Hood taking the leaf out of his Log-book, wrong but not criminal· Irregular and improper mode of keeping that record in the Navy Suggestions for improving it-Letter to George Jackson, Esq. 25 CHAPTER III. The capture of the Pegase by the Foudroyant-Particulars from Schomberg-Letters of Admiral Barrington and Captain Jervis -Comparison between the Foudroyant and the Cæsar much against British Shipwrights-The French and Spaniards a full century before us in 1793—Dimensions of the two ships-Foudroyant considered a crack ship—Anecdote of the French Captain of the Pegase — Envy of Naval Officers at the success of Sir John Jervis, who is created a Knight of the Bath-Returned Member of Parliament for Launceston Hoists his broad pendant for a foreign command — Is prevented going by the Peace-He becomes a member of the Board of Officers for examining the best mode of fortifying the dock-yards — Opinion on the expediency of employing honest men in those places - Motto on the Coat of Arms -The various Promotions of Sir John JervisRemarks on the Promotion of young Officers during the PeaceStimulus wanting-Other Navies arising CHAPTER IV. 63 Sir John Jervis makes his first appearance in Parliament Advocates the cause of Captain David Brodie Is defeated-Remarks-Has his flag on board the Prince of 98 guns, in 1790-In 1792 makes a motion in the House of Commons in favour of disabled Seamen Motion withdrawn in consequence of a promise for redress CHAPTER V. 77 Expedition to attack the French Carribee Islands-Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Grey appointed to the command of the land and sea forces -Names of ships, regiments, and principal officers — Arrival of the forces at Barbadoes-Departure for Martinique Landing and success exactly similar to that of 1808-Attack on Fort Bourbon and Fort Republican — The affair of Captain Brown in the Asia — Faulkner and the quartermaster - Surrender of the island-The forces proceed to St. Lucia, which also surrenders -The Admiral and the General then prepare to attack Guadaloupe — Particulars of the events on that island - Storming of Fleur d'Epée-Dreadful carnage - Final surrender— Too many troops of the enemy left on the island- Prince Edward, father of our present most gracious Queen, present on the occasion, and returus to North America - The naval and military forces return to Guadaloupe- Sad reverses— Ravages of the yellow fever - Barbarous conduct of Victor Hugues - Death of General Dundas and Captain Robertson- Narrow escape of Captain Burnett-Horrible cruelty practised on the French Royalists - Murder of the sick in the streets and hospitals — Arrival of ViceAdmiral Caldwell and General Vaughan with reinforcements - Departure of Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Grey for England - They arrive at Spithead - Final surrender of the Guadaloupe to the French - Ravages of the yellow fever - Observations on the persecution raised against the Commander-in-chief at home for their alleged peculation in the islands-The charges disproved in Parliament-Violent memorandum of Lieutenant General Prescott - Destruction of the Boyne by fire at Spithead 91 CHAPTER VI. Importance of the Mediterranean command-Eventful crisis on the shores of that Sea during the last forty years Lord Hood's reasous for resigning the command-Admiral Hotham's action with the French fleet in March and July, 1795-Disastrous results to the British fleet-Account of Nelson from Clarke and M'Arthur-His opinion of the Austrians-Subsidies to the Emperor-Introduction of Nelson to Sir John Jervis-Character of the latter-Scandalous report against the character of Nelson and his captains, supposed to have been got up by the French for the purpose of sowing dissensions between us and our allies-List of the ships under the orders of Sir John Jervis-Objects which he had to keep in view-The blockade of Toulon-Trowbridge commands the inshore squadron-High state of Order and Discipline in the Fleet-Good humour of the Sailors-Mode of Repairing the Ships at Sea-Health of the People attended to-Hospital Ship constantly inspected-Spain shows symptoms of approaching hostility-Rear-Admiral Mann sent out with a reinforcement Anxiety of the Commander-in-chief to keep up his supplies of Stores, Provisions, and Slop-clothing-Account of the Island of Corsica from Boswell's history-Difference between the Government of the Count de Marboeuf and Sir Gilbert Elliot-Anecdote of Galferi-Lord Hood's Landing on the Island-Conflicting opinions of Collingwood and Nelson-The Strength of the Martello TowersSiege of Bastia and Calvi-The Union between Corsica and Great Britain-Unfortunate preference shown by the British Government towards St. Domingo, to the entire loss of Corsica-Misapplication 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, 1888. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Preliminary Observations - CHAPTER I. Genealogy of Removed to Greenwich Origin of these Memoirs 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 Hood taking the leaf out of his Log-book, wrong but not criminal Irregular and improper mode of keeping that record in the Navy -Suggestions for improving it-Letter to George Jackson, Esq. 25 CHAPTER III. The capture of the Pegase by the Foudroyant-Particulars from Schomberg-Letters of Admiral Barrington and Captain Jervis -Comparison between the Foudroyant and the Cæsar much against British Shipwrights-The French and Spaniards a full century before us in 1793-Dimensions of the two ships-Foudroyant considered a crack ship-Anecdote of the French Captain of the Pegase - Envy of Naval Officers at the success of Sir John Jervis, who is created a Knight of the Bath-Returned Member of Parliament for Launceston Hoists his broad pendant for a foreign command - Is prevented going by the Peace--He becomes a member of the Board of Officers for examining the best mode of fortifying the dock-yards - Opinion on the expediency of employing honest men in those places - Motto on the Coat of Arms -The various Promotions of Sir John JervisRemarks on the Promotion of young Officers during the Peace Stimulus wanting-Other Navies arising - CHAPTER IV. 63 Sir John Jervis makes his first appearance in Parliament Advocates the cause of Captain David Brodie - Is defeated-Remarks-Has his flag on board the Prince of 98 guns, in 1790-In 1792 makes a motion in the House of Commons in favour of disabled Seamen Motion withdrawn in consequence of a promise for redress CHAPTER V. 77 Expedition to attack the French Carribee Islands-Sir John Jervis and Sir Charles Grey appointed to the command of the land and sea forces - Names of ships, regiments, and principal officers. - Arrival of the forces at Barbadoes - Departure for Martinique Landing and success exactly similar to that of 1808-Attack on Fort Bourbon and Fort Republican - The affair of Captain Brown in the Asia — Faulkner and the quartermaster Surrender of the island-The forces proceed to St. Lucia, which also surrenders -The Admiral and the General then prepare to attack Guadaloupe Particulars of the events on that island Storming of Fleur d'Epée - Dreadful carnage Final surrender - Too many troops of the enemy left on the island-Prince Edward, father of our present most gracious Queen, |