"1 £x Libris C. K. OC.DEN THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES ^^ \V^ :■■ ' ', THE LAST OF NELSON'S CAPTAINS. BY Admiral Sir AUGUSTUS PlIILLIMORE, K.C.B. LONDON : HAIlIUSlOiV AND SONS, r>U, PALL MALL, jJ^oohstllfiB to tilt t/inun aiib ^.'&.'^. t()c [Uhxu of Milts. 1891. HAERISON AND SONS, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO UEB MAJESTY, ST. martin's lank. PREFACE. The last of Nelson's Captains was born in 1781, entered the Navy 1793, and died in 186G. As a midshipman, he shared in Lord Howe's actions which resulted in the victory of the " First of June," He saw much active service in the West Indies, both as a midshipman and as a lieutenant, especially during the war at San Domingo. As a commander, lie also had much active service in the "West Indies, particularly in chasing and in cutting out the enemy's privateers. As a captain. Earl St. Vincent, describing him as " My nephew of whom I am very proud," said lie had merited the esteem and regard of every officer he had served under, from his first entrance into the Navy. Lord Nelson described him as always giving him pleasure. Sir John Borlase Warren said he was a real treasure in his squadron. Sir Pulteney Malcolm said he was the best frigate captain in the service. On attaining the higher ranks of the profession, his con- duct and judgment elicited the approbation and adnnration of every Administration whicli ciniildycd liini ; c'S})ccially when on the Coast of Creece in 1H28, and during the Civil War in Portugal, 18:31 tu 18.'J4. The conduct of the ()])(',rations in <'liin;i \\lii— 1799. Acting Lieutcnanl and Lieiittiiant in tlic West Indies- His Majesty's Shijis " Magiricune " and "(.^ueen"— Services in till' West Indies .r,9 A 2 VI CONTENTS. Chaptkk v. PAGE 1799 — 1801. Services in the West Indies — Acting Conimaiuler iiml Coniiiiautler His Majesty's Sliijjs "Volage," "Ania- ranthe/' " relican," "Abergavenny," " Stork "- Acting Post Captain in " L'Oiseau," and confirmed in that rank, and appointed to " Heldin " — Returns to England ... 76 Appendix 84 Chapter VI. 1801—1802. Captain H.M.S. " Heldin "—" Alarm," on War and Peace Establishments, and appointment to " Amazon " 86 Chapter VII. 1802—1803. H.M.S. "Amazon" previous to the Renewal of Hostilities after the Peace of Amiens, embarks H.R.H. the Duke of Kent, at Gibraltar, and returns to England . . 97 Chapter VIII. 1803. " Amazon " at the Renewal of Hostilities ; captures " Le Felix," French Privateer ; joins Lord Nelson's Fleet . 103 Appendix 110 Chapter IX. 1804. H.M.S. " Amazon," under Lord Nelson, in the Mediter- ranean 112 Chapter X. 1805. H.M.S. " Amazon," under Lord Nelson . . . .126 Chapter XL 1805. H.M.S. "Amazon "—The Chase to the West Indies under Lord Nelson — Captures the Spanish Privateer " Principe de la Paz" 133 Chapter XII. 1806. H.M.S. "Amazon "-Capture of "La Belle Poule" . 147 CONTEXTS. Vll Chapter XIII. PAGE 1807—1808. H.M.S. " Amazon "—Bay of Biscay, Coasts of Spain and Portugal ^•-' Chapter XIY. 1809. H.M.S. " Amazon." Em])loye(l on the Coasts of Spain and Portugal . • • ■ ■ ^"^ Chapter XV. 1810—1812. H.M.S. "Amazon," Coast of Spain and Channel Squadron • .178 Chapter XVI. 1814—1827. Uiiemjiloved till 1827, when appointed to " War- spite" . . \ 190 Chapter XVII. 1827—1828. H.M.S. " Warsjiite." Endjarks Capo d'Istria— Senior Officer off the coast of Greece ... ■ 202 Chapter XVIII. 1828—1830. H.M.S. " Warspite " and H.M. Yacht " Prince Regent" 211 PART 11. Chaftku i. 1831. Sec^jud in Coniniaud of ( 'Iiaiinel Fleet — Commanding the Squadron in Pmtug.il .....'.. 221 Appendix 2;^) Ciiapteu II. September, iM.'il, to .lum-, \Ki-2. Keai-Admiial (.'niinnaiiding- in-Chief the SciuadiDii on tin- CouhIh of I'ortiigil, |nr\iou8 to tlie arrival of |)i)im lVih«> ....... 238 Appendix 248 Vlll CONTENTS. Chaptkrs TTT and IV. PAGE From 1st .Inly to 31st December, 1832. Rear-Adniiral in Com- mand of His Majesty's Ships on the Coast of Portugal after tlie arrival of Dom Pedro — From 1st .Tauuary to 30th .June, 1833. Ivwu -Admiral Commanding His Majesty's Ships at Lisbon, Madeira, and the Azores, 1833 .... 249 Chaptkh V. Lisbon, July 1st to December 31st, 1833. Rear-Admiral Com- manding His Majesty's Ships in Portugal, Madeira, and the Azores ........... 274 Chapter VI. 1834 Rear-Admiral Commanding His Majesty's Ships in Port- ugal, Madeira, and the Azores— Created a Knight ("om- mander of the Bath — Becomes one of the Lords Commis- sioners of the Admiralty 288 Chapter VII. 1834 1841. One of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty 299 Chapter VIII. 1841 — 1842. Commander-in-Chief of Esust Indian, Chinese, and adjacent Seas— Summary of previous conduct of the War with China — Occupation of Chusan — Capture of Chinhae and Ningpo 312 Chaptee IX. China and India, 1842. War with China — Ca))tuie (jf Woosung and Ching-Kiang-Foo — Treaty of Peace signed under the Walls of Nanking — Invested with the Grand Cross of the l]ath on board the " Cornwallis' 332 Chapter X. China and India, 1843. Connnander-iii-Chief in East Indies, Chiiia, &c 358 CONTENTS. IX Chapter XI. PAGE China and India, 1844. Commander-in-Chief of the East Indian and China Seas— Correspondence with Her Majesty's Pleni- potentiary in China — Visits Manila and the East Indies — Sails for England — Receives the Good Service Pension — Is created a Baronet, and nominated to the Mediterranean Command 389 PART III. Chapter I. 1845. Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Station — State of Greece, Syria, and Tunis S95 Chapter II. January to July, 1846. Commander-in-Chief of Mediterranean and Evolutionary Squadrons — Removal from Budrun of the Marbles of the Ancient Temple of Halicarnassus — Visits Athens, Constantinople^ and Smyrna — Leaves the Mediterranean and assumes the Command of the Squadron of Evolution — Change of Ministry ..... 401 Chapter III. July to December, 184G. Commander-in-Chief of the INIediter- ranean and Channel Squadrons — Refusal of offer of post of Senior Naval Lord of the Admiralty — Tlie Spanish Mar- riages — Revolution In Portugal — Principal Naval Aido-de- Camp to the (jueeii 409 Appendix 427 ClIAl'TEIt IV. January to .Tune, 1847. Commander-in-Chief <>f II. M. Sliijis in the Mediterranean and ( 'na.st of Portugal — Continuance of the Civil War in I'ortugal fntervcntidn ; Surrcndt^r of tlic Insurgents — Peace followed by a gtMicr.il Amnesty . IzJ!* CONTENTS. Chapter V. July to December, 1847. Conclusion of the Civil War in Port- ugal PAGE 463 Chapter VI. Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean— Quits Lisbon for the Mediterranean — Assembles the ships of the Squadron — Visits the West Coast of Italy— Lord Miuto's Mission . 470 Appendix 476 Chapter VIL January to June, 1848. Commander-in-Chief of the Mediter- ranean — Ecivolutions in Sicily and France— Effect in the Italian States— Abdication and Flight of the Grand Duke of Parma . . i 477 Chapter VIII. July to December, 1848. Offer of the Throne of Sicily to the Duke of Genoa — Intervention of the English and French Admirals in the Civil War — Armistice till reference could be made to London and Paris — Civil War in the Austrian States — Disturbances at Leghorn and Eome — Murder of Rossi — Escape of the Pope to Gaeta— British Questions at Naples— Prince Louis Napoleon elected President of the French Republic — Republic at Venice 502 Chapter IX. January to July, 1849. Death of Lonl Auckland— Failure of the Mediation in Sicily ; Civil War Renewed— The Nea- politan Troops victorious — The French Expedition to Rome 527 Chapter X. July to December, 1849. Debates on the Policy of the Govern- ment in Italy and Sicily — Fall of Rome— Surrender of Venice — Departure for the Ionian Islands — Insurrection in Cephalonia— Refusal of the Porte to surrender the Polish and Hungarian Refugees — Proceeds to the Dardanelles . . 646 CONTENTS. XI Chapter XI. PAGE January to July, 1850. Admiralty express undiminished Con- fidence in Sir William Parker — Departui-e for Greece to support the Claims of H.M. Minister — Dom Paciftco's case . 564 Chapter XII. July to December, 1850. Correspondence on Debates — Outbreak of Cholera at Malta — Visits the Balearic Islands and Sar- dinia — Stranding of an English Vessel on the Spanish beach at Gibraltar . 594 Chapter XIII. J 851. State of France — Re-discovery of Graham's Shoal— Visits Tunis, Sardinia, Sicily, and the East Coast of Spain — Neapolitan Prisoners — Coup d'liltat in France . . . 600 Chapter XIV. 1852—1853. Return of Sir William Parker to England- Change of Government — Lord Derby Prime Minister- Chairman of Committee for Manning the Navy — Louis Napoleon Emperor— Second Change of Government— Lord Aberdeen Prime Minister (JIO Chapter XV. 1854-5-6-7. War with Russia- Commander-in-Chief at i'i\-- raouth — Termination of Active Service .... 624 Chapter XVI. 1857-1866. ReaK- .Admiral of the Unite*! Kin-ddm— Admiral (»t the Fleet — Conclusion .... 636 THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET SIR WILLIAM PARKER, BORX nSl—DIFD 1866, THE LAST OF NELSON'S CAPTAINS. CHAPTER I. " All is the gift of industry ! " Thomson's Seasons. William Parker was descended from a family which has been, for several generations, established among the gentry in Staffordshire, and has included among its members men distinguished for their loyalty, even in that loyal county. Eoger de Gotham, one of his ancestors, for services in the Siege of Calais, received from King Edward the Third, in the 20tli year of his reign, a grant of the lands of Norton Lees, in the county of JJerby, and (about 1347) an addition to his armorial ])earings. Adiim, tlie gr.'ind.sijn of Jloger dc Gotluini, had one child, a daughter, Elizahetli, who, duiing the reign of Henry the Fourth, married Thomas Parker, of Ikilwell, in tlie county of Nottingham, whose father sat as member for that county in several Parliaments of Picliard the Second's reign. After eight generations the direct m.ale line of tlieir eldest son became extinct, and the descendant of (Jeorge l*arker, second son of John Parker, of Norton Lees, Esq., third in B 2 THE LIFH OF SIR W. PAKKKR. descent from tlie above Thomas, who married the heiress of li. de Gotham, became the head of the house. George Parker married Margaret, daughter of II. Pole, Esq., of the county of Detby, and Ids descendant in the dii-ect male line, George Parker, who was High Sheriff for Staffordshire in the reign of Charles the First, became pos- sessed of Park Hall, in the parish of Caverswall,* about 1600, which property remained in the Parker family till 1857; when, the entail having been cut off, it passed to the Honourable Edward Swynfen Jervis, younger son of the late Viscount St. Vincent (by his second wife, Mary Anne, daughter of Thomas Parker, Esq., of Park Hall), who obtained the royal licence to take the name and arms of Parker on the demise of his maternal uncle. William Parker,t of Park Hall, in the county of Stafford, commanded a company of foot under King Charles the First, and was distinguished for his courage and conduct during the reigns of that monarch and Charles the Second. He was present at the battles of Marston Moor and Naseby, was taken prisoner at Worcester,^ confined in the Isle of Sheppey, and suffered severely for his loyalty during the usurpation of Cromwell. He married Bridget, daughter and heiress of James Carrier. The first Earl of Macclesfield was descended from a younger brother. The eldest son, George Parker, married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Turton, of Orgreave, in the county of Stafford, one of the Justices of the King's Bench, and was father of * See Appendix to this Chapter ; also, Harleiau MSS. in British Museum, and Erdeswick's " Staifordshire." t His monument is in Caverswall church — " A friend to all mankind, " Save rogues and thieves, " Whom he utterly detested." X On being conveyed to Stafford Castle, after the battle of Wor- cester, he threw away his silver spurs to his tenants who composed his troop, saying it was all he had to bestow. THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. o Thomas Parker,* Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer for the longest period during which that office has ever been held by one person. Tlie Chief Baron's eldest daughter, Martha (who died in 1816), married her cousin, the youngest son of Swyn- fen Jervis, Esq., of Meaford, in the county of Stafford, afterwai'ds the celebrated Admiral, Earl St. Vincent. The Chief Baron's second son, George, married, in 1769, Elizabeth, eldest daughter of John Turton, Esq., in the county of Stafibrd, by his third wife, ]\Iabella Swyni'en, and had five sons and four daughters. l.st. George, died 1809, unmarried. 2nd. John, Eector of St. George's, Botolph Lane, London, died 1812, unmarried. 3rd. William, the subject of these memoirs. 4th. Thomas, died unmarried, 1816. 5th. Edward, Captain in the Eoyal Engineers, killed at the Battle of Orthez. 1. Martha, died unmarried, 1819. 2. Anne, died unmarried, 1855. 3. Elizabeth, married 1802, John Nuttall, Esq., of Norley Bank, in the county of Chester. 4. Mary Frances, died unmarried, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. George Parker resided at Almington Hull, near Market Drayton ; and afterwards in Lichfield. Their children were " virtuously brought up to lead a Christian life," and the groundwork of their education must have been excellent. The mother's care for the religious welfare of her son William, and his affectionate regard for her precepts, is illustrated by the following trait: — Li answer to some letter from William, describing certain scenes in the West Indies, whither he had accomj)anied Captain Duckworth, after Lord Howe's victory over the French fleet, Mrs. Parker writes, — " U anything could make me feel prouder of you, it is the expressions in your letter of disgust at the scenes of wicked- ness and vice you have witnessed.'' * Sir Tlionta.s Parker, .Junior Baron of E.xcheijucr, 171 8 —1740 ; Pui.sne Justice of Coinmoii I'lca^, 1740-1742; Chief Baron of E.\- chequer, 1742— 1772.— Haydn's " Book of Dignities." B2 4 THE LIFE OF SIR W. TAllKER. [1793 It was not \nniatiiral that this hoy should wish to follow the profession of Admiral Sir John Jervis, his uncle by marriage and cousin by blood, and arrangements to facilitate his entry into the naval service were made with a friend of the family, Captain John T. Duckworth, then commanding His Majesty's Ship " Orion," in the fleet under Lord Howe, with the rating of captain's servant. ]\Ir. George Parker, being a younger son with a large family, was not a rich man, and it is noteworthy that imme- diately before the outbreak of the French Eevolution, a shrewd man like his brother-in-law Sir John Jervis should have tried to dissuade him from sending a son into the Navy, partly from considerations of expense, but more from his belief that a long peace would preclude any professional advancement from himself. From Admiral Sir John Jervis, K.B. " With respect to educating one of your sons for the Navy, I cannot possibly recommend it, on the score of expense, which daily experience convinces me will be too heavy for you. The allowance stipulated for by captains when they receive a recommendation, being double to what it was ten years ago, — £50 per annum (exclusive of clothes on the outfit) and no pay coming in for tlie first two years ; and when vou consider that I am approaching threescore, and the small prob- ability, from the aspect of foreign affairs, of any warfare happening in my time, I think you will be of opinion with me that a worse profession cannot Vje chosen. " 14th July, 1797." Sir J. Jervis wrote the following letter to Mrs. Parker, on her son joining the " Orion " : — "In my judgment William is placed with the very best man in the Navy for training youth, and there being a very scientific schoolmaster in the ' Orion,' the strong objections I had to his going to sea, before he had been taught navigation, are in a great degree removed. "Eochetts, 22nd February, 1793." Earl St. Viiicent was borne on the books of two of the ships in which he first served, for a time, with the rating of able seaman; and it is probable that very many, if not almost all, of our great naval commanders at tliis period were 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PAPaCER. 5 borne on the books of the first ships that they joined with similar ratings. In April, 1794 * an alteration, explained in the following Chapter, took place in the admission of junior officers ; but this regulation was not issued till the year after William Parker had entered the Navy. Although not indifferent to the fair fame of his ancestors and the honourable lineage of his race, Mr. Parker impressed on his children that their fortunes depended entirely on their own exertions. But they had the groundwork, as far as possible, of a sound English education, and for encourage- ment and example they had the naval career of their uncle, then a member of Parliament, and especially distinguished by his recent capture of the " Pegase." "William Parker took this uncle as his model thiougli life, his reverence and affection for him were great, and the feeling became reciprocal in after life, when Earl St. Vincent described him as " My nephew of whom I am very proud ;" but the father also commended to his son the example of another eminent naval connection of his family ; and, on the boy leaving home to join liis sliip for the first time, at the early age of eleven, presented him with the first commission Lord Anson had received from the Lords of the Admiralty, dated May 19, 1710, which is given in full in the notes to this Chapter as an interesting specimen of the commissions of those days, and on this commission wrote : — " Lord Anson, our rehitiont by marriage, set out without the Iea.st patronage, and worked his own way to a peerage, and the First Com- missioner of the Admiralty, an example of encouragement wortliy of your attention." AlwayH dutiful and uHectionatu to his father and mother, he was able to say in alter years, when he compelled them, in spite of their repeated refusals, to accept from him an increase to their income, that " it was the first time in his life that he durst disobey their orders." ■* .lames's "Naval History," vol. i, 179;"). t This connection was flerived from the Carriers, between whom and the Parkers there liad been tiirue intmnaniages. G TllK LIFE OF SIR ^V. rAPvKKl!. [1793 -no As one result of his early training-, many portions of the English liturgy were strongly impressed on his memory, and as long as he lived he took particular delight in letting his mind dwell on them, especially on the collect : — " O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully hear our i)rayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee ; that they, whose consciences hv sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved, through Christ our Lord." He had also a real pleasure in the " Evening Hymn " of Bishop Ken, as he had learnt it as a child. And at the close of his long career of active service in the Mediterranean, after repeating it and rnusing on it, he exclaimed : — " 1 do think the ' Evening Hymn ' one of the most beautiful prayers ever composed." The first letter he wrote, after entering the Navy, to his mother, has been carefully preserved, and is here given. It is written on a sheet of large foolscap paper, in a clear distinct handwritmg. It is a curious history of the care and attention to the " youngsters," which was a marked feature not only of Sir John Duckworth, but of all our great naval captains of former days.* To this day, indeed, the responsi- bility of training up — and setting an example to — those boys wdio may be called on in later years to guide the navies of England, is felt as a point, of honour by all good captains, according to the traditions and feelings of the naval service, which are far more powerful than any v/ritten law. And nothing would do moi'e mischief to the profession than regulations, or customs, having a tendency to weaken such a tie. " ' Orion,' Sjiithead, Sunday Morn., "February 24th, 1793. " My dearest Mother, " I am very liajtpy and as comfortable as if I was at home, and like it of all things ; and I think I have every prospect of doing well, par- ticularly under the care of so good a gentleman as (Japtain Duckworth, * See Lord Collingwood's accoimt of the care taken of him by Admiral Brathwaite when he first went to sea. — " Collingwood Corre- spondence," vol. i. 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TARKER. / wLo is like a father to lis all. Mr. Nevill and all on board are extremely kind to me. I have not yet gone higher than the. maintop. We are to sail to the West Indies; and I have my things on shore being altered and made cooler for me. Pray tell Patty that I do not sleep in a hammock, but a cot, which is a much more comfortable thing, and that is not swung yet, so I manage very well. ' Sir John Jervis has told Mr. Nevill (who he knows very well) to take care of me, and I assure you he does, and is by far the best friend I have on boai-d (Captain Duckworth excepting) ; tells me to ask him anything I want, and often asks me questions in those rules of naviga- tion I have gone through ; he tells me also to lay anything, if it would be more convenient to me, in his cabin. Captain Duckworth says, I shall not do any service- of any kind before two years. But a Mr. Gray is so good as to say he will take me to watch with him in a year, and if he has a little sloop, and goes with Captain Duckworth, he will take me with him, but do not mention a word about it to anybody, or in any of your letters. I am very glad to hear that Admiral Gardner is Admiral of our Fleet. Cajitain Duckworth is so good as to send for some plums, and other good things, for Messrs. Lane, Baker, and me. " My father has furnished me with a box of colours, drawing-books, and everything that could possibly amuse me. He sends me music and more drawings from town by Admiral Gardner. Ca])tain Duck- worth very often asks me to breakfast, dine, and drink tea with him. He desires his compliments to alb our family. Nobody ever looks at our letters. I intend to get Sir John Jervis to forward this, and direct it properly to you, as he h;is done some other letters for me. My paper being by this time lilled, and I suppose I must have worn out your patience, I must conclude with desiring you to give my best love to all our family, and friends, and the servants." Marked on the outside—" William's first letter, just 11 years old, Spithead, February 23rd, 1793." Ari'ENDIX TO ClIAPTEll I. 1. Man-uscript Mkmoranda of tmk I'ahkkr Family. 2. Lkttkr from Sir Thomas Parkkr, Lord Chief Justice, to Ralj-ii TiioRE-SBY, Esy., 22nd Novemhkr, 1711. 3. Extract from Collins' Peerage, 17G8, concerning Parker, Earl of Maccle-sfield. 4. Lord Anson's FiiwT Commission, 7tii DixEMiiKit, ITKi. N... ]. The following anecdotes of the I'arkcr family are in the hand- 8 THK LIFE OF SIH W. TAliKKH. [1703 writing of the late Sir William Parker's sisters, compiled from fami/y manuscripts or traditions : — "Kinjjr (ieor<;e tiie First dined with Lord Chancellor Macclesfield in St. James's Square. Secretary Craj^ys and the Duchess of Montayu were at the pjirty ; my grandfather Parker, who was then a very young man, Mr. Thomas Anson, and Mr. Kid waited on the King at dinner. The King was dressed in a plain brown suit, coat, waistcoat, breeches and stockings the same, and a tie wig. He was very good humoured and pleasant, and called for pipes and tobacco after dinner. He frequently conversed in French as he spoke English ill. Observing the Duchess of Montagu placed by Mr. Secretary Cr;iggs, who was a great favourite with him, he said it was bien arrange. A very hand- some silver cistern, which cost £1,500, which is still in the family, was provitled by Lord Miicclesfield for the entertainment. " William Parker, sou of George Parker, the builder of Park Hall, was a Captain in the 3rd or Old Butfs. At the Battle of Worcester he was made prisoner, and confined in a fortress in the Isle of Thanet, iii Kent, by the sea side. He wore a very handsome pair of spurs, and tlie guard of the prison demanding them, he took them off in a great fury and threw them through the window into the sea, saying, ' There, you may go and seek them now.' He died at the age of 83, having lived in five reigns — Charles the First, Commonwealth, Charles the Second, James the Second, William and Mary, and Queen Anne." This account is different from that given in the note at p. 2, which was furnished by Lady Forester, who had it from her mother, the late Viscountess St. Vincent. "My father (George Parker) was present at a review and fete champetre at Chantilli, the Prince de Condc's. When the review was over, the soldiers and their wives partook of a collation, and after- wards danced. At a certain hour smoke balls were thrown up, and before they cleared away, the regiments, &c., had vanished, to the great astonishment of the spectators, who viewed the scene to great advantage from the beautiful pleasure grounds of Chantilli, An old drummer of 90 years of age used to come every New-year's Day to Park Hall to beat the point of war at the door. He had served with the old buff-coat Captain in the civil wars." The picture of this William Parker represents him in a coat of buff — possibly the uniform of the 3rd Buffs at that period. No. 2. Copy of a Letter from Sir Thomas Parker, Lord Chief Justice of Great Brittaine, to Ralph Thoreshy, of Leeds. "London, 22nd November, 1711. " Yours came att a time when, after reading it over, I was obliged to lay it by, till 1 could have more leisure to give it an answer ; and, 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKKH. 9 by some misfortune, it was so mislaid that I have not been able to find it againe, tho' I have often, and diligently, sought for it, that I might give it the more exact answer ; but I am at last forc'd to send this upon the slight memory which one hasty reading hath left with me. "The family* of the Parkers which you are bestowing your labour upon is not ally'd to mine in the manner you suppose, but yet w"' more tyes than one. I think you men9on Bridgete, a daughter of that family, to have been marryed to James Carryer of Helpston, and to have had a daughter whom you suppose to have been my mother, that daughter was marryed to my father's eldest brother ; and, by him, had issue one son, George, who lives now at Park Hall, in Staffordshire, a very sober religious man and one of the best justices of the peace in England, and serves his Queen and country w^^ great application in that otfice. I believe you said another sister Jeanett marryed to another Carrier. I think his name was Robert, he was brother of James, that Jeanett had issue by him Eobert Carrier, who was father of my wife, and left issue no son, and only two daughters besides my wife, who is named after her grandmother. "The answer to that point of yo"" letter puts me in mind of my promise to send you the Queen's handwriting, W^'' appears upon y" first opening this, only I am to informe you that the first is her Ma*y"^ writing, the other is a stamp w^^ she was forc'd to use when the gout in her hand had disabled her to write. "Pray give my service to Mr. Parker, and tell liiin that I am very proud of my rela9on to his family, wh*='* has furnish'd me w"' two so very near to me, the one the best and faithfullest friend, and the other tlie best wife in the world. " I am, Sir, Y' very humble Serv'., "T. PARKER." "This is a true copy of my Lord Chiefe Justice's letter to me. Witness my hand. "RALPH THORESBY." No. 3. Collins' "Peerage," Ivlilioii 170H, vol. v, p. 1 1. Parker, Earl of Macclesfield. "Thatthi.s family wrus antieiitly wrote Le Parker is ovi(h:iit fidiii our records. William Le Parker, in 1271, 50 Hen. Ill, had a grant of free warren in all iii.s lands in Eccles, Lesingham, Hapesbury, Bninstcad, and Shaleham, in the county of Norfolk. But the first I * Parker of BrowuMholme. 10 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1793 can with certainty iix on, as ancestor to the present Earl of Maccles- liokl, is Thomas Le Parker, living in the ivign of Edward 111, which Tlunnas was a jiorson of snch auiplo possessions that, in the reign of IviohaRl II, he had to wife Elizabeth, tlaughter and heir of Adam de Gotham, son of Thomas de Gotham, of Lees, son of Roger de Gotham, of Lees, near Norton, in the county of Derby, of which Lordshi]} he was also owner, and jiow retains the name of Norton Lees. "He had, by the same Elizabeth, three sons, and left them con- siderable estates. Robert Parker, his eldest son, was seated at Norton Lees, and with his younger brother William, who was seated at Sher- land, in Derbyshire, was certified in 12 Hen. VI among the gentlemen in the county of Derby who then, pursuant to an Act of Paiiiament, made oath for the observance of the lands for themselves and retainers. Thomas, the second son, was seated at Sj)rotsborough, in Yorkshire. But I return to Robert, the eldest, who, having married Elizabeth, (laughter and co-heir of John Birley, of Barnes, had issue John Parker, of Norton Lees, who was at full age in 12 Hen. VI, for he also then being wrote of Norton, made oath with his father for the observation of the lands. The said John had to wife Ellen, daughter of Roger North, of Walkingham, in Nottinghamshire, ancestor to the present Earl of Guildford, by whom he had issue five sons, of whom John Parker, of Norton Lees, the eldest, married Elizabeth, daughter of Riilph Eyre, of Alfreton, and had issue three sons. • ••■.. "Of the younger sons of the said John, Henry, the fourth, was Groom of the Chamber to Henry VIII. William, the fifth, was Sewer to that king, and seated at Luton, in Bedfordshire, and married Margaret, daughter to John Wroth, of Durance, in Enfield, in Mid- dlesex, Esq., by whom he had an only daughter Barbara, his heir, married to John Wickham, of Enfield, father, by her, of William Wickham, Bishop of Winchester, a.d. 1595, 37th Eliz*"-." No. 4. " By the Comm" for executing the office of Lord High Ad niral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c., and of all His Majesty's Plantations, &c. " To Mr. George Anson, hereby appointed Second Lieu- tenant of His Ma''^" ship the 'Hampshire.' " By virtue of the power and authority to be given, we do hereby con.stitute and appoint you Second Lieutenant of His Ma"" said ship the 'Hampshire.' Willing and requiring you forthwith to go on bvoard, and take upon you the charge and couiand of Second Lieutenant in her accordingly, strictly charging and coiiuinding all the Officers 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 11 and Company belonging to the said ship subordinate to you, to behave themselves joyntly and severally in their respective Imployments, with all due respect and obedience unto you their s"! Lieutenant. And you likewise to observe and execute as well the standing Instructions hereunto annexed, attested by our Secretary, as what Orders and Directions you shall from time to time receive from your Captaine or any other yo"" superior Officer for His Ma''*^' Service. Hereof nor you, nor any of you may faile, as you will answer the Contrary at your Perrills. And for so doing this shall be your Warrant. Given under our hands and the seale of the office of Admiralty this 7"^ day of December, 1716, in y^ Third Yeare of His Ma'^*^^ Reigne. " Geo. DoDiNGTON. " J. Jennings. " Geo. Baillie. " Confirming one given by S"" John Norris, Kn*, Admiral of the Blue, dated the 19th May, 1716. " By Coinand of their Lordships, " C. Thornhill." In the handwriting of Mr. Parker. '^" Lord Anson, our relation by marriage, set out without the least Patronage, and work'd His own way to a Peerage and the First j Commissioner of the Admiralty an example l^of encouragement worthy y"^ attention." 12 CHAPTEE II. " And what in early days the boy admired, The youth aspired to, and the man acquired." In order that the history of William Parker's career may be understood, it is necessary that the state of the Naval Service when he entered the Navy, in 1793, should be considered and compared with the Navy of the present time. In the most essential points of discipline and govern- ment, the differences are slighter than might at first be supposed. Then, as now, the preambles of all the Acts of Parliament on this subject reminded the Navy that on it, under the good providence of God, the wealth, strength, and safety of the kingdom chiefly depended. The traditions of such a service must always form its principal bulwark ; and the " rules and customs in such cases used at sea" were wisely recognized by Parliament, as a necessary and proper guide for naval discipline in the Articles of War. The Articles of War then in force were almost exactly those passed in November, 1747, in the twenty-first year of the reign of George the Second. The difference being, that, in the nineteenth year of George the Tlnrd, the clause which made it peremptory to pronounce sentence of death on any person In tlie fleet, who, from "cowardice, negligence, or disaffection, did not pursue an enemy, pirate, or rebel, beaten or flying, or did not relieve a known friend in view to the utmost of his power," was modified ; and Courts- martial could, for such offences, pronounce either ^sentence of death, "or ]793] THE LIFE OF Sill W. PARKER. 13 such other punishment as the nature and degree of the offence ■was found to deserve." This alteration was made in consequence of the Court- martial on Admiral Byng having been forced, according to the letter of the law, to pronounce sentence of death ; but as the offence, in this well-known case, was caused by an error of judgment, the sentence was accompanied by a strong recommendation to mercy, which the Government of the day thought proper to disregard. The Articles of War of 1747 had repealed the Articles and Orders for the " Eegulating and better Government of His Majesty's Navies, Ships of War, and Forces by Sea," of the 13th of Charles the Second ; part of the Acts of William and Mary, and the 6th of George the First, relative to the Form of Oath, but, in as far as the powers of Courts-martial were concerned, little difference existed between the laws for the government of His Majesty's ships, vessels, and forces by sea in the time of Charles the Second, and the Articles of "War of 1793. More than thirty years after the Peace of 1815, some changes were introduced, the most important of wliich was an Act for the Establishment of Naval Prisons (in 1847), and the power given thereby to officers in com- mand of ships to award, with the sanction of the senior officer present, imprisonment, as a summary punishment (in lieu of corporal punishment) for certain offences, for 4, 6, or (in cases of desertion) 12 weeks. In 18G0, tlie Naval Discipline Act repealed the Articles of AVar, and some Acts of an explanatory nature have taken place .since. The principal changes in the mode of enforcing discipline effected l;y the Naval Discipline Act, are the power of Courts-martial to sentence to penal servitude in certain cases ; and the restriction to 48, of the number of lashes which a Court-martial can award. Greater facilities for forming Courts-martial were given by these recent Acts, and lieutenants are now able to sit as members, whenever the requisite number of Fhig Ollicers, 14 TIIK T,IFE OF Sli; \V. IWIlKF.R. [1703 captains, or commamlers, cannot otherwise be obtained. The number of nuMnl)ers requisite for a Court is five, as before : but nine now form the full Court instead of thirteen. These alterations, liowever, have entailed in effect little change of practice. For years before the legal restriction of corporal ]iunishment to 48 lashes, few Courts-martial had awarded more tlian 50, and whenever sentence of death had been passed, and the necessity for its infliction for the sake of example was not patent, the Sovereign had been advised to commute the sentence to transportation. Yet these changes were wisely made ; for, though " flogging round the fleet" has been almost unknown to the Navy, except by name, for several years, such a legal restriction on the amount of punishment as has been imposed by the Naval Discipline Act was most desirable. The Articles of War always left certain powers to the Lord High Admiral, or the Commissioner for executing the office, for the preservation of due discipline. An abstract of the first book of regulations, headed the " Kules of Discipline and good Government to be observed on board His Majesty's Ships of War, established by King George the Second's Order in Council, bearing date the 7th of January, 1730," was printed and hung up in con- spicuous places in each ship. These rules were only seven in number. No commander of a ship-of-war was to inflict more than twelve lashes on a seaman without a Court-martial. The officer who commanded, by the accident of the captain's absence, might order confinement but not correc- tion. But, curiously enough, swearing and drunkenness micht be treated as civil offences, and were in that case punishable by confinement, till the offender was sober, in the case of a seaman ; and the forfeiture of two days' pay in an oflicer. One of these abstracts is given in tin; Ajjpendix to this Chapter. Though rules and orders existed for the Navy in expla- 179o] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAIIKER. . 15 nation of — or in addition to — the Acts of Parliament, the first hook of the " King's Regulations " and Admiralty In- structions was issued in 1731, under an Order in Council of 7th January, 1730, and went through thirteen editions; the thirteenth was issued under date of 1790, and was the one in existence when Sir "William Parker first went to sep, continuing without any change till 1805 or 1806, when a new book of regulations was printed ; but with the exception of changes consequent upon the existence of " Commissioners for the Navy" and. their control of stores, &c, in addition to the Board of Admiralty, there is probably nothing of im- portance that is not embodied and amplified in the " Queen's Eegulations " and Admiralty Instructions of our own day.* In 1832, by Act William the Fourth, cap. 40, June 1st, the Xavy and Victualling Boards and the offices of Commis- sioners of Xavy, and Victualling, and Comptroller of the Navy, were dispensed with, and, in lieu thereof, were ap- pointed five principal officers at Somerset House, subordinate to the Admiralty, — Surveyor of the Navy, Comptroller of Victualling, Accountant-Gencral of the Navy, Medical Director-General, Storekeeper-General. To these have been added two important departments. Controller of Steam I^Iachinery, Director of Engineering and Architectural Works.t Further alterations were made in 1SG9, anil tlie three principal offices of Comptroller of Victualling, Accountant- General, and Storekeeper-General, were abolished. At the time of the first issue of these regulations, Great I'.ritain was at peace, and the powers of officers in coinnniinl to infiict summary punishments must have Ijeen largely * "The instructions of Henry Duke of Grafton, Vice-Ailniiral of Kii^land, anfl Chief (.'(inimander of His Maje.sty'.s Ships," &c., oontaiu l.'{ ifi^nlation.s for " the sliipps under my (touunand in (inditing," and 30 "for the good ordering hi.s Majesty's aliips in saiHiig, of the 8tli of Septf-niher, H)H7." t llay.hi'.s " l]o')k of Dignities." 16 THE LITE OF SIK W. PAKKER. [1793 increased, probably directly the war broke out, since Courts- martial could not alv/ays be held whenever the gravity of an offence merited more than twelve lashes. But the printed abstracts of the Orders in Council of 1730 (many of which are still in existence) indicate clearly, how repugnant some of the very severe punisliments which have tak(3n place since that date were to the ancient " Usage of the Sea,'* and as no change took place in the Acts of Parliament, and as the extension of powers could only have been lawfully given by the same authority (Order in Council) which had imposed their restriction, it seems probable, also, that such punish- ments without Court-martial were illegal ; and in 1806-7, w^e find Sir Samuel Eomilly, when Solicitor-General, express- infT to Mr. Grey his fear of these unauthorised punishments being revived.* Great Britain had enjoyed ten years of peace after the American War, and there were those accounted sound in judgment who prophesied a prolonged continuance of that blessing. During the war, which terminated with the peace of Paris, in 1783, Great Britain had had to contend against her colonies in North America ; a scarcely concealed rebellion, or, at all events, great disaffection in Ireland; war with Prance, Spain, and Holland ; and war on a large scale in the East Indies. Though Great Britain lost Minorca, and recognised the independence of the United States of North America, yet her conquests in India, the defence of Gibraltar against the very large armies of France and Spain, Lord Howe's relief of that fortress, in spite of the large number of the enemy's ships present, and Eodney's victories, showed the world that she was still powerful, and neither to be insulted nor attacked with impunity. And at tlie close of that great and pro- longed struggle against her numerous enemies. Admiral Lord Keppel, as First Lord of the Admiralty, stated that she * See " Life of Sir Samuel Roinilly," third edition, vol. ii, p. 7, and his remarks on certain punishmentH of the Navy in 1806. 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. .17 had 100 sail of the line fit for active service : with a great number of frigates, sloops, and various smaller vessels; and 150,000 seamen, including 25,000 marines, to man them. The population of Great Britain iu 1801 was nearly eleven millions. (Previous to that date no official census had been taken ; but evidently the population iu 1783 was much smaller than iu 1801.) The population of Great Britain and Ireland during the Paissian War was nearly twenty-eight millions, and the number of seamen and marines was 67,790. ^ In 1881, the population was thirty-eight and a half millions, and the number of seamen and marines was 60,000.* A consideration of these figures will show the magnitude of the exertions made during the latter part of the American War of Independence. But one of the first results of this war was the great and sudden increase to the Navy, which not only rendered necessary the entry of large numbers of seamen from the merchant ships, but led to the rapid ad- vancement to tlie rank of lieutenant, of the masters and mates of merchant ships of various sizes ; who (thrown out of their own employments by the interruption of commerce caused by tlie war) had volunteered for, or entered, the Royal Navy. The gi'eater part of these men were without education, unaccustomed to discipline, and, iu many cases, unfit to command themselves or others ; and to their harsh and cruel l>ehaviour some of the nmtinies in the ships at the com- mencement of the war of the French llevolution, owed their development, tliough probably not tlicir origin. During the ten years of ])eace which I'ollnwcd 17''^3, a great rela.xation of discijjline took place. At the commencement of the war in 1793 — 1794, the demand for men was very great. To encourage tli(( cutry of vohmteers, tlie (.'oiiimon Council ol the City of L(;ndon * In innO-Cl tliritain could not submit to the loss of all her homeward bound fleets, at the commencement of a war, l>ecause the seamen enlisted slowly, and the Act of Parlia- ment authorising or advising the Crown to summon all the seafaring population without dslay to protect these fleets from falling into the hands of the enemy, and for the defence of the coasts, v/as the only mode of saving them and the country. This system of manning must be borne in mind when the discipline of the ships during the war, and the difliculties which the officers had to encounter, are considered. But it is curious to observe that, in all the great mutinies, the right of imY)ressment was an acknowledged necessity, and never once made the siibject of complaint by any of the mutineers, at Spithead, or the Nore, or elsewhere. The same feeling prob- ably pervades the old seamen in all the northern ports to this day. * Brenton's " Naval History." James's " Naval History." 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. . 19 "Ah, Sir!" — was the reply of the leading seamen of Sunderland and Shields to the invitation to join the naval service during the liussian War, — " We know we must go if really wanted. The unmarried ought to go at once — but we, who are manied, naturally wait for the impressment ; and we know that always has been, and always will be, preceded by the proclamation of bounty." Steel's "Navy List" of 1794 gives the list of those officers who were employed on the impress service : — Captains .... 29 Lieutenants 54 Besides 3 Flag Officers, and a captain superintending in Ireland. 