloop  under  my  command,  captured,  yesterday  afternoon, 
a  French  lugger  privateer,  L'Einile,  of  14  guns,  and  42  men,  of  and  from 
St.  Valery  en  Caux,  out  three  days,  during  which  time  she  had  not  made  4 
capture.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

JOHN  CARTER,  Commander, 

To  Vice-admiral  Foky,  SfC. 

FEBRUARY    26. 

Copies  of  three  letters  received  at  this  office,  from  Rear-admiral  Dur- 
ham, commander-in-chief  of  his  Majesty's  ships  and  vessels  at  the  Leeward 
Islands,  addressed  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  Venerable,  at  Sea,  December  31,  1813. 

I  have  to  acquaint  you,  for  their  Lordships'  information,  that  in  the 
execution  of  my  orders,  the  Venerable  this  day  captured  the  French  lette* 
of  marque  brig  Le  Jason,  of  264  tons,  pierced  for  22  guns,  but  mounting 
only  14,  twelve  of  which  had  been  thrown  overboard  in  the  chase.  She 
left  Bourdeaux  five  days  since,  bound  for  New  York,  with  a  cargo  com-* 
posed  of  silks,  wines,  and  other  articles  of  merchandise  :  sixty-four  per- 
sons were  found  on  board,  ten  of  whom  are  passengers ;  this  is  the  first 
time  of  her  having  been  at  sea.  She  is  a  fine  new  vessel,  copper-bottomed, 
and  sails  so  well  that  I  take  her  under  protection  to  Barbadoes,  for  adju^ 
dication.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

/.  W.  Croker,  Esq.  P.  C.  DURHAM,   Rear-admiral. 

SIR,  Venerable,  at  Sea,  January  16,  1814. 

I  have  the  satisfaction  of  stating,  that  this  day,  at  nine  A.M.  the  Cyane 
made  the  signal  for  two  strangers  in  the  north-east,  which  were  immedi- 
ately given  chase  to,  and  owing  to  the  very  superior  sailing  of  the  Vene- 
rable, I  was  enabled  to  corne  up  within  gun-shot  of  them  at  the  close  of. 
the  day,  leaving  the  Cyane  far  astern.  On  ranging  up  with  the  lee  ward  •* 
most  (the  night  was  too  dark  to  distinguish  her  colours),  desirous  of  saving 
her  the  consequences  of  so  unequal  a  contest,  I  hailed  her  twice  to  surren- 
der, but  the  evasive  answer  returned,  obliged  me  to  order  the  guns  to  be 
opened,  as  they  would  bear  ;  upon  this  the  enemy  immediately  pat  his  he!u> 
up,  and,  under  all  sail,  laid  us  on  beard,  for  which  temerity  he  has  suffered 
most  severely. 

The  promptitude  with  which  Captain  Worth  repelled  the  attempt  to 
board,  was  not  less  conspicuous  than  the  celerity  with  which  he  passed  his, 
men  into  the  enemy's  frigate,  and  hauled  down  her  ensign.  I  have  much 
pleasure  in  naming  the  petty  officers  who  distinguished  themselves  on  this 
occasion,  Messrs.  Mailman,  Walker,  and  KnevilT,  master's  mates,  and  Mr. 
Grey,  midshipman, 

This  ship  proves  to  be  the  Alcmene,  a  beautiful  French  frigate,  of  44 
guns,  having  a  complement,  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  of  319 
men,  commanded  by  Captain  Ducrest  de  Villeneuve,  an  officer  of  much 
merit,  and  who  was  wounded  at  the  time  of  boarding. 

To  his  determined  resistance,  aided  by  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the 
other  frigate  for  the  present  owes  her  escape,  but  I  have  every  hope  that 
tUe  Cyant  will  be  enabled  to  observe  her  until  I  have  shifted  the  j>n:»aua*, 


KAVAL   HISTORY   OF  THE    PRESENT   YEAR,    1814.          255 

land  repaired  the  trifling  injury  done  to  the  rigging,  during  the  period  of  the 
'enemy  being  on  board. 

Our  loss  consists  of  two  seamen  killed,  and  four  wounded  ;  that  of  the 
enemy  two  petty  officers  and  thirty  seamen  killed,  and  fifty  wounded. 

Lieutenant  George  Luke,  whom  I  have  placed  in  the  frigate,  is  an  old 
and  very  deserving  officer,  who  has  served  twenty  years  under  my  com- 
mand. I  have,  &c. 

J.  W.  Croker,  Esq.  P.  C.  DURHAM,  Rear-admiral. 

SIR,  Venerable,  at  Sea,  January  20,  1814. 

It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to  communicate  to  you,  for  their  Lordships* 
information,  the  capture  of  the  French  frigate  that  escaped  on  Sunday 
night. 

The  vigilance  of  Captain  Forrest  enabled  him  to  keep  sight  of  her  during 
the  night,  and  two  following  days,  when,  having  run  153  miles,  in  the 
direction  I  judged  the  enemy  had  taken,  the  Venerable's  superior  sailing 
gave  me  the  opportunity  of  again  discovering  the  fugitive,  and,  after  an 
anxious  chase  of  nineteen  hours,  to  come  up  with  and  capture. 

She  is  named  the  Iphigenia,  a  frigate  of  the  largest  class,  commanded  by 
Captain  Emerie,  having  a  complement  of  325  men,  and,  like  her  consort 
the  Alcmene,  perfectly  new. 

Every  means  to  effect  her  escape  were  resorted  to,  the  anchors  being  cut 
away,  and  her  boats  thrown  overboard. 

On  our  coming  up  we  had  run  the  Cyane  out  of  sight  from  the  mast-head. 

These  frigates  sailed  in  company  from  Cherbourg  on  the  20th  October 
last,  and  were  to  cruise  for  six  months. 

It  becomes  me  now  to  notice  the  very  meritorious  conduct  of  Captain 
Forrest,  not  only  in  assiduously  keeping  sight,  hut  repeated  ly  offering  battte 
to  a  force  so  superior  ;  nor  less  deserving  of  my  warmest  approbation  is 
Captain  Worth,  of  this  ship,  whose  indefatigable  attention  during  the  many 
manaeuvres  attempted  by  the  enemy  in  this  long  and  arduous  chase,  WHS 
equalled  only  by  the  exemplary  behaviour  of  every  officer  aad  man  under 
his  command.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  W.  Croker,  Esq.  P.  C.  DURHAM,  Rear-admiral. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Dttndas,  of  H.  M.  S.  Pyramns,  addressed  to 
Admiral  Lord  Keith,  and  transmitted  by  his  Lordship  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq. 

MY  LOttD,  H.M.S.Pyrsmis,  18th  February,  1814. 

The  French  privateer  schooner  La  Ville  de  L'Orient,  of  14  guns,  and 
97  men,  was  captured  this  day  by  the  frigate  under  my  command. 

She  is  only  two  months  off  the  stocks,  five  days  out,  and  has  taken 
nothing.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

J.  W.  D.  DUNDAS,  Captain. 
The  Right  Hon.  Admiral  Lord  Keith,  K.B. 

BIARCH    5. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Admiral  Lord  Keith,  K.B,  to  John  Wilson  Croker, 
Esq.  dated  on  board  H.M.S.  York,  in  Causand  Bay',  the  2d  inst. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  lionour  to  enclose,  for  the  information  of  the  Lords  Com- 
missioners of  the  Admiralty,  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Captain  Phillimore, 
reporting  the  capture  of  La  Clorinde  French  frigate, -after  a  most  severe 
conflict,  on  the  evening  of  the  25th  ultimo,  between  her  and  the  Eurotas ; 
an  action  which  reflects  the  highest  honour  upon  the  bravery  and  pro- 


255          ITAVAI,   HISTORY   dF    THE   PRMENI  YEAR,    1814. 

fessional  skill  of  Captain  Phillimore  and  his  officers,  and  upon 
and  good  conduct  of  his  crew.  Captain  Phillimore  has  been  severely 
wounded  on  the  occasion,  but  I  entertain  a  flattering;  hope  that  his  Majes- 
ty'^ service,  and  the  country  at  large,  will  not  long  be  deprived  of  the  ser- 
vices of  so  valuable  an  officer.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

KEITH,  Admiral. 

MY  LORD,  H.M.S.  Eurotus,  Plymouth  Sound,  March  1, 1814. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  your  Lordship,  that  H.M.S.  under  my  com- 
mand, parted  company  from  the  Rippon  on  Monday  night,  the  21st  ult. 
in  chase  of  a  vessel  which  proved  to  be  a  Swedish  merchant  ship,  and  on 
Friday  the  25th,  in  endeavouring  to  rejoin  the  llippon,  being  then  in  lati- 
tude 47°  40'N.  and  longitude  9°  301'  W.  we  perceived  a  sail  upon  the  lee 
beam,  to  which  we  gave  chase.  We  soon  discovered  her  to  be  an  enemy's 
frigate,  and  that  she  was  endeavouring  to  out  manoeuvre  us  in  bringing  her 
to  action  ;  but  having  much  the  advantage  in  sailing  (although  the  wind 
had  unfortunately  died  away),  we  were  enabled  at  about  five  o'clock  to  pass 
under  her  stern,  hail  her,  and  commence  close  action. 

When  receiving  her  broadside  and  passing  to  her  bow,  our  mizen-mast 
was  shot  away.  I  then  ordered  the  helm  to  be  put  down  to  lay  her  aboard, 
but  the  wreck  of  our  mizen-mast  lying  on  our  quarter,  prevented  this 
desirable  object  from  being  accomplished. 

The  enemy  just  passed  clear  of  us,  and  both  officers  and  men  of  the 
Eurotas  renewed  the  action  with  the  most  determined  bravery  and  resolu- 
tion, while  the  enemy  returned  our  fire  in  n  w,,nn  and  gallant  manner. 
We  succeeded  in  raking  her  again,  and  then  l?.y  broadside  to  broadside  ; 
at  6.  20.  our  main-mast  fell  by  the  board,  the  enemy's  mizen-mast  falling 
at  the  same  time  ;  at  6.  50.  our  foremast  fell,  and  the  enemy's  main-ma^t 
almost  immediately  afterwards.  At  ten  minutes  after  seven  she  slackened 
her  fire,  but  having  her  foremast  standing,  she  succeeded  with  her  fore- 
sail in  getting  out  of  range.  During  the  \\hole  of  the  action  we  kept  up  a 
heavy  and  well-directed  fire;  nor  do  I  know  which  most  to  admire,  the 
seamen  at  the  great  guns,  or  the  marines  with  their  small-arms,  they  vying 
with  each  other  who  should  most  annoy  the  enemy. 

I  was  at  this  time  so  much  exhausted  by  the  loss  of  blood,  from  wounds 
I  had  received  in  the  et-.rly  part  of  the  action  from  a  grape  shot,  that  I  found 
it  impossible  for  me  to  remain  any  longer  upon  deck.  I  w;<s,  -there fore, 
tinder  the  painful  necessity  of  desiring  Lieutenant  Smith  (first  lieutenant) 
to  take  command  of  the  quarter-deck,  and  to  clear  the  wreck  uf  the  fore- 
mast and  main-mast,  which  then  lay  nearly  fore  and  aft  the  deck,  and  to 
make  sail  after  the  enemy ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  I  had  (he  satisfaction 
of  reflecting,  thut  I  had  left  the  command  in  the  hands  of  a  must  active  aud 
zealous  officer. 

We  kept  sight  of  the  enemy  during  the  night,  by  moons  of  boat  sails  and 
a  j'g£er  on  'he  ensign  staff;  and  before  twelve  o'clock  the  next  day, 
Lieutenant  Smith  reported  tome,  that,  by  the  ^reat  exertions  of  every 
officer  and  man,  jury-courses,  top-sails,  stay-sails,  and  spanker,  were  set 
in  chase  of  the  enemy,  who  had  not  even  cleared  away  his  wreck,  and  that 
we  \\ere  cumir.g  up  with  her  very  fast,  going  at  the  rate  of  six  and  a  half 
knots;  that  the  decks  were  perfectly  clear  ;  and  that  the  officers  and  men 
were  as  eager  to  renew  the  action  as  they  were  to  commence  it;  but,  to  the 
great  mortification  of  every  one  on  board,  we  perceived  two  sail  on  the  lee 
bow,  which  proved  to  be  the  Dryad  and  Achates,  and  they  having  crossed 
the  enemy  (we  only  four  or  five  miles  distant)  before  we  could  get  up  to 
her,  deprived  us  of  the  gratification  of  having  her  colours  hauled  down 
to  us. 

Tbe  enemy's  frigate  proved  to  be  the  Clorinde,  Captain  Dennis  Legard, 


NAVAL   HISTOUY    OF   THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  257 

mounting  44  giins,  with  four  brass  swivels  in  each  top,  and  a  complement: 
of  360  picked  men. 

It  is  with  sincere  regret  I  have  to  state  that  our  loss  is  considerable, 
having  twenty  killed  and  forty  wounded  ;  and  I  most  sincerely  lament  the 
loss  of  three  fine  young  midshipmen,  two  of  xvhom  had  served  the  whole  of 
their  time  with  me,  and  who  all  promised  to  be  ornaments  to  the  service.— 
Among  the  wounded  is  Lieutenant  Foord,  of  the  royal  marines,  who  re- 
ceived a  grape  shot  in  his  thigh,  while  gallantly  heading  his  party. 

I  learn  from  Monsieur  Gerrard,  one  of  the  French  officers,  that  they 
calculate  their  loss  on  board  the  Clorinde  at  120  men.  It  is  therefore 
unnecessary  for  me  to  particularize  the  exertions  of  every  individual  on 
"board  this  ship,  or  the  promptness  with  which  every  order  was  put  into 
execution  by  so  young  a  ship's  company  :  but  1  must  beg  leave  to  mention 
the  able  assistance  which  I  received  from  Lieutenants  Smith,  Graves, 
Randolph,  and  Beckham,  Mr.  Beadnell,  the  master,  and  Lieutenants 
Foord  and  Council,  of  the  royal  marines;  the  very  great  skill  and  attention 
shewn  by  Mr.  Thomas  Cooke  Jones,  surgeon,  in  the  discharge  of  his 
important  duties  ;  the  active  services  of  Mr.  J.  Bryan,  the  purser,  and  the 
whole  of  the  warrant  officers,  witli  all  the  mates  and  midshipmen,  whom  I 
beg  leave  most  strongly  to  recommend  to  your  Lordship's  notice. 

I  enclose  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
Admiral  Lord  Keith,  K.B.  J.  PIULLIMORE,  Captain. 

A  'List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  on  board  H.  M.S.  Eurotas,  in  an  Action 
with  the  French  Frigate  Clorinde,  on  the  25th  February,  1814. 

Killed. — Mr.  Jeremiah  Spurking,  midshipman  ;  Mr.  Charles  Greenway, 
ditto;  Mr.  J.  T.  Vaughan,  volunteer  first  class  ;  W.Logan,  quarter-mas- 
ter ;  lludolph  Jansenbus,  able  seaman  ;^Vm.  Johnston  (1),  landman  ;  John 
Bell,  ordinary  searnau  ;  Robert  Brown,  ditto;  Ed.  Meadows,  ditto;  John 
Neil,  able  seaman  ;  Robert  Crawford,  ordinary 'seaman  ;  John  Hawse, 
landman;  George  Fox,  able  seaman;  John  Gribble,  landman;  Robert 
Barber,  ditto  ;  John  Buxton,  Serjeant  marines  ;  Carle  Hayne,  private  ma- 
rine ;  Wm.  Rodgers,  ditto;  Richard  Artis,  ditto  ;  Chapman  Ilardick,  su- 
pernumerary boy  second  class. 

Wounded. — J.  Phillimore,  Esq.  captain,  severely  ;  J.  R.  Brigstocke,  mid- 
shipman, slightly ;  T.  Hutchinson,  quarter-master,  severely  ;  Andrevr 
White,  captain  of  the  fore-top,  ditto;  George  Ansell,  ordinary  seaman, 
ditto;  Martin  Vanduplans,  able  seaman,  ditto;  Robert  Cobley,captuin  of 
the  main  top,  slightly;  John  Hughes  (2),  severely;  Frs.  Foley,  able  sea- 
man, ditto;  John  Skitton,  able  seaman,  slightly  ;  Jeremiah  Lee,  ordinary 
seaman,  severely;  Edward  Owens,  landman,  slightly;  William  Bromley, 
ordinary  seaman,  severely  ;  William  Evans,  able  seaman,  slightly  ;  •• 
Pttnie,  ordinary  seaman,  severely  ;  — —  Chisndl,  able  seaman,  slightly  ; 
Leonard  Smith,  able  seaman,  ditto  ;  John  Forster,  ordinary  seaman, 
severely  ;  George  Wright,  able  seaman,  slightly  ;  Wm.  Johnston  (2),  ordi- 
nary seaman,  severely ;  John  Backhouse,  ordinary  seaman,  ditto  ;  • 

Thomas,  ordinary  seaman,  ditto ;  Thomas  Johnston,  ordinary  -seaman, 
ditto;  John  Egan,  ordinary  seaman,  ditto;  Morgan  Hayse,  landman,  ditto  j 
George  Dyson,  landman,  ditto;  J.  Fremingham,  ordinary  seaman,  ditto  ; 

• Sutherland,  captain  of  the  forecastle,  ditto;   John  Glynn,  ordinary 

seamaH,  ditto  ;  James  Shaw,  able  seaman,  slightly  ;  John  Fowkr,  ordinary 
seaman,  severely  ;  Wm.  M'Namara,  ordinary  seaman,  slightly. 

MARINES. 

Lieutenant  Foord,  severely;    Js,  White,  corporal,  ditto;  Ji, 
0lf  XXXI,  L  b 


258  NAVAL   HISTORY   OF  THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814; 

drummer,  slightly  ;  Js.  Grundy,  scrjeant,  severely  ;   Phil.  Prosser,  private, 
slightly  ;  J.  Hitchin,  private,  severely  ;  J.  Cray,  private,  ditto. 

THOS.  COOKE  JONES,  Surgeon. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Caftain  Byron,  of  H.  M.S.  Belvidera,  addressed  t& 
Admiral  Sir  John  Warren,  and  transmitted  by  the  Admiral  to  John  Wil- 
ton Croker,  Esq.  • 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Behidera,  Bermudat  Januarys,  1814. 

I  V>eg  leave  to  acquaint  you,  his  Majesty's  ship  under  my  command,  on 
Christmas  Day,  captured  the  United  States  schooner  Vixen,  endeavouring 
to  make  her  passage  from  Wilmington,  North  Carolina,  to  Newcastle, 
Delaware.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

R.  BYRON,  Captain. 

Admiral  Sir  John  Warren  has  also  transmitted  to  John  V/ilson  Croker, 
F.sq.  a  letter  from  Lieutenant  Pechell,  acting  commander  of  his  Majesty's 
sloop  Recruit,  giving  an  account  of  his  having,  on  the  2d  of  November 
last,  in  company  with  the  Doterel  sloop,  run  aground  on  Cape  'Roman 
Shoals,  the  Inca  American  letter  of  marque  schooner,  of  six  guns,  and 
35  men. 

The  under  mentioned  letters  have  been  transmitted  by  Vice-admiral  Sir 
Edward  Pellew,  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  viz. 

From  Captain  Napier,  of  H.M.S.  Euryalus,  dated  off  the  Bay  of  Calvi, 
23d  December,  1813,  giving  an  account  of  his  having  run  on  shore  in  the 
bay,  where  she  bilged  on  the  rocks,  the  Baleine,  French  store-ship,  of  22 
guns,  and  120  men,  hound  from  Toulon  to  Ajaccio  : 

From  Captain  Coghlan,  of  H.M.S.  Alcmene,  dated  at  sea,  the  23d  De- 
cember, 1813,  stating  the  capture,  between  Corsica  and  Cape  Delle 
Mojle*  of  the  French  national  schooner  La  Fleche,  carrying  12  guns,  and 
99  men,  with  24  soldiers,  from  Toulon,  bound  to  Corsica  : 

From  Captain  Dilkes,  of  H.M.S.  Castor,  dated  off  Barcelona,  the  15th 
January  last,  stating  that  her  cutter,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Loveless, 
had  boarded  and  captured  the  Heureux  French  privateer,  carrying  one 
twelve-pounder  and  25  men,  close  under  Monjui.  Lieutenant  Loveless 
and  one  seaman  were  severely  wounded  : 

Another  from  Captain  Dilkes,  dated  off  Barcelona,  23d  January,  stating 
that  her  boats,  under  Lieutenant  Stanhope,  had  captured  another  privateer, 
called  Le  Minoit,  carrying  one  gun  and  small  arms :  her  crew  escaped  on 
shore. 

MARCH  8. 

Extract  off.  Letter  from  Captain  Lloyd,  of  H.M.S.  Plantagenet,  addressed 
to  Admiral  Sir  John  Wurrtn,  and  transmitted  by  the  latter  to  John  Wit- 
ton  Croker,  Esq. 

ff.M.S.  Plantagenet,  off  Bermuda,  December  29,  1813. 
I  beg  leave  to  enclose  you  a  list  of  vessels  taken  and  destroyed  by  his 
Majesty's  ship  under  my  command,  between  the  8th  day  of  September  laat 
and  the  17th  instant. 

A  Lift  of  American  Vessels  captured  and  drs' rayed  by  H.M.S.  Plantagenet, 
Robert  Lloyd,  Esq.  Captain,  between  the  Slfi  September  and  17th  De- 
cember, 1813. 

$loop  J«llj  Robin,  of  4  men,  and  50  tons,   from  Boston,  bound  to 


HAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEA.R,  1814. 

Charleston,  captured  September  8,  1813.  Schooner  Torpedo,  of40tois, 
from  New  York,  bound  to  New  Orleans,  captured  September  11,  1813. 
Sloop  Olive  Branch,  of  50  tons,  captured  same  date.  Schooner  Delight, 
of  50  tons,  captured  September  15,  1813.  Schooner,  name  unknown,  of 
50  tons,  captured  same  date.  Schooner  Jack's  Delight,  of  1  gun,  from 
New  Orleans,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  October  12,  1813.  Schooner 
Sparrow,  of  1  gun,  and  100  tons,  from  New  Orleans,  bound  to  New  York, 
captured  November  3,  18?3.  Sloop  Elizabeth,  of  30  tons,  captured  No- 
vernber  5,  1813.  Sloop  James  Madison;  of  1  man,  and  25  tons,  from 
Charleston,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  November  7,  1813.  Sloop 
Active,  of  5  men,  and  57  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Savannah, 
captured  November  12,  1813.  Sloop  Lady  Washington,  of  15  men,  and 
7O-tons,  from  Savannah,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  November  15, 
1813.  Schooner  Betsey,  of  5  men,  and  60  tons,  from  Savannah,  bound 
to  New  York,  captured  November  21,  1813.  Schooner  Margaret  and 
Mary,  of  5  men,  and  37  tons,  from  Philadelphia,  bound  to  New  York, 
captured  November  27,  1813.  Sloop  Anna  Maria,  of  7  men,  and  60 
tons,  from  Philadelphia,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  same  date. 
Schooner  John  and  Mary,  of  60  tons,  from,  New  Orleans,  bound  to  New 
York,  captured  November  29,  1813.  Sloop  Five  Sisters,  of  5  men,  and 
60  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to -Philadelphia,  captured  December  2, 
1813,  Sloop  New  Jersey,  of  42  tons,  from  Barnygate,  bound  to  New 
York,  captured  same  date.  Sloop  Two  Peters,  of  3  men,  and  38  ton?, 
from  Little  Egg,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  same  date.  Schooner 
Batsh,  of  3  meH,  and  6J  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Little  Egg,  cap- 
tured December  4,  1813.  Schooner  Unicorn,  of  6  men,  and  30  tons,  from 
Savannah,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  December  5-,  1813.  Schooner 
Margaret,  of  2  men,  and  36  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Barnygate, 
captured  December  8,  1813.  Sloop  Victory,  of  60  tons,  from  Savannah, 
bound  to  New  York,  captured  December  10,  1813.  Schooner  Little 
Mary,  of  3  men,  and  26|  tons,  from  New  York,  bound  to  Charleston, 
captured  December  12,  1813.  Schooner  Rapid,  of  21  men,  1  gun,  and 
lla£  tons,  from  Havannah,  bound  to  New  York,  captured  December  16, 
1813.  Schooner  Mary,  of  4  men,  and  34  tons,  from  Philadelphia,  bound 
t?  Salem,  captured  December  17,  1813. 

,R.  LLOYD,  Captain. 


Jpromotiona  anti  Appointment*. 

WHITEHALL,    FEB.    J  6. 

TJis  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  having,  in  the  name  and  on  the 
behalf  of  his  Majesty,  in  consideration  of  the  distinguished  zeal,  cou- 
rage, and  intrepidity  of  Philip  Bowes  Vere  Broke,  Esq.  post-captain  in 
the  royal  navy,  and  commander  of  his  Majesty's  ship  the  Shannon  (par- 
ticularly displayed  by  him  in  his  recent  brilliant  engagement  with  the 
United  States  frigate  Chesapeake,  of  superior  force,  off  Boston,  on  the 
Jst  day  of  June  last,  when,  after  a  most  severe,  arduous,  and  decisive 
condict,  the  enemy  were  compelled,  in  the  short  space  of  fifteen  minutes, 
to  surrender  to  his  Majesty's  ship),  been  pleased  to  advance  the  said 
Philip  Bowes  Vere  Broke  to  the  dignity  of  a  Baronet  qf  the  United 
Kingdom,  by  letters  patent  under  the  Great  Seal,  bearing  date  the  2d 
day  of  November  last ;  and  his  Royal  Highness  being  desirous  of  con- 
ferring upon  the  said  Sir  Philip  Bowes  Vere  Broke  such  a  further  mark 
of  his  Majesty's  royal  favour,  as  may,  in  an  especial  manner,  evince  the 
pease  which  he  entertains  of  his  able  conduct  and  signal  intrepidity,  in 


260  NA1AL   HISTORY    O*    THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

personally  boarding  the  enemy's  ship  at  the  head  of  his  men  (on  which 
occasion  he  was  severely  wounded),  hath  given  and  granted  to  him  his 
Majesty's  royal  licence  and  authority,  that  he  and  his  descendants  may, 
as  a  memorial  of  his  highly-distinguished  conduct  and  gallantry,  bear  the 
crest  of  honourable  augmentation  following  ;  that  is  to  say,  issuant 
from  a  naval  crown,  a  dexter  arm  embowed,  encircled  by  a  wreath  of 
laurel,  the  hand  grasping  a  trident  erect,  together  with  the  motto 
««  Saevumque  tridenlem  servamus ;"  provided  the  same  be  first  duly 
exemplified  according  to  the  laws  of  arms,  and  recorded  in  the  Herald's 
Office:  And  also  to  order,  that  the  said  royal  concession  and  especial 
mark  of  his  Majesty's  favour  be  recorded  in  his  College  of  Arms. 

Major  George  E.  Roby,  of  Royal  Marines,  to  be  a  lieutenant. 
Colonel,  vice  Sir  John  Douglas,  deceased  ;  Captain  II.  P.  Lewis,  to  be  a- 
major;  Second  Captain  J.  M'Callum,  to  be  a  full  captain  ;  Second  Lieu-, 
tenant  John  Fraser,  to  be  a  first  lieutenant. 

Brevet  Major  Nicholls  to  the  Tonnant. 

Dr.  Dickson  has  been  appointed  physician  to  the  fleet,  and  inspector 
of  hospitals,  on  the  North  American,  instead  of  the  Mediterranean, 
station. 

Captains,  &c.  appointed. 

Captain  J.  Johnstone,  to  act  in  the  Tonnant  for  Lord  Cochranej 
James  Wallis,  to  the  Pincher ;  W.  F.  Carroll,  to  the  Revenge ; 
Lieutenant  Thomas  Forster,  to  be  a  commander,  and  to  the  Kite  sloop ; 
Frederick  Hickey,  Henry  Thomas  Davis,  and  Peter  Fisher,  to  the  rank 
of  post  captains,  and  to  serve  in  the  Lakes  under  Sir  James  Yeo ; 
lieutenants  James  Groves  and  W.  C.  Dalyell,  to  the  rank  of  com- 
manders ;  Lieutenant  Q.  F.  Weatherall,  to  act  as  governor  of  the 
Naval  Hospital  at  Madras;  Lieutenant  Samuel  U ad  ford,  to  the  rank  of 
commander;  V.Jones,  to  the  Conflict ;  Hon.  Alexander  Jones,  to  the 
Levant ;  George  Hayes,  to  the  Peller  ;  James  Boxer,  lo  the  Albncore; 
H.  T.  Davies,  to  be  a  post  captain  ;  George  Henderson,  to  the  Minden  ; 
Joseph  Prior,  to  the  Acorn;  Charles  Mitchell,  to  the  Eftptegtei 
S.  Roberts,  to  the  Meteor  ;  E.  L.  Graham,  to  the  Caledonia  ; 
John  Allen,  to  the  Hecate ;  Hon.  J.  Napier,  to  the  Erne ;  Frederick 
Warren,  to  the  Clarence;  J.T.  Devonshire,  to  the  Sceptre  ;  C.  B.  Ross, 
to  the  Albion,  the  flagship  of  Uear-admiral  George  Cockburne; 
Thomas  Forrest,  to  the  Sybille;  Gordon  Falcon,  to  the  Cyane  ;  Hon. 
J.  A.  Maude,  of  the  Nemesis,  to  the  rank  of  post-captain. 

Lieutenants,  &c.  appointed. 

Peter  Alston,  to  the  Stork  ;  John  Bnllantyne,  to  the  Ariel  ;  George 
Blackman,  to  the  Hamadryad  ;  Lauchlan  Burn,  lo  the  Havook  ; 
Richard  Bluett,  to  the  Impregnable;  David  Biichan,  to  the  Sprightly  ; 
John  Bull,  to  the  Thracinn  ;  John  Crosbie,  to  the  Elephant  ; 
C.  P.  Coffin,  to  the  Xephyr  :  G.  Castle,  to  the  Espiegle  -,  B.  S.  Daniels, 
to  the  Hesper ;  Charles  Ducane,  to  the  Spencer ;  Andrew  Drew,  master's 
mate  of  the  Eurotas,  to  be  a  lieutenant  of  that  frigate  ;  John  Davis,  to 
theWarspite;  John  R.  Drew,  to  the  Erne  ;  J.  Evans,  Jo  the  Achille  ; 
Custavus  Evans,  to  the  Sheldrake;  H.  P.  Furze,  to  the  Regulus  ; 
W.  Flinn,  to  the  Ariel ;  George  Green,  to  the  Espiegle ;  Richard 
Gregory,  to  the  Prince  ;  John  Houghlon,  to  the  Colombia  ; 
A.  B.  Howe,  to  the  Newcastle  ;  J.  B.  Harrison,  to  the  Oiseau  ; 
John  Henderson  (2),  to  the  Levant;  G.  C.  Johnson,  to  the  Salvador 
del  Mundo  ;  T.  JOIK-S,  to  the  Dcsiree  ;  Hon.  J.  Jones,  to  the  Conflict  ; 
£eter  P.  James,  to  the  Pelter ;  Waller  Kirby,  to  the  Benbuw  ;  Richard 


NATAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,   1814.  261 

Henry  King,  to  the  Alert ;  George  Ley,  to  the  Hope ;  Edward  Lus- 
combe,  to  the  Horatio;  Robert  M'Kirdy,  to  the  Cornwallis ; 
H.  C.  Mercer,  to  the  Tonnant ;  J.  Marshall,  to  the  Onyx  ;  H.  M.  Mar- 
shall, to  be  first  lieutenant  of  the  Prince;  Alexander  M'Kenzie  (2),  to 
the  Cyane  ;  John  Newall,  to  the  Bristol  $  J.  G.  Nops,  to  the  Achille  ; 
Charles  Pollard,  to  the  Hope;  Thomas  Pearce,  to  the  Sybille ;  Hon. 
Jos.  P.  Proby,  to  the  Mercurius  ;  John  Pendegrast,  to  the  Teaser; 
Thomas  Simmonds,  to  the  Tigre  ;  Robert  Stuart,  to  the  Warspite  ;  John 
C.  Snell,  to  the  Sybille  ;  R.  Stuart,  to  the  Dauntless  ;  John  Russel,  to 
the  Brevdrageren  ;  George  Reid,  to  the  Castilian  ;  Michael  Raven,  to 
the  Colossus;  William  Reeve,  to  the  Pheasant;  William  Robert- 
son (2),  to  the  Erne;  Nathaniel  Ratsey,  to  the  Esk;  W.  Simkin,  to 
the  Mercurius  ;  P.  Sheppard,  to  the  Owen  Glendower;  Thomas  Stone, 
to  the  Rosario;  James  Shrapnel!,  to  the  Espiegle ;  Thomas  Skede,  to 
the  Elake  P.S.  ;  Robert  Smith,  to  the  rank  of  commander;  John 
Theed,  to  the  Superb  ;  George  Tyrrel,  to  the  Newcastle;  J.  B.  Tartnel, 
to  the  Tonnaut ;  W.  Trotter,  to  the  Astrea;  Nicholas  Toralinson,  to 
the  Hazard  ;  J.  T.  Tatlock,  to  the  Sabrina;  Joseph  R.  Thomas,  to  the 
Piercer;  H.  B.  Woodhouse,  to  the  Crocodile;  Christopher  Wyvill,  to 
the  Leopard;  Thomas  Waley,  to  the  Ulysses  j  Charles  Wood,  to  the 
Queen  Charlotte. 

Masters  appointed.  '..  . 

B.  Ainworthy,  to  the  Erebus;  W.  F.  Baker,  to  the  Tigris;  J.  Bur- 
ness,  to  the  Comet;  J.  Bates,  to  the  Princess  Caroline;  J.  Boyd,, 
to  the  Grampus;  R.  Cubison,  to  the  Medina;  John  Cragg,  to  the 
Ariel ;  T.  Chillingworth,  to  the  Psyche;  D.  Dickson,  to  the  Prompte  ; 
W.  Folhergill,  to  be  superintending  master  at  Chatham;  S.Giles,  to 
the  Helicon  ;  T.  Greensides,  to  the  Devonshire;  M.  G.  Holhrook,  to 
the  Sydney  surveying  vessel ;  J.  Mills,  to  the  Horatio  ;  J.  J.  M'Cay,  to 
the  Goshawk;  J.Phillips,  to  the  Newcastle;  T.  Paddon,  to  the  Esk; 
A.  Seaman,  to  the  Portia  ;  A.  Thompson,  to  the  Meteor  ;  C.  White,  to 
be  superintending  master  at  Chatham;  J.  T.  Watson,  fo  the  Sabine  ; 
Edward  Martin,  to  the  Halcyon  ;  William  Brown,  to  the  Oberon. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

Sheerness. — James  O'Brien,  Neil  Clark,  John  Parsons,  C.  G.  Butler, 
J.  C.  Townsend,  Henry  Tomkins,  Charles  Mallard,  George  Harris. 

Portsmouth. — Joseph  Martin,  William  Knocker,  F.  Blacker,  J.  H. 
Whealley,  Charles  Paynter. 

Plymouth. — Joseph  Rawling,  F.  Prangnell,  Charles  March,  James 
S.  Hore,  Henry  Lawrence,  C.  W.  Sauudersou,  B.  Edwards,  Robert 
Lucas. 

Pursers  appointed. 

John  M.  Hope,  to  the  Pheasant ;  W.  Crisp,  to  the  Piercer ;  John 
Howard,  to  the  Surveillanle ;  H.  D.  Garwood,  to  the  Flamer ;  W. 
M'Lellan,  to  the  Eden;  P.  Duffers,  to  the  Podargus. 

Surgeons  appointed. 

James  Arnott,  to  the  Rosamond  ;  John  Morgan  (2),  to  the  Peru- 
vian ;  G'eorge  Clayton,  to  the  Defiance,  P.  S.  ;  W.  M.  Kennedy,  to  the 
Liberty  brig  ;  John  Langhna,  to  the  Sabrina  ;  Andrew  Morrison,  to 
the  Audromeda  ;  J.  E.  Anderson,  to  the  Alert  sloop  ;  Charles  Queade, 
to  the  Newcastle  ;  William  Claperton,  to  the  Electra  ;  J.  L.  Paterson, 
to  the  Mohawk  ;  John  Whitaker,  to  the  Prompt  ;  A.  Blacklock,  to 
|he  Psyche  j  William  Simpson,  to  the  Goshawk  ;  James  Kay,  to  the 


262  KA.VAI*  HISTORY   OF   THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

Colibri ;  James  Brenau,  to  the  Bahama,  F.S.  ;  John  Allen,  to  the  Erne; 
Jeha  Campbell,  to  the  Causo  schooner  ;  P.  C.  Parlebieo,  to  the  Cla- 
rence ;  James  Billing;  to  the  Belliqueux  ;  George  Galbraith,  to  the 
Kroa  Pripds' (formerly  Kron  Princen)  ;  James  M'Beath,  to  the  Comet ; 
R.  B.  Sanderson,  to  the  Nautilus. 

Assistant-surgeons. 

James  M' Alpine  to  the  Ville  de  Paris  ;  John  Cameron  (1)  to  the  Sal. 
T ador  del  Mundo  ;  Andrew  Creighton,  to  the  Abundance,  S.S.;  William 
Bruce,  to  be  hospital-mate  at  Haslar  ;  J.  VV.  Langstaff,  to  the  Gladia- 
tor ;  E.  A.  Smith,  to  the  Vonero  ;  John  Hail,  to  be  hospital-mate  at 
Deal  ;  A.  C.  Hyndman,  to  the  Hasty  sloop  ;  William  Dennison,  to 
the  Solebaj  ;  William  Bell,  to  the  Prompte  ;  H.  Stewart,  to  the  Hora- 
tio ;  D.  Bennet,  to  the  Psyche  ;  C.  O.  Friell,  to  the  Swift,  S.S.  ;  Wil- 
liam Black  (1),  to  the  Newcastle  ;  M.  Sheahan,  to  the  Achille  ;  A.  Small, 
to  the  Argonaut,  H.S. ;  Charles  Kennedy,  to  the  Bellerophon  ;  C.  C. 
Todd,  to  the  Magnificent;  John  Curtis,  to  the  Monmouth  ;  £.  Ruther- 
ford, to  the  Venus  ;  Thomas  Brownrigg,  Robert  Dunn,  W.  Smith  (2J, 
to  proceed  as  supernumeraries  to  America,  for  the  Lake  service  ;  Alex- 
ander Baird,  to  be  hospital-mate  at  Plymouth. 

BIRTHS.^ 

On  the  2d  of  March,  the  lady  of  Captain  A.  B.  Binghara,  of  H.M.S. 
Myrtle,  of  a  son.  * 

On  the  3d  of  March,  the  lady  of  Captain  G.  B.  Hatnond,  of  H.M.S. 
Ivivoli,  of  a  son, 

MARRIAGES. 

Lately,  at  Bath,  Captain  J.  D.  Markland,  R.N.  to  Miss  Helen  Tregon- 
nell,  of  Cranborne  Lodge,  Dorset. 

Lately,  Captain  Prevost,  flag-captain  to  Admiral  Surridge,  at  Chat- 
ham, to  the  only  daughter  of  the  late  Lewis  Theisser,  ES<I.  of  Wood- 
cole  Park,  Surrey. 

DEATHS. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  at  the  Royal  Naval  Hospital,  Deal, 
Lieutenant  John  Gordon,  late  of  H.M.S.  Theban,  and  nephew  to  the 
Hon.  John  Gordon,  of  Kinmore  Castle,  near  Galloway. 

Lately,  at  an  advanced  age,  at  Mintern  Magna,  Dorset,  Richard 
Digby,  Esq.  senior-admiral  of  the  red,  and  uncle  to  the  Earl  Digby. 
It  was  under  this  admiral  that  the  Duke  of  Clarence  entered  the  navy. 

Lately,  at  Cowes,  Lieutenant  Robert  Ratrey,  R.N.  aged  40  years. 

On  the  26th  of  February,  at  Rochester,  Mrs.  Dick,  mother  of  Captain 
Dick,  R.N. 

On  the  12th  of  March,  at  Maize  Hill,  Greenwich,  Major-general  Sir 
John  Douglas,  Knt.  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Woolwich  division  of  royal 
marines.  His  remains  were  interred  with  great  military  pomp  io  tha 
church  at  Charllou,  near  Woolwich. 


THE  I.ATE  I.1EOTF.XANT  THOMAS   VflLLIAi^  JOVES,  R.W. 

Lieutenant  Thomas  William  Jones,  commander  of  H.M.  schonner 
Alphea  at  the  lime  of  her  late  catastrophe,  was  horn  July  5,  1783  ; 
being  the  youngest  son  of  the  late  Mr.  Richard  Jones,  surgeon, 
of  Plympton,  Devon.  He  served  the  greater  part  of  his  time  as 
midshipman,  on  board  the  Trent  frigate,  iu  the  West  Indies;  and 
on  his  return  to  England  was  promoted  to  a  lieutenancy  by  Sir  Hyde 
Parker  at  the  attack  011  Copenhagen;  oa  which  occasion  he  had  the 


NAVAL   HISTORY   OF   THE  PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

Command  of  an  armed  flat-boat,  and,  amongst  other  services,  was 
charged  with  the  destruction  of  some  of  the  Danish  ships.  He  after- 
wards served  as  lieutenant  on  board  various  ships  of  different  rates  from 
the  highest  to  the  lowest,  and  was  engaged  in  the  Walcheren  expedi- 
tion, where  he  was  employed  with  other  uaval  officers  in  the  landing  of 
the  troops.  t 

In  August  1812,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Arrow 
schooner,  as  acting  for  Lieutenant  Knight,  who  afterwards  died  of  the 
wounds  he  received  in  her.  During  this  service  he  was  attached  to  the 
squadron  then  stationed  in  Basque  Roads ;  where  he  so  distinguished 
himself  by  his  activity  and  gallantry,  that,  on  being  superseded  from  the 
Arrow,  he  was  immediately  appointed  'by  the  Admiralty,  from  the 
recommendation  of  his  commanding  officers,  who  witnessed  and 
approved  bis  conduct,  to  the  command  of  the  Alphea.  In  this  vessel 
he  was  sent  with  despatches  to  America  ;  and  having,  whilst  on  that 
station,  ventured  to  detain  an  American  vessel,  at  the  commencement  of 
the  war,  before  receiving  actual  commission  for  such  procedure,  the 
Admiralty,  on  his  return  to  England,  thought  proper  to  dismiss  him, 
his  ship ;  to  which,  however,  he  was  restored  after  the  interval  of  a  few 
months.  He  was  then  destined  to  the  Channel  station,  for  the  protec- 
tion of  the  coasting  trade  ;  and  sailed  from  Dartmouth,  September  7th, 
1813,  on  a  cruize,  in  which,  beyond  all  doubt,  his  career  was  terminated, 
as  detailed  in  the  annexed  account,  faithfully  translated  from  the  Moni- 
teur  of  September  21.  In  this  action,  allowing  the  enemy  all  due  credit 
for  his  narrative,  there  seems  to  have  been  displayed,  on  both  sides,  a» 
much  determined  intrepidity  as  is  to  be  found  recorded  in  the  naval 
annals  of  any  country. 

It  should  be  observed,  that,  from  the  last  returns  to  the  Admiral's 
Office  at  Portsmouth,  it  appears  the  Alphea  then  mustered  one  lieute- 
nant, a  master,  ten  petty  officers,  twelve  able  seamen, six  ordinary  ditto, 
three  landsmen,  a  corporal  and  six  private  marines,  and  one  boy  of  the 
third  class.  Her  regular  complement  was  only  thirty-six,  including  offi- 
cers and  men;  and  it  i»  believed,  that  the  supernumeraries  had  been, 
afterwards  discharged. 

(TRANSLATION.) 

MONITEUR,  SEPT.  £!ST. 

"  Administration  of  the  Navy. 

w  Report  of  the  Cruize  of  the  Renard  Privateer  Cutter,  of  14  Guns  and 
60  Men,  to  the  Maritime  Prefect  of  Cherbourg. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that  I  anchored  yesterday  even- 
ing in  the  road  of  the  great  bay,  Port  Dulette,  on  return  from  a  cruize. 
We  sailed  from  the  Isle  of  Bas  on  the  8th,  with  a  strong  westerly  wind  ; 
ve  stood  across  Channel  during  the  night;  and  at  four  in  the  morning, 
we  made  the  Start  point,  bearing  S.  W.  distant  four  leagues.  On  the 
9th,  at  three  o'clock,  we  descried  a  sail  to  leeward,  on  the  starboard- 
tack.  I  gave  chase  to  her,  and  at  five  o'clock  I  discovered  her  to  be  a 
man-of-war  schooner.  I  hauled  to  the  wind  ;  she  followed  my 
manoeuvres,  and  was  then  at  the  distance  of  two  leagues  astern  of  us. 
She  came  up  with  me  at  one  o'clock.  1  made  preparation  for  battle,  and 
stationed  every  man  at  bis  post. 

"  The  enemy's  schooner  began  the  action  by  firing  her  chace-gnns. 
The  enemy  luffed  up  to  the  wind,  and  I  gave  him  my  larboard  broad- 
side ;  he  bore  away  to  pass  to  leeward,  and  returned  us  his  own. 
I  tacked  to  starboard,  and  gave  him  several  broadsides  at  pistol-shot, 
supported  by  the  whole  of  our  musquetry.  During  these  first  broad- 
sides, my  First-Lieutenaat  Devose,  and,  the  two  Lieutenants  Bertliolet 


jfH  KATAL    HISTORY    OF  ill*   VRESEXT   YEAfe,    1814. 

and  Ramarie,  were  wounded  and  disabled,  as  well  as  a  great  'number  of 
the  crew.  It  was  dead  calm,  though  with  a  high  sea  ;  and  the  enemy 
was  thrown  by  the  swell  under  our  lee-bows.  I  gave  orders  for  board- 
ing: the  enemy,  superior  in  number*,  repulsed  us  with  loss;  and  gave 
u»  a  volley  of  grape-shot,  which  swept  the  whole  of  the  forecastle.  My 
second  in  command  was  killed  in  this  broadside,  and  I  had  several 
•wounded.  I  had  no  occasion  to  excite  the  courage  of  my  people;  and 
Mr.  Herbert,  the  officer  of  the  forecastle,  with  Mr.  Lavergne,  a  mid- 
shipman, rallied  together  several  men  to  make  a  second  attempt ;.  but 
the  vessels  burst  the  grapplings,  and  parted. 

"  During  the  whole  of  this  time,  the  batteries  on  both  sides  kept  up  a 
constant  fire;  and  the  officers  of  the  forecastle  threw  several  hand- 
grenades.  While  the  vessels  were  aboard  each  other,  we  tore  the  pikes 
and  pistols  from  each  other's  hands,  and  mangled  one  another  without 
being  able  to  leap  on  board  on  either  side.  The  enemy  now  dropped  on 
our  starboard  quarter,  firing  broadsides  into  us  in  quick  succession.  In 
one  of  these  broadsides,  I  had  an  arm  carried  away  ;  but  encouraged  my 
people  by  crying — "  Courage,  my  friends  ;  the  enemy  is  about  to  sur- 
fender."  I  intimated  to  Mr.  Herbert,  the  only  lieutenant  I  had  left,  to 
take  command  of  the  privateer;  he  caused  me  to  he  carried  iuto  the 
cabin;  it  was  then  three  o'clock.  Mr.  Herbert,  with  Mr.  Lavergne, 
cheered  the  courage  of  the  small  number  of  men  that  remained,'  and 
continued  the  engagement ;  when  two  guns,  which- were  fired  at  once 
from  our  deck,  appeared  to  throw  the  enemy  into  disorder;  and  just  as 
the  commanding  officer  was  in  the  act  of  crying  out,  '  They  have 
struck;  cease  firing;"  the  schooner  blew  up,  within  pistol-shot  to  lee- 
ward. We  were  ourselves  at  the  same  instant  covered  with  flames,  and 
pieces  of  wreck  on  fire,  which  fell  all  over  our  decks.  The  comnjamlmg- 
officcr  caused  water  to  be  thrown  over  the  whole,  and  gave  orders  tof 
manning  the  boats,  in  order  to  save  those  of  the  enemy's  crew  who 
might  haTe  escaped  the  explosion  ;  but  our  launch  was  shattered 
to  pieces,  and  the  jolly-boat  in  tow  was  sunk.  Three  or  four  were  per- 
ceived swimming  on  the  wrecks,  and  all  that  could  be  done  Mas  to  desire 
them  to  come  on  alongside  of  us,  the  calm  preventing  us  from 
manceuvring  ;  but  none  of  I  hem  were  able  to  come  near  us.  They 
cried  out,  they  could  see  nothing.  It  was  then  haif-past-ihree.  Our  first 
attentions  afterwards  were  engaged  in  the  care  or  the  wounded,  who 
were  in  number  thirty-one  ;  five  men  only  had  been  killed.  We  had  but 
thirteen  seamen  remaining  in  condition  to  work  the  ship.  We  repaired 
our  damages  as  well  as  we  could,  a,nd  steered  for  the  coast  of  France, 
where  we  arrived  on  the  14th. 

Signed  for  the  Captain,  LF,  Rorx, 

"  J.  HERBERT,  Lieut." 

"  Deposition  of  one  of  the  Officers  of  the  Renard,  taken  Pris»n?r 
in  another  French  I'rivaletr,  and  brought  into  Plymouth  about 
Christmas  1813. 

•«  Sept.  1813.  On  the  9th,  at  three  in  the  afternoon,  the  Renard 
<teicried  a  schooner,  to  which  she  gave  chace.  At  four,  having  disco- 
vered her  to  be  a  roan  of  war,  the  privateer  made  off.  At  midnight  the 
rchooner  commenced  firing  her  chace-guns :  at  one  the  engagement  be- 
gan, and  lasted  till  half-past- three  ;  when  the  schooner  blew  up,  from' 
the  grenades  which  were  thrown  on  board.  Some  minutes  after  the  ex- 
plosion, three  men  were  perceived  on  the  wrecks,  who  were  not  saved 
tor  want  of  boats.  They  wefe  called  to,  to  come  alongside;  but  they 
answered,  they  were  unable,  having  their  sight  scorched,  A  short  time 
afterwards  they  scnk." 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOIR 

OF 

PHILIP  DE   SAUMAREZ, 

CAPTAIN 


*'  Orbe  Circumcincto." 


At  hand,  or  remote,  still  that  moment  must  come, 
Which  hath  not  a  successor  on  this  side  the  tomb  — 
Fate  hurls  his  dark  mandates  imperious  on  all  — 
But  —  in  Victory's  arms—  for  our  Country  to  fall— 
Is  Heaven's  high  behest  —  is  a  privilege  divine."  — 
THE  MORN  OF 


IT  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  biography  of  this  skilful 
navigator,  and  intrepid  seaman,  should  have  beau  so  long 
withheld  from  the  world.  The  protracted  delay  that  has  taken, 
place  between  his  glorious  death,  and  the  record  of  his  achieve- 
ments, looks  like  injustice  mingled  with  ingratitude.  The  con- 
sciousness that  the  historian  of  the  day  will  do  justice  to  his  fame, 
•elates  the  heart  of  the  warrior,  animates  him  to  deeds  of  the  great- 
est daring,  gives  the  finest  zest  to  victory,  and  smooths  the  rugged 
path  of  death. 

There  are  few,  if  any,  naval  captains  who  have  perished  in 
combat  with  the  enemies  of  their  country,  whose  professional 
adventures  were  better  worth  preserving  than  those  of  Philip  dc 
Saumarez  :  yet,  unfortunately,  so  great  is  the  lapse  of  time  which 
has  intervened  between  the  period  of  his  existence,  and  the  record 
of  his  achievements,  that  his  biographer  has  to  commence  his 
grateful  duty  very  slenderly,  indeed,  provided  with  materials.  It  is 
not  ascertained  in  what  ship,  or  under  whose  command,  he  mads 
his  first  essay  as  a  naval  officer  ;  nor  when  he  passed  for  lieutenant  : 
nor  have  we  any  account  of  him  till  we  find  him,  in  1740,  serving 
a?  a  lieutenant  in  the  Centurion,  under  Commodore  Anson.* 
fae  was  then  in  his  thirtieth  year  ;  and  had  entered  into  the  navy 

*  For  a  memoir  and  portrait  of  Commodore  Anson,  see  N.  C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  272.  . 

.  Gof,  XXXI.  ?  F 


466  NATAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

fourteen  years  prior  to  that  period.  As  Commodore  Anson  had 
the  privilege  of  selecting  his  officers,  and  as  he  was  well  aware  how 
greatly  the  success  of  the  important  expedition  he  was  about  to 
commence,  depended  upon  the  qualities  of  the  officers  scrying 
under  his  orders,  it  may  fairly  be  inferred  that  Philip  de  Sauma- 
rez had  not  been  selected  to  accompany  the  commodore  in  a  voy- 
age round  the  globe,  if  he  had  not  previously  distinguished 
himelf,  and  given  the  fairest  promise  of  becoming  a  great  sea 
captain. 

Upon  the  vacancies  which  occurred  by  the  death  of  Captain 
Kidd,*  of  the  Wager,  Mr.  de  Saumarez  succeeded  Mr.  Charles 
Saunders,  as  first  lieutenant  of  the  Centurion,  when  she  lay  in 
the  bay  of  St.  Julian,  on  or  about  the  17th  February,  1741.  It 
is  not  certain  when  he  was  made  commander  ;  but  it  is  probable 
he  took  that  rank  in  September,  1741 ,  on  being  appointed  to  the 
command  of  the  Spanish  prize,  the  Ncustra  Senora  del  Monte 
Carmelo,  which  the  Centurion  captured  not  far  from  the  island  of 
Juan  Fernandez.  Upon  the  capture  of  that  glorious  prize,  the 
Manilla  galleon  called  the  Neustra  Senora  del  Cabadonga,  by  the 
Centurion,  on  the  20th  June,  1743,  Philip  de  Saumarez  was 
appointed  to  command  her,  with  the  rank  of  post  captain.  + 

The  poverty  of  biographical  materials  is  in  a  great  measure 
compensated  by  an  original  letter  possessed  by  his  noble  relative, 
Admiral  Sir  James  Saumarez  ;  +  and  by  him  transmitted  for  inser- 
tion in  this  memoir,  which  was  written  by  Philip  de  Saumarez  on. 
board  the  Centurion,  in  November  or  December  1742,  at  the 
island  of  Macoa. 

As  long  as  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  remains,  or  a  taste  for  naval 
literature  shall  be  cherished,  this  important  letter  will  be  read  with 
lively  interest.  It  exhibits  a  bold  and  glowing  picture  of  a  suc- 
cession of  mournful  events,  of  which  this  officer  appears  to  have 


*  Captain  Dandy  Kidd  died  on  board  the  Wager  frigate,  3lst  January,  1741. 

f  It  is  mentioned  in  the  N.  C.  Vol.  III.  p.  350,  that,  on  the  21st  June,  1743, 
Mr.  Saumarez  was  appointed  Commander  of  the  Cabadonga,  the  Centurion's  splen- 
did prize  ;  but  it  is  expressly  stated  in  Anson's  Voyage,  that  the  Cabadonga  was 
made  a  post  ship  in  H.  ftl.*s  service,  and  that  the  command  was  bestowed  on 
Mr.  de  Sauniarez  :  and  that  he  afterwards  commanded  the  Sandwich,  a  second 
ntc. — Eo. 

J  ride  memoir  and  portrait,  N.  C.  Vol.  VI.  p.  87. 


PHILIP   DE   SAUMAREZ.  267 

had  his  full  share,  and  to  have  endured  the  almost  unparalleled 
hardships  to  which  he  was  exposed,  with  a  fortitude  that  reflect* 
honour  to  his  memory.  Of  his  own  peculiar  services,  he  treats 
rery  sparingly.  We  find  him  involved  in  a  continual  round  of 
perilous  adventures,  and  still  surmounting  all  difficulties.  Court- 
ing danger?  in  every  shape,  eager  for  promotion,  indulging  in 
bright  visions  of  wealth  and  glory,  and  afterwards  narrating  the 
wreck  of  his  sanguine  hopes  amidst  such  miseries  as  few  minds  or 
bodies  could  have  endured. 

It  is  singular  that  a  letter  so  truly  interesting,  and  differing  as 
it  does  in  some  particulars  from  the  printed  voyage,  should  never 
have  been  published.  It  is  to  be  hoped  it  will  appear  with  the 
future  editions  of  Anson's  voyage  ;  as  having  been  penned  by  one 
who  had  so  great  a  share  in  the  dangers  and  the  glories  of  that 
eventful  expedition.  As  this  valuable  document  furnishes  a  plain 
connected  narrative  of  the  most  important  events  of  his  short  but 
glorious  professional  career,  we  shall  lay  it  in  its  native  dress  be. 
fore  our  readers,  adding  an  occasional  extract  from  Commodore 
Anson's  Voyage,  to  illustrate  those  interesting  passages  wherein 
•we  conceived  a  little  elucidation  might  be  judiciously  introduced. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  written  in  the  Year  1742  ly  PHILIP  DE  SAUMAREZ,  Esq. 
at  <that  time  1st  Lieutenant  under  Commodore  Anson.* 

On  board  ff.M.S.  Centurion— 1742. 

I  shall  run  over  briefly  the  several  dates  of  our  voyage,  and  give  you  a 
rude  sketch  of  our  proceedings— for  to  enlarge  on  particulars  would  exceed 
the  limits  of  a  letter. 

You  will  recollect  our  squadron  left  England  the  18th  September,  1740.f 
\Ve  had  a  tedious  passage  of  41  days  to  Madeira, f  the  usual  one  being 
ten  ;  to  this  accident  several  secondary  ones  succeeded— as  loss  of  time  and 
of  the  season  proper  for  navigating  the  Southern  Seas,  and  declining  health 
of  our  men,  especially  the  soldiery  :  we  stayed  a  week  at  this  island,  em- 
ployed in  watering  and  taking  in  our  stock  of  wine.  It  is  highly  probable 
we  narrowly  escaped  a  squadron  of  the  enemy,  §  which  were  discovered 
from  the  mountains,  cruising  off  the  west  end  or  the  island;  and  which, 
if  the  commanders  had  behaved  like  discipliuarians,  might  have  intercepted 
us,  and  it  would  have  fully  answered  the  designs  of  the  Spanish  Court,  if 
they  had  disabled  us  trom  pursuing  our  voyage,  which  must  have  been 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  1813— p.  28.  f  Idem.  Page  30. 

$  Madeira  (Funchal)  is  in  latitude  32o  3?'  20"  JS".  longitude  169  55'  36"  W.— 
(HYDHOGRAPHSR.) 

$  Fide  Ansou's  Voyage,  1813.  p.  31  and  32, 


WAVAt  BIOGHAPHT. 

the  consequence  of  an  engagement.  They  had  also  the  advantage  of  berog 
double  our  number  ;  but  leaving  them  to  their  own  reflections,  we  pursued 
our  course,  and  crossed  the  Use  and  tropics  without  any  remarkable  acci- 
dents occurring,  excepting  that  fevers  and  fluxes  began  to  attack  us, 
especially  the  soldiers,  and  in  44  days  we  arrived  at  the  island  of  St.  Cathe- 
rine,* on  the  coast  of  Brazil,  the  19th  December,  1740. 

We  stayed  at  St.  Catherine's!  28  days,  employed  in  recovering  our  sick, 
yvho  lived  on  shore  in  tents,  and  in  making  preparations  for  doubling  Cape 
Horn  in  a  tempestuous  advanced  season  ;  we  sailed  hence  the  18th  of 
January,  and  soon  after  began  to  meet  with  uncertain  stormy  weather,  in 
•which  the  Tiyal  sloop  ^  lost  her  main-mast,  and  was  towed  by  one  of  the 
squadron. §  The  Pearl  separated  from  us,  but  as  our  rendezvous  was  at  St. 
Julian's,||  a  port  on  the  coast  of  Patagonia,  or  as  others  term  it,  Terra 
j\I(igella?iica,  in  49°  30'  south,  we  rejoined  here ;  by  which  we  learnt  of 
Pizarro's  squadron,  from  whom  she  narrowly  escaped,  off  Pessy's  Island. 
We  stayed  here  8  days,  employed  in  putling  all  our  lumber  on  hoard  the 
•tore-ships,  and  were  in  hopes  of  meeting  with  the  Spanish  squadron.  The 
coast  here  is  a  sulphurous  nitrous  soil,  abounding  with  salt  lakes,  but  des- 
titute of  verdure,  shrub,  tree,  or  fresh  water,  and  seems  the  seat  of  infer- 
nal spirits;  nor  indeed  was  there  the  tract  of  any  terrestrials,  besides  seals 
and  birds.  We  here  took  in  salt,  and  refitted  the  sloop.  Captain  Kidd's 
death^  made  a  revolution  in  promotion  amongst  us,  and  I  was  appointed 
Jst  lieutenant  of  the  Commodore:  but  my  predecessor,**  to  whose  command 
the  sloop  descended  at  that  time,  was  taken  dangerously  ill,  and  became 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  p.  50,  &c. 

-r  St.  Catherine's  isle  is  situated  in  latitude  27°  32'  32"  S.  longitude  49°  ID'  3?"  W. 

J  As  the  seasons  in  the  southern  hemisphere  are  reversed  from  their  course  in 
the  northern,  Midsummer  falls  in  January,  and  consequently  the  writer's  com- 
plaint on  18lh  January,  of  having  to  double  Cape  Horn  in  an  "'advanced  season," 
seems  to  require  some  degree  of  explanation  :  perhaps  there  are  local  hurricane* 
or  periodical  monsoons  off  that  promontory,  as  at  the  place  near  the  Mauritius  in 
December,  January,  and  February  :  certain  it  is  that  more  modern  navigators 
do  not  re-echo  Anson's  lamentable  account  of  the  terrors  of  Cape  Horn,  which  is 
in  latitude  55°  58'  30"  S.  and  in  longitade  67°  26'  W. 

§  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  64. 

j|  The  geographical  site  of  Tort  St.  Juliaa  is  49°  10'  S.  680  40'  W. 

^J  Dandy  Kidd  was  chief  matt  of  the  great  South-sea  ship  when  a  lieutenant 
in  the  navy.  He  was  made  post  captain  in  the  Wager  on  26th  December,  1739, 
»nd  died  31st  January,  174  £. 

**  Vide  N.  C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  2.— While  we  stayed  at  this  place,  the  commodore 
appointed  the  Honourable  Captain  Murray  to  succeed  to  the  Pearl,  and  Captain 
Cheap  to  the  Wager,  and  he  promoted  Mr.  Charles  Saunders,  his  first  lieutenant, 
to  the  command  of  the  Tryal  sloop.  But  Captain  Saunders  lying  dangerously  ill 
of  a  fever  on  board  the  Centurion,  and  it  being  the  opinion  of  the  surgeons,  that 
the  removing  him  on  board  his  own  ship,  in  his  present  condition,  might  tend  to 
the  hazard  of  Ins  Jife,  Mr.  Arson  gave  an  order  to  Mr.  de  Saumarez,  first  lieutenant 
of  the  Centurion,  to  act  as  master  and  commander  of  the  Tryal,  during  the  illness 
of  Captain  Sauiiders. 


THILTP  »DE   SAUMAtttZ.  26t 

incapable  of  taking  possession  of  his  charge.  I  was  ordered  to  take  the 
command*  of  her  till  his  recovery,  and  here  I  must  confess  to  you,  I  was 
Sanguine  enough  to  flatter  myself  with  the  same  addition  of  good  fortune,— 
Some  favourable  crisis  in  my  behalf — but  I  was  born  to  be  unfortunate. 

We  sailed  hence  the  27th  February,  1741.f  My  station  in  the  sloop 
being  a-head  of  the  squadron,  to  keep  sounding,  and  make  timely  signals 
of  danger.  The  4th  March  we  discovered  the  entrance  of  the  strait  of 
Magellan,:}:  and  on  the  7th  passed  through  the  strait  Le  Maire,  lying  at 
the  extremity  of  Terra-del-Fuego,  between  that  and  Staten-land.  This 
day  was  remarkably  warm  and  favourable,  though  in  latitude  of  55°  06' 
south.  We  began  to  look  on  the  conquest  of  the  Peruvian  mines,  §  and 
principal  towns  in  the  Pacific  Sea,  as  an  amusement  which  would  naturally 
occur.  From  this  time  forward  we  met  with  nothing  but  disasters  and 
accidents.  Never  were  the  passions  of  hope  and  fear  so  powerfully  agitated 
and  exercised;  the  very  elements  seemed  combined  against  us.jj  I  com- 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  p.  67  and  68.  f  Idem.  Page  74. 

$  The  proper  orthography  of  this  name  is  Magelhaens. 

$   Tide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  77. 

(|  From  the  storms  which  came  on  before  we  had  well  got  clear  of  strait  Le 
Maire,  we  had  a  continual  succession  of  such  tempestuous  weather,  as  surprised 
the  oldest  and  most  experienced  mariners  on  board,  and  obliged  them  to  confess, 
that  what  they  had  hitherto  called  storms,  were  inconsiderable  gales,  compared 
with  the  violence  of  these  winds,  which  raised  such  short,  and  at  the  same  time 
such  mountainous  waves,  as  greatly  surpassed  in  danger  all  seas  known  in  any 
other  part  of  the  globe  ;  and  it  was  not  without  great  reason  that  this  unusual 
appearance  filled  us  with  continual  terror  ;  for  had  any  one  of  these  waves  broke 
fairly  over  us,  it  must,  in  all  probability,  have  sent  us  to  the  bottom  ;  nor  did  we 
escape  with  terror  only,  for  the  ship,  rolling  incessantly  gunwale-lo,  gave  us  such 
quick  and  violent  motions,  that  we  were  in  perpetual  danger  of  being  dashed  in 
pieces  against  the  decks  or  .sides  of  the  ship.  And  though  we  were  extremely 
Careful  to  secure  ourselves  from  these  shocks,  by  grasping  some  fixed  body,  yet 
many  of  our  people  were  forced  from  their  hold  ;  some  of  whom  were  killed,  and 
others  greatly  injured  ;  in  particular  one  of  our  best  seamen  was  canted  over- 
board and  drowned ;  another  dislocated  his  neck,  a  third  was  thrown  into  the 
main  hold  and  broke  his  thigh,  and  one  of  the  boatswain's  mates  broke  his  collar 
bone  twice  ;  not  to  mention  many  more  accidents  of  the  same  kind.  These  tem- 
pests, so  dreadful  in  themselves,  though  unattended  by  any  other  unfavourable 
circumstances,  were  yet  rendered  more  mischievous  to  us  by  their  inequality,  and 
the  deceitful  intervals  which  they  at  some  times  afforded  ;  for  though  we  were 
afterwards  obliged  to  lie-to  for  days  together  under  a  reefed  roizen,  and  were 
frequently  reduced  to  lie  at  the  mercy  of  the  waves  under  our  bare  poles,  yet  now 
and  then  we  ventured  to  make  sail  with  our  courses  double-reefed,  and  the 
weather  proving  more  tolerable,  would  perhaps  encourage  us  to  set  our  top- 
sails ;  after  which  the  wind,  without  any  previous  notice,  would  return  upon  us 
with  redoubled  force,  and  would  in  an  instant  tear  our  sails  from  the  yard.  And 
that  no  circumstance  might  be  wanting  which  could  aggravate  our  distress,  those 
blasts  generally  brought  with  them  a  great  quantity  of  snow  and  sleet,  which  cased 
our  rigging,  and  froze  our  sails,  thereby  rendering  them  and  our  cordage  brittle, 
and  apt  to  snap  upon  the  slightest  strain,  adding  great  difficulty  and  labour  to 


270  NAVAL  BIOanAPHY. 

manded  the  sloop  at  the  time  of  the  separation  of  the  ships  that  returned 
home,  being  stationed  to  look  out  for  islands  of  ice,  and  had  to  endure 
such  fatigues  from  the  severity  of  the  weather,  and  the  duty  which  the  na- 
ture of  the  sloop  naturally  brought  on  me,  that  really  life  is  not  worth  pre- 
serving at  the  expence  of  such  hardships,  having  had  several  miraculous 
escapes  from  our  own  ships,  which,  in  the  obscurity  of  the  night,  and 
violence  of  the  weather,  often  endangered  foundering  the  bloop.  Having 
had  the  command  of  the  sloop  seven  weeks,  I  was  at  length  superseded  by 
her  proper  captain,  who  bad  recovered  on  board  the  Commodore,  and  I 
returned  to  my  post. — During  this  time  the  scurvy*  made  terrible  bavock 

the  working  of  the  ship,  benumbing  the  limbs  of  our  people,  and  making  them 
incapable  of  exerting  themselves  with  their  usual  activity,  and  even  disabling 
many  of  them,  by  mortifying  their  toes  and  fingers.  It  were  indeed  endless  to 
enumerate  the  various  disasters  of  different  kinds  which  befel  us. — Idem.  p.  79,  80. 

*  This  disease,  so  frequently  attending  long  voyages,  and  so  particulaily 
destructive  to  us,  is  surely  the  most  singular  and  unaccountable  of  any  that  affects 
the  human  body.  Its  symptoms  are  inconstant  and  innumerable  ;  and  its  progress 
and  effects  extremely  irregular,  so  that  scarcely  any  two  persons  have  complaints 
exactly  resembling  each  other  ;  and  where  there  have  been  found  some  confor- 
mity in  the  symptoms,  the  order  of  their  appearance  has  been  totally  different. 
However,  though  it  frequently  puts  on  the  form  of  many  other  diseases,  and  is 
therefore  not  to  be  described  by  any  exclusive  and  infallible  criterion,  yet  there 
are  some  symptoms  which  are  more  general  than  the  rest,  and,  occurring  tha 
oftenest,  deserve  a  more  particular  enumeration.  These  common  appearances 
are  large  discoloured  spots,  dispersed  over  the  whole  surface  of  the  body,  swelled 
legs,  putrid  gums,  and  above  all,  an  extraordinary  lassitude  of  the  whole  botly,espc- 
cially  after  any  exercise,  however  inconsiderable  ;  and  this  lassitude  at  last  dege- 
nerates into  a  proneness  to  swoon,  and  even  to  die,  on  the  least  exertion  of 
strength,  or  even  of  the  least  motion. 

This  disease  is  usually  attended  with  a  strange  dejection  of  spirits,  and  with 
stiverings,  tremblings,  and  a  disposition  to  be  seized  with  the  most  dreadful  terrors 
on  the  slightest  accident.  Indeed  it  was  most  remarkable,  in  all  our  reiterated 
experience  of  this  malady,  that  whatever  discouraged  our  people,  or  at  any  time 
damped  their  hopes,  never  failed  to  add  new  vigour  to  the  distemper;  for  it 
usually  killed  ihose  who  were  in  the  last  stages  of  it,  and  confined  those  to  their 
hammocks  who  were  before  capable  of  some  kind  of  duty  ;  so  that  it  seemed  as 
if  alacrity  of  mind,  and  sanguine  thoughts,  were  no  contemptible  preservatives 
from  its  fatal  malignancy. 

But  it  is  not  easy  to  complete  the  long  roll  of  the' various  concomitants  of  this 
disease;  for  it  often  produced  putrid  fevers,  pleurisies,  the  jaundice,  and  violent 
rheumatic  pains,  and  sometimes  it  occasioned  an  obstinate  costiveness,  which 
was  generally  attended  with  difficulty  of  breathing  :  and  this  was  esteemed  the 
most  deadly  of  all  the  scorbutic  symptoms.  At  other  times  the  whole  body,  but 
more  particularly  the  legs,  were  subject  to  ulcers  of  the  worst  kind,  attended  with 
rotten  bones,  and  such  a  luxuriancy  of  fungus  flesh,  as  yielded  to  no  remedy. 
But  a  most  extraordinary  circumstance,  and  what  would  be  scarcely  credible  upon 
any  single  evidence,  is,  that  the  scars  of  wounds  which  had  been  for  many  years 
healed,  were  forced  open  again  by  this  virulent  distemper.  Of  this  there  was  a 
remarkable  instance  in  one  of  the  invalids  on  board  the  Centurion,  who  had  beeu 


DE   SAUMARfiZ.  2?I 

amongst  us,  especially  the  soldiers,  who  being  either  infirm  old  men,  or  raw 
inexperienced  youths,  they  soon  lost  their  spirits,  grew  sick  and  disabled  ; 
and  from  jthe  stench  they  occasioned,  contributed  to  infect  our  seamen. 
This  distemper  is  only  known  to  those  who  make  long  voyages,  and  ex- 
presses itself  iu  such  dreadful  symptoms  as  are  scarcely  credible,  vis. 
asthma,  pains  in  all  the  limbs  and  joints,  the  bodies  covered  with  blotches 
and  ulcers,  idiotism,  lunacy,  convulsions,  and  sudden  death  :  uor  can  all 
the  physicians,  with  all  the  Materia  Medico,  find  a  remedy  for  it  equal  to 
the  smell  of  a  turf  of  grass,  or  a  dish  of  greens.  It  is  not  my  province  to 
account  for  what  the  most  learned  only  confuse  and  perplex  ;  but  I  could 
plainly  observe  that  there  is  a  je  ne  sfais  quoi  in  the  frame  of  the  human 
system  which  cannot  be  removed,  cannot  be  preserved  without  the 
assistance  of  certain  earthly  particles,  or  in  plain  English,  the  landman's 
proper  element — and  vegetables  and  fruits  his  only  physic.  For  the  space 
of  six  weeks  we  seldom  buried  less  than  four  or  five  men  daily,  and  at  last 
it  amounted  to  eight  or  ten.  I  really  believe,  had  we  stayed  ten  days  longer 
at  sea,  we  should  have  lost  the  ship  for  want  of  men  to  navigate  her.  At 
length  we  arrived  at  the  island  of  Juan  Fernandez,*  in  the  South  Sea,  after 
having  escaped  several  imminent  dangers  of  shipwreck  on  the  coast  of 
Chili,  off  which  the  nature  of  our  rendezvous  required  us  to  cruise,  in  hopes 
of  rejoining  the  squadron. 

We  anchored  here  on  the  16th  June,  1741,  and  as  we  subsequently 
learned,  ten  days  after  the  departure  of  a  Spanish  ship  of  war,  which  was 
sent  by  the  admiral  of  these  seas  to  gain  intelligence ;  himself  having 

wounded  fifty  years  before,  (a)  at  the  battle  of  the  Boyne  ;  for  which  he  was  cured 
soon  alter,  and  had  continued  well  for  a  great  number  of  years  past;  yet,  on  his  bs- 
ing  attacked  by  the  scurvy,  in  the  progress  of  his  disease,  his  wounds  broke  Out  afresh* 
and  appeared  as  if  they  had  never  been  healed  :  nay,  what  is  still  more  astonish- 
ing, the  callus  of  a  broken  bone,  which  had  been  completely  formed  for  a  long 
time,  was  found  to  be  hereby  dissolved,  and  the  fracture  seemed  as  if  it  had  never 
been  consolidated.  Indeed  the  effects  of  this  disease  were,  in  almost  every 
instance,  wonderful ;  for  many  of  our  people,  though  confined  to  their  hammocks, 
appeared  to  have  no  inconsiderable  share  of  heahh  ;  for  they  ate  and  drank 
heartily,  were  cheerful,  and  talked  with  much  seeming  vigour,  and  with  a  strong 
loud  tone  of  voice ;  and  yet,  on  their  being  in  the  least  moved,  though  it  was  only 
from  one  part  of  the  ship  to  the  other,  in  their  hammocks,  they  have  immediately 
expired  ;  and  others,  who  have  confided  in  their  seeming  strength,  and  have 
resolved  to  get  out  of  their  hammocks,  have  died  before  they  could  well  reach, 
the  deck  :  nor  was  it  an  uncommon  thing  for  those  who  were  able  to  walk  the 
deck,  and  to  do  some  kind  of  duty,  to  drop  down  dead  in  an  instant,  on  any 
endeavours  to  act  with  their  utmost  effort,  many  of  our  people  having  perished  in 
this  manner  during  the  course  of  this  voyage. — Idtm.  p.  96,  97. 

*  Juan  Fernandez  is  in  33°  40'  S.  78o  33' W.  *  Idem.    Page  102,  &c. 

(a)  Was  it  not  extremely  inhuman  to  select  such  art  old  veteran,  to  send  him  on 
an  expedition  of  this  nature,  for  which  none  but  the  healthy  and  strong  were 
fitted  ? — What  a  powerful  argument  does  thi*  tact  afford  in  favour  of  limi.ed 
sarvice.— F/B. 


175  NAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

cruised  with  liis  squadron  of  four  sail  a  considerable  time,  in  hopes  of 
meeting  with  us:  well  judging  the  condition  our  ships  might  be  in.  You 
will  be  surprised  to  hear,  that  in  a  60-gun  ship,  on  our  arrival  at  this 
island,  we  mustered  but  72  persons,  including  officers  and  boys,  capable 
of  appearing  on  deck,  the  rest  being  all  sick,  having  lost  228  men  since  our 
leaving  England,  and  which  includes  nine  months.  We  were  joined  by  the 
Gloucester  and  Tryal  sloop,*  the  crews  of  which  vessels  suffered  still  more 
so,  that  had  there  been  an  experienced  enemy  to  have  dealt  with  us,  they 
might  have  made  a  very  easy  conquest  of  us  all.  Uut,  "  whatever  is,  it 
right."  They  gave  us  time  to  recover  our  spirits,  and  rally  our  forces 
again,  for  which  we  visited  them  afterwards,  and  shut  up  their  ports. 

I  shall  not  attempt  a  description  of  this  island  at  present;  but  only  tell 
you  it  is  the  most  romantic  and  pleasant  place  imaginable,  abounding  with 
.myrtle  trees,  and  covered  with  turnips  and  sorrei.  Its  bays,  abounding 
with  all  kinds  of  fish,  seem  calculated  for  the  reception  of  distressed  sea- 
men. We  stayed  here  three  months,  employed  in  refitting  our  ships,  and 
restoring  the  health  of  the  sick ;  and  this  without  the  loss  of  time  to  us,  it 
being  the  winter  season,  in  which,  from  April  to  September,  navigation  is 
judged  unsafe  by  the  Spaniards — in  the  beginning  of  which  month  (Septem- 
ber) we  were  agreeably  surprised  with  the  sight  of  a  sail,  to  winch  we 
immediately  gave  chase,  slipping  our  cable,  but  night  intervening,  lost  her. 
Soon  after  we  fell  in  with  another,  who  was  her  consort,  of  500  tons,t 
and  much  richer,  having  about  18,000/.  on  board  in  money,  besides  her 
cargo,  which  would  have  been  very  valuable  (being  chiefly  sugar)  could 
we  have  brought  it  to  a  proper  market,  but  in  these  parts,  it  is  a  misfortune 
that  nothing  but  money  is  truly  valuable,  having  no  ports  whereat  to  dis- 
pose of  any  thing ;  and  here  I  commenced  captain  again,  having  12  guns, 
besides  swivels,  with  30  men,  and  had  a  separate  cruise  ordered  me,  with 
Captain  Saunders,*  in  the;  TryalV prize,  §  a  ship  he  had  taken  in  the  sloop, 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  114,  &c. 

f  As  soon  as  the  vessel  came  within  hail  of  us,  the  Commodore  ordered  them 
to  bring-to  under  his  lee  quarter,  and  then  hoisted  out  tho  boat,  and  sent 
Mr.  de  Saumarez, his  first  lieutenant,  to  take  possession  of  the  prize,  with  diroctioni 
to  send  all  the  prisoners  on  board  the  Centurion,  but  first  the  officers  and  passen- 
gers. When  Mr.  de  Saumarez  came  on  hoard  them,  they  received  him  at  the  ship's 
side  with  the  strongest  tokens  of  the  most  abject  submission,  for  they  were  all  of 
them  (especially  the  passengers,  who  were  twenty-five  in  number)  extremely 
terrified,  and  under  the  greatest  apprehensions  of  meeting  with  very  severe  aud 
cruel  usage  :  but  Mr.  de  Saumarez  endeavoured,  with  great  courtesy,  to  dissipate 
their  fright,  assuring  them  that  their  fears  were  altogether  groundless,  and  that 
they  would  find  a  generous  enemy  in  the  Commodore,  who  was  not  less  re- 
markable for  his  lenity  and  humanity,  than  for  his  resolution  and  courage. 

J  A  memoir  and  portrait  of  this  officer  (afterwards  Sir  Charles  Saunden,),  are 
to  be  found  in  N.C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  1. 

$  The  Tryal's  prize  was  to  continue  on  this  station  twenty-four  days,  and  if 
not  joined  by  the  Commodore  *t  the  expiration  of  that  time,  she  H  as  then  to  pro* 
ceed  down  the  coast  to  Pisco  or  Nasca,  where  she  would  be  certain  to  meet  with 


FHILTV    DE   SAUMAREZ. 

w'nich -then  proved  so  leaky  and  disabled  in  her  masts  by  a  gale  of  wind, 
that  she  was  sunk,*  and  her  prize  commissioned  in  her  room.  But  nothing 
appeared  in  our  station,  which  was  to  leeward  of  Valparaiso :  we  had  no 
opportunity  of  exerting  ourselves.  After  a  month's  cruise,  we  rejoined  the 
Commodore,  who,  we  found,  had  been  as  unsuccessful  as  ourselves.  Wo 
then  proceeded  along  the  coast  of  Peru,  and  took  two  prizes,  both  very 
valuable  (o  the  Spaniards,  the  one  being  loaded  with  ship's  timber,  the 
other  f  with  steel  and  iron  bars,  but  to  us  of  no  great  service.  By  the  latter 
ure  had  information  of  a  rich  vessel  in  trie  road  of  Paita,t  bound  to  Lonso- 
unta,  on  the  coast  of  Mexico,  the  money  being  still  in  town.  This  was  a 
chance  worth  pursuing,  and  having  arrived  off  the  port  in  the  night,  we 
s«nt  all  the  boats,  manned  and  armed  with  50  men,  and  surprised  and  took 
the  town,  with  scarcely  any  resistance  or  loss,  except  one  killed  and  one 
wounded  on  our  side.  The  inhabitants,  abandoning  their  houses,  had 
retired  to  the  neighbouring  mountains.  This  event  happened  on  the  15th 
November,  1741. §  We  kept  possession  of  the  town  two  days  and  a  half, 
without  any  disturbance  from  the  natives,  having  plundered  it,  and  set  it 
on  fire,  but  spared  the  two  churches.  We  found  here  about  30,000/.  ster- 

lUr.  Anson.  The  Commodore  likewise  ordered  Lieutenant  de  Saumarez,  who  com- 
manded the  Centurion's  prize,  to  keep  company  with  Captain  Saunders,  both  to> 
assist  him  in  unloading  the  sloop,  and  also  that  by  spreading  in  their  cruise,  there 
might  be  less  danger  of  any  of  the  enemy's  ships  slipping  by  unobserved.  These 
orders  being  despatched*  the  Centurion  parted  from  the  other  vessels  at  eleven 
itt  the  evening,  on  the  27th  of  September,  directing  her  course  to  the  southward, 
with  a  view  of  cruising  for  some  days  to  the  windward  ol  Valparaiso. — Page  147-8. 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  149. 

•f-  Neustra  Senora  del  Carmin,  250  tons,  invoice  price  of  the  cargo,  400,000 
dollars.— Page  157. 

*  Payt.i,  or  Pai'ta,  is  in  latitude  5°  li"'  S.  the  longitude  is  not  correctly  known. 

(HYDR  ) 

$  And  now,  before  I  entirely  quit  the  account  of  our  transactions  at  this  place, 
it  may  not,  perhaps,  be  improper  to  give  a  succinct  relation  of  the  booty  we  got 
here,  and  of  the  loss  the  Spaniards  sustained.  I  have  before  observed  that  there 
•were  great  quantities  of  valuable  effects  in  the  town;  but  as  most  of  them  were 
what  we  could  neither  dispose  of  nor  carry  away,  the  total  amount  of  this  mer- 
chandize can  only  be  rudely  guessed  at.  The  Spaniards,  in  the  representations 
sent  to  the  Court  of  Madrid  (as  we  were  afterwards  assured),  estimated  their 
•whole  loss  at  a  million  and  a  half  of  dollars;  and  when  it  is  considered  that  no 
small  part  of  the  goods  we  burnt  there,  were  of  the  richest  and  most  expensive 
species,  as  broad-cloths,  silks,  cambrics,  velvets,  Sec.  I  cannot  but  think  their 
valuation  sufficiently  moderate.  As  to  ourselves,  the  acquisition  we  made,  though 
inconsiderable  in  comparison  of  what  we  destroyed,  was  far  from  despicable ; 
for  the  wrought  plate,  dollars,  and  oth'trcoin  which  fell  into  our  hands,  amounted 
to  upwards  of  S0,000/.  sterling,  besides  several  rings,  bracelets,  and  jewels, 
whose  intrinsic  value  we  could  not  then  determine  ;  and  over  and  above  all  this, 
the  plunder  which  became  the  property  of  the  immediate  captors,  was  very  great  j 
•o  that  upon  the  whole,  it  was  by  much  the  most  jmportaut  booty  we  met  with  on 
tiiat  coast. — Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  p.  149.  . 

ftoi.  XXXI.  y  N 


474  NATAL    BIOGRAPS?. 

ling,  besidts  some  jewels  :  there  was  much  more,  but  the  inhabitants 
carried  it  off.  We  sunk  two  half  galleys,  and  two  snows,  and  carried 
away  a  small  ship  with  us,  that  was  intended  to  have  carried  this  money. 

We  departed  hence  the  16th,  and  some  days  after  joined  the  Gloucester,* 
which  had  been  ranging  the  coast,  and  had  intercepted  some  vessels,  though 
not  so  valuable  as  ours.  We  then  proceeded  along  shore,  burning  some  of 
our  prizes  which  proved  dull  sailers,  and  arrived  at  the  island  of  Quibo  t 
on  the  17th  December,  1741,:}:  a  delightful  uninhabited  place,  abounding 
with  a  great  quantity  of  wild  deer,  and  other  refreshments.  Having 
watered  here  with  all  imaginable  expedition,  we  sailed  hence  the  9th  of 
December,§  with  a  design  to  cruize  oft'  Acapulco  on  the  coast  of  Mexico, 
for  a  rich  ship  that  was  expected  from  Manilla,))  on  the  island  of  Luponia, 
in  the  East  Indies.  This  is  a  yearly  ship,^[  whose  cargo  amounts  to  an 
immense  sum,  and  could  we  but  have  had  a  favourable  passage  thither, 
she  must  inevitably  have  been  ours  ;  but  we  were  disappointed,  being  79 
days  in  effecting  a  passage  which  has  been  performed  in  twenty  ;  meeting 
with  a  long  series  of  calms  and  uncertain  weather.  Thence  we  arrived  five 
weeks  too  late,  and  therefore  hoped  to  speak  to  her  on  her  return,  which 
generally  is  in  March.  She  would  then  have  been  worth  as  much,  being 
laden  with  money  to  purchase  another  cargo.  We  cruized  off  this  part  of 
the  coast  of  Mexico  two  months,**  at  such  a  distance  as  not  to  be  disco- 
vered from  the  shore,  and  having  intelligence  by  a  boat  we  took  the  day 
of  her  sailing,  we  made  no  doubt  of  her  being  ours.  We  were  five  sail  in 
all,  with  our  prizes,  and  lay  at  three  leagues  distance  from  each  other,  and 
at  ten  from  the  port.  During  this  time  we  lived  on  turtle,  which  we 
caught  daily  alongside  with  the  boats.  The  squadron  described  a  half 
moon,  our  boats  being  at  the  same  time  three  leagues  from  the  shore 
within  us,  to  watch  the  port.  The  disposition  was  so  just  and  regular,  it' 
was  impossible  she  could  have  escaped.  I  was  so  curious  as  to  calculate 
my  share,  which  would  have  amounted  tolO,000/.  but  Providence  ordained 
it  otherwise. 

I  should  have  told  you  that  that  ship  mounted  60  guns.  Having  cruized 
till  our  water  was  almost  all  expended,  and  having  an  enemy's  coast 
whereon  to  replenish,  we  were  obliged  to  depart,  but  left  a  boat  behind  to 
watch  her  motions.  At  last,  after  many  searches,  we  found  a  convenient 
bay  for  watering,  called  Chiquitan,ft  where  Sir  Francis  Drake  ^  refitted  : 
here  we  watered  and  burnt  all  our  prizes,§$  in  order  to  cross  the  great 

*  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  173. 

f  Quibo,  according  to  the  "  Requisite  Tables,"  lies  in  latitude  7°  27'  N.  ion- 
£;'ude  82°  10'  VV. 

$  Vide  Anson's  Vojagc,  page  177.  $  Idem. 

||  Manilla  is  in  14»3<>'  8"  N.  120o  51'  15"  E. 

5J  Vide  Anson's  Voyage,  page  187.  4 

•*»  Idem.  pa«e202,  &c.  ft  Idem,  pag*  207.     Cheqnetan. 

$J  A  memoir  aud  portrait  of  this  distinguished  navigator  are  given  at  page  1 
Vol.  XXIX. 

5$  Vide  Anson'i  Voyage,  page  217. 


PHILIP   DE   SAUMAREZ.  275 

Southern  Ocean,  and,  with  the  Gloucester  in  company,  goto  the  East  Indies. 
We  learned  afterwards,  that  this  rich  ship  was  detained,  having  had 
information  from  the  coast  of  Peru  of  our  being  on  the  coast. 

We  left  Acapulco  the  6th  of  May,  1742,  and  here  hegins  another  series 
of  misfortunes  and  mortality  surpassing  the  first,  in  which  we  were  very 
near  having  never  been  heard  of  more.  We  had  a  passage  of  three 
months  and  a  half  to  the  Lad  rone  Islands,  which  is  generally  made  in  two, 
yet  it  was  a  vulgar  opinion  amongst  our  people,  that  we  had  sailed  so  far  as 
to  pass  by  all  the  land  in  the  world.  Length  of  time  and  badness  of  wea- 
ther rendered  both  our  ships  leaky ;  this,  joined  to  our  mortality,  the 
scurvy  raging  amongst  us  as  much  as  ever,  obliged  us  to  destroy  the 
Gloucester,*  which  ship  was  ready  to  founder,  and  receive  the  men  on 
board,  who  were  all  sick  and  dying.  It  is  impossible  to  represent  the 
melancholy  circumstances  wherein  we  were  involved  previous  to  our 
arrival  at  these  islands.  We  anchored  at  one  called  Tinian,  t  uninha- 
bited, but  abounding  with  wild  cattle,  hogs,  fowls,  and  fruits  ;  |  we  could 
not  have  fallen  in  with  a  better  place.  1  am  convinced,  had  we  stayed  out 
ten  days  longer  at  sea,  we  should  have  been  obliged  to  take  to  our  boats, 
our  leak  increasing  so  fast,  and  our  people  being  all  infirm  and  disabled. 
We  immediately  sent  all  our  sick  on  shore,  and  began  to  hope  for  better 
times,  feeding  plentifully  on  roast  beef,  when  an  accident  fell  out  on  the 
22d  September,  1742,§  which  had  like  to  have  ruined  us  all. 

My  post  of  first  officer  generally  confined  me  on  board  the  Commodore, 
whilst  most  of  the  officers  and  men  were  on  shore  for  the  recovery  of  their 
health  ;  when  a  storm  came  on  and  rose  so  mountainous  a  sea  as  none  of, 
us  ever  saw  before.  The  ship  was  in  danger  of  being  pooped  as  we  lay  at 
anchor  !  At  last  we  parted  both  our  bower  cables,  and  drove  out  to  sea 

*  Our  boat  soon  returned  with  a  representation  of  the  state  of  tbe  Gloucester, 
and  of  her  several  defects,  signed  by  Captain  Mitchell  and  all  his  officers;  whence 
it  appeared,  that  she  had  sprung  a  leak,  by  her  stern-post  being  loese,  and 
working  with  every  roll  of  the  ship  ;  and  by  two  beams  amid-ship  being  broken 
in  the  orlop,  no  part  of  which,  as  the  carpenters  reported,  could  possibly  be  re- 
paired at  sea  :  that  both  officers  and  mm  had  worked  twenty-four  hours  at  the"' 
pumps  without  intermission  ;  and  were  at  length  so  fatigued,  that  they  could  con- 
tinue their  labour  no  longer,  but  had  been  forced  to  desist  with  7  feet  water  in 
I  he  hold,  which  covered  all  the  casks,  so  that  they  could  neither  come  at  fresh 
water  nor  provisions  ;  that  they  had  no  mast  standing,  except  the  fore-mast,  the 
iuizen-innst,  and  the  mizen-top-mast  ;  nor  had  they  any  spare  roasts  to  get  up  in 
the  room  of  those  they  had  lost ;  that  the  ship  was  besides  extremely  decayed  in 
every  part ;  for  her  knees  and  clamps  were  all  become  exlremely  loose,  and  her 
upper  works  in  general  were  so  crazy,  that  the  quarter-deck  was  ready  to  drop 
down;  and  her  crew  was  greatly  reduced,  as  there  remained  alive  on  board  of 
her,  officers  included,  no  more  than  seventy-seven  men,  eighteen  boys,  and  two 
prisoners  ;  and  that  of  this  whole  number,  only  sixteen  men  and  eleven  boys  wera 
capable  of  keeping  deck;  several  of  these,  too,  being  very  infirm. — Jbid.  p.  236, 
She  \s.as  burnt  ou  the  15th  August. — Vide  Alison's  Voyage,  page  237-8. 

t  Tinian  or  Tenian  lies  in  latitude  15°  N.  longitude  145°55(30"-E. 

$  Vide  Arson's  Voyage,  page  240,  &c,  $  Idem.  p.  25 1  to  259. 


•76  NATAL    BIOGRAPHY. 

with  the  sheet  anchor  hanging  ia  the  hawse,  with  a  cable,  and  J  of  another 
(excuse  these  barbarous  sea  terms),  and  uarrowly  escaped  driving  on  a 
ledge  of  rocks  which  was  very  near  to  us,  leaving  the  Commodore  and  all 
the  rest  behind.  The  ship,  by  her  labouring  in  such  a  troubled  sea,  made 
so  much  water  that  I  was  in  doubt  whether  she  would  not  have  foundered, 
our  ports  being  but  ill  secured,  as  were  likewise  the  guns,  owing  to  the 
suddenness  of  the  storm,  which  likewise  overset  the  long-boat.  In  these 
circumstances  I  drove  to  sea,  having  100  men  and  boys  on  board,  not 
knowing  whether  I  should  not  be  at  last  a  captain  in  spite  of  my  teeth. 
In  this  manner  I  drove  70  leagues,  and  was  15  days  before  I  recovered 
land,  beating  up  against  a  fresh  trade  wind,  and  lee  current.  The  Com- 
modore, you  may  imagine,  was  overjoyed  at  my  return,*  as  were  all  the 
rest.  They  were  very  busy  in  building  a  vessel  for  to  carry  them  all  to 
China,  preferring  to  venture  in  it  to  sea,  than  to  remain  on  an  uninhabited 
island,  or  to  be  exposed  to  the  cruelty  of  the  Spaniards  who  live  on  the 
neighbouring  islands  ;  the  Commodore  concluding,  that  either  the  ship  was 
lost,  or  that  I  should  never  be  able  to  beat  up  to  windward.  At  hist, 
after  many  hazards  whil-t  staving  here,  we  sailed  hencef  the  22d  of  Octo- 
ber, 1742,  and  met  with  a  tolerably  good  passage  to  the  Island  of  Macao,* 
a  Portuguese  settlement  on  the  coast  of  China,  arriving  there  on  the  1 1th 
November,  having  buried  160  men  since  our  leaving  Acapulco,  or  430 
since  we  left  England,  including  Indians  and  Negroes  whom  we  detained 
prisoners  " 

*  Treating  of  the  labours  of  the  Commodore  and  people,  in  conducting  a  bark 
to  carry  them  from  Tinian,  after  the  supposed  loss  of  the  Centurion,  the  author 
proceeds : — "  But  their  projects  and  labour  were  now  drawing  to  a  speedier  and 
happier  conclusion;  for  on  the  llth  October,  in  the  afternoon,  one  of  the 
Gloucester's  men  being  upon  a  hill  in  the  middle  of  the  island,  perceived  the 
Centifrion  at  a  distance,  and  running  clown  with  the  utmost  speed  towards  the 
landing  place,  lie,  in  the  way,  ssw  some  of  Ins  comrades,  to  whom  lie  hallooed 
•with  great  ecstasy- — The  Ship!  the  Ship  ! — This  being  heard  bv  Mr.  Gordon,  a 
lieutenant  of  marines,  who  was  convinced  by  the  fellow's  transport  that  this  report 
was  true,  Mr.  Gordon  directly  hastened  to  the  place  where  the  Commodore  and 
his  people  were  at  work  ;  ant),  being  fresh,  and  in  breath,  easily  outstripped  the 
Glouccsti  r's  man,  and  got  before  him  to  the  Commodore,  who,  on  bearing  this 
pleasing  and  unexpected  news,  threw  down  liis  axe,  with  which  he  was  then  at 
•work,  and,  by  his  joy,  broke  through  for  the  first  time,  the  equable  and  unva- 
ried character  which  he  had  hitherto  preserved  ;  whilst  the  others  who  were  pre- 
sent, instantly  ran  down  to  the  gea  side,  in  a  kind  of  frenzy,  eager  to  feast  them- 
selves witli  a  sight  they  so  ardently  longed  after,  and  of  which  they  had  now, 
for  a  considerable  time,  despaired.  By  five  in  the  evening  the  Centurion  was 
visible  ia  the  offing  to  them  all  ;  and  a  boat  being  sent  off  with  eighteen  men  to 
rein  force  her,  and  with  fre^b  meat  and  frails  for  ttie  refn  shrnent  of'her  crew,  she 
the  next  afternoon  happily  cast  anchor  in  the  road,  where  the  Commodore  imme- 
diately came  on  board  of  her,  and  was  received  by  us  with  the  sjncerest  and 
heartiest  acclamation?."—  Alison's  Voyage,  p.  253  and  259. 

•f-  Idem,  page  264. 

J  Macao  (Pia  grand)  is  placed  by  the  "  Requisite  Tables,"  in  latitude 
J2°  ll'aG"N.  longitude  Jj^o  J5' 15"  fc. 


PHILIP  DE   SAUMAHE«.  277 

This  highly  interesting  letter,  as  its  termination  proves,  reaches 
no  lower  than  November  or  December,  1742,  when  the  Centurion 
lay  off  the  island  of  Macoa.  Shortly  after  which,  in  his  very  next 
cruize,  Philip  de  Saumarez  happily  attained  the  two  great  ob- 
jects of  his  honourable  ambition,  namely,  the  accession  of  rank 
as  a  captain,  and  the  capture  of  a  Manilla  galleon  ;  for  as  soon  as' 
the  Commodore  had  refitted  his  ship,*  replenished  his  stores,  and 
laid  in  an  additional  stock  of  provisions,  he  determined,  notwith- 
standing his  former  disasters,  to  cruize  again  for  the  Manilla 
galleons,  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  off  Cape  Espiritu  Santo.  The 
Centurion,  on  the  last  day  of  May,  arrived  off  Gape  Espiritu 
Santo,  and  upon  the  20th  June,  O.  S.  they  discovered  a  sail  from 
the  mast-head  in  the  S.E.  quarter.  On  this  a  general  joy  spread 
throughout  the  whole  ship,  for  they  had  no  doubt  this  was  one  of 
the  galleons,  and  they  expected  soon  to  descry  the  other. 

Immediately  on  the  commencement  of  the  action,  the  nmts, 
with  which  the  galleon  had  stuffed  her  netting,  took  fire,  and 
burnt  violently,  blazing  as  high  as  the  mizen-top.  This  accident, 
supposed  to  be  caused  by  the  Centurion's  wads,  threw  the  enemy 
into  the  utmost  terror,  and  also  alarmed  the  Commodore,  for  he 
feared  lest  the  galleon,  and  lest  he  himself  too,  might  suffer  by  her 
driving  on  board  him.  However,  the  Spaniards  at  last  freed 
themselves  from  the  fire,  by  cutting  away  the  netting,  and  tumbling 
the  whole  mass  which  was  in  flames  into  the  sea.  At  this  interval, 
the  Centurion  kept  her  advantageous  position,  firing  her  cannon 
with  great  regularity  and  briskness,  whilst,  at  the  same  time,  the 
galleon's  decks  lay  open  to  her  top-men,  who  having,  at  their 
first  volley,  driven  the  Spaniards  from  their  tops,  made  prodigious 
havoc  with  their  small  arms,  killing  or  wounding  every  officer  but 
one  that  appeared  on  the  quarter-deck,  and  wounding  in  particu. 
lar  the  general  of  the  galleon  himself.  Thus  the  action  proceeded 
for  at  least  half  an  hour  ;  but  the  Centurion  lost  the  superiority 
arising  from  the  original  situation,  and  was  close  alongside  the 
galleon,  and  the  enemy  continued  to  fire  briskly  near  an  hour 
longer  ;  yet  even  in  this  posture,  the  Commodore's  grape-shot 
swept  their  decks  so  effectually,  and  the  number  of  their  slain  and 
wounded  became  so  considerable,  that  they  began  to  fall  in,to 

*  Vide  Ar-ison's  Voycge,  page  287,  &c. 


578  JlAVAL 

great  disorder,  especially  as  the  general,  who  was  the  life  of  the 
action,  was  no  longer  capable  of  exerting  himself.  Their  confu- 
sion was  visible  from  on  board  the  Commodore  :  for  the  ships 
were  so  near,  that  some  of  the  Spanish  officers  were  seen  running 
about  with  much  assiduity,  to  prevent  the  desertion  of  the  men 
from  their  quarters  :  but  all  their  endeavours  were  in  vain  :  for 
after  having,  as  a  last  effort,  fired  five  or  six  guns  with  more 
judgment  than  usual,  they  yielded  up  the  contest ;  and  the  galleon's 
colours  being  singed  off  the  ensign  staff  at  the  beginning  of  the 
engagement,  she  struck  the  standard  at  her  main-top-galiant-mast 
head  :  the  person  who  was  employed  to  perform  this  office  having 
been  in  imminent  peril  of  being  killed,  had  not  the  Commodore, 
who  perceived  what  he  was  about,  given  express  orders  to  his 
people  to  cease  from  firing. 

Thus  was  the  Centurion  possessed  of  this  rich'prize,  amounting 
in  value  to  near  a  million  and  a  half  of  dollars.  She  was  called 
the  Neustra  Senora  de  Cabadonga,  and  was  commanded  by  General 
Don  Jeronimo  de  Mentero,  a  Portuguese,  who  was  the  most 
approved  officer  for  skill  and  courage  of  any  employed  in  that  ser- 
vice. The  galleon  was  much  larger  than  the  Centurion,  and  had 
five  hundred  and  sixty  men,  and  thirty-six  guns  mounted  for 
action,  besides  twenty-eight  pedererocs  in  her  gun  quarters  and 
tops.  She  was  very  well  furnished  with  small  arms,  and  was  par- 
ticularly provided  against  boarding,  both  by  her  close  quarters, 
and  by  a  strong  net  work  of  two-inch  rope,  which  was  laced  over 
her  waist,  and  was  defended  by  half  pikes.  She  had  sixty-seven 
killed  in  the  action,  and  eighty-four  wounded  ;  whilst  the  Centu- 
rion had  only  two  killed,  and  a  lieutenant  and  sixteen  wounded, 
all  of  whom,  but  one,  recovered  :  of  so  little  consequence  are  the 
most  destructive  arms  in  untutored  and  unpractised  hands. 

The  treasure  thus  taken  by  the  Centurion  having  been,  for  at 
least  eighteen  months,  the  great  object  of  their  hopes,  it  is  im- 
possible «o  describe  the  transport  on  board,  when,  after  all  their 
reiterated  disappointments,  they  at  last  saw  their  wishes  accom- 
plished. But  their  joy  was  near  being  suddenly  damped  by  a  most 
tremendous  incident  ;  for  no  sooner  had  the  galleon  struck,  than 
one  of  the  lieutenants  coming  to  Mr.  Anson  to  congratulate  him 
on  his  prize,  whispered  him  at  ths  same  time  that  the  Centurion 


PHILIP   DE  SAUMAREZ.  270 

•was  dangerously  on  fire  near  the  powder  room  !  *  The  Commo- 
dore received  this  dreadful  news  without  any  apparent  emotion, 
and  taking  care  not  to  alarm  his  people,  gave  the  necessary  orders 
for  extinguishing  the  fire,  which  was  done  in  a  short  time,  though 
its  appearance  at  first  was  extremely  terrible. 

The  Commodore  appointed  the  Manilla  vessel  to  be  a  post  ship 
in  his  Majesty's  service,  and  gave  the  command  of  her  to  his  first 
lieutenant,  Mr.  de  Saumarez,  who,  before  night,  sent  on  board  the 
Centurion  all  the  Spanish  prisoners,  except  such  as  were  thought 
io  be  most  proper  to  be  detained  to  assist  in  navigating  the  galleon. 

When  the  particulars  of  the  galleon's  cargo  were  ascertained, 
it  was  found  that  she  had  on  board  1,313,843  dollars,  and 
35,682  01.  of  virgin  silver  ;  besides  some  cochineal  ;  this  being 
the  Commodore's  last  prize  :  it  hence  appears,  that  all  the  treasure 
taken  by  the  Centurion  was  not  much  short  of  400,000/.  exclu- 
sive of  600,000/.  more  destroyed.  Hence  it  is  probable  that  Cap. 
tain  de  Sauraarcz  realized  more  than  the  10,000/.  of  which  he  made 
mention  in  his  interesting  narrative. 

Owing  to  the  dispute  which  arose  at  Canton,  the  Commodore, 
on  his  departure  for  that  city,  ordered,  in  the  event  of  matters 
not  being  arranged  in  an  amicable  manner,  that  the  people  should 
be  taken  out  of  the  Cabadonga,  and  the  vessel  destroyed.  Matters, 
however,  were  accommodated,  and  on  the  7th,  the  Centurion  and 
Cabadonga  unmoored  and  stood  down  the  river,  passing  through  the 
Bocca  Tigris  on  the  10th ;  and  on  the  12th  anchored  before  the 
town  of  Macoa. 

Whilst  the  ships  lay  here,  the  merchants  of  Macoa  finished  their 
purchase  of  the  galleon,  for  which  they  refused  to  give  more  than 
6000  dollars  ;  on  which  event  taking  place,  Captain  de  Saumarez  re- 
turned  to  the  Centurion  ;  and,  on  the  15th  December,  1743,  set 
sail  for  England.  On  the  3d  January,  the  Centurion  came  to  an 
anchor  at  Prince's  Island,  in  the  Straits  of  Sunda  :  on  the  8th 
she  weighed  and  stood  for  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  where,  on  the 
llth  March,  she  anchored  in  Table  Bay. 

Having  completed  his  water  and  provisions,  and  entered  40  new 

*  It  is  singular  that  neither  the  name  of  the  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  de  Saumarez,  nor 
any  individual,  is  given,  as  having  distinguished  themselves  in  this  combat.  Pro- 
bably itjvasour  hero  who  whispered  in  the  ear  of  the  victorious  Commodore  the 
appalling  intelligence  of  the  imminent  peril  the  Centurion  was  in.- 


580  NAVAL  BIOGRAPHY. 

men,  the  Commodore  weighed  on  the  3d  April,  and  stood  to  sea; 
on  the  19th  saw,  but  did  not  touch  at,  the  island  of  St.  Helena. 
By  the  12th  of  January,  1744,  got  sight  of  the  Lizard  ;  and  on 
the  15<h,  in  the  evening,  to  their  infinite  joy,  they  canoe  safe  to 
an  anchorage  at  Spithead !  Thus,  the  yoyage  round  the  globe 
was  completed  in  three  years  and  nine  months  ;  accompanied  by 
the  most  signal  perils  to  the  ycry  last ;  the  Centurion,  on  her 
arrival  in  the  chops  of  the  Channel,  having  passed  in  safety 
through  a  French  fleet,  from  which  a  fog  concealed  her  ! 

After  this  long  and  perilous  voyage,  it  is  to  be  presumed  that 
Captain  Philip  de  Saumarez  enjoyed  for  some  time  that  repose  in 
his  native  country,  to  which  his  valour  and  his  toils  had  so  justly 
entitled  him. 

In  the  year  1746,  we  find  him  invested  with  the  command  of 
the  Nottingham,  a  sixty-gun  ship  ;  and  on  the  llth  October,  in 
that  year,  being  then  alone,  he  fell  in  with  the  Mary,  a  French 
sixty-four,  manned  with  560  men,  off  Cape  Clear,  which  he 
immediately  attacked,  and  after  a  close  engagement  of  two  hours 
and  a  ha'f,  she  struck  her  colours,  and  was  added  to  the  British 
navy  On  board  the  enemy  there  were  23  men  killed,  and  19 
wounded. 

The  next  public  mention  of  this  officer,  states  that  Captain  Philip 
dc  Saumarez,  in  the  Nottingham,  sailed  on  the  9th  April,  1747, 
with  the  fleet  under  the  command  of  Vice-admiral  Anson,  and 
continued  to  cruize  off  Cape  Finisterre,*  till  the  3d  May,  when 
the  French  squadron  was  discovered,  consisting  of  thirty  sail. 

For  a  full  account  of  this  battle,  the  result  of  which  was  so 
glorious  to  the  British  fleet,  we  refer  our  readers  to  Vice-admiral 
Anson's  official  letter,  given  at  full  length  in  his  very  interesting 
lifc.+  All  that  we  shall  remark  is,  that  ths  van  of  the  enemy's 
fleet  having  attempted  to  steer  off,  Captain  de  Saumarez,  in  the 
Nottingham,  was  sent  with  the  Monmouth  in  pursuit.  Having 
largely  partaken  of  the  toils,  dangers,  and  miseries,  which  attended 
the  voyage  of  his  friend,  Mr.  Anson,  round  the  globe,  we  find  him, 
though  in  a  more  elevated  rank,  still  serving  under  the  command 
of  that  distinguished  officer,  and  partaking  of  the  glory  he  ac. 
quired  on  the  memorable  3d  of  May. 

»  Vide  X.  C.  V- ]  VIII.  page  £90.  t  Vidt  N.C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  S90. 


DE  SAUMAUEZ. 

The  riext  battle  in  which  he  was  engaged,  closed  his  short  but 
brilliant  career.  On  the  9th  of  August,  the  Nottingham,  Cap. 
tain  de  Saumarez,  forming  part  of  the  fleet  commanded  by  Admiral 
Hawke,*  after  a  tedious  cruize,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
obtained  sight  of  the  French  fleet.  For  an  account  of  this  action, 
we  refer  to  Admiral  Hawke's  official  letter  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONI- 
CLE, +  where  that  interesting  document  may  be  found  at  full  length.  + 

In  that  hard-fought  battle,  the  only  ships  which  escaped  were 
Le  Tonnant,  of  80  guns,  and  882  men,  on  board  of  which  was 
M.  de  Letender,  Chef  d'Escadre ;  and  L'Intrepide,  of  74  guns, 
and  686  men,  Count  de  Vaudreui).  When  Admiral  Hawke  per- 
ceived the  above  ships  were  making  sail  to  get  away,  Captain 
Saunders,§  of  the  Yarmouth,  Captain  Philip  de  Saumarez,  of  the 
Nottingham ;  and  Captain  Rodney,  of  the  Eagle,  ||  were  ordered  to 
pursue  them.  Those  three  ships  having  come  up  with  the  flying  ene* 
my,  engaged  them  near  an  hour,  aud,  disabled  as  they  partly  were, 
would  probably  have  overpowered  them,  had  not  Captain  Philip 
de  Saumarez  been  killed  by  a  shot  from  the  Tonnant,  which  forced 
the  Nottingham  to  haul  her  wind.  Thus  gloriously  perished,  in. 
the  moment  of  victory,  and  in  the  flower  of  his  days^  Captain  Philip 
de  SaumareZj  who,  at  that  early  period  of  his  rank  as  post  cap- 
tain, had  acquired  distinguished  eminence ;  and  if  his  valuable 
life  had  been  spared,  there  is  no  doubt  but  he  would  have  raised 
his  own  glory  and  that  of  his  country  to  as  elevated  a  pitch  as  ever 
was  attained  by  any  of  his  illustrious  predecessors.  He  died  un- 
married, and  was  only  thirty. seven  years  old  when  he  perished. 

This  distinguished  officer  appears  io  have  been  but  little  indebted 
to  the  ostensible,  or  the  actual  Editor  of  Anson's  Voyage.  5  His 


*  Vide  N.C.  Vol.  VIII. 

f  Vol.  VII.  p.  455-6.     Vol.  III.  p.  427,  428,  and  429. 

$  The  life,  of  Admiral  Sir  John  Moore,  K.B.  having  been  given  in  the  Hid 
Vol.  of  the  N.C.  who  distinguished  himself  in  Admiral  Hawke's  engagement  with 
the  French  on  the  14ih  October,  1747,  Admiral  Hawke's  official  letter  was  given 
•in  the  life  of  Sir  John  Moore.  The  life  of  Admiral  Lord  Hawke  appeared  in  the 
VHth  Vol.  of  the  N.C.  p.  453,  to  which  a  note  should  have  been  added,  stating 
where  the  Gazette  account  of  the  victory  of  that  day  (14th  October,  1747)  wa»  to 
b«  found. — EDIT, 

4  Vide  N.C.  Vol.  I.  p.  7.  |)  Ibid.  p.  555. 

fi  Vide  N.C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  267. 

.  tf&ron.  Hoi.  XXXI.  o  o 


•}$'«  MAVAL    BIOCUATHV. 

name  occurs  so  very  rarely  in  the  course  of  a  narrative,  in  which 
he  played  so  important  a  part,  that  it  looks  as  if,  from  feeling* 
of  private  pique,  it  had  been  purposely  kept  in  the  back  ground. 
And,  however  great  its  merit  as  to  style  and  composition,  so  intri- 
cately is  the  relation  carried  on  as  to  dates,  that  it  is  difficult  to 
ascertain  even  the  year  in  which  the  events  narrated  had  place. 

Of  his  personal  disposition  we  know  nothing.  From  the  rank 
which  his  family  had  long  possessed,  it  is  probable  he  received  a 
liberal  education,  at  least  in  as  far  as  his  going  to  sea  at  sixteen 
years  of  age  permitted.  From  an  observation  dropped  as  it  were 
by  accident  from  the  pen  of  the  Editor,*  as  to  the  courteous  man- 
ner in  which  Philip  de  Saumarez  strove  to  dissipate  the  fears  of  the 
Spaniards,  when  he  took  possession  of  the  Carmelo  prize-ship, 
we  may  fairly  infer,  that  he  was  a  man  of  polished  manners  ;  and 
indeed,  leaving  morals  out  of  the  question,  the  gentry  of  Guern- 
sey have  long  been  celebrated  for  suavity  of  manners. 

Philip  de  Saumarez,  whose  memoirs  we  have  given  in  the  best 
manner  we  were  able,  was  descended  from  a  very  ancient  Norman 
family,  which  has  for  many  centuries  been  established  in  the  island 
•f  Guernsey  ;  for  we  find  by  authentic  records,  that  shortly  after 
the  Norman  conquest,  one  of  his  ancestors  was  Lord  of  the 
Seigneurie  of  Saumarez  in  that  island.  His  nephew,  Matthew  de 
Saumarez,  father  of  the  Admiral,  Sir  James,  is  now  in  possession 
of  that  Lordship. 

Philip  (the  hero  of  this  biographical  sketch)  was  born  the  17th 
November,  1710,  in  the  town  and  parish  of  St  Peter  Port,  in- 
the  island  of  Guernsey.  He  was  the  second  son  of  Matthew  de 
Saumarez,  Esq.  and  Ann  Durell,  daughter  of  John  DureH,  Esq. 
who  waa  at  that  period  chief  magistrate  of  the  island  of  Jersey. 

The  brothers  of  Philip  de  Saumarez  were,  John,  attorney, 
general  in  the  island  of  Guernsey ;  Matthew,  eminent  in  the  medi- 
cal profession,  father  to  the  Admiral,  Sir  Jarfes  Saumarez,  K.Rr; 
and  Thomas,  +  a  captain  in  the  royal  navy. 

*  Vide  Alison's  Voyage,  p.  140  anil  141. 

f  Captain  Tiioma*  Saumarez  alio  sailed  in  the  squadron  under  Commodore 
Aa»en,  «u4  was  capUin  of  H..M.S.  Antelope,  of  50  guns,  in  which  ship  be  cap. 
lured  the  Bell.queux,  a  French  64,  off  the  island  of  Lundy.  in  the  Bristol  Chan- 
Bel.  He  wa»  married  to  Mis*  Mountstephens,  of  the  county  of  Cornwall,  and 
icitded  at  Alonev  Hill,  aear  Ri«kmaosworth,  Herts;  where  he  died  without  issue 
in  tL«  year  1764. 


SAUTieAL    ANECDOTES,  &C.  2S3 

The  sisters  of  Philip  de  Saumarez  were,  Ann,  married  to  Philip 
Dumaresq,  captain  in  the  royal  navy ;  and  2dly,  to  Admiral 
Richard  Collings ;  and  Magdalen,  married  to  Admiral  Philip 
JDureU.* 

An  half  length  portrait,  thought  to  be  a  striking  resemblance 
of  Philip  de  Saumarez,  is  preserved  in  the  possession  of  his  ne- 
phew,  the  father  of  th«  Admiral,  Sir  James  Saumarez. 

Of  his  monument  in  the  Abbey,  the  inscription  has  been  twice 
given,  by  mistake,  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE.  +  A  design  of  the 
monument  forms  the  frontispiece  of  the  29th  Volume. 


o 


NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &c. 

EVENTS   AT    CALAIS. 

IN  Easter-day,  the  10th  of  April,  1814,  His  Majesty  Louis  the  XVIIIth 
was  Proclaimed  with  general  joy. 

At  twelve  in  the  morning,  the  English  navy  brig  Cadmus,  Captain  Evans, 
cruising  before  the  harbour,  and  perceiving  the  white  flag  on  the  tower» 
gallantly  sent  an  officer  in  a  boat  with  a  letter  to  the  Mayor,  expressing  the 
wish  to  come,  if  possible,  on  shore,  and  share  the  general  joy.  The  officer, 
Mr.  Stevenson,  came  at  the  moment  the  Mayor  and  principal  Authorities 
were  marching  out  to  make  the  Proclamation.  He  was  received  with  the 
greatest  joy,  and  placed  close  to  the  Mayor,  and  went  with  him  about  the 
town  during  the  whole  ceremony. 

In  the  mean  time,  Chevalier  Tomsouville,  of  the  navy,  was  despatched 
in  the  English  boat  to  bring  onshore  the  captain  of  the  Cadmus,  Mr.  Evans, 
and  such  of  his  officers  as  could  conveniently  come  on  shore  with  him. 
They  were  received  by  the  principal  Authorities  on  the  quay,  and  compli- 
mented by  Mr.  Pigault  Maubaillareg,  banker  to  the  English  Ambassadors, 
as  were  his  father  and  grandfather,  and  who,  when  all  placemen  were 
obliged  to  vote  for  Buonaparte  as  French  Emperor,  by  placing  on  a  public 
register  yes  or  no,  was  the  only  one  in  Calais  who  boldly  dared  write  no, 
and  experienced  ever  since  the  severity  of  Buonaparte's  police,  and  was 
often  in  danger  of  beinj*  taken  up.  They  marched  into  town  with  a  band 
playing  alternately  God  sane  the  King,  and  the  French  national  tune  of  the 
favourite  royal  song  Vive  Henry  Quaire,  amidst  shouts  and  huzzas  for  the 
^ •  - 

*  Admiral  Durell  commanded  a  division  under  the  orders  ofSirCharlesSaonders, 
at  Louisbourg.(a)  and  Quebec.  He  died  the  6th  December,  1766,  on  board  of 
the  Launcesion,  at  Halifax,  on  assuming  the  chief  command  on  that  station. 

t  Vol.111,  p.  430.  and  Vol.  XXX.  p.  496. 

(a)  See  N.C.  Vol.  VIII.  p.  11. 


284  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 

Prince  Regent  and  for  Louis  XVII I.  They  were  thus  conducted,  amidst 
an  innumerable  crowd  of  the  whole  population,  to  the  Hotel  d'Angleterre, 
where  an  elegant  dinner  was  prepared. 

The  Mayor,  Mr.  Neuard,  presented  himself,  with  a  party  of  ladies, 
who  wished  to  partake  of  the  general  joy,  and  express  theirs  to  the  English 
officers. 

The  dinner  was  extremely  gay  and  friendly.  Several  national  tunes,  now 
in  favour,  were  pluyed  by  the  band,  and  Mr.  Boyer,  one  of  the  gentlemen 
present,  sung  a  song  he  made  extempore  in  honour  of  England,  the  British 
navy,  and  more  particularly  of  the  Cadmus's  captain,  officers,  and  crew. 
The  captain  desired  the  song,  and  it  was  delivered  to  him. 

Mr.  Palyart,  Inspector  of  Customs  on  the  coast  from  Boulogne  to  Dun- 
kirk, who  speaks  very  good  English,  distinguished  himself  very  much  in 
token  of  friendship  and  joy  ;  as  also  Captain  Chevalier  Tomsouville,  of  the 
navy,  well  known  by  his  generous  conduct  to  English  prisoners  ;  by  his 
bravery,  which  was  rewarded  with  the  cross  of  honour,  and  his  philan- 
thropy, in  exposing  often  his  life  to  save  that  of  an  unfortunate  shipwrecked 
friend  or  foe,  which  was  rewarded  by  general  esteem  ;  in  one  word,  it 
would  be  too  long  to  enumerate  all  those  who  vied  in  the  wannest  demon- 
jt  rations  of  joy,  of  esteem,  and  friendship,  to  the  English  nation  at  large, 
and  crew  of  the  Cadmus. 

Our  pleasure,  however,  was  darkened  in  the  middle  of  the  dinner,  by 
geveral  military  messages  to  the  Mayor,  from  General  Barbasan,  Com- 
niandant  of  the  town,  an  old  and  generally  detested  jacobin.  On  these 
messages  to  the  Mayor,  this  gentleman  left  table  five  or  six  times  with  great 
concern.  NV'e  soon  learned  with  grief  and  surprise,  that  a  boat,  with  the 
captain  and  three  officers  of  a  second  brig  cruising,  having  presented  itself 
in  t!ie  harbour  to  share  with  us  the  general  joy,  were  refused  to  land  by 
General  Barbasan,  and  ordered  to  leave  the  port  immediately. 

The  whole  population,  justly  incensed  at  such  illiberal  orders,  was  at 
once  in  an  uproar,  would  oppose  these  officers'  return  on  board,  would 
carry  them  into  :own,  and  force  the  way  ;  and  the  Mayor  wa?  obliged  to 
le.n-e  company,  and  run  in  haste  to,  restrain  the  people's  just  indignation, 
which  he  did  with  great  difficulty.  At  the  same  lime  General  Barbasan 
sent  another  order  to  the  Hotel  d'Angleterre,  that  Captain  Evans  and  his 
officers  should  immediately  return  on  board,  and  not  approach  again  the 
spor,  or  they  would  be  fired  at. 

This  order  was  prudently  concealed  by  the  Mayor  from  the  company  at 
table,  from  the  people  of  the  town  for  fear  of  the  consequence,  and  im- 
parted to  Captain  Evans  only  as  he  went  oft"  from  the  Hotel  tp  return  oa 
>>;>arJ.  However,  dinner  was  shortened  to  put  an  end  to  these  violent  and 
Unprecedented  proceedings  among  civilized  nations. 

CapUm  Evans  and  his  officers  were,  in  spite  of  Barbasan,  with  the  music, 
«nd  arnidtt  the  whole  inhabitants  who  guarded,  them,  conducted  back  tg 
t'rf  port,  where  an  affectionate  leave  was  taken  of  them,  fearing  every  mo- 
rn*.»t  till  they  were  gone,  they  might  be  detained  by  Barbasan'*  orders. 
This  man,  so  late  as  three  days  ago,  had  forced  the  garrison  to  take  an 
oalh  iti  favour  of  Bucnpparte,  and  of  firing  on  -.he  mhabitr.nttifr.hey  moved. 


NAOTICAI,   ANECDOTES,   &C.  285 

in  favour  of  the  Bourbons.  His  worthy  counsellor,  Label,  Colonel  of  the 
Engineers,  who  encouraged  him  in  these  outrageous  proceedings,  had  also 
three  clays  before  ordered  that  the  sluices  might,  be  in  readiness  to  let  the 
sea-water  in  the  country,  which  would  have  ruined  the  landlords  and 
tenants  up  to  St.  Diner's. 

The  inhabitants  of  Calais  intend  to  beg,  as  a  first  favour  of  the  Bour- 
bons, to  be  rid  of  these  two  worthy  friends  of  Buonaparte.  They  also 
refused  to  release  some  English  sailors,  prisoners  of  war,  when  the  inha- 
bitants wished  to  make  them  partake  of  the  pleasure  generally  felt  on  this 
occasion.  Such  are  the  events  of  this  day,  which  would  have  been  a  moss 
glorious  one,  had  it  not  been  darkened  by  these  two  jacobins. 

THE   ISLAND    OF   ELBA. 

THIS  island  is  situated  in  the  Mediterranean,  between  Corsica  and  the 
coast  of  Tuscany.  Jt  contains  two  excellent  harbours,  Porto  Ferrajo,  and 
Porto  Longone,  which  belonged  to  Naples.  In  1801,  the  rights  of  Tus- 
cany in  this  island  were  ceded  by  the  fifth  article  of  the  treaty  of  Luneville 
to  the  Infant  of  Spain— Duke  of  Parma ;  and  the  rights  of  Naples  were 
ceded  to  France  by  the  treaty  of  peace  concluded  at  Florence  on  the  28th 
March,  1801.  The  port  belonging  to  the  Duke  of  Parma  was  afterwards 
ceded  to,  or  rather  seized  by  Buonaparte,  who  thus  describes  it  in  the 
Expose"  of  the  State  of  the  Republic,  2d  Ventose,  year  180J. 

"  The  island  of  Elba  was  ceded  to  France  :  it  gave  to  France  a  mild  in- 
dustrious people,  two  superb  harbours,  and  an  abundant  and  valuable 
mine  (marble),  but  separated  from  France;  this  island  could  not  be  inti- 
matety  attached  to  any  of  the  departments,  nor  submitted  to  the  rules  of  a 
general  administration.  Principles  have,  therefore,  been  compelled  to 
yield  to  the  force  of  circumstances,  and  we  have  established  for  the  island 
of  Elba,  the.  exceptions  which  its  position  and  the  public  interest 
demanded." 

This  island  is  again  noticed  in  a  report  of  the  minister  of  war,  Berthier 
(now  Prince  of  Neufchatel),  dated  9th  November,  1803,  to  the  First  Con- 
sul :— "  The  triangular  measurement  of  the  island  of  Elba  is  finished,  and 
Js  connected  with  Corsica,  with  the  continent,  and  with  the  little  island 
and  shoals  that  surround  it.  I  have  the  honour  to  present  to  you  the  plans 
finished  of  Porto  Ferrajo,  and  of  Porto  Longone  :  they,  as  well  as  six  views, 
are  destined  lor  the  atlas  of  the  First  Consul.  The  map  of  the  whole  island, 
on  a  very  hirc,e  scale,  is  already  in  great  forwardness,  and  will  be  finished 
in  the  month  of  Brumaire.  The  most  detailed  memoirs  regarding  the 
topography  of  this  island,  will  afford  a  complete  knowledge  of  this 
important  point  of  the  new  territory  qf  the  Republic." 

A  French  gazetteer  further  describes  this  island  as  being  "  the  seat  of 
the  sub-prefecture  of  the  department  of  the  Mediterranean."  It  has  a 
criminal  court,  and  tribunal  of  the  first  resort,  with  an  appeal  to  Aix.  It 
is  from  25  to  30  leagues  iii  circumference,  and  has  a  population  uf 

;.3,7pQ 


286  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,   &C. 


NAUTICAl 

THE  Thisbe.  This  frigate,  lying  off  Greenwich,  Rear-admiral 
flag-ship,  was  most  spIendidJy  illuminated  on  Monday  night  (llth  April), 
Within  a  few  minutes  of  the  time  appointed,  some  very  powerful  rockets 
were  let  off  from  the  main  deck,  and  afterwards  from  the  main-top-mast 
bead  ;  on  the  explosion  of  which,  at  their  utmost  height,  the  air  was  illu- 
minated by  a  mass  of  brilliant  lights.  After  near  a  dozen  had  ascended  in 
grand  style,  the  Thisbe,  from  yard-arm  to  yard-arm,  and  from  the  deck  to 
the  main-top-mast  head,  became  instantaneously  a  most  beautiful  illumina- 
tion of  what  are  called  blue  lights,  whose  chastened  lustre  produced  an 
effect  the  most  pleasing  and  beautiful.  This  was  done  twice,  and  with  the 
same  celerity  as  with  gas  lights.  The  sight  was  very  novel,  and  highly  gra» 
jifying  to  a  great  number  of  spectators. 

SWEDISH  ANECDOTE. 

WHEN  the  brilliant  court  of  Gustavus  III.  was  at  the  zenith  of  its  glory, 
the  amours  of  the  wife  of  a  certain  admiral  afforded  food  for  the  gossips  of 
the  court  and  city.  One  day,  when  the  court  were  at  Ekolsuncl  (a  country 
palace  in  Sodermanland,  now  belonging  to  the  son  of  the  late  Sir  Alexander 
Seton,  and  lately  inhabited  by  Mr.  Dundas),  as  the  Duchess  of  Soder- 
manland, now  Queen  of  Sweden,  was  looking  out  of  the  window  of  the 
palace,  which  commands  a  view  over  a  vast  extensive  lake,  she  saw  a  huge 
monster  swimming  across,  whose  large  antlers  and  long  neck  were  reared 
high  above  the  flood.  "  What  have  we  here,"  said  the  Royal  Duchess,  to 
a  lady  who  stood  near  the  King.  *'  It  is  an  Elk,"  replied  the  lady.  "  Dear 
me,"  said  the  worthy  King,  "  I  was  just  going  to  desire  the  ladies  to  retire, 
for  I  really  took  it  for  Admiral  -  bathing." 

CAPTAIN    MILLMAN. 

CAPT.  MILLMAN,  son  of  Sir  Francis  Millman,  Bart,  just  arrived  frotn 
Verdun,  where  he  was  some  time  a  prisoner  of  war,  owed  his  liberation 
to  the  influence  of  Doctor  Jenner,  now  in  Paris,  who  was  in  such  high 
esteem  with  Buonaparte  on  account  of  the  success  of  his  vaccination  in 
that  capital,  that  he  was  informed  the  French  Emperor  would  readily  grant 
him  any  favour  he  might  request.  The  Doctor,  in  consequence,  solicited 
the  exchange  of  Captain  Millman,  which  was  immediately  granted. 

CAPTAIN  SIR  HOME  POPHAM. 

WHEN  this  officer  was  at  St.  Petersburg!],  in  1799,  the  hired  armed  lugger 
the  Nile,  being  celebrated  as  the  fastest  sailer  in  the  service,  Sir  Home 
Popham  was  honoured  with  a  visit  by  the  Emperor  Paul,  to  witness  her 
manoeuvres.  Her  master  was  Mr.  Stephen  Butcher,  of  Folkstone,  a  sea- 
man of  first-rate  abilities,  and  no  less  celebrated  as  a  smuggler  :  the  crew 
wore  chiefly  smugglers;  a  set  of  men  peculiarly  expert  in  the  management 
of  luggers,  a  class  of  vessels  which  roen-of-war's-men  can  seldom  ma- 
nage. In  the  midst  of  the  manoeuvres,  the  Emperor  Paul  being  engaged 
in  conversation  with  Captain  Popham,  the  watchful  eje  of  the  master,  siw 
tb«  main  lanyard  block  descending,  and  by  an  instar-laneous  effort  he 


NAUTICAL   ASECDOTES,   &C.  287 

pushed  die  Emperor  away,  and  saved  his  life  ;  for  the  block  fell  upon  the 
identical  spot  where  Paul  had  been  standing.  We  do  not  hear  that  Mr. 
Butcher  was  noticed  ;  but  to  this  little  nautical  trip  was  attributed  the 
honour  of  knighthood  bestowed  by  the  Emperor  on  Captain  Popham. 

THE   DUCHE9S  OF  OLDENBURG. 

HER  Imperial  Highness  on  landing  at  Sheerness  from  the  Jason  frigate, 
commanded  by  the  Honourable  Captain  King,  bestowed  many  munificent 
tokens  of  gratitude  on  the  officers  and  ship's  company,  in  return  for  the 
attention  shewn  her.  The  Princess  presented  the  captain  with  a  ring 
worth  three  hundred  guineas  ;  and  to  each  of  the  other  officers  a  ring  of 
one  hundred  guineas  value.  To  the  wife  of  one  of  the  sailors,  she  pre- 
sented a  broach  of  eighty  guineas  value  ;  and  she  directed  three  hundred 
ducats  to  be  divided  amongst  the  crew.  To  Mrs.  Lobb,  the  wife  of  the 
commissioner,  she  presented  a  broach  set  round  with  brilliants  worth  one 
hundred  and  twenty  guineas. 

A  SUBMARINE   BOAT. 

THIS  singular  vessel,  in  shape  much  resembling  a  porpoise,  27  feet  in 
length,  five  in  depth,  and  five  broad,  arched  over,  sharp  at  each  end  ;  her 
materials,  principally  consisting  of  wrought  and  cast  iron,  is  in  a  state  of 
considerable  forwardness.  The  inventor  of  this  extraordinary  machine 
undertakes  to  sail  her  on  the  surface  of  the  water  as  an  ordinary  boat  ;  he 
can  immediately  strike  her  yards  and  masts,  plunge  her  to  any  depth  he 
pleases  under  water,  and  remain  there  12  hours  without  any  inconvenience 
»r  external  communication,  as  occasion  may  require.  To  strike  her  yards 
and  masts,  and  descend  under  water,  is  but  the  work  of  two  or  three 
minutes.  He  can  row,  and  navigate  her  under  water  at  the  rate  of  four 
knots  an  hour;  remain  stationary  at  any  particular  depth,  and  descend  or 
ascend  at  pleasure;  this  vessel  is  so  strongly  built  and  so  well  fortified  as  to 
defy  the  effect  of  a  twelve  -pounder  at  point-blank  shot.  It  is  supposed 
government  designs  this  formidable  invention  to  counteract  the  torpedo* 
system  of  America  :  the  proprietor  can  attach  any  quantity  of  gun-powder 
to  any  sunken  body  and  explode  the  same  at  pleasure. 

MATHEMATICAL    QUESTION. 

Given  x  -f-  y  -f-   ^a     —  a> 


and  a*  +  y*  -f 
x 

To  find  tfcg  value  of  y,  without  substitution,  by  a  simple  eauntios- 


288 
PLATE  CCCCXII. 

WIE  Portrait  prefixed  to  this  page,  is  of  ALEXANDER  FRASER,  Esq. 
Rear-admiral  of  the  White  Squadron,  whose  Memoir  we  presented 
to  our  readers  at  page  89  of  the  present  Volume  ;  and  gentlemen  will  be 
pleased  to  direct  their  binders  to  pay  attention  to  the  proper  placing  of 
this  engraving. 

CORRESPONDENCE. 

KK.  EDITOR,  23d  April,  1814. 

^flTrrni  a  view  of  giving  the  greatest  degree  of  publicity  to  the  letter 
*  ^      herewith  enclosed,  addressed  to  the  King  of  Prussia  (to  whom  I 
shall  forward  a  copy  of  this  number)  I  request  the  favour  of  its  insertion. 

The  references,  unintelligible  to  the  general  reader,  refer  to  those  parts 
of  the  MSS.  transmitted  to  the  king,  containing  the  most  copious  and  com- 
plete legal  evidence  of  the  atrocious  conduct  of  those  judges,  magistrates, 
and  others,  who  suld  the  rights  of  Prussian  neutrality  to  the  foe. 
I  am,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
) 

rown. 
TO  HIS  MAJESTY  THE  KING  OF  PRUSSIA. 

SIRE>  London,  25th  April,  1814. 

