appointed you first lieutenant of the Gibraltar, of eighty guns. Go to Calder, and he will tell you more about it."

1

After the Gibraltar had received so much damage on the Pearl Rock in 1796, (her escape from which danger was altogether miraculous— see Naval History) she was ordered to England. Sir John Jervis removed my brother into the Barfleur, and, after the glorious termination of the battle of the 14th February, took him into the Ville de Paris. He then inquired if he had any brothers; "for," said he, "I will do the best I can for the sons of officers." On being informed that my youngest brother was in the Romney, with his godfather, Sir James Wallace, on the Newfoundland station, he sent for him, and as soon as he had served his time, made him a lieutenant in the Petterel sloop of war. The admiral then inquired for me, and, being informed that I was with Vice-Admiral the Honourable William Waldegrave, he said he could not do better for me at that time. As soon, however, as the Vice-Admiral was succeeded on the Newfoundland station by Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Pole, Lord St. Vincent, who had, in the

He was subsequently, after some very successful cruises, and having made many valuable captures, mortally wounded in hoarding a French letter of marque off Barcelona.

of at p.7 of this volume. Our researches in the muniment room were limited to the "Letter and Order Books." We never presumed to look at any letters addressed to his lordship.

I have lately learnt with much concern the death of Mr. Newnham Collingwood. Had I known it earlier, I should not have spoken of him with any mark of disapprobation; and I trust, even as it is, his surviving relatives will not think I have treated him with any thing like personal disrespect.

In the following pages I have endeavoured to draw a faithful picture from life. My duty was to avoid every thing like concealment, extenuation, or flattery. Professing to be of no party, I may, probably, subject myself to the censure of many, but I shall have the satisfaction of knowing, that impartial men will concur with me; and, wanting this, I should still have the approval of my own conscience. A partizan can never be relied on, either as a biographer or an historian.

18, York Street, Gloucester Place,

February 10th, 1838.

CONTENTS

OF

THE FIRST VOLUME.

CHAPTER I.

Preliminary Observations - Origin of these Memoirs

-

Genealogy of

Removed to Greenwich

Earl St. Vincent-Early Life- Education School Is diverted from the Law by the advice of his Father's Coachman- Determines to go to sea - Runs away from School and conceals himself on shipboard Distress of his Mother and SistersHe obtains the consent of his Parents, and is introduced to Lady Burlington - By her to Commodore Townshend Joins the Gloucester, and sails for Jamaica His bill Protested - His Resolution -He is Promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant-Serves at Quebec with General Wolfe and Sir Charles Saunders, and is made Commander - He obtains Post rank-Is appointed to the Alarm, the first coppered frigate-She is nearly lost at Marseilles-Is appointed to the Foudroyant-Is in Lord Keppel's Action - Observations on that affair Page 1

CHAPTER II.

Lord Keppel's action-Origin of the dispute between him and Sir Hugh Palliser Unfair advantage taken by the latter as a Lord of the Admiralty The trial takes place at the Government House in Portsmouth Garrison -Remarks on the removal of that building - The court meets on board a ship in Portsmouth harbour, and adjourns to the Government House on shore - Evidence of Captain Jervis― Observations on the conduct of the court as exhibited in the difference shown in their treatment of Lord Mulgrave and Captain Jervis - Captain