'My. Froude, in his " History of Ireland daring the Eighteenth Century," after describing the various brutalities practised in Connaught, in 1794, burning of houses, houghing oxen, cutting off the udders of cows, and horrible murders, says that Lord Carhampton sent the perpetrators of these horrors off by scores to join the fleet. Plans had been made by the Irish rebels to carry the ships into Irish harbours, to kill the officers, if they hindered them, and to hoist the harp in place of the British crown. The society of rebels, called tlie "United Irishmen," had been busy instruments in in- flaming sedition ; and when the Secret Committee of the ILnisf^ of Commons investigated the causes of the " Mutinies," they discovered that the crews had been largely sworn to be true to Ireland, to erect a Roman Catholic Government there, and to be faithful to their brethren, who were fighting their cause against tyrants and o] (pressors. The Jacobin and Irish conspirators had been busily at work from tlie commencement of th(! war. The English sailors had real grounds of complaint in the inadequacy of tlieir pay, whicli had not hccu altered since the days of Charles the Second; and tliat, combined with tlie in.sufiiciency ^^if their ratirms,* was the ostensible cause of the * The inHufficiency of rations has been denied, but tiicrc was prob- ably ground for the complaint. C 2 20 TIIK LIFE OF SIR AV. PAKKER. [1703 IMutiny at Spitliead. which took place in 1797. But when the Act of railianiout was jmsscd, durinfr tlie mutiny, to remove tliese grievances, the P^niflish sailors were too loyal and too numerous to let tlie plans of the malcontents go farther. Tliis mutiny, which conmienced on the 15th of April, was over by the 10th May, when the crews of the ships at Spit- head returned to tlieir duties. The seeds of the mischief ^nnist have been sown for some time previous to the outbreak, .for the Mutiny of the Nure, which broke out on May the 17th, was the work of deeper malice. The mutineers blockaded the mouth of the Thames ; but no further concessions were made, and they surrendered on June the 13th, when tlieir ringleader was executed, and the ships' companies returned to their duty. But a bad spirit prevailed in many of the ships, and it required all the firmness and sagacity of Sir John Jervis, under whom most of the mutinous ships were placed, to restore discipline. In the " Prince," the crew vowed no execution should take place. Sir John, however, insisted on the execution of a mutineer sentenced to death by a court- martial ; and had a flag officer* and armed boats ready to sink the ship, if necessary, rather than that the laws should be set at defiance. His firmness had its reward, and he was able to say, " Discipline is preserved." With the detached squadrons and single ships, the mischief done was not so quickly suppressed. Besides the " Ilermione," where the crew, after murdering the captain and oiiicers, took her to a Spanish port. Admiral Hyde I'arker, the Commander-in-Chief of the West India Station, reported to the Admiralty that the taint of the nmtiny prevailed to such an extent in the " Renomm^e," in the West Indies, that the premature dis- covery of the plot alone saved her captain and officers from a fate similar to that wliich befell the officers of the " Hermione."t * See the " Secret Order, not to be revealed now or hereafter," published in both Tucker's and Brenton'a Lives of Earl St. Vincent, t A serious mutiny was also checked in the " Grampus." In the 1793] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. • 21 At the commencement of ITOo, there were in the British Navy : — Admirals .... .... .... .... .... .... 1" Vice-Admirals 19 Eear-Admirals .... .... .... .... .... 19 Superannuated Admirals .... 15 Post Captains 446 Superannuated Captains .... ... ... .... 20 Commanders ... 163 Lieutenants .... .... .... 1,417 Superannuated Lieutenants .... 29 Masters 297 The number of seamen and marines, including officers of all ranks, voted by Parliament for service for the year 1793 was 45,000, and the naval estimates for the year were £5,535,000. It is curious to compare the Navy List of the following year, 1794, with the l^avj List of 1891. There was no intermediate rank of sub-lieutenant; but midshipmen who had passed their examination remained as midshipmen till promoted to the rank of lieutenant, with the exception of a certain proportion, who received warrants from their captains as " masters' mates," which gave increase of pay and prize money. These do not appear as commis- sioned officers. An Or, tiiough his name was not ])ut on the books till March 13th ; from that date ho was rated as ca])tain's servant, and held that rating when the "Orion " sailc.l for the West Indies, in March, 179:5, with the Sfiuadruii under liear-AdminJ (.Gardner, 24 THE LIFE OF SIU W. I'AKKEH. [1704 anil was present in tlic unsuccessful attempt to get possession of ^Martinique, in conjunction with the troops under Generals Garth and Bruce. '"Orion; Spithead, Friday, 27th of February, 1794. " No doubt but my dearest mother is much surprised at not haviiifj heard from me hitely, esj)ecially since we have been at Ti)rbay, but 1 now proceed to inform lier the reason of it. You must know that we sailed from St. Helen's tlie day after I wrote my last, but the ' Ru&sell ' did not accompany us, as she was so sickly (however, she sailed two days after us). We had a short ])assage of thirty -six hours, and arrived safe at Torbay, where we found the Fleet. I wrote the day after we came in, but the weather was so tempestuous that I had only one opportunity of sending it, and that unfortunately I lost, being- down below when the boat went. We left Torbay on the Kith, Satur- day, and the next day were off Plymouth, where the convoy came out to us. It was the grandest sight ever was, a convoy of 600 sail, besides 36 line-of-battle ships. The wind was quite fair and a fine evening ; as soon as the convoy were all out, it came on so fine a breeze that we went eight miles an hour, without a stitch of sail set ; in fact, in three days they were so far to the southward that they were out of all danger ; and so we hauled off, and the next day made Cape Turrana, Port of Spain ; we were so far to the southward that it w^as more than a great coat warmer than in England. We stood off from the land directly, and the wind came right fair, with a good breeze from the south-west, brought us home right before it, so that we anchored here the day before yesterday, after having been out ten days. "Captain Duckwortli says that if I live to be one of the oldest admirals, it is ten thousand to one if ever I see so large a convoy carried out so far to the westward, and without the least accident, and the wind fair enough to bring us back again in so sliort a time ; and that he never saw such providential winds since he has been to sea, which is thirty-five years. In April, 1794, AVilliani I'arker was rated midshipman of the "Orion," and on the l.'ith of April was serving in that ship at Spithead. His logs contain the intelligence given in the following extracts. The logs themselves are neatly kept, and the handwriting is clear and distinct : — "On the l.'ith ^larcli Lord Howe made the signal to j)repare for sailing. On the 23id the rear squadron sailed with the East Indian- 1794] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 25 men who anchored at St. Helen's. On the 25tli the ' Orion' proceeded to St. Helen's. On the 2ud of April the Fleet weighed from St. Helen's. On the 5th Lord Howe made the signal for the ' Orion ' to pass within hail, and the ' Orion ' made sail from the Fleet in company with ' Latona ' and ' Phaeton.' On the 6th the Captains of ' Phaeton ' and 'Latona' came on board, and reported that they had coim ted 26 sail in Brest Water. 'Orion' rejoined the Fleet cruising off Brest, communicated with Eear-Admiral Macbride's squadron on the 18th May. On the 20th brought to several vessels, part of the Newfound- land Convoy lately taken by the French. They were all burnt by Lord Howe's order to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. On the 20th His Majesty's Ship ' Audacious ' took a French brig, and the ' Niger,' a corvette, and both were burnt. On the 28th Admiral Pasley made the signal that he had seen a strange Fleet, and at noon the French Fleet bore S.W., 8 miles. On the 29th Lord Howe made the signal to attack the enemy's rear. At 2 p.m. signal to chaise and engage the enemy. At 6.25 the Admiral repeated this signal with a gun. Admiral Pasley and some of the headmost ships began a brisk cannonade. At 7.20 signal was made to form the line-of-battle ;us convenient, and to recall all cruisers. At 7 a.m. the van of the Fleet began to engage ; signals made to pass between the enemy's ships, and endeavour to obtain the weather gauge. 8.15, for the 'Ciesar' to make more sail, and at 8.25 this was rejieated. On the 3Cth Lord Howe made the signal to tack in succession. The ' Queen ' tacked and led, because the ' Caisar,' who ought to have tacked, wore and went to leeward of the line. "The 'Russell' followed the 'Queen,' 'Poyal George' next, then ' Invincible,' and then ' Orion,' when a close and vigorous cannonade ensued with the rear of the enemy. Had our sails and rigging very much cut. The mainsail and main-topsail cut fairly from the yards and fell down, so that we were obliged to cut them away to prevent the wreck catching lire all the running rigging and most of the standing cut to pieces, so as to render the ship immovable ; mainmast and main-topmast wounded, as well as mizen-topmast and Hpanker-boom ; cut away .several hammocks that caught tire in the rigging. As we pa.s.sed the rear of the enemy's shij), saw two disabled Hhiprt (if the enemy to leeward, got our braces rejjaired so as to enable our shij) to answer the helni, Ixire up, and run close under the quarter of tiie nearest shij), and poured into her two well-directeil Inoadsides, and shot ahead. Keceived several shots from our own ships as they It.uised on the other tack, which obliged us to quit her to repair our damages, but left her with the ' JJarHeur' who had just then come up in agoodcontlition. At 7.:}'»the ' lioyal Sovereign ' made tin- signal for whipH to keep in her wake. Soon after the 'Pegasus' {)a8sed by us on the other tack, witii a signal denoting that Lord Howe bore W. by S. 26 THE LIFH OF SIR W. PARKER. [1794 " On Saturday, May 31st. "At noon, U8hant, N. 79° E., distant 129 leagues. "Thick foggy weather with dri/./.liiig rain. reoj)le still emjdoyed repairing the tlaniage sustained in the action. lient a new main-top- sail. Got a topsail yard up for a nii/.en-yard and bent the niizen. Sailmakers patching the shot holes in sails and haniraock clothes. At niidniglit ' Royal Sovereign ' bore S.S.E., ^ a mile. At 6 it cleared. Saw several ships in the N.W. " Sunday, June 1st, and Monday, June 2nd, 2 p.m., the fog began to thin away, when we saw the Fleet N.N.W. At 8, Lord Howe W. A S., U miles. Body of the French Fleet, W.N.W., 4 miles. At 2 A.M. took in two reefs of the topsails. At 5 bore up for the enemy's line. At 6 cloudy with a fresh breeze. At 7 lay-to main-topsail to the mast. At 8 boi-e up to engage the enemy. At 9 the action com- menced. At 10 the main-topmast was shot away a few feet above the cap ; at )ialf-past, mainyard shot away in two pieces right in the slings. Four of the enemy's ships at this time appeared to be in the greatest confusion ; three of them api)eared to direct their fire at us ; which, notwithstanding our disabled state, was returned with the greatest briskness. The 'Gibraltar' and 'CuUoden' came to our assistance, which gave us an opportunity of getting clear of the wreck. Besides the above damages at this period the fore and main stays were gone, by far the greater part of the standing rigging, nor was a sins:le brace or bow-line whole. Rove and knotted as fast as possible, and remained in readiness for the enemy's ships as they came up about noon, the enemy's fleet, being terribly mauled, began to edge away to leeward gradually, regardless of their disabled hulks ; threw several casks overboard to clear the decks. " People being emjjloyed refitting and repairing the rigging. Six of the main shrouds being shot through knotted them, and secured the mast, also the main-topmast, backstays, and shrouds. " Three men killed, and several wounded, but most of them slightly. "Monday, June 2nd, Ushant East, 1.53 leagues. Moderate breezes. Those ships of the enemy that were able ran to leeward and formed. About 3 they bore up before the wind, leaving behind them seven line-of-battle shifis, viz. — " ' Sanspareil ' " ' Le Juste ' " ' L'Amerique ' " ' L'Impetueux ' " ' Northumberland' "'L'Achille' " ' Le Vengeur ' 'o^ of 84 guns, 84 74 74 74 74 74 the latter of which sunk soon after the action." 1794] THE IJFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 27 Extract from Log. " Tuesday, June 10th. Scilly, N. 56 E., 22^ leagues. " Light airs and cloudy, people variously employed ; ran under the 'Queen Charlotte's' stern, and saluted Lord Howe with three cheei-s." This cheering was occasioned by Lord Howe's hailing the " Orion," and telling Captain Duckworth, that he was so ])leased with the manner in which the ship had behaved during the action that he had directed that his nephew should be at once removed from the " Caesar " and placed under his charge. Captain (subsequently Admiral Sir John Thomas) Duck- worth was considered one of the leading officers of the day, and was constantly employed afterwards, in most trying situations, especially at the Battle of San Domingo, and at the passage of the Dardanelles. Notwithstanding certain peculiarities, he was a great officer, a distinguished captain, and maintained a fair discipline. He was very particular about all his youngsters and midshipmen and their educa- tion, and having a theory that hammocks were not good for growing boys, had cots made fur every one of them. These cots were carefully stowed every morning on the break of the poop, iuid that of William Parker was found, after the action, to have one or two of the Frencli l)ullets, or case-shot) in it, of whicli lie was very proud. Extract frum Log. "Wednewlay, .Tune 11th. " Fresh breezes made and Hhortened sail occa.sionally. a.m. ])arted company from Lord Howe, the greater i)art of Ihc Fleet and all the French prizes. We, under Admiral Graves, and several otlin ships of the Fleet proceeded to I'lyniouth.' On the IL'tli, t]i(! " Orimi " was lashed alongside the " Med way," liulk, in Hamoaze, Besides William Parker's letters to his fatlier amiouncing his return to Eiif'land after thi- nctidu, tlicre is a Icltci- fmni •<-> Colonel Disbrowe. Killed and wounded, 145 120 75 115 30 60 28 THE LIFE OF STK \V. TAKKEIJ. [1794 "June 12, 1794. "I saw voiir son very well this nioniint;- on board the 'Orion.' Cai»taiii DiK'kworth is slightly wounded. Tlie action ha.s been a moat severe out', as you will see by the ' Gazette' account, which will reach you before tiiis letter does. Eight sail of the line came in here this morning very much damaged. The ' Marlborough,' Captain Berkeley, almost a wreck. This ship and the 'Leviatlian,' Lord Hugh Conway, distinguished themselves very much. The ' t^ueen Charlotte ' was as much engaged as any one of them, and fought most gallantly. "The ships taken are — Guns. "'Le Juste' 8G «'Sans])areir 80 " ' LTmpetueux ' 8() " ' L'Ameiique ' 74 "'L'Achille' 74 " ' Northumberland ' " .... 74 " Four ships supposed to be sunk. (Two certainly.) "'LeVengeur' .... 74~. " * Le Jacobin' .... 74 I Admiral's ship "' Le Terrible ' .... 120 [ sunk. "'Pelletier' .... 74 J " Admiral Graves is badly wounded in the hand and arm. Admiral Pasley and Admiral Bowyer lost, each, a leg. Captain J. Montague killed. Caj)tain Brett of the ' Queen ' lost both his legs, and, I believe, is dead. Captain Berkeley lightly wounded in the hand. They are landhig great numbers of the sick and wounded here. They have about 2,000 French jn-isoners in the ships that came in here. Admiral Montague was cruizing from • (illegible) with six sail of the line. If he ha the three cheers, and after that gave them a furious broadside. About this time a musket ball came and struck Captain i>uckworth between the bottom part of his thumb and finger, but very slightly, so that he only wraj)] ted a handkerchief about it, and it is nowi almost quite well. But to proceed with my account, at about ten the ' CJueen ' broke their line again, and we gave three cheers at our quarters ; and now we engaged whichever ship we could best. A ship of 80 guns, which we had poured three or four I>roadside8 into on.Uie 2&th May, we saw drawing ahead on our lee •juarter to fire into us, wliich ship our shijt's company had a great desire to have made strike to us on the 2ytli, and now quite rejoiced at having an oj>j)ortunity of engaging her again, gave three cheers at their quarters, and began a very smart firing at their former an- tagonist. Tlieir firing was not very sm.irt, though slie contrivi-d to Bend a red-hot shot into the Ca[)tain's cabin, where I am quartL'ied, whirh kept rolling about and liurning everybody, wlitu gallant Mears, our first lienteii.int, took it uj) in his speaking trunijiet and threw it overboard. At last, being so very close to her we supjioscd her men h;wl left their quarters, as Frenchmen do not like close quarters. Slic bore down to leeward of the. fieet being very much .lis;ilpl..l. The signal wa.s made for '(Gibraltar' and '(-'ullodeii' to covci- us from the fire of the enemy, as we were very much di.siilile"« strictly required to show in themselves a good Men, ami to p^xample of Honour and Virtue to their OHicers and puiiixb Vice. ■», , , ••!,•• ,• ii Men ; and next to be very vigilant in inspecting the 38 THE LIFE OF SIR \V. rAUKER. [1795 Behaviour of all such as are under them, and to discountenance and suppress all dissolute, immoral, and disorderly Practices, and also such as are contrary to the Rules of Discipline and Obedience, and to correct those who are guilty of the same, according to the Usage of the Sea. II. Divine Service The Cojumauders of His Majesty's Ships are to take Sriormd.""^ Care that Divine Service be performed twice a Day on Board, according to the Lithurgy of the Church of England, and a seiinon preached on Sunday, unless bad Weather or other extraordinary accidents prevent it. III. Punishment of If any shall be heard to Swear, Curse, or Blaspheme And of ' ' the Name of God, the Captain is strictly required to Drunkenness. pu,iish them for every Offence, by causing them to wear a wood Collar or some other shameful Badge of Distinction, for so long Time as he shall judge proper. . If he be a Commission Officer, he shall forfeit One Shilling for Each Offence, and a Warrant or Inferior Officer Six-pence. He who is guilty of Drunkenness, if a Seaman, he shall be jjut into Irons until he is sober; but if an Officer, shall forfeit Two Days Pay. IV. Captains not to No Commandei' shall inflict any Punishment upon a punish beyond i m , t i i • i i , • , twelve Lashes, Seaman, beyond Twelve Lashes upon his bare back with again^st'l'he"" ^ ^at of Nine Tails, according to the ancient Practice of Offender. the Sea ; but if the Fault shall deserve a greater Punish- ment, he is either to apply to the Commander in Chief, or inform the Secretary of the Admiralty, if the Ship is at Home, in order to the Offender's being brought to a Court-Martial, if it shall be thought pi'oper, and in the mean time he may put him under Con- finement. V. Not to discharge The Captain is never, by his own authority to dis- or punish an . . Officer, but only charge a Commission or Warrant Officer, nor to punish buspen im. ^j. g^j-jj^g jj^^ . ]jy^ jf ^j^^ ^^^ disobedient to Command, or behave themselves so ill, that he judges them unfit for their Duty, he may suspend or coufioe them ; and when he comes in the waj' of a Commander in Cliief, apply to him for holding a Court-Martial, otherwise to acquaint the Secretary of the Admiralty therewith. VI. None under the The Officer who Commands on Board by Accident of Captain to , . , puni»b. the Captain's Absence (unless he be Absent for a Time by Leave), shall not order any Correction, but Confine- 1795] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TAHKEH. 39 ments ; from which however he is not to release the Offender before the Captain's Return on Board, and then give an Account of the Reasons for his so doing. VII. Articles of War The Captain is to cause the Articles of War to be rMonTh.*^ "°" hung up in some public Places of the Shij), and read to the Ship's Conijjauy once a month. 40 CHAITEE III. Skrvice as Midshipman of the " Leviathan," under Commodore John Thomas Duckworth, 1795 to October, 1796. " And well thedocile crew that skilful urchin guides." Childe Harold, II, IP. On the ] 8th of March, Captain Duckworth was transferred to the "Leviathan'"; and many of the officers and ship's company went with him, among whom was William Parker. As there was a delay in fitting her out, he and two other youngsters were dent to .the " Kiger," Commander Edward Foote, that they might learn the wolking of a frigate, instead of being comparatively idle in harbour and exposed to some of the evils incidental to the time and place. Extracts from his letter describe this cruize in a natural and interesting manner. They give further proof of the care taken of the youngsters, and one may detect the germ of future success in the boy's determination to be " first at everything," that he " might gain a good name when he left the ship." " ' Leviathan,' St. Helen's, " Wednesday, 6th of May, 1795. " My dearkst Mothkr, " The ' Niger ' is a very nice little frigate of .32 guns, and Captain Foote is one of the best men that ever was. We messed with the gunner, who is a very steady, good man ; there was nobody besides us three, wliicli is very comfortable, as we have it all to ourselves. We got up at 5 o'clock in the morning, and the first thing we did was to go to the masthead to see if we could see any land, or any strange sails. We walked up and down the quarter deck, and looked out on the ' Melampus,' to see if she made any signals, and went every now and then to the lee wheel to learn how to steer. (I breakfasted with Captain Foote the first morning, as I was up first, 1795] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKEE. 41 and he was particularly kind to me ; and, as we were lent to her, I tried to be first at everything, that I might gain a good name when I left the ship.) At 8 we breakfasted, and after that attended on deck for about an hour, and then went down into Captain Foote's cabin, and wrote my journal up for the preceding day, and then read till I was tired. Captain Foote has a vast number of books, so I had a fine choice. In general I read Shakespeare's plays. Captain Foote desired me to read those which were taken from the History of England, and I compared them to the History, which was very amusing. We dined at 12. After that we went into the cabin again, just when we liked, and came out again. We drank tea at 4 ; supped at 8 ; and went to bed at 9, just as we do on board the ' Leviathan.' " We wanted to get a pilot very much, as the emigrants, who were in Guernsey, wanted to land in France to join the Royalists, who were come down to receive them "Thursday night, we were close into Cherburg ; there was not a breath of air, and the tide was making in, so were obliged to let go our anchor. We saw in there three French frigates and a line-of- battleship, and thirty-five sjiil of merchantmen. " We arrived at Spithead on Sunday morn. We found the ' Leviathan ' at St. Helen's, ready for sea ; and he (the Captain) sent us on board immediately, and the same evening went out himself on ajiother cruize. " I wish the 'Leviathan' had sailed without us, we were so happy on board the * Niger.' " I was shocked to hear of the unfortunate accident of the ' Boyne's ' blowing up. . . . Sir John, Captain D says, will lose upwards of a £1,000, and will be almost mad ; he was too fond of her, and thought there was not such another ship in the world. " P.S.— The court-martial on Captain Molloy goes much against him."* The " Leviatlian " was a 74-gim ship, built in 1790, thr<;e years after the " Orion," a much larcjer and a better sailer than the latter. On the 16th of April she received 100 men, lent from the "Boyne,"t and embarked two com- ♦ Captnin MoIIdv, of the "Ca-sar," was tried, at his own request, for misconduct on the 1st of June. The trial husted thn-e wt-t-ks, and the charges of mi.sconduct were proved ; but, as his courage had on former occaHions been unimpeachable, he was only sentenced to be disniiKHed liis ship. t Having ran ght fire by accident, the "Bnyne" was blown up at Spithead, in May, whih- tliese men were on board the " Leviathan." The " Boyne " wa.s btirning five hours, and few lives were lost ; bu 42 THE LIFE OF Silt W. rAKKEU. [1795 junies of the 2iul battalion of the 90th Eeghnent, in lieu of marinos. On the 24th of ]\Iay she left l*ortsn)Outh, under sealed orders, in company with Admiral Lord Hood and a convoy, and on the 29th of May the " Leviathan," " Zealous," and "Hannibal" parted company, and on the 27th of June anchored at Cape Nicholas Mole, in San Dominf.^o. On Friday, July IGtli, Admiral Hyde Parker arrived in the " Kegulus," assumed the connnand, and shifted his flag to the " liaisonnable." Courts-martial were held on some seamen in the " Eaisounable " and " Sampson," and one man was hung for mutiny. The " Leviathan " was next employed cruizing off the Island of San Domingo, especially the western part. The principal rendezvous of the squadron was Cape Nicholas Mole, an excellent harbour, admirably situated, which had been surrendered to the English naval forces under Com- modore Ford, in 1793. Blockading and chasing strange sail gave full occuDation, but the yellow fever made its terrible ravages, and in one month Captain Duckworth's ship lost from that cause more by deaths alone than she had lost in killed and wounded in Lord Howe's three days of action which ended in the victory of the 1st of June, and, of course, those who escaped death, but were enfeebled by the disease, or invalided, do not appear in the midshipman's log. Great pains seem to have been taken in purifying the ship. There are several entries of the tiers being cleansed with hot vinegar, of the lower deck being fumigated with tobacco, besides the whitewashing, &c. None can realise, except those who have witnessed it, the effect of this terrible inlliction in a ship, when men are seized by day and night with a poison from the atmosphere, from which there seems to be no escape ; it is a " pestilence that walketh in darkness, and an arrow that destroyeth in the noonday." The alarm engendered by this state of peril leads f re- men were killed on board the "Queen Charlotte" from the shot from the loaded guns of the "Boyne." 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 43 quently to drinking on the part of those exposed to tlie danger; some, feeling, or fancying, that extra stimulus is most desirable in such a climate, are unable to draw the line of moderation, while the old heathen feeling, " Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die," actuates others who are reckless ; and the long time on salt diet and scarcity of water when at sea must also be borne in mind, as tending to produce and aggravate the evil of drunkenness, which, in spite of punishments, prevailed to a frightful extent. The entries of men falling overboard in harbour and being drowned, which occur in the logs, must, in all probability, be attributed to this cause. In those days also the allowance of grog was double what it is now, and continued so, not only through the war, but till the late Captain Sir John rhillimore used his personal inHueuce with the crew of the "Thetis," under his command, and induced them to accept an allowance of tea and sugar for their evening beverage, instead of their second (or even- ing) grog ; and, in spite of the sneers of those who were op- posed to the change, and called his ship the " Tea Chest," succeeded in establisliing that wliich lias proved to be one of the greatest naval reforms of this century ; and which re- duced the jmnishments at once in every ship in the service by more than one-half. Trevious to this change, the com- mon, indeed the almost universal, custom was for one man, the " cook of the mess," to receive a portioii and occasionally the wliole of the evening grog belonging to every man in his mess, and to be very (hunk for that night.* In a letter to Mrs. I'arker, of February 12th, 179G, tliere is a description of an unsuccessful attempt of the " Levial-han " and " liaisonnable " to ca])ture two French frigates, the " Hya:na " — taken from the English before — and the " "Venus." The cha.se Uxjk place on the north side of the island ; l»ul the " liaisonnable " was unable to gain her * See " Memoir of tliu laU- Sir .lolm i'iiillinKjre," hy Admiral Drew ; and evidence before the Committee aiJj>ointed hy the AdmiraUy on the Grog C^ue.stiou. 44 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1796 allotted station, partly on account of the current, and partly on account of her going to the rescue of the " Mosquito," dispatch sclioouer of two guns, commanded by Lieutenant jMann,.who was defending himself gallantly against a French l^rivateer, mounting either eight or ten guns. After the exchange of a few shot, the French frigates gained on their pursuers, and anchored under the protection of batteries in one of the northern harbours. The "Leviathan" joined Admiral Hyde Parker in Ysabella Bay (then in possession of the Spaniards), where they obtained fresh supplies; and young Parker mentions with thankfulness that they were now " pretty clear " of yellow fever. Several of the French Eoyalist otticers and settlers, who had been deprived of all their possessions, were embarked in the English ships ; they served as guides at the attack of Cape Francois, and obtained leave to reside on shore, at Ysabella, till the troops from Gibraltar, under convoy of the " Ceres," arrived. A negro, called Jean Franqois, had persuaded 18,000 negro slaves to rise, and accept him as their General, and these formed themselves into a band of brigands. Generally speaking, the recreations when on shore at Port Royal, or the other West Indian Islands, were not conducive to morality ; and it is not surprising that a youth accustomed to the pure and moral atmosphere of his home life should have written such a letter as to produce the reply of his mother which is mentioned in the first chapter. In March, 1796, the " Leviathan " was engaged in an attack on L^ogane, and lost 4 men killed, 14 dangerously and 6 slightly wounded. The troops, consisting of a detachment of British and colonial troops from the garrison of Port-au-Prince, in the Island of San Domingo, embarked on the 17th and 18th March ; and landed at Leogane on the 21st, in two divisions ; the eastern division of which was covered by the " Iphigenia," "Cormorant," and "Syren." The "Leviathan," Captain Duckworth, and "Africa," Captain Home, cannonaded the fort, and the " Swiftsure," Captain liichard Parker, the town. 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 45 The " Leviathan " and " Africa " fired on the fort for four hours, but both fort and town were much stronger, and the enemy more numerous, than had been anticipated. The troops re-embarked during the night, and both " Leviathan " and " Africa " were compelled to return to Jamaica to repair damages. A detailed, and very interesting, account of this action is given in a letter from William Parker to his mother, from Port-au-Prince, on the 27th of the month. The "Leviathan," while cruizing off the Caycos (where the "Intrepid" had captured a French ship of 24 guns), was ordered to Port-au-Prince. The "Syren," which had been sent with the orders, was accustomed to the station, and went ahead of the " Leviathan," to show her the passage between Gonaives and the mainland. Young Parker writes : — " You cannot imagine how beautiful the country is, and how finely cultivated " On the 18th of March we passed by L^ogane, where there is a strong mud fort of 14 guns ; this is bv far the largest of any of these towns, and the best fortified. It belonged, at the beginning of the ■war, to us ; and Admiral Ford built the mud fort, and left it in the hands of a French Officer and men, who called themselves Royalists, but the Admiral was no sooner out of gunshot in his shi[), but they hoisted the national colours, firing a salute at the same time. " We arrived the same evening at Port-au-Prince. We found the 'Swiftsure,' Admiral Parker's ship, ' Africa,' 'Ceres,' and 'Tphigenia' frigate, with a vast num])er of transports and small vessels full of the troops which «ime out in the Gibraltar convoy, besides a great number of French Royalist troops and black troops ; with their horses and artillery they were going with the above-mentioned s(piadron to attack Lcogane, and were to sail ne.\t day, so you see we were just in time to a-ssist them. Port-au-Prince is much larger than Cape Nicholas Mole. The land around is very high, and a long low woody marsh, which runs along it, contributes to make the ])lace both sultry and un- wholesome. The harbour is very large and very convenient for shipping. We were busily employed clearing the ship and preparing for battle, while we were in here, as we expected to come to action against the fort at L6ogane. We all got under weigh, and with our scpiadron, the transports, k1ooi)s, schooners, gunborits, &c., amounted to between 50 and CO sail. On board them we li:iple will be kind enough tf) throw out liinis (o our prejudice of two line-of-battle ships Ijeing heartily licked and driven away by a fort of 14 guns ; ho they may ; but T only wish they had been two French 84*8 alongside of us; ;iiiii bv thf tin' we kipl up, they would have struck in half the tiinf, nr 1 think we .slioiiM have done the same to a atone fort with twice as many guns. W'e, how- 48 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1796 over, sunk two schouners, a i)rivateor and an American, wliicli would not get out of our way. After the action the Captiiin of the American came on board and advised the Captain, in a flattering manner, to go on tlie other side of the fort, where, if we had gone, they would have got all their heaviest guns to bear on us. We sent him on shore instantly, and he has since been taken up and found to be a notorious spy, and will, I dare say, be hanged. I assure you this action was much longer and hariler fought on both sides than the 1st of June. We fired 56 broadsides, equal to 224 barrels of powder. The fires on shore still continued burning all day and night without intermission, and afforded a grand and awful sight. " On the evening of the 22ud we joined the Admiral in La Couillere Bay, the place where the ' Ceres ' landed her troops. We found all our array landed and raising fortifications to oppose the enemy. Next morning we received information that our troops had been repulsed by the brigands,* they being in greater numbers. That Captain Bingham of the Artillery had lost an arm, and that, after his loss, he had very gallantly defended two pieces of cannon from the hands of the enemy, and brought them safe off at last. We saw on the fort of Leogane a great number of people hard at work strengthen- ing the ramparts, supposing we should make another attack on them, but the Admiral said that if he had had the smallest idea that we should have received so much damage, and done so little (our shot all sinking in), he would never have sent us in, and said no other ship should go in on any account. Our army found that the enemy was a great deal too strong and numerous for them to make the attack on the town of Luogane, which had 2,000 men inside it, more than we had altogether ; and in the pocket of the Brigand-General who was killed, was found a letter from another Black General, at Aux Cayes, in which he says, ' should you repel the English give no quarter. I shall be ready to join you to-night with 0,000 men.' Besides this, they found it was a properly garrisoned town, surrounded by a ditch 16 feet deep and 8 wide, and defended on all sides by a very powerful army. "Our army had very wisely set fire to a long range of sugar- cane behind them, so as effectually to conceal themselves in the dark clouds of smoke, which the sea-breeze blew in towards the town. * The "brigands" probably meant those negroes, most of them escaped slaves, who refused obedience either to the colonial assemblies, or to the French, or the English authorities ; they formed themselves into little armies and lived by plunder. 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 49 •'At half- past 11 in the morning of 24th our army were all safely re-embarked on board of the transports, and 17 of them were killed and several wounded. " We had taken 9 bi'igand men and 2 women from the enemy. One of the men was brought on board of us and had had his right ear cut otf bv one of the French Rovalist Officers, and would have had his head cut otf had not General Forbes interposed. When he wa.s taken he was in his hut boiling his supper for his wife and family. "Only think of the Captain's goodness to us all. He lets us all sleep in his cabin, that we might not be affected/ by the groans of the wounded. *' He is indeed a father to us all." In a letter from- Cape Nicolas Mole of the 22nd Septem- ber, he mentions the " Leviathan's " cruize with the " Eaisitnnahle," " Hannibal," and " Swiftsure," under Admiral Hyde Parker ; that the " brigands " then occupied Jean Rubel ; that the " Scorpion " sloop had captured a small Kreiicli schooner with gunpowder from Guadaloupe, and that a privateer mounting six guns was taken later. The " Intrepid " joined the fleet in a sickly state, liaving lost 200 men since her arrival in the West Indies! A short summary of the state of the West Indian Islands previous to the commencement of the great war is necessary for the purpose of understanding the nature of the naval operations in that i»art of the world. In the year 17'Jij, the Island of Tobago had been re- taken by the English ; and, in consequence of the represen- tations of the French Uoyalists of Martini(pie that a mere display of force would occasion the inhabitants to declare for the monarchy, an e.\i)editi()n attacked that island under Iicar-Admiral (Jardner and (jlenerals (lailh ami Ihuce. The "Orion" formed one of the scpiadrou, and William Parker was in her, as mentioned in the last ciiapter. Although the attack on the island failed, it api)(;ar9 that many hundreds of the loyal inhabitants — white, juulatto, and li "50 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [179G l)lack — were sawd from the fury of the revolutionists, and brought otr. In 1794', tin expedition, which had been prejiared in Enghmd on a snitable scale during the previous year, under the able direction of Vice-Admiral Sir John Jervis and Lieutenant-General Sir Charles Grey, attacked Martinicjue, captured and garrisoned it. This island remained in posses- sion of the English till' the peace of 1802. After the capture of Martinique, the islands of Guada- loupe and Santa Lucia were taken from the French, and Sir John Jervis* reported, " that in less than three months all the French islands in those seas had been reduced." The troops embarked were 6,085, the third detachment of which wa§ commanded by H.E.H. the Duke of Kent. Of these, however, 1,200 men were left behind sick at Barbadoes, and it was found impossible to send fresh forces from England suiiicient to garrison all the posts taken from the French, and to supply the places of those who were killed by the enemy or had died from disease and climate. Admiral Mann's detachment of ships did not arrive, as originally intended, and the British squadron could not prevent Victor Hughes landing at Guadaloupe with strong reinforcements of troops, &c., so' that the British were forced to abandon the occupation of this island. This Victor Hughes, who was a perfect monster of cruelty, arrived at Guadaloupe with a large force of French soldiers in healthy ships, and by proclaiming universal equality to the coloured population, and rousing their wildest passions, he excited them to violent outrages and fury. After the departure of the English forces from Guadaloupe, a cold-blooded slaughter took place of every Royalist in- habitant, not only of those who had joined the English, but also of those who had recognised the government of the con- querors ; and of the English soldiery who fell in his hands, all, even those who were sick in the hospitals, were destroyed. * See Tucker's "Life of Earl St. Vincent," Bryan Edwards' " History '' 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 51 Though Gruadaloupe was the only island in the Caribbean Sea left in the possession of the French, in the Antilles they still retained possession of the western part of the island of San Domingo, now called Haiti ; and this great colony, with its wealth, its magnificent harbours, its natural fertility, and its artificial irrigation, was the most successful of all tlie colonies of Europe. Originally colonised by '■ Flibustiers" and by certain Europeans, who were perse- cuted by the Spaniards in those parts of the world, the de- scendants of these adventurous people had gradually settled down, and devoted themselves to peaceful avocations, under tlie protection of the French. They seem to have retained certain habits of" discipline, were formed into militia, were always ready to fight if attacked, and had acquired great numbers of Africans as slaves. In 1790, all the Spanish colonial possessions in the West Indies were in alliance witli France. The Spanish colonies were, at this time, the Floridas, the Spanisli Main, the terri- tories from the Florida Cape to the British settlement of Hon- duras, and the territory inside the Gulf of IMexico, besides the islands of Cuba, Trinidad, Porto Rico, and the eastern part* of San Domingo. In these possessions were considerable naval and military forces and numerous privateers. The French part of the island of San Domingo was divided into three provinces — the northern, western, and soutliern — which were again subdivided into ten districts. The nnmlier of royal trooi)s on the establishment was generally Ijctween 2,000 and 3,000, composed of two regi- ments of foot and one brigade of artiHery recruited from J'lance. Each of tlie thirty-onef parishes into which the colony was divifhid raised one or more companies of white militia. The ollicers, both of regular troojjs and militia, were commissioned by the Governor-General, subject to the * Tlie eerhaps one diutrict was luade into two pariHlicH. K 2 52 THE LIKE OF SIR W. TARKER. [179G King's apimnal. Tli(> free men of colour wore liable to serve three years in the military establishment called the Mari^-chaussee, and afterwards they were bound to serve in the militia. Though often treated with j^reat cruelty, the free mu- lattoes and negroes had the privilege of acquiring property, and many were holders of considerable estates. In 1790, the trading and manufacturing interests of France had taken alarm at the dispositions manifested in the French colonies in the West Indies, and petitioned the National Assembly to take such steps as might be necessary for preserving those most valuable dependencies of the Empire, and the National Assembly had voted, in conse- (pience of this petition, that the interior Governments of the colonies were not comprehended in the French Constitution, and therefore the free people of colour were excluded from the Colonial Assemblies. Dilferences broke out between the Governor-General of San Domingo and the Colonial As- sembly, because the latter wished to grant indulgences to people of colour. The crew of the French line-of-battle ship " Leopard," stationed at Port-au-Prince, mutinied, deposed their captain, put a lieutenant in his place, and for so doing received, and attixed to the mainmast, a vote of thanks from the Colonial Assemldy.