IT  is  rational  to  suppose  that  the  restoration  and  extension  of  the  mari- 
time commerce  of  your  kingdom  form  one  of  the  principal  subjects  of 
your  solicitude.  The  object  of  this  letter  is  to  display  the  hidden  source 
whence  danger  and  dishonour  have  proceeded,  and  whereby  the  maritime 
commerce  of  Prussia,  previous  to  the  invasion  of  your  dominions  in  1806 
was  polluted  and  half  destroyed.  The  intention  of  the  maritime  laws  of 
Prussia  was,  to  create  and  cherish  a  spirit  of  naval  and  commercial  enter- 
prise in  every  port  of  tho  monarchy.  The  intention  of  the  legislator  was— 
to  secure  every  possible  advantage  for  the  trade  ancfflag  of  Prussia  •  but  as 
certamly  ,t  was  also  the  design  of  the  law-giver?  to  limit  and  confine  to 
Prussian  subjects,  ships,  and  commerce,  all  the  rights  and  privileges  at- 
tached  to  the  Prussian  flag. 

In  direct  violation  of  their  duty  to  their  wverelgn,  many  of  the  judges, 
ba.hfTs,  and  other  persons  residing  in  the  province  of  East  Fricsland,  irv 
every  manume  war  which  has  occurred  since  the  year  1779,  wherein 
Prussu  was  neutral,  have  openly  sanctioned  the  most  radical  prostitution 
of  your  Majesty's  flag,  and  sold  to  a  horde  of  perjured  men,  publk  doc*- 


CORtlESPO.NDENCJE.  239 

men ts  of  the  most  solemn  description,  which  should  have  been  reserved  for 
Prussian  Chips'  and  commerce^  and  such  only,  whereby  the  rights  and  pri- 
vileges of  the  maritime  neutrality  of  Prussia  have  been  systematically 
transferred  to  the  ships  and  merchandise  of  Holland,  France,  and  Spain; 
and  the  shipping,  mariners  and  products  of  great  belligerent  states,  with- 
drawn from  the  imminent  peril  which  awaited  the  appearance  of  their 
national  flags  upon  the  ocean  ;  of  the  commercial  spoils  of  which,  by  this 
base  subterfuge,  the  royal  navy  of  Great  Britain  has  long  been  to  a  very 
great  extent  deprived.  In  almost  every  situation,  by  a  principle  of  moral 
justice  that  can  seldom  be  averted,  every  species  of  crime  produces  its  own 
punishment.  Tt  is  true,  that  our  invincible  navy  has  been  deprived  of 
many  millions  of  prize-property  during  the  present  war;  but,  Sire,  placing 
tarnished  faith  and  honour  out  of  the  question,  the  maritime  wealth  of 
Prussia  suffered  still  more.  It  was  not  possible  that  our  Courts  of  Prize 
could  be  deceived  by  a  fraud  which  attempted  to  cover  the  trade  of  bel- 
ligerent states  under  a  neutral  mask  :  why  they  did  not  make  a  more  reso- 
lute stand  against  the  recognition  of  spurious  documents  and  perjured 
evidence  is  not  my  province  to  inquire:  but,  the  commanders  of  our  fleets 
and  cruisers,  in  obedience  to  their  instructions  which  commands  them  to 
detain  all  suspicious  cases,  being  unable  to  distinguish  between  the  neutral 
and  neutralized  vessels  and  cargoes,  (the  papers  of  the  whole  being  alike  as 
to  form  and  tenor,)  commonly  detained  every  vessel  found  navigating  under 
the  Prussian  flag  if  laden  with  the  produce  of  an  enemy's  country  or  co- 
lony, or  bound  to  or  from  an  enemy's  port.  Thence,  the  capture  of 
vessels  under  the  Prussian  flag  was  multiplied  to  a  prodigious  degree;  the 
security  of  property,  really  Prussian,  became  loose  and  uncertain,  being 
incessantly  exposed  to  the  most  fatal  delays  and  ruinous  litigation  in 
our  expensive  Courts  of  Admiralty  jurisdiction,  and  whilst,  by  the  dexte- 
rity of  the  neutralizer,  and  the  shameless  perjuries  of  the  master  and 
mates,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  the  disguised  enemy  escaped,  it  some- 
times happened,  perhaps,  from  some  technical  conformality,  that  propwty 
really  Prussian,  has  been  condemned  ! 

The  perjured  neutralize;^,  at  the  instigation  of  the  enemy  owners,  ad- 
dressed numerous  memorials  to  your  Majesty,  stating,  in  exaggerated- 
terms,  the  losses  and  injuries  to  which  they  had  been  exposed  by  wchat 
those  mercenary  and  perjured  wretches  dared  to  term  the  lawless  violence 
of  Great  Britain,  calling  on  your  Majesty  to  protect  your  flag!  which  com- 
plaints had,  of  course,  an  inevitable  tendency  to  create  a  coolness  between, 
jour  Majesty's  government  and  that  of  Great  Britain,  whereby  the  views 
of  the  common  enemy  were  greatly  facilitated.  Independently  of  the  ho» 
nour  of  the  Prussian  monarchy  being  sullied  by  that  organized  violation  of 
ks  maritime  neutrality,  the  injury  done  to  public  morals  was  irreparable 
and  boundless.  Perjury  became  exalted  to  a  kind  of  new  science,  and 
those  who  could  forge  signatures  adroitly  were  munificently  rewarded. 
The  master  of  a  Dutch  vessel,  navigating  under  your  Majesty's  flag,  which 
was  sent  into  Harwich  in  1805,  being"  about  to  be  examined  before  the 
actuary,  exclaimed  with  every  appearance  of  real  anguish,  My  God  I 

»  (ZCjjtoR.  dot.  XXXI.  f  P 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

my  God  !  what  shall  I  do  !  If  I  swear  to  truth,  I  lose  my  bread :  if  I  stctar 
falsely,  I  lone  my  soul. 

In  this  manner,  Sire,  has  the  honour  of  your  flag  been  compromised, 
and  the  morals  of  your  subjects  polluted.  To  the  unprincipled  conduct 
of  neutral  flags  was  France,  notwithstanding  reiterated  defeats,  and  the 
blockade  of  her  ports  of  naval  equipment,  indebted  for  the  means  of  con- 
structin"  new  navies  and  carrying  on  without  a  navy,  not  only  her  foreign, 
but  even  her  coasting  trade:  and  in  the  ever  memorable  invasion  of  your 
'Majesty's  dominions,  the  frauds  of  neutral  flags  enabled  the  enemy,  m 
anticipation  of  war,  to  collect  magazines  in  the  Baltic  ports,  and  after- 
wards to  supply  his  hospital  at  Lubeck,  and  the  army  that  besieged  Dantzig. 
In  short  this  vile  mercantile  system  furnished  the  enemy  with  the  means  of 
overwhelming  Prussia.  Happily,  Sire,  you  have  re-established  the  inte- 
grity and  independence  of  your  kingdom,  and  carried  your  victorious  arms 
to  the  capital  of  your  invader. 

Although  the  present  aspect  of  affairs  afford*  a  flattering  promise  of  a 
long  duration  of  tranquillity,  yet,  it  might  be  prudent  to  adopt  such 
measures  as  the  occasion  may  require  to  prevent  the  future  recurrence  of 
danger  or  dishonour.  To  enable  you,  Sire,  the  better  to  comprehend  the 
nature  and  extent  of  the  abuses  practised  under  your  flag,  I  shall  imme- 
diately transmit  to  Berlin  a  most  important  assemblage  of  legal  evidence, 
such  as  shall  Iccu-e  no  doubt  as  to  the  truth  of  every  allegation  this  letter 
may  contain. 

I  shall  also  transmit  two  pamphlets  relative  to  the  frauds  of  neutral  flags, 
and  more  particularly  of  the  flag  of  Prussia.  The  earliest  I  published  in 
January  1805 :  its  object  was,  to  fix  the  attention  of  government  to  this 
momentous  subject — to  undeceive  the'  royal  navy,  and  lay  the  disguised 
fleets  of  the  enemy  open  to  capture  and  condemnation.  The  second 
pamphlet,  printed  in  January  last,  will  be  found  to  contain  an  authentic 
history  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  organized  violation  of  the  flag  of 
Prussia.  The  original  MS.  is  still  in  my  possession,  and  at  your  Majesty's 
service— it  is  a  document  well  worthy  the  notice  of  your  ministers.  But  I 
beg  to  be  distinctly  understood; — it  is  not  my  meaning  to  involve  any  in- 
dividual in  punishment;  for  J,  expose  the  crimes  of  your  judges,  ma- 
gistrates, and  subjects,  with  no  other  view  than  to  prevent  their  future 
recurrence. 

Ly  the  documents  transmitted,  which  will  be  found  to  contain  a  faithful 
picture  of  the  commerce  of  Europe  drawn  by  a  hand  of  no  common 
skill,  it  will  be  satisfactorily  proved  that  the  judges,  bailiffs,  magistrates, 
and  others  of  your  subjects  resident  in  your  province  of  East  Friesland, 
have,  in  each  maritime  war  since  1779,  derived  enormous  gains  bv  their 
organized  violations  of  the  Prussian  flag  ;  and  that,  in  the  year  1806,  there 
w<re  upwards  of  THREE  THOUSAND  SAIL  of  vessels  belonging  to  .the  mer- 
chants ot"  Holland,  France,  and  Spain,  navigating  under  the  Prussian  flag, 
each  of  which  vessels  yielded  an  annual  tribute  to  the  perjured  neutralizes 
And  also,  that  the  venal  judges  who  issued  the  papers,  derived  a  con- 
siderable profit  from  e:ich  set  of  papers ;  and  from  every  other  document 
iisued'by  them,  in  support  of  the  innumerable  fraudulent  transactions  m 
^rhich  the  perjured  neutralizes  were  incessantly  engaged. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  291 

j 

The  first  regular  establishment  formed  for  the  sale  of  neutral  rights,  and 
the  commission  of  all  the  forgeries  and  perjuries  incidental  to  such  traffic, 
was  that  of  Van  Olst  Erouwer^  and  Co.  in  Embden,  in  the  year  1799,* 
and  before  the  next  general  peace,  there  were  neutralized  by  that  firm  no 
less  than  five  hundred  and  twenty  sail  of  ships— and  cargoes  incalculable. 
Amongst  these  ships  were  ten  East  Indiamen,  twenty  West  Indiamen,  and 
forty  large  Greenlanders  !  There  were  three  other  similar  establishments  at 
Embden.  In  1806,  OH  the  name  of  the  Van  Cammingas  of  Embden,  there 
were  upwards  of  five  hundred  sail  of  belligerent  vessels  navigating  as  Prus- 
sian property :  and  their  revenue,  at  that  period,  is  supposed  to  have 
amounted  to  forty  thousand  pounds  sterling ;  yet  they  charged  no  more 
than  one  per  cent,  on  merchandise^  and  two  per  cent,  on  ships  and 
freights!  There  were  then  in  existence  nearly  sixty  other  establishments 
of  the  same  base  nature.  The  admission  of  so  prodigious  a  number  of 
belligerent  ships  within  the  pale  of  neutral  commerce,  necessarily  dimi- 
jiiahed  the  demand  for  neutral  vessels,  as  the  owners  of  the  neutralized 
ships  must  have  chartered  neutral  vessels,  if  they  could  not  have  neutra- 
lized their  own.  It  retarded  ship-building,  and  deteriorated  very  mate- 
rially  from  the  value  of  shipping.  Nor  were  the  neutralized  vessels 
repaired  iu  the  countries  whose  flag  they  bore,  but  at  the  belligerent  ports 
whereto  they  belonged.  No  national  advantage  of  any  kind  arose  to  tha 
neutral  states  whose  flag  was  violated.  In  short,  Sire,  the  frauds  of  neu- 
tral flags  were  alone  beneficial  to  the  perjured  neutralizes  and  their  base 
confederates,  to  the  enemies  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  members  of  the. 
Prize  Tribunals, 

Enonnouily  great,  as  unquestionably  was  the  wealth  gained  by  the  venal 
judges  and  the  perjured  neutrah'zers  of  East  Friesland,  it  was  equalled,  if 
not  surpassed,  by  that  which  arose  from  this  diabolical  system  to  the 
members  of  our  prize  tribunals,  1  have  beeu  informed,  from  a  person 
holding  a  situation  of  great  importance  in  the  High  Admiralty  Court  of 
England,  that  the  judge  derived  a  revenue  in  the  first  years  of  the  present 
war  exceeding  to  thirty  thousand  per  annum  :  the  King's  Advocate,  from 
thirty  to  foriy  thousand  pounds  per  annum  ;  the  King's  Procurator  General, 
sixty  thousand  pounds  per  annum  fund  his  conducting  clerk  is  believed  in 
the  course  of  a  few  years  to  have  acquired  a  considerable  fortune);  the 
Registrar  of  the  Court  from  thirty  to  forty  thousand  per  annum ;  and  some 
of  the  Proctors  of  the  Court,  are  supposed  to  have  derived  enormous  reve- 
nues from  the  vast  increase  in  the  number  of  litigated  cases;  and  it  is 
capable  of  proof,  and  I  pledge  myself  to  prove  it,  that  far  very  far  the 
greater  par.t  of  those  princely  revenues  arose  from  the  detestable  system 
pf  false  papers  and  false  oaths,  tl»e  systematical  organization,  and  enormity 
of  which,  from  public  motives,  I  first  developed  to  my  country  and  the 
world. 

Where  such  prodigious  gains  arose,  it  was  not  very  wonderful,  Sire, 
if  some  individuals  contemplated  the  detestable  source  with  less  de- 
testation than  the  officers  and  seamen  of  our  injured  navy  whom  it  insulted 

*  Vide  Pamphlet,  1814,  p.  2.5. 


and  impoyerisbed.  When  I  urged  the  immorality  of  receiving  the  «ri- 
dence  of  men  known  to  subsist  by  mercenary  perjury,  1  was  told,  that  as 
Ion*  as  neutral  princes  suffered  their  neutrality  to  be  violated,  our  courts 
were  obliged  to  receive  the  simulated  documents,  and  give  credit  to  the 
perjured  witnesses  !  Our  prize  courts  certainly  acted  upon  that  principle  ; 
and  if  the  papers  were  in  what  was  technically  called  "  proper  .order,"  and 
if  the  witnesses  swore  in  conformity  to  the  papers,  in  all  cases  of  pro- 
perty, it  was  restored  as  claimed.  And  thus  might  be  obtained,  by  fraud 
and  perjury  combined,  every  advantage  connected  wiih  the  popular  doc- 
trine of  free  ship — free  goods.  The  High  Court  of  Admiralty,  Sire,  were 
riot,  and  could  not  be  ignorant  of  those  enormous  frauds  :  for  in  1805,  I 
deposited  in  that  tribunal,  in  the  second  capture  of  the  Hoop,  Askcrgrcn, 
master,  the  very  important  documents  relative  to  those  frauds  of  which  I 
herewith  transmit  translated  copies  to  your  Majesty, 

Had  you  been  duly  informed,  Sire,  of  those  mal-practices,  no  douht  they 
•would  have  been  terminated.  Amongst  other  regulations,  your  Majesty, 
in  1799,  issued  a  proclamation  in  the  Aurich  Gazette,  with  a  view  to  insure 
a  more  strict  administration  of  oaths  in  all  cases  of  maritime  jurispru- 
dence; but  the  judges,*  and  other  officers  of  the  crown,  whose  peculiar 
and  personal  duty  it  was,  to  have  given  full  effect  to  your  upright  inten- 
tion, were  those  by  whom  that  proclamation  was  rendered  abortive  and 
of  no  effect. 

1  consulted,  in  March  1804,  with  persons  holding  respectable  situations 
under  your  Majesty's  government,  but,  averse  as  they  were,  and  as  every 
honourable  mind  must  ever  be  to  such  unparalleled  nets  of  depravity,  they 
dissuaded  me  from  proceeding  to  Berlin,  and  laying  those  proofs  before 
your  Majesty,  which  I  now  transmit,  representing  the  wealth  and  influence 
of  the  criminals,  as  being  sufficiently  great  to  render  it  a  dangerous  en- 
terprise, independent  of  the  great  and  hourly-increasing  prevalence  of 
the  politics  of  France  in  the  court  of  Berlin. 

In  July  following,  I  wrote  to  Mr.  Jackson,  the  British  minister  at  your 
^Majesty's  court.  The  spars,  masts,  and  other  contraband  of  war,  after- 
wards employed  in  the  construction  of  the  Scheldt  fleet,  were  then  daily 
arriving  in  the  Ems,  having  been  neutralized  by  Claas  Tholen,  and  D.  T. 
Van  ComiTiinguf.  I  caused  many  cargoes  to  be  captured  by  II.  M. 
cruiwrs,  but  was  unable  to  procure  any  effectual  interference  on  the  part 
of  my  Sovereign.  In  all  these  cases,  Sire,  J  acted  on  principles  entirely 
disinterested,  without  any  prospect  whatever  of  gain. 

I  next  relumed  to  London,  and  made  an  unconditional  tender  to  his 
Majesty's  minister  of  the  important  documents  relative  to  the  organized 
prostitution  of  the  Prussian  flag.  How  I  obtained  possession  of  them,  the 
affidavits  exhibited  in  the  High  Admiralty  Court  will  prove,  and  convince 
your  Majesty  t  obtained  them  in  a  fair  and  honourable  mariner,  and  per- 
severitufly  endeavoured  to  apply  them  to  the  best  possible  end.  For 

«   Vide.  MS.  bock  A.  p.  55.  sec.  1425. 

i   MS.   B.  p.  24.  tec.  1486.   n,  o,  p.  and  MS.  A.  p.  246    «ec.  1326— J35O. 

J  Vide,  MS.  A.  p.  6.  1— u. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  OQJ 

years  in  succession,  I  offered  them  to  the  different  administra- 
tions  which  had  place  ;  but  in  vain;  and  when  I  strove  to  break  down  in  a 
court  of  law,  the  rampart  thrown  up  by  forgery  and  perjury  round  the 
violation  of  maritime  neutrality,  I  found'  myself  opposed  in  a  quarter 
where,  of  all  others,  I  had  the  least  right  to  expect  it,  and  where  oppo- 
sition was  the  most  fatal  to  my  hopes. 

Although  repelled,  I  never  despaired,  nor  lost  sight  of  the  great  object 
I  still  hoped  to  accomplish.  The  violation*  of  martime  neutrality  produced 
their  own  punishment,  and  led  to  multiplied  captures  by  die  British  fleets  ; 
and  those  captures,  though  fully  justifiable,  gave  birth  to  loud  and  angry 
complaints  from  neutrals  and  neutratozers,  addressed  not  only  to  your  Ma- 
jesty, but  to  every  sovereign  prince  in  Europe.  Availing  himself  of  those 
events,  the  enemy  made  greater  and  greater  encroachments  on  neutral 
rights,  and  ventured  to  seize  or  confiscate  British  colonial  produce  and 
manufactures,  although  unquestionably  the  property  of  neutrals,  in  its 
transit  to  foreign  markets  through  neutral  states.  This  monstrous  stretch 
of  arbitrary  power  was  followed  by  more  rigid  and  more  extensive  systems 
of  blockade  of  the  enemy's  coasts  by  the  fleets  of  Great  Britain ;  and  those 
blockades  by  the  celebrated  Berlin  and  Milan  decrees,  which  quickly  pro- 
duced our  memorable  orders  in  council,  and  those  our  immoral  system  of 
licensed  trade.  The  effect  of  the  above  was,  to  drive  every  neutral  flag 
from  the  ocean,  and  degrade  the  occupation  of  a  merchant  to  the  lowest 
possible  ebb.  It  would  require  no  great  degree  of  talent.  Sire,  to  trace 
these  terrible  calamities  up  to  the  first  great  and  systematical  prostitution 
of  neutral  flags,  which  commenced  in  your  dominions  in  1779. 

The  "continental  system,  Sire,  was  the  most  formidable  weapon  thai 
ever  was  wielded  by  any  enemy  against  my  country.  Nothing  could  hav« 
defeated  its  object  but  the  unconquerable  impetuosity  of  its  projector. 
Too  impatient  to  wait  the  effects  of  its  slow  but  sure  operation,  anxious  to 
accelerate  his  triumph  over  Great  Britain,  he  poured  his  colossal  strength 
upon  Russia.  The  severity  of  the  climate,  the  falelity  of  the  people,  the 
courage  of  the  Russian  armies,  destroyed  the  mighty  hosts  of  the  invader, 
and,  with  a  rapidity  of  ruin  which  stands  without  a  parallel  in  history,  the 
proud  conqueror  was  overwhelmed  and  reduced  to  abdicate  his  throne. 

The  present  juncture,  Sire,  is  beyond  any  that  ever  preceded  it — the 
most  auspicious  for  rooting  out  for  ever  from  every  maritime  state,  the 
loathsome  practice  of  false  papers  and  false  oaths.  The  former  system 
of  neutral  trade  now  lies  broken  in  fragments,  and  this  is  the  moment, 
Sire,  to  introduce  a  more  perfect  organization. 

In  the  name  of  the  morajs  and  happiness  of  mankind — in  the  name  of  the 
deeply  injured  navy  of  Great  Britain— I  implore  you,  Sire,  to  adopt  such 
measures  regarding  the  persons  to  whom  in  future  your  Majesty  may  dele- 
gate the  power  of  issuing  documents  of  Prussian  citizenship,  shipping,  or 
merchandise,  as  may  serve  as  a  model  to  every  maritime  state,  and  put  nn 
effectual  end  to  a  practice  founded  on  fraud  and  perjury,  to  which  might 
fairly  be  ascribed  much  of  the  misfortunes  which  lately  overwhelmed  your 
monarchy,  and  which  has  also  been  the  producing  cause  of  those  heavy 
wUfortirues  which,  at  the  present  moment,  tLfeatens  with  new  calamities 


294  CORRESPONDENCE. 

the  extensive  coasts  of  America.  In  short,  Sire,  there  is  no  part  of  th« 
world  washed  by  the  ocean,  nor  visited  by  commerce,  where  its  polluted 
influence  has  not  been  shed ;  it  is  a  modern  Python,  engendered  in  the 
»lime  of  a  contaminated  commerce,  and  far  more  dreadful  than  that  fabled 
monster  of  antiquity,  as  that  only  fed  upon  the  bodies — but  this  upon 
the  morals  of  mankind. 

In  the  list  of  neutralized  ships  in  MS.  book  A.  p.  17  to  49,  may  be  found 
evidence  of  such  gigantic  frauds  practised  under  your  Majesty's  flag,  as 
might  appear  incredible,  were  the  proofs  of  a  nature  that  could  be  ques- 
tioned. In  every  separate  ship,  there  is  evidence  of  the  most  infamous 
frauds  committed  by  the  neutralizer,  and  sanctioned  by. your  magistrates. 
In  these  the  term  "  Remersal"  frequently  occurs,  which  means  a  counter- 
deed,  or  acknowledgment  that  the  neutralizer  had  no  legal  claim  or  preten- 
sion to  the  property  neutralized ;  that  the  Prussian  documents  of  neutrality 
were  merely  nominal,  and  intended  to  procure  the  vessel  the  privileges  of 
Prussian  neutrality.  In  the  MS.  book  B.  p.  21,  is  a  translated  copy  of  the 
original  renversal  for  the  brig  Calo,  mentioned  in  MS.  A,  p.  21, 

To  the  greater  part  of  Schroder's  neutralized  ships  is  attached  the  term 
"  Protection  Money."  This  signifies  the  annual  tribute  paid  for  the  use  of 
the  Prussian  flag.  See  the  translated  copy  of  an  original  deed,  book  Bf 
p.  21. 

Almost  ever}*  case  shews  the  .facility  with  which  Burger  Briejx  were  pro. 
cured  for  Dutch  and  French  skippers,  of  the  Amtmen  of  various  districts  iu 
East  Friesland. 

Iu  the  entry  of  the  ship  No.  5,  p.  20,  MS.  A.  it  is  expressly  stated  that 
the  master  was  not  a  Prussian,  but  that  the  netitralizer  procured  him  a 
Burger  Brief. 

In  ship  No.  12,  p.  24,  the  name  of  Baumgaurten  occurs,  who  was  hired 
as  a  deputy  false  swearer,  by  C.  F.  Schroder,  to  swear  to  whatever  he  should 
be  required  by  his  master,  at  an  annual  stipend.  This  man's  name  occurs 
in  ship  No.  13,  p.  25  ;  ship  No.  27,  p.  33;  ship  No.  28,  p.  84  ;  ship  \o.  33 
p.  36 ;  ship  No.  34,  p.  37  ;  ship  No.  35,  p.  37.  In  the  letters,  No.  77, 
p.  206,  and  218,  228,  and  229,  may  be  seen  the  reasons  assigned  for  the 
hire  of  this  deputy  false  swearer;  namely,  that  tlie  performance  of  some  very 
gross  perjuries  might  lessen  Schroder's  credit  with  our  High  Admiralty  Gmrr. 
Yet,  with  this  evidence  fully  verified  before  that  Court,  in  the  case  of  the 
Juffirouw  Mindel,  Bos,  master,  on  the  oath  of  this  miscreant,  were  the  ship 
and  cargo  restored,  and  the  captors  condemned  in  costs  and  damages  !  when, 
by  the  maritime  law  of  Prussia,  neither  the  one  nor  the  other  were  entitled 
10  the  privileges  of  Prussian  property. 

In  the  ships,  No.  20,  p.  28,  a  clerk  of  the  neutralizer,  a  young  man,  just 
then  turned  of  twenty  years  of  age,  was  employed  to  commit  a  forgery,  and 
appear  under  false  names  in  fraudulent  deeds,  to  which  the  most  solemn 
oaths  appear  to  have  been  attached.  The  same  occurs  also  in  ship  No.  21 
p.  29  ;  ship  22,  p.  30 ;  ship  23,  p.  31  ;  ship  25,  p.  32 ;  ship  27,  p.  33;  ship' 
28,  p.  34  ;  and  in  ship  No.  33,  p.  36,  a  youth  only  seventeen  years  vld, 
named  Waltman,  borq  in  I  lushing,  is  introduced  to  commit  a  forgery,  and 
sanction  a  fraud ;  the  same  jgain  occurs  iu  ship  No.  35,  and  36,  p.  37. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  295 

Relative  to  the  ship  No.  49,  p.  43,  there  is  in  MS.  B.  p.  19,  an  account 
of  the  prices  paid  by  Schroder,  the  neutralize?,  to  the  judge,  for  a  set  of 
ship's  documents,  by  which  you  may  perceive  the  price  paid  and  the  price 
charged  for  each  document.  The  Sea  Pass  is  charged  by  the  judge  to  the 
neutralizer.  33f.  16. ;  who  in  his  turn  charges  the  Dutch  owners,  116f.W. 
the  judge  charges  for  a  muster  roll  in  blank,  6f.  2.  with  the  magisterial 
seals  and  signatures  affixed,  for  which  the  neutralizer  charges  the  Dutch 
owner,  18f.  8.  The  neutralizer  pays  the  bontona,  or  bailiff,  for  a  Burger 
Brief  for  the  Dutch  master,  8 1/.  4.  and  charges  the  Dutch  merchants, 
115/.  4.  The  tofal  expense  of  all  the  papers  was  179/.  18.  the  price 
charged,  478/. ;  the  difference  was  the  neutralizer's  profit. 

In  the  ship  No.  52,  p.  45,  is  the  entry  of  a  Dutch  snow,  called  the 
Susannah  Margaretha,  belonging  to  a  merchant  of  Dordrecht.  In  the 
same  book,  p.  219  and  220,  is  the  whole  plan,  as  arranged  between  the 
Dutch  owner  and  the  neutralizer,  relative  to  this  curious  specimen  of 
mercantile  dexterity,  wherein  the  most  artful  precautions  were  used  to 
prevent  detection  ;  but  in  which  all  the  latent  frauds  were  developed 
and  laid  open.  In  the  book  B.  p.  15,  is  the  copy  of  the  sea  pass,  granted 
in  your  Majesty's  name  to  that  ship  ;  p.  17  is  the  ship's  certificate,  and 
p.  18  the  certificate  of  the  cargo.  The  ship  was  captured  by  the  Cruizer, 
Captain  Hancock,  23d  August,  1805,  and  condemned.  Yet,  after  this  very 
extraordinary  proof  of  the  perjury  of  Carl  Frederick  Schroder,  his  oath  was 
still  continued  to  be  received  as  evidence  in  the  High  Admiralty  Court. 

In  the  book  A.  p.  175  and  6,  are  two  letters  from  a  Dutch  house  of 
trade,  to  C.  F.  Schroder,  relative  to  his  terms  for  the  neutralization  of  car-- 
goes; and  p.  195  is  an  order  for  a  «crtificate  of  property  for 

27  sacks,  or  1  last  of  peas. 

27    do.     or  1  do.  wheat. 
108    do.     or  4  do.  horse  beans. 

10  chests,  or  108  small  Edam  cheeses. 
264  sacks,  or  10  lasts  of  barley. 

To  be  shipped  in  the  Vrede,  Oelsen,  Master. 

In  page  193,  is  a  simulated  letter,  expressly  written  to  deceive  our  Admiralty 
Court,  ordering  the  same  goods  as  though  it  really  were  upon  Schroder's 
account  and  risk.  The  Vrede  was  captured  by  H.  M.  gun-brig  the  Adder, 
the  cause  was  tried  before  the  Right  Hon.  Sir  William  Scott,  and  the 
cargo  restored  to  the  perjured  claimant.  In  the  MS.  book  B.  p.  1,  is  the 
claim  on  oath  for  that  cargo,  by  C.  F.  Schroder.  It  is  not  possible  to  refer 
your  Majesty  to  a  stronger  case  than  this,  in  support  of  the  necessity  of 
putting  an  end  to  such  atrocious  crimes.  Yet,  this  very  complete,  evidence 
of  the  perjuries  of  C.  F.  Schroder  and  his  confederates,  were  insufficient  to 
produce  his  exclusion  as  a  suitor  from  the  Admiralty  Court. 

I  shall  proceed  no  further  than  to  state,  that  the  neutralizes  charged 
money  for  taxes  paid  to  your  Majesty,  which  were  nerer  levied.  (MS.  book 
A.  p.  136,  sect.  576,  597).  That  they  sold  all  kind  of  instruments  in 
blank,  as  certificates  of  property,  muster-rolls,  burger-briefs,  and  clear- 
ances; in  fact,  that  ther*  was,  0.0  proof  whatever  required  by  our 


CORRESPCVOTEKCS. 

Admiralty  Court,  but  was  to  be  bought  of  a  hundred  envious  competitors, 
who  sent  printed  circulars  to  the  ports  of  Holland  and  France  (book  A.  p.  66, 
tec.  72,  73  ;  p.  68,  sec.  81 ,  82)  and  also  despatched  travellers  (p.  69, 
•ec.  89,  90,  91)  to  solicit  business  (p.  200,  ^01),  with  the  same  regularity 
as  thouiih  it  were  an  open  and  honourable  trade.  There  was  a  violent  com- 
petition for  employ  in  this  mart  of  perjury.  They  even  stated  the  terms  on 
which  that  work  of  infamy  was  to  be  performed  (125,  sec.  497,  8,  9. 
600,  1,  2).  A  certain  Jew  was  employed  in  London  to  carry  into  effect 
the  perjuries  of  the  neutralizers.  He  committed  perjury  without  hesitation 
himself,  and  corresponded  directly  with  the  enemy  owners,  (p.  82,  sec.  186 
to  20 1).  This  perjured  being  also  boasted,  in  his  confidential  letters,  of 
standing  on  terms  of  intimacy  with  persons  of  rank  belonging  to  the  Admi- 
ralty Court,  through  whose  means  he  could  obtain  the  release  of  ships  and 
merchandise,  when  no  other  person  could,  (p.  77,  sec.  147,  8;  and  pam- 
phlet, 1314.) 

I  publish  thi»  letter,  Sire,  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE,  to  give  the  widest 
possible  circulation  to  the  important  truths  it  contains.  Should  your 
Majesty  require  further  elucidation,  I  am  ready  to  afford  it ;  and  I  most 
sincerely  hope  the  extraordinary  mass  of  original  evidence  which  I 
respectfully  lay  before  your  Majesty,  may  induce  you  to  make  the  requisite 
changes  in  your  Maritime  Courts  ;  and  also,  to  induce  the  ministers  of  the 
Prince  Regent  to  introduce  that  change  in  the  practice  of  the  Admiralty 
Court,  which  is  so  essentially  wanting  for  the  conservation  of  public  morals, 
and  the  rights  of  a  greatly  injured  navy. 

If  on  this  occasion  I  am  again  doomed  to  experience  a  failure— if  I  can* 
not  induce  your  Majesty  to  take  any  steps  to  eradicate  this  frightful  evil, 
I  shall,  early  in  the  ensuing  sessions  of  Parliament,  bring  the  whole  case 
before  the  Honourable  House  of  Commons  ;  but  it  would  be  much  more 
agreeable  to  me,  and  more  useful  to  the  royal  navy,  if  the  ministers  of  the 
Prince  Regent  would  themselves  bring  about  that  reform  so  essential!/ 
wanting  in  the  practice  of  our  High  Admiralty  Courts — the  first  impulse  to 
which  would  be  irresistibly  felt,  were  it  to  originate  wkh  your  Majesty* 
I  have  ever  been,  to  the  utmost  of  my  humble  lalents,  a  strenuous  advo- 
cate for  the  moderate  exercise  of  the  right  of  search,  and  the  strict  mainte- 
nance of  our  general  rights  as  a  belligerent  power;  yet,  rather  than  see  con- 
tinued a  system  so  radically  vicious  and  imbecile,  I  would  that  our  govern- 
ment, to  relieve  mankind  from  such  prolific  sourcesof  mental  depravity,  should 
at  once  renounce  every  principle  for  which  we  have  for  ages  contended,  and 
accede  to  the  simple  and  moral  doctrine  of ,  free  ski/) — -fret  gouclt. 

The  M9S.  which  I  herewith  transmit  to  your  Majesty,  I  shall  expect  ta 
be  returned,  in  case,  Sire,  you  should*not  see  the  evils  I  have  depicted 
as  being  of  a  nature  to  require  investigation  or  redress  :  for,  in  that  unfor- 
tunate predicament,  T  shall  stand  in  need  of  the  MSS.  to  submit  them  to  the 
consideration  of  the  House  of  Commons  in  the  enduing  sessions.  If  you 
tliould  graciously  please  to  institute  any  inquiry,  and  deerte  any  redres* 
of  these  enormous  evils,  were  these  documents  a  hundred  (old  more  valuable, 
1  should  be  happy  to  lay  them  at  your  Majesty's  feet. 

Accept,  illustrious  Sovereign,  my  siucere  assurances  of  the  most  pro- 
found veneration.  JOHN  CROWN. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


297 


PRISONERS  OF  WAR. 

MR.  EDITOR,  Ibbotsori's  ffotel,  Vere  Sired,  6th  April,  1814. 

TTUDGING  that  it  might  Jae  satisfactory  to  the  feelings  of  those  who 
^^  may  have  relations  or  friends  amongst  the  detenus,  or  officers  prison- 
ers of  war,  who  were  lately  stationed  at  Verdun,  I  herewith  enclose  you 
an  original  list  of  the  same,  as  'delivered  to  me  by  permission  of  the  gallant 
and  generous  commandant,Major  De  Meulan,  in  December  last. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  very  humble  servant, 

W.  C.  DALYELL. 

•**  The  Editor  returns  Captain  Dalyell  his  best  thanks  for  the  valuable 
document  above  alluded  to  ;  anxious  to  fulfil  the  benavolent  wishes  of  this 
distinguished  officer,  he  has  selected  an  alphabetical  list  of  all  the  naval 
officers,  to  which  he  has  subjoined  the  names  of  the  masters  of  merchant- 
men ;  and  in  the  following  number  the  rest  of  the  paper  shall  be  inserted. 


A  List  of  Naval  Officers  and  Marines,  Prisoners  of  War,  on  their  Parole, 
at  Verdun,  December,  1813. 


Past  Captains. 
Joyce,  John. 
Lavie,  Sir  Thomas. 
Lyall,  William. 
Miller,  Simon. 
Otter,  Charles. 
Walker,  Benjamin, 

Captain. 
Blennerhnsset. 

Lieutenants. 
Apreece,  William. 
Allan,  James. 

Boyack,  Alexander. 
Bastin,  Robert. 
Bin»ham,  John. 
.Bo^le,  Warner. 
Brown,  George  William. 
Brine,  John. 

Callas,  John. 
Carslnke,  John. 
Crosbie,  Robert. 
Cowley,  George. 
Crocket,  George. 


Dalyell,  W.  C. 
Donaldson,  Augustus. 
Donavan,  Richard. 
Davis,  Hamilton. 
Davidson,  Alexander. 

Fabian,  William. 
Fennell,  Johq. 
Foster,  Thomas. 
Filleul,  John. 

Gratrix,  George. 
Gooch,  Henry.     (Master.) 
Green,  Charles. 
Gunnel,  Robert. 
Gilpin,  William. 

Hall,  Thomas. 
Hawkey,  John. 
Hawkins,  John. 
Hales,  John. 
Higginson,  George* 
Handby,  William, 

Jones,  Thomas. 
Inglnm,  George. 

Johnson, 


Q    Q 


996 


COKKESrONDENCB. 


Jervoise,  William. 
Johnson,  William. 

Kennicott,  Gilbert, 
Kingdou,  John. 

Lambert,  John. 
Liddle,  Robert. 
Lloyd,  Frederick. 
Lew,  John. 

M'Kenzie,  John. 
Mantor,  .fohn. 
Milne,  William. 
M'Namara,  Jeremiah. 
Miller.  Joseph. 
M'Dougal,  John. 
M'Konochie,  Alexander. 
Munro,  Andrew. 
Mahoney,  Jeremiah. 

Norie,  Elvyn. 
Napier,  Andrew. 

Pennie,  John: 
Pridham,  Richard. 
Parkman,  John. 

Richards,  William. 
Rigby,  Robert. 
Ross,  Richard. 
Robins,  Thomas. 

Sanders,  John. 
Shuldham,  MoUneux, 
Stewart,  Charles. 
Smith,  Thomas. 
Snell,  Robert. 
Stackpoolc,  Edmuad. 

Thomas,  Abel. 
Tuckey,  James. 
Tapper,  William. 
Tuck,  Samuel. 
Taylor,  John. 
Tapley,  Jeremiah. 
Trackston,  Henry. 
Tracey,  John. 


Wingate,  George. 
Westlake,  William. 
Wills,  George. 
Walker,  William. 
Wigley,  John. 
Young,  Matthew. 

MARINE    OFFICERS. 

Armstrong,  Nathaniel,  Ueut. 

Bourne,  George,  do. 
Bell,  George,  do. 
Blakeney,  John,  do. 

Clark,  Thomas,  do. 
Champoniere,  ,  do. 

El  wood,  Charles,  do. 
Eckford,  Alexander,  do. 

Farmer,  Jasper,  do. 
Field,  Edward,  do. 

Guy,  Henry,  do. 
Gibbons,  John,  do. 
Gibbons,  Jeremiah,  do. 

Howard  Robert,  do. 
Innes,  John,  do. 
Morgan,  Thomas,  do. 

Ryan,  Thomas,  do. 
Richardson,  George,  do, 

Sullivan,  William,  do. 
Sutton,  Peter,  do. 
Sanderson,  George,  do. 
Simpson,  Alexander,  do» 
Sampson,  William,  do. 

Masters. 
Bishop,  Gams. 
Beatson,  John. 

Frazer,  Henry. 

Hernaman,  Francis. 
Hazell,  Benjamin. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


29* 


Long,  James. 
Pickersgill,  Richard. 
Read,  Thomas. 

Taylor,  Rogers. 
Thompson,  Robert, 

Armourer. 
Bertes,  John. 

Pursers, 
Bastin,  Thomas. 

Ellis,  George. 
Hanny,  Hugh. 

M'Millan,  Archibald. 
Mackay,  Donald. 

Richardson,  John. 
Sullivan,  Daniel. 

Wilson,  James. 
Wilcock,  Joseph. 

Pilots. 
Atherton,  Thomas. 

Clayton,  David. 

Edwards,  Henry. 
Eastle,  Robert. 

Harrow,  John. 
James,  Thomas. 
Le  Corney. 

Priaux,  Pierre. 
Prior,  Thomas. 
Pope,  Robert. 

Rose,  Hugh. 

Midshipmen, 
.Allan,  Peter. 
Auk  in,  Roger. 
Astley,  Wilkinson, 


Adams,  John. 
Arabin,  Augustus. 

Blakeney,  Robt.— (Permission. } 

Bradshaw,  William. 

Back,  George. 

Bee,  John. 

Berkeley,  John. — (Passed,) 

Baker,  William. 

Blackmore,  Samuel. 

Bold,  Edward,  master's  mate. 

Brothers,  John. 

Boyle,  George. — (La  Ferte.) 

Bridges,  Edward* 

Bushel,  William. 

Barret,  Joseph. 

Byasse,  Weatlr. 

Bartoe,  James. 

Baird,  Daniel. 

Bland,  George. 

Burch,  James. 

Barrow,  Henry. 

Barns,  John. 

Boyle,  George. — (La  Ferte). 

Blisset,  Charles. 

Batty,  Michael. 

La  Cost,  Frederick. 

Crick,  John. 

Carter,  George. 

Caulficld,  Edwin.— (Languelet). 

Cordrey,  George. 

Craggs,  George. 

Carrique,  Henry. 

Callagan,  Henry. 

Cornish,  Samuel 

Carrol,  Hugh. 

C'ornat,  Ralph, 

Clements,  Handby. 

Dupree,  John. 
Davis,  Henry. 
Davis  George. 
Digges,  Montgomery. 
Downey,  John. 

Elvy,  George,  master's  mate. 


300 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


Evans,  George. 

Fosbery,  Godfrey. 
Furze,  Robert. 
Forrest,  Thomas. 
Frith,  John. 
Freeman,  Frederick. 

Gregg,  Thomas. 
Gordon,  Adam. 
Gale,  James. 
Gillo,  John. 
Gibbs,  Antony. 
Gowdie,  John. — (Passed.) 
Galway,  Daniel. 
Grant,  Lachland. 
Green,  Stephen. 
Grant,  Archibald. 

Hepkiuson,  John. 

Hamilton,  William. 

Hoy,  Robert. 

Harries,  Joseph. 

Hill,  Henry. 

Hernaman,  William. 

Hennessy,  Augustus. 

Hearbown,  William. 

Hart,  Benjamin. 

Hamilton,  Thos.  master's  mate. 

Haberficld,  James. 

Haines,Williara.  master's  mate. 

Hodder,  Peter. 

Hcroer,  Robert. 

Harvey,  Phillip. 

Harrop,  David. 

Hubbard,  William: 

Hall,  Joseph. 

Hindley,  Thomas. 

Jackson,  Henry. 
Jackson,  Thomas. 
Jennings,  Thomas. 
Johnston,  Joseph. 
Johnson,  John. 
Jeaffresen,  Charles. 
Johnston,  William. 


Knipp,  Edward. 

King,  Henry.— (La  Ferte.) 

Kneeshaw,  Samuel. 

Kirkpatrick,   Henry. 

Lechmere,  John. 
Lyall,  James. 
Lewis,  Thomas. 
Lynche,  John. 
Litchford,  Thomas. 
Lane,  Isaac. 
Longmore,  William. 

Moyses,  William. — (Passed.). 
Morris,  Richard. 
Marsden,  Robert. 
Matthias,  James. 
Mullet,  Henry. 
Moythen,  Field. 
Malcolm,  Niel. 
M'Cartey,  Daniel. 
M'Dougal,  Thomas. 
Miller,  Edward. 
Marc  he,  James. 

Nichols,  Edward. 

Nichols,  Abraham. 

Nepean,    Evan.— (Permission). 

O'Brien,  Joseph. 
O'Brien,  Donat. 
O'Neil,  Robert,  master's  mate. 

Potts,  George. 
Paynter,  Charles. 
Price,  Edward. 
Parson,  John. 
Peard,  George. 
Parry,  Lewis. 
Pearsons,  Robert. 
Pace,  Phill. 
Pettigrew,  Thomas, 

Rowe,  Thomas. 
Ramsey,  John. 
Ramsey,  William. 
Reid,  James. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


301 


Rawlins,  Robert. 

Robinson,  Abraham. 

Robins,  William. 

Rosser,  Richard. 

Russel,  Francis,  master's  mate. 

Reynolds,  John. 

Rodnel,  Thomas. 

Randall,  Henry. 

Stockings,  Richard. 
Stone,  Valentine. 
Secretan,  Thomas  James. 
Slingsby,  Joseph. 
Smith,  John,  master's  mate. 
Shakleton,  John. 
Sullivan,  James. 
Stevenson,  Frederick. 
Sutton,  William. 
Sutherland,  Francis. 
Sarsfield,  Dom. 
Strong,  John. 
Sadler,  Henry. 
Sterling  James. 
Simeon,  Charles. 
Stewart,  John. 
Simmonds,  George. 
Sharwell,  Benden. 
Savigny,  William. 
Strange,  Thomas. 

Taylor,  John. 

Thomas,  William. 

Turrel,  Charles. 

Taylor,  Thomas. 

Thompson,  Charles. 

Taylor,  Henry. — (Sub  Lieut.) 

Templeton,  Robert. 

Turner,  Edward. — (Passed  ) 

Tyler,  Thomas. 

Townsend,  Joseph. 

Taylor,  Thomas. 

Turner,  Edward.— (Passed.) 

Tighe,  Robert. — (Ratisbon.) 

Vale,  John. 
Viret,  Francis. 

Wingate,  John. 


Williams,  William  John. 
Walker,  Edward. 
Weatherly,  Richard. 
Waller,  Obadiah. 
Webb,  Thomas. 
Walker,  William. 
Wildey,John. 
Wilson,  David. 
Webster,  John. 
Whitefield,  John. 
Walstrand,  Peter. 
Were,  John. 
Wall,  John. 
Woolcock,  James. 
Willis,  William. 
Ward,  John. 
Wilkey,  James. 
Whitcomb,  Mark. 

Yellard,  Edward. 


Masters  of  Merchant  Ships. 
Allen,  George. 
Allison,  Robert. 
Akerman,  John. 
Allison,  Israel. 

Bruce,  Thomas. 

Baily,  John. 

Begnou  Thomas. 

Burn,  John, traveller&  merchant 

Brooks,  Joseph. 

Babb,  Nicholas. 

Bowen,  Joseph. 

Bailhacke,  Francis. 

Booth,  Thomas. 

Broom,  Thomas. 

Blair,  William. 

Ballame,  John. 

Brin,  Thomas. 

Bravinder,  William . 

Broocks,  William. 

Bell,  William. 

Corney,  William. 
C'hamberlaiue,  Biis. 


301 


Carter,  Edward. 
Close,  David. 
Canny,  William. 
Cultberson,  Andrew. 
Carter,  Daniel. 
Crabb,  Isaac. 
Cornish,  John. 
Coleman,  Thomas. 
Cooper,  William. 
Clark,  John. 
Cragie,  Andrew. 
Christie,  William. 

Domcson,  John. 

Dandson  or 

Davidson,  Charles. 

Dayment,  Samuel. 

Dunn,  Robert. 

Davidson,  George. 

Donovan,  Patrick. 

Dunn,  James. 

Davison,  George. 

Degaris,  Peter. 

Davies,  AlieT. 

Duncan,  William. 

Delisle,  Isaac,  Capt  privateer. 

Davison,  Samuel. 

Donaldson,  Alexander. 

Davies,  John. 

Dawson,  Robert. 

Ewen,  William. 
Ellis,  John. 
Evans,  John. 
Erery,  Samuel. 
Ebbets,  John. 

Ford,  Andrew. 
Forrest,  Robert. 
Fog»o,  Alexander. 
French,  John. 
Ferry,  Paul. 

Gillingham,  John. 
Gordon,  John. 
Giles,  John. 
Gay,  John. 


Gallop,  Joshua. 
Gibbs,  John. 
Gifford,  Francis. 
Greenwell,  Kinswd. 

Holby,  Robert. 
Hogarth,  Robert. 
Hamilton,  John. 
Hussey,  Thomas. 
Helyar,  John. 
Howell,  David. 
Harrison,  Joseph, 
llixon,  Thomas. 
Hall,  Thomas. 
Hodgson,  Thomas. 
Hutchinson,  Robert. 

Jewith,  Robert. 
Judge,  Joseph. 
Jebb,  Thomas. 
Jenkins,  William. 
Jones,  John. 

Langley,  Johnson. 
Le  Feuvre,  Thomas. 
Lowes,  James. 
Lawes,  John. 
Langlas,  Hillier. 
Langford,  Richard. 
Laws,  Thomas. 
Lane,  Benjamin. 
Le  Feuvre,  Francis. 
Le  Rossignol,  John. 
Lee,  Daniel. 
Lewis,  William. 
Larwood,  Nathaniel. 
Le  Cheminant,  Nicholas. 

Middleton,  Joseph* 
Moulin,  Nicholas. 
Morton,  William. 
Marchand,  Thomas. 
M'Cain,  William. 
Mansfield,   William. 
Mastin,  Alexander. 
Mossman,  John. 
Murphy,  George. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


303 


Purchase,  William.                     -.  . 

Swinburn,  Mitchel* 

Patrick  Thomas. 

Swinburn,  James. 

Pitt,  Richard. 

Swaisland,  John. 

Phillips,  James. 

Smart,  George. 

Potts,  Lewis. 

Pills,  Robert. 

Tr  cine  tie,  John. 

Palmer,  John. 

Trannach,  William. 

Peacock,  Joseph. 

Terry,  David. 

Pleasents,  Charles. 

Thompson,  James. 

*        '    '    *  J-V 

Palk,  John. 

Taylor,  John. 

Pen,  Thomas.. 

Tidball,  Benjamin. 

Purcell,  John. 

Thompson,  Moses. 

Pickance,  Thomas. 

.    Tomlenson,  Richard. 

Rizzo,  Antonio. 

Vibert,  John.  ,K  nt  f  a  V)g 

Ram  age,  Robert. 
Read,  George. 
Richardson,  John. 

White,  Edward. 
White,  Robert. 

Robley,  John. 

Williamson,  Richard. 

Revans,  Charles. 

Way,  William. 

Rendall,Elias. 

Way,  John. 

Richards,  William. 

Williams,  Robert. 

Rodwell,  Robert. 

Watson,  Francis. 

Rogers,  George. 

White  way,  William. 
Wilcock,  Thomas. 

Service,  John. 
Spencer,  Edward. 

Wren,  John. 
Williamson,  Richard. 

Stephens,  Henry. 
Story,  John. 

Willis,  James. 
Wood,  William. 

Smith,  Charles. 
Strong,  Richard. 

Yeames,  Peter. 

Yexley,  William. 

Sims,  Francis. 

Sherwin,  Samuel. 

Packet  Boatt. 

Simons,  William. 

Stephens,  Thomas. 

Marchese  William,  Captain. 

Summerland,  Benjamin. 

Sedotti,  Antonio,  Mate. 

MR.  EDITOR,  Twickenham,  Sd  April,  1814. 

CONCEIVING  that  any  recent  and  authentic  intelligence  from  our 
^  officers,  prisoners  of  war  in  France,  would  at  any  time  be  welcome, 
and  more  particularly  so  at  the  present  crisis,  I  have  transmitted  you 
copies  of  two  letters,  the  one  written  at  Blois  on  the  route  to  Gueret, 
Department  de  la  Creuse ;  the  second  at  Guerct,  the  seat  of  the  depot  re- 


304 

moved  from  Verdun.  As  well  as  copies  for  insertion,  I  send  you  the 
original  letters,  of  which  you  will  please  to  take  care  till  I  call  for  them. 
I  take  this  step  the  more  readily,  in  the  hope  that  by  my  example  others 
may  be  influenced,  and  send  to  you  any  interesting  letters  or  documents 
they  may  possess  to  add  to  the  invaluable  store  of  naval  subjects  already 
recorded  in  your  Chronicle. 

The  disposition  of  the  writer  of  the  above  letters  will  best  be  gleaned 
from  his  own  observations :  for  the  rest,  his  bravery  is  on  record ;  h« 
has  been  many  years  a  prisoner,  a  lieutenant  in  rank,  and  was  born  in 
Scotland.  I  ain,  Sir, 

Your  sincere  well  wisher, 


MY  DEAR  runvD,  Blois,  17th  Feb.  1814. 

I  AM  truly  happy  to  hear  of  your  safe  arrival  in  England,  and  thank 
you  for  your  kind  inquiries  respecting  me.  I  should  have  written  to  you 
by  Capt.  Millman,  but  having  nothing  material  or  new  to  communicate,  I 
omitted  that  opportunity. 

You  are  no  doubt  informed  of  the  removal  of  the  depot  from  Verdun. 
No  more  than  twenty-four  hour's  notice  was  given ;  and  knowing  as  you 
do  the  situation  of  too  many  of  us,  in  arrears  for  lodgings,  and  in  debt 
in  every  quarter  of  the  town,  you  will  be  better  able  to  conceive  than  I  am 
to  describe  the  clamours,  reproaches,  uproar,  and  confusion  that  took 
place.  Many  were  forced  to  leave  their  goods  and  baggage  behind  them  ; 
and  others,  with  their  wives  and  numerous  families,  in  the  midst  of  winter, 
were  compelled  to  undertake  a  dreary  joun:ey,  over  bad  cross-country 
roads,  ill  provided  with  raiment,  money,  or  conveyances.  The  miseries  of 
war  in  an  invaded  country  extend  far  beyond  its  actual  theatre,  and  Ver- 
dun has  already  experienced  some  portion  of  its  sorrows.  Instead  of  join- 
ing the  national  guard,  many  of  the  Bourgeois  set  off  to  Germany  t  in  con- 
sequence of  which,  their  houses  have  been  filled  with  soldiers  who  live 
upon  the  property  of  those  new  emigres. 

We  set  off  by  detachments,  in  every  possible  mode ;  but  were  obliged  to 
go  a  prescribed  road,  and  to  reach  this  at  a  given  time  :  during  our  march 
\ve  experienced  all  the  rigours  that  extreme  cold  and  bad  weather  could 
produce.  We  were  billeted  upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  places  where  we 
halted;  but,  I  am  sorry  to  s>ay,  in  general,  we  were  very  badly  lodged  t 
However,  all  things  considered,  I  got  over  it  tolerably  well.  I  left  Ver- 
dun with  no  more  than  twenty-one  francs,  out  of  which,  and  the  marching 
money,  I  not  only  contrived  to  meet  the  expences  of  the  journey  to  Blois, 
"but  also  to  buy  me  a  new  pair  of  shoes.  I  walked  the  whole  of  the  w?.y, 
and  acquitted  myself  much  to  my  satisfaction.  Except  the  cathedrals  at 
Troyes  and  Sens,  I  met  with  little  worthy  of  notice,  or,  speaking  more  cor- 
rectly, I  bad  not  time  nor  opportunity  to  search  for  objects;  nor  was  I  in 


COttRtSPONDENCC*  305 

ttife  happiest  possible  mood  for  enjoying  the  sight  of  them.  The  paintings 
On  glass,  in  the  windows  of  those  cathedrals,  are,  however,  so  exquisitely 
fine,  it  was  impossible  not  to  be  struck  by  their  beauty  and  magnificence. 
Indeed  they  are  generally  allowed  to  be  the  finest  specimens  of  the  art  in 
the  whole  world.  Over  an  altar  I  remarked  a  curious  deception  wrought 
in  stone:  it  was  a  representation  of  a  curtain,  but  so  well  executed,  that 
at  a  short  distance  it  was  difficult  to  discover  it  was  not  a  real  curtain. 
They  displayed  a  number  of  curiosities,  more  than  I  can  recollect,  and  I 
took  no  notes.  Amongst  other  elegant  trifles  wrought  in  ivory,  I  was  par- 
ticularly  struck  by  the  beauty  and  anatomical  correctness  of  a  small  figure, 
wrought  by  the  hands  of  Madame  Sophie,  Epoust  du  Dauphin ;  and  this 
fecals  to  my  mind  the  splendid  monument  erected  to  the  memory  of  the 
Dauphin  :  the  design  to  me  appeared  as  a  grand  conception  of  an  abl« 
artist,  and  the  workmanship  most  admirable.  I  also  noticed  a  very  pretty 
toy,  most  elaborately  wrought,  on  which  a  deal  of  time  must  have  been 
consumed,  and  an  inconceivable  stock  of  patience  exerted  :  it  consisted  of 
seven  ivory  balls,  cut  one  within  the  other,  all  detached,  moveable,  and 
visible.  Of  a  more  solemn  description  was  a  cross,  said  to  have  been 
presented  by  Charlemagne  to  this  cathedral.  The  time  was,  and  for  many 
ages  that  time  lasted,  \vhen  this  cross  was  never  shewn  but  With  solemn 
pomp,  nor  viewed  but  with  a  reverence  bordering  on  idolatry :  but  passed 
are  those  times ;  the  Frenchman  smiled  as  he  shewed ;  and  as  for  us,  sea- 
men, we  were  totally  incapable  of  appreciating  its  value:  besides  this 
ancient  cross,  we  were  treated  with  the  sight  of  a  ring  once  belonging  to 
a  bishop,  said  to  be  upwards  of  a  thousand  years  old.  If  its  principal 
value  had  consisted  in  precious  gems,  instead  of  its  great  antiquity,  I  ques- 
tion if  it  had  not  disappeared  during  the  anti-clerical  fury  of  the  revolu- 
tionists. But  how  will  you  refrain  from  laughter  when  you  learn  that  a 
garment  which  belonged  to  that  daring  and  ambitious  priest,  Thomas  & 
Becket,  is  said  to  have  been  preserved  ever  since  his  death,  and  exhibited 
a's  a  precious  relict  in  this  cathedral.  We  turned  from  it  with  disdain, 
after  bestowing  a  malediction  or  two  on  the  memory  of  the  turbulent  ruf- 
fiap  to  whom  it  was  said  once  to  have  belonged.  But  notwithstanding  his 
disloyalty  to  his  king,  he  was  the  glory  of  priestcraft,  and  launched  as  a 
first-rate  saint. 

Arrived  at  Orleans,  you  will  readily  believe  that  thought  revolved  back 
to  that  eventful  period  of  our  annalb  when  our  armies  conquered  France, 
and  when  the  Pucelle  waved  the  sacred  standard  within  those  walls, 
and  roused  the  dormant  spirit  of  France  against  our  legions.  Her  courage, 
patriotism,  and  devotion  to  her  king  and  country,  rank  her  memory  high 
in  the  pantheon  of  illustrious  women.  The  cruel  death  to  which  the 
fegent  condemned  her,  has  entailed  on  his  character  a  deathless  reproach. 
Orleans  is  still  a  noble  city,  though  less  populous,  wealthy,  and  magnificent 
than  before  the  revolution.  The  bridge  is  a  grand  structure;  the  princi- 
pal street  is  a  very  fine  one,  and  remarkably  well  built.  In  short,  Orleans 
Was  by  far  the  cleanest  and  handsomest  city  through  which  we  passed.  I 
remained  in  this  city  three  nights.  I  breakfasted,  dined,  and  spent 

.  Cfcion,  fflol.  XXXI.  R  » 


308  CORRESPONDENCE, 

of  my  time  with  Mr.  Thompson  and  his  family.*  This  gentleman  displayed 
a  most  hospitable  mini).  He  was  kind  and  attentive  to  all ;  to  many  h* 
advanced  cash ;  and  entertained  as  many  as  his  house  would  accommo- 
date, whilst  the  depot  was  passing  ;  more  than  twenty  sat  down  at  his  table 
to  dine.  You  cannot  think,  how  much  it  cheers  one's  spirit,  after  a  long  and 
fatiguing  march  on  foot,  to  partake  of  his  hospitable  cheer,  and  sit  by 
his  bla/ing  fires  of  wood.— To-morrow  we  are  to  leave  Blois  for  Gueret,  de- 
partment de  la  Creuse,  where  we  are  to  arrive  on  the  26th.  I  have  thus 
eight  days  march  before  me.  The  roads  are  uncommonly  bad,  are  all 
cross-country  roads,  and  we  shall  start  without  our  marching  money.  The 
sailors  and  private  soldiers  belonging  to  the  depot,  who  have  preceded  us, 
have  suffered  dreadfully,  poor  fellows,  being  ill  clothed,  and  in  want  of 
necessaries  of  every  kind.  In  short,  the  whole  depot  are  hard  run  ;  how- 
ever I  hold  up,  and  shall,  by  fortitude  and  perseverance,  surmount  all 
these  trifles ;  but,  under  any  circumstances,  I  rejoice  that  I  am  no  longer 
in  Verdun.  My  mind  has  become  much  more  tranquil  since  I  left  that 
detested  place.  When  I  beheld  St.  Menehoud,  I  felt  as  though  I  were 
transported  to  another  world.  I  was  grown,  from  long  captivity  and  ad- 
verse circumstances,  weary  of  the  place,  and  out  of  humour  with  every- 
thing within  its  wails. 

Our  new  depot  is  a  place  consisting  of  three  thousand  inhabitants  only ; 
of  course  we  shall  be  badly  off;  but "  never  despair,"  is  a  maxim  to  the 
•pirit  of  which  I  am  determined  to  act.  Still,  it  is  terrible  to  be  thus  cut 
off  from  one's  profession,  family,  and  early  connexions.  I  have  sometimes 
wished  1  had  been  left  to  perish  of  the  wounds  I  received  when  I  was 
made  prisoner ;  we  are,  as  you  will  readily  conceive,  most  anxious  to  hear 
if  there  is  any  prospect  of  an  exchange;  and  even  then,  how  many  of  us, 
poor  lieutenants,  are  there,  who  have  neither  friends  nor  fortune,  would 
find  themselves  worse  off  on  half  pay  in  England,  than  full  pay  in  France? 

I  shall  rejoice  most  heartily  in  your  promotion,  which  I  hope  and  trust 
will  have  taken  place  before  this  was  written.  Make  my  kind  remem- 
brance to  J »;  he  cannot  be  happier  married  than  I  wish  him. 


THE  SAME  TO  THE  SAME. 

Gueret,  Dep.  de  fa  Creuse, 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND,  13th  March,  1814. 

My  last  was  dated  from  Blois,  and  acquainted  you  with  the  unpleasant 
circumstances  under  which  1  had  began  my  march.  However,  unfortu- 
nately tor  them,  there  were  many  who  were  less  able  to  endure  privation* 
an  myself,  and  I  got  on  quite  as  well  as  I  expected  with  bad  roads,  bad 
weather,  and  slender  resources.  The  depot  arrived  here  on  the  26th  ult. 
and  were  generally  and  severely  disappointed.  Lodgings  are  extremely 

»  Thi»  gentleman  wai  member  for  Evesham,  in  1803,  when,  being  on  hi« 
travel*  in  France,  he  and  his  family,  contrary  to  the  letter  and  spirit  of  th« 
kw  of  nationi ;  and  in  direct  violation  of  the  Jaws  of  hospitality,  were  made  pri- 
luncrs  of  war  ' 


CORRESPONDENCE.  307 

<5tar,  and  no  less  scarce.  A  single  room,  badly  furnished,  lets  for  50  or 
€0  francs  a  month.  Thence,  most,  or  a  very  great  part,  live  in  the  coun- 
try, which,  at  this  time  of  the  year,  is  sufficiently  wearisome  and  unplea- 
sant. There  are  two  and  thirty  villages  appointed,  in  which  we  may  reside, 
and  make  our  own  selection  :  some  of  them  are  five  leagues  distant  from 
the  town.  This  place  consists  of  no  more  than  three  or  four  thousand 
inhabitants,  and  has,  for  a  century  past,  been  termed  "  La  Siberie  Fran* 
f<Mse."  It  gained  this  appellation  from  its  having  been  chosen  by  Lewis 
XlVth.  as  the  place  of  exile  for  those  nobles  who  were  troublesome  to  that 
monarch.  Mr.  Hamilton  is  here,  as  well  as  Captain  Allen ;  in  short,  the 
depot  has  increased  near  three  hundred.  Watson,  I  believe,  has  permis- 
sion to  remain  at  Bluis ;  we  expect  to  be  removed  ;  our  good  and  bene- 
volent commandant  Major  de  Meulan,  having  written  for  that  purpose. 
I  difl  not  notice  many  interesting  objects  as  I  passed  alowg  the  road  :  per- 
haps there  were  not  many  very  remarkable  to  be  seen.  The  weather  was 
extremely  cold,  the  roads  in  general  execrably  bad,  and  all  the  Etapes  wer« 
across  the  country.  As  usual,  the  wealthy  travelled  post,  arrived  first  at 
this  place,  and  secured  the  best  lodgings.  The  clubs  fall  off;  the  forty- 
five  is  knocked  up,  the  twenty-five  is  irregular — a  few  of  the  party  smoke 
away  the  evenings,  the  other  hangs  on  so  so ;  half  a  dozen  of  them  are  not 
to  be  met  together  of  an  evening.  The  general  resort  is  at  a  coffee-house, 
where  smoking  prevails.  The  depot,  however,  is  much  improved  as  to 
morals  :  regarding  play,  there  is  little  or  none,  except  among  a  certain  de- 
scription— unworthy  of  naention.  I  have  already  stated,  that  lodgings  are 
exorbitantly  dear  in  the  town— they  are  but  little  cheaper  in  the  country. 

J  saw  Captain  B this  morning,  who,  as  well  as  myself,  is  most  anxious 

to  hear  from  you.  Your  last  to  him  which  he  has  received,  was  dated  the 
95th  January.  As  you  may  well  suppose,  nothing  can  be  more  miserable 
than  our  situation,  living  in  a  state  of  tormenting  suspense,  anxious  for 
news,  and  knowing  nothing  of  what  is  passing.  This  place  is  situated 
seven  leagues  from  the  high  road,  and  we  receive  the  papers  but  three 
times  a  week.  II- n  married  Mademoiselle  R e,  and  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  lose  all  her  stock  of  clothes.  Mr.  Garland,  whom  you  might 
remember  at  Verdun,  and  who  was  plundered  in  so  bhameful  a  manner  by 
General  Wirion  and  his  vile  associates,  married,  a  week  past  at  Orleans, 
Miss  Cope,  daughter  of  Mr.  Cope,  one  of  our  wealthy  detenus,  and  who 
formerly  resided  at  Valenciennes,  who  settled  upon  her  a  fortune  of  two 
thousand  five  hundred  per  annum. 

Tins  place  is  wretchedly  dreary.  However,  a  few  of  the  leading  party, 
through  the  polite  attention  and  introductions  afforded  by  the  commandant, 
pass  their  time  tolerably  agreeable.  The  prefect,  Baron  de  Martrois,  is  a 
jnan  of  large  fortune,  who  married  one  of  the  daughters  of  the  Doc  de 
Cadore.  He  is  about  twenty-five  years  of  age. 

We  are  in  high  glee  here,  at  least  some  of  us,  in  consequence  of  the 
famous  news  afloat,  that  a  change  beneficial  to  the  service  is  immediately 
to  be  introduced  into  the  navy,  with  increase  of  pay.  We  learnt  this  from 

. f  who  arrived    here  a  short  time  since,  and  was  in  London  three 

inontlis  ago.      We  haye,  however,  many  disbelievers.     God  knows,  that 


308  COURESPONPENCE* 

officers  in  England,  who  have  to  subsist  on  half  pay,  must  suffer  dreafully. 
How  much  better  had  I  been  off,  had  I  been  bred  to  the  counting-house, 
or  any  mechanical  trade.  The  ardent  hopes  of  my  youth  are  all  blasted  ; 
and  here  I  am,  without  friends,  without  fortune,  and  hopeless  of  pro- 
motion or  employ.  Yel,  no  one  strove  more  to  merit  promotion.  How 
many  unhappy  young  men,  cut  off  from  their  friends,  and  abandoned  to 
the  follies  of  youth,  and  the  seductions  of  the  vicious,  have  we  seen  de- 
ploring the  choice  of  a  profession  made  by  their  friends !  But,  a  truce 
with  gloomy  reflections.  If  yon  can  confirm  the  good  news  relative  to  the 
reported  improvements  of  the  condition  of  the  navy,  and  increase  of  pay, 
pray  do  so — it  will  raise  our  spirits  prodigiously.  Your  details  of  those 
events  would  be  well  worth  communicating;.  By  this  time,  I  hope  your 
promotion  is  secured.  How  does  our  friend  D get  on?  Is  he  pro- 
moted ?  If  so,  congratulate  him  in  my  name.  I  expect  it  is  so,  as  I 
accustom  m}self  to  look  on  the  best  side  of  the  question.  Has  he  ob- 
tained his  pension  ?  As  you  have  all  ray  news,  I  beg  you  to  give  me  yours, 
and  believe  me,  dear  Sir,  with  sincere  friendship,  yours  ever  truly. 


MR.  rpiTon,  Peek's  Coffee- flouse,  5th  of  April,  1814, 

HAVING  very  recently  returned  from  Verdun  where  I  had  been  resi- 
dent on  parole  upwards  of  seven  years,  it  struck  me  that  it  might 
liot  be  uninteresting  to  your  general  readers,  and  that  it  would  be  interest- 
ing to  naval  ones,  were  I  to  attempt  a  character  of  the  different  command- 
^nts  who  have  governed  at  that  grand  depot  since  the  commencement  of  the 
present  eventful  war,  now  apparently  about  to  close  in  a  manner  so  deci* 
sively  glorious,  as  two  years  since  it  was  improbable. 

Of  the  multifarious  instances  of  knavery  and  extortion,  fraud,  insolence, 
and  despotism,  practised  by  the  ever  execrable  WIRJON  and  his  vulgac 
spouse,  I  have  the  less  occasion  to  treat  because  the  Chevalier  Lawrence, 
in  his  picture  of  Verdun,  has  given  a  correct  and  animated  description  of 
those  distinguished  characters  and  most  disgraceful  scenes.  During  the 
reign  of  that  contemptible  tyrant  there  was  nothing  odious  in  power  abused 
by  vulgar  bands, — nothing  base  and  disgusting  in  meanness  or  rapacity,  but 
what  was  exercised  with  impunity  against  the  feelings,  property,  and  persons 
of  the  detenus  and  prisoners  of  war.  If  our  reformers  wanted  a  finished, 
picture  o(  insolence,  fraud,  and  despotism,  combined,  Verdun,  under  the 
$wuy  of  General  Wirion,  was,  of  all  others,  the  place  best  calculated  to  gra- 
ufy  '"S  wish. — Having  accumulated  a  large  fortune  by  the  open  exercise  of 
every  dishonourable  artifice,  he  was  displaced  and  succeeded  by  Courcelles, 
a  creature  who  trod  in  the  vi|e  footsteps  of  his  predecessor.  Thisotficer,  as 
veil  as  I  can  recollect,  succeeded  Wirion, about  1803,  and  kept  in  power  till 
J81I.  During  the  reign  of  those  two  miscreants,  it  was  in  vain,  or  it  was 
dangerous,  in  any  individual  to  attempt  to  convey  a  statement  of  his  wrongs, 
Itowever  grievous,  to  the  ear  of  the  ministers.  It  was  intercepted  by  the 
agents  of  the  petty  despots  of  Verdun,  or  pau>« d  over  without  attention  ; 
and  not  few  were  the  instances  wherein  the  complainants  were  made  to  fce^ 


CORRESPONDENCE.  .      3Q9 

the  dark  -and  cowardly  revenge  of  which  their   base  and  contaminated 
minds  were  so  eminently  susceptible. 

The  BARON  DE  BEAUCHESNS  succeeded  the  infamous  COURCELLES;  of 
the  latter  it  is  difficult  to  speak  too  highly.  It  was  an  angel  presiding  where 
a  fiend  had  ruled  before.  Full  of  generosity,  honour,  and  dignity,  this 
worthy  nobleman,  in  every  respect,  was  the  reverse  of  his  base  predeces- 
sors. When  he  died,  which  was  early  in  1813,  his  death  was  deeply  and 
generally  deplored  by  the  detenus  and  officers,  who  raised  six  thousand 
francs  to  rear  a  monument  to  his  memory  in  token  of  their  love  and  gra- 
titude. 

It  was  an  arduous  duty  for  an  officer  to  succeed  this  worthy  man,  with- 
out suffering  greatly  by  comparison.  It  was  however,  the  happy  lot  of  our 
countrymen  at  Verdun  to  have  Major  de  Meulan  appointed  to  succeed  Ba- 
ron de  Beauchesne.  I  cannot  recollect  the  place  of  the  Major's  nativity, 
but  his  father  was  an  Intcndant  de  Frovms.  His  family  was  wrecked  and 
his  fortune  destroyed,  by  the  early  storms  of  the  revolution ;  and  at  the  age 
of  14  he  emigrated  to  Cayenne.  There  he  remained  till  the  tempest  was  a, 
Jittle  wasted,  when  he  returned  to  his  native  country.  Here  he  found  him- 
seit'  rich  only  in  honour,  for  of  his  patrimony  nothing  could  be  gleaned. 
Being  liable  to  the  conscription  he  was  soon  called  into  the  field;  and  not 
having  wealth  to  hire  a  substitute,  he  was  forced  to  serve  in  person.  He 
hud  thus  his  military  career  to  begin  de  now.  He  served  as  a  private  in 
the  ranks,  but  his  courage,  activity,  and  soldier-like  conduct,  soon  recom- 
jnended  him  to  notice,  and  before  he  was  twenty-eight,  he  had  by  dint  of 
merit  alone,  attained  the  rank  of  Major,  which  assimilates  with  that  of 
Lieutenant-colonel  in  the  British  service.  He  distinguished  himself  in 
Jtaly,  Germany,  and  Spain  ;  he  received  many  medals  and  other  flattering 
jnarks  of  distinction.  In  different  actions  he  received  seven  musket  balls 
in  his  body,  of  which  some  of  the  wounds  are  yet  open,  besides  sabre  cuts, 
and  contusions.  Such  is  Major  de  Meulan,  and  I  dare  with  confidence  an- 
ticipate the  general  voice  of  my  countrymen,  when  they  shall  read  this 
unbought  tribute  of  respect,  will  unanimously  admit  its  justice.  Accessible 
Jo  the  meanest  individual:  dignified,  yet  unassuming,  he  was  distinguished 
more  by  the  urbanity  of  his  manners  and  integrity  of  his  mind,  than  by  the 
glare  of  official  pomp. 

When  our  officers  broke  their  parole,  which  from  the  fear  of  a  gaol  was 
pometimes  the  case,  and  were  retaken,  this  generous  man  never  failed  to 
niitigate  if  not  totally  remit  their  punishment,  and  not  unfrequenily  pro- 
cured their  re-admission  to  the  comforts  of  parole,  by  becoming  personally 
responsible  for  their  future  conduct.  He  kept  within  proper  bounds  the 
Gens  d'armes,  whose  insolence  and  rapacity  had  been  so  severely  felt  under 
the  infamous  patronage  of  Wirion  and  Courcellcs.  Endowed  by  nature  with 
a  heart  filled  with  the  noblest  qualities,  no  unfortunate  person  ever  appealed 
to  him  in  vain.  The  lew  whom  he  honoured  with  his  friendship  know 
what  an  inexhaustible  fund  of  sensibility  was  covered  by  the  stern  front  of 
a  warrior.  Towards  many  a  friendless  officer  has  he  acted  the  part  of  an 
affectionate  brother, — towards  many  an  unguarded  youth,  exposed  in  a 
peculiar  manner  at  Verdun,  to  the  most  dangerous  seductions,  has  the  brave 


310  CORRESPONDENCE. 

and  good  De  Meulan  displayed  the  tenderness  and  solicitude  of  a  parent 
and  snatched  them  from  impending  ruin  and  indelible  disgrace. 

Distinguished  no  less  by  valour,  science,  and  military  enterprise,  than  by 
the  most  active  benevolence,  he  was  a  formidable  enemy  to  whomsoever 
he  was  opposed.  But  his  was  the  warfare  of  a  Sidney  or  Bayard  !  The 
Spaniards  too  often  felt  his  prowess  in  the  6eld,  but  happy,  in  comparison 
with  others,  was  the  captive  who  fell  into  his  merciful  hands.  By  his  bra- 
very he  rendered  himself  respected, — and  dreaded  by  his  activity  and  en- 
terprise;— but  it  was  dread  unmixed  with  hatred.  Ask  the  gallant  Mina, 
or  D'Eroles,  what  was  the  character  of  Major  de  Meulan,  and  they  will 
tell  it  was  that  of  a  brave  and  generous  foe.  And  farther,  that  whenever 
they  captured  any  soldiers  serving  under  his  command,  they  treated  them 
with  peculiar  respect  in  return  for  the  honourable  manner  in  which  he  con» 
ducted  the  warfare  in  which  he  was  engaged. 

Far  from  availing  himself  of  the  opportunities  afforded  by  the  situation 
he  occupied,  his  very  manner  repelled  the  idea  of  a  pre$cnt,  and  as  to 
a  bribe,  no  one,  in  all  probability,  ever  harboured  the  idea  of  insulting  him 
by  an  allusion  of  that  base  kind.  He  was  much  more  likely  to  divide  his 
purse  with  some  poor  Lieutenant  or  friendless  Midshipman  ;  and  most  cer- 
tainly, when  the  sudden  route  came  to  remove  the  depot  from  Verdun,  he 
left  that  city  richer  only  in  honour;  and  happy  it  was  for  our  countrymen 
he  was  continued  in  his  command. 

It  is  impossible  to  know  such  a  man  without  loving  him.  How  often 
have  we  regretted  the  just  war  we  wage  should  oblige  us  to  call  him  anene* 
my!  Let  whatever  be  the  part  he  may  take  in  the  terrible  tragedy  novy 
drawing  to  its  catastrophe  in  France,  he  will  act  honourably.  May  he  sur- 
vive the  storms  which  now  dislract  his  unhappy  country.  May  he  live  long 
and  happy  in  the  land  of  his  forefathers  ;  and  should  he  ever  visit  this 
happy  and  envied  island,  I  am  sure  there  is  not  a  detenu  or  an  officer,  na- 
val or  military,  who  would  not  vie  with  each  other  in  demonstrations  of  the 
warmest  regard  and  sincerest  attachment, 

O 

eno. 


«R.  EDITOR,  21sf  April,  1814. 

|"X  composing  the  Memoir  of  the  late  Captain  Newman,  which  you  fa- 
voured with  insertion  in  your  Number  for  November  last,  I  exerted 
every  possible  endeavour  to  state  all  facts  with  accuracy,  nntl  to  avoid  giv- 
ing any  reasonable  ground  of  offence  in  those  instances  in  which  tiny  thing 
like  controversy  could  be  excited  on  the  part  of  other  officers.  It  was  with 
regret,  therefore,  that  I  saw  from  your  CHRONICLE  of  February,  (p.  127,) 
that  my  efforts  had  failed,  as  far  as  Captain  Horton  was  concerned ;  and  it 
was  with  still  more  regret  that  I  perceived  him  endeavouring  to  attach  the 
charge  of  "  want  of  candour,"  and  of  illiberal  treatment,  to  my  de- 
ceased friend  :— erroneously  speaking,  at  the  same  time,  of  the  statements 
in  that  memoir  as  the  stntements  of  Captain  Ntwman.  I  repeat  the  asser- 
tion before  made,  and  would  add  all  practicable  force  to  it,  that  no  man. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  311 

who  really  knew  that  lamented  officer,  will  believe  that  he  ever  laid  himself 
open  to  such  an  imputation,  knowingly  and  deliberately. 

The  point  at  issue  is,  that  Captain  N.  did  not  assign  to  Captains  Horton 
and  Bazeley,  in  his  public  letter  announcing  the  capture  of  La  Pallas,  the 
credit  which  was  due  to  them  :  first,  for  their  attack  on  that  frigate  on  the 
morning  ;  and  secondly  for  their  assistance  in  subduing  her  at  night. 

As  to  his  silence  on  the  first  point,  I  am  contented  to  rest  his  cause  on 
the  circumstances  already  stated  ;  that  he  could  not  report  an  event  which 
he  did  not  see,  but  from  the  relation  of  those  who  did  see  it  ;  and  that 
Captain  Horton,  by  writing  to  the  admiralty  his  own  account  of  the  ac- 
tion, and  giving  that  despatch  (sealed)  to  Captain  Newman  to  forward, 
testified  his  choice  to  tell  his  own  story,  and  precluded  Captain  N.  from 
interfering  with  it.  In  this  light,  I  know,  it  appeared  to  Captain  N.  ;  and 
on  this  account  only  he  omitted  to  allude  to  the  affair. 

As  to  the  second  point,  the  share  borne  by  the  Fairy  and  Harpy,  in  the 
night  action,  and  Captain  Newman's  mention  of  it  in  his  public  letter,  I 
stated  the  facts  according  to  the  evidence  in  my  possession  ;  and  1  now 
send  you  an  official  extract  from  the  log-book  of  the  Loire  (Captain  N.'s 
ship),  and  a  letter  communicated  to  me  by  one  of  his  officers  who  has  seen 
Captain  Horton's  remarks:  both  of  which  confirm  my  representation. 
That  a  difference  exists  between  the  log  of  the  Fairy  and  that  of  the  Loire, 
particularly  as  to  time,  will  be  obvious  to  any  person  who  compares  them  : 
bdt  it  is  not  for  me  to  account  for  this  difference  ;  nor  to  explain  why  the 
Fairy's  log,  as  printed  in  your  CHRONICLE  for  February  1800,  p.  147,  va- 
ries in  several  points  (as  to  time)  from  the  said  log,  as  re-printed  in  the 
CHRONICLE  for  February  1814,  p.  128. 

That  great  praise  is  due,  and  has  always  been  given,  to  Captains  Horton 
and  Bazeley,  for  their  spirited  and  zealous  conduct,  is  undeniable:—  the 
success  of  their  endeavours  to  share  in  the  night-action  is  the  question  in 
dispute.  Lord  Proby  (of  the  Danae)  declared  that  the  Fairy  and  Harpy 
were  never  up  with  the  enemy  at  night,  so  that  their  shot  could  reach,  till 
the  action  closed;  and  his  ship  being  equally  to  leeward,  he  himself  never 
allowed  a  gun  to  be  fired  from  her,  seeing  that  it  would  be  useless,  or  mis- 
chievous to  the  Loire.  Captain  Newman  always  stated  the  same  fact;  —  • 
his  log-bog  testifies  the  same;—  and  one  of  the  Loire's  officers  asserts 
the  same  in  the  letter  which  I  subjoin.  Captain  Horton  says  otherwise, 
and  his  log-book  seems  to  say  otherwise,  though  not  decidedly>  as  to  dis- 
tance and  effect.  With  this  variation  of  evidence,  I  leave  the  reader  to. 
£orra  his  own  judgment. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  Servant, 


C0?y  OF  THE  LOG-BOOK  OF  H.  It.  SHIP  LOIRE,  6  FEB.  1800. 

"  Remarks,  Ire.  H.M.S.  Loire,  6th  Feb.  1800. 
*<  Fresh  breezes,  and  thick  weather.    In  chase,  |  past  noon.     The  chasa 
proved  to  be  H.  M.  S.  Danae,  wljp  made  the  signal  to  speak  us. 


to,  and  Danae's  boat  came  on  board.  Half-past  two,  Danae  made  tlie  sie(* 
nal  for  an  enemy:  made  all  sail  in  chase,  ditto  in  company;  Railleur  in 
chase  in  the  south«west  quarter.  At  3,  tacked,  enemy  S.  W.  b.  S.  three 
leagues  :  a  ship  and  a  brig  in  chace  of  ditto.  Half-past  7,  II.  M.  S.  made 
the  signal  for  the  enemy  on  the  larboard  tack.  Quarter  before  8,  saw  the 
enemy  right  a- head :  at  8  ditto  tacked  :  fired  our  larboard  guns  as  she 
passed  to  windward.  Tacked;  soon  after  spoke  H.M.  sloop  Fairy,  who 
informed  us  the  chase  was  La  Pallas,  from  St.  Maloes.  At  9,  the  chase 
tacked  :  fired  our  starboard  guns  as  she  passed.  Tacked:  at  J  past  10,  the 
enemy  tacked  :  fired  our  larboard  guns  at  ditto.  Tacked,  and  set  top-gal- 
lant studding-sails.  At  11,  came  up  with  the  enemy  •  hailed  the  Railleur 
to  fire  her  broadside  and  drop  a-stern,  wlu'ch  she  did.  Commenced  a  smart 
fire  which  the  enemy  returned  :  the  nearest  of  the  Seven  islands  S.  W.  b.  S^ 
three  cables  length,  from  which  we  received  a  smart  fire.  At  J  past  1, 
A.M.  the  enemy  struck,  Railleur  in  company;  Dai;ae,  Fairy,  and  Harpy, 
in  sight  :  the  two  latter  continued  their  fire  for  f  after  the  enemy  struck ; 
their  shot  falling  short  of  us  had  no  effect.  Sent  an  officer  on  board  the 
prize.  Bore  up  for  the  ships  to  leeward,  to  get  assistance  of  their  boats  to 
exchange  prisoners.  Employed  stopping  the  rigging,  and  carpenters  stop' 
ping  the  shot-holes.  At  3,  wore  and  made  sail,  prize  and  Railleur  in  com- 
pany. At  noon,  strong  breezes.  Ditto  in  company.  Killed  and  wounded, 
82." 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  an  Officer  (late)  of  the  Loire,  28th  March,  1814. 

u  Observing  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  for  February  last,  p.  127,  an  attack 
on  the  memory  of  ruy  lamented  friend  the  late  Captain  James  Newman 
Newman,  with  whom  I  had  the  honour  of  serving  nearly  six  years,  I  fael 
myself  called  on  to  relate  the  circumstance  of  the  capture  of  L;\  Pallas 
as  it  really  happened. 

"  I  will  not  pretend  to  say,  nor  can  I  suppose,  that  Captain  Horton's 
Statement  is  wilfully  wrong  ;  but  that  he  is  in  error  I  think  I  shall  have 
no  difficulty  in  proving.  I  cannot  see  any  thing  in  the  memoir  of  the  late 
Cuptain  N.  which  could  provoke  such  a  statement;  there  is  nothing  in  it 
that  could  possibly  impeach  the  honour  of  Captain  Horton,  or  of  his  friend 
Captain  Bazely  ;  and,  thoujih  I  feel  some  reluctance  in  confuting  their 
narrative,  I  conceive  myself  bound  not  to  allow  the  honourable  character 
of  my  departed  friend  to  be  frittered  away  unnoticed.  I  had  the  honour  of 
being  in  his  confidence,  and  can  boldly  say,  he  was  the  last  man  who  could 
justly  be  accused  of  want  of  candour.  I  cannot  wish  to  detract  from  the 
merits  of  Captain  Horton;  but,  as  iie  has  accused  my  lamented  friend  of 
want  of  candour  in  his  public  letter,  I  must  say  the  charge  comes  from 
him  with  a  bad  grace  ;  (or,  had  he  been  candid  enough  to  have  allowed 
Captain  Newman  the  perusal  of  his  letter  on  the  subject,  instead  of  send- 
ing it  to  him  sealed,  every  thing  possible  would  have  been  said  by  him  id 
favour  of  the  two  sloops.  It  was  his  most  anxious  wish  to  do  so  ;  but 
Captain  Horton  shut  the  door  : Tuinst  it  ;  and  it  was  impossible  for  him 
to  say  more  than  he  did,  as  they  certainly  had  no  share  in  the  night~ac;ion% 
and  he  could  not  represent  what  he  had  not  seen  nor  heard  of  j  I  believe,' 


CORRESPONDENCE.  313 

tut  am  not  certain,  that  Captain  Horton  saw  Captain  Newman's  letter  to 
the  Admiralty,  on  the  subject,  before  it  was  closed.  I  know  that  my  Lord 
Proby  did,  and  that  it  met  his  most  unqualified  approbation. 

"  From  the  time  the  Danae  made  the  signal  for  an  enemy  at  J  past  two 
o'clock,  till  La  Pallas  struck  her  colours,  at  |  past  one  o'clock,  I  was  not 
off  the  Loire's  quarter-deck,  except  for  a  few  minutes  to  get  refreshment* 
and  can,  therefore,  speak  not  only  to  the  correctness  of  the  Loire's  log,  but 
also  from  my  own  recollection.  The  Danae  had  been  sent  to  Jersey  for 
intelligence  respecting  the  Pallas  and  Didon,  where  Lord  Proby  was  di- 
rected to  return  with  all  possible  despatcli  to  the  Loire  off  the  Seven  Islands, 
as  the  former  of  those  ships  had  put  to  sea ;  and  when  his  lordship  came 
on  board  the  Loire  at  2  o'clock,  he  said  the  enemy  might  be  expected  in 
sight  every  moment,  and  that  he  had  left  directions  on  board  for  the  signal 
to  be  made  the  moment  she  was  discovered  from  the  mast-head,  having 
Jeft  his  ship  a  considerable  distance  to  windward  for  that  purpose.  At 
2  o'clock,  the  enemy  and  both  sloops  were  all  in  sight,  carrying  a  press  of 
sail  ;  and  it  was  evident  the  Pallas  had  the  advantage  of  them  in  sailing, 
and  might  have  brought  them  to  action  whenever  she  pleased.  The  only 
effect  produced  on  her  by  the  action  she  had  sustained,  which  we  could 
discover  at  the  above-mentioned  time,  was,  the  fore-top-sail  sheet  shot 
3way,  which  they  were  then  in  the  act  of  splicing. 

<'  When  the  Pallas  struck  her  colours,  at  {  past  one  o'clock,  the  Loire 
of  course  ceased  firing  :  but  the  Fairy  and  Harpy  were  to  leeward,  and  (I 
suppose)  did  not  discover  it,  as  they  continued  their  fire  for  a  long  time, 
to  our  great  annoyance.  Fortunately,  however,  none  of  their  shot  reached 
the  Loire,  but  fell  into  the  water  considerably  short  of  her.  At  length, 
however,  the  Harpy  got  within  reach,  and  one  of  her  shot  killed  a  man  on 
board  the  enemy  who  was  going  up  the  mizen-shrouds,  with  a  lanthorn,  to 
repeat  the  signal  of  having  struck,  the  signal  halliards  being  all  shot  away. 
This  must  have  brought  from  Captain  Epion  the  expression  mentioned  by 
Captain  Horton,  that  "  he  received  more  injury  from  the  little  black  brig 
than  from  all  the  other  ships  ;''  and  I  must  add  that  I  heard  him  repeatedly 
say,  he  should  have  sunk  or  taken  both  the  sloops,  but  for  discovering  the 
Loire  and  her  squadron  ;  and,  without  any  reflection  on  the  courage  or 
ability  of  their  commanders,  it  is  evident  he  might  have  done  so,  as  the 
Fairy  (carrying  only  six-pounders}  could  not  fight,  and  sailed  so  very  badly 
that  it  was  impossible  for  her  to  run  away. 

"  It  is  unfortunate  for  those  who  wish  the  memory  of  my  departed 
friend  to  be  handed  down  untarnished  to  the  world,  that  my  Lord  Proby 
(Captain  of  the  Danae)  and  Captain  Turguand  (who  commanded  the 
Hailleiir)  are  also  both  no  more  ;  those  meritorious  officers,  as  well  as 
Captain  Newman,  having  lost  their  lives  in  the  service  of  their  country  ; 
or  I  am  sure  they  would  feel  pleasure  in  refuting  this  unmerited  attack. 
When  the  Fairy  and  Harpy  began  to  fire,  the  Danae  was  as  near  the 
enemy  as  either  of  them  ;  but  Lord  Proby  did  not  fire  a  shot,  and 
expressed^  his  astoni-shmeiit  (on  board  the  Loire)  at  their  having  done  so, 

I? 8V-   er&roru  21  ol,  XXXI.  s  s 


314  COHRESPONDENCE. 

saying  he  saw  the  impossibility  of  their  shot  reaching  the  enemy,  and  tl; 
probability  of  their  doing  much  injury  to  the  Loire  and  Railleur. 

"  AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  LOIRE, 
In  the  action  with  La  Pallas." 


MR.  EDITOR,  ,  March  \\lh,  1814. 

I  HAVE  been  for  some  time  unwilling  to  take  up  any  space  of  your 
valuable  work  that  might  be  more  ably  filled  by  your  numerous  pro- 
fessional correspondents,  but  in  perusing  some  of  the  letters  in  your  30th 
Volume  (p.  202)  particularly  one  from  Nestor,  alias  Albion,  wherein  he 
says,  speaking  of  the  gradual  abolition  of  corporal  punishment,  that  he 
"  hopes  to  see  a  milder  and  better  system  of  government  on  board  our  men 
of  war,"  I  have  been  tempted  to  offer  a  few  remarks  on  the  subject.  If 
Nestor  had  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  general  disposition  of  our  seamen, 
and  others  which  make  up  ships'  companies,  he  would  be  convinced  that 
it  is  utterly  impossible  to  keep  under  that  due  contrcul,  which  is  so  highly 
necessary  for  the  establishment  of  discipline  and  good  order,  the  many 
ardent  and  restless  spirits  always  to  be  found  amongst  such  a  body  of  men, 
without  at  times  having  recourse  to  corporal  punishment.  I  am  far  from 
being  an  advocate  for  an  indiscriminate  use  of  the  lash  ;  but  having  often 
weighed  and  considered  this  subject  in  my  mind,  I  am  convinced  that  there 
cannot  be  pointed  out  any  punishment  which  will  be  found  to  answer  as  a 
substitute  for  flogging  at  the  gang-way. 

"  To  the  discipline  of  the.British  navy  is  wholly  owing  its  boasted  supe- 
riority over  that  of  every  other  state.  The  free,  turbulent,  and  intrepid 
Spirit  of  the  British  seaman,  when  unawcd  by  authority,  defeats  its  own 
jxmer  by  diversity  and  exuberance  ;  but  brought  under  controul  by  well 
regulated  discipline,  it  consolidates  and  forms  a  bulwark,  which  no  human 
force  is  equal  to  subdue."*  There  are  nnuiy  men  amongst  our  sailors,  it 
is  true,  that  never  require  chastisement,  and  many  who  perform  their  duty 
so  well  as  not  even  to  subject  themselves  to  reprimand  ;  but  the  greater 
number  are  not  of  such  dispositions ;  indeed  it  would  be  acting  against  the 
common  course  of  nature  to  suppose  them  all  made  of  such  tractable  stuff. 
That  such  punishment  should  not  be  inflicted  but  when  found  absolutely 
necessary,  is  indisputably  proper;  and  although  we  have  heard  of  instances 
where  milder  means  might  have  been  adopted  as  a  sufficient  chastisement, 
yet  those  instances  have  been  but  few,  and  I  believe  none  such  are  to  be 
heard  of  at  the  present  day.  I  wisii  with  all  my  heart  that  some  milder 
mode  of  punishment  could  be  discovered,  which  might  supersede  the  ne- 
cessity of  using  the  more  cruel  one  of  flogging  with  the  cat-of-nine  tails  ; 
but  I  fear  no  such  an  one  will  be  found.  I  cannot  but  remark  (which  I 
hope  will  not  be  Considered  presumption),  that  although  the  order 
issued  by  the  B.  of  A.  to  all  captains,  requiring  them  to  transmit  a  quar- 
terly account  of  punishments  to  the  Admiralty  Orfice,  might  have  been  put 

\f  I  luve  had  the  al  ove  quotation  by  me  some  time,  I  am  not  certain  to' 
whom  I  am  ludebted  for  it,  but  I  believe  Adolubus's  reign  of  George  the  Third. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  315 

in  force  from  the  best  of  motives;    yet  it  has  been  the  occasion  of  more 

serious  injury  to  the  discipline  of  the  service,  than  perhaps  their  L ps 

imagine,  had  they  sent  their  directions  in  a  private  way,  with  strict  injunc- 
tions to  the  captains  not  to  make  the  order  known  (which  certainly  from 
its  tenor  was  necessary),  and  the  captains  had  acted  with  caution,  it  might 
not  to  this  period,  or  indeed  ever,  have  got  to  the  knowledge  of  the 
foremast- men,  and  the  consequences,  which  are  obvious  to  all  naval  men 
•would  have  been  prevented  :  but  the  captains,  imagining  it  to  be  an  inno- 
vation to  the  general  instructions  by  which  they  are  guided  in  the  internal 
regulation  and  management  of  their  ships  ;  and  finding  that  that  discre- 
tionary power  which  is  vested  in  them  would  be  subject  to  scrutiny,  and 
perhaps  to  their  disadvantage  if  they  should  have  performed  rigidly  what 
they  conceived  to  be  their  duty,  are  less  willing  to  use  the  cat  than  for- 
merly—what is  the  consequence  ?  The  offiers  complain  that  their  captains 
will  not  punish  those  men  that  have  been  reported  for  neglect  cf  duty,  £c. 
The  men,  aware  of  this  existing  order,  say,  the  captains  are  afraid  to  flog 
us,  they  have  an  account  to  send  to  the  Admiralty.  The  manner  in  which 
this  order  was  first  known  to  the  sailors  was  briefly  this  :  In  a  ship  of  the 
line,  several  writers  from  the  ship's  company  were  employed  with  the  cap- 
tain's clerk  to  assist  in  getting  up  the  ship's  accounts,  &c.  amongst  them 
was  an  intelligent  marine,  who,  looking  over  the  different  papers  that  lay 
scattered  about,  accidentally  cast  his  eyes  on  the  above  mentioned  order, 
and  of  course  spread  the  intelligence:  thus  the  endeavour  to  prevent  any 
existing  tyranny  in  the  service  has  produced  incalculable  injury  to  naval 
discipline.  Notwithstanding  the  issuing  of  this  order,  I  really  believe  the 
L — s  of  the  A.  are  clearly  of  opinion,  that  corporal  punishment  is  uua- 
'voidably  necessary,  and  that  it  is  their  wish  to  mitigate  the  infliction  of  it 
as  much  as  possible,  without  entirely  doing  away  with  it.  Now,  Sir,  I 
will  turn  from  this  subject  to  that  of  impressing  seamen  for  his  Majesty's 
naval  service.*  I  beg  leave,  before  I  commence  my  feeble  observations,  to 
present  the  great  Lord  Chatham's  sentiments  on  the  subject,  as  delivered 
in  a  speech  on  the  22d  November,  1770.  "  The  subject  on'which  I  am 
speaking  seems  to  call  upon  me,  and  I  willingly  take  this  occasion,  to  de- 
clare my  opinion  upon  a  question  on  which  much  wicked  pains  t  have  been 
employed  to  disturb  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  to  distress  government. 
My  opinion  may  not  be  very  popular;  neither  am  I  running  the  race  of 
popularity.  I  am  myself  clearly  convinced,  and  I  believe  every  man  who 
knows  any  thing  of  the  English  navy  will  acknowledge  that,  without 
impressing,  it  is  impossible  to  equip  a  respectable  fleet  within  the  time 
which  such  armaments  are  usually  wanted.  If  this  fact  be  admitted,  and 
if  the  necessity  of  arming  on  a  sudden  emergency  should  appear  incontro- 
vertible, what  shall  we  think  cf  those  men  who,  in  a  moment  of  danger, 

*  See  Albion's  letter  on  the  «' brutal  horrors"  of  impressing  seamen,  XXIXth 
Volume,  page  475. 

t  Some  persons,  averse  to  the  government,  had  endeavoured  to  persuade  the 
Lord  Mayor  not  to  sign  the  impress  warrant  issued  by  the  Admiralty  ;  but  they 
failed  in  their  insidious  attempt. 


CORRESFONDtNCK. 

would  stop  the  great  defence  of  their  country  ?  Upon  whatever  princip!* 
they  may  act,  the  act  itseli'is  more  than  faction  ;  it  is  labouring  to  cut  off 
the  right  hand  of  the  community.  I  am  satisfied  that  the  power  of  im- 
pressing is  founded  on  uninterrupted  usage— it  is  the  consuetudo  regni,  and 
part  of  the  common  law  prerogative  of  the  crown." 

\Vhat  I  said  of  corporal  punishment,  I  again  apply  to  impressment, 
that  it  cannot,  consistently  with  the  calls  of  the  service,  be  totally  dis- 
pensed with.  \Ve  have  no  other  means  (if  we  except  that  of  raising  the 
bounty  of  seamen  equal  to  what  is  given  to  the  soldiers)  of  paining  able 
and  ordinary  seamen.  Beating  up  for  volunteers,  even  admitting  an 
increased  bounty  were  given,  would  not,  in  my  opinion,  from  the  know- 
ledge I  have  of  dispositions  and  opinions  of  sailors,*  be  attended  with 
success.  There  is  scarcely  a  doubt,  however,  but  this  mode  would  be 
found  to  |answer  in  the  procuring  of  landsmen  and  boys,  whose  minds 
being  free  from  the  knowledge  of  those  restrictions  and  privations  which 
must  be  endured  by  every  seafaring  person,  particularly  men-of-war's  men, 
are  more  easily  gained  over  to  the  service,  it  is  to  be  presumed,  than 
those  who  already  have  felt  such  difficulties  and  hardships.  The  plan  to  be 
adopted  for  the  accomplishment  of  so  desirable  an  object,  would  be  to 
appoint  a  recruiting  party  to  each  county,  composed  of  marines  t  in  the 
attire  of  sailors  (being  more  calculated  and  accustomed  to  an  employment 
which  requires  some  act  and  judgment  for  its  attainment),  with  flags,  drums, 
and  all  the  et  ctteras  under  the  command  of  a  sea  lieutenant,  native  of 
the  county  to  which  he  is  sent,  and  with  such  liberal  addition  to  his  pay  as 
would  enable  him  to  support  his  rank;  an  old  Serjeant  should  be  attached 
to  each  party,  who  could  be  capable,  to  use  Jack's  words,  "  of  giving  the 
lads  a  long-winded  story,"  and  inspiring  them  with  the  "  amor  palrics." 
This  plan,  if  adopted  and  found  to  be  successful,  would  be  attended  with 
the  advantage,  at  least,  of  lessening  the  necessity  for  rigid  impressment, 
and  vrould  insure  to  the  service  healthy  able  bodied  youths,  who  in  a  short 
time  might  be  cnnde  tolerable  sailors ;  none  under  13  and  above  35  years 
of  age  should  be  enlisted,  and  those  only  for  a  term  of  years,  renewable 
with  some  additional  bounty  :  men  who  voluntarily  enter  a  service,  feel 
within  themselves  a  conscious  pride  J  in  tfre  performance  of  their  duty, 
particularly  when  it  is  their  country  they  serve,  aud  consequently  with  a 
more  willing  mind,  than  those  who  are  forced  to  act,  in  a  measure,  con- 
trary to  their  natural  inclinations.  We  may  therefore  rest  upon  the  pre- 
sumption, that  fewer  desertions  would  take  place,  and  that  there  would  be 

*  The  old  vulgar  savine,  of  "  Old  birds  are  not  to  be  caught  with  chaff,"  may 
be  applicable  to  tins  subject. 

t  It  would  be  difficult  to  find  sailors  steady  enough  to  be  employed  on  such 
service. 

*  lam  K-d  to  advance  this  doctrine,  as  a  truth,  from  the   very  manly,  and 
patriotic  f«.  ling,  I  have  seen  recently  expressed  in  the  letters  of  several  private 
marines  to  their  parents  :  those  men  being  all  volunteers,  it  is  but  justice  to  al.'oir 
the  same  sentiiuenti  to  those  who  may  cuter  into  the  service   in    a   different 
capacity. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  3J7 

less  need  of  the  lash,  which  now  is  pretty  generally  used  upon  that  class 
called  landsmen,  they  being  for  the  most  part  composed  of  worthless  cha- 
racters, denominated  by  sailors  "  My  Lord  Mayor' t  men," 

OCEANUS. 

<^><^>x» 

MR.  EDITOR,  Edinburgh,  10th  March,  1814. 

I"  HAVE  been  much  amused  with  the  lucubrations  of  your  correspondents, 

u  Tom  Starboard  and  Jack  Larboard,  in  your  last  two  numbers,  respect- 

ing  the  notice  said  to  be  on  a  board  in  front  of  the  Admiralty  Office,  viz. 

"  Whoever  is  found  begging  here  will  be  prosecuted."    But  my  laugh,  Sir 

has  not  been  occasioned  by  the  supposed  jest  itself,  for  that  I  laughed  at 

in  the  Cockpit  40  years  ago  (though   perhaps  like  Mr.  Hardcastle's  good 

story  (in  the  play),  of  "  grouse  in  the  gun-room,"  we  may  still  laugh  at  it). 

No,  Sir,  I  laugh  at  the  serious  vindication  of  the  poor  Admiralty  Board  by 

Jack  Larboard,  from  the  pointed  attack  of  Tom  Starboard  !  I 

My  friend  Admiral  M has  frequently  said  in  the  lower  House, 

that  sailors  are  no  orators ;  yet  we  may  be  allowed,  I  hope,  to  have  some 
little  knowledge  of  the  vernacular  tongue  ;  and  with  the  little  of  it  I 
possess,  I  think  I  am  quits  correct  in  asserting,  that  if  Tom  Starboard  is  so 
in  his  version  of  the  notice,  and  the.  punctuation  of  it,  viz.  "  Whoever  is 
found  begging  (it  matters  not  where),  here  will  be  prosecuted,  or  (by  a 
small  inflexion)  will  be  prosecuted  here.,  i.  e.  by  the  Admiralty  Board.  I 
say  I  may  in  that  case  safely  assert,  that  the  said  Admiralty  Board  are 
bound  to  prosecute,  not  only  the  mendicants  of  the  Captain's  Room,  and 
the  Admiralty  Ha//,  but  all  beggars  whatever  that  are  found  !  Now  really, 
Mr.  Editor,  I  think  if  such  is  the  ease,  that  their  Lordships  are  very  much 
to  be  pitied,  to  have  such  an  arduous  task  imposed  upon  them,  at  a  period 
when  I  imagine  they  have  already  enough  on  their  hands.  But  I  shall  not 
prosecute  the  subject  farther,  so  begging  pardon  I  here  make  afull  stop. 

OCCASIONAL, 

MR.  EDITOR,  10th  March,  1JJ14. 

I  HAVE  often  wondered,  that  considering  the  very  great  number  of 
naval  officers,  many  of  them  men  of  science,  and  a  still  greater  num- 
ber men  of  information  and  talents,  you  appear  to  have  so  few  regular 
•scientific  Correspondents  ;  men  who  could  often,  through  the  medium  of 
.  your  entertaining  and  interesting  CHRONICLE  (which  will  be  a  most  valuable 
source  of  information  to  future  historians),  point  out  errors,  and  suggest 
plans  of  improvement,  of  the  greatest  importance  and  utility  to  the  naval 
service  :  nor  is  the  deficiency  less  observable  at  present  in  the  departments 
of  relations  of  shipwrecks — uncommon  occurrences  at  sea— escapes— jour- 
nals of  interesting  voyages,  &c.  &c-  with  which  your  earlier  volumes,  and 
indeed  some  of  more  recent  date,  are  interspersed.  I  should  conceive 
that  it  would  be  a  source  of  pleasure  and  amusement  to  many  officers,  to 
iteep  very  full  journals  of  the  different  services  the  ships  and  squadrons  they 
belong  to  are  engaged  in,  and  as  your  useful  work  is  so  generally  and 
widely  circulated  through  the  navy,  I  am  surprised  naval  officers  do  not 


318  COftRMPONDENCI. 

more  frequently  transmit  you  copies  of  those  interesting  papers  for  inser- 
tion in  your  pages,  from  which  they  must  so  often  derive  pleasure  and 
entertainment,  during  a  long  cruise,  or  after  their  return  into  port,  from 
being  long  at  sea.  In  your  last  number,  one  of  your  most  zealous  cor- 
respondents, as  well  for  the  good  of  the  naval  service,  as  the  improvement 
of  your  CHRONICLE,  recommends  your  increasing  its  embellishments  with 
a  set  of  naval  drawings  on  a  regular  plan  ;  it  has  already  been  enriched 
with  a  great  number  of  valuable  marine  views,  and  this  department  wilt 
certainly  be  much  benefited  by  the  adoption  of  the  plan  of  A.  F.Y.  :  here, 
also,  your  naval  correspondents  have  ample  room  to  shew  their  good  Will 
to  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE,  by  continuing  and  increasing  their  valuable 
contributions.  The  department  of  biography  has  been  so  lately  recom- 
mended to  the  notice  of  friends  of  deceased  naval  officers,  and  others,  who 
have  it  in  their  power  to  furnish  you  with  memoirs  of  eminent  naval  heroes, 
the  props  of  Britain's  naval  power  and  glory,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  say 
more  now,  than  that  it  is  hoped  the  hints  already  given  have  been  attended 
to,  and  have  produced  a  supply  of  biography  still  further  to  enrich  that 
valuable  department  of  your  work.  It  is  my  opinion,  that  some  alteration 
might  also  be  made  for  the  better,  with  regard  to  port  news  and  shipping 
lists.  In  your  earlier  volumes  they  were  found  at  great,  perhaps  too  great 
length  (taking  so  much  room),  but  still  I  think  the  port  news  of  so  much 
consequence,  as  well  as  the  accounts  of  ships  building,  fitting,  repairing, 
&c.  in  the  different  dock-yards,  that  could  this  part  of  the  work  (which  to 
future  compilers  of  uaval  memoirs  will  be  most  materially  useful)  be  again 
adopted,  I  am  certain  it  would  afford  gratification  to  many  of  your  readers 
and  admirers. 

Of  the  department  of  your  work  allotted  to  original  Correspondence,  it 
is  perhaps  not  too  much  to  say,  that  it  has  hitherto  abounded  with  much 
valuable  information,  and  often  suggested  improvements  in  the  service, 
which  had  not  before  been  brought  to  notice,  or  attended  to.  At  the  same" 
rime,  I  think  there  are  letters  inserted,  which,  on  mature  consideration, 
Mr.  Editor,  you  would  have  perhaps  wished  had  been  omitted.  I  need 
only  particularize  one  which  appeared  lately,  accusing  the  A.  B.  of 
refusing  access  to  officers  applying  for  employment  ;  and,  undfir  the  deno- 
mination of  beggars,  forbidding  their  appearance  or  assembling  at  the 
Admiralty.  That  this  could  be  true,  appears  to  me  quite  impossible,  and 
I  wonder  you  could  have  given  credence  to  the  supposition  :  your  last  num- 
ber refuted  the  charge.  If,  indeed,  it  met  with  any  belief,  it  could  only 
be  so  from  strongly  prejudiced  minds.  You  will,  I  trust,  pardon  my 
advising  you  in  future  to  be  less  easily  induced  to  insert  letters  of  such  a 
tendency,  except  assured  of  the  truth  of  the  charge.  No  one  wishes 
better  to  your  excellent  interesting  work  than  does  yours,  &c. 

ORION. 


MR.  EDITOR,  >  > 

ULD  not  have  noticed  the  splenetic  effusion  of  "  Jack  Larboard," 

had  he  not,  with  the  greatest  effrontery,  accused  me  of  advancing  an 

untruth.     I  have  attentively  again  perused  the  notice  mentioned   in  my 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

former  letter,  and  find  the  copy  I  then  sent  perfectly  correct.  «  Jack 
Larboard  "  asserts  the  comma  is  placed  after  "  here,1'  and  NOT  "  begging." 
This  I  positively  deny;  and  to  use  the  expression  of  a  great  and  learned 
Law  Lord,  and  Judge,  in  the  highest  Court  of  Judicature,  "  it  is  as  false  as 
H — 11."  To  quiet  the  "  surprise  "  of  "  Jack  Larboard,"  I  request  you  to 
decide  the  question  in  dispute,  by  taking  a  view  of  the  mysterious  notice, 
and  then  giving  your  observations,  to  the  many  readers  of  the  N.  C.  I 
must  add,  that  I  conceive  you  are  in  some  measure  called  on  to  adopt  this 
course,  as  by  the  insertion  of  my  letters  on  this  subject,  your  own  veracity 
is  called  in  question,*  as  also  to  prevent  your  excellent  miscellany  from 
being  charged  with  inserting  falsehoods,  which  must  follow  from  two 
different  statements  appearing  on  one  subject. 

TOM  STARBOARD. 


MR.  EDITOR,  London,  21*i  March,  1814. 

I  PERCEIVE  that  since  my  letter  appeared  iu  your  valuable  publication, 
on  the  propriety  of  removing  all  officers  in  stationary  situations,  after 
the  expiration  of  three  years,  that  the  captains  of  the  prison  ships  (to 
whom  I  alluded)  have  been  superseded  ;  not  that  I  have  the  smallest  idea 
it  originated  from  my  letter,  but  I  think  it  probable,  that  it  pointed  out  a 
circumstance  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  which  might  have  escaped  their 
notice,  from  the  multiplicity  of  public  business  to  which  they  have  to 
attend,  but  it  certainly  had  the  appearance  of  partiality.  Mr.  Editor,  I 
now  wish  to  ask,  why  a  captain  on  the  impress  service  (not  many  miles 
from  Deal),  holds  that  situation  many  months  beyond  the  regulated  time  ? 
particularly  as  all  the  rest  have  been  relieved,  after  three  years  in  that 
employ.  I  have  not  the  smallest  knowledge  of  that  noble  captain,  but 
assuredly  he  comes  under  the  regulation  as  well  as  others;  nor  have  I  ever 
seen  one  circumstance  recorded  in  the  Gazettes,  which  entitles  him  to  that 
indulgence ;  nor  have  I  heard  of  any  particular  services,  wounds,  or  a 
numerous  family,  to  justify  a  larger  portion  of  favour  :  indeed,  I  must  still 
think,  there  is  no  occurrence  which  ought  to  break  through  a  standing 
regulation  ;  when  made,  it  ought  to  be  strictly  abided  by,  as  other  officers 
have  been  refused  on  that  pretext  alone. — Hoping  this  will  meet  the  eye, 
for  whom  it  is  intended,  I  am,  &c. 

IMPARTIAL 

^•^s^- 

MR.  EDITOR,  22d  March,  1214. 

IN  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  for  this  month,  I  observe  several  errors  in  mj 
letter,  in   answer  to  A.  F.  Y's  inquiries,    wherein  you   describe  the 
allowed  windage  of  a  32-pounder  to  be  "  3  inches,"  and  that  of  the  carro- 
nade  to  be  "  15  inches;"  also  in  stating  a  French  26-pounder  shot  being 
"  14  inches  "  less  in  diameter  than  our  32-pounder.     This,  I  apprehend, 

»  Being  so  paintedly  called  on  by  Tom  Starboard  lo  settle  this  weighty  point  in 
dispute  (liaving  perused  the  Board  alluded  to),  our  decision  is,  that  the  comma 
is  placed  after  the  word  begging. ED. 


320  K.ATE  ccccxm. 

will,  on  examination,  be  found  a  typographical  error;  as  the  compositor 
has  not  noticed  the  decimal  point ,  prefixed  to  the  figures,  and  concluded 
them  to  be  whole  numbers,  and  as  such  inserted  them  in  words  at  full 
length. — Please  to  rectify  it ;  "the  allowed  windage  of  a  32-pounder  is 
inches  ,3" — That  of  the  32  pounder  carronade  is  only  inches  ,15" — and 
"  the  shot  were  French  26-pounders,  which  are  inches  ,14  less  in  diameter 
than  our  32-pounders." 

I  am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

IRON  GUN. 


PLATE  CCCCXIII. 


SANDY-HOOK  is  a  long  point  of  sand  belonging  to  New-Jersey  in  North 
America,  and  running  northward  with  considerable  curvature  westerly 
so  as  to  form  the  larboard  or  southern  shore  of  the  entrance  to  New-York. 
There  is  a  bank,  called  in  some  pilotage  directions  "  Middle-ground  '* 
without  it,  lying  in  a  direction  almost  parallel  to  the  main  land,  or  rather 
island  which  forms  the  hook;  for  the  peninsular  part  was  broken  through 
by  the  sea  in  the  winter  of  1777— 8,  and  thereby  became  an  islot.  From 
the  N.  E.side  of  this  Middle-ground,  due  N.  to  the  S.  E.  point  of  the  sand 
called  the  East-bank,  is  the  bar ;  over  which  shrps  must  pass  along  the  S. 
part  of  the  said  bank  in  from  4  to  6  fathoms  water,  until  the  channel 
of  New- York  opens  between  it  and  the  West-bank  at  N.  b.  E.  The  point 
of  the  hook  may  be  approached  pretty  near  to  avoid  the  bank,  after  bring- 
ing it  on  at  W.S.W.  sailing  on  VV.  between  2  and  3  miles  beyond  it ;  when 
the  channel  to  New-York  will  be  fair  to  N.  b.  E.  easterly:  or  that  of  the 
Rariton  at  W.  b.  N.  for  Perth- Amboy.  On  the  bar  there  is  4  fathoms 
water ;  and  on  the  point  of  the  hook  is  a  light-house  with  one  lantern  for 
the  directipn  of  shipping  into  the  road.  We  have  seen  accounts  which 
state  the  situation  of  the  sands  somewhat  differently :  but  we  have  com- 
piled the  foregoing  directions  from  the  latest  authorities  accessible  to  us  ; 
in  which  it  is  natural  to  place  most  confidence,  though  strangers  would  not 
act  prudently  in  attempting  the  passage  unnecessarily  without  a  pilot ;  of 
which  assistance  there  is  ample  provision.  The  Tables  published  by  autho- 
rity of  our  Board  of  Longitude  give  the  geographical  site  of  Sandy-Hook, 
light  as  beiiig  in  latitude  44°  26'  30"  N.  longitude' 74°  6'  42"  W.  it's  differ- 
ence of  time  from  Greenwich  being  4  h.  56  tn.  27  s. 

This  is  a  cruizing  ground  for  the  national  pilots,  and  also  a  customary 
station  of  warlike  cruizers,  of  which  too,  a  line  of  battle  ship  and  a  frigate 
are  represented  in  the  plate,  as  employed  in  the  service  of  blockade. 


321 

NAVAL  BULLETINS 

OF 

LIEUTENANT  O'BRIEN'S  RECENT  CAPTIVITY  AND  ESCAPE* 

[Continued  from  page  232.] 


BULLETIN   THE   FIFTEENTH. 

,  8th,  1808,— At  day-light  we  took  leave  of  our  consump- 
tive  landlord;  left  Kaufbeuren*  to  the  left,  crossed  the  Wardach, 
and  directed  our  courbe  towards  Schongau.  At  about  six  in  the  evening 
it  began  to  snow  so  very  liard,  that  we  took  shelter  in  an  adjacent  villaoe 
for  the  night.  It  was  small  and  suited  us  very  well.  At  the  public  house 
there  was  a  shoe-maker  at  work  for  the  family,  and  they  had  the  kind- 
ness to  allow  him  to  repair  our  shoes. 

The  next  morning  we  proceeded  on  our  journey,  though  the  weather  was 
very  severe,  snowing  and  blowing  right  in  our  teeth.  The  doctor  was 
much  better,  and  we  did  not  deem  it  prudent  to  remain  long  in  one  place. 
At  noon,  finding  an  excellent  halting  house,  in  consequence  of  the  severity 
of  the  weather  and  being  wet  to  the  skin,  we  stopped  a  bit.  This  little 
public-house  supplied  us  with  an  excellent  fire.  We  dried  our  things, 
got  refreshed,  and  went  to  bed  early.  At  day-break  we  recommenced 
our  journey;  and,  at  about  eleven,  we  saw  Schongau,f  which  appeared 
to  be  a  very  strong  place ;  consequently,  to  us,  a  dangerous  one.  We 
could  discover  no  possibility  of  crossing  the  Lech  without  passing  close, 
if /lot  through  it,  at  least,  fom  the  spot  we  then  were  on.  The  weather  wa» 
still  very  bad.  We  consulted  what  was  best  to  be  done;  and,  without 
hesitation,  decided  upon  turning  to  the  left,  and  keeping  on  the  banks  of 
that  river,  uniil  we  could  find  some  other  place  to  cross  over.  We,  accord- 
ingly, continued  to  the  northward  about  eight  miles,  when  we  perceived 
a  ploughman  at  work  with  some  strong  horses  in  an  adjacent  field.  It 
immediately  struck  me,  that  by  mounting  them,  we  might  be  able  to  swim 
them  across ;  and  I  accordingly  endeavoured  to  make  a  bargain  with  the 
ploughman;  who  appeared  thunder-struck  at  the  temerity  of  the  proposition. 
At  length,  after  repeating  frequently  the  word  "  schiff"  he  pointed  to  a  ferry 
on  the  opposite  side.  We  came  close  down  to  the  river,  and,  after  waving 
some  time,  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a  man  embark  in  the  boat;  and, 
notwithstanding  the  flood  was  very  rapid  from  the  late  falls  of  rain,  he 
conducted  himself  across  in  a  very  masterly  style,  and  then  ferryed  us  over. 
We  paid  him  the  usual  fare,  which  was,  I  believe,  about  a  penny  each,  and 
proceeded  back  the  eight  miles  on  the  opposite  side,  to  get  into  our  direct 
road;  this  we  compleated  by  eight  at  night.  Weilheim  was  the  next  large 
town  in  our  route.  We  halted  in  a  small  village,  very  much  fatigued ; 
got  something  to  eat,  and  went  to  bed. 

*  Kaul  bueren  is  in  the  territory  of  Kempten,  and  is  seated  on  the  Wnrdach. 
f  Schongau,  a  town  of  Bavaria,  with  a  cas.le,  seated  ou  »  mounuiu,  by  th* 
river  Lech. 

*  Vol.  XXXI.  x  x 


3i2  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

In  the  morning  we  proceeded  onwards:  about  ten  wft  made  A  circuit, 
passed  Weilheitn,*  and  crossed  the  river  Amper;  and  then  directed  our 
course  for  Toitz.  At  night  we  halted  in  a  peasant's  hut,  at  the  foot  of 
the  mountains  which  separate  Bavaria  from  the  Tyrol.  I  must  observe, 
that,  in  consequence  of  having  nothing  to  direct  us,  but  an  old  incorrect 
map,  we  made  a  number  of  circuits  that  might  have  been  easily- avoided, 
had  we  possessed  a  knowledge  of  the  country. 

In  the  morning  we  continued  our  walk,  and,  about  11,  espied  the  town  of 
T6itz,in  a  valley,  upon  the  above-mentioned  river.  It  appeared  to  be  a  very 
difficult  place  to  pass.  We  turned  to  the  southward,  and,  aftermarching  seve- 
ral miles,  over  mountains  and  through  forests  and  morasses,  we)  discovered 
a  bridge,  which  we  crossed  without  any  difficulty ;  I  observed  a  number 
of  floats  or  rafts  of  timber,  admirably  well  constructed,  and  steered  with 
the  stream,  which  was  excessively  rapid.  After  crossing  the  bridge,  we 
stopped  at  a  public-house  and  procured  some  fish,  bread,  and  beer,  for 
dinner.  There  were  a  number  of  both  sexes  intoxicated  in  this  house; 
they  all  appeared  to  be  employed  in  conducting  the  timber  down  the  river, 
and  reminded  me  of  Billingsgate  and  ballast-heavers.  Although  it  rained 
excessively  hard,  we  were  under  the  necessity  of  proceeding.  Dr.  B.  got 
a  lift  in  a  waggon  fur  three  or  four  miles,  and  the  waggoner  declined 
receiving  payment  for  it.  Shortly  after  dusk  we  halted  in  a  small  village 
on  the  road- side;  a  little  bread  and  milk  was  the  only  refreshment  the 
house  afforded.  The  landlady  got  our  cluthes  dried  for  us  ;  we  were  very 
happy  at  being  so  well  situated,  and  went  to  bed,  felicitating  ourselves 
with  the  hope  of  being  in  the  Austrian  territories  after  two  days. 

October  12th.  At  day-light  we  recommenced  our  route  towards  Neu- 
beuren ;  and,  in  the  evening,  at  eight,  we  slopped  for  the  night  at  a 
small  village,  where  the  inn  was  a  very  decent  one,  and  were  well  en- 
tertained. In  the  morning  we  parted  from  these  good  folks,  who  were, 
apparently,  very  partial  to  the  French. 

At  eleven  we  espied  Neubeuren.  It  is  a  fort,  situated  on  the  side  of  a 
hill,  on  a  branch  of  the  river  Inn ;  we  were  on  the  opposite  side  to  it,  and 
were  very  much  confused,  and  at  a  loss  how  to  get  across.  There  appeared 
a  small  town  also,  which  I  suppose  bore  the  same  name.  We  approached 
the  banks  of  the  river,  and  discovered  a  ferry-boat  on  the  opposite  side. 
On  each  bank  sheers  were  erected,  with  a  stay  or  rope  from  one  side  to 
the  other,  to  which  the  ferry-hoat  was  made  fast  with  a  long  rope  and 
traveller  to  traverse  upon  the  stay.  It  was  constructed  in  such  a  manner 
that  (let  the  current  be  ever  so  rapid)  one  man  was  sufficient  to  conduct 
the  ferry-boat  across.  There  was,  on  our  side,  a  shed,  with  seats  for  pas- 
sengers to  rest  themselves  and  wait  for  the  ferry-boat.  In  this  place  we 
found  an  old  gentleman,  who,  from  his  garb  and  apron,  we  supposed  to  be 
either  a  hatter  or  dyer.  He  spoke  nothing  but  German;  he  lived  (as  he 
made  at  understand)  in  the  opposite  village,  and  was  a  hatter  by  trade. 
He  informed  us  that  the  ferryman  was  getting  his  dinner,  and  would  not 
attend  until  after  one  o'clock.  We  enquired  it'  the  fortress  was  strong  ? 

•     Weilheim,  a  town  of  Bavaria,  with  a  castle  ou  the  river  Auper. 


NAVAL   BULLETINS.  323 

**  Only  a  few  veterans."  This  old  man  was  rather  curious  and  inquisitive; 
and  wished  to  know  if  we  were  going  to  Salzbourgh?  We  answered  in  th« 
affirmative  ;  and  asked  the  distance  we  were  from  it  ?  "  Fifteen  leagues," 
he  replied.  Pleasing  intelligence  for  us  wearied  travellers. 

We  now  dreaded  lest  there  should  be  a  guard  at  the  ferry-boat,  to  inspect 
passengers,  passports,  &c.  as  is  common  on  the  greater  part  of  the  con- 
tinent ;  and  most  particularly  so  near  a  garrison.  We  endeavoured  to 
sound  the  hatter;  but  could  make  no  discovery  that  in  the  smallest  degree 
justified  our  suspicion. 

One  o'clock  arrived.  We  saw  the  ferry-man,  accompanyed  by  a  soldier, 
approach  his  boat;  the  feather  of  the  latter  was  so  immense,  and  wove  so 
conspicuously  in  the  air,  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  be  mistaken.  What 
to  do  we  knew  not ;  we  were  loath  to  ask  the  hatter  any  more  questions, 
lest  it  might  cause  suspicion.  They  were  now  embarked,  and  coming  to- 
wards us ;  'tis  true  we  had  sufficient  time  to  make  off,  but  the  difficulty  we 
might  find  in  crossing  this  river,  and  an  idea  that  our  suspicions  were  ill 
founded,  rendered  us  unsettled.  We  hesitated — considered— first  pro- 
posed one  thing,  then  another.  All  were  in  the  utmost  consternation;' 
when,  at  length,  we  came  to  a  resolution  to  walk  into  the  fields,  in  an  oppo- 
site direction  to  the  road  that  led  to  the  boat,  and  there  wait  the  result  of 
the  soldier's  landing.  If  he  made  towards  us,  we  were  to  decamp  in  differ- 
ent directions;  if  towards  the  road,  he  was  only  a  passenger,  and  of  course 
there  would  be  little  or  no  danger.  The  critical  moment  arrived.  The  son 
of  Mars  jumped  out,  and,  to  our  inexpressible  satisfaction,  pursued  his 
direction  towards  the  highway.  We  embarked,  in  company  with  the  old 
hatter;  and,  in  a  few  minutes,  were  safe  landed  on  the  opposite  side. 
The  fare  was  a  mere  trifle.  We  had  to  ciiange  a  florin  ;  and,  although  we 
would  willingly  have  paid  five  times  the  sum  to  be  clear  off,  we  waited  to 
have  our  change  regularly  made  out,  which  took  some  time,  as  the  pieces 
were  so  difficult  to  be  comprehended,  r.nd  the  ferry-man  had  to  borrow 
some  from  the  hatter,  but  we  dreaded,  if  we  had  not  been  thus  particu- 
lar, they  might  suspect  us,  and  give  information  at  the  garrison.  Matters 
being  arranged,  we  continued  our  route  carelessly,  until  we  were  out  of 
sight  of  the  fortress ;  then  pushed  on  as  fast  as  we  possibly  could,  to  make 
up  for  the  delay  of  the  ferry. 

About  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening,  we  halted  at  a  very  convenient 
house  on  the  road  side  ;  got  beds  and  supper ;  and,  at  day-light,  recom- 
menced our  march.  We  were  now  on  the  high-road  to  Reichenhall,  the 
last  Bavarian  town  we  should  have  to  pass.  Each  of  us  was  in  excellent 
spirits,  and  almost  confident  of  getting  clear,  from  the  success  that  had 
lately  attended  us.  We  exerted  all  our  force  to  get  as  soon  as  possible  into, 
the  Austrian  territories,  and  walked  at  least  twelve  leagues  this  day.  Passed 
over  a  very  large  bridge,  that  leads  across  a  branch  of  the  lake  of  Kemp?f  e, 
and  found  we  were  still  five  leagues  from  Reichenhnll.  Being  very  much 
fatigued,  we  agreed  to  proceed  to  a  village  about  a  mile  off  the  road,  on 
the  borders  of  th=  lake,  and  to  stop  there  for  the  night.  We  soon  made 
oat  a  public  house  ;  got  supper,  and  retired  early  to  bed.  The  people  wore 
civil,  and  not  at  all  inquisitive.  There  were  several  boati  on  tho  lake, 
which,  to  us,  was  a  most  pleasing  prospect. 


324  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

We  ros«  early  and  pursuseu  our  journey.  At  about  eleven,  we  halted  sirs 
village  and  got  breakfast.  We  here  met  several  people  (being  Sunday)  but 
none  very  curious.  We  found  out  that  we  were  still  three  leagues  from 
Reichenliall.  Advanced  a  pace,  but  with  precaution,  knowing  hour 
particular  tliey  generally  are  on  the  frontiers.  We  also  agreed,  if  we 
could  get  safe  into  Austria,  to  take  the  direct  course  for  Trieste,  and  not  to 
go  to  Salzbourgh.  The  doctor  was  getting  very  weary,  the  road  rough 
and  intricate,  no  public-house  or  village  to  be  seen.  Drawing  near 
Ileichenhall  fast,  we  overtook  two  waggons  going  to  that  town;  and  pre- 
vailed on  one  to  allow  our  weak  companion  to  mount,  which  proved  a 
very  fortunate  circumstance;  for  he  had  scarcely  secured  himself  when 
two  Bavarian  gend'armes  passed.  Hewson,  and  myself,  were  on  different 
sides.  I  imagine  they  supposed  we  belonged  to  the  waggons,  for  they 
took  no  notice  whatever  of  us. 

I  had  observed  for  several  days  past,  that  the  directions,  notices, 
&c.  on  the  posts  as  we  passed,  were  in  French  as  well  as  German. 
Our  present  road  was  quite  new,  and  appeared  to  have  been  made 
since  the  battle  of  Austerlitz,  for  the  purpose,  no  doubt,  of  entering 
the  Austrian  territories  with  more  facility  at  a  future  period.  It  must  have 
cost  an  immensity  of  labour  and  treasure,  being  cut  through  immense  rocks 
and  mountains,  ft  was  one  of  the  finest  military  roads  I  ever  beheld.  We 
also  observed  an  aqueduct  for  a  number  of  miles  along  the  road;  and  were 
informed  it  was  to  conduct  water  from  the  salt  springs  which  that  country 
abounds  in,  to  Transtein,  where  there  is  an  extensive  salt  manufactory.  We 
were  now  within  two  miles  of  the  town,  and  begged  the  waggoner  to  stop,  and 
allow  the  doctor  to  descend  ;  which  he  did,  offering, him,  at  the  same  time,  to 
carry  him  into  the  town,  if  he  pleased.  We  thanked  the  waggoner,  but 
declined  it,  telling  him  we  were  not  certain  but  we  might  remain  at  a 
friend's  house  in  the  suburbs  that  night.  The  waggoners  then  proceeded 
onwards,  and  we  halted  to  consider  how  we  were  to  act.  Now  what  zi-as 
to  be  done  ?  was  the  general  question.  It  was  too  late  to  attempt  making  a 
circuit  of  the  town,  and  getting  into  Austria,  which  was  at  least  four  or 
five  miles  farther:,  besides,  from  the  intricate  appearance  of  the  situation 
of  the  town,  lurrounded  by  immense  mountains,  it  was  impossible  to  get 
round  it  in  the  dark. 

All  matters  having  been  deliberately  weighed  and  considered,  we  resolved 
to  take  our  abode  up  in  a  public- house,  at  a  little  distance  on  the  road 
side  ;  and  this  we  trusted  would  be  our  last  night  in  Bavaria;  We  accord- 
ingly entered  ;  there  were  several  decent  looking  people  :  I  made  our  host 
understand  our  comrade  hud  been  taken  suddenly  ill,  that  1  wished  to 
pet  him  to  bed  as  soon  as  we  could,  and  that  we  preferred  remaining  with 
bi:n  to  going  into  town,  as  it  was  then  late  :  he  politely  told  us  we  should 
be  instantly  accommodated. 

At  about  half  past  eight  we  were  shewn  to  bed  ;  wo  were  in  great  spirits. 
The  next  morning  would  decide  our  destiny,  and  we  were  very  sanguine. 
We  knew  it  was  necessary  to  be  cautious  aho  in  Austria:  but  considered 
the  great  point  attained,  when  out  of  the  power  of  the  Rhine  Confedera- 
tion. I  confess  I  sometimes  diuught,  how  unfortunate  we  should  be,  if 


arrested  in  the  vicinity  of  the  last  Bavarian  town,  and  again  conducted  back 
to  the  horrible  Mansion  of  Tears.— I  frankly  declare  I  would  sooner  have 
suffered  death.  These  ideas  prevented  my  sleeping  much ;  however,  I  did 
not  disclose  them  to  my  companions. 