* James Oge, the son of a Frenchman by a mulatto woman, and one of the association of " Les amis des noii'S," came from France ami tried to raise a rebellion, which was put down, lie was taken prisoner and condemned to death. The mulattoes armed themselves, but Colonel Mauduit, who commaniled the detachment of tr()0])s at Port-au-Prince, persuaded them to retire to their homes. Oge made a confession before his execution, and said that the mulattoes wouhl soon rise, and would induce the negro slaves to rise with tliem. Seu-ral members (seventy-live) of the Colonial Asse-iibly went lo France to explain matters, but their conduct was severely censured by the Natiomil Assembly •■• Bryan Edwards' " History oi the War in Sau Duuiingo," 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 53 on their arrival at Paris. Shortly after this, the mulattoes again took ah\rm, and Colonel Maiuhiit was murdered by liis troops. In 1791, the National Assembly made a Decree cancelling their former one, and admitting mulattoes to the Colonial Assembly, and to all the privileges of French citizens. Great was the consternation in the colony when the news arrived, and the most loyal of the white population were determined to resist the Decree. In the north, the mulattoes assembled together, and by the 23rd of August, 1791, all the negro slaves in the north, near the Cape, had revolted. The negro slaves murdered all the white citizens they encountered, with every sort of barbarity and horror, and set fire to the cane-fields. On the 20th September the Colonial Asseml)l}' declared tliat the Decree in favour of the mulattoes should be allowed ; but the concession came too late, and the mulattoes joined the negro slaves. When the first news of the rising of the mulattoes reached France, all those who were interested in the West Indian Colonies again petitioned the National Assembly; and the National Assembly cancelled their last, and restored their first Decree, at the very time that the justice and necessity of the last Decree had been admitted by the Colonial Assembly in San Domingo! The free coloured pnpuhition, and the mulattoes in the western and southern jtrovinccs, woe ('\as]ieiated, and they also had recourse to arms. The iidiabitants of iVjrt-au-riince had been reinforced with fresh troojis from iMirope ; and though the revolters set fire to the city, and lnu-nt more than a third of it, they were driven nut witli mnrh loss. Ill 1702 three Oimmissioners arriviMJ IKun France and proclaimed a general amn(;sty. Alumt 4,000 tiiMips had previously arrived from Francr;, mid (i, ()()() incn, selected from the National (iuards, arrixed in .Inly wiih the ('(nn- niissioners, in ;!0 transports. I'ndcr virtue of aiiothci- I >(t)cc, oj' the 4lh A|'ril, 1792 54 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1706 people of colour and free nec^roes were declared eligible to seats in the Colonial Assembly, and to all places of trust ; but the Colonial Assembly was to conform itself to the })olicy necessary to connect the mother country and the colony together. In the beginning of 1793 two of the Commissioners, Saultioner and Polverel, had got rid of their associate Alhaud, and found themselves at the head of the colony, with a formidable band of auxiliaries, revolted slaves, and vagabonds. Meanwhile a great change had taken place in Europe. A new Governor-General was sent out, but the Commissioners were not recalled ; and at this time the murder of the King of France, and tlie consequent recall of the English Ambassador from Paris, had caused a declaration of war against Great Britain and Holland to be proclaimed by France. The Commissioners rebelled against the new Governor, called tlie negro population to their aid, and promised them the sack of the city at Cape Fran9ois, if they joined the rebellion against him. About 3,000 revolted slaves got into Cape Franqois, and a horrid Initchery took jjlace, which lasted from the 21st to the 28rd of June. The confusion in the colony was dreadful. As early as 1791, some of the white inhabitants had offered their allegiance to Great Britain; but no attention had been paid to this ofier. In 1793, however, such state- ments were made to the Governor of Jamaica, by people who represented themselves as having, and were supposed to have, more authority than they really possessed, that his Excellency transmitted their representations home, and recommended His Majesty's Government to accept possession of the French colony of San Domingo, and in July of that year General Williamson received the King's commands to accept terms of sulmiission from such pjiits of San Domingo as solicited the jjiotection of the British Goveinment, and he was authorised to eniploy part of the iorce under his 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 00 command in the occupation of such parts as should so submit. In consequence of this authority, a treaty was concluded at once with M. de Cadushe, on behalf of the small, town of Jeremie, near Leogane, by General Williamson. The French part of San Domingo consisted of territory. about 500 miles in breadth by about 200 in length. In the whole colony the white population before the war was estimated at a little over 33,000, the mulattoes at 24,000, accordinrf to following census : — Whites. Negro . Slaves. Free people of Colour. Port-au-Prince.. Northern Provinces .. Western „ . . . . iSouthern „ 2,775 11,996 12,798 6,037 8,000 164,656 192,961 76,813 4,000 1 20,000 33,606 442,430 24,000 There were 8,536 establishments of all kinds in tlie colony. These included 793 sugar plantations, besides coffee, cacao, indigo, &c. The national forces in 1793, including militia, amounted to between' 14,000 and 15,000 effective troops ; added to these was a motley band of a])Out 0,000 or 7,000 men, but bvought into some order and discipline, which raised tlie whole to about 22,000, well-ainied and inured to tlie climate. There is no doubt tliat at tliis time General Williamson and the pjiglish Government greatly underrated the difficulties of the occupation of this colony, ami of ictainin^ possession afterwards; for 870 rank and Hie only, and four or five frigates under Commodore Ford, composed the force that was first sent ! The liritisli force occupied Jeremie on Sc^ptcnilicr Ifith, and the important fortress which protected the lin(; liarbdiir of Cape Nicohis Mole on the 21st. The mulattoes and 56 TFIE LIFE OF SIR W. rARKER. [1796 l)laclle to bear victories so dearly pur- chased ; or to garrison the places taken, and many of the French planters declared themselves hostile. In May, 1794, troops arrived from England, the battalion companies of the 22nd and the 23rd and 41st Begiments, and Port-au-Prince was taken on the 30th ; and on the 8th of June eight flank- companies were sent from the Windward Islands, but above 100 of these men died at sea, and of 1,490 l»ritisii troops, 738 were sick on December 31st, 1794. Unfortunately the enemy retained possession of Jacmel and Aux Cayes. Upwards of thirty privateers were fitted 1796] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. oY out from tliose ports, and the prizes these made in a few months abundantly com])ensated the French for tlie loss of their ships at Port-au-Prince. Twenty-three ships from Enijland and several vessels from Kingston were thus taken. Such was the state of affairs at the seat of war in the West Indies ; and to make up for the inadequate numbers of our military force exertions of no ordinary character were required of the Navy. The following letter exhibits a curious instance of the lack of di.scipline : Barrels of gunpowder and matches with their ends dipped in powder all left loose in the gunners .store-room in the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief ! — " I have now a most miraculous and fortunate account to give you of the narrow escape the ' Africa 'liad of being blown up la.st Friday, the 25th of April. About 10 o'clock in the furenoon of that day we were 8ud ; the fire of this barrel caught with two others, which were near it ; the violence of tin; shock lilew up the fore part of the lower gun deck above it, and blew down the magazine deck ; it knocked the light-room to pieces, so that several of the sparks flew into the magazine, and it was the greatest chance ever known that some jiowder had not caught (In" ami blown the ship into 10,000 pieces. " At a (juarter past 12 wc were again alarme«l with the cry of fire on l)oaril the 'Africa,' and at the same time several of the mm jumped overboard as before, tlu; signal was made and all l)oats went to litr assistance with enjfines, iScc, and in a short time all was(piiet. I went in one of the Im.its ami on boaid the * Africia,' with Captain I)nckworth, who carried .i brace of pistols with him, and declared he would have sjjot the first .scoundrel that shouhl 58 THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. [1796 dare jump overboard instead of trying to put the fire out. He went directly down to the place where the barrels blew up, and was onti of those who cliietly helped to extinguish all the sparks. We found this last alarm Wiia nothing more than some men clearing out the gunner's stores, and an unseen sjjark had caught with the end of a bundle of matches where is always a little powder to make them light. " W. PARKER. "'Leviathan,' 1796." Owing to failing health, Eear- Admiral Hyde Parker was forced to relinquish his command for a season ; and Com- modore Duckworth became temporarily Commander-in- Chief, antl a Commodore of the first class. Cajjtain Bing- ham was then appointed captain of the " Leviathan," and William Parker was transferred to the " Magicienne," as actins-lieutenant. Appendix to Chapter III. Letter from Sir J. Jervis to George Parker, Esq. " Many thanks for your kind letter of the 1st of May, since which our feeble and exhausted army has met with a little check, which we hope to retort when we receive the means from England ; our force, which was originally not equal to the enterprise, being so much re duced, we can undertake no offensive operation. " Your young tar has had a bellyful of fighting under Lord Howe. That battle was the best fought on our side of any since the Dutch war, and I am grieved to learn that the consequences were not so pro- pitious as the resolution of the parties who were engaged most merited. 1 allude to the arrival of the convoy from Virginia, the safety of which will enable the French to hold out another campaign. Had they given me the force I was promised when I left England, not one of those ships would have got out of the Chesapeake. " ' Boyne,' Trois Islets, Martinique, " 2nd August." 59 CHAPTER IV. 1796—1799. Acting-Lieutenant and Lieutenant in the West Indies. —His Majesty's Ships "Magicienne" and "Queen." " If through the medium of the following pages any young officer is induced to reflect on the importance of directing all the energy and talent he may possess to the study of that profession which he has entered ; thereby enabling him to feel a confidence in his own ability to extricate himself and those under him, from any position in which he may be thrjwn, tiie object of the writer will have been accom- ll al)andoned the beach, the boats were hoisted out and sent, manned and armed, to bring out the sloop, and to destroy the provisions on shore ; but they had no sooner landed than a most severe and destructive fire was opened on them with musquetry and 2 brass field-pieces from behind an eminence, where the enemy had been concealed at the distance only of 5l) yards, immediately above. The sloop was secured to the shore, with a rope fastened .so far under water that it w;us impossible to cut it, or indeed perceive the obstruction to the vessel being towed out, until the boats had been exposed 30 minutes to their galling fire, under which they persevered till the towropes had been shotaway three times ; at length they were oljliged to retreat with the loss of 4 men killed, Mr. Morgan, master's mate, and 10 seamen wounded, most of them badly. At haIf-T)ast 2 the 'Regulus,' who had l>een unable to get in before, from the lightness of the wind, anchored, when both ships opened a well- 1797] THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. 65 flirected fire on the enemy for 40 minutes, which occasioned them to retreat precipitately orer the mountains towards Tiburon, leaving Itehind field-pieces and all their ammunition, camp equipage, tents, and prov-isions ; which, in the coiuse of the night, were brought on l)oard the shiy)s by the boats, as well as three schooners also full of ■|irovisions. The sloop, which was laden with heavy artillery and nramuuition for the siege, was sunk by shots from the ships, but such part of her a-s remained above water was destroyed. " The inhabitants of the Grand Anse entertained so high an opinion of the service rendered them by Captain Ricketts, that, on his arrival lit Jereraie, he was presented with a handsome address expressive of their gratitude, and a neatly executed plan of the department of the venture outside tln-ir harbour, the sijnadion were under the iieces- «ity, from want of provision.s, of returning to ('ape St. Nicolas Mole. "Gn the 20Lh Supl.iiibcr, 17fi7. " The ' Magicienne ' and 'Begnlus' sailed from the Mole in (juest of the French Commodore Jiarney ; who, with the frigates ' Medusa ' of 44 guns, an^ " On the 26th December. "Having received information that several prizes had been carried into Aguaunting indeed only 2 brass 18-pounders, but so well constructed that I hour and 4') minutes' filing from the ' Magicienne ' and ' Hegnhis,' though well directed, produced very little visible damage. Tiie ' Diligence' worked further into the l)ay, and placed herself against a small battery of two G-poundeis, all the crews of the ships in the l»ay having previously abamloned tlir-ni, ;iiid proceeded to strenj,Mlien llie batttiries. When the firinj,' had continued an li(»ur ann luul beon soeu standing in. U'lie nionu-nt every other vessel was owt of the enemy's reach, the 'Magicienne ' (|nitted her anchorage, consiilorablj^ damaged in the sails and rigging by the enemy's tire, the foremast shot through, and 4 men badly wounded. The ' Diligence ' likewise had her rigging considerably damaged, mainmast shot through, and one man wounded. " The prizes cut out of the bay on this occasion were — 1 ship, 3 brigs, 1 schooner, and the ' Brutus,' French privateer sloop, of 9 guns, and with a com- plement of 78 men, who escaped. " The damage done to the enemy was never exactly a.scertained ; but, from the best accounts, their loss was nearly 20 in killed and wounded. " On the iSth February, 1798. " The ' Magicienne,' ' Eegulus,' and ' Drake,' brig, sailed from the Mole, with detachments of 250 troops, for the purpose of dislodging a considerable body of brigands who had established themselves in the Platform Bay, about 9 leagues to the west of Cape St. Nicolas Mole ; whence, by small vessels and row-boats carrying about 20 men each, these marauders daily committed depredations and acts of piracy against merchant vessels of every description. To secure themselves more effectu;dly, they had collected several guns (some of large calibre) and a L3-incli nuntar, mounted for the purpose, on the Platform, an eminence called from its resemblance, and forming, from its natural position, an eminence of great strength, the summit as level as a bowlins-green. and about one-third of a mile in circumference, afford- ing the most commanding situation in the bay and adjacent country ; so steep, withal, as to render it very diiiicult of ascent, and capable of being made, with little ai't, defeiisil)le with a very small body against any number that could be brought against it. "On this advantageous spot the pirates had fixed to fortify them- selves, and had already succeeded in getting the mortar up the hill, when the sudden arrival of the squadron put an end to their ojiera- tions. " By the dawn of day, on the 13th of February, the ships wer3 in the bay, and the troops landed with such celerity, under cover of the ' Magicieune's ' fire, to scour the beach flanked by the ' Drake,' brig, that the enemy were surprised, and routed before they had time to gain the Platform, which was immediately taken possession of by our troops, and immediately occupied, and several advanced posts on the 1798] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKEK, 69 commandinass- iug or repassing during the day. The preparations made by the enemy, added to tlieir numerous force, opposed to the small but firm band under Major Kemmis, of the 40th Kegt., commanding (he foit at Trois, were certainly of a foi-midabie nature, but their fire was received, and returned by that galliul olliccr, witli such coolness as to convince them the post would be vigorously deft'iided, nor com|)('llrd to surrender till the hi.st extremity. Captain liicketts having V(jlun- teered to land with the seamen and marines, to assist in the gariison fluty till the arrival of reinforcements, proceeded on I he 18th with tli(! seamen and marines of the ' Magicicnnc,' and a party from the ' llegulus' aii the southwaid of Tiois, by a sortie from the garrison. "Accordingly at 3 a.m. of the l!(tli, they jiroceeded, in two divisions, the greater part, and |ii iMri|ial one, from tlic excessive (iarkiicss of the morning, unfortunately missetl the turning up a narrow [)ath leading to the works, by which a very small number oidy, under Caj»(ain 70 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1708 T^iuser of Uu^ 40tli, reachod the (IosHiumI apot ; aiitl tlieic, after dis- [ilayiiig great bravery, were obliged to retreat from sueh superior numbers. The other division, under Captain Henry, of the 40th, succeeded, finally, in reaching a battery of two 9-poiuiders ; and, havinir trallantlv driven the eiiemv from their works, the guns were spiked and thrown over the hill, and the ])arty returned without loss. On this occasion Lieutenant John Parry, commanding the party of marines on board the ' Magicieuue,' i)artieularly distinguished him- self ; and, as well as Captain Henry, excited the admiration of the garrison. " On the 22nd, reinforcements arrived from Jeremie, accomjmnied by a small body of cavalry, and it was determined to make a grand attack on the works to the north of Trois with 500 men (including all the black corps); and HO seamen from the 'Magicienne' under the .3 lieutenants of that ship, were to storm in flank at 9 o'clock. The parties destined for this service proceeded to the attack in the most gallant manner, ascended the hill, and reached the very lines of the enemy, under a most tremendous and destructive discharge of musketry and field guns ; but they were found so strongly intrenched and so numerous that the troops were obliged to retreat, suflering a very con- siderable loss. Of the seamen, one was killed and four severely wounded. This was the last attempt made on the enemy during the ' Magicienne's' continuance in the bay. "On the 25th orders arrived from Sir Hyde Parker directing Cajitain Ricketts to proceed to the Caraccas for the purpose of obtain- ing information of a Spanish squadron, then expected in that quarter from Europe. The men were, therefore, withdrawn from the fort, and the ship proceeded immediately in execution of her orders, having y)reviously aftbrded the garrison a supply of shot and ammunition, the enemy continued the investment and bombardment of the fort for a considerable time after this period ; at length, finding all their efforts ineffectual, they were compelled a second time to laise the siege of Trois. " May the 4th. " The ' Magicienne ' returned to the Mole, when Captain Ricketts' private affairs required his immediate return to England ; and, on the 1 jth, he was superseded by Captain William Ogilvy, and sailed in the homeward-bound packet." In 1801, Captain Eicketts assumed, by sign manual, the surname of " Jervis," as he was heir presumptive to the title of Viscount St. Vincent, whicli had been granted his maternal uncle on the 27th of April of that year, with remainder to his nephews, in default of male issue, in addition to the Earldom of St. Vincent (wliich was created 1798] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 71 after the important victory over the Spanish Fleet in Feb- ruary, 1797), which expired with him. Strange to say, much of the prize money due for the privateers captured by the " Magicienne " was not paid till 1826. How many of the officers and crew must have died before that time ! Captures made by the " Magicienne " : — " 1st November, 1796. " ' Le Cerf Volant.' Britain Bowen, of the 'Carnatic'; after looking into the Havannah, we stretched well U) the northward, for the purpose of restoring health to the '(Jarnatic's ' ship's company, among wliom the yellow fever raged with great fury. Wv had iiitol(Tal)le bad weatlier, owing to tiie incessant rain and heavy s(|ua]is, for the space of a fortrjight. Reckoning, on an average, the rain never ce;used for two hours at a time, anoint of callinu; him " Mr." Adam all through the dinner, and Captain Adam remarked to his neighbour at the table how strange it was that a person in his lordship's position should make such a mistake as to address him as " Mr.," when he was a " captain " of some standing. After dinner, ho\^ever. Lord Spencer called Mr. Adam on one side, and said, " Your commissions are all disallowed, as there is an informality, or error, in your certificates which prevents your lieutenant's commission being confirmed, and you are now really a midshipman only, and not a captain ! " It was a great fall for the young man, but Lord Spencer added, " You must return to I'ortsmouth by the coach to-morrow, and orders have been given for your examination ; if you pass, you will be promoted to lieutenant directly ; and you had better sail at once for the East Indies." Mr. Adam passed, was promoten ])oard the ' Alln'on,' for mutiny and piracy ; and their bodies gibl)ctc(l on one of the cays." And the l<»g further records that, on the. '2^>\\\ df Septem- l)er, a seaman named JMigh was ])uiiiHh(ul through the fleet, by .sentence of a Oiurt-martial, with IGO lashes. The number of .seamen and marines vote7. 76 CHAPTER V. 1799—1801. ACTIXG-CojnrANDER AND COMMANDKR HiS MaJESTY'S SiIIPS " VOLAGE," " AiMAUANTIIE," " PeLIGAN," " ABEUGAVENNY," " Stork ;" Acting 1'ost Captain in "L'Oiseau" and Confikmed in that IUnk and Appointed to"Heldin." "Sea captains and commanders and other officers must be en- couraged, and rise by degrees as their fidelity and industry deserve it." — Lord Bacon's Advick to Sir George Villiers. On the 1st of ]\Iay, 1799, William I'arker joined the " Volage " in Port lloyal Harbour, and read " his order to act as captain of that ship, vice the Honble, Captain "VVodehouse, invalided." The " Volage " is described in Steel's " Navy List," for that year, as a frigate carrying 24 guns. She sailed from Port Jioyal on the .'^rd of May, liaving lost some of her men from desertion immediately before her departure, and her destination was to cruize in the Gulf of Mexico and round the coast of Cuba, for the purpose of inter- cepting the enemy's vessels and trade. Among Sir William Parker's papers a careful e})itome of the results of this cruize has been preserved ; and, between May 19t]i and July 19lli, 1799, the vessels named above captured among them twenty-four vessels, namely : — 11 schooners. 7 brigs. G ships. Three of tliese were accjuitted Ijy the Colonial Courts ; but the caijtors appealed to Enghind ; two were overset, and lost M'hile in charge of the prize crews ; one vessel (" S. J. Joachim ") was run away with by her crew ; in two cases the 1799] T]IE UFE OF SIR ^V. PARKER. 77 cargo only was condemned, and in some cases the owner of the condemned ships appealed. Four or five were con- demned without any delay, and their value became imme- diately distributable. The ships' companies were paid tlieir full shares, but the captains and commanders had to wait some time befoi-e the various accounts could be adjusted and claims decided ; and these delays involved a correspondence with the prize agents, and the principal member of tlie firm died before the accounts were settled. On leaving Jamaica the allowance of water was half a gallon per man daily. On 'Sidy 17th, a Spanish armed schooner was chased, but she contrived to run in shore under the protection of a battery and escape. On tlie 21st the " Yolage " captured a Spanisli packet V)rig from Vera Cruz, l)0und to Havannali. His Majesty's ships " York " and " Carnatic " were in com- pany at the time of the capture, and seized another vessel on the day following, when all the Spanish prisoners were taken out of the prizes and sent to Havannali by a " free trader." Another free trader was cliased and captured on the 2Gth, but released. On the 27th two more Spaiiisli vessels were chased under the batteries; and another free trader was overtaken on the 29th, and fmir uidh! on the :50th and .':»lst. The free traders were alwavs released with verv little delay. They probably su|)plied the Bahamas, where they seem not only to have traded regularly with dry jjrovisions and stores, &c., which must always be one of the principal wants of those islands, but also gave information to the English crui/.ers, which doubtless a.ssisted the latter in making niiiiiy of their prizes. Naturally enough these free traders liiid no .sympalliy with tlie French or Spanish Oovenimcnt, hut much widi the I>aliamas, iiiid tliongh they carried Spiinish colours niid ciitrrcd the Spanish colonial ])orts, their numbers need noi cjiuse surprise, a.s to this day the facilities with wliich smuggling is carried on by very large numbeis of Spaniaids jit home and abroad, through successive generations, [trove how they 7.S TlIK LIFE OF SII! W. PAKKKK. [1799 nndoistaiKl niakiiiij airniioenu'nts with their revenue officers, ami how thoroughly they enjoy jiU illicit connnerce. An American hrig was detained " on suspicion " hy the "Volage" on the .'iOth, and another on June 1st. The cruizing continued very active, and, as the numher of mouths must have been much increased Ijy the crews of the detained ships, the " Volage " received su])plies of water frequently from the larger ships, " York," " Maidstone," &c. She cruized off Havannah for some weeks in June, and " hung hammock cloths and tarpaulins over the sides in order to disguise the ship."* The guns and streak being thus hidden, and setting only the main-top-gallant sail, the '• Volage " l)oarded many unwary vessels close to the harbour's mouth. On June 3rd, while thus employed, twelve sail of vessels tried to come out, convoyed liy a man-of-war brig and six armed schooners, but, detecting the " Volage," they effected their return, although Captain Parker chased them up to the edge of the reef near the harbour. On the 4th he sent his boats into " el Rincon," manned and armed, and cut out a small schooner laden with wood. Very heavy gales set in, and the " Alarm," which was in company, lost her foremast, bowsprit, and maintopmast. A privateer from the Bahamas was likewise dismasted in the gale. On the 9th the American schooner " Pegasus," with a cargo of slaves, was taken by the " Thunderer," and sent to New Providence. On the 11th the " Volage " chased and captured the American ship " Thomas," from Matanzas, with sugar ; and Lieutenant McCulloch and seven men were sent in charf^e of her. A Spanish polacre brig was captured on the 12th. On the 14th 4 tons of water were received from the "Thunderer." On the 17th an American ship was chased and taken. On being examined, papers were found concealed in a ball of sjiuii yarn in the gun-room, and she was detained in consequence, as were also two more Ameri- can brigs. Several ships were chased every day; and the " York," " Maidstone," and " Lark " kept c(jnstantly in com- pany with the " Volage." * " Volage's " log. 1799] THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. 79 On the lOtli the " Volage " was left by herself to convoy the following vessels, detained by the squadron : — " Diana," '• Sally," and " Eomulus." The "Sally" had many slaves on board. On the 2.3th of June the " Maidstone " rejoined the ' Volage," added two more ships to her convoy, and supplied her with some more water, wliich raised her stock ostensibly to 21 tons ; but on the 26th the daily allowance was 3 pints per man. On the 1st of July it was necessary to reduce tins allowance to 2 pints. On the 8th of July there is this entry : — " Put the ship's company to the allowance of three pints of water per man, including the allowance for their cocoa, grog, &c." There is another entry on the 9th : — " Roused the best bower cable up to jiump off the water. " On the starboard side found only seven hogsheads of water under the cable, and two on the larboard side." This was serious, and but for the care taken in the pre- vious month the distress would have been very great ; for the actual stock of water on board was reduced to 9 hogs- heads. The vnnds were very liglit. The " \'olage," with the "Iiomulus," "Sally," and the "Diana," made slow progress, under three miles an hour. On the ne.xt day (I8th) 20 gallons of water were sent to the " Iiomulus," l)ut tlie " Volage " was able to procure a hogshead of water for herself fnmi ;t vessel bound to New Providence. On the 11th another hogs- head was procured from an American from the saine place, and on the 14th the " Volage" and her convoy were safe in Nas.sau Harlxjur. The stock of water was very low, nomin- ally 8 hogsheads, and, though it was Sunday, the ship's company were employed in watering. The crews were sent for from tlu! j)rizes ; but ii, was found thut alit-.-idy three h;id deserted from the " b'oniidus," and two from the "Sally." On the Itjlh an (seven years^, three years of which later jieiiod he w;us Flag ( )tli(er I Fortunately the laj)se of service w;us not greater, or we shoulil not have derived the advaritage which the Navy acijuired from his jirac- tical exjierience." Kiiri St. \'iiicent was in all respects a great sea oiliccr. 88 THE LIFE OF SI I! ^V. PARKER. [1801 His great nliility, masculine vigour, unliiiu-liiDg detcrniina- tion, and unusual powers of coniniand, irrespective of his victories and his conduct during the great mutinies, would have earned him a distinguished place in naval history. He had, moreover, the advantage of experience in both Houses of Parliament, which was, and is, unusual for a naval officer, and, when he accepted the direction of naval affairs, it was expected by Mr. Pitt, Mr. Fox (who was his personal friend), and the country in general, that " the publick service would derive great benefit from his patriotic exertions and his pro- fessional skill."* " There were giants on the earth in those days," and he was a giant among the giants. AVhenever he found merit in his followers they were cer- tain of receiving promotion at his hands. In chasing the " Pdgase " (1782), she was occasionally lost to the sight from the deck of the " Foudroyant," and Mr. Bowen, a midship- man, was appointed to watch her from aloft. Frequently did Captain Jervis hail him to ask if he still saw the chase, and as the replies came in the affirmative, the rejoinder fol- lowed : " Keep sight of her and I will never lose sight of you !" a pledge which was faithfully redeemed. But the two Messrs. Tucker were instances even more striking of his persevering assistance to those whom he thought were by their services entitled to his aid. These two brothers were also with him in the " Foudroyant." He found them zealous in the discharge of their duties, one as carpenter and the other as clerk Through his patronage the first became " Comptroller of the Navy," and the second, after having been his secretary when Commander-in-Chief of the * See Stanhope's "Life of Pitt," where these words from Mr. Pitt's speech on the state of the Navy are quoted. Anxious for the public service as Lord St. Vincent undoubtedly was, it must be owned that Ills administration of the Admiralty fell (in some respects) short of these exjjectations, and Lord Stanhope quotes also the First Lord's own letter on his appointment : — " I have known so many good and gallant Admirals make a very contemptible fig\ire at this board.'' — Feb. 26, 1801. 1801J THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 89 ]\rediterranean and Channel Fleets, was made Secretary to the Board of Admiralty. But one of the chief titles to fame of Lord St. Vincent's administration of the Admiralty is the reform of the abuses then rife in the civil department of the Navy, the existence of which had been fully recognised before the change of Ministry had taken place. Lord Spencer had announced that they would be considered so soon as peace should have been obtained ; and the Finance Committee of the House of Commons had recommended that " many months of peace sliould not elapse before the reforms to which attention was directed in 1792 should be taken in hand." It was uni- versally admitted that it would have been dangerous to attempt, and impossible to effect, in time of war the sweep- ing reforms which were in themselves desirable. Few naval reformers seem to have obtained office with more favourable opportunities for moderate reforms than the First Lord of the Admiralty in 1801 ; but the great states- men of the Opposition derided the notion of peace with a man like Napoleon Buonaparte ; who, in defiance of the treaty he had signed, still occupied Piedmont ; and decreed that an army of 300,000 men must be kept up by France, urging as an excuse our retention of Malta ; while restric- tions were imposed on English commerce, by which British manufactures were excluded from Holland, Spain, Portugal, and Italy ; * and prudent men might well consider that the Peace of Amiens wa.s of too hollow a nature for the sweeping reforms Lord St. Vincent thought absolutely necessary. Lord St. Vincent, immediately after the peace was signed, devoted his great energies to improving the civil administra- tion of the Navy, and to the reduction of naval expenditure by all practicable economies. He seems to have scorned any * See Mr. I'itt's Hpooclie.s. There can be iiu (l(iiil)t tliaf Uk; naval force of the country w;i,s allowiMl to deeline in actual Btrengtii wiiile these reforms were going on, ami tliat Mr. PittH eloquence roused the Government to the fact, and to the imminence of hostilities. 00 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1801 attempt Jit sitanfer in modo* He was not of a nature to make allowances for people who saw any palliatinc^ circumstances in extenuation of corruption ; and his wrath was kindled by the Lord Chancellor adding a clause to the Bill for Tarliamentary enquiry into the dockyard, " that no man should be forced to criminate himself." His own view was that the investigation was an occasion to compel the offender to reveal the secrets of his guilt, and that no mercy should be shown to the plunderer. The seeds of the evil of peculation may, however, frequently be traced to an irregular — which speedily degenerates into a false — expen- diture. Irregular expenditure can constantly be traced to undue parsimony, a spurious and foolish imitation of real economy. In illustration of this it may be instructive to mention here two anecdotes, the first of which was told to the writer of these pages by the great sailor whose life he is endeavouring to describe. In May, 1798, when Lord St. Vincent was at Gibraltar, preparing for sea the ships which were about to be detached, under Sir Horatio Nelson, in quest of the French fleet in the Mediterranean, he had the greatest difficulty in equipping and furnishing these ships with the sails, spars, and stores absolutely requisite for the service. Sir George Grey, then captain of his flagship, had exerted himself with great zeal to husband the resources of the fleet. Lord Mark Kerr had been detached to purchase stores from Lisbon, as soon as the battle of St. Vincent was imminent, previous to the arrival of the fleet, when it might not have been possible to obtain them. By carefully distributing the stores remaining in the various ships of the fleet. Captain Grey and the captain of the fleet had contrived that Admiral Nelson's detachment should be rendered as efficient as possible under the circum- * Uarl f'it. Vincent to Earl Spencer. "Torr Abhey, 23rd January, 1801. "Nothing short of a radical sweep in the dockyards can cure the enormous evils and corruptions in thoni ; and this cannot be attempted till we have peace." 1801] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 91 stances. It is a matter of history how, in spite of all this care and precaution, the flagship of Admiral Nelson was dismasted soon afterwards, in the heavy gale in the Gulf of Lyons, and all his ships were so crippled that it was only by the practised seamanship and great exertions of his cap- tains that sufficient repairs could be effected to enable the ships, with jurymasts rigged, to reach St. Pierre, in Sur- dinia, first, and subsequently Syracuse, where they were enabled to get refitted and revictualled in July, 1798. Captain Troubridge then commanded the " Culloden." He was next in seniority to Sir Horatio Xelson, who, as well as Lord St. Vincent, had the fullest confidence in his powers of resource, his skill, and his intrepidity ; and he was present when the captain of the fleet made his report to Lord St. Vincent, as Commander-in-Chief, of the progress in the equipment of the squadron about to be detached. " My lord, I have done the best I can, but I cannot find a topmast for the ' ' " Lord St. Vincent looked at Captain Troubridge, and said, " What are we to do for one ? " Captain Troubiidge said, " Well, my lord, I can spare yovi one from the ' Culloden.' " " Very good," said the captain of the fleet, " but I have no foresail for the ' ' " Captain Troubridge said, " The * Culloden ' shall furnish that." " Ah 1 " said the captain of the fleet, " but it is absolutely necessary that two (^if not three) more of the ships should have a spare foretopsail each." "Well," said Captain Troubridge, "I will, uii.lrr the circumstances, let you have these topsails from my spare stores in the ' Culhxhm.' " The Commander-in-Chief and captain of the flo(!t ex- cluuiged glances, and tiiese resources, husbanded lill Ihey were most wanted, enabled the ships to be e(|uipi)(;d. Now, all these s{)ars and sails had been " exixauhid " and were " not on charge." Probably all hatl been certified lu 92 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKEU. [ISOl have been either " worn out," " lost overboard," " blown away," or "destroyed by the enemy's fire," &c. Tlie allowances for the ships, in the fixed establishments, were frec^uently inadequate to tlieir requirements. The two Boards for regulating the administration of the Navy, the Commissioners of the Office of Lord High Admiral and the Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy (commonly called the Navy Board) were not always in harmony ; alterations, even when clearly advantageous, were difficult ; the scale of supplies made for former times, and under different circum- stances, was adhered to ; and the Navy Board, always sign- ing themselves, " the affectionate friends " of the captains who applied, refused every application out of the usual course. The warrant officers' stores were quite unequal to tlie real wants of sea-going ships. Zealous captains, in self- defence, anxious to get, and keep, the ships under their command in readiness for any service, near or distant, in many cases gave their sanction, directly or indirectly, to an irregular mode of expending stores not fairly worn out or totally lost Doubtless such expenditures, though fictitious, were really made for the benefit of tlie King's service ; and the stores thus retained, or the substitutes acquired in lieu, were honestly applied for public, and not for private advan- tage, the people who assisted in thus obtaining good supplies regarding such proceedings as being for the good of their ship. Stni the system was essentially vicious, and such practices, from whatever motive they may arise, gradually injure morality. The motives for false expenditure are not apparent ; the facts are patent, certain to be exaggerated ; and it is not very surprising if the subordinates emjDloyed in the civil establishments of the Navy during the wars from 1700 to 1800, sometimes under a notion of perquisites (like the " chip money " in the dockyards), and sometimes from simple peculation, applied the public stores to private ends. The evil had evidently attained a great height in 1802, and in some cases extended to those who were above the position of subordinates. 1801] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 93 A captain of a frigate, in 1823, really desirous of applying all the stores supplied to their proper objects, and of keep- ing strictly to the proper allowance, asked the Navy Board to increase the allowance of paint to the proper proportions for the ship, and received a refusal from his " affectionate friends," coupled with an injunction that the allowance of paint was sufficient, and that he must make the hest of it. On the receipt of this refusal, and having explained that the quantity of paint was utterly inadequate for both sides of the hull, he stated his anxiety to conform to their wishes, but, as the allowance could only paint one side, he hoped they would inform him which of the two should be painted, and which should be left bare. The " establishments " for the ships were not put on a proper footing till many years afterwards. A revision of the rigging- warrants took place in 1829, under a Committee, of which Sir William Parker was a member. But the root of the evil was not extirpated until he became a member of the Board of Admiralty himself, a few years after the abolition of the Navy Board, when he applied his persevering industry and professional knowledge to placing the allowances for stores in liannony with the requirements of the ships then in commission, removed the excuse for irregularity of expenditure, and conferred a great benefit on tlie naval service. The prelim iiiaries of the Peace of Amiens were signed in October, 1801, and tlie definitive Treaty in the ]\Iarch Itil- lowing. Directly the peace was proclaimed, the Minister for the United States of North America applied to the Admiralty <>n behalf of about 300 citizens of the United States, who, he; alleged, had been pressed into the King's service dniing llie war, and were therefore entitled to a passage to America at tlie expense of Great Britain. The First Tvord of tlu' Admiiali \ , too sagacious to give entire credence to this ass(Mtioii, promised a full and inipnrtial en([uiry, which resiiltetl in ascertaining that, with the exception of about tliirly or foity. 94 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAliKER. [1802 all were proved to be British subjects, and not a single one liad been impressed — a striking instance of the exaggerations which, no doubt, were common enough, even in those days, on the subject of impressing for the sea service.* Extract, 21st Jan., 1802. " My nKAREST Mother, " Believe me, nothing but Lord St. V.'s express wish that I should not quit London prevents me setting off immediately for StaflFordshire. I fancy he has something particular in view for me ; however, I am going with his late secretary." Lord St. Vincent had not detained his nephew without an object, as the latter shrewdly surmised, for his next appoint- ment was to the " Alarm," and his commission to that ship is dated March 4, 1802, twenty- three days before the treaty of the Peace of Amiens was signed. After the signature, orders were given for the " Alarm " to be paid off, and re- commissioned on the peace establishment. She was there- fore paid out of commission on the 23rd of April, and re-commissioned by Captain Parker the next day. One of his first cares was to obtain a proper schoolmaster for his youngsters, and he made an attempt, through Captain Mark- ham, to procure " a most clever astronomer " from the " Centaur." Captains of frigates were then allowed to select six midshipmen and two mates. Manning the " Alarm " was not so easy. Naturally enough, the men just paid off did not wish to re-enter imme- diately, and thought themselves fully entitled to a holiday, and some leisure to spend their prize-money, and, up to the middle of June, the " Alarm " had entered but few men, and was still at Spithead. Her captain paid occasional visits to Admiral Cornwallis, near Lymington, going thither in his boat from Spitliead, and, with the tide in his favour, he con- trived to reach the place in about three hours. The " Alarm " was sent to Holland, as one of a squadron, to assist in carrying back the Dutch troops, and was nearly * Tucker's " Memoirs of Lord St. Vincent." 1802] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 95 wrecked off Helvoetsluys, where she struck very hard, but was fortunately got off with the rising tide ; while the " Pomone " was entirely lost, and the " Fortune " narro\vly escaped a similar fate, with the loss of all her masts, after being eiglit days on shore ; the " Diamond " was also nearly wrecked, so that this expedition witli tlie Dutch troops nearly caused the loss of the whole squadron. Captain Parker con- trived to see Rotterdam, and described the mode of travellins: then in vogue, as " a kind of caravan, open at one end, and called a wagon, which, after six hours of jolting, took them 18 miles." At the end of October, the " Alarm " was ordered into dock, for the purpose of having her defects made good for Channel service. He then heard from his brother George that he was to be appointed to the " Amazon," and writes that he could scarcely believe it, as she was a larger ship than he thought himself entitled to command. The manner in which this happened was as follows : — After the peace was ratified, many of the ships were paid off", and some captains of those kept in commission requested to be relieved from their commands, one of whom was the captain of the " Amazon." She was a fine frigate for those days, and sailed well. Her original captain, " the gallant and the good," Edward Riou,* was killed at the battle of Copenliagen, and on the resignation of his successor the appointment of captain of tlie "Amazon" became vacant. William I'arker's services in the West Indies were well known, and his j)rofessional reputation was high for his standing and his youth. Sir Thomas Troubridge, who M^as then the Second Lord of the Admiralty, and the principal naval adviser of the "First Lord," recommended AVilli;iiii Parker for this comniiuid. f^ord St. Vincent demurred. * "Brave Jiearts in liritaiii'H pride, ()ii(;e HO faitlifvil and ho true, On the deck of fame, that died Witli the gallant, gooorlase Warren as " a real treasure in the squadron ; " and Sir Pulteney Malcolm said of him that " he was the best frigate captain " in the service.* During liis long career, of nearly half a century actually atloat, he never tried an olficer or man by Court-martial, though he invariably maintained the character of tlic best disciplinarian of the service. Young, for he retiuired altout a month to complete '2] * I>etters from Jjord Nelson an«l Sir .Tolm ]'.orl;iHe Warren to Earl St. Vincent. — Anecdote of Admiral Sir T. Sabine I'asley. II 98 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKKU. [1802 years, but with great experience for his age, full of vigour, and witli a higli professional reputation, liis position was ex- cellent ; but he would not have reached his subsequent pro- fessional eminence had lie not possessed otlier qualities. Extremely modest, he laboured incessantly to fit himself for his responsible duties. Entirely straightforward of purpose, he was ever mindful of the great trusts committed to his care, and imposed on himself a self-discipline which he never allowed himself to forget. Ten years of cruizing in war time called for unremitting watchfulness, and made reading, whether for instruction or amusement, desultory and irregu- lar. Yet, whenever opportunities permitted, he read sub- stantial books ; and his excellent memory enabled him to retain the knowledge acquired through them. A lover of discipline and order, he abominated every species of cruelty, or unnecessary harshness. Towards the close of his active career, he once gave his flag lieutenant this rule : — " You cannot well be too strict, but, never, never, be severe." He had seen in the West Indies much of severity, and even cruelty, in the " Hermione." He had also seen and noted the dreadful effects arising from such treatment in a mutinous and disaffected crew, as he had himself, when a lieutenant, been ordered to superintend the hanging of more than one of the mutineers on the Gallows Cay at Jamaica. The great commanders of those days had, moreover, in- stilled into every naval officer under their orders, that per- severance and zeal, and unremitting attention to their duty, were required of them by the condition of the country, as much as in the most perilous times of our history. The great mutinies had been crushed or suppressed in the Home, Channel, and Mediterranean stations, in 1797 ; never- theless, in some ships on foreign stations discontent arising from individual cases of hardship, and many other causes, such as impressment, resented by those who had been thus enrolled against their wishes, still existed, and gave an op- liortunity to ill-disposed men to stir up disaffection. Unless, therefore, the captain of a ship of war, besides being just and 1803] THE LIFE OF SIE AV. PARKER. 99 : trict, manifested a proper consideration for those under his command, and in his own person set an example of devotion to duty, those who were evil-disposed would be tolerably certain to acquire and exercise a pernicious influence over the younger portions of the crews. A custom then prevailed for the master-at-arms to make a personal report to the captain every niglit when the fires and lights were put out on the lower deck. In the " Amazon " this report was invariably made to the captain in his cabin, and accompanied, when necessary, by information which could not have reached him in any other way, since it was furnished to the master-at-arms by the leading seamen and petty officers for this purpose. For instance, he would be told that certain men could not be safely trusted to go on shore at certain places, as the temptations for them to desert, &c., were very gi-eat at that time, or from some other cause. Such information enabled the captain to give the first lieutenant such directions as quietly, but effectually, averted the mischief contemphited ; and the result was that the crew of the " Amazon " were able to liave more leave of absence while in harbour, with fewer desertions, more privileges and less misconduct, than most of the ships at that time. Indeed, on examining the " complete book " of the " Amazon," only one case of desertion appeals after 1803, while in manysliips the desertions were frequent; and even some of tlie captains' barges never went on shore on duty in o:ut of tlie liome ports without two midshipmen and armed marines in them to prevent some of the men from running'. In .lanuury, 1803, wlien tlie " Anuizon " was lying at St. Helen's, the Admiral's tender beat up with orders for hei' captain to return to Spithead, and to lit for foreign service. Her destination wa« kept secret, though (Jajjtain Parker was infoniH^d, confidentially, that when properly fitted he was to sail for (libraltar, and jtlaee hinis(!lf in coniinunicalioii with H.Ii.H. the Duke of Kent, tlnii (lovcrnor and (^omniandcr-in- een seriously relaxed during the peace ; and added, in answer to a question alx)ut the Flag Olhcers, that they had not main- taineut it was made still more gaHing l)y the inconijirehensiltli' crmr of selecting Sir Jolm Orde, wIki IkkI hccn sent lionic liy l.oid • lireiiton'a "Naval lliHtory." 122 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1804 St. Viucent, in 1708, on acconnt of his intemperate remon- strance against Lord Nelson being detached, instead of himself, in chase of the French ships destroyed at Aboukir. None of Lord Nelson's ships were allowed to pass the Straits. Sir John Orde detained all those he could to cruize for him, or take charge of his convoys; and Lord Nelson could neither insure his despatches being sent to Lisbon, nor that his frigates (of which he had so few) would not be diverted from the service he intended them for, if they were seen west of Gibraltar. On the 16th and 17th of October the "Amazon" was engaged with the batteries while reconnoitring Toulon, and did not come away till recalled by the Admiral. On the 24th she took a Kagusan vessel with a cargo for Marseilles. Throughout the month Toulon was frequently reconnoitred, and the " Phoebe " and " Amazon " were ordered to cruize together. Previous to their going away Lord Nelson gave to Captains Capel and Parker several injunctions, in case they should get an opportunity of attacking two of the French frigates, which now got under weigh more frequently. The principal one was, that they should not each single out and attack an opponent, but " that both should endeavour together to take one frigate ; if successful, chase the other ; but if you do not take the second ; still you have won a victory, and your country will gain a frigate." Then, half laughing, and half snappishly, said kindly to them as he wished them good-bye, " 1 daresay you consider yourselves a couple of line fellows, and when you get away from me you will do nothing of the sort, but think yourselves wiser than I am !" liumours of hostilities with Spain had reached Lord Nelson's fleet towards the end of October, and a Spanish vessel was detained by the " Amazon " and " I'hoebe ; " but these rumours were only confirmed by the " Belleisle " on the 10th of November, 1804.* The "Amazon," having obtained tliis intelligence, bore up at once, and communicated it to Lord Nelson. * The Spanish treasure ships had been seized on the 5th October. 1804] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 123 On the 22nd the "Amazon" cjot acrround in St. Peter's Bay ; but after lightening the ship, with the aid of a privateer and a polacre vessel, she was got off after being several hours on shore. On the 28th, a Eagusan vessel was detained, and sent to Malta, having enemy's property on board. On the 29th the " Amazon " repaired to Cagliari, and completed her water. On the 4th of December a Spanish polacre bark from Messina, bound to Barcelona, was taken and sent to Malta. On the 8th a Spanish vessel was chased, but es- caped to the neutral waters of Sardinia; and on the 15th the fleet anchored oft" Cagliari for supplies, with the " Amazon " in company. Lord Nelson not being able to get the bullocks he required before sailing on the 20th, left the Agent Victualler on shore, and sent for Captain Parker. Now, the " Amazon," always famous for her neatness, had been carefully painted at Malta, and Lord Nelson, in a jest- ing manner, but with much kindness, said to him, " Parker, I must leave you behind to bring bullocks for the whole Fleet. I know you dandy fellows will not dirty your decks much for anything, and if you bring a dozen bullocks you make an outcry ; but I must leave it to you, and you must bring what you can for us." Lord Nelson then sailed, anxious to be off Toulon, as the wind was nortlierly. On the 23rd, finding neither the " Seahorse " nor " Active " at the rendezvous, lie sent his furtlier instructions in the fol- lowing friendly letter : — " ' Victory,' off St. Sebastiau, Dec. 23nl, 1804. "Neither 'Seahorse' nor 'Active' have lieen here, tlierefore T am very uneaHy about 'i'oulon, for 1 very niucli fear that 'I*luehe' ami ' Hydra ' are both ho Hhort of water tliat they may liave been forced to leave the Htation, therefore I am f^oin^ oll'J'oulon to Hee that all is 8afe, and it is my jire.sent intention to return to !)7 ; hut should a h«!Jivy ^'ale of N.VV. wind come on I Hhall not allow myself to be driven to the Houthward of the Straits of lionifacio (ii)iiiii tli.it.sidc of the water), but shall yo to Mardsliip'.H orders of .30th December, 1804, to jtroceed to Lisbon with desj)at(lius, at the timt; the sfpiadrdn under Vi(;('- Admiral Sir John Orde v/a» cruizing off (^adiz, and not allowing theshiim under Lord Neluon's orders to i»as8 the Straits of Gibraltar. "W. PAllKER." 12(5 CHAPTEIl X. H.M.S. "Amazon." 1805. Under Lord Nelson. " The deck it was their field of fame." — Campbell's Poems. The year 1805 was one of the most eventful that England has ever known. The vigour of Mr. Pitt's administration was soon felt. Eic;hty-seven British ships of war were launched within the year, and of these upwards of fifty had only been ordered since the beginning of the year : facts which certainly demonstrate the exertions of tlie new administration to recover the British Navy from the low state into which it had fallen, and which reflect credit on Lord Melville, who was at the head of the Admiralty. The number of Flag Officers on the active list was (Admirals, 50 ; Vice-Admirals, 30 ; and Rear- Admirals, 6,3) 149 The number of post captains Commanders Lieutenants .... Masters 639 422 2,472 556 The number of seamen and marines voted was.... 120,000 The King of Spain had laid an embargo on all British ships in Spanish ports, and ordered reprisals directly after the capture of the treasure ships. This order was dated November the 27th, 1804, and on the 12th December Spain made her formal declaration of war against Great Britain. Three days before this declaration, she had signed the Secret Treaty with Napoleon Buonaparte, by which she 1805] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 127 promised to join the French forces with 29 sail of the line and 5,000 troops. Both France and Spain pledged them- selves to augment their navies to the utmost of their powers, with the understanding that neither should make a separate peace. By this means Napoleon reckoned on having about sixty sail of the line in the Channel, if he could but mislead, or evade the vigilance of, the British fleets, by making the first rendezvous for the ships in the West Indies. Having the absolute control of the French Press, he was able to secure perfect secrecy for his plans, and to spread many false accounts of the departure of his ships and of their destinations, which were published in the French papers, and thence transferred to those in England. The very valuable naval work of Admiral Jurien de la Graviere (" Guerres Maritimes sous la Eepublique et I'Empire "), of which a translation was published by Lord Dunsany, should be carefully studied in order to understand the objects of the naval movements of this year. This work, written much later tlian our own naval histories, and after the secret despatches relating to these times had become accessible, is of great value to every naval officer, and it will be seen from it how well informed Napoleon was of the state of the , English Fleet. Steele's " Navy List," published monthly, Imt without official autliority, gives a formidable list of ships ; but in James's " Naval History" it is exjjlained that thougli Great Britain had nominally 105 linc-of-l'attle sliips in commission in 1805, only 83 of these could be sent to sea, the others being fit for harbour services only. Napoleon knew perfectly that the constant blockade must have told severely on l-onl Nelson's fleet, and that Die sliips under his command li;nl neither been docked nor thoroughly repaired for two years. He concluded, therefore, that they were scarcely seaworthy ; nor would they have 1)een so, l)ut for tin; consummate skill, seamanship, and unremitting attention of Lonl Nelson and his captains. 128 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1805 Oil this supposition, deduct eleven ships of the line from tlie eighty-tliree really seaworthy, and consider how the remainder were obliged to defend several difi'erent points ; also bear in mind that the French and Spanish fleets had gained a start of some weeks, owing to the absolute secrecy maintained as to their movements, and the magnitude of tlie danger, if the sixty line-of-battle ships of the combined fleet had got to the Channel forty-eight hours before our own ships could have been collected, will be apparent. Had the enemy been favoured by wind and weather, with an army of 180,000 trained troops ready to cross the Channel, with boats and transports all in readiness, who can tell what might have happened ? We know what did happen — " L'homme propose, et Dieu dispose " — and w<^ may tliank- fully say, without in any way detracting from the wonderful merit of our great Admirals and the fleets they led, " Non nobis Domine." Steam navigation has enabled such calculations as were made by Napoleon, with tolerable accuracy tiien, to be made with greater certainty now, and therefore the reasons for the erection of the large fortifications, capable of holding a formidable army on the flank of an invading force from the south, and protecting the entrances to Spithead and Ports- mouth, will be understood. On the 11th of January letters of marque were issued against Spanish vessels and property. In obedience to the orders described in the last chapter, the " Amazon " parted company from the fleet on the first day of 1805, captured a Spanish " settee," from Marseilles, bound to Morocco, and towed her till clear of Carthagena, then pushed on, and, anchoring at Gibraltar on the 6th, sailed again on the 8th. Choosing her opportunity with the wind at north, she passed the ships of Sir John Orde's squadron at night ; and in the clear moonlight Captain Parker saw their hulls distinctly, as, under easy sail, and with three reefs in their topsails, they were standing off shore. The sliips thus passed are noted in the ship's log as a sc^uadron sujiposed to be under Pussian 1805] THE LIFE OF SIR W, PARKER. 129 colours. But the vigilance of Sir William Hoste, who com- manded the look-out frigate, was not so easily baffled, and, making all sail, he came up with the " Amazon." Captain Hoste came on board, and was about to give Captain Parker orders from Sir John Orde not to proceed westward, but to join his flag, which would have been very awkward. Captain Parker, however, took Captain Hoste into his cabin, and said : — " I believe you owe all your advancement in the service to my uncle Lord St. Vincent and to Lord Nelson. I am avoiding Sir John Orde's squadron by desii-e of Lord Nelson ; you know his handwriting ; I must go on. The question of a Court-martial would be very mischievous. Do you not think it would be better if you were not to meet the ' Amazon ' this night ? " Captain Hoste, after a little reflection, went over the ship's side without leaving any written orders from Sir John Orde, and probaljly without farther speech.* Next morning, as the day broke, three or four large ships were seen a long way off to the eastward, with a large signal flag flying at the main of each. We were at war witli Spain ; striped flags at their mastheads might mean a recall, or be Spanish ensigns, or the ships might have been taken for a Itu.ssian squadron— anyhow, the " Amazon " carried all her sail and soon lost sight of them. After fresh gales, and encountering a good deal of sea, she arrived off Lisbon on January the 2Gt]i, took in a pilot, and was beating up for the bar, when the English packet was seen coming out. The packet was boarded, and ;i, toiiiuil receipt for Lord Nelson's despatches procured, the pilot was disdiarged, and the " Amazon " ran away to the S.W. The ofhcers of the " Amazon " came to their cajjtain and said : " Sir, could you not take us into Lisbon ; it is so hmg since we have been on shore i Tliere is an opera theiv, ; and it would be such a treats' "No," said the captain, "we * Thin incident, wliich for obviotiH rea.sonH does not ap])('ai in .niv of tlic wiitt«;n (lociinR'ntH, was related liy Sir Willi.iin I'arkiM- to tlie BiograjiliLT. K 130 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1805 must not be. idle, 1 shall stand oil' and see what I can pick . up." The next day the first lieutenant spoke to the captain on behalf of the officers : " Sir, you know what hard work they have all had — no change, and they have not been on shore for nearly a year. Do you think you could let them have a week at Lisbon ? — get their stock and a little relaxation ?" " No," was the reply, " this is the first opportunity the ship has had of making prizes, and I will not neglect it for pleasure." No strange sail came in sight that day, and it was melan- choly for the officers who had hoped for a run on shore ; but the morning after a fine vessel was seen at daybreak, and the excitement of a chase commenced. Many of our best sailors have, in their secret hearts, a little touch of superstition. That morning Captain Parker's dog, a remarkably well-behaved animal, who gave no trouble to any of the sweepers — for the first and last time in his life — forfeited his good character in the captain's cabin. Instead of beating the animal for this, an old and somewhat coarse proverb flashed across the captain's mind. The proverb, now quite obsolete, but, I presume, common in Staffordshire a century ago, was to this effect : — " Dirty luck is good luck," and Captain Parker hailed the omen ! The chase showed Spanish colours. She was overtaken and boarded. The officer returned, hardly able to articulate from excitement : — " She is the ' Gravina,' sir, of six guns." " Well, what is her cargo ?" " Oh, sir, she has hides and indigo !" " That is capital ;" but, seeing the lieutenant still much excited, " anything else ?" " Yes, sir, cochineal !" " Still better. What is the matter ? any more ?" " Sir, she has three hundred and thirty thousand dollars in hard coin besides !" 1805] THE LIFE OF SIR W, PARKER. 131 The joy throughout the ship after the dreary blockading at Toulon, where prize money did not abound, may easily be conceived. All the officers instantly came up to thank their captain for his firmness in not yielding to their entreaties, and expressed their gratitude with genuine fervour. The prize was sent to Gibraltar, after the dollars had been trans- ferred to the " Amazon," and the latter stood off to the south, as the gales were strong from the west and north-west, to a station in latitude about 36°. On the 12th, in latitude 37° X. and longitude 13° W., a Spanish brig from Eio de la Plata, bound to Cadiz, was captured with 8,300 dollars besides her cargo ; and she and the " Amazon " arrived, on the 20th Feb- ruary, at Gibraltar. At the time of their arrival, the garrison wanted monev, and Captain Parker supplied the Commis- sariat with the dollars, and obtained a Government bill for Lord Nelson's share. The crew were paid a portion of their prize money on the 24th and 25th. The " Amazon " completed her water (to 120 tons) and got her stores. During her stay, a Spanish guarda-co.sta arrived from Malaga wiLli the officers and crew of the late bomb " Acheron," wliich had been takeu after a most gallant resistance by a superior force. This cartel also brought back the prize crew which the " Amazon " had put into the Spanish settee captured in January, as that ves.sel had been recaptured near Malaga. Captain Parker rec<'ired orders to remain for tlie ])rotection of Gibraltar commerce i'rom the numerous Spaiiisli gunboats, and continued on this service till the 5th of March. On the 14th a Spanish settee was cfiptured, and on the 18th tlie "Amazon" rejoined Ix)rd Nelson's fleet. When her captain went on board the "Victory," lie was about to sjfcak to the Admiral of his captures, l)ut Lord Nelson interrui»t('.d him filiarply with the question, " Have you been to Lisbon ?" " No, my lord." " Why not '. Where are my despatches ?" " I put them on board the Govermucnt packet homeward bound ; here is the coniiuander'a recc-ipt." K 2 l:V2 THK I, 111; ov sii; w. takker. [1805 " That will do, now tell mc of your trip aiitl if you nnulu any prizes." Captain Parker made his report, and, wlien he finished, he liave Lord Nelson the Government bill, and said, "This is your lordship's share." Lord Nelson looked at the bill, and seeing it was for about £10,000, thought a little, and said, rather sadly, " I'm sorry for it — I wished you to have made £10,000- — you have made double. You will marry and stay on shore. I shall be very sorry if you give up serving." The first thing that William Parker did with this accession of fortune was to press the question of charging his personal estate with £300 a year for his parents ; and he sent a present of a carriage and a pair of horses to his mother. His letters show that he did not rest till he had overcome his father's scruples about receiving the money, and that these scruples were not easily overcome. " Thus ordering all that prudence could provide, I clothe my shoulders with a lion's hide, And yellow spoils ; then, on my bending back, The welcome load of my dear father take."* — Drydeii's " Virgil, ^n.," ii. * " Hsec fatus, latos humeros subjectaque coUa Veste super, fulvique insternor pelle leonis : Succedoque oneri." — Virg., "^n.,"ii, 721. 13.^ Q CHAPTER XL 1805. His Majesty's Ship "Amazon." The Chase to the West Indies under Lord Nelson. Captures the Spanish Privateer " Principe de la Paz." " Where duty calls, he confidently steers, Faces a thousand dangers in her call, And, trusting in his God, surmounts them all." — Cowper's Poems. Napoleon's plans for the invasion of England were com- pleted early in the year. 188,000 troops were readv to embark when the combined Heets of France and Spain reached the Channel on their leturn from t]\e West Indies, where, to throw the English off their guard, the great rendezvous was to take place. 30,000 of these were at the Texel, with the necessary transports. 1 20,000 men and 25,000 horses were at Ostend, Dunkeripie, ( Calais, Poulogne, and Havre. 4,000 troops Nvere embarked at Itochefort in six sail of tlie line and foui' frigates, and some trans])orts. 9,000 were at Toulon, embarked in eleven sail of the line and eight frigates, and transports. In January tl»e French Admiial Villeneuve, who liad been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the combined fleets, liift Touhju, Init was f(uced by bad weather to leturn and repair the damages he had .sustainiul. I/)rd Nelson, misled by false intelligence, and not knowing that Villeneuve had returned, lan down to Alexandria in tpiest of the French ships, whose d(!stinatinii be sii|iiins(«l to lie Egypt; for, he argucMl, if tbcy Ii;i))»y," it is signed by Loid Nelson iiim- self, and is a]>])arently an exact duplicate. 136 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1805 On the 29th tlie " Amazon " reaehed Gibralrar, filled up with water and provisions, sailed next day, and fell in with the " Active " frigate, and, after communicating with her, cruized in the Straits. On the 2nd May the "Amazon's" log records the chase of three settees standing across from Ceuta, and the capture of cue of them, having four guns and 140 soldiers, besides her complement of seamen. On tlie 6th the " Amazon " fell in with the " Orpheus " off Cadiz, and Captain Parker transferred Lord Nelson's letter and the mails for Lisbon to her, and rejoined the fleet. On the 10th Lord Nelson anchored in Lagos Bay, close to Cape St. Vincent, the " Amazon " remaining outside to collect intelligence from any vessels that came in sight. On the 12th Eear- Admiral Knight arrived with a large convoy, and the " Queen " and " Dragon." So important did Lord Nelson consider the protection of the convoy and the IMediterranean that he actually reduced his own force to ten sail of the line, in order to strengthen Admiral Knight, by detaching the " Eoyal SoA^ereign." Lord Nelson also dis- patched the " Martin " sloop to Barbadoes with a letter to the Governor, announcing that he should follow immediately, praying him, at the same time, to keep his intention secret, and to lay an embargo on all merchant ships, so as to prevent their giving notice to the French fleet. He then made the signal for his ships to rendezvous at Barbadoes, in case of parting company, and sailed under a press of canvas for the West Indies. In this celebrated chase William Parker learnt many things from his great master in the art of naval warfare and of command, especially the value of the great English quality of perseverance. When off Cape St. Vincent, Lord Nelson wrote to Lord Sidmouth : — " My lot .seems to have been hard, and the enemy most foitunate ; but it may turn. Patience and perseverance will do much." And to Mr. Marsden, when off Madeira : — 1805] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 137 " Although it may be said I am unlucky, it never shall be said that I am inactive, or sparing of myself ; and surely it will not be fancied that I am on a party of ple;^-sure, running after 18 sail of the line with 10 ; and that to the West Indies." The English ships were all in want of docking or repairs, and yet the skill and perseverance of their Admiral and captains carried them through all their difficulties. Sir William Parker, describing this chase in after years, explained how Lord Nelson had considered every chance in his favour, as well as the risk which he ran. His plan of attack was carefully made and explained to all the captains. He made a shrewd guess at the discipline and efficiency of the ships forming the combined fleet. And he knew, without guessing, the extraordinarily high state of efficiency of the ships of his own fleet. Moreover, he knew that the French had no three-decked ship in their fleet, and he reckoned on the great superiority in close action of three batteries of guns over two. There was a chance also of pick- ing up more strength in the West Indies. The worst sailer of the fleet was the " Superb." She was in a sort of " crazy " state, and had not been in an English harbour since the early part of 1801. But she was a flne 80-gun ship, most ably commanded by Captain Keats, and her value in case of action would have been great, and, therefore, Lord Nelson yielded to her captain's entreaty to be allowed to join in the chase. Owing to the remarkable skill and care displayed by Captain Keats, she never detained the fleet. He obtained leave to carry liis sail while the other ships comnninicated, and lash- ing his studding sail booms to the yard, was always under full sail. Lord Nelson expressed his api)reciation of tliis zeal, with the generous warmth which made him so much beloved, in the foHowing letter, which he .sent by the " Amazon " : — " My DKAR Keats, "Be aHHurcd I know and fc-l that the ' SnjH'r]) ' dors .ill wliich is poHHiWle for a nliip tr* a(-('i)iii|ili.Hli. "The enemy ha« 31 dayn' start of uh. I tliink we shall gain 14 days I-^^S THE LIFE OF SIU W. PARKER. [1805 on the });is.sago, therefore they will only arrive 17 clays before us at Martinique."* The Eiiolisli did gain 13 days on tlie passage in spite of their ill-found ships — as Aihniral Villeneuve did not anchor at Martiniipie till ]\Iay 13th. The ships of the fleet were : — " Victory," " Canopus," " Superb," " Spencer," " Donegal," " Tigre," " Leviathan," " Belleisle," " Conqueror," " Swiftsure," " Decade," " Amphion," " Amazon." With these Lord Nelson went in chase of 18 sail of the line, with a full determination of bringing them to action, and a perfect confidence of victory. He had hoped to have been joined by more ships in the West Indies, but he only found the " Northumberland," witii Admiral Cochrane's flag, at Barbadoes. On the 15th of May Captain Parker was summoned by signal to the flagship, and he received Lord Nelson's cele- brated plan of attack in case of falling in with the combined fleets at sea, for distiibution to all the ships. By making sail after each ship in turn, dropping his boat skilfully on the weather bow of each, and picking the boat up again on her lee quarter, the progress of the fleet was delayed as little as possible, by the man who was styled afterwards, by an ex- cellent judge,t "the best frigate captain in the service." The " Amazon's " log at this time is an index of the state of the ships. All the caulkers of the fleet had to repair to the ships in succession to caulk them, in the best manner that was possible under such circumstances, during the whole passage. There is also an entry in her log suggestive of the difficulties the ships had to contend with from the impossi- bility of keeping up a proper supply of stores, and the necessity of husbanding them. " Fresh breezes. Fleet astern. Found the mizen topmast sprung about half way up. * Nel.Hon's " Despatches," vol. v. t Admiral Sir Pulteney Malcolm. 1805] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 139 "Carpenters employed making a new mizen topmast out of the hand-mast, being unfit for anything else, having been shot through at the battle of Copenhagen." As the battle of Copenhagen was in April, 1801, and the " Amazon " had been to several English dockyards since that time, some idea may be formed of the shifts to which the dockyards were reduced, to meet the demands for spars, &c. Captain Parker was frequently summoned to the " Victory " for various orders, &c. On June the 3rd he was sent ahead of the fleet to Barbadoes, where lie found the " Martin " and the " Northumberland"; but, as the breeze had freshened, the fleet came in very soon after the " Amazon " had anchored. Troops were embarked, and the fleet, acting upon informa- tion sent by General Brereton (which proved to be entirely wrong), sailed next day for Tiinidad, Admiral Cochrane joining tliem in the " Northumberland." On leaving Barbadoes Lord Nelson made the general signal for the ships to be kept " prepared for battle." Off Tobago, an American schooner asserted, for the purpose of misleading the fleet, that the enemy were at Trinidad. On the 6th, therefore, the English fleet arrived at Trinidad, but found no enemy, and on the 9th the " Amazon " boarded a schooner from Barbadoes witli despatches for the Admiral, which she carried to the " Victory " without delay. They contained intelligence of the capture of the Diamond liock, and of the French fleet liaviug Ijcen at Martini(iue when Lord Nelson arrived at Barbadcjes ! Admiral Villeneuve had been reinforced and had 20 sail of the line and 7 frigates ; he had seized 17 sail of a convoy from St. Kitts, and on the 4th of June started again for the rendezvous of the combined fleets in Europe.* ♦ On June the 9th Napoleon wrote : — "Je suis d'opinion, cejiendaiit, .in.- Nelson est encore | " lmj)6tueux," | "Patriote," J> 74 guns. " Eole," I " Vut6ran." J With 2 frigates and 4 brigs. * See James's " Naval History " for the state of the British Navy from 1803 to 1806, and the increase to the number of the ships of war ilnrinf' Mr. Pitt's administration. t Tucker's " Memoirs of Earl St. "Vincent." i "Written "Le Siccle," in Brenton's " Naval History." 1806] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 151 The " veteran " was commanded by Jerome Bonaparte. On the 15th of December, 1805, Sir John Duckworth was off Cadiz, with his flag in the " Superb," when he received intelligence of the French squadron being again at sea. Eaisin" the blockade of Cadiz, he made all sail for Madeira, with six ships of the line. Between ]\Iadeira and the Canary Islands lie learnt from the " Arethusa " the position of the squadron under Admiral Willaumez, which he saw on the 25th of December, and chased, but his ships could not keep up with him (they were reported, when the signal was made to give up the chase, to be distant 45 miles), so that French squadron escaped. But on the Gth of February, 1806, he surprised and encountered, off San Domingo, the other squadron, under Admiral Lesseignes, and took or destroyed all the ships of the line, though the frigates escaped.* The ships of the line were :— " Imperial," 120, destroyetl. " Diomcde," 74, destroyed. " Alexandre," 80, captured. " Brave," 74, do. " Jupiter," 74, do. On the 24th of December, 1805, the Admiralty lirst received intelligence of the escape of these French sliips of the line and four frigates from Brest and Ilochefort, and sent off two squadrons in pursuit, one under Sir liichard Strachan, wliich was to proceed to St. Helena and the Cape of Good Hope, and the other under Kear-Admiral Sir Joliu r.dilase Warren, consisting of : — " Ixjndou," 98, Sir Harry Neale, Bart, captain. " Foudroyant," 80, flaKHlii)), J. ('hand)ers Wliite, ditto. ^"KaiMJIlics," Kiriiicis I'lfkinurc, ditto. I "Jlero," lion. Alan llyd(- (iurdncr, ditto. 74 gunH-| " Namur," Lawrence Wni. llalsted, ditto. I " Ilc|)ul.se," Hon. Artlmr Kaye Lei^ge, ditto. ' " ( 'oura;,'cux," .laiMi-H Bissett, ditto. And to the latter .s([ua(h'ou Captain AVillinni I'aikrr was attaclied in the " Aniazun." ♦ Sec Brent on V and .TanioH'H Nav.al TTiHtoriea ; the latter is, aa usual, unfriendly to Sir John Duckworth. 152 THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. [1806 Sir John AVarrcu's instructions wore to proceed to Madeira, and there endeavour to ,i,'ain intelligence of the route of the French squadron ; it' that intelligence did not substantially controvert the supposition of the enemy having gone to the West Indies, he was to proceed to Barbadoes. Should he hear no tidings there, he was to go to Jamaica, consult with Admiral Dacres, and, leaving four sail of the line with him, return to Spithead. On the 2nd of January, 1806, the "Amazon" left St. Helen's to communicate with Sir liichard Strachan, who had his tlag in the " Ctesar," and was lying in Cawsand Bay, with seven sail of the line. She arrived on the 4th, and on the 9th returned to St. Helen's, where she found Eear- Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren's squadron assembled. The ships endeavoured to get down Channel on the 12th, Ijut, the wind being foul, they were forced to return on the loth and wait till it changed ; but on the 26th they were under way, running to the westward. On the 17th of February the "Amazon" was ordered into Funchal Eoads, Madeira, to procure fresh beef, &c., for the squadron ; after purchasing bullocks and completing water, she rejoined Admiral Warren off the island on the 19th, and cruized with his squadron off the Canary Islands. On the 25th of February the " Amazon's " boats, under the command of her first lieutenant, made an unsuccessful attempt to cut out some of the enemy's vessels at Palina. On the 28th the boats were again sent away with the second lieutenant, and one boat from the " liaven." This time, in spite of the tire of the batteries, they succeeded in cutting out a brig from the ]^)ay of Santa Cruz. This, curiously enough, turned out to have been an English merchant brig, delivered up to the enemy by her crew, after having murdered their master and mate. She was broken up for firewood after her spars had been taken out, and scuttled in the afternoon, as she was dismantled and had no sails. The squadron then cruized about 000 miles west of the 1806] THE LIFE OF SIR "W. PARKER. 153 Canary Islands, and on the night of the 13th of March suddenly fell in with the French ships "Marengo" and " Belle Poule," part of tlie squadron of :M. Linois, returning to France from the East Indies. They endeavoured to escape, but the " London," Captain Sir Harry Neale, and the "Amazon" chased, and came up with them, and after a running fight, both were captured at 11 a.m. The "Belle Poule" had about 50 men more than the "Amazon," but the frigates were in other respects nearly equal. The loss on board the " Belle Poule " was 6 killed and 24 wounded. The " Amazon " lost her first lieutenant, E. Seymour, and Lieutenant Prior, of the Pioyal Marines, and 1 marine killed ; and 4: seamen badly, and 5 slightly, wounded. The " Amazon's " next senior lieutenant, Mr. Westphal, was appointed to command the " Belle Poule," as Admiral Warren, to mark his very high sense of Captain Parker's distinguished conduct, sent him a blank commission for the acting-captain of the French frigate, to be filled up. " On Service. " Captaia Parker. "Sir John Wai-ren has sent an order for Captain Parker to insert the name of any lieutenant of the 'Amazon' he chooses to put on board the ' Belie Poule.' '"Foudroyant; 13th March, 1806." The constant cruizing and working of the "Amazon" l)egan to tell upon her hull, and there is an entry on Marcli the 21st of a leak having been discovered iii tlic sail room. On the 2::5rd two of the French prisoners died from the effects of their wounds; and on the 2!lth the squadron anchored in l'(jito I'raya. On the 4tli of April the scpiadron recommenced cruizing, and on the 2:3rd, when about 100 miles north of Corvo, fell in with a heavy gale. The ships bore up, and the " Namur" nearly ran into the " Amnzon." The "Amazon" .shijiped a heavy sea, lost a boat and the foresail. On the 24lh the weather had moderatt'd. A vessel was chased and overtaken, which proved to be an American, 1^)4 THE LIFK OF SIK AV. TAEKER. [1806 and two sailors, claimed as IJritisli subjects, were pressed from her. On re joinin(j Conimainler8 501 IjifMilciiaiits .. ii,:M2 Masters OIU M 2 164 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKRR. [1808 The Naval Estiinatos for tlic yeav aiiiouiitcil to sonicthiug over eighteen millions ; ami the number of seamen and marines voted was l.';<0,000. The Danish fleet was seized at Copenhagen on September 7th, and brought away. So great, however, had been Napo- leon's exertions, that by the spring of 1808 he had ready for sea 80 sail of the line, 20 of which h;ul recently been laid down at Antwerp. The blockade of Brest by Lord Gambler prevented the escape of 8 sail of the line and 4 frigates ; but the French Admiral, Allemand, came out from tlie Isle d'Aix with 6 sail of the line, 1 frigate, and 1 corvette. On the failure of the negotiations with the United States, Admiral Berkeley was directed to re-hoist his flag, and was appointed to the commaml of the naval forces at Lisbon. On the 5th of January, 1808, the "Amazon" left Ply- inouth Sound for Torbay, and, after a stay of two days, cruized to the south-west of Sicily, off Ushant, &c. It must have been a disagreeable service, with constant gales ; every ship seen was chased, and nearly every one, when closed with, was found to be English or American. No prize money, and the cruizing incessant, until April the 6th, when the " Amazon " returned to Plymouth Sound for a fresh supply of water and provisions. Tlie ship was again cleaned and taken into dock ; for it was evident that her constant cruizing, occasionally under a great press of sail, and working during the equinoctial gales off Ushant, had increased her leaks. The removal of the shingle ballast, and clearing everytliing out (even the lower Tnasts) took place before she was docked on the 2.3rd of April, ami part of her false keel was found to liave parted ; yet she was only in dock two days, and was rigged and refitted, with idl the speed the weather would permit, on lier coming out. On the Uth of ]\Iay .slie liad received her guns, and went out of harljour to Plymouth Sound, where the Commissioner paid the sliip down. At that time butter and beer were part of the harbour rations. These have been discontinued 1808] THE LIFE OF SIE W. PAKKEE. 165 for many years ; but if of good quality they must have been very welcome after long sea cruizing. On the 13th of May the "Amazon's" cruizing recom- menced in the Bay of Biscay. On the 16th she communi- cated with the " Leopard," which had been removed altogether from the North American station, in order to facilitate the negotiations with the United States. She cruized off" the coast of Spain in company with the " Xaiad" till May 30th, when the " Defiance " and " Gibraltar" joined company. In March of this vear the French (whose armies had entered Spain the year previous, and by fraud and various devices obtained many of the principal fortresses) took ]\Iadrid. Cliarles IV abdicated at Bayonne in favour of Ferdinand Yll, who was forced to relinquish his crown in favour of Napoleon, and the latter named his brother Joseph King. The poor Spaniards, deceived, bewildered, and betrayed, by their Sovereigns, by Godoy, and by their ally, were no longer to be duped and suppressed. The province of Asturias rose en masse. The French were massacred in ]\Iadrid in May, and Josepli Bonaparte, who entered it on the 12th July with a French army, was forced to leave it on the 2*Jth of tlie some month. On June the 8th Ihu English s(puidron communicated with the Spanish squadron at Ferrol, under a flag of truce. On the 11th some small Spanish coasting vessels were taken, laden with wood and coals, near Corunna. On the 12th two more coasters with coals were taken, ami luowere run nii shore to escape cajiture. Another vessel from (iijoii, iioiiinl to Corunna, wa.s seized; hiil in Ihc evening ;ill tin; coastii.g vessels were liberate*!. On the i:Wli, wlicn oil' i'Virol, a boa! came to tlie " Amazon " with a Hag of truce and two Spanisii ollici'rs, whom Captain I'arkir took to the senior oniccr, and landed theiri again in Feirol on the same day. On tlu; IMli the "Alarm" was detached from the. sfpiadron with letters fur England. There is aji luiiv in the "Amazon's" log of IGG TllK MIF. OF Sli; W. rAl.'KF.K. [1808 .liiiic '2.'>rtl : " l)OariU'(l llic Iniiispoil ' Vim' \villi wator foi' tlu' licet oil' Lisbon." On llic iinrlli roast of Spain the Spanish ])atriots Avere ahU' tenii)oravily to shake oil' the J*'rench yoke ; anil the Engli.sli st]ua(h-on were invited to enter Corunna, wlien the Spanish Governor came off to the " De- fiance," and was duly sahitcd. Tlie ships procured fresh pro- visions, and remained at anclun' in Corunna and Trior liay till duly the 8tli, and landed their marines for exercise, prob- ably with a \\cw of encouraging the patriots. While thus actively employed on a service which required unremitting cai'e and attention, Captain Parker received the sad news of the death of his mother. On the 18th of July General Castanos won the important battle of Baylen, when 18,000 French troops laid down their arms, and the siege of Zaragoza was raised. On the 24th, H.M. ships "Donegal," " Eesistance," " Phoenix," "Diana," and other vessels, with a very large convoy of transports were in sight, and the " Defiance," having communicated with them, went into Corunna Harbour with the " Amazon," where the British Envoy, Mr. Stuart, visited both ships. And there is mention of another event in tlie "Amazon's" log, which, tritiing in itself, must have cheered and encouraged the Spaniards a great deal, namely, the arrival of a Spanish privateer with a French j)rize in tow. A new phase in the war was now about to take place, and the great Duke of Wellington, then Sir Arthur Wellesle} , having conferred with the Junta of Galicia, on the 20th of July ordered the disembarkation of his army at Mondeio Bay. The landing commenced on the 1st of August, and was not completed before the 5th. The combat of Kovic^a •■vas won over the Frencli on tlie ITtli, and the battle of \'imiera on the 21st of August. The Convention of Cintra removed the French troops from Portugal immediately after- wards, and that countiy was freed from the rapacious and insolent army under the command of Marshal Junot. Napoleon, on hearing the news of Baylen, liad determined oa crushing the Spaniards completely; 200,000 veteran 1S08] THE LIFE OF SIR ^Y. PAEKER. 