October  17  th,  1808.     At  the  dawn  of  day  we  rose,  ordered  a  cup  of  coffee 
each,  and  pushed  forward  with  great  circumspection  for  the  town  of  Reichen- 
hall.     Saw  very  few  people  moving.    Every  thing,  we  imagined,  favoured  us 
as  yet ;  and  the  next  moment  we  discovered  a  bridge,  which  we  inevitably 
must  pass;  at  the  end  of  it  was  a  turnpike,  and  the  Bavarian  harrier,  blue 
and  white,   which   we  were  tolerably  well  acquainted  with.     There  were 
two  men  who  appeared  at  a  short  distance  from  the  turnpike.     We  were 
advanced  on   the  bridge.     The  two  men  entered  a  house  close  to   the 
turnpike. — We  advanced  rapidly. — Supposing  this  to  be  a  most  favourable 
opportunity,  we  passed  the  turnpike  very  fortunately,  and  turned  short  round  to 
the  right,  which  led  us  directly  as  we  wished,  and  also  clear  of  the  town.  We 
then  passed  another  barrier,  where  there  was  no  house,  and  I  supposed, 
as  they  were  so  contiguous,   that  both  were  attended  by  the  same  people. 
We  then  imagined  ourselves  to  be  in  Austria,  and  had  advanced  nearly  a 
mile.     I  do  not  pretend  to  describe  our  feelings,  or  the  sensations  we  expe- 
rienced.    The  road  was  getting  excessively  dirty,   a  pathway  led  through 
the  fields  in  the  exact  direction  we  intended  to  take. — I  pursued  it,  whilst 
Mr.  Hewson   continued  in  the  road ;  and,  on  looking  back,  I  found  the 
doctor  was  following  me  at  some  distance.     In  a  short  time  I  lost  sight  of 
Hewson.     We  had  made  a  kind  of  obtuse  angle  in  quitting  the  road.     I 
soon  got  on  it  again,   but  could  not  see  my  friend  Hewson ;  I  conjectured 
that  he  had  walked  faster  than  me,  and  consequently  was  farther  advanced. 
To  my  great  astonishment,  I  soon  espied  a  house  close  by,  with  the  Bava- 
rian arms,  and  a  turnpike;  the  door  was  most  fortunately  shut.     I  passed 
it  without  being  really  sensible  of  my  narrow  escape.     T  then  quickened 
my  pace,  and  observed  the  doctor  equally  successful.     I  had  been  mistaken 
with  respect  to  our  being  in  Austria;   yet  this  must  certainly  be  the  last 
Bavarian  barrier.     I  now  became  very  uneasy  for  the  safety  of  my  friend, 
and  dreaded  that  some  accident  might  have  retarded  him  ;  not  expecting 
that  he  had  another  Bavarian  barrier  to  pass,  he  might  unfortunately  fall 
upon  it,  at  the  moment  the  door  was  opened.     I  stopped,  replete  with 
these  ideas,   to  wait  the  doctor's  coming  up,   that  we  might  consult  one 
another  how  to  act ;  and  in  a  few  seconds  I  had  the  unspeakable  joy  to  be- 
hold him  a  head,  advancing  towards  rne.     How  he  could  have  got  so  far 
was  to  me  inexplicable.     I  made  towards  him,  expressing  my  astonishment 
at  being  thus  separated   at  so  critical  a  time:    he  retaliated,  and  said,  he 
thought  we  must  have  been  a  head,  as  he  imagined  by  crossing  through  the 
fields,  we  had  cut  off  a  considerable   angle   of  the  road :  and,  added  he, 
I  should  have  continued  to  think  so,  had  I  not  been  prevented  from   ad- 
vancing any  further,  by  an  Austrian  officer,  who  is  placed  with  a  guard  at 
yon  turnpike  :    He  demanded   my  passport,  1  told  him  my  companions, 
who  were  coming  on  had  it;  he  desired  me  to  wait  until  they  arrived ;  but 
I  thought  it  more  advisable  to  return  and  give  you  the  information.  "  About 
this  very  spot,"  added  he,  "  I  met  the  man's  wife  who  loeks  out  at  the  Bava- 


KAVAL   BULLETINS. 

rian  turnpike ;  she  was  going  towards  her  house,  and  asked  me  if  I  had  shewn 
her  husband  rny  papers,  I  answered  yes?"— This  I  considered  as  critical 
sa  situation  as  we  had  been  yet  placed  in.  We  now  were,  (as  one  might 
say)  between  the  frontiers  of  two  nations.  One  would  not  allow  us  to 
advance  without  the  proper  documents;  and  the  other,  if  we  remained  a 
moment,  would  pursue  and  arrest  us  for  having  passed  theirs,  withont 
shewing  them  what  entitled  us  to  do  so.  Well  knowing  which  power  we  had 
to  apprehend  most,  I  proposed  to  endeavour  to  avoid  the  Austrian  officer, 
and  to  get  into  their  territory  as  soon  as  possible.  We  accordingly  chose 
a  pathway  that  led  into  a  wood,  on  the  side  of  an  immense  mountain, 
expecting  to  be  followed  instantly  by  the  Austrian  guard  ;  but  also  calcu- 
lating, in  being  too  far  in  their  dominions,  for  any  one  to  return  us  to 
the  Bavarians.  I  need  not  say  that  we  advanced  very  briskly,  and  we 
got  into  the  wood  quite  out  of  breath,  tolerably  sure  that  we  were  now  in 
Austria,  and  astonished  that  we  were  not  pursued.  After  stopping  some 
little  time  to  breathe,  we  again  proceeded.  It  was  impossible  to  cross  the 
mountains,  they  were  quite  inaccessible.  We  therefore  kept  the  wood 
as  long  as  it  led  in  the  direction  that  suited  us;  and,  in  a  short  time,  we  saw 
the  high  road,  and  found  we  were  about  a  mile  within  the  Austrian  barrier. 
This  was  an  inexpressible  consolation. 

We  proceeded  with  confidence  to  the  road;  but  just  as  we  had 
stepped  on  it,  four  men  sprang  up  from  behind  a  rock,  where  they  had 
lain  concealed,  and  presented  their  pieces  at  us.  The  headmost  of  them 
took  his  hat  off,  and  asked  us  for  our  papers.  I  shewed  him  an  old  pocket 
book,  and  pretending  to  look  for  mine  :  The  man  said,  we  must 
accompany  him  to  his  officer— he  was  no  judge — pointing  towards  the 
Austrian  turnpike.  ':  With  a  great  deal  of  pleasure,"  we  replied,  and  asked, 
"  if  we  were  not  in  the  Emperor's  dominions? "  he  answered,  Yes.  We  ac- 
companied these  soldiers  to  their  officer,  who  was  a  young  man,  and  spoke 
no  other  language  than  German.  However,  we  comprehended  perfectly, 
that  he  was  displeased  at  our  attempting  to  elude  him  and  the  gu;ird.  He 
examined  us,  and  we  made  him  understand  as  well  as  we  possibly  could, 
"  That  we  were  American  seamen,  who  had  escaped  from  the  Dunes  at 
Altona,  and  were  making  the  best  of  our  way  to  Trieste,  where  we  ex- 
pected to  procure  a  passage  to  our  native  country."  He  desired  one  of  his 
soldiers  to  go,  and  inform  the  Bavarian  at  the  next  barrier,  that  he  wanted 
him.  This  circumstance  occasioned  me  much  uneasiness.  I  endeavoured 
to  learn  from  him,  if  he  intended  to  send  us  to  Salzbourgh.  He  said 
we  should  be  dispatched  there  immediately.  We  were  much  pleased  at 
this,  as  we  dreaded  being  given  up  to  the  man  at  the  next  barrier,  who 
now  had  arrived;  and  was  astonished,  when  the  officer  observed  that 
he  had  lei  us  pass  without  examining  or  interrogating  us.  My  friend 
the  Bavarian  was  excessively  nettled  at  the  information. 

October  17th,  1808.  Our  escort  for  Salzbourgh  being  appointed,  we  pro- 
ceeded once  more  in  bondage.  Kvery  thing  now  depended  upon  the  dis- 
position of  the  Austrians,  with  reject  to  America  and  England-.  We  re- 
solved to  perievere  in  our  American  tale,  unless  we  had  sune  great  m- 


NAVAL  BtTlLETINS.  337 

^ucement  for  acting  otherwise.  At  about  two,  we  arrived  at  Salzbourgh,* 
and  were  instantly  conducted  to  the  town  house.  We  were  interrogated  by 
the  director  of  Police,  a  very  civil  gentleman,  who  spoke  several  lan- 
guages fluently.  He  asked  us  in  French,  what  countrymen  we  were  >  We 
would  not  understand  him.  He  then  asked  the  same  in  Italian  and  Ger. 
man  ?  we  were  equally  ignorant.  At  last  he  asked  us  in  English,  we  then 
perfectly  understood  him,  and  answered,  Americans.  "  How  have  you 
contrived  (said  he)  to  enter  the  Emperor  of  Austria's  territories  without 
regular  passports?  You  will  be  considered  as  spies."— We  belonged,  said  I, 
to  an  American  ship  taken  by  the  Danes,  in  consequence  of  being  boarded 
by  two  English  frigates  in  the  English  channel,  on  her  passage  up  the  Baltic. 
Our  names  are  Manuel,  alias  Hewson,  chief  mate;  Henderson,  surgeon, 
alias  Barklimore ;  and  myself,  Lincoln,  who  happened  to  be  theu  a  pas- 
senger. 

The  Director  requested  we  would  each  make  out  a  civil  decla- 
ration, who  and  what  we  were,  and  bring  it  him  the  next  morning. 
—He  should  send  us  to  a  tavern  for  the  night,  and  requested  we 
%vould  not  stir  from  it  without  his  permission.  He  expressed  also  his 
astonishment  at  our  having  crossed  the  Continent,  without  being  able  to 
speak  any  other  language  than  English ;  and  added,  That  if  we  zcere 
even  Englishmen)  we  had  nothing  to  fear  from  the  Austrian  /  govern- 
ment. My  God  !  I  never  felt  more  happy  than  at  hearing  these  words—* 
how  they  soothed  my  mind.  I  however  feigned  not  to  comprehend 
him  perfectly,  that  my  heart  might  again  thrill  with  delight.  He  re- 
peated the  same  expressions  ;  which  caused  me  so  much  emotion,  being 
confident  that  a  man  in  his  station  would  not  tell  an  untruth,  that  I  was 
actually  on  the  point  of  declaring  myself.  However,  I  governed  myself 
and  restrained  my  desire  to  relate  the  truth,  although  I  am  at  a  loss  to 
explain  how  I  was  able  to  do  so  ;  and  turning  to  my  companions,  I 
observed,  that  we  had  better  proceed  to  the  tavern,  as  we  were  very  much 
fatigued.  The  Director  ordered  a  Serjeant  to  shew  us  the  way.  We  took 
a  cordial  leave  of  this  worthy  old  man,  and  followed  our  guide.  So  de- 
iighted  were  we  with  the  last  news,  which  I  imagined  I  still  heard  re-echo 
in  my  ears,,  that  we  had  arrived  at  the  tavern,  which  was  at  a  considerabla 
distance  from  the  town  house,  before  we  thought  we  had  advanced  a  hun« 
dred  steps  towards  it. 

Here  we  were  received  as  American  gentlemen,  and  had  an  excellent 
•upper  and  good  beds  ;  we  felt  superlatively  happy.  What  a  vast  difference 
between  our  present  situation,  and  that  in  the  morning  when  between  the 
two  barriers. 

[To  be  continued.] 


*  Salzbourgh  is  a  forti6ed  city  of  Germany,  the  capita)  of  a  Duchy  of  the 
same  name,  with  a  strong  castle  on  a  mountain.  It  has  a  university,  and 
two  noble  palaces.  It  is  situated  between  three  mountains,  on  botn  sides  of 
tke  river  SaJza.  Was  taken  possession  of  by  tiie  Frtuch  in  1800  and  1805. 
It  has  a  aumb.er  of  remarkable  building*. 


S1 


328 
HYDROGRAPHY,  PILOTAGE,  Sec. 

EUROPE. 

ENGLAND. 
PLYMOUTH.* 

COTCH  GROUNDS  : — The  Benevolent  bouse  touching  on  the  high- 
water  mark  of  the  Devil's  point;  and  the  old-church  tower  touching 
the  eastern  part  of  the  white  obelisk  on  the  Hoe. 

SHOVEL  : — Torr  House  over  the  black  obelisk  on  the  Hoe,  and  Shag- 
stone  in  one,  with  the  little  Mew-stone,  and  the  signal- house  at  Maker, 
over  a  small  clump  of  trees,  with  the  flag-staff  a  little  to  the  southward 
of  them. 

SHOAL  N.E.  of  the  Shovel : — Weird  House,  Saltash,  on  \\  ith  the  rocks  at 
the  Raven-ness,  Reading  pouit,  and  the  old  church  tower,  Plymouth, 
about  a  hand's  breadth  to  the  eastward  of  the  railing  on  the  Hoe  ;  the 
inner  part  of  this  said  shoal  lies  nearly  with  Weird  House,  upon  Lord 
Edgecombe's  battery ;  Torr  House  on  with  the  Hoe  railing. 

ANOTHER  SHOAL  :— Firestone  Castle  on  with  the  high-water  mark  on  the 
S.W.  part  of  the  island,  and  the  old  church  lower  on  with  the  white 
obelisk  on  the  Hoe. 

LEEK-BF.D  : — Government  House  (Mount  Wise)  touching  the  S.  W. 
wall  of  Drake's  Island,  and  the  Sugar  House  touching  Mount  Batten 
Castle. 

MALLARD  ROCK  : — The  large  yellow  house  on  Scot's  Hill,  on  with  the 
Victualling  Office  point  (under  the  citadel),  and  the  obelisk  at  Frank's 
quarry  on  with  the  flag-staff  on  Firestone  bay  battery,  then  only  4  chimnies 
in  the  citadel  in  sight,  you  are  on  the  easternmost  part  of  the  shoal. 

WINTER  ROCK  : — The  S.  W.  chimney  on  the  long  marine  barrack, 
touching  St.  Aubyn's  chappel  steeple,  Dock,  and  the  game-keeper's  house 
(opposite  the  Bridge  cottage)  at  the  hack  of  the  bridge,  touching  S.E.  end  of 
Drake's  Isle.  Open  the  citadel  on  either  side  of  Drake's  Island,  and  you 
arc  clear  of  the  bridge.— The  game-keeper's  house  on  with  u  willow  tice  ; 
you  will  be  on  the  middle  of  the  bridge. 

IRELAND. 

IN  a  publication  entitled  the  '•  Cork  Reporter,"  it  has  been  stated,  as 
from  authority,  that  a  light-house  is  about  to  be  established  at  the 
entrance  of  Cork  harbour,  upon  the  site  of  Roche's  Tower,  wiiith  is  the 

These  remarks  are  by  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  experienced  pilots  of  Ply- 
mouth. For  a  description  of  Plymouth  Sound,  wish  reference  to  the  new  break- 
water, see  N.C.  vol.  xxviii.  pp.  115,  118,  128, 143,  213,  1^33,  286,  ST9,  4'J6 :  in 
"which  roliime  a  chart  of  that  anchorage  is  given.  For  hydrographic  notices  con- 
«erning-the  same  place,  see  N.C.  xxix,  58 ;  xxi.  148.  ' A.  picturesque  view  of 
Pljracfuth  is  to  be  found  in  vol.  vi. 


HYDROGRAPHY.  329 

E.  point  of  the  entrance  into  the  channel,  and  off  which  are  the  Stags,  or 
Cow  and  Calf  rocks.  An  agent  from  the  Ballast  Board  is  said  to  be  at 
present  in  that  city,  and  arrangements  for  die  work  are  about  to  be  taken. 

FRANCE. 

BORDEAUX  is  approached  through  the  aestuary  of  the  Gironde  ;  which 
is  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the  rivers  Garonne  and  Dordogne  :  its  en- 
trance is  easily  known  by  a  celebrated  light-house  denominated  the  tower 
of  Cordouan,  a  guide  of  equal  utility  by  day  as  by  night,  whose  geographi- 
cal site  is  in  latitude  45°  S5y  14"  N.  longitude  1°  10'  10"  W.  from  Green- 
wich, the  difference  of  time  being  4  m.  41s.  This  tower,  the  most  magnificent 
light-house  in  Europe,  was  erected  by  order  of  King  Henry  IV.  it  was  be- 
gun in  1.584  by  Louis  De-Foix,  and  finished  in  1611  :  its  height  was  169 
feet  (former  French  measure  *);  but  in  1727  the  upper  part  of  it  being 
found  calcined  by  die  force  of  the  fire,  at  that  time  an  iron  lantern  in  the 
form  of  a  cupola  was  substituted  in  its  place.  This  lantern  is  supported  by 
tour  iron  pillars,  the  whole  superstructure  being  22  feet  high,  so  that  the 
present  height  of  the  tower  and  lantern  together  is  175 -feet.  The  diame- 
ter of  this  fabric  is  20  fathoms  [toises]  5  feet :  its  gate  opens  E.S.E.  The 
fire-place  on  the  top,  according  to  the  latest  public  information,  holds 
220  #u  of  coals,  and  the  fire  is  kept  burning  from  sunset  until  sunrise, 

Monsieur  MAG  IN*,  an  engineer  of  the  French  marine,  has  given  the 
following  sailing  instructions  for  this  navigation  .—The  disposition  of •  the 
rocky  and  sandy  banks  which  lie  at  the  mouth  of  this  river  form  five  chan- 
nels through  which  vessels  enter:  viz.  1  Charentais  ;  2  Matelier,  or  Saiu- 
ionqe  ;  3  Lescarneau  ;  4  La-Porte  ;  5  Grave. 

CHAREKTAIS  : — To  enter  by  this  channel,  the  tower  Cordouan  and  the 
wooden  tower  of  point  ia-Coubre  (on  the  northern  shore)  are  necessarily  to 
be  seen  in  order  to  make  your  way  with  safety  between  the  ground  bank  of 
Matelier  and  the  banks  of  point  la-Coubre :  the  bad  situation  of  the  Charen- 
tais channel  ought  to  make  it  at  all  times  be  avoided  by  choice:  but  in  case 
you  should  be  forced  to  go  through  it,  sail  towards  Cordouan  S.E.  |  S.  till  you 
bring  la-Coubre  tower  to  bearE.N.E.  then  steering  E.  b.S.  to  pass  ^-league 
without  point  la-Coubre,  continue  that  course  till  the  wooden  tower  be 
bearing  N.W.  by  N.  and  from  thence  steer  S.E.  by  E.  keeping  point  Grave 
(on  the  southern  shore)  a  little  open.  In  this  track,  when  you  shall  have 
Cordouan  S.S.W.  you  will  be  past  the  English  bar,  which  is  a  very  dan- 
gerous shoal ;  but  all  that  part  of  the  river  beyond  it,  from  paint  Terre- 
negre  to  Royan  is  clean  with  deep  water.  If  a  ship  was  obliged  to  make 
boards,  she  ought,  after  having  passed  la-Coubre,  to  keep  between  the 


*  According  to  Dclalande,  the  French  foot  called  pied-de-roi  was  to  the 
English  as  1 .068  to  1000  ;  or  according  to  the  proportion  settled  by  the  academy 
of  sciences,  as  1 .350  is  to  1  .440.  See  PHU.OTEOHNI;S,  on  metrology,  in  N.  C. 
xxiv.  299.  In  the  roetrological  appendix  to  HENRY'S  Epitome  of  Chemistry, 
(Edinburgh,  1806),  the  Paris  royal  foot  of  12  inches,  is  s:ated  to  be  ecjual  to 
12  .7977  English  inches. 

.  G$nm»  Ool.  XXXI.  v  v 


330  KYDROGRAPHr. 

N.W.  i  W.  and  the  S.E.  J  E.  of  the  wooden  tower,  having  the  correspond* 
ing  bearing  with  point  Grave.  This  precaution  is  necessary  to  avoid  the 
English  bar,  and  to  remain  at  a  proper  distance  from  the  rocks  of  Cor- 
douan  ;  where  the  current  generally  catches  the  ships  which  come  too  near 
them  during  the  ebb,  or  at  half-tide,  going  down.* 

MATJ-LIER. — This  channel,  having  from  25  to  26  feet  at  low  water, 
may  be  entered  by  the  largest  ships :  when  you  come  from  the  north  you 
are  to  steer  towards  ttie  Cordouan  E.  by  S.  and  to  sail  in  this  direction  till 
you  see  the  two  beacons  or  marks  in  one,  which  are  on  point  la-Coubre ; 
then  keeping  them  on  you  sail  until  within  \  a  league  of  the  land,  where 
you  change  your  course  as  in  the  channel  of  Charentais.  We  have  sup- 
posed in  the  course  just  described  that  the  2  beacons  on  la-Coubre  had 
been  seen  ;  but  as  it  is  seldom  that  you  can  see  both  of  them  at  a  great 
distance,  we  give  other  directions  for  the  course,  provided  you  see  only 
one  of  the  beacons,  or  the  breakers  point  de  Cuivre  on  the  bank  of 
Matelier. 

If  in  sailing  E.  b.  S.  towards  the  Cordouan  you  should  descry  but  one 
beacon,  you  are  to  continue  the  same  course  till  you  bring  that  beacon 
N.E.  and  keeping  it  in  that  direction  you  pass  within  £  of  a  league  of  point 
de  Cuivre,  from  whence  the  same  course  is  to  he  followed  until  within  J  a 
league  of  the  land;  and  then  you  proceed  according  to  the  directions  for  the 
Charentais. 

If  in  hazy  or  dark  weather  you  see  none  of  the  marks  upon  la-Coubret 
you  ought  to  steer  for  the  point  de  Cuivre,  which  is  always  known  by  its 
breakers  being  more  heavy  than  the  other  shoals. 

After  you  have  approached  the  Cordouan  at  the  distance  of  8  miles 
E.  b.  S.  the  breakers  of  point  de  Cuivre  will  bear  N.N.E.  1  league,  and 
point  ia  Coubre  N.E.  Then  you  are  to  shape  a  course  N.E.  and  sail 
within  |  of  a  league  of  point  de  Cuivre :  in  this  track,  when  you  have 
brought  the  Cordouan  to  bear  S.E.  b.  E.  you  are  to  steer  so  as  to  bring  the 
breakers  of  point  de  Cuivre  to  S.W.  b.  W.  and  then  proceed  as  before  ex- 
plained. If  a  ship  coining  from  the  oftlng  would  enter  by  the  channel  of 
Matelier,  she  could  steer  towards  the  Cordouan  E.N.E.  or  N.E.  b.  E.  or 
N.  E.  b.  N.  or  N.N.E.  but  we  advise  to  prefer  N.  E.  b.  E.  If  you  have 
steered  N.E.  b.  E.  towards  the  tower  of  Cordouan,  this  course  is  to  be  con- 
tinued until  the  church  of  Soulac  be  bearing  E.  b.  S.  Then  you  steer 
N. N. W.  to  get  a  sight  of  the  breakers  of  point  de  Cuivre;  after  which 
observe  the  preceding  direction*. 

LESCAMEAU  ; — This  channel  is  very  narrow,  and  is  made  use  of  only  on 
account  of  the  sure  marks  on  shore  to  direct  the  course  between  the  Matte 
a«d  the  Mauvaise,  which  are  to  be  ranged  along  at  a  very  little  distance. 
These  marks  are  the  tower  of  Cordouan,  the  breakers  of  point  de  Cuivre, 

*  It  is  to  be  observed,  that  in  these  directions  the  bearings  and  courses  are 
according  to  the  true  north,  or  meridian  of  the  world  :  the  navigator  must  there- 
fore remember  to  make  due  Allowance  for  magnetic  variation  ;  which  on  this 
eoa«t  wat  21°  15'  W.  in  the  year  1792,  aud  has  been  since  observed  to 
weitt rlj  about  10  minute*  every  jear. 


HYDROGRAPHY,  331 

the  steeple  of  Saint-Palais  on  with  the  beacon,  or  tliat  steeple  n  sail's 
breadth  open  with  the  wood.  When  you  enter  by  this  channel,  you  are 
always  to  get  a  sight  of  the  breakers  of  point  of  Cuivre,  and  to  approach 
them  within  $  a  league  ;  bringing  the  tower  of  Cordouan  to  hear  S.  E.  b.E. 
then  your  course  must  be  shaped  so  as  to  bring  St.  Palais  steeple  on  with 
the  beacon,  or  a  sail's  breadth  open  with  the  wood.  As  soon  as  you  have 
them  in  that  direction,  steer  towards  them,  and  keep  them  on  until  the 
tower  of  Cordouan  bears  S.  then  you  will  have  no  difficulty  in  proceeding 
to  the  road  of  Verdon. 

LA  PORTE  : — Uas  the  least  water  of  any  channel,  and  i?  badly  situated, 
on  account  of  your  being  obliged  to  range  so  very  near  along  the  Cor- 
douan rock.  It's  marks  are  the  point  Grave  on  with  the  south  part  of  la 
Valiere  point :  but  this  latter  being  seldom  distinguishable  at  a  distance, 
the  channel  is  often  entered  by  the  compass,  only  aided  by  the  computed 
distance  of  Cordouan  tower :  if  necessity  should  oblige  you  to  try  this 
passage,  steer  N.  E.  b.  E.  for  the  Cordouan,  continuing  this  course  till 
Soulac  church  bears  S.  E.  b.  E.  then  sail  towards  point  Grave,  keeping 
E.  b.  N.  and  taking  care  when  the  tower  is  bearing  N.N.  W.  your  distance 
be  no  more  than  *  league  from  it :  then  steer  E.  giving  point  Grave  a 
sufficient  berth  for  doubling  it ;  and  thus  enter  the  Gironde. 

GRAVE  ;-?-«-The  marks  for  this  channel  are,  Soulac  church  on  with  the 
beacon  ;  Cordouan  tower;  Grave  ;  point  Royan  ;  it's  wind-mills  ;  and 
castle  of  St.  Palais.  From  whatever  quarter  you  come  you  are  always  to 
shape  your  course  towards  the  church  or  the  windmill  of  Soulac  between 
E.  and  E.  b.  N.  or  towards  it's  church  brought  on  with  the  beacon.  This 
course  is  to  be  kept  until  the  Cordouan  be  brought  to  bear  between  N.and 
N.b. E.  then  steer  towards  Grave  point,  keeph.g  it  N.E.  until  the  Cor- 
douan bears  W.N.W.  this  bearing  will  bring  you  within  less  than  £  league 
from  the  shore;  which  must  be  coasted  along  at  this  distance  till  you  be 
past  the  Ruffiat  shoal,  after  which  take  a  somewhat  greater  offing  to  round 
Grave  point  with  greater  safety.  They  often  pass  between  the  Ruffiat  and 
the  east  Matte  of  the  Chevrier  shoal;  in  that  case  you  must  steer  towards 
the  castle  of  St.  Palais  ;  as  soon  as  it  be  bearing  N.  J  E.  and  the  Cordouao 
W.  go  on  keeping  Royan  mills  N,  E.  b.  E.  until  you  shall  have  doubled 
Grave  point. 

GIRONDE:— When  ships  have  sailed  thus  far  they  generally  come  to  an 
anchor  in  the  road  of  Verdon,  or  that  of  Royan.  Tlie  marks  for  the  best 
anchoring  ground  are,  St.  George's  wind-mills  on  with  the  middle  of  the 
two  sand-downs  called  Terrier  de  1'attache ;  and  St.  Peter's  church 'of 
Royan  on  with  the  point;  or  the  wind-mills  of  Meche  E.  b.  N.  When 
you  set  sail  from  Verdon  road  to  go  to  Bordeaux,  steer  towards  the  wind- 
mil!?,  keeping  them  about  E.  b.  S.  and  let  this  course  be  continued  unril 
you  see  the  steeple  of  St.  Peter's  church  at  Royan  in  one  with  la  Valiere 
point;  then  steering  S.S.E.  you  avoid  the  Marguerites ;  and  the  several 
banks  of  Tallemont,  Tnlais,  and  the  Bec-de-Jau. 

GARONNE.— For  the  continuation  of  the  route  to  Bordeaux,  the  French 
geographer,  Barbie-du-Bocage,  has  given  the  following  directions  :— When 
Pouillac,  known  by  its  remarkable  steeple,  be  W.  theii  stand  E.S.E.  until 


332  HYDROGRAPHY". 

jou  come  before  Blaye,  leaving  the  isle  on  your  larboard  at  Blaye,  you 
are  obliged  to  anchur  and  conform  to  official  regulations  (corresponding  to 
those  established  at  Gravesend.)  The  passage  between  Pouillac  and  Blaye 
is  somewhat  shallowed  ;  and  it  is  good  to  take  an  hour  or  two  of  the  tide 
•with  you  when  you  have  ships  drawing  about  8  or  9  feet.  From  Blaye  you 
must  steer  along  the  northern  shore,  keeping  in  3,  4,  or  5  fathoms  water  : 
but  when  you  come  before  the  mouth  of  the  river  Dordogne,  stand  off  to 
the  3  isles  jr.  the  middle,  of  which  the  easternmost  is  the  biggest :  leave 
them  all  on  your  starboard,  coasting  near  them  until  you  are  within  the 
eastern  point  of  the  entrance  of  Dordogne,  on  which  stands  a  gibbet :  then 
proceed  on  your  course  up  the  Garonne  ;  nearer  to  the  northern  than  to 
the  southern  shore,  as  far  as  the  4  little  houses  ;  from  whence  you  must 
range  along  the  southern  coast  as  far  as  Dublot :  then  steering  S.E.  b.  E.  by 
the  point  of  Lennont,  you  pass  between  two  banks,  one  of  stone  on  the 
larboard,  and  the  other  of  sand  on  the  starboard.  This  channel  is  called 
the  pass,  and  is  the  shallowest  of  the  river  ;  for  at  low  water  it  has  not 
above  7  or  8  feet ;  and  you  must  wait  for  the  tide  to  go  through  it ;  when 
you  are  before  Lermont  point  at  a  small  distance,  steer  S.W.£  S.  until  yoa 
approach  the  western  shore ;  by  which  you  must  keep  till  you  arrive  at 
your  anchorage,  in  4,  5,  or  6  fathoms  water,  before  Bordeaux.  The  geo- 
graphical site  of  Bordeaux,  according  to  the  third  edition  of  the  "  Tables 
requisite  to  be  used  with  the  nautical  Epherneris,"  (1802)  is,  latitude 
44°  50'  14"  N.  longitude  34'  15"  W.  from  Greenwich,  their  difference  of 
time  being  2m  17s. 

TIDBS  —On  the  new  and  full  ([  it  is  high  water  northward  of  the  Cor. 
douan  at  30  minutes  after  4  o'clock,  and  southward  of  the  same  15  minutes 
later:  the  perpendicular  rise  is  14  or  15  feet ;  in  the  neap  tides  only  7  or 
8  feet.  During  the  months  of  May,  June,  and  part  of  July,  the  tides  are 
rery  small  :  the  Magdalen  tides  (92d  July)  are  often  as  high  as  those  of  the 
equinoxes;  which  latter  rise  to  17  or  18  feet.  The  winds  have  a  great  influ- 
ence on  the  tides  ;  and  in  general  a  good  tide  may  be  depended  upon  when 
it  blows  strong  into  the  river ;  and  a  lesser  one  must  be  expected  with  a 
strong  wind  blowing  towards  the  sea. 

From  Bell'isle  to  the  Cordouan,  the  course  and  distance  is  S.  E.  J  S. 
43  leagues. 

[Copy.] 

"  SIR,  "  Porcupine,  Passages,  March  17. 

"  I  have  directed  the  commanding  officer  of  the  naval  force  in  the  Adour 
to  endeavour  to  collect  the  names  of  all  the  vessels  lost  in  the  late  gales, 
between  St.  Jean  de  Lu/.  and  the  Garonne  ;  but,  from  all  the  accounts  I 
have  received,  I  do  not  find  that  any  of  them  have  tried  tlie  resource  of  an 
anchor  previous  to  their  grounding.  I  am  aware  that  it  is  a  general  opi- 
nion, but  I  think  an  erroneous  one,  that  anchoring  could  not  possibly  prove 
of  any  use  in  ihe  heavy  sea  that  runs  in  the  Bay  of  Biscay ;  and  I  am  also 
aware  that  the  anchors  of  merchant  ships  in  general  are  too  small,  both  in 
proportion  to  the  vessels  and  to  the  cables.  The  soundings  on  the  part  of 
the  coast  of  France  where  mentioned,  nre  rf^'ilar  fine  sand,  with  mud, 


HYDROGRAPHY',  333 

far  from  any  thing  likely  to  injure  the  cables;  with  a  gradual  decrease 
towards  the  shore.  Tf  an  anchor  was  let  go  in  12  or  15  fathoms,  backed 
with  a  smaller  anchor,  and  a  good  scope  of  cable  veered  out,  I  am  of 
opinion  that  a  vessel  would  ride  easier  in  the  long  sea  of  this  Bay,  than  ia 
the  strong  tide-way  and  short  pitching  sea  in  many  of  our  roads  at  home. 
At  any  rate,  if  the  anchor  held  but  a  short  time,  it  would  give  time  to  pre- 
pare rafts  or  floats,  and  to  lighten  the  vessel,  so  as  to  be  driven  nearer  the 
shore  ;  and  the  lives  of  many  men  might  have  been  saved  this  winter.  The 
idea  of  this  possibility  in  future,  induces  me  to  trouble  you  with  this 
suggestion.  The  vessels,  which  have  come  out  with  bullocks,  hay,  or 
other  light  cargoes,  have  seldom,  if  ever,  had  sufficient  ballast. 
"  I  am,  &c. 


«  To  the  Chairman  at  Lloyd's." 

SPAIN. 

THE  following  letters,  addressed  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Mercantile 
Shipping  Society  at  "  Lloyd's,"  contain  a  more  correct  and  authentic  report 
of  the  danger  lately  ascertained  at  Passages,  and  described  at  page  218  of 
this  Volume:— 

"  SIR,  "  Porcupine,  Passages,  Feb.  T. 

"I  beg  leave  to  inform  you,  in  order  that  a  caution  may  be  given  to  shipd 
bound  to  this  place,  that  in  consequence  of  his  Majesty's  ship  Desire's 
striking  the  ground  in  her  going  out  of  harbour  yesterday,  I  directed  the 
spot  to  be  carefully  sounded,  and  find  at  very  low  spring  ebb  this  fore- 
noon, there  is  a  rocky  shoal,  on  one  point  of  which  is  only  14  feet  water. 
The  swell  is  too  great  to  take  accurate  bearings,  or  marks,  at  this  moment, 
but  the  danger  is  direct  in  the  fair  way,  as  you  come  in,  where  the  first  4J 
fathoms  is  marked  in  TOFIKO'S  plan  of  the  harbour. 
"  I  am,  Sir,  &c. 


"  SIR,  "  Porcjupine,  Passages,  March  10. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  acquaint  you,  for  the  information  of  the  Committee  at 
Lloyd's,  that  since  my  letter  on  the  subject  of  the  Rock  in  the  entrance  of 
this  port,  T  have  caused  two  additional  warping  buoys  to  be  laid  down 
•utside  the  former,  which  will  render  it  requisite  to  alter  the  word  outer 
to  the  third  warping  buoy.  I  am,  &c. 


ASIA. 

MALDFVA    ISLES. 

THE  scientific  and  exemplary  Hydrographer  to  the  E.  I.  company  has 
(on  the  26th  March,  1814),  published  a  separate  chart  of  the  Maldives,  or, 


334  HYDROGRAPHY. 

Maladivas ;  a  chain  of  islots,  disposed  in  clusters  which  may  metaphori- 
cally be  described  as  forming  the  links  of  this  singular  chain.  These 
groups,  called  attollons,  are  in  number  about  twenty,  and  the  total  num- 
ber of  isles  has  been  estimated  as  amounting  to  a  thousand  or  more.  Not- 
withstanding their  geographical  position  like  a  barrier  across  the  track  of 
navigation  from  the  southern  promontory  of  Africa  towards  that  of 
Hindo'stan,  the  Maldivas  have  hitherto  been  little  known  to  European 
navigators,  and  consequently  have  been  very  imperfectly  delineated  :  but 
we  trust  that  this  chart,  with  the  help  of  the  textual  description  of  those 
islands  contained  in  HORSBURGH'S  sailing  directory  (part  i,  page  301  ;  ii» 
499),  and  ia  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  (page  153  of  this  volume),  will  tend 
to  dmw  aside  the  veil  of  obscurity  that  has  so  long  enveloped  them,  and 
render  this  insular  chain,  of  no  less  than  four  hundred  and  fifty  miles  in 
length,  almost  on  the  surface  of  the  water  !  no  longer  the  dread  of  a  navi- 
gation in  which  our  countrymen  take  so  much  the  largest  share. 

This  chart  is  22  inches  long  by  9£  broad,  and  the  space  therein  deli- 
neated extends  from  latitude  1°  S.  to  7°  30'  N.  and  from  longitude  72°  to 
75°  30'  E.  It  is  dedicated  to  Captain  W.  F.  W.  Owen,  R.N.  as  an  ac- 
knowledgment of  having  been  constructed  chiefly  from  valuable  materials 
furnished  by  that  officer. 

The  only  part  of  this  useful  publication  which  we  can  present  to  the 
reader's  eye  in  our  pages  is  the  "  Explanatory  remarks;"  which  form  a 
collateral  accompaniment  to  the  survey,  and  which  we  here  transcribe  :— 

:  "  Some  of  the  channels  between  the  northern  attollons  of  the  Maldiva 
islands  were  frequented  by  Europe  [sic]  ships  more  than  200  years  ago, 
particularly  the  Cardiva  channel  :  but  since  that  time  unfortunately  the 
knowledge  of  those  channels  has  been  lost  to  European  navigators  ;  and 
until  their  latitudes  are  well  ascertained,  it  would  be  imprudent  to.  run  for 
any  of  them  unless  in  a  case  of  necessity.  The  channels  south  of  Attoll- 
colomandous  having  been  lately  explored,  and  their  boundaries  correctly 
determined,  may  jiow  be  used  with  safety.  The  one-and-a-half  degree 
channel,  or  even  the  equatorial  channel,  seem  to  be  preferable  to  the  cir- 
cuitous route  to  the  northward  of  all  the  attollons,  when  ships  coming 
from  the  south-west  are  bound  to  Ceylon  or  the  coast  of  Coromandel. 
The  chain  of  small  is.les  which  form  the  boundaries  of  the  southern  attol- 
lons being  mostly  covered  with  tall  cocoa-nut  trees,  may  be  discerned  at 
the  distance  of  5  or  6  leagues  from  the  deck  of  a  large  ship:  these  isles  are 
fronted  by  a  steep  coral  reef,  which  seldom  projects  more  than  2  or  3  miles 
from  them,  and  no  soundings  are  got  close  to  the  outside  of  the  reef.  The 
largest  isles  of  the  southern  attollons  are  inhabited  by  a  supposed  harmless 
race  of  fishermen.  Variation,  1°  30'  W.  in  1802." 


HYDROGRAPHY.  335 

StJMATftA. 

Remarks  respecting  the  west  coast,  inner  passage,  winds,  currents,  $c>  M.SS. 
[Continued  from  page  225.] 

ON  the  18th  July  the  convoy  made  the  N.W.  part  of  Hog*  island  in 
latitude  2°  37'  N.  but  not  the  northernmost  point.  We  saw  breakers  bear-* 
ing  N.N.W.  to  N.W.  3  leagues  distant  from  us,  off  two  islands  which  lie, 
I  should  suppose,  nearly  in  latitude  2°  45'.  Most  unfortunately  we  did 
not  get  an  observation  this  day,  but  I  am  confident  the  latitude  is  not  five 
miles  out  either  one  way  or  the  othef.  The  land  we  made  was  an  island 
which  we  named  Drake's  island  ;  t  it  not  being  laid  down  in  any  chart  t 
ever  saw :  there  appears  a  good  harbour  between  it  and  Hog  island ;  it 
lies  offshore  2  leagues  in  latitude  2°  40'  N.  no  bottom  within  5  miles  of  it 
with  70  fathoms  of  line  :  we  steered  S.E.  b.  E.  12  miles,  then  were  abreast 
of  2  small  islands  off  the  southwest  part  of  Hog  isle;  which  I  named 
Cocoa-nut  isles,  they  being  full  of  those  trees,  having  a  sandy  beach  in 
many  parts:  they  are  not  laid  down  in  any  charts,^:  and  lie  S  miles  off  the 
main  island  ;  a  good  passage  appearing  inside  of  them  :  no  bottom  with  70 
fathoms  of  line  4  miles  off-shore  :  the  northernmost  island  has  a  reef  a  mile 

*  Hog  island,  the  northernmost  of  the  large  islands  fronting  the  west  coast  of 
Sumatra,  and  distant  from  it  17  or  18  leagues,  extends  nearly  N.W.  b.  W.  and 
S.E.  b.  E.  about  15  leagues,  and  is  from  3  to  4  leagues  broad .  The  S.  end  is  in 
latitude  ^°  24'  N.  j  the  N.  end  being  in  latitude  about  2°  50*  N.  longitude  about 
95°  30'  E.  (The  ship  Alfred's  chronometer  made  it  in  that  longitude :  but  three  sets 
of  observations  Q  5  by  Captain  P.  Hey  wood,  R.  N.  make  it  more  eastward). 
It  is  covered  with  trees,  high,  hilly,  and  may  be  seen  9  or  10  leagues  :  several 
islots  lie  near  the  shore  on  both  sides ;  and  about  3  leagues  from  the  southern 
extremity,  in  latitude  fc°  1?'  N.  are  the  two  Flat  isles,  between  which  and  Hog 
island  there  is  a  channel  about  2~  leagues  wide.  The  water  is  in  general  deep 
near  those  islets  ;  but  on  both  sides  of  Hog  island  there  are  sudden  overfalls  on 
feveral  coral  patches  that  lie  1  or  2  leagues  off  shore.— -(HYDROORAPHER,  N.C.) 

t  This  discovery  appears  to  be  one  of  the  islots  alluded  to  in  the  preceding 
note  ;  and  is  undoubtedly  laid  down  in  HORSBURGH'S  chart  published  12th  Fe- 
bruary, 1813.— (HYDR.  N.C.) 

t  Two  islands  situated  as  described  in  the  text,  are  certainly  laid  down  in 
HORSBUROH'S  chart,  referred  to  in  the  preceding  note.  They  are  without  names, 
and  that  conferred  on  them  by  the  writer  at  present  before  us  may  be  very  ap- 
propriate ;  but  it  is  nevertheless  liable  to  objection,  as  likely  to  create  confusion, 
because  there  are  two  small  islands  distant  6  or  7  leagues  N.  W.  from  the  N.  end 
of  Hog  island,  in  latitude  oo  6'  N.  which  are  laid  down  in  the  chart  before  men- 
tioned, and  described  in  the  corresponding  book  of"  Sailing  Directions,"  under 
the  name  of  "  Cocosj"  and  these  have  even  been  the  subject  of  some  mistake 
already:  in  some  charts  the  Cocos  are  placed  about  the  same  distance  N. E. 
from  the  N.  end  of  Hog  isle;  and  a  ship's  journal  which  has  been  compared  by 
the  Hydrographer  to  the  E.  I.  company,  makes  them  in  latitude  5*  IS' N.  So 
that  altogether  it  is  much  better  for  navigators  not  to  indulge  in  such  arbitrary 
nomenclature,  but  as  far  a*  possible  adhere  to  vernacular  uamcs  of  places. — 
(Ht»B.  N.C.) 


HYDttOCRAFHT. 

in  length  off  its  north  end.  We  now  steered  S.  E.  b.  E.  |  E.  0  miles ;  saw 
two  islands  bearing  E.S.E.  which  I  take  to  be  those  named  in  the  charts 
Flat  isles,  but  which  lie  off  the  south-east  end  of  Hog  islarid  instead  of  the 
"south  end.  We  passed  between  Hog  island  and  them,  a  very  fine  clear 
passage,  15  miles  broad  ;  no  bottom  with  70  fathoms  within  three  miles  of 
the  northernmost  isle.  On  making  the  peak  of  Banjak  *  from  the  west* 
that  eminence  and  the  northernmost  Banjak  isle  make  like  two  round  isloti 
very  similar,  and  you  do  not  make-out  the  peak  until  you  get  it  to  bear  S. 
as  you  bring  it  to  the  westward  the  peak  becomes  more  remarkable;  when, 
it  bears  S.S.W.  you  must  distinguish  it.  We  struck  soundings  for  the  first 
time,  'the  peak  bearing  S.S.W.  J  W.  Passage  island  t  S.E.  b.  E.  eastern  part 
of  Banjak  isle  S.  f  E.  30  fathoms  soft  mud  :  but  as  you  leave  Passage  island 
the  bottom  becomes  hard  rocky  gravel,  and  decreases  to  14  fathoms  within 
a  mile  of  the  island.  You  may  know  the  island  by  a  remarkable  tree  on  the 
coast  of  Sumatra  a  little  northward  of  Cape  Sitteo  (or  Sittoe);  it  makes  like 
a  brig  with  royals  set,  yards  square,  going  before  the  wind  :  when  that  tree 
bears  E.  b.  S.  jt  S.  Passage  island  will  bear  from  you  S.E.  b.  E.  f  E.  Ban- 
jak peak  S.W.b.S.  with  soundings  24  fathoms  soft  mud.  The  coast  £ 
forms  a  bay  which  is  called  Passage  bay  :  it  is  low  land,  and  its  northern 
extreme  a  low  point,  to  which  I  have  given  the  name  of  Low-land  point : 
steer  boldly  up  for  the  island,  passir.g  it  a  mile  to  starboard  of  you  ;  when 
within  8  miles  of  Passage  isle  you  must  not  bring  it  to  bear  eastward  of 
S.E.  b.  E.  keeping  from  J8  to  14  fathoms  water,  there  being  a  shoal  bearing 
W.  b.  N.  $  N.  from  Passage  island  5  3  miles  distance,  seen  by  the  ship 
Luzonia.  It  was  dark  when  1  got  abreast  of  it,  and  I  wished  much  to 
anchor,  but  I  could  not  find  soft  ground  ;  when  it  bore  W.N.W.  2  miles, 
I  steered  away  E.  b.  S.  and  E.  but  shoalening  very  suddenly  to  9  fathoms, 
rocky  ground,  I  tacked  an'd  stood  for  the  island  again,  and  anchored  in 
15  fathoms,  a  soft  gravelly  bottom,  but  somewhat  rocky:  Passage  island 
W.  b.  N.  *  N.  2  miles  ;  Banjak  peak  W.S.W.  the  ground  by  no  means 
trust-worthy,  therefore  I  would  advise,  if  hard  pushed  for  day  light,  to 
'anchor  to  the  northward  of  the  island,  it  bearing  S.S.  E.  4  miles,  in  16 

*  Banjak,  or  Paolo  Baniak,  is  the  general  name   for  a  group  of  isles  distant 
10  or  11  leagues  E.S.E.  from  the  south  end  of  Hog  island.     There  are  two  prin- 
cipal islands  a  little  separated,  one  lying  north-eastward  of  the  other,  with  several 
Small  ones  contiguous  to  them.     From  the  S.E.  side  of  the  large  island,  a  chain 
of  sslots  and  some  slioals  extend  nearly  to  Passage  island,  which  is  the  ensteni- 
Tnost  of  the  chain.  On  the  northernmost  Baniak  there  is  a  remarkable  peaked  hill 
like  a  sugar-loaf.     HORSBURGH    makes  the   southern   extremity  of  the   south- 
•westernmost  island  in  latitude  2°  N. — (HvcR.  N.  C.) 

f  Passage  island  is  placed  by  Mr.  D'APRES  DE-MiNM  VII.LHTTE  and  by 
HtATHKn,  in  latitude  V>  j'  Nr.  by  ARHOWSMITH  in  i°  6' ;  but  by  HOHSBUROH 
in  li°  -2\'  N.  it  is  low  and  sandy,  covered  with  trees,  one  of  which  being  higher 
than  the  reit  may  be  discerned  at  a  great  distance,  and  the  island  may  be  seen 
from  the  deck  4  or  5  leagues  in  clear  weather.  Between  this  and  the  east  side  of 
POJ/O  Banj;ik  there  is  thought  to  be  no  safe  passage,  they  being  connected  bf 
I  lots  and  reefs. — (HvDR.  N.C.) 

*  Quaere  :   which  copit,  of  Baniak  or  of  Passage  isles  ?— (HYDR.  N.C.) 


HYDROGRAPHY.  337 

fathoms  soft  blue  mud.  I  found  we  shoalened  on  a  bank  bearing  S.S.Ev 
from  Passage  island  or  nearly  ;  what  the  least  water  on  it  may  be  I  know 
not;  but  I  am  told  that  a  country  ship  got  aground  on  it.  You  must  haul 
for  the  main  shore  (of  Sumatra)  after  passing  the  isle  two  cable's-leiigths 
to  clear  it,  or  the  current  will  set  you  on  this  bank  :  you  are  clear  of  the 
shoal  being  N.  E  b.  E.  £  distant  2*  miles.  When  Passage  isle  bears 
W.  b.  S.  £  S.  you  will  find  a  channel  of  5  fathoms,  sandy  ground,  close  to 
Sumatra:  there  are  many  dangerous  shoals  besides  ihe  one  heretofore  men- 
tioned between  Banjak  and  Passage  isle,  notwithstanding  which  there  is  a 
channel  a  mile  and  a  half  off  the  Banjaks,  but  I  cannot  recommend  rt  for 
•large  ships  :  a  country  brig  called  the  Buchanan,  (T.  W.  Gilling,  master), 
'went  through  it  from  necessity.  There  is  a  long  chain  of  rocks  extending 
S.  of  Passage  island  as  far  as  and  in  the  direction  of  Battoa :  some  are 
visible,  and  some  are  under  water  :  too  much  precaution  cannot  be  taken 
to  guard  against  them  :  they  become  more  numerous  to  the  southward  of 
Bintanna.*  I  only  intimate  the  necessity  of  great  attention  when  on  this 
line  of  bearing;  no  doubt  passages  are  to  be  found  between  them  ;  but  I 
would  not  recommend  the  experiment ;  for  many  ships  have  been  lost 
thereby.  I  sent  a  boat  to  examine  the  island  ;  but  she  could  not  land,  a 
reef  lying  all  around  it,  and  extending  W.  N.  W.  and  E.  S.  E.  J  of  a  mile, 
•from  reefs  end  to  end  3  miles  ;  peak  of  Banjak  bearing  from  it  W.  38°  S. 
24  miles;  the  north-easternmost  Banjak  isle  W.  16°  S.  the  south  eastern 
S.  38°  W.  off  Sumatran  shore  9  miles.  Doubtless  if  it  had  been  daylight 
our  boat  would  have  succeeded  in  landing,  as  I  observed  a  light  on  the 
island,  perhaps  some  fishermen,  which  made  me  send  a  boat  thither. 
Cape  Sittoe  is  next  to  be  seen:  we  passed  it  at  7  miles  in  12  and  11 
fathoms  hard  bottom  :  after  those  soundings  yuu  open  a  considerable  bay, 
rather  low  land,  formed  by  points  Sittoe  and  Sinkel :  f  you  have  from  16 

*  Bintanna,  as  well  as  Batioa  (which  occurs  a  little  before  in  the  text),  are 
the  names  of  two  secondary  islands  of  the  insular  belt,  whereby  Sumatra  is  so 
remarkably  encircled,  and  which  claim  a  brief  explanatory  notice  on  account  of 
these  names  not  entirely  according  -with  {Jorsburgh's  chart.  Bintanna  is  therein 
named  "  Pula  Doa,"  bearing  from  Mensular  (called  in  the  preceding  part  of 
this  article,  page  224,  Mansillea),  S.  W.  3  or  4  leagues.  Battoa  is  named 
in  the  same  chart  "  Pulo  Batoa  or  Pingen."  The  readers  of  the  N.  C.  have 
been  more  than  once  advertised  that  Poolo,  otherwise  Poulo,  but  more  frequently 
and  improperly  (when  the  English  alphabet  be  used)  written  Pulo,  which  is  so 
often  seen  prefixed  to  the  proper  names  of  places  on  the  coasts  of  Sumatra  and 
Siara,  and  in  fact  throughout  the  Oriental  Seas,  is  a  general  terrain  the  Malayan 
dialects  for  bland.— (HYX>».  N.C.) 

f  Sinkel  is  a  river  of  Sumatra,  in  latitude  £°  13'  N.  about  5  leagues  south- 
eastward from  Passage  island;  it  is  a  place  of  considerable  trade,  the  principal 
exports  being  benzoin,  camphor,  wax,  and  gold.  A  ship  bound  to  this  place 
should,  after  leaving  Passage  isle,  steer  about  S.  S.  E.  or  S.  E.  b.  S.  taking  care 
not  to  bring  the  island  to  the  westward  of  N.W.h.N.  by  keeping  6  or  7  miles 
from  the  main  land  ;  the  shoals  between  will  then  be  avoided,  and  having  brought 
the  low  po'int  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  (which  point  is  covered  wit*  palmira 
trees)  to  bear  about  E.  b.  N.  she  may  haul  in  and  anchor  in  17  fathoms,  with  the 

#j?ron.  (Bol,  XXXI.  x  x 


338  HYDROGRAPHY. 

to  9  fathoms' across  the  bay,  soft  blue  mud  :  observed  some  very  fine  tree* 
fit  for  masts,  &c.  on  the  point  of  Sinkel,  and  to  all  appearance  easy  of 
access  :  the  points  bear  from  each  other  W.  9°  N.-  and  E.  9°  S.  13  miles ; 
land  of  the  bay  on  our  beaia  distant  7  J  miles. 

[To  be  continued. } 
AMERICA. 

BAHAMA    ISLES. 

MIRA-POR-VOS: — The  shoal  and  cays,  vulgarly  keys,  so  named,  lie  in  latitude 
22°  8'  N.  and  in  longitude  74°  37' W.  bearing  from  Castle  island  \V.8°26'N. 
distant  4  leagues  ;  there  is  a  small  rock  attached  to  these  keys,  which  resem- 
bles that  of  Castle  island  so  nearly,  as  to  be_often  taken  for  it :  this  rock 
lying  only  twelve  miles  apart  from  the  chateau,  or  Castle  rock,  and  being 
nearly  on  the  same  parallel,  may  easily  be  mistaken  for  it,  especially  as  the 
current  here  is  generally  setting  to  the  westward,  and  there  not  being  any 
particular  description  of  it  given  in  the  sailing  instructions;  so  that  stran- 
gers are  liable  to  be  led  into  an  error,  which,  if  not  corrected  in  time, 
might  occasion  the  destruction  of  their  vessels.  Too  much  caution  cannot 
be  observed  in  standing  for  the  Crooked  Island  passage,  in  which  this  shoal 
lays  centrally;  the  interpretation  of  the  Spanish  words  mira-por-vos,  (look 
to  yourself)  ought  to  be  considered  a  sufficient  hint  to  be  careful.  The 
Dzedalus  fr  gate  *  standing  from  the  S.E.  intending  to  run  through  this  pas- 
sage to  New  Providence,  made  these  keys,  and  supposing  the  rock  which 
was  seen  to  be  that  of  Castle  island,  having  steered  a  course  for  it,  passed 
to  the  southward  of  them,  gradually  hauling  round  to  the  westward  :  the 
mistake,  however,  was  not  discovered  until  the  coral  rocks  were  seen  close 
under  the  ship's  bottom ;  she  immediately  bore  up,  and  was  fortunate 
to  clear  the  danger;  it  was  hazy  weather,  and  Castle  island  was  not  seen  ; 
the  ship  had  been  impelled  by  a  current  to  the  westward  ;  had  it -been  at 
the  close  of  day,  in  all  probability  she  would  have  struck  on  the  rocks,  and 
perhaps  have  been  wrecked  :  the  so+indings  a  raile  and  a  half  off,  in  haul- 
ing  round  the  S.  W.  part  were  from  |  9  to  9,  10,  £  1(>,  aud  ll  fathoms, 
coral  rocks,  which  were  plainly  distinguished.  Sketches  of  both  these 
rocks,  and  keys,  shourd  be  introduced  into  the  chart  for  this  passage,  as  it 
would  be  the  means  of  preventing  mistakes  being  made.  When  the  tirira- 
por-Tca  are  seen  off  deck,  at  the  distance  of  5  miies,  the  extremes  bearing 
from  E.S.E.  to  S.  b.  E.  the  two  keys  to  the  southward  will  appear  entire, 

river's  mouth  N.  E.  distant  1  mile  :  breakers  project  a  little  way  from  the  point* 
which  form  its  entrance,  and  (Jie  town  Is  well  up.  When  a  ship  is  known  to  have 
anchored  for  trade  the  inhabitants  will  come  off  to  her  :  but  no  person  should  be 
permitted  on  board  except  the  principal  merchants,  deprived  of  offensive  wea- 
pons ;  and  caution  is  requisite  to  prevent  or  repf  I  any  attack  that  the  natives  may 
be  tempted  to  make.  Before  taking  leave  of  these  parts  for  the  present,  we  use 
this  opportunity  to  remark  that,  according  to  the  latin  geographer,  Pomponius 
Mela,  in  his  treatise  De  $ltu  orfck,  (lib.  iii ;  cap.  11)  Sumatra  appears  to  have 
been  known  to  the  antients  under  the  name  of  Argyrt. — (HYDR.  N.C.) 

*  In  NAVAL  CHKOMCLE,  vol.  xxix.  p.  301,  it  a  portrait  of  ihe  Daedalus. 


HYDROGRAPHY.  339 

bat  the  others  will  seem  to  be  divided  into  seven  small  islets ;  when  the 
rock  is  brought  to  bear  N.E.  b.  E.  £  E.  at  two  miles  distance,  only  two  of 
the  keys  will  be  seen  to  the  westward  of  it ;  and  when  the  Castle  rock  is 
brought  to  bear  the  same  at  6  or  7  mil«s  distance,  the  furthest  extreme  of 
Castle  island  will  bear  E.b.N.  £  N.  and  the  sandy  beach  be  distinctly  seen  ; 
Mira-por-ves,  when  seen  from  the  eastward,  bearing  from  W.  £  S.  to 
W.N.W.  four  of  the  keys  will  be  plainly  seen  at  4  miles  distance,  with  the 
rock  lying  between  the  two  middle  keys,  vessels  ought  not  to  run  for  them 
at  plight,  unless  it  be  very  clear  moonlight. 


'.  1809. 


CROOKED  ISLAND  : — Is  one  of  the  Bahamas,  thinly  inhabited  and  but 
partly  cultivated  ;  it  lies  in  an  easterly  direction  from  Long  island,  the  sea 
between  them  being  considered  the  northern  entrance  of  the  Crooked 
Island  passage  ;  most  of  the  running  ships  from  Jamaica  pass  through  it 
in  preference  to  any  of  the  others,  from  the  motive  of  getting  their  stock 
of  water  replenished,  and  of  procuring  a  supply  of  vegetables  and  fruit» 
and  although  they  cannot  boast  of  a  superabundance  of  the  latter  article, 
yet  the  natives  are  kind  and  obliging,  willingly  parting  with  what  little  they 
have  :  however,  the  superior  quality  of  their  mutton,  and  the  excellent 
flavour  of  their  green  turtle,  highly  compensate  the  mariner  for  his  disap- 
pointment in  the  supply  of  fruit.  The  homeward-bound  packets  from 
Jamaica  call  here  to  leave  the  mail  for  New  Providence  and  the  rest  of  the 
Bahamas;  a  small  vessel  is  generally  in  readiness  to  convey  it  to  Nassau. 
Like  most  of  the  low  islands  in  these  seas,  the  houses,  which  are  erected  on 
the  summit  of  the  highest  part  of  the  island,  are  discovered  before  the 
land  is  seen,  having  a  most  singular  appearance  ;  in  hazy  weather  I  have 
observed,  on  a  nearer  approach,  the  houses  appear  detached  from  the 
land,  and  as  it  were  floating  in  air,  occasioned  no  doubt  from  the  vapour 
affecting  the  vision.*  Thebest  anchorage  is  not  far  from  Bird  rock,  the  western 
extreme  of  the  isle,  and  abreast  of  the  highest  land,  on  which  there  is  a  flag- 
staff, and  several  houses  situated  close  to  it ;  when  running  in,  the  staff 
should  be  brought  to  bear  N.E. $E.  and  the  anchor  be  let  go  when  in  5  fathoms 
water  :  to  the  eastward  of  this  the  soundings  are  irregular,  and  rocks  with 
shoal  water  over  them  scattered  about ;  a  frigate  grounded  on  one  of  these 
rocks,  and  had  it  not  been  calm  weatiier  she  would  soon  have  bilged  ;  as  at  all 
places  where  the  bottom  is  rocky,  very  great  care  should  be  observed  in  the 
selection  of  a  clear  berth  ;  so  should  it  be  particularly  attended  to  here, 
for  although  the  bottom  appears  to  be  composed  of  white  sand,  it  is  only 
a  covering  to  large  rocks  which  lie  in  almost  every  direction  ;  so  that  there 
is  scarcely  a  chance  of  preventing  the  cables  from  being  chafed  more  or  less, 
and  sometimes  entirely  cut  through  ;  I  have  known  this  happen  to  a  brig 
that  had  been  at  anchor  but  a  few  hours.  The  extent  of  the  bank  or 
anchoring  ground  is  distinguishable  by  what  is  c*jtfed  white  water,  and  is 
quite  steep,  and  vessels  are  liable  to  drag  off  when  strong  sea-breezy 

*  Tlii»  recall*  the  ^Egyptian  phvogmeuoa  of  mii-aft. 


340  HYDROGRAPHY. 

blow.  The  land  rises  a  little  distance  from  the  sea-bench,  forming  a  ridge 
on  the  W.  and  N.W.  sides,  the  central  part  of  the  island  is,  with  very  little 
exception,  a  continuation  of  morasses,  and  lagoons  of  salt  water;  poultry 
is  scarce ;  but  excellent  sheep  are  to  be  procured  at  four  or  five  dol- 
lars a  piece,  and  green  turtle  at  a  bit,*  and  ten-pence  a  pound.  To  pro- 
cure these  necessaries,  a  boat  must  be  sent  up  the  Sound  at  the  N.W.  part 
of  the  island  for  four  or  five  miles,  but  the  navigation  of  it  is  attended  with 
difficulty  and  danger,  as  sharp  coral  rocks  are  interspersed  all  over  it ;  the 
person  sent  on  this  service  should  have  directions  to  remain  all  night, 
rather  than  run  the  rhk  of  the  day's  closing  before  he  is  enabled  to  reach 
the  ship,  or  to  get  clear  of  the  Sound,  the  boat  might  be  hauled  up  for 
security  on  the  beach,  which  is  of  white  sand  :  the  landing  place  nearest 
the  farm  where  the  stock  is  to  be  purchased,  is  abreast  of  two  large  white 
stone  pillars  erected  for  a  gateway  ;  from  these,  the  path  leads  directly  up 
to  the  place. 

There  is  a  dangerous  rock  in  this  entrance  of  the  Crooked  Island  passage; 
its  exact  situation  I  have  not  been  fortunate  enough  to  ascertain ;  but  accord- 
ing to  Mr.  Edgcurnbe  (since  lost  in  the  government  schooner  Bellona,  on 
the  Grand  Bahama  bank),  who  first  discovered  it,  it  is  about  nine  feet  under 
water,  but  a  few  yards  in  circumference,  and  perfectly  steep  all  round  ; 
it  lies  nearer  the  Long  Island  shore,  than  the  Crooked  Island :  the  Ches- 
terfield packet  struck  on  it  when  on  her  voyage  to  England  in  1807  or  8. 


NEW  PROVIDENCE: — The  anchoring  place  at  Sandy-Key,  is  very  far  from 
being  an  eligible  one  ;  indeed  it  ought  to  be  considered  as  dangerous,  and 
accordingly  avoided  by  ships  of  war,  particularly  in  the  stormy  seasons ; 
for  with  the  exception  of  the  entrance  to  the  N.W.  it  is  surrounded  by 
coral  rocks  and  dangerous  shoals,  and  the  bottom  by  no  means  good  hold- 
ing ground.  Should  a  vessel  pnrt  from  her  anchors,  or  drag  them  in  this 
place  during  a  gale  of  wind,  she  must  inevitably  go  upon  the  rocks,  and 
every  soul  on  board  be  lost.  In  running  in  through  a  narrow  channel 
S  E.b.S.  the  soundings  will  be  found  pretty  regular  from  7,  |  Jess  7,  6,  and 
^  5,  5,  and  \  less  5,  with  hard  sandy  bottom  and  flat  rocks,  which  are 
discernible  from  the  limpidity  of  the  water.  The  hearings  for  anchoring  in 
the  clearest  berth,  are  Salt-Key,  W.b.S.  the  flag-staff  on  Rose  Island  E.S.E. 
Sandy  Key  E.b.N.  and  the  rock  at  its  outer  extreme  N.b.E.  depth  of  water 
5  J  fathoms,  with  a  bottom  of  coarse  white  sand.  A  vessel  lying  in  this 
spot,  might,  with  the  ordinary  sea-breeze,  in  a  case  of  emergency,  put  to 
sea  without  the  aid  of  a  pilot,  tlie  trade  wind  seldom,  if  ever,  excepting  the 
months  when  the  norths  prevail,  veers  to  the  northward  ot"  E.N.E. ;  but 
his  Majesty's  ships  ought  not  on  any  account  to  remain  here,  or  at  any  of 
the  other  anchorages  about  New  Providence,  without  detaining  a  pilot  on 
board.  There  is  a  reef  of  coral  rocks  stretching  in  a  northerly  direction 

*  A  Lit  is  seven  pence  halfpenny  currency  ;  there  are  ten  bits  and  5  pence  te 
the  dollar  at  Jamaica. 


NATAL  POEfRY.  ^41 

from  Salt  Key,  the  extent  of  which  may  be  seen  as  the  water  breaks  over 
it,  and  at  low  water  some  of  the  rocks  are  visible.  It  is  necessary  to  moor 
with-  an  open  hawse  to  the  N.  W.  as  the  winds  from  that  quarter  blovr 
strongest,  particularly  during  the  hurricane  months,  and  are  most  to  be 
feared,  as  the  anchorage  is  open  in  that  direction,  and  a  swell  (which  the 
Salt  Key  reef  partly  breaks  off)  may  be  expected  to  find  its  way  in.  It  is 
not  proper  for  vessels  to  ride  here  at  single  anchor,  although  the  weather 
may  be  clear  and  fine ;  for  the  changes  are  so  sudden  and  violent,  that  a 
ship  might  be  cast  on  the  rocks  before  those  on  board  have  time  to  prevent 
it,  there  being  very  little  room  to  admit  of  veering  cable. 

There  is  a  passage  for  boats  from  hence  to  Nassau,  between  the  K«ys 
into  the  Sound,  but  it  is  so  intricate  and  dangerous,  that  it  ought  never  to 
he  attempted  before  sun-rise  or  after  sun-set;  for  without  the  advantage  of 
light  to  distinguish  the  numerous  scattered  rocks,  it  is  impossible  to  avoid 
striking  upon  some  of  them,  which  would  in  all  probability  occasion  the 
destruction  of  the  boats,  and  the  loss  of  the  crew. 

Salt  Key,  although  not  at  all  a  safer  anchorage,  is  to  be  preferred  to  that 
of  Sandy  Key,  as  it  is  much  nearer  to  Nassau,  where  all  supplies  and  re- 
freshments are  procured;  indeed  both  these  anchorages  are  resorted  to  only 
by  those  of  his  Majesty's  ships  that  draw  too  great  a  depth  of  water  to  admit 
of  their  going  into  the  harbour,  which  not  only  has  a  bar  across  its  entrance, 
but  is  shallow  within,  most  of  the  vessels  at  anchor  there  tailing  at  low 
water.  The  temporary  anchorage  is  on  a  bank  off  the  middle  of  Hog  island^ 
and  is  by  far  the  most  convenient  spot  for  vessels  that  are  intended  to  make 
but  a  short  stay ;  care,  however,  should  be  taken  to  keep  every  thing  in 
readiness  for  weighing  and  making  sail,  as  this  situation  is  quite  exposed, 
the  bank  steep,  and  of  no  great  extent.  The  officers  and  seamen  should  be 
particularly  cautious  of  venturing  into  the  water,  as  this  place  abounds  in 
very  large  and  rapacious  sharks.  Fish  is  in  great  plenty  here,  and  in  great 
variety,  and  are  excellent,  particularly  the  conch*,  and  green  turtle,  which 
are  only  surpassed  by  those  of  Honduras:  poultry  and  every  kind  of  fruit, 
are  scarce. 

1810. 


THE  MORN  OF  TRAFALGAR. 

ARGUMENT. — The  following  little  Poem  is  an  imaginary  Dialogue  between 
Nelson,  and  the  Genius  of  Britain,  on  the  morning  of  the  Battle  of  Trafal- 
gar. The  latter  is  personified,  and  gifted  with  the  spirit  of  prophecy,  to 
answer  the  purposes  of  the  author,  who  has  attempted  to  pourtray  the  heroic 
courage,  and  fervent  patriotism,  of  the  brightest  ornafhent  of  his  profession 
and  ins  country. 

»  The  New  Providence  people  are  whimsically  called  conchs,  by  sailors,  from 
tbeir  experUiess  in  diving  after  this  shell-fab, 


342  NAVAL    POETRT. 


WHAT  woe-speaking  phantom  ?  What  ominous  power 
Meets  my  glory-fix'd  gaze,  and  obscures  this  glad  hour  ?— 
Ha  !  Genius  of  Britain  !  behold  I  thee  now  ? 
Ever-welcome  thy  visit— but,  whence  on  thy  brow 
Sits  the  pale  hue  of  sadness  ?  Why  trembles  that  breast 
With  the  soul's  secret  workings  ?  What  anguish  suppress'd 
Prophetic  suffuses  thy  lids  with  a  tear, 
Like  a  herald  of  doubt,  when  the  combat  is  near  ? 
Lo  !  on  high  broadly  waved  o'er  a  subjugate  world, 
See  the  conquering  banner  of  Albion  unfurl'd, 
And  there,  on  her  empire,  the  Power  whose  vain  pride 
Has  disputed  her  sway,  and  her  anger  defied — 
To  crush  the  false  boaster  exulting  we  sail, 
Honour  gleams  from  our  scabbards,  and  Heav'n  wings  the  gale  ! 
With  the  patriot  ardour  of  Britons  we  glow, 
And  in  thunder  descend  on  the  terror-struck  foe ; 
Not  a  fear,  nor  a  doubt,  in  our  bosoms  can  dwell — 
Hark  !  that  loud  shout  of  joy  ! — 'tis  the  funeral  knell 
Of  thy  dreams,  and  thy  hopes,  and  thy  triumphs,  O  Franc*  ! 
The  thrice-echoed*  pledge  of  thy  scourgers  advance 
The  sure  prelude  of  fame — the  salute  of  the  bold— 
And  the  war-cry  of  Albion  in  battles  of  old — 
But  speak,  thou  blest  Guardian,  fair  Genius,  speak  ! 
Why  that  aspect  averted  ?   That  tear-sullied  cheek  ? 
It  is  Nelson  that  asks  it — look — greet  him  once  more- 
Still  thou  weep'st,  and  a  passion  f  I  ne'er  felt  before, 
^        A  tremor — -a  something — I  know  not  its  name — 
Like  death's  chilly  fingers  has  palsied  my  frame- 
Has  Glory- — has  Victory,  deserted  our  isle  ? 
Has  the  Sun  of  Success  01;  our  shores  ceas'd  to  smile? 
Does  a  dream  of  defeat  wring  thy  bosom  with  grief?— 

»  GENIUS   OF    BRITAIN. 

The  fleet  is  of  Britain,  and  thou  art  its  chief— 
By  this  hope's  bright  ray  on  the  prospect  is  cast, 
And  assurance  and  confidence  spring  from  the  last — 

NELSON. 

For  our  country  we  live,  and  what  mortal  alone, 
Unassisted,  can  do,  shall  with  fervor  be  done — 
But  the  fortune  of  battle  to  man  is  not  given, 
And  the  fiat  of  Victory  issues  from  Heaven— 

*  Allusive  to  the  good  old  custom  of  going  into  action  with  three  cheers. 

t  Fear,  not  the  wretched  feeling  produced  by  a  sense  of  personal  danger,  but 
the  generous  sentiment  excited  by  the  sudden  apprehension  of  calamity  impend- 
ing  over  our  country. 


NltAL   POETRY.  343 

GENIUS    OF   BRITAIN. 

Thou  darling  of  England — her  champion— her  shield — 
Yonder  proud  vaunting  foe  to  thy  valour  shall  yield — 
On  each  warrior's  head  beams  of  glory  now  shine, 
And  their  radiance,  diffusive,  concentrates  on  thine—- 
Great and  many  the  triumphs  Britannia  has  won, 
And  matchless  thy  deeds,  her  illustrious  Son— 
But  this  morn  other  destinies  round  thee  await, 
And  Victory  rides  on  the  pinions  of  fate- 
Effulgent  and  joyous  the  glad-opening  day, 
But  in  sorrow's  dark  robe  closed  her  evening  ray—- 
From the  blood-covered  laurels  with  anguish  I  turn, 
And  forsake  the  proud  trophy  to  press  the  pale  urn — 
—Behold  !   fresh  emerg'd  from  his  tremulus  bed, 
The  broad  shining  Sun  his  bright  influence  shed, 
From  the  blue  vault  of  Heaven  chase  the  shadows  of  night, 
And  enrobe  the  gay  earth  with  a  vestment  of  light  I—- 
Ah !  how  many,  blest  Orb  !  on  thy  glories  now  gaze, 
Whose  eyes  beam  with  lustre,  imbibed  at  thy  blaze, 
Who  shall  ne'er  see  thee  finish  this  day's  fleeting  reign, 
Nor  to-morrow  drink  light  at  thy  rise  from  the  main  ; 
But,  joyless  and  cold,  stretch'd  in  hideous  sleep, 
Ghastly,  mangled,  and  gore-sullied — float  on  the  deep  ! 
— Lo  !  in  fatal  succession,  one  brief  pause  between, 
Pass  before  my  rapt  sight  all  the  woes  of  the  scene  !— 
Destruction  her  demons  has  yok'd  to  her  car, 
All  tire  furies  awake,  and  thy  cliffs — Trafalgar  ! 
With  the  roar  of  the  fight,  and  the  tempest  resound, 
And  their  loud  deep'niug  horrors  re-echo  around  !— 
—Ah  !  hopest  thou  Villeueuve — with  close  convex'd  line— • 
To  resist — to  repel— Nelson's  val'rous  design? 
Vain  effort !  lo  !'  dread  as  the  thunderbolt's  force, 
Resistless,  he  holds  his  invincible  course  ! 
The  barrier  is  broke— Albion's  terrors  appear! 
And  the  bolts  of  her  wrath  speed  their  fatal  career: 
Black  and  gathering  clouds  Irft  their  volumes  on  high, 
And  the  death-peais  of  vengeance  more  rapidly  fly  ! 
Dimly  seen  by  the  light  of  each  fast-flashing  fire  ; 
Mark  the  consequence,  France  !  of  thy  vanquisher's  ire!— 
Thy  gay  visions  vanish'd — thy  tall  fleet  a  wreck ! 
And  slaughter  heap'd  high  on  the  shot-riven  deck ! 
The  wings  of  thy  pride  o'er  the  wild  ocean  strew'd ! 
And  the  foam  of  its  surges  with  crimson  imbu'd. — 
Havoc,  hovering  unsated,  intent,  o'er  the  flood, 
Writes  thee  Conqueror,  Nelson— but,  writes  it  in  blood  ! 
Flight,  capture,  and  terror,  thy  triumph  attest, 
And  the  Foe  vails  for  ever  his  glory-shorn  crest— 


344  JATAI,   POETRT 

Quick  and  loud  the  glad  greetings  of  victory  run— 
The  conflict  is  finish'd — the  battle  is  won — 
Every  tumult  is  hush'd,  and  the  winds  slowly  sweep 
The  smooth  placid  breast  of  the  slumb'ring  deep— 
—Faithless  stillness  !  that  scoffs  at  the  warrior's  doom! 
Insidious  precursor  of  woes  yet  to  come  ! 

—Hark !  the  gale's  gathering  sound— the  scar'd  sea-birds  hoarse  cry~" 
And  the  waves'  hollow  roar,  speak  the  tempest  is  nigh  ! 
Lo  !  it  comes  !  and  impell'd  by  his  terrible  breathi 
The  dark  rushing  waters  spread  ruin  and  death ! 
'Whelm'd — shiver'd — and  dash'd  on  Iberia's  strand ! 
Deep  ingulph'd  in  the  billows — intomb'd  iu  the  sand- 
Behold  !  all  his  spoils— all  his  trophies  o'erthrown — 
How  soon  the  bright  sunshine  of  fortune  has  flown  ! 
Ah  !  where  the  poor  sailors?— see,  lash'd  by  the  surge  ! 
Struggling,  hopeless  and  faint,  on  Eternity's  verge, 
To  the  wreck  vainly  clinging,  or,  driv'n  by  the  blast, 
Convulsively  grasping  the  quivering  mast; 
The  conquer'd — and,  oh !  the  plum'd  conqueror  there ! 
Float,  unconscious  alike,  on  their  watery  bier, 
Or  glut  the  dread  womb  of  the  merciless  wave  !— 

NELSON. 

•         What  holier  sepulchre  is  ask'd  by  the  brave  ? 
Tis  glory's  own  element — Briton's  domain — 
The  limitless  scene  of  her  heav'n-assign'd  reign. 
Little  recks  it,  while  honour  immortal  survives— 
Death  enchains  the  weak  body,  but  fame  always  lives— 
At  hand,  or  remote,  still  that  moment  must  come, 
Which  hath  noj  a  successor  on  this  side  the  tomb- 
Fate  hurls  his  dark  mandates  imperious  on  all — 
But— in  Victory's  arms— for  our  Country  to  fall- 
Is  heaven's  high  behest — is  a  privilege  divine— 

GENIUS    OF    BRITAIN. 

And  oh  !  mighty  chief!  that  sad  privilege  is  thine  !  — 
My  prayers,  and  my  tears,  that  award  cannot  slay — 
God  h;is  sent  forth  his  summons — and  thou  must  obey  ! 

NELSON. 

In  this,  and  in  all  things,  His  pleasure  be  done—- 
My course  in  the  bright  track  of  glory  has  run — 
And  there  it  shall  finish— then,  welcome  the  blow, 
Which  this  scar-honour'd  frame  in  the  combat  lays  low— 
Farewell !     Oh  !  my  Country  !     Thy  Nelson  no  more, 
Exulting  shall  tread  thy  ador'd,  happy  shore  ! 
Never  watch  o'er  thy  welfare— thy  empire  maintain— 
Nor  lead  thy  bold  children  to  conquest  a^ain — 
But,  he,  like  himself,  like  a  Briton,  shall  die— 
The  last  beat  of  his  heart — his  last  prayer— his  last  sigh— 


KAVAL   HISTORY.  345 

Shall  wing  with  his  soul  to  its  endless  abode, 
And  plead  for  thy  weal  at  the  feet  of  his  God ! 

GENIUS   OF   BRITAIN. 

Farewell !  gallant  spirit !  brave  Nelson  !  farewell ! 
How  lov'd— how  rever'd — these  sad  looks  poorly  tell— 
I  mourn  for  the  loss  of  the  warrior  dead  — 
I  weep  o'er  the  ruin  the  tempest  has  made. — 
Yet  these  sources  of  sorrow  with  years  will  grow  less, 
And  Time's  lenient  power  lull  the  pangs  of  distress  ;— 
But  thy  fate,  Great  Heart,  fills  my  bosom  with  woe, 
And  the  full  tide  of  anguish  for  ever  will  flow — 
With  the  slow  lapse  of  centuries  feel  no  decrease, 
And  last  till  the  works  of  creation  shall  cease  ! 
And  so  long  shall  the  sun  of  thy  glory  endure — 
Pure  as  Virtue's  clear  pale,  and  radiant  as  pure.— 
The  fame-kindled  beacon  of  Albion's  coast — 
Her  watch-word  in  battle— her  bulwark — her  boast.— 
The  bright  blaze  of  its  beams  every  age  shall  illume, 
And  heroes  unborn,  light  their  fires  at  thy  tomb  ! 

AVON. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

(March — April) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

WE  feel  it  a  duty  to  curtail  the  naval  history  of  the  present 
month,  to  make  room  for  a  few  observations  on  the  astonish" 
ing  change  which  has  just  taken  place  in  the  political  state  of  Europe. 
The  passing  hour  teems  with  moral  and  political  prodigies.  It  if 
crowded  with  events  of  a  size  truly  stupendous,  and  of  a  nature  and 
tendency  immeasurably  important. 

The  first  subject  that  now  occupies  the  public  mind  is  the  conditions 
of  that  peace,  which  exists  in  spirit,  as  it  will  soon  in  all  its  formalities, 
between  Great  Britain  and  France.  It  should  be  considered  by  those 
who  calculate  upon  dictating  our  own  terms,  that,  although  the  Bour- 
bon princes  are  restored  in  France,  that  the  old  monarchy  is  not;  that 
the  power  of  the  king  is  more  limited,  and  the  spirit  of  the  govern- 
ment less  monarchical  than  our  own ;  thence  we  think  it  probable  that 
Louis  will  find  it  extremely  difficult  to  infuse  any  considerable  portion 
of  that  spirit  of  amity  towards  Great  Britain  into  the  great  public 
functionaries  of  his  government,  which  may  be  supposed  to  fill  his  own. 
bosom.  The  arm  that  executes  will  be  a  Bourbon;  the  mind  that 
plans,  the  will  that  ordains—decidedly  revolutionary  and  Anti-Bri- 
tannic. But,  whatever  may  be  the  feelings  or  the  politics  of  the  net* 
government  of  France,  the  fall  of  Buonaparte,  and  the  establishment 
of  a  limited  and  constitutional  monarchy,  on  the  foundation  of  bit 

.  etplOff.  Ool.  XXXI.  1^  * 


345  NATAL    HISTORY    OF   THE  PRESENT   YEAR,    184. 

former  greatness,  are  events  of  a  truly  refreshing  and  exhiliarating 
kind  ;  for,  had  not  Buonaparte's  gigantic  designs  been  frustrated,  and 
his  power  annihilated,  the  world  would  have  been  but  one  vast  prison, 
and  no  spot  sufficiently  remote  or  obscure  to  have  shielded  the  exiled 
patriot  from  the  iron  hand  of  the  oppressor. 

How  will  the  new  government  act  respecting  our  maritime  rights? 
Will  they  endeavour  to  include  America  in  the  negotiation  ?  Will  they 
abandon  the  principles  invariably  contended  for  by  France,  as  defined  in 
the  treaty  of  Utrecht  ?  May  we  hope  to  see  established  a  commercial 
treaty,  grounded  on  the  broad  basis  of  reciprocal  interests  ?  Are  minis- 
ters prepared  to  abandon  the  absurd  policy  of  prohibiting  the  light, 
cheap,  and  wholesome  wines  of  Bourdeaux,  which  for  centuries  were 
in  common  use  in  England,  to  promote  the  consumption  of  the  harsh 
liquid  yielded  by  the  Portugal  grape?  Would  our  ministers  procure 
admission  for  British  cottons,  hardwares,  or  cutlery,  into  France,  they 
must  permit  French  wines,  brandies,  cambrics,  and  cloths,  to  circulate 
in  England ;  we  might  then  drink  good  Medoc  wine  at  a  shilling  the 
bottle,  and  the  revenue  be  increased,  instead  of  paying  a  crown  for  a 
bottle  of  home-manufactured  port.  Reciprocity  forms  the  wisest  basis 
for  commercial  treaties,  without  which  peace  itself  is  but  a  barren  gift, 
and  affords  the  surest  prospect  of  duration. 

The  next  great  feature  of  the  altered  relation  in  which  we  stand  in 
regard  to  the  governments  of  Europe,  is,  the  restoration  of  the  ancient 
and  illustrious  house  of  Orange  and  the  independence  of  Holland.  For 
the  alliance  to  be  valuable  it  is  essentially  necessary  that  we  abandon 
all  narrow  and  selfish  calculations  about  British  objects,  and  restore 
with  a  liberal  hand,  to  the  government  of  Holland,  the  colonies  they 
have  lost.  If  the  establishment  of  the  house  of  Orange  is  expected  to 
be  durable,  we  must  put  the  Dutch  in  full  possession  of  all  their  former 
sources  of  strength  and  prosperity.  In  our  future  numbers  we  shall, 
probably,  devote  a  moderate  space  to  the  naval  history,  biography,  and 
commerce  of  Holland. 

Amidst  the  smiling  prospect  which  gilds  the  political  horizon  of 
Europe,  there  is  one  dark  and  lowering  cloud,  and  one  alone,  from  the 
contemplation  of  which  we  turn  with  the  heaviest  grief.  It  hangs  por- 
tentously over  devoted  Norway !  Are  there  no  means  to  be  found  to 
rescue  the  honour  of  the  allies  from  the  indelibte  stain  of  brutally  trans* 
ferring  a  gallant  race  of  freemen  to  the  dominion  of  a  stranger  ?  From 
whose  dominions  was  Finland  torn;  and  under  what  circumstances? 
How  god-like  would  it  make  Alexander  appear,  were  he  to  restore  that 
province  to  Sweden,  and  spare  this  impending  effusion  of  blood,  and 
the  violation  of  moral  and  political  justice. 

A  more  determined  spirit  of  hostility  seems  to  develope  itself  be- 
tween this  country  and  America.  Wisdom  and  humanity  require  that 
the  sword  may  be  speedily  sheathed,  and  peace  restored.  America 
cannot  be  conquered,  but  she  may  bejhalf  destroyed  ;  whereby  we  should 
ultimately  suffer.  The  subject  in  debate  between  the  two  countries 
turui  chiefly  upon  deputed  poiuts  of  public  law.  Those  might  be  best 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OP  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,   1814.  347 

arranged  by  a  general  congress ;  where  the  law  of  nations  should  be 
revised,  defined,  and  condensed  into  one  general  code,  sanctioned  by 
every  state,  and  held  binding  on  them  all. 

In  the  reduction  of  our  navy,  thousands  of  veteran  seamen  will  be 
discharged,  with,  perhaps,  very  slender  resources,  and  no  prospect  of 
immediate  employ.  To  those  men  (under  which  head  we  comprise 
our  petty  officers)  are  we  principally  indebted  for  our  naval  triumphs; 
and  many,  grown  old  in  the  service  of  their  country,  will  find  but  little 
encouragement  in  the  merchant  service.  After  the  treaty  of  Amiens, 
thousands  of  those  valuable  men,  abandoned  by  an  ungrateful  country, 
were  driven  by  want  to  seek  their  bread  in  America ;  and,  it  is  to  be 
feared,  they  pointed  the  guns  that  caused  the  flag  of  the  United  States 
to  float  above  that  of  Britain.  If  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  were  to 
order  that  the  seaman's  duty  on  board  all  the  ships  in  ordinary  should  be 
performed  by  able  seamen,  it  would  afford  an  excellent  asylum  for  a 
Tery  great  proportion  of  those  gallant  fellows,  wtio  may  otherwise  be 
left  to  perish  of  want  and  misery.  On  former  occasions  the  ordinary 
service  has  been  filled  by  landsmen  and  watermen,  who  disappeared 
when,  war  took  place.  We  respectfully  recommend  thi»  important 
subject  to  the  immediate  attention  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty  mid  the 
commissioners  of  the  duck-yards. 


on  £>ertiice, 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LOXDOX 


ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,    MARCH  15,    1814. 

ADMIRAL  LORD  KEITH  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker, 
Esq.  alerter  from  Rear-adrm'ral  Penrose,  dated  on  board  II.  M.S. 
Porcupine,  off  the  Bar  of  the  Adour,  the  25th  of  February,  stating,  that  the 
boats  and  small  vessels  destined  to  assist  the  operations  of  the  army  under 
the  Marquess  of  Wellington,  succeeded  in  crossing  the  Bar  of  the  above 
river  on  the  preceding  day. 

A  breeze,  which  sptung  up  in  the  night  of  the  23d,  was  the  first  that  had 
offered  itself  since  the  necessary  preparations  had  been  in  forwardness,  to 
enable  the  vessels  lo  reach  the  mouth  of  the  Adour  ;  and  early  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning  the  Rear-admiral  was  off  the  Bar  with  the  vessels  and  boats 
collected  for  the  service. 

The  boats  of  the  vessels,  of  war,  with  two  flat  boats,  were  sent  directly 
to  the  B,;ir  to  endeavour  to  find  a  passage  through  the  surf,  the  British 
troops  being  at  that  time  seen  from,  the  ships  crossing  over  to  the  north 
sicl<*  of  the  river,  but  greatly  in  want  of  the  boats  intended  for  their 
assistance. 

Captain  O'Reilly,  in  a  Spanish-built  boat,  selected  as  the  most  safe  for 
the  service,  and  having  with  him  the  principal  pilot,  was  overset  in  his 
attempt  to  enter,  but  escaped  on  >>hore.  Lieutenant  Debenham,  in  a  six- 
oareri  cutter,  succeeded  in  reaching  the  beach  ;  tl»e  other  boats  returned 
to,  wait  the  result  of  the  next  tide,  it  being  scarcely  possible  that  one  in 
fifty  could  then  have  crossed. 

A  pilot  was  sent  to  laud  to  the  south-west  of  the  river,  and,  walk  from, 
thence  to  the  Adour,  in  order  to  make  a  concerted,  signal  from  within  thq 


34S  NAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE    PRESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

Bar,  to  guide  the  vessels  through  the  safest  parts.  Without  the  Bar 
there  appeared  no  interval;  a  long  and  heavy  line  of  surf  alone  presenting 
itself.  Rewards  were  offered  to  the  leading  vessel,  the  second,  third,  &c. 

Lieutenant  Collins,  flag-lieutenant  to  Rear-admiral  Penrose,  was 
despatched  also  to  endeavour  to  lai\d,  and  walk  to  the  army  ;  and  the 
Rear-admiral  was  informed,  about  that  time,  by  Sir  John  Hope,  of  the 
progress  made  by  the  troops,  and  the  great  utility  of  which  the  boats  would 
prove,  if  they  could  join. 

The  tide  being  at  length  at  a  proper  height,  and  all  the  vessels  well  up 
for  the  attempt,  several  drew  near  the  Bar,  but  hauled  off  again,  till  at 
last  Lieutenant  Cheyne  (of  the  Woodlark  sloop),  in  a  Spanish  boat  with 
five  British  seamen,  crossed  the  surf  and  ran  up  the  river.  The  next  was  a 
prize  boat,  manned  from  a  transport,  closely  followed  by  a  gun-boat,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Chesshyre,  who  was  the  first  that  has  hoisied  the 
British  colours  in  the  Adour. 

The  rest  of  the  boats  and  vessels  followed  in  rapid  succession,  and  with 
extraordinary  success  :  the  zeal  and  science  of  the  officers  triumphing  over 
all  the  difficulties  of  the  navigation. 

The  Rear-admiral  was  not  yet  enabled  to  transmit  a  return  of  the 
casualties  :  it  was  hoped  from  the  nearness  of  the  shore  that  they  would  fall 
mostly  on  the  vessels. 

MARCH  22. 

Admiral  Lord  Keith  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  the 
following  return  of  the  casualties  in  the  passage  of  the  Bar  of  the  Adour, 
an  account  of  which  was  inserted  in  the  Gazette  of  the  15th  instant. 

A  Return  of  Casualties  in  the  Passage-  of  the  Ear  of  Bayonne,  on  the  24/A 
Day  of  February,  1814. 

His  Majesty's  brig  Martial — Captain  Elliott,  drowned;  Surgeon  (Mr. 
Norman),  killed  ;  four  seamen,  drowned. 

His  Majesty's  brig  Lyra. — Mr.  Henry  Bloye,  master's  mate,  leading  the 
passage  of  the  Bar,  drowned  ;  five  seamen  drowned. 

His  Majesty's  ship  Porcupine. — Two  seamen  drowned. 

Three  transport  boats  lost,  number  of  men  unknown. 

Gun-boat,  No.  20. — One  seaman  and  one  artilleryman  hadlv  wounded- 

One  Spanish  chasse  maree,  the  whole  of  whose  crew  perished  in  an 
instant.  D.  O'REILLY, 

Commander  of  the  Naval  Detachment  on  the  Adour. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Olway,  of  H.  M.  S.  Ajar,  addreseed  to 
Admiral  Lord  Keith,  and  transmitted  by  his  Lordship  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq. 

Ajax,  Scilly,  N.  30  Leagues,  March  17,  1814, 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  your  Lordship,  that  I  have  just  captured, 
after  a  chase  of  five  hours.  L'Alcyon,  a  fast  sailing  French  man  of  war 
brig,  mounting  sixteen  24  pounders,  with  a  complement  of  120  men, 
commanded  by  a  lieutenant  de  vaisseau.  She  was  well  equipped  fora  four 
month's  cruise,  and  was  only  twenty-four  hours  from  St.  Maloes,  when  we 
brought  her  to. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Tobin,  of  H.  M.  S.  Androma-he,  ad- 
dressed lo  Admiral  Lurd  Keith,  and  transmitted  by  his  Lordship  to  John 
Wilson  Croker,  E^q. 

H.  M  S.  Andromache,  off  Kordeaut,  March  14,  1814. 
I  beg  to  inform  your  Lordship,  that  the  Andromache  has  just  captured 
La  Comete,  ketch  frivatcer,  of  fourteen  6-puunders  (pierced  for  eighteen) 
and  65  men. 


NAVAL   HISTORY  Of  THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  349 

MARCH   26. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pclkw,  Bart,  to  John 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  off  Toulon, 
February  13,  1814. 

A  few  minutes  after  daylight  this  morning,  a  detachment  of  three  sail  of 
the  line  and  three  frigates,  under  a  Rear-admiral's  flag,  was  discovered 
under  all  sail,  standing  to  the  southward,  to  which  general  chase  was  given. 

A  little  after  eight  A.M.  they  tacked  together  and  stood  towards  Por- 
querolle,  with  a  strong  wind  at  east,  just  then  sprung  up  :  half  an  hour 
after  the  fleet  tacked  also.  The  enemy  then  visible  from  our  tops,  was 
pressing  to  get  within  the  islands  through  the  Grand  and  Petit  Passes  to 
Toulon.  The  fleet  crowded  all  sail  to  cut  them  off. 

The  Boyne  leading  in  the  most  handsome  manner,  followed  by  the 
Caledonia,  could  only  with  every  exertion  bring  the  Rotnulus,  the  stern, 
most  of  the  line-of-battle  ships,  to  action  ;  which  she  closely  engaged  in, 
a  very  superior  style,  receiving  the  fire  of  the  other  ships  crossing  her 
a-head.  The  enemy  was  running  before  the  wind  at  the  rate  of  ten 
knots,  and  so  close  to  the  rocks,  that  perceiving  he  could  not  be  stopped, 
without  the  inevitable  loss  of  the  Boyne  and  Caledonia,  I  waved  to  Cap- 
tain Burlton  to  haul  to  the  wind,  deeply  mortified  that  his  persevering 
gallantry  could  not  be  rewarded.  The  fire  of  the  Romulus  had  been 
repeatedly  silenced,  and  in  her  disabled  state  was  evidently  much  pressed. 

I  enclose  a  statement  of  the  casualties  on  board  the  Boyne  ;  many  of  the 
wounds  are  inconsiderable. 

The  able  manner  in  which  that  ship  was  handled,  in  a  very  critical  po- 
sition, called  from  me  a  public  expression  of  my  approbation. 

A  List  of  Killed  and  Wounded  on  board  H.M.S.  Boyne,  on  the  13th 
February,  1814. 

Killed. — George  Terry,  midshipman  ;  William  Collins,  armourer's-mate. 

Wounded. — Samuel  Saunders,  midshipman  ;  Francis  Stephone,  ordinary 
seaman  ;  William  Ogle,  marine  ;  Anthony  Dowling,  landman  ;  Robert 
Kenyon,  landman;  William  Hill,  ordinary  seaman  ;  George  Miles,  land- 
man;  James  Green,  landman;  John  Mills,  landman;  Jacob  Pomrue, 
able  seaman  ;  John  Whitehead,  landman  ;  Anthony  Jacques,  landman  ; 
William  George,  quarter-gunner ;  John  Goldsworthy,  able  seaman  ; 
James  Hamilton,  able  seaman  ;  Nathaniel  Beard,  marine  ;  John  Draper, 
marine;  James  Boas,  marine;  Thomas  Harrison,  able  seaman;  James 
Stephens,  able  seaman ;  Peter  M'Mahon,  landman  ;  James  Overton, 
ordinary  seaman;  Benjamin  Cooper,  swabber;  Philip  Alexander,  quarter- 
gunner;  Henry  Michels,  able  seaman;  James  Cost,  landman;  William 
Brian,  boy  ;  Nicholas  Play,  able  seaman;  Thomas  Atkins,  marine ;  John 
Ashton,  landman  ;  Thomas  Gill,  ordinary  seaman  ;  Thomas  Laws,  land- 
man ;  John  Mooney,  ordinary  seaman;  Henry  Webber,  quarter-master's- 
mate;  Isaac  Hamilton,  able  seaman  ;  Jeremiah  Sullivan,  ordinary  seaman; 
Thomas  Edgell,  marine;  William  Walton  (2),  quarter-gunner;  Samuel 
Hill,  able  seaman  ;  James  Reeves,  able  seaman. 

Total— 2  killed  ;  40  wounded. 

GEORGE  BURLTON,  Captain. 
R.  C.  JOHNSTON  (1),  Surgeon. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Carteret,  of  H.  M.S.  Pomone,  addressed  to 
Rear  admiral  Malcolm,  and  transmitted  by  Admiral  Lord  Keith,  to  John 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Pomone,  at  Sra,  March  4,  1814. 

The  Bunker's-Hill,  an  American  privateer,  of  14  guns,  aud  86  men, 


J50  NAVAL   HISTORY   OF  THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

formerly  his  Majesty's  brig  Jennet,  has   this  day  been  captured  by  this 
ship,  in  company  with  the  Cyduus. 

Though  noted  for  her  former  successful  depredations,  yet  has  she  now 
Cruised  eight  days  from  Morlaix,  without  having  effected  a  single  captures 
I  have  the  honour  to  he,  &c. 

P.  CAIITERET,  Captain, 


53romotion0  arm  3ppointment0. 

Captains,  &c.  appointed. 

Captain  Francis  Stanfell,  to  the  Bacchante  ;  Frederick  Warren,  to  the 
Clarence  {  William  Woolridge,  to  the  Desiree;  A.  M.  Hawkins,  to  the 
Conflict;  Captain  E.  R.  Sibly,  of  the  Swallow,  to  the  rank  of  post  cap- 
tain, and  to  command  the  Cossack  ;  Lord  Algernon  Percy,  to  the  rank 
of  commander,  and  to  the  Swallow  ;  Edward  S.  P.  Knox,  to  act  in  the 
Eurotas  ;  J.  Black,  to  act  in  the  Havannah  ;  J.  Dunn,  to  the  Indian; 
H.  Forbes,  to  the  Martial ;  T.  Prickett,  to  the  Teazer  ;  T.  B.  Sullivan, 
to  the  Wezer;  Sir  G.  M.  Keith,  to  be  a  commander,  and  to  retain  the 
command  of  the  Redbreast ;  Lieutenant  John  G.  Aplin,  to  the  rank  of 
commander;  Hon.  William  Henry  Percy,  to  the  Hermes;  D.  Bartholo- 
mew, to  the  Erebus  ;  Frederick  J.  Thomas,  to  the  St.  Juan  ;  Alexander 
Skene,  to  theTonnant;  J.  F.  Devonshire,  to  the  Sceptre;  Charles 
Ross,  to  the  Albion  ;  Thomas  Forresl,  to  the  Sybille;  Gordon  Falcon^ 
totheCyaue;  H.  C.  Baker,  to  the  Fairy;  William  Hamilton,  to  the 
Havannah. 

Lieutenants,  &c.  appointed. 

Lieutenants  John  Simpson,  William  Lanyon,  Francis  Misservey,  John 
Elliott,  Abraham  Burdon,  and  John  Nicholas,  have  retired  with  the 
rank  of  commanders;  Lieutenant  Fell  Benamor,  to  the  \amur  ;  Rich* 
ard  Bluett,  to  the  Princess  Caroline ;  F.  S.  Boileau,  to  the  Grampus  ; 
David  Buchan,  to  the  Pike;  Charles  Joseph  Cator,  to  the  Terror; 
Richard  Cole,  to  the  Bellerophon  ;  J.  E.  Cawkett,  to  the  St.  George ; 
John  Campbell  (1),  to  Mill  Staine  signal  station;  R.  G.  Dunlop,  to 
the  Leander  ;  Robert  W.  Evans,  to  the  Leopard;  Edward  W.  Jeffery, 
to  the  Piercer  ;  John  C.  Gill,  to  the  Goldfinch  ;  William  Gibbons,  to 
Holkham  signal  station;  Edward  Garrett,  to  Orford  Haven  S.S. ; 
John  Hallowes,  to  the  Pincher;  James  Hewit,  to  the  Vengeance; 
Richard  Harrison,  to  the  Hebrus;  Mr.  King,  of  the  Armada,  to  be 
lieutenant  of  the  Trident ;  Edward  Luscombe,  to  the  Horatio ;  R. 
Milne,  to  the  Onyx;  Charles  Paul,  to  the  Renown;  John  Preding,  to 
Burnt  Houseland  signal  station  ;  William  Stevenson,  to  the  Cadmus  ; 
Thomas  Scaulan,  to  the  Achille;  George  Sandfbrd,  to  the  Tyre; 
Thomas  Sherwin,  to  the  Sprightly  cutters  James  Sabben,  to  the  Elec- 
tra ;  John  Salter,  to  the  Lion  ;  Henry  Stanley,  to  Coleton  signal  station  ; 
C.  T.  Sutton,  to  Montmedo  signal  station  ;  Silver  Jacob,  to  Haslar 
hospital;  Thomas  Read,  to  Kingstone  Little  Hampton  signal  station; 

S.  C.  Umfreville,  to  the  Fly  ; Williams,  to  the  America;  William 

Woolcolt  (2),    to   the    Grampus;    G.   Williamson,    to    Beesbon   Regis 
signal  station ;   H.  Yule,  to  command  the  Atlas  prison  :!iip. 

Masters  appointed. 

William  Uonnor,  to  the  Calypso;  James  Einelin,  to  the  Desiree; 
R.  West,  to  the  Penance;  G.  P.  Appleton,  to  the  Peruvian;  Mat. 
Colrman,  to  the  Bt  Iliqueux ;  P.  Parker,  to  the  Ajax  ;  J.Walker,  to 
the  Sultan;  J.  Lewis,  to  the  Bellerophon  ;  J.  Welshir,  to  the  Gany- 
mede; T.  Wright,  to  the  Weser ;  Ed.  Fletcher,  to  the  Calibre;  Wra. 
jvnuington,  to  the  Bucephalus;  William  Ellis,  to  the  Orontes;  11.  L. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OP  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1814.  351 

Hecks,  to  the  Jason;  J.  I.  H.  Lengard,  to  the  Bermuda  ;  John  Jenkins, 
to  the  Anholt ;  William  Johns,  to  the  Opossum ;  Js.  Weddle,  to  the 
Espoir ;  Ml.  Richards,  to  the  Levant ;  Thomas  Garrett,  to  the  Electra ; 
R.  C.  Pyne,  to  the  Hermes  ;  H.  M'Cleverty,  supernumerary  master  at 
Sheerness,  vice  Halliday  ;  William  Sraailesj  to  the  Leveret ;  A.  Levie, 
to  the  Traave. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

S/ieernes$. — Mr.  Richard  Hart,  to  the  Hearty;  Benjamin  Leggelt,  to 
the  Investigator;  William  Wilkinson,  to  the  Chanticleer;  George 
Smith,  to  the  Cheeriy  ;  Jos.  Taylor,  to  the  Solebay ;  Henry  W.  Mason, 
to  the  Thisbe;  Jus.  Wright,  to  the  Stork;  R.  S.  Tomkins,  to  the 
Newcastle. 

Portsmouth. — Michael  Tully,  to  the  Conquestador  ;  William  Cart- 
right,  to  ditto ;  H.  Colqnhoun,  to  the  Desiree  ;  William  Hunter,  to 
the  Gladiator ;  Robert  Turnbull,  lo  the  Electra;  James  M'Pherson, 
to  the  Barrosa;  James  Annesly,  to  ditto  ;  George  H.  Jenkins,  to  the 
Lemon ;  Samuel  Gibbeson,  to  the  Hyperion ;  Samuel  Collis,  to  the 
Urgent;  Cunn.  Shepard,  to  the  Prince. 

Plymouth.— Mat.  Mitchell,  to  the  Salvador  ;  G.  V.  Simmons,  to  the 
Hermes ;  Robert  Johnson,  to  the  Queen  Charlotte ;  George  Vicars,  to 
the  Warspite;  C.  T.  Phalp,  to  the  Adder;  Robert  Taylor,  to  the 
Nisus. 

Pursers  appointed. 

James  Williamson,  to  be  purser  of  the  Albion  ;  J.  Richards,  Esq. 
purser  of  the  Kent,  to  be  secretary  to  Admiral  Hargood  ;  John  Warden^ 
to  be  purser  of  the  Brunswick  ;  Mr.  Reach,  to  the  Fairy  sloop. 

Surgeons  appointed. 

James  Dobie,  to  the  Melpomene;  W.  H.  Rudland,  to  the  Alcmene  j 
James  Billing,  to  the  Defiance  P.S. ;  George  Clayton,  to  the  Bellt- 
queux;  Andrew  Allen,  to  the  Reindeer;  George  Swann,  to  the  Thra- 
cian;  David  Jones,  to  the  Cyane ;  William  Falls,  to  the  Foxhound; 
William  Stanhridge,  to  tire  Arve  Princen;  J.  H.  Hamilton,  to  the 
Weser;  Mark  Thompson,  to  the  Iphigenie;  Stephen  Ralph,  to  the 
Grasshopper ;  Jos.  Cook,  to  the  Moselle ;  H.  W.  Keele,  to  the  Dia- 
dem; John  Ogilvie,  to  the  Leyden  ;  James  Hamilton,  to  the  Buce- 
phalus ?  Matthew  Anderson,  to  the  Pike;  John  Fisher  (1),  to  the  Bit- 
tern; Thomas  Lewis,  to  the  Kingston  hospital,  Upper  Canada ;  John 
Griffith,  to  the  Traave.  ' 

•    Assistant-surgeons. 

Alexander  Dunbar,  to  the  Ferret;  Patrick  Kelly,  to  the  Tickler 
cutter;  T.  B.  Wilson,  as  a  supernumerary  to  the  Mediterranean  ;  John 
Morrison,  to  the  Pelter;  W.  G.  Borland,  to  the  Diadem;  William 
Crichton,  to  Ae  Weser;  Samuel  Mackay,  to  the  Erebus;  William 
Strang,  to  the  Eurotas;  Robert  Gourley,  to  the  Zealous;  Stephen 
Mason,  to  the  Tisiphone;  Jackson  Cochrane,  to  the  Tigre;  John 
M'Kinlay,  to  the  Porcupine;  N.  P.  O'Callaghan,  as  a  supernumerary 
to  Halifax  ;  James  Ellis,  to  the  York;  C.  C.  Todd,  to  the  Ajax ;  Ro- 
bert Cummin,  to  the  Spitfire;  Maurice  Roberts,  to  the  Sydney  sur- 
Tey ing  vessel  ;  Josiah  M'Lean,  to  the  Ceylon  ;  John  Houston,  to  be 
hospital  mate  at  Forton  ;  Robert  Browne,  hospital  mate  at  Stapletou  ; 
R.  Gasquet,  to  the  Martial  gun  brig. 

BIHTFJ. 

On  the  S2d  of  March,  at  his  house  at  Plymouth,  the  wife  of  Captain 
Lillicrap,  H.N.  of  a  daughter. 


$52  NATAL  HISTOWT  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1814. 

MARRIAGES.    ' 

At  Bath,  on  the  30th  of  March,  Captain  Alexander  Skene,  of  H.M.S. 
Tonnant,  to  Miss  Charlotte  Fordyce,  of  Avion,  N.B.  daughter  of  the 
Jate Fordyce,  Esq.  and  niece  to  the  Alarquis  of  Huntly. 

Lately,  at  Plymouth,  Lieutenant  G.  S.  Richards,  R.N.  to  Miss  Her- 
vey,  of  Torpoint. 

Lately,  Dr.  Harness,  medical  commissioner  of  the  Transport  board, 
to  the  widow  of  the  late  Admiral  Linzee. 


DEATHS. 

On  the  18th  of  March,  at  the  Cove  of  Cork,  Captain  Hargrave,  of 
H.M.  sloop  Teazer,  youngest  son  of  F.  Hargrave,  Esq.  one  of  H  M. 
counsel. 

|*  On  the  21st  of  March,  Lieutenant  R.  Sinimonds,  of  the  Royal  Naval 
Hospital  at  Haslar. 

On  the  27th  of  March,  Mrs.  Williams,  mother  of  Lieutenant-colonel 
Richard  Williams,  and  of  Major  Williams,  of  the  royal  niariii.1 1. 

On  the  29th  of  March,  at  his  seat,  Woodbine  cottage,  near  Honlton, 
Admiral  Sir  Thomas  Greaves,  K.B. 

On  the29tb  of  March,  at  Exeter,  Captain  Temple  Hardy,  son  of  the 
late  Admiral  Sir  Charles  Hardy,  Bart. 

On  the  1st  of  April,  at  his  house  in  Tottenham,  Captain  John 
Kerbey,  late  commander  of  the  Augustus  Caesar,  in  the  Jamaica  trade, 
aged  46. 

At  Wickham,  after  a  long  illness;  on  the  28th  of  March,  Mary  Ann, 
eldest  daughter  of  the  late  Captain  Mosse,  R.N.  who  gloriously  fell  at 
the  battle  of  Copenhagen. 

A  few  days  since,  at  his  house  in  Privy-gardens,  London,  R.  N.  A. 
Bennelt,  Esq.  father  to  Captain  Bennett,  R.N 

Lately,  in  Govrer-street,  Mrs.  Hughes,  relict  of  the  late  Admiral 
Bobert'Hughes. 

At  the  Admiralty,  in  his  8th  year,  Horatio  Nelson  Yorke,  fourth  son 
of  Kear-adnr.iral  Sir  Joseph  -Sydney  Yorke,  one  of  the  Lords  of  the 
Admiralty. 

At  St.  Colomb,  Captain  W.  Smith,  R.N,  aged  71  years. 
On  the  18ll>  of  April,  at  the  Royal  Marine  Barracks  at   Chatham, 
Major  Bumtord. 

On  the  18th  instant,  at  Chelsea,  Mrs.  Lewis,  wife  of  Commissioner 
Lewis,  of  the  naval  yard  at  Antigua. 

Lately,  at  Chisheck,  T.  Valentine,  Esq.  formerly  store-keeper  of  the 
Victualling-office  at  Portsmouth. 

Lately,  Mr.  Gray,  timber-master's  assistant  at  Portsmouth  yard. 
At  Plymouth,  lirs.  Speek,  wife  of  Lieutenant  Speek,  R.N. 
At  Portsmouth,  the  lady  of  Captain  G.  Ferguson,  R.N. 
Lately,  at  Greenwich,  Captain  John  Moucue,   R.N.   an  old  and  re-' 
speclable  officer. 

Letters  have  been  received  at.  the  Admiralty  from  Admiral  Fremantle, 
containing  information  of  the  death  of  Captain  Bridges  W  Taylor,  of 
the  Apollo,  by  the  upsetting  of  a  boat  off  Brindisi,  in  the  Adriatic, 
where  he  had  lately  caused  I  he  destruction  of  the  French  frigate 
Uranie,  in  consequence  of  threatening  to  enter  the  harbour  to  engage 
her.  He  was  an  excellent  and  meritorious  officer,  much  beloved  in  the 
service  in  which  he  had  held  the  rank  of  post  captain  nearly  twelve 
years,  though  only  35  years  old.  He  was  the  youngest  brother  of 
General  Taylor,  secretary  to  the  Queen. 


f*l  JljlLy  2Stt  ty   Jry*  ffaU  JffJ     Slu,    Lvu 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOIR 

OF 

JAMES  ALEXANDER  GORDON, 

CAPTAIN   R.  N. 


"  Eydand."* 

All  men  of  sense  reject  unmeasur'd  praise  ; — 

Its  sure  effect — to  sink  where  it  would  raise. 

By  noble  minds,  the  parasite  is  scoru'd, 

And  splendid  deeds— bhme  most  when  unadorn'd. EDITOR. 

THE  officer  whose  memoirs  we  are  about  to  lay  before  our 
readers,  though  young  in  years,  is  old  in  renown,  and  has 
seen  a  great  deal  of  very  severe  and  active  service.  The  motto  of 
the  Gordon  crest  *  is  perfectly  applicable  to  the  fame  he  has 
already  acquired  ;  and  were  he,  like  the  subject  of  our  last  me- 
moir, no  longer  an  inhabitant  of  this  world,  we  should  express 
with  greater  freedom  our  opinion  of  his  imputed  fine  qualities  and 
eminent  exploits. 

James  Alexander  Gordon  was  born  in  the  year  1782.  He  went 
to  sea  at  a  very  early  age,  when  the  revolutionary  war  with  France 
first  broke  out.  With  the  name  of  the  ship  in  which  he  first  served, 
we  are  unacquainted  ;  but  one  of  the  earliest  engagements  in  which 
he  took  part  was  the  ever-memorable  actions  of  the  29th  May, 
and  1st  of  June,  1794,  under  Lord  Howe;  t  on  which  occasion 
he  served  in  his  Majesty's  ship  Glory,  Rear-admiral  liowyer.  He 
had  also  the  good  fortune  to  be  present  on  the  27th  of  February, 
1797,  when  the  gallant  Earl  of  St.  Vincent  +  so  entirely  defeated 
the  Spanish  fleet  :§  on  this  occasion  he  served  in  the  Goliath, 
with  Captain  (now  Vice-Admiral)  Thomas  Foley,  and  distinguished 
himself  greatly,  giving  proofs  of  what  his  country  might  expect 
from  his  future  services.  In  the  same  ship,  and  with  the  same 
commander,  he  shared  in  the  glorious  battle  of  the  Nile,  jj  under 
the  immortal  Nelson  ;<I  we  believe,  as  master's  mate,  for  he  very 
soon  after  attained  the  rank  of  lieutenant ;  which,  however,  was 
not  confirmed  till  his  return  to  England  in  the  following  year. 

*  Abiding  »r  Usim^.  f  See  N.  C.  Vol.  I.  p.  2*0. 

J  Sc-e  N.C.   Vol.  IV.  $  See  N.C.  Vol.  IV.  p.  1. 

R  See  N.  C.  Vois.  I,  and  HI.  fl  See  N.  C.  Vol.  III.  p.  157. 

flLtr,  CDun.  OJof.  XXXI.  z  z 


351  NAVAL    BIOGRAPHY*. 

In  1800,  Mr.  Gordon  was  appointed  second  lieutenant  of  the 
Bourdelais  frigate,  of  28  guns,  then  recently  captured  from  the 
enemy,  and  commanded  by  Captain  Thomas  Manby.  While  con- 
Toying  a  small  fleet  to  the  West  Indies,  the  captain  of  the  Bourde- 
lais, his  officers  and  crew,  made  a  very  gallant  defence  against  four 
p'rench  corvettes  that  they  fell  in  with  near  Madeira,  of  which 
they  took  one,  and  beat  off  the  others.  Unfortunately,  soon  after 
she  struck,  the  prize  went  down,  with  an  officer  and  twenty  men 
of  Captain  Manby's  on  board.*  The  action  was  long,  and  the 
superiority  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  very  great  ;  but  the  heavy 
carronades  of  the  Bourdelais  made  dreadful  havock  in  the  French 
ships,  and  they  at  last  fairly  ran  away.  Both  Captain  Manby's 
lieutenants  (the  present  Captain  Barrie  and  Mr.  Gordon),  are 
particularly  mentioned  as  having  signalized  themselves.  +  He  con- 
tinued in  the  same  ship  on  the  Jamaica  station  for  some  time  ; 
until,  being  in  charge  of  a  prize,  he  was  obliged  by  stress  of  wea- 
ther to  put  into  a  port  of  the  island  of  St.  Domingo  ;  where,  for 
some  cause  of  offence  which  we  have  not  heard  explained,  he  was 
refused  his  parole,  and  imprisoned  by  Toussaint ;  from  whose 
power  he  was  not  recovered  without  much  trouble  and  correspon- 
dence on  the  part  of  the  Admiral  (Sir  John  Duck  worth,  +  we 
believe)  then  commanding  the  fleet  on  the  Jamaica  station.  During 
his  detention  he  suffered  considerable  hardships  ;  and  it  was  a 
long  time  before  he  entirely  recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  treat- 
ment which  he  had  so  unjustly  experienced. 

The  next  account  that  we  have  of  Mr.  Gordon  is,  when  serving 
on  the  same  station,  at  the  commencement  of  the  present  war,  as 
lirst  lieutenant  of  the  Racoon  sloop,  under  the  late  Captain  Bissell; 
who  afterwards  unfortunately  perished,  with  his  brave  and 
lamented  admiral,  Sir  Thomas  Troubridge,^  in  the  Blenheim,  off 
Madagascar.  In  the  Racoon  he  had  frequent  opportunities  of 
distinguishing  himself ;  as  she  fought  twc  or  three  verv  gallant 
actions  with  brigs  of  war,  and  heavy  French  privateers  ;  particu- 
larly in  capturing  the  Lodi,  of  18  guns,  and  140  men.  Captain 

*  Fourteen  were  rescued  ;  the  others  polished. 

t  See  Captain  Manby's  official  letters  in  N.  C.  Vol.  V.  pp.  348,  519. 

$  See  Memoir  and  Portrait  of  this  Oificer,  N.C.  Vol.  XVIII. 

§  See  N.C.  Vol.  XX.  p.  117. 


JAMES    AtEXASBEll    GORDON,  355 

Bissell  was  soon  after  made  post  into  one  of  the  French  ships  sur- 
rendered at  St.  Domingo  to  save  their  crews  from  the  fury  of  the 
Blacks  ;  and  Lieutenant  Gordon  was  made  commander,  and 
appointed  to  the  Racoon,  in  which  he  continued  till  1805  ;  when 
he  brought  home  an  old  Spanish  21-gun  ship,  the  Liga?ra,  and  was 
soon  after  made  Post.  In  the  Racoon  he  had  rendered  most  essen- 
tial services,  by  protecting  the  trade,  and  capturing  the  numerous 
French  privaU-ers  which  were  constantly  cruising  round  Jamaica. 

After  his  attaining  Post  rank,  Captain  Gordon,  we  think,  re- 
mained  unemployed  for  two^r  three  years  ;  which,  however,  was 
the  first  respite  that  he  had  had,  since  his  entering  the  navy.  This 
period  he  spent  very  happily  with  his  friends  and  relations,  and 
fortunately  soon  entirely  recovered  his  health  ;  which,  on  his  re- 
turn to  England  was  so  much  injured,  that  he  was  confined  by  ill- 
ness at  an  inn  at  Portsmouth.  About  the  end  of  the  year  1808,  he 
•was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Mercury  frigate,  of  28 
guns  ;  in  which,  after  convoying  some  ships  to  Jersey,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  the  fleet  then  cruising  off  Cadiz,  where  it  was  not  long 
before  he  had  an  opportunity  of  gaining  laurels  ;  being  left, 
during  the  absence  of  the  fleet,  with  Captain-  Murray  Maxwell,* 
commanding  the  Alceste  frigate,  and  the  Grasshopper  sloop,  Cap- 
tain Scarlc.  Captain  Maxwell  saw  a  convoy  of  the  enemy's  ves- 
sels, with  several  gun-boats,  stealing  along  the  shore,  under  the 
batteries  ;  but  he  immediately  determined  'to  prevent  their  gaining 
the  port,  and  effectually  succeeded,  although  exposed  to  a  tremen- 
dous fire  from  the  batteries.  On  this  occasion,  as  on  every  other, 
Captain  Gordon  was  particularly  mentioned  by  his  friend  Captain 
Maxwell ;  +  but  the  sloop  of  war  under  Captain  Searle,  drawing 
less  water  than  the  frigates,  had  the  hottest  of  the  fire;  and  her 
meritorious  commander  was  promoted  for  his  gallant  conduct. 

Captain  Gordon  continued  to  serve  for  some  time  in  the  Mer- 
cury, and  was  then  appointed  to  the  Active,  a  very  fine  38-gun 
frigate,  in  which  he  was  ordered  to  the  Adriatic  ;  where,  in  March, 
1811,  under  the  orders  of  the  gallant  Captain  Hoste,  the  eleve  of 
the  immortal  Nelson,  he  participated  in  the  gallant  defence  made 
by  that  distinguished  officer,  with  four  frigates,  two  of  them 

*  See  N.  C.  Vol.  XIX.  p.  313.  -f  Idem,  p.  344. 


356  NAVAl    BIOGRArilY. 

small,  against  the  enemy's  squadron,  consisting  of  five  heary 
frigates,  two  corvettes,  and  two  schooners  ;  which,  after  a  severe 
contest,  he  defeated,  capturing  two,  and  burning  one.  In  this 
action  the  subject  of  our  memoir  greatly  distinguished  himself,  and 
so  did  every  officer  and  man  in  the  squadron^  as  appears  by  the 
official  letter  from  Captain  Hoste  to  Captain  Eyre.*  After  re- 
pairing  her  damages  at  Malta,  the  Active  returned  again  to  the 
Adriatic ;  and,  as  the  Amphion  was  out  of  repair,  and  ordered 
home,  the  command  in  that  sea  was  now  conferred  upon  his  friend 
and  comrade,  Captain  Maxwell,  of  the  Alceste  ;  when  our  hero 
again  had  the  good  fortune,  in  December  of  the  same  year,  to  fall 
in  with  two  French  frigates  and  a  store-ship.  He  took  one  of  the 
frigates,  after  a  severe  contest,  in  which,  most  unfortunately,  he 
lost  a  leg.  Captain  Maxwell,  having  had  his  top-mast  carried 
away  by  the  enemy's  shot,  was  prevented  from  closing  with  Az> 
antagonist,  who  escaped  ;  but  the  store-ship  belonging  to  the  same 
squadron  was  taken  by  the  Unite,  one  of  Captain  Maxwell's 
squadron.  On  this  occasion  it  will  be  observed,  that  his  senior 
officer  draws  his  character  in  the  most  lively  and  glowing  colours. 
He  says,  "  It  is  zcith  poignant  regret  I  inform  you,  that  Captain 
Gordon  has  lost  a  leg:  but,  thank  God,  he  is  doing  icell :  his 
merits  as  an  ojjlcer  I  need  not  dwelt  upon,  they  are  kno&n  to  his 
country  ;  and  he  lives  in  the  hearts  of  all  zzho  have  the  happiness 
to  knois  him."  +  A  compliment  that  reflects  equal  honour  on  the 
giver  and  receiver.  During  his  command  of  the  Active,  all  his 
three  lieutenants  were  made  commanders  in  the  very  short  space 
of  eighteen  months. 

Captain  Gordon  fortunately  survived  the  amputation  of  his 
limb,  and,  returning  soon  after  to  England,  rapidly  recovered  his 
health.  In  August  of  the  following  year,  1812,  he  was  nominated 
to  (he 'command  of  the  Seahorse  frigite,  which  had  just  beea 
thoroughly  repaired,  and  was  appointed  convoy  to  a  fleet  for 
Jamaica,  which  was  at  that  time  a  dangerous  service;  as  the  heavy 
American  ships  were  cruising  for  our  convoys  in  every  direction. 
From  Jamaica  he  was  immediately  ordered  home  with  specie,  and 
arrived  safely  after  a  tedious  passage. 

Captain  Gordon  was  afterwards  employed  in   cruising  off  the 

. j 

*  luscrted  in  N.  C.  Vol.  XXV.  p.  430.        t  See  Vol.  XXVII.  pp.  26?,  543. 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,   &C.  357 

North  Cape,  under  Rear- Admiral  Lord  Amelius  Beauclerc,  for 
the  President,  Commodore  Rodgers ;  which,  however,  has  hitherto 
had  the  good  fortune  to  elude  all  the  vigilance  of  our  gallant  Tars. 
He  has  since  been  attached  to  the  Cherbourg  squadron  of  observa- 
tion, and  is  now  with.  Admiral  Lord  Viscount  Keith's  fleet  at 
St.  Helen's. 

Captain  James  Alexander  Gordon  is  the  eldest  son  (by  a  second 
marriage)  of  Charles  Gordon,  Esq.  of  Wardhouse,  in  Aberdeenshire, 
North  Britain.  He  is  connected,  by  consanguinity  and  relationship, 
with  many  respectable  families  of  his  name  in  that  county.  The  no- 
ble chief  of  that  numerous  clan  has  ever  patronised  and  received  his 
father  and  family  as  valued  friends  and  namesakes.  His  mother  was 
the  daughter  of  the  late  Major  James  Mercer,  of  Auchnacant,  in  the 
same  county,  who  had  married  Catherine,  the  sister  of  the  present 
Lord  Glenbevie,  who  is,  of  course,  his  grand  uncle.  He  mar- 
ried, in  1812,  Miss  Ward,*  of  Marlborough,  in  Wiltshire,  where 
his  father  at  that  time  resided.  If  this  officer  lives  to  hear  the  note 
of  war  again  sounded,  there  is  scarcely  a  doubt  but  he  will  furnish 
a  splendid  supplement  to  this  brief  narration  of  his  honourable 
services. 


NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &c. 


EMBARKATION    OF   THE    FRENCH    KING    AT    DOVER.  , 

4  LITTLE  before  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  on  Sunday,  tlie  24th  of 
•  April,  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  accompanied  by  Lord 
Yarmouth,  Colonel  Bloomfield,  &c.  having  taken  leave  of  the  French 
King,  came  ashore  from  the  Royal  Sovereign  yacht,  which  had  been  sta- 
tioned quite  close  to  the  Quay.  The  Regent  was  received  with  a  royal 
salote  from  the  whole  line  of  troops.  The  Kins;  of  France,  who  was  pro- 
bably prevented  by  personal  infirmities,  did. not  appear  upon  the  deck,  but 
the  Duke  de  Bourbon,  and  other  French  nobles  who  were  there,  took  off 
their  hats  as  our  Regent  left  the  yacht.  The  tide  then  serving,  the  Royal 
Sovereign  got  under  weigh  at  one  o'clock,  and  passed  the  Pier  Head  under 
a  rojal  salute  from  all  the  batteries.  The  Prince  Regent  had  placed  him- 
self on  the  furthest  part  of  the  pier,  and  cheered  the  Royal  Sovereign  as 
?he  passed,  accompanied  by  an  immense  concourse  of  delighted  spectators. 
The  scene  was  indeed  truly  grand  and  impressive.  The  event  itself  will 
form  a  distinguished  feature  of  our  history.  The  novelty,  importance,  the 
mingled  feelings  to  which  this  gratifying  and  splendid  scene  gave  rise,  would 
be  difficult  to  describe :  sympathy  was  awakened  in  every  bosom,  and  roars 

*  See  N.  C.  Vol.  XXVIIL  p.  StC3. 


358  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 

mingled  with  acclamation.  Tlie  Royal  Sovereign  yacht  went  out  in  the 
grandest  possible  style,  and  as  the  wind  was  favourable,  she  proceeded 
rapidly,  accompanied  and  convoyed  by  the  fleet  under  the  command  of 
his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  On  the  Royal  Sovereign  reach, 
ing  the  roads,  she  was  received  by  a  royal  salute  from  the  ships  of  war 
there  stationed,  amongst  which  was  the  Jas>on  frigate,  the  flag-ship  of  the 
Royal  Duke.  The  Royal  Sovereign  ran  over  to  Calais  with  a  pleasant 
breeze  ;  and  at  four  o'clock  she  was  seen  from  the  heights  of  Dover,  at 
anchor  in  Calais  Roads.  Such  a  day  as  this  was  never  witnessed  at  Dover 
by  the  oldest  inhabitant  living  :  it  could  only  have  been  equalled  by  that  on 
which  Charles  II.  landed  from  Holland  to  take  possession  of  the  crown  of 
England.  On  arriving  off  the  French  coast,  the  Royal  Sovereign  hove-to, 
when  the  Jason  frigate  passed  her,  fired  a  roya'  salute,  manned  the  yards, 
gave  three  cheers,  and  bore  away.  Every  ship  of  the  fleet  passed  the 
royal  yacht,  saluted  and  cheered.  The  Royal  Sovereign  then  approached 
the  harbour  of  Calais,  and  wa$  received  by  a  tremendous  explosion  from 
the  different  batteries,  which  continued  upwards  of  two  hours,  and  ex- 
tended along  the  coasts  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  ;  in  short,  from  Calais 
to  Boulogne  it  appeared  as  one  entire  blaze.  The  Duke  of  Clarence  having 
now  performed  his  high  and  gratifying  function  of  conveying  a  monarch  to 
the  throne  of  his  ancestors,  immediately  sailed  for  the  English  coast. 

Most  of  the  English  officers  and  visitors  seemed  surprised  that  no  Depu- 
tation to  receive  Louis  the  XVIIlth  had  arrived  frora  Paris.  A  cause, 
however,  was  assigned  for  this  ;  namely,  that  it  was  not  certainly  known 
where  the  King  would  land,  some  supposing  that  it  would  be  at  Dunkirk, 
others  at  Boulogne.  Many  French  officers  seemed  to  view  this  extraordi- 
nary scene  with  a  sullen  aspect.  One  was  heard  observing,  that  the  King 
would  have  acted  more  politically,  if  he  had  accepted  of  the  French  line-of- 
battle  ship  that  was  sent  over  from  Cherbourg,  to  have  conveyed  him  back 
to  France.  They  seemed  to  think  there  was  too  much  of  British  manage- 
ment, and  they  spoke  in  a  tone  of  political  independence  that  greatly  sur- 
prised many  of  their  English  auditors.  However  those  things  might  be,  the 
attachment  of  the  great  mass  of  the  inhabitants  of  Calais  to  Louis  the 
XVIIlth  was  demonstrated  in  the  most  forcible  manner  the  moment  he 
entered  that  harbour.  Both  sides  of  the  Quays  were  lined  with  spectators. 
From  all  quarters  resounded  shouts  of  Vive  le  Roi, —  Vivenl  let  Bourbons,— 
Vivent  les  An«lui-i!  Great  preparations  had  been  made  by  the  loyal  inha- 
bitants of  Calais  for  the  reception  of  their  Sovereign.  A  guard  of  honour 
to  escort  his  Majesty  had  been  formed  of  the  principal  young  men  of  the 
place  :  to  do  honour  to — and  attend  the  Duchess  D'Angouleme,  a  number 
of  the  most  respectable  young  ladies  were  selected.  From  those  melan- 
choly reflections  that  she  seemed  unable  to  suppress, — from  the  painful 
recollection  of  the  fate  of  her  unhappy  parents,  the  late  King  and  Queen  of 
France, — this  interesting  woman  seemed  extremely  pensive  and  dejected. 
The  whole  town  was  decorated  with  the  ensigns  of  the  Bourbon  Princes, 
and  over  the  Sea-port,  the  flags  of  France  and  England  waved  together. 
This  compliment  to  Great  Britain  did  not  pass  uncriticised  of  many. 


NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C.  359 

In  the  account  published  in  our  preceding  number,*  relative  to  the 
*'  Events  at  Calais"  when  Captain  Evans,  of  the  Cadmus,  landed — the 
name  of  General  Barbasan  occurs,  who  is  stigmatised  as  an  old  and  incor- 
rigible jacobin.  It  was  rather  prematurely  and  imprudently  stated  in  the 
London  prints,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Calais  wished  to  be  delivered  from 
the  presence  of  this  General,  and  of  Colonel  Label,  of  the  Engineers. 
Such  expressions  proved  how  little  the  nature  or  tendency  of  the  recent 
change  of  the  executive  government  was  understood  :  for,  when  the  King 
landed,  he  was  received  by  this  same  General,  who  attended  his  Majesty 
to  an  open  carriage  which  had  been  purposely  prepared  for  him,  and  in 
which  he  was  drawn  by  the  people  to  the  church  of  jS'otre  Dame.  He 
seemed  to  have  suffered  a  good  deal,  at  least  his  countenance  indicated  as 
much,  and  that  he  strove  as  far  as  possible  to  repress  e^ery  feeling  but  that 
of  joy  and  exultation. 

It  has  often  been  remarked,  and  the  spectacle  in  the  church  fully  verified 
its  justice,  that  the  powerful  impressions  produced  on  the  senses,  by  the 
grand  and  imposing  ceremonies  of  the  Roman  Church,  gives  its  creed  many 
advantages  over  that  of  the  reformed  religion.  It  is  hardly  possible  to 
describe  what  was  so  powerfully  felt, — what  was  wrote  in  almost  every  coun- 
tenance, and  seemed  to  speak  in  every  eye.  The  retiring  modesty,  and 
unaffected  demeanour  of  the  daughter  of  Louis  XVI.  charmed  every  heart, 
whilst  the  solemn  and  attentive  devotion  of  the  Royal  Party  conferred  the 
highest  degree  of  interest  on  the  scene.  After  mass  was  over,  the  King, 
his  court,  and  suite,  retired  to  his  hotel,  escorted  by  the  national  guards. 
The  King  dined  in  public  :  besides  his  family  party,  there  were  present 
Generals  Maison  and  Barbasan,  Lord  Sidmoutb,  the  Earl  of  Buckingham- 
shire, Lord  VV.  Fitzroy,  Lord  Cawdor,  and  Sir  J.  Beresford.  This  day  the 
King  exercised  his  power  as  Sovereign  in  France,  by  giving  audiences  and 
receiving  petitions.  A  deputation  from  Gravelines  waited  upon  the  King, 
and  were  kindly  received.  There  was  a  general  illumination  on  Sunday 
evenino-.  The  whole  of  Monday  iroops  continued  to  arrive  in  Calais,  con- 
sisting principally  of  the  28th,  30th,  and  55th  regiments,  and  a  tine  body 
of  artillery.  General  Maison,  who  is  commandant  of  this  district,  signi- 
fied his  adhesion  to  the  new  order  of  things,  and  was  very  kindly  received. 
He  is  about  fifty  years  of  age.  The  King  again  dined  in  public,  surrounded 
by  spectators,  amongst  whom  were  many  English,  who  were  treated  with 
marked  attention.  In  the  evening  the  town  was  illuminated,  and  fire- 
works— for  several  hours  successive!)'— played  o'ff  in  die  market-place.  The 
weather  was  very  unfavourable,  but  it  did  not  seem  at  all  to  damp  the  spi- 
rits of  the  people.  It  was  announced,  that  at  twelve  o'clock  next  day  the 
King  would  set  out  for  Paris.  The  entire  population  seemed  in  motion  to 
honour  his  departure  :  the  n-ad  to  Boulogne,  f.-r  a  considerable  distance, 
was  lined  with  spectators.  A  double  tile  of  national  guards  were  ranged 
the  whole  way  from  the  gate  of  the  hotel  to  the  Boulogne  gate,  and  readied 
into  the  country  several  hundred  yards.  A  little  farther  on  were  stationed 
large  bodies  of  artillery,  with  their  field  equipages,  ready  to  salute  the 

*  Page  284. 


360  NAUTICAL    ANECDOTES,    &C. 

Monarch  as  be  passed.  Just  before  twelve,  the  Prince  de  Conde,  with  his 
son,  the  Duke  de  Bourbon,  got  into  his  carriage,  and  drove  away  amid 
loud  cries  of  Vive  le  Roi,  Vivent  les  Bourdons.  Exactly  at  twelve,  the 
King's  coach  drew  up  to  the  door  of  the  hotel.  The  clergy,  just  previous 
to  his  departure,  were  first  presented,  and  kissed  his  hand  with  great  devo- 
tion :  the  military  were  next  presented,  and  a  French  general  in  waiting 
announced  that  the  British  officers  should  advance.  All  the  English  in  the 
room  then  advanced  a  few  steps,  and  bowed  to  the  King,  who  returned 
their  salutation,  and  said,  in  English,  that  they  were  witnesses  of  the  first 
moments  of  his  felicity,  They  all  exclaimed,  '•  Long  live  the  King,'*  and 
pressed  forward  to  kiss  the  royal  hand.  Louis  seemed  greatly  affected,  and 
thanked  them  with  strong  emotion.  The  Mayor  of  Calais  then  begged 
leave  to  address  his  Majesty  :  he  made  a  speech  of  some  length,  in  which 
he  observed,  that  Calais  had  never  forgotten  her  legitimate  Sovereign,  and 
hoped  the  King  would  deign  to  remember  its  devoted  fide/ if y.  The  King 
answered  him  in  the  kindest  manner,  and  assured  him  of  his  steady  attach- 
ment to  the  good  town  of  Calais.  His  Majesty  then  arose  to  depart,  and, 
accompanied  by  the  Duchess  D'Angouleme,  and  the  Archbishop  of 
Itheirns,  proceeded  to  his  coach.  Amidst  the  ardent  shouts  of  the  spec- 
tators, he  ascended  the  carriage,  bowing  to  all  around  him.  The  Duchess 
followed,  and  her  reception  was  enthusiastically  warm  and  animated. 
Vive  la  Duchesse  D'Angouleme  resounded  from  all  quarters.  She  waved 
her  hand  gracefully  to  the  spectators,  smiling  through  the  tears  that 
trickled  down  her  pallid  cheeks.  The  national  guard  were  particularly 
warm  in  their  expressions  of  loyalty  and  attachment.  The  coach  now  drove 
away,  preceded  by  a  few  lancers,  and  followed  by  an  escort  of  about  an 
hundred.  They  took  the  road  to  Boulogne,  on  which  were  stationed 
General  Maison  and  his  staff.  The  coach  stopped  for  a  few  minutes,  and 
some  conversation  passed  :  the  King  then  drove  rapidly  away.  The  cannon 
fired  from  all  the  heights,  and  the  music  played  Henry  IV.  The  feeling  of 
joy  seemed  universal  :  the  military  and  the  town  were  equally  anxious  to 
express  their  devotion  to  their  restored  monarch,  whose  mild  and  amiable 
manners  promise  a  reign  widely  different  from  the  gloomy  tyranny  from 
whith  they  had  just  escaped. 