107 troops were sent into Spain. He called out two conscrip- tions : the first, taken from the classes of 1806, 1807, 1808, and 1809, produced 80,000 men; the second class, of 1810, produced 80,000 more. On the 6th of October the orders for Sir John Moore arrived at Lisbon. 30,000 infantry and 5,000 cavalry were to be under his orders. In November the Spanish forces, under the IMarquis of Eomana, arrived from the Baltic. On the 8th of November Napoleon was at Vittoria. His army had been largely increased, and formed into eight corps d'armde, which bore down before them all the Spanish un- trained levies, and in December Madrid was retaken, where, in the pride of victory and power, he said to tlie nobility assembled there : — "The English armies I shall drive from tlie rcninsula. The Bourbons can never again reign in Europe. No Power iiiUuenced by England can exist upon the Continent." Directing his armies against Sir John ]\Ioore, the latter was forced to retreat fi'om Salamanca, wliere he h;i.d marched to threaten the French communications, and give tlie Spaniards an opportunity of rising; Marshal Soult was selected to pursue Sir John Moore. Throughout September the "Amazon" was cruizing off Gijon Bay. On September lltli there is an entry of " Henry Chajnnan fell (jverboard. Hove several small spars and oars overboard, one of which he jiicked u]*; shortened sail, lowered the jolly boat, and picked him ui)."' Tliis was before the days when lile-buoys had become a regular part of every sliijj's furniture. On the 2ord the " Amazon " agnin anchoHMl in I'lyiuouth Sound, and was refitting till tin' hilliiif (>ct(il)er; siie then proceeded to I^'almouili, and on tlu! .".Otii embarked Lmd Holland, saihid again I'or (.'oiMinna M'itli t'oui- sail of Iran.s- ports, and arrived there on November .'Ird. I'ln' " 'I'oiinaMt," "Loire," " Clianipion," and "Sparrow JIawk" were at Corunna; but tlie "Loin;" left with forty sail of eonvoy on the 4tli, and on ihe Oth the " Amazon " captured a Krcncli 1()8 THE LIFE OF SIK W. PAUKKU. [1808 schooner, " La (Jornulio," which slie sent to En.uland, and joined company -with the Channel Fleet on the IMth. On the 1'JlIi she returned to Falmouth ; she had en- countereil severe gales in this winter cruizing, and on the 18th had shipped several heavy seas, one of which liad washed away her hnmmock rails. On the 2'6Yd tlie cruizing recommenced, and the enemy's fleet was reconnoitred in Brest nil the 28th, the "Amazon " anchoring for a few hours off the lihick Kocks, and having the cutters " King George " and " Ivesolution " in company. Slie returned to Falmouth, and sailed again on December oth, reconnoitred the enemy's fleet in Brest, and remained watching and blockading that port at the end of the year. Extract from the Log. " Working between Beniguet and Camaret. Reconnoitred the enemy's fleet in Brest, consisting of : — " 1 tliree-decker,-) ^ ^ ^^^.^^^^,^, ^,^^^^^ « 8 two-deckers, ^^^ ^' ' " 3 frigates, -I ' " A corvette with topmasts struck, " 2 sliips unrigged, and " A cutter aud schooner under weigh." 1G9 CHAPTER XIV. H.M.S. " Amazon," 1809. Employed ox the Coast of Spain and Portugal. " Libertas qu?? sera tamen respexit inertem, Eespexit tamen ; et longo post tempore venit." — 1st Eclogue of Virgil. " Freedom, which came at length, tlio' slow to come." — Dryden's "Virgil." In the year 1809 the numbev of sea service cruizers, exchisive of hired ships, M-as 728. The iiuniher of line-of-battle ships, inchulin*; those built or ordered to be built, was 242. Some of these were only lit for harbour service; but 113 were either actually in commission or ready for sea. The number of officers was as follows : — Flag Officers 0:1 t'.ie active list 176 Captains „ 68!) Commanders .... .... 543 Lieutenants 3,036 The numlier of seamen and marines was 130,000. When Parliament met on the 13th ol' Jiuinmy it was announced that overtures of peace had been mndc by liussia and France, on tlie basis of the evacuation df Sjiaiii as a ]ii('- liminary to any n(';j;otiation. The Kinu, in bis speech Ik 'in the throne, declared In's determination imi lo abanilini the Spaniards wbib; tbcy were, true to themselves, and the country supported Jieartily the measures that were rci[uireil for this wise and necessary war. An e.xpedition to the. ScheldL was or;.fani/A'.d on a lurfTa scale, and occupied a consideiable naval force ; but Captain Parker's service tl)is year was principally on the north coast 170 THE LIFF, OF STi; W. PAKKEK. [1809 of Spain, and liis letters ndmiralily (U'scTil)c tlie state of all'airs in that (juavter. At the beginning of thi' year a fleet, consisting of ten sail of the line, four frigates, and a great many transports, was sent to Vigo, under Eear-Adniiral the Honourable M. de Courcy, to be ready* in case Sir John Moore's army should be forced to retreat. Sir .bilui Moore made his stand near Corunna, whither the fleet came round in time from Viso, and the French, under Marshal Soult, though superior in numbers, were beaten. After the death of Sir John jVIoore, General Hope, on whom the command devolved, adliered to the arrangements made by his predecessor, and embarked next day. The transports were under Sir Pulteney Malcolm's orders. The corj)s of C-eneral Beresford, the last of the army that had retreated from Salamanca, embarked on the 18th. The operations of the Xavy on the coast of Spain, particu- larly at Vigo, Corunna, Santona, Gijon, and Santander, were incessant. The support which the Partidas, or Guerillas, derived from the British ships made them formidable, not for purposes of attack on large forces, but because they rendered necessary a very large force of Frencli to keep open their communications.! The Spaniards were neither w^ell armed nor drilled. The Marquis of llomana was nearly the only General among them who was at all equal to his posi- tion ; but Generals Mina and Ballesteros were formidable as Guerilla leaders, and were almost always on the alert. The " Arethusa " destroyed twenty heavy guns mounted at Lequito. The " Amethyst " captured the French frigate " Nienien." The " Goldfinch," a 10-gun brig, chased the French corvette "Mouche," of greatly superior force (16 guns), and the " Black Joke," armed lugger, watched her in Santander, where she was captured with a French schooner and a brig by the "Amelia" and " Statira." After leaving Lisbon and the coast of Portugal, the * Brentnn's " Naval History." t aS'aiiiur's •'Peninsular War." 1809] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER. 17 1 " Amazon " -was niost]y under the orders of Captain Hothani, in the " Defiance." Some of their services are just mentioned in Brenton's " Naval History," thus : — "They fell back on Corunna ; and on the 13th of June prepared to evacuate that place and Ferrol, spiking tlie guns, and destroying the defences on the land side, blowing n]) the magazines and destroying the inhabitants. CajJtain Ilenry Hotham, in the 'Defiance,' gave assistance to the unfortunate victims of French barbarity. He sent Captain William Parker, of the ' Amazon,' with a large party of sea- men and marines, who entered the citadel of Ferrol, and took possession of it in the name of the degenerate Ferdinand VII. The friendship and union of the English and Spanish nations were ex- pressed by every mutual act of kindness which could be imagined, and Cajttain Hotham entered and took jjossession of the town of Corunna amidst the acclamations of the Spaniards." On January 10th the "Auiazuu" anchored in Fahnouth Koads, and, after procuring stores, water, and a new anclior, in lieu of one broken off" the J'.lack J Jocks, sailed on tlie 12th, and cruized in tlie Channel till February 21st, when, having em])arked General Beresf(jrrest, and were chased by the general's brother, Captain Beresford, wlio, as he only had three ships, could not prevent the French Admiral connnunieating with L'Orient and L'ochefort, and being Joined by four mere ships of the line and two frigates. Lord r}ambi(;r, then Coni- mander-in-Cliief of the (Jhnnnel Fleet, knew of tlicir cscniii", but not their destination, and sent Sir .Inlm Durkwoitli with a .squadron in ]tnrsnit. Sir J<»hn arrived on the coast of Bortugal a ftw honrs after the French ships, and Captain Barker, wlio.se est imnl ion of his old ca]>tain differed miirh from (lint expn^sscd in .James's "Naval History," was mncli disiipjiointed at not l)eing able 172 THE LIFE OF SIU \Y. PARKER. [1809 to join liiiu, when he avrivcil oil' Lislion. No opportunity of tlistiiietion, however, was lost, for the French Admiral eliKUul Sir John Duckworth, altered his course, and returned In France. Some ships must haA'e been detached, but nine of his sail of tlie line aiul some frigates were anchored in Basque lioads, when Admiral Stopford arrived off the anchorage Avith eight ships, and ell'ectually prevented their further escape till the arrival of Lord Gambier, and then off the " Sal)les d'( )lonne " destroyed three French frigates, which had left L'Orient to effect a junction with their Admiral. Thus the English operations on the coasts of Spain and Portugal were secured for a while from molestation by the Frencli squadrons ; but till these results were known the probability of another action with the French Heets was always anticipated. On the 7th of March, 1809, Sir Arthur Wellcsley laid before the Cabinet his memorandum for the defence of Portugal. This able State paper is given in the Wellington Despatches published by Colonel Gurwood. Among other subjects the paper states that : — " 30,000 stand of arms, clothing, and shoes for the Portuguese army should be .sent to Lisbon as soon as ])()ssible. " The Euglish army should be 20,000 infantry at least, " The whole of the army in Portugal, Portuguese as well as British, should be placed under the command of British officers. " The Cominissai'iat, in particular, must be British." Lord Gambier maintained a strict blockade of the French ships in Basque lioads. Their position, on the other hand, had l)een strengthened by extra batteries thrown up at different parts of the coast, but they were attacked by Lord Cochrane and his fire ships early in April. To escape from the latter, the French ships cut their cables ; three ships of the line were lost, and the rest were afterwards dismantled, and taken into shoal water. Owing to these events, the operations of the Knglish ships on the north coast of Spain were not much interfered with, and they were able to render 1809] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 1T3 effectual aid to the Spaiiisli patriots, by engaging tlie atten- tion of many of the French troops. On the 7th of April the " Amazon " left the Tagns, and on the 14th had worked up to Vigo. Directly she ancliored Captain Parker supplied the citadel with gunpowder, landed a party of seamen and marines, and cleared for action. On tlie 1.5th he sent fresh men to relieve those doing duty at the citadel, and on the IHth received on board 100 prisoners from the prison .ships. On the 17th he left Vigo, and on the 19tli discovered that the "Amazon's" foremast was sprung in three places. On her way home she fell in with a large convoy going S.W., and also with the " Niobe " and the "Decade," and arrived in riymouth Sound on May the 1st in company with the latter. On his arrival at riymouth Captain Parker heard of the death of his eldest brother George, to whom he was under great obligations, and to whom he was warmly attached. Having removed the prisoners and shifted her foremast, the "Amazon" left Plymouth again on the 17th, and on the 22nd was close off Gijon, and resumed her cruizing on the north coast of Spain. During the absence of the " Amazon " changes liad takt-n place in the Peninsula. On the 22nd of April, 1809, Sir Arthur Wellesley landed at Lisbon for tlie second time. He came with enlarged powers, tlir lull conlidenre of IMinisters, and Portuguese rank. He had l)esides his great militiuy ;iiid administrative re]iutation, and all tlu! (pialities and high principle of a great connnander. General Napier describes him as " habituiiti'd to the conmmnil of iirniics, cnilownl liy nature with a lol'ty genius, and cajiacious tor war." The " Amazon " fell in with tlu^ " Cadiuus " off Cape Prior, and supplied her with water and wine. A few days after- wards .she fell in with the "Arethusa;" iiml on ]\I:iy the 28th the " Arethu.sa " and "Amazon" sent in theii l-onts and cut out a Sjjanish V(!ssel that had been .seized \>\ the French. That day an unroilunale colli.sion took jilace 174 TiiK Lii'K OF sii; \v. 1'Ai;ker. [1809 between the two I'ligutes, fiom the N\iii(l suddenly IVilling light ; some boats, &c., Avere lost, but notliiug very serious. On the ."UUh the " Arethusa" parted coni[)aiiy ; and two days ai'k'iwards Ca])taiu raikcr chased and ciiituicd a Im'cik'Ii merchant vessel. On dune '.Uh and I4lh lie contrived to communicate with some Snauish boats oil Uoiuniia. On the 14th, after clearing the " Amazon " for action, he sent a party of men on shore to disi.'iount the guns on a battery near Cape Priorino. On the loth the boats were sent to destroy a French jjignal post on one of the heights (Malon) near tlie coast. The " Dedance," "Indefatigable," and "Goldfinch" joined company on the 19th, and on the 20th the latter sailed for England with the juizes in com])any. Captain Parker bad tre(juent comnnmications with Spanish fishing boats, and on June 21st anchored at tlie entrance of Ferrol, where the English consul came on board to see him. Sir Arthur Wellesley had forced the passage of the Douro on May 12th, 1809, and the French were completely defeated in the battle. In the north of Spain, the Marquez de la Pomana, having rallied the fugitives of his army, beaten by the French under Ney, captured the garrison of Calcabellos, and detached men to aid Moiilio and the insurgents about Vigo, where, in concert with the English ships, the patriots acted so vigorously that Ney's movable colunnis sullered daily. Xey and Ivellerman joined tlieir forces and attacked Komana's untrained men, who could not stand against the veteran soldieis, and Komana himself escaped on board an English vessel at Gijon. From June 22nd the "Amazon" cruized off the coast, returning to Ferrol on the 2Gth, where she was joined on the oOtli by the "Arethusa" and " Pdossom," the former bring- inj; back her marines, left at Vi^o. Sir Artliur Wellesley entered Spain on the 27th of June with 21,000 English troops. Marshal Beresford, with 20,000 troops, being on his flank, and the great victory of Talavera was won on the 29tli of July. There is an entry in the " Amazon's" og on June 30th: — 1809J THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 175 " Fired a salute of nineteen guns, by signal, to celebrate the entry of the Spanish troops and Proclamation of Ferdinand the Seventh." On July the 6th the " Amazon " left Corunna, and arrived at Gijon next day ; here she completed her water, and her boats were employed also in saving an English ship which had struck at tlie mouth of the harbour. On tlie 12th she left Gijon, and seized an American schooner bound to San Sebastian from Boston, and returning to Corunna on the 13th, found tlie " Defiance." On the 15th the "Amazon's" log records: — "Arrived a Spanish frigate ; cheered her, as did the Commodore." On the 21st the Marquez de la Eomana came on board the " Amazon " for a passage to Ferrol and back, and was saluted with nineteen guns at each port. On the 24th she put to sea again, and on the 27th met the " Donegal," with the Maripiis of Wellesley, appointed as Special Ambassador to the Spanish Cortes, on board. On the olst an American schooner was seized for breach of Ijlockade. On August the 9th the " Amazon " communi- cated with Gijon, on the 11th entered Ferrol, and on tlie 2.'3rd chased a ship into Santander, exchanging several shots with the batteries. In tlie month of May General Balhistoros had marclied upon Santander, and taken 1,100 French prisoners. The Eny this indefatigable cruizer. 100 CHAPTER XVI. 1814—1827. UXEMPLOYED TILL 1827, WHEX APPOINTED TO "WaURPITE." " In peace there's notliing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility." "King Henry thp: Fifth," Act iii. so. 1. After the " Amazon " had been put out of commission, it has been mentioned that Captain Parker did not immediately api)ly for, nor was he offered, another command. The Peace of Paris (April, 181-4) stopped Lord St. Vincent's uneasiness at his being still on shore ; and though Napoleon after his escape from Ell)a immediately found himself at the head of powerful armieS; with which he was able to defy Europe for the hundred days, the Treaty of Vienna, following the battle of Waterloo, established that peace in Europe which lasted for so many years. A large promotion took place in the Navy at the close of the war. All who had been rated mid- shipmen long enough, and could pass the requisite examina- tions for lieutenant, were promoted to that rank. Philip Westphal, the zealous first lieutenant of the " Amazon," did not at first obtain his promotion, although he had been appointed acting-captain of the " Belle Pcule " after her capture, by Sir John Borlase Warren, with a strong recommendation from him for confirmation in that rank, both on account of his conduct during the action, and his skill in the management of the prize which he was appointed to command during the heavy gales which the squadron encountered off the Azores on the way home. 1815] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER. 191 As both Philip Westphal* and his brother Georget came to sea under the auspices of the Duke of Kent, to whom also tlie former was well known in the " Amazon," Captain I'arker, having failed in obtaining his promotion from the Admiralty, ventured to write to the Duke for his assistance, and H Il.H's. reply was as follows : — " Kensington Palace, 4th January, 1814. " Mr DEAR Parker, " You are, I am sure, too well aware of the pleasure I at all times feel in forwardin;? your wishes, and in proniotinp; the intei'ests of that highly res])ectable officer, Lieutenant Philip Westi)hal, to doubt for a moment the readiness with which I shall support to the utmost of my power the object of his advancement to the rank of Commander. The only way, however, in which I can do this is to recommend him strongly to the ])rotection of my friend Sir Alexander Cochrane, and as that distinguished officer has ever shown a disposition to follow up my views when in his power, I do hojie that my exertions in that quarter may have some good effect ; at all events the failure of them will not be fairly attributed to want of friendsliiii in his cause. "I remain, ever with friendly regard, "My dear Parker, Yours faithfully, " EDWARD." On the 4th of June, 1815, Captain Parker was nominated to a Companionsliip of the liatli. He purchased from the trustees of Colonel Dickinson, Shenntone Lodge, near Lich- field, in Staflbrdsliire, which had been in the occupation of Sir Edward Paget ; and there two of the stone shot fired at Sir John Duckwortli's ships, at tlie passage of the Dardanelles, ornament the gates of a house where a kindly welcome, and genuine English liospitality without ostentation, greeted all his shipmates, young or old. Slu-nstone Lodge is situated close to the high roul lictween Liclifidd ami P.irmingli;iiii, in one of the InjaUliiist ))artH of England. The prijximity to the road, wlii* Ii nniiiy peoi)le might have dislikrd, w.is (Hie of * Commander Phiii|) Wi-stphal received ids commander's step iu January, IHl.'i, and rfiiiaincd iiiifmplnvfd till he rejoined (".iptain Parker in the " Warspite " in \H2X ; he obt.iined his post rank in Octoltor, lft33, and waH admitted in ilie (.ut jMusi f (jlreenwich Hospital on the 11th of October, 1817. t Tiie late Admiral Sir (Jeorgc Wc.'itplial, who died in 1^71. 192 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAHKER. [1810 its cliaiuis in the eyes of its hospitable owner, because, in the coaching,' days, " it brought many an ohl shipmate to his doors whom he wouhl not otherwise have seen." It is said that those nations are the happiest that have no histories, and tliis is probably equally, if not more, true of private families. Certainly nothing remarkable seems to have occurred in Captain Parker's early married life at Shen- stone Lodge. He was a kind neighbour, much liked in his own neighbourhood, and enjoyed his hunting and shooting. He never took any very active part in politics, though when on shore he called himself a Whig ; but so far from being keen on this subject, that he only once exercised his right of voting. He was made a deputy-lieutenant of the county, but never took a very active part in its business. In January, 1819, he lost his sister, Martha Parker, and his father died on the 25th of the same month. The great reduction in the number of ships kept in com- mission, consequent on the peace, gave little chance of employment to many naval officers. After Captain Parker's eighteen consecutive years of active service afloat, the re- laxation of a shore life was unquestionably beneficial to him ; but his forced inactivity was prolonged for fifteen years ; and this is deserving of especial consideration, because, by the recent regulations, less than half of that time without a com- mand afloat now disqualifies any captain from all further active service. Yet many of our naval officers besides Sir William Parker have rendered great services to the State, who, had such a regulation been in force in their time, would have been debarred from ever serving again. The present system of naval retirement is on its trial, and it remains to be seen what advantage will accrue to the nation from forcing into retirement, instead of having a re- served list, many experienced officers who are physically fit for service, and who would be willing to run their chance of future employment and advancement on a smaller reserved half-pay. Lord Bac(m's advice to Sir George Villiers con- tained this rule — 1827] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 193 " Let brave spirits that have fitted themselves for coimnaiid, either hy sea or land, not be laid by as persons unnecessary for the time ; let arms and ammunition of all sorts be provided and stored up as against a day of battle ; let the ports and forts be fitted so, as if by the next wind we should hear of an alarm ; such a known providence is the surest protection." Surely it would be wise and prudent to establish a reserve of officers, instead of forcing them into absolute retirement at the ages laid down by the recent Orders in Council. Parker's uncle, Lord St. Vincent, who was his firm and constant friend and patron, died at Eochetts on March 24th, 1823, haviny Sir Harris Nicolas, have been derived ; and doubtless there are many more valuable lettei^s in the collection, which Sir William Parker, not having had leisure to study, thought should not then Itc published, for fear of their being misun- derstood, or giving annoyance to people then living. In the year J827 Captain Parker was asked by one of the Lords of the Admiralty if he would like the appointment of Commodore at the Cape of Good Hope. His answer was very characteristic: after expressing lii.s thanks for the com- pliment (which involved a higher rank of pay and emolument than an ordinary command) and his readiness to serve, he said tliat his uncle Lord St. Vincent, whose opinions he always revered, thought no one onglit to serve as a Flag Ofhcer unless he had actually commanded a sin']) df iIk; lino. All his own services had hitherto been in command of slooj)sand frigates, and he slionld Ix; more ])leased at Ijcing a))])oint('(l to the command <»f' ;i linc-of-battle ship as a cajdaiii (linn at hoisting Ids broad jicndant as f^'oinniodnrc in connuaiul ol' a station. There was no dillicnlly in (■•mipl^'ing with this re- quest, and in October, 1827, he was appointed to the ('ominand of the " Warsjiitc." [t is i)ossible that his stay on shore, and the opportunities he had ai' mixing in society, renil'icd him 194 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1827 better qualiliecl for his important coininand tliaii if lie had servetl afloat witlioiit any sucli oliaiiife. At all events, it seems impossible for any person to have performed the various delicate services in which he was employed better than lie did while in command of that ship. And he told the writer of this biography, after giving hiin the account of some of the proceedings which will bo narrated in the next chapter, " From that time no Government ever lost sight of me, and I have been employed alike by both parties in the State." Many changes had taken place during the fifteen years that he had been on shore in private life ; the impress service had ceased with the war, and ships were manned entirely by volunteers, who entered for some particular ship. "Wlien he paid off the " Amazon," the Naval Estimates were nearly nine- teen millions, and the number of seamen and marines voted for the year in which he last served was 146,000. On his return to active service, in 1827, the numl)er of seamen and marines was 30,000, and the naval estimates for the year were a little over six millions ! The Navy List shows that eight sail of the line, exclusive of the guard-ships, were in conmiission. The number of officers on the active list was : — Flag Officers 187 Captains 830 Commanders .... 868 Lieutenants .... .... ... .... .3,710 On the retired list : — Flag Officers 28 Captains .... .... .... 20 Commanders .... .... 95 An entirely new generation of junior officers and seamen had sprung up, and the practised energy and activity which had been generated In' a long war had become impaired. Constant watchfulness and exertion are always necessary on board a ship of war ; but when not only prize money but 1827] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 195 also life and liberty depend upon detecting with accuracy and rapidity the condition of an enemy's ship, the stimulus to zeal and a " good look out " is far greater than it can he in times of peace, when no danger from an enemy is feared, and no prize money attainable. In the interval of time that elapsed between the battle of Algiers and the battle of Navarino, very few opportunities of [•rofessional distinction occurred, while, in the voluntary re- tirement or enforced inactivity of many of the best captains and commanders, good schools for wholesome discipline were lost to the seamen, and, wliich was of still more consequence, to tlie youngsters entering the service. The " Warspite " was fully manned, but it was not likely tliat her crew could compare to the "Amazon's," which liad been together for many yeai-s. The large promotions at the end of the war blocked up the active list of lieutenants so much that promotion* was very slow. The eflects of this great promotion of 1815 were strongly felt even as late as the Queen's Coronation in 1838. In that year, previous to the promotions for that event, there were in the " North Star " (505 tons), under the late Lord John ITaN-'.s broad pendant, on the north coast of Spain, eight mates, the senior of whom had ])assed the requisite exam- inations for his lieutenant's rank above tvjelve years. Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Codrington, who commanded in the Mediterranean, in a letter to the Duke of Clarence, of September wOth, 1827, reports "a falling oH" of discipline since he last served wliich (juite astonished him." And yet this need not have caused astonishment. Nrother and son of Mavroniidiaelis, w honi he liawin« are Haid to liave hccn iiimnircd in rlowe lirick wall.s up to their fdiiiiH, anrj Hn|i|)lii'i| with fuml till liny diid. — ChaniberVa "Encytlopteilia." — Haydn's " l>ietionary of Dales.' -04 TiiK I, IKE OF sn; w. pahker. [1828 I)uriii«,' the " Wiirsinte's " stay at Malta her captain's time was fully oociipii'tl. lie accompanied Count Capo d'Istria in his visits to Sir Kilward Codrinj^ton, as well as to the Governor, tlic ( 'ninmissioner, and the Ilussian Admiral, Count Haiden.* It was his duty to ascertain the views of his Connnandcr-iu-("Iiicr licate letter of the 6th, and original of the 1 2th, this day, by a Russian transport from Egina. " You appear to me to have done precisely as I should myself have done a.s to the Turkish vessels which arrived off Navarino. "The Greek blockade since established will cut off I])rahim'8 com- munications more effectually, and T hojie the meditated plan of getting over in Ionian boats tho.se supplies, which the Viceroy of Egypt has 1828] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 207 sent to an agent at Zante, will be entirely fmstrated. Since the Viceroy has been false to his assertion tliat none of the supplies which went to Candia were intended for the Morea, we may be justly more rigid in turning back vessels charged with despatches only, by which means we shall also prevent a collision betwixt tlie two belligerents. But all this will now be rendered more simple by the Russians being at war with Turkey, for they will of course seize every vessel they can, and I imagine the Viceroy will take some less ostensible means of keeping up his communications with Ibrahim. " Bv the observations made by our Ministers in Parliament on the ti-ansfer of Greeks to Egypt, although not at all in accordance with any orders or instructions which I have yet received, I am disposed to impede as much as possible any such transfer. If, therefore, Ibrahim ."should propose or assent to his return to Alexandria, we must stipulate for the exchange of all those Greeks already sent over, as well as others he may have in possession. " I trust Count Capo d'Istria is satisfied with all the proceedings of Commodore Sir Thomas Staines at Carabusa. " I need not sav that Caralnisa is not a fit anchorage for any lai'ge ship after the lo.ss r.f your anchor. Indeed, but for the transport being there of necessity, I .should jjrefer her going anywhere else to discharge lier provisions, even to the smaller vessels." The following was seut to Sir Edward Codrington by the " Dryad " :— «' (Private.) " ' Warspite,' at Egina, 20tli May, 1828. "My Dear Sir, " I hope you will not think that I send the ' Dryad ' unnecessarily to Malta, but considering as I do, that it is of gieat importance that you should receive tlie intelligence she convej's expeditiously, I am unwilling, in the absence of our small vessels, to consign the despatches to a (Jreek vessel which the President offered to engage ; to say nothing of his inability, from the extreme poverty of tlie Government, to incur any e.xtraonlinary e.\])ense. " In the i)reHent state of allairs, I shall also flatter myself that you will not disapprove of my remaining here in the 'Warsjjite,' at le;ist until Admiral de liigtiy arrives. Your presencu- would, I am sure, cheer the (Jreek (Jovernmeiit, and give confidence to 1828. " Le President, (Sign6) "T. A. CAPODISTRIA. « Le Secretaire erpetual job, aiul who made the fiatronage of the Admiralty instru- mental in governing Sc<.tland."— C. C. Greville's " Journals of the Keiga of George IV and William IV." 1828] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKEE. 219 ence to the second, he reminded Sir Edward that the King's confidential and responsible Ministers* are the proper per- sons to decide whether the policy was such as His Majesty could approve — a remarkable instance of dignified humility in one who was not only Lord Higli Admiral, but Heir Presumptive to the Throne.t Captain Parker addressed the following letter to the Duke on hearing of his resignation : — " H.M.S. ' Warspite,' 12th October, 1828. "Sir, " I flatter myself your Eoyal Iligliness will attribute to j^roper motives (on the return of the ' Warspite ' to England) a repetition of my grateful acknowledgments for the appointment to command her, with which I was honoured by the kindness of your Koyal Highness, and thus restored from a long state of inactivity to the service to which I have ever been warmly attached. " To offer expression of my regret at the retirement of your Eoyal Highness from a situation which was held with such advantage to the Navy, would be but an echo of the sentiments of every othcer who has the interest of the jirofession at heart. Yet allow me to add that public consideration and individual gratitude cause it to be felt in no common degree by " Your Eoyal Highness's most obedient and " devoted humble Servant, " W. PAEKEE. " To His Eoyal Highness the Duke of Clarence, t&c." He received the following reply : — From JJ.U.Jl. the Duke of Clarence. " Bushy House, October Uth, 1828. " Dear Sir, " In answer to yours of the 12th instant, which has this moment reached me, I have to express my thanks for the kind expressions j-our letter contains. In jtcace I thought it my bounden duty (<> employ the best officers in His Majesty's service, and I therefore coiifnn d un you tlie command of the ' WarHj)ite.' I know by the special rcjiorts liow well and meritoriously you have executed your various orders. * The First I^ord of the Admiralty is always a Cabinet Minister, but the Lord High Admiral wfw not so considcrcil. + See the correHpoiidciiM' in the " Life (»f Admiral Sir I'Mward Co l.'in Jaiiuiro in 1763. 220 TIIK LTFK OF SIIJ W. PAPvKER. [1831 nLrninst tlu' Kiii}:j, ostensibly fur tin; pnrj)()sc of puttin*^ down tlio Constitution, but really to detliione his father. The Kin*,', Ibllowing the atlvice of his Ministers, declared the Constitution at an end, and Doni Miouel, left without any pretext for liis insurrection, was abandoned, taken prisoner, and banislied. Dom .Icliii died in 1820. He declared by his will that the throne of Portugal should go to him to whom it rightly ])elon'T'ed : and at first no one doubted that this meant his ehlest son, Dora Pedro, Emperor of Brazil.* His sister, the Infanta Ponlia Ysabel Maria, took tlie oaths of allegiance to him accordingly, and was instantly recognised as liegent of the Kingdom, till his pleasure should be known. Dom Pedro astonished his Portuguese subjects by abdicating in favour of his daughter Donha Maria, then only seven years of age, and granting a very liberal Constitution. This Coii- stitution was expected by many of the Portuguese to be merely nominal, l>ut the Eegent Donha Ysabel proclaimed it instantly, and swore to observe it. Saldanha, grandson of the great Marquez do Pombal, was Governor of Oporto, and he also at once proclaimed the Constitntion to be the law of the land.t Dom Miguel took, at Vienna, the oath of allegiance to his Ijrother, whom he recognised as his lawful sovereign : and under a Papal dispensation was betrothed to his niece Donha, Maria. He was appointed Eegent and Commander-in Chief of Portugal by Dom Pedro in 1827 ; and in 1828 he arrived at Lisbon, took the oath as Eegent, and swore to preserve the Constitution. A fre.sh intrigue was set on foot by the Marquez do Chaves ; and on the 29t]i of Ajn-il, 1828, 918 of the nobility, clergy, and influential inliabitants in tlie city of Oporto declared " that it had been sufficiently manifested to be the general wish of the Portuguese that His Most Serene Highness Dom Miguel should assume the right which belonged to him in * "TliHtory of Civil War in Portugal." "Annual Register." t Ajipendix. 1831] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PACKER. ' 227 the succession to the crown of these kingdoms of Portugal and the Al2;arves." The majority of the estates of the reahii declared that Dom Pedro, as Emperor of Brazil, was a foreign sovereign : that he had no power to dictate laws to Portugal, and that his decrees for a Constitution -were null and void. The clergy were in IMiguel's favour, and he was a far more po2:)ular can- didate than his brother. Donha Maria was only seven years old, and if Dom Pedro was Ptegent, he would rule Portugal till she was of age. It was natural, indeed, that the Portuguese should look upon the Emperor of Brazil, who had wrested that empire from their sway and ado])ted it as his own country, as a foreigner. He had left Portugal when only nine years of age, and had l>een absent from it more than twenty years. The Portuguese have strong feelings of superstition, and his name was of bad omen, because of the traditions of his name- sake,* Peter the Cruel. England wished Portugal to have freedom and peace, and a constitutional government; and having no sympatliy for Dom Miguel, who had gained his position by fraud and violence, determined not to interfere in any way with the decision nf the Portuguese themselves as to whether the niece, or her uncle, should 1)0 their Sove- reign, or whether both should rule (i\('r them. England might well answer i)oiii I'(m!i(i's and Dom Miguel's aniltassa- dors in nearly the same words as Henry the Seventh answered the ambassadors of Charles the Eighth of France, on the question of his marriage with Anne cjf linttany : — " And for the marriage, the King would not meddle v.ith it, ii' your master wfjuld marry by the bf)ok and not by the sword." Though the Eing of Sjiain Ii;mI withdrawn liis Minister from Lisbon at the same time as (lie otlici' powers, in ;l very short time he re-establisluMl relations of ;iniily wiili Dom Miguel, and the Spanish Government world li;ive assisted the latter to crush tin- ('onstitui ioimlisis Imd mil JMigland jil:iin1y siiid that she wuiild iiof ]Hiiiiit il. * " IIi«t<>ry of til.' < 'i\ il War in Portugal." Q2 22S THE LIFH OF SlIJ \X. PARKEIJ. [1831 The INirtuj^uese refugees and the lirazilian envoy prayed the Kii'dish (Joverninent to interfere in favour of Dom retho, urging the treaties between Great ]>ritain and IVirtugal, liiiL Lord Aberdeen, in answer to this request, while admitting to tlie fullest extent the obligations created by those treaties, finished his despatch by : " The truth is that the whole s])irit of the treaties, as well as their history, shows that llie i)rinciple of the guarantee given by England is the protection of Portugal from foreign interference." So anxious, indeed, was the English Government to preserve a strict neutrality, that in 1829 Captain Walpole was sent to Terceira to prevent by force the Queen of Portugal's troops lauding there from England, because they had sailed, osten- sibly, for Brazil. Tiiis seems to have been the only mistake made by Great Britain in this difficult question, for though the Government had majorities in both Houses of I'arlia- ment, the protest in the House of Lords and the resolution in the House of Commons on this subject remain on record, and are considered as embodying the true principles of inter- national obligations.* In the "Annual Register" for 1831 is a clear summary of the principal events in Portugal which preceded the mission of Admiral Parker to the Tagus in that year. Since 1828 just causes of offence to England had been given by the Government of Dom Miguel by its lawless pro- ceedings against British subjects, who were placed by ancient treaties under the protection of the Judge Conservator, whose privileges had been violated for the purpose of exposing them to the insults and oppressions of Dom ^Miguel's police. British subjects were detained in dun- geons. (Jne of their manufactories had been entered by the express order of Dom Miguel, and the foreman thrown into l)rison, without form of trial ; British ships had been illegally * Hansard's " Parliamentary Debates," vol. xxx, p. 24 ; " Annual Ile;,dster,"1829; aii]>. 229 to 2:J7 ; also "History of Civil War in Portugal," Haydn'd " Dictionary of Dates," and " British Encyclopunlia." 1831] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 229 seized off Terceira ; the crew and passengers of the St. Helena packet had been taken and maltreated ; duties on the importation of English goods had been illegally exacted ; and at last the Consul-Geueral wrote, " Neither the persons nor property of British subjects can be considered secure in this country, nor must we be surprised if not a week passes without a repetition of similar insults, if the Portuguese authorities under Doni Miguel continue to think that His Majesty's Government would always be satisfied with an expression of regret." The English Government therefore instructed the Consul-General to demand satisfaction for ten grievances within ten days. The first five demanrls required the public dismissal of the officers who had perpetrated the principal outrages, and the other five were the cessation of the illegal exactions of excessive duties on English goods, the re-appointment of the Judge Conservator according to Treaty, and compensation for those who liad suffered unjustly. These reasonable demands, supported by six shi^js-of-war off tlie Tagus, and a notice that reprisals would be the result of refusal, were all granted within the time, named; and the conduct of England was as considerate to the feeble state of liL'r old ally (though ruled by a man whose title she had never recognised) as was consistent with dignity and justice. Dom Miguel's Government had also committed excesses af^ainst French subjects, and, having refused redress, the French Government commenced reprisals. Dom Miguel ap- ])ealed to England for ])rotection according to his view of the treaties. Lord i'almerston was then Secretary ibr Foreign AlTairs, and replied at once that " llis Ibilannic Majesty's Government were ([uite aware that Ihtise treaties were neither abrogated nor suspended l»y the cessation of (bplo- niatic relations, noi- by tlu; fact tliat the person in w ho.se name the Government of i'ortugal is now administered is not reeognised a.s the King of Portugal:" but, he tinislKid with this caution, " If those who now ljovimii I'mtugal, despising all considerations of ordinary prudence, and ue- •2'M) TlIK LIIK OK bHlt W. TAKKER. [1831 j^lectiiiL,' ami ivjccliuj; llie comisels which may be given them, rush without just groumls into a contest with a Tower with which they are utterly uuaMw to co])e, upon those persons must lii' llu' heavy rt'sp»)usibility. of all the calamities that may ensue." As the Tortuguese (Joverument still refused redress, a French squadnm of three sail of the line,, two frigates, and a corvette, accomijauied by steam-vessels and transports carry- ing troo])s, appeared otf the Tagus. Admiral lloussin, who commanded the squadron, repeated the former demands of France, and made an additional one for a pecuniary indemni- Jication to jtay the expenses of the expedition. On these being refused. Admiral lioussin passed the lire of the bat- teries, and, anchoring off the city of Lisbon, wrote to the Portuguese Government : — " Here I am before Lisbonj but France, ever generous, will treat on the same terms as before victory. In gathering its fruitSi I reserve to myself the right of adding thereto in- demnities for the victims of the war." Dom ^liguel accepted all the French terms; but Admiral Koussin, in violation of the promises and assurances con- tained in his lettei-, sei;|uite cf)-t.iiii li;id tlie Navy llnio'd, li;id as it wjih, l)een in existence, they nevei- wmild li;n c jm-iimiI ti'd the \s;uslefid extra- vagajiff, vScc." '2:V2 TUE LFFK OF SlU W. PARKER. [1831 Cominissiotiers of the Xuvy, coimnonly ctilletl tlie Navy Boiiul, and tlie uholitioii was probably hurried by the Chief ('i>n)iuissioner, Aihiiiial Sir liyam Martin, abstaininnie Popliani. Tip y condensed theex])erience gaiiiiil in centuries of naval warfare and ciuiziiig, in a manner llial I'cllecUid the highest credit even on tlie distinguished jnen of lliat conunittee. On 'Inly the 0th tlie riiannd Siiuadion Inal up willi the flood tide to Si. Helen's, it consisted of [\\r tolluuing ships : — 1*.'!4 TlIK IJFK OF STI! W. I'AIJKKI!. [1831 ( lUll.'-. "Culoilonia" .... Il'O Fhi',' of Vioe-Admiral Sir Edward Cod- riiii^'toii, (J.C.I)., ('oiniiiander-in-Cliief. Cajitaiii Edward Chuzon, C.B. " Prince Regent " ... 1 1'O Elatr of liear- Admiral I'arker, C.B. Captain J. Deans Dundas. "Donegal" .... 78 Cajitain John Dick. "Talaveni" .... 74 (;aj)t;»in J)avid Colby. "Welk\sley'' .... 74 Captain Samuel Campbell Rowley. "Revenge" .... 7G Caj)tain James Ilillyar, C.B. ■' Harliam " r>0 Captain Hugh I'igot.. "A.Hia"' 84 Captain Hyde I'arker.. "Alfred" 5'0 Captain Robert Maunsell. "Curayoa" .... 2(i Captain David Dunn. " Pearl " .... .... iO Commander Brougliton. "Charybdis," "Lyra," "Royalist," "Recruit." To sail in company with a fleet recjuires practice, and the first time the Channel Squadron weighed from .Spitliead for St. Heleu.'s, the "Wellesley" and "Donegal" came into colli.sion, the former losing her jibboom, and the latter having her mainsail "ripped up"iiom the head to the clew. The "Alfred" grounded on the Elbow,, and hung on that shoal fur a (quarter of an hour, and the " Asia " nearly ran down the " Prince Itegent," the danger being averted only by throwing all sail aback. On the 8th several of the ships were forced to anchor off the I'rincessa Shoal, and the " Alban." steamer came out of harbour to tow the " Donegal " clear of the " Caledonia." On the 9th the squadron were off the Isle of Wight; on the lOtli off Portland; on the 11th, the "Talavera" and " Donegal" had to part company, the lormer to land her Cojumander, who was very ill, and the latter to get a new capstan. On September the Drd Admiral I'arker shifted his flag 10 the " liarham" frigate, to try her rate of sailing with the '• Winchester," " Cura^oa," and " Victor," and was employed un tliis service till the 7th, when he returned to the " Prince Kegent," at Spithead. ( )n tlie lOlh, while in tlie middle of preparations for anchoring the squadron in two lines at S])itliead, orders 1831] THE LIFE OF Sill W. PARKER. 235 arrived for Admiral Parker to proceed immediately to Lisbon, \vith the " Prince liegeut " and " Asia," to take the command in the Tagus, and the following special and private instruc- tions from the First Lord of the Admiralty accompanied these orders : — " Private and confidential. "Admiralty, 9th September, 1831. " It has become necessary to increase our force in the Tagus, in con- sequence of violent outrages committed almost daily on British subjects at Lisbon, whicli rt-ntier their lives and ])ro{jerty insecui'e. "The first object is their immediate safety ; and we hasten, there- fore, to send you for their protection, with the 'Prince Regent' and 'Asia' under your commauil. It renuuns to be determined what ulterior measures it may be requisite to take ; but I can i)lace implicit reliance on your judgment and cool discretion iu every circumstance of dithculty ; and I have, therefore, peculiar pleasure in sending you to the Tagus at this juncture. " Ou your arrival you will communicate with Mr. Hoppner ; and it is desirable that it should be understood tlutt the object of yoiu- presence in the Tagus is to ensure respect for the persons and the property of your countrymen, and not t(j take any part in the internal affairs of P(jrtiigal. " Your public instructions are clear and precise, and will serve for your present guidance, but from time to tiuje I shall write to you con- fidentially ; and, togetJier with your iniblic despatches, 1 will thank you to write to me private letteis, imparting to me any secret infor- mation which you may think it desirable to make known to llis Majesty's Ministers. "It is j)o.ssible that an expedition from Torceira may land near Li.sbon, with hostile intentions against Dom Miguel ; in tliis case you must cautiously abstain from intei-fereiuce, ami ( oiil'me your exertions to the protection of the Jiritisli. " With respect to tiie Fiench, keep on good terms with them ; but avoid, a.s far as you can, too mucii of the a])pearance of making coiiiiiioii rnuMani.sli laws of succession and the abolition of the S;di(pie Law. The petition was made, and the decree passed. The object of the King w;us prolmbly to prevent the exclusion of his own family from the throne, in case of the death of the heirs male. He was influenced also by the great affection he and liis (^ueen had for their daughter, the Infanta Carlota, then married to the Pilnce of Brazil, and the lurking iiojje, dear to the Spaniards, that such a marriage might be the means hereafter of re-anue.\ing Portugal and Brazil to Spain, if the heirs male of the former failed. The French Ambassador, suspecting what had haijjjened, told the Spanish Court that Louis XVI would greatly i-egrct tlu! destruction of the work of Louis XIV, and on this Florida Blanca, without hesitation, denied the transaction ! A special Act of Cortes, in 1812 (Article 180) decreed that, in case of the death of Ferdinand VII, then a prisoner in France, his legiti- mate offspring, whether male or female, shoiUd succeed him {asi rarones rwno /icinhnts), and that in case of his dying without legitimate issue, the brothers and uncles of himself and of his father should inlx'rit, and a similar rule of succession should be observed, giving preference to the elder over the junior branch {prefcrencia de las lineas anteriores a los posteriores). The Constitution of 1812 was abolished in 1814 by the Spaniards, in spite of the wise counsels of the Duke of Wellington ; it was restored, with some changes, by the Revolution of 1820, and again annulled in October, 182.3. It was natural tliat the majority of the Spanish Patriots and all moderate j)oliticians of the (Jonstitutional party of Spain should join in wishing for the abolition of the Salique Law, and the restoration of the old laws and cu.stoms of the Cortes; but Don Carlos (Ferdinand's brother). 1831] THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. 237 whose rights to the throne were thus destroyed if a child of either sex was born, gave no adhesion to this decree. His party in Sjjain was powerful and numerous, and the time cliosen for tlie exliumation of the Pragmatica Sancion of Charles IV, and for ]);issing the new ear from all quarters that the country is in a deplorable state of dt'f^radatioii. and no favourable feeb'ng towards the English, in eonae- quence of our country not recognizing Dom Miguel, now holding the reins of power. It must, however, "be oTjserved that since our arrival the officers who have landed from the squadron have been treated respectfully. The general sentiment towards the French is very liostile, in consequence of their late entry and seizure of the Portu- guese ships in the river. Mr. Hoppner, attended by his Vice-Consuls, Messrs. Meagher and Phillips, came off early on the 24th, while voUies of musketry from the shore announced that twenty-one soldiers of the late 4th Portuguese regiment had been shot for revolting from and attacking Dom Miguel's forces on August 21st." The Admiral, accompanied l)y the Consul-General and captains, paid his first official visit to the Visconde Santarem, Minister of Foreign Affairs to Dom Miguel, on the 25th of September. After explaining that the object of ids visit to the Tagus was the ])rotection of the lives and property of IJritisIi subjects, he reminded the Viscount that no redress had yet been offered for the outrage on the lieutenants of the " Priton," nor for the murder of Mr. Gravely by a battalion of volunteers. On the day following this interview the Admiral received 1831] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 239 a formal visit from Senlior Joao Cordeiro, who was evidently sent off by Doni Miguel, with whom he was a great favourite. Senhor Cordeiro held the contract for tobacco, the most lucrative monopoly in the kingdom. Tlie account of this visit in the journal states : — "He gave each of the .side boys a gold eight -dollar piece, whicli, having passed under my observation, I required them to restore to me to be returned." On the 20th t.liose gold pieces were given back to Senhor Cordeiro wdien his visit was returned 'by the Admiral and captains. On the 29th the town was illuminated for St. Michael's Day. On the 30tli erysipelas reappeared in the ship, and one man died of it. The appearance of the captain of the English flagship, with his officers, at Dom ^Miguel's birthday parade caused a sensation, as Senhor Cordeiro, the friend of Dmn Miguel, hnd become i'ltimate with the captain ; and in the state of parties at Lisbon the event was at once construed l)y each side and re{»resented in England as a puldic dis])lay of partizansliij) never contemplated. On the 27tli the Consul-Oeneral addressed a long oHicial letter to the Admiralty, complaining much of the sensation it had caused, which, with some diffi- culty, the Admiral contrived to make liim sliorten and soften. Nevertheless, Captain Dundas was greatly incensed against the Consul-Oeneral for sending it, in its mitio'ated form. Oil tlu; 2Sth of Se])tcmber another man ]i;i(l (bVd of ery.sij)elas, and tluj event is thus recorded in tin- i(iuiii;il : "After neven days' illness oidy (I), the first appearance; of the com- plaint having appeared on the iilst, in conserpience of a small bruise he received <)n tin- forehead accidentally 'vitli a rope." "To Sir James CJrahani. "' I'ri lice, Regent,' in tlic Tagns, 17th Oclohrr, 18.31. " Kxtr;u:t. "A w^hooner, belonging to an Engli.Hh reside nl. Imt iin-icr I'drtn- guese colourn, arrived on iIm .'itli instant, in (deven days, frnni the Island of Florcs. This vessel had been pnl in rerpiisition ,i( Sf. 240 TlIK I.Il'E OF Sll! W. rAl?KER. [1831 M ithaol's, to convoy a oiirv of a ]ii(iclanKit ion, oi- letter of inar(]ue, from the Ke-ieney for the seizure of all vessels under the Portuguese ilag, which is important as regards their trade A letter from Madeira of 29th September states that defensive operations are making bv the {Jovernor, hut the general feeling there is so strong in favonr of Donlia Maria, that the island would offer bnt little resistance to the authority of the Regency "The existing authorities are at pi'esent mncli elated by the Pope's recognition of J)om Miguel, received on the 13th instant by Senhor Silveiia, in seventeen dfays, from the Portuguese Embassy at Rome, and I am told the prevailing party express considerable triumph at liaving thus outwitted the Bishop of Viseu." From Sir James GraJiam. "Admiralty, 30th November, 1831. "I have received your private letters to tlie 10th inclusive, and although I have abstained from answering them, since they rather conveyed information than required a reply from me, yet I can assure you that I am very sensible of your constant attention in addressing me ; and, in common with my colleagues, I value highly your judici(jus observations, and consider your presence in the Tagus most fortunate at a moment when the influence of a British officer of sound judgment, and of commanding character, is most wanted to uphold important national interests. "The conduct which you have steadily pursued, your abstinence from all political lieats and party feeling, and the consequent respect, which even the Government of Dom Miguel is constrained to evince towards you, are most satisfactorj' to His Majesty's servants, and exactly correspond with the instructions, which I felt it my duty to give, when you were selected for the command at Lisbon, and I can only now add the hope that you will continue to be guided by the principles on which you have acted up to the present moment." On the 6th of December the King's Speech contained the following paragraph : — "The conduct of the Portuguese Government, and the repeated injuries to which my subjects have been exposed, have i)revented a renewal of my diplomatic relations with tliat kingdom. The state of a country so long united with this by the ties of the most intimate alliance, must necessarily be to me an object of the deepest interest. Tho return to Europe of the elder branch of the illustrious house o'f 1831] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 241 Braganzeen taken posses.sion of by Doidia Maria's forces, and many indi- viduals ill-afrc-(;ted to the present Government have subsequently removed from Madeira. A Portuguese Government schooner, which sailed from Ikmum; on the 12th of last iiiontli, was taken on the 21st, and carried to I'orto Santos. 'I'lie s(4uadr(jn wliicli lias l)fen fitting in the Tagiis, under the cniiiinuid of Commodore Joao Feliz Bernado < 'ampo, for the relief of M.wieira, with jjrovisions, guns, &c., is, I bciiiivf, ready to proceed, but detjiined for want of money to pay the long arrear of wages due to the seanu-n, fur wliicli (!() contos are required, and two only towards this amount as yet received at tlir arsenal." •_>4G TUK I.U'K OK SIR W. rAKKEl!. [1832 Kxtract. " To Sir Janies Grahani. " ♦ Asia,' in the Tagiis, 19th May, 1832. "The iiitoUijience of the expected chauge in the Ministers of England, brouglit by the hist packet, four days ago, has cast such a •doom over the hopes of the Constitutionalists, with corresponding confidence in the opposite party, that under the doubts ])reviously existing of Doni Pedro's success, it is, by many even of his favourers, at present considered most hopeless. They have, however, rallied a little the last two days.'' The King's birtlKlay was kept on May the 20tli witli the usual salutes, and a " feu de joie " at sunset. The French Conuuodure, liibaudy, who was on excellent terms with the Admiral, hauled down his broad pendant for the day that he might display the English ensign at the main, and he was one of many who dined at the Admiral's state dinner. During dinner the packet arrived from Falmouth, and Lieu- tenant I'orteus, who was in command, having no regular signal flags, and knowing well the anxiety of the Admiral that Lord Grey should continue in ottice, on arriving off Belem made the well-known signal with the ship's pendant — " The man is saved." The officer of the watch reported it, but said, " I do not understand it. Sir ; we saw no signal for the man being overboard, and she has certainly lowered no boat." The Admiral said, "I do ; " and, turning to his guests, announced, " Earl Grey's Administration is not changed." On tlie 31st May orders arrived from England that the British squadron should quit the Tagus, in compliance with a request to that effect addressed to the British by the Por- tuguese Government. The Admiral made the signal to pre- pare for sea. The same day he received official intelligence that Lord William Kussell, charged with a special mission, and attended by a military and diplomatic secretary, would arrive from England in the " Britannia." The squadron was to be reinforced by the " Caledonia " and " Britannia," and other important despatches were received, the nature of which will be clearly shown. The Admiral met the leading 1832] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 247 merchants at the Consul-General's, and explained to them, and to Visconde Santareni, who still continued to be Dom Miguel's Minister for Foreign Affairs, the arrangement rendered necessary by tlie departure of the squadron from the Tagus. The " Childers," " Nautilus," and' " Eoyalist " were sent to Oporto, the commander of the first being the senior officer selected for this important station. The "Britannia" arrived on the 2nd, but got aground in the North Channel in coming in ; she was, however, lightened at once, and allowed by the Portuguese health authorities to come up the Tagus, though in quarantine. On the 3rd the " Caledonia," " Eoniney," troopship, with, stores and supernumerary marines, and the " Viper " scliooner, arrived from England. Lord William's mission was to ascertain if the Spanish Government had infringed their pledged neutrality by crossing the frontier of Portugal, in which case Admiral Parker with his formidable force would at once support the cause of Donha Maria and com- mence liostilities against Dom Miguel's forces ; otherwise the honour of England was pledged to preserve a strict neutrality. On the 7th of June the S(|uadron beat out of tlie Tagus against a westerly wind. From Sir- James Grdliam. " Private. "Admiralty, 22nd May, 1832. "TLjs letter will be delivered to yon by Lord William Russell, whom I be;^ t iln inoHt confidential conimvuiicationH, and concert with him and Mr. lli>|)|)- jier the whole detail of the arraii{,'enients conseciucnt on your iiistruc- tiouH. I hope you will liiid your orders so clear and precise ;us to obviate every difficulty : and His Majesty's (jiovernment have such entire confiered by moderation. "If unh;ippily it should become necessary to lay aside that neutrality to which we are anxious to adhere, you are the sole judge 248 THE LIFE OK SIU W. PARKER. [1832 of the means aiul the extent of tlu- co-operation which it may be jiriulent to give to Dom Peilio. If given at all they should be otrcctnal ; but you will incur no risks which may ajipear to you too hazardous. We rely on your judgment, and we shall not be disappointed. Let me recommend Lord W. Russell and his military officers to your attention in case they should find it necessary to embark, and with lespect to the ^Tarines we have sent Colonel Adair to join your flag, because if you should under any circumstances decide on landing the Marines of your squadron, he is an experienced officer who knows the ci>untry, and is worthy of your confidence. " I shall be very anxious frequently to hear from you, and I siiall be obliged if you will continue your private letters on terms of strict confidence to me, which furnish the most valuable information." Appendix to Chapter II. Some notion may be formed of the ideas then entertained in Por- tugal on the question of civil and religious liberty and Freemasonry from the following anecdote of the Kegent Ysabel, told to the Bio- grapher by the Marquez da Fronteira. The Eegent erroneously thought that the Marquez, then a very young man, was a Freemason. She gave him an audience to enable him to apply for jjermission to leave the country, then, turning to the Patriarch, when the Marquez was in presence, enquired how many Freemasons he thought there were in the kingdom ] The Patriarch* replied about 23,000, on which she answered, I thought your Eminence would have told me many more ; if that is all there are, in a population of nearly four millions, they should be put to death at once ! why should so few wicked men be allowed to remain and corrupt the good ? The Marquez was glad to obtain leave to travel, and when he returned to Portugal it was as aide-de-camp to the Duke of Terceira. * The Patriarchate at Lisbon was founded by King John the Fifth, with the permission of the Pope. To this high office was added a Sacred College of twenty-four prelates, to whom was granted by Royal ordinance the right of being addressed as Excellency. On days of solemnity the vestments of the Patriarch are like those of tlie Pope, and the jirelates wear scarlet robes in imitation of the Cardinals. From 1748, King John was permitted by an express Bull of the Pope, for himself and his heirs, to bear the title " Most Faithful."— " Life of Marquis of Pombal." By Conde de Carnota. 187L 249 CHAriEPt TIT. From 1st July to 31st December, 1832. PiEar-Admiral IX Command of His Majesty's Ships on the Coast of Portugal after the Arrival of Dom Pedro. " Heaven knows By what bye-paths and crooked ways I got this crown : and I myself know well How troublesome it sat upon my head." Ox the 7th of July, 1832, the men stationed at the tele- fjraphs on the left Ijank of the Douro counted at sunset twenty-eight different mastheads in the horizon north of Oporto ; by nine o'clock the drums of the city beat to arms, and all were on the alert. On the 8th Dom Pedro's squadron anchored in IMindello Bay, 2 leagues from Oporto, and, to the astonishment of the Portuguese, the " Stag" tired a salute to his Ptoyal standard. If the alarm of Donlia Maria's party Avas great at liearing that the invading army was only 8,000 men, the confusion of tlie Mif'uelites was "reater, for Dom Pedro's standard was before tlieir eyes, and they thought tlieir troops would never fif^ht against it. The city was abandoned by the troops oi" Dom Miguel ; and his General, Santa Martha, retreated across the Douro. Yet the entrance of Dom Pedro's army might well cause anxiety to his i'liciuls. Oidy 7,000 bayonets, not one horse for any staff oflicer, and (he artil- lery consisted of oidy 3 field-] )ieces, iioiic exceeding G-pouiid(!rs, drawn by men. Dom Miguel li!id 80,000 m(!ii in his army; and yet, on the 8th of -July, J)()ni Pedro thus tuok jjossession of 0])orto. Though the importance of this acijuisition of the second city L>.10 Tin; LIKE OF SIR AV. PARKER. [1832 nf Portugal was wvy ^'leat, it was far from decisive. l*arty spirit rail liigh, among English residents and Portuguese, at liome and in Portugal. Dom Pedro and Dom Miguel had each Freiu'limen in their service; the fleet of the former was manned by English. Facts were misrepresented, and every artiflce used to draw the British Admiral into some overt act in favour of the invaders or defenders ; but he never for one moment lost sight of the importance of his mission, and con- stantly reminded all under his orders tliat England had }>ledged her word to be neutral, unless Dom Miguel was aided by Spanish forces, and, till then, she should be strictly neutral, according to her pledge. All parties were anxious for the protection of the English fleet in the Tagus, and many, whose positions ought to have made them strictly impartial, not only became eager parti- sans, but, to gain tiieir ends, did not hesitate to excite ill- feeling and distrust between the Admiral and Lord William Itussell, by misrepresenting the actions and motives of the Admiral or his officers. The frank and honest nature of these two honourable men ultimately baflied all their in- trigues, but the embarrassments and responsibilities of the Admiral were nmch increased by these mischievous at- tempts. Fro7n the Portuguese Vice-Admiral Sartorius. "'Rainha do Portugal,' 19th .July, 1832. " Here we are at last, and the work of humanity and mercy is, I trust, now on the eve of being consunnnated by the blessing and ]no- tection of a just God. " Ours is no scheme of ambition ; to clear the prisons and to keep them tenantless, to enable every man to worship the Deity according to his conscience, and express his opinions openly ; to have his pro- perty, liberty, life, Vjy equal laws, independent of the despotic will of an erring individual, assured to him. " Tliese are the points we are contending for, and for such we hope for the sympathy, and at least the moral aid, of all free nations and of all free and upright men. " The Emjjeror wa-s to have advanced on "Wednesday. Nothing of interest has occurred since the ' Briton ' quitted the bar of Oporto, but the adhesion of more of the smaller places in the north, and par- 1832] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 251 ticiilarly Braga, a point of much importance to us, as we are now able t(j obtiiin horses. " I saw troops along the coast. Aveiro, by the account of a fisherman, had been deserted by the troops. I have sent my Cap- tain to you pro forma about salutes and notice of blockade. I should like to send these notices in, also, to the Consuls, if you could assist me. If you feel no delicacy in receiving visits from rebel chiefs I shall come on board to see my old friends." After Doni Pedro had taken possession of Oporto, Admiral Sartorius brought Donha Maria's ships off the Tagus, and proclaimed a blockade. These English-built sliips, officered and manned by English mercenaries, hoisted English colours for the purpose of deceiving the Portuguese batteries, and seized all such vessels belonging to I'ortuguese who recog- nised Doni Miguel as King of Portugal. Moreover, they also seized neutral vessels carrying coals, or any articles which these ill-paid adventurers chose to consider contraband of war. Sartorius's squadron also anchored at Cascaes, in the direction of a line of fire with Admiral Parker's squadron, to obtain the protection of the English ships. These proceed- ings gi'eatly increased the difficulties of the guardian of liritisli interests, and of the neutral position to which the King's Government was pledged. Extract. " To Vice-Admiral Sartorius. " 'Asia,' Cascaes Bay, 19th July, 1832. ".you appear, unfortumitrly, to misunderstand the footing upon which the British Sy my own sentiments. " 1 am obliged to ob.serve the strictest neutiality, to interfere witli neitlier party, to permit as little intercourse as possible with your fleet, and not to suffer the ships to be intermixed. " I do not liesitate to say tliat, having rcin-ived a requisition from the Ciovernttr of tlie Fortress to get out of tiie line of Wn:, it became my duty to weigh, if you ilid not, in compliance witli my positive ordefH to that effect." " 'Asia,' off the Tagus, 23r(I .Inly, 1H.32. " Witli refci'eiicf to our pnblir situations in tliis fpiaiter, it is de- sirable we should understand each other unc(iuivoc;Uiy. In one word 252 THE LIFE OF sin \y. tarker. [1832 tlicii 1 sliall strict! If juIIkto U) my instructions. I should be unlit for the duty intiuated to me, if I suffered my private feelings to divert nie from tliem. " Believe me I give you full credit for the honourable and i)raise- worthy sentiments you are actuated by. I admire them, and heartily wish the fullest success to yourself and cause. I cannot believe that our public opinions differ, and thought you had known mine better than your letter implies ; but I repeat, nothing shall swerve me from my (lutii. " Consistently with this, and as a friend, j'ou will find me ready to afford the benefit of a bias steady and true — not to be changed by misconceptions or trifles ; and, I hope, unchecketi by any act of im- })rudence on the part of your companions, which you must be aware may aff(jrd your enemies reasonable ground to make official representa- tions, which may enforce additional reserve on my part, without tend- ing to advance the object for which you are here." " 'Asia,' off the Tagus, 26th July, 1832. " I hope you will take immediate measures for carrying my official request into effect as regards British colours." Extract. " To Lord WiUiam Eussell. " 'Asia,' in Cascaes Bay, 8th August, 1832. " I cannot but notice, with regret, the observation in your lordship's last note respecting those refugees who were in the ' Eoyalist,' because I confess it appears to cast a kind of sweeping censure, which, under the actual circumstances, is unmerited, and which, individually, I was not jjrepared to expect. Those refugees came out in the ' Viper,' on the evening of the 29th ultimo, and were immediately transferred to the ' Itoy.alist,' because that brig was then under orders for Oporto and England, and this arrangement was intended as an accommodation to them, as Admiial Sartorius did not wish to have anymore sent to him. I did not receive one line to point out the high rank or connections of several of those whom you have now alluded to, and for obvious reasons (imjiosed by my peculiar position here) I have carefully avoided personal communication with any of them. Calms for two days pre- vented the 'Royalist' from proceeding, and in the mean time the ' Hermes' arrived, bringing me intimation that a small vessel was to be sent to England, if practicable, between the departure of the steam- packets. The ' Royalist ' was therefore detained. "Now, my Lord, ten out of the twelve refugees on board the brig messed with the officers : it nmst be remembered the squadron has been some weeks at sea, and if they had not fresh provisions to offer 1832] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 253 their guests, the latter have at least partaken of the food wjiich the English gentlemen had to live upon, and what little supplies they possessed beyond the King's allowance had been cheerfully shared. The refugees came without beds, and there were none to offer them, but all available means were at once employed for their comfort. I believe the whole w^ere sensible of this, and the thirteen who have been on board the ' Asia ' have, this morning, previous to their quitting us, fully expressed their gratitude for the kindness shown them. It pains me to be obliged to justify any of the squadron, or myself, from the bare suspicion of inhumanity towards these unfortunate persons, and I hope I shall not be subjected to a repetition of it." From Sir James Graham. " " Private. "Admiralty, 12th Aiigust, 1832. "We have every reason to be more than satisfied with your lirudence, sound judgment, and straightforward conduct. You have rightly interpreted the instructions of your Government, and strictly adhered to that neutrality which our plighted honour to S])ain renders a paramount duty. I feel that it is quite superfluous to give you any additional directions ; all foreseen cases are ])r(jvided for, and in un- foreseen cases I can rely, with perfect confidence, on your discretion, certain that you will act, exactly as you have done, in the spirit of your Government, which I have endeavoured fully to make known to you. In cases where life is at stake, you will always consult the dictates of humanity ; where ])olicy alone is to be considered, a real and honest neutrality must be your guide." On the 3rd of September tlie Admiral weighed I'lom Oascaes Bay, and cruized outside the Tagus, but returned on the 7th, on receiving information from Lord William llussell that Spain would probably interfere in favour of Dom Miguel. On the 1 1th the Portuguese squadron, con.sisting of one 74, one frigate, two large corvettes, two large l)rigs, ;nid a steam-ve.sscl " Ki.'sturador," came out of the Ta^us. The steamer attractcid the Admiral's attention from her hauvz deep and liaving coals on her deck. On (he 12tli strong N.E. breezes prevailed, and she foundcreil. On the 21st of Sr-ptctniber the Admiral again weighed, and leaving Ca])tuin ]Iillyar, senior oflicer, oil" the Tagus, ju'o- ceeded himself off Oporto. The Maniucz Talmelhi had 254 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1832 arriveil in that city on the 22nd. On the 25th llie Achniral lanthMl, called on Ccdonel Hare and Count Villa Flor, and walkeil to the difTerent batteries. It was quite dark when he crossed the bar. On the 27th lie aj^ain landed and went all round the lines, extending over four miles, with Colonel Hare, and was pre- sented to Doni Pedro by Count Villa Flor. Two of Dom Pedro's ships, which had, very improperly, placed themselves close to the English men-of-war, were fired at by Dom ^riguol's troops. The captain's steward of the " Childers " was killed. On the 28th 450 men, with two steamers and a corvette, were sent to Aveiro. On the 29th, Dom Miguel's Saint's Day, a general and well-sustained attack was made by his arniy against the lines of Oporto, which was, however, repulsed. The attacking party lost about 2,000, and the defenders about 500 men. On the 30th the expedition sent against Aveiro, having been repulsed, returned, and the squadron of Dom Pedro started in quest of some Miguelite ships seen off Viana by the " Briton." From Captain tJie Hon. George Elliot, October 28, 1832. Extract. " You will be satisfied, I hope, with the view the Cabinet have taken of your conduct. They must well know the extreme difficulty of your situation, and cannot but approve of your caution and judg- ment." Spain at this time was also on the eve of a civil war ; but happily for the Constitutional parties in Spain and Portugal, this evil was delayed. Ferdinand VIT, whose health was Ijreaking up, had been so much reduced by a violent paroxysm of gout, that his recovery was not expected. The Carlist party, joined with the Minister Calomarde and Antoniui, Envoy from the Court of Naples, so frightened Queen Christina by representing the bloodshed and civil war that would prevail should nrtt Don Carlos ascend the throne on the death of Ferdinand, that the trembling hand <»f the sick monarch, emaciated in body and weak in mind, 1832] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 255 signed a decree restoring the Salique Law, the promulgation of which was prevented solely by the determination of the President of the Council. "NMien tidings of these proceed- ings reached the Infanta Luisa-Carlotta of Naples, then in Spain, she hastened to La Granja, upbraided her sister for her weakness, and calling her " Eegina delle Galerie," roused her to her duty as Queen and Mother. Cea Bermudez left England to become Prime Minister of a new Administration, and a decree, promulgated by Ferdinand VII, of the 6th October, appointed Queen Christina Eegent until his com- plete recovery. On the 7th a Royal decree re-opened all the I7niversities, whicli had been closed since the last French Ee volution ; and on the 15th a political amnesty was pub- lislied, under which those who had been exiled during the last ten years were enabled to return to their country.* The bar of Oporto is frequently impassable from the high sea ; but on the 18th of October Admiral Parker was able to land again, and the Consul asked him to protect the British merchants from the ]\Iiguelites, who, with six mortars and twelve heavy guns, fired on the Serra Convent. In tlie evening intelligence was received of a naval action between tlie Pedroite and Miguelite squadrons on the 11th, whicli had lasted 21 i hours without any decisive result. The former lost fifteen killed and wounded, and the latter bore away for Lisbon. Oporto was again attacked on tlic lUli, and (in ihu IGtli three English brigs arrived with 154 English recruits for iJom Pedro. On the 18th, in obedience to orders from home. Admiral Parker apprised the Miguelite General that, if the English ships in the Douro were tired at without provocation, it woidd be considered an act of open hostility. On the 20th the Admiral learnt, by despatches from Lisbon, that the "Caledonia" and "Revenge" had entered the, Tagus on the 18th, on the strong re([uisiti()n df Lord William Russell and Mr. Iloppner, in consequence of fioid * " HiHt'tria (Iciieral dc EHpafia," coinplutatla por Eiluardo C'lia(», capitato l.xiii, tonio '.i. 256 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1832 William's porter having been shot by the police witliin the gates of his yard On the receipt of this news the Admiral got nnder way for Lisbon, having first supplied the ships-of- war in the Douro with provisions and stores, from his flag- ship. Wiiile the cause of Donlia Maria and the Constitution was nearly at its lowest ebb, and when more than nine-tenths of Portuf'al had either rallied round Dom Miguel, or silently acquiesced in his strength and power, Dom Pedro received an unexpected and most important help from the savage and foolish proclamation of General Gaspar Tixeira, the Com- mander-in-Chief of the Miguelite forces before Oporto, which destroyed every hope of inducing the gallant followers of Dom Pedro and the citizens of Oporto to come to terms, or to make any political arrangement with Dom Miguel ; and the author of the " Civil War in Portugal " states, " that it was an addition of thousands to the ranks of the Liberal army. The fate of all was known, should they fail in the defence of Oporto ; nothing less than the extermination of the last man ; to the last man were they determined to resist." Part of the proclamation ran thus : — " Soldiers ! let the day of attack be that of our victory ; but remember, that victory will not be complete as long as one single revolutionist exists ; swear, then, that you will not quit your arms, and that you will not rest until you have entirely exterminated the rebels. The King and the nation expect from you this great work. Their hopes will not be deceived." On the last day of this year, a ceremony, affecting deeply the Constitutional parties in Spain and Portugal, took place at Madrid. All the high dignitaries of Spain having been summoned to the Ptoyal Council, the King delivered to the ^Minister of Grace and Justice a paper, written and signed by himself, to read to the Council, the purport of which was : — " My Eoyal mind having been surprised in a moment of great agony, in consequence of the illness from which the Divine mercy has pre- served me, I signed a decree derogatory to the Pragmatic Sanction of 1833] THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. 257 the 29th March, 1830, decreed by my augiist father on the petition of the Cortes in 1789, to establish tlie regular succession to the Crown of Spain. The perturbation and anguish in which I was, at a moment when my life seemed every moment to be departing from me, show that there w;is no delibei-ation in this act, even if the nature and effects of it did not make it clear. Neither as King could I destroy the fundamental laws of the kingdom which I had recently published, nor aa a father could I, of my free will, despoil my descendants of their august and legitimate rights. " Disloyal men or illusions surrounded my bed, and abusing the love felt for Spaniards by my beloved wife and myself, incre;ised my affliction and the bitterness of my state, asserting that the whole king- dom was against the Pragmatic, and urging the torrents of blood anti universal tlesolatiou it would produce if not annulled. This atrocious announcement, made under circumstances in which truth was more due to me than ever, and at a time when I had no means of ascertain- ing its correctnes.s, frightened my weary spirit, and deprived me of ni}' remaining powers of thought for the peace and preservation of my people, making, a.s far as depended on me, this gi-eat sacrifice, as stated in the .same decree, for the tranquillity of the Spanish nation. Perfidy conclufled the horrid plot which .seduction had begun ; and in tliat day certificates were obtained for the insertion of a decree breaking open the seal, which by itself and my own word I had ordered to be kept intact till my death. Now being thoroughly informed of the manner in which my beloved Spaniards have been calumniatetl, who are ever faitliful to the descendant of their Kings, well persuaded that it is neither in ray power nor in my desire to break the immemorial custom of the succession established by centuries, Siinctioned by law, aftirmod by the illustrious heroines who have preceded me on the tliroiu', and 8f»licited by the unanimous wish of these kingdoms; anhold (he respect from both sides which is due to it." "To Vice-Admiral Sartorius, &c. '" Asiji,' in the Tagus, 1 Itli damiary, 1H33. "It cannot be unknown to you tliat Sir Stratford Canning is \n-()- liably by this time at Madrir] on a special mission, for (lie ]iin|iosc of endeavouring, conjointly with the Spanish (iovoi nincii(, to (•(i'cc( an adjustment of the atlairs of l*ortu;,'ai. It is ncithci my intention or wish to enter at present on tlie <|urs(ion of infringed neutrality pro- pounded by the requisition for your ihparture from the portw and L'GO THE Lll'E or SIK W. I'AltKEU. [1833 wattTs of Pi);un, l>ul it is s(. api.aitiit that any opjiositioii on your part to comply with it must ojKMalv unfavourably to the interests of Doin Pedro with tliat country in the pending negotiations, that I am induced to will your attention to the fact, that tlie object so desirable to all j)arties may not bo fiiistiattd by any misapprehension or unreasonable act of menace or collision." Altliouoh no voice liad lu'eii raised in the lloyal Council of MiulriJ against the King of Sjjuin's manifesto, at the end of 1832, symi)toms of discontent in that country became so evident that the Spanish Government thought it necessary for Don Carlos to leave the country; and on the 13th of i\Iareh a decree was issued, granting him and the Infante Don Sebastian p(;rniission to accompany the l*rincess of Beira to Portugal, as she intended proceeding thither to reside with her l)rother, Dom ]\Iiguel. Don Carlos entered Portugal on the 17th of j\Iarch. o From Sir James Graham. " Private. " Admiralty, 3rd Ai)ril, 183:}. " I have not written to you for a long time, because I had no instruc- tions with which it was necessary to tnmble you, and because we wished rather to await the natural course of events in Portugal, than endeavour to preci[)itate them by any measure of force on our part. "The information which you have given to me has been very valu- able, and your whole conduct in e\ery, the most minute, particular, entitles you to the increased confidence and full ajjjn'obation of His Majesty and of his Ministers. "The state of affairs in the Mediterranean, the unsettled negotia- tion between the Sultan and Mehemet Ali, the presence of a Russian Fleet in the Bosyjhorus, the assembling squadron of the French in the Archipelago, and the tone assumed both b}' the French and Russian authorities at Constantinople, all require the reinforcement of Sir Henry Hotham ; and we have determined therefore to send him the 'St. Vincent' from you, and the 'Malabar' from Sijithead. We are anxious also to refit and torecommission the 'C-'aledonia ' with the least possible delay ; so that she may be ready, according to circumstances, either to rejoin you, or to add to the force in the North Sea. In the meantime, considering the present state of the contest in Portugal, which seems to be drawing to a close, and our good understanding with the Court of Madrid, we think we can leave you safely witli a diminished force, the number of your Marines remaining untouched ; and we place our reliance on your zeal, activity, and prudence, which 1833] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKlvER. 261 with you will supply the place of a larger force. If you should feel uneasy in your position without an additional ship or two, you will not hesitate at once to give me your opinion. " If an opportunity should occur, you will remember that our wish is to establish Donha Maria to the exclusion both of Pedro and Miguel ; but if the latter shoidd succeed, then your object must be to secure a full amnesty for aU political oifences, and to obtain for the British engaged in the present conflict security for life and jiroperty. " Your instructions are precise on the point of negotiating a retreat for Pedro, in the event of his reipiesting your interjjosition, and wish- ing to evacuate Portugal." On the 8tli of April cholera broke out on both banks of the Tagus, and, after conference witli the principal medical officers of his S(Xuadron, the Admiral issued orders for the adoption of sanitary precautions, and sent some of the ships to cruize outside. All the men were kept in sufficient exercise for health and distraction ; every care was taken to preserve the ships dry and sweet below ; no leave of ab- sence was given. The result of these measures was that the squadron escaped with the loss of few men ; but it is curious to observe that all the medical officers recommended bleed- ing directly a man was attacked with this disease ; and this .system was invariably practised. On tl)e 25th of April ninety liritisli subjects in the service oL Dom Pedro, who had been taken prisoners near Oporto l)y the troops of Dom Miguel, were given over to Admiral I'arker. As they were in a filthy condition and perfectly destitute, each man was wa.slicd, supplied with a shirt and pair of trowsers, and accommodated on board a transport till sent home. Ill one of the fi'ufjuent conversations wliiili the .\diiiii;il had with Visconde Santarciii, mi the (|U(:stion of I'ortuguesc! refugees, the Viscondc tuM ilic .\(li]iii;il Ihat ihc I'ortuguese malcontents were harboured on hoard the; l»ritish ships and allowed to land from tliciice at their pleasuie. "This is cpiite untrue," replied tlie Admiral, "Imt when a rel'iigec from political causes comes to us for safety, we save Iiis life, and liberty and send liim away from the Tagus, liut we n(!ver 2G2 THK LIFE OF Silt W. rAIIKKR. [IS.S.". let liiiii l;unl to conu' oil' a^aiii. Now, Visconde Sautaveni, tiuu's may change, ami if } uu or any other of Dom Miguel's I'ollowcrs come to us for a similar purpose, you sliall receive precisely the same protection." The Minister was satisfied, and hetbre nuiny months iiad occasion to claim, and obtained, similar protection. Curiously enough, his brother, in 184(), likewise eacn,ped imprisonment by obtaining protection (jii Itoard Sir William Parker's flagship. From Sir James (Jraham. " Admiralty, 8th Mritish merchants at Lisbon, that a considerable force should be kept in the Tagus for their protection. He would now proceed to detail our transactions in that country. In conse(|uence of repeated applications from the British merchants resident in Lisbon, of the representations respecting the insecurity of their property, and the danger to which they might be exposed if there were not a surticient force to protect them. Admiral Parker was sent to the Tagus, and re- mained there until the ex])cdition was known to be advancing for the invasion of Portugal. An application was then made, desiring that the ships that had been sent into the Tagus, and which had remained there with no other view but to protect the British merchants resident in Lisbon, might be withdrawn. That request was immediately com- plied with. The men-of-war took their .station outside the roadstead, an abstiun from all interference with political matters. He was directed not to afioi-d protection to such merchants its interfered with the internal affairs of the country. The next com- munication was dated the 2l8t of May, 1832, upon the application for the withdrawal of the British ships from the Tagus — a letter addre.ssed * See " Parliamentary Debate.s." 1833] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 2G7 to Admiral Parker. It stated that it was His Majesty's command that the requisition of the Portuguese Government should be immediately complied with — that Admiral Parker should leave the Tagus with his ships, and should transmit his orders to the commanding officer in the Douro to withdraw his ships also from that river. On the arrival of Dom Pedro the strictest neutrality was directed to be maintained ; they were to abstain from rendering assistance to either party, and to pursue the same line of conduct to both sides. On the 1st of June, 1832, Admiral Parker was instructed that, under all circumstances, he was to maintain a perfect neutrality and carefully to avoid any cau.se of complaint. "On the 19th of June, Mr. Barrow wrote to Admiral Parker that, as the expedition of Dom Pedro was expected to make its appearance, the Lords of the Admiralty cautioned the British Admiral not to enter into any communication with the expeditionary force, which might cheri.sh any hope of assistance from the British naval force off the Eock of Lisbon ; but to observe the strictest neutrality between both pai-ties. Again, on the 11th of July, a similar communication had been made, particularly cautioning Admiral Parker to give no advice to Admiral Sartorius, lest even communication with him should lie misconstrued. " He had alluded to these circumstances in order to show what had been tlie .sjjirit which had predominated in all the communications of tlie Britisli (Government on the subject of the late expedition in Portu- gal, and that the strictest neutrality had been enjoined by the Govern- ment as far as the British force wa.s concerned. " He neeil not state that those instructions which were given to Admiral Parker were acted upon with all that discretion, with all tiiat '^ independence, with all that firmness, which had uniformly charac- terised the conduct of that gallant officer during the whole a station about three n)iles distant, w>iirh he liad since continued to occupy, keeping his siiips under sail. An P)nglisli steam-vessel had been sent by Admii-al Sartorius with s(mie intimation n^Iative to the blockade. Admiral Parker immediately objcctcfl to the British flag being hr>istod on any ves.sel wliicii had any connection with either of the l)elligerent«. The complaint wa.s immediately attended to. One of the exjH'ditionary vessels a|>proache(l so near the flagship of Adniii.il Parker with letters explanatory of the afl^iir of tlie Engli.'