LORD    R *S    SECRETARY. 

HE  was  originally  bred  to  the  church,  and  was  selected  as  secretary  by 
Lord  II ,  because  he  appeared  to  be  the  most  likely  person  com- 
pletely to  answer  his  Lordship's  views.  He  was  not  only  secretary  to  the 
vommander-in  chief,  but,  through  the  influence  of  that  personage,  he  was 
/  accepted,  reluctantly  of  course,  as  prize-agent  for  the  whole  fleet,  through- 
out which  he  was  bitterly  and  universally  detested.  To  his  master  he  v\as 
the  most  obsequious  of  slaves,  from  whom  he  submitted  to  receive  kicks, 
cuffs,  and  indignities  of  every  kind,  for  which  he  endeavoured  to  indem- 
nify himself  by  playing  the  tyrant  in  his  turn,  and  rendering  as  miserable  ..s 
possible,  every  soul  placed  within  the  reach  of  bis  influence  ;-it  was  diiiicult 
to  dcc.de  which  was  his  master  passion,  malice  or  avarice ;  at  nil  events 
he  was  never  known  to  omit  an  opporluiritj  of  giati'iying  either. 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,    &C.  361 

was  known  to  be  generally  in  embarrassed  circumstances  : 
Ibe  owed  his  steward  about  200/.  Once  as  lie  was  dressing  the  admiral's 

hair,  he  mentioned  to  Lord  R the  money  he  had  lent  him  ;  the 

admiral  told  him  he  not  only  could  not  pay  him  then,  but  he  wanted  more. 
The  steward  told  him  he  would  accommodate  him,  and  could  point  out  a 
method  whereby  the  debt  could  be  wiped  off  without  any  money.  The 
admiral  eagerly  demanded  in  what  \£ay  :  the  steward  replied,  "  by  making 
me  purser  of  one  of' the  French  prizes."  Without  a  moment's  hesitation, 
the  bell  was  rung,  and  the  secretary  called  in.  "  Go  ! "  said  the  admiral, 

*'  and  fill  a  warrant  for  II ,  making  him  purser  of  one  of  the  French 

ships.*'  The  secretary  replied,  "  they  are  all  given  away?  Up  jumped 
the  admiral  in  a  perfect  tornado  of  passion.  "  You  have  SOLD  them  all,  you 

d d  rascal,"  bellowed  Lord  R ,  giving  the  secretary  such  a 

blow  on  the  side  of  the  head,  that  he  tumbled  on  the  cabin  deck,  and  the 
admiral  fell  over  him,  where  he  remained  pummelling  the  secretary  with 
all  his  might.  When  the  steward  thought  the  admiral's  strength  was 
exhausted,  and  not  before,  he  took  him  off  the  victim,  and  seated  him  in 
a  chair,  and  the  secretary  crawled  on  his  hands  and  knees  out  of  the  cabin; 
Whether  this  worthy  secretary  had  or  had  not  sold  the  purser's  appoint- 
ments to  the  captured  line-of-battle  ships,  he  was  too  good  a  judge  not  to 
know  that  he  must  fulfil  the  wishes  of  his  patron  to  escape  another  drub* 
bing.  Accordingly,  when  the  fury  of  the  admiral  was  a  little  abated,  he 
begged  permission  to  approach,  and  in  a  tremulous  tone,  and  agitated 
manner,  informed  his  master,  that  although  he  had  given  away  the  pur* 
serships  of  the  prizes,  there  was  a  vacancy  in  the  Shrewsbury :  the  apology 
was  accepted,  the  warrant  signed,  the  steward  made  a  purser,  the  debt 
liquidated,  and  peace  restored  between  the  noble  admiral  and  his  secre- 
tary. 

But  although  they  differed  often  on  some  points,  there  were  others,  and 
those  of  moment  too — on  which  there  existed  the  most  perfect  unanimity; 
particularly  in  the  disposal  and  appropriation  of  the  immense  booty  gathered 
up  at  St.  Eustatius,  of  which,  it  is  said,  not  a  shilling  was  ever  distributed—- 
at least  not  to  the  officers  or  crews.  Flow  the  matter  was  settled  between 
the  commander-in-chief  and  his  secretary,  the  prize-agent,  is  one  of  the 
many  secrets  that  may  never  be  discovered. 

Whilst  this  secretary  was  vending  promotions  as  dearly  as  possible,  he 
was  applied  to  by  a  certain  officer,  then  a  commander,  well  known  at  two 
of  our  sea-ports,  by  the  name  of  "  the  devil's  anointed"  who  was  much 
less  distinguished  by  the  injury  he  had  caused  the  enemy,  than  by  his  brutal 
behaviour  to  hundreds  of  young  officers  whom  he  dared  to  insult,  because  h$ 
knew  that  discipline,  and  the  etiquette  of  rank,  forbade  their  resenting  the 
affront.  This  person  applied  to  the  secretary  to  be  made  a  Post  Captain, 
promising  him  a  hundred  pound  note  on  receiving  his  commission.  In  a 
short  time,  the  commander's  signal  was  made  for  him  to  go  on  board  the 

.  He  walked  into  the  secretary's  cabin,  who  told  him  he  had 

procured  him  the  commission,  which  he  offered  with  one  hand,  and,  then 
withdrawing  it,  put  forth  the  other  to  receive  the  promised  bribe ;  but 
though  the  officer  had  promised,  he  had  neither  the  principle  nor  the  power 

.  tffcroiu  fllol.  XXXI.  3  A 


362  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,    &C, 

to  perform  ;  and  hastily  seizing  the  commission,  thrust  it  into  his  pocket, 
thanked  the  secretary  very  obsequiously,  and  retreating  as  fast  as  possible 
to  his  boat,  shoved  directly  off  for  his  own  ship.  The  secretary,  amazed 
and  confounded,  hailed  him,  requesting  to  see  the  commission,  as  it 
wanted  some  alteration.  "  Oh,  never  mind  it,  Mr.  Secretary,"  said  the 
commander,  "  that  can  be  done  some  other  day  !  "  The  post  captain  was 
*o  delighted  with  his  promotion,  and  the  manner  in  which  he  had  procured 
it,  that  he  boasted  of  the  exploit  to  his  brother  officers;  and  it  became  the 
common  talk  of  the  fleet.  It  was  remarked  by  many,  that  the  secretary 
had  lost  the  honour  (till  then  undisputed)  of  being  the  greatest  knave  in 
the  grand  fleet. 

When  peace  was  made,  and  our  fleets  dismantled,  this  worthy  secretary 
began  to  entertain  serious  alarms,  lest  the  enraged  seamen,  whose  prize 
property  he  had  received,  should  execute  their  threats  and  put  him  to 
death.  He  therefore  put  advertisements  forth,  stating,  that  at  such  a 
time,  and  at  such  a  place,  greatly  regretted  by  all  his  acquaintance,  died 

•  ,  Esquire,  late  secretary  to  the  gallant  Lord  R . 

This  manoeuvre  had  the  effect  of  deluding  thousands  of  sailors,  who  con- 
tented themselves  with  the  consoling  idea,  that  though  he  had  plundered 
them  of  their  prize-money,  the  devil  had  him  "  fast  moored  in  a  stream 
of  fire  and  brimstone."  It  happened,  however,  that  one  of  the  sailors 
went  to  his  residence  in  London  ;  the  secretary  himself  opened  the  door, 
and  the  sailor  began  to  inquire  about  the  St.  Eustatius  prize-money  \  Thef 
secretary,  with  matchless  gravity  and  effrontery,  affecting  a  whining  sort 
of  cadence,  said,  "  Ah  !  it  is  my  dear  brother  you  want,  but  he  is  no  more, 
he  has  been  dead  above  a  twelvemonth  ! ''  The  sailor,  surveying  him  from 
head  to  foot,  with  his  eyes  half  starting  from  their  sockets,  said,  "  If  you 
be 'ant  him  that  was  our  secretary,  whether  he  be  dead  or  alive,  I  be'ant  Jot 
Wilson  ;  God  never  made  too  such  ill-looking  sons  of  b— — s."  The  secre- 
tary shutting  the  door,  the  poor  fellow  walked  off,  in  doubt  whether 
be  had  scea  the  secretary  or  his  ghost ! 

CHEAT    INUNDATION    IN    HOLLAND. 

Wonderful  preservation  of  a   Child. 

IN  the  14th  century,  all  the  low  parts  of  the  United  provinces  of 
Holland  were  in  the  most  imminent  danger  of  being  destroyed,  by  a 
storm  of  unparalleled  violence,  which  breaking  down  the  sea  and  river 
dikes,  inundated  a  vast  tract  of  laud,  drowned  many  towns,  upwards  of* 
hundred  villages,  and  one  hundred  thousand  inhabitants,  and  formed  that 
extensive  lake  now  called  the  Hies  Bosch.  The  city  of  Dordrecht  was  in 
the  utmost  peril  of  being  swept  away.  One  of  the  Burgers  of  that  city  res- 
cued from  a  watery  grave  an  infant  richly  dressed,  sleeping,  unconscious  of 
its  danger,  in  a  eostly  cradle.  Every  thing  about  it  indicated  that  the 
child  had  belonged  to  people  of  condition,  but  nothing  was  found  that  could 
afford  a  clue  to  whom.  The  good  and  benevolent  Burger  of  Dordrecht 
reared  the  child,  and  gave  it  a  good  education,  and  in  the  course  of  time 
he  became  the  first  Burgomaster  of  the  city,  in  the  annals  of  which  the  par- 
ticulars of  this  singular  event  may  be  fuurnl. 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,   &C.  363 

4 

ORIGIN   OF  THE   ZtJYDER    ZEE, 

OR  Southern  Sea,  as  it  is  termed  by  the  Dutch,  was,  not  many  centuries 
since,  inhabited  and  cultivated,  and  cows  grazed  where  line-of-battle  ships 
«ow  ride  at  anchor !  It  is  stated  in  Kok's  Vaderlandsche  Woorderboek, 
that  a  servant  girl  having  caught  a  herring  in  a  pail  with  which  she  was 
lading  water  from  a  ditch,  carried  it  to  her  master,  who  was  possessed  of 
considerable  landed  property,  which  is  now  covered  by  the  sea.  Conscious 
that  a  herring  could  not  have  found  its  way  thither  without  a  communica- 
tion with  the  sea,  lie  foresaw  at  one  glance  the  danger  in  which  his  patri- 
mony stood  of  beingengulphed  and  lost.  Without  taking  any  particular  no- 
tice of  what  the  girl  had  shewn  him,  he  sought  an  early  opportunity  of  dis- 
posing of  his  estates,  and  retired  from  a  soil  that  was  shortly  after  inun- 
•dated  by  the  waters  of  the  North  Sea. 

A    COMMANDER   OF    OLD    STANDING. 

THERE  is  now  standing,  \vith\nfive  of  the  top  of  the  list  of  commanders, 
one  who  was  made  under  the  following  circumstances.  He  was  a  lieutenant 
of  thirty  years  standing,  and  was  first  of  the  Anson,  64,  in  1782,  and  was 
deservedly  esteemed  a  good  seaman  and  respectable  officer.  He  had  been 
twenty  years  a  first  lieutenant,  when  Admiral  Rodney  appointed  his  son  as 
captain  of  that  ship.  The  appointment  of  that  young  gentleman  as  a  post 
captain,  induced  the  Duke  of  Clarence  to  complain  to  the  King  his  father, 
that  "  Jack  Rodney  and  Kit  Parker  "  were  both  post  captains,  and  he 
Only  a  midshipman  :  the  King  replied,  u  your  friends  can  make  you  one  at 
any  time,  theirs  did  it  when  they  could"  When  the  young  post  captain  took 
the  command,  he  did  not  like  the  grave,  sedate,  and  parent-like  carriage 
of  the  first  lieutenant.  He  did  not  feel  in  his  presence  to  be  the  captain  of 
the  Anson,  and  complained  of  this  to  his  father,  who  promised  a  speedy 
remedy,  which  was  effected,  by  purchasing  a  small  vessel  on  the  govern- 
ment account,  and  making  the  officer  in  question  a  commander.  In  this 
manner  was  his  promotion  procured.  In  a  short  time  afterwards,  the 

admiral  superseded  him,  and  Captain returned  to  England,  where 

he  appears  to  have  remained  ever  since,  without  employ  or  promotion.  This 
officer  had  served  THIRTY  YEARS  as  a  lieutenant,  before  the  caprice  of  a 
youthful  post  captain  led  to  his  elevation — and  he  has  remained  a  second 
term  of  THIRTY  YEARS  a  commander;  that  is  to  say,  he  was  a  captain  in 
the  navy  some  years  before  many  of  our  juvenile  post  captains  were  born. 
We  could  never  hear  of  any  reproach  attaching  to  this  officer ;  and  had 
Admiral  Rodney  finished  what  he  begun,  and  procured  him  to  have  been 
made  post,  this  gentleman  had  now  been  vice-admiral  of  the  red  !  but  had 
not  the  son  of  Admiral  Rodney  wished  to  have  had  for  his  first  lieutenant 
a  young  person,  he  would  most  likely  now  have  been  a  lieutenant  of  SIXTY 
TEARS  standing  ! — Such  things  are  ! 

OS   THE    QUALITIES   OF   THE  LARCH   TREE. 

THE  Dnke  of  Athol  has  discovered  that  larch  is  the  most  valuable  and 
useful  timber  yet  introduced  into  Scotland,  for  boat- building  and  mill- 


364  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &C. 

work;  and  the  bark  is  found,  by  actual  experiment,  to  be  superior  to  that 
of  the  oak  for  the  purpose  of  tanning.  Calf  skins  tanned  with  larch  felt 
thicker  in  the  hand,  heavier,  were  finer  in  the  grain,  and  of  a  lighter  colour 
than  those  tanned  with  oak. 

No  timber  that  we  are  acquainted  with,  is  equal  in  quality  to  that  of 
the  larch,  with  the  same  rapidity  of  growth.  It  fails  only  where  all  other 
woods  fail,  not  even  oak  and  teak  cxcepted,  when  exposed  to  the  alternate 
action  of  heat  and  moisture,  of  wind  and  water;  but  for  all  the  lower  parts 
of  a  ship,  and  those  that  are  constantly  immersed  in  water,  larch  may  be 
considered  as  very  little  inferior  to  oak. 

So  fully  impressed  was  the  Empress  Catherine,  with  the  valuable  proper- 
ties of  this  timber,  that  the  exportation  of  it  from  Russia  was,  and  we  be- 
lieve still  is,  prohibited.  The  rapidity  of  its  growth  is  such,  that  it  has 
been  found,  by  repeated  trials,  to  double  in  diameter  that  of  the  oak,  in 
a  given  time,  and  consequently  the  bulks  being  as  the  squares  of  thsir 
diameters,  to  produce  in  the  same  time  four  times  the  quantity  of  timber. 
Its  usual  annual  increase,  till  it  arrives  at  a  certain  age,  is  from  one  and  a 
half  to  two  inches  in  circumference  ;  so  that  a  tree  of  30  years  standing 
will  measure  from  4  to  5  feet  in  girth.  There  are  well  authenticated 
instances  of  trees  of  sixty  years,  measuring  twelve  feet  in  girth,  and  pro- 
ducing three  hundred  feet  of  timber  ;  others  of  fifty  years  have  been  found 
to  measure  tc/i  feet  in  girth,  and  seventy  feet  in  height  of  stem.  Mr. 
Marshall  measured  a  larch  in  the  grounds  of  Blair,  of  Athol,  which,  at  five 
feet  from  the  ground,  girthed  upwards  of  eight  feet,  and  was  estimated  to 
contain  four  tons  of  timber  ;  its  age  54  years.  At  Dunkeld  he  measured, ' 
another,  of  little  more  than  50  years  old,  which,  at  the  same  height,  girthed 
eight  feet  and  a  half  ;  it  was  nearly  100  feet  high,  and  its  solid  contents 
were  from  four  to  five  tons  of  timber. — The  Dukes  of  Athol  and  Montro.se, 
Lord  Fife,  and  several  other  great  landholders  in  Scotland,  have  made  very 
extensive  plantations  of  this  tree,  and  the  Scotch  fir,  which  are  rapidly 
rising  into  magnificent  forests,  and  will,  in  the  course  of  a  few  years, 
compensate  in  some  measure  the  loss  of  our  native  oak  timber.  The  induce- 
ment, indeed,  to  plant  larch,  operates  nearly  in  the  same  proportion  as  the 
discouragement  to  plant  oak  ;  not  only  because  it  will  grow  upon  poor  gra- 
velly soils,  not  Jit  for  any  other  kind  of' produce,  but  also  because  the  returns 
of  profit  are  rapid  and  prodigious.  The  Bishop  of  Llandaff,  in  a  paper 
addressed  to  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture,  has  given  a  calcu- 
lation  of  the  probable  expense  and  profit,  at  the  end  of  sixty  years,  of  4 
plantation  of  larches,  made  by  himself,  consisting  of  322,500  trees,  on 
379  acres  of  land,  The  expense  of  planting  at  30s.  a  thousand — the  com- 
pound interest  at  five  per  cent,  for  sixty  years — the  loss  of  rent  at  half-a- 
crown  an  acre,  make  the  whole  loss  sustained,  at  the  end  of  sixty  years, 
amount  to  13,798/.  At  twenty  years  from  the  planting,  he  reckons  on 
thinning  out  161,000;  at  40  years,  80,000;  and  at  sixty  years,  the  re- 
maining 80,000.  '*  The  price,"  says  he,  "of  161,000  trees  of  twenty 
years  growth,  improved  for  forty  years,  being  ridded  to  that  of  8Q.OOO  trees 
of  sixty  years  growth,  will,  I  conjecture,  upon  the  most  moderate  compu- 
tation, amount  to  150,000/,  if  the  commerce  of  the  country,  and  the  prige 


KAUTICAX,    ANECDOTES,   &C.  365 

of  foreign  fir  wood,  continue  for  sixty  years  without  diminution." Most 

heartily  do  we  pray,  that  the  venerable  prelate's  calculations  may  be 
realized,  and  that  his  numerous  family  may  reap  the  full  benefit  of  his 
laudable  exertions,  in  this  important  and  patriotic  undertaking. 

IMPROVED   METHOD   OF   PREPARING   SHIP    TIMBER. 

BY  Captain  Layman's  experiments,  performed  before  the  Board  of  Agri- 
culture, it  appears  that  a  piece  of  green  poplar,  which  broke  with  the 
weight  of  336  Ib.  was  made  by  his  process  in  three  hours  to  support  368 Ib. 
a  piece  of  seasoned  English  oak  broke  with  784  Ib.  prepared  it  bore  902  Ib. 
oak  sap  wood  in  its  natural  state  broke  with  536  Ib.  prepared  it  bore  930lb. 
common  white  deal  broke  with  339  Ib.  prepared  it  bore  508  Ib.  Such  are 
the  important  effects  of  Captain  L.'s  method  of  preparing  timber.  Captain 
Layman  has  made  some  interesting  experiments  before  the  Board  of  Agri- 
culture, on  a  means  discovered  by  him  of  extracting  from  green  timber  all 
t.he  corrupting  juices,  so  as  to  apply  them  at  once  to  ship-building  and 
other  purposes.  His  process  increases  the  strength  from  20  to  50  per  cent, 
in  a  few  days,  and  it  diminishes  the  specific  gravity  as  the  timber  ii)crease$ 
jn  strengtl). 

STEAM   BOATS. 

THE  extreme  length  of  the  Clyde  steam-boat  is  75  feet,  its  breadth  14,  the 
height  of  the  cabin  is  six  feet  six.  She  is  built  very  flat,  and  draws  from  two 
feet  nine  to  three  feet  water.  The  best  or  after  cabin  is  twenty  feet  long, 
and  is  entered  from  the  stern  ;  between  the  after  cabin  and  the  engine  there 
is  a  space  allotted  for  goods,  J5  feet  long.  The  engine  is  a  12- horse 
power,  und  occupies  15  feet ;  the  fore  cabin  is  16  feet  long,  and  is  entered 
from  the  side.  The  paddles,  sixteen  in  number,  form  two  wheels  of  nine 
fleet  diameter,  and  four  feet  broad,  made  of  hammered  iron  ;  they  dip  into 
the  water  from  one  foot  three  inches  to  one  foot  six  inches.  Along  the 
outer  edge  of  these  wheels  a  platform  and  rail  are  formed,  quite  round  the 
vessel,  projecting  over  the  sides,  and  supported  by  timbers  reaching  down 
to  the  vessel's  side.  The  Clyde  runs  at  the  rate  of  four  or  four  and  a  half 
miles  per  hour,  in  calm  weather  ;  but  against  a  considerable  breeze  only 
three  miles.  The  steam  boat  can  take  in  ^50  passengers,  and  is  wrought 
by  five  men.  The  engine  consumes  12cwt.  of  coal*  per  day  ;  and,  if  well 
constructed,  will  require  very  little  repair  for  some  years.  The  daily  ex- 
pense, whife  working,  is  nearly  40/. ;  the  carpenter's  work  cost  500/. ;  the 
joiner's  work  ISO/,  and  the  engine,  with  its  apparatus,  about  700/.  The 
funnel  of  the  boiler  is  35  feet  high,  and  carries  a  square  sail  22  feet 
broad.  The  Comet 'steam-boat,  after  getting  into  the  Frith  of  Forth,  found 
her  machinery  of  so  little  power  in  the  rough  water  of  the  ocean,  that  the 
idea  of  proceeding  to  London  was  necessarily  abandoned.  She  is  now, 
therefore,  with  two  others,  plying  constantly  on  the  Clyde,  between  Glas- 
gow and  Grcenock,  for  the  conveyance  of  passengers  and  goods.  These 
several  boats  were  fitted  up  with  the  greatest  neatness,  and  with  every  ac- 
commodation, so  as  to  render  them  attractive  to  travellers.  They  have 
jtlready  had  a  remarkable  influence  in  reducing  the  prodigious  number  of 


366  NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &c. 

post  chaises  on  this  line  of  road  ;  so  much  so,  that  the  tolls  have  let  this 
year  for  1400/.  per  annum  less  than  formerly  ;  and  four  out  of  eight  stage 
coaches  are  laid  aside,  iu  consequence  of  xvhich,  60  horses  less  are  em- 
ployed on  that  road.  The  distance  by  water  is  22  miles,  and  the  boats 
generally  make  the  voyage  in  four  or  five  hours.  They  go  and  come  every 
day,  and  sometimes  in  summer,  when  the  weather  is  favourable,  they 
have  made  three  voyages  a-day.  The  fare  is  5.?.  in  the  after  cabin,  and  in 
the  fore  cabin  is.  6d.  The  expense  by  the  mail  and  stage  coaches  is  10s; 
or  12s.  The  noise  and  vibration  of  the  machinery  is,  however,  unpleasant, 
and  to  many  people  the  smell  of  the  steam  is  disagreeable.  More  boats  of 
the  same  kind  are  building  by  Messrs.  Wood,  calculated  for  towing  lighters 
with  goods  between  Glasgow  and  the  sea  ports. 

AN  IMPROVEMENT  ON  STEAM  BOATS. 

A  MACHINE  of  great  importance  to  the  navy  has  been  invented  by 
Mr.  Lewis  Bayne,  officer  of  Excise,  at  Wick.  This  machine,  although  in- 
tended partly  for  the  same  purpose,  is  far  superior  to  the  steam  boats  now 
in  use,  both  for  simplicity  and  effect.  Instead  of  the  wheels  used  in  these 
boats,  which  are  of  no  use  in  a  heavy  sea,  fins  or  oars,  of  a  peculiar 
description,  have  been  constructed  by  Mr.  Bayne,  which  being  at  all  times 
wholly  under  water,  are  as  efficient  in  a  rough  as  in  a  smooth  sea.  The 
machinery  by  which  these  fins  or  oars  are  wrought  is  simple,  and  entirely 
different  from  that  on  the  present  steam  boats.  It  can  be  wrought  either 
by  the  steam  or  by  the  hand,  can  be  shipped  or  unshipped  in  a  few  mi- 
nutes, and  may  be  fixed  on  ships  or  boats  of  any  size  or  construction.— 
From  a  trial  made  in  a  fishing  boat,  when  the  machinery  was  far  from 
being  in  its  present  complete  state,  it  was  found  that,  although  only 
wrought  by  one  man,  the  boat  to  which  the  machinery  was  attached  far 
outstrip!  one  of  the  same  size,  wrought  by  six  men.  For  vessels  dismasted, 
or  endeavouring  to  come  up  with,  or  escape  from  an  enemy,  in  a  calm,  or 
otherwise,  the  advantages  arising  from  having  this  valuable  machine  on 
board  are  incalculable.  A  model  has  been  sent  to  the  Board  of  Admiralty, 
for  their  inspection,  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Gordon. 

ADMIRAL   DUNCAN   AND   THE   DUTCH    GREENLAND-SHIPS. 

WHEN  stationed  off  the  Texel,  in  1795  or  6,  he  received  intelligence  that 
several  large  Greenland  ships,  belonging  to  the  merchants  of  Holland,  were 
fitting  out  at  Delfzyl,  under  the  Prussian  flag,  for  the  Greenland  whale  fish- 
ery ;  but,  knowing  that  the  ships  and  stores  would  scarcely  pay  the  proctor's 
bills,  nnd  expenses  of  condemnation,  the  admiral  determined  to  permit  them 
to  go  out,  and  catch  them  full  laden  ort  their  return.  Many,  however,  were 
detained,  and  sent  with  their  deceptive  papers  before  the  admiral,  who, 
after  a  deliberate  inspection,  and  apparently  serious  consultation  with  his 
officers,  advised  their  immediate  liberation  ;  and  away  went  the  poor 
Dutchmen,  highly  delighted  with  "  the  good  admit  a  I"  whose  conductinducfd 
them  to  hope  he  did  not  see  through  the  artifice,  and  believed  that  the 
were  Prussian  property, and  the  masters  and  crew — Prussian  mariners. 

Upon  the  return  of  the  fleet,  nothing  coujd  exceed  the  s'irpme  and  dis» 


CORRESPONDENCE.  36? 

•lay  of  the  Hollanders,  upon  being  detained  by  order  of  Admiral  Duncan, 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Eems,  and  ordered  to  Yarmouth  Roads  !  The  masters 
would  not  believe  it— they  insisted  upon  going  before  the  good  admiral,  who 
had  liberated  them  before,  and  told  them  they  might  go  to  the  fishery  in 
the  most  perfect  security  !  When  they  were  brought  before  Admiral  Dun- 
jcan,  he  congratulated  them  on  their  safe  return,  and  hoped  that  they  had 
been  fortunate.  The  masters  replied  in  the  affirmative,  and  reminding  him 
of  his  former  assurances,  claimed  their  release,  and  permission  to  enter  the 
Eems.  "  No,  no,  my  good  friends,"  said  the  admiral,  "  I  was  never 
deceived  by  your  false  papers,  and  false  flags  ;  but  you  were  empty,  and 
would  not  produce  enough  to  pay  the  proctor's  bills,  and  costs  of  condem- 
nation. I  therefore  told  you  you  might  go  in  safety  to  the  fishery,  with  ft 
view  to  catch  you  on  your  return,  when  you  would  be  better  worth  taking.'' 
They  were  sent  into  Yarmouth,  and  almost  every  ship  and  cargo  condemned 
to  the  captors. 

ISLAND    OF  JAVA — A    BLOOD-STAINED   THRONE ! 

AN  event  which  marks  in  the  strongest  manner  the  hatred,  jealousy,  and 
insensibility  to  remorse,  which  prevail  amongst  the  princely  families  of 
Asia,  took  place  in  1804,  at  Bantam,  in  the  island  of  Java  ;  where  one  of 
the  sons  of  the  king  who  lately  reigned,  in  the  dead  of  the  night,  found  his 
way  to  the  apartment  where  the  reigning  king  slept,  who  was  the  brother  of 
his  own  father,  and  with  the  sabre  of  the  sleeping  monarch,  pierced  his  left 
side  in  so  desperate  a  way,  that  he  died  instantly.  The  life  guards  of  the 
court  were  females ;  these,  by  their  shrill  cries,  awoke  the  queen,  and  rush- 
ing to  her  aid,  made  themselves  masters  of  the  murderer's  person,  but  not 
before  he  had  desperately  wounded  several  of  them.  The  day  following,  the 
murderer  perished  under  the  hands  of  an  executioner,  without  assigning  any 
motive  for  this  horrid  assassination.  A  brother  of  the  murderer  succeeded 
to  the  throne  of  him  that  was  murdered  :  but  he  was  scarcely  settled  upon 
the  blood-stained  throne,  before  a  near  relative  made  an  attempt  to  rob  him 
of  life  and  diadem  :  the  plan,  however,  failed  ;  and  the  conspirator  expi- 
ated his  crime  by  an  ignominious  death. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


TO  THE  RIGHT  HONOURABLE  THE  EARL  OF  LIVERPOOL, 
JJY  10RD>  London,  January  I,  1814. 

I  ADDRESS  you,  rather  than  the  First  Lord  of  the  Admiralty,  notwith- 
standing his  known  patriotism  and  abilities,  because,  as  presiding  over 
the  administration  of  the  country,  all  subjects  relative  to  her  present  or 
future  interests,    should   certainly  come  under  your  consideration,  and 
meet  that  attention  their  importance  ought  justly  to  claim. 

Your  Lordship  ha?  been  embarked  in  U*  vessel  «f  state  for  tl 


3G3  CORRESPONDENCE, 

twenty  years,  amidst  the  political  storms,  the  tremendous  tempests  of  revo- 
lution, overthrow  and  calamity,  that  have  desolated  Europe,  and  afflicted 
its  nations.  You  must,  therefore,  well  understand  what  part  the  naval 
power  of  Great  Britain  has  acted  during,  this  awful  and  eventful  period  ;— 
how  far  it  has  been  instrumental,  in  the  hands  of  Divine  Providence,  in 
preventing  the  overflowing  scourge  from  visiting  the  shores  of  this  island, 
towards  which  the  oppressed  nations  cast  their  eyes  as  their  last  hope  ;  and 
how  far  instrumental  in  gradually  paving  the  way  for  the  final  deliverance 
of  Europe. 

It  was  this  arm  of  her  power,  ray  Lord,  which,  amidst  the  wreck  of  na- 
tions, and  the  overthrow  of  mighty  empires  and  states,  brought  into  the 
ports  of  Great  Britain  the  treasures  of  the  whole  world.  It  was  the  Royal 
Navy  of  Great  Britain  that  prepared  the  way  for  the  glorious  fields  fought 
in  the  Peninsula,  and  the  laurels  that  adorn  the  brows  of  the  great  Welling- 
ton. It  was  the  ROYAI.  NAVY  of  Great  Britain  that  carried  the  terrors  of 
her  power  to  every  shore  ;  displayed  the  ensigns  of  her  strength  to  cheer 
desponding  nations ;  and  amidst  preponderating  gloom,  shed  a  never  fail- 
ing stream  of  hope. 

If  it  were  to  be  asked,  what  would  at  this  time  Iwe  been  the  situation 
of  Great  Britain,  had  not  her  victorious  fleets,  under  the  favour  of  Divine 
Providence,  protected  her  shores— been  a  shield  to  her  commerce  and  her 
numerous  colonies — what  answer  could  be  given  ? — If  it  cannot  be  denied 
that  Great  Britain  owes  her  safety  and  her  glory  PRINCIPALLY  to  the 
matchless  toils  and  heroism  of  her  seamen,  is  not  the  NEGLECTED — the 
DISTRESSED  CONDITION  of  her  NAVAL  DEFENDERS — «  national  reproach. 

Considering  the  many  centuries  that  have  elapsed  since  Britain  became 
conspicuous  on  the  ocean,  and  the  long  experience  she  has  had  of  the  value 
of  her  naval  power,  it  appears  strange,  that  no  means  have  ever  yet  been  de- 
vised for  securing  to  herself  the  exclusive  services  of  so  valuable  a  portion 
of  her  sons,  as  those  inured  to  the  sea,  and  accustomed  to  converse  with 
winds  and  waves. 

The  film  of  political  error  appears  here  to  have  darkened  the  eyes  of  her 
otherwise  able  statesmen.  As  soon  as  peace  has  come,  with  what  precipi- 
tancy do  they  disband  the  naval  force,  and  let  officers  and  men  loose  to  the 
four  quarters  of  the  globe  ;  the  latter  to  seek  employment;  many,  too  many, 
of  the  former,  to  seek  a  refuge  from  the  stigma  of  penury,  and  the  pinchings 
of  want. 

But  the  time  is  certainly  now  come,  which  ought  to  call  forth  the  serious 
attention — not  only  of  the  government  of  the  country,  bat  also  of  her  Legis- 
lative assemblies — to  a  subject  so  important  to  her  future  interests  ;  and  it 
may  be  said,  without  exaggeration,  interwoven  with  l*er  future  safety.  A 
people  sprung  from  herself—  speaking  the  same  language,  whose  naval, 
power  she  lias  clicribhed  by  unexampled  favour  and  forbearance  ;  but  whose 
policy  and  national  character  appear  widely  different;  this  nation  has 
stepped  forward  to  claim  it  a*  an  indisputable  right,  for  itself  to  seduce  her 
subject*  from  their  allegiance  by  every  means,  and  then  put  an»s  into- 
their  hands  to  assist  in  the  overthrow  of  their  own  country.  Thus  for- 
getting that  tU  naval  power  of  Britain  has  protected  even  Us  shores  from 


CORRESPONbENCE.  369 

./• 

invasion,  and  prevented  the  scourge  that  has  desolated  Europe—from 
vifciting  the  trnns-atlantic  shores. 

To  whatever  cause  any  one  may  think  proper  to  ascribe  the  defection  of 
a  portion  of  the  seamen  serving  in  the  British  Navy,  it  undoubtedly  ought 
to  be  the  earnest  solicitude  of  the  government  to  devise  means  for  the  pre- 
vention of  its  extending  in  future  to  any  decree  of  magnitude.  Unhappily 
for  the  country,  every  proposal  from  the  navy  to  the  government,  that  had 
in  view  the  consideration  of  the  present  inadequate  value  of  its  pay,  com- 
pared with  the  necessaries  of  life,  to  what  it  was  when  established,  has 
been  met  by  an  unaccountable  jealousy  ;  and  the  active  on  the  occasioa 
have  been  marked  as  peculiar  objects  of  dislike. 

Even  the  commissioned  officers,  in  their  respectful  applications,  have 
only  been  answered  by  the  frown  of  power  ;  and  to  this  impolitic  and  dun- 
gerous  temper,  may  be  ascribed,  in  no  small  degree,  that  alarming  mutiny 
in  1797,  which  made  the  British  power  tremble  to  its  centre. 

It  is  painful  to  allude  to  that  disgraceful  and  dangerous  period  of  our 
naval  history  ;  but,  my  Lord,  it  ought  ever  to  be  a  serious  warning  to  the 
•government  of  this  country,  to  prevent,  by  a  justifiable  liberality,  any  re- 
currence of  such  an  alarming  event. 

Amidst  the  great  depreciation  that  money  has  undergone  during  the  last  50 
years,when  compared  with  the  price  of  all  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  the  pro- 
vision that  has  accordingly  and  necessarily  been  made  in  the  salaries  of  those 
serving  the  state  in  officejj.  on  shore,  to  meet  the  unavoidable  exigencies  of 
life ;  it  is  wonderful,  with  what  a  parsimonious  hand  such  favours  have 
been  dealt  out  to  the  navy,  where  pence  have  appeared  to  be  considered  as 
equal  to  pounds  on  shore  ;  tens  equal  to  hundreds ;  and  hundreds  to  thou- 
sands. In  no  former  period  of  the  naval  history  of  the  country,  has  promo- 
tion been  dealt  out  with  so  liberal  a  hand  to  commissioned  officers  as  during 
the  last  twenty  years;  but  even  this  has  proved,  in  general,  not  a  very 
desirable  boon;  as  it  has  conferred  rank,  and  withheld  the  means  of  sup- 
porting it.  It  has  thrown  lieutenants  employed,  into  unemployed  com- 
manders ;  commanders  employed,  to  be  unemployed  post  captains;  post 
captains  employed,  to  unemployed  flag  officers  ;  unless  where  particular 
circumstances,  interest,  or  the  favour  of  power,  have  operated  to  the 
contrary. 

It  may  be  replied  to  this  statement,  that  it  could  not  be  avoided,  from 
the  number  of  officers  that  are  now  on  the  three  last  lists,  notwithstanding 
the  great  increase  to  the  navy.  This  very  answer,  if  given,  ought  to  point 
out  a  remedy.  If  to  testify  the  gratitude  of  the  country,  and  the  sense  of 
her  obligations  to  the  exertions  of  her  naval  power,  such  promotions  took 
place— is  this  gratitude,  my  Lord,  properly  manifested,  by  sending  the 
favoured  objects  to  languish  in  obscurity  ?  into  Mr.  Gibbon's  "  honourable, 
poverty  V  " 

When  I  began  to  write,  I  did  not  intend  to  touch  upon  the  temper  of  the 
country,  or  rather  of  her  ministers,  towards  the  greater  part  ot  the  com- 
missioned officers  of  the  navy  ;  but  I  have  naturally  fallen. irfito  it ;  and  no 
doubt,  my  Lord,  you,  and  and  all  Us  Majesty's  ministers,  must  be  anxious 

«.  <HOl.  XXXI.  3  a 


37O  CORRESPONDENCE. 

to  hear  what  is  their  real  and  undisguised  situation.  Those  who  have 
been  fortunate  enough  to  acquire  superiority  of  rank  by  timely  promotion 
in  the  service — those  who  have  fortunately  acquired  a  competency  by  prize- 
money — those  who,  by  the  favour  of  power,  have  had  lucrative  appoint- 
ments; may  feel  very  indifferent  to  the  urgent  and  crying  wants  of  others; 
they  may  even  join  in  the  plans  to  defeat  a  proper  representation  coming 
before  the  representatives  of  the  people  in  Parliament.* 

But,  my  Lord,  facts  are  the  best  witnesses.  During  King  William's 
reign,  the  lieutenants  in  the  navy  had  six  shillings  per  day.  The  reduction 
that  afterwards  took  place  to  four  shillings  full  pay,  and  two  shillings  half 
pay,  through  the  influence  of  some  illiberal  minds  in  power,  was  loudly  re- 
probated ;  and,  it  is  well  authenticated,  that  his  Majesty,  after  long  hesita- 
tion, with  great  reluctance,  was  prevailed  upon  to  sign  the  order. 

Haifa  century  since  it  was  found  indispensably  necessary  to  augment  the 
half  pay — lieutenants  to  3  shillings  per  day — commanders  to  six — postcap- 
tains  generally  to  eight — flag  officers  to  seventeen  and  sixpence;  not  to  men- 
tion a  few  of  the  two  last  ranks  at  the  top  of  their  respective  lists.  My  Lord, 
what  proportion  did  these  different  sums  bear,  at  that  time,  to  the  advanced 
pric^ofthe  necessaries  of  life,com  pared  with  what  the  halfpay  of  theseclnsses 
of  officers  dot*  at  the  present  day  ?  Superfluities  and  luxuries  are  altogether 
out  of  the  question.  Let  the  comparison  be  confined,  as  it  properly  ought—- 
to bread,  the  staff  of  life,  and  animal  food.  A  lieutenant  could  then  pur- 
chase a  bushel  of  wheat,  and  six  pounds  of  meat,  for  five  days  half  pay  ; 
a  commander  for  that  of  two  and  a  half;  a  post  captain  for  less  than  two 
days  ;  and  a  flag  officer  for  less  than  one.  How  stands  the  case,  my  Lord, 
in  the  present  dajt/*  More  than  half  the  lieutenants  and  commanders  have 
an  additional  sixpence  ;  but  the  operation  of  the  income  tax  lays  hold  of  a 
part  of  that,  and  renders  it  merely  nominal.  Nay,  if  they  have  a  little 
property  besides,  this  said  tax  squeezes  more  out  of  the  half  pay  of  com- 
manders, than  the  addition  mentioned. 

Those  who  roll  in  plenty  may  sneer  at  such  a  calculation ;  but  I  am 
persuaded  the  truth  will  make  too  much  impression  upon  your  Lordship's 
inmd,  to  suffer  you  to  join  in  such  an  unfeeling  display  of  mirth  ;  and  a  great 
portion  of  those  clashes  of  men  to  whon>it  relates,  know  too  well  its  im- 
portance to  them;  and  that  their  half  pay  in  the  present  day  bears  but  one 
third  proportion  to  the  indispensable  necessaries  of  life,  to  what  it  did  but 
thirty  years  ago. 

When  the  half  pay  was  last  augmented  in  1802,  hardly  any  one  believed, 
that  the  Minister,  or  First  Lord  of  the  Admiralty  of  the  day,  followed  the 
dictates  of  their  own  judgment  and  feelings;  but  were  overruled  in  these 
by  some  all-sufficient  office  idol,  who  perhaps  had  fattened  on  the  spoils  of 
his  country,  and  who  derided  the  feelings  of  the  most  valuable  of  her  sons, 
having  the  soul  of  a  shark,  and  the  feeling  of  the  scales  of  a  crocodile  !  So 
little  was  the  business  understood  when  mentioned  in  the  House  of  Com- 


-   *  This  wai  particularly  the  case  ia  179C,  when  the  lieutenants  were  tbu» 
defeated. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  57j 

mous,  that  even  some  of  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  did  not  clenrly  tinder- 
stand  its  import;  and  many  of  the  members  -jndsr.-iooii  the  different  small 
sums  mentioned  to  be  the  augmentation  to  the  former  half  pay. 

Before  I  quit  this  part  of  the  subject,  I  would  jwst  only  mention  to  your 
Lordship  a  circumstance  relating  to  the  widows  of  naval  officers,  which 
perhaps  has  never  been  duly  considered.  Why  should  they  be  subjected  loan 
oath  relating  to  any  property  of  which  they  may  be  possessed,  independant 
of  their  pensions,  more  than  the  widows  of  officers  in  the  army,  who  are  not 
subjected  to  any  such  declaration — but  merely  that  they  arc  widows.  As 
commissioned  officers  in  the  navy  pay  threepence  in  the  pound  out  of  their 
full  and  half  pay,  from  the  date  of  their  first  commissions,  or  warrants,  to 
the  fund  appropriated  .for  this  purpose,  why  should  not  their  widows  be 
entitled  to  the  full  benefit  arising  from  it,  as  long  as  they  continue  in  that 
state,  without  being  compelled  to  subterfuges,  if  they  possess  an  income 
equal  to  the  limitation  prescribed  ?  If  the  widow  of  a  warrant  officer  have 
60,  60,  or  80  pounds  a  year,  why  should  she  be  deprived  of  25,  30,  or 
40  pounds  pension  ?  If  the  widow  of  a  lieutenant,  commander,  or  post 
captain,  should  chance  to  be  possessed  of  an  income  of  100,  140,  or  160 
pounds  a  year,  why  should  she  be  deprived  of  a  pension  of  half  the  amount? 
Are  these  sums  such  great  considerations  in  the  present  day,  when  every 
necessary  of  life  is  so  greatly  advanced  in  price,  and  custom  has  imposed 
so  much  upon  the  rank  their  husbands  held  in  the  service  of  their  country  ? 
When  they  have  fallen,  cementing  her  glories  with  their  blood  ;  or  have 
wasted  the  ardour  of  their  youth,  to  promote  her  interests,  in  toils  inse- 
parable from  their  profession  ;  when  they  have  breathed  the  tainted  air  of 
inhospitable  climes,  or  have  perished  amidst  the  fury  of  conflicting  ele- 
ments, does  their  country  begrudge  this  mite  to  their  widows  and  fatherless 
children,  and  to  which  they  most  probably  had  long  contributed  ?  No, 
my  Lord,  Britons  disdain  the  thought ;  why  then  should  the  individual 
members  composing  his  Majesty's  government,  place  themselves  as  a  bar- 
rier against  the  compassion  and  generosity  of  the  nation. 

Relative  to  the  loss  the  British  navy  is  supposed  to  have  sustained  by  the 
emigration  of  her  seamen  in  times  of  peace,  and  th«ir  desertions  in  time 
of  war,  I  have  to  observe,  my  Lord,  that  every  wise  government  will  take 
into  consideration  the  feelings  of  human  nature  when  enacting  laws,  that 
the  obedience  and  services  of  subjects  may  be  ensured  by  interest  and 
affection,  more  than  by  fear.  Ought  not  then  the  inducements  to  enter 
into— and  to  continue  in  the  British  navy — to  be  more  inviting  to  her  sons 
of  the  ocean,  than  to  enter  into  that  of  any  other  nation  on  the  globe  ? 
and  more  particularly  that  of  America  ?  Were  it  to  be  said,  that  as  the 
American  ships  of  war  are  few — they  are  better  ahlt:  to  pay  them;  this 
might  be  a  specious  pretence,  but  would  be  far  from  sound  argument.  If 
the  navy  of  America  bear  no  proportion  to  that  of  Great  Britain,  neither 
do  the  causes  of  necessity;  neither  do  her  resources;  and  besides,  naval 
power  is  of  far  greater  consequence  tu  Britain  than  to  America. 

Our  principal  object  ought  to  be,  to  secure,  by  all  means,  real  and  expe- 
rienced seamen  for  the  service  of  their  country,  without  having  recourse  to 
the  present  mode  of  impressment,  in  its  present  extent ;  especially  at  the 


372  COKRESfONDENCE. 

commencement  of  hostilities,   when'  such  enormous  sums  are  paid  for 
bounties. 

I  cannot  at  the  present  moment  speak  correctly,  as  to  the  information 
government  has  hitherto  possessed  relative  to  seamen  leaving  these  king- 
doms on  the  return  of  peace,  or  at  any  other  period  ;  hut  the  security  of 
the  state  appears  to  require  such  information  to  no  small  degree  of  minute- 
ness; and  more  especially  at  the  present  crisis,  and  in  the  present  circum- 
stances of  the  world.  Could  there  be  any  difficulty  in  ascertaining  every 
man  on  hoard  of  the  merchant  ships  and  vessels  clearing  from  the  ports  of 
these  realms  ?  those  who  return  at  the  end  of  the  voyage  ?  and  the  reason 
of  any  deficiency  in  number  ?  These  returns  to  be  made  from  the  different 
Custom  houses  to  the  Navy  Office,  there  to  be  recorded,  as  a  sure  testi- 
mony of  every  man  in  the  mercantile  service  of  the  state,  from  the  time  of 
his  entering  as  apprentice,  or  otherwise;  and  where,  ifleft  in  any  foreign 
country,  and  the  cause  of  being  left,  as  well  as  every  death.  The  master 
of  every  merchant  vessel  to  be  made  responsible  by  law,  in  such  a  manner, 
as  to  act  as  a  strong  preventive  against  bad  usage  in  foreign  parts,  with  the 
intention  of  inducing  the  men  to  leave  the  vessels  to  which  they  belong,  in 
order  to  lessen  the  expense  of  the  voyage.  All  complaints  of  this  nature 
to  be  examined  into  by  the  government,  promptly  and  gratuitously,  in 
order  that  it  may  become  prosecutor,  if  necessary  evidence  can  be  found. 

Every  foreign  vessel  concealing  on  board,  or  attempting  to  carry  British 
seamen  from  the  shores  of  the  United  Kingdoms,  without  the  sanction  of 
government,  to  be  confiscated  upon  substantial  evidence  of  the  fact ;  a 
certain  portion  to  be  given  to  the  informer,  and  the  remainder  to  go  to 
the  current  expenses  of  the  state.  Every  master  of  a  merchant  vessel  be- 
longing to  the  United  Kingdoms,  attempting  to  carry  off  more  than  his 
proper  crew,  to  be  subjected  to  a  specified  fine,  to  be  in  like  manner 
applied. 

May  it  not  be  highly  politic  to  enrol  a  certain  number  of  seamen  for  the 
service  of  the  state  ?  One  third  of  these  to  serve  in  the  peace  establish- 
ment of  the  country  three  years;  and  to  be  relieved  as  soon  as  may  be  con- 
venient at  the  end  of  the  term  ;  so  that  every  man  enrolled,  or  as  many  of 
those  as  it  may  be  found  necessary  to  employ,  should  serve  on  board  of  the 
ships  and  vessels  of  war  three  years  out  of  nine.  Some  modifications 
might  be  adopted,  if  a  number  desired  to  continue  to  serve. 

If  the  peace  establishment  were  to  be  taken  at  thirty  thousand,  twenfj- 
six  thousand  seamen,  and  four  thousand  marines  ;  then,  according  to  this 
plan,  seventy-eight  thqusand  seamen  would  be  enrolled.  Taking  the 
expense  of  one  him  jred  aqd  forty  thousand  seamen  and  marines,  at  eigh- 
teen millions  sterling,  the  number  voted  for  the  present  year,  a  peace 
establishment  of  thirty  thousand  would  amount  to  less  than  four  millions. 
But  as  the  expense  of  victualling,  and  that  of  supplying  naval  stores, 
would  be  considerably  reduced,  it  might  be  estimated  at  a  quarter  less; 
but  let  it  be  supposed  three  millions— Then  the  remaining  fifty-two  thou- 
sand seamen  enrolled  ought  to  be  ensured  to  the  state  by  some  inducement, 
to  be  paid  at  the  eud  of  every  year,  upou  producing  certificates  of  good. 


COUKESPONDENCI.  373. 

behaviour  from  under  the  hands  of  those  with  whom  they  have  been 
serving. 

The  amount  of  the  retaining  fee  maybe  differently  rated  in  different 
minds ;  but  it  ought  to  have  two  objects  in  view,  attractive  influence  and 
economy:  and  these  two  ought  to  be  so  balanced,  that  the  one  should  n»: 
destroy  the  other;  but  the  preponderance  might  be  prudently  cast  into  the 
scale  of  attractive  influence;  if  this  were  lost,  the  whole  would  be  of  no 
effect.  Would  the  retaining  fee  be  too  little  at  two  shillings  and  sixpence 
per  week  ?  that  is,  six  pounds  ten  shillings  a  year.  This  would  cause  an 
additional  expense  of  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight  thousand  pounds  per 
annum  ;  so  that  a  peace  establishment  of  twenty-six  thousand  seamen  and 
four  thousand  marines,  with  the  stores  and  victualling  of  the  ships  and 
vessels  in  which  they  might  be  employed,  and  fifty-two  thousand  enrolled 
seamen  besides,  retained  at  the  rate  of  six  pounds  ten  shillings  each  man  a 
year,  would  amount  to  three  millions  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight  thou- 
fcand  pounds  sterling  ;  that  is,  above  fourteen  millions  and  a  half  less  than 
the  present  war  expenditure,  taking  it  at  eighteen  millions  sterling.  But 
if  the  expense  for  the  present  year  1814  were  taken  at  sixteen  millions,  a 
peace  establishment  of  the  number  of  men  mentioned,  would  amount  to 
less  than  three  millions  and  a  half;  and  a  quarter  being  deducted  from  this, 
for  the  reason  mentioned,  it  would  leave  something  less  than  two  millions 
six  hundred  thousand  pounds.  So  that  the  expense  of  the  enrolment  would 
not  make  the  sum  total  exceed  three  millions. 

What  would  be  an  additional  expense  of  four  hundred  thousand  pounds, 
or  even  half  a  million  a  year  to  the  nation,  compared  with  the  great  advan- 
tages she  would  derive  from  some  plan  of  the  kind  being  adopted  ?  When 
hostilities  should  commence,  all  bounties  to  the  sixty-four  thousand  seamon 
would  lie  saved,  and  other  expenses  attending  impressment.  The  country 
could  then  look  with  confidence  to  such  powerful  means  for  manning  her 
fleets;  and  the  seamen  would  lean  with  affection  and  reliance  on  their 
country.  Their  mind  would  contemplate  with  satisfaction  the  certain 
reward  of  good  behaviour,  when  returning  to  their  native  land  ;  and  when 
her  honour,  or  her  safety,  called  them  forth  to  arms,  can  it  be  supposed, 
that  the  general  body  would  delay  rushing  to  her  assistance,  with  the 
characteristic  ardour  of  British  Tars? 

My  Lord,  what  I  have  said  may  be  considered  as  a  general  outline  ;  but 
to  secure  to  the  navy  the  services  of  the  most  experienced  seamen,  who 
may  be  fit  for  the  offices  of  sail-makers,  rope-makers,  caulkers,  quarter- 
masters, boatswains'  mates,  gunners'  mates,  carpenters'  mates,  yeomen  of 
the  sheets,  captains  of  the  forecastle,  waste,  after-guard,  main  and  fore- 
tops,  and  quarter-gunners,  it  might  he.  necessary  to  hold  out  some  addi- 
tional allurement ;  as  these  offices  must  be  filled  by  able  men,  qualified  for 
the  duties  they  have  to  perform.  If  your  Lordship  have  not  already  pernstd 
what  Admiral  Patton  has  said  on  this  subject,  in  his  "  Natural  Defence  of 
an  Insulitr  Empire,"  it  certainly  may  be  worth  your  while. 

The  labours  of  men  to  serve  their  country  are  too  ofren  treated  with  erorn 
and  indifference  by  those  in  power ;  and  sot  at  nought  by  the  jealousy  and 
envy  of  those  of  their  own  profession.  Perhaps,  in  no  profession  is  this 


374  CORRESPONDENCE. 

evil  propensity  more  predominant  than  in  the  naval ;  superiority  of  rank  too 
often  looking  down  with  disdain  on  inferiors,  when  attempting  to  elucidate 
any  subject ;  and  crying  out,  "  Who  is  he  ?  What  does  he  knozc  of  the  sub~ 
ject  ?  Does  he  presume  to  inform  his  superiors  ?"  A  liberal  mind  like  your 
</wn,  my  Lord,  would  be  far  from  such  arrogance  of  sentiment;  because 
your  experience  must  have  taught  you  the  extreme  weakness  of  such  objec- 
tions—and that  nature  does  not  reserve  all  her  gifts  for  the  favourites  of 
fortune;  and  surely,  my  Lord,  the  opinion  of  a  British  Admiral  may  claim 
some  attention  from  his  Majesty's  government,  when  it  is  on  a  subject  so 
important  to  the  country. 

My  Lord,  the  experience  of  the  necessity  of  some  plan  being  adopted, 
ought  surely  to  speak  a  language  more  plain  and  intelligible  than  all  the 
whispers  of  selfish  and  insinuating  men  that  may  hang  about  the  Court ; 
who,  if  they  can  obtain  favour,  and  serve  their  own  ends,  will  ever  say 
what  they  think  will  be  most  pleasing  and  palatable  to  power:  and  how 
often  have  the  real  interests  of  kingdoms  and  states  been  sacrificed  for  this 
very  reason  ;  where  the  truth  has  been  disguised  or  concealed,  because  it 
might  be  disagreeable  to  the  ear  of  dominion.  Hence  nations  have  been 
materially  injured  in  different  ways  ;  some  brought  to  the  brink  of  destruc- 
tion ;  and  others  absolutely  broken.  How  few  have  the  integrity  on  such 
occasions  to  say,  "  knowest  thou  not  yet  that  Egypt  is  destroyed  ?" 

How  often,  my  Lord,  have  the  most  valuable  servants  of  states  been 
neglected  and  oppressed  by  selfish  and  illiberal  minded  men,  whose  opinions 
influenced  the  decrees  of  power  ?  Would  it  be  going  too  far  to  say,  that 
the  British  Navy  is  a  striking  proof  of  this  truth  at  the  present  day  ?  Thig 
cannot  be  allowed,  especially  if  the  statements  of  the  public  papers  be  at 
all  correct,  which  report,  that  upon  an  application  of  the  Captains  of  his 
Majesty's  Navy,  for  mi  increase  of  pay,  a  certain  man  exclaimed,  "  So  do 
the  scavenger  want  an  increase  to  their  pay."  If  such  a  distinguished  body 
of  brave  men — respected  and  honoured  by  all  nations  more  than  they  thus 
appear  to  be  by  their  own — could  be  treated  with  such  arrogant  disdain, 
what,  my  Lord,  may  any  representation  of  the  inferior  classes  of  officers 
be  supposed  to  meet  from  snch  haughty  and  overbearing  demeanour  ? 

No  doubt,  my  Lord,  you  will  be  ready  to  allow,  that  the  Captains  in  the 
Navy  had — and  have  strong  claims  to  an  increase  of  pay  and  half  pay  ; 
from  the  change  that  has  taken  place  in  the  value  of  money ;  from  the 
operation  of  the  property  tax,  which  takes  out  of  the  pay  of  a  captain  of  a 
ship  ot  the  line,  about  three  shillings  and  sixpence  per  day  ;  and  one  shilling 
and  five  pence  out  of  that  of  the  commander  of  a  sloop  of  war.  These,  my 
Lord,  are  formidable  and  serious  deductions  from  the  pay  of  officers,  who, 
by  the  custom  of  the  service  in  which  they  are  employed,  must  keep  a  sepa- 
rate table,  at  which  their  officers  eat ;  and  to  which  expense  no  officer  com- 
manding a  regiment  in  the  land  service  is  exposed.  They  had  also  a  strong 
claim  to  an  increase  of  pay,  on  account  of  one  eighth  of  iheir  prize-money 
being  taken  fruin  them  ;  said  by  the  projectors,  "  to  be  for  the  itood  of  his 
Mttjcsty's  snrice."  Hoxv  far  the  service  has  been  benefited  by  the  plan,  I 
will  not  pretend  to  decide  ;  but  no  man  can  hesitate  in  deciding — that  those 
who  were  thus  deprived  even  of  a  beneficiul  chance,  bad  an  undoubted 


CORRESPONDENCE.  375 

right  to  expect  some  equivalent  in  return.  Can  justice  attempt  to  deny 
this?  May  it  not  then  be  said,  that  they  were  treated  with  the  greatest 
indignity,  by  the  purse  and  office-proud  creature  who  ventured  to  make 
such  an  observation  as  that  recorded  in  the  public  papers,  on  their  respect- 
ful application  to  his  Majesty's  government,  for  that  to  which  they  had, 
and  have,  so  many  just  claims? 

Many  have  been  of  opinion — and,  my  Lord,  they  must  have  had  good 
reasons  for  forming  such  an  opinion— that  not  a  few  of  the  illiberal  plans 
adopted  towards  that  navy,  which  first  arrested  the  progress  of  overwhelm- 
ing France;  drove  back  her  destroying  power;  uttered  the  mighty  thunders 
of  Britain's  voice  to  the  desponding  nations,  and.opened  the  way  for  their  de- 
liverance—I say,  it  has  been  believed  by  many,  that  not  a  few  of  the  illiberal 
plans  applied  io  this  arm  of  our  power,  that  has  encircled  the  nation  with 
the  rays  of  lasting  fame,  and  shed  upon  her  Diadem  die  blaze  of  unfading 
glory,  have  proceeded  from  the  selfish  and  temporizing  spirit  of  tome  of  the 
puisne  sea-lords — who  have,  at  different  times,  assisted  at  the  Admiralty 
Board,  combined  with  the  want  of  proper  information  by  their  head,  of 
the  real  situation  of  this  important  branch  of  the  public  service.  But  if 
it  does  not  proceed  from  want  of  due  information  in  some  of  the  First 
Lords  who  have  presided  at  the  Admiralty,  it  must  have  proceeded  from 
an  obstinate  adherence  to  a  line  of  conduct  that  shuts  its  ears  against  all 
warrantable  and  respectful  representations  of  the  change  of  times  since 
the  pay  and  half  pay  of  the  Nnvy  were  duly  considered  by  the  government. 
Of  this  the  late  Viscount  Melville  was  fully  aware,  when  at  the  head  of 
the  naval  administration  ;  he  therefore  arranged  a  plan  that  should  com- 
municate its  beneficial  influences  to  all  branches  of  the  service,  and  began 
where  it  was  likely  to  attract  the  least  notice,  namely,  with  the  surgeons. 
The  pay  of  this  class  of  officers  being  so  much  advanced,  it  must  then  be 
apparent  that  other  classes  had  an  equal  claim  to  the  same  favour,  and 
amongst  these — their  commanders.  But — unfortunately  for  the  service,  be- 
fore this  plan  could  be  carried  into  effect,  political  circumstances  compelled 
him  to  quit  his  situation.  This  may  have  been  just ;  but  it  was,  and  has 
been  a  cause  of  lasting  lamentation  to  the  Royal  Navy.  Might  it  not 
be  hoped,  my  Lord,  that  his  son,  the  present  Viscount  Melville,  who  rfow 
presides  at  the  head  of  the  naval  administration,  is  actuated  by  the  same 
patriotic  and  liberal  sentiments,  which  influenced  his  father,  to  wipe  off 
the  stain  of  disgrace  that  attaches  to  the  country  in  the  present  inadequate 
pay  of  her  naval  officers  ? 

To  efiect  this,  your  Lordship,  and  the  Noble  Lord  at  the  head  of  the 
Admiralty  Board,  must  be  cautious  whom  you  consult  ;  they  must  be  nei- 
ther court  sycophants,  nor  rapacious  place  hunters,  nor  craving  depen- 
dants, who  would  besiege  you  with  an  host  of  plausibilities,  and  whine 
about  the  burthens  of  the  country,  while  they  would  pluck  that  country 
bare  to  the  rump — to  enrich  themselves  and  connections  !  You  have  only 
to  be  persuaded  of  the  necessity  of  the  case,  to  consult  your  own  unbiassed 
friends,  and  to  execute  your  plan  :  no  one  would  dare  to  invade  the  public 
ear  with  a  murmur  at  an  act  of  justice,  which  the  unanimous  voice  of  the 
nation  requires. 


376  CORRESPONDENCE. 

My  Lord,  had  those  representations,  which  have  been  respectfully,  and 
even  humbly  submitted  to  his  Majesty's  government,  received  that  attention 
they  deserved,  it  is  more  than  probahle,  that  the  dangerous  mutinies  thac 
have  agitated  the  Navy,  and  justly  alarmed  the  country,  at  different  times, 
but  more  particularly  since  the  commencement  of  the  French  Revolution, 
would  not  have  been  known  ;  uor  would  the  nation  have  been  a  farthing 
poorer  at  the  present  day.  , 

While  government  shut  its  ears  to  the  earnest  representations  of  the 
officers — the  storm  was  gathering  ;  and  when  it  arose,  like  all  outrageous 
tempests — deaf  to  the  voice  of  reason  and  of  supplication,  it  extorted  what 
was  unnecessary  in  the  article  of  provisions — the  value  of  which  would 
have  been  far  more  beneficially  and  satisfactorily  applied  in  an  advance  of 
pay.  Besides  the  beneficial  influences  of  such  a  measure  upon  the  naval 
service  in  general,  it  would  have  saved  great  sums  to  the  country  since  that 
period  ;  because  the  increase  of  provisions  would  perhaps  have  more  than 
defrayed  a  satisfactory  advance  of  wages,  whereas  it  is  now  lost  to  the 
country,  without  benefiting  the  individuals  to  whom  it  has  been  given.* 

Your  Lordship  knows  enough  of  human  nature  to  believe,  that  men, 
placed  in  confidential  situations,  ought  not,  if  it  can  be  by  any  mearts  avoid- 
ed, to  he  hardly  pressed  by  temptation  to  betray  their  trust.  Therefore, 
their  employers  ought  ever  seriously  to  consider  the  nature  of  their  scrvi- 
ce«,  and  what  in  justice  should  be  considered  a  proper  compensation  for 
them.  My  Lord  how  stands  this  case  with  respect  to  the  warrant  officers 
in  the  Navy,  entrusted  with  all  the  stores  on  board  of  his  Majesty's  ships 
of  war  ?  What  proportion  does  their  present  pay  bear  to  the  necessaries  of 
life  to  what  it  did  a  century  ago  ?  This  is  the  only  sure  criterion  by  which 
the  government  can  judge  of  the  situation  of  officers  and  men;  all  others 
must  be  fallacious,  let  the  representations  come  from  whom  they  may. 
Your  Lordship  must  be  aware,  from  experience,  that  the  necessaries  of  life 
are  trebled  ii;  price  to  what  they  were  fifty  years  ago  ;  therefore,  warrant 
oftcers,  who  at  that  time  had  fifty  or  sixty  pounds  a  year,  would  not  be 
as  well  paid  now  with  an  hundred  and  twenty.  He  who  then  attempts  to 
prove,  if  any  inch  there  be,  that  stronger  temptations  to  embezzlement  do 
not  now  exist  than  formerly,  proves  his  ignorance  of  human  nature, 
however  speciously  he  may  set  forth  his  arguments.  You  must  then  be  sen- 
sible, my  Lord,  that  these  offices  have  considerably  declined  in  real 
value,  as  well  as  in  the  estimation  of  those  who  ought  to  be  competitors  to 
fill  them,  and,  of  necessity ,  in  the  same  proportion  must  have  lost  their  for- 
mer respectability. 

Are  not  these  officers  expected  to  make  some  show  on  board  according  to 
their  rank  ?  and  their  wives  and  children  ought  not  to  be  confounded  in  the 
eyes  of  the  country  with  the  lowest  order  of  the  community.  Hut  in  the 
present  rale  of  provisions,  and  which  must  be  expected  long  to  continue, 

*  It  is  probable,  thai  if  the  proposal  was  made  to  the  Navy,  toaecept  of  the 
old  e»tabli.«lmicnt  of  provisions,  and  an  increase  of  wages,  thai  il  would  be  tha;ik- 
luily  accepted  by  officers  and  latu.  But  this  advance  ou^iit  to  be  LbtraJ,  a-.id 
beaming  the  nation. 


CORRESPONDENCE,  377 

\vhat  can  the  boatswain,  gunner,  and  carpenter,  to  whom  I  allude,  even  of 
ships  of  the  line,  be  supposed  capable  of  allowing  for  the  maintenance  of 
their  families  on  shore,  after  exercising  the  most  rigid  economy  on  board 
with  respect  to  themselves  ?  And  what  must  be  the  case  with  respect  to 
those  serving  in  frigates  and  sloops  of  war? 

Is  there  any  man,  my  Lord,  who  w^uld  plead  the  debt  of  the  nation  as 
a  reason  why  the  nation  should  withhold  that  justice  due  from  her  to  her 
Havy,  to  which  she  owes,  under  Divine  Providence,  her  present  proud  and 
elevated  rank?  If  such  a  man  can  be  found,  his  powers  of  reasoning 
must  be  strangely  confused;  because  that  debt  is  the  cause  it$etj'\vhy  the 
pay  of  the  navy  is  of  less  value  now  than  formerly.  Other  professions 
have  the  means  in  their  hands  for  meeting  the  exigencies  of  the  times ; 
but  here  the  case  is  totally  different.  If  half  the  taxes  that  are  now  levied 
were  to  be  abolished  at  the  return  of  peace,  according  to  the  receipts  of 
1813,  the  revenue  would  still  amount  to  thirty  millions  sterling  a-year  ! 
a  greater  revenue  than  any  country  ever  possessed  by  ordinary  means; 
and  would  it  not  be  greater  in  proportion,  even  to  the  present  extended 
and  formidable  state  of  the  British,  navy,  than  at  any  former  period  of 
peace  ? 

In  the  last  year  of  King  William,  a  year  of  war,  the  revenue  amounted 
to  little  more  than  three  millions  and  a  half;  yet  more  than  one  million  of 
this  was  voted  for  the  sea  service,  exclusive  of  the  ordnance.  Allowing  it, 
in  1814,  to  amount  to  eighteen  millions,  and  the  permanent  andwar  taxes 
to  sixty  millions,  still  it  will  not  bear  a  greater  proportion  to  the  revenue 
than  at  that  period.  But,  with  a  revenue  of  thirty  millions  and  peace, 
and  the  naval  service  requiring  only  four  millions,  this  expenditure  for  the 
navy  would  only  bear  half  the,  proportion  to  the  revenue  as  it  did  in  1701. 
Any  arguments  that  are  drawn  from  this  source,  to  plead  the  want  of 
means  in  the  revenue  must  be  erroneous. 

Your  Lordship  may  cast  in  your  mind  that  embezzlement  must  at  last 
appear  in  the  returning  of  stores.  Ah,  my  Lord,  you  move  in  the  higher 
circles,  where  many  things  have  never  come  to  your  ears ;  where  your 
eyes  hr^ve  never  seen  what  concerns  every  minister  of  this  country  to 
know - .-- -*.. * * 

While  speaking  of  the  expenditure  of  stores,  it  may  not  be  amiss  to 
notice  to  what  the  commanders  of  all  H.M.  ships  are  subjected,  in  keeping 
counterparts  of  the  expense  of  all  stores  on  board  of  the  ships  they  com- 
mand, as  a  check  upon  the  different  officers  in  behalf  of  the  country. 
These  accounts  must  be  passed  every  year;  that  is,  examined  at  the 
different  offices,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  stores,  and  approved  of, 
before  they  can  receive  that  part  of  their  pny  denominated  compensation; 
and  if  any  illogal,  or  even  extraordinary  expense,  appear  sanctioned  by 
them,  without  what  may  be  considered  at  those  offices  a  proper  reason 
to  justify  the  same,  they  are  accountable  for  it  with  their  pay;  and  this 
responsibility  follows  them  on  shore,  and  attaches  to  their  halt  pay. 
Yet  they  must  pay  for  passing  this  ordeal,  a  captain  of  a  first-rate 
pounds  sterling  per  annum,  and  for  every  rate  in  proportion,  down  t. 

.  Wol.  XX XL  3  c 


378  CORRESPONDENCE. 

lieutenant  commanding  a  gun.  brig  or  other  small  vessel,  who  pays  five 
guineas.1*  My  Lord,  if  any  person  employee  on  shore,  in  an  office  under 
government,  who,  besides  other  important  duties,  had  to  keep  a  check  on- 
a  considerable  expenditure  of  stores,  and  were  severally  made  responsible 
for  iheir  proper  application,  would  it  not  be  deemed  an  indispensable  act 
of  justice,  with  this  additional  duty  and  responsibility,  to  add  some 
adequate  emolument  by  way  of  compensation,  instead  of  making  htm  pay 
for  passing  his  accounts  ? 

The  commanders  of  II.  M.  ships  derive  no  emolument  whatever  from 
the  expenditure  of  stores,  unless  in  small  vessels,  where  they  act  as  pursers, 
and  then  their  wages  often  pay  for  their  ignorance  of  this  office,  instead  of 
finding  it  beneficial.  This  additional  drawback  on  the  commanders  of  all 
denominations,  for  passing  their  accounts,  which,  with  the  property  tax, 
drains  out  of  the  pay  of  a  captain  of  a  ship  of  the  line,  fourscore  pounds 
sterling  per  annum,  might  be  expected  to  be  borne  by  the  country,  by 
making  a  just  allowance  for  the  same,  as  well  as  all  other  drawbacks.  It 
is  a  novel  fiction  in  the  fleets  and  armies  of  nations,  to  make  the  officers 
pay  out  of  the  pay  for  their  personal  services,  to  help  to  pay  themselves.  Yet 
to  this  they  have  willingly  submitted,  in  the  day  of  extreme  peril  to  their 
country  ;  and  have  struggled  hard  with  penury  as  vrell  as  with  her  mortal 
enemies;  shall  she  then  be  ungrateful,  and  presume  upon  their  patriotism? 

There  cannot  be  much  less  paid  yearly  by  the  commanders  of  H.M. 
ships  and  vessels  of  war,  for  passing  their  accounts,  than  eight  thousand 
pounds;  since  the  commencement  of  war,  in  1792,  this  will  amount  to 
one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  pounds  ;  but  call  it  only  one  hundred  and 
thirty  thousand  ;  this  great  sum  has  been  thus  wrung  from  this  class  of  offi- 
cers and  their  families,  and  gone  to  enrich  agents  and  clerks  in  office  !  This- 
may  be  generous—  -but  it  cannot  be  just.  It  is  not  meant  but  those  who 
receive  it  may  deserve  the  remunerations  mentioned  for  the  business 
transacted  ;  then  this  remuneration  appears  more  justly  to  belong  to 
another  quarter  —  than  where  it  is  chargeable  at  present.- 

Now  that  peace  is  on  the  point  of  being  established,  might  it  not  be 
proper,  my  Lord,  to  dispose  of  the  navy  in  a  different  manner  from  what 
has  been  the  custom  hitherto  during  periods  of  repose  ?  I  menu  as  to  regu- 
lation. Instead  of  only  employing  masters  to  superintend  so  many  ships, 
formed  into  divisions,  might  it  not  be  more  beneficial  to  the  naval  service 
in  general,  if  those  divisions  were  to  be  superintended  by  post  captains" 
and  commanders?  the  former  over  ships  of  the  line,  the  latter  over  fourth 
rates  and  cutters?  Every  supernitendant  of  a  division  to  have  an  hundred 
pounds  per  annum,  besides  his  half-pay,  and  to  be  allowed  two  servants. 
A  lieutenant  to  be  in.  every  ship  of  the  line,  with  an  allowance  of  two 
shillings  and  sixpence  a  day,  besides  his  half-pay  ;  a  midshipman,  who  has* 
served  tiis  time,  in  sloops  of  war.  All  the  men  employed  on  board,  al 


*  In  gun-brigs  the  lieutenants  are  charged  with  all  the  stores  ;  but  there  are 
oilier  ships  commanded  bj  lieutenants,  such  as  prison-ships,  sture-jbrpf,  &c. 
•*>.ic  >ay  what  i«  rueutioued. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  379 

fwesent  denominated  "  ordinary  men,"  to  be  taken  from  the  number 
enrolled ;  the  whole  to  be  subject  to  martial  law,  and  immediately  "under 
the  direction  of  the  Admiralty  Board.  The  seamen  thus  serving  on  board 
ef  the  ships  in  ordinary,  being  taken  from  the  number  enrolled,  would 
considerably  lessen  the  expense  under  that  head  ;  and  the  officers  em- 
ployed as  mentioned  would  be  a  great  relief  to  the  service,  without  in  any 
sensible  manner  adding  to  the  expenditure  of  the  country;  and  there 
would  be  a  number  of  men  and  officers  at  every  port,  ready  upon  all 
.emergencies. 

In  order  that  the  men  should  be  kept  expert,  they  might,  in  certain 
numbers,  by  turns,  be  sent  annually  on  board,  to  assist  in  rigging  out  the 
guard  ships,  when  judged  necessary  to  send  those  to  sea  for  the  exercising 
of  their  crews;  and  those  in  ordinary  might  be  relieved  every  three  years, 
as  well  as  those  in  guard-ships,. cruizers,  and  those  on  foreign  stations. 

My  Lord,  the  observations  1  have  offered  for  your  consideration  have 
not  been  written  with  the  most  distant  view  of  exciting  discontent,  Lut  the 
.contrary.  Your  Lordship  rauat  be  sensible  that  the  navy  in  the  present 
day  is  on  a  very  different  footing,  with  respect  to  pay,  to  what  it  was  but 
£fty  years  since ;  why,  then,  should  any  representation,  which  has  justice 
on  its  side,  be  ungraciously  received  by  his  Majesty's  ministers  ?  yet  this 
has  generally  been  the  case.  I  believe  I  may  venture  to  affirm  with  safety 
thatj  know  enough  of  the  general  feeling  of  the  country  on  this  head,  to 
assert,  that  there  is  not  even-acobler  in  his  stall  who  would  begrudge  his 
mite  towards  assisting  in  a  plan  honourable  to  his  country,  in  ameliorating 
the  present  state  of  her  naval  forces,  provided,  always  provided,  my  Lord, 
Ue  was  assured  it  was  applied  to  that  purpose,  and  to  that  purpose  only. 

No  one  need  expect  to  make  public  observations  on  any  matter  relating 
to  his  country  without  subjecting  himself  to  animadversion,  and,  perhaps, 
|o  unmerited  censure;  those  on  professional  subjects  more  especially, 
must  expect  the  carpings  of  JittJe  minds,  jeajous  of  their  knowledge ;  and 
who,  unhappily  for  their  country,  being  possessed  of  power,  or  the  ear  of 
power,  may  succeed  in  turning  its  current  against  her  best  interests.  But, 
my  Lord,  it  is  a  great  relief  to  my  mind  to  know  that  your  Lordship  is  far 
above  being  influenced  by  any  such  motives;  but  yet  you  are  not  out  of 
the  danger  of  being  deceived  by  the  representations  of  others,  whom  you 
may  believe  to  be  actuated  by  the  same  spirit  as  yourself,  but  who  have 
neither  your  zeal,  your  liberality  of  sentiment,  nor  your  patriotism.  But, 
as  I  took  up  my  pen  for  a  very  different  reason  thuft  to  enter  into  such 
/Vbservations,  I  shall  conclude,  by  subscribing  myself, 

Your  Lordship's  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

<  . 

rwn* 


380  CORRESPONDENCE. 

MR.  EDITOR,  March  19th,  1814. 

fW^O  confirm  what  I  have  already  advanced  respecting  Mr.  Bass,  I  beg 
JL  leave  to  subjoin  M.  Peron's  (the  writer  of  a  French  voyage  of  disco- 
very prosecuted  during  the  years  1300,  1, 2,  3,  and  4),  account  of  that  enter- 
prising character.*  "  Amongst  the  most  enterprising  characters  who  have 
yet  appeared  in  the  southern  colonies  of  England,  must  be  placed  Mr.  Bass, 
the  surgeon  of  H.M.S.  Reliance,  the  same  who,  in  a  slight  whale  sloop,  ad- 
ventured in  an  unknown  sea,  and  discovered  that  famous  Strait,  to  which 
public  gratitude  has  amxed  his  name.  This  extraordinary  man  also 
attempted  to  pass  the  Blue  Mountains  ;  and  in  the  month  of  June,  1796, 
he  set  off,  accompanied  by  a  small  number  of  men  of  courage  and  skill : 
never  was  more  hardihood  displayed  than  on  this  occasion  ;  with  his  arms 
and  feet  protected  by  iron  crotchets,  Mr.  Bass  several  times  escaJaded  hor- 
rible perpendicular  mountains  :  being  oftep  stopped  by  precipices,  he 
caused  himself  to  be  Jet  down  by  ropes  into  their  abysses  ;  but  even  his 
resolution  was  of  no  avail,  and  after  fifteen  days  of  fatigue  and  unparalleled 
danger,  he  returned  to  Sydney,  confirming,  by  his  own  failure,  all  that  had 
been  asserted  of  the  impossibility  of  going  beyond  those  extraordinary 
ramparts." 

I  now  offer  a  true  account  of  the  cause  which  led  to  the  massacre  of  some 
of  the  crews  belonging  to  the  French  frigates  Boussole  and  Astrolabe, 
whilst  watering  at  one  of  the  Navigators  islands.  Mr.  Bass,  after  quitting 
the  naval  service,  traded  in  a  small  brig  called  the  Venus,  from  Port  Jack- 
son to  the  South  Sea  Isles  for  pork,  and  the  following  account  was  delivered 
to  roe  by  a  person  who  accompanied  him  in  all  his  excursions: — In  one  of 
these  voyages,  he  touched  at  the  Navigators  islands  tor  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  a  supply  of  refreshments,  where  he  learnt  that  his  vessel  was  the 
only  one  which  had  visited  these  islands  since  the  lamented  Perouse. 
\Vhilsl  the  people  of  the  Venus  were  trafficking  with  the  natives  for  vegeta- 
bles, they  observed  a  man,  whose  appearance  differed  very  much  from  that 
pf  any  of  the  islanders,  endeavouring,  with  great  earnestness,  to  make  his 
way  through  the  crowd  that  surrounded  the  vessel  in  their  canoes;  which, 
After  effecting,  he  requested  in  English  to  be  admitted  on  board  ;  this  was 
immediately  granted,  and  upon  inquiry,  he  was  found  to  be  an  English- 
man, who  had  been  left  at  Tongataboq,  one  of  the  Friendly  Islands,  by  the 
master  of  an  American  vessel  trading  Iq  that  group,  and  had  readied  these 
glands  in  a  most  singular  manner.  It  appeared  from  his  relation,  that  the 
American  captain  was  of  a  violent  and  overbearing  disposition, t  with 
whom  he  could  not  agree,  and  that  he  had  voluntarily  requested  to  be 
placed  mi  shore,  rather  than  endure  the  ill  will  ot  such  a  master  ;  this  it 
seems  was  readily  consented  to  by  the  American,  who  perhaps  was  happy 
to  get  rid  of  fc  troublesome  character.  About  twelve  months  afterward:., 

»  June,  1802.— 19th  chapter, -289th  page;  published  by  P..  Phillips,  Bridge, 
street,  Blackfriars. 

t  It  is  very  probable  the  man  himself  had  acted  improperly,  but  did 
to  confess  it. 


CORRESPONDENCZ.  361 

whilst  he  was  employed  in  a  large  canoe  with  three  natives  in  catching  deep 
water  fish  some  distance  from  the  shore,  a  severe  gale  of  wind  came  on. 
«o  suddenly,  in  a  direction  from  the  land,  that  all  their  efforts  to  regain  it 
proved  ineffectual ;  the  breeze  increased,  and  the  sea  rose  as  night 
approached  ;  and  being  exhausted  from  the  great  exertion  they  had  used  in 
their  endeavours  to  reach  the  shore,  no  alternative  being  left  them,  they 
gave  themselves  up  entirely  to  the  mercy  of  the  waves,  which,  after  tossing 
them  about  for  three  days,  began  to  abate;  the  wind  lessened,  and  land 
being  in  sight,  they  renewed  their  exertions,  and  providentially  reached  it  be- 
fore a  second  storm  commenced  ;  they  were  not  a  little  surprised  at  finding 
themsci  ves  transported  to  the  island  of  Moina,  the  largest  of  the  Navigator* 
isles,  and  some  hundred  miles  from  Tongataboo ;  since  this  event  occurred, 
seven  years  had  elapsed,  and  from  not  having  any  persons  with  whom  he 
could  converse  in  his  native  tongue,  he  had  nearly  forgotten  the  use  of  it, 
frequency  introducing  a  sentence  of  the  island  language,  without  noticing 
that  he  was  blending  one  with  the  other.  He  had  lived  happily  with  one 
woman  during  his  residence  here,  and  had  several  children  by  her,  appear- 
ing quite  resigned  *  to  his  mode  of  life,  aud  speaking  of  the  natives  as  a 
friendly  race  of  people,  He  related  to  Mr.  Bass  an  account  of  the  massacre 
of  the  Count  de  Langle,  and  others,  belonging  to  theTrench  frigates  under 
the  orders  of  that  distinguished,  but  unfortunate  navigator,  M.  de  la 
Perouse,  ajjd  which  circumstance  was  quite  fresh  in  the  minds  of  the 
natives  when  he  first  landed  there,  about  twelve  years  after  the  French 
had  quitted  it.  It  appears  that  the  cause  which  led  to  that  unfortunate 
affair  was  not,  as  stated  by  the  French,  the  liberty  taken  with  the  native 
females,  but  was  occasioned  by  an  indignity  offered  to  one  of  their  chiefs 
whilst  on  board  one  of  the  ships.  The  chief  went  off  to  pay  his  visit,  car- 
rying  with  him  a  roasted  pig  wrapped  up  in  plantain  leaves,  with  an  inlen- 
tion^of  presenting  it,  if  something  suitable  was  offered  in  return;  for 
which  purpose,  he  was  very  solicitous  that  the  French  officer  of  the  deck 
should  receive  it  from  him,  but  the  officer,  having  the  duty  of  the  ship  to 
attend  to  (as  may  be  supposed),  paid  no  regard  to  his  importunities,  until 
he  became"  very  troublesome,  when  turning'  to  this  chief,  he  endeavoured 
to  explain  that  he  did  not  want  the  pig,  and  pointed  to  some  other  person, 

*  How  itrange  it  is  that  a  man  should  thus  willingly  consent  to  exile  himself 
from  the  civilized  vorid,  and  resign  for  ever  those  ties  which  must  naturally  bind 
him  to  Ins  native  country ;  and  is  it  not  still  more  surprising,  after  s>  lup»e  of 
years,  when  we  raigh.t  reasonably  suppose  the  recollection  of  past  scenes  would 
bring  pain  and  regret  with  it,  that  this  man  should  have  ft  It  neither;  but  on  the 
contrary,  when  an  opportunity  offered  for  his  return,  that  he  should  reject  it  w,th 
indifference  ;  preferring  the  liberty  with  that  plenty  which  he  then  enjoyed,  to  .he 
Chance  of  forfeiting  both  by  returning  to  his  native  home  !  The  charms  of  dome*, 
tic  quiet,  where  little  exertion  be  required,  is  too  enchanting  when  once  enjojed. 
to  be  easily  yielded  by  tho/e  whose  former  lives  have  heen  subject  to  the  pami 
,ubord. nation  and  Comparative  slavery  ;  though  perhaps  the  strongest 
which- influenced  his  mind  to  fix  on  so  strange  a  resolution  as  lhat  uf  lumamir* 
fte  rest  ef  hjs  days  at  JMoina  was,  the  connection  which  he  had  formed  there. 

:  • 


CORRESPONDENCE, 

who  would  be  more  willing  to  satisfy  hig  wishes ;  but  the  chief  did  no-l, 
(more  probably  would  not)  understand  the  warning,  but  still  kept  teazing 
the  poor  lieutenant,  whose  patience  being  worn  out,  unsheathed  his  sword, 
giving  the  chief  a  stroke  with  its  flat  side  across  his  back;  this  it  seems  had 
110  other  effect  than  that  of  procuring  the  officer  a  momentary  relief  from 
his  pressing  solicitations,  for,  after  a  short  interval,  the  chief  again  renewed 
his  intreaties,  which  (as  we  may  easily  imagine)  so  provoked  the  lieutenant, 
that  drawing  his  sword  again,  he  inflicted  a  wound  on  the  shoulders  of  the 
persevering  chief,  who,  when  he  saw  his  blood  flow,  was  so  alarmed,  that 
be  immediately  jumped  overboard  and  swam  to  the  shore,  with  a  determi- 
nation of  seeking  revenge ;  on  reaching  the  beach,  he  gathered  his  tribe 
together,  and  after  a  short,  but  impressive  exhortation,  proceeded  to  the 
watering  place,  where  they  instantly  commenced  an  assault  (in  which  all 
their  countrymen  joined)  on  those  unfortunates  who,  unconscious  of  having 
given  offence,  were  not  prepared  to  resist  so  impetuous  an  attack  ;  this 
unfortunate  rencounter,  as  is  known,  proved  fatal  to  M.  de  Langle,  and 
many  others.  The  French  appear  to  have  been  very  much  deceived  in 
attributing  the  cause  of  this  tragical  scene  to  the  familiarity  which  existed 
between  some  of  their  sailors  and  the  island  females,  for  it  seems  that  the 
natives  of  the  Navigators  isles  are  far  from  being  jealous  of  their  women  : 
this  account  had  been  told  to  the  Englishman  by  many  of  the  natives  who 
were  present  on  board,  and  saw  the  whole  transaction. 

* 


MB.  EDITOR,  London,  19th  April,  1814. 

HAVING  been  lately  at  Middleburg,  I  was  rather  curious  to  learn 
every  particular  I  could  of  the  memorable  siege  of  Flushing,  where 
I  used  to  go  every  day.  Amongst  other  matters,  I  inquired  whether  or 
not  Congreve's  rockets  were  capable  of  being  extinguished  in  water.  TQ 
my  great  surprise,  I  was  informed  of  many  instances  where  those  instru- 
ments of  destruction  had  been  extinguished.  I  was  referred  to  an  old 
woman  named  Leech,  of  whom  I  had  been  told  that  she  took  a  burning 
rocket  in  her  hand,  and  plunging  it  into  a  pail  of  water,  at  once  extinguished 
it.  "  Curse  your  rockets,''  said  she,  "  I  thought  it  would  have  set  fire  to 
iny  house:"  another  was  extinguished  by  the  same  means,  by  u  tailor^ 
named  Louizon :  a  third  by  a  bag  of  coffee,  lodged  in  a  warehouse  belong- 
ing to  old  Mrs.  Weeks,  I  send  you  these  facts,  knowing  them  to  b<; 
genuine  truths. 


*  Your  correspondent  who  subscribes  himself  Oceanus  in  the  last  number  of  the 
N.C.  appears  (if  I  judge  right)  to  change  his  appellation  oflcn— page  2 12. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

MR.  EDITOR,  London,  Aprils,  1814. 

TplROM  the  incorrect  accounts  which  have  heen  given  respecting  the 
-•-  affair  off  Fort  Lillo,  with  the  boats  of  of  H.M.S.  Amphion,  I  request 
you  will  publish  the  accompanying  report,  which  I  have  obtained  from  a 
source  where  its  authenticity  cannot  be  doubted. 

Your  obedient  Servant, 


(COPY.) 

SIR*  H.M.S.  Amphion,  offTholen,  7lh  March,  1814. 

I  hare  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that  a  gallant  but  unsuccessful  attack 
was  made  last  night  upon  the  enemy's  flotilla  in  the  West  Scheldt.  Two 
•f  their  brigs  having  dropped  down  from  Antwerp  on  Sattirday,  I  conceived 
it  practicable  to  carry  them ;  and  Lieutenant  Champion,  who  is  always 
seeking  for  opportunities  to  distinguish  himself,  was  so  solicitous,  that  I 
could  not  refrain  from  giving  him  the  command  of  the  boats  destined  for 
that  service.  Every  arrangement  being  made,  they  put  off  from  the 
Schram  schooner  at  10  o'clock  last  night,  and  found  themselves  about 
4  A.  M.  close  upon  the  enemy,  who  having  anticipated  the  attack,  had 
moved  three  other  brigs  to  the  support  of  the  two  before  mentioned,  and 
moored  them  together  in  a  very  close  line,  under  the  immediate  protection 
of  Fort  Lillo,  in  every  respect  perfectly  prepared.  In  consequence  of  these 
unperceived  movements  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  the  plans  which  had 
been  so  judiciously  laid  by  the  officers  commanding  the  boats,  were  entirely 
upset;  but  nothing  could  damp  the  ardour  and  intrepid  spirit,  which  in- 
spired the  boat's  crews,  and  an  attack  was  instantly  resolved  on.  It  is 
impossible  for  me  to  express  the  sense  f  entertain  of  the  undaunted  courage 
displayed  in  the  arduous  and  unequal  conflict  by  this  gallant  band ;  Lieute- 
nant Champion,  the  leader  of  these  brare  fellows,  was  the  first  man  in  the 
boarding  nettings  of  the  enemy  ;  but  unfortunately  at  this  period  he  was 
severely  wounded  in  three  places,  and  has  since  undergone  amputation  of 
his  right  thigh.  I  most  sincerely  hope  that  his  sufferings  upon  this  occasion, 
the  extreme  bravery  he  has  displayed,  added  to  a  severe  wound  he  has 
before  received  in  the  service,  will  gain  him  that  promotion  to  which  his 
services  so  justly  entitle  him.  To  have  witnessed  the  feelings  of  every 
individual  on  board  this  ship,  on  hearing  of  his  unhappy  fate,  would  have 
marked  more  strongly  his  merits  as  an  officer  than  language  can  describe. 
The  command  of  the  boats  upon  this  unhappy  circumstance  devolving  on 
Lieutenant  Arrow,  of  the  Jason,  the  attack  was  continued  with  the  greatest 
vigour  and  spirit ;  but  finding,  from  the  height  and  nature  of  the  boarding 
nettings,  it  wns  impossible  to  gain  entrance  into  any  of  the  brigs,  the 
enemy  keeping  up"  a  heavy  and  incessant  fire,  our  brave  fellows  falling  fast, 
some  of  the  boats  in  a  sinking  state,  it  was  discontinued,  but  not  us  long  as 
a  hope  of  success  dawned. 

The  merits  of  this  officer  are  sufficiently  known  to  need  no  comment 
frotn  me,  to  which,  the  army  in  Tholen  can  sufficient!/  bear  testimony. 


884  CORRESPONDENCE* 

Lieutenant  M'Crea,  the  third  officer  in  command,  conducted  hiinseif 
xvith  all  the  gallantry  his  conduct  upon  former  occasions  had  taught  me  to 
expect  from  him.  You  are  aware,  Sir,  this  is  not  the  first  time  I  have  had 
occasion  to  recommend  him  to  your  notice. 

Messrs.  Fayerman  and  Payne,  mates,  who  have  long  since  passed,  com* 
inandcd  the  other  boats,  and  were  conspicuous  for  their  determined  bra- 
very, and  I  beg  leave  to  recommend  them  in  the  strongest  terms. 

Mr.  M'Gregor,  the  boatswain,  is  spoken  of  by  every  one  in  such  terms, 
that  it  would  be  ridiculous  my  attempting  to  describe  them.  This  gallant 
fellow  is  severely  wounded  in  several  places ;  in  short,  Sir,  every  individual 
employed  has  shewn  himself'  a  hero,  and  the  bravery  they  displayed  de- 
served a  better  result. 

It  would  be  great  injustice  my  omitting  to  mention  in  the  strongest  man- 
ner Mr.  Fry,  midshipman,  and  the  brave  fellows  in  the  Schram's  boa?, 
belonging  to  the  Jason ;  they  were  all  as  ambitious  as  those  of  this  ship,  in 
being  the  first  to  put  foot  upon  the  decks  of  the  enemy. 

Lieutenant  Verveerr  of  the  Dutch  Navy,  requested  he  might  be  per- 
mitted, from  his  local  knowledge  of  the  place,  to  be  a  partaker  in  this 
enterprise.  This  gallant  conduct  claimed  the  admiration  of  every  one,  and 
lie  has  done  honour  to  his  country.  ,1  regret  to  add,  he  has  lost  his  right 
thigh.  I  hope  his  Sovereign  will  bestpw  some  mark  of  his  favour  towards 
him. 

It  is  with  great  sorrow  I  enclose  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded.  They 
were  the  very  flower  ot%  this  ship's  crew  ;  but  it  is  a  great  consolation  to  be 
assured,  the  honour  of  the  British  navy  has  been  most  nobly  supported.  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  saying  this  enterprise,  though  not  successful,  yielth 
to  none  the  annals  of  the  country  can  boast  of;  it  could  not  be  otherwise 
in  such  hands. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  must  have  been  very  considerable,  as  they  fire;i 
into  each  other,  at  our  boats,  and  the  fire  of  the  fort  was  also  directed 
against  the  brigs.     I  understand  from  a  prisoner  on  board  they  are  armed 
with  long  twelve-pounders,  and  have  on  board  about  fifty  men  each. 
,    I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 
(Signed.)  &    ($fo     <n  y£  . 

/.  <J .  zJtewart,  (Dantcun. 

To  Admiral  Young,  <frc.  (/ 

P.  S.  I  regret  to  add,  that  since  writing  tins  letter,  Lieutenant  Cham- 
pion expired.  In  him  the  service  has  lost  one  of  its  brightest  ornaments. 
We  had  flattered  ourselves  his  valuable  life  mi<iht  have  been  spared.  It  is 
orJained  otherwise.  He  bore  his  sufferings  with  an  heroic  fortitude  seldom 
10  be  witnessed. 

"Return  of  the  Killed  and  Wounded  in  the  floats  of  H.  M.  S.  Amphion,  on 
the  night  of  the  6th  March,  1014. 

Killed. — Samuel  Todd,  quarter-master ;  William  Swan,  able  seaman  ; 
Robert  Tunstall,  marine. 

Wounded, — Lieutenant  Champion,   severely,    since  dead  ;    Lieutenant 


CORRESPONDENCE,  385 

V-erreer,  severely ;  Mr.  M'Gregor,  boatswain,  ditto ;  Thomas  Thomas,  gun- 
ner's mate,  ditto;  George  West,  quarter-master,  ditto;  David  Keliar,  ordi- 
nary seaman,  ditto ;  John  Colley.,  ditto,  ditto;  Serjeant  Morris,  royal  marines, 
ditto  ;  Phenis  Wood,  private,  ditto  ditto ;  William  Stephenson,  ditto,  ditto  ; 
James  Goodfellow,  boatswain's  mate,  slightly  ;  John  Gellison,  able  sea- 
man, ditto;  John  Reddick,  ditto,  ditto.;  William  Godden,  ditto,  ditto; 
Philip  Wingtoff,  ditto,  ditto  ;  Robert  Cready,  ditto,  ditto. 
Total— 3  killed,  16  wounded. 

«^-.^,^> 
MR.  EDITOR,  8th  April,  1814. 

HAVING  on  former  occasions  adverted  in  pretty  strong  terms  on  the 
conduct  of  the  American  war,  so  far  as  the  navy  was  concerned,  I 
cannot  suffer  the  late  brilliant  successes  of  our  cruizers,  in  capturing  ten 
out  of  thirteen  French  frigates  which  were  at  sea,  to  pass  without  notice ; 
it  would  be  equally  unjust  to  the  officers  who  have,  by  their  judicious  and 
gallant  conduct,  brought  them  in  triumph  into  British  ports,  after  some  of 
the  hardest  fought  actions  in  our  naval  annals ;  and  to  the  prompt  and 
•vigilant  measures  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty,  which  provided  so  well  for 
.cutting  off  their  return  to  their  own  ports  :  in  this  instance,  our  success  and 
good  managemerK  have  been  most  conspicuous,  and  cannot  fail  to  raise 
the  .character  of  the  officers  concerned  (and  many  of  them  before  stood 
high)  to  the  highest  pitch  of  fame  and  estimation  ;  and  whilst  the  country 
beholds  with  admiration  the  recent  brilliant  achievements  of  the  navy  (for 
in  some  instances  the  enemy's  capture  was  attended  with  circumstance* 
which  displayed  talents,  courage,  and  seamanship  of  no  common  kind),  I 
allude  to  the  Eurotas  and  Hebrus,  both  newly  fitted  out,  and  manned  but 
indifferently  ;  and  it  will  rely  on  the  same  good  fortune  attending  their 
efforts  against  our  American  foes  on  the  ocean,  who  have,  it  is  true,  escaped 
us  hitherto  most  wonderfully;  but  I  will  not  despair  of  seeing  them  ere 
Jong  finding  thei*  way  also  into  our  ports,  with  the  British  Union  proudly 
waving  over  them:  the  .contest,  however,  will  he  severe;  but  we  have 
now  so  many  fine  44  and  50-gun  frigates,  or  ships  cruising  on  the  American 
coast,  or  fitting  for  that  station,  that  I  think  they  must  be  at  last  encoun- 
tered and  taken.  From  the  last  accounts  w,e  have  from  America,  it  would 
appear  both  sides  were  desirous  to  try  their  prowess  again,  as  die  Shannon 
and  Chesapeake  did  ;  and  although  the  Endyuiion  was  a  much  smaller  ship 
than  the  United  States,  yet  I  firmly  believe,  seconded  by  the  Statira,  the 
American  ships  would  have  found  them  determined  never  to  strike  the 
British  flag  ;  the  contest  was,  however,  prevented,  by  the  interference  of 
the  English  admiral ;  and  that  gallant,  enterprising,  and  judicious  officer, 
Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  the  friend  of  Nelson,  was  again  left  to  blockade  them  ; 
and  what  vigilance,  and  the  strongest  desire  of  serving  his  king  and 
country  can  effect,  may  certainly  he  expected  from  him.  Tlie  great  and 
powerful  reinforcements  now  ready  to  sail  for  the  Lakes,  will,  I  trust,  re- 
gain and  preserve  our  ascendancy  in  that  quarter;  and  the  command  of 
the  admiral  lately  appointed  will  he  commenced  under  the  most  favourable 
jeircumstances ;  hitherto,  the  efforts  of  those  excellent  officers,  Sir  George 

.  tfjroiu  fflol.  XXXI.  3  o 


386  CORRESPONDENCE. 

Prevost,  and  Sir  James  Yeo  (who  I  had  hoped  to  find  would  have  been 
honoured  with  a  vote  of  thanks),  have  been  of  necessity  confined  to  the 
defensive  from  want  of  means  ;  how  properly  they  employed  what  was 
committed  to  them,  is  well  known  ;  and  any  thing  from  my  pen  cannot,  I 
am  sensible,  add  to  the  characters  they  have  already  attained  for  military 
and  naval  enterprise.  Hoping  their  efforts  during  the  present  campaign 
will  be  attended  with  glory  to  the  British  arms,  I  am,  &c. 

CM,  i)t. 

ton. 


MR. -EDITOR,  London,  April,  1814. 

THE  period  now  approaching  wherein  the  navy  and  military  of  the* 
country  are  about  to  retire  from  the  arduous  sei  vices  in  which  they 
have  been  respectively  employed  for  the  last  twenty  years,  I  think  there  is 
no  description  of  persons  who  are  not  disposed  to  allow,  that,  in  their  seve- 
ral capacities  during  this  period,  they  have  performed  unparalleled  acts  of 
bravery,  aud  unexampled  perseverance,  in  the  various  services  in  which 
they  have  been  employed,  which,  there  can  l*e  no  doubt  (with  the  aid 
of  Divine  Providence),  has  been  the  means  of  bringing  the  arduous  contes^ 
in  which  we  have  been  engaged,  to  the  most  favourable  issue.  Jt  is  with 
this  view,  I  beg  to  draw  the  notice  of  my  countrymen  (through  the  medium, 
of  your  publication),  to  the  necessities  of  those,  to  whom  we  are  un- 
doubtedly indebted  for  our  present  exalted  situation. 

But  it  is  more  immediately  my  object  to  bring  into  notice  the  case  of  the 
officers  of  the  navy,  with  whom  I  am  in  greater  habits  of  intimacy  than 
with  the  other  chief  support  of  our  king  and  constitution  ;  and  it  is  ini 
favour  of  the  captains  of  the  navy  I  shall  endeavour  to  draw  the  notice  of 
the  lords  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  bi  ing  confident  that  they  are 
fully  capable  of  bearing  testimony  to  the  merits  and  the  justice  of  their 
expectations,  in  hoping  some  addition  may  be  made  to  their  half-pay,  novr 
that  the  scene  of  war  is  about  to  close.  It  is  far  from  my  wishes  to  pre- 
sume to  advise  in  what  manner  it  may  be  deemed  fit  to  reward  their  merits, 
ns  it  must  be  well  known  to  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty, 
by  the  applications  which  have  already  been  made  to  them  on  this  head; 
that  the  necessities  of  this  deserving  class  of  officers,  in  many  instances,  arc 
very  great,  being  restricted  from  engaging  in  any  profession  or  business,t 
whereby  they  might  be  enabled  to  make  some  additional  provision  for  their 
families. 

Having  understood  that  this  subject  has  been  in  contemplation  by  the 
lords  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  I  doubt,  whether  why  susijvstions 
of  mine  may  at  all  benefit  that  meritorious  class  of  otncers,  but,  such  as 
they  are,  I  take  the  liberty  of  proposing  them. 

In  the  first  irst.'ince,  I  sdould  most  earnestly  recommend,  that  the  presen; 
method  of  chasing'  the  oriictrs  for  balf  pay,  be  alnlisht'd,  as  tending,  irj 
many  cases,  to  'much  inconvenience  at  the  Navy  Orh'ce,  nnrl  n  great  hard- 
^hrp  to  the  individual  who  is  subject  to  a  diminution  of  his  income,  havir,-.?, 


CORRESPONDENCE.  387 

at  one  period,  arrived  at  an  increase  of  half-pay,  and  afterwards  put  off 
that  list  ;  but  I  should  propose,  that  captain?,  having  attained  fifteen  years 
post  rank,  be  entitled  to  the  largest  half-pny,  and  those  between  fifteen 
and  ten  years  to  the  next  rate  of  half-pay,  and  those  under  ten  years  post 
rank,  all  at  the  same  time,  with  an  increase  of  the  present  half-pay;  the 
rank  (if  commanders  might  be  regulated  by  the  same  ratio. 

Far  be  it  from  me  to  arrogate  to  myself  tht  necessity  of  noticing  this 
meritorious  class  of  officers,  or  that  my  propositions  in  their  favour  are  at 
all  adequate  to  their  deserts;  but  it  would  afford  me  much  satisfaction, 
if  I  should  be,  in  the  smallest  degree,  the  means  of  their  case  being  brought 
into  consideration,  or  that  a  more  able  advocate  (I  am  sure,  a  more 
willing  they  canuot  have)  would  espouse  their  cause,  than 

Your  friend, 


' 

lun 


MR.    EDITOR, 

IT  is  I  believe  the  general  expectation,  that  the  peace  about  to  be  con- 
cluded between  this  country  and  France,  will  be  formed  on  such  a 
basis,  as  to  render  it  improbable  that  it  will  soon  be  interrupted,  and  .'lie 
diminution  of  our  naval  establishments  will  of  course  be  proportioned  to  the 
state  of  security  in  which  it  may  be  supposed  the  treaty  in  question  will 
leave  these  realms:  in  consequence,  a  multitude  of  officers  must  be  placed 
on  half  pay,  and  hundreds  of  midshipmen  be  turned  adrift  without  a  pro- 
fession, immediate  means  of  support,  or  employment.  It  has  been  inti- 
mated, that  the  government  intends  to  advance  the  half-  pay  —  I  hope  of 
both  the  naval  and  army  otiicers  —  but.  admitting  such  to  be  the  case,  the 
half-pay  must  be  expected  to  be  scanty,  and  by  no  means  adequate  to  a 
decent  competency. 

I  would  therefore  propose,  that  at  each  of  the  principal  ports  of  naval 
equipment  at  home  and  abroad,  one  or  more  vessels  should  be  provided  for 
the  u'se  of  naval  officers,  fitted  up  with  cabins,  where  a  certain  number 
should  be  received,  subject  to  such  regulations  as  the  lords  of  the  Admi- 
ralty might  please. 

Coarse  as  this  relief  may  sound  in  the  ears  of  officers  of  fortune,  it 
would  be  hailed  as  a  valuable  asylum  by  many  a  respectable-  officer,  and 
destitute  midshipman  ;  and  the  country  would  act  wisely,  were  the  ship's 
allowance,  for  a  stated  period,  to  be  allowed  to  the  latter  class  of  officers, 
till  they  could  shift  for  themselves,  and  find  employment. 

The  country  would  also  be  benefited  by  keepjn-^  so  many  of  her  officers 
together,  near  the  great  arsenals,  and  ready  on  all  emergencies  for  active 
service. 


38$  PLATE  CCCGTY. 

MR.  EDITOR,  Plymouth,  3.9th  April,  l«I4v 

A  S  a  subscriber  to  your  valuable  publication,  I  offer  for  insertion  the 
•^^  following  brief  account  of  two  very  gallant  contests,  between  the 
Duke  of  Montrosc  Packet,  and  two  American  privateers  :  the  commander, 
Captain  Blewet,  was  brought  up  in  the  navy,  and  acquired  his  nautical 
abilities  under  those  distinguished  officers,  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  .?nd  Captain 
Jeremiah  Coghlan,  with  whom  he  served  his  time.  The  orders  given  to  tlie 
captains  of  packets  are,  to  avoid  fighting  if  possible,  and  continue  their 
voyage  with  the  utmost  despatch  :  hence,  a  packet  never  pursues  an 
enemy—  contented  with  repulsing  all  attacks. 


On  the  12th  January  last,  on  a  voyage  to  the  Brazil*,  off  the  Cape  de 
Verde  islands,  about  2  A.M.  the  Montrose  discovered  a  schooner  close  to- 
leeward,  which  immediately  fired  a  broadside  :  at  3  A.  M.  she  hoisted 
American  colours  ;  she  carried  seven  guns  on  a  side,  with  a  long  gun  on  a 
swivel,  and  full  of  men.  Tne  action  continued  with  great  spirit  till  \  past 
8  A.M.  when  the  schooner  bore  up  and  made  sail  to  the  N.—  The  packet 
was  greatly  cut  up  in  her  spars,  saHs-,  and  rigging  ;  one  gun  was  disabled 
in  the  action,  and  several  shot  received  in  the  hull  :  only  three  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  packet  were  wounded.  —  On  the  next  voyage  of  the  Montrose  tc- 
Halifax,  on  the  9th  of  June,  the  Montrose  was  again  attacked  by  an 
American  schooner  privateer,  of  14  guns,  and  full  of  people  ;  which,  after 
a  sharp  contest  of  about  two  hours  duration,  was  beaten  off,  and  forced  t» 
make  sail.  The  Duke  of  Montrose  carried  12  six-pounders,  and  hud  32 
hands  on  board.  The  post  masters  general  expressed  their  approbation  of 
the  bratery  shewn  by  the  crew  of  II.  M.'s  packet,  by  rewarding  them  with 
three  months'"  pay  for  their  conduct  in  action  with  the  Growler,  American 
privateer. 


PLATE  CCCCXV. 


r¥^HE  annexed  Plate  represents  his  Majesty's  late  sloop  the  Atalante.- 
The  high  land  on  the  stern  of  the  ship  is- part  of  Nova  Scotia,  near 
Halifax.  The  island  to  windward  is  Samborough,  commonly  called  Sambro'. 
It  has  a  1'ghthouse,  and  is  situated  so«th  of  Halifax.  Nova  Scotia,  of  which 
Halifax  is  the  metropolis,  is  siti^Ued  between  43  and  49°  of  N.  latitude, 
and  60  and  fl?°  of  W.  longitude.  The  capital  took  its  name  from  the 
Halifax  family.  It  is  situated  18  miles  from  the  sea,  on  the  west  side  of  a 
spacious  harbour.  It  was  estimated  to  contain  20,000  people,  before  the 
present  war  with  the  United  States.  From  the  vast  accession  of  commerce, 
iroiu  the_  great  number  of  prizes  sent  in  by  our  fleets,  and  from  it  being  the 
principal  American  naval  station,  it  is  no  doubt,  at  the  present  moment, 
mere  rich  and  populous  than  ever. 


OF 

IIEUTENANT  O'BRIEN'S  RECENT  CAPTIVITY  AND  ESCAPE. 
[Concluded  from  page  327.] 


HTTLIETIN   THE   SIXTEENTH. 

FTT1HE  next  morning  (Tuesday,  October  18th),  we  rose  early,  and  endca» 
•*•  voured  to  adjust  ourselves  as  well  as  we  could,  at  least  as  well  as  ourtat- 
tered  garments  would:  admit  of;  procured  a  shift  of  linen,  and  prepared 
to  wait  on  the  director.  We  agreed  to  continue  the  American  story  until 
we  could  be  well  assured  of  the  disposition  of  the  Austrian  government. 
Por  my  own  part  I  would  not  have  hesitated  a  moment  to  tell  the  whole 
truth,  so  fervently  did  I  rely  upon  this  gentleman's  veracity  ;  but  the  others 
were  more  cautious,  for  which  I  commended  them.  At  ten,  we  visited  the 
director,  who  again  expressed  great  astonishment  at  our  travelling  with  so 
much  success  so  great  a  distance,  and  wondered  that  we  had  nothing  what- 
ever to  certify  that  we  were  Americans.  Mr.  Manuel  was  at  the  same  time 
writing  his  declaration.  The  old  gentleman  again  observed  to  me,  that  there 
were  frequently  Englishmen  passing  through  Salzburghr  who  had  escaped 
from  France,  and  who  always  found  an  asylum  in  Austria.  I  paid  very  great 
attention  to  this  conversation.  The  chief  mate  had  now  finished  his  declara- 
tion ;  and  Mr.  Lincoln,  passenger,  was  to  begin  next. — I  really  could  not 
bring  myself  to  begin  30  false  a  declaration,  especially  as  it  appeared  that  we 
ran  no  risk  in  declaring  ourselves;  and  I  therefore  again  pointed  out  the  con- 
sequences that  such  a  step  might  occasion,  with  the  certainty  of  being  found 
out,  as  no  doubt  the  court  of  Vienna  would  make  every  necessary  enquiry 
through  their  consul  at  Altona,  before  they  would  pay  any  credit  to  our 
statement.  The  result  of  which  would,  of  course,  be  detrimental  to  us,  as  we 
should  be  found  impostors,  and  perhaps  not  be  believed  when  we  declared 
what  we  were  in  reality.  They  all  agreed  that  my  remarks  were  just;  and 
I  was  requested  by  them,  to  take  the  old  gentleman  aside,  and  make  him 
acquainted  with  the  whole  circumstance.  I  accordingly  did  so,  and  proved 
to  him  by  a  certificate  which  I  kept  always  sewed  up  in  ray  clothes,  that 
we  were  British  officers.  He  sakl,  it  had  appeared  to  him  at  first  sight, 
that  we  were  English  prisoners  of  war,  who  had  escaped  from  the  French. 
I  related  the  whole  of  our  history.  He  regretted  much,  that  he  could  not 
grant  us  instantly  passports,  since  it  was  necessary  to  acquaint  the  govern- 
ment at  Vienna,  and  have  their  Sanction  ;  but  we  should  have  an  answer 
in  fifteen  days  at  most;  and  he  jocosely  added,  "you  have  been  five  years 
nearly  in  France,  so  you  connot  have  any  objection  to  remain  amongst  us 
for  a  few  days."  He  was  excessively  kind ;  and  I  could  not  avoid  observ- 
ing, that  our  finances  were  greatly  reduced — upon  which,  he  very  hand- 
somely removed  the  difficulty,  by  saying,  that  the  government  would  allow 
us  a  certain  sum  per  day,  agreeable  to  our  rank,  &c.  whilst  we  were  de* 
taiued  by  them.  We  mil  felt  very  sensible  of  his  goodnew,  and  returned 


390  NAVAL   BULLETINS. 

him  oar  warmest  thanks.  He  requested  we  would  make  ourselves  as 
comfortable  as  possible,  and  keep  at  our  tavern,  uritil  we  heard  from  him. 
We  took  our  leave,  and  returned  to  the  iun.  Mr.  Hewson  wrote  the  same 
evening  to  Mr.Concannon,  in  Vienna,  to  assist  in  forwarding  our  wishes  there, 
"the  director  sent  daily  to  know,  how  the  American  gentlemen  did.  Wfe 
sometimes  stole  out  in  the  dusk  of  the  evening,  to  reconnoitre  and  survey 
the  town;  and  we  had  fixed  on  a  part  to  get  out  at,  in  case  of  receiving 
unfavourable  news.  Fifteen  days  elapsed,  during  which  time  we  waited 
with  the  greatest  anxiety  for  the  expiration  of  the  time  stated  to  us. 

However,  on  the  eleventh  morning,  before  we  were  out  of  bed,  a  police 
officer  rapped  at  our  door,  and  informed  us  that  the  director  wished  to  see 
one  of  us.  Hewson  dressed  himself  and  waited  on  him.  During  our 
friend's  absence,  the  doctor  and  myself  were  in  a  most  perplexed  state. 
Hope  and  fear  alternately  took  possession  of  us.  It  was  impossible  to 
have  an  answer  from  Vienna  in  so  short  a  time.  I  dreaded  lest  the 
jFreuch  or  Bavarian  governments  should  have  demanded  us.  However,  I 
concealed  my  fears  from  my  companion,  who  was  again  very  ill  with  a 
fever  and  ague.  Hewson  shortly  returned,  and  dissipated  all  these  appre- 
hensions, although  he  endeavoured  to  suppress  his  joy  on  the  occasion. 
He  had  composed  his  countenance,  and  entered  the  bed-chamber  very 
grave  and  pensive,  informing  us,  he  was  fearful  we  should  again  be  sent 
back  to  France.  We  were  not  so  ignorant  of  physiognomy,  as  not  to  be 
able  to  discern  that  he  had  no  such  apprehension ;  but  had,  on  the  con- 
trary, received  some  joyful  intelligence.  He  then  congratulated  us  upon 
being  once  more  free-men,  and  informed  us,  that  the  director  had  received 
an  order  from  the  Austrian  government,  to  grant  us  passports  to  proceed 
where  we  pleased ;  and  that  we  might  quit  the  town  that  day  if  we 
\vished.  Good  God!  what  intelligence  to  people  who  had  been  nearly 
five  years  in  slavery!!!  We  sprang  out  of  bed,  fell  on  our  knees,  and 
greeted  each  other  as  free  people.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  our  joy  and 
happiness  at  that  moment.  We  instantly  agreed  to  wait  upon  our  old  and 
worthy  friend,  the  director,  and  shew  him  how  grateful  we  were  for  his 
attention  and  kindnejs.  He  received  us  in  the  most  handsome  manner, 
and  appeared  as  much  elated  as  if  he  had  been  in  our  situation.  He  wished 
to  know  how  we  meant  to  travel  to  Trieste  ?  We  answered  on  foot,  as 
our  finances  were  low  ;  though  we  dreaded  the  doctor's  incapacity,  on  ac- 
count of  his  late  indisposition.  His  last  fit  having  been  so  severe,  that  he 
was  under  the  necessity  of  employing  medical  assistance;  and  had  been 
bled  and  blistered  several  times,  bul  was  now  somewhat  better,  though 
weak. 

Our  passport  for  Trieste  was  all  this  time  making  out,  and  in  half  an 
hour  we  were  to  return  for  it.  In  the  mean  time  we  went  back  to  tlie 
tavern  to  make  the  necessary  preparations,  and  get  some  breakfast.  It 
was  a  luxurious  meal.  The  moment  we  entered,  the  landlord  presented 
us  with  an  answer  to  Mr.  Ilewson's  letter  from  his  friend  at  Vienna  :  and 
nhat  joyful  news,  did  we  receive  in  this  letter.  It  informed  us  of  the 
success  that  had  attended  our  application  at  that  city,  with  respect  to  our 
passport,  and  contained  an  order  on  his  banker  at  Salzburgh,  to  supply 


NAVAL   BULLETINS.  391 

fls  with  what  money  we  might  deem  necessary  to  defray  our  expences,  and 
enable  us  to  travel  with  ease  and  comfort ;  a  mode  of  travelling  that  we 
had  hitherto  been  strangers  to.  Providence  appeared  too  bountiful.  We 
waited  on  the  banker,  got  the  sum  necessary,  and  called  on  the  worthy 
director,  to  give  him  the  intelligence.  He  appeared  much  pleased,  conT 
gratulattd  us  on  our  success,  and  ordered  our  passport  to  be  made  out  to 
go  by  the  dilieence.  This  proved  very  fortunate  for  our  sick  companion, 
who  feared  much  we  should  hare  been  separated  had  we  been  obliged  to 
walk. 

We  proceeded  to  the  coach-office,  and  arranged  every  thing.  The 
diligence  was  to  set  off  at  four  in  the  afternoon  of  the  ensuing  day.  We 
easily  amused  ourselves  until  that  time,  making  a  few  purchases  of  articles 
for  the  journey,  and  taking  a  view  of  the  town. 

October,  1808.  The  wished  for  morning  at  length  arrived ;  we  took  a 
grate'iil  leave  of  the  director,  and  placed  ourselves  in  the  diligence.  It 
held  but  four  ;  consequently  we  had  but  one  stranger  to  travel  with, 
who  was  one  of  Carniula,  and  was  going  to  Laubach.  The  first  night 
we  hnii  a  most  intricate  and  dirfic'jli  road  to  pass,  through  immense  mount- 
ains covered  with  snow.  The  inhabitants  of  these  places  appeared  most 
eccentric  in  their  dress,  and  actually  looked  wild.  Nothing  particular 
occurred.  The  guard,  who  conducted  the  diligence,  was  inclined  to  be 
insolent,  and  as>i?ted  the  innkeepers  to  extort  from  us.  However,  at  the 
fourth  stage  we  fortunately  got  clear  of  him,  and  were  placed  in  a  waggon 
that  took  us  to  Villach,*  and  thence  to  Clagenfurt.  t  This  was  a  most 
disagreeable  vehicle,  it  almost  jolted  us  to  death.  We  were  eight  in  num- 
ber. The  others  were  boys  returning  to  the  university,  after  the  vaca- 
tion, who  annoyed  us  with  their  Latin  all  the  way.  We  were  the  subject 
of  their  conversation,  but  we  found  they  supposed  we  did  not  understand 
them. 

In  the  morning,  about  nine,  we  arrived  at  Villach.  Our  passport  was 
inspected,  and  our  route  made  out  for  the  next  stages.  The  same  even- 
ing we  arrived  at  Clagenfurt,  our  passport  was  demanded  at  the  gates, 
and  taken  instantly  to  the  minister  of  police.  It  was  not  until  this  mo- 
ment, that  we  found  we  had  gone  out  of  our  direct  road  to  Trieste  some 
^agues,  owing  to  those  who  had  inspected  our  passport  at  Villach  not  giving 
us  the  necessary  information.  At  first,  we  were  informed  we  must  go 
back  again  to  that  town,  to  have  tne  business  rectified:  but  upon  explain- 
ing the  difficulties  and  hardships  that  attended  it,  and  how  necessary  it 
was  for  us  to  proceed  forward  with  all  possible  expedition,  &c.  &c. ;  they 
very  kindly  did  away  with  every  difficulty,  and  we  retired  to  the  Golden 
$un  Tavern,  where  we  had  a  supper  and  beds. 

Here  we  were  apprized  that  we  had  better  perform  the  next  day's  journey 

*  Villach  is  in  Carmlina,  and  near  it  nri-  medicinal  baths  ]  it  is  seated  on  the 
confluence  of  the  Geil  with  the  Dravc,  surrounded  by  mountains,  sixteen  miles 
from  Clagenfurt. 

1  -j-  Clagenfurt  is  a  town  in  Germany,  the  capital  of  Carinthia  ;  it  has  a  strong 
wall,  it  was  for  a  short  time  in  possession  of  the  French,  in  1797,  It  stand*  o« 
the  river  Glan. 


on  foot,  as  the  mountains  were  so  excessively  high,  that  if  we  had  a  car- 
riage, we  should  be  obliged  to  walk  the  greater  part  of  the  way.  Thi» 
information  made  us  determine  to  proceed  on  foot  the  next  morning,  and 
we  accordingly  rose  at  day-break  (Sunday,  October  30th),  and  com- 
menced our  journey.  Such  mountains  as  we  passed  this  day,  I  never  be- 
fore beheld.  We  marched  tw«ivo  leagues  before  seven  in  the  afternoon; 
six  of  them  almost  ascending  perpendicularly,  and  the  rest  descending  in  the 
opposite  direction.  We  at  last  arrived  at  a  small  post  town,  at  the 
foot  of  this  prodigious  precipice.  After  undergoing  a  strict  inspection,  and 
getting  some  refreshments,  we  took  post  for  Laubach*,  and  travelled  all 
wight.  At  day  break  we  entered  the  town,  and  immediately  proceeded  to 
a  tavern,  where  we  got  beds,  and  retired  for  a  few  hours  to  rest.  Our 
passport  was  -taken  to  the  director  of  police  to  be  inspected.  At  about 
nine,  Lie  sent  for  us,  asked  us  a  few  questions,  and  returned  our  pass- 
port. 

I  was  much  pleased  with  the  appearance  of  this  town.  It  is  ex« 
ceedingly  neat  anil  clean ;  the  inhabitants  very  genteel  and  well  dressed ; 
the  fair  sex  beautiful.  Every  thing  appeared  to  flourish  here.  A  great 
deal  of  trade  is  carried  on  between  it  and  Trieste.  I  almost  wished  I 
might  with  propriety  have  remained  a  little  longer  in  it. 

October  31st,  1808.  At  ten  we  took  post  and  departed  for  Trieste, 
where  we  arrived  on  the  morning  of  Friday  (November  ^th),  »t  about 
eight  o'clock  ;  after  a  most  harassing  journey. 

On  the  night  after  quilting  Luubach,  about  eight,  having  an  immense 
mountain  to  ascend,  and  our  horses  not  being  very  strong,  1  preferred  dis- 
mounting. Accordingly  did  so,  and  took  the  shortest  cut  I  could  to  get 
up  the  mountain.  About  eleven  I  discovered  a  great  blaze,  resembling  a 
bonfire,  at  a  short  distance  from  the  road  I  was  on. — Could  not  conjecture 
what  it  was.  Observed  a  number  of  people  round  it.  The  carriage  with 
my  companions  was,  at  least,  four  miles  below  me;  they  having  to  descend 
in  a  serpentine  direction.  I  advanced  a  few  paces,  and  stopped  to  con- 
sider— not  a  house  any  where  in  view.  I  hesitated,  and  again  advanced  a 
little  ;  and  by  this  time  I  was  discovered  f  when  two  men  came  toward 
roe  very  fast.  I  perceived  they  were  military  men.  On  coming  up,  they 
asked  me,  very  abruptly,  who  and  what  I  was  ?  jn  German.  I  could  not 
sufficiently  explain  in  that  language  what  they  so  much  desired.  I  asked 
them  if  they  spoke  French  ?  *'  No."  Do  you  speak  Italian  then  ?  "  No.'* 
I  at  length  asked  them  if  they  could  speak  English  ?  Both  answered  they 
could  perfectly  well.  I  own  I  was  not  a  little  astonished  at  this  reply. 
After  informing  them  who  I  was,  they  told  me  that  one  was  an  Irishman, 
&he  other  a  German,  who  had  been  several  years  in  the  British  service. 
That  they  were  placed  with  a  party  in  that  mountain  every  night,  to  pre- 
vent robberies  and  murders,  which  had  been  very  common  in  that  part  of 
the  country.  The  carriage  with  my  companions  now  joined,  and  we  pro- 
ceeded onwards. 

*  Laubacli,  a  strong  town  in  Germany,  the  capital  of  Carniola ;  it  has  in 
addition  to  the  above  good  qualities,  manufactures  of  silk,  leather,  and  excel- 
lent elptb,  and  IB  seated  OB  a  river  of  the  same  npzne. 


KAVAL   BULLETINS*  £93 

Every  part  as  we  advanced,  appeared  very  busy  and  full  of  commerce. 
The  roads  were  covered  with  laden  waggons  going  to,  and  returning  from 
Trieste :  which  implied  that  that  city  was  open  to  commerce,  and  that 
consequently  we  should  have  an  opportunity  of  procuring  a  passage  to 
some  island  in  the  Mediterranean;  whence  we  should  be  able  to  proceed 
to  our  native  country  again. 

I  need  not  dwell  on  the  pleasure  we  felt  this  morning  in  beholding  the 
gulf  of  Trieste,  and  the  ships  and  vessels  lying  in  the  harbour;  among 
which,were  a  Russian  squadron,  consisting  of  four  sail  of  the  line,  one  frigate, 
and  a  store-ship.  We  also  discovered  a  ship  at  anchor  some  leagues  out, 
which  (to  our  very  great  satisfaction,)  we  were  informed,  was  his  Britannic 
Majesty's  frigate,  L'Unite,  Captain  Campbell,  who  they  said  blockaded 
that  fort.  This  was  the  most  welcome  news  imaginable.  We  were  now 
certain  of  being  able  to  get  away  from  out  of  the  clutches  of  tyranny  and 
oppression. 

We  waited  on  the  director  of  police  who  received  us  with  great  polite- 
ness, and  had  us  conducted  to  the  first  tavern  in  the  town  :  requesting  that 
we  would  still  say  we  were  Americans.  A  Borea,  or  N.  E.  wind  (which 
in  the  Adriatic,  is  the  most  violent,  was  then  setting  in.  He  assured 
us,  it  would  be  impossible  to  get  embarked,  until  the  gale  abated,  but 
that  he  would  render  us  every  assistance  in  due  time;  we  took  our  leave, 
greatly  rejoiced  at  this  reception,  and  proceeded  to  the  inn:  thence  we 
went  and  waited  on  the  American  consul.  He  received  us  civ^ly,  and  in- 
formed us,  there  was  a  gentleman  named.  Donolan  (who  w^s  formerly 
the  English  vice  consul)  then  in  town.  We  waited  on  this  gentleman, 
and  he  proved  in  every  sense  of  the  word  a  real  friend ;  engaged  to  get  us 
embarked,  supplied  us  with  c<ish,  and  offered  us  to  remain  at  his  house 
if  we  wished  ;  his  wife  was  equally  polite  arid  attentive.  The  inclemency 
of  the  weather  was  the  only  thing  at  this  moment  that  prevented  our 
happiness  being  complete. 

We  returned  to  the  tavern  and  passed  our  moments  as  comfortably  as 
possible;  dined  at  the  Table  d'Hotel,  with  the  Russian  otiicers  of  tli£ 
squadron,  who  at  first  supposed  we  actually  were  Americans;  but  after- 
wards from  a  number  of  insinuations  thrown  out  by  them,  and  the 
marked  attention  they  paid  us,  I  am  confident  they  discovered  what  we 
were. 

Notwithstanding  the  severity  of  the  weather,  Mr.  Hewson  and  myself 
used  to  walk  out  to  an  adjacent  height,  to  contemplate  the  ocean,  and  to 
see  our  little  frigate,  that  lay  violently  tossed  ami  agitated  in  that  boister- 
ous element.  Not  another  British  vessel  was  to  l>e  seen,  and  tlie  idea  of 
this  single  ship  blockading,  as  the  inhabitants  termed  it,  so  superior  a 
furce,  increased  our  admiration.  Tt  was  highly  flattering  to  us  to  feel  ut 
that  moment,  that  we  belonged  to  so  superior  a  country,  and  to  that 
service  whic.'i  ruled  so  triumphantly;  feared  and  admired  by  the  whole 
world. 

On  Monday  night,  (November  7th)  the  weather  became  moderate. 
The  frigate  got  under  weigh,  and  I  feared  she  might,  perhaps,  be  quitting 

goto.  <£$wn«  Sol.  XX Xf.  3  E 


394  NATAL   BULLETlfff. 

the  station.  We  waited  instantly  on  our  friend  Doriolan,  who  assured  n> 
we  should  be  embarked  that  night,  and  he  kept  his  promise.  Every  matter 
was  arranged  ;  the  boat,  &c.  in  readiness;  and  at  about  half  past  eight, 
we  embarked,  and  were  in  a  very  short  time  clear  of  the  harbour. 

Our  crew  kept  rowing  towards  the  point  they  expected  to  tind  the 
frigate  in  ;  but  to  our  mortification  were  disappointed.  They  then  agreed 
to  get  close  in,  on  the  coast  of  Istriu,  until  the  moon  rose,  and  to  come 
to  a  grapnel,  which  was  executed.  The  moon  being  up,  we  weighed,  and 
rowed  out  in  the  offing  again,  in  the  hope  of  discovering  the  frigate  ;  but 
with  no  better  success.  I  protest  I  thought  she  had  gone  off  the  station, 
and  felt  very  unhappy,  but  did  not  disclose  my  ideas  to  rny  companions, 
lest  I  should  make  them  also  miserable.  In  this  kind  of  manner  we  kept 
rowing  in  different  directions  until  day-break,  when  we  discovered  a  matt 
of  war's  boat  pulling  right  down  for  us.  We  concealed  ourselves  in  the 
bottom  of  our  little  boat ;  and  imagined  it  might,  perhaps,  be  a  boat  sent 
after  us  by  one  of  the  Russian  ships;  and  thought  that  the  Russian  officers' 
attention  to  us,  had  been  to  enable  them  the  better,  to  discover  the  time  of 
our  departure  from  Trieste.  I  must  here  remark,  that  I  have  been  since 
frequently  sorry  I  ever  harboured  so  bad  an  opinion  of  them,  they 
behaved  so  very  kind.  The  boat  ran  alongside  of  us,  and  asked  in  Eng- 
lish what  we  were.  I  sprang  up  at  hearing  the  voice,  and  with  inexpres- 
sible joy  saw,  that  it  was  a  British  ship  of  war's  boat.  I  answered  that  we 
were  three  British  subjects,  who  hnd  escaped  from  a  French  prison.  Haw 
ing  been  informed  it  was  the  Amphion's  boat,  I  assured  the  officer  w« 
should  be  very  happy  to  quit  our  present  one,  and  take  a  passage  with 
him  to  the  frigate.  He  replied,  "  The  ship  is  at  present  at  a  considerable 
distance  off,  I  shall  not  return  until  eight  o'clock."  I  answered,  "That  was 
of  little  consequence,  two  of  us  belonged  to  the  navy,  and  we  would 
\villinglytakeacruisealong  the  coast  with  him,  if  he  had  no  objection. 
He  said,  "  Very  well."  So  we  paid  our  people,  dismissed  them,  and  had 
the  happiness  of  being  once  more  under  our  proper  colours,  and  on  our 
own  element. 

Upon  turning  round  and  looking  at  the  officer  who  commanded  the  boat, 
I  immediately  recognized  Lieutenant  Jones,  who  had  belonged  to  the  Am- 
phion  in  1802-3,  when  I  had  the  honour  of  serving  as  midshipman  on  board1 
lier.  I  made  myself  known  to  him,  and  he  had  the  goodness  to  say,  that 
he  felt  very  happy,  in  being  the  fortunate  person  that  had  picked  us  up. 
I  was  astonished  at  finding  the  Amphion,  instead  of  the  Unite,  which  we 
had  been  informed  was  the  frigate  lying  at  anchor  during  the  gale  off 
Trieste ;  but  Lieutenant  Jones  cleared  the  point  up,  by  informing  us, 
that  they  only  arrived  that  night.  The  Unite  had  stood  lower  down 
the  gulf. 

November  8th,  1808.  This  day  I  shall  never  forget.  We  Alt  in 
perfect  security,  and  were  amusing  ourselves,  relating  some  particulars 
respecting  our  escape,  &c.  until  nearly  eight  o'clock,  when  we  disco- 
vered two  sail  under  Capo  d'Istria.  We  supposed  them  to  he  ene- 
my's merchant  vessels  stealing  along  shore ;  Lieutenant  Jones  made 
instantly  towards  tUcm.  We  sooo  perceived  on«  was  full  of  mea 


NAVAL    BULLETINS.  355 

palling  in  shore  from  the  other;  it  had  the  appearance  of  a  row- 
fcoat,  the  other  was  larger,  aqd  was  rigged  like  a  tnbacolo,  or  schooner, 
finder  Venetian  colours.  We  imagined  that  the  major  part  of  the 
ccew  had  abandoned  the  latter,  and  were  endeavouring  to  get  on 
shore.  Fired  several  muskets  to  bring  them  to,  which  the  tribacolo  re- 
turned  with  a  four  or  six  pounder  at  intervals.  Our  gallant  officer  in  the 
yawl  (which  is  but  a  small  boat)  did  not  hesitate  a  moment,  but  rowed 
directly  towards  her.  We  could  not  discover  many  men  upon  her  decks; 
but  those  that  were  there,  kept  up  a  smart  fire  upon  us,  until  we  got 
close  alongside,  when  upwards  of  twenty  shewed  themselves,  and  fired  a 
volley  of  muskets  and  rausketoons  into  us,  which  killed  our  bow-man,  and 
another;  and  wounded  three;  one  of  whom  died  the  next  day.  Lieut. 
Jones  and  myself  were  also  wounded.  The  conflict  was  severe.  The 
other  vessel  seeing  how  much  we  were  inferior  in  strength,  and  observing 
the  loss  we  had  sustained,  made  towards  the  tribacolo,  with  twenty-two 
men.  We  had  no  alternative,  but  were  under  the  necessity  of  sheering 
off;  and  it  was  only  to  their  cowardly  and  dastardly  conduct,  that  we 
remained  indebted  for  not  beijig  again  made  prisoners.  The  frigate  was 
not  in  &ight,  and  the  confusen  state  of  our  little  crew,  two  killed,  and  five 
wounded,  including  our  brave  and  gallant  officer,  would  have  rendered 
us  no  difficult  conquest  to  so  superior  a  force  had  they  but  perse- 
vered. 

This  officer  never  made  the  slightest  complaint,  cor  did  be  let  any  one 
know  he  was  wounded,  until  we  were  well  clear  of  them,  although  it 
proved  to  be  a  most  painful  and  dangerous  wound  which  he  had  received  : 
he  had  also  several  musket  balls  through  the  crown  qf  bis  hat.  My 
wound  was  from  a  musketoon  shot  through  the  right  arm,  which  entirely 
disabled  it  then  ;  nor  do  I  ever  expect  it  will  recover  its  former  strength. 

At  about  half-past  noon,  we  got  along  side  my  good  old  ship,*  We  were 
hoisted  in,  in  a  chair,  with  the  utmost  attention;  the  captain  and  officers 
attending  with  the  greatest  assiduity.  The  other  two  lieutenants,  Bennet 
and  Phillott,f  had  been  on  board  her  also,  in  my  time;  consequently 
I  felt  quite  at  horne  amongst  my  friends.  Captain  Hoste,  although  a 
stranger  to  us,  behaved  like  a  parent,  his  very  great  attention  will  never 
be  erased  from  my  mind.  Mr.  Jeffrey, +  then  captain's  clerk,  very  hand- 
somely gave  me  up  his  cabin  ;  his  attention,  and  Mr.  Dalling's,  midsbip- 
lyan,  I  shall  ever  bear  in  memory.  Mr.  Moffat,  surgeon,  and  his  assistant 
Mr.  Angus,  attended  with  the  utmost  tenderness  and  care.  In  short,  they 
yied  with  one  another  in  paying  us  attention,  aud  afforded  us  every  succour 
— — , , —  • 

*  It  is  a  singular  circumstance,  that  I  had  quitted  this  very  ship,  when  in 
Portsmouth  harbour,  in  1803,  to  join  H.M.S.  HOSSAH,  in  which  I  was  wrecked  in 
J80i.  And  afterwards,  when  I  had  remained  so  long  in  captivity,  I  was  picked 
up,  off  Trieste,  by  my  old  shipmates,  and  conveyed  on  board  the  very  saroq 
AMPIIION. 

•j-  Both  these  officers  have  since  been  made  commanders. 

}  Since  killed,  when  fighting  on  the  qua.ier-deck,  in  Captain  Hoate  »  pliant 
Action,  uif  Lissa.  > 


396  JCATAL  BULLETINS. 

that  could  be  expected  by  people  in  our  miserable  situation,  from  their 
generous  countrymen. 

H.  M.  frigate  L'Unit6  was  in  company,  and  I  believe  Captain  Camp- 
bell visited  on  board  the  following  day ;  shortly  afterwards  she  parted 
company,  and  went  down  the  gulf  to  Fiume. 

Sixteen  days  had  elapsed,  most  of  which  time  I  was  confined  to  my 
bed  (though  my  arm  was  getting  better  rapidly,  as  was  Mr.  Jones's 
wound  also),  when  his  H.  M.  brig  Spider,  Lieutenant  Oliver,  commander, 
arrived  from  Malta,  with  despatches  for  the  Unite,  and  to  return  imme- 
diately. I  felt  exceedingly  anxious  to  proceed  and  join  the  commander-in- 
chief  offToulon,  or  to  go  to  England ;  consulted  the  surgeon,  therefore,  with 
respect  to  the  propriety  of  being  removed,  and  he  assured  me  there  was  no 
danger.  We  solicited  Captain  Hoste's  permission  to  take  a  passage  in 
the  Spider,  which  he  immediately  granted  ;  observing  at  the  same  time, 
that  if  we  wished,  we  could  remain  with  him  until  he  went  down  to  Malta 
with  a  convoy;  which  he  shortly  expected.  We  explained  our  fear  of 
losing  our  promotion,1  having  already  lost  six  years  in  consequence  of 
our  captivity ;  he  approved  of  our  ideas,  and  gave  us  a  letter  of  intro- 
duction and  recommendation  to  Sir  Alexander  Ball,  who  was  port  ad- 
miral and  governor  at  Malta.  So  we  took  a  cordial  leave  of  all  our  worthy 
friends  in  the  Amphion,  and  in  a  few  minutes  were  conveyed  to  the  Spider. 
We  were  handsomely  received  by  Lieutenant  Oliver,  and  in  a  short  time 
got  under  weigh,  standing  down  the  gulf  towards  Fiume,  to  deliver  the 
despatches  on  board  Captain  Campbell.  We  joined  him  in  two  days,  and 
on  the  third  parted  company,  and  made  sail  for  Malta. 

December,  1808.  Off  Corfu  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  the 
French  flag  s'ruck,  for  the  first  time  after  a  number  of  years.  The  Spider 
took  a  bombard  *,  laden  with  wool  and  gregos  t.  On  the  eighth  of  Decem- 
ber we  arrived  at  Malta,  in  consequence  of  this  capture,  and  were  put 
into  quarantine,  t  was  informed  that  Captain  Vincent*,  an  old  ship-mate 
and  friend,  commanded  H.  M.  S.  Trident,  bearing  Admiral  Ball's  flag; 
had  a  line  written  to  him,  in  my  name,  by  Mr.  Hewson,  my  arm  being 
too  feeble.  That  worthy  officer  no  sooner  received  it,  than  he  came  along, 
side  to  know  what  he  could  do  to  serve  us,  and  how  he  could  be  instru- 
mental in  promoting  my  interest :  nothing,  however,  could  be  done  while 
we  were  in  quarantine. 

In  the  mean  time  H.  M.  S.  Woolwich,  was  about  to  sail  for  England 
with  a  convoy.  Admiral  BtJl  had  ordered  Doctor  Barklimore  a  passage 
in  her;  but  she  unfortunately  got  out  before  we  could  procure  him  a  con- 
veyance. However,  he  w:is  put  on  board  a  transport  belonging  to  the  con- 
voy, and  arrived  safe  in  England.  His  Majt  sty's  ship  Proserpine  was 
the  next  day  to  proceed  offToulon,  to  Lord  CoBtngwood ;  and  had  we 
not  been  in  quarantine,  it  was  the  intention  of  Sir  Alexander  Ball  to  h^ve 
sent  us  on  board.  The  Proserpine  was  afterwards  taken  by  the  French  ; 

*  Bombard,   a  kind  of    culler  rig.  f  Great  coats, 

t  For  a  biographical  Memoir  of  the  public  services  of  Captain  Vincent,  »ee 
Vol.  XV1IJ.  page  263. 


NATAL   BULL£TH*».  397 

therefore,  we  felicitated  ourselves  on  our  fifth  escape  from  a  French 
prison.  We  were  ten  days  before  we  got  pratique,  and  on  the  same 
day  the  Amphion  arrived.  Lieutenant  Oliver-took  Mr.  Hcwson  and  my- 
self to  Sir  Alexander  Ball's,  and  introduced  us  to  him.  He  received  us 
very  graciously,  and  mentioned  how  strongly  we  had  been  recommended 
by  Captain  Hosce.  He  advised  us,  as  did  Captain  Vincent,  to  wait  on 
Lord Collingwood,  the  commander-in-chief,  as  soon  as  possible;  he  would 
recommend  us,  and  enclose  Captain  Hoste's  letter.  H.  M.  S.  Leonidas 
was  on  the  point  of  sailing  to  the  fleet :  the  admiral  ordered  us  a  pas- 
sage, and  every  thing  was  arranged  for  joining  the  fleet  with  all  pos» 
eible  expedition. 

During  this  time  we  remained  on  board,  to  see  our  .good  friends  of 
the  Amphion.  Imagine  our  astonishment— the  first  person  we  saw,  on 
our  arrival  on  her  decks,  was  our  companion  and  brother  sufferer  Bat- 
tely;  whom  we  had  been  under  the  necessity  of  quitting  in  Baden.  They 
had  picked  him  up  off  Trieste,  a  few  days  after  we  had  sailed  in  the 
Spider. 

The  people  with  whom  we  had  left  him  in  the  small  village,  he  in- 
formed us,  had  behaved  with  great  attention,  as  did  the  old  shoemaker. 
As  soon  as  he  had  got  well,  he  quitted  them,  and  directed  his  course 
towards  Austria;  but  on  the  second  or  third  day,  he  was  arrested  near 
Elsingen,  in  Wirtemberg,  thrown  into  prison,  where  he  remained  five 
weeks.  They  had  written  to  inform  the  French  government  that  they  had 
him  in  custody :  however,  before  an  escort  (which  they  expected)  ar- 
rived from  France,  to  conduct  him  back,  he  fortunately  effected  his 
escape,  by  breaking  out  of  his  jail.  I  need  not  observe  what  sincere 
pleasure  we  felt  at  this  meeting.  We  were  the  first  successful  party, 
that  had  attempted  to  escape  from  Bitche.  All  our  friends  were  exces- 
sively happy  to  see  us,  and  Captain  Hoste  did  every  thing  to  forward  our 
wishes.  We  took  an  affectionate  leave  of  them,  and  embarked  on  board 
the  Leonidas ;  the  wind,  though  not  fair,  was  not  a  barrier  to  our  sail- 
ing, and  in  four  days  we  arrived  at  the  island  of  Minorca.  After 
receiving  a  great  deal  of  kindness  and  attention,  from  the  gun-room 
officers  and  midshipmen,  we  were  discharged  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Royal 
Sovereign,  Vice  admiral  Thornborough;  and  from  her,  instantly  into  H.M. 
sloop,  Kingsfisher,  for  a  passage  to  Gibraltar ;  where  they  supposed  his 
H.  M.  S.  Ocean,  Lord  Collingwood  was,  having  parted  from  the  fleet  iu  a 
severe  easterly  gale. 

The  humane  and  liberal  conduct  of  the  officers  of  the  Kingsfisher,  could 
only  be  equalled  by  those  of  our  friends  in  the  Amphion,  and  Lieut.  Oliver, 
of  the  Spider.  We  proceeded  in  the  former  as  low  as  Malaga,  where  we  fell 
in  with  H.M.  brig  Weazle,  Capt.  Prescott,  whoinformed  us,  that,  owing  to 
a  sudden  shift  of  wind,  his  lordship  had  altered  his  courso,  and  bore  up. 
for  Malta,  to  repair  damages  which  he  had  sustained  in  the  gale.  We, 
therefore,  returned  to  Admiral  Thnrnborough  at  Minorca;  received  fresh 
despatches,  and  proceeded  to  Malta,  after  a  stay  of  24  hours.  In  five 
days  we  arrived  at  Malta,  joined  Lord  Collingwood  in  the  Ocean,  and  had 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  five  more  of  our  Bitche  fellow  sufferers,  who  had 


HYDROGRAPHY. 

escaped,  in  consequence  of  letters  received  from  us  when  at  Trieste; 
pointing  out  to  them  the  course  we  had  taken.  Among  these  were  my 
brothers  in  adversity,  Tutbill  and  Brine ;  Ashworth  had  also  escaped, 
but  w;is  not  then  arrived. 

His  Lordship  received  us  very  kindly,  and  asked  us  several  questions  ; 
Sir  Alexander  Ball  and  Captain  Vincent,  also  paid  every  attention  to  us 
when  they  came  on  board.  We  did  duty  as  midshipmen,  and  left  Malta 
for  Palermo.  Thence  we  went  off  Toulon  with  the  fleet,  which  we  joined 
off  Minorca,  where  we  remained  until  the  28th  of  March,  1809.  I  was, 
I  confess,  very  much  depressed  in  spirits :  however,  on  the  29th,  his 
lordship  appointed  me  lieutenant  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Warrior,  in  a  court 
martial  vacancy.  I  joined  her  instantly,  and  on  the  31st,  we  parted  com- 
pany from  the  fleet  for  Malta,  where  I  conclude  my  Narrative, 


HYDROGRAPHY,  PILOTAGE,  &c. 

MR.  HYDROGRAPHER,  London,  May  2,  1814. 

IN  a  former  part  of  your  present  volume,*  there  is  an  interesting  letter 
under  the  signature  of  "ATLAS,"  wherein  he  proves,  that  ice  islands 
are  frequently  seen  in  the  Northern  Atlantic  Ocean,  by  ships  crossing  over 
from  America  or  the  West  Indies  towards  this  country  ;  and  he  is  of  opi- 
nion, that  many  of  the  dangers  placed  on  the  charts,  have  originated  from 
navigators  mistaking  those  ice  islands  for  rocks  or  land,  and  that  many 
missing  ships  have  probably  perished  by  striking  against  them.  I  must  can- 
didly say,  that  I  have  long  been  of  the  same  opinion  as  your  correspondent 
ATLAS  on  this  subject;  and  also  agree  with  him,  that  it  would  be" highly  to 
the  honour  of  this  great  maritime  and  commercial  nation,  were  government 
to  appoint  some  vessels,  under  the  direction  of  deserving  and  well  qualified 
officers,  to  examine  thoroughly  those  parts  where  dangers  are  said  to  exist, 
and  which  are  often  the  dread  of  cautious  navigators.f 

It  would  be  of  great  benefit,  were  the  const  of  Brazil  to  be  surveyed 
from  Dcmerary  to  Cape  St.  Roque,  as  there  are  no  good  charts  existing  of 
this  part  of  the  American  coast ;  and  even  Cape  St.  Roque,  which  is  the 
projecting  angle  of  that  continent,  seems  not  yet  to  be  ascertained  within 
less  than  12  or  15  miles  of  its  true  situation  in  latitude,— although  fronted 
by  a  very  dangerous  reef  (the  Roccas)  at  the  distance  of  several  leagues. 

But  of  all  the  places  on  the  globe  we  inhabit,  the  north  and  west  coasts 
of  Australasia  or  New  Holland  appear  most  worthy  of  the  attention  of  the 
British  government,  which  would  he  an  ample  field  to  call  into  energy  the 
talents  and  industry  of  some  deserving  officers  ;  for  the  extent  of  those  coasts 
from  the  Gulf  of  Carpentaria  round  to  Cape  Leuwen,  comprehends  a  space 
of  upwards  of  2000  geographical  miles,  less  known  to  Europeans  at  present 

*  Page  220. 

f  OCEANIC  DANSEKS  :—  iBafcal  CTTjtonirfe:  i,  357;  x'n,  452;  xxv,  222  } 
x»vii,  26  ;  xxviii,  71 ;  xxix,  220,  303. 


HYDROGRAPflY. 

than  it  was  to  the  Dutch,  when  they  discovered  it  about  two  centuries 
ago.  As  the  gulf  of  Carpentaria,  and  the  east  and  south  coasts  of  this 
immense  island,  have  been  so  successfully  explored  by  the  indefatigable 
Captain  FLINDERS,  and  the  immortal  COOK,  it  would  certainly  redonnd  to 
the  honour  of  the  British  government,  to  complete  a  survey  of  the  whole, 
by  an  accurate  examination  of  the  north  and  west  coasts,  and  also  of  Torres 
strait.  Many  parts  of  the  west  coast  of  New  Holland  are  said  to  be  ste- 
rile, and  destitute  of  fresh  water,  but  we  may  reasonably  believe,  that  in 
other  parts,  the  soil  is  good  and  proper  for  cultivation,  and  probably  safe 
harbours  may  be  found  in  some  places.  If  a  survey  of  this  coast  should  be 
undertaken,  it  would  be  essential  to  have  a  geologist  to  go  inland  at  various 
parts  to  examine  the  soil,  which  is  there  probably  more  fertile  than  near 
the  sea.  At  the  present  auspicious  period,  a  complete  investigation  of  the 
whole  of  the  coasts  of  New  Holland  seems  highly  desirable,  in  case  it 
should  be  found  necessary  to  provide  for  the  superabundant  population  of 
this  country  by  colonization. 

As  almost  every  branch  of  manufacture  is  now  conducted  chiefly  by  me- 
chanism, there  will,  no  doubt,  be  some  difficulty  in  finding  employment 
for  the  multitude  of  men  who  have  hitherto  served  their  country  in  the 
army  and  navy,  and  in  other  departments,  without  having  recourse  to  colo- 
nization. A  period  of  nearly  twenty  years  war,  has  apparently  made  it  be- 
come an  habitual  state  to  this  country,  and  almost  verifies  the  maxim  of  the 
philosopher  of  Malmesbury,  viz.  "  That  war  is  the  natural  state  of  man- 
kind." To  remedy  the  difficulties  inseparably  connected  with  a  protracted 
warfare,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  every  necessary  encouragement  will  be 
granted  for  the  cultivation  of  waste  land  in  this  country,  and  more  particu- 
larly in  Ireland,  as  the  best  means  to  prevent  our  countrymen  from  emi- 
grating to  foreign  nations  : — but  if  the  population  cannot  be  all  employed 
at  home,  the  immense  plains  of  New  Holland,  lying  destitute  of  cultiva- 
tion probably  ever  since  this  world  was  called  into  existence,  seem  to  invite 
the  industry*  and  energies  of  this  great  maritime  nation,  to  bring  them 
into  a  state  of  agriculture,  the  most  natural,  the  most  useful,  and  the  most 
virtuous  employment  of  man,  during  his  abode  on  this  sublunary  sphere. 


•  The  Chinese,  who  arc  perhaps  seldom  equalled  for  iadustry,  and  for  their 
Jiigh  estimation  of  agriculture,  give  the  following  definition  of  the  revolutions  of 
this  life  :— 

«'  Indigence  and  obscurity,  are  the  parents  of  vigilance  and  economy  ;  vigi- 
lance and  economy,  of  riches  and  honour;  riches  and  honour,  of  pride  and 
luxury  ;  pride  and  luxury,  of  impurity  aud  idleness;  and  impurity  and  idleness, 
again  beget  indigence  and  obscurity." 


400  HYDROGRAPHY. 

EUROPE. 
FRANCE. 

THE  following  directions  to  the  masters  of  vessels  trading  to  Bordeaux, 
have  been  circulated. — The  Hydrographer  of  the  IB.  <$..  has  already  put  our 
readers  in  possession  of  some  particular  information  on  the  subject:*— 

H.  M.  S.  Porcupine,  Garonne,  road  of  Castillon, 
SIR,  Aprils,  1814. 

Although  I  am  not  aware  how  far,  under  present  circumstances,  the 
commercial  interests  of  Britain  may  be  benefited  by  the  opening  of  the 
Garonne,  yet  the  interest  I  feel  in  its  prosperity  induces  me  to  state  to 
you,  that  his  Majesty's  ships  under  my  orders  now  command  the  whole 
navigation  of  the  river,  from  Point  Grave  to  Pouillac,  and  will,  I  trust* 
soon  to  Bordeaux.  The  French  charts  of  the  river  are  so  good,  that  I 
brought  his  Majesty's  squadron  in,  in  safety,  without  pilots,  through  the 
Matelier  channel  ;  but  the  best  at  present,  for  merchant  ships,  is  the 
Grave  channel ;  and  I  do  not  believe  the  little  shoal,  called  Ruffiac,  at  all 
exists;  at  the  change?  of  the  tides,  which  are  very  rapid,  there  are  often 
appearances  of  breakers,  where  there  is  no  danger.  The  passage  by  Point 
Grave  has  the  advantage  of  simplicity,  as  well  as  with  respect  to  having 
enemies  batteries  to  pass.  By  the  Escameau  channel,  a  ship  can  come  in 
also  without  risk  of  a  shot;  by  the  Matelier,  it  can  hardly  be  avoided  from 
Point  Coubre.  The  directions  for  the  Garonne  in  the  Petit  Neptune 
Fnrnfais,  printed  in  London  in  1793,  are  good,  and  may  be  depended 
upon.  In  the  charts  no  danger  is  omitted,  and  some  are  introduced  which 
do  not  exist.  If  these  observations  prove  of  any  benefit  to  British  com- 
pierce,  it  will  give  great  satisfaction  to,  Sir,  yours,  &c. 

(9.    (J .  <J  enrobe  i 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Lloyd's^  Rear-admiral. 

ASIA. 

SUMATRA. 

Remarks  respecting  the  west  coast,  inner  passage,  winds,  currents,  4"C«  MSS. 
[Continued  from  page  338.] 

JULY  22. — P  M.  anchored  in  15  fathoms,  soft  blue  mud,  Sittoe  point 
N.W.b.  W.JW.  Sinkel  point  N.E.  b.N.  a  small  island  off  Sinkel  river 
N.E.  offshore  8  miles.  The  next  point,  called  Oojong  Raja,  is  also  very 
low  land  ;  it  bears  from  Sinkel  point  S.  63°  E.  11  £  miles,  forming  a  circu- 
lar bay  not  very  deeply  indented  ;  round  this  point  is  said  to  be  good 
Anchorage  ;  we  had  not  an  opportunity  of  ascertaining  ;  the  water  deepens 
to  30  fathoms ;  and  Poolo  Lticutto  t  is  to  be  seen  from  the  mast- head. 
Steering  S.E,  b.  E.  you  will  soon  be  in  sight  of  Bird,  or  Northern  Sandy, 

•  See  page  329. 

f  This  island  is  called  Lacotta  by  HORSBVROH,  and  is  placed  by  that  hydro- 
grapher  in  latitude  about  1°  4*'  N. 


HYDROGRAPHY*  401 

isle  ;  pass  It  i,  2,  or  3  miles  in-shore,  leaving  it  to  starboard,  you  will  hare 
SO  fathoms  water,  soft  blue  mud  :  it  bears  from  Lucutto  S.  £  E.  6  miles* 
tt  lies  14  or  15  miles  from  Sumatra.  I  sent  a  boat  to  examine  it.  It  is  a 
Square  low  sandy  isle,  with  birds  on  itj  and  a  reef  around  it ;  but  at  two 
Cables'  lengths  from  it  steep-to  SO  fathoms,  mud.  Mansillea*  island  bearing 
from  it  S.E.  b.  E.  \  E.  Hauled  up  to  E."  after  passing  it,  and  soon  after 
N.E.  b.  E.  the  current  setting  strongly  to  southward  ;  when  it  bore  W.S.W. 
and  Lucutto  S.W.  anchored  in  30  fathoms,  soft  blue  mud.  There  is  no 
doubt  a  good  passage  leaving  it  to  port  as  well  as  to  starboard.  Lucutto  has 
a  fine  sandy  beach  on  its  east  side ;  I  have  heard,  and  believe,  there  is  good 
anchorage  on  its  south-east  side,  also  wood  and  good  water.  In-shore 
you  see  point  Barros,f  a  small  low  island  off  the  village  of  ihe  same  name$ 
bearing  from  Lucutto  N.  64:*  E.  18  miles,  and  from  North  Sandy  isle 
N.  80°  E.  17  or  18  miles.  It  is  mentioned  you  will  find  good  anchorage 
S.  of  it  in  10  fathoms  ;  when  you  get  tlmt  island  bearing  N.  24°  E.  14 
tniles,  Lucutto  N.  65°  W.  12  miles,  and  the  centre  of  Mansillea  E.  b.  S.  ^  8. 
you  will  be  aground  on  the  South  Sandy,  or  Bird,  isle.  You  may  pass  it 
with  safety  £  mile  on  either  side,  in  18  and  20  fathoms  :  it  is  smaller  than 
its  northern  brother  ;  about  120  yards  long,  and  40  broad,  12  feet  above 
the  surface  of  the  sea.  It  consists  more  of  coral  than  of  sand  ;  and  lie* 
N.  and  S.  forming  a  bay  on  its  western  side  ;  many  birds  and  eggs  on  it. 
You  carry  bO  to  24  fathoms,  soft  blue  mud,  mid-channel  from  North  Sandy 
isle  to  Mansillea;  which  latter  is  a  woody  island,  with  good  water  in  an 
excellent  harbour  on  its  south  side  ;  spars  may  be  had  in  plenty  on  it,  and 
it  is  frequently  visited  by  the  French.  Due  E.  of  Mansillea  (North  point) 
is  the  harbour  of  Tappanooly.^;  Receiving  information  of  two  French  fri- 
gates being  off  Padang,  I  only  staid  three  hours  ;  and  regret  much  I  had 
not  opportunity  of  making  particular  remarks  there.  I  am  informed  there 
is  no  danger  in  the  bay  or  harbour  of  Mansillea  but  what  is  visible.  Tap- 
panooly  affords  all  kinds  of  refreshments,  good  spars,  and  water;  if  you 
are  bound  to  Poolo  Nayas  (or  Neas)  from  Tappanooly,  be  sure  to  pass  to 
the  northward  of  Poolo-Bintanna,§  a  small  island  lying  off  the  S.W.  part  of 

•  — — 1'  - 

*  This  is  HORSBURGH'S  Mensular,  or  Massular,  in  latitude  1°  32'  N.  (direc* 
tionsfor  sailing*  &c.  part  ii,  p.  54.) 

t  HORSBURGH  calls  this  Baroos,  and  assigns  its  latitude  about  1°  56'  X.  He 
also  gives  the  name  of  Canmgua  to  the  small  low  island  off  the  village,  mentioned 
in  the  text.  It  is  stated  in  his  Directions  to  be  a  place  of  some  trade,  the  princi- 
pal exports  camphor  and  benzoin ;  good  fresh  water  may  be  procured  ;  but  it  is 
dangerous  for  a  ship's  boat  to  enter  the  river*  except  one  of  the  natives  be  used 
as  a  guide. 

t  Tappanooly  is  mentioned  in  the  following  places  pfthe  Jl5abftlCf)r<mtde:— ' 
xxiii,  502  5  xxv.  386 ;  it  is  particularly  described  in  HORSBURCH'S  Directions^ 
ii,  53  5  which  work  places  Ponchang-Cachel,  an  English  settlement,  where 
ships  generally  moor  a  little  within-side  of  the  entrance,  in  latitude  1°  40'N. 
longitude  about  98"  40'  E. 

§  Binianna  appears  to  be  the  Doa  of  HOHSBURGH.  See  page  337  of  the  pre.. 
jent  volume, 

.  C&ron.  ttoLXXXI.  3  F 


402  IIYDHOGRAPHY. 

Mansillea,  even  if  you  lose  many  days  by  so  doing;  for  the  passage- 
southward  of  that  isle  is  very  dangerous.  Leaving  Mansillea  for  tha 
southward,  you  may  pass  on  either  bide  of  the  Sugar-loaf ;  *  but  I  would 
recommend  passing  it  to  starboard  ;  S.S.  E.  of  Mansillea  (east  point)  is 
Poolo  Ely,  which  you  may  pass  at  less  than  a  mile,  or  go  within  side,  in  a 
passage  of  6  fathoms :  goi>d  anchorage  under  its  S.  E.  side,  wood,  and 
water;  but  I  would  not  recommend  guing  in  without  a  pilot.  We  sent 
boats  on  shore,  and  in  half  an  hour  cut  a  week's  wood.  S.  of  Poolo-Ely» 
about  13  miles,  are  the  two  Zelody  isles :  give  them  a  good  berth,  passing 
outside  a  dangerous  shoal  lying  from  them  S.  b.  VV.  therefore  do  not  bring 
the  islands  to  bear  to  westward  of  N.  until  jou  are  two  miles  southward  of 
them;  having  an  offing  of  6  miles,  you  may  steer  S.  18  miles,  which  will 
carry  you,  in  24  fathoms  water,  clear  of  the  dangerous  shoals  about  the 
mouth  of  Nattal  bay  :  t  you  will  then  see  Poolo  Battoa  (so  culled  by  the 
natives,  but  by  us,  MintoX  and  Pingen  (so  called  by  the  natives,  by  us, 
Battoa)  ;  ^  now  haul  up  S.S.E.  then  S.E.  steering  4  or  5  miles  off  shore, 
leaving  the  islands  on  tlie  starboard  hand  14  or  15  miles.  S.  b.  W.  of  Nattal 
11  miles,  is  Tamong  point  and  isle,  in  rounding  which,  and  three  islots 
called  Pingay,  Panca,  and  Taloor  (or  Egg  isle),  you  must  be  guarded 
against  shoals  in-shore  of  you  ;  they  do  not  extend  three  miles  off  the 
island  :  S  E.  of  Taloor  there  are  5  rocks  ;  but  in  keeping  4  or  5  miles  from 
that  island  you  have  a  good  passage.  Poolo  Panjang  S.  58°  E.  9£  miles, 
from  Poolo  Tamong,  and  Poolo  Panca  S.  54°  E.  12  miles,  from  the  point, 
Poolo  Taloor  bears  E.  b.  S.  8  miles  from  Poolo  Panca  :  §  all  these  islands 
lye  off  or  about  the  mouth  of  Ayer  Bongy  bay,  which  to  all  appearance 
is  a  fine  harbour,  in  latitude  ?'  N.  longitude  100°  10'  E.  of  Greenwich  ; 
and  is  remarkable  for  nature's  most  majestic  beauties,  particularly  Mount 

*  Nassi-see-toonkas,  of  the  Malays,  is  vulgarly  called  the  "Sugar-loaf"  by 
English  mariners :  it  is  a  small  conical  island  bearing  S.S.W.  9  inik's  from 
Fonchang-cachel,  in  Tappanooly  harbour ;  and  is  the  leading  mark  for  ships 
bound  thence  southward;  it  being  conspicuous,  and  the  southernmost  of  the  islots 
in  the  south  part  of  the  great  bay  of  Tappanooly,  situated  nearly  mid-way  be- 
tween Batoo-Mama,  the  southern  extremity  of  that  bay,  and  the  east  end  of 
Mensulur;  which  description,  aided  by  reference  to  the  preceding  hydrographi- 
cal  notes,  it  5s  presumed  is  sufficient  for  enabling  the  reader  to  ascertain  its  geo- 
graphical site  with' requisite  precision. 

f  Tinse  shoals,  as  well  as  those  about  Poolo  Ely,  are  particularly  described, 
named,  and  enumerated,  by  HOUSBURGH,  in  the  Directions,  ii,  65.  Nattal  is 
in  latitude  '29'  N.  longitude  98°  40' E. 

$  The  errors  ef  this  embarrassing  nomenclature  are  clearly  pointed  out,  and 
corrected,  in  HomsBURGH's  Directions,  ii,  80  ;"to  which  the  navigator  can  most 
usefully  refer.  Poolo  Minto,  or  Mintao,  otherwise  Nantian,  is  the  next  large 
island  S.Eastward  of  Poolo  Nayas  or  Neas,  and  extends  from  latitude  fc'S.  to4'S. 
in  a  S.S.Easterly  direction  about  14  leagues. 

$  This  island  is  called  by  HORSBUIIGH,  Pancal :  Panjang  is  placed  by  tha 
tame  authority  iu  13'  NT.  and  the  shoals  near  Taloor,  or  Teller,  are  said  by  another 
navigator  to  bear  S.E.  b.S.  therefrom  in  a  line ;  the  southernmost  distant  iroui  it 
•bout  4  mile*.  There  are  others  about  6  miles  S.Eastward  of  that  island. 


HYDROC.IIAPIIY.  403 

Ophir,  one  of  the  highest  mountains  in  the  world  :  on  a  clear  day,  it  is  said 
^ou  can  see  it  from  an  offing  of  140  miles  ;  which  I  think  very  probable. 
Its  vast  height  suffers  an  apparent  diminution  from  the  considerable  moun- 
tains that  surround  it;  yet  still  it  is  so  conspicuous  as  to  excite  correspond- 
ing admiration  in  the  mind  of  the  beholder.*  There  i«  a  volcanic  moun- 
tain in  a  burning  state  to  the  southward  of  Opliir,  about  9  or  10  leagues 
inland,  appearing  about  two-tliirds  of  its  height,  the  top  making  flat  as  if  it* 
peak  had  been  burnt  down. 

fTo  be  continued.] 

JAVA. 

ACCOUNT  of  a  coral  rock,  upon  which  the  E.  I.  Company's  ship  Fairlie 
«truck  during  her  passage  to  Batavia : — 

"  The  rock  on  which  we  struck,  the  21st  April,  1813,  at  I  A.M.  is  a 
sunken  rock,, and  not  laid  clown  in  any  of  our  charts  :  it  is  situated  on  the 
south  side  of  Caspar  Straits;  we  made  it  to  be  in  latitude  3°  27'  S.  and 
longitude  107°  l'  E.  by  chronometer.  We  had  two  boats  out  sounding, 
*  • — — —  • 

*  Ophir  is  in  latitude  4  X.  according  to  HOBIBUROB;  and  is  situated  about 
8  leagues  in-land,  to  the  eastward  of  Oojong-Secarboa.  It  is  thought  to  be  about 
the  height  of  Teydeh  (or  the  peak  of  Teueriffe),  which  is  12138  feet(higb,and  has 
been  seen  100  miles  off:  in  fact  this  latter  has  been  delineated  at  20  teagoes  distance, 
and  a  view  of  it  so  taken,  by  a  naval  officer,  when  bearing  S.  W.  forms  one  of  ihe 
embellishments  of  the  improved  edition  of  Robinson  Crittoe,  now  publishing  at  this 
office,  edited  by  the  Hydrographer;  and  thence  entituled,  for  distinction's  sake, 
the  "  Naval  Chronicle  edition"  of  that  popular  and  instructive  story.  The  next 
highest  land  usually  seen  by  navigators  is  the  summit  of  St.  Antonio,  the  western- 
most of  the  Cape  Verde  isles,  which,  according  to  recent  admeasurement,  is 
7400  feet  above  the  surface  ef  the  sea,  and  may  be  seen  from  a  ship's  deck  30 
leagues.  Towards  the  solution  of  this  problem,  the  following  memoranda  may 
be  found  not  devoid  of  interest  <yjd  instruction  to  the  young  officer  whose  duly 
may  require  the  utmost  promptitude  in  estimating  the  distance  of  objects  when 
discovered  or  reported  from  the  mast-head.  These  duta  will  moreover  serre  to 
illustrate  to  our  readers  on  shore,  not  familiarly  acquainted  with  nautical 
affairs,  the  meaning  and  utility  of  going  "  aloft"  to  look-out,  with  reference  t'o 
the  mathematical  possibility  of  vision  : — The  extent  of  a  person's  view,  six  feet 
in  height,  on  a  plane  liorison,  is  15b83  feet,  =  3  miles  43  feel  ;  hence,  there 
results,  that  two  persons  of  the  same  height  can  see  one  another  at  the  dis- 
tance of  6  miles  86  feet.  By  a  like  calculation,  if  the  height  of  the  eye  bo 
12  feet,  the  extent  of  view  will  be  4  miles  447  yards  ;  and  such  a  spectator 
would  see  an  object  of  the  same  height  at  the  distance  of  85  miles,  li  tha 
height  of  the  eye  be  24  fleet  (Which  is  about  the  elevation  of  a  ship's  deck  from 
the  water_),  the  extent  of  the  view  will  be  6  miles  29  yards  ;  and  the  hui!  of 
a  ship  of  the  same  size  would  be  discernible  at  1?  rojlfs  53  yards.  Jl  the  lu-i^ht 
l»e  48  feet  (as  on  a  ship's  mast),  the  visible  ettent  would  be  8  mi)es  895y«»rdt  j 
and  a  spectator,  in  this  position  would  see  3  sail  of  similar  height,  at  the  distance 
of  17  miles  30  yards.  In  this  calculation  of  the  sensible  horizon,  the  earllj  iq 
Assumed  to  be  a  perfect  globe,  whose  semidiameier  is  =  21024960 -i- 6  teet,  or 
pther  given,  height  of  the  observer's  eye  from  the  surface. — ( 


404  HYDROGRAPHY, 

and  found  9,  10,  to  15  fathoms  close  to  it,  and  immediately  over  it  4  and 
5  feet ;  it  is  not  above  a  cable's  length  in  circumference  ;  the  ship  was  not 
more  than  five  minutes  on  it,  the  sea  at  the  time  was  very  smooth,  with 
fine  weather,  and  a  light  breeze  at  W.S.W.  and  we  sustained  no  injury,  we 
were  steering  south  at  the  time,  going  2f  knots.*  A  little  to  the  north* 
ward  of  it,  we  could  plainly  see  lying  on  the  ground  an  anchor  and  cable." 
*f-(Java  Government  Gazette  :  8  May,  1813.J 

CELEBES. 

MK.    HYDROGRAPHER,  10/A  May,  1814. 

As  your  many  remarks,  offered  under  the  head  of  Hydrography,  for  the 
guidance  of  seamen  are  much  read.  I  beg  to  inform  you  that  I  sailed 
on  board  H.M.S.  Virginie,  Captain  George  Astle,  in  the  year  1800,  at  that 
time  stationed  in  the  East  Indies ;  the  Vi> •  ginic  was  ordered  to  the  Molucca 
isles,  hut  found  the  S.E.  monsoon  had  set  in  by  the  time  she  got  as  far  as 
the  strait  of  Macassar;  Captain  Astle  then  proceeded  up  the  east  side  of 
that  strait,  a  passage,  I  believe,  never  used  by  English  ships ;  we  found, 
it  very  safe  and  clear,  much  preferable  to  the  usual  passage  up  the  western 
side  of  the  said  strait,  which  abounds  in  shoals:  being  much  in  want  of 
water,  Captain  Astle  anchored  in  a  hay  on  the  west  side  of  the  island  of 
Celebes,  called  by  the  Malays  Lebaney  bay,  and  the  only  bay  on  that 
coast  that  we  could  get  soundings  in.  This  bay  is  in  latitude  2°  40'  S.  in, 
sailing  into  it  you  will  see  a  Malay  town  close  to  the  beach;  bring  the 
centre  of  the  town  to  bear  E.N.E.  by  compass,  and  steer  right  for  it ;  the 
first  soundings  will  be  70  or  80  fathoms  ;  after  which  you  will  shoal  your 
\vater  suddenly  to  40  and  SO  fathoms,  When  you  have  brought  the  north, 
point  of  the  bay  to  bear  N.  £  E.  and  the  south  point  S.  b.  W.  you  will  then, 
be  in  28  or  30  fathoms,  sand  and  shelly  bottom,  about  f  mile  from  the 
town,  at  the  head  of  the  bay  ;  as  you  go  farther  in,  the  water  shoals  gra- 
dually to  20,  15,  and  10  fathoms,  with  the  same  bottom  as  before  men- 
tioned; the  watering  place  is  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  southward 
of  the  town  ;  it  is  excellent  water,  and  is  close  to  the  beach;  the  Virginie 
watered  in  24  hours;  and  the  Malay  chief  informed  us  if  Captain  Astle 
would  remain  in  the  bay  three  days,  he  would  procure  us  as  many  buftalos 
and  other  stock  as  vve  might  want  for  the  use  of  the  ship's  company. 


***  The  place  described  by  this  correspondent  must  be  looked  for, 
and  ought  to  be  inserted,  on  the  charts  between  Cape  William  (in  2°  34* 
S.  118°  58'  E.)  and  Point  Kyi  ;  which  last,  according  to  HORSBURCH,  is 
4  or  5  leagues  nearly  south  from  that  cape.  The  Celebes  is  hitherto 
almost  unknown,  and  the  description  of  it,  even  in  the  Sailing  Directions, 
(ii.  335)  is  confined  to  the  geographical  sites  of  the  principal  promontories, 
while  the  interjacent  coast  is  hardly  noticed  in  any  detail.  /The  author  of 
that  work  o^erves  that  Cape  Mandhar  (in  3°  S.i'  S.  1 19°  9'  E.)  and  most 
of  the  headlands  on  the  west  coast  of  Celebes,  are  placed  in  the  charts 
greatly  to  northward  of  their  true  situations. 


*    JIORSBURGH  J    ii, 


HYDROGRAPHY, 

AMERICA. 

TRINIDAD. 
(Extract  of  a  Letter  dated  Tortola,  1st  July,  1809.) 

"  As  I  have  never  met  in  any  of  the  charts  of  Trinidad,  the  smallest 
notice  of  a  sunken  rock,  whicti  is  in  the  Grand  Boca  (or  Boca-del-Draco). 
I  conceive  it  may  be  for  the  benefit  of  the  british  navy  that  its  bearings 
and  distance  be  accurately  known.  I  had  an  opportunity  of  getting  at  its 
precise  situation  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  June,  the  ship  Samuel,  Captain 
Lughrec,  of  London,  drawing  17  feet  water  (which  I  was  on  board)  having 
stricken,  and  having  remained  on  it  for  several  hours.  It  is  about  40 
yards  in  circumference,  with  nine  feet  on  it  at  low  water  in  the  shoalest 
part.  While  we  lay  aground  two  of  the  convoy  passed  on  each  side  of  us 
without  touching,  although  uot  25  fathoms  from  us,  the  water  being  deep 
all  around. 

"  The  bearings  of  this  roct  are — Chacachacareo  (S.W.  point)  E.N.E. 
$  of  a  mile;  Goose  Isle  S.W.  b.  W,  $  W. ;  S.E.  point  of  Cumana  border • 
ing  on  the  Grand  Boca,  W.  b.  S.  The  current  was  setting  very  strong 
from  the  south,  with  light  variable  winds." 

JAMAICA, 

There  is  a  shoal  of  coral  rock  lying  to  the  south-eastward  of  YallalTs 
Point,  about  nine  miles  distance  from  it.  H.M.S.  Barbados,  in  1812, 
passed  over  it,  tailing  on  some  of  the  rocks  in  her  course  across.  The 
extent,  bearings,  and  exact  distance,  I  am  not  in  possession  of,  but  this 
much  was  related  to  me  by  the  officer  who  had  charge  of  the  watch  at  the 
time  the  ship  went  over  it,  and  saw  the  bottom  distinctly.  I  believe  the 
Barbados  drew  18  feet. 

A  coasting  brig  (I  believe  in  181?)  bound  to  Port  Royal,  and  not  being 
able  to  get  in  before  dark,  came  to  an  anchor  in  Cow  Bay.  It  appears 
that  the  people  who  had  the  watch  on  deck  all  went  to  sleep,  and  the  land* 
wind  coining  off  (about  N.N.W.)  fresh,  the  vessel  brought  home  her 
anchor,  slipped  off  the  bank,  and  was  drifted  to  sea  without  a  soul  on 
board  knowing  it.  At  day-light  they  were  surprised,  as  may  easily  be 
imagined,  at  finding  their  vessel  still  at  anchor,  but  at  a  distance  of  five 
leagues  from  the  land,  in  16  fathoms  water,  rocky  bottom ;  thus,  by  a  for- 
tuitous event,  this  shoal  was  discovered.  This  account  I  had  from  un- 
doubted authority;  but  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  could  not  learn  the  exact 
position  or  extent  of  this  shoal,  or  whether  there  was  less  water  than 
16  fathoms  on  it.  As  the  land-wind  generally  comes  off  from  the  N.N.W. 
we  may  suppose  the  vessel  to  have  drifted  in  nearly  an  opposite  direction : 
the  computed  distance  five  leagues.  I  did  not  |earn  the  vessel's  name,  nop 
that  of  the  master  who  commanded,  hef, 

April,  1814,  Cf    JP> 


405  NATAL   LITERATURE. 

%*  The,  reader  of  and  friend  to  the  jB.  <£.  who  has  contributed 
the  three  foregoing  articles,  addresses  the  following  observations  to  the 
Jlydrographer  :— 

"  The  first  of  these  we  find  is  a  dangerous  shoal,  having  only  18  feet 
water  in  some  parts,  and  is  likely  to  have  less  in  other  parts  of  it;  is  it  not, 
therefore,  an  extraordinary  circumstance  that  no  notice  has  ever  beerv 
taken  of  it  ?  I  am  of  opinion  that  it  never  was  officially  made  known,  the 
captain  having  been  at  sick-quarters  on  shore  at  the  time." — The  Hydro* 
graphcr,  consequently,  begs  leave  to  refer  him  and  other  readers  to  vol, 
xxii.  (for  1309*)  page  456,  for  a  notice  of  the  rock  in  question  ;  unto  which, 
r,  it-i*  worth,  while  to  recall  the  attention  of  navigators. 


NAVAL  LITERATURE. 


Oriental  Commerce,  %c.    Ity  WILLIAM  MILBURN,  Esq. 
^Continued  from  page  239.] 

IN  resuming  our  notice  of  Mr.  Milburn's  work,  the  next  subject  that 
attracts  our  attention  is  a  list  of  European  commodities  suitable  to  the 
Bombay  market,  alphabetically  arranged,  and  which  generally  form  the, 
investments  of  the  commanders  and  officers  of  the  company's  and  country 
ships;  a  price  current  of  European  goods,  for  the  years  1808,  1809,  and 
1810,  noticing  such  articles  as  were  then  saleable,  and  others  for  whjcfy 
there  was  not  any  demand,  will  be  found  at  page  196,  Chap.  XII.  Mr. 
Milburn  then  proceeds  to  give  $m  account  of  the  commerce  with 
JIamburgh,  Denmark,  Lisbon,  Madeira,  the  United  States  of  America,  the 
northern  parts  of  Guzzerat,  Surat,  and  the  adjacent  villages,  with  the 
island  of  Bombay,  the  coast  of  Coromandel,  the  coasts  of  Malabar  and] 
Canara,  Bengal,  Ceylon,  British  Asia,  the  gulf  of  Arabia,  the  auff  of 
'Persia,  Cutch  and  Scindy,  Bassein  and  adjacent  villages,  Goa  and  the  coast 
of  Concan,Pulo  Pinang  and  places  to  the  eastward,  Pegu,  Batavia,  China, 
Cashmere,  &c.  with  the  amount  of  the  imports  and  exports  from  and  tQ 
taeh  of  these  places,  interspersed  occasionally  with  the  author's  remarks; 
import  and  export  duties,  custom-house  regulations,  list  of  articles  per- 
mitted and  not  allowed  to  be  landed  at  the  government  custom-house, 
police  regulations,  rates  of  pilotage,  light-house  dues,  wharfage,  dock-yard 
regulations,  regulations  relative  to  salutes  by  the  company's  ships,  owners* 
instructions  relative  to  gunpowder,  regulations  relative  to  gunpowder, 
owner's  allowances,  seamen's  wages,  £tc.  boat  and  cooley  hire.  The 
regulations  of  the  Court  of  Directors,  for  loading  the  company's  ships  from 
Bombay  to  China,  Madras  to  China,  Bengal  to  China,  and  from  port  tg 
port  in  India*  are  as  follow  ;•— 


KAVAL    UtERATtrnE. 

*'  I.  It  is  determined,  that,  in  most  cases,  cotton  shall  be  sent  on  th« 
company's  account  from  Bombay,  Madras,  and  Bengal,  to  China,  to  the 
extern;  of  three-fifths  of  tbc  whole  tonnage,  builder's  measurement,  without 
reckoning,  as  part  of  the  tonnage,  the  kentledge,  and  loO  tons  of  dead- 
weight, which  may  be  laden  in  England  ;  and  that  the  remainder  of  the 
tonnage  the  ship  may  be  capable  of  conveying,  shall  be  allowed  to  die 
commander  and  officers,  OH  their  entering  into  the  usual  bonds  to  gua- 
rantee the  company  against  any  claims  their  owners  may  make  for  the 
port  to  port  freight  of  such  tonnage  ;  and,  on  their  undertaking  dm  th« 
company  shall  not  be  subjected  to  any  expense  whatever,  whether  for 
screwing  the  company's  cotton,  or  otherwise. . 

"  II.  If  at  any  period  the  company  shall  have  a  larger  quantity  of  cotton 
than  the  tonnage  reserved  for  their  own  use  will  stow,  and  may  not  other- 
wise have  occasion  for,  the  government  may  dispose  of  the  same  te  the 
commanders  aqd  office:  s  at  prime  cost. 

"  III.  In  the  event  of  the  trade  being  relinquished  by  the  company  for 
a  season,  the  tonnage  reserved  as  before-mentioned  for  the  company  is  tu 
be  disposed  of  to  the  best  bidder,  at  a  specific  rate  per  ton  of  50  cubical 
feet,  after  the  ship's  arrival  at  Bombay,  Madras,  or  Bengal,  giving  due 
notice  of  such  determination,  and  of  the  period  fixed  for  receiving  pro- 
posals in  writing  for  the  letting  of  the  same;  and  if  the  commander  and 
officers  offer  at  a  rate  per  ton  equal  to  the  highest  bidder,  the  preference  i» 
always  to  be  given  to  them  ;  but  they  are  to  deliver  their  proposals  at  tl»e 
same  time  with  the  other  tenders,  and  are  not  to  ,be  allowed  to  amend 
their  tender  after  their  proposals  have  been  signed. 

"  IV.  If  the  company's  proportion  of  the  tonnage  should  be  disposed  of 
to  the  commanders  and  officers,  it  must  be  under  a  condition  that  the 
freight,  together  with  die  proceeds  of  the  cotton,  shall  be  paid  into  the 
Canton  treasury;  for  the  latter  of  which,  bills  on  England  will  be  granted, 
at  the  current  rate  of  exchange. 

"  V.  That,  in  voyages  from  one  presidency  to  another  in  India,  if  die 
governor  and  council  have  nothing,  or  only  a  proportion  of  her,  free  of 
tonnage,  to  let,  the  commander  shall  have  a  fair  and  reasonable  preference 
.given  him  to  occupy  it,  and  that  no  person  whatever  shall  have  it  on  the 
same  or  lower  terras;  or,  in  the  event  of  the  commander  paying  the  ship's 
demurrage,  from  the  beginning  of  her  lading  to  the  delivery  of  the  cargo  at 
each  consigned  port,  he  shall  have  the  option  to  occupy  the  ship  on  such, 
terms,  if  the  company  do  not  provide  a  cargo,  or  on  his  paying  such  pro- 
portion of  the  demurrage  as  he  may  occupy  of  die  outward  tonnage  she  is 
engaged  in. 

"  VI.  In  all  cases  the  commander  is  to  exonerate  the  company  from  afy 
claims  of  the  owners  in  respect  of  the  outward  tonnage,  or  any  pare 
thereof,  so  occupied. 

"  VII.  Proper  covenants  are  to  be  entered  into  at  the  presidency  where 
the  ship  lades,  for  the  payment  of  the  demurrage  that  may  be  due  at  the 
consigned  port." 

The  author  next  gives  the  firms  of  the  houses  of  agency  and  merchant^ 
as  well  as  of  the  natives,  their  rales  of  comiais*ion,  rale*  of  com- 


408  RAtAt, 

mission  on  sales,  insurance  companies,  rates  of  freight  from  Bombay  to 
China,  company's  imports  from  Europe,  company's  exports  to  Europe, 
revenues  and  disbursements  (under  this  head  it  appears  that  in  27  years 
the  disbursements  of  the  company  at  Bombay*  exceeded  their  receipts  in 
the  sum  of  24,400,350/.  sterling,  being  little  short  of  a  million  a  year!) 
company's  assets;  company's  European  and  native  army,  forming  a  total 
of  31,043,  including  officers  and  privates,  with  their  pay  and  allowances  in 
garrison  or  in  the  field ;  regulations  respecting  military  officers  retiring 
from  the  Company's  service,  or  having  furlough;  regulations  for  the 
admission  of  pensions  on  the  military  fund ;  passage-money  from  mid  to 
England;  duty  payable  on  East  India  goods  imported  into  Great  Britain. 

The  company's  marine  establishment  at  Bombay  is  next  noticed;  the 
expenses  for  the  maintenance  of  which  amounted,  in  the  year  1792-3,  to 
?9,750/.  and  in  1809-10  to  155,W5/. 

The  pay  and  allowances  to  the  officers  in  the  company's  marine  arc  as 
follows  :— 

Pay  per  MojUh.     Allowances.     Total. 
Rupees.  Rupees^     Rupees. 

Commodore  ...... 2000. . *       0....  2000 

Captains  of  large  ships 340 300 640 

Captainsof  small  ships 180 180....     360 

Lieu.tenants  in  command    _. .....     110......     90....     200 

1st  Lieutenants  not  in  command     ....      110. **       0....     110 

2d  Lieutenants 70 0 70 

Volunteers 30 0 30 

The  pay  of  the  superiutendant  of  the  marine  is  2500  rupees  per  month; 
and  that  of  the  master-attendant  20,000  rupees  a  year. 

The  regulations  relative   to  furlough  and  retirement  are  given  at  page 
£7  I  ;  every  officer  of  the  marine  who  has  served  twenty-five  years  in  India, 
including  three  years  for  a  furlough,  is  permitted  to  retire  from  the  service 
with  the  following  pay  I—- 
Commodore .«...  ..* _.*. £$28  per  ann. 

Captain  of  the  first  class  of  vessels  ...  * 180 

Captain  of  the  smaller  vessels „ 135 

first  lieutenant i „ .    80 

At  page  273,  to  the  end  of  the  chapter,  page  293,  is  a  list  of  the  articles 
procurable  at  Bombay,  and  directions  how  to  chuse  them,  which  will  be 
found  useful  to  our  mercantile  readers. 

At  page  278  we  find  the  Corulus  Indicus,  or  Indian  berry,  thus  de» 
scribed  :— 

"  It  grows  in  considerable  clusters  on  large  trees,  on  the  Malabar  coast. 
It  is  a  small  kidney- shaped  berry,  having  a  wrinkled  outside,  with  a  seam 
running  along  the  back,  of  a  dark  brown  colour.  It  has  a  white  kernel 
inside,  of  a  most  unpleasant  taste,  It  is  said  that  the  principal  use  of  tlie 
berry  in  England,  is  to  mix  with  mult  liquors,  in  order  to  make  them  in, 
tvxicating ;  but  this  practice  is  now  expressly  forbidden  by  act  of  parlia. 

*  A  view  of  Bombay  Castle  u  given  in  Vol.  XXI, 


NATAL   LITERATURE.  409 

fh«nt.    These  berries  should  be  chosen  sound,  dry,  clean,  heavy,  large, 
and  free  from  stalks  and  dirt.*' 

Chapter  XIV.  describes  the  coast  of  Concan,  its  extent ;  Bancoot,  of 
Fort  Victoria ;  Severndroog;  Geria;  Melundy;  Goa;  commercp  between 
the  coast  of  Concan  and  the  British  settlements.  This  chapter  concludes 
with  historical  facts  relative  to  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  discoveries  and 
conquests  of  the  Portuguese  in  the  East  Indies,  from  the  year  1410 
to  1810. 

The  coast  of  Canara  is  treated  on  in  Chapter  XV.  to  which  is  prefixed! 
a  chart  of  the  coast  of  Malabar,  from  Cape  Ramus  to  Cape  Comoran. 

Chapter  XVI.  contains  a  description  of  the  ports  and  settlements  on  the 
coast  of  Malabar.  Teak  wood  being  principally  used  for  ship-building  in 
the  East  Indies,  we  give,  from  page  328,  our  author's  description  of  it. 

"  The  Teak  tree  is  a  native  of  the  forests  in  Malabar,  Cocomandel,  Pegu, 
Java,  Sumatra,  and  many  other  parts  of  the  east;  it  grows  to  an  immense 
size,  sometimes  50  feet  long  and  20  inches  in  diameter.  For  ship-building 
the  Teak  is  reckoned  superior  to  any  other  sort  of  wood,  in  or  out  of  the 
water. 

"  The  wood  of  this  tree  has,  by  long  experience,  been  found  the  most 
useful  timber  in  Asia.  It  is  easily  worked,  and,  at  the  same  time,  strong 
and  durable.  That  produced  on  the  coast  of  Malabar,  is  the  most 
esteemed  ;  next,  is  that  on  the  Coromandel  coast,  near  the  banks  of  the 
Godavery;  then  that  of  Pegu.  The  largest  quantities  are  produced 
in  the  latter  place ;  the  rivers  there  enable  the  natives  to  bring  it  to  the 
sea-ports  from  the  interior  of  the  country  at  a  very  cheap  rate ;  the  prices 
are  therefore  lower  than  in  any  other  part  of  India. 

In  the  year  1799,  ten  thousand  Teak  trees  were  brought  down  Beypour 
river.  This  was  the  produce  of  several  years;  but  it  is  estimated  that 
from  2  to  3000  trees  may  be  annually  procured.  Teak  timber,  of  an 
ordinary  quality,  for  ship-building,  sells  at  9  or  10  rupees  a  candy,  which 
measures  10J  English  cubical  feet;  the  foot,  therefore,  costs  from  Is.  Gd. 
to  2s.;  choice  timber  sells  as  high  as  16  rupees  a  candy,  or  Is.  lOd.  a 
cubical  foot. 

"  Bombay  is  generally  supplied  with  Teak  plank  from  this  part  of  the 
coast;  the  company  usually  contract  for  what  they  require,  and  the  resi- 
dent at  Cochin  frequently  has  the  contract. 

"  The  following  are  the  prices  at  which  the  Bombay  government  was 
supplied  in  1800:— 

1st  sort,  40  to  50  ft.  long,  14  to  16  inch,  square,  14  to  16  rupees  per  candy 
2ddo.      35  to  40  do.          12  to  14  do.        .          10  to  12  do. 
3d  do.      22  to  35  do.         12  to  14  do.      '  9  to  10  do. 

Plank,  from  1  to  5  thick,  30  rupees  per  100  guz. 

*'  The  above  timber  was  of  the  first  quality,  and  the  plank  of  the  usual 
length  and  free  from  rents. 

"  In  purchasing  plank,  it  is  better  to  agree  for  it  in  guz  and  borels,  irt 
preference  to  feet  and  inches,  from  the  great  difficulty  of  converting 

Jf9at),  (Ztywa.  8M.  XXXI,  3  o      ^ 


410  KAVAL    LITERATUIXE. 

English  measure  into  candies,  on  account  of  the  fraitions,  which  occasio* 
much  dispute  between  the  measurers.  If  the  dimensions  are  agreed  upon 
in  guz  and  borcls,  the  above  timber  will  stand  thus  :— 

1st  sort,  17  to  19  guz  long,  and  12  to  14  borels  square. 

2d  do.      14  to  17  do.  10  to  12  do. 

3d  do.       9  to  14  do.  10  to  12  do. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  coast  of  Malabar  may  be  considered  the  store- 
house for  Bombay,  yet  the  demand  for  Teak  timber  has  so  much  increased, 
that  within  these  three  or  four  years  past  large  quantities  have  been  im- 
ported from  Rangoon,  the  principal  seaport  of  Pegu." 

A  chart  of  the  Coromandcl  coast,  from  Cape  Comorin  to  Madras,  is  pre- 
fixed to  the  XVIIth  Chapter,  which  chapter  gives  an  accurate  description  of 
the  island  of  Ceylon.  At  page  357  to  360  is  an  account  of  pearls,  and  as  the 
perusal  of  it  may  amuse  some  of  our  fair  readers,  we  take  the  liberty  of 
extracting  the  same  from  the  work  now  before  us. 

"  Pearls  are  hard,  white,  and  shining,  usually  roundish,  found  in  a  testa- 
ceous fish,  of  the  oyster  kind ;  they  are  formed  of  the  nature  of  the  shell, 
and  consist  of  a  number  of  coats  spread  with  perfect  regularity,  one  over 
another,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  several  coats  of  an  onion,  or  like  the 
several  strata  of  stones  found  in  the  bladder  ur  stomachs  of  animals,  only 
much  thinner. 

"  Pearls  are  generally  divided  into  oriental  or  occidental,  more  from 
their  qualities  than  their  place  of  produce,  the  oriental  being  reckoned  the 
best.  The  principal  oriental  pearl  fisheries  are  in  the  gulf  of  Manar,  the 
Persian  gulf,  Sooloo  isles,  and  on  some  of  the  Japan  islands. 

"  The  principal  pearl  fisheries  in  America  are  St.  Margarita  and  the 
gulf  of  Mexico.  In  Europe  pearls  are  aUo  met  with  on  the  coasts  of 
Livonia,  Courland,  Scotland,  and  various  other  places. 

"  The  Ceylon  oyster  banks  are  scattered  over  a  space  at  the  bottom  of 
the  gulf  of  Manar,  extending  about  30  miles  from  north  to  south,  and 
24  from  east  to  west.  There  are  14  beds,  but  they  are  not  all  productive, 
and  not  more  than  two  or  three  can  be  fished  in  one  season  ;  the  largest  is 
ten  miles  in  length  and  two  miles  in  breadth ;  the  others  are  much  smaller. 
The  depth  of  water  over  the  different  banks  varies  from  3  to  15  fathoms, 
but  the  best  fishing  is  found  in  from  six  to  eight  fathoms.  The  pearl  bankl 
are  about  15  miles  from  the  shore  of  Condatchy. 

"  The  pearl  oysters  in  these  banks  are  all  of  one  species,  and  of  the  same 
regular  form,  but  of  different  qualities  and  denominations,  from  the  nature 
i>f  the  ground  to  which  they  are  attached.  The  shape  of  the  oyster  ib  an 
imperfect  oval,  pretty  nearly  the  same  as  that  of  the  cockle,  and  9|  inches 
in  circumference,  with  a  segment  cut  off  by  a  straight  line  at  the  hinge  or 
point  of  union  of  the  two  valves.  The  body  of  the  oyster  is  white,  fleshy, 
'and  glutinous.  The  inside  of  the  shell  is  brighter  and  more  beautiful  than 
the  pearl  itself;  the  outside  is  smooth,  unless  when  covered  with  corals, 
sponges,  and  other  marine  productions. 
"  The  pearls  are  commonly  contained  in  the  thickest  and  most  fleshy 


NATAL   LITER ATtlJlS.  41 1 

part  of  the  oyster,  contiguous  to  one  of  the  angles  of  the  shell  dose  to  the 
hinge.  An  oyster  frequently  contains  several  pearls;  one  has  been  known 
to  produce  150,  including  the  seed  or  dust  pearls ;  and  100  oysters  hnvc 
been  opened  without  yielding  one  pearl  large  enough  to  be  of  any  esti- 

•  niation. 

"  The  pearl  oyster  is  said  to  attain  its  maturity  at  the  age  of  seven  op 
eight  years;  after  which  its  existence  soon  terminates,  and  its  contents 
are  washed  away  by  the  waves. 

"  The  fishery  generally  begins  about  the  20th  of  February.  Sometimes 
government  fishes  the  banks  at  its  own  risk ;  sometimes  the  boats  are  let 

•  to  many  speculators,  but  most  frequently  the  right  of  fishing  is  sold  to  one 
individual,  who  sub-rents  boats  to  others. 

"  In  1804  (he  fishery  was  let  by  government  to  a  native  of  Jaffnapatam. 
For  thirty  days'  fishing,  with  150  boats,  he  came  under  an  obligation  to 
pay  300,000  Porto  Novo  pagodas.  He  sold  the  right  of  fishing  to  some 
of  the  best  equipped  boats  for  8000  pagodas  each,  and  that  of  others  for 
.2500,  but  ktpt  by  far  the  greater  part  of  them  to  fish  on  his  own  account. 
The  boats,  with  their  crews  and  divers,  come  from  Manar,  Jammpatam, 
Nagore,  Tuticorin,  Travancore,  and  other  parts  of  the  coast  of  Coromandel. 
They  arrive  completely  equipped,  and  are  open  boats  of  one  ton  burden,  about 
45  feet  long,  7  or  8  broad,  arid  3  feet  deep,  having  but  one  mast  and  one 
sail;  and,  unless  when  heavily  laden,  do  not  draw  more  than  eight  or  ten 
inches  water.  The  crew  generally  consists  of  23  persons;  10  of  whom  are 
divers,  10  mundues  or  men  to  haul  up  the  divers,  1  tindal,  1  steersman,  a 
boy  to  bail  out  water,  and  a  man  to  take  care  of  the  boat.  To  these  is 
added  a  peon  on  the  part  of  the  renter,  to  guard  against  fraud. 

"  The  period  the  divers  continue  under  water,  in  the  depth  of  seven 
fathn.ns,  seldom  exceeds  a  minute,  sometimes  a  minute  and  a  half;  but 
other  persons  who  are  willing  to  allow  the  greatest  latitude,  say  they  never 
knew  a  diver  remain  underwater  more  than  two  minutes.  In  ground  richly 
clothed  with  oysters,  a  diver  often  brings  up  in  his  basket  150  oysters  at  a 
dip ;  but  when  they  are  thinly  scattered,  he  frequently  collects  no  more 
than  five.  One  boat  has  been  known  to  land  in  one  day  33,000  oysters, 
and  another  not  more  than  300. 

"  The  oysters  are  generally  allowed  to  remain  in  heaps  for  ten  days 
after  they  are  brought  on  shore  ;  that  time  being  necessary  to  render  them 
putrid.  Tnoy  are  not  esteemed  good  to  eat,  being  of  a  much  fatter  and 
more  glutinous  substance  than  the  common  oyster.  When  they  are 
opened  fresh  they  are  sometimes  dried  in  the  sun,  and  eaten  by  the  lower 
classes  of  people. 

.  "  After  the  pearls  are  separated  from  the  sand,  washed  with  salt  water, 
dried,  and  render*  d  perfectly  clean;  they  are  sorted  into  classes,  according 
to  their  sizes,  bv  being  passed  through  ten  brass,  sieves,  or  saucers,  full  of 
round  holes.  The  saucers  are  all  apparently  of  our  size,  but  made  so  as 
to  go  one  within  the  other.  They  are  distinguished  into  numbers,  20,  SO, 
50,  80,  100,  200,  400,  600,  800,  and  1000.  This  is  a  kind  of  ratio,  to  esti- 
mate the  value  or  the  different  sizes  of  pearls;  and,  probably,  the  distin- 
guishing numbers  in  some  measure  correspond  with  the  quantity  of  holes 


412  NATAL  LITERATURE. 

in  each  bason.  These  completely  occupy  the  bottom  of  the  vessel ;  and, 
as  th  7  increase  in  number  ttiey  necessarily  decrease  in  size.  The  pearls 
are  thrown  into  a  promiscuous  heap  into  the  uppermost  sieve;  which  be- 
ing rai"<_  i  a  little  and  shaken,  the  greater  part  of  them  pass  through  into 
the  secoi.d  sieve,  and  only  those  remain  which  exceed  a  large  pea  in  size. 
The  se(  ond  sieve  is  shaken  in  same  manner  ;  the  pearls  that  remain  in  it 
are  of  the  size  of  a  small  pea,  or  grain  of  black  pepper.  The  quantity  of 
pearls  gradually  increases  as  the  size  diminishes.  Those  which  fall  through 
the  tenth  saucer  (No.  1000)  belong  to  the  class  of  tool,  or  seed  pearls,  so 
called  from  the  smallness  of  their  size. 

"  The  pearls  contained  in  the  sieves  20  to  W>  inclusive,  are  distinguished 
by  the  general  name  of  mell,  or  the  first  order.  Those  of  the  sieves  from 
No.  100  to  1000  are  denominated  vadivoo,  or  the  second  order. 

"  Both  these  orders  are  divided  into  various  sorts,  according  to  their 
shape,  lustre,  and  other  qualities  ;  amongst  which  are  annees,  annadaree, 
kayarel,  samadiem,  kallipoo,  koorwell,  pesul,  and  tool. 

"Annees  are  the  first  sort,  perfectly  round,  and  of  the  most  brilliant  lustre. 

"  Annadaree  is  a  subdivision  of  them,  possessing  the  same  qualities  in  an 
inferior  degree. 

u  Kayarel  is  the  next  in  beauty,  but  not  so  completely  round,  and  of  a 
duller  colour.  To  this  class  belong  the  samadiem,  which  is  nearly  of  the 
form  of  a  pear,  and  the  kalipoo,  which  has  flat  sides. 

"  The  Koorwcl,  or  third  class,  is  a  double  pearl  ill-shaped,  and  of  a  dull 
water;  to  it  may  be  added  the  pesul,  the  most  deformed  of  all  the  pearls, 
and  the  tool,  or  seed  pearl,  the  most  diminutive. 

"  The  different  descriptions  of  pearls  are  sent  to  different  markets;  but  at 
the  fishery  all  the  kinds  are  generally  sold  mixed  together,  at  200  pagodas 
per  pound. 

"  The  method  of  determining  the  price  of  the  different  sorts  ef  pearls  is 
regulated  by  an  imaginary  criterion,  estimating  the  proportion  of  that 
quality  which  attaches  to  them  the  highest  value.  It  has  the  appearance 
of  being  intricate  and  difficult,  but  is  considered  simple  by  those  who  under- 
stand it.  Size,  roundness,  and  brightness,  seem  to  be  the  qualities  on 
which  it  hinges. 

"  The  pearls  are  then  drilled.  The  large  ones  are  generally  drilled  first,  in 
order  to  bring  in  the  hand  to  work  with  more  ease  on  the  smaller  size,  and 
the  expert  workman  in  the  course  of  a  day  will  perforate  300  small,  or  COO 
large  pearls.  They  are  then  washed  in  salt  and  water,  to  prevent  the 
stains  which  would  otherwise  be  occasioned  by  the  perforating  instrument. 

"  The  next  branch  of  the  business  is  the  arranging  the  pearls  on  strings; 
this  is  considered  the  most  difficult  operation  in  the  profession  of  the  pearl 
merchant,  and  is  one  ui  which  very  few  excel. 

"  The  pearls  of  the  largest  size,  being  most  costly,  and  esteemed  as  em- 
blems of  greatness,  find  a  ready  wile  among  the  rich  natives  of  the 
Nizam's  dominions,  Ouzzerat,  and  ti,e  other  parts  of  India. 

"  The  finest  annee  pearls,  from  the  size  of  the  sieve,  No.  30,  to  that  of 
No.  80,  which  make  most  beautiful  necklaces,  are  sens  to  Europe. 

"  A  handsome  necklace  of  pearls,  smaller  than  a  large  pea,  costs  from 


NAVAL   LITERATURE.  413 

170/.  to  300 J. ;  but  one  about  the  size  of  a  peppercorn,  may  be  procured 
for  152. :  the  former  pearls  sell  at  a  guinea  each,  and  the  latter  at  eighteen- 
pence.  When  the  pearls  dwindle  to  the  size  of  small  shot,  they  are  sold  at 
a  very  trifling  price. 

"  The  smaller  sorts  are  sent  to  the  markets  of  Hydrabad,  Poona,  and  Guz- 
Kerat,  in  which  last  mentioned  place,  pearls  of  a  yellow  tinge  are  preferred 
to  those  of  a  pure  white,  being  considered  as  having  arrived  at  greater  ma- 
turity, less  liable  to  fade,  and  retaining  their  lustre  to  a  longer  period. 
The  refuse  and  lower  orders  of  all  the  pearls  turn  to  a  good  account  in  the 
China  market,  where  those  of  a  superior  value  cannot  be  so  readily  sold. 

"  Pearls  are  sometimes  met  with  of  various  colours,  of  an  exquisite  silver- 
like  brightness,  transparent,  semi-transparent,  opaque,  brown,  and  black. 
One  of  the  largest  pearls  hitherto  known,  is  described  by  Tavernier  to  be 
in  the  possession  of  the  King  of  Persia.  It  was  bought  by  him  at  the 
Bahreen  fishery,  and  cost  32,000  tomands,  upwards  of  110,000/.  It  is  in 
the  shape  of  a  pear,  very  regular,  and  without  fault. 

"  Another  pearl  belonging  to  the  Great  Mogul,  and  perfectly  round,  i« 
the  largest  in  the  woild  of  that  figure,  measuring  0,62  English  inch  in 
diameter. 

"  A  pearl,  called  from  its  figure  the  sleeping  lion,  weighing  578  carats, 
was  carrier!  for  sale  from  Holland.to  St.  Petersburg!!  in  1779.  It  was  pur- 
chased in  India  for  50,000  florins,  about  4,500/.  and  was  offered  for  sale  at 
double  that  sum  ;  its  colour  and  splendour  were  remarkably  fine. 

"  The  King  of  Spain,  Philip  II.  had  a  pearl  which  he  purchased  from  a  tra- 
veller. It  weighed  25  carats,  was  valued  at  150,000  dollars,  and  was  pro- 
duced from  the  pearl  fishery  at  St.  Marguerite. 

"  Tavernier  mentions  a  pearl  in  the  possession  of  the  Prince  of  Muscat, 
as  being  the  most  wonderful  in  the  world,  not  so  much  for  its  size,  for  it 
weighed  only  12-j-1^-  carats,  nor  for  its  perfect  roundness,  but  because  it 
was  so  clear  and  transparent,  as  almost  to  be  seen  through.  The  Great 
Mogul  offered  40,000  crowns  for  this  pearl,  which  was  refused.  Tavernier 
also  mentions  having  sold  a  pear  shaped  pearl  to  the  uncle  of  thtt  Great 
Mogul,  which  weighed  55  carats. 

M  Pliny  says  that  pearls  are  the  most  valuable  and  excellent  of  precious 
stones  ;  they  were  much  esteemed  by  the  ancients,  and  an  extraordinary 
value  put  upon  the  larger  kinds.  We  are  told  that  Servilia,  the  mother  of 
Marcus  Brutus,  presented  one  to  Caesar  of  the  value  of  50,000/.  of  our 
money ;  and  that  Cleopatra  dissolved  one  worth  250,000/.  in  vinegar, 
which  she  drank  at  a  supper  with  Mark  Antony."* 

The  last  Chapter  in  Vol.  I.  is  the  XVIIIth,  and  describes  the  coast  from 
Cape  Comorin  to  Madras;  and  Mr.  Milburn  concludes  the  Volume  now 
before  us,  with  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  Commerce  between  France  and 

the  East  Indies. 

(To  be  continued.) 

*  Certain  chemical  doubts  attach  to  this  operation — the  solvent  must  assuredly 
have  been  something  more  active  than  the  common  acetous  acid.— 

CBAEHBB  N.  C.) 


414 
STATE   PAPER. 


FROM   THE   LONDON   GAZETTE   OF  TUESDAY,   MAY    17- 

By  his  Royal  Highness  the  PRINCE  of  WALES,  REGENT  of  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf 
of  His  MAJESTY, 

A  PROCLAMATION, 

Declaring  the  Cessation  of  Arms  as  well  by  Sea  as  Land,  agreed  -upon 
between  His  MAJESTY  and  His  MOST  CHRISTIAN  MAJESTY,  and  enjoining 
the  Observance  thereof. 


WHEREAS  a  Convention  for  the  suspension  of  hostilities  between 
Ills  MAJESTY  and  the  kingdom  of  Franco,  was  signed  at  Paris  on 
the  23d  day  of  April  last,  by  the  Plenipotentiary  of  His  MAJESTY,  and  'the 
Plenipotentiary  of  His  Royal  Highness  MONSIEUR,  brother  of  the  MOST 
CHRISTIAN  KING,  Lieutenant-general  of  the  kingdom  of  France  :  And 
whereas,  tor  the  putting  an  end  to  the  calamities  of  war,  as  soon,  and  as 
fast  as  may  he  possible,  it  hath  been  agreed  between  His  MAJESTY  and 
His  MOST  CHRISTIAN  MAJESTY  as  follows;  that  is  to  say,  that  as  soon  as 
the  Convention  shall  be  signed  and  ratified,  friendship  should  be  established 
between  His  MAJESTY  and  the  kingdom  of  France  by  sea  and  land,  in  all 
parts  of  the  world  :  and  in  order  to  prevent  all  causes  of  complaint  and 
dispute  which  might  arise  with  respect  to  prizes  that  might  be  made  at  sea 
after  the  signature  of  the  said  Convention,  it  has  also  been  reciprocally 
agreed,  that  the  vessels  and  effects  which  might  be  taken  in  the  English 
Channel  and  in  the  North  Seas,  after  the  space  of  twelve  days,  to  be 
reckoned  from  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications  of  the  said  Convention, 
should  be  restored  on  both  sides ;  that  the  term  should  be  one  month 
within  the  British  Channel  arid  North  Seas  to  the  Canary  Islands,  and  to 
the  Equator;  and  rive  months  in  every  other  part  of  the  world,  without 
any  exception,  or  other  particular  distinction  of  time  or  place:  And 
whereas  the  ratifications  of  the  said  Convention  were  exchanged  by  the 
respective  Plenipotentiaries  above-mentioned,  on  the  3d  day  of  this  instant 
May,  from  which  day  the  several  terms  above-mentioned,  of  twelve  days, 
of  one  month,  and  of  five  months,  are  to  be  computed  :  Now,  in  order  that 
the  several  epochs  fixed  as  aforesaid  between  His  MAJESTY  and  His  MOST 
CHRISTIAN  MAJESTY  should  be  generally  known  and  observed ;  we  have 
thought  fit,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  His  MAJESTY,  and  by  and 
with  the  advice  of  His  Majesty's  Privy  Council,  to  notify  the  same  to  His 
Majesty's  loving  subjects ;  and  we  do  hereby,  in  the  name  and  on  the  be- 
half of  His  MAJESTY,  strictly  charge  and  command  all  His  Majesty's 
officers,  both  at  sea  and  land,  and  all  other  His  Majesty's  subjects  what- 
soever, that  they  forbear  all  acts  of  hostility,  either  by  sea  or  Jaud,  against 


MARINE   LAW.  41§ 

the  kingdom  of  France,  her  Allies,  her  vassals  or  subjects,  under  the 
penalty  of  incurring  His  Majesty's  highest  displeasure. 

Given  at  the  Court  at  Carlton-house,  the  6th  day  of  May,  in  the  fifty- 
fourth  year  of  His  Majesty's  reign  ;  and  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  1814. 

GOD  SAVE  THE  KING. 


llato. 

THE  Court  Martial  on  Vice-Admiral  Sterling,  at  Portsmouth,  closed 
on  the  9th  of  May.  The  proceedings  of  it  were  directed  to  enquire 
into  the  conduct  of  the  vice-admiral,  as  to  his  participation  in  the  cir-, 
curostancfcs  stated  in  the  two  following  documents :— A  letter  from  th« 
Commissioner  Isaac  Woolley,  dated  Jamaica,  Feb  20,  1813,  stating  to  the 
lords  commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  that  his  Majesty's  naval  service 
on  the  Jamaica  station  had  been  publicly  spoken  of  in  terms  of  great  dis- 
respect, in  regard  to  the  hiring  ships  of  war  as  convoy  to  vessels  going  to 
the  Spanish  main ;  and  that  the  same  was  done  very  frequently,  and  with- 
out fear  of  public  notice,  as  the  money  contracted  to  be  paid  on  a  con- 
voy being  appointed,  was  said  to  be  on  account  of  the  freight  of  a  specific 
amount  in  specie,  which  the  petitioners  for  the  convoy  engaged,  should  be 
shipped  on  the  main ;  and  whether  shipped  or  not,  that  freight,  at  the 
rate  of  2J  per  cent,  should  be  paid  on  a  stipulated  sum,  previously  agreed 
on,  so  as  to  make  the  voyage  a  sure  one;  which  money  was  divided  among 
the  captain  of  the  ship,  the  admiral  (meaning  Vice-Admiral  Charles  Stir- 
ling, then  in  command  in  Jamaica),  and  his  secretary.  An  instance  of 
the  kind  has  recently  taken  place;  in  the  following  terms;  which  docu- 
ment Commissioner  Woolley  forwarded  to  the  Admiralty  : 

"A  Messrs.  Pallache,  of  the  house  of  Messrs.  Moravia  and  Co.  mer- 
chants, in  Kingston,  made  a  bargain  with  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co.  Vice-  . 
Admiral  Stirling's  agents,  for  the  hire  of  his  Majesty's  sloop  Sappho,  to 
convoy  two  British  schooners,  laden  with  dry  goods,  to  the  Havannah.  I 
am  informed  that  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co.  insisted  that  the  sum  of  2,000 
dollars  should  be  paid  down  before  the  Sappho  proceeded  to  sea;  that 
2,000  dollars  were  accordingly  paid  to  them,  and  a  receipt  demanded  by 
Messrs.  Pallache,  for  the  same;  that  a  receipt  was  given  for  the  full  sum 
by  a  clerk  from  the  house  of  Messrs.  Atkinson,  Briyles  and  Co.  (Captain 
O'Grady's  agents),  who  was  sent  for  to  give  such  receipt,  and  in  return  re- 
ceived from  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co.  a  receipt  for  Vice-Admiral  Stirling, 
and  his  secretary's  proportion,  the  amount  of  which  was  previously  de- 
ducted from  the  sum  received.  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  the  busi- 
ness was  completed  without  Captain  O'Grady's  knowledge  and  concurrence* 
and  the  money  was  paid  to  his  agents  by  the  agents  of  the  vice-admiral, 
before  Captain  O'Grady  knew  of  it.  His  Majesty's  sloop  Sappho,  I  un- 
derstand, is  to  go  from  the  Havannah  to  the  Bay  of  Honduras,  to  cunvoy 
the  trade  from  thence  to  England,  as  tar  as  Bermuda/ 


415  NAVAL    HISTORY    OF   THZ  PRESENT   TEAR,    1814. 

The  charge  made  by  the  Admiralty  set  forth,  that  it  appeared  from  tbe 
affidavits  of  James  Greenfield,  clerk  and  cashier  to  the  above-named  Messrs- 
Atkinson,  Bayles  and  Co.  and  Mordecai  Pallache,  copartner  in  the  firm 
of  Messrs.  Moravia  and  Co.  sworn  before  the  Mayor  of  Kingston,  on  the* 
18th  of  January  last,  and  by  other  documents,  that  the  sum  of  2,OOO 
dollars  was  paid  by  the  said  Moravia  and  Co.  to  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co. 
the  agents  of  the  said  vice-admiral  for  the  convoy  of  a  schooner  that 
was  to  sail  under  the  protection  of  his  Majesty's  said  ship  Sappho,  and  of 
•which  sum  one-third  was  retained  by  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co.  as  the  pro- 
portion or  share  of  Vice- Admiral  Stirling,  and  5  per  cent,  further  on  the 
other  two-thirds  as  the  share  of  his  secretary,  which  two  sums  amounted 
to  244/.  8*.  lOrf.  a  clerk  of  Messrs.  Bayles  and  Co.  gave  a  receipt. 

An  objection  was  made,  on  the  part  of  Admiral  Stirling,  to  the  pro- 
duction of  affidavits  against  him,  as  evidence;  but  he,  at  the  same  time, 
expressly  declared  he  did  not  wish  to  shrink  from  the  fullest  enquiry. — 
Captain  O'Grady,  late  of  his  Majesty's  ship  Sappho  (the  only  witness  ex- 
amined) was  then  sworn.  It  appeared  from  his  evidence,  that  he  was 
informed  by  Admiral  Stirling's  agents  that  he  was  to  have  a  freight,  at  the 
same  time  that  he  had  orders  given  him  by  the  admiral,  to  take  convoy  to 
the  Havannah,  and  ultimately  to  proceed  to  the  Bay  of  Honduras;  and  that 
his  agent  received  about  1300  dollars  for  the  freight.  At  that  time,  he 
did  not  know  whether  he  had  specie  on  board  or  not,  as  the  Sappho  was 
in  Port  Royal  harbour  nearly  ready  for  sea ;  that  on  his  return  from 
executing  his  orders,  as  he  had  at  no  time  any  gold,  silver,  or  jewels 
*  under  his  charge,  he  directed  his  agents  to  return  the  persons  men- 
tioned in  the  document  1300  dollars,;  but  as  the  persons  who  had  paid 
the  same  would  not  receive  a  part,  but  insisted  on  the  sum  of  2,000 
dollars,  whieh  had  been  paid,  and  of  which  Admiral  Stirling's  agents  had 
received  the  residue,  Captain  O'Grady,  therefore,  directed  his  agents 
to  count  into  a  bag  as  many  dollars  as  had  been  received  on  his  account, 
and  in  the  presence  of  witnesses,  to  have  it  thrown  or  put  into  their 
counting-house  ;  which  he  believed  was  done,  but  he  was  himself  imme- 
diately after  confined  by  an  attack  of  the  fever. 

The  Court  agreed,— That  the  charge  had  been  in  part  proved  against 
Vice-admiral  Stirling,  and  did  adjudge  him  to  remain  on  the  half-pay  list 
of  Vice-admirals  of  the  Royal  Navy,  and  not  to  be  included  in  any  future 
promotion. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

(April — May.) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

WE  were  compelled  to  omit  the  naval  history  of  the  last  mouth, 
chiefly  on  account  of  the  length  of  our  Correspondence ;  that  same 
department  of  our  work    occupies  a  considerable  space  in   the   present 
month  :    it  will,  however,  be  found  to  contain  matter  well  worthy  the 


NAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814.  417 

«*rious  consideration  of  a  British  Statesman.  We  have  reason  to  believe 
that  the  suggestions  contained  in  the  NAVAL  CHRONICLE  have  sometimes 
been  adopted  by  men  in  power.  And  we  are  happy  to  state  that  ministers 
stand  pledged  to  do  something  for  the  HALF-PAY  OFFICERS — whose  cause 
we  have  long  and  zealously  advocated.  Perhaps,  when  once  the  paucity  of 
naval  rewards  comes  under  discussion,  a  more  liberal  spirit  may  be  di&- 
.played,  and  a  general  revision  take  place  respecting  the  pay  and  emolu- 
ments of  the  Royal  Navy,— so  that  the  nation  may  be  redeemed  from  the 
reproach  contained  in  ARION'S  well-written  letter,  of  considering,  in  the 
appropriation  of  naval  rewards — "  pence  as  shillings,  tens  as  hundreds,  and 
hundreds  as  thousands.1'  * 

In  our  last  Retrospect,  we  mentioned,  in  a  note,  the  report  of  the  capture 
of  two  other  French  frigates — viz.  KEtoite  and  la  Terpsichore.  Immediately 
after  our  publication,  the  official  accounts  arrived.  La  Terpsichore  wa3 
captured  by  H.M.S.  Majestic  :  the  enemy  mounted  44  guns — eighteen  and 
twenty-four-pounders,  and  had  on  board  320  men,— Francis  Bretone  de 
Sire  was  the  captain.  She  sailed  on  the  20th  October  last  from  the 
Scheldt,  and  reached  L'Orient;  whence  she  sailed  on  the  8th  of  January. 
Thus  another  of  the  new  frigates  constructed  by  the  enemy  has  been  added 
to  the  British  navy. 

The  frigate  L'Etoile  -was  captured  fay  the  Hebrus,  Captain  Edmund  Pal- 
mer.  The  action  was  fought  on 'the  26th  of  March,  off  Cape  La  Hogue, 
in  eight  fathom  water.  When  Captain  Sir  Michael  Seymour  f  transmitted 
Captain  Palmer's  account  of  the  battle  to  Admiral  Sir  Richard  Bickerton, 
lie  emphatically  pronounced  the  combat  between  the  Hebrus  and  L'Etoile, 
to  have  been  one  of  "  the  most  BRILLIANT  of  the  frigate  actions  in  the 
records  of  our  country."  A  compliment  nobly  earned  by  Captain  Palmer 
and  his  gallant  shipmates. 

There  was  something  peculiarly  mortifying  to  the  enemy,  in  being  forced 
to  destroy  the  Uranie  in  a  port  belonging  to  the  brother-in-law  of  Napoleon  ! 
This  was  accomplished  by  the  resolute  tone  assumed  by  the  late  Captain 
Taylor,  of  die  Apollo,  whose  lamented  death  we  have  recorded :  the  same 
gazette  also  contains  the  account  of  the  reduction  of  the  important  fortress 
at  Cattaro,  by  H.M.S.  Bacchante,  Captain  Hoste,  and  (he  Saracen,  Cap- 
tain Harper.  Captain  Hoste  has  since  been  rewarded  by  the  Order  of 
Maria  Theresa,  conferred  by  the  Emperor  of  Germany. 

Captain  Wales,  of  the  Epervier,  captured  an  American  privateer  of 
equal  force,  called  the  Alfred,  mounting  sixteen  guns,  and  manned  with 
one  hundred  and  ten  men, 

The  exploits  of  the  squadron  under  the  command  of  Admiral  Penrose,  in 
•the  Gironne,  will  be  read  with  lively  interest  in  future  ages.  He  pursued 
the  flying  enemy  up  that  river,  as  far  as  the  fort  of  Talmont,  who  escaped 
|)!s  fate  for  the  moment  by  means  of  a  narrow  channel,  protected  by  strong 
batteries  ;  but  the  Centaur  having  arrived,  the  batteries  were  attacked 

j 1 •        —  - 

*   Vide  page  369.    .  t  Fide  page  424. 

,  (Hot,  XXXI.  3  H 


418  NATAL   HISTORY    Of   THE    PRESENT    TEAR,    1814. 

and  carried,  and  our  tars  prepared  to  pay  their  respects  to  the  enemy  at  his 
moorings  ;  to  avoid  which  ceremony,  he  set  fire  at  midnight  to  the  line-of- 
battle  ship  the  Romulus,  and  three  stout  brigs,  and  before  day  the  whole 
were  totally  consumed.  What  a  spectacle  for  France  !  What  a  triumph 
for  Great  Britain  J 

In  the  same  gazette  with  the  above,  is  a  letter  from  the  brave  and  unfor- 
tunate Captain  Taylor,  late  of  the  Apollo,  giving  an  account  of  the  capture 
of  the  island  of  Paxo,  near  Corfu  ;  and  another  from  Vice-admiral  Domett, 
giving  a  most  interesting  narration  of  the  cessation  of  hostilities  on  the 
coast— off  La  Rochelle. 

The  last  naval  triumphs  we  have  to  record  for  this  month  (April)  is  the 
capture  of  the  French  frigate  la  Ceres,  by  11.  M.  ships  the  Niger  and  the 
Tagus.  She  carried  44  guns,  and  324  men,  and  sailed  from  Brest  on  her 
first  cruize  a  month  prior  to  her  capture :  was  two  years  old ;  copper 
fastened,  and  a  fast  sailer.  Her  captain,  Baron  de  Bourganvill*,  made 
every  possible  exertion  to  get  away  ;  and  Captain  Ranier  speaks  in  high 
terms  of  his  skilful  manoeuvres.  Thus,  in  rapid  succession,  have  our  navy 
captured  nearly  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  frigates  that  have  put  to  sea  ; 
and  the  only  feeling  of  regret  that  prevails  is,  that  the  enemy  did  not  start 
from  the  Texel,  Scheldt,  and  Toulon,  that  our  tars  might  have  had  a  chance 
of  finishing  their  labours  with  greater  eclat! 

The  principal  naval  exploit  for  the  present  month,  is  the  share  that  the 
British  fleet  had  in  the  reduction  of  Genoa,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Joshua 
Rowley ;  for  the  particulars  of  which  we  refer  to  the  Extraordinary  Ga» 
zette. 

On  the  17th  May,  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  issued  a  proclamation 
addressed  to  the  fleet,  highly  commendatory  to  our  gallant  naval  defenders, 
announcing  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  the  mode  in  which  the  navy 
will  be  paid  off. 

Antwerp  has  been  taken  possession  of  by  the  British  troops;  and  the 
Helder  fleet  has  been  given  up  by  Admiral  Verheul. 

Ancongst  a  crowd  of  scrange  occurrences,  may  be  enumerated,  the  arrival 
pf  the  French  line  of  battle  ship  the  Polonais  at  Spithead  from  Cherbourg; 
which  it  lias  been  reported  came  to  receive  Louis  the  18th  and  suite,  and 
convey  him  over  to  take  possession  of  his  throne.  The  Captain  was  re- 
ceived with  every  mark  of  cordial  respect  by  those,  who,  but  a  few  day$f 
before,  were  watching  his  movements  at  Cherbourg,  and  very  ambitious  of 
escorting  the  Polonais  to  Spithead,  or  of  sending  her  to  the  bottom. 

A  most  splendid  naval  spectacle,  on  a  small  scale,  was  exhibited  in  the 
recent  embarkation  of  Louis  the  XVIIIth  at  Dover,  on  board  of  the  Royal 
Sovereign  yacht,  and  his  passage  to  Calais,  under  convoy  of  the  Jason 
frigate,  01;  board  of  which  was  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Clarence, 
In  our  next  we  expect  we  shall  have  to  give  a  description  of  the  embarkation 
pf  the  Emperor  of  Russia,  ;uul  the  King  of  Prussia,  and  their  arrival  in  this 
country.  What  rich  subjects  for  historians,  bards,  and  artists  ! 

We  are  much  concerned  that  the  prospects  of  the  brave  and  injured  Nor- 
wegians are  no  less  gloomy  $an  when  we  last  touched  on  that  melancholy 


if  AVAL   iftSTORY  OP  THE  PRESENT  TEAR,    1814.  419 

tubject.  In  compliance  with  political  engagements,  our  fleets  are  now  em- 
ployed in  blockading  the  Norwegian  coasts;  and  a  powerful  army  is  said  to 
be  advancing  to  force  obedience,  should  famine  and  negotiation  fail.  We 
are  convinced  that  our  ministers  would  have  escaped  inflicting  the  horrors  of 
famine  on  that  inoffensive  nation,  had  it  been  in  their  power :  what  the 
issue  will  be,  we  know  not— but  we  think,  should  Bernadotte  succeed,  and 
bend  by  force  a  race  of  freemen  to  his  sway,  the  union  will  not  be  desirable. 

Too  much  inflated  by  the  torrent  of  success  that  has  latterly  rushed  upon 
this  country,  the  public  mind  at  the  present  moment  is  filled  with  vindictive 
feelings  against  America.  Were  ministers  inclined,  the  voice  of  the  mul- 
titude would  applaud  a  general  invasion  of  America,  with  a  view  to  its  final 
reduction  !  But,  happily,  that  mania  is  confined  to  the  thoughtless  and  the 
vulgar.  Ministers  are  too  wise,  and  too  cautious,  to  lose  sight  of  the 
strange  vicissitudes  of  war  !  They  will  not  risk  upon  the  American  conti- 
nent, in  a  war  of  subjugation,  that  army  which  saved  Portugal  and  Spain, 
and  planted  our  Standard  on  the  Towers  of  Thoulouse  !  They  would  riot 
incur  the  responsibility  of  so  hazardous  an  experiment  !  The  intelligence 
from  Europe  that  had  been  received  in  America  when  the  last  accounts 
•  came  away,  gave  a  very  gloomv  picture  of  the  state  of  the  Emperor  Napo- 
leon's prospects :  the  Americans  knew  of  the  defection  of  the  Danes,  and 
the  actual  invasion  of  France.  A  proposition  had  been  received  for  an 
armistice  in  Canada,  from  General  Sir  George  Prevost,  which  was  readily 
listened  to.  The  government  had  recommended  the  repeal  of  the  embargo 
and  the  non-importation  laws  ;  and  hopes  were  held  out  of  a  speedy  armis- 
tice by  sea  and  land:  and  the  most  confident  reports  were  circulated 
of  an  immediate  peace  !  Meanwhile,  the  whole  of  the  coasts  of  America, 
from  Black  point  to  the  N.  E.  boundary,  were  declared  in  a  state  of  block- 
ade, by  Admiral  Sir  Alexander  Cochrane,  and  will  probably  be  followed. 
by  some  important  blow  aimed  at  the  vitals  of  the  United  States. 

Such  was  the  aspect  of  affairs  then — but  what  must  be  the  state  of  the 
public  mind  now  that  the  news  of  Napoleon's  abdication  has  been  received, 
and  that  our  C9nquering  army  is  about  to  embark  at  BOUROEAUX — for  the 
invasion  of  their  shores! — The  merchants  will  press  strongly  for  imme- 
diate peace  :  in  them,  we  shall  find  our  best  auxiliaries.  But  we  should  be 
cautious  not  to  push  our  pretensions  too  far.  The  great  muss  of  the  Ame- 
rican population  are  deeply  imbued  with  an  Anti-Britannic  spirit.  If  we 
aim  at  the  conquest  of  the  United  State?,  we  may  create  an  inextinguishable 
ipirit  of  hatred  and  revenge.  We  may  capture  her  cities,  and  lay  waste 
her  coasts  ;  but  in  doing  so,  we  shall  waste  and  consume  our  armies,  and 
too  probably — wither  the  lam  els  gathered  in  Europe.  Let  us  rather  secure 
the  respect  of  America,  by  our  justice  and  moderation — and  accept  of  her 
proffered  amity,  whenever  we  can  do  it  on  terms  compatible  with  our  ho- 
nour and  our  safety. 

In  the  honours  distributed  to  the  chiefs  of  our  triumphant  army,  the 
l>avy  has  not  been  forgotten.  Lord  Keith  has  been  made  a  Viscount ;  atid 
Sir  Edward  Pellew  a  Baron,  by  the  title  of  Baron  ExmoutJi. 

Of  the  parliamentary  debars  iu  which  the  navy  was  peculiarly  interested, 


420  NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

we  must  mention  the  proposal  for  a  pension,  we  believe  of  oOO/.  per  annum? 
to  Captain  Manby,  for  his  invention  to  save  persons  from  shipwreck  :  some 
one  mentioned  the  cork  jackets  introduced  by  Mr.  Mallison  ;  and  proposed 
that  he  should  also  be  remunerated,  which  was  objected  to,  because^ 
however  valuable  the  jacket,  it  was  only— an  improvement  !  Such  is  the 
case  with  Captain  Manby.  We  are  advocates  for  the  liberal  reward  of  all 
useful  inventions  or  improvements,  having  *'OF  their  object  the  saving  the 
lives  of  our  seamen  :  and  we  know  that  Serjeant  (afterwards  Lieutenant) 
Bell,  of  the  artillery,  tried  and  succeeded  in  the  same  experiment  upward* 
of  20  years  since,  in  the  presence  of  the  Duke  of  Richmond.  He  has 
been  dead  some  years — his  widow  soon  followed  him  to  the  grave ;  he 
left  a  daughter,  who  is  said  to  be  in  indigent  circumstances.  We  men- 
tion this,  not  at  all  to  diminish  the  merit  due  to  Captain  Manby.  We  are 
solely  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  erjual  justice. 

We  have  just  been  favoured  with  the  following  communication.  It  is- 
certainly  time  that  sueh  a  measure  as  that  announced  in  it  should  take 
place :  — 

"  A  naval  promotion  on  an  extensive  scale,  to  adjust  the  claims  of  those 
officers,  whose  pretensions  and  periods  of  service  appear  most  distinguished, 
is  said  to  be  about  to  take  place,  and  also  an  arrangement  of  the  Naval 
List,  founded  on  the  system,  and  calculated  to  embrace  all  the  advantages- 
of  the  army  brevet,  a  measure  which  must  give  general  satisfaction,  and 
reflect  infinite  credit  on  the  respectable  quarter  whence  it  has  originated." 

Not  less  than  fifty  sail  of  the  line,  it  is  said,  are  ordered  to  rendezvous 
at  Spithead  by  the  4th  of  June,  in  order  to  form  a  naval  spectacle  worthy 
of  the  maritime  power  that  so  pre-eminently  distinguishes  the  British  isles. 
It  is  to  be  composed  of  two  distinct  lines  of  battle,  each  accompanied  with 
various  vessels  of  inferior  force,  fire-ships,  &c.  in  order  that  the  scene  may 
convey  to  the  Royal  foreigners  who  will  be  present,  a  more  correct  idea  of 
a  naval  action,  which  will  be  represented  with  all  its  tactical  manoeuvres  a* 
nearly  as  can  possibly  be  effected.  We  shall  of  course  take  care  that  our 
readers  shall  be  furnished  with  the  best  description  of  this  grand  spectacle, 
if  it  takes  place. 

We  have  not  inserted  the  names  of  the  military  officers  confined  at  Ver- 
dun, n.%  announced,  on  account  of  the  certainty  of  peace,  and  their  imme- 
diate return  home. 

By  the  death  of  Lord  Bridport,  Sir  Chaloner  Ogle,  of  Worthy,  becomes 
the  Senior  Admiral  of  Great  Britain,  and  Father  of  the  Fleet. 

The  Telegraphs  communicating  between  the  Admiralty  and  Yarmouth- 
are  to  be  immediately  broken  up  ;  as  are  the  several  signal  stations  on  the 
coasts  of  tliis  country  and  Ireland. 


THE  ORDINARY  SERVICE,  1733. 

IN  our  last  Retrospect,  we  recommended  to  the  notice  of  the- 
Board  of  Admiralty,  the  situation  of  thousands  of  our  mobt  valuable 
teamen  ;  and  the  policy  and  expediency  of  reserving  for  them  all 


NATAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT   ?EAR,    1814.          421 

the  advantages  of  the  ordinary  service,  which  have  hitherto  been  mono- 
polized hy  landsmen  and  watermen.  Animated  with  an  honest  zeal  in  be- 
half of  those,  we  again  resume  the  subject,  and  lay  before  our  readers 
an  authentic  statement  of  the  ordinary  service  of  1783.  By  this  it  appears 
that  each  first  rate  ship  was  then  allowed  thirty  extra  men  ;  which  number 
might  be  increased  to  sixty  or  more ;  so  that  the  whole  of  the  ships  in  ordi- 
nary might  receive  those  seamen  who  are  of  the  most  value  in  time 
of  danger,  and  are  themselves  the  most  in  danger  in  times  of  peace  ! 

This  branch  of  naval  administration  had  its  rise  after  the  close  of  the 
American  war.  Previous  to  that  period,  the  ships  were  greatly  neg- 
lected— many  of  them,  through  want  of  care,  cleanliness,  and  fresh  air 
in  the  holds,  literally  rotted'at  their  moorings.  Amongst  those  reduced  to 
a  state  of  irreparable  decay  at  Portsmouth,  were  the  Dreadnought,  Essex, 
Achilles;  Mars,  and  Dragon. 

To  provide  better  for  the  care  and  preservation  of  the  royal  navy,  the 
late  Lord  Barbara,  then  comptroller  of  the  navy,  at  the  close  of  the  Ame- 
rican war,  formed  a  code  of  regulations,  which  were  carried  into  practice 
under  his  own  inspection.  About  that  period  the  comptroller  visited  the 
ships  lying  in  Porlsmouth  harbour.  Some  of  the  decks  were  covered  with 
filth— overgrown  with  grass  and  weeds — and  in  such  a  state,  thatit  required 
the  use  of  shovels  before  they  were  deemed  fit  for  the  commissioner  to  go 
en  board  ! 

The  ships  in  ordinary  were,  by  Lord  Barbara's  plan,  laid  up  in  divi- 
sions ;  each  division  was  placed  under  the  command  of  a  superintending 
master,  who  was  appointed  by  the  comptroller,  from  amongst  the  master* 
who  came  best  recommended.  'To  each  of  the  first  rates  was  allowed  in 
•rdinary 

1st  officer A  boatswain; 

2d. Gunner. 

3d. Carpenter. 

4th Purser. 

(Served  by  deputy.) 

6th. ...'........  Cook. 

Extra  men  ........ ...........  Thirty. 

(Exclusive- of  the  officers'  servants.) 

The  extra  men  were  principally  watermen,  &c.  who  lived  and  worked 
a-shore  when  not  on  duty.  The  pay,  and  the  allowance  of  provisions,  were 
the  same  as  when  at  sea.  The  views  of  Lord  Barham  do  not  appear  to  have 
extended  beyond  the  preservation  of  the  hulls;  that  of  conserving,  by  means 
of  the  ordinary,  a  given  proportion  of  our  most  valuable  seamen,  does  not 
seem  to  have  entered  into  his  consideration.  ^ 

The  whole  of  the  extra  men  of  each  division  were  placed  at  the  disposal 
of  the  superintending  master ;  the  duty  consisted  in  keeping  the  decks 
clean,  opening  and  shutting  the  ports,  airing  the  hold  by  means  of  Brodie's 
stqves,  and  pumping  out  the  water. 

Notwithstanding  all  the  pains  taken  by  the  comptrol^r  of  the  navy  to 
tare  his  regulations  enforced,  they  were  evaded  by  those  officers  of  (he  yard 


NAVAL   HISTORY   OF   THE    PRESENT  YEAR,    1814. 

whose  peculiar  duty  it  was  to  have  attended  at  stated  intervals  to  inspect 
the  state  of  each  ship,  and  report  the  same.  Instead  of  which,  those  officer! 
found  means  to  induce  the  superintending  masters  of  the  divisions  to  re- 
port, in  their  returns,  that  they  had  performed  their  duty,  when  they  had 
not.  This  breach  of  confidence  should  be  particularly  guarded  against  iu 
future,  for  if  the  master  builder  neglect  his  duty,  it  is  pretty  certain  all 
the  inferior  officers  will  also  neglect  theirs,  and  the  ships  rot  at  their 
moorings. 

Great  abuses  existed  in  the  provisions  served  out  to  the  men  belonging  to 
the  ordinary.  Salt  provisions  were  served  that  had  been  three  times  to  the 
East  Indies.  The  boatswains  surveyed  the  provisions  ;  and  in  reply  to  any 
complaint  they  used  to  say,  they  dared  not  reject  them :  thence,  unserviceable 
provisions  were  dispensed,  great  part  of  which  was  thrown  away.  Cer- 
tainly the  ordinary  service  should  be  allowed  fresh  provisions,  vegetables, 
and  bread  baked  on  board,  and  not  be  fed  upon  condemned  provisions. 

The  state  of  the  ordinary  in  1783  is  given,  and  the  abuses  which  then 
prevailed,  in  preference  to  the  ordinary  of  1802,  for  reasons  which  will 
readily  be  conceived. 


ilettr rs  on  £f rbice, 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LONDON  GAZETTE, 

ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,   MARCH  29,    1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Sir  Michael  Seymour,  of  H.M.S.  Hannibal, 
addressed  to  Admiral  Sir  Richard  Eickerton,  Bart,  and  transmitted  6y 
the  Admiral  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Hannibal,  at  Sea,  March  27,  1814. 

I  HAVE  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  of  the  capture  of  La  Sultane, 
French  frigate,  of  44  guns',  and  330  men,  at  a  quarter  past  three  P.M. 
yesterday,  after  an  ineffectual  endeavour  to  disable  this  ship. 

When  spread  on  the  look-out  from  the  Hebrus  at  ten  A.M.  Isle  de  Bus 
S.E.  twelve  leagues,  with  a  light  breeze  from  the  S.W.  it  came  very  thick 
weather,  and  guns  were  heard  in  the  N.N.E.  and  on  its  clearing  up,  pro- 
ceeding under  all  sail,  I  found  the  Hebrus  near  me,  the  Sparrow  in  the 
N,W.  and  two  enemy's  frigates  E.  b.  N.  five  or  six  miles  distant,  one  with 
jury  (op-masts  and  sails,  and  the  other  with  double  reefed  topsails, 
apparently  having  suffered  from  tempest  or  action.  We  neared  them  fast, 
bat  on  the  wind's  changing  at  eleven  to  the  N.N.W.  very  fresh,  one 
hauled  S.E.  and  the  other  E.  b.  N.  and  I  directed  the  Hebrus,  as  the  best 
sailing  ship,  and  the  Sparrow,  to  pursue  the  seemingly  most  perfect  frigate  ; 
and  1  lost  sight  of  them,  going  above  ten  knots -at  two  P.M.  when  the 
Hebrus  was  closing  the  enemy  very  fast,  and  afterwards  about  three,  four 
guns  were  heard. 

The  other  ship  is  L'Etoile,  which  with  La  Suhane,  lost  each  twenty 
killed,  and  about  thirty  wounded,  in  action  with  the  Creole  and  Astrea,  ott 
Isle  of  Mayo,  two  months  since,  and  each  had  three  hundred  and  fifty  mea 
•n  tailing  from  tfcc  Loire. 


423 


I  hare  {riven  charge  of  the  prize  to  Lieutenant  Crouch,  an  able  officer, 
who  has  served  many  years  with  me,  and  I  have  tjje  honour  to  be,  &c. 


To  Sir  Richard  Bicker- 
ton,  Bart.  Admiral  of 
the  Blue,  Commander- 
in-chief,  $c.  Portt* 
mouth. 

Captain. 
APRIL  2. 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Hayes,  of  H. M.S.  Majestic,  addressed  to 
Admiral  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren,  and  a  Duplicate  transmitted  to  John 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 

Majestic,  at  Sea,  February  5,  1814. 

I  have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you,  that  in  my  way  from  St.  Michael's  to 
Madeira,  in  the  execution  of  your  orders,  at  daylight  in  t  ie  morning  of  the 
$d  instant,  in  latitude  37°,  and  longitude  20°,  being  then  in  chase  of  a 
ship  in  the  N.E.  supposed  to  be  one  of  the  enemy's  cruisers,  three  ships  and 
a  brig  were  discovered  about  three  leagues  off  in  the  S.S.E.  of  very  suspi- 
cious appearance,  and  not  answering  the  private  signal,  I  gave  over  the 
pursuit  of  the  ship  to  the  northward  and  eastward,  hoisted  my  colours, 
and  proceeded  to  reconnoitre  the  southern  squadron,  when  two  of  the  ships 
immediately  gave  chase  to  me  ;  on  closing  within  four  miles,  I  discovered 
them  to  be  two  forty-four  gun  frigates,  a  ship  mounting  twenty  guns,  and  a 
brig,  which  I  could  not  perceive  to  be  armed.  I  determined  on  forcing 
them  to  shew  their  colours  (which  they  appeared  to  wish  to  avoid),  and 
for  that  purpose  stood  directly  for  the  headmost  frigate,  when  she  short- 
ened sail3  and  brought  to,  for  the  other  to  close.  I  now  made  all  sail,  in 
the  hope  of  being  able  to  .set  alongside  of  her  before  it  could  be  effected, 
but  in  this  I  was  foiled,  by  her  wearing,  making  sail,  and  joining  the  other 
end  taking  a  station  a-head  and  a-stern,  with  the  twenty-gun  ship  and  brig 
On  their  weather  bow  ;  they  stood  to  the  S.S.E.  with  larboard  studdiug-sails, 
and  all  the  sail  that  could  be  carried  ;  the  sternmost  hoisting  French  co- 
lours, at  a  quarter  of  an  hour  past  two  o'clock,  she  opened  a  fire  from  the 
aftermost  guns  upon  us;  at  three  o'clock,  being  in  a  good  position  (going 
ten  knots  an  hour),  I  commenced  firing  with  considerable  effect,  the  shot 
going  either  through,  or  just  over  the  starboard  quarter  to  the  forecastle, 
over  the  larboard  bow ;  when  at  forty-nine  minutes  past  four,  she  struck 
her  colours  to  H.  M.S.  Majestic,  under  rny  command.  The  wind  increasing, 
the  priz"  in  a  state  of  great  confusion,  and  ni-iht  fast  approaching,  obliged 
me  to  stay  hy  'her,  and  to  suffer  the  other  frigate,  with  the  ship  and  brig, 
to  escape ;  the  sea  got  up  very  fast,  so  that  only  one  hundred  of  the  prison- 
ers coul'i  be  exchanged,  and  even  in  effecting  that,  one  boat  was  lost,  and 
two  prisoners  drowned  :  this  I  hope,  Sir,  will  plead  my  apology  for  not 
bringing  you  the  whole  of  them.  The  captured  ship  is  the  Terpsichore,  of 
forty-four  guns,  eighteen  and  twentypfour-pounders,  and  three  hundred  and 
twenty  men,  Breton  Francois  de  Sire,  capitaine  de  frigate ;  the  other  was 
the  Atalante,  sister  ship,  exactly  of  the  same  force ;  they  sailed  from  the 
Scheldt  on  the  20th  October,  and  went  to  L'Orient,  fiyin  whence  they 
sailed  again  on  the  8th  January,  in  company  with  La  Yacle,  a  similar  ship, 
which  parted  from  them  in  latitude  45*  and  longitude  16°  40'.  Th? 


424  NAY  At  HISTORY  OF  THE  PREIMIT  YEAR,    1814i 

enemy  had  only  three  men  killed,  six  wounded,  and  two  drowned  j  the 
Majestic  none. 

The  officers  and  men  I  have  the  honour  to  command  conducted  them- 
selves on  this  occasion  as  I  exacted  they  would  do. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Admiral  Sir  Richard  Bickerton,  Bart,  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq.  dated  at  Portsmouth,  the  31st  March,  J814. 

*TR, 

I  feel  peculiar  satisfaction  in  transmitting,  to  be  laid  before  the  lords 
commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  a  letter  I  have  received  from  Captain  Sir 
Michael  Seymour,  of  the  Hannibal,  enclosing  one  addressed  to  him  by 
Captain  Palmer,  of  II.M.S.  the  Hebrus,  detailing  the  capture  of  the  French 
frigate  L'Etoile,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th  instant,  after  an  arduous  chase 
of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  and  a  well-fought  action  of  two  hours  and 
a  quarter,  in  eight  fathoms  water,  under  Cape  La  Hoj;ue. 

I  entirely  concur  with  Sir  Michael  Seymour  in  the  opinion  he  has  ex- 
pressed, and  very  heartily  congratulate  their  Lordships  on  an  event  which 
wiil  stand  amongst  the  most  brilliant  of  the  frigate  actions  in  the  records  of 
our  country,  and  does  the  highest  honour  to  Captain  Palmer,  tlie  officers 
pud  ship's  company  of  the  Hebrus.  I  am,  Sir,  &c. 


SIR,  E.  M.S.  Hannibal,  Spithead,  March  21,  1814. 

Enclosed  I  transmit,  with  the  utmost  gratification,  the  letter  of  the  cap- 
tain of  the  Hebrus,  giving  a  full  and  clear  detail  of  the  capture  of  L'Etoile, 
French  frigate,  consort  of  La  Sultane  ;  and  I  am  quite  at  a  loss  how  to 
express,  in  adequate  terms,  my  admiration  of  Captain  Palmer's  skill  and 
decision  on  so  interesting  an  occasion,  and  his  new  ship's  company,  hif 
officers  and  his  own  able  and  intrepid  conduct. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


et,  zjei 


4 

Sir  Richard  Bickerton,  Bart.  Admiral 
of  the  Blue,  If  c.  Commander-in-chief 
at  Porttmouth. 

SIR,  H.M.S-  Hebrus,  Plymouth,  March  29,  1814. 

When  the  Hannibal  and  his  Majesty's  ship  under  my  command  separated 
on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  in  chase  of  the  two  French  frigates  we  had 
fallen  in  with,  \ve  continued  in  pursuit  of  the  one  you  were  pleased  to 
detach  us  after,  the  whole  day,  with  all  our  canvas  spread.  About  mid* 
night  he  reached  the  Ilace  of  Alderney,  and  the  wind  scanting,  we  began 
to  gain  upon  him  fast;  by  the  time  he  had  ran  the  length  of  Point  Jobourg, 
leading  into  the  Bay  of  La  Hogue,  he  was  obliged  to  attempt  rounding  it 
almost  wit'iin  the  wash  oi  the  breakers;  and  here,  after  an  anxious  chase 
offifti';:  i.ouis,  and  running  him  upwards  of  one  hundred  and  twenty 
miles,  we  were  fortunate  enough,  between  one  and  two  in  the  morning,  to 
bring  him  to  battle  ;  we  crossed  his  stern,  our  jib-boom  passing  over  his 
topsail,  and  shot  in  betwixt  him  and  ihe  shore,  in  eight  fathoms  water,  and 
it  tailing  nearly  calm  about  this  time,  the  ships  continued  nearly  in  the 
same  spot  until  the  conclusion  of  the  action.  At  its  commencement  we 
suffered  considerably  in  our  rigging;  the  enemy  firing  high,  he  shot  away 
our  fore-top-mast  and  fore-yard,  crippled  our  mainmast  wid  bowsprit)  and. 


NAVAL   1IISTOUY    OF    THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  415 

cut  away  almost  every  shroud,  stay,  and  brace  we  had.  Our  fire  from  the 
first,  and  throughout,  was  directed  at  our  opponent's  hull,  and  the  ships 
being  as  close  together  as  they  could  be  without  touching,  he  suffered  most 
Severely,  every  shot  which  struck  passing  through  him.  About  four 
o'clock  his  ini/eii-mast  fell  by  the  board,  and  his  fire  ceased,  when,  after 
an  obstinate  contest  of  two  hours  and  a  quarter,  he  hailed  us,  to  say  that 
he  had  struck  his  colours.  The  moment  we  could  get  possession,  it  became 
necessary  to  put  the  heads  of  both  ships  off  shore,  as  well  from  the  appre- 
hension of  grounding,  as  to  get  them  clear  from  a  battery  which  had  been 
firing  at  both  of  us  during  the  whole  action,  those  on  shore  not  being  able 
from  the  darkness  to  distinguish  one  from  the  other ;  fortunately  the  tide 
set  us  round  the  point,  and  we  anchored  soon  afterwards  in  Vauville  Bay, 
in  order  to  secure  our  masts  as  well  as  we  were  able. 

The  prize  proves  to  be  L'Etoile  French  frigate,  mounting  forty-four  guns, 
twenty-eight  eighteen-poimders  on  the  main-deck,  and  the  remainder  car- 
ronades,  with  a  complement  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  men  ;  she  was 
commanded  by  Monsieur  Henry  Pierre  Philibert,  capitaine  de  fregate,  who 
was  returning,  together  with  La  Sultane  (the  other  frigate),  from  a  four 
months'  cruise  to  the  westward.  L'Etoile  is  a  very  fine  frigate,  quite  new, 
and  sails  well ;  she  lost  in  the  action  forty  killed,  and  had  upwards  of 
seventy  wounded  ;  her  masts  which  remained  are  shot  through,  and  her 
hull  extremely  shattered,  having  four  feet  water  in  her  hold  at  the  time  she 
surrendered.  We  are  also  a  good  deal  cut  up,  several  of  our  guns  dis- 
mounted, and  I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  some  brave  men,  thirteen  killed 
and  twenty  five  wounded,  some  of  them,  I  fear,  dangerously.  Amongst 
che  former  was  a  most  promising  young  gentleman,  Mr.  P.  A.  Crawley, 
midshipman,  who  Veil  unhappily  early  in  the  action. 

I  cannot,  Sir,  sufficiently  express  to  you  how  much  I  have  to  admire  in 
the  conduct  of  every  one  whom  I  had  the  pleasure  to  command  upon  this 
occasion.  I  beg  most  earnestly  to  recommend  Mr.  R.  M.  Jackson,  the 
senior  lieutenant ;  as  also  to  give  my  best  testimony  to  the  exertions  of  the 
junior  lieutenants,  Messrs.  Addis  and  Cocks,  together  with  Lieutenants 
Griffith  and  M'Laughlin,  of  the  marines.  To  Mr.  M'Gowan,  the  master, 
I  am  much  indebted,  for  the  skill  and  care  with  which  he  conducted  the 
steerage  of  the  ship,  during  a  period  of  much  difficulty  and  peril.  Mr. 
Maddox,  the  purser,  very  handsomely  volunteered  his  attendance  on 
<kck,  where  he  rendered  good  service. 

I  cannot  close  this  letter  without  observing,  that  I  derived  the  greatest 
assistance  from  th<^  professional  ability  of  Captain  William  Sargent,  of  the 
navy,  who  was  serving  on  board  with  me  as  volunteer. 

Herewith,  Sir,  you -have  lists  of  the  killed  and  wounded  ;  and  T  notice 
with  great  pleasure  the  care  and  attention  of  Mr.  Boyter,  surgeon,  not  only 
towards  our  own  men,  but  to  those  of  the  enemy  also. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


(bdmund  e/ aimer, 

Captain  of  his  Majesty's  ship  Hebrus. 
Captain  Sir  Michael  Seymour,  Bart. 
H.M.S.  Hannibal. 

List  of  Killed  and  Wounded. 

Killed. — P.  A.  Crawley,  mi  ishipman;  Andrew  Fenalson,  yeoman  of 
«heets  ;  James  Crew,  captain  of  the  m'ast  ;  Thomas  Rickerby,  captain  of 
Cue  mast ;  William  Boyd,  ship's  corporal ;  William  Shooley,  captain  of  the 
forecastle ;  Samuel  Crawley,  ordinary  seaman ;  Patrick  M'Cuen,  ordinary 

.  ffiol.  XXXI.  3  i 


426  NAVAL   HISTORY   OF    THE   PRESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

teaman  ;  Thomas  Douglas,  landman  ;    John  Simpson,   landman  ;  Charles 
Duttan,  landmun  ;  William  Foster,  landman  ;  John  Belton,  landman. 

Dangerously  wounded. — Charles  Still,  ordinary  seaman  ;  John  Stone, 
landman  ;  James  Lawson,  landman  ;  Samuel  Ormes,  boy. 

Severely  wounded. — John  Cray,  second  captain  of  the  forecastle  ;  Rich- 
ard Powell,  pilot;  Daniel  Maiden,  captain  of  the  foretop ;  William  Ross- 
lus,  sail-maker's  crew ;  Daniel  M'Cuen,  able  seaman ;  John  Moorcroft, 
private  marine. 

Slightly  wounded. — Mark  Shearman,  boatswain's  mate  ;  Gilbert  Duncan, 
captain  of  the  main-top  ;  John  Hazard,  captain  of  the  after-guard ;  J.  Col- 
lins, captain  of  the  after-guard  ;  Frederick  Motss,  able  seaman  ;  Michael 
Ilarnett,  ordinary  seaman;  Balem  Cosang,  ordinary  seaman;  William 
Stevens,  ordinary  seaman  ;  Andrew  Blackwood,  ordinary  seaman  ;  John 
Jackson,  ordinary  seaman  ;  James  Wilson,  landman  ;  George  Piles,  boy  ; 
Robert  Crown,  boy  ;  Thomas  Everington,  landman  ;  James  Crosby,  corpo- 
fal  of  marines. Total,  13  killed  ;  25  wounded. 

"outer,  t_surqeon. 

ff  U 

J         6fi  /  &    14       • 

mand   <J aimer.    (Dahtcun. 


Killed  and  Wounded  on  board  I!  Etoile  French  Frigate. 
40  killed;  71  wounded. 


Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Rowley,  of  H. M.S.  Eagle,  addressed  t» 
Vict-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Bart,  and  transmitted  by  the  latter  (a 
John  Wilson  Ctoker,  Esq. 

SIR,  The  Eagle,  at  Malta,  February  6,  1814. 

Imagining  it  will  be  satisfactory  to  you,  I  take  the  liberty  of  mentioning, 
tliat  on  the  night  of  the  3d  instant,  I  found  his  Majesty's  ships  Apollo  and 
Havannah  at  anchor  off  Brindisi,  and  a  French  frigate  (the  Uranie)  on  fire 
inside  of  the  port. 

Captain  Taylor  acquainted  me,  that  the  Uranie  had  escaped  from 
Ancona  on  the  lo'th  of  January,  and  had  been  turned  into  Brindisi  by  the 
Cerberus  ;  and  that  on  his  arrival  there  he  sent  in  a  message  to  know  in 
what  situation  he  was  to  conbider  the  port  of  Brindisi,  as  i;e  had  under- 
stood the  Neapolitan  Government  had  joined  the  Allies,  and  declared  war 
against  France  ;  he  therefore  couki  not  comprehend  their  giving  succour  to 
an  enemy's  frigate. 

After  much  conversation,  it  appears,  that  on  the  Apollo  making  a  shew 
as  if  intending  to  go  into  the  port  of  Brindisi,  the  Frenchman  landed  his 
powder  and  set  fire  to  the  frigate ;  as  it  blew  fresh,  and  the  tide  was  run- 
ning strong,  Captain  Taylor  had  not  time  to  write  the  particulars  by  me. 

I  have,  &c. 


ahtain. 


WAVAL  HISTORY  OF    THE  PRESENT  YEAR,   1814.  427 

Rear-admiral  Griffith  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  a  let- 
ter from  Captain  Wales,  of.  his  Majesty's  sloop  Epervier,  dated  the  23d 
February  last,  giving  an  account  of'his  having  captured  the  Alfred,  AmerU 
can  brig  privateer,  mounting  fourteen  long  six-pounders,  and  two  eighteen- 
pounde'rs  carronades,  with  a  complement  of  one  hundred  and  ten  men,  re- 
turning to  Salem,  after  a  twelve  weeks' cruize,  in  which  period  she  had 
ooly  made  three  small  captures, 

And  also  a  letter  from  Captain  Robinson,  of  his  Majesty's  sloop  Prome- 
theus, dated  the  8th  March,  reporting  the  capture  of  the  American 
privateer  schooner  Lizard,  of  two  long  guns,  and  thirty-four  men,  out  of 
Salem  twelve  days  without  taking  any  prize. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pelleio,  Bart,  to  Join 
Wilton  Croker,  Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  off"  Minorca, 
February  24,  J814. 

SIR, 

I  presume  Rear-admiral  Fremantle  has  already  conveyed  to  their  Lord- 
ships the  statements,  herewith  transmitted,  regarding  the  surrender  of 
Cattaro  and  Zara.* 

I  have  only  to  express  my  great  satisfaction  at  the  manner  in  which  these 
services  have  been  performed.  The  merits  of  those  employed  will  not  f$U 
to  receive  their  Lordships'  approbation. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &e. 


J.  W.  Croker,  Esq. 


SIR,  Milford,  Trieste,  January  17,  1814. 

Herewith  I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  a  letter  from  Captain  Hoste,  of 
his  Majesty's  ship  Bacchante,  with  the  terms  of  capitulation  for  the  sur» 
render  of  the  fort  of  Cattaro. 

The  exertions  of  Captains  Hoste  and  Harper,  and  the  officers  and  men 
employed  under  them,  need  no  comment  on  my  part,  and  I  am  aware  will 
be  duly  appreciated  by  you,  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


Sir  E.  Pellew,  Bart. 


SIR,  H.M.S.  Bacchante,  before  Cattaro,  January  5,  1814. 

I  have  much  satisfaction  in  acquainting  you,  that,  a'fter  ten  days  cannon* 
fide,  the  fortress  of  Cattaro  surrendered  by  capitulation  this  morning  to  his 
Majesty's  ships  named  in  the  margin.  +  The  terms  I  granted  to  the  garri» 
con  are,  to  lay  down  their  arms  on  the  Marine,  to  be  transported  to  some 
port  in  Italy,  to  be  considered  prisoners  of  war,  and  not  to  serve  against 
England  or  her  Allies  till  regularly  exchanged. 

It  is  unnecessary  I  should  enter  further  into  detail,  than  to  say,  that  by 
111  11  '  ii  — • —  ••.-••. 

*  An  account  of  the  surrender  of  £ara  has  already  been  inserted  in  the  Gazette, 

f  IJacphahle  and  Saraceu, 


428  NAVAI,  HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

the  exertions  of  the  officers  and  crews  of  both  ships,  our  batteries  were 
enabled  to  open  from  four  different  points  on  the  castle  and  works  at  day- 
light on  Christmas  morning  ;  that  on  the  1st  January,  two  additional  batte- 
ries, of  eighteen  and  thirty-two-pounders,  were  opened,  and  played 
against  the  castle ;  and  that  on  the  3d  I  had  arranged  every  thing  with  the 
Chief  of  the  Montenegrins,  for  a  general  assault,  when  the  commandant, 
General  Gauthier,  sent  out,  expressing  his  wish  to  capitulate. 

This  morning  the  capitulation  was  signed,  a  copy  of  which  I  enclose, 
with  the  state  of  the  garrison.* 

Our  loss,  I  am  happy  to  say,  has  been  trifling,  one  seaman  killed,  and 
Lieutenant  Haig,  of  the  royal  marines,  slightly  wounded. 

The  mouths  of  the  Cattaro  are  now  freed  of  the  enemy,  Sir;  and  in 
bringing' this  business  to  a  successful  is.sue,  the  officers  and  men  have 
exert:  d  themselves  to  the  utmost. 

We  have  received  no  assistance  but  from  a  few  Montenegrins  ;  we  have 
bad,  to  trust  to  our  own  resources  alone,  and  we  have  found  them  in  the 
Teal  and,  perseverance  which  has  actuated  all  parties.  From  the  exertions 
of  Captain  Harper,  of  the  Saracen,  and  Lieutenant  Milhoume,  of  the 
Bacchante,  two  eighteen-pounders  and  two  mortars  were  got  up  the  range 
of  mountains  before  Cattaro,  to  the  astonishment  of  friends  and  foes  ; 
and  what  was  deemed  impracticable  by  the  French  General,  was  com- 
pleted in  ten  days.  The  zeal  and  activity  of  Captain  Harper  are  well 
known  to  you,  Sir,  and  I  assure  you,  in  no  instance  have  they  been  more 
conspicuous  than  on  the  present  occasion — he  is  a  most  invaluable  officer. 
It  is  my  duty  to  mention  the  meritorious  conduct  of  Lieutenants  Milbourne, 
and  Rees  (acting),  of  the  Bacchante,  Lieutenant  Hancock,  of  the  Stracen, 
Mr.  Vale,  master  of  ditto,  Lieutenant  Haig,  royal  marines  of  Bacchante, 
Mr.  Charles  Bruce,  midshipman  of  Bacchante  ;  and  the  whole  of  the 
officers  and  men  of  both  ships  have  tried  to  excel  each  oihcr  on  this 
occasion. 

The  torrents  of  rain,  and  the  fatigues  and  privations  attending  an  attack 
of  a  fortress  like  Cattaro,  at  this  season  of  the  year,  have  been  borne  with 
a  cheerfulness  that  entitled  them  to  every  praise.  I  cannot  conclude  this 
without  acknowledging  in  the  warmest  terms  the  active  assistance  I  have 
received  from  Captain  Angelo,  of  Lieutenant-general  Campbell's  staff,  who 
vr'as  waiting  in  Bacchante  for  a  passage  to  join  the  Lieutenant-general  at 
Zante;  his  zeal  and  ability  have  supplied  many  deficiencies  on  our  part, 
and  have  considerably  tended  to  the  speedy  reduction  of  the  place. 
1  have,  &c. 

6V/£-      G7V3  <*/} 

J'r .  (^\Do4te.    lOahtain* 

Rear-admi>'al  Fremantle,  <§r.  ' 

APRIL  4. 

Lieutennnt  Collins,  flag-lieutenant  to  Rear-admiral  Penrose,  arrived  here 
this  morning,  with  a  letter  from  Admiral  Lord  Keith  to  John  Wilson  Cro- 
ker,  Esq.  transmitting  one  to  his  Lordship  from  the  Rear-admiral,  dated  in 
the  Gironde,  Point  of  Talmont,  E.  S.  E.  about  three  mites,  the  a?th  of 
March,  giving  an  account  of  his  having  that  day  entered  the  river,  and 
proceeded  up  to  that  anchorage  with  H.M.S.  Egmont,  the  Andromache  and 
Belle  Poule  frigates,  and  some  smaller  vessels,  after  receiving  the  tire  of 
some  forts  and  batteries  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  but  without  sustaining 
any  loss  from  it. 

On  approaching  Point  Coubre,  the  enemy's  line  of-battle  ship  Regulns, 

•  The  Article*  of  Capitulation  will  be  given  in  a  future  Gazette. 


WAVAL   HISTORY   OT  THE  PRESENT  *EAR,   1814, 

•with  three  brigs  of  war,  and  some  chasse  marges,  were  discovered  pre. 
paring  to  weigh  from  off  Royan.  The  squadron  gave  chase  to  those  vessels 
as  high  as  the  shoal  of  Talmont,  where  the  Regtilus  and  the  brigs  passed 
up  through  the  very  narrow  channel  to  the  north,  apparently  buoyed  for 
the  purpose,  under  protection  of  the  strong  batteries  on  each  side  the  baj 
of  Talmont;  and  the  British  squadron  anchored  outside  the  shoal. 

The  Rear-admiral  highly  commends  the  exertions  of  the  officers  under 
his  orders,  in  successfully  passing  through  the  dangers  of  the  navigation, 

APRIL  5. 

The  following  are  the  Articles  of  Capitulation,  referred  to  in  Captain 
Hoste's  letter,  which  appeared  in  the  Gazette  of  the  2d  instant, 

(Translation.) 

I,  General  of  Brigade,  Baron  of  the  Empire,  commanding  the  troops  of 
his  Majesty  Napoleon,  Emperor  of  the  French,  King  of  Italy,  &c.  in  gar- 
rison at  Cattaro,  wishing  to  treat  with  the  commander  of  the  troops  of  his 
Britannic  Majesty,  besieging  this  place,  have  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
(conformably  with  the  112th  article  of  the  4th  chapter  of  the  State  of 
Siege)  Messrs.  Fousche,  captain,  commanding  the  artillery,  and  Rameaux, 
my  aide-de-camp,  to  propose  to  the  said  Commander  the  following  articles 
tor  the  surrender  of  the  place,  viz. 

Art.  T.  The  place  of  Catlaro  and  fort  St.  John  shall  be  given  up  to  th« 
troops  of  his  Britannic  Majesty  on  the  10th  of  the  present  month  of 
January. 

Answer — The  place  of  Cattaro  and  fort  St.  John  shall  be  given  up  to  the 
troops  of  his  Britannic  Majesty  on  the  8th  of  the  present  month  of  January. 
Art.  II.  The  troops  of  his  Majesty  the  Emperor  Napoleon,  forming  the 
garrison  of  Cattaro,  shall  march  out  of  the  place  through  the  Marine  Gate, 
with  military  honours,  arms,  and  baggage.  The  officers  will  keep  their 
anus. 

Answer — The  troops  of  the  garrison  of  Cattaro  shall  march  out  of  the 
place  through  the  Marine  Gate,  with  all  military  honours,  arms,  baggage 
(the  officers  will  keep  their's),  and  shall  be  embarked  on  board  transport 
vessels,  provided  for  the  purpose,  and  conveyed  to  a  port  in  Italy,  to  be 
considered  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  not  to  serve  against  Great  Britain,  or 
her  Allies,  until  regularly  exchanged. 

Art.  III.  The  troops  of  the  garrison  shall  be  embarked  on  board  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  ships  of  war,  and  conveyed  to  Venice  or  Ancona,  or 
any  other  part  of  the  kingdom  of  Italy,  at  the  expence  of  the  British 
Government. 

Answer — Ancona  and  Venice,  being  in  a  state  of  siege,  the  garrison 
cannot  be  landed  there,  but  the  general  may  choose  some  other  port  be» 
tween  Ancona  and  Brindisi. 

(The  garrison  is  to  be  conveyed  to  Fermo. ) 

Art.  IV.  The  sick,  who  may  be  fit  for  removal,  shall  be  embarked  on 
board  the  same  vessels  as  the  garrison. 

Those  who  may  remain  in  the  hospital,  shall  be  treated  with  care  and 
humanity  ;  they  are  recommended  _to  the  generosity  of  the  British  Govern- 
ment: a'nd  as  soon  as  they  shall  recover,  they  shall  be  conveyed  to  Venice 
or  Ancona,  at  the  expence  of  the  British  Government. 

Answer — Granted  in  every  respect :  when  recovered  they  shall  share  the 
fate  of  the  garrison 

Art.  V.  The  military  and  the  employes,  whether  of  the  land  or  naval 
services,  subjects  of  his  Majesty  the  Emperor  Napoleon,  taken  either  at 
Pastel  Novo,  Perasto,  Isle.  St.  George,  Budua,  or  Fort  Trinity,  or  in  tl,«  - 


430  NAVAL  HISTORY  0*  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1814. 

armed  vessels,  and  who  are  still  in  the  province  of  Cattaro,  shall  be  united 
with,  the  garrison  and  share  its  fate. 

Answer — Granted. 

Art.  VI.  The  subalterns  and  soldiers  shall  keep  their  knapsacks  ;  and 
rfie  officers  their  effects,  which  shall  be  put  on  board  the  same  vessels  with 
themselves.  The  trunks,  chests,  and  portmanteaus,  shall  not  be  visited. 

Answer.— Granted ;  with  an  understanding  that  no  breach  of  private 
property  or  the  Government  magazines,  shall  be  committed. 

Art.  VII.  The  public  functionaries,  aud  civil  and  military  employes, 
who  may  follow  the  garrison,  shall  be  treated  in  the  same  manner,  and 
according  to  their  rank  and  employment. 

Answer— Granted. 

Art.  VIII.  All  the  accountable  employe's  of  the  different  administra- 
tions, whether  civil  or  military,  shall  carry  away  their  registers  and  paper* 
of  accounts. 

Answer — Granted. 

Art.  IX.  The  wives,  children,  and  servants  belonging  to  the  military, 
the  public  functionaries,  and  the  employes,  shall  accompany  them. 

Answer— Granted. 

Art,  X-  The  individuals  of  the  country  who  may  have  filled  situations 
under  the  Government,  as  well  as  any  others,  who  wish  to  follow  the  srar- 
rison  alone,  or  with  their  families,  shall  be  allowed  to  do  so  without  moles- 
tation; they  shall  be  treated  according  to  their  rank  and  employment; 
their  relations  and  their  properties  shall  be  respected. 

Answer — Granted. 

Art.  XI.  No  individual,  whether  of  the  province  of  Gattaro  or  of  Mon- 
tenegro, sh«ll  be  allowed  to  approach  the  place  of  Cattaro,  nor  come  on 
hoard  any  vessel  in  the  port,  before  all  the  garrison  shall  be  embarked  on 
laoard  the  ships  designated  by  Art.  III.  and  shall  be  at  a  distance  from  tlie 
place. 

Answer— Granted. 

Art.  XII.  Tlie  English  Commander  engages  and  promises  to  cause  the 
persons  and  property  of  the  military,  public  functionaries,  employe's,  &c. 
v»ho  quit  the  place,  to  be  respected,  during  the  whole  time  that  the  vessels 
in  which  they  are  embarked  may  remain  in  the  channel  of  the  mouths  of 
Cattaro,  and  until  they  shall  have  arrived  at  their  destination. 

Answer — Granted. 

Art.  XIIL  The  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Cattaro,  of  whatsoever  rank 
or  condition,  shall  be  respected,  together  with  their  property  :  those  who 
have  filled  employments  under  the  French  Government  shall  not  he  mo- 
lested ;  they  shall  not  suffer  any  ill  treatment  on  account  either  of  their 
past  conduct,  or  of  their  political  opinions. 

Answer — Grantee}. 

Art.  XIV.  The  title-deeds  and  other  papers  in  the  records  of  the  courts 
of  justice,  and  those  relating  to  the  several  branches  of  administration,  shaU 
to  respected  and  preserved. 