-h sleanu-r, 208 TIIK LIFE OF SIR W. PATJKEIJ. [1833 that tlie I'ortuguese hattt'iios liaviug directetl tlioir liro against the former vessel, > tlic «<.iiiiuaiii. Extract. " Admiralty, 5th June, 1833. " You will see by the papers that there has been a blow up in the House of Lords about the neutiality of Portugal, but you have come off with flying colours. There is to be a trial of strength on the same subject in the House of Commons to-morrow evening. If we are not more successful there, I fear that we shall be in a bad way ; but 7 tliiiik the Comnioiis will be on our side, and I dn not tliink the Lords can fmn us out.' From Sir Jnmc» (Jraham. " Private. " Admiralty, 5th June, 1833. "I write you a single line just in time to save the post, to tell you that the vote in the House of liords will be imfcxiiKtl. His Majesty MUpportH us, the House of ( Virniiiniis is with us, and this nation is not enamoured of Dom Miguel, tliontrh the Duke of Wellington and the Holy Alliance may strive to uphnld liiiu." The debate in the House of Commons took phice on June 270 THE LIFK OF SIR W. PARKF.T?. [1833 Gill, wliou Sir Kobcrt Vocl urged in vain " that the merits of J)oni Miguol had nothinfj to do with the proi^ositions before the House," that the (juestion was one of international obli- jjatiou, and not of Doni Miguel's personal character. The l)olicy of the CJovernnient Avas supported by a majority of 98. From C/i((rh.t Xapier, nmler JiU I'ortnguese title of Vice- Admiral Dom Carlos de Ponza.* " 'Rainha,' off Oporto, 13th June, 1833. " After a week's indecision, intriguing folly, and, I believe, wicked- ness, it is at hxst decick;ule Lisbon. I shall be otf there in a day or two. I have a small squadron in the Guadiana to sujjport the right of the army. Villa Flor is now doing what he ought to have done long ago, that is ad- vancing ; he has no energy, and if the people in Lisbon do not assist, and they iletach a strong force they will probably lick him. If I can get a strong wind at night, I shall certainly run up the Tagus, that will prevent them from detaching men against him and facilitate his march." " To Vice- Admiral Visconde Cabo San Vicente (Charles Napier). " Lisbon, 20th July, 1833. "The expectation of seeing you off the Tagus has prevented my sending out the ' Leveret ' so soon as I should otherwise have done, but although my congratulations will be longer in reaching you than I could have wished, they are not, believe me, the less heartily offered on your late most brilliant victory, which will justly stand on the proudest page of Naval History ! and I sincerely hope and trust not only prove productive of all the benefit that can be desired to the cause you have espoused, but as advantageous as it is glorious to your- self and to your gallant followers. " It has excited an iniiversal burst of admiration amongst your countrymen in the Tagus, which will, I am sure, be participated in in every jiart of our own shores. I wish the pi'ogress of your exj)edition generally may have the effect of a decided declaration on the part of our Government in behalf of the young Queen. As yet our political course remains unchanged, so that we can do little more than give you our cordial good wishes, and these you have unboundedly " " To Sir James Graham. "'Asia,' in the Tagus, July 25th, 1833. " I have most sincere pleasure in tendering my congratulations on the important events of yesterday at Lisbon, and but little to add to my public despatches. " The march of the Duke of Terceira with a handful of men has been equally bold and well executed, and the result so far is every- thing that can be desired. " As a proof of the general feeling in favour of the Queen's cause, it 1833] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 277 will, I think, be viewed with additional satisfaction as having been effected by a native General and troops, who, after carrying the works on the south side, crossed the river and entered the capital without even the interposing aid of the naval forces, which had already achieved such superabundant honour and important service. " It appears that the Spanish Minister, Cordova, accompanied General Tellesfordao in his advance from Almada, and was seen to encourage the Miguelite troops in their contest on the evening of the 23rd. His Excellency was, in fact, made a prisoner, but immediately released, and got on board the Spanish frigate in the river at mid- night. The latter is now going out of the Tagus for Vigo, and the Spanish Admiral, as well as the Minister, are not a little dejected at the present position of affairs here. Cordova is packing up his papers and will repair by land to Dom Miguel's head-quarters. " On the first ebullition of feeling yesterday at Lisbon, two or three men were shot in the arsenal, which induced Admiral Felix, the Com- )uandaut, to take refuge on board the 'Asia'; it was of course afforded, but he this morning landed at his own desire, after com- municating with the Duke of Terceira. He has been placed under arrest for trial, but is properly protected, and very grateful for the a-sylum he received under the British flag." " Confidential. " ' Asia,' in the Tagus, July 27th, 1833. "The populace of Lisbon have remained quiet beyond our expecta- tion since the occupation of the city by the troops of Donha Maria, considering the extraordinary revolution they have experienced, the unprotected state in which the town was left by the Miguelites, and the incen.sed feelings of so nianj' liberated prisoners who had long been immured in dungeons for political opinions. " I have, however, been pressed on all (piarters to land the marines for the ostensible purpose of })rotecting the English residents, and to occupy the fortresses of St. Julian and Bugio, &c. It is impo.ssible not to perceive that the real object of these ])ro[)osition8 is to precipitate a measure which may at once identify us with the cause of Donha Maria. I freely confess I shall feel very happy if I receive authority to do 80 ; but, as my present orders are most precise on this |)oint, I do not feel justified in sanctioning such a step, unless the necessity of it ■■i|)p('ars nioif urgent than we liavn yet had rea.son to apprehend. " I am fully aware how desirable it is to pn-veiit this capital l)eing wreste*!, if jtossible, from the authority of the Queen. On the olhe hand, the tliHeniJ)arkation of the marines may afford a pretext for the Spaniards t^) cross the frontiers, and rally the dispiritecl forces of the Miguelites, without any real advantage, unless the city is likely to be attacked. The situation of our sliijjs and property in the Douro, at 278 TIIK LIFE OF SIR W. I'AKKER. [1833 the niorcy of the besiegers, is also a consideration. Lord William Iviissoll and myself are, however, to see the Duke of Palniella to- iii..rniw, when it is my intention, in the absence of other instructions to meet the peculiar case in which we are placed, to propose some arramtement." From Sir James Oraliam. " Private and confidential. "Admiralty, 7th August, 1833. " I am anxious, in the first place, to assure you of the entire appro- bation of His Majesty's Government with regard to the line of conduct adopted by you in difficult circumstances, when Lisbon was suddenly evacuated, and spontaneously declared in favour of Douha Maria. Your interview with the Duke of Terceira, your salute of the flag of Doidia Maria, the precautions taken by you for the ])rotection of the British, and the refuge given by you in the moment of extreme peril on board His Majesty's ship to the Admiral of Dom Miguel, are measures which we fully approve, and which were conceived in the true spirit of your instructions, and are marked by your sound dis- cretion. " I am now authorised to enclose for your information, a copy of the orders sent to Lord William Russell, which I communicate to you confidentially. The despatches leceived yesterday from Mridrid, bearing date subsequent to the fact of the evacuation of Lisbon being known to the Spanish Government, relieve us in a great measure from the apprehension of active Spanish interference in behalf of Dom Miguel. We have, however, thought it prudent to send 'Caledonia,' ' Revenge,' ' Romney,' and two steam frigates to Cork, there to remain ready to embark on the shortest notice three or four thousand men, who in the event of Spain declaring against Donha Maria and march- ing to the assistance of Miguel would be instantly sent to co-operate with you in the Tagus, and to defend Lisbon against a foreign invader. Your instructions in the event of Spanish interference are to be con- sidered by you in full force ; but undoubted evidence alone could justify you in acting decisively, and you should be satisfied of the fact that a Spanish force has entered Portugal before you land your marines or offer armed assistance to Donha Maria. If any such necessity should unhappily arise, which I hardly expect, you will by a steam-boat, if possible, endeavour to convey to us the earliest informa- tion. " You will also observe our deep anxiety that no just ground of offence should be given to Spain. We have prevented her inter- ference ; we do not wish to involve her in a revolution ; and any intrigues on the part of the New Government of Portugal in the 1833] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER, 279 internal affairs of Spain would be most reprehensible, and could not be sustained by us : such conduct on the part of the Regency would give just cause of offence to Great Britain, and might lead to a most serious misunderstanding. " These are the general views, of which you will not lose sight in your intercourse with Lord William Russell, and in any influence which you may exert over the counsels of the Regency at this critical moment. " The force which you command is large, will insure to you resjiect, and will be used by you with prudence and decision. A large rein- forcement awaits your summons, at a moment's notice, in the harbour of Cork ; and the advice of the British authorities is entitled to attention, whether the representation is addressed to the Regency of Portugal, or to the Cabinet at Madrid. " I will only repeat my firm pei-suasion that you will conduct a suc- cessful issue with the same discretion and firmness which have signalize*! your past conduct, and you may rest assured that you will continue to receive from the Government that full confidence and support which you are justly entitled to expect." '■ Private and confidential. "Admiralty, 12th August, 1833. " I have received your two letters, witli their important inclosure. It was necessary to communicate this proposal to my colleagues, since it involved a decision of great delicacy and of vital importance. We entirely approve of your refusal to land the marines, in compliance with the requisition of Mr. Hoj»pner, at the suggestion of the Duke of Palmella ; but we think that the reasons which dictated this refusal are conclusive against the adoption of the proposal made by you ; it is clear that the protection of the Engli-sh residents cannot be the motive for occuj)ying SL Julian's and the Bugio ; and witli your coninianding force in the Tagus, the possession even of the citadel of Lisbon, in the last extremity, is not necessary for the safe enil^arkation of tin; British merchants with their i)rof)erty. Some ulterior object therefore must be contemplated, and any proof of tiie existence of such ulterior views would be considered a justification of Spanish interference, wliich is the evil we are most anxious teration. Moreover, St. Julian's, at a distance from Lisbon, is a safe and natural place of refuge for British subjects in the event of the danger of assault becoming imminent ; and the po.ssession of these forts at the mouth of the Tagus is almost necessary for the safety of the British fleet, and for the purpose of securing a retreat, if Lisbon should be re- taken by a force avowedly hostile. Our objections, therefore, are not so strong to the occupation by tlie marines of St. Julian's and of the Bugio as of the Citi^lel : Vjut we are willing to h of the Queen, on the constitutional basis of a complete amnesty and of liniiteil power. "Spain might settle the question by offering to att;iy to say that tlie Kin<'- has been graciously pleased to approve my recummemlation, and I am authorised by his Majesty, with the full and entire concurrence of Lord Grey, to offer to you the second seat at this Board, next after Admiral Dundas. " I flatter myself with the hope that you will not hesitate to accept it ; for, though I have not the honour of personally knowing you, yet we have for some time past on terms of strict confidence conducted affairs of more than ordinary difficulty ; and I trust to the impression produced by our official i]itercour.se on my own feelings when I venture to anticipate that you will not be unwilling to serve at this Board with "Admiralty, 8th April, 1834. " I have received the King's commands to notify to you his entire approbation of your conduct, and, Jis a njark of His Majesty's favour, the next vacant cross of a Knight Commander of the Batli will be bestowed on you. " I need not add how sincerely I concur in this commendation, which ( am happy to communicate to you ; and the honorary dis- tinction cannot be conferred on a naval officer whom 1 consider more deserving." " To Sir James Graham. " Private. '"Asi.V ill tlif TagUH, 14tli .April, 1H34. "^The 'Salamander' reached the Tagua last evening, and I want u -1 292 THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. -[1834 wonis to express my sense of the flattering and gratifying tern)s in whii'l) you offer me, under the approval of His Majesty and Lord (Jrev, a seat at the Board over wliicli you i)reaide. " Tnaequainted lu* I am with the tk'tails of such important duties, and dilUdent of my power to discharge them with the ability which I feel is essentially necessary, I will frankly confess that I have never ambitioned this high ami res})onsible station. " But the confidence you are pleased to repose in me outweighs all previous considerations, and leaves me but to declare my reiidiness to contribute my humble services in the vacancy tendered with such en- couraging courtesy ; — they will be at least rendered with assiduity and integrity, and I regard not the labour while my health enables me to meet it with a reasonable hope of being useful." " ' Asia,' in the Tagus, 20th April, 1834. " The Ministers of Dom Pedro have unreservedly manifested their determination no longer to show preference to the commerce with England. " A decree was yesterday published by wbich all nations are placed on an equality of duties. " This measure has been for some time anticipated, and I am happy to find it is received witb less uneasiness by our merchants than was expected, for though the markets will probably be at first glutted by foreign competition, it is not believed that it will eventually operate seriously against our trade." " Private. "'Asia,' in the Tagus, 28th April, 1834. " It will, I fear, be found that a feeling inimical to our country at present pervades every act of the Provisional Government at Lisbon. The restrictions which they wish to impose on the free departure of our ships-of-war is, at this period, without even a pretext of prudential i-xjiediency, contrary to all former custom, and from the offensive tone ill which the communication has been made to Lord Howard by Senhor P'reire calculated only to produce mischievous consequences." On tlie 20th of May Dom Miguel agreed to leave Portugal M-ithin fifteen days, never to return. He was to receive a pension of £15,000 a year, and his personal property was to he at his disposal on his returning the Crown jewels. On the 30th he left Evora for Sines. On tlie 2nd of June he embarked for Genoa, where he arrived on the 20th, and 1834] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 293 instantly issued a declaration, protesting that the capitulation into which he had entered was null and void, as an act whicli he had been compelled to sign in order to prevent further misfortunes and to spare the lives of his faithful subjects ! He added that he had been surprised by an unexpected and un- warrantable attack from a friendly and allied Power. " To Sir James Graliam. "'Asia,' in the Tagus, 12.30 a.m., 25th May, 1834. " It is with infinite satisfaction I a^aiu address j'ou, to report the arrival of an aide-de-camp of General Lemos's, at Lord Howard de Walden's, about four hours ago, with a despatch from Count San Lorenzo, to solicit, on the i>art of Dom Miguel and Don Carlos (who are both at Evora), his Lordship's humane interposition to stop the further effusion of blood, and secure the safe retirement of the Infantes, on terms corresponding, I believe, with his Loixiship's late propositions." "'Asia,' in the Tagus, 5 p.m., 27th May, 1834. *' We have this day received intimation of the surrender of Dom Miguel and his army, under General Lemos, at Evora, to Marshal Count Saldanha, with whom arrangements have been made for the immediate embarkation of the Infante at Sines." The author of the " Civil War in Portugal " sums up his liistory thus : — " Never was more hopeless a cause raised from the abyss of seeming imjx).s.Hibiiiti('.s. Tlie Liberals liay two aides-de-camp of Marsha! Saldanlia from Evora to Aldca jrd Grey declined office. I Lord Auckland having become Governor-General of India, 1835] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 303 ment had a majority in the House of Commons, the Opposi- tion was a very powerful party. The foreign policy o^the Government throughout tlie whole of 1835 was unpopular, more particularly on the ques- tions of the British Auxiliary Legion in Spain, and the part taken against Holland ; but the difficulties of the Naval administration were much smoothed by the friendly inter- course between Sir James Graham and Sir William I'arker. Sir James was ever ready to assist in promoting any measures recommended by Sir William as likely to prove of benefit to the naval service. From Sir James Graluxm. " Grosveiior Place, 25th Marcli, 1835. " I am very much disposed to adopt your scale of increase of jDay to the first and second class of petty officers, and to insert it in my Bill : for I incline to the opinion that it will produce the double effect of encouraging enlistment in the hope of promotion, and of diminish- ing the necessity for corporal punishment by adding to the means both of reward and punishment by rating, " I hope also you will increase the pay of the petty officers, and carry into effect the proposed arrangement lespecting the warrant officers ; and in my place in the House I will take occasion to express strongly tliLs desire. " There is also a meiisure of great importance, nearly matured, but not yet completed, to which I should like to see a tinishing hand put, and that is the classification of yards and masts in conformity with the ratings, so that ships of the same rating may at all times and in all places be enablent for forei\vin,i,' tins Heet to go down Channel at all; possiliiy diplomatic interference, at all events, a demonstration of the assem- blage of a suilieient force in the jiorts of tiie country would i>revent the attempt."* Sir James Graham attacked tlie patronage of the Admiralty. No less than eight naval officers above the rank (jf lieutenant had stood contests at the last general election, and had been defeated. Every one of these officers, having stood election contests, had since been placed in command; and he said distinctly, with respect to the Navy, that the root of its efficiency was struck at if officers were led to understand that services performed on the quarter-deck were secondar}' lo services performed on the hnsting.s." Later in the session. Sir James Graham moved for a direct vote of censure on the Government for the conduct of affairs in China, which was only defeated by nine votes. Sir James, in commenting severely on the mischief that had ensued from tlie want of a ])ro])er naval force in China, ol)served : — "In spite of the Dvike of Wellington having urged, as far back as March, 1835, the necessity of having a strong naval force in those waters, the Admiralty had not been called upon to furnish a force for two years and a half ; and, though the Superintendent of Trade had also urged the danger incurred from the absence of a proper naval force, no such force had been sent. No ctlicient returns luul l)een made ; but, from the papers before the House, he was led to con- jecture that, for only eight months out of the fifty-three which liad elapsed between March, 1835, and September, 1839, had there been any ship of war at Canton." The conduct of the French had caused much irritatioji. At the Mauritius the English flag was supposed to have l^een wantonly insulted by the French armed transport " Isere." Oil' Mexico, tlie Prince de .Injuville, who commanded tlie " Belle Poule," fired a shot acro.ss the bows of an Knglish jjacket, and took the i)i]()t out of Iter by force. An English * " Memoii"s of Loid Melbourne," vol. ii, p. -83. 1839] THE LIFE OF SIR W. FAKKER. ' 309 .ship-of-war, in the West Indies, had likewise, by a mistake, I teen fired into at niyht by a French ship. In the east of Europe matters were still more serious. 'J'hi; French (loverninent endeavoured to give Syria to ^lehemet Ali ; and, in defiance of treaties, to make him in- dependent of tlie Porte. The foreign policy, however, of the Government in Europe excited general approl)ation. The straightforward honesty of Lord I'almerston completely baffled these intrigues, and when France, after playing fast and hiose for two months, refused to sign the Brunow Con- vention, England, Jiussia, Austria, and Prussia signed it without her. The naval administration was equal to the demands rendered necessary l)y this policy. The iMediterranean Fk'et, under Admiral Sir Eobert Stopford, was increased, and active operations were commenced on the coast of Syria. M. Thiers had intended the French fleet in the IMediterranean to make a sudden attack on the P^nglish fleet before the lat'^er could 1m' ivinforced. Loid Melbourne got anxious; but Lord ."\rinto ((uickly reassured him, and explained that, though tlie French fleet might at one inonuMit have a slight numerical inlvantage, the actual sujieriority of tlie I'Jiglish fleet was incontestable. The French Admiral reported to his Govern- ment that, unless the P^nglish ships could be attacked in d(;tail by his whole fbrcxi, of wjiich he saw no chance, defeat was inevitable ; and he pertinently asked liow the French lleet WHS to l)e replaced in case of failure. Thus the crooked policy of M. Thiers failed completely, and ended in his own resignation. St. .lean d'Acn; w;is (jikni hy Ailinir.il Sir K'oltert Sty conclusion the tioublesome, expensive, and unsatisfactory state of hostilities in which the country had been so long engaged. On leaving the Admiralty he was allowed to nominate an officer for promotion. Ever mindful of the kindness he had received in his early days from his old captain, Sir dolm Duckworth, he gladly availed himself of the occasion to name for a captain's commission Sir John's L^randson, Commander (^now Admiral Sir) George St, Vincent King. The administration of the Ijoard of Admiralty under Lord Minto was not only much censured at the time, but has ev(!r since l)een considered as the most political of all the Admi- ralty l>(.ards of recent times. Parties were so evenly balanced that the means of increasing the political influence ttf the Government in its struggle with a powerful Ojjposition WHS much considered in iIk; distribution of naval patronage, and seemed occasionally to outweigh strong professional claims. Sir James Graham attacked the Government vigor- (Uisly stion that lie .should enter Parliament. 312 CHAITKK VIII. 1841—1842. (■.)MMANDEK-[N-('IIIKF OF EAST INDIAN, ClIlNKSK. ANI» AiuACENT Seas. — Occupation of Chusan. — Oapti kk of .Vmoy. Chiniiae, and Ningpo. " Then the progeny that springs From the forests of our land, i\rnieeeu there made." ■["he (Jovcnmn'iiL wne heuleii by ii luajoriLy of ek'veii uii lilt' Irish lJe-j;i.straLiou I>ill,aud tliirty-six on the Sugar Duties. Oil the 2nih of May Sir Robert l*eel moved that the Ministers IkuI not the confidence of the House; and that, under tlie circumstances, their continuance in otrice was a \ iolatioti ol' the spirit of the Constitution. This resolution was carried by a majority of one, and was followed by a dis- solution of Parliament. Fro/u th-i Earl of Auckland, Gooenior-O'encnd of India. "Calcutta, 24th June, 1841. "I am glad to find myself again in official connection with you, and may truly say that all that I liave known or hearil of you cannot but make me rejoice that you are appointed to the naval command of tiiese seas, and more particularly that you are about to take the direc- tion of the fleet upon the China expedition. I have been writing at some length to Sir Henry Pottinger, and as I must look upon you and him ;us one in all that regards the i)ublic interest, I will not repeat to you anything I have said to him, but will only give you such desul- teen, or is likely l<> lie. I will write no more, but oidy beg often to hear from you, and a.ssure you that I will omit no ojiportunity of giving you every aid that uni may require." o >le of our interests and o|U'iatioiis in China, desiring the naval and military commanders should follow suth directions as they may receive from him on that subject ; but you are not placed technically under the orders of the (Joveruor-CTeneral. As Comniander-in-Chief your repoits must be made to the Admiralty, sending copies of such as regard the opera- tions in China to Lord Auckland for his information. No doubt you will have occasion for much direct correspondence with the Governor- General, but your inunediate superiors with reference to this, as every other service, are to be found at the Admiralty. "This is, therefore, but a pretty extensive application of the princi- ple constantly acted upon when commanding othcers are instructed in certain atiairs to follow the directions of some civil functionaiy. We had an example of this lately in the Mediterranean, where the j>roceedings of Sto[)ford's fleet were to be governed in some cases by directions from Lord Beaudale, or Lonl Ponsonby. Practically, I know no difficulty is at all likely to arise between you and Lonl Auckland in carrying on tlie service, I can therefore feel no difficulty on that score." " A.lmiralty, 5th July, 184L '■ ^'">u will Kml n large force and Auckland's admirable instructions, on vuiii- airival in the China seas, I hope you will still be able to conclude the business this season, but if the contest must be jjrolonged, you have a tine undertaking before you, the secure establishment of our power in the China seas, and the opening of a great emporium to our commerce. This is worth a few years of exertion and expense. " Hefore closing my yesterday's letter upon the subject of your instructions, I sent it to Lord Palmerston, who entirely approves of it, so that you must consider it as conveying his opinions no less than mine. ' Till- new Parliament met on August the IQtli. The (ihieen's .speech expre.ssed regret at the failure of the nego- tiations with China, and that it had been necessary to call into action the forces sent to the China Seas. In the debate on the Address the Government was de- r.-ated by a mai(»rity of seventy-two in the Lords, a;id of ninety-one in the (Jonimons. The Ministers resigned. In the new Admini.stration formed by Sir Eobert Peel, Sir 184:1J THF LIFE CF SIK W. PAHKEK. 317 James Graham became Secretary for the Home Department, and the Board of Admiralty was composed oi — The Earl of Haddington. Admiral the Right Hou. Sir G. Cockburn, M.P. Admiral Sir Geo. Seymour. Vice- Admiral Sir William Hall Gage. Captain the Honourable W. Gordon. The Honourable Heury Corry, M.P. With the Honourable Sidney Herbert as Secretary. The new Clovernmeut sent out large reinforcements to China. From the Earl of AucLlnml. "A new field of troubles is opening itself to me here, and 1 am afiaid that tlie measures, which have become absolutely necessary, will occasion sc»nie disappointment to you. But there is no choice to u.s. The Burmese are assuming so formidable an attitude towards us. I hat we are obliged to collect, for the protection uf our ])rovinces, all the strengtli which is easily available, aiiJ even to prepare for their reinforcement. I must lioj^e that a show of vigour and preparation on • iiir part may induce tlie King of Ava to desist from the si-hemes which are imputeii to him, but he is violent and wilful, and I must avow to you that I am not very confident in my anticij)ati()n of our l>eing able to keep the peace. If, liowever, peace shoidd be ])reserved, Moulmein will have been but a ))lace of rendezvous for the reinforce- nient8 which liave been intended for you, and they will only have iieen detained from you for the .sea.son of the year during which they wifl have been of lea.st use. The 'Calliope' will sail on Tuesday, tlie 12th, in company with the '(Ganges' steamer, for M<»idmein, we are doing our best U) intercept at Penang, on their way from BombaA, tlie ' Ariadne' ami 'Medusa,' ami we are even ordering up, for a time, the 'Diana,' from the Straits. 1 hope that we may be able presently tx) aHsemble six or seven steamei-s at Moulmein ; and I need not tell you of what use they are likely to be either for purpo-ses of offence or defence in the event of an actual rupture with Ava. We need m-t speculate on the King of Ava's motives in his present ijroceedin".-. He may be calculating on our supposed weakness from the distant '■mployment of part of our forces. He may Ije led forward from his lelations with the (Jhinese. He may but be feeling the extent of our forbearance; but JiMsurediy his nie.usures are such as for the moment have left us no choice. We must gather strength for strength, and shall show oursr-lves unwilling to strike the first blow. Captain Halsltad hii6 been doing well for us, and has bpen exerting himself :\]R iiiK i.iFK or sii; w. i-akkkt;. [1.S41 itti'-icntly ill tho |»ivparjition of ffunhojvts, ami in all else within his |>iovinct' that eould In* useful to us. " I am saiUv eonscious of the l>ail (pialities of the Indian provisions, ami have lon^ urired an increased sui>]>ly from Enj^Iand. Your re- ipiisitiou for coals is late. I have immediately ordered one car<,'o of .">tX> tons to he sent to you, and another of 1,000 shall follow. Your instructions to Captain Nias are excellent. I will write to you again after the next overland mail shall have come in."' '' ' Wellesley,' at Amoy, "31st August, 1841. '•The Secretary of the .\dmiralty, '' I request yon will lay V)efore my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the accompanying copy of a despatch which I have addressed to the Right Hou()ural)le the Governor-General of India, detailing the proceedings of H.M.'s squadron under my command, in the capture of the City of Amoy and the Island of Golong-soo, with all their fortifications and defences, by the combined forces of the expedition on the 2(ith instant, on which event I beg to congratulate their Lordshi])s, and to reiterate my entire appi-ol)ati(»n of the gallantry and good conduct of all the Oflicers, .seamen, and Royal Marines of H.M.'s .squadron, as well as those of the Indian Navy and Bombay Artillerv under mv command." " ' Wellesley,' in the Bay of Amoy, "31st August, 1841. " The Right Honourable the Earl of Auckland, G.C.B., " It is with much gratification that I have the honour of announcing to your Lordship the capture of the Citv of Amoy and the Island of ( Jolong-soo (which forms the west side of the harbour) together with their strong lines of batteries, and sea defences mounting above 228 guns, by the combined forces of Her Majesty, after a short, but vigorous attack on the 26th instant, with very trifling loss on our part. "The expedition, comprising the .ships of war hereafter named, and ■2\ transjtorts, containing the land forces, military and victualling stores, &c., under the command of his Excellency Major-General Sir Hugh fJough, sailed from the anchorage of Hong Kong on the 21st, and fortunately arrived off the islands at the entrance of Amoy Bay" by sunset on the 25th. It was then beginning to blow strong, but favoured by a fair wind and good moonlight, with the advantage of the local knowledge of Ca|)tain Bourchier, of the ' Blonde,' the Fleet were puihed into till- bay, and anchored in secuiity for the night. 1?!41] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TARKFR. 819 "A few shot were disc-liarged at Her Majesty's ships as they passed between the fortified islands, but no mischief was done. " It blew too hard during the night to admit of any boats leaving the s]iij>s to sound, or make observations, but no time was lost after daylight in reconnoitring the Chinese positions, in which the General and Sir Henry Pottinger did me the favour to accompany me in the ' Phlegethon ' steam vessel. "We found the batteries and works of defence on the entire sea face strengthened by every means that the art of these active people could devise, presenting a succession of batteries and outworks, from the extreme outward points of this extensive bay, until within about three quarters of a mile of the entrance of the harbour, where a high l)arrier wall was constructed from the foot of a steej) and rocky moiuitain to a sandy beach on the sea, and from this latter point, a strong ca.semated work of granite, faced with soil, and occasional small bastions with parapets of stone, to afford flanking defences, was con tinned to the very suburl)s and entrance of the harbour, from whence were masked batteries with sand-bags, until opposite the north-east point of Golong-.soo Island, altogether l')2 guns. "On the island of Goloug-soo, which is the key of Amoy, strong batteries, mounting in all 76 guns, were placed in every commanding l>osition for flanking the approach to the harbour (which is scarcelv half a mile wide at the entrance) and protecting the accessible jxiints of landing. "As it was of the utmost importance with a view to ulterior opera- tion.s, and the advanced period of the present monsoon, that we should be delaves into Ihi'ir ajipointed pcisitions a I'nMiiMUMiealion w.-is received fioni the shore, ri-<|iiest ing to know the o'tji'd of our visit. :»20 iiiK i-ii'i-" '^1" •^"! '»^'- I'-vuKKR. [1841 •• Al>t)\it a .[uarUT jia.st 1, a steady and favourahk' hici'.ze liaving >ft in, tlie s(iua(lrrincipal battery, j)re- cisely in the position allotted them; and the 'Cruizer,' ' Pylades,' •Columlune,' and ' Al^erine' took their stations with equal jud<(ment. •' The ' lilonde,' ' Druid,' and ' Modeste ' reached their positions a"ainst the batteries on tiolong-soo a few minutes earlier, but their ciiptaina found such difficulty, from the shallowness of the water, ir. phiciu},' them satisfjutorily, that to effect this object tliey very spiritedly carried their shi]).s into almost their own draught. '■ The ' Bentinck ' had been ai)p<)inted to sound the channel ahead of the ' WeUesley ' as we ran in, which Lieutenant Collinson very skil- fully performed, and then L-allantly anchored the brig within the entrance of the harbour, where she was joined by the ' Sesostris,' which wiis placeil by Captain Ormsby in a very judicious situation for relieving her and the other ships from a flanking fire. "The fire of the Chinese soon slackened under the excellent gun practice of the squadron. At half-past 3 I had the satisfaction of seein'^ the Marines and 26th Regiment land on the island of Golong- soo, and the British colours i)lanted on the batteries. The ' Modeste ' and ' Blonde ' then weighed, and stood into the inner harbour, and after silencing as they passed the town batteries which were out of our reach, they anchored completely inside, and abreast of the city, taking possession of 26 war junks, with 128 guns on board, in a state of preparation for sea, but deserted by their crews. '• About the same time the first division of troops were landed under the able direction of Commander GifTard of the 'Cruizer,' and headed bv their gallant General, Sir Hugh (iough, escaladed and took pos- session of the works at the barrier wall. "An outwork beyond this point (which had been previously silenced) was also entered, and the Ijritish colours hoisted by the crew of a boat from the 'Phlegethon,' and the batteries immediately opjw- site the ' WeUesley' and ' Blenheim ' being nearly demolished, a party of seamen and marines was landed from those ships under the com- mand of Commander Fletcher, and the officers named in the margin,* ♦ "WeUesley," Acting- Lieutenant Carmichael, Lieutenant AVhite, I{.M. ; Mates, Lord A. Beauclerk, S. S. L. Crofton, L. G. Halsted ; Midshiptiian W. F. F. Jackson. "Blenheim," Captain Whitcomb, l;.M. ; Mates, K. C. Kevem, J. A. St. Leger. 1841] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 321 by whom, the Chinese, wlio had taken shelter in adjoining buildings, were put to flight, after discharging their matchlocks, and possession taken of the works. ''The General, having cleai'ed the intermediate space of such of tlh^ ( 'hiaese as remained, pushed forward and occixpied the heights imme- diately above the town for the night, every point being thus com- pletely in our power. '* In detailing this service to your Jjordship, I have the highest satisfaction in reporting the gallantry, zeal, and energy which has been manifested by every officer and man of Her Majesty's Navy and Royal Marines, as well as those of the Indian 'Sa.vy under my com- mand. They have vied with each other in the desire to anticipate and meet every object for the public service ; and are fully entitled to my best acknowledgments and the favourable consideration of the BoanJ of Admiralty and Indian Government. I have no less pleasure in witnessing the anxietj' which pervades all ranks to go hand-in- haml with our gallant companions of the Army. "H.E. Sir Henry Pottinger and suite were with me on board the ' Wellesley' during the operations of the 2(ith. " Captain Bourchier's own report will best describe the proceedings of the little sfjuadron placed under his orders for the attack of Golong- soo, which was admirably executed, and I can only add my meed of praise on this additional instance of the gallantry of Captain Ellis, and the officers and men of the Eoyal Marines under his command, as well as of Major Johnston and the detachment of the 26th acting with them. " The accounts we have received of the force of the Chinese for the defence of Amoy vary from 5,600 to 10,000 troops ; and it is with sincere pleasure T am enabled to ti'ansmit your Lordship so small a list of casualties amongst the crews, and masts, and rigging of the sfjuaw at u time. In short, the Chinese iiad exerciselaiii ( 'ntton and Lieutenant Johnston, of tlie Madras Kngineors. It was calculated that the advance of tlie two columns of trooj»s, by tlifferent routes, would not only secure every point on the right bank, but cut oft' the reti'eat of many of the Chinese ; and by a simultaneous bombardment of the citadel and city by the R(]uadron we i"iteit lined contideiit hope of complete success, which has been happily lealised in every respect. " On the evening of the !)th the whole of the squadi op and the transports were anchored of!" Chinhae, in convenient situations for the intended operations ; and at an early hour on the following morning, the troojis proceeded in the 'Queen,' 'Nemesis,' and 'Phlegethon' steamers, and the lioatsof the transports, to the points of debarkation, where the 'Cruizer,' 'Columbine,' and ' Bentinck,' most judiciously took up their position under the directions of Commander Giffard. A few shot from them cleared the shore of about 30'^ of the Chinese, who had assembled to oppf>se the landing, and by half-past nine o'clock, under his excellent arrangements, every man was safe on shore. " The ' Wellesley,' ' Blenheim,' ' Blonde,' and ' Modeste,' were appointed to cannonade the citadel and eastern part <)f the city walls, and the ' Sesostris,' 'Queen,' and 'Phlegethon,' after landing the trooj)s, and towing up the ships to their stations, to shell the citadel in flank, and enfilade any of the batteries in the harbour which their '4uns conld bear upon. The ' Nemesis' to join in the attack on the north side, in readiness to covei- the landing of the seamen and marines as soon aj* it became practicable. " Tlie citadel hill cannot be ajiproached for an attack by large ships, excejit on the north side, and the water in that direction is so shallow that it is only in the calmest weather that they can be carried with safety sufficiently near to fire with effect. The day was fortunately everything we could desii'e, and the ' Wellesley,' as soon as the tide .served, was towef scaling the city wall, a third and formidable exphisioji took lA.ttv at tiiiu" it was most jiiox iil.ntial that tlu' consequences were not mon' disastrous. " Tlu- scanu-u innneiliately retmned on board for the security of the ships, whuli witli tlie rising tide were raoved into secure berths. Captain llfrht-rt reniaiiiod with the marines in charge of the town iintii thi- evening, when Sir J high Oongh arrived, and a considerable proportion of trot)ps was conveyed across the river in the ' Phlegethon ' to garrison it. " I have sincere plejisure in again bringing before your Lordship's notice tlie galhiutry and excellent conduct of every ofHcer and man of Her Majesty's ships raid the Indian Navy under my command. "To Captain Herbert my best acknowledgments are due for his zeal for the public service, and animating example on all occasions ; and lie sjieiiks in strong terms of commendation of the gallant support he received from Captain Bourchier, of the ' Blonde,' Major Ellis, of the Royal ISfarines. and the officers and men of every description attached to the force placed under his command, of which, and of tiiose emjiloyed in the boats, I transmit a list, and cordially join in every praise that can be bestowed on them. I must also state that although Cajitains Maitland and Eyres were not directly attached to the l)attalion of seamen and maiines which disembarked, they landed at the same time, and accompanied them in their operations. " To C'aj)tain Maitland,* of my tiagshij), I feel much indebted for the able and zealous assistance which he at all times affords me ; and my obligations are equally due to Caiitain Eyres for the invaluable services of the ' Modeste.' \ "Tile activity and ardour of Commanders Giffard, Clarke, Fletcher, and Watson, and of Lieutenant Collinson, in command of the ' Ben- tinck,' have been eminently displayed in tliis and every other oppor- tunity ; and I have no less pleasure in bearing testimony to your Lordshij) that the same spirit of enterprise and zeal has been con- spiciKuisly evinced by Commander Ormsby, Lieutenant McCleverty, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Warden, and indeed by every officer and man in the steam-vessels attached to the expedition.. '• I may be permitted also to notice tliat my Flag-Lieutenant, Charles Tenr.ant, l)as attended me in every operation since 1 took command of the squadron, and his zeal and attention is deserving of my In'ghest approbation. " By official Chinese d(Mjumeuts found in Chinhae we have good reason to believe that the regular Tartar troops quartered on the Idth in the city, and batteries on the left bank of the river, amounted to upwards of 3,000, of wliich about 700 composed the garrison of the (itadel on J(jss JLiUsc Hill j their loss on these points is calculated at 150 men. * Tlie late Admiral of the Fleet the Earl of Lauderdale. 