Answer — Granted. 

Art.  XV.  Officers  shall  be  appointed  on  each  side  for  the  delivering  up 
of  the  magazines  and  artillery  of  the  place  and  fort. 

Answer — Granted  :  but  an  English  officer  shall  be  received  to-morrow 
morning  to  make,  in  concert  with  a  French  officer,  nn  inventory  of  the 
magazines  and  artillery  of  the  place  and  fort. 

Art.  XVI.  If  from"  the  present  time  to  the  10th  of  this  rrtontb,  the 
period  fixed  by  the  first  article  for  the  surrender  of  the  place,  the  troops  of 
his  Majesty  the  Emperor  Napoleon  should  approach  it  to  raise  the  hlock-s 
«tle,  the  p'resent  convention,  shall  be  considered  as  null  and  of  no  effe.ct% 


NAVAt  HISTORY  OP  THE  PRESENT  YEAH,  1814.  431 

Answer—  Answered  in  the  first  article.     In  die  event  of  the  troops  <rf 
s  Majesty  the  Emperor  Napoleon  approaching  the  garrison  before  die 

8th  instant  to  raise  the  blockade,  then  the  present  convention  shall  be  coa- 

wdered  as  void  and  of  no  effect. 

At  the  head-quarters  at  Cattaro,  the  4th  January,  1814. 

The  General  of  Brigade,  Baron  of  the  Empire, 


Captain  in  the  Navy,  and  Commanding  Officer 
of  the  British  Forces  at  the  Mouths  of  Cattaro. 

Jfcen  and  ratified  by  us, 

General  of  Brigade,  Baron  of  the  Empire  ;  Cat- 
tare,  the  6th  of  January,  1814, 


iter. 


State  of  the  Garrison  of  Cattaro,  on  the  6lh  January,  1814. 

Staff— 1  general  de  brigade,  1  aide-de-camp,  1  adjutant. 

Gendarmerie — 1  lieutenant,  13  subalterns  and  privates. 

Artillery — 1  captain,  15  subalterns  and  privates. 

Engineers— 2  privates. 

1st  Batt.  of  the  3d  Croat  Regiment — 1  chef  de  battalion,  1  lieutenant 
mid  adjutant,  1  sub-lieutenant,  15  subalterns  and  privates. 

3d  Batt.  of  the  4th  Regiment  of'  Italian  Light  Infantry — 2  captains,  3 
lieutenants,  3  sub-lieutenants,  234  subalterns  and  privates. 

Total — 16  officers,  279  subalterns  and  privates. 

Certified  by  me,  General  de  Brigade,  and  Baron  of  the  Empire; 
Cattaro,  January  6,  1814, 

i^iautnier. 

APRIL   9. 

List  of  Captures  made  by  the  Channel  Fleet,  from  the  1st  January  to  Slrf 
March  1814,  not  before  reported. 

French  chasse  maree  Felicite,  of  60  tons  and  1  man,  from  Bourdeaux, 
bound  to  Nantes,  captured  by  the  Telegraph,  December  SO,  1813.  French 
galliot  Hercules,  of  134  tons  and  5  men,  from  Oleron,  bound  to  Nantes, 
captured  by  the  Telegraph,  December  29,  1813.  French  chasse  maree 
Heurense,  of  25  tons,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by  the 
Brest  squadron,  Dec.  26, 1813.  French  chasse  maree  Les  Amis  Reunis,  of 
30  tons,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by  the  Brest 
squadron,  same  date.  French  chasse  maree  La  Fleurede  Villaine,  of  40 
tons,  from  Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by  the  Brost  squadron, 
December  26,  1813.  French  chasse  mar^e  marked  A,  of  40  tons,  from. 
Bourdeaux,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by  the  Brest  squadron,  same  dat«. 


432  NAYAI.  HISTORY    OF   TUB   PRESENT   YEAR,   1814. 

Portuguese  brig  Pacquet  de  Lisbon,  of  2  guns,  150  tons,  and  12  men,  front 
St.  Salvador,  bound  to  Lisbon,  recaptured  by  the  Madagascar,  January  14, 
1814.  American  schooner  Hannah,  of  79  tons  and  9  men,  from  Marble- 
bead,  bound  to  France,  captured  by  the  Conquestador,  January  15,  1814. 
English  brig  Zephyr,  of  113  tons  and  7  men,  from  Cadiz,  bound  to  London, 
recaptured  by  the  Surveillante,  January  6,  1814.  English  ship  Rachael 
and  Ann,  of  14  guns.  226  tons,  and  -<:0  men,  from  Buenos  Ayres,  bound 
to  London,  recaptured  by  the  Cydnus,  January  8,  1814.  American; 
schooner  Joseph,  of  63  tons  and  8  men,  from  Boston,  bound  to  France^ 
captured  by  the  Royalist,  Jan.  18,  1814.  French  schooner  Virginia,  of  90 
tons,  from  Brest,  bound  to  Rochelle,  captured  by  the  Ajax,  January  21, 
1814.  French  chasse  mar«e  L'Aimable,  of  40  torfs,  from  Bourdeaux, 
bound  to  Quiberon,  captured  by  the  Arrow,  December  15,  1813.  French 
brig  Mathurien,  of  90  tons  and  5  men,  from  Brest,  bound  to  Morlaix, 
captured  by  the  Clarence,  January  8,  1814.  French  sloop  Henriette,  of 
62  tons,  from  Brest,  bound  to  Morlaix,  captured  by  the  Clarence,  same 
date.  Spanish  ship  St.  Juan  Baptiste,  of  600  toais  and  22  guns,  from  Lima, 
bound  to  Cadiz,  recaptured  by  the  Menelaus,  February  16,  1814.  Spanish 
brig  Barcelona,  of  200  tons  and  14  men,  from  Ilavanna,  bound  to  Cadiz, 
recaptured  by  the  Rippon,  February  15,  1814.  American  schooner  Sally, 
of  61  tons  and  5  men,  from  Salem,  bound  to  France,  captured  by  the  Der- 
•went,  January  21,  1814.  English  brig  Favourite,  of  126  tons  and  6  men, 
from,  Waterford,  bound  to  Bilboa,  recaptured  by  the  lightning,  March  18, 
1814.  Papenburgb  galliot  Hoop,  of  94  tons  and  5  men,  from  Bristol, 
bound  to  St-  Sebastian's,  recaptured  by  the  Seahorse,  March  22,  1814. 
Swedish  ship  Maria  Christina,  of  350  tons  and  20  men,  from  Amelia 
island,  bound  to  GottenburgU,  recaptured  by  the  Pactolus,  March  25, 
1814.  French  galliot  North  Star,  of  80  tons  and  5  men,  from  Isle  Rhe, 
bound  to  Nantes,  captured  by  the  Telegraph,  March  10,  1814. 


APRIL   16. 

A  letter  has  been  transmitted  to  this  office,  addressed  by  Captain  Coode, 
ef  H.M.S.  Porcupine,  to  Rear -admiral  Penrose,  dated  in  the  Garonne, 
above  Pouillac,  the  2d  instant,  giving  an  account  of  the  capture  or  destruc- 
tion of  a  flotilla  of  the  enemy,  by  the  advanced  boats  of  the  British 
squadron,  under  Lieutenant  Dunlop,  of  the  Porcupine. 

The  flotilla  was  observed  at  daylight,  proceeding  drown  from  Blaye  to 
Talmont,  and,  on  the  approach  of  the  boats,  the  vessels  were  run  on  shore, 
and  their  crews,  with  about  two  hundred  soldiers  from  Blaye,  lined  the 
bc,ach  to  protect  them ;  but  Lieutenant  Dunlop  landing  with  a  detachment 
of  seamen  and  marines,  drove  thfin  with  great  loss  into  the  woods,  and 
remained  till  the  tide  allowed  the  greater  part  of  the  vessels  to  be 
brought  off. 

One  gun-brig,  six  gun-boars,  one  armed  schooner,  three  chasse  marees, 
and  an  Imperial  barge,  were  captured  ;  and  one  gun-bri{i,  two  gun-boats, 
and  one  chasse  inaicc,  burned. 

This  service  was  performed  with  the  loss  of  two  seamen  missing,  anrf 
14  seamen  and  marines  wounded;  and  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of 
Lieutenant  Dunlop,  and  the  other  officers  and  men  employed  on  the  occa- 
sion, are  highly  commended,  by  Rear-admiral  Pearose  and 
Coode. 


NAVAL    HISTORY    OF   THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.          433 

Copy  (fa  Letter  from  Captain  Hope,  of  H.MS.  Endi/mion,  addressed  to 
Admiral  Sir  J.  B.  Warren,  and  transmit. ed  by  the  latter  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq. 

SIR»  H.lty.S.  Endymion,  at  &?«,  Dec.  4,  1813. 

When  in  the  execution  of  your  orders  to  join  H.M.S.  Valiant,  I  have  the 
satisfaction  to  inform  you,  that  yesterday,  after  a  hant  run  of  ei^ht  hours, 
we  captured  the  Perry  letter  of  marque,  a  remarkably  fine  American 
schooner,  or'  two  hundred  and  thirty  tons  measurement,  just  off  the  stock;, 
and  copper  fastened.  I  have,  &c. 


^afttatn* 

To  the  Rt.  Hon.  Sir  J.  B.  Warren,  Bart. 
and  K.B.  Commander- in- Chief',  $c. 


Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Pechell,  of  H.M.S.  San  T)omingo.  addressed 
to  Admiral  Sir  J.  B.  Warren,  and  transmitted  by  him  to  John  Wilson. 
Croker,  Esq, 

SIR,  H.M.S.  San  Domingo,  at  Sea,  dated  March  1,  1814. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inform  you.  that  H.M.S.  under  my  command,  cap- 
tured this  day,  after  a  chase  of  eight  hours,  and  a  half,  the  American  letter 
of  marque  brig  Argus,  armed  with   thirteen   carriage  guns  and  sijcty-tivc 
men,  from  Savannah,  bound  to  the  Ilavannah,  out  five  days. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


9V 
Lofin 


The  Rt.  H<m.  Adm.  Sir  J.  B.  Warren, 
Bart,  and  K.B.  4~c. 

APRIL  19. 

Admiral  Lord  Keith  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 
•despatches  addressed  to  his  Lordship  by  Rear-Admiral  Penrose,  dated  in 
the  Gironde  from  the  6th  to  the  9th  instant,  by  which  it  appears  that  tha 
navigation  of  that  river  was  completely  cleured  as  far  as  Blaye,  the 
whole  of  the  French  naval  force,  as  weil  as  the  batteries  on  both  banks, 
having  been  either  captured  or  destroyed. 

H.M.S.  Centaur,  having  arrived  in  the  Gironde  on  the  evening  of  the 
6th,  every  thing  was  prepared  for  making  an  attack  with  that  ship  and  the 
Egmont,  on  the  French  line  of  battle  ship  Regulus,  and  the  three  brigs 
of  war  and  other  vessels  lying  near  her,  as  also  on  the  batteries  which  pro- 
tected them  ;  when  at  midnight  the  French  ship  and  brigs  appeared  iu 
flames,  and  were  totally  burnt  by  the  next  morning. 

The  batteries  at  Point  Cuubre,  Point  Negre,  Royan,  Sonsac,  mid  Mech£ 
were  successively  entered  and  destroyed  by  a  detachment  under  Cap- 
tain Harris,  of  the  Belle  Poule. 

The  communication  between  the  squadron  and  Bourdeaux,  was  com- 
pletely established  hv  dragoons;  and  the  Rear-A'liniral  was  concerting 
operations  with  Lord  I)alhouiie  for  the  reduction  of  Blaye. 

Vice-admiral  Domett  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  a 
letter  addressed  to  Lord  Keith,  by  Rear-Admiral  Lord  Amelias  ijeauclerk, 

.  CjK«n.  fllol.XXXI.  3  a 


43^4  NATAL    HISTOttY.  OF    TUB   PI1ESKNT    YEAR,    1814. 

dated  on  board  the  RoydOak,  in  Basque  Roads,  the  12th  instant,  inclosing 
a  letter  which  he  hud  received  from  the  General  of  Division,  Baron  de  la 
Raffiniere,  Commander  in  Chief  at  La  Rorheli^,  slating,  that,  in  the  name 
of  his  division,  he  had  acknowledged  his  Majesty  Louis  the  Eighteenth,  and 
ordered  the  white  flag  to  he  hoisted  ;  and  proposing  to  the  rear-admiral 
a  suspension  of  hostilities,  until  further  orders  should  arrive  from  the  res- 
pective government*. 

Lord  Amelins  Beaucierk,  in  reply,  consented  to  suspend  hostilities 
towards  La  Rorhtlle,  the  coast  of  France,  ai.d  its  commerce,  where  the 
authority  of  Louis  the  Eighteenth  might  be  acknowledged. 

Vice-Admiral  Domett  ha*  also  transmitted  a  letter  lie  had  received  from 
Rear-  Admiral  Sir  Harry  Ncalc,  dated  on  hoard  the  Zealous,  in  Donarnenez- 
Bay,  the  14tb  instant,  slating,  that,  on  the  preceding  evening  a  deputation 
of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Donarnenez  came  off  to  the  ship,  with  the 
information  of  a  general  declaration  throughout  France  in  favour  of  the 
Ilourbons  ;  and  that,  on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  the  white  flag  \vas  dis- 
played upon  all  parts  of  the  bay. 

The  Rear-Admiral,  at  the  request  of  the  inhabitants,  promised  that  the 
coasting-tMide,  within  the  limits  of  his  station,  should  not  m  future  be 
molested. 


a  Letter  from  t  fie  (ate  Ca/itain  Taylor,  nf  If.  ULS.  Apollo,  adtlreasted 
tu  Reur-  Admiral  Fremantle,  and  transmitted  by  Reur-Adinirul  Sir  Junn 
Core,  to  John  IVitsoii  Cioker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.M.S.  Apollo,  Channel  of  Corfu,  Ftb.  16,  181  4. 

It  blowing  very  hard  from  the  northward  on  the  6ih,  I  took  the  opportu- 
nity of  running  to  Zunte,  to  propose  measures  for  commencing  hostilities 
against  Corfu,  and  as  a  preliminary,  to  take  the  island  of  Paxo. 

His  Excellency  Lieutenant-General  Campbell  readily  came  into  my 
views,  and  gave  me  a  carte  blanche  for  all  the  troops  which  could  ba 
spared  from  St.  Maura,  with  a  few  of  the  2d  Greek  Jiaht  infantry,  from 
Cephalonia,  and  placed  these  forces  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Church,  of 
the  latter  corps. 

On  the  iSrh,  we  landed  under  the  lee  of  the  island,  in  a  hard  southerly 
gale,  and  rain,  with  the  above  Greeks,  a  party  of  seamen  and  marines  of 
the  Apollo,  a  detachmtnt  of  the  iJath  regiment,  and  of  die  Royal  Corsican 
Rangers  making  the  whole  one  hundred  and  sixty  men. 

The  movements  of  the  troops,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Church,  through 
the  length  of  this  rugged  island  were  so  rapid,  that  we  gave  the  enemy 
barely  time  to  prepare  for  resistance,  and,  in  consequence  of  their  confu- 
sion, succeeded  without  firing  even  one  musket. 

The  force  of  the  enemy  were  one  hundred  and  twenty  two  men  (without 
the  militia;,  and  an  enclosed  fort  of  three  guns,  well  calculated  for  a  defence  • 
•gainst  a  surprise,  bung  upon  an  elevated  island,  which  lorms  the  harbour. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


&  6V 
/  .  *J 


an  or. 


To  Thomas  F.  F  riiHtntlf,  £. 
i.  of  the  /Phiie. 


NATAI.    HISTORY    Of   THE    PRESK.VT    YEAR,     18H.  435 


H3romotion0  anfc  appointments. 

WHITEHALL,  May  1.—  His  Royal  Highness  Ihe  Prince  Recent  lias  been 
pleased,  in  the  name  and  on  the"  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  grant  Ihe  dig- 
nity of  a  Baronet  of  the  [lulled  Kingdom  of  Great 'Britain  and  Ireland 
uuto  Sir  John  Beresford,  Knight,  Captain  iu  the  Royal  Navy,  and  the 
heirs  male  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten. 

WHITEHALL,  May  14.— His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  ha« 
been  pleased,  in  filename  and  on  the  behalf  of  bis  Majesty,  to  grant  tin* 
dignity  of  a  Viscount  of  Ihe  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ire- 
land unto  the  Kight  Hon.  George  Lord  Keith,  Knight  of  the  Most 
Honourable  Order  of  the  Bath,  Admiral, of  Ihe  Bed  Squadron  of  his 
Majesty's  Fleet,  and  the  heirs  male  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten,  by  the 
name,  style,  and  title  of  Viscount  Keith. 

His  Royal  Highness  the  I'rince  Regent  has  also  been  pleased,  iu  the 
name  and  on  Ihe  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  grant  the  dignity  of  a  Baron 
of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  unto  Sir  Edward 
Pellew,  Baronet,  Vice-admiral  of  the  Red  Squadron  of  his  Majesty's 
Fleet,  and  the  heirs  maie  of  his  body  lawfully  begotten,  by  the 
name,  style,  and  title  of  Baron.  Exmoulh,  of  Canonteign,  iu  the  county 
of  Devon. 

WHITEHALL,  May  14.  —  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  has 
been  pleased,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  grant  to 
Ihe  Hon.  William  Cornwallis,  Admiral  of  the  Ked  Squadron  of  hi* 
Majesty's  Fleet,  the  offices  or  place-*  of  Vice-admiral  of  the  United  King- 
dom of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  a;:d  Lieutenant  of  the  Admiralty 
thereof,  and  also  of  Lieutenant  of  the  Navies  and  Seas  of  the  said 
United  Kingdom,  in  the  room  of  the  Right  Ilou.  Alexander  Viscount 
Bridport,  deceased. 

His  Royal  Highness  has  also  been  pleased,  in  the  name  and  on  the 
behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  grant  to  William  Young,  Esq.  .Admiral  of  the 
While  Squadron  of  his  Majesty's  Fleet,  lite  offices  or  places  of  Rear- 
admiral  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  of  Ihe 
Admiralty  thereof,  andjilso  of  Rear-admir;;!  of  the  Navies  and  Seas  of  the 
said  Uuiled  Kingdom,  in  the  room  of  Admiral  the  Hou.  William  Corn- 
wallis. 

WHITEHALL,  May  23.  — His  Royal  Highness  Ihe  Prince  Regent  hath 
been  pleased,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  siveand 
grant  unlo  Thomas  Francis  Fremantle,  F.sq.  K ear-admiral  of  the  While 
Squadron  of  his  Majesty'*  Fleet,  his  Majesty's  royal  licence  and  permis- 
sion that  he  may  accept  and  wear  the  insignia  of  a  Commander  of  Ihe 
Imperial  Military  Order  of  Maria  Theresa,  which  his  Imperial  Majesty 
the  Emperor  of  Austria  hath  been  pleased  to  confer  upon  him,  in  testi- 
mony of  the  higii  sense  which  that  Sovereign  entertains  of  the  distin- 
guished gallantry  and  conduct  displayed  by  the  said  Rear-admiral  (in  co- 
operation with  the  Imperial  troops)  on  the  coast  of  the  Adriatic;  pro- 
vided, nevertheless,  thai  his  Majesty's  said  licence  and  permission  doth 
not  authorize,  and  shall  not  he  deemed  or  construed  to  authorize,  the 
assumption  of  any  style,  appellation,  rank,  precedence,  or  privilege  ap- 
pertaining unto  a  Knight  bachelor  of  the  realms  :  And  his  Royal  High- 
ness hath  been  further  pleased  to  command,  that  the  said  royal  conces- 
sion and  declaration  be  registered,  together  with  the  relative  documents, 
in  his  Majesty's  College  of  Anns. 

His  Royal  Kighness  the  Prince  Regent  hilh  been  ploasei!,  in  the  name 
and  on,  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  give  aud  grant  unto  the  uuUcriuen- 


436  NAVAL    HISTOKY    OP    THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

tinned  Officers,  his  Majesty's  royal  licence  and  permission  that  they  may 
respectively  accept  and  wear  the  insignia  of  a  Knight  of  the  Imperial 
Mililary  Order  of  Maria  Theresa,  with  which  His  Majesty  the  Emperor 
of  Austria  hath  honoured  them,  in  testimony  of  the  high  sense  which 
that  sovereign  entertains  of  their  distinguished  gallantry  and  service* 
(in  co-operation  v, ith  the  Imperial  troops)  on  the  coast  of  the  Adriatic. 
—  [The  provisions  and  order  respecting  registry  are  the  same  in  thi*  as 
in  the  preceding  concession.] — Charles  Rowley,  Esq.  late  Captain  of  his 
Majesty's  ship  Eagle. — William  lloste,  Esq.  late  Captain  of  his  Majesty's 
ship  Bacchante. — Fairfax  Moresby,  Esq.  Commander  of  his  Majesty's 
sloop  Weazle. 

ADMICAI/IY  OFFICE,  May  7. —  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent 
has  been  pleated  to  appoint^  iu  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his 
Majesty,  the  Right  Hon.  John  F.arlofSt.  Vincent,  K.B.  Admiral  of  the 
Bed,  to  be  General  of  his  Majesty's  Royal  Marine  Forces,  in  the  room 
of  the  Right  Hon  Alexander  Visn-unt  Bridport,  K.B.  deceased. 

And  also  to  appoint  Nr  Ricliard  Onslow,  Bart.  Admiral  of  the  Red, 
to  be  Lieutenant-general  of  the  said  Royal  Marine  Forces,  in  the  roo:n 
of  the  Earl  of  St.  Vincent,  promoted. 

Rear-admiral  the  Hon.  Charles  Elphinsione  Fleming  is  appointed  to 
command  at  Gibraltar,  in  the  room  of  Admiral  Linzee. 

Captain  Codrington  is  appointed  Captain  of  the  North  American. 
Fleet,  iu  the  room  of  the  Hon  Captain  H.  Hotham. 

The  Hon.  Captain  Blat-kwood  is  appointed  Captain  of  the  Fleet  com- 
manded by  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  and  Caplain  Charles  Adam  to  com- 
inand  the  Impregnable,  his  Royal  Highness's  flag-ship,  in  the  room  of 
Bear-admiral  Bedford  and  Captain  Loring. 

Captain  Ey  Ics  commands  the  Queen  Charlotte  yacht. 

Sir  John  P.  Beresford  to  command  the  Royal  Sovereign  yacht,  and 
Ihe  Hon.  Orlando  Bridgeman  and  the  Hon.  George  Campbell,  to  be  her 
lieutenants. 

Captains,  &c.  appointed. 

Captain  G.H.  Guion,  to  the  San  Juan;  M'Duff,  to  thr>  Presi- 
dent ;  John  Hancock,  to  Ihe  Liffy;  Hon.  G.Douglas,  to  the  Levant; 
James  Hill,  to  the  Medina  yacht;  A.  Farquhar,  to  the  Liverpool; 
W.  H.  Dobie,  to  the  Ethalion  ;  G.  W.  H.  D'Aelh,  to  the  Bucephalus, 

armke  en  flute  ;  Hamilton,  to.the  Havannah  ;  Black,  to 

the  Rainbow  ;  •  Bartholomew,  to  the  Erebus   (fitted  to  throw 

Congreve's  rockets  into  the  American  towns,  for  which  purpose  <he  will 

shortly  sail)  ;  Forbes,  to  the  Harrier;  B.  Stow,  to  the  Pelorus  ; 

B.  Hall,  to  the  Victor;  J.  Shiftrer,  to  the  Sphynx;  Lempriere, 

to  the  Trent  (the  flag-ship  of  Admiral  Sawyer);  Henry  Bazely,  to  the 
Bombay,  74,  vice  Captain  George  Parker,  who  resigns ;  G.  Lang- 
ford  to  the  Alpheus  frigate  ;  Wemyss,  of  the  Pyladcs,  to  the  rank 

of  post-captain  ;     Roberts,    of   the   Merope,   to   command    the 

Pylades;  Suckling,  to  the  Merope ;  Cornish,  acting,  to  the 

Rainbow;  Stow,  of  the  Pel<>rus,  to   the  Brilliant,   74,  taken  at 

Genoa;  Lord  Algernon  Percy,   to   the  Caledonia;   Hole,  to  the 

Pelorus  ;  -  ••  Dobbie,  to  the  Ethalion  ;  R.  Hall,  who  commanded  the 
flotilla  at  Sicily,  to  a  command  on  the  Lakes  of  Cauada. 

Lieutenants,  &c.  appointed. 

Lieutenant  G.  Vallock,  to  the  Egmoift ;  Alfred  Matthews,  to  the 
Hermes;  George  Dyer,  to  the  Imogen;  Richard  Pottman,  to  the 


NATAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814.  437 

Levant;  G.  Beazley,  to  the  Cumberland;  Thomas  Daws,  to  the 
Bristol;  James  Murray  (1),  to  the  Tiirarian  ;  Thomas  W.  Buller,  to  the 
Diomede;  G.  Stewart  (1),  to  the  Harlequin;  Q,  H.  Daire,  to  the 
Havock  ;  Thomas  Townsend,  to  the  Achille;  Stephen  Hilton,  to  the 
Desiree;  Frederick  Voller,  to  the  Urgent;  Richard  Lloyd,  to  the 
Rippon;  Charles  Beales  and  George  Ricketis,  to  the  Liffy  ;  William 
Bremder,  to  the  Rover ;  John  Mein,  to  the  Wargpite ;  John  C.  Henslop, 
to  the  Diadem;  Robert  Pearce  (1).  to  the  Menelaus ;  Edward  Curzon. 
to  the  New  Castle;  Thoma§P.  Clarke,  to  the  Monmouth  ;  S.  T.  Dickins, 
is  promoted  to  the  rank  of  commander,  and  appointed  1o  the  Badger  ; 
W.  Hutclunson,  late  Flag-Lieutenant  to  Admiral  Freiuantle,  to  the  rank 
of  commander  ;  James  Keene  and  I).  J.  Dickson,  to  the  Achille;  John 
Heaslop,  to  the  Dragon;  Masters  Norman,  of  the  Royal  George,  to 

the  rank  of  lieutenant ; Kennedy,  from  the  Sicilian  flotilla,  to  the 

rank  of  commander,  and  to  command  the  Swallow  ;  T.  Colhy,  E  James, 
1).  Mapleton,  J.  Bazalgette  (from  the  Caledonia,  America,  Berwick,  and 
Edinburgh),  to  the  rank  of  commander,  and  to  command  the  four  new 

brigs  of  war  taken  at  Genoa  ;  Coghlan,  of  the   Alcmeue,  to  be  a 

lieutenant  of  the   Pylades;   — —  Johnson,   of  the    Pv  lades,    to  be   a 

lieutenant  of  the  Caledonia;  Franjclin,  of  the  Caledonia,  to  he  a. 

lieutenant  of  the  Cnracx>a  ;  Hou. Campbell  (son  of  Lord  Cawdor), 

B.  Mole* worth,  and  J.  F.  Arrow,  are  promoted  to  the  rank  of  com- 
mander. 

Lieutenant  Eastwood,  to  be  Flag-Lieutenant,  and  Mr.  Beujamia 
Cliimmo,  to  be  Secretary,  to  Admiral  Fleming,  at  Gibraltar. 

Captain  Cochet  is  appointed  agent  for  prisoners  of  war  at  Halifax. 

The  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  have  promoted  the  Lieutenants  of  th« 
"Royal  Sovereign  and  Royal  Charlotte  yachts,  as  well  as  some  of  the 
Midshipmen,  who  were  serving  at  the  conveyance  of  Louis  XVlli.  to 
France. 

Mr.  Skelton,  of  the  Admiral's  Office,  Portsmouth,  is  appointed  secre- 
tary to  Commodore  Codrington. 

Mr.  J.  Phoenix  is  appointed  a  clerk  in  the  Master  Measurer's  Depart- 
ment at  Portsmouth. 

Pursers  appointed. 

Mr.  Bine,  Purser  of  the  Helicon,  to  the  Valorous  ;  Mr.  Berryman, 
Clerk  of  the  Rippon,  to  be  Purser  of  the  Helicon «  Mr.  Weymouth, 
Purser  of  the  Alcmene,  to  be  Purser  of  the  Mulgrave,  vice  pinch,  lost  iu, 
axebeck  prize. 

Masters  appointed. 

William  Yeames,  to  the  Lift'y  ;  E.  Lott,  to  the  Alpheus  ;  A.  John- 
stoue,  to  the  Crocodile;  W.  llonnor,  to  the  Hyperion;  J.  Bartie,  to 
the  Primrose  ;  A.  Moore,  to  the  Calypso  ;  R.  Collins,  to  the  Menelaus  ; 

C.  W.   Taylor,   to  the  Rosamond;    C.   Bransfield,    to   the  Goldfinch  t 
W.  Beach,  to  the  Pigmy  ;  F.  E.  Pearce,  to  the  Eclair  ;  A.  Lewis,  to  the 
Minorca;  J.  Grunside,  to  the  Royal  Oak;  W.  Lowes,  to  the  Puissant  ; 

D.  M'Donald,   to  the  Diligent  store   ship;   A.   Horn,   to  thr   Raven; 
11.  West,  to  the  Bahama  ;  William  Reed,  to  the  Sprightly  ;  W.  Brodie, 
to   the  Ampuion;    W.   Morsworth,  to  be  superintending   master  at 
Chatham. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

Sheerness. — Jos.  Nias,  J.  B.  Crowe,  Charles  Hill. 
Portsmouth.— J.  B.  Gullifer,  W.  Douglas,  W.  H.  Geary,  C.  Witham, 
Joseph  West, 


438  NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAK,   1J?14. 

Pfymoulh,— William  Clifton,  Thomas  Staues,  R.  B.  James,  Robert 
Hagen,  G.  Gallagher,  Vere  White. 

Surgeons  appointed. 

John  Griffith,  to  the  Trave  ;  James  Wilson,  to  the  Hermes;  R.  Rai- 
ney,  to  the  Goldfinch  ;  Alexander  M'GUshan,  to  the  Bucephalus  ; 
Charles  Kent,  to  the  Esk  ;  J.unes  Heron,  to  the  Liftey  ;  John  Ander- 
son (2),  to  the  Procris  ;  James  Foy,  to  the  Njmpheu;  George  Colis,  to 
the  Drake  ;  William  Dykes,  to  the  Eclair. 

Assistant  surgeons. 

Robert  Gourley,  to  the  Zealous;  William  Port  eons,  to  the  Pelter  j 
William  Crighlon,  to  the  Salvador  del  Mundo;  Alexander  Dunb:ir,  to 
the  Weser;  John  Drummond,  to  the  Leeward  Islands  ;  George  Black, 
to  the  Protector;  Robert  Guthrie,  Halifax,  as  supernumerary « 
George  Robarls,  to  the  Queen  Charlotte  ;  Watson  Scales,  to  the 
Bucephalus ;  David  Gillathie,  to  the  Myrtle;  William  Land,  to  the 
Liffey  ;  John  llavard,  to  the  Liverpool;  Thomas  Conolly,  to  Haslar 
Hospital;  G.  T.  Mellet,  lo  the  Trave;  William  Dunbar,  to  the 
Camel  ;  William  Bell  (.1),  to  the  Batavier  }  John  Walker,  to  the  Ports- 
Rioulh  naval  transport. 

BIRTHS. 

At  Madras,  the  lady  of  Commissioner  Puget,  of  a  daughter. 

May  11,  at  Tamerlon  Foiiott,  Mrs.  Halloran,  wife  of  Lieutenant  Hal- 
loran,  H.M.  of  a  son. 

May  11,  at  Stonehain,  the  lady  of  Captain  Christian,  of  H.M. S.  Iris,  of 
a  son. 

May  15,  at  Teigumoulb,  Devon,  the  lady  of  Captain  Pellew,  R.N. 
M.P.  of  a  son. 


MARRIAGES. 

Lately,  at  Chippenham,  Lieutenant  Day,  R.M.  to  Mrs.  Bagnell,  wi> 
<5o»  of  Lieutenant  Bagnell,  of  the  same  corps. 

Lately,  at  Madras,  Captain  C.  Hawkey,  ot'II.M  S.  Baracouta,  to  Miss 
Pater,  daughter  of  Major-general  Pater,  of  the  Honourable  Company's 
service. 

Lately,  Captain  J.  F.  Maples,  R.N.  to  Mrs.  Carthew,  widow  of  John 
Carlhew,  Esq.  of  Wouiihiidge. 

April  19,  at  Plymouth,  James  Little,  Esq.  surgeon  R.N.  to  Mary, 
eldest  daughter  of  Captain  Soraerville,  of -H  M.S.  Kota 

April  27,  at  Stoke  Church,  Mr.  Timothy  Bullmore,  captain  of  the 
Mary,  eldest  son  of  Ricliard  Bullmore,  Esq.  of  South  Shields,  to  Miss 
Mary  Ann  Bailey,  eldest  daughter  of  Mr.  James  Bailey,  Vine,  Gos- 
port. 

April  28,  a»  Helston,  Cornwall,  the  Rev.  C.  P>ryan,  rector  of  Wolas- 
tou,  Gloucestershire,  to  Ellen,  only  daughter  of  the  late  Admiral  Kemp- 
thorue. 


DEATHS. 

Lately,  at  Emma  place,  Plymouth,  Captain  Cotgravc,  R.N.  upwards 
ef  50  years  in  the  service  of  his  country. 

Lately,  at  Hasbr  Hospital,  Captain  Lyall,  R.N.  lately  returned  from 
captivity  in  Trance. 


NA.VAL   HISTORY   OF  THE   *R»EKT   YEAR,    1814.  439 

Lately,  at  Clifton,  near  Bristol,  the  lady  of  Rear-admiral  Halkett,  of 
Catherington,  Hauls. 

Lieutenant  Carpenter,  formerly  of  the  Algerine.  was  unfortunately 
drowned,  a  short  time  since,  on  his  passage  from  Bermuda  to  Halifax, 
by  the  vessel  foundering  which  he  was  on  board  of. 

Lately,  ou  the  Jamaica  station,  Captain  George  Hob bro,  of  H.M.S. 
Snake. 

Lately,  in  Bengnl,  Charles  Mullins,  Esq.  surgeon  R.N. 

Lately,  at  Madras,  the  daughter  of  Captain  Prior,  of  H.M.S. 
Mind  en. 

Lately,  in  the  East  Indies,  Mr.  St.  Vincent  Wells,  of  H.M.S.  Clorinde, 
fifth  son  of  the  late  Vice-admiral  Wells. 

The  wife  of  Captain  C.  Court,  Marine  Surveyor  General. 

Lately,  at  Calcutta,  J.  BFythe,  Esq.  in  the  78th  year  of  his  age,  for- 
merly a  commander  in  the  country  service.  Captain  B.  went  to  India  in 
1763,  and  by  industry  and  economy  accumulated  a  large  fortune,  of 
which,  it  is  said,  he  has  bequeathed  IO.OOO/.  to  Greenwich  Hospital; 
the  principal  part  of  the  remainder,  amounting  to  nine  or  ten  lacks  of 
rupees,  is  lefl  to  his  grandchildren. 

December  12,  at  Calcutta,  of  a  typhus  fever,  in  his  15th  yrar,  Mr. 
John  Egerton,  of  H.M.S.  Stirling  Castle,  younger  son  of  the  Rer. 
Charles  Egerlon,  rector  of  Washington,  in  the  county  of  Durham. 

January  21,  Captain  J.  Campbell,  commanding  the  Thrre  Friends,  of 
Yougbal,  was  wrecked  off  the  Old  Head  of  Kinsale  ;  Mis  body  has  since 
been  found.  It  will  be  recollected,  that  Captain  Campbell  was,  about 
.twelve  months  ago,  captured  by  the  Juliet  French  privateer,  Captain 
Marencourt,  who,  on  finding  tiiat  he  was  a  Brother  Free-mason,  re- 
stored him  to  his  liberty  and  vessel,  for  wVich  the  Union  Lodge,  of 
No.  13,  of  Limerick,  voted  Captain  M.  a  beautiful  piece  of  phte,  value 
100/.  and  he  was  also  thanked  by  No.  271.  Captain  Campbell  was  a 
member  of  No.  271  of  that  citj.  He  has  left  a  widow  and  four  orphans, 
who  reside  in  Youghal  ;  all  his  property  was  lost  in  his  vessel. 

March  !),  in  the  attack  upon  Bergen  op-Zoom  by  storm,  Rrigadier- 
general  Arthur  Gore,  of  the  33d  regiment  of  foot,  and  younger  brother 
of  Rear-admiral  Sir  John  Gore,  Knt. — This  lamented  officer  was  the 
third  son  of  the  lale  Major  Gore,  for  many  year*  resident  Governor  of 
_the  Tower  of  London.  He  was  educated  at  Dr.  Thompson's  school,  at 
Kensington,  which  he  quilted  about  the  year  1784,  on  being  presented 
with  an  ensigncy  by  his  friend  and  patron  the  late  Earl  Cornwall!*.  Hi« 
regiment  was  several  years  stationed  in  India  ;  and  Ilie  subject  of  this 
notice  was  present  at  the  principal  aclions  that  occurred  in  that  quarter 
of  tSie  globe,  particularly  at  the  attack  and  capture  of  Serinzapatam, 
where  he  much  distinguished  himself.  General  Gore  was  married  some 
years  since;  and  his  lady  in  February  last  was  delivered  of  her  fir  at 
child,  a  daughter. 

May  2,  at  his  house  in  Great  Pulleney-street,  Bath,  in  the  87th  year 
of  his  age,  Alexander  Hood,  Lord  Viscount  Bridport,*  K.B.  Admiral  of 
the  Red,  Vice-admiral  of  England,  and  a  General  of  the  Royal  Marines. 
The  Viscount  was  twice  married,  but  has  left  no  issue.  He  wa«  brother 
to. Samuel  Viscount  Hood,  and  was  created  a  Peer  of  Ireland  in  1794, 
Baron  Bridport  in  1796,  and  Viscount  bridport  in  1801,  both  in  Great 
Britain.  The  Hon  Samuel  Wheeier  Hood,  second  son  of  Hoary  Lord 
Hood,  of  Catherington,  M.P.  for  Heytesbury,  succeeds  to  the  Irish  title 
of  Lord  Bridport. 

_r n_ L  ..__._'_  -  -  -      -I  >  "T 

*  A  Memoir  is  given  of  titis  03icer  in  Vo).  I.  of  the  N.  C.  for  the  yeut  1799. 


440'  NATAL   HISTORY  OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAU,    1814. 

May  18,  at  his  house  at  Plymouth-dock,  Mr.  Marshall  Barker,  who  was 
many  years  master  shipwright  at  Plymouth  dock-yard. 

The  Honourable  Lieutenant-colonel  W.  Hood,  eldest  son  and  heir 
apparent  of  Lord  Hood,  of  Cathcrington,  assUtant-adjutaut-generaLto  the 
2d  division,  who  fell  in  the  enterprise  of  driving  the  enemy  from  Aire,  911 
the  2d  of  March,  the  last  of  the  achievements  mentioned  in  Lord  Welling- 
ton's despatches  of  the  4th  of  March.  Lieutenant-colonel  Hood  was  a 
most  amiable  young  man,  and  an  excellent  officer;  he  was  married  to  the 
daughter  of  Sir  A.  S.  Hammond,  late  comptroller  of  the  navy;,  whom  he 
has  left  with  a  very  young  (but  not  numerous)  family  to  lament  his  loss. 
He  was  in  the  33d  year  of  his  age. 

The  following  letter  from  Captain  Stewart,  of  the  Amphion,  to  J.  Cham- 
pion, Esq.  late  of  Gloucestershire,  details  an  account  of  the  late  unsuccesful 
attack  on  some  French  brigs,  under  Fort  Lillo,  in  the  West  Scheldt,  made 
by  the  boats  of  that  ship,  under  the  direction  of  his  son,  William  Brydges 
Champion,  the  first  lieutenant,  in  which  he  unfortunately  fell.  We  sin- 
cerely condole  with  his  friends  and  the  country  for  the  early  loss  of  a  young 
man  of  such  high  character  and  promise: — 

"  DEAR  SIR,  "  Amphion,  in  the  Scheldt,  March  8,  1814, 

"  I  am  aware  of  the  distress  this  letter  will  occasion  yon  ;  but  as  the  sad 
news  must  reach  your  ear,  I  take  up  my  pen  to  perform  the  mournful  task, 
in  case  you  should  hear  from  other  quarters  the  business  iu  a  mutilated 
>tv!c.  Your  gallant  son  left  this  ship  on  Sunday  morning/with  four  boats, 
to  attack  two  French  brigs,  in  the  West  Scheldt,  determined  to  cut  them 
out,  or  lose  his  valuable  life  in  the  attempt.  On  their  arriving  at  the  spot 
where  the  brigs  were  lying,  instead  of  two  brigs  he  found  five;  however, 
nothing  could  damp  his  undaunted  spirit,  lie  instantly  resohed  upon  at- 
tacking, though  the  force  of  the  enemy  was  at  least  in  a  proportion  of  ten 
to  one.  Untortniiauly,  in  the  first  onset  he  was  most  severely  wounded, 
and  our  boats  were  repulsed  with  great  loss.  lie  was  brought  on  hoard  the 
.frigate,  when  he  underwent  amputation  of  his  right  thigh.  The  manner  in 
which  he  bore  his  sufferings  is  beyond  the  power  of  human  praise — not  a 
groan  did  he  utter.  The  surgeon  had  hopes  of  his  recovery  from  his 
wound,  but  a  most  desperate  one  in  the  hack  put  a  termination  to  his  exist- 
ence. IJt  died  free  from  pain,  with  a  smile  on  his  countenance,  expressive 
of  his  pleasure  at  the  praises  his  ship-mates  were  bestowing  on  his  gallant 
conduct.  lie  was  consoled  in  his  last  moments  bv  the  conviction  that  he 
Lad  fallen  in  a  glorious  cause — that  the  brave  fellows  he  had  led  into 
action  had  done  their  duty  as  became  British  seamen — and  that  another 
wreath  t-f  l-uirel  was  added  to  the  brows  of  his  countrymen.  The  officers 
and  crew  of  h:s  ship  have  Unanimously  voted  a  monument  to  be  erected 
tnci  hi-*  remains,  which  will  to-morrow  be  attended  to  the  grave  with  all 
that  solemnity  «md  respect  so  gallant  a  fellow,  in  such  a  cause,  merits; 
for  myself,  that  have  known  him  for  so  many  years,  the  loss  is  doubly 
afflicting.  I  am  at  once  deprived,  in  my  official  capacity,  of  my  right  hand, 
in  my  private  one  of  a  bosom  friend.  It  is  a  mournful  subject,  and  a  sou 
possessed  of  such  a  mind  is,  indeed,  a  great  loss;  but  1  trust,  Sir,  you  will 
receive  the  shock  with  that  ficmiiess  I  am  convinced  you  posses*  :  that  it 
was  an  enviable  death  none  can  deny,  and  that  it  was  the  height  of  his 
ambition  to  fall  in  the  cause  of  his  country,  we  are  all  perfectly  aware  of. 
It  only  remains  tor  me  to  add,  how  happy  it  will  make  me  to  render  you 
*ny  service,  and  that  I  shall  duly  attend  to  anj  communication  you  may 
make. 

"  I  am,  dear  Sir. 

"  Your  afflicted  and  most  obedient  Seivant, 
"  J.  P.  STEWART,  Captain." 


BIOGRAPHICAL  MEMOIR 


VICE-ADMIRAL   OF    THE    WHITE    SQUADRON. 


IF  the  following  biographical  sketch  does  not  abound  with 
matter  equally  interesting  with  the  preceding  memoir,  it  is 
nevertheless  proper  that  an  account  of  the  life  of  an  officer  who 
has  filled  so  many  important  situations  in  the  line  of  his  profession, 
should  be  found  in  the  NAVAL  CURONICLE.  We  have  reason  to 
believe,  and,  indeed,  we  have  written  to  that  effect  to  Admiral 
Otway,  that  in  the  answers  returned  to  our  standing  interrogate* 
Ties,*  the  narrator  was  much  more  solicitous  to  protect  himself 
from  the  imputation  of  egotism,  thaii  to  do  justice  to  his  merits. 
When,  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Editor  of  the  NAVAE, 
CHRONICLE,  Admiral  Otway  transmitted  a  succinct  narration  of 
his  professional  career,  he  modestly  observed,  a  my  public  services 
have  never  been  of  sufficient  importance  to  occupy  the  pages  of 
your  valuable  work.  I  have  never  been  fortunate  enough  to  be 
placed  in  any  conspicuous  situation,  so  as  to  call  forth  whatever 
energies  or  merit  I  may  have  possessed  in  my  younger  days.  I 
have,  however,  filled  up  your  paper  (here  inclosed)  with  a  me- 
morandum  of  the  times  of  my  promotion,  with  whom  I  served,  &c. 
not  any  of  which,  as  I  before  observed,  can  be  considered  as  de- 
serving of  public  notice." — After  this  unassuming  declaration — as 
far  as  the  admiral  is  concerned,  criticism  must  stand  disarmed, 
and  the  publication  of  his  memoir  be  received  as  the  sole  act  of 
the  Editor. 

This  officer  was  placed  in  rather  an  embarrassing  situation,  by 
having  been  requested  to  transmit  ah  account  of  his  own— death 
and  burial ! — Opposite  to  this  premature  demand,  the  Admiral 
wrote  c<  all  in  good  time." 

We  congratulate  him  on  his  recent  promotion,  and  heartily 
wish  he  may  enjoy  many  years  of  uninterrupted  health  and 
happiness,  before  it  shall  fall  to  the  lot  of  any  one  to  transmit 
us  an  account  of  his  funeral  obsequies;  nor  would  he  have  been, 
requested  to  perform  that  melancholy  ceremony  himself,  if  it  had 
not  been  omitted  to  erase  from  the  list  of  biographical  queries, 

that  which  only  related  to  deceased  officers.  ^ 

*  See  Plutarch's  biographical  queries,  N  C.  Vol.  XXVilL  p.  114. 

neat*  er&Mjjt  aoi»  xxxi.  3  L 


44*  HAVAL   BIOGRAPHY. 

William  Albany  Otway,,  Esq.  now  Vice-admiral  of  the 
and  commander-in-chief  in  Scotland,  was  born  in  the  year  1756, 
and  descended  from  an  antient  family  of  that  name,  originally 
residing  in  the  West  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  on  the  borders  of 
Westmoreland,  of  which  family  one  branch  migrated  to  Ireland, 
and  held  considerable  property  in  the  county  of  Tipperary. 

In  1765,  at  the  age  of  nine  years,  this  gentleman  made  his  first 
entry  in  the  service,  as  a  naval  officer,  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Africa, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Leveson  Gower,  afterwards  in  the 
Dreadnought,  Sir  William  Burnaby's  flag-ship  :  he  next  »erved  on 
board  the  Niger,  Captain  Banks,  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea,— 
thence  he  removed  to  the  Prudent,  Captain  Sir  John  Clerke.  He 
•was  made  lieutenant  by  Sir  Robert  Harland,  in  the  East  Indies, 
in  1772,  and  served  in  the  Lark  frigate,  Captain  Richard  Smith, 
on  the  American  station,  which  frigate,  with  several  others,  was 
burnt  at  Rhode  Island,  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  Lieutenant  Otway  was  then  appointed  by  Captain 
Brisbane,*  the  senior  officer,  to  the  command  of  Goat  Island 
battery,  for  the  defence  of  the  harbour  and  town  of  Newport, 
against  the  attacks  of  the  French  fleet,  under  the  command  of 
Count  D'Estaing:  for  his  meritorious  conduct  in  this  service, 
Lieutenant  Otway  was  honoured  with  the  thanks  of  Lord  Howe. 
On  his  return  to  England  in  1789,  Mr.  Otway  was  appointed  first 
of  the  Triumph,  Captain  Phillip  Affleck,  in  which  important 
post,  he  was  present  in  different  actions  fought  with  the  French 
fleet  under  Count  De  Grasse,  until  1782,  when  he  was  removed 
to  the  Sandwich,  where  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  com. 
mander,  into  the  Vesuvius  bomb,  at  St.  Eustatia,  by  Admiral  Sir 
George  Rodney.  He  afterwards  served  in  the  Bacchante,  and 
the  King's-Fisher,  which  latter,  at  the  end  of  the  war  in  1783, 
was  paid  off,  but  re-commissioned,  and  sent  on  the  Mediterranean 
station,  where  she  remained  upwards  of  three  years,  and  was  paid 
off  at  Deptford  in  1786.  Captain  Otway  was  soon  afterwards 
appointed  to  command  the  Scorpion,  from  which  ship,  1st  Decem- 
ber, 1787,  he  was  made  post,  and  in  1788  appointed  to  command 
the  Pegasus  on  the  Newfoundland  station.  From  the  Pegasus, 

*  See  the  memoir  and  portrait  of  his  son,  Captain  Brisbane,  N.  C. 
Vol.  XX.  and  the  accouivt  of  the  burning  the  squadron  at  Rhode  Island, 
idem,  p.  82,  83. 


WILLIAM   ALBANY    OTWAY,    ES«.  443 

Captain  Otway  was  removed  to  the  Centurion,*  destined  for  the 
flag  of  Admiral  Philip  Affleck,  Commander-in-chief  on  the  Jamaica 
station,  where  he  remained  till  1792— was  paid  off  in  the  month 
of  August  in  that  year,  and  in  the  following  December  was 
appointed  to  command  the  Boyne,  of  98  guns,  intended  for  the 
flag  of  Captain  Philip  Affleck,  +  but  that  ship  being  afterwards 
destined  for  the  flag  of  Lord  St.  Vincent,  J  then  Sir  John  Jervis, 
Captain  Otway  was  superseded  by  the  Honourable  George  Grey, 
and  appointed  to  the  Belliqueux,  and  shortly  afterwards  to  the 
Powerful,  on  the  Jamaica  station,  where,  unfortunately  losing 
many  men  by  the  yellow  fever,  all  the  wardroom  officers  except 
two,  and  a  number  of  fine  young  men  from  the  quarter-deck,  he 
came  home,  and  the  Powerful  was  paid  off  at  Portsmouth  the 
latter  end  of  1794. 

In  our  2d  Volume,  p.  243,  is  an  account  of  this  officer,  when  com- 
manding the  Trent,  having  sent  in  his  boats,  covered  by  his  ship, 
into  a  small  bay  near  Porto  Rico,  where  he  stormed  a  battery,  cut 
out  a  ship  and  a  schooner  ;  and  the  enemy  scuttled  two  others. 

Captain  Otway  commanded  the  Ganges  in  the  ever-memorable  bat- 
tie  of  Copenhagen.  5?ee  the  Gazette  Extraordinary,  N.C.  Vol.  V. 
p.  350. — The  Admiral,  in  his  reply  to  our  biographical  queries, 
passed  altogether  over  this  honourable  feature  of  his  professional  ser- 
vices. That  the  Ganges  bore  a  distinguished  part  on  that  glorious  day, 
See  a  letter  from  an  officer  on  board  that  ship,  idem,  p.  338,  &c. 

Captain  Otway  succeeded  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren  §  in 
the  command  of  the  Flora,  but  was  shortly  afterwards  ap. 
pointed  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Transport  Board.  In 
1 802,  Captain  Otway  was  nominated  one  of  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Navy  for  the  Mediterranean  ;  which  situation,  in  1804,  he 
resigned,  and  coming  home,  was  appointed  one  of  the  Commission, 
ers  pf  the  Board  of  Naval  Inquiry.  |j  Upon  the  reduction  of  that 

*  See  N.C,  Vol.  XXI.  p.  448. 

f  In  the  memoir  of  Admiral  Affleck  there  is  no  mention  of  the  Boyne 
having  been  appointed  as  the  flag-ship  of  this  officer.— EDIT. 

+  See  memoir  and  portrait  of  J5arl  St.  Vincent,  N  C-  Vol.  IV.  p.  1. 

§  See  the  memoir  and  portrait  ot'  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren,  N.C.  VoLIIfe 
p.  33.  Mention  of  his  going  out  in  the  Flora,  p.  .339. 

||  Appointed  with  Admiral  Vashon  to  succeed  Sir  C.  Pole  and  Captain 
Nichol,  N.  C.  Vol.  XV.  p.  1T6.  For  the  proceedings  of  this  Board,  see 
N.C.  Vol.  IX.  p.  441,  to  Vol.  XVI.  inclusively. 


444  NATAL  BIOGRAPHY. 

Board,  he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  H.M.S.  Glory,*  and 
served  in  her  under  the  orders  of  Lord  Collingwood,-r  until  his 
promotion  to  rear-admiral  of  the  blue,  2d  October,  1807  :  imme- 
diately after  which  he  hoisted  his  flag,  and  served  in  the  Ganges 
and  Barfleur,  as  second  in  command,  under  Admiral  Sir  Charles 
Cotton,  on  the  coast  of  Portugal.  +  Returning  to  England  in 
1809,  on  account  of  ill  health,  served  as  second  in  command 
under  Admiral  Montagu,  at  Portsmouth  ;  where  he  continued 
until  the  Scheldt  expedition  took  place,  in  which  he  served  as 
second  in  command  on  board  the  Caesar,  under  Sir  Richard 
Strachan.§  On  his  return,  Admiral  Otway  was  appointed  com- 
mander-in-  chief  in  the  River  Thames,  [|  and  shortly  afterwards  he 
succeeded  Sir  Edmund  Nagle,f  as  commander-in-chief  in  Scot. 
land,  which  station  he  at  present  fills. 

Admiral  Otway  married,  in  1788,  Hannah,  the  eldest  daughter 
of  George  Burdon,  Esq.  of  Hartford  Bridge,  in  the  county  of 
Northumberland,  by  whom  he  had  six  children,  three  only  of 
•whom  (daughters)  are  now  living. 

He  attained  the  further  rank  of  rear-admiral  of  the  white, 
April,  180S;**  rear-admiral  of  the  red,  July,  1810;  ft  vice- 
admiral  of  the  blue,  1st  August,  1811  ;  J  J  and  vice-admiral  of  the 
yrhite,  4th  June, 


*  Rear-admiral  Otway  hqist^d  his  flag  on  board  of  the  GJory,  of  98 
guns,  and  has  dropped  down  to  St.  Helen's  to  command  the  squadron  lately 
under  the  orders  of  Admiral  Keats.—  N.  C.  Vol.  XVIII,  p.  517. 

i  See  N.C.  Vol.  XV.  p.  355,  for  a  memoir  and  portrait  of  this  officer. 

J  Rear-admiral  Otway  has  left  his  apartments  at  Greenwich  Hospital  to 
hoist  his  flag  on  hoard  the  Lively  frigate,  Captain  M'Kinley.  Admiral 
Otway  is  to  command  under  Sir  Charles  Cotton.  N.C.  Vol.  XIX.  p.  84. 
—  The  Victory  to  be  the  flag-ship  of  Rear-admiral  Otway.  Superseded  Sir 
Sidney  Smith,  p.  173. 

§  See  Admiral  Otway's  gazette  letter,  N.  C.  Vol.  XXII.  p.  101.—  , 
Vol.  XXIII.  p.  77  and  7S. 

||  See  N.C.  Vol.XXlTI.  p.  437. 

51  Rear-admiral  Otway  is  appointed  commander-in-chief  at  Leith,  113 
the  room  of  Sir  Edmund  Nagie.—  N.C.  Vol.  XXIV.  p.  171. 

*»  Idem.  Vol.  XIX.  p.  430.  f+  Mem.  Vol.  XXIV.  p.  170. 

|t  Idem.  Vol.  XXVI.  p.  175,  §§  Idtm.  Vol.  XXXI. 


445 
NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  8cc. 


FETE  TO   NAVAL  OFFICERS. 

N  the  14th  of  May,  the  town  of  Rochfort  was  visited  by  several  of 
officers  belonging  to  the  British  squadron  at  anchor  in  Basque 
Roads.  They  were  assembled  and  lodged  at  the  hotel  of  the  prefecture 
of  marine.  On  the  day  following,  others  succeeded,  and  experienced  the 
same  marks  of  attention. 

On  the  16th,  about  noon,  arrived  Rear-admiral  Sir  H.  Neale,  Captains 
Jones,  Jackson,  Cole,  and  other  officers  of  his  Britannic  Majesty's  squad* 
ron.  The  maritime  prefect  ordered  the  honours  to  be  paid  them  which 
are  due  in  France  to  general  officers,  and  to  superior  officers  of  their 
rank.  He  lavished  (prodigua)  upon  them  every  possible  mark  of  courtesy 
and  hospitality,  with  that  peculiar  grace  which  captivates  no  less  in  actions 
than  in  expressions.  The  entertainment  which  the  prefect  gave,  and  at 
which  were  General  Baron  de  Coutard,  commandant  in  chief  at  Rochfort; 
Baron  Richard,  prefect  of  the  department  ;  with  M.  Filleau,  counsellor 
of  prefecture  ;  and  the  principal  officers,  civil  and  military  functionaries 
of  the  town  and  port,  was  distinguished  for  the  gaiety  and  cordiality  which 
animated  and  pervaded  the  company. 

Among  the  toasts  proposed  with  joy  and  enthusiasm,  were,  Louis  XVIII. 
given  by  Admiral  Sir  H.  Neale,  and  drank,  accompanied  by  a  salute  of 
2J  guns.  Baron  de  Eonnefeux,  maritime  prefect,  gave  "  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,"  which  was  drank  with  equal  rapture,  and  followed  by  a 
royal  salute. 

The  rejoicings  in  the  hotel  quickly  spread  to  the  outside.  The  gardens, 
which  were  thrown  open  to  the  public,  were  filled  with  an  immense  assem- 
blage. When  the  company  came  out  after  dinner  to  enjoy  the  pleasure 
of  a  walk  in  a  delightful  evening,  the  populace  pressed  upon  them  on  all 
sides,  unable  to  restrain  their  admiration  at  the  marks  of  civility  and 
friendship  which  the  officers  of  the  two  countries  mutually  evinced,  whose 
approximation  and  reconcilement  appeared,  a  few  weeks  ago,  impracticable.- 
Every  object  in  the  town  and  in  the  harbour  had  the  aspect  of  a  grand  fete. 

The  commanders  of  the  British  squadron  passed  the  night  at  the  pre- 
fecture, and,  in  the  morning,  the  prefect  shewed  them  every  thing  in 
the  town  that  he  conceived  would  be  interesting  to  his  guests.  They 
re-embarked  at  the  Vergeroux,  where  their  boats  were  in  attendance,  at 
two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  apparently  highly  gratified  by  the  reception 
and  hospitality  they  had  met  with  on  shore. 

VORACITY    OF    A    SHARK. 

A  SINGULAR  circumstance  occurred  in  February  last  at  St.  Vincent. 
A  gentleman  named  Whitlow,  sailing  in  a  boat  at  nighi  from  the  leeward 
part  of  the  island  to  Kingston,  and  sitting  in  the  stern  sheets,  a  large  shark, 
that  had  followed,  made  at  length  a  spring  at  his  intended  victim,  knocked 
off  his  hat,  but,  at  the  same  time,  fell  into  the  boat.  The  gentleman,  with 


446  NAUTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &C. 

great  presence  of  mind,  immediately  jumped  up,  and  secured  the  vora- 
cious monster  with  a  cloak,  and  some  bandages.  It  measured  12  feet; 
and  was  of  enormous  weight. 

ANALOGY    BETWEEN    BUONAPARTE   AND    THE    ISLE   OF   ELBA. 

HE  who  has  turned  the  course  of  things  into  another  channel,  who  has 
interrupted  what  has  been  considered -the  natural  progress  of  events,  who 
has  puzzled  and  confounded  those  who  have  been  drawn  within  the  vortex 
of  his  power,  and  astonished  those  without  ;  who  has  absorbed  in  himself 
the  powers  of  all  who  have  come  within  his  sphere,  rendering  himself  the 
chief  object  of  attraction,  is  now  destined  to  inhabit  an  island,  analogous 
to,  or  having  similar  qualities  with  himself.  From  the  vast  iron  mines 
which  the  Isle  of  Elba  contains,  it  possesses  such  magnetic  powers  as  to 
render,  within  a  certain  distance,  the  needle  of  no  use,  or  subject  to  such 
infinite  variations  as  to  puzzle  the  mariner  who  may  come  within  its  reach  ; 
thereby  diverting  the  usual  order  of  things,  and  drawing  attention  only  to 
itself.  The  mariner,  no  longer  depending  on  his  compass,  guides  himself 
according  to  the  bearings  or  direction  of  the  object  to  which  his  eyes  are 
necessarily  directed. 

INDIA   SHIPPING. 

Average  Number  of  Ships  employed  in   the  East  India  Company's  Service 
for  the  last  Jive  Years. 

16  or  17  ships        ...         from  1,000  to  1,200  tons 
14  do.  700  to  1,000 

16  do.          ...  500  to      700 

Which,  being  replaced  by  ships  built  in  England,  would  require  annually, 
for  cordage  and  sails, 

For  cordage.  For  canvas. 

1,375  tons  hemp.  170  tons  flax. 

3,300  barrels  of  tar.  50  tons  hemp. 

Which  would  pay  in  duty  .....  ,£13,600 
For  freight  in  British  ships,  according  to  the  present  freights  1 1,500 
For  landing  charges  ..  1,150 

26,25* 

To  be  paid   for   labour,    making  into  cordage,  and  the 

various  txpences  attendant  thereon         .  39.000 

Ditto  f-»r  the  manufacture  of  canvas         -  85,500 

Di; to  making  into  sails         -         .         .     "  -         -         -    20,000 

84,500 

Abstract  for  duty,  freight,  &c.         ....  26,250 

Ditto  fop  manufacture        --•...     84,500 

110,750 

Exclusive  of  the  cost  of  the  raw  material,  insurance  theron,  and  profit 
to  the  importer. 

FLYING    BACKSTAY. 

Mr.  Hoskins,  master  in  the  royal  navy,  and  commanding  the  Sir  Francis 
Drake  store-ship,  has  contrived  an  out-rigger  for  the  support  of  the  top- 
gallant mast  of  a  ship,  t«  which  is  fuied  a  back-stay,  called  by  sailors, 


-WACTICAL  ANECDOTES,  &C.'  44f 

•*  Hoskins*  flying  backstay,"  which  can  be  shifted  to  answer  any  point 
of  sailing  in  an  instant  of  time,  without  sending  a  man  off  the  deck.  It 
has  been  proved  to  answer  every  requisite  purpose;  gives  more  support  to 
the  mast  than  all  the  other  rigging,  and  the  weight  of  all  attached  to  the 
improvement  does  not  exceed  the  common  back-stay. 

GALLANT   ACTIOIt. 

THE  following  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Captain  M'Arthur,  of  the  ship 
Perceval,  to  his  owners  here,  dated  Bermuda,  April  2,  1814: — 

"  GEWTLE.MEN— 1  take  this  opportunity  of  informing  you  that  your  shij> 
Perceval  arrived  here,  from  Honduras,  last  Monday,  with  a  fleet  of  six 
sail,  under  convoy  of  his  Majesty's  brig  Emulous,  after  a  passage  of  four 
weeks.  The  convoy  is  appointed  to  sail  on  the  1st  of  May  for  England.— 
We  applied  to  Admiral  Warren  to  allow  the  St.  Domingo,  74,  to  give  us 
instructions,  as  that  ship  sails  for  England  in  course  of  a  few  days.  He 
refused  ;  but  it  is  generally  expected  he  will  allow  a  prize  frigate  that  is  re- 
fitting here  for  England,  and  will  sail  in  a  few  days,  to  take  the  fleet  home. 
Oh  Sunday  last,  at  day  light,  we  discovered  two  large  schooners  in  chace 
of  the  fleet.  About  three  P.  M.  they  came  up  within  half  gun  shot  of  us— 
the  Emulous  was  then  a  long  mile  a-head,  but  I  expected  every  moment  to 
see  her  bring  to ;  finding  that  she  did  not,  and  being  aware  that  none  of  the 
other  ships  in  the  fleet  could  give  them  a  proper  reception,  I  sheered  out  a 
little  towards  them,  on  observing  which,  they  instantly  ran  up  the  Yankie 
flag,  and  commenced  a  very  heavy  fire  on  the  Perceval,  one  on  the  quarter 
the  other  astern.  With  our  small  crew,  we  could  man  bat  six  guns;  with 
these,  in  the  coarse  of  20  minutes,  we  obliged  them  both  to  sheer  off  — 
The  largest  of  the  two  mounted  13  guns,  and  was  full  of  men ;  the  other 
10  guns,  likewise  crowded  with  men.  I  think  they  must  have  lost  a  num- 
ber, as  we  fired  most  part  grape  shot :  they  had  their  names  in  their  fore- 
topsails,  but  from  the  smoke  of  their  guns,  and  our  being  too  busily  en- 
gaged, we  did  not  observe  what  these  were.  Our  sails  and  rigging  suffered 
much,  but  fortunately  none  of  the  crew.  When  they  sheered  off,  the 
Emulous  stood  towards  them,  firing  her  carronades,  which  did  not  reach 
them,  but  her  captain  did  not  set  sail,  or  let  his  reefs  out : — his  motives  for 
doing  so,  he  knows  best  himself:  to  finish  the  matter,  he  made  the  signal 
for  the  fleet  to  disperse,  and  provide  for  their  own  security.  I  instantly 
shortened  sail  and  closed  with  the  Emulous,  as  I  had  no  idea  of  running 
from  a  beaten  enemy;  the  rest  of  the  fleet  did  the  same;  we  kept  by 
the  wind  all  night,  and  next  morning  put  into  Bermuda  with  the  commo- 
dore." 

CHALLENGE  BETWEEN    THE   AMERICAN   AND   BRITISH   FRIGATES. 

Correspondence  between  Commodore  Decatur,  Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  and  Cap* 
tain  Stackpole,  relative  to  a  proposed  meeting  of  the  United  States  and 
Macedonian  American  Ships,  aith  the  Endytnion  and  Statir*  British 
Fiigates. 

(COPY.) 

United  Stales'  ship  Uni'ed  States,  New  London, 
SIR,  Jan.  17,  1814. 

BAVINS  been  informed  by  Nicholas  Moran,  the  master  of  a  sloop  re» 


448  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &C. 

oently  captured  by  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ship  Endymion,  now  lying  before 
this  port,  that  whilst  be  was  on  board  the  Ramillies,  and  in  your  hearing, 
Captaro  Hope,'  of  the  Endymion,  did  ask  him  whether  the  frigate  United 
States  would  not  avoid  an  action  ;  he  further  states,  that  he  heard  you  de- 
clare it  to  be  your  wish  that  the  United  States  ship  Macedonian  should  have 
a  meeting  with  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ship  Statira,  that  you  \vould  furnish 
men  and  give  room  for  such  meeting,  but  that  you  would  not  permit  the 
challenge  to  come  from  your  side. 

The  Endymion,  I  am  informed,  carries  24-pounders  and  mounts  50  guns 
in  all  ;  this  ship  also  carries  24-pounders  and  mounts  48  guns,  besides  a  12- 
pound  carronade,  a  boat  gun. 

The  Statira  mounts  50,  the  Macedonian  47,  metal  the  same,  so  that  the 
force  on  both  sides  is  as  nearly  equal  as  we  could  expect  to  find. 

If  Mr.  Moran's  statement  be  correct,  it  is  evident  Captains  Hope  and 
Stackpole  have  the  laudable  desire  of  engaging  with  their  ships,  the  United 
States  and  Macedonian.  We,  Sir,  are  ready  and  equally  desirous  for  such 
meeting  forthwith. 

The  only  difficulty  that  appears  to  be  in  the  way,  is  from  whom  the  for- 
mal invitation  is  to  come.  If,  Sir,  you  admit  Moran's  statement  to  be 
correct,  the  difficulty  will  be  removed,  and  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider 
this  as  an  invitation  ;  at  the  same  time  we  beg  you  will  assure  Captains 
Hope  and  Stackpole,  that  no  personal  feeling  towards  them  induces  me  to 
make  this  communication;  they  are  solicitous  to  add  to  the  renown  of  their 
country—  we  honour  their  motives. 

Captain  Biddle,  who  will  have  the  honour  to  deliver  you  this,  is  autho. 
rised  on  our  part,  to  make  any  arrangements  which  may  be  thought  ne- 
cessary. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  Sir,  very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient 
Servant, 

tJiehTle 
' 


To  Commodore  Sir  Thomas  Masterman 
Hardy,  <$•<:. 


(COPY.) 

His  Majesty's  ship  Statira,  off  New  London, 
SIR,  Jan.  17,  1814. 

Captain  Sir  Thomas  Masterman  Hardy,  Bart,  and  Commodore  off  New 
London,  has  this  afternoon  handed  me  a  letter  from  you,  expressing  a  de- 
sire, that  the  United  States  ship  Macedonian,  commanded  by  Captain 
Jones,  should  meet  his  Majesty's  sliip  Statira  under  my  command,  and  tliat 
the  United  States'  ship  United  States,  bearing  your  broad  pendant,  would 
embrace  the  same  opportunity  of  meeting  the  Endymion,  commanded  b.y 
Captain  Hope.  In  the  event  of  Sir  T.  Hardy's  permitting  our  joint  accep- 
tation of  this  rendezvous,  I  of  course  must  be  the  senior  officer;  but  in  the 
interim  I  shall  continue  my  reply  to  your  obliging  letter  as  to  the  future 
acts  of  his  Majesty's  ship  t  have  the  honour  to  command. 

U  will  ttfford  her  captain,  officers,  and  crew,  the  greatest  pleasure  to 


NAUTICAL   ANECDOTES,  &c. 

meet  Captain  Jones  in  the  Macedonian  to-morrow,  next  day,  or  whenever 
such  a  meeting  may  better  suit  his  purpose,  let  him  only  be  pleased  to  ap- 
point the  day  and  place ;  say  six  or  ten  leagues  south  of  Montagu  Point,  or 
further  if  he  pleases.  My  only  object  for  selecting  this  distance  from  the 
shore,  is  to  avoid  any  interruption ;  little  I  think  can  be  apprehended,  a$ 
all  the  Captains  commanding  frigates,  except  one,  in  these  seas,  are  junior 
to  me,  and  in  the  event  of  chance,  or  accident,  meeting  him,  I  will  hoist  a 
flag  of  truce,  pledging  the  word  and  honour  of  a  British  officer  (further  I 
cannot  offer)  to  keep  the  truce  flying  until  the  Macedonian  is  out  of  sight  - 
and  in  the  event  of  a  junior  officer  appearing,  the  same  guarantee  of  safety 
shall  be  kept  flying  until  I  can  detach  him. 

"  In  accepting  this  invitation,  Sir,  it  is  not  to  vaunt,  or  in  the  most  trifling 
degree  to  enhance  my  own  professional  character,  or  take  from  what  is  so 
justly  due  to  Captain  Jones.  Although  I  have  been  twice  mortified  in  be- 
ing obliged  to  retreat  on  the  26th  and  28th  of  August,  1813,  by  six  Ame- 
rican men  of  war,  and  for  twelve  weeks  together  cruising  alone,  it  has  never 
fallen  to  the  Statira's  lot  to  meet  one  singly. 

The  honour  of  my  king,  the  defence  of  my  country,  engaged  in  a  just 
and  unprovoked  war,  added  to  the  glory  of  the  British  flag,  is  all  I  have 
in  view. 

I  perceive  a  statement  in  your  letter  of  the  comparative  force  of  the  two 
fchips,  and  as  I  fear  you  have  been  led  into  error,  I  shall  take  this  opportu-* 
nity  to  say,  the  Statira  carries  only  forty-six  guns,  instead  of  fifty,  with 
two  little  boat  guns,  of  more  utility  in  exercising  the  men,  than  any  effect 
they  might  have  in  the  hour  of  battle ;  without  any  external  finery  to  re- 
commend her,  she  is  simply  a  British  man  of  war  of  her  class;  neverthe- 
less, a  more  fair  and  equal  match  in  ship  and  guns  may  not  soon  occur.— 
In  numbers  of  men  I  arn  aware  of  having  a  superiority  to  oppose.  All  I  re- 
quest is,  that  both  ships  may  quickly  meet. 

Having  received  your  communication  by  the  hand  of  Sir  Thomas  M. 
Hardy,  I  shall  convey  my  reply  through  the  same  channel,  requesting  you 
will  be  so  good  as  to  hand  it  to  the  captain  of  the  Macedonian. 

I  remain,  Sir,  with  every  consideration,  your  obedient  humble  servant, 

Gjff>       <J? 

To  Commodore  Decatur,  <§-c.  N.  London.  <yl9.    Zs  . 

Then  follows  a  letter  from  Sir  Thomas  Hardy  to  Commodore  Decatur, 
giving  the  most  willing  permission  to  Captain  Stackpole,  of  the  Statira,  to 
meet  the  Macedonian.  But,  contrary  to  the  wishes  of  Captain  Hope,  of 
the  Endymion,  Sir  Thomas  adds,  that  he  must  decline  the  invitation  for 
the  Endymion,  as  she  is  200  tons  less  than  the  United  States,  carries  only 
26  guns  on  her  main  deck,  and  32lb.  carronades,  whilst  the  United  State* 
has  30  guns  on  her  main  deck,  and  32lb.  carronades. 

Sir  Thomas  Hardy  guarantees,  "  should  success  attend  the  Macedonian 
against  the  Statira,  her  proceeding  to  any  port  to  the  eastward  of  this  an- 
chorage (off  New  London),  and  he  proposes  the  same  from  Coraua»d«r« 
Decatur,  for  the  Statira  to  proceed  to  Bermuda." 

«at.  tfimm.  Slol.XXXI.  3  K 


450  NAUTICAL   ANECDOTE*,    &C. 

Commodore  Dccatur,  in  his  reply,  declines  a  meeting  between  the  Sta- 
lira  and  Macedonian,  as  his  squadron  is  under  sailing  orders  from  govern- 
ment, and  he  feels  bound  to  put  to  sea  the  first  favourable  opportunity. — 
lie  does  not  consider  the  guarantee  against  recapture,  should  the  Macedo- 
nian prove  successful,  as  satisfactory. 

Sir  Thomas  Hardy  answers  shortly  that  he  will  give  every  guarantee  ia 
his  power  in  case  of  the  Macedonian's  success. 

The  correspondence  between  the  British  officer  and  Commodore  Decatur 
is  carried  ou  in  a  very  gentlemanly  manner. 

UNCERTAINTY  ! 

Or  a  proof  of  the  danger  of  being  too  positive  as  to  the  identity  of  persons  or 

things. 

SIR  WALTER  RALEIGH,  when  confined  in  the  Tower,  had  prepared  the 
second  volume  of  his  history  for  the  press.  He  was  standing  at  the  window 
of  his  apartment,  ruminating  on  the  office  of  an  historian,  and  on  the  sa- 
cred regard  which  he  ought  to  pay  to  truth,  when,  on  a  sudden,  his  attention 
was  excited  by  an  uproar  in  the  court,  into  which  his  view  was  directed.— 
He  saw  one  man  strike  another,  whom  by  his  dress  he  supposed  an  officer, 
who,  drawing  his  sword,  ran  the  assailant  through  the  body,  whs  yet  did 
Hot  fall  till  he  had  knocked  down  the  officer  with  his  fist.  The  officer  was 
instantly  seized,  while  lying  senseless,  and  carried  away  by  the  servants  of 
justice,  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  body  of  the  man  he  had  murdered 
was  borne  off  by  some  persons  apparently  his  friends,  who,  with  great  dif- 
ficulty, pierced  through  the  vast  crowd  that  was  collected.  The  next  clay 
an  acquaintance  of  Sir  Walter's  called  on  him,  a  man  of  whose  severe  pro- 
bity and  honour  he  was  convinced  from  innumerable  proofs,  and  rated  his 
friendship  accordingly.  Raleigh,  after  their  first  compliments,  told  the 
story  of  yesterday's  fray,  which  had  impressed  him  deeply  as  being  a  spec- 
tator of  the  whole  affair.  But  what  was  his  surprise  when  his  friend  told 
him,  that  he  was  perfectly  mistaken  in  the  whole  story  !  that  the  officer 
was  no  officer,  but  a  servant  of  a  foreign  ambassador,  that  this  apparent 
officer  gave  the  first  blow,  that  he  did  not  draw  his  sword,  but  the  other 
person  drew  it,  and  it  was  wrested  out  of  his  hand,  yet  not  till  he  had  run 
its  owner  through  the  body  with  it ;  that  after  this  a  foreigner  in  the  mob 
knocked  the  murderer  down,  that  he  should  not  escape;  some  other  fo- 
reigners carried  off  the  servant's  body;  and  that  orders  had  arrived  from 
court  for  the  murderer  to  be  immediately  tried,  and  no  favour  shewn,  as 
the  person  murdered  was  one  of  the  principal  attendants  of  the  Spanish  am- 
bassador. Sir,  said  Raleigh,  allow  me  to  say,  that  though  I  may  be  mis- 
taken as  to  the  officership  of  :he  murderer,  yet  I  know  of  a  certainty  that 
all  mv  other  circumstances  are  strictly  true,  because  I  was  a  spectator  of 
the  whole  transaction,  which  passed  on  that  very  spot  opposite,  where  you 
see  a  stone  of  the  pavement  a  little  raised  above  the  rest.  Sir  Walter, 
said  his  friend,  upon  that  very  stone  did  I  stand  during  the  whole  affair, 
and  received  this  scratch  in  my  cheek,  in  wresting  the  sword  out  of  the  fel- 
low's hand,  and  as  I  shall  answer  to  God,  you  are  totally  mistaken  !  !  !— 
You  grow  warm,  ray  friend,  said  Sir  Waiter,  let  us  talk,  of  other  matters, 


CORRESPONDENCE.  451 

and  the  gentlemen  soon  after  departed.  Raleigh  took  up  the  manuscript 
of  the  second  volume  of  his  history,  then  just  completed:  How  many  false- 
hoods are  here  (said  he,)  ?  if  I  cannot  judge  of  the  truth  of  an  event  that 
passes  under  my  own  eyes,  how  shall  I  truly  relate  those  which  have  passed 
thousands  of  years  before  my  birth,  or  even  those  which  happened  since  my 
own  existence?  Truth,  I  sacrifice  to  thee  !— The  fire  was  already  feeding 
on  his  invaluable  work,  the  labour  of  years,  whilst  he  sat  calm  and  serene 
till  it  was  utterly  consumed,  and  the  sable  ghost  of  the  last  leaf  flitted  up 
the  chimney* 

ROYAL   VOYAGE   TO   NORWAY. 

Anno  1539. — "ST.  MARTIN'S  DAY,  which  was  the  llth  of  November,  on 
a  Tuesday,  came  the  hi«h-born  Prince  and  Lord  Jacob  Stuart,  King  in 
Scotland,  to  this  town,  (Tonsberg),  and  the  25th  Sunday  after  Trinity 
Sunday,  which  was  the  16th  day  of  November,  stood  his  grace  in  this  pew, 
and  heard  Scotch  preaching  from  the  23d  Psalm,'"  The  Lord  is  my  shep- 
herd, (fee."  which  M.  David  Lentz  preached  in  Lith,  preached  between 
ten  and  twelve." 

The  above  is  an  inscription  which  stands  in  St.  Mary'sr  church,  in 
Tonsberg. 

It  is  known,  that,  king  James  the  Sixth  went  to  Norway  to  marry  Princess 
Anna,  the  daughter  of  Frederic  the  Second,  and  sister  to  Christian  ths 
Fourth;  and  that  the  wedding  was  performed  at  Opslow  (now  Christiana), 
where  the  princess,  by  contrary  winds,  was  detained;  but  that  the  king, 
during  this  voyage,  was  at  Tonsberg,  nobody  would  have  known,  if  an  in- 
scription in  remembrance  of  it,  had  not  been  placed  in  this  church. 

Mary  Woohtonecrqft's  letters  on  Sweden,  Noway,  fyc.  p.  89. 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

MR.  EDITOR,  London,  April  20,  1814. 

lY  inserting  the  following  letter  in,  your  publication  you  will  much 
oblige  your  constant  reader, 

TO  THE  RIGHT  HON.  LORD  VISCOUNT  MELVILLE. 

MY    LORD, 

The  recent  attention  you  have  been  pleased  to  bestow  upon  that  meri- 
torious class  of  veteran  officers,  the  oWest  lieutenants,  by  adding 
thirty  of  them  to  the  retired  list  with  the  rank  of  commander,  is  deserving 
of  the  highest  commendation,  and  proves,  that  you  are  treading  in  the 
steps  of  your  respected  father,  who  was,  beyond  doubt,  the  most  valuable 
friend  the  officers,  as  well  as  the  whole  navy,  ever  had.  That  you  may 
persevere  in  his  intentions  to  benefit  the  service  is  my  most  ardent  wish, 
as  it  is  the  expectation  of  the  British  navy.  But,  my  lord,  why  should  any 
lieutenant,  whose  cum  it  is  (by  seniority)  be  pttt  by  ?  as  has  been,  and  still 


452  CORRESPONDENCE* 

is,  the  case.  Surely,  my  lord,  the  lieutenants  of  hospitals,  and  those  of 
the  out-pension  of  Greenwich,  are  entitled  to  have  their  rank,  when  it 
comes  to  them,  as  these  things  are  given  to  them,  for  their  long  and  meri- 
torious services  ;  and,  as  it  is  rank  to  which  every  officer  in  the  navy 
aspires,  they  most  certainly  ought  to  be  honoured  with  it.  It  would  not 
add  to  the  emoluments  of  any,  except  those  of  the  out-pensions  arid  the 
very  small  additiou  of  eighteen  pence  per  day,  would  not  (I  am  well 
assured)  be  thought  too  much  of,  by  their  country :  it  would  give  them 
pleasure  in  their  old  age,  and  be  a  stimulus  to  those  that  follow  after  them, 
to  look  up  to.  AH  other  naval  officers  who  have  pensions  (although  when 
lieutenants)  retain  them,  and  are  not  debarred  thereby,  rising  in  their 
profession,  even  to  admirals  :  consequently,  I  think,  there  ou^ht  not  to  be 
any  distinction.  The  officers  of  the  army,  my  lord,  of  superior  situations 
even,  I  believe,  to  generals,  hold  situations  in  garrisons,  &c.  very  inferior 
to  their  rank,  such  as  lieutenant-governors  of  forts(some  very  small  indeed.) 
Fort  majors,  &c.  are  often  officers  of  rank  ;  then,  why,  my  lord,  should 
there  be  any  difference  between  the  two  professions  ?  it  tends  to  excite 
jealousy  in  the  other  ;  particularly  as  there  are  no  places,  such  as  I  before 
mentioned,  or  similar  ones,  to  which  naval  officers  are  appointed  ;  there- 
fore, hope,  my  lord,  that,  seeing  the  justness  and  propriety  of  these  mj 
humble  suggestions  ;  you  will  be  pleased  to  take  them  into  your  consider- 
ation; and,  if  it  cannot  now  be  allowed,  that,  iu  future,  it  may  be  attended 
to.  It  will  be  a  very  great  source  of  consolation  to  those  old  officers 
in  their  latter  years  ;  and  now,  when  the  blessings  of  Peace  are  arrived, 
after  so  long  and  arduous  a  war,  they  will  enjoy  those  few  years  they 
remain  here,  with  satisfaction,  and  give  hopes  to  those  that  follow,  that 
they  may  look  up  for  the  same  indulgence.  With  the  greatest  deference 
and  respect,  I  remain,  My  lord, 

Your  lordship's  most  obedient, 

very  humble  servant, 

U nUo  i/YaM&C 


MR.  EDITOR,  Hitchin,  Herts,  May,  1814. 

F  you  think  the  underwritten  will  tend  either  to  amuse  or  inform  any 
of  your  readers,  you   will  oblige  me   by  inserting  it  in   the  Naval 
Chronicle.  Your  humble  servant, 


Modern  Chronology,  by  the  Rev.  C.  Dutens,  taken  from  a  sketch  lately 
published,  called,  "  The  Sights  I  have  seen"  "  I  have  seen  (1)  a  king 
imprisoned  by  his  son.  (2)  Five  emperors  massacred.  (3)  Five  kings 
assassinated.  (4)  Six  kin^s  deposed.  (5)  Five  republics  annihilated. 
(6)  A  great  kingdom  effaced  from  the  map  of  Europe.  I""have  seen 
England  lose  in  eight  years  half  of  N.  America,  after  possessing  it  mor| 


CORRESPONDENCE.  453 

than  a  century.  I  have  seen  her  verifying  the  sentiments  of  an  ancient 
(that  the  empire  of  the  sea  gives  that  of  the  land)  take  the  Cape  of  Good 
.Hope  and  the  Island  of  Ceylon  from  the  Dutch  ;  Malta,  Egypt,  and 
several  colonies  from  the  French.  I  have  seen  her  dictate  the  law  to  the 
king  of  Denmark,  at  Copenhagen,  and  carry  her  victorious  arms  into  the 
most  remote  parts  of  the  world.  I  have  seen  the  same  England  in  1730, 
resist  the  combined  efforts  of  Europe  and  of  America. 

(7)  I  have  seen  her  in  the  revolutionary  war,  -  often  destitute  of  allies, 
and  alone  opposing  the  enormous  power  of  France,  Italy,  Russia,  and 
Denmark.  (8)  I  have  seen  the  son  of  an  English  gentleman  go  out  to 
India  as  writer  to  a  Mercantile  Company,  afterwards  rising  to  the  head  of 
the  army  ;  dethrone  a  powerful  prince  in  the  east,  place  another  on  his 
throne,  conquer  a  part  of  Hindostan,  and  raise  the  British  dominion  in. 
that  quarter  to  the  pre-eminence  which  it  now  enjoys.  (9)  I  have  seen 
what  has  no  example  in  history,  a  little  Corsican  gentleman  conquer  Italy 
force  the  Emperor  of  Germany  to  make  a  disgraceful  peace  :  take  Malta 
in  two  days  :  Egypt  in  a  month  ;  return  from  thence,  and  place  himself 
on  the  throne  of  the  Bourbons — and  all  in  less  than  four  years.  (10)  I  have 
seen  him  transport  his  army  and  artillery  in  the  winter  over  the  most 
difficult  pass  of  the  Alps,  and,  in  a  single  battle,  decide,  at  once,  the  fate 
of  Italy  and  Germany.  (11)  I  have  seen  this  same  little  Corsiean  Gentle- 
man order  the  Pope  to  Paris  in  1804,  to  crown  him  Emperor  of  the  French, 
and,  afterwards,  depose  this  same  Pope,  and  deprive  him  of  the  temporal 
possession  which  his  ancestors  had  enjoyed  more  than  a  thousand  years. 
(12)  I  have  seen  him  declare  himself  King  of  Italy.  I  have  seen  him  brav- 
ing a  formidable  league  which  was  directed  against  him,  march  to  Vienna, 
and  even  into  Hungary,  in  six  weeks  :  give  law  three  times  to  the  Emperor 
of  Germany,  compel  him  to  abdicate  the  imperial  crown  of  the  Cffisars 
and  deprive  him  of  part  of  his  dominions.  (13)  I  have  seen  him  force  the 
Emperor  of  Russia  twice  to  retire  ;  and,  soon  after,  oblige  him  to  march 
to  his  assistance  against  the  Emperor  of  Austria,  destroy  the  power  of  the 
King  of  Prussia  in  fifteen  days,  and  strike  all  Europe  with  dismay.  (14)  I 
have  seen  him  depose  five  kings,  and  (15)  create  eight  others.  (16)  Annex 
Holland  to  France— dictate  to  Spain,  as  if  it  were  one  of  his  province?, 
and,  at  last,  take  possession  of  the  whole  kingdom.  In  short,  I  have.seen 
him  extend  his  dominion  farther  than  that  of  Charlemagne,  and  find  nothing 
that  could  resist  his  ambition  but  the  King  of  Great  Britain." 

Thus  far,  Mr.  Editor,  the  Rev.  C.  Dutens  has  recorded  what  Aehas  seen, 
but  I  am  fearful,  he  has  had  an  inclination  to  see  nothing  but  what 
redounds  to  the  glory  of  France,  you  will,  therefore,  excuse  me,  if  I  add 
a  few  of  the  "  Sights  I  have  seen." 

"  I  have  seen  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  seconded  by  the  spirit  and 
energy  of  his  people,  and  the  extent  of  his  finances,  repeatedly  stir  up  the 
continent  against  the  little  Corsican  Gentleman,  turn  him  out  of  Egypt, 
and  Malta,  take  from  him  the  whole  of  his  colonies,  and  totally  destroy  his 
navy  at  the  battle  of  Camperdown,  1st  of  June,  14th  of  February,  Aboukir, 
and  Trafalgar,  and  shortly  after,  leave  him  neither  Ships,  Colonies,  nor  Com- 
•merce.  I  have  seen  the  temper  of  British  steel  and  courage  tried  at  the 


454  CORRESPONDENCE. 

battle  of  Maida  :  and  Great  Britain  not  content  with  viewing  the  battle 
at  a  distance,  boldly  advance  into  Spain,  to  meet  his  immense,  and, 
hitherto,  invincible  armies  foot  to  foot,  and,  after  several  hard  fought 
campaigns,  succeed  in  driving  him  out  of  that  unfortunate  country,  princi- 
pally in  consequence  of  the  splendid  victories  achieved,  under  Providence, 
by  the  Duke  of  Wellington. 

I  have  seen  the  same  little  Irish  Gentleman  defeat  in  succession  nearly 
all  the  marshals  of  France;  turn  Massena,  the  child  of  Fortune,  with  a 
vastly  superior  army  of  the  best  description,  out  of  Portugal,  without 
fighting  a  general  battle,  and  merely  by  dint  of  profound  military  calcu- 
lations, and  superior  tactics,  oblige  him,  not  to  retreat,  but  to  fly. 

I  have  seen  him  take  Ciuclad  Rodrigo,  and  Badajos,  in  little  more  than 
half  the  time  from  the  French,  that  it  cost  them  to  take  those  places  from 
the  Spaniards.  I  have  seen  him  remain  master  of  the  field  of  battle  at 
Talavera,  although  the  enemy  were  nearly  double. 

I  have  seen  him  following  up  these  successes,  and  acting  beyond  the 
calculations  of  the  French  generals,  gain  the  battle  of  Vittoria,  disperse 
the  French  army,  and  drive  King  Joseph  out  of  Spain,  without  his  being  able 
to  carry  off  ONE  single  piece  of  cannon  ;  advance,  and  lay  siege  to,  and  take, 
the  almost  impregnable  St.  Sebastian,  and,  despising  the  threats  of  the 
little  Corsican  Gentleman,  invade  France,  and  invest  Bayonue. 

I  have  seen  him,  after  several  hard-fought  actions,  in  all  of  which  he 
was  victorious  over  Marshal  Soult,  press  on  to  the  Garonne,  take  pos- 
session of  Bourdeaux  and  Toulouse,  and  plant  the  British  flag  on  their 
ramparts.  In  short  I  haveseen  him  acknowledged  by  all  the  first  captain  of 
the  age,  and  am  justified  in  saying,  that  I  have  seen  him  conduct  the  British 
army  through  a  five  years'  war,  without  one  single  defeat. 

I  have  seen  the  French  Emperor  hurried  away  by  his  inordinate  ambi- 
tion, invade  Russia  with  an  army  of  350,000  men  under  the  command 
of  the  most  eminent  generals  ;  and  Russia,  rising  to  a  man,  defeat  him 
at  Borodino,  and,  shortly  after,  oblige  him  to  fly,  leaving  behind  him  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  300,000  men,  50,000  horses,  1300  pieces 
of  cannon,  and  the  whole  of  his  baggage,  pursue  him  to  the  River  Elbe, 
and  there,  assisted  by  Prussia,  Austria,  and  Sweden,  gain  over  him  the 
celebrated  battle  of  Leipsic,  thereby  occasioning  a  loss  to  him  of  80,000 
men,  and  300  pieces  of  cannon,  and  releasing  from  his  grasp,  Bavaria, 
Saxony,  Westphalia,  Holland,  Switzerland,  Italy,  and  the  Netherlands, 
drive  him  in  confusion  across  the  Rhine,  being  a  distance  from  Moscow  of 
1500  miles,  and  all  this  in  twelve  months. 

1  have  seen  the.  Dutch,  with  cries  of  Orange  Boven  !  cast  off  the  French 
yoke,  and  call  the  Prince  of  Orange  to  the  throne,  and  the  English  nation, 
with  their  usual  alacrity,  immediately  supplying  them  with  men,  money, 
and  arms. 

I  have  seen  the  British  people  collect  immense  sums  almost  equal  to 
the  revenue  of  some  princes,  and  send  to  the  distressed  inhabitants  of 
different  parts  of  Europe,  thereby  proving  themselves  the  most  cliarlt&bie 
and  richest  nation  in  the  world. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  455 

And,  thank  God,  I  can  now  finish  this  extraordinary  history  by  saying 
1  have  seen  the  Allied  Sovereigns,  pursuing  their  advantages,  advance  to 
Paris,  and  thoroughly  beating  t!.e  French  into  their  senses,  take  possession 
of  it ;  and  assist  them  in  hurling  from  the  throne  the  little  Corsican 
Gentleman,  who  reigned  just  long^  enough  to  prove  himself  a  fool  as 
well  as  a  knave  (17). 


(1)  Victor,  King  of  Sardinia.  (2)  Peter  III.  John  VI.  Paul  I.  of  Russia, 
Selitn  III.  Mustapha  IV.  of  Constantinople.  (3)  Joseph  of  Portugal 
Louis  XV.  XVI.  XVII.  of  France,  Gustavus  III.  of  Sweden.  (4)  Stanislaus 
of  Poland,  King  of  Sardinia,  Ferdinand  IV,  of  Naples,  Charles  IV.  and 
Ferdinand  VII.  of  Spain,  Gustavus  IV.  of  Sweden.  (5)  Holland,  Sweden, 
Venice,  Genoa,  and  Lucca.  (6)  Poland.  (7)  After  the  treaty  of  Lune- 
»ille.  (8)  Lord  Clive.  (9)  Peace  of  Campo-Formio.  (10)  Marengo, 
(11)  In  December,  1809.  (12)  At  the  peace  of  Campo-Formio,  in  1797, 
Luneville,  1801,  Vienna,  1809.  (13)  At  Austerlitz,  1805,  and  the  peace 
of  Tilsit,  1807.  (14)  The  Kings  of  France,  Naples,  and  Sardinia,  Charles 
and  Ferdinand  of  Spain.  (J5)  Kings  of  Etruria,  Italy,  and  Holland,  of 
Naples,  of  Bavaria,  of  Wirternburg,  of  Saxony,  and  Westphalia.  (16) 
December,  1809.  (17)  In  refusing  the  terms  offered  him  at  Chatillon. 


MR.  EDITOR,  19th  May,  1814. 

THE  truly  wonderful  events  which  have  so  happily  restored  peace  and 
tranquility  to  the  bosom  of  Europe,  have  scarcely  yet  ceased  to  appear 
more  thefatio*  of  romance  than  realities  to  the  astonished  nations; — and 
did  we  not  daily  hear  of  projected  retrenchments  in  the  different  establish- 
ments, of  reductions  in  the  army,  and  ships  paid  off,  we  could  scarcely  yet 
believe  that  we  were  so  suddenly  relieved  from  the  burdens  of  a  long  pro- 
tracted warfare.  The  naval  establishment  to  be  now  supported  by  Great 
Britain,  will,  of  course,  be  very  greatly  diminished,  as  our  war  with 
America,  if  persevered  in  by  our  misguided  descendants  on  the  other  side 
the  Atlantic,  can  only  employ  a  very  small  proportion  of  our  formidable 
naval  power.  Many  of  our  seamen,  therefore,  must  of  course  be  dis- 
charged, and  having  served  their  country  faithfully  for  so  ninny  years,  the 
Board  of  Admiralty,  with  becoming  and  praiseworthy  promptitude,  have 
not  failed  to  thank  them  in  the  most  public  and  gratifying  manner,  for 
their  invaluable  services,  and  to  assure  them,  that  those  who  have  served 
longest  shall  be  discharged  with  as  little  delay  as  possible. 

Having,  in  former  letters,  endeavoured  to  call  the  attention  of  the  public 
and  of  the  navy  to  the  consideration  of  ameliorating,  by  every  possible 
means,  the  situation  of  our  brave  seamen,  I  would,  now  that  peace  is 
about  to  restore  so  many  of  them  to  their  families  and  friends,  once  more 
make  a  few  observations  relative  to  the  necessity  of  impressment,  and  the 
propriety  of  employing  a'ule  seamen  only  on  boaid  our  men  of  .war,  during 
peace.  On  the  former  subject  you  have  inserted  in  your  lust  number  a 


456  CORRISfONDENCI. 

letter  of  Oceanus,  in  reply  to  opinions  formerly  advanced  by  me  under  the- 
signatures  of  Nestor  and  Albion  ;  the  last,  however,  1  did  not  write ;  but, 
with  the  exception  of  some  of  the  expressions  being  too  strong,  I  approve 
tha  sentiments;  and,  as  Oceanus's  concluding  remarks  evidently  shew  that 
our  observations  had  weight,  even  with  him  and  other  naval  men  wedded 
to  gangway  Discipline  and  impressment,  I  need  say  no  more  in  reply,  than 
that  it  is  far  from  my  wish  to  relax  the  discipline  of  the  British  navy,  or  to 
have  our  ships  lay  in  port  unmanned,  when  seamen  can  be  found :  let 
punishment  be  only  justly  and  wisely  inflicted,  and  it  will  be  less  often 
resorted  to,  and  have  more  effect  in  deterring  from  crimes  :  let  our  seamen 
serve  their  country,  but  if  possible  for  a  short  and  limited  time;  on  this 
head  I  would  now  say  a  few  words  ;  and  premising,  as  I  do,  that  in  time 
of  war  every  seaman  should  serve  histx)untry  for  a  certain  time— say  seven 
years — OB  if  the  exigence  of  the  times  (but  that  cannot  happen  again  in 
our  day,  I  presume),  during  the  war.  I  would  therefore  have  it  under- 
stood, by  every  one  going  to  sea,  that  his  country  can  call  for  his  services 
for  a  certain  number  of  years  during  war;  let  him  reckon  on  this,  and  the 
hardship  of  impressment  is  at  once  removed  ;*  if  possible,  let  seamen  be 
discharged,  if  they  wish  it,  when  their  term  of  service  expires,  and  I  am 
convinced  the  British  navy  would  be  better  manned,  and  the  service  much 
more  popular,  than  it  has  ever  yet  been.  Now,  therefore,  that  our  brave 
and  persevering  seamen  are  to  be  discharged,  let  all  able  seamen,  or 
others,  who  have  been  seven  years  in  his  Majesty's  service,  receive,  if  they 
wish  to  be  discharged,  their  certificates,  stating  their  time  of  service,  and 
that  they  will  not  be  obliged  agairj  to  serve,  except  the  necessity  of  the 
country  requires  it,  and  in  that  case  only  for  three  or  four  years;  then  they 
will  know  their  fate,  and  will  come  forward  willingly.  If  possible  all  our 
seamen,  who  have  completed  this  term  of  service,  should  now  be  dis- 
charged, or  have  it  in  their  option  ;  as  many  as  possible  should  be  re- 
tained, on  re-entering,  in  guard-ships,  and  they  should  be  able,  and  the 
crews  of  our  cruizers  should  be  completed  with  able  seamen,  who  have  not 
served  out  their  seven  years,  or  who  choose  to  continue  in  the  service  : 
and  when  the  term  of  service  is  out,  they  should,  like  the  rest,  on  every 
practicable  situation,  receive  their  discharge,  if  they  wish  it.  To  preserve 
and  cherish  /our  able  seamen, \  should  be  one  of  the  great  objects  of  the 
naval  administration  ;  and,  from  the  tenor  of  their  address  to  the  navy,  I 
arn  convinced  it  will. 

I  rejoice  to  see  that  measures  are  taking  to  increase  the  half-pay  of  both 
the  army  and  navy.  I  trust  it  will  be  made  liberal,  and  that  our  merito- 
rious defenders  will  be  made  comfortable  during  the  long  term  of  peace  we 
have  now  to  look  forward  to. 

tJi'ejfor. 

*  The  war  way  be  said  'o  have  ',  istfd  20  year*  ;  how  treat  then  tin-  sacrifice  to 
an  impressed  muii — U  is  the  length  of  service  tiiat  is  (lie  hardship  j  every  tcatuan 
ought  to  serrc. 

f  If  possible  to  retain  them  in  our  ovvn  service. 


CORRESPONDENCE.  457 

J«R.   EDITOR, 

J~kN  the  subject  of  the  half.pay  of  the  army  and  navy,  I  beg  leave  to 
suggest  to  you  the  hardship  under  which  the  WOUNDED  and  DISABLED 
part  labour,  namely,  a  deduction  of  7|  per  cent,  on  their  pensions  for  the 
civil  list,  which,  I  understand,  was  never  meant  by  the  framer  of  the  Bill 
which  is  so  perverted,  to  extend  to  pensions  of  that  description  :  it  is  more 
than  probable  that  you,  Mr.  Editor,  may  be  the  means  of  relieving  those 
deserving  men  from  an  exaction  so  truly  cruel.  —  I  have  lately  been  pro- 
fessionally employed  to  settle  the  affairs  of  a  pensioned  officer,  lately  de- 
ceased ;  and  from  his  pension  of  100/.  a  year,  I  find  the  following  deduc- 
tions to  have  been  yearly  made  ;  viz. 

Property  Tax  .......  .................     10      0 

Civil  List    ..................  .  .......       7     10 

Agency  ............................       2     10 


Making  a  deduction  of  of-^O      0 

I  do  not  presume  to  point  out  the  manner  by  which  this  may  be  re- 
medied, but  only  point  out  a  fact  for  your  better  judgment. 


MR.  EDITOR,  May  <24th,  1814. 

EVERY  impartial  reader  must  allow,  that  much  useful  information  has 
been  communicated  to  the  country  by  correspondents  through  your 
impartial  Publication,  and  much  by  A.  F.  Y. ;  yet,  in  some  things  he  appears 
to  have  his  partialities  and  prejudices.     These  are  indeed  the  lot  of  huma- 
nity; hard  to  be  separated  from  the  human  mind. 

In  page  132  of  your  30th  volume,  he  finds  fault  with  your  biographical 
selections,  no  doubt  from  a  wish  to  see  only  those  here  selected,  whom 
merit,  unforeseen  causes,  family  and  parliamentary  interest,  have  raised 
in  their  profession  to  commands  where  they  may  have  had  opportunities  of 
signalizing  themselves  in  the  service  of  their  country.  He  even  intimates, 
•'  that  the  spirit  of  your  work  has  been  lowered,"  in  this  department  of  your 
Valuable  and  national  publication,  because  you  have  not  confined  yourself 
to  such  selections,  and  filled  your  gallery  with  the  gods  and  goddesses  of 
"  blind  fortune."  He  moreover  affirms,  that  "  there  are  still  many  living 
heroes,  whose  biography  would  greatly  enrich  your  pages,  &c.  &c."  hue 
who  do  not  wish  to  appear  in  the  same  gallery  with  those  whose  talents  may 
not  have  been  of  the  first  rate ;  or,  who  may  not  have  been  elevated  to  those 
ranks  and  commands,  where  their  valour  and  judgment  might  have  shone 
conspicuous.  He  also  acquaints  you  and  your  numerous  readers,  that  you 
have  been  deprived  of  biographical  information,  for  the  reason  mentioned, 
and  because  "  innate  modesty  and  true  worth  would  not  deign  to  appear  in 
your  gallery  with  your  selection ."  What  modesty  such  reasons  bespeak  is 
for  Inm  to  say.  Does  not  such  a  reason  rather  bespeak  a  fancied  pre- 
eminence that  proudly  towers.  Does  th£  prince  blush  to  appear  in  the 

0l.  XXXI.  S  * 


CORRESPONDENCE. 

gallery  with  (he  peasant  ?  Would  Nelson  have  blushed  to  appear  with  th« 
interesting  memoirs  of  Lieutenant  Pechal?  You  are  the  best  judge  who  has 
courted  you  for  a  place,  or  whom  you  have  sought  out,  who  might  not 
otherwise  have  ever  aspired  to  the  honour.  And  surely,  Sir,  some  deference 
is  due  to  your  judgment  and  discrimination. 

"  Full  many  a  gem  of  purest  ray  serene, 
"  The  dark  unfuthom'd  caves  of  ocean  bear; 

*'  Full  many  a  rose  is  born  to  blush  unseen, 
"  And  waste  its  fragrance  on  the  desert  air."* 

Full  many  a  tar  in  fore  and  maintop  stood, 

Who  ey'd  the  battle  in  its  various  forms, 
Beheld  the  signal,  that  enrag'd  their  blood, 

That  vict'ry  strangled  in  war's  dreadful  storms. 

Full  many  a  Mid,  Lieutenant,  other  ranks, 

With  wrecks  of  fleets  have  ocean  seen  bestrew'd ; 

Who  could  have  thunder'd  on  the  flying  flanks, 
The  foe  that  'scap'd,  o'erwhelmcd  and  subdu'd. 

To  them  must  then  the  gates  of  fame  be  clos'd  ? 

In  dumb  oblivion  must  they  perish  all  ? 
The  banner'd  proud  be  only  unoppos'd, 

T' engross  all  miuds  upon  this  earthly  ball  ? 

Forbid  it  truth,  Britannia  says  forbid ; 

Forbid  it  Naval  Chronicle  of  fame  ; 
To  rescue  from  oblivion's  shade  ne'er  dread. 

However  low,  the  hero,  patriot's  name. 

If  A.  F.  Y.  could  prove  that  the  navy  and  the  country  have,  or  would  b« 
benefuted  by  the  predominancy  of  naval  men  at  the  A.  B.  then,  no 
doubt,  the  navy  and  country  would  wish  to  behold  them  always  pre- 
dominating. But  has  it  not  been  a  general  observation  in  the  navy,  that  a 
naval  first  lord,  has  generally  treated  his  own  profession  more  niggardly 
than  any  landsman  ?  And  the  specimen  we  have  had  of  a  first  lord  front 
the  army,  is  to  be  hoped,  the  first  and  the  last,  in  these  eventful  times. 
Surely  A.  F.  Y.  has  not  forgotten  what  was  emphatically  called  the  reign  of 
terror  ?  Has  he  forgotten  the  paltry  sixpence  addition  to  the  half  pay  of 
the  far  greater  part  of  commanders  and  lieutenants  at  the  peace  of  Amiens, 
to  make  up  for  a  doubling  of  the  price  of  all  the  necessaries  of  life ;  for  a 
gradual  increase  of  these  for  near  half  a  century  ?  I  call  it  paltry,  be- 
cause so  it  was  for  the  country  to  bestow  upon  such  an  occasion,  insomuch 
that  the  whole  landed  interest  blushed  when  they  came  to  understand  the 
astonishing  boon.  I  do  not  mean  that  even  sixpence  per  day  is  paltry,  on 
some  occasions,  to  inferior  officers;  it  is  only  those  who  are  straitened  in 
their  circumstances,  who  must  watch  over  them  with  the  most  rigid  eco- 
nomy, that  can  in  any  manner  set  an  estimate  upon  an  additional  sixpence 
per  day;  and  had  this  been  given  with  an  additional  shilling,  which  the 
change  of  times  surely  demanded,  it  would  have  been  more  honourable 

*  Gray'i  celebrated  Elejij. 


eOBRKSPONDENCE.  459 

for  the  country  to  bestow,  and  more  gratefully  received ;  because,  hope 
then  raised  high  would  not  then  have  sunk  back  appalled,  at  the  direful 
sound  of  an  additional  sixpence  only.  It  was  at  the  time  reported,  but 
with  what  truth  I  know  not,  that  a  ci-devant  secretary,  who  had  feathered 
his  nest,  was  a  chief  adviser  upon  the  occasion.  Those  who  dwell  in  the 
castles  of  princes  may  have  little  feeling  upon  such  occasions;  but  it 
would  be  truly  edifying  to  the  naval  profession,  and  interesting  to  the 
country  in  general,  to  know,  by  what  ways  and  means  some  have  attained 
their  present  wealth  and  state  of  grandeur;  but  "  they  are  all  honourable 
men." — I  have  been  more  miscellaneous  than  I  intended,  therefore  must 
return  to  the  constitution  of  the  A.  B.  I  have  observed,  that  the  pro- 
fession, in  general,  has  dreaded  a  naval  first  lord,  from  the  experience  it 
has  had.  Not  that  such  fears  may  always  be  realized  ;  but  a  burnt  child 
dreads  the  fire.  Though  individuals  and  locality  may  have  benefitted  by 
the  situation  of  some  of  the  naval  puisne  lords;  yet  it  may  be  doubtful  hovr 
far  the  country  has  front  the  same,  farther  than  on  professional  points,  where 
information  might  be  necessary  to  landsmen. 

Will  your  able  correspondent  A.  F.  Y.  inform  your  numerous  readers,  if 
the  naval  lords  are  not  chosen  members  for  Portsmouth  and  Plymouth, 
with  the  express  view  of  serving  those  places,  maugre  the  best  interests  of 
the  country,  as  far  as  they  can  obtain  the  ear  of  power,  or  mislead  its 
efforts  ?  Perhaps  he  ca.n  satisfy  the  country  why  Plymouth  has  lately 
become  the  emporium  for  all  squadrons  and  expeditions,  until  Hamoaze  and 
the  harbour  have  been  literally  choked  up,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the 
men  of  war  and  the  terror  of  the  inhabitants,  from  the  quantity  of  ordnance 
stores  on  hoard  of  transports  close  to  their  doors.  Will  he  inform  your 
readers  if  this  be  the  effect  of  naval  wisdom  ?  or  of  borough  interest  ?  or  of 
both  combined  ?  And  whether  no  other  situation  can  be  found  as  well  cal- 
culated to  carry  on  the  service  in  the  peninsula,  or  any  future  service  that 
shall  require  such  armaments  and  preparations  for  the  prosecution  of  wars 
that  are  to  be  directed  on  the  same  ocean,' without  crowding  Hamoaze  and 
Plymouth  harbour  as  they  have  been  ?  Was  this  caused  by  the  Amor 
Putrie  I  a  real  desire  to  serve  the  country?  or  was  it  the  effect  of  personal 
prejudice  and  misinformation  ?  These  are  serious  points  upon  which  the 
country  ought  to  be  satisfied,  before  she  come  to  a  resolution  of  constitu  • 
ting  anew  a  department  of  the  government  that  has  so  long  continued.  I 
ty  no  means  contend  that  revision  and  strict  examination  are  not  necessary ; 
but  then  it  ought  to  appear  to  whom  gross  blunders,  and  obstinate  adherence 
to  palpable  errors,  are  imputable.  One  thing  is  clear;  that  no  lord  at  the 
A.  B.  or  any  commissioner  of  the  N.  B.  ought  to  be  representative  in  Par- 
liament for  "any  naval  borough.  For  according  to  the  constitution  of  bo- 
roughs, and  of  human  nature,  there  is  danger  that  the  Amor  Patriot  wjll 
giveaway  to  selfish  considerations,  craving  on  the  one  side,  and  feeding  that 
craving  on  die  other. 

When  this  is  duly  and  seriously  considered,  it  makes  one  almost  trembl 
for  the  effects  of  unfounded  prejudice  and  parliamentary  interest,  that  place 
themselves  in  direct  opposition  to  the  best  interests  of  the  country. 

No  ministry,  no  A.  B.  ever  had  a  fairer  opportunity  of  rendering  them* 


460  CORRESPONDENCE. 

selves  gracious  in  the  eyes  of  the  country  and  of  that  bulwark  that  set 
bounds  to  the  torrent  of  revolutionary  laws,  devastating  and  consuming  Eu- 
rope ;  that  arrested  its  progress  and  prepared  the  abyss  where  the  fury  of 
its  flames  were  overwhelmed.  The  tremendous  war  that  is  closed,  has 
proved  with  what  ease  the  country  can  provide  a  suitable  maintenance  for 
those  who  have  brought  her  honourably  out  of  a  conflict  so  desperate  and  so 
trying.  Ought  it  not,  at  the  least,  to  be  proportionable  to  all  things  as  half 
a  century  ago. 

The  liberal  mind  of  the  first  Lord  of  the  Admiralty  is  well  known  ;  may 
he  finish  with  grace  and  eclat  what  his  father  began.  The  Chancellor  of 
the  Exchequer,  by  his  intimation,  is  well  disposed  ;  the  voice  of  the  country 
is  in  their  favour;  the  strong  claims  of  the  naval  service  of  Great  Britain 
speaks  aloud  ;  and  the  imperious  necessity  of  the  case  can  hardly  leave  any 
alternative. 

Although  I  may  in  some  minor  points  have  thought  differently  from 
A.  F.  Y.  yet  T  trust  we  are  agreed,  in  the  absolute  necessity  that  the  naval 
service  of  the  country  should  be  more  attended  to;  all  party  prejudice  ba- 
nished from  its  councils  ;  and  the  effusions,  or  suggestions  of  prejudice  and 
ignorance  suppressed,  before  they  can  appear  to  the  prejudice  of  the  ser- 
vice and  of  the  country. 


6Y 
*Jom 


ff 


MR.  EDITOR, 

THE  following  official  letter,  sent  to  Jonas  Rowley,  Esq.  captain  of- 
H.  M.  S.  America,  having  never  yet  been  published,  you  are  requested 
to  give  it  insertion  in  your  valuable  work. 


SIR,  H.  M.  Sloop  Swallow,  o/Frejus,  June  16th,  1812. 

IN  pursuance  of  your  directions  by  signal  yesterday  to  look  out  W.  by  S. 
nnd  information  by  telegraph  of  a  convoy  being  at  anchor,  off  the  islands  of 
St.  Margurittas,  I  used  every  exertion  to  get  to  the  westward,  and  at  day 
light  this  morning  saw  them  under  weigh,  protected  by  a  brig  of  the  largest 
class,  a  schooner,  and  several  gun  boats;  II.  M.  sloop  under  my  command 
being  then  becalmed. 

The  enemy's  brig  and  schooner  made  all  sail  towards  us,  having  a  light 
breeze  in  shore,  apparently  with  intention  of  bringing  us  to  action ;  but  on 
our  getting  a  breeze  about  6  A,  M.  they  hauled  their  wind,  tacked,  and, 
used  every  exertion  by  sweeps  and  boats  to  avoid  us;  which  they  effected 
and  stood  towards  Frejus,  as  I  informed  you  by  telegraph.  My  hopes 
were  now  small  of  their  giving  us  a  meeting,  but  a  little  after  noon,  the 
breeze  freshening,  they  a^ain  stood  off,  and  being  on  opposite  tacks,  we 
newed  each  other  fast,  (the  schooner  keeping  a  little  to  windward  of  hi^ 


CORRESPONDENCE.  461 

consort)  being  now  certain  of  weathering  the  brig  at  1  P.  M.  I  clnsed,  pas- 
sing her  to  windward  within  thirty  yards,  and  wore  close  -under  his  stern 
in  the  hope  of  keeping  his  head  off  shore,  but  unfortunately,  our  head 
braces  being  shot  away,  1  was  not  able  to  keep  so  close  as  I  intended,  by 
which  means  he  got  his  head  in  shore  in  spite  of  all  my  efforts  ;  and  I  had 
the  mortification,  after  a  close  action  of  about  40  minutes,  to  be  obliged  to 
haul  off  to  avoid  the  enemy's  batteries  on  shore,  my  opponents  making  all 
sail  in  shore. 

I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  iny  enemy  was  completely  beaten,  his 
fire  having  slackened  so  much,  that  but  a  single  gun  was  fired  from  him, 
while  we  were  in  the  act  of  wearing  off  shore. 

I  am  sorry  to  say,  we  have  suffered  much  from  the  schooner  being  able 
to  take  a  position  to  annoy  us  the  whole  time  we  were  engaged  ;  and  it  is 
with  sincere  concern  I  have  to  state  the  loss  of  several  brave  men. 

The  pleasing  task  now  remains  to  inform  you  of  the  gallant  support  I  re- 
ceived from  my  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  Daniel  O'Hea  ;  Mr.  Theed,  acting 
lieutenant;  Mr.  Crocker,  master;  and  Mr.  Ryan,  the  purser,  (who  volun- 
teered his  service  on  deck,)  who  are  all  entitled  to  my  greatest  praise;  also 
Mr.  Cole,  master's  mate,  who  I  frequently  before  had  occasion  to  mention 
in  terms  of  the  strongest  approbation.  Nothing  from  my  pen  will  ever  do 
justice  to  the  steady  gallantry  of  the  brave  fellows  I  had  thq  honour  to  com- 
mand; and  I  have  only  to  regret,  we  were  so  circumstanced  that  their  ex- 
ertions were  not  crowned  with  that  success  that  must  inevitably  have 
attended,  had  we  been  further  from  the  enemy's  shore. 

I  beg  leave  to  enclose  a  return  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  have  the 
honour  to  be,  Sir,  vour  most  obedient  humble  servant, 


<J 
Swallow.     Six  killed  and  seventeen  wounded. 

Comparative  force  in  the  above  action. 

ENGLISH. 

Swallow,  —  Sixteen  32-pounders  (carronades)  two  long  6-pounders,  and 
one  12-pounder  (carronade)  total  19  guns,  complement  120  men,  109 
on  board, 

FRENCH. 

JLenard.—  Eighteen  24-pounders  (French)  equal  to  28-pounders  English, 
two  long  9-pounders,  and  two  J2-pounders  (carronades)  one  forecastle  ; 
total  22  guns,  and  180  men. 

Qoeland.  —  Sixteen  24-pounders  (carronades)  and  113  men. 


462 
STATE   PAPERS. 


TREATY  OF  PEACE  BETWEEN  DENMARK  AND  ENGLAND. 

CONCLUDED   AT    KIEL,    JANUARY    14,    1814. 

WE,  the  undersigned,  on  the  part  of  his  Danish  Majesty,  Chamber- 
lain Bourke,  &c. ;  and  on  the  part  of  his  British  Majesty,  Edward 
Thornton,  Esq.  Envoy  at  the  Court  of  Stockholm,  having  exchanged  our 
full  powers,  have  agreed  upon  the  following  articles  :— 

I.  From  the  moment  that  this  Treaty  is  signed,  there  shall  b«  peace  and 
friendship  between  their  Majesties  the  King  of  Denmark  and  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  as  well  as  among  their  subjects  in  all  parts  of  the  world. 

Hostilities  between  them  shall  cease,  and  all  prizes  taken  from  the  sub- 
jects of  the  respective  nations  shall  be  restored  to  their  owners,  and  be 
considered  as  not  having  been  made,  from  the  moment  that  this  Treaty  has 
been  signed. 

II.  All  prisoners  of  war  shall  be  given  up  in  a  mass,  immediately  after 
this  Treaty  being  ratified,  of  both  parties. 

III.  His  British  Majesty  consents  to  restore  to  his  Danish  Majesty  all 
the  possessions  and  colonies  which  have  been  conquered  by  the  British  arms 
in  this  present  war,  except  the  island  of  Heligoland,  which  his  Britannic 
Majesty  reserves  to  himself  with  full  and  unlimited  sovereignty. 

IV.  The  restoring  of  the  colonies  shall  be  performed  according  to  the 
same  rules  and  principles  which  were  laid  down  when  his  Britannic  Majesty 
gave  up  to  his  Danish  Majesty  these  very  colonies  in  the  year  1801. 

With  regard  to  the  island  of  Anholt,  it  is  agreed,  that  it  shall  be  given 
Lack  one  month  after  the  ratification  of  the  present  Treaty,  unless  the  sea- 
son and  the  difficulty  to  the  navigation  should  oppose  the  measure. 

V.  His  Britannic  Majesty  having  agreed  upon  with  his  allies  the  Emperor 
of  Russia,  the  King  of  Sweden,  and  the  King  of  Prussia,  not  to  conclude 
either  armistice  or  peace  with  their  common  enemies,  without  their  mutual 
consent,  it  is  settled,  that  the  peace,   which  by  the  present  Treaty  is  this 
day  signed  between  the  King  of  Denmark  and  the  King  of  Sweden,  shall  in 
consequence  be  extended  to  the  above-mentioned  allies,  by  the  means  of 
negociations,  the  which  shall  be  entered  upon  as  soon  as  possible,  his  Bri- 
tannic Majesty  engaging  himself  to  employ  his  good  offices  with  his  allies, 
in  order  that  their  respective  relations  with  his  Danish  Majesty  may  be  re- 
newed upon  the  same  footing  as  they  were  before  the  war. 

His  Danish  Majesty,  relying  with  full  confidence  on  the  good  offices  of 
their  Britannic  and  Swedish  Majesties,  for  the  purpose,  as  soon  as  possible, 
of  restoring  the  peaceable  and  friendly  connections  between  his  Majesty 
the  Emperor  of  Russia  and  King  of  Prussia,  as  they  were  before  the  war, 
consents  to  make  all  hostilities  towards  the  allies  of  Great  Britain  and 
Sweden  immediately  cease.  All  prizes  which  have  been  made  since  this 
Treaty  has  been  signed,  shall  be  given  back;  his  Danish  Majesty  relying  ou 
a  complete  reciprocity  in  this  respect. 


STATE  PAPER*.  453 

VI.  His  Danish  Majesty  consents  to  take  an  active  part  with  the  Allied 
Powers  in  the  present  war  against  France,  and   to  furnish  10,000  men, 
which  are  to  join  the  army  under  the  immediate  command  of  his  Royal 
Highness  the  Crown  Prince  of  Sweden,  to  be  placed  on  the  same  footing, 
and  to  be  treated  in  every  respect  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Swedish 
troops,  which  constitute  a  part  of  the  said  army,  his  Britannic  Majesty  en- 
gaging himself  to  pay  to  his  Danish  Majesty,  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
said  troops,  a  certain  sum,  to  be  provided  for  every  month  in  this  present 
year,  in  the  proportion  of  400,000/.  sterling  a-year,  from  the  day  on  which 
they  are  placed  under  the  command  of  the  Swedish  Crown  Prince.    This 
corps  always  to  be  kept  up  in  full  number,  which  a  British  Commissary 
shall  be  authorised  to  controul. 

It  is,  however,  agreed  between  the  two  High  Contracting  Parties,  that 
these  payments  shall  be  liable  to  cease  from  the  time  his  Britannic  Majesty 
may  declare  such  troops  not  to  be  required  for  the  good  of  the  common 
cause,  or  by  the  conclusion  of  a  general  peace.  A  proper  time  shall  be  al- 
lowed, concerning  which  an  amicable  agreement  shall  be  entered  upon  for 
the  troops  to  return  to  his  Danish  Majesty's  dominions. 

VII.  The  commercial  relations  between  the  subjects  of  the  High  Con- 
tracting Parties  shall  again  return  to  the  usual  order,  as  existing  before  the 
present  war  began.     It  is  even  reciprocally  settled,  as  soon  as  possible,  to 
determine  how  these  relations  might  gain  more  strength  and  extent. 

VIII.  It  being  of  high  importance  for  his  Britannic  Majesty  and  for  the 
nation,  for  ever   to  abolish  the  Slave  Trade,  the  King  of  Denmark,  in 
union  with  the  King  of  England,  binds  himself  to  concur,  so  far  as  it  de- 
pends upon  him,  fundamentally  to  establish  this  beneficent  work,  and  to 
prohibit,  in  the  most  positive  manner,  and  by  the  most  solemn  laws,  his 
subjects  from  having  any  share  in  the  Slave  Trade, 

IX.  The  two  High  Contracting  Parties  oblige  themselves  reciprocally, 
not  to  conclude  any  peace  or  truce  with  France,  without  mutual  consent. 

X.  Whereas  his  Danish  Majestv,  in  virtue  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace  this 
day  concluded  with  the  King  of  Sweden,  has  to  his  said  Majesty  ceded 
Norway  for  a  certain  provided  indemnity,  his  Britannic  Majesty,  %vho  thus 
has  seen  his  engagements  contracted  with  Sweden  in  this  respect  fulfilled, 
promises,  in  concert  with  the  King  of  Sweden,  to  employ  his  good  offices 
with  the  Allied  Powers,  at  the  general  peace,  to  obtain  for  Denmark  a 
proper  indemnity  for  the  cession  of  Norway. 

XI.  The  sequestration  which  has  been  laid,  by  either  of  the  Contracting 
Parties,  on  property  not  already  confiscated  or  condemned,  shall  be  raised 
immediately  after  the  ratification  of  this  Treaty. 

XII.  This  article  stipulates   the  same  obligations  for  the  King  of  Den- 
mark, in  his  capacity  for  future  Sovereigns  of  Pornerania,  as  lias  been  en- 
tered into  between  the  King  of  England  and  the  Kiug  of  Sweden,  by  the 
Treaty  of  the  3d  of  March,  1813,  concerning  a  depot  of  English  merchan- 
dize at  Stralsund,  loaded  Swedish  or  British  vessels,  paying  only   one  per 
cent,  ad  valorem. 

XIII.  All  the.  Treaties  of  Peace  and  Commerce  between  the  King  of 


464  STATE   PAPERS. 

England  and  the  King  of  Denmark,  are  renewed  by  the  present  Treaty  in 
their  full  extent,  m  so  far  as  the  present  stipulations  do  not  contradict 
them. 

XIV.  This  Treaty  of  Peace  shall  be  ratified  by  the  two  High  Contracting 
Parties ;  the  ratifications  to  be  exchanged  at  Kiel  within  one  month,  or  be- 
fore if  practicable. 

Confirmed  and  concluded  by  us  undersigned,  &c.  &c. 

n>ard 
muncu 

Kiel,  14th  Jan.  1814. 

FROM  THE  LONDON  GAZETTE  OF  SATURDAY,  APRIL  23. 

Foreign  Office,  April  22,  1814. 

EARL  Bathurst,  one  of  his  Majesty's  principal  Secretaries  of  State, 
has  this  day  notified,  by  command  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince 
Regent,  to  the  Ministers  of  Friendly  Powers  resident  at  this  Court,  that 
the  restrictions  heretofore  imposed  on  the  ports  of  Italy  shall  immediately 
cease,  and  be  suspended  ;  and  that  it  shall  be  lawful  for  his  Majesty's  sub. 
jects  to  trade  in  the  same  manner  as  they  had  before  traded  in  times  of 
peace,  between  his  Majesty's  dominions  and  the  ports  of  Italy,  from  which 
the  British  flag  is  not  excluded. 

TREATY  WITH  FRANCE. 

Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace  and  Amity  between  liis  Britannic  Majesty  and 
hk  Most  Christian  Majesty,  signed  at  Paris,  the  30lh  day  of  May,  1814. 

In  the  name  of  the  most  Holy  and  Undivided  Trinity. 

HIS  Majesty,  the  King  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and 
Ireland,  and  his  Allies  on  the  one  part,  and  his  Majesty  the  King  of 
France  and  of  Navarre  on  the  other  part,  animated  by  an  equal  desire  to 
terminate  the  long  agitations  of  Europe, and  the  sufferings  of  mankind,  by  a 
permanent  peace,  founded  upon  a  just  repartition  pf  force  between  its 
States,  and  containing  in  its  stipulations  the  pledge  of  its  durability;  and 
his  Britannic  Majesty,  together  with  his  Allies,  being  unwilling  to  require 
of  France,  now  that,  replaced  under  the  paternal  government  of  her  Kings, 
she  offers  the  assurance  of  security  and  stability  to  Europe,  the  conditions 
and  guarantees  which  they  had  with  regret  demanded  from  her  former  go- 
vernment, their  said  Majesties  have  named  Plenipotentiaries  to  discuss, 
settle,  and  sign  a  Treaty  of  Peace  and  Amity  ;  namely, 

His  Majesty  the  King  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ire- 
land, the  Right  Honourable  Robert  Stewart,  Viscount  Castlereagh,  one  of 
bis  said  Majesty's  most  Honourable  Privy  Council,  Member  of  Parliament, 
Colonel  of  the  Londonderry  regiment  of  Militia,  and  his  principal  Secretary 


STATE    PAPERJ.  <f£5 

of  State  for  Foreign  Affairs,  &c.  &c.  &c.;  the  Right  Honourable  George 
Gordon,  Earl  of  Aberdeen,  Viscount  Formartine,  Lord  Haddo,  Methlic, 
Tflrvis,  and  Kellie,  &c.  one  of  the  sixteen  Peers  representing  the  Peerage 
of  Scotland  in  the  House  of  Lords,  Knight  of  his  Majesty's  most  ancient 
and  most  noble  order  of  the  Thistle,  his  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and 
Plenipotentiary  to  his  Imperial  and  Royal  Apostolic  Majesty ;  the  Right 
Honourable  William  Shaw  Cathcart,  Viscount  Cathcart,  Baron  Cathcart 
and  Greenock,  one  of  his  Majesty's  most  Honourable  Privy  Council, 
Kuight  of  his  order  of  the  Thistle,  and  of  the  orders  of  Russia,  General  in 
his  Majesty's  army,  and  his  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Plenipotentiary 
to  his  Majesty  the  Emperor  of  all  the  Russias;  and  the  Honourable  Sir 
Charles  William  Stewart,  Knight  of  his  Majesty's  most  honourable  order 
of  the  Bath,  Member  ef  Parliament,  Lieutenant-General  in  his  Majesty's 
army,  Knight  of  the  Prussian  orders  of  the  Black  and  the  Red  Eagle,  and  of 
several  others,  and  his  Envoy  Extraordinary  and  Minister  Plenipotentiary 
to  his  Majesty  the  King  of  Prussia ;  and  his  Majesty  the  King  of  France 
and  Navarre,  Charles  Maurice  de  Talleyrand  Perigord,  Prince  of  Benevent, 
Great  Eagle  of  the  Legion  of  Honour,  Knight  of  the  Black  and  the  Red 
Eagle  of  Prussia,  Grand  Cross  of  the  order  of  Leopold  of  Austria,  Knight 
of  the  Russian  order  of  St.  Andrew,  and  his  said  Majesty's  Minister  and 
Secretary  of  State  for  Foreign  Affairs;  who,  having  exchanged  their  full 
powers,  found  in  good  and  due  form,  have  agreed  upon  tl»e  following 
articles  :— 

Article  I.  There  shall  be  from  this  day  forward,  perpetual  peace  and 
friendship  between  his  Britannic  Majesty  and  his  Allies  on  the  one  part, 
and  his  Majesty  the  King  of  France  and  Navarre  on  the  other,  their  heirs 
and  successors,  their  dominions  and  subjects,  respectively. 
.  The  High  Contracting  Parties  shall  devote  their  best  attention  to  main- 
tain, not  only  between  themselves,  but,  inasmuch  as  depends  upon  them, 
between  all  the  states  of  Europe,  that  harmony  and  good  understanding 
which  are  so  necessary  for  their  tranquillity. 

II.  The  kingdom  of  France  retains  its  limits  entire,  as  they  existed  on 
the  1  st  of  January,  17  32.     It  shall  further-receive  the  increase  of  territory 
comprised  within  the  line  established  by  the  following  article: — 

III.  On  the  side  of  Belgium,  Germany  and  Italy,  the  ancient  fronne 
shall  be  re-established  hs  they  existed  the  1st  of  January,  1792,  extending 
from  the  North  Sea,  between  Dunkirk  and  Xieuport,  to  the  Mediterranean 
between  Cagnes  and  Nice,  wirh  the  following  modifications : , 

1st.  In  the  department  of  Jemappes,  the  Cantons  of  Dour,  Merbes-1 
Chateau,  Beaumont,  and  Chimny,  shall  belong  to  France,  where  the  line 
of  demarkation  comes  in  contact  with  the  Canton  of  Dour,  it  shall   pnss 
between  that  Canton  and  those  of  Boussu  and  Paturage,  and  likewise  fur* 
ther  on  it  shall  pass  between  the  Canton  of  Merbes-le-Chateau,  and  t 
of  Binck  and  Thuin. 

2.  In  the  department  of  Sambre  and  Meuse,  the  Cantons  of  WalO 
Florennes,  Beauraing,  and  Gedinne,  shall   belong  to  France;  where  t 
demarkation  reaches  thavdepartinent,  it  shall  follow  tbe  liae  which  sepm- 

0301.  XXXI.  3  o 


rates  the  said  Cantons  from  the  department  of  Jeraappes,  And  from  the  re- 
maining Cantons  of  the  department  of  Sambre  and  Meuse. 

3.  In  the  department  of  the  Moselle,  the  nfew  demarkation,  at  the  point 
where  it  diverges  from  the  old  line  of  frontier,  shall  bfe  formed  by  a  line  to 
be  drawn  from  Pcrle  to  Frerhersdorff,  and  by  the  limit  which  separates 
the  Canton  of  Tholey  from  the  remaining  Cantons  of  the  said  department 
of  the  Moselle. 

4.  In  the  department  of  La  Sarre,  the  Cantons  of  Saarbruck  and  Arheval 
shall  continue  to  belong  to  France,  ns  likewise  the  portion  of  the  Canton  of 
Lebach,  which  is  situated  to  the  South  of  a  line  drawn  along  the  confines 
of  the  villages  of  Herchen bach,  Ueberhofen,  Hilsbacb,  and  Hall  (leaving 
these  different  places  out  of  the  French  frontier)  to  the  point  where,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Querselle  (which  place  belongs  to  France)  the  linfe 
which  separates  the  Cantons  of  Arneval  and  Gttweile'r,  reaches  that  which 
separates  the  Cantons  of  Arneval  and  Lebacb.    The  frontier  on  this  side 
shall  be  formed  by  the  line  above  described,  and  afterwards  by  that  whicU 
separates  the  Canton  of  Arneval  from  that  of  Biiescastei. 

5.  The  fortress  of  Landau  having  before  the  year  1792,  formed  an  insu- 
lated point  in  Germany,  France  retains  beyond  her  frontiers,  a  portion  of 
the  departments  of  Mount  Tonnerre  and   of  the  Lower  Rhine,  for  the 
purpose  of  uniting  the  said  fortress  and  its  radius  to  the  rest  of  the  king, 
dom. 

The  new  demarkation  from  the  point  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Oberstein- 
bach  (which  place  is  left  out  of  the  limits  of  France)  where  the  boundary 
between  the  department  of  the  Moselle  and  that  of  Mount  Tonnerre 
reaches  the  department  of  the  Lower  Rhine,  shall  follow  the  line  which  se- 
parates the  Cantons  of  Weissenbourg  and  Bergzabern  (on  the  side  of 
France)  from  the  Cantons  of  Permasens  Dahn  and  Annweiler  (ou  the  side 
of  Germany)  as  far  as  the  point  near  the  village  of  Vollmersheim,  where 
that  line  touches  the  ancient  radius  of  the  fortress  of  Landau.  From  this 
radius,  which  remains  as  it  was  in  1792,  the  new  frontier  shall  follow  the 
arm  of  the  river  de  la  Queich,  which  on  leaving  the  said  radius  at  Queich- 
heim  (that  place  remaining  to  France)  flows  near  the  villages  of  Merlen- 
heim,  Knittlesheira  and  Bellieim  (these  places  also  belonging  to  France)  ta 
the  Rhine,  which  from  thence  shall  continue  to  form  the  boundary  of 
France  and  Germany. 

The  main  stream  (Thalweg)  of  the  Rhine,  shall  constitute  the  frontier; 
provided,  however,  that  the  changes  which  may  hereafter  take  place  in  the 
course  of  that  river,  shall  not  affect  the  property  of  the  islands.  The  right 
of  possession  in  these  islands  shall  be  re-established  as  it  existed  at  the  sig«- 
nature  of  the  Treaty  of  Luneville. 

6.  In  the  department  of  the  Doubs,  the  frontier  shall  be  so  regulated  as 
to  commence  above  the   Ranconniere  near  Locle,  and  follow  the  Crest  of 
Jura  between  the  Cerneux,  Pequignot,  and  the  village  of  Fontenelles,  as 
far  as  the  penk  of  that  mountain  situated  about  seven  or  eight  thousand  feet 
to  the  North-west  of  the  village  of  La  Brevine,  where  it  shall  again  fall  in 
•With  the  ancient  boundary  of  Trance. 

7.  Lit  the  department  of  the  Leimui,  the  frontiers  between  the  FrencU 


STATE    PAPERS.  4G7 

&rritory,  the  Pays  de  Vaud  and  the  different  portions  of  the  territory  of 
the  republic  of  Geneva  (which  is  tq  form  part  of  Swisserland)  remain  as 
they  were  before  the  incorporation  of  Geneva  with  France.  But  the  Can- 
tons of  Frangy  and  of  St.  Julien  (.with  the  exception  of  the  districts  situated 
to  the  north  of  a  line  drawn  from  the  point  where  the  river  of  La  Loire  en- 
ters the  territory  of  Geneva  near  Chancy,  following  the  confines  of  Sese- 
quin,  Laconex  and  Seseneuve,  which  shall  remain  out  of  the  limits  of 
France)  the  Canton  of  Reignier,  with  the  exception  of  the  portion  to  the 
east  of  a  line  which  follows  the  confines  of  the  Muraz  Bussy,  Pers,  and 
Cornier,  (which  shall  be  out  of  the  French  limits)  and  the  Canton  of  La 
Roche  (with  the  exception  of  the  places  called  La  Roche  and  Armanoy, 
with  their  districts)  shall  remain  to  France.  The  frontier  shall  follow 
the  limits  of  these  different  Cantons,  and  the  line  which  separates  the 
districts  continuing  to  belong  to  France,  from  those  which  she  does  not 
retain. 

In  the  department  of  M&ntblanc,  France  acquires  the  sub-Prefecture  of 
jChambery,  with  the  exception  of  the  Cantons  of  L'  Hopital,  St.  Pierre 
.fTAlbigny,  la  Rocette,  and  Montm«lian,  and  the  sub-Prefecture  of  An- 
necy,  with  the  exception  of  the  portion  of  the  Canton  of  Faverges  situated 
to  the  east  of  a  line  passing  between  Ourechaise  and  Marleris  on  the  side 
of  Frauce,  and  Martbod  and  Ugine  on  the  opposite  side,  and  which  after- 
wards follows  the  crest  of  the  mountains  as  far  as  the  frontier  of  the  Canton 
of  Thones ;  this  line,  together  with  the  limit  of  the  Cantons  before  men- 
tioned, shall  on  this  side  form  the  new  frontier. 

On  the  side  of  the  Pyrennees,  the  frontiers  between  the  two  kingdoms 
of  France  and  Spain,  remain  such  as  they  were  the  1st  of  January,  1792, 
and  a  joint  commission  shall  be  named  on  the  part  of  the  two  crowns,  for 
the  purpose  of  finally  determining  the  line. 

France  on  her  part  renounces  all  rights  of  Sovereignty,  Suzcrainett*  and 
of  possession  over  all  the  countries,  districts,  towns  and  places,  situated 
beyond  the  frontier  above  described,  the  principality  of  Monaco  being 
replaced  on  the  same  footing  on  which  it  stood  before  the  1st  of  January, 
1792. 

The  Allied  Powers  assure  to  Frauce  the  possession  of  the  principality  of 
Avignon,  of  the  Comtat  Venaissin,  of  the  Comte  of  Montbeilliard,  toge- 
ther with  the  several  insulated  territories  which  formerly  belonged  to  Ger- 
many, comprehended  within  the  frontier  above  described,  whether  they 
have  been  incorporated  with  France  before  or  after  the  1st  of  January, 
1792.  The  powers  reserve  to  themselves,  reciprocally,  the  complete  right 
jo  fortify  any  point  in  their  respective  states  which  they  may  judge  neces- 
,6ary  for  their  security. 

To  prevent  all  injury  to  private  property,  and  protect,  according  to  the 
most  liberal  principles,  the  property  of  individuals  domiciliated  on  the  fron- 
tiers, there  shall  he  named,  by  each  of  the  states  bordering  on  France, 
commissioners,  who  shall  proceed,  conjointly  with  French  commissioners, 
to  the  delineation  of  the  respective  boundaries. 

- — 5 r— —  •— - 

*  feudal  paramountship, 


468  STATE 

As  soon  as  the  commissioners  shall  have  performed  their  task,  map> 
hall  he  drawn,  signed  by  the  respective  commissioners,  and  posts  shall  be 
placed  to  point  out  the  reciprocal  boundaries. 

IV.  To  secure  the  communications  of  the  town  of  Geneva  with  other 
parts  of  the  Swiss  territory  situated  on  the  lake,  France  consents  that  the 
road  by  Versoy  shall  be  common    to  the  two  countries.     The  respective 
governments  shall  amicably  arrange  the  means  for  preventing  smuggling, 
regulating  the  posts,  and  maintaining  the  said  road. 

V.  The  navigation  of  the  Rhine,  from  the  point  where  it  becomes  navi- 
gable unto  the  sea,  and  vice  versd,  shall  be  free,  so  that  it  can  be  inter- 
dicted to  no  one: — and  at  the  future  congress,  attention  shall  be  paid  to 
the  establishment  of  the  principles  according  to  which  the  duties  to  be 
raised   by  the  states  bordering   on  the  Rhine  may  be  regulated,  in  the 
mode  the  most  impartial,  and  the  most  favourable  to  the  commerce  of  all 
nations. 

The  future  congress,  with  a  view  to  facilitate  the  communication  be- 
tween nations,  and  continually  to  render  them  less  strangers  to  each  other, 
shall  likewise  examine  and  determine  in  what  manner  the  above  provision 
can  be  extended  to  other  rivers  which,  in  their  navigable  course,  separate 
or  traverse  different  states. 

VI.  Holland,  placed  under  the   sovereignty  of  the  house  of  Orange, 
shall   receive  an   increase  of  territory.     The   title  and  exercise  of  that 
sovereignty  shall  not  in  any  case  belong  to  a  prince  wearing  or  destined  to 
wear  a  foreign  crown. 

The  states  of  Germany  shall  be  independent  and  united  by  a  federative 
bond. 

Switzerland,  independent,  shall  continue  to  govern  herself. 

Italy,  beyond  the  limits  of  the  countries  which  are  to  revert  to  Austria, 
ihall  be  composed  of  sovereign  states. 

VII.  The  island  of  Malta  and  its  dependencies,  shall  belong  in  full  right 
and  sovereignty  to  his  Britannic  Majesty. 

VIII.  His  Britannic  Majesty,  stipulating  for  himself  and  his  Allies,  en- 
gages to  restore  tq  his  Most  Christian  Majesty,  within  the  term  which  shall 
be  hereafter  fixed,  the  colonies,  fisheres,  factories  and  establishments  of 
every  kind,  which  were  possessed  by  France  on  the  1st  of  January,  1792, 
in  the  seas  and  on  the  continents  of  America,  Africa,  and  Asia,  with  the 
exception,  however,  of  the  islands  of  Tobago  and  St.  Lucie,  and  of  the 
isle  of  France  and  its  dependencies',  especially  Rodrigues  and  Les  Sechelie  s, 
•which  several  colonies  and  possessions  his  most  Christian  Majesty  cedes 
in  full   right  and  sovereignty  to  his  Britannic  Majesty,  and  also  the   por- 
tion of  St.  Domingo  ceded  to  France  by  the  Treaty  of  Basle,  and  'which 
liis  most  Christian  Majesty  restores  in  full  right  and  sovereignty  to  his  Ca- 
tholic Majesty. 

JX.  His  Majesty  the  King  of  Sweden  and  Norway,  in  virtue  of  the  ar- 
rangements stipulated  with  the  .Allies,  and  in  execution  of  the  preceding 
article,  consents  that  the  island  of  Guadaloupe  be  restored  to  liis  Most 
Christian  Majesty,  and  gives  up  all  the  righ'.s  he  may  have  acquired  over 
that  islautl. 


STATE  PAPERS.' 


460 


X.  Her  Most  Faithful  Majesty,  in  virtue  of  the  arrangements  stipulated 
wnh  her  Allies,  and  in  execution  of  the  8th  article,  engages  to  restore 
French  Guyana  as  it  existed  on  the  1st  of  January,  1792,  to  his  Most 
Christian  Majesty,  within  the  term  hereafter  fixed. 

The  renewal  of  the  dispute  which  existed  at  that  period  on  the  si&ject  of 
the  frontier,  being  the  effect  of  this  stipulation,  it  is  agreed  that  that  dis- 
pute shall  be  terminated  by  a  friendly  arrangement  between  the  two  courts, 
under  the  mediation  of  his  Britannic  Majesty. 

XI.  The  places  and  forts  in  those  colonies  and  settlements,  which,  by 
virtue  of  the  8th,  9th,  and    10th  articles,  are  to  be  restored  to  his  Most 
Christian  Majesty,  shall  be  given  up  in  the  state  in  which  they  may  be  at 
the  moment  of  the  signature  of  the  present  Treaty. 

XII.  His  Britannic  Majesty  guarantees  to  the  subjects  of  his  Most  Chris- 
tian Majesty  the  same  facilities,  privileges,  and  protection,  with  respect  to 
commerce,  and  the  security  of  their  persons  and  property  within  the  limits 
of  the  British  sovereignty  on  the  continent  of  India,  as  are  now  or  shall  be 
granted  to  the  most  favoured  nations. 

His  Most  Christian  Majesty,  on  his  part,  having  nothing  more  at  heart 
than  the  perpetual  duration  of  peace  between  the  two  crowns  of  England 
jtnd  of  France,  and  wishing  to  do  his  utmost  to  avoid  any  thing  which  mi"ht 
affect  their  mutual  good  understanding,  engages  not  to  erect  any  fortifica- 
tions in  the  establishments  which  are  to  be  restored  to  him  within  the  limits 
of  the  British  sovereignty  upon  the  continent  of  Indin,  and  only  to  place 
in  those  establishments  the  number  of  troops  necessary  for  the  maintenance 
of  the  police. 

Xllf,  The  French  right  of  fishery  upon  the  Great  Bank  of  Newfound- 
land, upon  the  coasts  of  the  island  of  that  name,  and  of  the  adjacent  islands 
in  the  gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  shall  be  replaced  upon  the  footing  in  which  it 
stood  in  1792. 

XIV.  Those  colonies,  factories,  and  establishments,  which  are  to  he  re- 
stored to  his  Most  Christian  Majesty  by  his  Britannic  Majesty  or  his  Allies, 
in  the  northern  seas,  or  in   the  seas  on  the  continents  of  America  and 
Africa,  shall  be  given  up  within  the  three  months ;  and  those  which  are  be^ 
yond  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  within  the  six  months  which  follow  the  rati- 
fication of  the  present  Treaty. 

XV.  The  High  Contracting  Parties  having,  by  the  4th  article  of  the  con- 
vention of  the  23d  of  April  last,  reserved  to  themselves  the  ri^lrt  of  dis- 
posing, in  the  present  Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace,  of  the  arsenals  and  ships 
of  war,  armed  and  unarmed,  which  tuny  be  found  in  the  maritime  places 
restored  by  the  2d  article  of  the  said  convention;  it  is  agreed,  that  the  said 

essels  and  ships  of  war,  armed  and  unarmed,  together  with  the  naval  ord- 
nance and  naval  stores,  and  all  materials  for  building  and  equipment  shall 
be  divided  between  France  and  the  countries  where  the  said  places  are  si- 
tuated, iu  the  proportion  of  two-thirds  for  France,  and  one-third  for  th« 
power  to  whom  the  said- places  shall  belong.  The  ships  nnd  vessels  on  the 
stocks,  which  shall  not  be  launched  within  six  weeks  after  the  *i<:nature  of 
the  present  Treaty,  shall  be  considered  as  materials,  and  after  being  broken 
yp  ^haii'be,  as  such,  divided  in  the  same  proportions. 


470 

Commissioners  shall  be  named  on  both  sides  to  settle  the  division  and 
draw  up  a  statement  of  the  same,  and  passports,  or  safe  conducts,  shall  op 
granted  by  the  Allied  Powers,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  return  into 
France  of  the  workmen,  seamen,  and  others  in  the  employment  of  France. 

The  vessels  and  arsenals  existing  in  the  maritime  places  which 
were  already  in  the  power  of  the  Allies  before  the  23d  April,  and 
the  vessels  and  arsenals  which  belonged  to  Holland,  and  especially  the 
fleet  in  the  Texel,  are  not  comprised  in  the  above  stipulations. 

The  French  government  engages  to  withdraw,  or  cause  to  be  sold  every 
thing  which  shall  belong  to  it  by  the  above  stipulations  within  the  space  of 
three  months  after  the  division  shall  have  been  carried  into  effect. 

Antwerp  shall,  for  the  future,  be  solely  a  commercial  port. 

XVI.  The  High  Contracting  Parties,  desirous  to  bury  in  entire  oblivion 
the  dissensions  which  have  agitated  Europe,  declare  and  promise  that  no 
individual,  of  whatever  rank  or  condition  he  may  be,  in   the  countries 
restored  and  ceded  by  the  present  Treaty,  shall  be  prosecuted,  disturbed 
or  molested,  in  his  person  or  property,   under  any  pretext  whatsoever, 
either  on  account  of  his  conduct  or  political  opinions,  his  attachment 
cither  to  any  of  the  Contracting  Parties,  or  to  any  government  which  has 
ceased  to  exist,  or  for  any  other  reason,  except  for  debts  contracted  towards 
individuals,  or  acts  posterior  to  the  date  of  the  present  Treaty. 

XVII.  The  native  inhabitants  and  aliens,  of  whatever  nation  or  con- 
dition they  may  be,  in  those  countries  which  are  to  change  Sovereigns, 
as  well  in  virtue  of  the  present  Treaty  as  of  the  subsequent  arrangements 
to  which  it  may  give  rise,  shall  be  allowed  a  period  of  six  years,  reckoning 
from  the  exchange  of  the  ratifications,  for  the  purpose  of  disposing  of  their 
property,  if  they  think  fit,  whether  it   be  acquired  before,  or  during,  the 
present  war  ;  and  retiring  to  whatever  country  they  may  choose. 

XVIII.  The  Allied  Powers,  desiring  to   offer  his  Most  Christian  Ma- 
jesty a  new  proof  of  their  anxiety  to  arrest,  as  far  as  in  them  lies,  the  bad 
consequence?  of  tlie  disastrous  epoch  fortunately  terminated  by  the  present 
Peace,  renounce  all  the  sums  which  their  governments  claim  from  France, 
whether  on  account  of  contracts,  supplies,  or  any  other  advances  what- 
soever, to  the  French  government,  during  the  different  wars  which  have 
taken  place  since  1792. 

His  Most  Christian  Majesty,  on  his  part,  renounces  every  claim  which 
he  might  bring  forward  against  the  Allied  Powers  on  the  same  grounds. 
In  execution  of  this  article,  the  High  Contracting  Parties  engage  reciprp- 
cally  to  deliver  up  all  titles,  obligations  and  documents,  which  relate  to  th« 
debts  they  may  have  mutually  cancelled. 

XIX.  The  French  government  engages  to  liquidate  and  pay  all   debts 
it  may  be  found  to  owe  in  countr  es  beyond  its  own  territory,  on  account 
•jf  contracts,  or  other  formal  engagements  between  individuals,  or  private 
establishments,  and  the  French  authorities,  as  well  for  supplies,  as  in  satis- 
faction of  legal  engagements. 

XX.  The  High  Contracting  Parties,  immediately  after  the  exchange  of 
t^'cratifications  of  the  present  Treaty,  shall  name  commissioners  to  direct 
and  superintend  the  execution  of  the  whole  of  the  stipulations  contained 


STATE    PAPERS,  471 

in  the  18th  and  19th  articles.  These  commissioners  shall  undertake  the 
examination  of  the  claims  referred  to  in  the  preceding  articles,  the  liquida- 
tion of  the  sums  claimed,  and  the  consideration  of  the  manner  in  which  the 
French  government  may  propose  to  pay  them.  They  shall  also  be  charged 
with  the  delivery  of  the  tides,  bonds,  and  the  documents  relating  to  the 
debts  which  the  High  Contracting  Parties  mutually  cancel,  so  that  the  ap- 
proval of  the  result  of  their  labours,  shall  complete  that  reciprocal  renun- 
ciation. 

XXL  The  dents  which  in  their  origin  were  specially  mortgaged  upon 
the  countries  no  longer  belonging  to  France,  or  were  contracted  for  the 
support  of  their  internal  administration,  shall  remain  at  the  charge  of  the 
said  countries.  Such  of  those  debts  as  have  been  converted  into  inscrip- 
tions in  the  great  book  of  the  public  debt  of  France,  shall  accordingly  be 
accounted  for  with  the  French  government  after  •  the  2^d  of  December, 
1813. 

The  deeds  of  all  those  debts  which  have  been  prepared  for  inscription 
and  have  not  yet  been  entered,  shall  be  delivered  to  the  governments  of 
the  respective  countries.  The  statement  of  all  these  debts  shall  be  drawn 
up  and  settled  by  a  joint  commission. 

XXII.  The  French  government  shall  remain  charged  with  the  re-im- 
bursement  of  all  sums  paid  by  the  subjects  of  the  said  countries  into  the 
French  coffers,  whether  under  the  denomination  of  surety,   deposit,  or 
consignment. 

In  like  manner,  all  French  subjects,  employed  in  the  service  of  the  said 
countries,  who  have  paid  sums  under  the  denomination  of  surety,  deposit, 
or  consignment,  into  their  respective  territories,  shall  be  faithfully  re- 
imbursed. 

XXIII.  The  functionaries*  holding  situations  requiring  securities,  who 
are  not  charged  with  the  expenditure  of  public  money,  shall  be  re-imbursed 
at  Paris,  with  the  interest,  by  fifths  and  by  the  year,  dating  from  the 
signature  of  the  present  Treaty.     With  respect  to  those  who  are  account- 
able, this  re-imbursement  shall  commence,  at  the  latest,  six  months  after 
the  presentation  of  their  accounts,  except  only  in  cases  of  malversation.     A 
copy  of  the  last  account  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  government  of  their 
countries,  to  serve  for  their  information  and  guidance. 

XXIV.  The  judicial  deposits  and  consignments  upon  the  "  cause  d' 
amortiisement,"  in  the  execution  of  the  law  of  28  Nivose,  year  13  (18  Ja- 
fluary,  1806,)  and  which  belong  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  countries  Franca 
ceases  to  possess,  shall,  within  the  space  of  one  .year  from  the  exchange  of 
the  ratifications  ef  the  present  Treaty,  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  autho- 
rities of  the  said  countries,  with  the  exception  of  those  deposits  and  con- 
signments interesting  French  subjects,  which  last  will  remain  in  the  "  cai<sc 
d'amurtissement?  and    will   only  be  given  up  on   the  production  of  tht 
vouchers,  resulting  from  the  derisions  of  competent  authorit.es. 

•  la  frsndi,  titularies  de  placet. 


4t4  STATE  PAPERS. 

illegally  confiscated  by  the  French  authorities,  as  also  for  the  total  or  par- 
tial loss  of  their  debts  or  other  property,  illegally  detained  under  sequester 
since  the  year  1792  (one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-two.) 

France  engages  to  act  towards  British  subjects  in  this  respect,  in  the 
same  spirit  of  justioe  which  the  French  subjects  have  experienced  in  Great 
Britain  ;  and  his  Britannic  Majesty,  desiring  to  concur  in  the  new  pledge 
which  the  Allied  Powers  have  given  to  his  most  Christian  Majesty,  of  their 
desire  to  obliterate  every  trace  of  that  disastrous  epocha  so  happily  ter- 
minated by  the  present  peace,  engages,  on  his  part,  when  complete  justice 
shall  be  rendered  to  his  subjects,  to  renounce  the  whole  amount  of  the 
balance  which  shall  appear  in  his  favour  for  support  of  the  prisoners  of 
war,  so  that  the  ratification  of  the  report  of  the  above  commissioners,  and 
tlie  discharge  of  the  sums  due  to  British  subjects,  as  well  as  the  restitution 
of  the  effects  which  shall  be  proved  to  belong  to  them,  shall  complete 
the  renunciation. 

V.  The  two  High  Contracting  Parties,  desiring  to  establish  the  most 
friendly  relations  between  their  respective  subjects,  reserve  to  themselves, 
and  promise  to  come  to  a  mutual  understanding  and  arrangement,  as  soon 
as  possible,  upon  their  commercial  interests,  with  the  view  of  encouraging 
and  encreasirig  the  property  of  their  respective  states. 

The  present  additional  articles  shall  have  the  same  force  and  validity  as 
if  they  were  inserted  word  for  word  in  the  Treaty  patent  of  this  day. 
They  shall  be  ratified,  and  the  ratifications  shall  be  exchanged  at  the  same 
time. 

In  witness  whereof  the  respective  plenipotentiaries  have  signed  and 
affixed  to  them  the  seals  of  their  arms. 

Done  at  Paris,  the  thirtieth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
eight  hundred  and  fourteen. 


nnce  ^Zse  i/Jcnevent. 
(  LS.  )     ibadtie 


(L.S.)     WatAcart. 

(L.S.)     ID  liar  ted  zJtewart.  todeu.zren* 


*  L.S.—  locus  t'gilii  i  place  of  the  seal. 


StATfc   PAPERS.  475 

3PKOM   THE   LONDON   GAZETTE   OP  TUESDAY,   MAY   31. 

Foreign-Office,  May  31. 

ARL  B  ATHURST,  one  of  his  Majesty's  Secretaries  of  State,  lias  thisday 
notified,  by  command  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  to  tha 
ministers  of  friendly  powers  resident  at  this  court,  that  the  commander  in 
chief  of  his  Majesty's  navnl  forces  off  the  coasts  of  the  United  States  of 
North  America,  has  issued  a  proclamation  dated  at  Bermuda,  on  the  25th 
day  of  April  last,  declaring  all  the  ports,  harbours,  bays,  creeks,  rivers, 
inlets,  outlets,  islands,  and  sea-coasts  of  the  said  United  States,  from  the 
point  of  land  called  Black  Point,  to  the  northern  and  eastern  boundaries 
between  the  said  United  States  and  the  British  provinces  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, to  be  in  a  state  of  strict  and  rigorous  blockade  ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
mander in  chief  had  stationed  off  the  ports  and  places  above-mentioned  a 
naval  force  adequate  to  maintain  the  said  blockade  in  the  most  rigorous 
and  effective  manner  ;  and  that  the  ports  and  places  aforesaid  are,  and 
must  be  considered  as  being,  in  a  state  of  blockade  accordingly  ;  nnd  that 
all  the  measures  authorised  by  the  law  of  nations  will  be  adopted  and 
executed  with  respect  to  all  vessels  attempting  to  violate  the  said  blockade. 

Earl  Bathurst,  at  the  same  time,  notified  to  the  said  ministers,  by  com- 
mand of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  that  the  whole  of  the 
French  troops,  which  forcibly  occupied  positions  on  the  banks  of  the  Elbe, 
having  been  removed  so  as  to  leave  that  river  free  and  secure  to  the  vessels 
of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  as  well  as  other  nations,  his  Royal  Highness  has 
judged  it  expedient  to  signify  his  commands  to  the  lords  commissioners 
of  the  Admiralty,  that  the  necessary  orders  may  be  given,  thai  all  his 
Majesty's  ships  of  war,  which  may  have  been  stationed  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Elbe,  for  the  purpose  of  blockading  the  same,  may  immediately  he 
withdrawn. 

By  his  Royal  Highness  the  PRINCE  of  WALES,  REGENT  of  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf 

of  His  MAJESTY, 

A  PROCLAMATION, 

c/  .  «_x6. 

HEREAS,  a  Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace  and  Friendship  between 
His  MAJESTY  and  His  MOST  CHRISTIAN  MAJESTY  hath  been  con- 
cluded at  Paris,  on  the  SOth  day  of  May  last;  in  conformity  thereunto,  we 
have  thought  fit,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  His  MAJESTY  hereby  to 
command,  that  the  same  be  published  throughout  all  His  Majesty's  domi- 
nions: and  we  do  declare  to  all  His.  Majesty's  loving  subjects  our  will  and 
pleasure,  that  the  said  Treaty  of  Peace  and  Friendship  be  observed  inviolably, 
as  well-  by  sea  as  land,  and  in  all  places  whatsoever;  strictly  charging  and 
cdmmanding  all  His  Majesty's  loving  subjects  to  take  notice  hereof,  and  to 
conform  themselves  thereunto  accordingly. 

Given  at  the  Court  at  Carlton-house,  the  17th  day  of  June,  1814| 
snd  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  His  Majesty's  reign. 
GOD  SAVE  THE  KING. 


W 


4t4  STATE  PAPERS. 

illegally  confiscated  by  the  French  authorities,  as  also  for  the  total  or  par- 
tial loss  of  their  debts  or  other  property,  illegally  detained  under  sequester 
since  the  year  1792  (one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-two.) 

France  engages  to  act  towards  British  subjects  in  this  respect,  in  the 
same  spirit  of  justice  which  the  French  subjects  have  experienced  in  Great 
Britaiu  ;  and  his  Britannic  Majesty,  desiring  to  concur  in  the  new  pledge 
which  the  Allied  Powers  have  given  to  his  most  Christian  Majesty,  of  their 
desire  to  obliterate  every  trace  of  that  disastrous  epocha  so  happily  ter- 
minated by  the  present  peace,  engages,  on  his  part,  when  complete  justice 
shall  be  rendered  to  his  subjects,  to  renounce  the  whole  amount  of  the 
balance  which  shall  appear  in  his  favour  for  support  of  the  prisoners  of 
war,  so  that  the  ratification  of  the  report  of  the  above  commissioners,  and 
the  discharge  of  the  sums  due  to  British  subjects,  as  well  as  the  restitution 
of  tl»e  effects  which  shall  be  proved  to  belong  to  them,  shall  complete 
the  renunciation. 

V.  The  two  High  Contracting  Parties,  desiring  to  establish  the  most 
friendly  relations  between  their  respective  subjects,  reserve  to  themselves, 
and  promise  to  come  to  a  mutual  understanding  and  arrangement,  as  soon 
as  possible,  upon  their  commercial  interests,  with  the  view  of  encouraging 
said  eiicrcasing  the  property  of  their  respective  states. 

The  present  additional  articles  shall  have  the  same  force  and  validity  as 
if  they  were  inserted  word  for  word  in  the  Treaty  patent  of  this  day. 
They  shall  be  ratified,  and  the  ratifications  shall  be  exchanged  at  the  same 
time. 

la  witness  whereof  the  respective  plenipotentiaries  have  signed  and 
affixed  to  them  the  seals  of  their  arms. 

Done  at  Paris,  the  thirtieth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
tLousaud  eight  hundred  and  fourteen. 


(L.S.) 


rmce, 


(  L.S. )     \Da4tiereaali. 
(  L.S. )     tJro&raeen . 
(L.S.)     VatAcart. 


*  L.S.— locus  t'giUi :  place  of  che  seal. 


Sf  ATfc   PAPERS.  475 

TROM   THE   LOKDON   GAZETTE   OF  TUESDAY,   MAY   31. 

Foreign-Office,  May  31. 

ARL  B  ATHURST,  one  of  his  Majesty's  Secretaries  of  State,  lias  this  day 
notified,  by  command  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  to  the 
ministers  of  friendly  powers  resident  at  this  court,  that  the  commander  in 
chief  of  his  Majesty's  naval  forces  off  the  coasts  of  the  United  States  of 
North  America,  has  issued  a  proclamation  dated  at  Bermuda,  on  the  25tti 
day  of  April  last,  declaring  all  the  ports,  harbours,  bays,  creeks,  rivers, 
inlets,  outlets,  islands,  and  sea-coasts  of  the  said  United  States,  from  the 
point  of  land  called  Black  Point,  to  the  northern  and  eastern  boundaries 
between  the  said  United  States  and  the  British  provinces  of  New  Bruns- 
wick, to  be  in  a  state  of  strict  and  rigorous  blockade  ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
mander in  chief  had  stationed  off  the  ports  and  places  above-mentioned  a 
naval  force  adequate  to  maintain  the  said  blockade  in  the  most  rigorous 
and  effective  manner  ;  and  that  the  ports  and  places  aforesaid  are,  and 
must  be  considered  as  being,  in  a  state  of  blockade  accordingly  ;  and  that 
all  the  measures  authorised  by  the  law  of  nations  will  be  adopted  and 
executed  with  respect  to  all  vessels  attempting  to  violate  the  said  blockade. 

Earl  Bathurst,  at  the  same  time,  notified  to  the  said  ministers,  by  com- 
mand of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  that  the  whole  of  the 
French  troops,  which  forcibly  occupied  positions  on  the  banks  of  the  Elbe, 
having  been  removed  so  as  to  leave  that  river  free  and  secure  to  the  vessels 
of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  as  xvell  as  other  notions,  his  Royal  Highness  has 
judged  it  expedient  to  signify  his  commands  to  the  lords  commissioners 
of  the  Admiralty,  that  the  necessary  orders  may  be  given,  that  all  his 
Ma^psty's  ships  of  war,  which  may  have  been  stationed  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Elbe,  for  the  purpose  of  blockading  the  same,  may  immediately  he 
withdrawn. 

By  his  Royal  Highness  the  PRINCE  of  WALES,  REGENT  of  the  United 
Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf 

of  His  MAJESTY, 

A  PROCLAMATION, 


W 


HEREAS,  a  Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace  and  Friendship  between 
His  MAJESTY  and  His  MOST  CHRISTIAN  MAJESTY  hath  been  con- 
cluded at  Paris,  on  the  30th  day  of  May  last;  in  conformity  thereunto,  we 
have  thought  fit,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  His  MAJESTY  hereby  to 
command,  that  the  same  be  published  throughout  all  His  Majesty's  domi- 
nions :  and  we  do  declare  to  all  His  Majesty's  loving  subjects  our  will  and 
pleasure,  that  the  said  Treaty  of  Peace  aad  Friendship  be  observed  inviolably, 
as  well-  by  sea  as  land,  and  in  all  places  whatsoever  ;  strictly  charging  and 
cdmmanding  all  His  Majesty's  loving  subjects  to  take  notice  hereof,  and  to 
conform  themselves  thereunto  accordingly. 

Given  at  the  Court  at  Carlton-house,  the  17th  day  of  June,  1814| 
»nd  in  the  fifty-fourth  year  of  His  Majesty's  reign. 
GOD  SAVE  THE  KING. 


476  HYDROGRAPHY. 

PLATE  CCCCXVI. 


CAGLIARI,  antiently  Calaris,  the  metropolis  of  the  island  of  Sar- 
dinia, is  seated  on  the  declivity  of  a  hill :  it  is  an  university ;  an  arch- 
bishopric ;  and  royal  residence.  It  was  taken  with  the  whole  island  in 
1708,  by  the  English,  who  transferred  it  to  the  Emperor,  CHARLES  VI. ;  but 
it  was  retaken  by  the  Spaniards  in  1717  ;  and  about  two  years  afterwards 
ceded  to  the  Duke  of  Savoy  in  lieu  of  Sicily.  Latitude  39°  27' N.  longi- 
tude 9°  14'  E.  from  Greenwich,  according  to  MALHAM'S  Naval  gazetteer 
(1795).  The  same  authority  describes  it  hydrographically  as  lying  4 
leagues  N.N.E.  from  Cape  S.  Roca,  or  Saroch,  with  a  great  bay  to  the  W. 
between  the  city  and  the  Cape,  having  good  anchorage  on  an  even  sandy 
shore,  the  land  of  which  is  rather  low.  Ships  may  come  to  anchor  in  3,  4, 
or  5  fathoms  sandy  ground  any  where  in  the  bay  ;  or  just  before  the  city, 
or  under  the  castle  2  or  3  leagues  from  the  city,  in  14  fathoms  sandj 
ground  ;  or  in  coming  by  night  into  the  bay,  if  unable  to  get  a  sight  of  the 
city,  they  may  anchor  and  lie  safe  till  daylight  any  where  in  14  to  16 
fathoms,  at  3  or  4  leagues  off.  The  Connoisance  des  terns  ou  des  mouvemens 
celestes,  places  Cape  Tavolaro,  the  southern  promontory  of  Sardinia,  and 
the  western  head  land  of  the  gulf  of  Cagliari,  in  latitude  40°  54'  16"  N. 
longitue  7°  23'  13"  E.  from  Paris— 9°  43'  28"  from  Greenwich. 


HYDROGRAPHY,  PILOTAGE,  &c. 


Remarks  respecting  the  west  coast,  inner  passage,  winds,  currents,  $c. 
[Continued  from  page  40S,] 

FROM  Poolo  Talour  steer  S.  56°  E.  26  miles,  and  you  will  be  abreast 
of  three  remarkable  hills  on  low  flat  land,  which  is/Ojong  Massong:* 
give  this  point  a  good  berth  of  7  miles,  and  steer  S.S.E.  nothing  eastward, 


*  OOJONG-MASSAXG  : — (or  Point  Massang)  is  situated  nearly  in  latitude 
17'  S.  about  10  leagues  S.E.b.E.  from  Ayer-bcngy  bay  ;  it  lias  a  reef  of  I'oiil 
ground  stretching  out  about  2  or  Similes;  which  should  not  be  approached 
under  17  fathoms  ;  near  the  point  are  the  three  Massang  h;iis  ;  the  middle  or 
largest  bein;z  of  tabular  form,  and  the  others  resumhiing  buy-cocks.  Between 
this  place  and  the  south  point  of  Ayer-bongy  bay,  which  is  of  middling  height, 
the  coast  is  low,  and  forms  the  bay  of  Passaman.  If  a  ship  departing  i'rom 
Ajer-bongy  intend  to  proceed  southward  withiu  the  sholes,  where  the  lead- 


HYDROGRArHT.  477 

and  you  will  pass  outside  of  all  dangers  that  lie  off  the  Ticoo  isles,  which 
are  said  to  be  many ;  and  it  is  also  said  that  there  is  a  good  passage  close 
to  those  isles,  which  is  called  the  inner  passage  :  but  I  would  not  recom- 
mend that  passage  for  ships  of  war,  nor  in  the  night  for  any  ship;  for 
nothing  can  be  gained  by  running  so  great  a  risque,  and  incurring  such 
anxiety  of  mind  as  the  attempt  must  cause.  After  having  passed  the  Ticoo 
isles,*  you  may  go  optionally  either  inside  or  outside  of  Pooh  Bandas,  at 
two  miles  distance  from  it,  and  clear  of  danger.  It  bears  from  Massong 
point  S.24°E.  38  miles;  from  Prcaman  village  S.  58°  W.  8J  miles  ;  and 
from  Padang  head  N.  27°  W.  18 f  miles.  Off  Preaman  there  are  4  islands ; 
the  northernmost  called  Poolo  Cassey.  There  is  a  passage  inside  of  these 
islands,  as  well  as  of  the  Ticoos  :  but  no  ship  has  any  business  in-shore  of 
them,  unless  traffic  be  the  object:  very  many  are  the  sholes  about  the  Ticoo 
and  Preaman  isles  ;  not  one  of  which  lie  farther  sea-ward  than  5  miles 
W.  of  the  outer  Ticoo  :  so  that  if  you  are  abreast  of  the  Ticoos,  with  6 
miles  westing  from  them,  you  may  safely  steer  S.  and  having  run  30  miles, 
you  will  have  Bandas  (or  Tojoo)  bearing  due  E.  10  miles  off;  when  you 
may  haul  in  for  the  land,  passing  5  miles  to  westward  of  Poolo  Ayre,  a 
small  island  near  the  shore;  which  bears  from  Padang  NVW.  J  N.  7  miles. 
I  have  seen  a  chart,  wherein  is  laid  down  a  shole  N.  W.  J  W.  from  Bandas 
9  miles,  having  5  fathoms  water  on  it :  I  did  not  see  it ;  nor  had  my  pilct 
any  knowledge  of  it :  however,  should  it  exist,  such  a  course  will  carry  you 
clear  of  if.  It  is  certainly  necessary  to  be  on  your  guard  against  the  same, 
as  I  have  seen  five-fathom  sholes  break  tremendously  heavy. 

We  have  now  got  along  as  far  as  Padang ;  and  having  indicated,  I  trust, 
as  good  a  passage  as  exists  there,  and  with  care  and  attention  ascertained 
the  situations  of  the  many  dangers  seen,  as  well  as  pointed  out  by  a  clever 
pilot,  1  now  have  to  speak  of  the  track  from  Padang  to  Bencoolen.  The 
coast  between  these  two  factories  is  much  better  known  than  any  other 

is  a  good  guide,  and  the  anchorage  safe,  she  ought  to  keep  in  from  5  to  8 
fathoms,  within  2  miles  of  the  shore,  until  abreast  of  Oojvng  See-carhoa,  and 
pass  that  point  about  1  mile  distant :  she  may  then  in  day-light,  borrow  towards 
the  sholes  to  12  fathoms  :  but  towards  the  main  not  under  9,  after  the  point 
bears  about  N.N.E.  when  turning  to  windward.  (HoRSBURGH.) 

*  Ticoo  : — is  the  general  name  for  a  group  of  three  islands  about  3  leagues 
S.E.  from  Massang :  they  are  small  and  woody ;  about  \\  mile  apart,  and  tho 
innermost  is  the  same  distance  from  the  main-land  of  Sumatra.  The  proper 
channel  is  within  a  mile  of  the  west  and  south  sides  of  the  outsr  island  in  14 
to  16  fathoms  in  order  to  avoid  a  shole  bearing  from  it  about  S.W.b.W.  3  or  4 
miles,  in  25  fathoms ;  over  which  the  swell  may  be  seen  to  roll  distinguishably 
•when  it  is  abreast,  if  there  be  much  sea  ;  another  shole  lies  S.W.  about  5  leagues 
from  the  outer  Ticoo,  no  ground  50  fathoms,  near  it.  Should  night  be  approach- 
ing, a  ship  may  anchor  in  9  or  10  fathoms,  with  that  island  bearing  W.  distant 
about  £  mile.  This  island  is  in  latitude  23'  "S.  and  bears  S.E-^S.  from  Point 
See-carboa.  When,  coming  near  these  islands  from  the  south,  breakers  appear 
srhich  seem  to  deny  any  safe  passage  among  them  :  but,  between  the  middle  and 
jimer  islands  there  is  a  safe  chauucl  on  either  side  of  a  small  coral  bank- 


478  HYDROGRAPHY. 

part  of  Sumatra ;  thanks  to  that  able  surveyor,  Lieutenant  J.  MAC- 
DONALD  :  his  chart  is  verified  with  great  care,  and  the  cross-bearings  with 
superior  exactness  ;  but  I  have  two  objections  to  make :  Istly,  the  coast  is 
laid  down  from  20  to  30  miles  too  far  west.  2ndly ;  the  drawing,  or 
perhaps  the  printing,  of  the  islands  and  bays,  shews  one  continued  rocky 
beach,  which  would  lead  a  person  to  suppose  it  were  impossible  to  land  in 
any  of  the  harbours ;  whereas  I  have  found  quite  the  reverse  :  most  of  the 
bays  have  a  fine  sandy  beach,  and  a  boat  may  land  on  any  of  the  islands  : 
they  all  abound  with  cocoa-nuts;  and  are  most  commonly  steep-to,  at  a 
mile  distance.  In  briefly  stating  a  few  remarks  on  our  way  to  Bcncoolen, 
although  I  shall  pay  due  respect  to  the  information  of  navigators  who  have 
preceded  me  in  this  passage,  I  cannot  give  up  my  own  opinions  founded  on 
personal  observation. 

OS Padang  are  8  islands  in  the  offing,  including  Bandas,  the  northern- 
most. There  are  divers  names  given  to  each-'by  the  natives,  and  others  : 
in  order  to  avoid  confusion,  I  shall  distinguish  them  numerically  ;  and  call 
Bandas  (or  Tojoo)  the  1st  Padang  island,  and  so  on  to  Poolo  Senaro,  the 
8th  and  southernmost.  The  situation  of  the  1st  has  been  already  shewn. 
The  2d  bears  from  Padang  head  VV.  %  N.  15  miles  ;  from  the  1st  S.E.  £  S. 
8  miles ;  no  danger  appearing  near  it.  The  3d  bears  from  Padang  W.N.W. 
ll|  miles;  and  'from  the  2d  E.  |  S.  4  miles;  no  danger  visible.  The  4th 
bears  from  Padang  VV.  £N.  12|  miles ;  and  from  the  3d  S.  W.  b.  S.  3  miles : 
We  passed  it  to  northward  2  miles :  between  it  and  the  3d,  no  danger  but 
what  you  see.  The  5th  bears  from  Padang  W.  6°  S.  9|  miles ;  and  from 
the  4th  S.  %  E.  4  miles :  a  sholc  lies  between  4th  and  5th,  making  the  pas- 
sage unsafe.  The  6th  bears  from  Padang  VV.  b.  S.  J  S.  not  quite  7  miles  ; 
and  from  the  5th  E.  7°  S.  3  miles  :  the  7th  bears  from  Padang  VV.  b.  S.'i  S. 
13  miles;  and  from  6th  VV.  S.  VV.  65  miles  :  a  shole  breaking  now  and 
then  N.E.  b.  E.  \\  mile  from  this  island.  The  8th,  or  Senaro,  bears  from 
Padang  S.S.VV.  £  W.  8  miles  ;  and  from  7th,  E.  b.  S.  \  S.  9£  miles.  There 
is  a  shole  extending  N.E.  1^  mile  from  Senaro,  breaking  sometimes. 
Another  N.  58°  VV.  3  miles,  always  breaking  heavy.  Another  S.E.  $  S.  2 
miles,  scarcely  ever  breaking.  E.N.E.  of  this  island  is  Bangas  bay  ;  on 
which  line  are  several  banks  of  8  and  5  fathoms  water.  We  sounded  on 
one  of  them,  not  larger  than  the  ship,  8  fathoms  coral  rocks,  plain  to  be 
seen  when  on  it,  but  not  before,  and  alongside  of  it  25  fathoms.  I  should 
imagine  that  in  the  N.VV.  winds,  or  in  a  hard  gale,  these  banks  must 
break,  though  perhaps  not  heavy,  being  sheltered  by  the  islands.  After 
passing  Senaro,  steer  for  .either  of  the  adjacent  islands,  passing  Poolo  Bin- 
tango  at  3  cables'  length  ;  then  rounding  Poolo  Marro  at  the  same  distance, 
by  keeping  Seronda  (a  small  island  northward  of  Bintango),  you  will  avoid 
the  sholes  lying  off  Senaro.  The  next  island  you  see  is  Poo/oNiamo;  steer 
direct  for  it ;  pass  it  on  either  side  at  pleasure,  so  near  evtn  as  £  a  mile. 
The  next  island  in  your  way  southward  is  Poolo  Paneo  ;  steer  S.E.  h.  S.  28 
miles,  and  you  will  pass  it  about  1  mile  in-shore  ;  take  care  not  to  haul  up 
farther  E.  as  you  run  a  risque  of  getting  on  a  shole  bearing  S.E.  ^  E.  from 
Niamo ;  N.  b.  W.  \  W.  from  Paueo  ;  and  W.  b.  N.  from  P.  Ayer-Basar, 
which  you  will  see  in-shore  of  you.  If  you  wish  to  go  within  side  of  all  th* 


HYDROGRAPHY.  479 

above-mentioned  islands  you  may.  Rounding  P.  Sabadda,  and  P.  Troosam, 
a  mile  distant  (within  which  is  a  commodious  safe  harbour,  called  Saytan)' 
you  may  pass  within  side  of  the  P.  Babbi-kechil,  and  P.  Babbi-basar,  and' 
»o  coast  along  to  Batang-capy  bay,  having  nothing  to  fear,  being  a  fine 
bold  share,  your  general  soundings  from  9  to  19  fathoms,  mud,  and  good 
anchorage  under  all  the  islands,  which  are  in  number  six.  I  had  a  working 
wind,  and  a  good  pilot,  which  enables  me  to  speak  confidently  from  expe- 
rience and  his  knowledge.  I  would  by  no  means  advise  the  inner  passage  : 
no  advantage  can  be  gained  by  it :  perhaps  it  may  detain  you  :  I  only  make 
known  its  existence.  After  passing  P.  Paneo,  haul  in  for  the  main,  or 
Teloor  point.  (By  the  bye,  Mr.  W.  KEUTON  places  a  shole  off  Paneo, 
bearing  E.  b.N.  2  or  3  miles,  which  beyond  a  doubt  does  not  exist;  for-I 
have  passed  here  on  every  side  at  a  mile  distance,  both  beating  down,  and 
standing  up,  along  the  coast :  but  that  is  not  the  only  instance  in  which  I 
have  found  Mr.  KERTON'S  authority  incorrect).  Off  Point  Teloor  is  Pooh 
Teloor,  from  whence  to  Poolo  Bringen,  or  Ringen,  there  are  numerous 
rocks  and  shoals  stretching  out  to  S.W.  of  Teloor,  then  S.E.  to  Bringen. 
There  are  also  4  small  islands  between  these  two  ;  about  which  and  the 
•holes  I  had  the  dissatisfaction  of  working  for  36  hours,  and  narrowly 
escaped  getting  on  a  sunken  rock  of  3  fathoms ;  by  keeping  the  shore 
close  on  board,  that  is  to  say,  at  4  or  5  miles  distance,  you  have  a  fine 
channel,  the  land  forming  a  deeply  indented  bay  to  Iridrapoor  point,  nearly 
in  the  centre  of  which  bay  is  Ayer-raja  ;  off  this  N.  W.  6°  W.  5  miles  is  a 
shole  ;  but  there  is  plenty  of  working  room.  Indrapoor  point  bears  from 
that  of  Teloor  S.  b.E.  £  E.  35  miles,  which  course,  or  fiearly  so,  you  may 
safely  steer,  having  from  20  to  26  fathoms  mud.  After  passing  Indra- 
poor, you  have  nothing  to  fear,  but  may  run  down  the  coast  in  20 
fathoms  naud  ;  liable,  however,  to  a  cast  or  two  of  the  lead  in  17 
fathoms,  hard  rock,  S.  from  Indrapoor,  8  or  10  miles.  The  next 
settlement  is  Moco-moco,  bearing  from  Indrapoor  S.  43°  E.  28  milea. 
The  next  is  Ayerpoor,  bearing  from  Moco-moco  S.  20°  E.  48  miles. 
Having  Ayerpoor  VV.  £  N.  and  Indrapoor  N.  28  W.  72  miles,  7  miles 
off-shore  is  a  very  dangerous  shole,  with  not  quite  2  fathoms  on  it  : 
you  may  know  when  you  are  in  its-  latitude,  by  being  abreast  of  low 
red  cliffs,  which  extend  along  the  coast  nearly  as  far  down  as  Ben- 
coolen :  this  rock  lies  off  the  commencement  of  those  cliffs,  which  form 
the  best  land-mark  for  it:  its  latitude  is  3°  14'  S.  longitude  101°  37'  E. 
with  15  fathoms  water  close  to  it  :  it  is  not  longer  than  a  frigate's  quarter- 
deck. You  will  also  find  a  bank  of  hard  sand,  or  rather  gravel,  beginning 
in  this  latitude,  and  extending  10  miles  off  the  land,  with  12  to  8  fathoms 
water  on  it.  You  will  carry  5  fathoms  within  two  miles  off-shore :  it  runs 
along  the  coast  down  as  far  as  3°  40'  S.  when  you  will  lose  the  red  cliffs, 
I  have  worked  on  all  parts  of  this  bank  ;  but  never  found  any  danger  ex- 
cept the  Ayerpoor  rock.  After  getting  southward  of  the  red  cliffs,  you 
will  soon  gain  sight  of  Rat  island  :  if  the  wea'her  be  clear,  you  will  see  the 
Sugar-loaf;  but  in  hazy  weather,  when  the  wind  is  S.E.  it  frequently  hap- 
pens that  Rat  island  is  made  first.  The  Sugar-loaf  is  a  fine  land-mark  :  its 
geographical  site  is  3°  44'  S.  and  102°  93' E.  that  of  Rat  island  is  3'  50' Sf 


480  HYDROGRAPHY.' 

and  10$°  21'  E.  from  Greenwich.  To  go  into  Bencoolen  anchorage  by  th« 
northern  passage,  bring  Fort  MarlborOugli*  to  bear  E.  b.  N.  and  steer  for  it 
direct  until  you  get  Rat  island  to  be  S.S.E.  when  you  may  haul-in  for  the 
island,  and  anchor  in  13  fathoms,  soft  blue  mud  :  the  centre  of  Rnt  isle 
bearing  S.  b.  W,  £  W.  Sugnr-loaf  N.  f  E.  Fort  Marlborough  E.N.E.  which 
I  take  to  be  the  best  anchorage  in  the  road.  By  the  southern  passage,  in 
orderto  avoid  Rat  island's  S.E.  shoal,  bring  F.  Marlborough  to  bearN.E.JN. 
until' the  W.  point  of  Puolo  Bay  bears  S.E.  £  S.  when  you  will  have  the 
northern  breakers  of  Rat  isle  bearing  N.W.  b.  W.  a  large  mile's  distance  ; 
then  you  may  steer  N.  rounding  to  westward  until  you  get  the  heretofore 
mentioned  anchorage's  bearings  on.  I  have  led  you  near  Rat  island  as  all 
the  dangers  about  it,  except  the  two  western  breakers,  are  visible  ;  and  I 
recommend  rounding  its  north  end  at  not  more  than -a  mile  and  half  dis- 
tance :  the  banks  bearing  from  W.N.W.  to  W.  off  Rat  island  have  5 
fathoms  on  them,  and  seldom  break  except  in  blowing  weather,  or  when  a 
heavy  swell  tumbles  into  the  bay  ;  which  frequently  happens  without  muck 
wind. 

LITERARY  NOTICE. 

Lieutenant  J.  H.  TUCKEV,  of  the  royal  navy,  has  announced  to  the 
hydrographer,  his  intention  of  publishing  a  work  :  which  he  states  to  have 
been  the  result.of  laborious  compilation  during  the  forced  leisure  of  nine 
years  captivity  j  and  is  entituled  :— — 

"Maritime  geography,  or  a  description  of  the  ocean  and  its  coasts,  com- 
prehending ;  1,  the  natural  history  of  the  ocean  ;  2,  description  of  the 
sea  coasts,  their  nature,  promontories,  indentations,  ports,  rivers,  islands, 
rocks,  sholes,  &c.  3,  maritime  commerce,  fisheries,  and  marines,  of  the 
different  maritime  nations,  together  with  historical  essays  on  the  progress 
of  maritime  geography,  and  on  the  rise  and  progress  of  the  european  com- 
merce and  establishments  in  Africa,  Asia,  and  America  ;  hydrographical 
division  of  the  globe,  explanation  of  maritime  geographical  terms,  &c. 
Tables  of  geographical  position  of.  tides,  of  the  variation  of  the  compass, 
&c.  The  wjiole  elucidated  by  notes,  and  concluded  by  an  alphabetic  list 
of  proper  names.  In  v  volumes."  f 

4  FORT-MARLBOROUGH  : — vulgo,  Bencoolen,  is  in  latitude  3°  48'  S.  longitude 
102°  28'  E.  by  mean  of  lunar  observations  taken  by  several  navigators,  and 
combined  with  chronometers.  Captain  W.  REES  made  it  22°  7' E.  irom  Point 
de  Gale  by  4  chronometers,  whose  greatest  difference,  after  a  speedy  passage 
flience,  was  4  miles,  which  will  place  it  in  102°  2?'  E.  By  the  same  chronome- 
ters, he  made  4°  25'  E.  from  F.  Marlborough  to  Batavia  ;  which  will  aho  place 
the  former  in  102°  27'  E.  allowing  the  latter  to  be  in  106°  52'  E.  which  is  con- 
sidered as  being  the  true  longitude  of  that  city  w'ithin  a  mile.  (In  most  charts 
F.  Marlborough  is  laid  down  in  102°  E.  but  the  directories  of  1801  and  1804" 
state  it  to  be  in  103°  6'  E.  by  lunar  observations.)  The  fort  and  town  are  built 
on  Oojong  [point]  Carrang,  of  moderate  elevation,  and  level  appearance  ;  bat 
the  land  in  the  country  north-Eastward  is  high  and  hilly ;  one  part  of  which, 
called,  from  its  conical  foira,  the  Sugar-loaf,  is  most  conspicuous,  and  serves  lor 
a  mark,  (HOBSBURGH). 


NAVAL    LITERATVKS. 

This  prospectus  comprises  a  number  of  important  pledges  which  the 
Hydrographcr  wishes  and  hopes  the  author  may  be  successful  in  redeeming. 
In  addition  to  the  toil  of  arrangement,  he  has  the  heavy  responsibility  of 
selection,  so  as  not  to  become  like  too  many  of  his  predecessors,  another 
accomplice  in  the  perpetuation  of  error.  We  beg  ieave  to  remind  him, 
and  do  it  not  from  vanity  or  self-interest,  but  from  the  pure  love  of  science, 
that  information  of  a  very  profitable  kind  on  almost  every  subject  enume- 
rated above,  abounds  in  the  volumes  of  the  jfBabal  <£f)toniric.  which  a 
reference  to  our  thirty-one  indexes  now  extant,  and  which  will  not  take 
him  above  an  hour  to  scrutinize,  will  enable  him  to  discover  and  convert- 
to  practical  purpose.  The  sections  of  "  Hydrography  "  alone  would  form  a 
valuable  book  ;  besides  the  incidental  papers  on  magnetism  and  naviga- 
tion, &c.  in  various  other  departments  of  this  publication.  We  beg  leave 
particularly  to  call  his  attention  to  nomenclature,  and  to  a  due  regard 
of  that  humble,'  but  useful,  branch  of  literature,  called  spelling ;  which  is 
of  some  importance  io  proper  names.  The  systematic  restoration  of  the 
primitive  or  indigenous  names  of  places,  and  the  expurgation  of  the  arbi- 
trary and  corrupt  appellations  bestowed  in  all  parts  of  the  world  by  sailors, 
and  other  illiterate  persons,  who  are  led  from  home  by  pursuits  very 
different  from  those  of  science,  would,  in  our  humble  opinions,  prove  very 
beneficial  objects  of  Mr.  TUCKEY'S  industry.  On  the  hydrographic  division 
of  the  globe,  he  may  conveniently  refer  to  vol.  vi,  p.  312,  "389,  400.  On 
the  longitude,  to  viii,  138 ;  x,  370  ;  xii,  13  ;  xxvi,  40?.  On  the  mariner's 
compass,  magnetic  variation,  &c.  to  ii,  59  ;  xv,  460 ;  ix,  21  ;  xxiv,  109  ; 
xxvii,  194  ;  xxviii,  318,  321,  400.  On  equatorial  and  southern  navigation, 
to  xxix,  218,  304.  On  oceanic  dangers,  to  i,  357  :  xix,  452  ;  xxv,  222  ; 
xxvii,  26;  xxviii,  71 ;  xxix,  220,  303.  And  more  particularly  to  the  letters 
of  our  hydrographical  correspondents  ATLAS,  and  J.  H.  at  pages  220,  and 
398,  of  the  present  volume.  Thus  may  he  propitiate  l;is  future  reviewer*, 
iiid  more  particularly 


NAVAL  LITERATURE. 


Princifles  and  Practice^/  Naval  and  Military  Courts  Martial.    By  JOHN 
a^ARTflUR,  LL.  D.  (FQurtb.  Edition.) 

THOUGH  the  title  page  indicates  that  the  work,  published  under  this 
description,  had  undergone  four  editions,  the  fact  wouki  seem  to  be 
otherwise.  It  would  be  mor»  consistent  with  the  term,  if  it  had  been  said, 
that  this  is  the  fourth  publication  of  the  author  on  subjects  congenial  with 
those  which  are  treated  in  the  voty.mes  before  us.  This  observation  is  of- 
fered, not  with  a  view  to  disparage  either  the  assertion  or  the  success  of 
(he  author,  in  this  his  laborious  undertaking ;  but  to  apprize  the  readerof 

.  <Bo[.  XXXI.  3  Q 


VATAL    LITERATURE. 

.  that  which  he  is  to  expect  from  the  promise  of  the  title  page.  This  ex- 
planation will  not  have  a  tendency  to  injure,  but  to  assist,  as  it  is  intended, 
the  interests  of  the  author,  by  shewing,  that,  instead  of  the  present  edition 
being  little  more  than  a  transcript  of  several  foregoing  impressions,  it 
partakes  in  reality,  if  not  in  name,  of  an  original  work. 

The  first  publication  of  Mr.  M'Arthur  was  purely  confined  to  the  illus- 
tration of  the  principles  of  naval  institutions,  and  the  practice  of  naval 
courts  martial.  As  it  may  be  collected  from  the  preface,  this  author  was 
the  first  who  ventured  to  tread  on  this  hitherto  untrodden  path.  The  suc- 
cess appears  to  have  been  co-extensive  with  the  confidence  that  dictated 
the  attempt. 

The  first  edition  was  exhausted  in  the  course  of  six  years,  when  the  au- 
thor  being  called  upon,  as  it  appears,  for  a  second,  endeavoured  to  make 
it  more  acceptable  to  the  public,  and  more  useful  in  its  scope,  by  grafting 
several  improvements  on  the  original  work,  and  by  an  amplification  of  its 
objects  and  contents.  Having  incidentally  touched,  with  a  view  to  eluci- 
date his  main  purpose,  on  the  practice  of  courts  martial  on  shore;  and 
having  learned  that  his  book  had  been  consulted  as  an  authority  in  such 
proceedings,  he  was  induced,  at  the  suggestion  of  military  gentlemen  of 
high  rank,  "  to  extend  his  researches  to  the  principles  and  practice  of 
courts  martial  in  both  departments  of  the  king's  service."  '  In  this  he  has 
endeavoured,  as  he  says  in  the  preface  to  the  enlarged  edition,  "  to  exhibit 
the  parallel  superstructures,  in  order  that  their  discordance  and  analogy, 
the  proportions  of  the  one  to  the  other,  and  their  comparative  merits  and 
defects,  might  be  compared  and  ascertained."  A  further  illustration  of 
these  particular  branches  of  law  is  attempted  by  a  reference  to  the  general 
principles  of  the  written  and  unwritten  law  of  England. 

The  subject  thus  amplified,  swelled  not  only  in  hulk,  but  in  importance, 
and  became,  in  consequence,  more  difficult  to  handle.  It  is  no  easy 
Achievement,  it  should  seem,  to  treut  such  extensive  and  complex  materials 
with  simplicity  and  order.  But  as  Mr.  M'Arthur  designed  not  to  go  into 
any  minute  analysis  and  comparison  of  the  different  objects  of  his  proposed 
examination,  but  to  glance  at  general  more  than  particular  discrepances 
nnd  resemblances,  he  did  not  impose  on  himself  a  task  beyond  the  strength 
which  he  felt  himself  to  possess,  and  which  he  had  exerted  so  successfully 
in  the  original  publication. 

It  was  the  principal  aim  of  the  second,  and  of  the  immediately  succeed* 
ing  edition,  to  shew  the  close  affinities  of  the  two  distinct  branches  of  law, 
referable  to  the  sea  and  land  service,  in  preference  to  their  distinctions 
and  differences  from  one  another.  And  as  they  had  many  points  in  com- 
mon, or  of  very  near  contact,  what  was  observed  of  the  one,  might  for  the 
most  part  be  predicted  of  the  other.  Hence,  what  was  advanced  seemed 
to  have  relation  to  the  illustration  of  a  single  and  not  a  complicated  sub- 
ject; so  that  the  reader,  whether  soldier  or  sailor,  regarded  the  short  oc- 
casional allusions  to  matters  not  directly  connected  with  the  particular 
object  of  his  reading,  as  so  many  aids  to  the  thorough  understanding  of  the 
treatise.  Nice  distinctions  were  not  dwelt  upon,  nor  were  they  necessary 
to  be  traced  in  a  book  of  practical  more  than  theoretical  or  experimeuUU 


NAVAL    LTTERATUUE.  48S 

knowledge,  from  which  latter  circumstance  the  reader,  who  took  up  th^ 
volume,  for  the  professional  instruction  of  which  he  stood  in  need,  was 
not  delayed  in  his  research,  in  arriving  after  a  winding  and  circuitous  route 
to  the  end  of  his  travel.  If  the  illustrative  mutter  had  so  far  preponderated 
as  to  have  a  positive  and  not  a  negative  character,  and  had  come  to  be  re- 
garded hy  one  of  the  two  classes  of  readers,  as  a  principal  rather  than  an 
auxiliary,  the  patience  ef  each,  in  his  turn,  might  have  been  expected  to 
tire  in  traversing  such  portion  of  the  field  of  enquiry  as  did  not  concern  his 
particular  search.  Mr.  M'Arthur  hit  the  happy  medium  at  first;  so  as  to 
engage  both,  without  running  the  risk  of  fatiguing  either.  He  was  fortu* 
Hate,  too,  in  observing  a  rule,  which  lie  laid  down  for  himself  at  the  onset, 
of  not  deviating  from  the  thread  of  his  pursuit,  of  not  stopping  by  die  way 
to  throw  out  any  decided  opinion  of  his  own,  or  to  venture  any  incidental 
observation,  as  he  tells  us,  "  unless  when  it  had  been  the  result  of  much 
research,  and  from  a  thorough  conviction  of  its  being  founded  on  incontro- 
vertible principles  of  law,  and  the  immutable  principles  of  justice."  Such 
determination  was  more  safe:  inasmuch  as  it  was  less  speculative  and  ha- 
zardous. , 

A  mind  like  Mr.  M''Arthur's,  more  capable  of  labour  than  susceptible  of 
fancy,  would  rather  employ  itself  in  attempts  to  perfect  what  it  had  began, 
than  engage  itself  in  any  new  design.  To  this  may  be  ascribed  the  com- 
"pletiou  ef  the  work  before  us,  in  its  present  form  and  shape ;  augmented 
in  its  size,  varied  in  its  disposition,  and  diversified  in  its  contents,  by  great 
accumulation  of  labour  if  not  of  address. 

The  fourth  abound-,  with  much  additional  information  on  all  the  heads 
embraced  by  the  preceding  editions ;  but  it  is  not,  we  apprehend,  on  that 
account  more  valuable  as  a  whole  in  the  distinct  hands  into  which  it  may 
happen  to  fall.  It  is  very  probable  that  the  author  may  have  been  com- 
plimented by  his  readers  of  various  classes,  to  whose  use  this  work  is  dedi- 
cated, which  induced  him  to  render  it  as  complete  as  his  means  would  allow, 
to  the  separate  wishes  of  each,  without  reflecting,  that  as  it  should  be  en- 
creased  to  answer  the  desires  or  expectations  of  one,  it  would  tend  in  the 
same  degree  to  weary  or  disappoint,  perhaps,  the  wishes  of  another.  And 
so  both  in  the  end  would  be  tormented  if  not  offended,  by  the  efforts  which 
had  been  made  to  gratify  them  singly,  and  which  actually  had  gratified 
them,  if  such  efforts  could  have  been  suffered  to  terminate  at  that  point^ 
where  the  separate  interest  of  the  several  parties  ceased.  But  this,  from 
the  mixed  nature  of  the  undertaking,  was  utterly  impracticable.  The  con- 
sequence is,  that  in  proportion  to  the  labour  and  to  the  swell  of  the  material, 
the  work  is  in  the  same  ratio  less  welcome  to  every  description  of  reader* 
in  succession. 

It  often  happens,  that  the  success  even  of  a  fortunate  attempt  is  not  in 
proportion  to  the  labour  bestowed  on  it;  and  still  ofteaer,  that  in  the  en- 
deavour to  please,  the  effect  is  not  commensurate  with  the  pains.  No 
wonder,  then,  that  it  has  happened  so  in  this  instance. 

The  reader,  who  may  have  to  refer  to  this  publication  for  a  particular 
purpose,  besides  having  to  wade  through  a  stream  of  information,  super- 
fluous .to  his  wants,  will  have  on  certain  occasions  to  encounter  some  gr«= 


484  NATAI,   LITERATURE. 

ti  irons  po3i'tions  and  observations,  which  might  have  been  well  spared; 
and  from  which  the  author  wisely  purposed  to  refrain  in  the  preceding 
editions.  And  it  is  to  be  lamented,  that  he  did  not  carry  with  him  the 
same  sage  resolve  to  his  future  and  progressive  labour. 

It  is  not  to  be  understood,  from  the  foregoing  remarks,  that  the  work 
tinder  review  is  filled  with  matter  in  itself  superfluous,  or  inapplicable  to 
the  general  subject, — but  that  it  is  so  in  relation,  successively,  to  one  or 
other  description  of  readers,  from  the  mixed  nnture  of  the  work.  It  is 
due,  however,  to  Mr.  M'Arthur  to  notice,  that  he  has  made  many  desir- 
able additions  to  the  present  edition;  and  more  especially  in  the  accumu- 
lation of  cases  and  precedents,  which  constitute  in  this,  as  well  as  in  the 
foregoing  editions,  the  great  value  of  his  book.  His  industry  is  most  com- 
mendable, as  is  his  sedulous  endeavour  to  arrange,  in  a  methodised  form, 
what  his  successful  enquiry  put  into  his  hands.  But  the  skill  in  arrange- 
ment is  not  perhaps  so  conspicuous,  as  the  pains  in  the  collection  of  the 
materials. 

The  first  volume  is  devoted  to  the  elucidation  of  the  principle*  of  naval 
and  military  law.  It  consists  but  of  one  book,  in  which  it  is  proposed  to 
treat—"  of  laws  in  general— origin  and  progress  of  martial  law— and  the 
fundamental  principles  of  naval  and  military  courts  martial." 

This  book  is  divided  into  12  chapters,  and  these  again  are  subdivided 
into  numerous  sections. 

The  second  volume  like  the  first,  consists  only  of  a  single  book,  touching 
principally  the  practice  of  courts  martial,  naval  and  military  ;  relative  to 
"  the  proceeding  in  bringing  offenders  to  trial — assembling  the  court — ar- 
raignment of  the  prisoner— examination  of  witnesses— rules  and  doctrines 
of  evidence,  judgment,  and  execution."  These  form  the  subjects  of  nine 
•eparate  chapters;  with  a  great  number  of  sectional  subdivisions. 

To  each  volume  is  affixed  a  copious  appendix,  consisting  of  official  do- 
cuments, legal  opinions,  &c. 

From  this  general  summary  of  the  contents,  the  reader  will  perceive, 
that  the  subject  of  enquiry  is  broad  enough,  and  that  the  fear  is  not  so 
much  for  the  author's  lack  of  matter,  as  for  the  superabundance  of  it. 
Compression  would  seem  absolutely  necessary  to  keep  *uch  a  mass  of  ma- 
terials within  any  moderate  bounds.  But  of  this  requisite  talent  the  author 
would  not  appear  to  be  sufficiently  possessed— or  possibly  the  sub-division 
of  his  chapters  into  so  many  sections,  has  tempted  him,  in  order  to  give  a 
substantive  consequence  to  each,  though  the  subject  of  it  should  be  meagre 
and  barren,  to  dilate  and  enlarge  on  it  more  than  he  otherwise  would  it  he 
had  treated  of  it  under  a  more  general  hend. 

The  principal  fault,  so  as  it  would  seem  to  us,  is  the  sub  division  of  th« 
book  into  so  many  different  heads ;  which  has  produced  a  second  fault,  almost 
a  natural  consequence  of  tlie  first,  namely,  a  diffuse  manner  of  handling  the 
multifarious  subjects  presenting  themselves  under  the  several  subdivisions. 

The  division  of  the  chapters  into  sections  seems  to  have  been  introduced 
with  a  view  to  give  a  distinctness  to  objects,  which  tlie  author  had  a  wish 
or  interest  in  keeping  distinct;  but  it  hatt  had  the  effect,  in  several  instances 
which  we  could  notice,  of  breaking  a  (subject  in  twain,  which  would  hav« 


SAVAL   LITERATURE.  485 

been  more  happily  considered,  if  it  had  been  discussed  in  an  undivided 
form.  This,  at  times,  produces  confusion,  or  renders  what  is  subsequently 
observed,  at  variance  or  irreconcileable  "with  what  had  foregone,  and  at 
others,  it  is  to  be  feared,  scarcely  intelligible  at  all. 

But  with  all  the  care  of  the  author  to  be  precise,  in  his  definitions,  pe- 
titions, and  illustrations,  it  sometimes  occurs  that  he  is  not  very  felicitous 
in  effect.  He  appears  not  very  accurate  in  some  places,  either  in  his  con- 
ception of  what  is  passing  under  his  view,  or  in  his  description  or  explana- 
tion of  it  to  his  readers. 

The  third  chapter  of  the  first  volume  may  be  cited  as  an  instance  of  the 
obscurity  to  be  found  in  certain  parts  of  the  author. 

The  following  extract  taken  from  it  will  serve  to  shew,  whether  the  ge- 
neral objections,  we  have  taken  the  liberty  to  state  in  the  foregoing  pas- 
sages, be  with  or  without  reason : 

CHAPTER  III. 
Of  Military  and  Martial  Law  and  their  Line  of  Distinction, 

SECT.  I.— MILITARY  AND  MARTIAL  LAW  DEFINED. 

Military  law,  as  exercised  by  the  authority  of  Parliament,  and  the  mu- 
.  tiny  act  annually  passed,  together  with  the  articles  of  war  framed  by  his 
Majesty,  and  the  printed  regulations  from  time  to  time  issued  for  the  re- 
gulation of  his  Majesty's  troops,  have  often  been  confounded,  by  able 
lawyers  and  writers  on  the  subject,  with  a  different  branch  of  the  royal 
prerogative  denominated  martial  law,  and  which  is  only  resorted  to  upon 
an  emergency  of  invasion,  rebellion,  or  insurrection. 

Martial  law  is  proclaimed  by  authority  of  Parliament,  and  prevails  ge- 
nerally or  partially  in  a  kingdom  for  a  limited  time,  as  latterly  in  Ireland, 
for  the  suppression  and  extinction  of  the  rebellion  which  had  so  long  un- 
happily existed.  The  authority  under  which  martial  law  is  exercised, 
when  it  prevails  in  its  full  extent,  claims  a  jurisdiction,  in  summary  trials 
by  courts  martial,  not  only  over  all  military  persons  in  all  circumstances ; 
even  their  debts  are  subject  to  enquiry  by  a  military  tribunal ;  and  every 
species  of  offence,  committed  by  any  person  who  appertains  to  the  army, 
is  tried  not  by  the  civil  judicature,  but  by  the  judicature  of  the  regiment  or 
corps  to  which  he  belongs— but  it  also  extends  to  a  great  variety  of  cases 
not  relating  to  the  discipline  of  the  army,  but  relative  to  that  state  which 
subsists  by  military  power ;  as  plots  against  the  sovereign,  intelligence  to 
the  enemy ;  which  are  all  considered  as  cases  within  the  cognizance  of  the 
military  authority. 

The  statute  for  putting  in  execution  martial  law,  usually  gives  a  power 
to  arrest  or  detain  in  custody  all  suspected  persons,  and  to  cause  them  to 
be  brought  to  trial  in  a  summary  manner  by  courts  martial,  and  to  execuf* 
the  sentence  of  all  such  courts,  whether  of  death  or  otherwise:  and  declares 
moreover,  that  no  act  done  in  consequence  of  those  powers,  shall  be  ques- 
tioned in  any  of  the  king's  ordinary  courts  of  law;  and  that  all  who  act 
under  the  authority  of  such  statute,  shall  be  responsible  for  their  cwnduct 
ifl  the  same,  only  tu  such  courts  martial. 

(To  be  continued.] 


486 


ON  the  25th  of  May,  a  Court  Martial  was  held  on  board  H.M.S.  GU- 
diator,  at  Portsmouth,  to  try  the  surviving  officers,  and  ship's  company 
of  the  Monkey  gun-brig,  which  was  lost,  on  Christmas-day,  1810,  on  the 
coast  of  France,  near  Belleisle.  It  appeared,  in  evidence,  she  had  been, 
greatly  distressed  by  a  continued  series  of  gales  of  wind,  for  nine  days 
previous  to  her  loss,  during  which  time,  she  could  not  make  an  observation 
of  her  situation,  and  that,  in  the  night  time,  she  was  thrown  miraculously 
between  two  high  rocks,  which  sheltered  the  people  from  the  effects  of  the 
heavy  sea  running  ;  that  Lieutenant  Fitzgerald,  her  commander,  jumped 
overboard,  and  was  swimming  on  shore,  when  a  heavy  sea  lifted  the 
vessel  close  to  him,  and,  from  his  shrieks,  it  was  supposed,  his  legs  were 
jammed  between  the  ship  and  the  rocks  :  he  immediately  sunk,  and  the 
receding  waves  washed  him  away. 

On  the  27th,  Lieutenant  Molyneaux  Shuldham  was  tried  for  the  loss  of 
the  Adder,  on  the  9th  December,  1806,  on  the  coast  of  France,  nrarAbre- 
v«ck.  It  appeared  that,  from  lying-to,  the  vessel  had  drifted,  and  an 
error  occurred  in  her  reckoning,  which  was  not  sufficiently  explained  to 
the  Court,  that,  in  the  night  time,  she  drifted  over  a  ridge  of  rocks,  and 
could  not  get  out;  that  Lieutenant  Shuldham,  with  great  judgment,  steered 
her  through  numerous  rocks  and  breakers  (placing  himself  at  the  fore  top- 
mast head,  from  whence,  he  could  clenrly  see  the  dangers  above  and  below 
the  water),  into  a  small  cove,  where  nil  the  people  were  saved.  The 
Court  censured  him  for  neglecting  to  heave  the  lead,  during  the  time  the 
Adder  was  lying-to,  but,  in  consideration  of  his  judgment  in  steering  her 
ashore,  by  which  the  lives  of  the  crew  were  saved,  only  admonished  him 
to  be  more  careful  in  future.  The  crew  were  acquitted. 

On  the  30th  of  May,  the  surviving  officers  and  ship's  company  of  the 
Alacrity,  sloop  of  war,  which,  when  commanded  by  Captain  Nisbett 
Palmer,  was  captured  on  the  26th  of  May,  1811,  by  the  Abeille,  French 
brig  of  20  guns,  after  an  action  of  half  an  hour,  off  Bastia,  in  the  Island 
of  Corsica.  The  Court,  from  the  circumstances  related,  agreed,  that  the 
capture  of  the  Alacrity  was  caused  by  Captain  Palmer,  her  commander,  and 
nearly  all  the  other  officers,  being  killed  or  wounded  early  in  the  action,  and 
the  captain's  not  returning  on  deck  after  having  his  wound  dressed  by  the 
surgeon  ;  that  no  blame  was  imputahle  to  the  surviving  officers  and  ship's 
company,  but  that  the  whole  of  the  conduct  of  Mr.  James  Flcxman,  the 
boatswain,  was  marked  bv  great  zeal  and  courage,  particularly  in  not 
leaving  the  deck,  although  he  was  wounded.  They  were  a'i  acquitted. 

On  the  same  day  were  tried,  Lieutenant  Snell,  and  Mr.  Thompson, 
master,  and  the  few  surviving  crew  of  the  Minotaur,  of  ?4  guns,  Captain 
Barrett,  which  was  lost  on  the  North  Hanks  Sands,  off  the  Texel  Island, 
on  her  passage  .from  the  Baltic  to  the  Downs,  in  the  winter  of  1810.  It 
appeared,  that  the  loss  of  the  ship  was  caused  by  an  error  in  the  reckoning 
ttf  the  pilots,  as  to'  tlie  ship's  situation,  they  presuming  her  to  be  near 


MARINE   LAlf.  487 

Siaith's  Knowl,  when,  at  the  time  she  struck,  she  was  60  miles  from  that 
shoal.  The  court  passed  a  sentence  of  acquittal  on  all  the  officers  and 
ship's  company.  We  are  sorry  to  say,  that  it  appeared,  in  evidence,  the 
Dutch  might  have  saved  the  people,  if  they  had  attended  to  the  urgent 
requests  of  those  who  were  fortunate  enough  to  land  first. 

On  the  30th,  Captain  C.  Otter,  and  officers,  of  the  late  frigate  Proserpine, 
were  tried  for  her  capture  by  a  French  squadron  of  two  sail  of  the  line 
and  three  frigates,  on  the  28th  of  February,  1809.  The  Court  determined 
that  the  Proserpine  was  defended  in  the  most  gallant  and  determined 
manner,  and  was  not  surrendered  until  resistance  was  of  no  avail ;  and 
Captain  Otter,  his  officers,  and  ship's  company,  were  honourably  acquitted. 

On  the  31st,  Mr.  William  Marsh,  midshipman  and  prize-master  of  a  ship 
called  the  Nunina,  was  tried  for  the  murder  of  Edward  Gromini,  one  of 
the  seamen  in  the  prize  with  him.  The  evidence  shewed,  that  Gromini 
was  of  a  very  quarrelsome  disposition,  and  would  never  do  his  duty  ;  that, 
on  the  particular  instance  in  which  he  met  his  death,  he  was  fighting,  and, 
on  being  ordered  to  desist,  and  go  aft,  he  struck  Mr.  Marsh  several  times  ; 
that  Mr.  Marsh  then  went  below  for  his  dirk,  with  which  he  returned  ;  that 
Gromini  then  knocked  him  down  by  a  blow  in  the  face,  when,  in  self- 
defence,  he  stabbed  the  deceased,  of  which  wound  he  died  in  about  five 
days.  The  Court  agreed,  that  the  mind  of  Mr.  Marsh  was  considerably 
irritated  at  the  time,  by  the  highly  mutinous  conduct  of  the  deceased,  and 
by  his  having  been  struck  by  him,  immediately  preceding  the  wound  being 
inflicted  ;  and  that,  therefore,  the  crime  of  murder  was  not  committed  by 
him,  and  did  adjudge  him  to  be  acquitted. 

On  the  31st,  Lieutenant  Treacey,  and  ship's  company,  of  the  Linnet  brig, 
which  was  captured  by  La  Glorie,  French  frigate,  of  44  guns,  on  the  25th, 
of  February,  1813,  in  the  Chops  of  the  Channel,  were  tried.  When  first  dis- 
covered, the  enemy  were  to  windward,  and,  from  her  superior  sailing,  soon 
came  within  hail,  and  ordered  the  lieutenant  to  strike  ;  instead  of  which,  the 
Linnet  crossed  her  bow,  and  received  her  broadside.  Having  then  the 
weather-gage,  she  endeavoured,  by  a  press  of  sail,  to  work  to  windward : 
but  the  Frenchmen  soon  brought  her  within  hail ;  the  Linnet  crossed  her  a 
second  time,  and  again,  a  third  time,  and  obtained  considerably  the  wea- 
ther-gage of  her,  when  some  unfortunate  long  shots  carried  away  the  fore- 
yard,  gaff,  and  bow-sprit,  which  compelled  Lieutenant  T.  then  to  strike  the 
colours.  In  once  crossing  the  enemy,  the  Linnet  carried  away  her  flying 
gib-boom.  The  Court,  in  passing  an  honourable  acquittal  on  Lieutenant 
Treacey  and  his  ship's  company,  complimented  him  for  his  judicious  and 
seatnanlike  manoeuvres,  for  his  courage  and  judgment,  and  for  his  endeavours 
t®  disable  the  enemy,  though  his  efforts  were  not  completely  successful. 

On  the  same  day,  Lieutenant  Norton  and  crew  of  the  Inveterate,  were 
tried  for  the  loss  of  that  vessel  on  the  coast  of  France,  near  Etaples  The 
evidence  related,  that,  in  a  heavy  gale  of  wind,  the  vessel  drifted  ashore, 
notwithstanding  every  exertion  was  made  to  prevent  her  falling  to  leeward. 
Lieutenant  Norton  was  consequently  fully  acquitted.  (She  was  wrecked  in 
February.) 


488  PLATE    CCCCXTM. 

Same  day,  Captain  Goddard  Blennerliasset  was  tried  for  the  capture  of 
the  late  sloop  of  war,  Challenger,  which  was  captured  by  two  French  fri- 
gates, off  the  Seven  Islands,  in  a  fog,  on  the  12th  of  March,  1811.  The 
Court  honourably  acquitted  Captain  B.  his  officers,  and  ship's  company, 
and  decreed  her  loss  was  caused  by  the  fore  top-masts  being  shot  away  » 
and  that  Captain  B's  endeavours  to  join  his  consort  the  Plantagenet,  were 
highly  praise-worthy  and  seamanlike. 

On  the  2d  of  June,  Sir  Thomas  Lavie,  his  officers,  and  crew,  were  tried 
for  the  loss  of  the  Blanch,  on  the  coast  of  France  near  Abrevack,  in  the 
month  of  March,  1807.  She  was  on  her  passage  from  Spithead,  to  join 
the  blockading  squadron  off  Brest,  under  Sir  James  Saumarez,  and,  owing 
to  the  compasses  being  affected  by  the  iron  staunchions,,  cranks,  and  arms, 
under  the  half  deck,  the  reckoning  of  the  officers  was  in  error.  The  Court, 
under  (his  consideration,  acquitted  Sir  Thomas  Lavie  and  his  ship's 
company. 

PLATE  CCCCXVII. 


BRAZIL,  the  subject  of  the  annexed  map,  is  that  eastern  portion  of 
South  America  which  may  be  taken  generally  as  bounded  on  the 
north  by  the  river  Amazones,  separating  it  from  Guiar.a  ;  on  the  east  by 
the  South  Atlantic  Ocean  ;  on  the  south  by  Paraguay  and  the  river  Plata  ; 
on  the  west  by  Peru  and  Amazonia.  Its  geographical  site  is  between  the 
equator  and  35  degrees  of  south  latitude  ;  and  between  35  and  60  degrees 
of  west  longitude  ;  extending  about  2,500  miles  in  length,  and  700  iu 
breadth.  The  population  may  be  taken  in  round  numbers  at  2  millions  ; 
thereof  about  half  a  million  are  whites;  the  same  number  of  blacks ;  and 
the  remaining  million  indigenous  natives,  improperly  called  '*  Indians." 
This  country  has  been  treated  of  in  many  parts  of  the  Jfiabal  Chronicle;  and 
its  hydrography  more  particularly  investigated  in  the  following  volumes:—* 
xiii,  177;  xix.  481  ;  xxi,  43;  xxii,  30;  xxv.  413;  xxvi,  231;  xxix,  123, 
122  ;  xxx,  49,  211 ;  to  which  the  nautical  reader  is  referred  for  much  iua« 
portant  professional  information  ;  more  especially  relative  to  the  rectifier*, 
tion  of  the  position  of  Cape  Frio,  the  south-easternmost  promontory  of  the 
coast :  and  indeed  the  pivot  on  which  the  determination  of  most  of  the 
southern  portion  rests.  The  geography  of  the  north  part  is  still  very 
nnsettled  :  and  a  scientific  and  judicious  correspondent  of  the  IB.  (C.  has 
observed  recently  (page  398)  that:—"  It  would  be  of  great  benefit  were 
the  coast  of  Brazil  to  be  surveyed,  from  Demerary  to  Cape  St.  Roque;  as 
there  are  no  good  charts  existing  of  this  part  of  the  American  coast ;  and 
even  that  cape  itself,  which  is  the  projecting  angle  of  that  continent,  seems 
not  yet  to  be  ascertained  within  12  or  15  miles  of  its  true  situation  in. 
latitude, !  although  fronted  by  a  dangerous  reef  (Roccas)  at  the  distance  of 
«cvcral  leagues."  In  most  charts  (says  the  author  of  Directions  for  sailing 
to  and  from  the  East  Indies,  <$-c.)  the  whole  coast  of  Brazil  is  placed  too 
far  westward;  therefore  ships  approaching  it  ought  to  look,  out  in  l;ime, 


.4  a 


ereqrippo  or  OHvera 


S^Salvador 
'a/aa  tie.  Todos  las  Santos 


References. 
l  Capitanery  afford 
2>  - 

3  _  _  of  Siara 

4  -  of  Rio  Irranale, 

5  -  of'J'amiba 

6  -  of  '  Tamaraca 

7  -  of  Femambuca 


9 

10  _  oflUuos 

11  -  ofForto  Seguro 

12  _  ofSpircto  Santo 

13  -  of  Rw  Janeiro 


irito  Santo  ^ 


4Jo          Xongitiult    3  5 


une  3O.1814-,  /T  J.oM^  \'-irfi/ /  7mynide  Otnt~e,2L>3,S/ioe£ane,TJeii£L>n. 


XAVAL    POETRY.  489 

ticularly  about  Cape  Ledo,  in  latitude  6°  50'  S.  there  the  bank  of  sound- 
ings  has  a  great  declivity,  the  distances  from  100  fathoms  no  ground,  to 
14  fathoms  near  the  shore,  being  only  about  3  miles.  In  latitude  8°  and  9° 
S.  the  bank  extends  much  farther  from  the  shore.  The  latitude  of  Cape 
Ledo  has  been  stated  above  :  it  is  in  longitude  35°  ?'  VV.  being  the  obser- 
vations made  in  several  well-navigated  East-India  ships.  By  ARROWSMITK 
it  is  placed  in  6°  53'  S.  35°  2'  W.  but  in  most  other  charts  it  is  laid  down 
about  40'  more  westerly,  and  to  southward  of  its  true  latitude.  In  many 
places  the  coast  of  Brazil  is  high,  and  it  may  be  said  to  be  generally  of  safe 
approach,  with  due  caution,  according  to  the  soundings;  which  are  a  good 
guidance  in  most  places.  If  a  ship  fall  in  with  the  coast  about  Cape  Ledo, 
or  Cape  St.  Augustino,  it  would  not  be  advisable  to  stand  nearer  in  than 
25  or  20  fathoms  during  night.  From  latitude  7°  to  8°,  the  direction  of 
the  coast  is  about  S.  b.  E.  From  Phernambocca  point,  in  latitude  about 
8°,  a  bay  is  formed  between  it  and  Cape  Augustino,  in  latitude  8°  28' S. 
the  two  promontories  being  nearly  on  the  same  meridian,  or  in  longitude 
34°50'W.  The  port  of  Phernambocca  and  Olinda,  in  latitude  8°  12'  S. 
is  a  place  of  great  trade,  and  a  sate  harbour  ;  but  the  entrance  to  it  is  an 
intricate  navigation  for  persons  unacquainted.  There  are  many  other  con- 
siderable harbours  on  the  coast,  little  known  to  English  navigators  ;  one  of 
vvhich  is  Porto  Seguro,  in  latitude  16°  40' S.  To  the  southward  of  Cape 
Augustino,  the  direction  of  the  coast  is  to  westward  of  south,  and  diverges 
more  from  the  meridian  between  9°  S.  and  St.  Salvador.  From  All-Saints 
Bay,  of  which  St.  Salvador  is  the  port,  the  coast  extends  nearly  on  a 
meridian,  or  S.  a  little  westerly,  to  Espirito  Santo,  in  20°  13'  S.  and  from, 
thence  it  again  takes  a  S. Westerly  direction.  Although,  as  has  already  been 
observed,  Brazil  possesses  several  good  harbours,  St.  Salvador  in  All  Saints 
Bay,  and  St.  Sebastian  in  Rio  Janeiro,  are  the  only  two  ports  frequented 
by  our  outward-bound  East-India  ships,  as  being  the  most  capacious  and 
convenient;  the  most  abundant  in  refreshments ;  and  where  the  narrow 
colonial  policy  of  Portugal  does  not  oppose  so  many  difficulties  to  access  and 
intercourse,  as  at  minor  stations. 


THE  NATIONAL  AIR  OF  "  GOD  SAVE  THE  KING." 

IOD  save  great  GEORGE  our-King, 

Health  to  our  good  old  King  ! 
God  save  the  King  ! 
Fleets  long  victorious, 
Nobly  notorious, 
Annies  as  glorious, 
Fight  for  pur  King !    • 

France,  Spain,  and  Portugal, 
Seeing  the  Tyrant  fall, 

*2ato.  Sfcron,  ffiol.  XXXI.  S  & 


490  NAVAL     POETIIT. 

Pray  for  our  King  ! 
He  dared  the  world  defy, 
And  now  had  soared  high  ; 
Boasting  of  victory, 

But  for  our  King ! 
BLUCHER  and  WELLINGTON, 
Wond'rous  deeds  you  have  done  f 

God  save  the  King  ! 
But  still  Great  Britain  sighs, 
That  her  lov'd  Sovereign's  eyes 
See  not  his  brave  Allies 

Give  France  her  King ! 
See  not  her  Lillies  grow, 
And  with  our  Roses  blow: 

God  save  the  King ! 
Shamrock  and  Thistle  too, 
Mix'd  with  the  Roses'  hue, 
He  can  no  longer  view. 

God  save  the  King  J 
Sees  not  his  Regent  Son, 
rinish  what  he  begun  : 

God  save  the  King ! 
If  statesmen  dead  can  know, 
What  passes  here  below, 
PITT,  how  thy  heart  must  glow  ! 

God  save  the  King ! 
While  loyal  subjects  here 
Gladly  sing  every  year, 

God  save  the  King ! 
For  their  dear  country's  weal, 
Teaching  the  young  to  feel, 
And,  with  religious  zeal, 
Honour  their  King ! 

i^^ptgpi 

TO  ELBA. 

ELBA  I  when  JASON  stole  the  golden  fleece, 
And  was  returning  to  his  native  Greece, 
By  chroniclers,  in  days  of  yore,  'tis  said, 
He  stopped,  and  there  a  friendly  visit  paid. 
But  now  a  guest  of  quite  a  different  cast, 
Is  doom'd  by  DESTINY'S  resistless  blast, 
To  pitch  his  tent  on  thy  contracted  strand, 
And  change  an  empire  for  a  speck  of  lu:id; 
Glad  to  escape <rom  just  RESENTMENT'S  storm, 
And  hide  behind  thy  rocks  his  hated  form. 
O  guard  him  well  J  for  Tuscany  ne'er  sent 
A  guiltier  culprit  into  banishment. 


491 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

(May — June. ) 
RETROSPECTIVE  AND  MISCELLANEOUS. 

THE  return  of  peace  has  nearly  closed  our  narration  of  naval  combats 
and  naval  victories.  The  present  month  has  been  devoted  to  regal 
pageantry — business  has  been  suspended,  and  gaiety  and  splendour  the 
order  of  the  day. 

A  desire  to  give  our  readers  the  fullest  possible  account  of  the  Royal 
Visit  to  Portsmouth  has  precluded  the  observations  we  should  otherwise 
have  made  relative  to  the. war  which  still  exists  with  America,  and  the 
people  of  Norway.  We  shall  therefore  give  a  connected  narrative  of  oc- 
currences from  the  commencement  to  the  conclusion  of  those  grand  nauti- 
cal festivities. 

On  Wednesday  afternoon  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  arrived 
in  the  town.  The  road  leading  into  the  town  from  the  Lnndport  Gates 
was  strewed  with  fine  gravel,  and  from  Portsdown  Hill  to  the  Government- 
House,  the  road  was  lined  with  no  less  than  11,000  military.  The  Ports- 
down  Yeomanry  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Colonel  Lindegren  were  in  the 
whole  13  hours  on  duty,  waiting  the  arrival  of  the  Regent,  to  escort  the 
royal  carriage  into  town.  A  salute  on  the  hill  announced  the  approach  of 
the  Royal  Visitor,  which  was  answered  by  the  ships  of  war  at  Spithead, 
and  the  artillery  on  the  battlements  of  the  town.  The  scene  from  the  hill 
to  the  Government  House  was  beautiful  beyond  description;  thousands  of 
lovely  women,  elegantly  attired,  adorned  the  windows,  waving  in  graceful 
salute  their  handkerchiefs,  as  the  royal  carriage  passed,  and  which  was 
returned  by  the  dignified  congtes,  so  characteristic  of  his  Royal  Highness  as 
an  English  gentleman.  His  Royal  Highness  was  met  by  Lieut. -Governor 
Houstoun  and  his  Staff  without  the  Landport  Gates,  which  were  locked. 
His  Royal  Highness  was  received  with  the  most  enthusiastic  acclamations 
of  loyal  respect.  His  Royal  Highness  was  received  at  the  Governme'nt- 
House  by  his  Royal  Brother  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  and  a  group  of  Offi- 
cers, naval  and  military.  The  distinguished  personage  appeared  in  the 
balcony,  accompanied  by  about  twenty  persons,  when  the  air  was  rent 
with  congratulating  applause.  The  town  was  brilliantly  illuminated,  but 
particularly  the  High  street. 

A  grand  dinner  was  provided  for  the  Royal  Visitors,  and  many  dis- 
tinguished heroes  surrounded  the  princely  table.  The  military  lined  Portsea 
to  the  Dockyard,  and  a  considerable  distance  down  the  road.  The  Emr 
peror  of  Russia  and  his  amiable  sifter,  the  Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  arrived 
in  the  evening,  as  did  also  the  King  of  Prussia, 

On  Thursday  morning  the  Royal  Personages  assembled  at  the  house  of 
the  Honourable  George  Grey,  Commissioner  of  the  dock-yard,  the  resi- 
dence of  the  Illustrious  Emperor  and  his  amiable  sister,  and  embarked  in 
royal  barges,  at  the  King's  Stairs,  in  the  dock-yard,  and  proceeded,  fol- 
lowed by  the  Admiralty  and  Navy  Boards,  &c.  and  all  the  Admirals  and 


492        NAVAL  HISTORY  Of  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

Captains  of  the  fleet  at  Spitlieacl.  When  the  boat  bearing  the  royal 
standard  had  cleared  the  harbour,  and  was  distinguished  by  the  flag-ship, 
a  general  royal  salute  was  fired  at  Spithead,  and  the  ships  manned  their 
yards.  When  his  Royal  Highness  had  arrived  on  board  the  Impregnable, 
the  royal  standard  was  there  displayed,  the  flag  of  his  Royal  Highness  the 
Admiral  of  the  Fleet  bemg  at  the  same  time  struck  in  that  ship.  The 
standard  was  saluted  bj  every  ship  with  twenty-one  guns.  The  Impreg- 
nable did  not  salute;  but  when  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent 
reached  the  quarter-deck,  three  hearty  cheers  were  given  by  that  ship 
only;  and  on  his  Royal  Highness  entering  the  cabin,  the  men  were  called 
in  from  the  yards,  which  example  was  followed  by  the  other  ships  doing 
the  same. 

The  ships  of  the  line  were  moored,  in  one  line,  from  the  north-east  to 
the  south-east  end  of  Spithead.  The  Royal  Party  proceeded  to  the  west- 
ernmost ship  of  the  line,  and  reviewed  the  whole  up  to  the  flag-ship.  On 
entering  the  quarter-deck  three  hearty  cheers  were  given  by  the  crew,  and 
a  royal  salute  of  twenty-one  guns  was  fired  from  each  of  the  vessels  in  line, 
which  had  a  most  grand  effect.  Four  frigates,  the  Galatea,  Mngicienne, 
Andromache,  and  Amphion,  got  under  weigh  and  manreuvred  whilst  the 
Illustrious  Company  were  on  board.  An  elegant  dejune  was  provided  on 
board  the  Impregnable,  consisting  of  every  delicacy  and  the  choicest 
viands.  It  was  a  most  gratifying  scene  to  behold  the  friendly  Sovereigns 
of  foreign  kingdoms  with  our  Regent,  reviewing  our  proud  national  bul- 
wark. The  majestic  appea/ance  of  the  first-rate  ships  of  war  was  at  once 
the  admiration  and  wonder  of  the  Allied  Sovereigns.  When  his  Royal 
Highness  quitted  the  Impregnable,  to  return  to  shore,  the  yards  were  again 
manned,  and  on  the  standard  being  struck  in  the  Impregnable  and  dis- 
played in  the  barge,  a  third  general  royal  salute  was  fired,  and  a  fourth, 
when  his  Royal  Highness  landed  at  Sally  Port,  of  which  notice  was  given 
by  signal  from  the  platform.  The  whole  of  the  review  was  under  the 
able  management  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  Port  Ad- 
miral of  the  i7leet,  assisted  by  the  talents  of  Admiral  Sir  R.  Bickcrton,  to 
whose  indefatigable  zeal  and  exertion  in  arranging  and  reducing  into  form 
these  proceedings,  his  Royal  Highness  the  Port  Admiral  was  pleased  to 
acknowledge  in  general  orders,  his  best  thanks.  Not  an  accident  hap~ 
pened  at  sea  during  the  day,  nor  did  we  hear  of  any  thing  very  serious  on 
shore.  The  .dinner  party  consisted  of  some  of  the  most  gallant  defenders 
of  their  country  by  sea  and  land,  and  every  delicacy  of  the  season  was 
on  the  table. 

Friday  was  a  busy  day  with  the  Regent  and  the  other  Royal  Personages. 
The  whole  assembled  in  the  dock-yard  by  ten  o'clock,  and  minutely  in- 
spected the  block  machinery,  the  copper-mills,  &c.  and  all  expressed  their 
high  satisfaction  of  the  whole.  The  Royal  Party  having  experienced  so 
l.igh  a  treatment  at  Spithead  on  the  preceding  day,  another  aquatic  ex- 
cursion was  resolved  on;  but  the  Emperor  of  Russia  and  the  Grand 
Duchess  went  to  Hasiar  Hospital,  his  Majesty  having  expressed  his  wish 
to  inspect  that  place,  rather  than  to  go  on  boaid.  His  Royal  Highness 
embarked  oil  buard  the  royal  barge,  which  was  steered  by  Capt.  Charles 


NAVAL    HISTORY   OF    THE   PRESENT    YEAU,    1814.  493?' 

t)ashwood.  The  Regent  went  afterwards  on  board  the  Royal  Sovereign 
yacht,  commanded  by  Captain  Sir  Edward  Berry,  and  afterwards  on 
board  the  Impregnable  at  St.  Helen's,  where  the  Royal  Party  viewed  the 
manoeuvres.  The  fleet  being  some  time  formed  in  line,  a  signal  was  made 
to  haul  ou  the  larboard  tack,  and  then  a  genera!  signal  for  tacking  to- 
gether, to  return  and  take  up  the  same  anchorage  as  before.  The  Royal 
Strangers  expressed  their  high  admiration  of  the  naval  tactics  displayed; 
and  the  celerity  with  which  the  men  of  war  were  got  under  weigh,  reflects 
infinite  credit  on  the  naval  commanders  and  their  crews. 

During  the  Royal  visit  to  the  Dock-yard,  the  Regent  received  intelli- 
gence, by  a  messenger,  that  the  British  Hero,  the  Duke  of  Wellington, 
would  arrive  in  che  afternoon.  The  report  spread  through  the  town  in  a 
short  time;  and  whilst  the  greater  part  of  the  immense  company  were 
afloat,  and  the  others  chiefly  assembled  on  the  ramparts  of  the  garrison, 
the  gallant  Hero  arrived  in  a  carriage  and  eight,  amid  the  acclamations 
of  the  few  who  were  fortunately  assembled.  The  Duke  got  into  his  car- 
riage, and  was  drawn  down  to  the  Government-House,  to  dine  with  the 
Prince  Regent,  by  the  respectable  body  assembled,  his  Grace,  with  much 
condescension,  returned  the  cheers  of  the  elegant  company  by  graceful 
congtes;  and  after  his  arrival  at  the  Government-House,  he  appeared  in 
the  balcony,  and  received  the  enthusiastic  cheers  of  at  least  10,000  per- 
sons assembled  on  that  spot. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  Regent  at  the  Government-House,  the  military 
Hero  was  in  waiting,  and  the  instant  his  Royal  Highness  saw  him,  he  hur- 
ried his  step  towards  him,  seized  his  hand,  and  appeared  overcome  with 
sensibility  for  the  moment.  His  Royal  Highne-s,  turning  his  head  to  the 
Sovereigns  and  Generals,  exclaimed,  "  England's  glory  is  now  complete,  it 
only  wanted  the  person  of  your  Grace".  The  Regent  and  the  Allied  Sove- 
reigns, with  Wellington,  Blucher,  De  York,  and  many  other  officers,  alike 
distinguished  for  bravery  and  talent,  both  of  the  army  and  navy,  upwards 
of  150  as  brave  men  as  ever  drew  a  sword,  dined  together. 

His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  after  the  levee  this  morning, 
presented  the  Honourable  George  Grey,  commissioner  of  the  dock-yard, 
with  the  patent  of  a  baronetcy;  and  conferred  the  honour  of  knighthood 
pn  the  following  gallant  omcers-and  distinguished  characters  ;  viz.— Vice- 
Admiral  George  Martin;  Henry  White,  Esq.  Mayor  of  the  borough; 
Captain  Freeman  Barton,  of  the  2d  or  Queen's  Regiment;  Colonel  Ro- 
barts,  of  the  10th  Hussars;  the  two  latter  officers  commanded  the  Guards 
of  Honour  on  this  occasion.  Admirals  Sir  Edward  Nagle,  and  Sir  John 
Pool  Beresford,  kissed  hands  on  being  appointed  naval  aides-de-camp  to 
the  Regent;  as  did  also  Colonels  Barnard,  Craven,  and  Harvey,  on  being 
appointed  aides-de-camp.  General  Bay  ley  wa&  the  equerry  in  waiting, 
and  Lord  Forbes,  aide-de-camp  in  waiting,  during  the  visit. 

The  last  grand  spectacle  was  that  of  the  military  review  upon  Portsdown 
Hill.  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Wellington  left  the  town  in  the  morning  for 
London.  At  eleven  o'clock  the  Prince  Regent,  and  the  Allied  Sovereigns 
and  retinue,  left  Portsmouth  for  Portsdowu  Hill.  About  7,000  troops 


494  NAVAL    HISTORY    OF   THE    PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

were  drawn  up  in  review  order,  and  the  Regent  and  the  Illustrious  Visitort 
having  stationed  themselves  in  front  of  the  line  on  horseback,  the  infantry 
pas-ed  by  in  companies  in  review  order,  the  dragoons  keeping  the  ground. 
His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  rode  his  beautiful  white  charger, 
and  the  Allied  Potentates,  the  Generals  and  suite  were  mounted  likewise. 
The  tine  was  then  formed,  and  the  Prince  Regent  and  his  suite  rode  down 
and  inspected  them,  and  drove  off  for  Goodwood,  to  breakfast  with  his 
Grace  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  and  from  thence  the  Illustrious  Party 
would  proceed  to  Petworth,  the  seat  of  the  Earl  of  Egremont,  10  sleep, 
j*nd  to  proceed  to  Brighton,  on  their  way  to  Dover,  where  they  will  stay 
on  Saturday  night.  Thus  has  ended  the  grandest  scenes  perhaps  ever  wit- 
nessed in  this  country.  On  the  hill  at  Portsdown,  another  of  those  ro- 
mantic scenes  presented  itself,  which  inspired  the  mind  with  the  grandest 
and  most  fanciful  ideas  of  delight.  The  hill  commands  a  beautiful  view 
of  Spithead  from  east  to  west,  and  also  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  two  or 
three  counties,  and  the  numbers  present  presented  a  beautiful  spectacle. 
We  have  endeavoured  to  give  a  history  of  the  whole  of  the  grand  spec- 
tacles and  festivities  which  occurred,  but  it  is  impo-sible  to  convey  to  the 
reader  who  was  not  present,  any  thing  like  the  grandeur  of  ti.e  whole. 
The  Prince  Regent  has  expressed  his  high  satisfaction,  and  the  Allied 
Sovereigns  have  left  the  place  inspired  with  wonder  and  delight.  From  the 
•very  able  management  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  as 
Fo<;t- Admiral,  and  that  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Houstoun,  the  military 
commandant,  not  a  life  has  been  lost  during  all  the  bustle. 
The  following  order  was  issued  this  morning  to  the  fleet :— ? 

tt  His  R.  II.  the  Duke  of  Clarence  cannot  quit  this  anchorage,  and  re- 
sign the  command  of  the  distinguished  Officers,  Seamen,  and  Royal  Ma- 
rines, he  has  had  under  him,  on  this  particular  and  very  flattering  occasion^ 
without  expressing  his  entire  approbation  of  the  attention  that  has  been 
•hewn  by  all  descriptions  of  officers  and  men  whilst  under  his  orders. 

u  If  his  Royal  Highness  does  not  particularise  individuals,  it  is  only  be- 
cause he  has  every  reason  to  be  most  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  conduct 
of  all  ;  but  his  Royal  Highness  nevertheless  must  express  liis  particular 
thanks  to  Admiral  Sir  Richard  Bickerton,  Bart,  and  also  to  Rear-Admiral 
the  Hon.  Henry  Blackwood,  Captain  of  the  fleet,  for  their  marked  atten- 
tion and  great  assistance  on  this  occasion."— Impregnable,  June  25. 

At  the  Emperor  Alexander's  visit  to  the  Royal  Hospital  at  Haslar, Harry 
Gibbs,  Esq.  among  a  numerous  assemblage  of  medical  gentlemen,  was  in- 
troduced ;  when  the  Emperor  recognized  in  him  the  father  of  Harry  Leake 
Gibbs,  Esq.  who  is  Operator  in  Anatomy  to  the  Russian  navy  (residing  at 
Petersburg!))  ;  and  the  Emperor  was  pleased  to  express  himself  in  terms 
of  much  gratification  of  the  skill  and  good  conduct  of  that  gentleman. 


KAVAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YE.VRj    1814*  495 

CREOLE  AND  ASTREA  FRIGATES. 

The  following  particulars  of  the  action  between  the  British  frigates  Creole 
and  Astrea  and  two  French  frigates  L'Ktoile  and  Sultan,  on  the  23d  of 
January  last,  have  never  yet  appeared  before  the  public.  They  were  kindly 
transmitted  to  us  by  an  officer  who  received  them  from  one  engaged  in  the 
action :— • 

"  His  Majetty't  ship  Astrea,  Sierra  Leone,  March  3,  1814. 

"  Wo  sailed  from  Spithead  in  company  with  the  Creole  and  Voloutaire, 
under  sealed  orders ;  we  convoyed  the  latter  off  the  rock  of  Lisbon  ;  from 
the nre  we  sailed  to  Madeira,  where  we  found  the  Cyane,  which  a  week 
before  bad  been  chased  by  two  French  frigates  and  a  brig,  completed  our 
water, &c.  and  steered  for  the  Canaries.  Cruised  about  Palma  three  or  four 
davs;  then  pushed  for  Teneriffe,  where  we  foand  a  packet,  which  had  been  in 
action  with  an  American  privateer,  and  lost  her  captain,  master,  &c.  The 
third  day  we  started  from  thence,  and  visited  every  one  of  the  Canary  isles, 
circumnavigating  the  whole;  the  Grand  Canary  was  the  last;  there  we  an- 
chored, but  were  very  glad  to  be  off,  being  in  much  danger  of  going  ashore. 
From  thence  we  made  for  the  coast  of  Africa;  called  at  Senegal,  on  the 
river  Niger,  and  anchored  there  for  some  hours.  Sailed  for  Cape  de  Verd ; 
anchored  and  watered  at  the  Isle  of  Goree  ;  steered  for  Cape  de  Verd  Isle, 
and  made  the  Isle  of  Salt ;  from  thence  to  Fortaventura  and  Mayo,  which 
we  made  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  January.  At  nine  A.  M.  rounding 
the  S.  E.  end,  we  saw  several  ships  at  anchor,  two  of  them  frigates ;  we 
made  private  signals,  but  received  no  answer.  The  Creole  made  signal  to 
clear  for  action — we  were  soon  ready ;  I  suppose  three  quarters  of  an  hour 
elapsed  after  we  wore,  from  the  point  we  had  to  haul  round.  We  were 
following  the  commander.  Close  reefed  the  topsails.  Observed  the  strange 
frigates  hoist  their  yards  to  the  mast-heads,  as  did  a  large  ship,  which  we 
took  to  be  a  transport.  When  we  got  within  two  gun-shots,  they  cut  both 
their  springs  and  cables,  and  made  sail ;  it  was  then  nacessary  for  us  to 
make  more  sail ;  the  commander  let  out  one  reef,  then,  a  second,  during 
which  we  split  all  three  topsails;  no  time  was  to  be  lost,  we  were  obliged 
to  hoist  them,  and  set  the  top-gallant-sails,  the  wind  blowing  very  fresh. 
At  this  time  the  mizen-top-sail  split;  however  it  held  on,  and  we  got  ano- 
ther topsail  ready  in  the  top.  About  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes  P.  M. 
the  Creole  gut  up,  commenced  action,  and  fired  about  three  broadsides, 
when  we  ran  up,  and  passed  between  the  Creole  and  her  opponent,  lay 
alongside  her,  yard-arm  and  yard-arm,  and  gave  her  three  most  destructive 
broadsides,  which  completely  silenced  her  for  the  time;  her  mizen  mast 
goiirj^at  the  time  of  our  second  broadside,  we,  consequently,  shaped  our 
course  for  the  French  commander,  who  lay  a  long  gun-range  a- head  of  us, 
•with  his  mizen-topsail  a-back,  and  jib  and  spanker  set;  in  fifteen  minutes, 
or  less,  we  got  alongside  her,  to  leeward,  yard-arm  and  yard-arm  (this 
ship  fought  nobly,  when  attacked,  but  would  not  wait,  in  the  first  instance, 
to  Gupport  her  consort) ;  we  ranged  rather  too  far  a  head,  and  lufted  up  to 
cross  his  bow,  in  order  to  rake  him,  in  which  we  succeeded ;  but,  unfor- 
tunately, at  this  moment  our  wheel  was  shot  away,  and  both  quarter- 
masters killed;  we  fell  round  off,  his  bowsprit  at  this  time  was  over  our 


496  NAVAt.    HISTORY    OF   TttE   PRESENT   YEAn,  1814. 

gangway:  I  thought  it  was  his  intention  to  board,  and  wished  much  that 
he  would  have  made  the  attempt,  but  seeing  the  opportunity  offer  to  rake  us, 
he  wore,  or  rather  kept  off,  and  passed  very  near  our  stern,  the  muzzles  of 
his  guns  nearly  touching  our  taffrail.  I  expected  we  should  have  all  gone 
to  glory — he  crammed  us  with  his  broadsides,  the  better  part  taking  our 
lower  rigging»  but  did  us  some  damage  in  the  hull,  shot  away  both  deck  tran- 
soms and  four  beams  of  the  quarter-deck,  burst  one  of  our  carronades,  and 
ripped  the  deck  up  in  all  directions;  no  damage  done  forward  5  as  fresh  as 
ever.  Nearly  two  hours  had  now  elapsed  since  we  first  commenced,  our 
opponent  all  atant :  we  now  got  a  fresh  side  to  her  fresh  side  at  work,  as 
close  as  before.  About  five  minutes  after  we  commenced  on  the  starboard 
side,  our  much  lamented  captain  received  a  pistol  shot  just  below  his  heart, 
and  was  immediately  carried  below.  The  loss  of  this  brave  man  appeared 
to  make  our  lads  more  inveterate,  if  possible.  We  continued  on  her  broad- 
side, just  clearing  the  yards  nearly  two  hours  longer,  when  she  put  her  helm 
up,  hauled  on  the  opposite  tack,  and  left  us,  without  the  means  of  follow- 
ing her.  Not  a  brace,  tack,  or  sheet  had  we  left;  our  mizen  top-sail  at 
this  time  was  in  a  perfect  blaze,  as  it  had  been  once  previous,  owing  to  a 
wad  from  the  enemy  lodging  in  the  sail  we  had  in  the  top  ready  for  bend- 
ing. Our  mizen  stay  and  all  the  rigging  about  the  mast  being  shot  away, 
the  mast  fell  in  with  the  firemen  in  the  top  and  ringing,  who  went  overboard ; 
this  was  a  woeful  case,  but  I  do  not  conceive  it  the  worst.  Two  hours 
previous  to  this  the  Creole  was  obliged  to  quit  her  opponent,  for  the  safety 
of  her  mast.  We  were  at  this  time  so  closely  engaged  with  the  commander 
of  the  enemy,  that  no  doubt  his  consort  felt  some  anxiety  for  his  situation— 
instead  of  following,  the  ship  late  engaged  made  for  us,  and  was  so  far  suc- 
cessful as  to  get  athwart  our  stern,  where  she  kept  up  a  most  galling  fire; 
we  were  cut  up  most  dreadfully.  Those  ships  were  full  of  men  :  [  wished 
to  board,  but  found  there  was  too  much  sea.  We  lost  sight  of  the  Creole 
about  an  hour;  our  captain  was  particularly  anxious  to  join,  and  after  the 
enemy  had  left  Us,  and  run  to  leeward  a  very  considerable  distance,  we 
kept  in  close  order  for  mutual  support.  As  soon  as  possible  we  wore,  and 
that  evening  anchored  in  Porto  Prayo,  Isle  of  St.  Jaiio:  I  thought  our  ob- 
ject was  to  get  the  ship  ready  for  sea  to  follow  the  enemy.  In  three  days 
we  were  quite  ready  for  any  thing,  you  will  say  long  enough,  but  yuu  must 
remember  we  had  every  mast  to  shift,  our  main  yard  to  fish,  stump  of 
inisien  mast  to  get  out,  and  all  else  of  mizen  kind  to  get  up,  main-mast  to 
be  fished  from  cap  to  deck,  shot  holes  to  plug,  &c.  However,  we  were 
ready  five  days  before  our  commander,  sailed  on  the  eighth  day,  and 
searched  i»  vain.  We  are  now  at  Sierra  Leone." 


The  following  was  the  American  naval  force,  on  Lake  Ontario,  on  the  2d 
of  March: — General  Pike,  28  guns;  Madison,  22;  Oncida,  16;  Sylph, 
12;  Governor  Tomkins,  4;  Fair  American,  2;  Conquest,  2;  Ontario,  2; 
A!p,  2;  Orovvler,  2;  Lady  of  the  Lake,  2.  Building— One  frigate, 
mounting  52  guns,  rates  44; -t\vo  ditto,  32.  The  Herkimer  American,  of 
April  7,  states,  that  the  ships  lately  building  at  Sackett's  harbour,  were 
launched  on  the  1st  of  March. 


NAVAL  HISTORY  OT  THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  497 

The  following  official  article  has  been  just  published.  It  is  important  to 
«11  persons  connected  with  the  navy,  so  far  as  it  respects  the  reduction  in 
the  Naval  Establishment,  and  to  the  country  at  largp,  as  indicative  of  the 
spirit  with  which  it  is  intended  to  prosecute  the  war  with  America: — 

"  Admiral! y-cffice,  SOth  April,  1814. 

"  The  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  cannot  announce  to  the 
fleet  the  termination  of  hostilities  with  France,  without  expressing  to  the 
petty-officers,  the  seamen,  and  royal  marines,  of  his  Majesty's  ships,  the 
high  sense  which  their  lordships  entertain  of  their  gallant  and  glorious 
services  during  tjie  late  war. 

"  The  patience,  perseverance,  and  discipline;  the  skill,  courage,  and 
devotion,  with  which  the  seamen  and  marines  have  upheld  the  best  inter- 
ests, and  achieved  the  noblest  triumphs  of  the  country,  entitle  them  .to  the 
gratitude,  not  only  of  their  native  land,  which  they  have  preserved  inviolate, 
but  of  the  other  nations  of  Europe,  of  whose  ultimate  deliverance,  their 
successes  maintained  the  hope,  and  accelerated  the  accomplishment. 

"  Their  lordships  regret  that  the  unjust  and  unprovoked  aggression  of 
the  American  government,  in  declaring  war  upon  this  country,  after  all 
the  causes  of  its  origin*!  complaint  had  been  removed,  does  not  permit 
them  to  reduce  the  fleet  at  once  to  a  peace  establishment ;  but,  as  the 
question  now  at  issue  in  this  war,  is  the  maintenance  of  those  maritime 
rights,  which  are  the  sure  foundations  of  our  naval  glory,  their  lordships 
look  with  confidence  to  that  part  of  the  fleet,  which  it  may  be  still  necessary 
to  keep  in  commission,  for  a  continuance  of  that  spirit  of  discipline  and 
gallantry,  which  has  raised  the  British  jiavy  to  its  present  pre-emi- 
nence. 

"  In  reducing  the  fleet  to  the  establishment  necessary  for  the  American 
•war,  the  seamen  and  marines  will  find  their  lordships  attentive  to  the  claims 
of  their  respective  services.  .  ,  • 

"  The  reduction  will  be  first  made  in  the  crews  of  those  ships  which  it 
may  be  found  expedient  to  pay  off,  and  from  them  the  petty  officers  aricj 
seamen  will  be  successively  discharged,  according  to  the  length  of  their 
services  ;  beginning,  in  the  first  instance,  with  all  those  who  were  in  his 
Majesty's  service  previous  to  the  7th  March,  1802,  and  have  since  conti- 
nued in  it. 

"  When  the  reduction  shall  have  been  thus  made,  as  to  the  ships  paid 
off,  their  lordships  will  direct  their  attention  to  those  which  it  may  be 
found  necessary  to  keep  in  commission,  nnd,  as  soon  as  the  circum- 
stances of  the  war  will  admit,  will  bring  home  and  discharge  all  per- 
sons having  the  same  standing  and  periods  of  service,  as  those  before 
discharged  from  the  ships  paid  oft';  so  that,  in  a  few  months,  the  situation 
of  individuals  will  he  equalized  ;  all  men  of  a  certain  period  of  service 
will  be  at  liberty  to  return  home  to  their  families;  and  the  number  which 
it  may  be  still  necessary  to  retain,  will  be  composed  of  those  who  have 
been  the  shortest  time  in  the  service. 

"  An  arrangement  in  itself  so  just,  cannot,  in  their  lordships' opinion, 
fail  to  give  universal  satisfaction ;  and  they  are  induced  to  make  this  corn- 
.  erijron".  Hoi.  XXXI.  3  s 


498  NAVAL   HISTORY   OF    THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

munication  to  the  fleet,  because  they  think,  that  the  exemplary  good  con- 
duct of  all  the  petty  officers,  seamen,  and  marines,  entitle  them  to  every 
confidence,  and  to  this  full  and  candid  explanation  of  their  lordships' 
intentions. 

"  Their  lordships  cannot  conclude  without  expressing  their  hope,  that 
the'Valour  of  his  Majesty's  fleets  and  armies  will  speedily  bring  the  Ame- 
rican contest  to  a  conclusion,  honourable   to  the  British  name,   safe  for 
British  interests,  and  conducive  to  the  lasting  repose  of  the  civilized  world. 
*'  By  command  of  their  lordships, 

It 


Admiralty-Office,  June.  8,  1814. 

His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  having  been  graciously  pleased, 
by  his  ordfer  in  council  of  the  6th  instant,  to  approve  of  a  proposal  sub- 
mitted to  his  Royal  Highness  by  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty, 
for  an  increase  to  the  half-pay  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  his  Majesty's 
fleet;  this  is  to  give  notice,  that  the  following  rates  of  half- pay  have  been 
established,  to  commence  on  the  1st  July  next,  under  the  same  regulations 
and  restrictions  as  at  present  in  force  ;  viz. 

Flag-Officers. 

per  day. 

Admiral  of  the  Fleet ,,£.3     3     0 

Admirals      .. 220 

Vice-Admirals    112     6 

Rear-Admirals 1     5     0 

Captains. 

The  first  100  on  the  Seniority  List 014  6 

Thencxtl50 012  6 

The  remainder   ._,.„..„_ —  0  10  6 

Commanders. 

The  first  150  on  the  Seniority  Lifat   .., „ 010     0 

The  remainder 0     8     6 

Lieutenants. 

The  first  300  on  the  Seniority  List .„  070 

Then«rt?00 050 

The  remainder 0     5     0 

Their  Lordships  have  also  approved  of  an  arrangement  for  paying  in 
future  the  half-pay  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  royal  navy  quarterly, 
instead  of  half-yearly,  which  renders  it  necessary  that  their  directions  for 
officers  coming  on  half-pay,  to  report  themselves  immediately  to  this  office, 
be  most  strictly  attended  to. 

Captain  Edmund  Palmer  has  received  an  honorary  mednl  from  the 
Board  of  Admiralty,  for  his  prompt,  bkill'ul,  and  heroic  conduct,  in  Uiji 
recent  capture  ol'L'Etoile  fri^;-.:1.. 


49  D> 

on 

Copied  verbatim  from  the  LONDON 


ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,   APRIL  23,    1814. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Bart,  to  Johh 
Wilson  Croker,  Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  off"  Minorca^ 
March  28,  J814. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  off  Minorca,  March  28. 

I  ENCLOSE,  for  the  information  of  their  Lordships,  copies  of  letters 
put  into  my  hands  by  Rear-admiral  Fremantle  on  his  way  to  England. 
I  iearn  with  the  sincerest  regret   the  death  of  Captain  Taylor,  of  the 
Apollo,  whose  exemplary  conduct  and  amiahle  character  raised  to  him 
universal  respect.     The  last  service  he  performed  in  co-operating  in  the 
capture  of  Paxo,  was  executed  with  his  usual  judgment.     Captain  Hoste's 
letter,  respecting  the  taking  of  Ragusa,   will   shew  their  Lordships  the 
success  of  that  distinguished  officer's  constant  zeal  and  activity* 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


SIR,  H.M.S.  Bacchante,  before  Ragusa,  Jan.  29,  1814. 

My  letter  of  the  6th  inst.  will  have  acquainted  you  of  the  capture  of 
Cattaro,  and  of  my  intention  to  attack  this  place  as  soon  as  the  artillery 
and  stores  necessary  for  the  siege  were  embarked  from  that  fortress ;  on 
my  arrival  here  on  the  19th,  I  found  the  place  invested  by  the  Austrian 
General  Milulinovitch,  with  two  Croat  battalions,  but  not  a  single  piece  of 
artillery  had  arrived.  Four  mortars  and  two  guns  were  immediately  landed. 
from  the  Bacchante,  and  opened  on  the  works  of  the  town  and  Fort 
Lorenzo  the  morning  of  the  22d  :  the  enemy  returned  a  heavy  fire  from  all 
his  batteries.  The  approach  to  Ragusa  is  extremely  difficult,  by  the  com- 
manding situation  of  Fort  Imperial  and  the  island  of  Croma  ;  and  it  be* 
came  an  object  of  importance  to  secure  this  latter  port  before  we  could 
advance  our  batteries;  two  18-pounders  were  therefore  landed,  and  by  the 
great  exertions  of  the  officers  and  seamen  under  Lieutenant  Milbourne, 
third  of  this  ship,  one  gun  was  brougnt  round  the  mountains  at  the  back 
of  Ragusa,  a  distance  full  six  miles,  and  placed  immediately  opposite  the 
island,  which  it  completely  commanded. 

The  French  general,  however,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  sent  out  a 
truce  to  request  our  butteries  would  cease,  and  a  capitulation  was  com- 
menced and  signed  on  the  28tli  for  the  surrender  of  the  town  and  its  de- 
pendencies. The  British  and  Austrian  troops  took  possession  the  same 
day  ;  one  hundred  and  twenty  pieces  of  cannon  were  mounted  on  the  works 
of  the  town  and  Fort  Lorenzo,  twenty-one  in  Fort  Imperial,  and  elev.en  in 
the  island  of  Croma,  with  a  garrison  of  500  men,  and  nearly  sik  weeks  pro- 
visions. The  garrison  are  prisoners  of  war,  not  to  serve  against  England 
or  her  Allies  till  regularly  exchanged.  His  Majesty's  ship  Elizabeth  ui  rived 
here  on  the  evening  of  the  27th,  but  Captain  Gower  very  handsomely  de- 
clined interfering  iii  the  negotiation.  I  am  happy  to  say  the  best  under- 


500  HAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,     1«14. 

standing  has  prevailed  between  the  allied  troops,  and  General  Milutino- 
vitch  has  expressed  himself  in  the  handsomest  terms  for  the  assistance  he 
has  received. 

The  object  for  which  you  sent  me  here,  Sir,  is  now,  I  believe,  obtained, 
by  the  expulsion  of  the  French  troops  from  .the  provinces  of  Cattaro  and 
Rugusa,  and  it  only  remains  for  me  to  mention  the  meritorious  conduct 
of  all  the  officers  and  incu  who  have  shared  the  fatigues  and  privations 
attending  it. 

I  beg  leave  also  to  mention  the  great  assistance  I  have  received  from  Capt. 
Angelo,  of  Lieutenant-general  Campbell's  staff,  who  accompanied  me  from 
Cattaro,  both  there  and  at  this  place.  His  ready  and  active  services  have 
considerably  diminished  the  difficulties  we  have  met  with.  The  limits  of  a 
despatch  will  not  allow  me  to  enter  further  into  detail,  but  I  can  assure 
you,  Sir,  that  every  officer  and  man  under  my  command  has  strictly  per- 
formed his  duty.  The  loss  of  the  British,  during  the  sie«e,  has  been  one 
ieaiuan  killed,  and  ten  severely  wounded. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


Mear-admiral  Fremantle,  fyc. 

Captain. 

SIR,  II.  M,  S.  Milford,  off  Trieste,  Feb.  16,  1814. 

The  fall  of  Ragusa  makes  the  Allies  masters  of  every  place  in  Dalmatia, 
Croatia,  Istria,  and  the  Frioul,  with  all  the  islands  in  the  Adriatic. 

I  beg  leave  to  transmit  a  statement  of  the  several  places  taken  by  the 
squadron,  since  I  have  have  had  the  command  in  this  gulph. 
I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Sir  E.  Pellew,  Bart.  ^  ~ 


Agossta  and  Carzola,  containing  124  guns  and  70  men,  taken  by  the 
Apollo,  Imogen,  and  a  detachment  of  troops  from  Lissa. 

Lupana,  containing  39  men,  taken  by  the  boats  of  the  Saracen. 

Fiume  and  Porto  Rhe,  containing  67  guns,  and  90  vessels,  500  stand  of 
arms,  besides  military  stores,  taken  by  the  Milford,  Elizabeth,  Eagle, 
Bacchante,  and  Haughty. 

Farazina,  containing  5  »uns,  taken  by  the  Eagle. 

Isle  of  Mezzo,  containing  6  guns,  and  59  men,  taken  by  the  Saracen 
and  Weazle. 

Ragosuizza,  containing  8  guns,  and  66  men,  taken  by  the  boats  of  the 
Milford  and  Weazle. 

Citta  Nuova,  containing  4  guns,  taken  by  the  Elizabeth  and  Bacchante. 

Rovigno,  containing  4  guns,  taken  by  the  Tremendous. 

Poh,  containing  50  guns,  taken  by  the  Wizard,  a  party  of  the  Milford's 
marines,  and  50  Austrians. 

Stagno,  containing  12  puns,  ami  52  men,  besides  military  stores,  taken 
by  the  Saracen  and  a  party  or'  Austrians. 

Lpsina  and  Brazza,  containing  24  guns,  taken  by  the  Bacchante's  boats, 
and  35  men  from  the  garrison  of  I.is*.a. 

Trieste,  containing  80  guns,  taken  bv  the  Milford,  Eagle,  Tremendous, 
Mermaid,  Wizard,  nm\  Weazie,  in  co-operation  with  1,500  Austrians. 

Curteilaz'zo  and  Cavalino,  containing  8  guns,  and  90  men,  taktu  by  lita' 
ElizttL-elh  and  a  parry  of  Austrians. 


»AVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814.     501 

Four  forts  at  the  entrance  of  the  Po,  containing  24  guns,  100  men,  and 
45  brass  guns  dismounted  found  on  the  Po,  taken  by  the  Eagle,  Tremen- 
dous, Wizard,  500  English,  and  2,000  Austrian  troops. 

Zara,  containing  110  guns,  and  18  howitzers,  350  men,  and  100  guns, 
dismounted,  and  12  gun-boats  taken  by  the  Havannah  and  VVeazle,  with 
1,500  Aubtrians. 

Cattaro,  containing  130  guns,  and  900  men,  taken  by  the  Bacchante 
and  Saracen. 

Ragusa,  containing  138  guns,  and  500  men,  taken  by  the  Bacchante, 
Saracen,  and  400  Austrians. 

Carlobago,  containing  12  guns,  and  150  men,  jaken  by  the  Bacchante. 

~       ~  ~ 


APRIL   26. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Captain  Rainier,  of  H.  M.S.  Niger,  addressed  to 
Vice-admiral  I)ixon,  and  transmitted  by  the  latter  to  John  Wilson  Cro- 
ker,  Esq. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Niger,  at  Sea,  January  6,  1814. 

I  acquaint  you,  for  the  information  of  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty,  that  having  made  the  island  of  St.  Antonio  yesterday  morning, 
for  the  purpose  of  correcting  my  longitude  previous  to  allowing  the  ships 
parting  company,  who  were  bound  to  Maranam,  a  strange  sail  was  disco- 
vered a-head.  I  immediately  gave  chase;  his  Majesty's  ship  Tagus  in  com- 
pany. She  was  soon  made  out  to  be  a  frigate,  and  we  had  the  pleasure 
to  find  that  we  were  gaining  upon  her;  at  daylight  this  morning  we  were 
not  more  than  a  mile  and  a  half  distant;  at  half-past  seven,  they  took  in 
studding  sails,  and  hauled  the  wind  on  the  starboard  tack,  finding  that' we 
had  the  advantage  before  it.  The  Tagus  being  to  windward,  Captain 
Pipon  was  enabled  to  open  his  fire  first,  which  was  briskly  returned  by  the 
enemy,  who  had  hoisted  French  colours  on  the  Tagus  shewing  hers.  After 
exchanging  a  few  broadsides,  the  French  frigate's  main-top-mast  was  shot 
away,  which  rendered  her  escape  impossible ;  and  as  his  Majesty's  ship 
under  my  command  was  coming  up,  any  further  defence  would  only  have 
occasioned  a  useless  sacrifice  of  lives ;  they  fired  a  broadside,  and  struck 
their  colours.  On  taking  possession,  she  proved  La  Ceres,  French  frigate, 
of  44  guns,  and  324  men,  commanded  by  Le  Baron  de  Bougainville,  out 
one  monch  from  Brest  on  her  first  cruise  ;  she  is  only  two  years  old,  copper- 
fastened,  and  sails  well.  I  should  not  do  justice  to  the  Baron  if  I  omitted 
stating,  that  during  the  long  and  anxious  chase  (in  which  we  ran  two  hun- 
dred and  thirty-eight  miles),  his  ship  was  manoeuvved  in  a  masterly  style. 
I  have  sent  Mr.  Mantou,  rirst  of  this  ship,  in  charge  of  the  prize,  who  is  a  ' 

deserving  officer.  1  have,  &c. 

i  ' „ 

($/)        (&    '     • 

To  Vice-admiral  DLvon,  Com-  • 

maudtr-in- chief,  $c,Rio  Janeiro.  Captaia. 

MAY  8. 

A  despatch  was  this  day  received  from  Vice-ndmiral  Sir  E.  Pellew,  Bart. 
addressed  to  John  Wilson  Cfoker,  Esq.  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  : — 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  Caledonia,  Genoa  Mole,  A/,ril  14. 

I  have  great  pleasure  in  announcing  to  their  Lordships  the  surrender  of 
this  fortress,  ia»t  night,  by  capitulation.  I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  the 
lenus. 


502  NAVAL   HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,    1814. 

At  the  request  of  Lord  Wm.  Bentinck,  I  came  hither  with  the  ships 
named  in  the  margin,*  leaving  the  remainder  of  the  fleet  to  watch  Toulon, 
under  the  orders  of  Rear-admiral  Sir  Richard  King  ;  and  on  nay  arrival  on 
the  morning  of  the  17th,  the  batteries  had  just  opened  their  fire,  and  were 
warmly  engaged  with  those  which  had  been  opened  by  the  assailants.  I 
have  desired  Sir  J.  Rowley  to  make  a  report  of  that  part  of  the  bervice 
which  devolved  upon  the  naval  force  employed  on  this  service,  and  beg  to 
recommend  those  whom  he  has  pointed  out  to  their  Lordship's  favour;  but 
it  remains  for  mo  to  state,  that  the  manner  in  wmch  the  whole  service  has 
been  conducted  by  Sir  J.  Rowley,  claims  my  sincere  acknowledgments,  and 
their  Lordships  will,  I  am  sensible,  receive  it  with  a  just  consideration  of 
his  uniform  zeal  and  merits. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


/5ry        / 

J.  W.  Crokcr,  Esq.  Secretary  to  the  \DdlVard 

Admiralty. 

SIR,  II.  M.  S.  America,  off"  Genoa,  April  18. 

I  have  the  the  honour  to  inform  you,  that,  in  pursuance  of  my  communi- 
cation of  the  31st  ult.  from  Leghorn  Roads,  I  Bailed  from  thence  on  the 
7th  of  April,  with  his  Excellency  Lieutenant-general  Lord  William  Ben- 
tinck on  board.  After  various  communications  with  the  troops  at  Spezia 
and  other  parts  of  the  coast,  we  anchored  off  Reece,  in  the  Gulf  of  Genoa, 
on  the  llth.  The  Hon.  Captain  Dundas  had,  with  the  Edinburgh,  Rain- 
bow, and  some  of  the  flotilla,  during  my  absence,  co-operated  with  the 
advance  of  the  army  with  his  usual  activity  and  zeal. 

On  the  13th,  the  transports  having  arrived  from  Sicily,  the  troops  were 
immediately  landed,  and  the  ships  and  gun-boats  moved  on  in  advance 
with  the  army. 

On  the  17th,  every  preparation  being  made  for  the  attack,  at  daylight 
the  army  moved  forwards  to  drive  the  enemy  from  their  positions,  without 
the  town  of  Genoa.  The  gun  and  mortar-vessels,  with  the  ship's  boats, 
armed  with  carronades,  were  advanced  along  the  sea  line  to  attack  the 
butteries;  the  greater  part  of  the  marines,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Rea,  royal  marines,  were  also  embarked  in  the  transport's  boats,  ready  to 
Innd  as  occasion  might  require.  As  soon  as  the  troops  advanced,  the 
whole  of  the  gun-vessels  and  boats  opened  their  lire  with  such  effect,  that 
on  the  landing  of  the  seamen  and  marines,  and  preparing  to  storm,  the 
enemy  deserted  their  batteries,  and  the  whole  of  the  sea  line  without  the 
walls,  which  were  instantly  taken  possession  of,  and  soon  turned  on  tits 
place  ;  by  this  means  drawing  off  a  considerable  portion  of  the  enemy's 
lire.  The  arrival  of  the  Caledonia  afforded  you,  Sir,  an  opportunity  of 
witnessing  the  remaining  operations,  and  the  spirited  fire  winch  wns  kept; 
up  at  the  battery,  under  the  directions  of  Lieutenants  Hazalgette  and  White, 
against  a  very  superior  one  of  the  enemy,  by  which,  J  regret  to  state,  that 
Lieutenant  Bewick,  of  the  Pylades,  an  officer  of  much  promise,  was 
killed. 

My  warmest  thanks  are  due  to  the  whole  of  the  captains,  officer?,  sea- 
men, and  marines,  which  I  had  the  honour  to  have  placed  under  my  or- 
ders, for  their  zealous  and  active  co-operation  while  under  my  command. 
1  was  particularly  indebted  to  Captain  Brace,  for  Ins  able  a.st-ist.ince  ;  lie 
was  so  good  as  to  direct  the  advance  of  the  boats  and  sun -vessels.  Cap- 
tains Dundas  and  Hamilton  had,  as  usual,  been  most  assiduous  in  forward- 
ing the  operations  of  the  troops ;  and  my  thanks  arc  due  to  Captains 

Caledonia,  Boync,  Union,  Prince  of  Wale?,  and  Pembroke. 


,      2TAYAL   HISTORY   OF   THE   PRESENT  YEAR,    1814.  503 

Power  and  Wemyss,  for  their  ready  assistance.  Captain  Flin  had  volun- 
teered to  head  a  party  of  seamen,  which  were  landed  with  scaling  ladders, 
to  storm  one  of  the  hill-forts,  had  it  been  necessary.  Captain  Thompson, 
in  the  Aboukir,  who,  asssisted  by  the  ships  and  vessels  as  per  margin,* 
blockaded  the  fort,  conducted  with  much  effect  a  false  attack  to  the  west- 
ward of  the  town,  which  drew  off  a  considerable  number  of  the  enemy's 
troops.  I  have  again  occasion  to  notice  the  good  conduct  of  the  Sicilian 
flotilla,  which  were  well  led  by  Lieutenant  Penoally.  I  beg  that  I  may  be 
permitted  to  bring  to  your  notice  Lieutenant  Bazalgette,  senior  of  this  ship, 
whose  services  I  have  long  had  reason  to  appreciate.  That  active  officer, 
Lieutenant  Mapleton,  of  the  Edinburgh,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  has  been 
wounded,  while  on  service  with  the  army.  I  am  indebted  to  Lieutenant 
Bailey,  principal  agent  of  the  transports,  for  the  zeal  and  ability  with  which 
he  has  conducted  the  service  of  that  department. 

I  beg  leave  to  enclose  a  return  of  killed  and  wounded   of  the  ships  and 
vessels  of  the  squadron.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 


To  Tice- admiral  Sir  E.  Pellew,  Bart. 
Commander-in-chief,  4~c. 

Return  of  Killed,   Wounded,  and  Missing,  of  Seamen  and  Marines,  em- 
ployed in  an  Attack  on  Genoa,  17th  April,  1814. 

AMERICA. — Woutided — Edward  M'Dermott,  ordinary  seaman,  dan- 
gerously ;  Jan  Vanseacum,  able  seaman,  badly ;  John  Cartledge,  private 
marine,  slightly. 

BERWICK. — Killed,  William  Mills,  able  seaman. — Missing,  John  Camp- 
bell, landman,  supposed  to  have  fallen  from  the  rocks. — Wounded,  John 
Cook  (]),  private  marine,  severely. 

PYLABES. — Killed,  Mr.  John  Bewick,  lieutenant. 

EDINBURGH.  — Wounded,  Mr.  David  Mapleton,  lieutenant;  Gilbert 
Collier,  able  seaman. 

CURACOA.— Wounded,  Patrick  Doyle,  able  seaman. 

RAINBOW. — Wounded,  John  Quail,  captain  of  the  foretop,  severely. 
Total,  2  killed,  8  wounded,  1  missing.  '  . 

J      6ft    / 

C/O«/.    t^StOTV'lf'lf. 

Captain. 
N.  B.     Two  wounded  in  Sicilian  gun-boats,  not  included. 

List  of  the  Enemy's  Ships  and  Vessels  of  War  captured  at  Genoa,  on   the 
Surrender  of  that  Fortress,  April  J8,  1814. 

Brilliant,  of  74  guns,  ready  for  launching. 

Coureur  brig,  of  16  24-pounders,  and  two  long-J)-pounders. 

Renard  brig,  of  14  24-pounders,  and  two  long  9-pounders. 

Endymion  brig,  of  14  24-pounders,  and  two  long  8  pounders. 

Sphynx  brig,  of  18  guns,  new,  equipping. 

Unknown,  of  74  guns,  in  frame. 

(odw&ra 


Aboukir,  Jphigfnia,  Jt'uneuse,  Swallow,  Cejihuluii, 


504          NAVAL   HISTORY   O¥    THE   PRESENT    TEAR,    1814. 

MAY    10. 

Copy  of  a  Letter  from  Vice-admiral  Sir  E.  Pellew,  Bart,  to  J.  W.  Croker, 
Esq.  dated  on  board  H.  M.S.  Caledonia,  at  Sea,  April  14. 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.   Caledonia,  at  Sea,  April  14. 

I  have  the  honour  to  inclose  a  letter  from  Sir  Josias  Rowley,  stating  his 
proceedings  m  the  Gulf  of  Spezzia,  in  co-operation  with  Lord  William, 
Bentinck's  forces,  which  I  doubt  not  will  receive  their  Lordships'  appro- 
bation. I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

(be/ward 

i 

SIR,  H.  M.  S.  America,  Gulf  of  Spezzia,  March  31. 

I  have  much  satisfaction  in  informing  you,  that  the  fortress  of  Santa 
Maria,  with  the  forts  and  defences  on  the  Gulf  of  Spezzia,  are  in  the  occu- 
pation of  his  Majesty's  arms. 

On  the  25t4i  instant,  I  anchored  with  the  squadron  as  per  margin,*  off 
Lerici,  the  Hon.  Captain  Dundas  having  preceded  us  with  the  Edinburgh 
and  Swallow,  to  accompany  the  movements  of  the  troops  under  Major- 
general  Montresor,  dismantling  the  batteries  as  the  enemy  retired  on  their 
advance;  a  "party  of  them  endeavoured  to  re-occupy  the  castle  of  Lerici, 
but  Captain  Dundas,  with  the  marines,  was  before  hand  with  them,  and 
the  enemy,  after  some  firing^from  the  boats  of  the  squadron,  retreated  from. 
the  town. 

On  the  following  morning,  a  deputation  from  the  inhabitant's  of  Spezzia 
came  on  board,  when  I  learned  that  the  French  had,  during  the  night, 
evacuated  that  town  and  all  the  defences  of  the  Gulf,  except  the  fortress 
of  Santa  Maria,  which  I  sent  an  officer  to  summons,  but  found  they  were 
prepared  to  defend  it.  We  immediately  weighed,  and  anchored  the  ships 
in  a  position  between  Spezzia  and  the  fortress,  which,  in  the  evening,  on 
the  arrival  of  the  troops,  was  invested.  Strong  parties  of  seamen  were 
landed  from  the  ships,  and  six  18-pounders  from  the  Edinburgh,  by  the 
active  exertions  of  the  Hon.  Captain  Dundas,  were  got  up  the  heights 
through  the  most  difficult  places,  and  three  batteries  constructed,  on  which 
they  were  mounted.  A  36  and  24-pounder  and  two  13-inch  mortars  were 
remounted  on  one  of  the  dismantled  forts,  with  two  additional  howitzers, 
under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Bazalgette,  of  this  ship,  and  a  battery  of 
two  36-poundcrs,  under  similar  circumstances,  by  Lieutenant  Mapleton, 
of  the  Edinburgh,  and  at  five  P.  M.  on  the  29th,  on  a  refusal  from  the 
enemy  to  capitulate,  the  fire  from  the  whole  opened  on  the  fortress;  it  was 
kept-up  occasionally  during  the  night,  and  renewed  at  daylight  the  follow- 
ing morning  with  such  vigour  and  effect,  as  completely  to  silence  that  of 
the  enemy.  Preparations  were  making  to  storm,  but  at  eleven  the  enemy, 
shewed  a  flag  of  truce,  and  capitulated  on  the  enclosed  terms. 

I  feel  much  pleasure  in  having!,  to  report  the  zealous,  able,  and  indefa- 
tigable exertions  of  the  officers  and  men  employed  on  the  above  service ; 
to  the  Hon.  Capt;iin  Dundas,  who  undertook  the  general  direction  of  the 
seamen  on  shore,  I  am  particularly  indebted  ;  and  to  Captains  Mounsey 
and  Stowe,  and  Captain  Staite,  of  his  Sicilian.  Majesty's  corvette  Aurora, 
my  thanks  are  due  for  their  assistance:  to  Captain  Klin,  Lieutenants 
Bazalgette,  Mapleton,  Croker,  and  Mole«wnrtb,  Mr.  Gten,  master  of  the 
America,  and  Mr.  Breary,  mate  of  the  Edinburgh,  who  had  the  direction 

?  America,  Edinburgh,  Furieuse,  Swallow,  Optuiius,  Aurora,  ami  Sicilma 
corvette. 


NATAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    YEAR,    1814.  505 

»f  the  guns  in  the  batteries,  much  credit  is  due  ;  the  condition  of  the  fort 
on  its  surrender  plainly  evinced  the  effect  of  their  fire. 

A  division  of  the  Sicilian  flotilla  of  gun  boats  was  conducted  in  a  gallant 
and  able  manner  by  Lieutenant  Le  Hunte,  and  much  distinguished  them- 
selves. A  detachment  of  royal  marines,  under  Captain  'Rea,  has  been 
landed,  to  act  with  the  advance  of  Lieutenant-colonel  Travers,  who  makes 
favourable  mention  of  their  conduct. 

I  am  much  indebted  to  Lieutenant-colonel  Travers,  who  commanded  the 
troops,  for  his  cordial  co-operation,  and  to  Major  Pym,  of  the  royal 
artillery,  and  Caotain  Tylden,  of  the  engineers,  fur  their  assistance  in 
directing  our  people  at  the  batteries. 

I  am  happy  to  add  that  our  loss  is  trifling,  considering  the  means  of 
annoyance  possessed  by  the  enemy.  I  have,  &c. 

Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew,  Bart.  Corn-  +O4.    *_sLon>'ieU. 

mander-  in-chief,  fyc.  Mediterranean.  (/  (f 

Commissioners  having  met  on  the  30th  March,  1814  (on  the  part  of  the 
royal  navy,  Lieutenant  Bazalgette  ;  on  the  part  of  the  army,  Captain 
Heathcote,  brigade-major  to  the  forces  ;  and  on  the  part  of  the  garrison  of 
Santa  Maria,  Antoine  Mnttieux,  commandant  of  the  said  fort),  have 
agreed  that  the  fortress  of  Santa  Maria  shall  be  surrendered,  on  the  follow- 
ing conditions,  to  the  combined  forces  :  — 

Condition  I.  —  That  the  said  fortress  shall  be  immediately  surrendered 
to  the  combined  force,  the  garrison  piling  their  arms  as  they  march  out. 

Condition  II.  —  That  the  said  garrison  shall  be  embarked  on  board  a  Bri- 
tish ship,  to  proceed  to  Toulon,  on  their  parole  of  Tionour,  not  to  serve  till 
regularly  exchanged. 

Condition  III.  —  That  the  officers  shall  be  permitted  to  retain  their 
jM-onlv,  and  the  gnrrison  to  take  with  them  their  personal  baggage. 

Condition  IV.  —  That  an  officer  shall  be  appointed  by  the  commandant 
of  the  fortress  of  Santa  Maria,  to  deliver  over  stores  of  every  description 
tto  the  respective  departments  of  the  combined  force. 


lo 


Lieut.  H.M.S.  America. 


y 

Captain  10th  reg.  and  Major-brigade. 


Captajn  Commandant, 
Approved, 

X*"* 

lO/xy        *~"ff,J/* 
lOttf 


Brigadier-General, 

io4t( 


Commanding  his  Britannic  Majesty's  Squadro^i 
America,  Gulf  of  Spessia,  March  31,  1814. 

«2«t>.  Cton.  (Sol.  XXXI.  3  T 


506  XAVAL  HISTORY    Of   THE  PRESENT    YEAR,    1814. 

Return  of  Killed  and  Wounded,  of  Marines  and  Seamen,  belonging  to  his 
Majesty's  Squadron,  serving  on  shore  at  Spezzia* 

EDINBURGH.  —  1  seaman  killed  ;  2  seamen  wounded. 
None  in  any  of  the  other  ships  or  vessels. 


/a*. 


Captain  and  Senior  Officer. 


Vice-admiral  Sir  Edward  Pellew  has  also  transmitted  to  John  Wilson 
Croker,  Esq.  a  letter  from  Captain  Sir  Josias  Rowley,  inclosing  iwo  letters 
from  Captain  Brace,  of  the  Berwick,  and  Captain  Hamilton,  of  the  Rain- 
bow, giving  accounts  of  attacks  made  by  the  boats  of  those  ships,  with  two 
Sicilian  gun-boats,  on  the  8th  and  10th  of  April,  upon  the  enemy's  posts 
near  the  pass  of  Rona,  with  a  view  to  favour  the  advance  of  the  British 
army.  The  enemy  was  driven  from  all  his  positions,  leaving  behind  two 
twenty-four-pounders,  and  two  mortars,  which  were  taken  possession  of. 

Great  spirit  and  good  conduct  were  shewn  by  the  officers  and  men 
engaged  on  those  occasions,  in  which  two  men  were  killed,  and  Lieutenan^ 
Lyon,  of  the  Berwick,  and  four  men,  wounded. 


Rear-admiral  Sir  John  Gore  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker,  Esq. 
a  letter  from  Captain  Hoste,  of  his  Majesty's  ship  Bacchante,  dated  oflf 
Parga,  on  the  coast  of  Albania,  the  22d  March,  stating,  that  lie  had  pro- 
ceeded thither,  in  consequence  of  a  deputation  from  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town,  requesting  assistance  against  the  French  garrison,  consisting  of  170 
men,  commanded  by  a  colonel;  and  that  on  the  arrival  of  the  Bacchante, 
the  French  flag  was  hauled  clown,  and  the  town  and  works  taken  possession 
of  by  Captain  Iloste. 

MAY  28. 

Vice-admiral  Lord  Exmouth  has  transmitted  to  John  Wilson  Croker, 
Esq.  a  letter  from  Captain  Brisbane,  of  11.  M.S.  Pembroke,  dated  in  Pore 
Maurizio,  in  the  Gulf  of  Genoa,  the  12th  of  April,  stating,  that  on  the 
preceding  day,  in  company  with  the  Aigle  and  Alcmene,  he  had  driven  on 
shore,  under  the  guns  of  that  place,  a  convoy  of  twenty  vessels  ;  and  that, 
having  silenced  the  rire  of  the  town  by  that  of  his  Majesty's  ships,  four 
vessels  of  the  convoy  were  brought  off,  with  the  cargoes  of  fifteen  others, 
•which,  having  been  scuttled  by  the  crews,  were  destroyed. 

Mr.  II.  Nicholas,  midshipman  of  the  Pembroke,  and  one  seaman,  were 
killed,  and  four  wounded,  on  this  occasion. 

JUNE   18. 

Return  of  Vessels  captured  and  recaptured  by  hit  Mijesty's  Skip  Herald, 
between  the  1st  of  January  and  Sis  t  of  December,  1813. 

English  vessel  La  Lune,  in  ballast,  taken  June  3,  1813  ;  sent  to  Nassau, 
New  Providence. 

French  vessel  La  Vengeance,  laden  with  wine,  silks,  &c.  taken  June  2?, 
1813,  sent  to  Nassau,  New  Providence, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  TEAR,  1814.  507 

American  vessel  Adeline  Cecilia,  in  ballast,  taken  August  13,  1813; 
feent  to  Nassau,  New  Providence. 

American  vessel  Jane,  laden  with  cotton  and  sugar,  taken  December  13, 
1813;  sent  to  Nassau,  New  Providence. 

American  vessel  Eliza  and  Ann,  laden  with  sundries,  taken  December 
31,  1813  ;  sent  to  Nassau,  New  Providence. 

American.  vessel  Liberty,  laden  with  sundries,  taken  December  2S> 
1813  ;  sent  to  Nassau,  New  Providence. 


JUNE  21. 


ment 

Captain. 


Rear-admiral  Durham,  commander-in-chief  of  his  Majesty's  ships  and 
Vessels  on  the  Leeward  island  station,  has  transmitted  to  this  office  a 
copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  A.  Maitland,  captain  of  H.M.S.  Pique, 
dated  off  the  Silver  Keys,  the  26th  April,  1814,  stating  that  the  said  ship 
had  that  morning  captured  the  American  privateer  schooner  Hawk,  of  four 
six-pounder  carnage  guns,  and  one  long  12-pounder  fi  midships,  and  68 
men,  belonging  to  Washington,  after  a  chase  of  three  hours. 

The  Rear-admiral  has  also  transmitted  a  letter  from  Captain  Fleming, 
of  his  Majesty's  sloop  Barbadoes,  dated  English  harbour,  the  llth  April 
last,  reporting  his  having  captured,  off  the  coast  of  St.  Domingo,  after  a 
chase  of  sixty  hours,  the  American  privateer  sloop  Polly,  manned  with 
fifty-seven  men,  and  mounting  one  long  eighteen-pounder  a-midships,  and 
four  long  sixes. 


53tomotion0  ant)  appointments. 

WHITEHALL,  May  31. — His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  hath 
been  pleased,  in  the  name  and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  give  and 
grant  unco  Arthur  Farquhar,  lisq.  a  post  captain  in  the  royal  navy,  com- 
mander of  H.  M.  S.  Desire"e,  and  senior  officer  of  his  Majesty's  vessels 
employed  in  the  rivers  Elbe,  Weser,  and  Ems,  iu  co-operaiion  with  the 
allied  troops,  his  Majesty's  royal  licence  and  permission,  that  he  may 
accept  and  wear  the  insignia  of  a  Knight  of  the  Royal  Swedish  Military 
Order  of  the  Sword,  with  which  His  Majesty  the  King  of  Sweden  hath  been 
pleased  to  honour  him,  in  testimony  of  the  high  sense  that  Sovereign  enter- 
tains of  the  distinguished  gallantry  and  conduct  displayed  by  that  officer  at 
the  siege  and  reduction  of  the  fortress  of  Gluckstadt ;  provided  never- 
theless, that  -his  Majesty's  said  licence  and  permission  doth  not  authorize^ 
and  shall  not  be  deemed  or  construed  to  authorize,  the  assumption  of  any 
style,  appellation,  rank,  precedence,  or  privilege  appertaining  unto  a 
Kuight  Bachelor  of  these  realms  : 

And  his  Royal  Highness  hath  been  further  pleased  to  command,  that  the 
said  royal  concession  and  declaration  be  registered,  together  with  the 
relative  documents,  in  his  Majesty's  College  of  Arms. 

ADMIRALTY-OFFICE,  June  4,  1814.— This  day,  in  pursuance  of  the  plea* 
»ure  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  in  the  name  and  on  the 
behalf  of  his  Majesty,  the  following  flag  othcers  of  his  Majesty's  fleet  wcr« 
promoted,  viz. 

Isaac  Prescott,  Esq.  Thomas  Spry,  Esq.  Sir  John  Orde,  Bart.  William 


508  NAVAL  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814. 

Young,  Esq.  Right  Hon.  James  Lord  Gambier,  Philip  Patton,  Esq.  Sif 
Charles  Morice  Pole,  Bart,  to  be  Admirals  of  the  Red. 

Hon.  Sir  George  Cranfield  Berkeley,  K.  B.  Thomas  West,  Esq.  James 
^Douglas,  Esq.  Peter  Aplin,  Esq.  Henry  Savage,  Esq.  Sir  Richard  Bicker- 
ton,  Bart.  George  Bowen,  Esq.  Robert  Montague,  Esq.  John  Fergusson, 
Esq.  Edward  Edwards,  Esq.  Sir  John  Borlase  Warren,  Bart,  and  K.B.  to 
be  Admirals  of  the  White. 

Sampson  Edwards,  Esq.  George  Campbell,  Esq.  Arthur  Phillip,  Esq. 
Sir  James  Saumarez,  Bart,  and  K.B.  Thomas  Drury,  Esq.  Sir  Albcmarle 
Bertie,  Bart.  Right  Hon.  William  Earl  of  Northesk,  K.B.  Jarnes  Vashon, 
Esq.  Right  Hon.  Edward  Lord  Exmouth,  Sir  Isaac  Coffin,  Bart.  John 
Aylmer,  Esq.  Samuel  Osborn,  Esq.  Richard  Boger,  Esq.  to  be  Admirals  of 
the  Blue. 

Henry  D'Esterre  Darby,  Esq.  Edward  Bowater,  Esq.  George  Palmer, 
Esq.  William  Essington,  Esq.  John  M'Dougall,  Esq.  James  Alms,  Esq. 
Etiab  Harvey,  Esq.  Sir  Edmund  Nagle,  Knt.  John  Wells,  Esq.  Richard 
Grindall,  Esq.  Georsre  Martin,  Esq.  Sir  Richard  John  Strachan,  Bart,  and 
K.B.  Sir  William  Sidney  Smith,  Knt.  Thomas  Sotheby,  Esq.  Rathan 
Brunton,  Esq.  John  Schank,  Esq.  Honourable  Michael  De  Courcey,  Philip 
D'Auvergne,  Prince  of  Bouillon,  John  Hunter,  Esq.  to  be  Vice-admirals  of 
the  Red. 

Francis  Pender,  Esq.  William  Albany  Otway,  Esq.  Sir  Samuel  Hood, 
Bart,  and  K.B.  Henry  Nicholls,  Esq.  Herbert  Sawyer,  Esq.  Davidge 
Gould,  Esq.  Sir  Richard  Goodwin  Keats,  K.B.  Robert  Dcvereux  Fancourr, 
Esq.  Sir  Edward  Buller,  Bart.  Honourable  Robert  Stopford,  Mark  Robin- 
son, Esq.  Thomas  Revell  Shivers,  Esq.  Francis  Pickmore,  Esq.  John 
Dilkes.  Esq.  William  Lechmere,  Esq.' Thomas  Foley,  Esq.  Charles  Tyler, 
Esq.  Robert  Watson,  Esq.  Right  Honourable  Alan  Hyde  Lord  Gardner, 
Manley  Dixon,  Esq.  George  Losack,  Esq.  Willianu  Mitchell,  Esq.  Sir  Tho- 
mas Bertie,  Knt.  ty  be  Vice-admirals  of  the  White. 

Rowley  Bulte?!,  Esq.  William  Luke,  Esq.  Isaac  George  Manley,  Esq. 
John  Osborn,  Esq.  Edmund  Crawley,  Esq.  Charles  Boyles,  Esq.  Sir  Tho- 
mas Williams,  Knt.  Thomas  Hamilton,  Esq.  Sir  Thomas  Boulder  Thomp- 
son, Bart.  John  Laugharne,  Esq.  William  Hargood,  Esq.  John  Ferner, 
Esq.  Richard  Incledon  Bury,  Esq.  Robert  Moorsom,  Esq.  Sir  Charles 
Hamilton,  Bart.  Honourable  Henry  Curzon,  William  Bligh,  Esq.  Lawrence 
William  Halsted,  Esq.  Edward  Oliver  Osborn,  Esq.  Sir  Harry  Burrard  Ncale, 
Bart.  Sir  Joseph  Sydney  Yorke,  Knt.  Honourable  Arthur  Kaye  Legge,  to 
be  Vice-admirals  of  the  Blue. 

Francis  Faycnnan,  Esq.  Right  Honourable  George  Enrl  of  Galloway, 
Thomas  Francis  Fremantle,  Esq.  Sir  Francis  Laforey,  Bart.  Philip  Charles 
Durham,  Esq.  Israel  Pellew,  Esq.  Alexander  Fraser,  Esq.  Benjamin  Hal- 
lowell,  Esq.  George  Johnstone  Hope,  Esq.  Right  Honourable  Lord  Amelias 
Beauclerk,  William  Taylor,  Esq.  James  Nicoll  Morris,  Esq.  George  Bur- 
don,  Esq.  William  Brown,  Esq.  Thomas  Byam  Martin,  Esq.  John  Law  ford, 
Esq.  Frank  Sotheron,  Esq.  Thomas  Wolley,  Esq.  William  Johnstone  Hope, 
Esq.  Right  Hon.  Lord  Henrv  Paulet,  Charles  William  Paterson,  Esq. 
George  Cockburn,  Esq.  Thomas  Surridge,  Esq.  Samuel  Hood  Linzee,  Esq. 
James  Carpenter,  P>bq.  Robert  Barton,  Esq.  Graham  Moore,  Esq.  Matthew 
Henry  Scott,  E?q.  to  be  Rear-admirals  of  the  Red. 

Joseph  Ilanwell,  Esq.  Henry  William  Buyntun,  Esq.  Honourable  Francis 
Panngton  Gardner,  Sir  Richard  King,  Bart.  Edward  Griffith,  Esq.  Edward 
James  Foot,  Esq.  Richard  Lee,  Esq.  Peter  Halkctt,  Esq.  William  Bedford, 
Esq.  Philip  Wilkinson,  Esq.  Honourable  Charles  Elphinstone  Fleming, 


KATAL  HliTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  TEAK,  1814.     509 

•Charles  Venicombe  Penrose,  Esq.  William  Hotham,  Esq.  George  Hope- 
well  Stephens,  Esq.  Pulteney  Malcolm,  Esq.  William  Nowell,  Esq.  James 
Bissett,  Esq.  John  Clements,  Esq.  Sir  John  Gore,  Knt.  John  Harvey,  Esq. 
to  be  Rear-admirals  of  the  White. 

And  the  under-mentioned  captains  were  also  appointed  flag  officers  ef 
his  Majesty's  fleet,  viz. 

Honorable  Henry  Hotham,  George  Burlton,  Esq.  Charles  Dudley  Pater, 
Esq.  Sir  Home  Popham,  Kt.  Sir  Josias  RdXvley,  Bart.  Edward  Codrington, 
Esq.  to  be  Rear-admirals  of  the  White. 

George  Parker,  Esq.  Robert  Plampin,Esq.  Edward  Leveson  Gower,  Esq. 
Hon.  Henry  Blackwood,  John  Erskine  Douglas,  Esq.  Right  Hon.  George 
Viscount  Torrington,  Ross  Donnelly,  Esq.  Sir  John  Poo  Beresford,  Bart. 
Henry  Lidgbird  Ball,  Esq.  Thomas  Kyles,  Esq.  Thomas  Le  Marchant 
Gosselin,  Esq.  Charles  Rowley,  Esq.  Thomas  Rogers,  Esq.  Samuel  James 
Ballard,  Esq.  Robert  Rolles,  Esq.  Walter  Lock,  Esq.  David  Milne,  E-q. 
George  Dundas,  Esq.  James  Young,  Esq.  James  Mncnamara,  Esq.  Donald 
Campbell,  (1st),  Esq.  Robert  Waller,  Otway,  Esq.  Thomas  Western,  Esq. 
John  William  Spranger,  Esq.  William  Lukin,  Esq.  Edward  Fellowes,  Esq. 
to  be  Rear-admirals  of  the  Blue. 


His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  has  been  pleased,  in  the  name 
and  on  the  behalf  of  the  King,  to  appoint  Willoughby  Tliomas  Lake,  Esq. 
William  Charles  Fahie,  Esq.  Sir  George  Eyre,  Knight,  and  John  Talbot, 
Esq  to  be  Colonels  in  his  Majesty's  Royal  Marine  Forces,  in  the  room  of 
the  Honourable  Henry  Hotham,  George  Burlton,  Esq.  Sir  Josias  Rowley, 
Barr.  and  Edward  Codriugton,  Esq.  appointed  Flag-officers  of  his  Majes- 
ty's Fleet. 

His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent  has  been  pleased,  in  the  name 
and  on  the  behalf  of  his  Majesty,  to  appoint  the  following  Officers 
of  the  Royal  Marines  to  take  rank  by  brevet  as  under  mentioned:  the 
commissions  to  be  dated  June  4,  1814. 

Lieutenant-Colonels. — Martin  Campbell  Cole,  Richard  Harry  Foley, 
William  Birks,  Richard  Bidlake,  James  Home,  James  Campbell,  to  b« 
Colonels  in  the  Army. 

Majors. — William  Henry  Boys,  Henry  Reddish  Furzer,  Thomas  Davey, 
Thomas  Abernethie,  Richard  Graham,  Harry  Percival  Lewis,  John  Clark, 
Charles  Stanser,  George  Dunsmire,  William  Minto,  John  Long,  Palms 
Westropp,  to  be  Lieutenant-colonels  in  the  Army: 

Captains. — William  Collins,  William  Henry  Milson  Rayley,  Samuel  Cla- 
perton,  Alexander  Watson,  Thomas  John  Sterling,  John  Burn,  Arthur 
H.  Ball,  Mark  Robinson  Glaze,  Christopher  Noble,  Henry  Cox,  Edward 
Carter  Horuby,  Francis  Wemyss,  George  Jones,  Andrew  Kinsman,  Nathan 
Hamilton  English,  John  Hore  Graham,  William  Sladden,  Richard  Bunce, 
James  Butler  Fletcher,  Thomas  Adair,  John  Phillips,  George  Baile,  John 
Jackson,  Charles  Meredith,  Roger  P.  Symone,  John  Ridley,  John  Parry, 
Robert  Hart,  James  Thompson,  Thomas  Henry  Morrice,  Heneage  William 
Creswell,  Robert  Bartholomew  Lynch,  Alexander  Gillespie,  to  be  Majors 
in  the  Army. 

The  following  promotions,  removals,  &c.  have  taken  place  in  the  Medi-» 
terranean  : — 
Captain  E.  L.  Graham,  from  the  Caledonia  to  the  Apuljo,  vacant  bj  tL« 


510  NATAL   HISTORY    OF   THE   PHESENT   YEAR,    1814. 

accidental  death  of  Captain  W.  B.  Taylor  ;  Captain  Lord  Algernon  Percy, 
from  the  Pelorus  to  the  Caledonia  (acting)  ;  Captain  Hole,  from  the 
Guadaloupe  to  the  Pelorus;  Lieut.  Pengelly,  from  the  gun-boat  service,  in 
the  Faro,  to  the  Guadaloupe ;  Captain  Su»w,  to  the  Brilliant,  new  74, 
building  at  Genoa,  and  nearly  completed  ;  Captain  Hamilton,  of  the 
Rainbow,  to  the  Havannali  ;  Captain  Sibly,  of  the  Swallow,  to  the  Rain- 
bow, but  acting  in  the  Huvannah,  until  she  is  joined  by  Captain  Hamilton  ; 
Lieutenant  John  Cornish,  first  of  the  Caledonia,  to  the  Rainbow  (acting) ; 
Captain  Weniyss,  of  the  Pylades,  to  the  Cossack,  vacant  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  Captain  Stanfell  to  the  Bacchante  ;  Captain  Roberts,  of  the 
Mcrope,  to  the  Pylades  ;  Lieutenant  B.  Suckling  to  command  the  Merope; 
Lieutenant  James,  first  of  the  Union,  to  command  the  Swallow;  Lieutenant 
Colby,  first  of  the  Prince  of  Wales,  Lieutenant  J.  Ba/algette,  first  of  the 
.America,  and  Lieutenant  Mapleton,  first  of  the  Edinburgh,  to  be  acting 
commanders  of  three  French  brigs  taken  at  Genoa  ;  Lieutenant  G.  Gosling, 
from  the  Havannah  to  the  Apollo,  vice.  Lieutenant  W.  11.  Naires,  who 
exchanged  ;  Lieutenant  W.  Furney,  of  the  Elizabeth,  to  the  Apollo,  vice 
Lieutenant  Bingham,  who  also  exchanged  ;  L'cti tenant  Kennedy,  from  the 
Sicilian  flotilla,  to  the  rank  of  commander,  and  to  command  the  Swallow  ; 
Mr.  Coghlan,  of  the  Alcmene,  to  be  a  lieutenant  of  the  Pylades;  Mr. 
Johnson,  Pylades,  to  be  a  lieutenant  of  the  Caledonia;  Mr.  PVanklin, 
Caledonia,  to  be  a  lieutenant  of  the  Cura^oa  ;  Mr.  Wey mouth,  purser  of 
the  Alcmene,  to  be  purser  of  the  Mulgrave,  vice  Finch,  lost  in  a  xebeck 
prize. 

Captain  Dobbie  is  appointed  to  the  Ethalion  ;  Captain  R.  Hall,  who 
commanded  the  flotilla  at  Sicily,  to  a  command  on  the  Lakes  of  Canada; 
Hon.  Lieutenant  Campbell  (son  of  Lord  Cawdor),  Lieutenant  B.  Mules- 
worth,  and  Lieutenant  J  F.  Arrow,  are  promoted  to  the  rank  of  com- 
mander. 

Rear-admiral  Brown  has  been  pleased  to  make  the  following  promotions 
and  appointments  on  the  Jamaica  station,  viz. 

Captain  Spelman  Swaine,  of  the  Talbot  post-sloop,  of  20  guns,  to  the 
Statira  frigate,  of  38  guns. 

Captain  Henry  Haynes,  of  the  Sapphire  sloop  of  war,  of  18  guns,  to  the 
Talbot. 

Flag-lieutenant  — —  Brown,  made  master  and  commander  into  the 
Sapphire. 

Lieutenant  Wra.  Hendry,  first  of  the  Argo  frigate,  of  44  guns,  master 
»nd  commander,  into  the  Forester,  of  18  guns,  vice  C.iptam  Alexander 
Kennedy. 

Captain  W.  Lukin  is  appointed  to  the  Chatham  ;  Captain  J  Hancock  to 
thetifley;  Captain  A.  Farqnhar  to  the  Liverpool;  Captain  \V. Simpson  to 
the  Princess  ;  Captain  E.  Stopford  to  the  Rosamond,  vice  Captain  Donald 
Campbell ;  Captain  W.  Sargent  (who  was  a  volunteer  on  board  the  Erebus, 
at  the  capture  of  L'Etoile)  to  the  Cordelia. 

Captain  George  Scott  is  appointed  to  tie  Royal  Charlotte  yacht,  wY^ 
Capt  iin  Eyles,  promoted;  SirJahleel  Brenton  l<>  the  Dm-set  yacht,  vice 
Captain  Pater,  promoted  ;  Captain  Buttertield  to  the  Stirling  Cn&tlf,  ricQ 
Sir  Home  Popham,  promoted;  Captain  G.  H.  Guion  to  the  Elizabeth; 
Captain  \V.  Love  to  the  Medina  yacht,  vice  Hills,  dtcr-ased;  Captain. 
A.  B.  Branch,  to  the  Swinger;  Captain  11.  C.  Deacon  to  the  Niobe;  Cap- 
tain C.  II.  Reid  to  the  Calypso;  Captain  N.  C.  Dobrce  to  the  Zenobia  ; 
Captain  H.  T.  Jauncey  to  the  Hope  ;  Captain  W.  Slaughter  to  the 
Bac-clms;  Captain  Bashford  to  the  Jalouse^  Captaiu  R.  Creyko  to  ili9 
Zephyr. 


HAVAI.  HISTORY  OF  THE  PRESENT  YEAR,  1814.  511 

The  following  commanders  have  been  promoted  to  the  rank  of  post 
captains  :— Captains  R.  Wauchope,  lion.  R  ('.Spencer,  Sir  John  Gordon 
Sinclair,  James  Bremer,  Charles  Coote,  Harry  Hopkins,  John  Ellis, 
Charles  F.  Payne,  Colin  M' Donald,  George  E.  Watt,  At>m  Lowe,  Robert 
Balfour,  J  J.  G.  Bremer,  John  Forteous,  Chas.  Bertram,  George  Hills, 
Henry  Fanshawe,  J.  H.  Morrison,  George  Trollope,  J.  C.  [lichens,  Thos. 
Manseli,  C  ;lin  Campbell,  Justice  Finley,  John  Wilson,  George  Pringle, 
Nevmson  De  Courcy,  Thomas  Groube,  Alexander  Fraser,  Hor.  Robinson, 
R.  H.  Battersby,  Michael  Head,  Thomas  Stump,  R.  R.  Wonneley,  Richard 
Coote,  Nath.  Mitchell,  John  Harper,  Samuel  Deckar,  Weston  Phipps, 
A.  V.  Drury,  Edward  Flin,  Thomas  Barclay,  G.  W.  Willes,  Hayes  O'Grady, 
Thomas  Dick,  W.  I.  Scott,  Thomas  Everard,  M.  F.  F.  Berkeley,  B.  C.  Ca- 

tor,  D.  Dunn,  — —  Fairfax,  Moresby,  George  Rennie,  Fred.  Vernon, 

Watkin  Evans,  Edward  Brazier,  Chas.  Hewitt,  G.  A.  Byron,  Hon.  E. 
Somerville,  E.  Lyons,  Sir  C.  Sullivan,  Richard  Foley,  Henry  Jenkinson, 
John  Marshall,  and  Edw.  Saurin. 

Lieutenant  G.  R.  Pechell,  late  of  the  St.  Domingo,  acting  commander 
of  the  Recruit,  Lieutenant  Medlicott,  late  signal  officer  to  Admiral  Har- 
good,  and  Lieutenant  R.  Pigott,  are  promoted  to  the  rank  of  commanders. 

Captain  Wm.  Sargeant,  who  was  a  volunteer  on  board  the  llebrus,  at 
the  capture  of  the  Etoile,  is  appointed  to  ihe  command  of  the  Cordelia,  10, 
in  the  room  of  Captain  H.  T.  Fraser,  obliged  to  go  on  shore  from  ill  health. 
Captain  F.  is  the  officer  who  commanded  the  Avon,  18,  when,  in  company 
with  the  Rainbow,  26,  she  beat  off,  after  a  severe  contest,  a  large  French 
frigate,  off  St.  Domingo,  in  February,  1810. 

Dr.  Burnett  is  appointed  to  be  physician  of  the  Russian  squadron  about 
to  proceed  to  the  port  of  Cronsladt. 

List  of  Midshipmen  passed  for  Lieutenants. 

The  following  gentlemen  passed  their  examination,  at  Plymouth,  for 
lieutenants  :— Messrs.  George  Pcard,  Conquestador  ;  T.  R.  Brigstocke, 
Kurotas  ;  A.  F.  Thompson^  Pactolus  ;  N.  Ware,  Helena;  J.  Blois,  Re- 
pulse ;  W,  E.  Pascoe,  Vesuvius  ;  W.  Hains,  late  Impetueux. 


BIRTH. 

On  7th  June,  in  Lansdown  Crescent,  Both,  Lady  Charlotte  Druromond, 
of  a  son. 

MARRIAGE. 

Lately,  Mr.  W.  H.  Banks,  surgeon  of  H.  M.  S.  Hussar,  to  Elizabeth, 
youngest  daughter  of  the  late  Captain  Marshal,  R.N. 

DEATHS. 

At  Brompton,  Middlesex,  in  his  62d  year,  Renr-admiral  Charles  San- 
dys ;  this  officer  was  made  post  on  21st  January,  1783,  and  placed  on  the 
superannuated  list  of  rear-admirals  21st  November,  1805. 

After  a  few  days  illness,  Captain  James  Hills,  royal  navy  ;  he  had  been 
recently  appointed  by  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty  to  the  command  of  the 
Medina  yacht,  and  had  only  lately  received  his  commission. 
•  Lately,  at  Dartmoor,  Lieut.  W.  Beard,  R.N". 
Lately,  at  St.  Thomas's,  Mr.  Thomas  Wiley,  master  of  the  Crane. 


512  NATAL    HISTORY    OF   THE   PRESENT    TEAR,    1814. 

On  the  £0th  November,  1818,  in  the  act  of  exploding  a  fort  near  Man- 
fredonia,  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Sicily,  Francis  Gobtling,  second  son  of* 
Nathaniel  Gostling,  Esq.  of  Earl's-court  House,  Old  Brompton,  acting 
first  lieutenant  of  the  Bacchante  frigate,  Captain  Hoste.  By  some  unac- 
countable delay,  the  despatches  (which  must  contain  the  particulars  of 
another  set  of  laurels  gained  by  the  captain  and  crew  of  thai  ship),  have 
not  yet  reached  the  Admiralty.  This  fort  and  two  others  were  at  the  same 
time  stormed  and  taken  by  them,  and  while  with  his  own  hand  lie  fired  the 
train  which  blew  up  one  of  them,  a  stone  struck  him  on  the  head,  and  he 
fell  to  rise  no  more.  The  Gaieties  of  that  year  best  speak  the  merits  of 
this  amiable  young  man's  intrepidity  and  conduct  ;  while  his  elegant  man- 
ners, fine  understanding,  and  the  excellency  of  his  heart,  endeared  him  to 
his  commander  and  his  comrades  To  his  particular  friends,  and  nearer 
connections,  his  loss  is  irreparable  ;  for  affections  glowing  like  his  are  rarelj 
to  be  found.  One  consolation  remains,  that  in  the  nurUt  of  an  inexhaustible 
fund  of  cheerfulness,  his  confidence  was  fixed  above  the  mortal  glories  of  a 
ijeft/s  fame. 

At  Emma-place,  Plymouth,  Captain  Isaac  Colgrave,  of  the  royal  navy, 
upwards,  of  50  years  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  made  Post  29th 
April,  1802. 

At  Haslar  Hospital,  Captain  Lyall,  6f  the  royal  navy,  lately  returned 
from  captivity  in  France. 

25th  April,  near  Portsmouth,  Mrs.  Ferguson,  wife  of  Captain  George 
Ferguson,  R.N. 

26th  Aprii,  at  an  advanced  age,  Captain  P.  Baskerville,  commanding 
fcis  Majesty's- yacht  Medina. 

27th  April,  in  Upper  Baker-street,  Pqrtman-square,  Captain  Charles 
Stuart,  of  the  royal  navy. 

28th  April,  at  Farley-house,  near  Godalming,  Master  Charles  Pierre- 
pontf  second  son  of  the  late  Rear  admiral  Pierrepont,  aged  seven  years. 

On  the  28th  of  April,  at  Monte'go  Bay,  Jamaica,  Captain  Hass^fd 
Stackpole,  of  his  MajestyVfrigate  Statira.  He  was  unfortunately  killed  in 
a  duel  with  Lieutenant  Cecil,  of  H.  M.S.  Argo:  the  dispute  was  of  long 
standing.  He  was  a  very  spirited  officer  ;  and  has  left  two  children  to 
lament  his  loss.  And  on  the  3d  instant,  at  his  lodgings  in  Somers-town, 
near  London,  Massey  Stackpole,  Esq.  father  of  the  deceased,  and  of 
Captain  John  Massey  Stackpole,  of  the  45th  regiment. 

At  Midhurst,  on  Friday,  the  29th  April,  Mrs.  Cocks,  relict  of  the  late 
Wm.  Cocks,  Esq.  late  purser  of  the  royal  navy,  aged  49  years,  universally 
regretted.  • 

On  the  29th  of  April,  in  the  73d  year  of  his  age,  John  Croker,  Esq. 
late  Surveyor-General  of  Ireland,  and  father  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Admiralty. 

9th  May,  at  the  Commissioner's  house,  in  Portsmouth  Dock-yard,  after 
a  lingering  ;llness,  aged  8  years  and  5  months,  Charlotte,  youngest  daugh- 
ter of  the  [Ion.  George  Grey. 

On  the  10th  May,  of  his  wounds  received  in  the  sortie  from  Bayonnc, 
to  the  universal  regret  of  the  army,  and  the  grief  of  his  family,  Ijeuteriant- 
colonel  Collier,  son  of  the  late  Vice-udmiral  Sir  George  Collier,  and  bro- 
ther of  Captain  G.  A.  Collier,  of  II. M.S.  Grampus. — He  served  with  un- 
remitting zeal  and  reputation  in  numerous  campaigns. 

On  the  24th  May,  at  Chester,  in  the  77th  year  of  his  age,  Captain  Wal- 
ter Watts,  of  the  royal  navy,  made  a  commander  30th  November,  1807. 

29th  May,  at  Hammersmith,  aged  86  years,  Mrs.  Vinicombe,  mother 
ef  Lienten,ant-coionel  Vinicombe,  of  the  royal  marines,  atid  sister  to 
JJeuieiiaut-gcneral  Elliot. 


INDEX 


TO 


THE  THIRTY-FIRST  FOLUME. 


A. 


ACTIONS.— Montague  and  Pelliam 
packets,  with  the  American  priva- 
teer Globe,  25.  Eurotas  with  the  Clo. 
rinde,  183.  Hibernia,  merchantman, 
with  the  Comet  American  privateer, 
192.  Alphea  schooner,  with  the  Re- 
nard,  French  privateer  cutter,  263. 
Hebrus  with  UEtoile,417.  Creole  and 
Astrea  frigates,  with  the  French  frigates 
L'Etoi/e,  and  Sultan,  49.5. 

Adamson,  Lieutenant,  remarkable  escape 
of,  from  a  situation  in  which  he  was 
ice-locked,  113. 

Alcmene  and  Iphigenia  frigates  captured 

.  by  the  Venerable,  and  Cyane  sloop, 
242. 

Asia,  Bombay  snip,  loss  of,  and  massacre 
of  part  of  the  crew  in  the  long-boat, 
27. 

Atalante  sloop,  portrait  of  the,  388. 

B. 

Back  bay  chart,  arid  hydrographical  de- 
scription of,  164. 

Backstay,  fl)ing,  invented  by  Captain 
Hoskins,  446. 

Ball,  the  late  Sir  Alexander,  brief  notice 
of,  112. 

Baltic,  new  regulations  respecting  the 
lij;ht-houses  in  the,  54. 

Baratavia,    establishment   of    a    set    of 

French  pirates  at,  26. 
*Barton,  coxswain  of  the  Revolutionnaire 
cutter,  gallantry  of,  at  the  storming  of 
St.  Clara,  186. 

Bergen-op-Zoom,  brief  account  of,  245. 

BI.AKE,  Admiral  R.  Portrait  and  Memoir 
of,  1.  Place  of  his  birth,  ib.  Entered 
iu  the  University  of  Oxford,  ib.  Sin- 
gular cause  of  disappointment  in  his 
competition  for  a  fellowship  at  \Vad- 
1mm  College,  2.  Chosen  burgess  for 
Bridgewater  by  the  Puritan  party,  ib. 
Declares  for  the  Parliament  on  the 
breaking  out  of  the  civil  war,  raises  a 


troop  of  dragoons,  and  appears  in  th« 
field,  ib.  Speedily  promoted,  ib.  His 
resolute  defence  of  Taunton,  as  go- 
vernor, against  Lord  Goring,  ib.  His 
decided  disapprobation  of  the  death 
of  Charles  I.  3.-  Made-  commissioner 
of  the  navy,  and  sent  with  a  iiii>;ii  force 
in  pursuit  of  Prince  Rupert,  whom  he 
blocks  up  in  the  harbour  of  Kingsale, 
and,  on  his  forcing  his  way  out,  pursues 
him  to  the  Tagus,  ib.  Demands  permis- 
sion to  attack  him  there,  ib.  Refused  by 
the  King  of  Portugal,  ib.  Attacks  a  Por- 
tuguese fleet  on  its  return  from  Brazil, 
captures  seventeen  ships,  and  burns 
three,  4.  Returns  home  with  his  prizes, 
ib.  Ordered  to  make  reprisals  on  the 
French  ;  captures  a  French  man  of 
war,  of  great  value,  ib.  Follows  Prince 
Rupert  to  Carthagena,  but  is  refused 
permission  by  the  Spanish  court  to  at- 
tack him  there,  ib.  Takes  occasion  to 
engage  Rupert  in  the  harbour  of  Ma- 
laga, and  destroys  three  of  his  ships,  ib. 
His  honourable  conduct  to  a  French 
captain,  whose  ship  he  afterwards  en- 
gages, and  captures,  in  the  Mediterra- 
nean, ib.  War  with  Holland,  5.  Pro- 
voked by  Van  Trump  with  a  very  supe- 
rior force  to  an  action  in  the  Downs,  6. 
Bents  him  ofF,  ib.  Particulars  of  the 
action  (note),  ib.  Captures  the  Dutch 
fishery  fleet,  7.  Chases  the  Dutch 
fleet,  under  De  Writ  and  I}e  Ruyter, 
into  Goree  with  great  loss,  ib.  et  seq.  His 
gallant-action  wirfi  Van  Trump,  in  the 
Downs,  against  a  force  more  than  treble 
_  tliatot  hisown,  10.  Engages  Van  Trump 
again,  and  compels  him  to  flight  willi 
great  loss,  12.  His  definition  of  a  sea- 
man's duty  to  his  country,  13.  Sue* 
cessive  actions  with  Van  Trump,  and 
final  victory,  ib.  His  gallant  and  suc- 
cessful conduct  in  tli«  AJediterranean 
against  the  .Algeiiuti  and  Duke  of  Tus- 
cany, 14.  Anecdote  of  him  related  by 
Bshop  BurnU,  IS.  War  with  Spaiti, 

3  u 


INDEX. 


ib.  Sails  to  Teneriflfe,  and  destroys  the 
Plafe  fleet  there,  ib.  Cruises  off  Cales, 
but  finding  his  health  greatly  impaired, 
returns  to  England,  and  dies  entering 
Plymouth  sound,  17.  His  body  em- 
balmed, lnid  in  state  at  Greenwich 
house,  and  buried  in  Henry  Vllth's 
Chapel:  afterwards,  at  the  Restoration, 
taken  up,  and  buried  in  St.  Margaret's 
church-yard,  ib.  His  private  and  pub- 
lic character,  ib.  et  seq. 

Elyth,  late  captain,  his  interment  at  Port- 
land in  America,  and  monumental  in- 
scription, 27. 

Boat,  submarine,  invention  and  descrip- 
tion of  one,  2ijflf. 

Brazil,  map  and  description  of,  488. 

Brighton,  comical  accident  at,  to  a  son  of 
Neptune,  116. 

British  sea,  remarkable  congelation  of  the, 
191. 

••  prisoners  in  France,  numerical 

list  of,  245. 

Bull  and  Cow  Rocks,  representation  of, 
216. 

Buonaparte,  and   the  Isle  of  Elba,  ana- 
logy between,  446. 
-     C. 

Cagliari,  view  and  account  of,  476. 

Calais,  interesting  events  at,  283. 

Calcutta,  instructions  issued  by  the  mas- 
ter-attendant at,  to  pilot  vessels  to  the 
cruising  station,  157. 

Canning,  captain  of  tlie  Kile  sloop  of  war, 
suspension  of,  25. 

Ceres,  French  frigate,  captured  by  the 
Niger  and  the  Tagus,  418. 

Challenge  between  the  captains  of  the 
Endymion  and  Stutira,  British  frigates, 
and  the  captainb  of  the  United  States 
and  Macedonian,  American  frigates,44r 

Child,  remarkable  preservation  of  one,  in 
a  great  inundation  in  Holland,  362. 

Chinese,  excellent  observation  of  the,  on 
the  ordinary  vicissitudes  of  human  life, 
399,  (no'e). 

Chronological  sketch  of  the  most  remark- 
ablenaval  eventa  of  tlie  year  1813,  58. 

Clare  Island,  light-house  on,  destroyed  bv 
fire,  29. 

Cleopatra,  H.M.S.  portrait  of,  in  a  fourth 
position,  added  to  three  previously 
given,  l.'!6. 

Collicott,  Mr.  gallant  resistance  of  a  force 
ten  times  the  strength,  of  his  own,  lo'7. 

Commander  of  old  standing,  363. 

CouRtspoxDEjkCE.  30.  118.  195.  288. 
367.  451. 

COURTS  MARTIAL. — On  Captain  Napier, 
for  the  loss  of  IJ.M.  sloop  Go&huwfc, 


61.  Vice-admiral  Sterling,  for  impro- 
per conduct  in  a  matter  of  convoy,  415. 
Surviving  officers  and  ship's  company 
of  the  Monkey  gun-brig,  486.  Lieuten- 
ant M.  Shuldliam,  for  the  loss  of  the 
Adder,  ib.  Surviving  officers  and  ship's 
company  of  the  Alacrity  sloop,  for  her 
loss,  by  capture,  ib.  Lieut.  Suell,  &c. 
for  the  loss  of  the  Minotaur,  ib.  Capt. 
Otter,  for  the  loss  of  the  Proserpina 

.  frigate,  by  capture,  487.  Mr.  W.  Marsh, 
for  the  murder  of  Edward  Gromini,  ib. 
Lieut.  Treacey,  for  the  loss  of  ths  1  Jn- 
net,  brig,  by  capture,  ib.  Lieut.  Nor^ 
ton,  for  the  loss  of  the  Inveterate,  ib. 
Capt.  Blennerhasset,  for  the  loss  oi'  the 
Challenger,  by  capture.  488.  Sir  Tho- 
mas La  vie,  for  the  loss  of  the  Blanch, 
ib. 

Croll,  chart  and  description  of,  57. 

Custom-house,  in  Thames  street,  destroy- 
ed by  fire,  168. 

Cutlass,  naval,  exercise  of  the,  introduced 
on  boa/d  ships  of  war,  1 14. 


D. 


Duncari,   Admiral,    and   the   Greenland 
ships,  anecdote  of,  366. 


Elba,  Isle  of,  brief  account  of,  285. 

•  — ,    analogy    buueeu     liuona- 

parte  and  the,  446. 
Etoile,  French  frigate,  captured  by  the 

Hebrus,  417. 
Europe,  reflections  on  the  political  state 

of,  as  consequent  to  the  overthrow  of 

Buonaparte,  345. 

F. 

Financial  account,  28.  115. 

Finland,  navigation  ol  tlie  Gulf  of,  49. 

Fisheries  British,  great  advantages  of  the, 
187. 

Fleets,  British,  list  of,  and  their  stations, 
21. 

FRASER,  ALEXANDER,  Esq.  Portrait  and 
Memoir,  89.  Family  descent,  ib.  En- 
ters the  service  under  Captain  (jayton, 
and  present  at  the  siege  ot'Belleible,  ib. 
Returns  to  Edinburgh  at  the  conclusion 
of  the  war,  and  finishes  his  education, 
ib.  Sails  as  midshipman  in  the  Mer- 
maid frigate,  to  America,  ib.  Ap- 
pointed acting  lieutenant  in  tlie  Bo- 
uclta  i-loop,  ib.  Passed  for  lieutenant, 
and  ordered  on  board  the  Koyal  Oak 


IXDEX. 


at  Spithead,  90  Sails  as  acting  addi- 
tional lieutenant  in  the  Scarborough,  to 
America,  ib.  Ordered  as  lieutenant  on 
board  the  Canceaux,  under  Captain 
Mowat,  in  an  expedition  against  some 
of  the  sea-port  towns  of  America,  ib. 
His  services  in  the  attack  of  Falmouth, 
ib.  Removed  into  the  Chatham,  and 
serves  in  the  flat  boats  at  Long  Island, 
&c.  91.  Returns  to  England  in  the 
Bristol,  with  Lord  Shuldham,  ib.  Re- 
ceives a  confirmed  commission  from 
Lord  San  r%v  ich,  and  appointed  to  the 
Hector,  92.  Takes  charge  of  La  Li- 
corne,  French  Trigate,  and  brings  her 
into  Portsmouth  Harbour,  ib.  Present 
in  Kcppel's  engagement  with  D'OrviU 
liers,  ib.  Ordered  to  the  West  Indies 
with  the  fleet  under  Sir  G.  Rodney,  ib. 
As  first  lieutenant  in  the  Hector,  serves 
in  the  action  with  M.  De  Ternay  in  the 
squadron  under  command  of  Captain 
Cornwallis,  ib.  Exchanges  into  the 
Conqueror  and  returns  to  England,  93. 
His  exertions  signally  conducive  to  the 
preservation  of  the  ship  on  her  passage 
home,  ib.  Commissioned  to  the  St. 
Carlos,  and  afterwards  removed  into 
the  Romney,94.  Returns  to  England, 
and  appointed  (o  the  Royal  George, 
which  he  declines  in  expectation  of  an 
appointment  under  Admiral  Pigot,  and 
serves  in  the  Panther  in  the  action  with 
the  combined  fleets  after  the  relief  of 
Gibraltar,  by  Lord  Howe,  ib.  Ex- 
changes into  the  Ruby,  and  sails  with  a 
detachment  of  the  fled  to  the  West 
Indies,  ib.  Removed  into  the  Formid- 
able, flag-ship,  and  returns  to  England, 

95.  Sent  out  by  Admiral  Pigot  lieuten- 
ant in  the  Adamant,  on  the   Leeward 
Island  station,  ib.  Sundry  letters  to  and 
from  him  (note)  ib.  el  seq.     Appointed 
to  the  Colossus  ;  and,  subsequently,  by 
Admiral  Pigot,  to  the  Royal  Sovereign, 

96.  Made  commander,  ib.  Appointed 
to  the  Savage  sloop  on  the  Greenock 
station,  97.     Captures  Le  Custine,  and 
several  Danish    ships,    ib.       Ordered 
with      the     Ferret     sloop    and     cut- 
ters  to   Oster.d,    ib.       Takes    posses- 
sion  of    the  town  and    garrison,    93. 
Communicates  intelligence  of  the  arrest 
of  General    Dumourier  to   Count   de 
Clayrfait,  and  to    the   Admiralty,   98. 
Made   post-captain    in   the    Redoubt, 
100.     Appoimed  to  the  Proserpina  fri 
gate  in  the  North  sea  under  Admiral 
Duncan,  101.     Appointed  to  the  Shan- 
non, and  captures  three  large  privateers, 
J02.    Removed  to  the  Diana  and  sails, 


with  a  convoy  to  the  West  Indies,  103. 
Resigns  the  Diana  on  account  of  ill- 
health,  and  returns  to  England,  104. 
Appointed  by  Lord  St.  Vincent  to  the 
P.t'rshiemer,  ib.  Appointed  to  the  Am- 
phion  in  which  he  carrys  the  Duke  of 
Cambridge  to  Cuxhaven,  ib.  Resigns 
the  command  of  the  Amphion,  ib. 
Appointed  to  the  Weymouth,  and  af- 
terwards to  the  Hindustan,  in  which  be 
sails  with  a  convoy  to  the  East  Indies, 
ib.  Appointed  to  the  Prince,  and, 
subsequently,  to  the  Vanguard,  as  part 
of  the  fleet  under  Lord  Gambler  in  the 
attack  of  Copenhagen,  105.  Ordered 
to  remain  in  blockade  of  Copenhagen, 
in  the  absence  of  the  admiral,  ib.  Re- 
turns to  England,  108.  Accused  by 
the  merchants  of  quitting  his  station  too 
soon,  ib.  Accepts  the  command  of  the 
Sea  Fencibles,  at  Dundee,  1 10.  Ap- 
pointed to  the  William  and  Wary,  royal 
yacht,  ib.  Made  rear-admiral  of  the 
Blue  squadron,  ib.  Brief  account  of 
bis  family,  ib.  Heraldic  particulars, 
111. 


G. 

General  Suwarroff,  Russian  ship,  extraor- 
dinary purpose  of  its  intended  voyage, 
114. 

GORDON,  Captain  J.  A.  Portrait  and  Me- 
moir of,  353.  Early  entrance  into  the 
navy,  ib.  Present  in  the  memorable 
actions  of  the  29th  of  Mavj  and  1st  of 
June,  1794,  under  Lord  Howe,  ib. 
Serves  in  the  Goliath,  in  the  actions 
off  St.  Vincent,  with  the  Spanish  fleet, 
and  in  the  battle  of  the  Nile,  ib.  Made 
lieutenant,  and  appointed  to  the  Bour- 
delais  frigate,  354.  Distinguishes  him- 
self in  an  action  with  four  French  cor- 
vettes, ib.  Imprisoned  byTouissant  at 
St.  Domingo's,  ib.  Serves  as  first  lieu- 
tenant in  the  Racoon  sluop,  ib.  Ap- 
pointed commander  of  the  Racoon, 
355.  His  active  services  in  her,  ib. 
Advanced  to  post  rnnk,  ib.  Appointed 
to  command  the  Mercury  frigate,  ib. 
Removed  to  the  Active,  and  ordered 
to  the  Adriatic.  His  gallant  services 
under  Captain  Hoste,  356.  Loses  a 
leg  in  action  with  two  French  frigates 
and  a  store-ship,  ib.  Returns  to  Eng- 
land and  appointed  to  the  Seahorse 
frigate,  as  convoy  to  a  Jamaica  fle«  t,  ib. 
Returns  to  England  with  specie,  ib. 
Ordered  to  cruise  off  the  north  capt^ 
under  Admiral  Lord  Beaueltrc,  for  u« 


INDEX. 


President;  afterwards  attached  to  the 
Cherbourg  squadron  of  observation, 
and  finally  with  Lord  Keith's  fleet  at 
St.  Helen's,  357.  Brief  account  of  his 
family,  ib. 

Greswold,  Captain,  and  his  crew,  remark- 
able preservation  of  at  sea,  20. 
H. 

Half- pay  of  naval  officers,  increased  rates 
of,  498. 

Hogan,  Mr.  his  escape  to  Hajjfax.  20. 

Hooper,  John,  commits  suicide,  in  conse- 
quence of  being  threatened  with  punish- 
ment on  board  II.M.S.  Helena,  29. 

Hv OROGRAPHY.  Europe  .Russia.  Navi- 
gation of  the  Gulf  of  Finland,  49.  Asia. 
Bay  or  Bengal  Cheduba,  55.  Eu- 
rope. Britain.  Oriental  Navigation. 
Wai  ley's  Shoal,  150.  Doubtful  Shoals, 
151.  Cargados  Garajos,  ib.  Saya  de 
Malha,  152.  Maldiva  Islands,  153. 
Ari-attollon,  ib.  Collomandous-attol- 
Jon,  154.  Collomandous  (or  Sir  Francis 
Drake's)  channel,  ib.  Adoumatis  (or 
one  and  a  half  degree)  channel,  ib. 
Suadiva-attollon,  155.  Equatorial  (also 
Souadore  or  Suadiva)  channel,  156. 
South  (or  Addon)  channel,  ib.  Owen's 
Bank,  157.  Instructions  issued  by  the 
master  attendant  at  Calcutta  to  pilot 
vessels  to  the  cruising  station,  ib.  Am- 
boina  Shoal,  158.  Royal  George  Shoal, 
ib.  Grey's  Shoal,  ib.  Palmer's  Shoal, 
159.  Trinder's  Shoal,  ib.  Stag's  Shoal, 
ib.  Seaflower's  c!:u.:i;el,  160f  Pulo 
Negas,  ib.  !  Buccleugh's  Shoal,  16  J. 
Sydney  Shoal,  ib.  Laughlan's  Islands, 
ib.  Mac-Askill's  Islands,  162.  Sahul 
Bank,  ib.  Rajah  Bassa  Road,  ib.  North 
Island,  163.  Cumbrian's  Reef,  ib.  Mag- 
netism, 216.  North  Britain,  ib.  Spain, 
218.  North  Atlantic  Ocean.  Rock,  ib. 
New  Chart  of  Atlantic  Ocean,  219. 
Oceanic  Dangers,  220.  Azores,  223. 
Asia.  Sumatra,  ib.  Europe.  England. 
Plymouth.  Scotch  Grounds.  Shovel. 
Shoal  N.E.  of  Shovel  Leek-bed.  Mal- 
lard Rock.  Winter  Rock,  328.  Ireland, 
ib.  France.  Bordeaux.  Charentais.  329. 
I\l atelier.  Lescameau,  330.  La  Porte. 
Grave.  Gironde.  Garonne,  3S1.  Asia. 
Maldiva  Isles,  335.  Sumatra,  ib.  Ban- 
jak  Isles,  (note)  336.  Passage  Island, 
(wo't)  ib.  Bintanna  Island.  Battoa 
Island,  (.'!',(€.)  337.  Sinkel,  (no'e)  ib. 
America.  Bahama  Isles,  333.  Crooked 
Island,  339.  New  Providence,  340. 
Europe.  France.  Bordeaux,  400.  Asia. 
Sumatra,  ib.  Java,  403.  Celebes,  404. 
America.  Trinidad,  405.  Jamaica,  ih. 
Asia.  5'imntra,  476.  Oojong-Massang, 
(note.)  ib.  Ticoo,  (note.}  477.  Fort- 
Marlborough,  (note)  480. 


T.J. 

Java,  horrid  regicide  at,  367. 
Infection,  recipe  against,  1 16. 

L. 

Larch  Tree,  its  qualities  described,  363. 

Larks,  an  extraordinary  flight  of,  186. 

Letter  to  the  Editor,  from  Impartial,  on 
the  necessity  of  a  secondary  board  at 
the  Admiralty,  30. 

•  to  the  same,  from  Eolus,  on   the 

adoption  of  a  more  extensive  encou- 
ragement in  the  navy,  §2. 

— —  to  the  same,  with  a  question  res- 
pecting the  sword  presented  to  Lord 
Nelson  by  Ferdinand,  King  of  the  two 
Sicilies,  34. 

to   the  same,  by  Nestor,  on   the 

necessity  of  reforming  the  present  sys- 
tem for  obtaining  and  preserving 
British  seamen,  35. 

to  the  same,  frora  Tom  Starboard, 


respecting  the  notice  of  prohibi-ioq 
to  beggars,  affixed  to  the  Admiralty- 
office  wall,  36. 

to  the  same,  from  A.F.Y.  on  the 

subject  of  naval  administration,  36. 

to  the  same,  from  S.T.  on  Captain 

Philip  Carteret's  case,  39. 

to  the  same,  from  Tim  Weatherside, 

with  a  brief  account  of  the  late  Lieute- 
nant Ashworth,  41. 

to  the  same,  from  Truth,  claiming 

for  Dr.  Herschel  the  previous  discovery 
of  a  shining  spot  on  the  southern  pole 
of  the  planet  Mars,  against  the  subse- 
quent claim  of  M.  Des;ii<i»es,  42. 
-  -  to  the  same,  from  J.T.  with  the 
dimensions  of  the  great  ship  Nelson, 
now  on  the  stocks  at  Woolwich,  42. 

-  to  the  same,  from  Albion,  on  the 
conduct  of  the  war  against  America,  it* 
the  naval  department,  118.  J22. 

to  the  same,  from  Iron  Gun,  on  the 

subject  of  carronades,  120. 

to  the  same,  from  Tim  Weather- 


side,  transmitting  copy  of  the  Journal 
of  the  Sir  William  Bensley,  124. 

to  the  same,  from  Captain  Ilorton, 


correcting  statement  relative  to  the  ac- 
tion between  H.W.^.  Dido,  and  Lovr- 
estoffe,  and  La  Jlmerve,  and  L'Arli- 
misc,  127. 

to  the  same,  from  Jack  Larboard, 

on  tlvc  Admiralty  notice  to  be^irars,  120. 

to  the  same,  from  G.P.  with  official 

documents  relative  to  prisoners  oH  war 
in  America,  130. 

— —  to  the  same,  from  A.F.Y.  suggest, 
ing  certain  improvements  of  the  N.C. 

to  the  same,  from  Nestor,  on  an 

improved  constitution  of  the  Board  of 
Admiralty,  195. 


INDEX. 


•  ""••'  -  to  the  same,  from  C.H.  on  the  ad- 

tantage  of  Sliding  Keels,  196. 

•  '--  to  the  same,  from  Eolus,  recom- 
mending an  improved  system  of  encou- 
ragement in  the  Navy,  197. 

*  •  '      to  the  same,  from  Mr.  E.  Fairfax, 
inclosing  his  plan   for  raising  the  mer 
chant  brig  Bell-ma,  199. 

'"  to  the  same,  from  Nestor,  on  the 
necessity  of  an  increased  number  of 
naval  men  at  the  Admiralty  Board,  201. 

to  the  same,  from  Captain  Peachy, 

stating  his  case  relative  to  the  removal 
of  a  freight  of  treasure  from  his  ship 
into  the  President,  203. 

•••  •-  to  the  same,  from  Captain  Krusen- 
stern,  with  remarks  on  Mr.  Hoppner's 
translation  of  his  voyage  round  the 
world,  205. 

— —  to  the  same,  from  Oceanus,  on  naval 
promotion,  213. 

-  --   to  the  same,  from  Serus,  on  the 
naval  expedition  to  Canada,  214. 

* to  the  same,  from  Mr.  J.  Brown, 

inclosing  letter,  addressed  to  H.  M.  the 
King  of  Prussia,  on  the  abuse  of  the 
Prussian  neutral  flag,  238. 

...  to  the  same,  from  Captain  Dalytll, 
transmitting  list  of  British  naval  priso- 
ners of  war  at  Verdun,  297. 

—- —-  to  the  same,  from  R.B.  transmit- 
ting two  interesting  letters  from  two 
naval  officers  prisoners  in  France,  303. 

.  to    the  same,  from  Zeno,   with   a 

characteristic  sketch  of  the  successive 
commandants  at  Verdun. 

»— —  to  the  same,  from  G.  in  reply  to 
Captain  Horton,  310. 

—- --  to  the  same,  from  Oceanus,  on  the 
subject  of  corporal  punishment  in  the 
navy,  314. 

— —  to  the  same,  from  Occasional,  on 
Jack  Larboard's  vindication  of  the 
Admiralty  notice  to  bepgars,  from  Tom 
Starboard's  attack,  317. 

• to  the  same,  from  Orion,  suggesting 

improvements  to  the  N.  C.  317. 

.  to  the  same,  from  Tom  Starboard, 
in  reply  to  Jack  Larboard,  relative  to 
the  Admiralty  notice  to  beggars,  318. 

•i.  i  -  to  the  same,  from  Impartial,  on  the 
irregular  removal  of  officers  in  sta- 
tionary situations,  319. 

..  to  the  same,  from  Iron  Gun,  cor- 
recting certain  errata,  relative  to  the 
windage  of  guns,  319. 

— —  addressed  to  the  Earl  of  Liverpool, 
by  Arion,  relative  to  an  increase  in  the 
rjaval  half-pay,  widows>'  pensions,  &c. 
367. 

to  the  editor,  from  Oceanus?  notice 


respecting  Mr.  Bass,  with  an  account 
of  the  massacre  of  some  of  the  crews 
of  the  French  frigates,  Boussole,  and 
Astrolabe,  380. 

— -*  to  the  same,  from  A.  B.  assertinf 
the  Congreve  rockets  extinguishable  by 
water,  382. 

-^ —  to  the  same,  from  Captain  Stewart, 
inclosing  report  of  an  attack  on  the 
enemy's  flotilla,  off  Fort  Lillo,  by  the 
boats  of  the  Amphion,  383. 

— —  -  to  the  same,  from  Albion,  on  the 
active  measures  of  the  Board  of  Admi- 
ralty, as  tending  to  the  capture  of  ten 
out  of  the  thir.een  French  frigates  lately 
put  to  sea,  &c.  385. 

1  to  the  same,  from  Junius,  recom- 
mending a  reward  to  naval  officers,  in 
the  way  of  provision  for  their  peace 
establishment,  386. 

•  to  the  same,  from  an   old  officer, 
recommending  the  fitting  up  with  ca- 
bins, one  or  more  vessels,  at  ench  of 
the  principal  sea-ports,  for  the  use  of 
naval  officers  under  certain  regulations, 
387. 

— —  to  the  same,  from  S.  giving  an  ac- 
count of  two  gallant  contests  between 
the  Duke  of  Moutrose  packet  and  two 
American  privateers,  388. 

•  to  the  hydrographer,  from  J.  II.  on 
hydrographical  subjects,  398. 

— — -•  to  the  same,  from  G.  T.   with  an 

account  of  Lebaney  bay,  404. 
'- —  to  the  same,  from  Atlas,  on  the 
subject  of  oceanic  dangers,  220. 

— - — —  to  the  editor,  from  Captain  J.  B. 
Hay,  transmitting  cenotaph  to  the  me- 
mory of  J.  B.  Hawkins  Whitshed,  Esq. 
239. 

•  to  J.  Champion,  Esq.  from  Captain 
Stewart,  of  the  Amphion,  giving  an  ac- 
count of  the  death  of  his  son,  in  an 
attack  on  some  French  brigs,  under 
Fort  Lillo,  44£. 

to  the  editor,  enclosing  letter  ad- 
dressed to  Rt.  Hon.  Lord  Viscount 
Melville,  from  Philo  Nauticus,  on  the 
partial  advancement  ot  naval  lieuten- 
ants, 451. 

— —  to  the  same,  from  J.  C.  transmit- 
ting extract  of  Modern  Chronology,  by 
the  Rev.  C.  Dutens,  taken  from  a 
sketch  called  "  The  Sights  I  have  seen," 
452. 

•  to  the  same,  from  Nestor,  on  an 
improved  arrangement  respecting  Bri» 
tish  seamen,  455. 

to  the  same,  from  Amicus,  on  the 

deductions  from    the  pensions  of  the 
wounded  and  disabled,  457. 


IXDEX. 


—  to  the  same,  from  Tom  Bowling,  in 
answer  to  A.F.Y.'s  observations  on  the 
present  constitution  of  the  A.  B.  457. 

«  i  'to  the  same,  from  E. G.  transmitting 
official  letter  from  Captain  Sibley,  of 
Swallow  sloop,  to  Captain  J.  Rowley, 
460. 

——to  the  navy,  from  J.  W.  Croker, 
Esq.  transmitting  official  acknowledge- 
ment of  its  services  and  intended 
mode  of  reduction,  497. 

Louis  the  XVIIIth  proclaimed  at  Calais, 
283.     His  embarkation  at  Dover,  357. 
His  reception  at  Calais,  358,  • 
M. 

Manby,  Captain,  effective  use  of  his  ap- 
paratus in  saving  the  crew  of  the  brig 
Venus,  113. 

Marriage,  singular  one  of  a  long-absent 
sailor,  191. 

MARINE  LAW.     61.  415.  486 

Mathematical  question,  2P7. 

Maxwell,  Captain,  his  activity  on  the 
coast  of  Africa,  in  furtherance  of  the 
abolition  of  the  slave  trade,  245. 

W  Arthur,  Captain,  his  gallant  defence  of 
the  ship  Perceval,  447. 

Millman,  Captain,  liberated  by  Buona- 
naparte,  at  the  request  of  Dr.  Jenner, 
286.  N. 

NAVAL  ANECDOTES,  COMMERCIAL  HINTS, 
RECOLLECTIONS,  £c.  20.  112.  183.  283. 
357.  445 

•  Events,  chronological  sketch  of,  for 
1813,  58. 

— -  HISTORY  OF  THE  YEAR  1814.  62. 
165,  242.  S45.  416.  491. 

'  LITERATURE. — Milburn's  Oriental 

Commerce,  233.  406.  M'Arthur's 
Principles  and  Practice  of  Naval  and 
Military  Courts  Martial,  481. 

— — —  Pof.TjiY. — The  sailor's  Home,  59. 
The  steersman's  Song,  60,  Lines  to 
the  Memory  of  J.  B.  Hawkins  Whit- 
ened, 239.  "Dulce  Domum,  240.  The 
Sailing  of  Argo,  ib.  The  Morn  of  Tra- 
falgar, 34 1.  A  new  '  God  save  the 
King,'  489.  L.ncs  to  Elba,  490. 
'  Preaching,  194. 

'Newlands,  Mr.  sentenced  to  one  month's 
imprisonment  for  quitting  convoy,  168. 
O. 

O'Brien,  Captain,  narrative  of  his  escape 
from  captivity  in  France,  43.  137.  226. 
321.  383. 

Oldenbuigh,  Dutches*  of,  her  liberality  to 
the  captain  and  ship's  company  of  the 
Jason  frigate,  287. 

Ontario,  ^.ake,  American  naval  force  on, 
<2d  March,  1814,496. 

Ordinary  service  of  the  year  1783,  state- 
ment of,  40. 


O'Sullivan,  Mr.  his  escape  to  Halifax,  20. 

OTVTAY,  Vice-admiral  William  Albany. 
Memoir  of,  441.  Brief  notice  of  his 
family,  442.  Early  entrance  in  the 
service,  on  board  die  Africa,  Captain 
Levison  Gower,  ib.  Removed  to  the 
Dreadnought,  flag-ship  of  Sir  W.  Bur- 
naby,  afterwards  to  the  Niger,  in  the 
Mediterranean,  and  thence  to  the  Pru- 
dent, ib.  Made  lieutenant,  by  Sir  Ro- 
bert Harland,  in  the  East  Indies,  ib. 
Serves  in  the  Lark  frigate,  on  the  Ame- 
rican station,  ib.  Appointed  to  the 
command  of  Goat  Island  battery,  and 
receives  the  thanks  of  Lord  Howe,  for 
his  sevices,  ib.  Returns  to  England, 
and  appointed  first  lieutenant  of  the 
Triumph,  ib.  Removed  to  the  Sand- 
wich, ib.  Made  commander  and  ap- 
pointed to  the  Vesuvius  bomb  at  St. 
Eustatia,  by  Sir  George  Rodney,  ib. 
Serves  successively  in  the  Bacchante 
and  Kingsfisher,  ib.  Appointed  to  com- 
mand the  Scorpion,  and  thence  m^de 
post  and  commands  the  Pegasus  on  the 
Newfoundland  station,  ib.  Removed 
to  .the  Centurion  flag-ship  of  Admiral 
Affleck,  on  the  Jamaica  station,  443. 
Appointed  to  the  Boyne,  superseded  by 
the  Hon.  George  Grey,  and  appointed 
to  the  Belliqueux,  and  afterwards  to  the 
Powerful,  on  the  Jamaica  station,  ib. 
Succeeds  Sir  J.  B.  Warrtn  in  the  com- 
mand of  the  Flora,  ib.  Appointed 
successively  a  commissioner  of  the 
Transport  board,  a  commissioner  of 
the  navy,  for  the  Mediterranean, 
and  a  commissioner  of  the  board 
of  Naval  Inquiry,  ib.  Appointed  to 
command  the  Glory  un.ier  Lord  Col- 
lingwood,  444.  Made  rear-admiral  of 
the  Blue,  and  hoists  his  flag  successively 
in  the  Ganges  and  Barfleur,  as  second 
in  command,  under  Sir  Charles  Cotton, 
on  the  coast  of  Portugal,  ib.  Returns 
to  England  with  ill  health,  and  serves 
second  in  command  under  Admiral 
Montague,  at  Portsmouth,  ib.  Serves 
under  Sir  Richard  Strachan  in  the 
Scheldt  expedition,  on  board  the  Caesar, 
ib.  Appointed  commander  in  chief  in 
the  River  Thames,  ib.  Succeeds  Sir 
E.  Nagle  as  commander  in  chief  in 
Scotland,  ib.  Marriage  and  family,  ib. 
Made  successively  rear-admiral  of  the 
White,  and  Red,  and  vice-admiral  of 
the  Blue  and  White,  ib. 

P. 

Palmer,  Captain  E.  presented  with  an 
honorary  medal  by  the  board  of  Admi?» 
raky,  4,98. 


iXDEX. 


Paul,  Emperor  of  Russia,  his  life  saved  by 
the  prompt  attention  of  Mr.  S.  Butcher, 
on  board  the  Nile  lugger,  286. 

Portsmouth,  visit  of  the  Prince  Regent, 
Emperor  of  Russia,  King  of  Prussia, 
Duchess  ofOldenburg,  &c.  to,and  an  ac- 
count  of  the  grand  naval  proceedings, 
&c.  at,  491. 

Prisoners  of  war  at  Verdun,  list  of,  297. 

Prussian  neutrality,  maritime  abuse  of, 
the,  288. 

R. 

R.1  the  late  Lord,  and  his  secretary, 

anecdote  of,  360. 

Raleigh,  Sir  Walter,  anecdote  of,  450. 

Rochfort,fete  given  to  theBritish  naval  offi- 
cers of  the  squadron  in  Basque  roads, 
at,  445. 

S. 

Sandy  Hook,  view  and  description  of,  3 20. 

Sailor,  anecdote  of  a,  112. 

SAUMAREZ,  DE,  Captain  PHILIP.  Memoir, 
of,  265.  Serves  as  lieutenant  in  the  Cen- 
turion under  CormnodoreAnson,  ib.  Ad- 
vanced first  lieutenant  in  the  Centurion, 
266.  Appointed  tocommand  tlieSpanish 
prize,NeustraSenoradelMoi;teCarmelo, 
captured  near  the  Island  uf  Juan  Fer- 
nandez, ib.  Appointed  to  command 
the  rich  Manilla  galleon,  Neustra  Se- 
nora  del  Cabadonga,  with  the  rank  of 
post  captain,  ib.  His  narrative  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  squadron  under  Com- 
modore Anson,  to  the  arrival  of  the 
Centurion  at  the  Island  of  Macao,  267, 
et  seq.  Account  of  the  action  with  the 
Manilla  galleon,  277.  His  rich  share 
of  the  prize,  279.  Returns  to  the  Cen- 
turion, on  sale  of  the  prize  to  the  Ma- 
cao  merchants  ib.  Arrives  in  England, 
280.  Appointed  to  the  Nottingham, 
and  captures  tlie  Mary,  French  man  of 
of  war,  ib.  Sails  with  the  fleet  under 
Admiral  Anson,  and  is  actively  present 
in  the  action  with  M.  de  la  Jonquiere, 
ib.  Killed  by  a  shot  fromXe  Tonnant, 
flagship  of  the  French  fleet,  command- 
ed by  M.  de  Letendeur,  engaged  by 
Admiral  Hawke,  281.  Brief  account 
of  his  family  and  ancestry,  282. 

Scheldt,  state  of  the  French  uaval  forces 
in  the,  28. 

Shark,  voracity  of  a,  445. 

Ships,  information  respecting  the  register- 
ing of  them,  112. 

n  ,  average  number  employed  in  the 
Easc.-J.ndia  Company's  service  for  the 
last  five  years,  446. 

Ship-builders'  Yards  in  the  River  Thames, 
present  state  of  the,  185. 


Ship -timber,  Captain  Layman's  improved 
method  of  preparing  it,  365. 

SHIPWRECKS — Atalante  sloop,  69.  The 
Tweed,  ib.  The  Queen  transport,  ib. 
Cumberland  man  of  war,  ib.  114.  Dae- 
dalus frigate,  165.  Queen  Charlotte 
Packet,  166.  Holly  schooner,  167.  Be- 
resford  transport,  ib.  Nancy  transport, 
ib. 

Shipwrights,  150  volunteer  from  Plymouth 
yard  to  construct  vessels  on  the  Lakes 
of  Canada,  168. 

Signals,  Telegraphic,  on  Mr.  M<  Arthur's 
plan,  143. 

STATE  PAPERS.— Proclamation  for  cessa- 
tion of  hostilities  between  Great  Bri- 
tain and  France,  414.  Treaty  of 
peace  between  Denmark  and  England, 
462.  Announcing  cessation  of  re- 
strictions on  the  ports  of  Italy,  464. 
Definitive  Treaty  of  Peace  between 
France  and  the  Allied  Powers,  ib.  An- 
nouncing blockade  of  the  American 
coasts,  475.  Proclamation  of  Peace 
with  France,  ib. 

Sirius,  French  frigate,  captured  by  the 
Niger  and  Tagus,  244. 

Statistics,  American,  117. 

Steam-boats,  description  of,  and  account 
of  their  use  on  the  Clyde,  S65.  Im- 
provement on,  366. 

Sterling,  Vice-admiral,  court-martial  on, 
415. 

St.  Jean  de  Baptiste.  captured  by  the  Me- 
nelaus  frigate,  167. 

Sultane,  French  frigate,  captured  by  the 
Hannibal,  244. 

Surop,  remarks  on  the  light-house  on  th« 
high  land  of,  53. 

Swedish  anecdote,  286. 

T. 

Terpsichore,  French  frigate,  captured  by 

the  Majestic,  417. 
Thief,  summary   punishment  of  one  on 

board  the  Joseph  and  Anne,  186. ' 
Thisbe,  frigate,  splendid  illuminations  on 

board  of  the,  286. 
Tonsberg,  inscription  in  St.  Mary's  church 

at,  stating  the  presence  of  King  James 

VI.  of  Scotland  there,  in  the  year  1589, 

451. 
Tnckey,  Lieut,  notice  of  his  intention  to 

publish  a  work  on  Maritime  Geogra- 
phy. &c.  480. 

W. 

West  Scheldt,  forcing  of  the,  193. 
Whale    fishery,    protection     of   the,    at 

Greenland  and  Davis*  Straits,  J85. 
Whitlow,  Mr.  his  presence  of  mind,  when 

attacked  by  a  shark,  445. 


Y. 


YOUNG,  Admiral  Sir  G.  Portrait  and 
Memoir,  177.  Brief  retrospect  of  his 
family,  ib.  Early  entrance  into  the 
service  with  Admiral  Boscawen,  ib. 
Serves  under  Sir  Charles  Saunders  ;  and, 
subsequently,  again  under  Admiral  Bos- 
cawen,  ib.  His  distinguished  services 
at  Louisbourg,  Quebec,  and  storming 
of  the  Moro  Castle,  178.  et  seq.  Made 
lieutenant  in  1761,  and  commander 
1767,  and  appointed  to  the  Ferret  sloop, 
in  which  he  is  ordered  to  Guinea,  180. 
Makes  two  voyages  to  Guinea  in  the 
Weazle  sloop,  ib.  Returns  to  England, 
and  appointed  to  the  coasting  station 
between  Portsmouth  and  Mil  ford  Ha- 
ven, 181.  Appointed  to  the  Aldemey 
sloop  at  the  commencement  of  the 
American  war,  ib.  Sails  to  the  East 
Indies  in  the  Cormorant  sloop,  with 


Sir  E.  Vernon ;  and,  afterwards,  as 
post  and  flag  captain  in  the  Rippon,  ib. 
Sent  to  England  with  despatches,  by  Sir 
E.  Vernori,  respecting  the  capture  of 
Pondicherry,  ib.  Appointed  to  the 
William  and  Mary  yacht,  in  which  he 
takes  the  Prince  of  Wales  to  the  Nore 
on  a  review  of  the  fleet  by  bis  Majesty, 
and  receives  the  honour  of  knighthood, 
ib.  Appointed  to  the  Catharine  yacht, 
afterwards  to  the  Zealous,  again  returns 
to  the  yacht,  ib.  Made,  successively, 
rear-admiral  of  the  Blue,  vice-admiral 
of  the  Blue,  and  admiral  of  the  Blue, 
and  admiral  of  the  White,  ib.  Brief  ac- 
count of  his  family, 182.  Death,  charac- 
ter, and  heraldic  particulars,  ib. 

z. 

Zuyder-Zee,  origin  of  the,  863. 


GAZETTE  LETTERS. 


BARCLAY,    Capt.  R. 
H.  250 
Barrie,  Capt.  172 

,  Capt.  R.  24G 

Beauclerck,  Lord  A.  433 
Birkert  on,  Ad  in.  Sir  11. 424 
Brace,' Capt.  506 
Brisbane,  Capt.  506 
Brown,  Capt.  112 
Byron,  Capt.  K.  258 
Cadogan,  Capt.  G.  76 
Carter,  Capt.  J.  254 
Carleret,  Capt.  349 
Cator,  Capt.  172 
Chetham,  Capt.  68 
Coghlan,  Capt.  258 
Coode,  Capt.  432 
Dirkson,  Capt.  75 
Dilkes,  Capt.  258 
Domett,  Adm.  433 
Douglas,  Mr.  J.  75 
Dundas,  Capt.  77. 171.255 
Durham,  Adrn.  P.  C.  254. 

507 

Exmouth,  Lord,  506 
}arc|uhai,  Capt.  72.  tfO 
Fleming,  Capt.  507 


Fremantle,  Adm.  76.  427. 

500 

Godfrey,  Capt.  68 
Gore,  Capt.  J.  79 

,  Sir  J.  506 

Hamilton,  Capt.  79.  506 
Hand  ley,   Capt.  68 
Harper,  Capt.  J.  73 
Hayes,  Capt.  423 
Hope,  Capl.  433 
Hopkins,  Capt.  H.  68 
Hoste,  Capt.  W.  73.  428. 

500.  506 

Inglis,  Capt.  G.  252 
Jackson,  Capt.  172 
Keats,  Adm.  Sir  R.  G.  66 
Keith,  Adm.  84.  255.  428. 

433 

Lawrence,  Capt.  63 
Lloyd,  Capt.  R.258 
Mailland,  Capt.  A  507 
Mansell,  Capt.  T.  172 
Milwood,  Capt.  507 
Mounsey,  Capt.  W.  78 
Napier,  Capt.  253 
Neale,  Sir  H.434 
Otway,  Capt.  348 


Owen,  Capt.G.  W.C.R  67 
Palmer,  Capt.  424 
Pechell,  Lt.  258 

Capt.  433 


Pedlar,  Lt.  172 

Pellew,  Adm.   Sir.    E.  68. 

168.  349.  427.  499.  501. 

504.  506 

Penrose,  Adm.  347.  433 
Phillimore,  Capt.  J.  256 
Prevosl,  Lt.-gen.  G.  249 
Rainier,  Capt.  501 
Rowley,  Capt.  C.  426 
,  Capt.  J.  168.502 

504  50(3. 
Seymour,  Capt.  Sir  M.  422. 

424 

Shepheard,  Capt.  W.  246 
Sibley,  Capt.  E.  R.  77 
Stuart,  Capl.  Lord  G.  64. 

66 

Taylor,  Capt.  434 
Tobin,  Capt.  84.  173.  318 
Usher,  Capt.  T.  79 
Warren,  Sir  J.  B.  69 
Yeo,  Com.  Sir  J.  L.  250 
Youug,  Ailra.  W.  64,  05.  77 


Ivor*. 


PROMOTIONS  AND  APPOINTMENTS. 


ABBOTT,  R.  176 
Abernethie,  Maj.  T. 

509 

Adam,  Capt. 'c.  436 
Adair,  Capt.  T.  509 
Ainsworthy,  B.  Mar.  261 
Aitkin,  W.  175 
Allen,  J.  262 

,  Capt.  J.  260 

,  A.  351 

Alms,  Adm.  J.  508. 
Alston,  Lt.  P.  260 
Anderson,  A.  175 

,  J.  E.  261 

• ,  M.  351 

— ,  J.  438 

Andrews,  Lt.  E.  85 

— — ,  B.  86 

Annesley,  J.  351 
Anstruther,  Lt.  P.  C.  173 
Anthony,  Lt.  85 
Aplin,  Adrn.  P.  503 

• ,  Lt.  J.  G.  350 

Appleton,  G.  P.  Mar.  350 
Arnold,  Lt.  J.  F.  174 
Arnott,  J.  86.  175.  261 
Arrow,  Lt.  J.  F.  437.510 
Athil,  Lt.  J.  85 
Atkinson,  J.  C.  Mar.  174 
Austin,  Lt.  S.  173 
Aylraer,  Adm.  J.  508 
Babb,  Lt.  M.  173 
Baile,  Capt.  G.  509 
Bailey,  Lt.  J.  173 
Baird,  A.  262 
Baker,  W.  86 

,  W.  F.  Mar.  261 

,  Baker,  Capt.  H.  C. 

350.- 

Balfour,  Capt.  R.  51 1 
Balhatchet,  W.  Esq.  86 
Ball,  Capt.  A.  H.509 

,   H.  L.  Esq.  509 

Ballantyne,  Lt.  J.  260 
Ballard,  S.  J.  Esq.  509 
Ballislon,  W.  Mar.  86.  174 
Banks,  Lt.  T.  86 
Barclay,  Capt.  T.  511 
Barnes,  H.  86.  174 
Barrie,  J.  Mar.  174 
Barringlon,    HOB.    G.    K. 

174 
Bartholomew,    Capt.     D. 

350 

,  Capt.  436 

Bartie,  J.  Mar.  437 
j&arton,  Adm.  R.  508 
BarwelJ,  Lt.  X.  173 


Bash  ford,  Capt.  510 

Blois,  Mr.  511 

Bates,  J.  Mar.  261 

Bluett,  Lt.  R.  260.  350 

Battersby,  Capt.  R.  H.511 

Board  man,  Lt.  85 

Baumgardt,  Lt.  W.  A.  173 

Bojjer,  Adm.  R.  508 

Bayfield,  H.  174 

Boileau,  Lt.  F.  S.  350 

Bay  ley,  Capt.  W.  H.   M. 

Booth,  Lt.  J.  R.  173,174 

509 

Borland,  W.  G.  351 

Bayntun,  Adm.  H.  W.  508 

Bowater,  Adm.  E.  508 

Bazalgette,  Lt.  J.  437.  510 

Bowden,  Capt.  R.  B.  85 

Bazeley,  Capt.  H.  436 

Bowen,  Adm.  G.  508 

Beach,  W.  Mar.  437 

Boxer,  Capt.  J.  260 

Beales,  Lt.  C.  437 

Boyd,  J.  Mar.  261 

Beatty,  J.  86 

,  Lt.  J.  B.  85 

Prr    p     pa 

Boyle,  Lt.  Hon.  J.  173 

Beauclerk,  Lord  A.  508 

Boyles,  Adm.  C.  508 

Beazley,  Lt.  G.  437 

Boys,  Maj  W.  H.  509 

Beckett,  Lt.  W.  173 

Brace,  Lt.  F.  174 

Bedford,  Adm.  W.  508 

Brady,  W.  H.  174 

Beer,  Lt.  C.  173 

Branch,  Capt.  A.  B.  510 

Bell,  W.  262.  438 

Brand,  Lt.  W.  H.  173 

Belliars,  Lt.  J.  H.  86.  173 

Bransfield,  C.  Mar.  437 

Belson,  Lt.  H.  173 

Brash,  Lt.  II.  173 

Benamor,  Lt.  F.  350 

Brazier,  Capt.  E.  511 

Bonnet,  D.  262 

Bremder,  Lt.  W.  437 

Beresford,  Sir  J.  435,  436. 

Bremer,  Capt.  J.  511 

509 

,  Capt.  J.  J.  G.51I 

,  Sir  J.  P.  509 

Brenau,  J.  262. 

Berkeley,  Hon.  Adm.  Sir 

Brenton,  Sir  J.  85.510 

G.  C.  508 

Brereton,  Lt.  R.  P.  85 

,  Capt  M.  F.  F. 

Bridgeman,  Hon.  O.  436 

511 

Brigstocke,  Mr.  51  1 

Berryman,  Mr.  437 

Britton,  J.  Mar.  86.  174 

Bertie,  Sir  A.  508 

Brodie,  W.  Mar.  437 

1dm   cir  T   508 

Broke,  Sir  P.  B.  V.  259 

Bertram,  Capt.  C.  511 

Brown,  Lt.  J.  85.  174 

o'^i*                   A/1  m         £»  i  §•      Tl 

**  •     W   Mar   Q6I 

JtJlCKCriOUy       .Ail  III*      Oil       XV* 

ftflft 

\dm   W    503 

Duo 

Bidlake,  Lt-col.  R.  509 

T  f     e.\n 

Billing,  J.  262.  351 

Browne,  R.  351 

Bine,  Mr.  437 

Brownrigg,  T.  262 

Bingham,  Lt.  510 

Bruce,  W.  262 

Bird,  Lt.  H.  85 

Bruce,  Lt.  R.85 

Birks,  Lt.-col.  W.  509 

,  J.  Mar.  86 

Bissett,  Adm.  J.  509 

Brunton,  Adm.  N.  508 

Black,  W.  262 

Brush,  Lieut.  H.  T.  8* 

,  Capt.  J.  350 

Buchan,  Lt.  D.  173.  260. 

,  G.  438 

350 

,  Capt.  —  ,  436 

Buchanan,  Lt.  A.  173 

Blacker,  F.  261 

Bulberney,  D.  Mar.  174 

Blacklock,  A.  87.  261 

Bull,  Lt.  J.  173.  260 

Blackman,  Lt.  G.263 

Builer,   Lt.  T.  W.437 

Blackwood,     Hon.     Capt 

,  Adm.  Sir  E.  503 

436 

Bulteel,  Adm.  R.  50s 

Blackwood,  Hon.  Adm.  H. 

Bunce,  Capt.  B.  509 

509 

Burdou,  Adm.  G.  508 

Blandford,  Lt.  J.  85 

Biirlton,  Adm.  G.  5C9 

Bligh,  Adm.  W.  508 

Burn,  Lt.  L.  260 

,  Lt,  F.  85 

,  Capt.  J.  509 

XI.                  3  x                                                        -~~ 

INDEX. 


gurnets,  J.  Mar.  261 

Burnett,  Dr.  511 

Burnside,  J.  ST 

Burt,  Lt.  G.  173 

Burton,   Lt.  Gk  B.  173 

Bury,  Lt.  G.  174 

Brian,  W.  174 

Bury,  Adm.  R.  J.  508 

Butler,  P.  175 

-—*—>,  C.  G.  261 

ButternMd,  Capt.  51  a 

Byron,  Capt.  G.  A.  511 

Caiger,  J.  Mar.  86.  174 
Cameron    J.   175.  262 
Campbell    J.  262 

Lt.  J.  173.  350 
Hon.  G.  436 
Hon.L.  437 
Adm.  D.  509 
Adm.  G.  508 
Lt.-col.  J.  509 
Hon.  Lt.  510 
Capt.  C.  611 
Cannon,  W.  87 
Carpenter,  Adm.  J.  508 
Carroll,  Capt.  W.  F.  260 
Carter,  C.  86 

. ,  H.  87 

Cart wright,  W-  351 
Castle,  Lt.  G.  260  . 
Caswell,  Lt.  W.  174 
Cator,  Lt.  C.  J.  350 

. ,  Capt.  B.  C.  511 

Cawkett,  Lt.  J.  E.  350 
Chalmers,  A.  Mar.  174* 
Chamberlayne,  Lt.  J.  173 
Cbarlton,  Lt.  T.  W.  85 
Cheyne,  Lt.  G.  85 
Chillingworth,     T.    Mar 

261 

Chimrao,  Mr.  B.  43t 
Christian,  Capt.  J.  85 
Claperton,  W.  261 

,  Capt.  S.  509 

Claringbould,  W.  174 
Clark,  N.  261 

,  Maj.  J.  609 

Clarke,  J.  87 

,  Lt.  T.  P.  437 

Clayton,  G.  261.  351 
Clements,  Adm.  J.  509 
Cleveland,  C.  Mir.  174 
Clifton,  W.  438 
Codiet,  Capt.  437 
Cochrane,  Sir  A.  86 

~,  Lord,   17S 

,  J.  351 

Cock,  Lt.  H.  B.  174 
Cockb'urn,  Adm.  G.  508 
Codrington,  Capt.  436 

: ,  Adm.  E.  509 

Coffin,  Lt.  C.  P,  260 


offin,  Sir  J.  508 
3oghlan,  Mr.  510 

,  Lt.  — ,  437 

]olby,  Lt.  T.  437 

,  Lt.  510 

Cole,  Lt.  J.  86 

G.  86 

Lt.  R.  350 

Lt.-col.  M.  C.  509 
Coleman,  Lt.  J.  173 

,  M.  Mar.  174. 

350 

Collins,  Lt.  E.  1 73 
— ,  R.  Mar.  437 
— ,  Capt.  W.  509 
Collis,  S.  351 
Colls,  G.  438 
Colquhoun,  Lt.  S.  M.  173 

— ,  H.  351 
Conolly,  T.  175.  438 
Couway,  D.  B.  175 
Coode,  Capt.  J.  85.  173 
Coombe,  J.  86. 
Cook,  J.  351 
Cooper,  L.  Esq.  86 
Coote,  Capt.  C.  511 

,  Capt.  R.  511 

Cornish,  Capt.  436 

,  Lt.  J.  510 

Cornwaliis,  Adm.  435. 
Cox,  Capt.  H.  509 
Cragg,  J.  Mar.  261 
Craig,  W.  Mar.  174 
Crawford,  Lt.  M.  85 
Crawley,  Adm.  E.  508 
Crear,  J.  Mar.  86.  174 
Creighton,  A.  262 
Creswell,  Capt.  H.  W.  509 
Crejke,  Capt.  R.  510 
Crichton,  W.351 
Crighton,  W.  438 
Crisp,  W.  261 
Crole,  Lt.  C.  173 
Crooke,  T.  L.  86 

Lt.  C.  H.  174 


Darby,  Adm.  H.  D.  508 
Darley,  Lt.  A.  86 
Davey,  Maj.  T.  509. 
Davies,  Capt.  H.  T.  260 
Davis,  Lt.  H.  86 

,  Lt.  T.  W.  17S 

,  Lt.  T.  174 

,  Lt.  J.  260 

D'Auvergne,  P.  Prince  of 

Bouillon,  505 
Daws,  Lt.  T.  437 
Deacon,  Capt.  H.  C.  510 
Deckar,  Capt.  S.  511 
De   Courcey,  Hon.  Adm. 

M.  508 

,  Capt.  D.  511 

Dennison,  W.  262 
Derby,  Lt.  J.  173 
Devonshire,    Capt.  J.   F. 

350 
,    Capt.  J.  T. 

260 

Dick,  Capt.  T.  511 
Dickins,  Lt.  S.  T.  437 
Dickson,  W.  174 

,  Dr.  260 

,  D.  Mar.  261 

Lt.  D.  J.  437 


Crosbie,  Lt.  J.  260 
Crowe,  R.  174 

,  J.  B.  437 

Cubison,  R.  Mar.  261 
Cummin,  R.  351 
Cunningham,  P.  174 
Curlewis,   Lt.  W.  173 
Curtis,  J.  262 
Cuthbert,  J.   175 
Curzon,  Lt.  E.  437 
— — ,    Hon.    Adm.    H. 

508. 

D'Aeth,  Capt.  436 
Daire,  Lt.  G.  H.  437 
Dalyell,  Capt.  W.  C.  260 
Dalziel,  J.  H.  175. 
|  Daniels,  Lt.  B.  5,  260 


Dilkes,  Adm.  J.  508 
Dillon,  Capt.  C.  85 

,  Lt.  S.  173 

,  Lt.  E.  1T4 

Dixon,  Lt.  W.  H.  85 

,  W.  86 

,  Lt.  J.  F.  J.  173 

,  Adm.  M.  508 

Dobie,  J.  351 

,  Capt.  W.  H.  436 

Dobbie,  Capt.  510 
Dobree,  Capt.  N.  C.  510 
Dobson,  Lt.  H.  B.  86 
Lt.  W.  B.  174 


Donnelly,  R.  Esq.  50'J 
Douglas,  Lt.  H.  D.  C.  173 

,  Hon.  Capt.   G. 

436 

,  W.  437 

,  Adm,  J.  508 

: ,  J.  E.  Esq.  50? 

Downey,  Lt.  W.  174 
Drake,  R.  174 
Drew,  Lt.  J.  R.  260 

,  Lt.  A.  260 

Drumiiioml,  J.  438 
Drury,  Adm.  T.  508 

,  Capt.  A.  V.  511 

Ducane,  Ltt  C.  260 
Duff,  Lt.  N7.  86 
Dujarden,  G.  Mar ."-174 
Duke,  J.  174 
Dunbar,  A.  351.  438 
,  W.  4SS 


INDEX. 


Tiundas,  Adm.  G.  509 
Duffers,  P.  261 
Dunlop,  Lt-  R.  G.  350 
Dunn,  R.  282 
,  Capt.  D.  511 
-•    Capt  J   350 

Fletcher,  Lt.  J.  F.  174 
,  E.  Mar.  350 
_..  _     .    .,    p-ir^   T    R   "inn 

Gould,  Adm.  D.  508 
Gourley,  R.  351.  438 
Gower,  Adm.  E.  L.  509 
Graham,   Capt.  E.  L.  250. 
509 
,_.,   Mil    "R     ^("10 

Flin,  Capt.  E.  51  1 
Flinn,  Lt.  W.  260 
Foley,  Lt.-col.  R.  H.  509 
,  Adm.  T.  508 
,  Capt.  R.  511 
Foot,  Adra.  E.  J.  508 
Forbes,  Capt.  J.  85 
,  J.  174 
,  Capt.  H.  350 
,  Capt.  —  .  436 
Ford,  R.  M.  86 
Forester,  Lt.  R.  174 
Forrest,  Capt.  T.  260.  350 
Forster,  Lt    R.  173 
.  ...  .....      Lt   T   °60 

Dunsmire,  Maj.  G.  509 
Durham,  Adm.  P.  C.  508 
Dyer,  ,  Esq.  8« 
.,  Lt.  G.  436 
Dykes,  W.  438 
Eagle,  Lt.  J.  W.  85 
Earle,  Lt.  C.  8«. 
Eastwood,  Lt.  —  .  437 
Edwards,  J.  175 
,  B.261 
-,  Adm.  S.  50S 
•    Adm   E   508 

,  Capt.J.H.  509 
Grant,  Lt.  L.  85 
,  G.  86. 

Gray',  Lt.  W.  173 
Green.  Lt.  W.  P.  174 
,  Lt.  G.  86.  «60 
Greensides,  F.  Mar.  2C1 
Gregory,  G.  174 
Ji  7«; 

Grcig,  J.  86 
Grier,  D.  175 
Griffith,  W.  87 

••  •  '   '         '  f  J  •    O  0  1 

•      ,  J    438 

Eikie,  Lt.  J.  85 
Elliott,  Lt.  A.  B.  350 
Ellis,  W.  Mar.  350 

Pant       1      T  1  1 

Fothergill,  W.  Mar.  261 
Foy,  J.  438 
Franklin,  Lt.  —  437 

\',  r      <",  1  A 

,  J.  351 
Elston,  J.P.  1U 
Elwin,  Lt.  J.  85 
Emelin,  J.  Mar.  350 
English,  CapL  N.  H.  509 
Essington,  Adm.  W.  508 
Etough,  Lt.  H.  E.  173 
Evans,  Capt.  W.  85.  511 
,  Lt.  G.  260 
,  Lt.  J.  260 
,  Lt.  R.  W.  350 
Everard,  Capt.  T.  511 
Ewing,  H.  86 
Exmouth,  Lord  E.  508 
Eyles,  Capt.  436 
—  -  —  ,  T.  Esq.  509 
Eyre,  Sir  G.  509 
Fairfax,  Capt.  511 
Fahie,  W.  C.  E.  509 
Falcon,  Capt.  G.  260.  350 
Falls,  W.  351 
FaHCourt,  Adm.  R.  D.  508 
Fanshawe,  Lt.  A.  174 
,  Capt.  H.  511 
Farquhar,Capt.A.436.510 
Fayerman,  Adm.  F.  508 
Faulknor,  Lt.  J.  173 
Tdlowes  Adra.  E.  509 
Fenwicke,  Lt.  R.  B.  173 
Ferguson,  Adm.  J.  508 
Ferrier,  Adm.  J.  508 
Finlayson,  J.  Mar.  174 
Finley,  Capt.  J.  511 
Finnis,  Lt.  R.  85 
Finucane,  E.  87 
Fiolt,  Lt.  W.  E.  85 
Fisher,  Capt.  P.  260 
,  J.  351 
Fitzgibbon,  Lt.  P.  85 
Fleming,  HOB.  Adm.  C.  E 
608. 

Fraser,  Lt.  J.  260 
,  Adm.  A.  508 

Pnut      A      Kll 

—  ,  E.  Adm.  508 
Grimston,  E.  86 
Grindall,  R.  Adm.  508 
Groves,  Capt.  J.   260 
Groube,  Capt.  T.  511 
Grunside,  J.  Mar.  437 
Guion,  Capt.  G.  H.    436. 
510 
Guland,  W.  87 
Gullifer,  J.  B.  437 
Gulhrie,  J.  174 

RA'^ft 

Fremantle,  Adm.  435,  508 
Friell,  C.  O.  262 
Fry,  J.  8T 
Furney,  Lt  W.  510 
Furze,  Lt.  H.  P.  260 
Furzer,  Maj.  H.  R,  509 
Galbraith,  G.  262 
Gallagher,  G.  438 
Galloway,  Earl  of,  508 
Gambier,  Adm.  Lord  508 
Gardner,  Lord,  A.M.  508 
.._,..„   Hon   F  F    508 

Hagen/R.  438 
Haines,  Mr.  511 
Halkett,  P.  Adm.  508 
Hall,  H.  174 
,  J.  262 
,  Capt.  B.  436 
,  Capt.   R.    436.   510. 
Halloweli,  B.  Adm.  508 
Hallowes,  Lt.  F.  174 
,  Lt.  J.  350 
Halstead,  WX  Adm.  508 
Ilambly,  Lt.  R.  85 
Hamilton,  Capt.  510 
,  W.  Capt.  350 
,  J.H.  351 
,Capt.  436 
,  Adm.  Sir  C.  508 
,  T.  Adm.  508 
Hancock,  Capt.  J.  173.436. 
610 
Ilanna,  T.  86 
Hamvell,  J.  Adm.  508 
Hargooil,  W.  Adm.  508 
Harris,  G.  261 
Harribou,  Lt.  J.  B.  260 
.  ,  Lt.  R.  350 
Harper,  Capt.  J.   511 
Hart,  11.  351 

Garrett,  Lieut.  H.  85 
,  Lieut.  E.  350 
T   IVlnr    <?T1 

Garwood,  II.  D.  261 
Ga.squet,  R.  351 
Geary,  VV.  II.  437 
Gibbeson,  S.  351 
Gibbons,  Lt.  W.  350 
Giles,  S.  Mar.  261 
Gill,  Lt.  J.  C.  350 
Gillatliie,  D.  438 
Gillespic,  R.  174 
,  Capt.  A;  509 
Girvan,  A.  176 
Glaze,  Capt.  M.R.  509 
Glencorn,  J.  175 
Gomby,  R    86 
Gordon,  Lt.  C.  R.  85 

~—\  Lt.  E.  173 
H  C    174 

Gore,  Lt.  R.  «5.  173 
_—  ,  Adm.  Sir.  J.  509 
Gosling,  Lt.G.  510 
Gosselin,  T.  LeM.F,sq.  509 

Gough,  \V,  86 

ISDEX. 


Hart,  Capt.  R.  509 

Harvey,  J.  Adra.  509 

-,  E.  Adm.  508 

Hayard,  J.  438 

Hawkins,  A.M.  Capt.  350 

Hayes,  Capt.  G.  260 

Haynes,  Capf.  H.  510 

Head,  Capt.  M.  511 

Heaslop,  Lt.  J.  437 

Hecks,  R.  L.  Mar.  351 

Helby,  Mr.  86. 

Henderson,  Capt.  G.  260 
,  Lt.  J.  260 

Hendry,  Lt.  W.  510 

Henneker,  A.  174 

Henry,  P.  174 

Henslop,  Lt.  J.  C.  437 

Heron,  J.  438 

Jletherington,  Lt.  R.  173 

Hewetson,  J.  87 

Hewitt,  Lt.  J.  173.350 

,  W.  174 

r-,  Capt.  C.  511 

Hichens,  Capt.  J.C.  511 
Hickey,  Capt.  F.  260 
Hickman,  Lt.  J.  173 

Hill,  Capt.  J.  436 
Hills,  Capt.  G.  511 
Hilton,  Lt.  S.  437 
Hodge,  Lt.  S.  173 
Hogan.G.  174 
Hoggan,  J.  W.  87 
Holbrook,  M.  Mar.  G.  261 
Hole,  Capt.  436.  510 
Holiyman,  H.  87 
Holman,  Lt.  R,  173 
Holroyd,  Lt.  P.  86 

,  Lt.  C.  173 

Home,  Lt.  Col.  J.  509 
Homier,  W.  Mar.  350.  437 
Hood,  Adm.  Sir  Sam.  508 
Hope,J.M.  2bl 

,  G.  J.  Adm.  508 

,  VV.  J.  Adm.  508 

Hopkins,  Capt.  H.  511 
I  lore,  J.  S.  20 1 
Horn,  A.  Mar.  437 
Hornby,  Capt.  E.  C.  509 
Hoste.'Capt.  W.  436 
lloiham,  Hon.II.  Adm.  509 

-• ,  Adm.  W.  509 

Hough,  Lt.  J.  J.  173 
Jiougiiton,  K.  174 

^ ,  Lt.  M.  260 

Houston,  J.  351 
Howe,  Lt.  A.  B.  260 
llovyaul,  J.  '^61 
!I  <>.veil,rl.  Mar.  174 
H'.yle,  Lt.  M.  173. 
lludsot.,  Lt.  J.  174 
f,  W..  3jl 


Hunter,  Adm.  J.  508 

Kennedy,  Lt  4Sf 

Hutchinson,  Lt.  VV.  437 

*"-""-     )  \j»  -cO-o 

llyndman,  W.  86 

,  Lt.  510 

F  S7 

Kent,  C.  174 

,  A.  C.  262 

,  C.  438 

Ingram,  Lt.  A.  85 

Kerr,  Lt.  J.  85 

Irvine,  S.  175 

King,  S.  86 

Jackson,  Lt.  J.  173 

,  Lt.  R.  H.  261 

Jackson,  Captain  J.  509 

,  Mr.  350 

Jacob,  Lt.  S.  350 

,  Adm.  Sir  R.  508 

Jacobs,  Lt.  VV.  85 

Kinsman,  ('apt.  A.  509    - 

James,  Lt.  It.  174 

Kirby,  Lieut.  W.  260 

I  »    p     p     ficn 

Kitchener,  J.  Mar.  174 

r—  ,  Lt.  E.  437 

Kneeshaw,  Lt.  J.  86 

-,  R.  B.  438 

Knieht,  Lieut.  T.  E.  85 

,  Lt.  510 

Knocker,  W.  261 

Jauncey,  Capt.  H.  T.  510 

Knox,  J.  87 

Jay,  T.  M.  Mar.  86 

-   Panf   T"    S    P    S*ift 

—  ,  J.  Mar.  174 

Lacy.  L.  87 

Jeffery,  Lt.  E.  W.  350 

Laforev,  Adm.  Sir  F.  508 

Jenkins,  G.  H.351 

Lake,  \V.  T.  Esq.  509 

,  J.  Mar.  351 

Lancaster,  Lt.  II.  T.  85 

Jenkinson,  Capt.  H.  511 

Land,  W.  438 

Jeremy,  Lt.  C.  D.  173 

Langtord,  Capt.  G.  436 

John,  L.  Mar.  86 

Langon,  II.  Mar.  174 

-Johns,  VV.  Mar.  351 

Langstaff,  J.  W.  262 

Johnson,  T.  Mar.  86 

Lanyon,  11.  Mar.  86 

r  i7t 

T  t   \V    ^ftn 

,  J.  Mar.  174 

Laugharne,  Adm.  J.  50$ 

,  Lt.  G.  C.260 

Laughna,  J.  261 

,  R.  351 

Lawsan,  Lt.  T.  D.  86 

T  f     .—   4T7 

T  »     T    T)      170 

,  Mr.  510 

Liwford,  Adm.  J.  508 

Johnstone,  Capt.  C.  J.  85 

Lechmere,  Adm.  VV.  508 

,  F.  86 

Lee,  Lieut.  Col.  85 

Pinr    T   n(\r\ 

AH  in   T?    <\nw 

—  —  ,  A.  Mar.  437 

Leeds,  Lieut.  H.  86 

Jones,  Lt.  J.  173 

Leg^e,  Adm.  Hon.  A.  R. 

,  Capt.  Hon.  A.  260 

508 

,  Lt.  Hon.  J.  260 

Ltpgett,  B.  .351 

('•nit  NT  "fin 

Lawrence,  J.  175 

,  Lt.  T.  260 

,  H.  261 

,  D.  351 

Lempriere,  Capt.  436 

,  Capt.  G.509 

Len^P.rd,  J.  I.  II.  Mhr.  Sat 

Joyce,  Lt.  J.  B.  174. 

Lcnthorne,  Lt.  T.  85 

Kav,  J.  87.  261 

Levie,  A.  Mar.  351 

Keats,  Lt.  VV.  174 

Lt-w,  Lt.  J.  174 

,  Adm.  Sir  R.  G.  508 

Lewis,  J.  Mar.  86.  174 

Kcele,  H.  VV.  351 

,  Capt.  II.  P.  260 

Keene,  Lt.  J.  437 

,  A.  Mar.  437 

Keith,  Lt.  C.  1  74 

,  Maj.  H.  P.  509 

r--,  Lord,  436 

,  J.  Mar.  350 

,SirG.  M.  350 

,  T.  331 

Keilock,  H.  G.  86 

Ley,  Lt.  G.261 

Kelly,  Lt.  M.  M.  85 

Lihon,  Lt.  G.  173 

,  M.  87 

Linton,  A.  175 

,  P.  351 

Kennedy,  A.  86 

l.in/ec,  Adm.  S.  H.  508 
Littlf,  Lt.  VV.  W.  173 

'.,  J.  86 

l.luwdyn,  W.T.  87 

,  \V.  M.  174 

Lloyd,  Capt.  K.  173    *- 

.  \V.  M.  Jtii 

,  Lt.  lu  4j? 

XVDZX. 


Lock,  Lt.'N.  85 
— — ,  Adm.  W.  509 
Long,  Maj.  J.  509 
Lonjjlands,  Lt.  R.  174 
Losack,  Adm.  G.  508 
Lott,  E.  Mar.  437 
Love,  Lt.  H.  173 

,  Capt.  W.  510 

Lowe,  Capt.  A.  511 
Lowes,  VV.  Mar.  437 
Lucas,  R.  261 
Luke,  Adra.  W.  508 
Lukin.Capt.  W.  510 
— — -,  Adm.  W.  509 
Luscombe,  Lt.  E.  85.  261 

350 

Lyall,  A.  Mar.  174 
Lynch,  Capt.  R.  B.  509 
Lyons,  Lt  J.  113 

— ,  Capt.  E.  511 

Mackay,  S.  351 
Mackenzie,  Lt.  T.  85 
Macnamara,  Adm.  J.  509 
Madden,  J.  M.  175 
Maguire,  P.  87" 
Maitland,  Lt.  C.  173 
Malbon,  Lt.  S.  86 
Malcolm,  Artm.  P.  609 
Mallard,  C.  261 
Manley,  Adm.  I.  G.  508 
Mansell,  Lt.  B.  85 

,  Capt.  T.  511 

Mnpleton,  Lt.  D.  437 

. ,  Lt.  510 

March,  C.  261 
Marley,  Lt.  VV.  85 
Murryatt,  Lt.  F.  173 
Marsh,  F.  175 
Marshall,  Lt.  J.  174.  261 

i ,  Lt.  IJ.  M.  261 

. ,  Capt.  J.  511 

Martin,  J.  O.  174 

,  F.  Mar.  26 J 

. ,  J.  261 

,  Adm.  G.  508 

: ,  Adm.  T.  B.  508 

Mason,  H.  W.  351 

, ~,S.  351 

Matthews,  Lt.  A.  436 
Maude,  Capt.J.  A.  260 
Manle,  Lt.  G.  85 
M' Alpine,  J.  175.  262 
M'Beath,  .1.  262 
M'Callum,  Capt.  J.  260 
M'Cay,  J.  J.  Mar.  260 
M'Cleverty,  H.  Mar.  351 
M'Donald,  Dr.  W.  85 

. ,  Lt.  D.  85 

. : — ,  J.  Mar.  174 

; ,  D.  Mar.  437 

-: ,  Capt.  C.  511 

M/Dougnll,  Lt.  J.  85 


M'Dougall,  Adm.  J.  508 
•                 G   II  174 

Napier,  Lt.  Hon.  F.  174 
,  Capt.  Hon.  J.  260 
Nason,  Lt.  H.  173 
Neale,  Adm.  Sir  H.  B.  508 
Newall,  Lt.  J.  261 
Newton,  J.  86 
Nias,  J.  437 
Nicholas,  Lt.  J.  350 
Nicholls,  Brevet,  Maj.  260 
AHm    F-T    'inff 

M'Duff,  Capt.  —  .  436 
M'Ennally,  M.  87 

,  .,_     T     -17  «; 

M'Fernan,  J.  86 
M'Glashan,  A.  438 
M'Kay,  L.  175 
M'Kenzie,  Lt.  A.  261 
M'Kinlay,  J.  351 
M-Kirdy,  Lt.  R.  261 
M'Leau,  Lt.  R.  173 
,J.  351 
M'Meekan,  Capt.  A.  173 
M'Lellan,  W.  261 
M'Leroth,  W.  B.  174 
M'Pherson,  J.  351 
Medlicott,  Lt.  511 
Meii),Lt.  J.  437 
Mellet,  G.  T.  438 
Mercer,  Lt.  H.  C.  261 
Meredith,  Capt.  C-  509 
Mildmay,  Lieut.  G.  M.  St. 
John.  85 
Miller,  Lt.  Col.  85 
,  T.  Mar.  174 
Mills,  J.  Mar.  174.  261 
Milne,  Lt.  R.  350 
,  Adm.  D.  509 
Minto,  Maj.  W-  509 
Misservey,  Lt.  F.  350 
Mitchell,  Capt.  C.  173.  260 
,  M.  351 
-    Adin   W  508 

Nimmo,  D.  87 
Noble,  Capt.  C.  509 
Nops,  Lt.  J.  G.  261 
Norman,  Lt.  M.  437 
Norsworth,  VV.  Mar.  437 
North,  J.  B.  Mar.  174 
Northesk,  Earl  of,  508 
Nowell,  Capt.  W.  85 
...    -        A  rim   VV    ^nn 

O1  Berne,  J.  P.  174 
O'Bierne,  J.  P.  86 
O'Brien,  Mr.  85 

—  ..  ...  _-    J-J3     aQ  J 

O'Cullaijhan,  N.P.  351 
O'Grady,  Capt.  H.  511 
Ody,  Lt.  W.  85 
Ogilvie,  J.  351 
Onslow,  Sir  R.  436 
Orde,  Adm.  Sir  J.  507 
Osborn,  Adm.  E.  O.  508 
._  j\dm   J  50(j 

'_       Adm  S   508 

Osborne,  A.  174 
Otway,  Adm.  VV.  A.  508 
,  Adm.  R.  VV.  509 
Owston,  W.  Mar.  86 
Paddon,  T.  Mar.  261 
Palmer,  Lt.  VV.  173 
1  t    ft    17/1, 

,  Capt.  N.  611 
Moffatt,  Lt.  J.  86 
Moiesworth,Lt.  B.437.  510 
Montague,  Lt.  M.  85 
„,  Adm-.  R.  508 
Montgomery,  A.  87 
Moore,  A-  Mar.  437 
™  .  ....    Adm    G  508 

,  Acim.  G  508 
Park,  J.  Mar.  174 
Parlebien,  P.  C.  262 
Parker,  Capt.  G.  85.  -136 
,  P.  Mar.  350 

Moorsom,   Adm.  R.  508 
Moresby,  Capt.  F.  436 
C'lut  511 

Morgan,  J.  174.  261 
Morrice,  Capt.  T.  EL  509 
Morris,  N.  175.  508 
,  Adm.  J.  N.  508 
Morrison,  S.  86 
...    T  t    I.  171 

Parr,  Lt.  J.  J.  85 
Parry,  Capt.  J.  509 
Parsons,  J.  261 
Pascoe,  Mr.  511 
Pater,  Adm.  C.  D.  503 
Paierbon,  J.  L.  26  1 
-    Adm.  C.  W.  508 

A      O«1 

,  J.  351 
,  Capt.  J.  H.  511 
Mortimer,  Lt.  G.  86 
\Toiibrav,  Lt.  T.  174 
MulIer,T.  A.  86 
Murrav,  Lt.  A.  173 

*      t  t     T      17^     A  17 

Patton,  Adm.  P.  503 
Paul,  Lt.  C.  350 
Paulet,  Lord  H.  SOS 
Payne,  Capt.  C.  F.  511 
Pay  liter,  C.  261 
Pearce,  Lt.  T.  261 
-,   F.  E.  Mar.  437 

Murrel,  Lt.  VV.  174 

Xnjjell,  Adm.  Sir  F,.  508 
Naires,  Lt.  \V.  II.  5  10 

,  Lt.  U.  457 
Pearson.  .1.  86 
Ptard/Mr.  oil 

Fierson,  J.  86  - 
Pechell,  Lt.  G,  R.  511 
Pellew,  Sir  E.  435 

,  Adm.  J.  508 

Pendegrast,  Lt.  J.  261 
Fender,  Adm.  F.  508 
Pengelly,  Lt.  510 
Pennington,  W.  Mar.  350 
Penrose,  Adm.  C.  V.  509 
Percy,  Lord  A.S50.  436.51 

,Hon.  W.H.  350 

Peterie,  P.  86 
Phalp,  C.T.  351 
Phillip,  Adm.  A.  508 
Phillips,  T.  Mar.  174 

,  J.  Mar.  261 

,  Capt.  J.  509 
Phipps,  Lt.  W.  85 

• ,  Capt.  W.  511 

Phoenix,  Mr.  J.  4S7 
Pickernell,  Lieut.  T.  174 
Pickmore,  Adm.  F.  5X>8 
Pierce,  T.  Mar.  86 
Pigott,  Lt.  R.  511 
Plampin,  Adm.  R.  509 
Poad,  Lt.  j.  174 
pole,  Adm.  Sir  C.  503 
Pollard,  Lt.  C.  261 
popham,  Adm.  Sir  H.  509 
Porteous,  Capt.  J.  511 
Porteus,  W.  .438 
Poltman,  Lt.  R.  436 
Prangnell,  F.  261 
Preding,  Lt.  J.  350 
Prescott,"  Adm.  I.  507 
Prickett,  Capt.  T.  350 
Pringle,  Capt.  G.  511 
Prior,  Capt.  J.  260 
Proby  Lt.  J.  P.  261 
Pyne",  R.  C.  Mar.  351 
Queaiie,  C.  261 
Qiiinton,  Lt.  J.  173 
Radford,  Capt.  S.  260 
Raggett,  Capt.  R.  85 
Rainev,  R.  438 
Ralph"  S.  351 
Rason,  Lt.  R.  174 
Ratsev,  Lt.  N.  261 
Raven,  Lt.  M.  261 
Bawling,  J.  261 
llawstune,  J.  86 
Ray,  \V.86 
Ruynham,  Lt.  M.  174 
Reach,  Mr.  351 
Read.  Lt.  S.  350 
Reardon,  J.  175 
Reec!,T.  174 

,  W.  Mar.  437 

Reeve,  Lt.W.  261 
Reid,  J.  87 

,  Capt.  C.  H.  510 

•• ,  Lt.  G.  S61 


IXUEX. 

Sterling,  Lt.  C.  173 
Rennie,  Capt.  G.  511 
Richards,  Lt.  W.  86 

,  M.  Mar.  86.  351 

,  Lt.  H.  B.  174 

,  J. 551 

Richardson,  J.  174 
Ricketts,  Lt.  G.  437 
Riddell,  J.  175 
Ridley,  Capt.  J.  509 
Rix,  G.  A.  86 
Robarts,  G.  438 
Robbius,  Lt.  T.  173 
Roberts,  Lt.  W.  G.  85.  173 

,  M.  175.  351 

,  Cnpt.  S.  260 

,  Capt.  436 

,  Capt.  510 

Robertson,  J.  175 

,  Lt.  W.  261 

Robinson,  R.  174 

,  Adm.  M.  508 

,  Capt.  H.  511 

Roby,  MPJ.  G.  E.  260 
Rogers,  W.  174 

,  T.  Esq.  509 

Rolles,  R.  Esq.  509 
Ross,  Capt.  C.  B.  260 

,  Capt.  C.  35 1 

Rowland,  Lt.  J.  S.  174 
Rowley,  Capt.  C.  436 

,  C.  Esq.  509 

,  Adm.  Sir  J.  509 

Rudland,  W.  H.351 
Russell,  Capt.  R.  85 

,Lt.  J.  261 

Rutherford,  E.  262 
Ryall,  E.  174 
Sabben,  Lt.  J.  350 
Salter,  Lt.  J.  350 
Sanderson,  R.  P.  26'2 
Sand  ford,  Lt.  G.  350 
Sankey,  T.  86 
Sargeant,  Cnpt.  W.  511 
Sargent,  Capt.  W.  510 
Savage,  Adm.il.  508 
Saumarez,  Adm.  Sir  J.  508 
Saunrierson,  C.  W.  261 
Saurin,  Capt.  E.  511 
Sawyer,  Adm.  H.  508 
Sayer,  Lt.  G.  85 
Scale?,  W.  4.i8 
Scallon.Lt.  R.  174 
Scaulan,  Lt.  T.  350 
Schank,  Aiiiii.  J.  508 
Scott,  R.  174 

— ,  Adm.  M.  F.  508 
— ,  Capt.  G.  510 
— ,  Capt.  \V.  I.  .Ml 
Seaman.  A.  Mnr.  "61 
Seaton,  Mr.  86 


Sen  i  by,  J.  St» 
Shand,  R.  86 
Sheapan,  M.  262 
Sheehan,  W.  Mar.  17-i 
Shepard,  C.  351 
Sheppard,  Lt.  P.  2§1 
Sherwin,  Lt.  T.  350 
Shifther,  Capt.  J.  436 
Shivers,  Adm.  T.  R.  508 
Shrapncll,  Lt.  J.  261 
Sibbald,  G.  87 
Sibly,  Capt.  E.  R.  350 

,  Capt.  510 

Simkin,  Lt.  W.  261 
Simrnonds,  Lt.  T.  261 
Simmons,  G.  V.  351 
Simpson,  Lt.  J.  35O 

,  W.  261 

,  Capt.  W.  510 


Sinclair,  Sir  J.  G.  511 
Skede,  Lt.  T.  20 1 
Skelton,  Mr.  437 
Skene,  Capt.  A.  350 
Sladden,  Capt.  W.  509 
Slaughter,  Capt.  W.  510 
Smailes,  VV.  Mar.  351 
Small,  A.  262 
Smart,  Lt.  B.  173 
Smith,  Lt.  J.  S.  85 

--,  H.  86 

-,  W.  B.  86 

-,  R.  87 

~,  Capt.  M.  173 

-,  Lt.  J.  173 

•-,  W.  Mar.  174 
,  Lt.  R.  261 


,  E.  A.  175.  262 

-,  W.  262 

•-,  G.351 

-,  Adm.  Sir  W.  S.  50& 
Snell,  Lt.  R.  173 

,  Lt.  J.  C.  261 
Somerville,  Hon.  Capt.  E. 

511 

Sommerville,  Lt.  J.  86 
•oper,  Lt.  R.  173 
Sotheby,  Adm.  T.  508 
Sotheroii,  Adm.  I.  508 
Spencer,  Hon.  J.  85 

-,  Horu  R.  C.  511 


granger,  Adm.  J.  W.  50d 
Spry,  Adm.  T.  507 

'tack,  Lt.  W.  173 
Stamp,  Capt.  T.  511 
"•taiibridge,  W.  351 

italics,  T.  433 

ranfeil,  Capt.  F.  350 
Stanley,  Lt.'ll.  3.50 
Sianser,  Maj.  C.  509 
el,  \V.  86 
phens,  Adm.  G.  II,  509 


INDEX. 


Sterling,  Capt.  T.  J.  509 
Stevenson,  Lt.  W.  350 
Stewart,  H.  86.  262 

,  J.  87.  174 

,  Lt.  G.  439 

Stokes,  T.  Mar.  86 
Stone,  Lt.  J.  173 

,  Lt.  T.  173.  261 

Stopford,  Adm.  lion.  R.508 

,  Capt.  E.  510 

Storck,  Lt.  R.  II.  173 
Stow,  Capt.  B.  436 

,  Capt.  510 

Strachan,  Adm.  Sir  R.  508 
Strang,  J.  176 

,  W.  351 

Strong,  J.  86 
Strover,  Lt.  J.  173 
St.  Vincent,  Earl  of,  436 
Stuart,  Capt.  Lord  G.  85. 
173 

,  Lt.  R.  261 

Studdart,  Lt.  T.  173 
Suckling,  Capt.  436 

,  Lt.  B.  510 

Sullivan,  C.  H.  86 

,  Capt.  S.  B.  350 

,  SirC.  511 

Surridge,  Adm.  T.  508 
Sutton,  Lt.  C.T.850 
Swaine,  Capt.  S,  510 
Swann,  G.  351 
Sykes,  Lt.  F.  36 
Syme,  Lt  G.85 
Symone,  C#t.  R.  P.  509 
Talbot,  J.  ^sq.  509 
Tamm,LtC.  85 
Tartnel,  LJ.  B.  173.  261 
Tatlock,  1.  J.  T.  261 
Taylor,  J351 

,1351 

,  i.  W.  Mar.  437 

,>dm.  W.  508 

Theed,t. 174 

,,t.J.  261 

Thorn-,  Lt.  G.  85 

,.  C.  86 

, •,  T.  86.  174 

-,  Lt.  J.  R.  261 

. -,  Capt.  F.J.  350 

Thopson,  Capt.  N.  85 

__ ,  G.  86 

„ ,  A.  Mar.  361 


Thompson,  M.  86.  351 
,  Capt.  J.  509 

Wemyss,  Capt.  —  436 
Wemyss,  Capt.  F.  509 

,  Mr.  511 
Todd,  C.  C.  262.  351 
Tomkins,  H.  261 
.    R    S   ^i 

West,  R.  Mar.  350.  437  — 
,  J.  437  .  . 
,  Adm.  T.  508 
Western,  Adm.  T.  509 
Westropp,  Maj.  P.  509 
Weymouth,  Mr.  437 
,  Mr  510 
Wheatley,  J.  H.  261 
Whitaker,  J.  261 
White,  H.  B.  86 
,  W.  G.  174 
,  C.  Mar.  261 
,  W.  Mar.  174 
,  V.  438 
Whittakef,  W.  175 
Wilde,  E.  R.  Mar.  174" 
Wilkinson,'  Capt.  W.  85 
••*-,  W.351 
,  Adm.  P.  508 
Williams,  Lt.  —  350 
,  Adm.  Sir  T.  508 
Williamson,  Lt.  G.  85.  350 
,  J.  351 
Wills,  G.  W.  85 
Willis,  Capt.  G.  W.  511 
Wilson,  Lt.  D.  85 

,   ,.    T  f     A      171 

Tomlinson,  Lt.  N.  173.  261 
Toone,  Lt.  J.:85 
Torrington,  Viscount  G.  509 
Townsend,  Lt.  T.  487 
JP    0^1 

Trefusis,  Lt.  Hon.  G.  86 
Treliving,  T.  Mar.  174 
Trollop'e,  Capt.  G.  511 
Trotter,  Lt.  W.  173.  261 
Tally,  M.  351 
Turribull,  R.  351 
Tyler,  Adm.  C.  608 
Tyrrell,  Lt.  G.  174.  261 
Vashon,  Adm.  J.  508 
Vernon,  Capt.  F.  511 
Vicars,  G.  351 
Voller,  Lt;  F.  437 
Vollock,  Lt.  G.  436 
Umfreville,  Lt.  S.  C.  350 
Wainwright,  Capt.  85 
Waldron,  Lt.  J.  173 
Waley.Lt.  T.  261 
Walker,  J.  Mar.  350 
J   433 

T  f     A     H     17  A 

Wallis,  Capt.  P.  W.  P.  85 

.      Tf     P    17/1 

—  ,Lt.  H.  173 

—         .  -  T  t    T     171 

-      f^in*-      T     &f\f\ 

TR    S^t 

Ward,  W.  86 
Wardin,  J.  351 
Ware,  Mr.  511 
Warren,  Capt.  F.  260.  350 
,  Sir  J.B.  508 
Watson,  J.  T.  Mar.  261 
Capt   A  509 

-  -    .  -        T    d^R          * 

,  Capt.  J.  511 
Witham,  C.  437 
Wood,Lt.  C.  261 
Woodhouse,  Lt.  H.  B.  261 
Woolcott,  Lt.  W.  350 
Woolridge,  Capt.  W.  350 
Wormeley,  Capt.  R.  R.  511 
Wrayford,  Lt.  M.  85 
Wright,  Lt.  P.  174 
SiVTar   M<;n 

^  Adm.  R.  508 
Watt,  Lt.  T.  A.  173 
,  Capt.  G.  E.  511 
Watts,  Lt,  R.  173 
Wanshope,  Capt.  R.  511 
Weddle,  Lt.  S.  85 
,  J.  Mar.  351 
Weekes,  Lt.  W.  B.  173 
Weir,  Capt.  H.  85 
Wells,  Adm.  J.  508 
Welshir,  J.  Mar.  350 
Weatherall,  Capt.  G.  F.  260 

',J.  351 
Wyvill,  Lt.  C.  261 
Yeames,  W.  Mar.  437 
Yorke,  Adm.  Sir  J.  S.  50* 
Young,  Adm.  W.  508 
.,  Adin  J.  509 
Yowell,  Lt.  E.  85 
Yule,  Lt.  R.  350 

Bal 
Bin 
Chr 
Dai 


I 

Bri 
Br\ 
Bui 
Dft 
Du 
Foi 


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. 


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Carrol,  Capt.  88 
Champion,  Lt.  W.  B.  440 
Cocks,  Mrs.  512 
Collier,  Lt.  512 
Cotgrave,  Capt.  438 

,  Capt.  I.  512 

Cotterell,  Mr.  37 
Court,  Mrs.  439 
Croker,  J.  Esq.  512 
Dick,  Mrs.  262 
Dighy,  A  din.  262 
Douglas,  Sir  J.  262 
Drury,  Miss,  88 
Egerton,  Mr.  J.  439 
Kmerscin,  Mr.  B.  175 
Ferguson,  Capt.  G.  352 


'.438 
.  D.  563 


.  352 

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Hill,  Lt.  C.  87 

,Mrs.  S.  175 

Hills,  Capt.  J.  5 U 
Hood,  IIou.  Lt.  Col.  440 
Hughes,  Mrs.  352 
Jones,  Lt.  T  W.  262 
Kerby,  Capt.  J.  352 
Lewis,  Mrs.  352 
Lyall,  Capt.  438 

,  Capt.  512 

Moncue,  Capt.  J.  S52 
Morris,  Mr.  [I.  175 
Morrison,  J.  176 
Mosse,  Capt.  352 
Mullins,  C.  Esq.  439 


176 

:.  512 


52 
8 

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Speek,  Mrs.  352 
Stackpolc,  Capt.  H.  12 
Stockham,  Capt.  J.  1^ 
Stuart,  Cnpt.  C.  512\ 
Swec.'iland,  Lt.  88 
Tavlor,  Capt.  B.  \V.  3? 
Til'lard,  Capt.  87 
Valentine,  T.  Esq.  552 
Vinicombe,  Mrs.  512 
Watt«,  Capt.W.  5  12 
Wells.  Mr.  St.  V.  439 
Whitshed,  J.  B.  H.  176 
Wiley,  Mr.  T.  511 
WiUkuns,  Mrs.  352 
Yorke,  11.  N.  352 


BY  JOYCE  C-OI.R*  103  SHOE  LANE, 


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A     000  438  227     1 


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