1841] THE LIFE OF SIK W. TAliKER. • 327 "The troops opjwsecl to Sir Hugh Gough were estimated at 10,000 ;iud tliey have sustained a heavy loss, but uo amount of force as yet met with in this countr\' can withstand the gallant band under his command, into which the active and energetic example infuses unbounded conlidence. " The total number of guns which have fallen into our hands amounts to 9U iron and 67 brass ; the latter will be embarked without delay in one of the transjiorts, with a large quantity of metal whicli has been found in a cannon foundry at Chinhae." "To the Earl of Auckland. "'Modeste,' off Ningpo^ 14th October, 1841. " It is with feelings of tiie greatest satisfaction that I have now the honour of addressing your Lordship from the anchorage off the walls of Ningpo, on which tlie British colours are flying. " The progress of the expedition has been greatly favoured by the tine weather, which enabled it to complete the reduction of Chinhae on the 10th in.stant, and to phice the large ships and ti'ansports on the following day at a safe anchorage, after landing the requisite supplies for the army, for the wind changed to the north-east on the 12th, and blew strong ; the shij)s, however, were all in security, the ' Bh)n(l»',' with the sloops and steamers, and part of the transports, having found sufficient water and excellent shelter within the Tahae River, a few of the piles being taken out for their admission. "I removed on the 11th to the ' Modeste,' and that no time miglit be lost in prosecuting our further operations, 1 directed Captains MaitlaiKi and Herbert, when the ' Wellesley ' and ' Blenheim ' were anchored off ' Just-in-tlie-way,' to return by one of the steam- vessels, with the Itoats and loO seamen from each shi|), in readiness to advance CPU Xingjto ; anf a garrison for Chinhae and the cit'idel) were consequently embarked on tlw fnll.iwing morning in the 'SesoHtris,' ' (.^ueen,' ' I'hlegethon,' and ' Nemesi.s,' and ;528 Till': lifk oi" siu w. pakkkr. [1841 tlio sn|)fnHiiner;vry seameii .iiul iii.uiiios wore distiilxited in tin- ' >[.Kle8to,' ' C'ruizeiV ' C.'ohuubine,' uud ' Beiitinck,' the ' Blonde ' being ordered to remain at C'hinhae for the support of the garrison. "Sic II. Pottinger and the (ieneral accompanied me in the • M.xleste,' and the expeilition proceeded np the river soon after nine a.m., but, owing to some unavoidal)le dela v.s, did not reach Ningpo until two I'.M., when the 'Nemesis' and ' Phlegethon,' wliich con- tained a large portion of the troops, anchored within a few feet of a floating bridge, which connects the city at its east gate with the suburbs across the river. The men were disembarked with tlie greatest facility by stages from the bows of these vessels, the battalion of seamen and marines nnder Captain Herbert landing at the same time in the suburbs on tlie city siile, a short distance below them. "The gates of the city were all fcund secured and barricaded, but an entrance was soon forced, when Her Majesty's forces marched in, and took possession without a symptom of resistance being indicated in any (juarter. The Mantlarius and troojis had all left the city, the latter having, since their defeat at Ghinhae, refused to light. " Her Majesty's sloops and the steam-vessels are anchored under the walls of the city, and his Excellency the General is actively exerting himself in securing all the Government property on shore, and endeavouring to establish order, and prevent the pillage of this populous and opulent ])lace, where I am happy to say, such of the i-espectable inhabitants who have remained evince much less apprehen- sion at the presence of the English than was exhibited either at Amoy or Chusan. \ " From the number of the large junks found in the river the trade with Ningpo by sea must be extensive, but an embargo will be laid on all vessels until measures can be concerted for our further proceedings. " A few war junks, and a trifling amount of naval stores, have fallen into our hanJ.s.' From Ills Excellevcy Sir Henry Pottinger. Memorandum. " Ningpo, 1 4th October, 1841. "Tlieir Excellencies, the Admiral and General, are fully aware from my verbal communications, tliat in coming up to Ningpo, I looked forward with considerable .satisfaction to the plundering of the city, not only as an act of retribution for the insults inflicted by its authorities on oni people who were confined here, but as an example and warning to other places. After the manner in which the cityh.xs con)e into our hands, I feel that to suggest such a proceeding would 3 841] THE LIFE OF iiiu w . I'ai;ki:r. 329 be equally iulmman and impolitic ; and I am further satisfied that if I coidd even liring myself to make such a proposition, it would be at f>nce rejected by their Excellencies. I, however, consider it my dvity to recommend that we should remove, carry away, or utterly destroy all public property (in which I include whatever belonged to the Emperor or his ofMcei*s) togethei- with the public buildings of every description or denomination, aiul the official residences of the authorities, the granaries, timber yards, war junks, antl l)oats. I would carry this work of destruction of whatever buildings may be public to the extremest point by even throwing down their walls, and burning any fui'niture or other articles found in them that may not be worth, or be too heavy, or cumbersome, for removal. "Simultaneously with tlie stejjs suggested above, I would beg to propose that a jiroclamation in their Excellencies', and my own name shall be extensively circulated, and placarded all over the city, set- ting forth the motives thai had induced us to spare the property of private individuals. I would allude to our having done the same at Amoy, because it had long traded with our Straits Settlements, and at Tinghae, because the inhabitants of the Chusan Islands have, for the time being, become subjects of Her Majesty the Queen of England, and a.s such are sure of our protection. I would lini.sh the ])roclam;ttion by warning the people against plundering each other, or committing any other excesses, and intimate to them that so long .us we stand here they might open their shops and carry on their usual occupations without any apprehension. " Should their Excellencies approve of the jjroclamation I suggest, I will have it prepared in the Chinese language at the earliest moment, and in the meantime steps may be taken to fiu(f out, and place guards over, all the public buildings and property preparatory to its removal and demolition." Fruiii I III' Earl of Aackiaml^ O'uvvniur-Gcncnd of Indid. "Parracki>ore, nth November, 1H4!. " We liad late accounts yesterday from Ava. Tin- India steamer left Moulniein f>n the 31st of October. The King of Ava was at Rangoon. The following of his camp amounted to at least 2(MM)(H) pfTMons, of whom about 70,0(K) wrrc said to be armed men. He in building a ri pieceM of <;nuion. In the intercourse wliieh lias taken plaie between our ollicers an0 Till". I.ITK OF SIR W. PARKER. [1841 whiih we are sending'. 1 nuist lu>i>i' that this state of things will he brought to an issue before the winter has passeil, ami tliat it may not interfere willi tlic arrangonients wliicli we nii>;iit (K-sirc to make for you. "1 was giail to loani by the late P^nglish mail tiiat tlie new Ciovernnient ii England h:is determined upon strongly supporting your expedition. We shall send you, unless strange events of dittirulty should occur here, such as at present are most unlikely, about four thousand of onr native troops— and some artillery— recruits to vour European regiments and some men of the rocket corps will be sont from England. You will also have two acUlitional steamers ' Memnon ' and ' Akbar.' The first to sail in December— the seconil in February— each being of 1,100 tons and 400 horse-power. Besides which we are promised that ' SparUin ' 26 Honourable C. G. Elliot, ' Harlequin ' 16 Honourable G. Hastings, 'J)ido' 18 Honourable H. Keppel, 'Serpent' 16 Commander Searle, ' Siren ' 16 Commander Smith, shall also sail in December to relieve some of your ships. The latter of which may be retained if required. I am writing in extreme haste to-day and have hardly time to say more, but by the next com- munication to you I will enter more precisely and officially into detail. Y.iu are strcJtfgly recommended to provide every steamer, ship-of- war, and transport with such booms as she can conveniently carry to guard against fire rafts, each boom being at least 3i.x.ty feet long, and iiaving an iron chain and hooks, so that several booms may be firmly joined together. A number of light anchors will be sent from England to Singapore, to be at jour disposal for these defences. We are send- ing U> you 1,100 tons of dbal, and as Uiuch to Singapore, and will endeavour to make up the amount for you to 4,000 tons. It may be worth your while if you have i miles in water which only exceeded l)y 3 feet the draught of this ship. " I found that Commander Wat.son, with Mr. Forster, master of the 'Modeste,' liad iieen indefat igalde since their arrival, making obser- vation.s and sounding the narrow ciiannel by wiiich alone the Woosujig river can he approached. Tlie banks at the entrance were lined with strong l)atteries, the we.stern side ]iresenting for :{ miles an uninter- rupted fortitied embankment, mounting I'M guns I)etween the < ily of I'aoushan and the village of Woosung; this village is bouinleil liy a creek, on the opposite l)ank of which a semicircular battery mounting 10 2t-i)oiinders wjLHerccieil to flank the entrance of tlu; liver ; a strong fort, moiniting 21 guns, at the eastern enlrame of the Woosung com- pleted tlie sea defences, making a total of 175 giin.s, which were all placed in judicioiiH positionB. ♦"'Blonde,' 'Columbine,' 'Jupiter,' troop-ship, ' Phlcgethoii/ 'Tenanserim,' ' Medusa,' steam-veasela." :'.;'4 TiiK i.iFK 01' siK \Y. rAi.'KKi;. [1(S42 "The (listiiiK-e between the last-mentioned foit im tlie east side anandoneo])s in tliat qnaitcr. On pficcivino- this inovpmeiit, tlie main Uoily of tliosoanu'ii and marines wliicli whtc already in the boats immodiatoly disembarked opposite the ' ('ornwallis ' aiitiun8, commandeis, officers, and men of all ranks in the Royal and Indian Navy and Royal Marines under ray command ; it would be almost invidious to particularize, where all have displayed the same emulative spirit of enterprise and zeal, the whole being entitled to my unqu.ilified commendation, but from the special position of my Flag Captain, I may be allowed, without prejudice to the.se .sentiments, to express my acknowledgments for the valu.ible assistance which I at all times derive from the unwearied exertions and good judgment of Captain Peter Richards, and I may add that my Secretary, Mr. Benjamin Chimino, and Flag Lieutenant Charles E. Tennant, have invariably attenderl me on every occasion of service with the most praiseworthy zeal. " It is iin|)ossible to state accurately either the force or loss of the (Jhinese, as they are quick in removing those who have suffered, but 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 337 from the number of bodies found in different directions, I cannot estimate their killed at less than 100, and a i)roportionate number of wounded, and, from various accounts, they must have had from 5,000 to 10,000 men for the defence of Woosuno- and Paoushan. "]\rany additional guns have fallen into our hands at and to the northward of the city ; a considerable number of those taken are of copper, which we are now embarking in the ships of war and trans- ports, and as soon as the destruction of the Chinese military stores is completed the General and myself propose to advance on the city of Shanghae. " Guns. Light guns. Total. " 79 from 24- to T-pounders 86 165 " " Proclamation. "Pottioger, Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary, &c., &c., makes this clear exposition for the information of all the people of the count ly. " Under the canopy of heaven, and within the circumference of earth, many are the different countries ; but of the multitude of these not one is there that is not ruled by the Supreme Heavenly Father, nor are there any that are not as Brethren of one Family. Being then of one family, very plain is it, that they should hold friendfy and i)rotherly intercourse together, and not boast themselves one above the other. But England, coming from the utmo.st West, has hehl intercourse with (.'liina in this utmost East, for more than twd centuries pa.st, and during this time the English have suffered ill- treatment from the Chinese officers, who, regarding themselves as powerful, and us as weak, have thus dared to commit injustice. The English, unwilling to enter into contest with them, had borne such treatment for many years till, in the year 183!), the Emjjeror of China, having determined to jjrohihit effectually the importation of opium, sent a Special ( 'ommissioner, Sin Tsesen, to conduct the arrangements for that purpose, and that ofH.-ci-, finding himself unable to seize the actual offenders of each nation, in place of con- sulting, and concerting measures with the several national oihcers rnsi.ling in China (as it w.-is his proper duty to have done), had the audacity forci!)ly to confine in Canton the Knglish offi(!ers and people, and at the name time threatening thcni with dcith. His oIjjccI was, by extorting from thoni what opinm tlini' might that year !><• in China, to gain favour with his Eiup.Tor ; and the Kn^^lisli officos at Canton, seeing the |>osition of things, commandeii the Knj,'lihh merchants, in tlie name of their Sovereign, that they hIiouIcI deliver up, for the ransom of tlieni.selves from tiiis position of extreme :538 Till-: LIFE OF SIR W. I'AKKEU. [1842 (liUiiriM-, whatever opidia they miLflit liave in the Chinese waters. Heie is one threat oU'ence coniuiitteil by tlie Chinese officers against I lie I'jii^lish. "The Sovereign of Great Britain, in consequence of this and nuiiienuis siiliseqiu iit a-ts of injustice, appointed as Her Envoys the Ailniiral Klliot and Ellit>t the ,Su])erinteiulent at Canton, to whom jointly full powers were given for the settlement of affairs with China. And, having in consideration the many past acta of injustice of the Chinese officers, Her Majesty directed the Admiral to take com- mand of a condjined naval and land force, and to quarter it at one of the islands on the Chinese coast ; Her instructions being, that if the ( 'hinese Government were willing to admit its errors and afford redress, a peaceful arrangement of ati'airs should be concluded : but otherwise, if justice and recompense were refused, that the standard of justice should be raised, and its claims enforced by war. The Admiral, &c., thereupon proceeded to the Peiho, and then presented a letter from the Minister of Great Britain, which the Minister and Governor Keshen transmitted for the consideration of all the Ministers to Peking. After this, Keshen wrote to the Adnural stating that affairs which concerned Canton it was difficult to arrange so far off, and that if the Admiral, &c., would proceed to Canton, it wciiild not need long to arrange affairs there. The high English otticers, still desiring peace, consented to this, and proceeded to Canton, where they met Keshen, and had frequent coiumunications with him, both written and personal. Arrangements were not yet concluded when the Ministers of Peking, men without truth or good faith, induced the Enij)eror to recall Keshen, and send instead a (ienei-al Tishau, to fight and war with the English, so that the English were actually compelled by these proceedings to take the Bocca Tigris and the line of defences from thence upwards, and to bi-ing Canton itself to sid)mission, and to take from it a ransom for the ])unishmeut of such ill-faith. In this ill-faith of the Chinese Minister we have a second grand instance of offence against England. "Tlie High Commissioner Ynkien, and other High Officers, Generals, &c., in the several proi'inces, in repeated instances, when they have found our people cast by weather on their coasts, or enticed by evil men on shore, have, being dead to all good and honest feeling, dared to put the captives thus brought into their hands, to a tyrannical and cruel death ; and have deceitfully and falsely reported the cases to the Emperor, or lyingly published proclamations to the people, wherein they have invented tales of lengthened contests and seizure of vessels in battle, with slaughter of many j)eople. Thus falsely did Yukien declare last year the circumstances of the English occupation of Chusan ; thus did General Yushan pietend that he had destroyed many vessels ; the (Governor Ten Petao that he had by force of arms 1842] THE LItE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 339 recovered Amoy — the ' Taotai,' on Formosa, when shipwrecked, had cast men on tliat island — that he had gained a victory over them in battle ; and the General Yihking, in May last, that he had destroyed many vessels, and killed a mnltitude of men at C'hnsan, when not one vessel was injured, nor a single hostility that would bring home to their own persons and families the evils of war, the Plenipotentiary, &c., proclaims for general information this clear exposition. " Dated in the Yang-tse-kiang, the 5th day of July, in the year 1842." " To the Secretary of the Admiralty. "24th June, 1842. "In anticipation of our advance on Shanghai, communicated in my letter of the 17th instant, I l)eg to acquaint you, for the information of my Lords ( 'omnnssioners of the Admiralty, that the 'Phlegethon' and 'Medusa' were dispatched up the river on that day with Com- mander Kellett, to ascertain if any obstruction might be expected either from the Chinese forces or want of water for the steam vessels in their passage witii the troops, but they returned in a few hours, having been stdjtped by two strong batteries on each side of the river about six miles above Woosung, that on the left bank mounting forty -six, and ou the npj)o.site fourteen guns, the latter opened a distant but ineffectual tire on the steam vessels. "The ' Modeste,' 'Columbine,' and 'Clio,' towed by the 'Nemesis,' ' Phlegetlion,' and ' Pluto,' were therefore immediately sent in advance, with directions to Commander Watson to take up a jHisition as near a.s possible to these batteries witl-out drawing their tire, until the expeoatM fmm their respective sliips toa-ssist in landing the troops. A force of about 000 men, includint; some lioi-se artillery, z2 340 THE LIFE OF SIK W. I'AlJKER. [1842 wiTo also (lispatclicd by tlio rjeiit'iiil hy land towards Shanghai, which is iilioiit twt'lvt' niik's fn>ui WoosmiLC. "With tlu' t'X«fi>tion of one or two narrow channels we found no ditticulty ill ii.ivi<,'atiu<,' this splendid river, and by half-past one oVkx-k liad appruaclicd witiiiii sii,dit of the city, when the 'North Star,' wiiicii was leadiiij,', ul>seived a range of batteries at the north end of it, which soon afterwards opened a distant tire without doing any mischief ; the squadron were then directed by signal to cast oti" the steainois and engage, when the ships promptly shot into close positions, and on tlie discharge of two well-directed broadsides from the 'North Star 'and ' Modeste,' by which four guns were dismounted, and a few gwns from the steam vessels, tlie Chinese fled with precipi- tation, and t'ai»tain Bourchier immediately landed with the seamen and marines and took possession of the batteries, on which forty-nine guns (seventeen of brass) were mounted, and a considerable quantity of arm-i of difierent descriptions ; the whole of which, with the exception of the brass guns, was destroyed. " The troops disembarked in the city from the steam vessels nearly at the same time, when they were joined by the party tliat marched from Woosnng, whicli had previously entered on the west side, but the Mandarin autliorities had all fled, and the principal inhabitants were departing as fast as possible in every direction. "The 'Columbine' and 'Medusa' were sent to the southward of the city to endeavour to check this depopulation, but although the river at Shanghai is not less than 650 yards wide, it was literally covered with junks and boats of all sizes carrying off furniture and goods ; the respectable inhabitants, however, that did remain, appeared to regard us with less apprehension than I had anywhere before seen, and they freely produced the supplies of provisions, &c., that were required. We were infonned that the day before our arrival a serious atl'ray had occurred between the inhabitants and the Mandarin party, and several lives had been lost in consequence of the heavy exactions of the latter, for the avowed purpose of defending the place, and their hasty abandonment of it on our approach. " A large quantity of guns, arms, and other munitions of war, as well as an abundant store of rice, was found in the arsenal and maga- zines at Shanghai, and while the laud forces were occupied in examin- ing and destroying them, and the ships in getting off" the brass guns, &c., feeling it very desirable to a.scertain, as far as it was practicable, the navigable course of the river, and other water communications of tlie interior, Cajjtain Bourchier and Commander Kellett proceeded on the 2iith with the ' riilegethon ' and 'Medusa,' the barge and some marines of the 'Cornwallis,' and a boat of the ' Columbine,' for thirty miles without interruj^tion, when two batteries of five guns each were oljserved on the lift liank in the sujiposed vicinity of Sungkiang, they were, however, abandoned on the aiJ])roach of the steam vessels, and 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 341 Lieutenant Wise with the boats and marines of the 'Coniwallis' landed and destroyed them without resistance, although a consider- able body of trooj)s had assembled within a short distance. " Captain Bourchier's report of his progress up the river was so satisfactory that I determined to prosecute the examination still further, and accordingly proceeded on the following day, with the addition of the ' Nemesis,' and we succeeded in ascending thirty-seven miles in a direct line, and forty-seven including the sinuosities of the river, above Shanghai, where we were stopjied by the shallowness of the water at the entrance of a large lagoon, but having spoken with some small junks loaded with coal which left Suchanfu only on the preceding, day, we satisfactorily ascertained that there is a water com- munication from tin Woosung River with that rich and populous city, and that we had actually reached within twenty-five miles of it, with encouraging hopes that the small steamers may convey troops within a short distance of it, should it be desirable. " Commander Kellett's zeal in this service, and in every other in which lie i« engaged, exceeds all praise, and I have the satisfaction of herewitii tmnsmitting for their Lordships' information, a sk«tch which he ha.s dmwnnvith nau-h abilitv of tlie course of the Woosnu'^, from its entraJice as fur as we have proceeded, it will convey to their Lord- ships the best idea^of the locality in which we have been operating, and I trust prove a satisfactory addition to our present geographical knowledge of these parts. " The troops were all embarked at Shanghai early in the morning of the 2;3rd, when the squadron dropped down the river, and they were, in the course of the afternoon, transferred to their respective trans- ports at the anchorage off Woosung. " The surveying vessels and light ships of the sqtiadron will now proceed uj) the Yang-tze-kiang, and tlnir Lordships may depend that no time will be lost in proceeding with tlie expeditionary force in }ir<>- wecutiou of further operations." Lord StinUy, Secretary of State fvr the Colonial Department, to the Lords of tlie Admiralty. Extract. " Downing Street, 4th June, 1842. " It restH with Her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affaii-s (o j)reHcril(e to Her Maj.isty's I'Icnipotciitiary those duties wliidi it is iiiteMili-ij to devrilve ujton liim exclusively. " In all mattei-H which exclusively ajtportain to military or naval operations, n..M. Phiiiipotentiary is to consider the Lii'utcnant-General and Vice-A8l expedient. ;142 TiiK I, IKK OF sii: w. r.\RKr,i{. [1842 " But questions iiuist fivqinMitly occur which cannot he considered as exchwively civil, mililar.v. or naval, l-nt as hearing to some extent on the (.jHTations of caiii of the three hranches of tlie .service. It is the wish of LI..M. (.Jovernnient that on such occasions U.M. IMeniix)- teuiiarv. the Vice-.\dmiral, and Lieutenant-General, whin in inuue- ■ liate proximity to each other, shouKl meet and confer to-jtether with tlie utnio.st ])o*ssihle frankness and unreserve ; that each ))arty shouhl naturally weij,di the statements and sug^^'estions of the other, but that tiie (luestion should nut ultimately be decided by a plurality of votes. " In every case where after discussion a ditference of opinion should still prevail, it is the wish of H.M. Government that the oHieei-, whethir civil, or military, or naval, upon whom, if the views of all jHU-ties had coincided, the execution of the measure agreed upon would have devolveil, should decide for himself, and should execute his decision on his own judgment and responsibility." " To the Secretary of the Admiralty. " ' Cornwallis,' off the city of Chin-kiang-foo, at the entrance of the South (jrand Canal in the Yang-tze-kiang, " 26th July, 1842. " It is with great satisfaction that I announce to the Lords (joni- mi.ssioners of the Admiralty, the safe arrival of the China expeditionary force off the Island of Kinslian, at the entrance of the Grand Canal in the Yang-tze-kiang, and that the city of Chin-kiang-foo was taken I)O.S8es8iou of by Her Majesty's combined forces on the 21st instant, after vigorous assaults on three points, and a determined resistance by the Tartar troops, who lined the walls for its defence on every part comprising a circumference of four miles and a quarter. " The sqtiadron and transports, amounting altogether to seventy- three sail, left Woo.sung on the 6th instant, ascending this noble river in five divisions, preceded by the surveying vessels, small steamers, sloops, and my flagship. " The intricate ]iarts of the channel, delineated in Captain Bethune's chart, having been previously buoyed by the surveying officers, the fleet succeeded in reae exjiected that a distance of 170 miles, in a river of whifh the dangers in the greater portion were altogether nnknown, and with rapid tit three days afterwards, but they were abandoned on a few guns being opened on them by the ' Modeste,' aixl the whole, together with the barracks and magazines, were completely destroyed by a ])arty of seamen and marines, which were landed for the purpose from the 'Cornwallis' and advanced squadron under Commander Charles Richards of this ship. " The fleet was detained some days off Sessan by scant winds, ami at this j)oint we lost tiie advantage of any rim of Hood tide, the stream constantly setting down at a rate varying from two and a-half to three and a-half miles an hour, with a rise and fall of water averaging two feet. "On the 15th, CVmimander Kellett, in prosecuting the examination of the river with the ' Phlegethon ' and ' Medusa,' was opposed at the entrance of the narntw channel l)etwecn the Island of Tscaoushnn and a commanding promontory on its south side, by a battery i>{ twelve guns, which were soon silenced by the steam vessels, with much credit to Lieutenants McCiev^rty and Hewitt ; and the same afternoon Sir Hugh Gough and myself ])roceeded with the 'Vixen' and 'Medusa' to reconnoitre tlie apjtroaches to Chin-kiang, when we not only found tiie battery and a,' 'Calliope,' 'Chiider.s,' ' i'lover,' ami 'Starling,' to blockade tiie entranle position for tiiis objw^t above Kinshan, by whicrh it is estiniateil that the tratlic of not less tlian 700 junks has been intercepted, A parly was also lan0 vards of the iu)rtli-e:ist angle of the walls, and so little was resist- aiice expected against such a comhinatiou of foi*ce, that it was not deemed necessary to add the seamen and marines from the squadron. " The dis(eiubarkatioi), which commenced on the 21st at break of day, was judiciously conducted by Commander Ricliards, of the ' Corn- wallis,' covered by tlie ' Auckland,' the small steam vessels, and armed boats, witliout opposition. " The first brigade, under Major-General Lord Saltoun, as soon as it wiis formed, moved forward to attack the entrenched camp, whicli wjus gallantly carried about nine o'clock after a short resistance, the Chinese precijiitately retii-ing over the hills. " Major-General Schoedde, with the second brigade, about the same time :iscended the heights assigned him on the river side, and after discharging some rockets in the city, and supported by a well-directed fire of shot and shells from the ' Auckland ' steam vessel, he gallantly imshed forward, under a smart fire of cannoii, gingalls, ami musketry from the walls, and entered that jioint of tlie city by escalade about ten o'clock. "Captain Grey, of the 'Endymion,' accompanied tliis brigade, Captain Bourchier and other naval officers attached themselves to the forces which attacked on the lanerations of the day. "The city gates were all strongly barricaded, and as it was Sir Hugh Grjugh's intention to escalade the walls in the direction of the south gate, some guns were advanced on a. height to dislodge the troops, witii which it was now observed the ramparts were lined, but the canal was found to ran close under its walls, which rendered an iiMnuh at tills point impracticable. It was, therefore, determined to blow open the west gate with powcler-bags, and enter tli,„- city by the 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 345 bridge at that point, as soon as the third brigade, under Majur- General Bartley (which was the last landed), could assemble. " During tliese proceedings, the boats of the ' Blonde,' in an anxious desire to laud the artilleiy guns as near as jtossible to the west gate, unfortunateh' advanced by the canal under the city walls, which were nauch obscured by buildings, before they were aware of the force to which they became exposed, and thus fell under a very severe fire, by whicli sixteen men out of twenty-four, which formed the crews of the 'Blonde's' barge and flat boat, and two olficei-s and eight men of the Madras Artillery were wounded ; and it was only by great presence of mind that Lieutenant Crouch of that ship, after receiving three wounds, succeeded in getting the men from those boats landed in the suburbs on the opposite side, and removed the other boats from a jjosition in which it was impossible to use their guns. " Not a moment was lost in communicating this casualty to the flag- .ship, when Captain Kichards, with excellent judgment and prumptituile, immediately landed with '200 marines at the entrance of the canal, where he was joined by a detachment of 300 of the 6th Madras Native Infantry, under Captain Maclean of that cnr])s, and ptished through the suburbs to the city walls, while the whole of the boats of the 'Cornwallis,' with their guns, under the command of Lieutenant Stoddart, advanced by the canal on his right flank. This little flotilla having joined the Ijoats of the ' Blonde,' took uj) an excellent position and oitened their tire with good eti'ect in checking tiiat of the Chine.>^e at the west gate. " Captain Richards had determined, if po.-sible, to scale the walls, in the hope of forming a junction with (General Schoed«le's brigade in the city ; and having foi tunately discovered a heap of rubbish from whicli his ladders could reach the parapet (about thirty feet high), lie was in the act of rearing them when C(»miiianf the ' Modesto,' were the fir.st who a.scended. The two former were wounded and tln' last killed by the fire from the west gate, in this intrepid acliifvemenf. The remainder of the g.allant liand, inc-luding part of the (Jlh Madnus Native Infantry, happily followed without further loss, thus ctictting an import^'int Irxlgnient in tin- suburbs of the city, between the outer and inner west gates, where they shortly afd-rwards eouiuiunicated with the advance of Majfu-Ceneral Schoediles brigade. "Aljout noon, the arrangements for forcing the west outer gate being completed, it was most effectually blown in, when tlie tliirstoil, were at the saiiie time coiiii)leteIy enveloped in flames. Tlie Tartans, however, williin tlie city were still unsubdued, and havin^^ eolli'fti'd in a larjjo body, the IStli and 4!)th Regiments in advancing bv (he ramparts about haif-an-lumr after the explosion of the gate, were suddeidy fired upon and unfortunately sustained a severe loss of (irticoi-s and men, altliough tlicir ojijioncnts suffered in a tenfold degree. "Tlie seamen and marines, under Captain Richards, were at this time hailing for tem])orary rest on another part of the ramparts, but immediately advanced in tiie direction of the firing, and in ]>assing along a narrow street in the Tartar city, received a volley from a con- siderable body of those troops who had posted themselves at a gate- way, where they seemed inclined to make a determined stand, but on the advance of our men and the discharge of a few rockets they retired, leaving several men dead ; and many others who had the temerity to tire from the houses as our men passed along the streets, shared the same fate. In this movement, I regret to say that Lieutenant Fitz- jaraes, one seaman, and one marine of the ' Cornwallis,' were severely wouufled. ^ "The operations of this day were executed under a burning sun with the thermometer above 90"", and the loss of life in consequence has been serious ; in addition to those killed and wounded in action, I have to lament the loss of Brevet-Major Uiiiacke, an old and dis- tinguished officer of the Royal Marines, and one private of the ' Plover,' who died from the effect of the sun, and I fear the army did not lose less than sixteen from the same cause. " The movements tvere so entirely military, that I can but express my admiration of the energy and ability with which they were con- ducted by my gallant colleague the General, and it is with renewed pleasure that I again report the zeal and gallantry evinced by every officer and man of the Royal and Indian Navy and the Royal Marines under my command, which has been equally manifested in bringing the fleet up this river, as in the subsequent operations on shore, in which they have been engaged. " I enclose a list* of the ships present in the Yang-tze-kiang, of the killed and wounded, and also of the names of the officers of the sfpiadron who were from circumstances most conspicuously engaged on tile 21.st. " It was unnece.s.sary to speak further on the share which Captain Richards and his comjjanions had in the assault on the outworks of the city, they will, no doubt, be ])vop('r!y appreciated by their Lord- ships. " Lieutenant Tennant, my Flag Lieutenant, took a prominent part in the attack of the Tailar troops in the city. ^ * See " London Gazette." 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. . 347 " Lieutenant Fitzjames (severely wounded), and a liiglily deservincj officer, has already distinguished himself on diffei-ent occasions. " Lieutenant Stoddart showed excellent judgment and good conduct n command of the flotilla of armed boats. " Lieutenant Crouch, of the ' Blonde,' I have already noticed ; antl the steadiness of Messrs. Jenkins and Lyon, Midshipmen of that ship, who were in the advanced boats, is spoken of as highly creditable to them. " Captains Loch and Napier, R.N., who accompanied the expedi- tion as volunteers, also participated in the active operations of the day. " The loss of the land forces, I fear, is not less than 19 kiled and 107 wounded in action, 3 missing, and 16 who died from the eflects of the sun ; that of the Chinese must be immense, as, independently of those who fell in action, incredible numbers of the Tartars (in some cases including whole families) have unhappily died by their own hands ; their force within the city is supposed to have amounted to three or four thousand. " Twenty guns were mounted on the walls, which, with numerous gingalls, matchlocks, and other aims, and a considerable (piantity of powder, have all been destroyed ; about 50,000 tloLlars worth of .Sycee silver was also found in the Treasury, which has been embarked. " The troops intended for the operations higher up the river will be re-emljarked as soon jis possible, and as the report of the navigation upwards is favourable, I trust the expeditionary forces will soon renew operations at Nanking, if not arrested by overtures for peace from the Chinese Government, which may be consistent with the terms intimated by H.M. Government." "To the Secretary of the Admiralty. , " 'Cornwallis,' off the city of Nanking, 29th August, 1842. "It is with feelings of extreme gi-atitication that I have the honour of announcing to the Lords Cearitig my flag, off the city of Nanking, on the terms specitied in tlie enclosed copy of his Excellency Sir Henry Pottinger's Proclamation to the British subjects in China ; and I trust I may be allowed to offer my hernty congratulations on this result of Her Majesty's arms, which I humlily hoju; will realise the expectations and wishes of H.M. Government anprchfnsion of «l, 1 ;mi miwilliiijjj to delay for a niomeiit (he eoinmunication of tliis iiu|it>itiuit event, ami therefore dispatch forthwith the 'Sesostris' stfiiin vessel to Hdiiiltav, luul the 'Teiiassseriin ' to Calcutta to convey the earliest intelligence of it to II.M. (..iovcrnmeiit aud to the (jlovernor- < General of India. " 1 have ohjirj,'ed Coinmander Charles Richards of the ' Cornwallis ' with the conveyance of my despatches to their Lordshii)s. He is an iiitl and highly meritorious ollicer, and having been present at every operation since the expedition embarked from Ningpo iu June, he is fullv competent to give them every information on the movements of the comiiined forces; and I beg to recommend him to their Lordshiph' favourable consideration and patronage. " The ratitication of the Treaty is expected from Pekin iu ten or twelve days, when not a moment will be lost iu forwarding it by the ' Aiickland,' in charge, I believe, of the Secretary of Legation, via Bombay and Alexandria. "The Chinese have already delivered about half a million of dollars towards the Urst instalment ; arrangements are in progress for imme- diately paying the remainder; and whenever the stipulatwl amount for this yfeir is received I propose (in conformity with the desire of Sir Henry Pottinger) to forward it direct to England, selecting for this service the 'Blonde.' 'Herald,' ' Modest^,' and 'Cobwnbine ;' and their Lordships may rely that as soon as our departure is justitiable, with due consideration ta the execution of the Treaty, not a moment will be lost in withdrawing the combined forces fi'om the Yang- tze-kiang, and forwanliiig them to their destiuation.s, and every pruilent reduc- tion of expense, compatible with security, shall be made in the depart- ment entrusted to my direction. " As I flatter myself our hostile o))erations in this quarter are now brought to a close, 1 trust their I.iordships will not consider the present an unfitting occasion for my adverting with heartfelt satisfaction to the cordial and friendly understanding and intercourse which has invariably subsisted between H.M. Plenipotentiary Sir Henry Pot- tinger, Lieut.-Ceneral Sir Hugh Goiigh, and myself, throughout the operations in which we have been engaged-: and I shall ever consider myself most fortunate to have been a.ssociated with .such colleagues. Tile judicious, tirm, and courteous bearing of the Plenipotentiary, and the energetic, chivalrous spirit of the intrepid General and his gallant army, have enabled us to overcome every obstacle without difficulty ; and it is a subject of proud gratification to me, that up to this j)eriod 1 have not been aware of any instance of disagreement between the sister professions ; I may, therefore, assert, without fear of contradic- tion, that the progre.-»s of the expedition has been marked by a degree of harmony and kindly fei-iing pervading all classes whicli has never been surpas.sed. " With no less pride do I exp.-ess to their Lordships my unbounded 1842] THE LIFE OF SIE W. PAliKER. 349 and unqualified praise and admiration of the zealous, enterprizing, and steady conduct of the Captains, officers, and men of every rank and description, and on every part of the China coast, who have been placed under my command. Their duties have involved a fair share of hard work, which has been overcome with an unceasing display of cheerfulness and good discipline that must ever entitle them to my warmest acknowledgments ; and I beg to disclaim any tlistinctioii between the Eoyal and Indian navies in this tribute of praise, for the service in which we have been engaged has been shared alike. " All have evinced tlie same spirit of emulous exertion, ai)d all have therefore equal claims to my lasting thanks." " Proclamation. " To Her Britannic Majesty's Subjects in China. " Her Britannic Majesty's Plenipotentiary in China has extreme gratification in announcing to Her Majesty's .subjects in China that he has this day concluded and signed with tlhe Chinese High Commis- sioners deputed to negotiate with him a Treaty, of which the followinf are the most important })rovisions :-- " 1st. Lasting peace and friendship betweeti the two Empires. " 2nd. China to pay twenty-one millions of dollars in the course of the pre.sent and the three succeediag yeai^s. "3rd. The ports of Canton, Amoy, Foo-cluiw-foo, Ning])o, and Shanghai, to be thrown oj)en to British merchants; Consular Officers to be appointed to reside at theni ; and regular and just tarifts of import and exfwjrt (as well as inland transit) duties to be established and published. "4tli. The Island of Hong Kong to be cedeil in jjcrpetuity to Her Britannic Majesty, her heirs, and successoi-s. "5th. All subjects of Her Britannic Majesty (whether natives of Europe or India) who may be i-i conlineruent in any part of the Chinese Empire to be unconditionally released. "Gth. An Act of full and entire Amnesty, to be published liv tlir Emjjeror under His Tinpcrial sign manual and seal, to all Cliinrse subjects on account of tlit-jr having held service, or intercoui-se A-itli, or resided unrler, the British Government or its officei-s. "7th. Correspondence to be comlucted on terms of perfect etjualitv among.st tlie OMicers of l)oth ( Jovcrnments. " Hth. i)u the Kinperor's a.sHcnt being njceived to this Treaty, and the payment of fin- first six millions, Her Britannic Majesty's forces to retire from Nanking and the (!ranerial .seal may be attached, the foreigners not putting entire confidence in the Conunissionei-s' seals, but placing such confidence in our Imperial signet, nowise fall short of the right .sen.se of honour and respect ; and hitherto in our In)perial reccii)ts to various countries, our Imperial signet has ever been used. It is then assented to, that it be now attaclied. But as to tlic iiianncr in wlii.h tlie document sli;dl be presented to receive our seal, let a full report lie made for our thorough consideration and managunent. .After tli.it, the.se Particulars shall be completely settled, the High Commissioner and his collcigues must duly declare that iw the great Emperor has dealt towards them with simerity, not failing to assent to any of their requests, ami ixh there is henceforward to In; coniiniTcial intircourse with an ctt-rnal jieace and good will between tlie nations ; their country too should deal with sincerity in return, and on no account allow that hostilities l>e again given ri.se to in contravention and detianee of celestial prinfiph-s - that not only to those provinces which they have before troubled and atlliited they should not again come seeking ool TIIK LllK OF SIR AV. TAUKKK, [1842 (luanvls ami bloodslu'd, Imt ids;) (ln-y should imt pcnuit their vessels to sail into the watoi-s of any of the coast-board provinces of Canton, KukiiMi, ronnosa, Chekianj,', Eeaiiiineni, Shantunj^, Chili, and Seavr- tun". Krirther, that after ]H'ace sliall at tliis tiine have been settled, the witlnlrawal from, or retention in, any of tlio provinces of our troops shall be subject only to oiir own ananoenients, that the old city walls toweis, and defences of all kinds, including batteries, &c., must also be in due succession repaired and restored to their former state, for it is not to-day that they have been erected, that the object of these nieasinvs will be the defence against, and seizure of pirates ; and in no wise any guanl against the foreignei's ; and they must not idly be"et anv suspicious doubts in consequence. Also that if in any other pi-ovinces where the news of peace may yet be unknown there should be anv hasty act of tiring upon a foreign vessel there entering, this must not be made a plea for further discussion. " All the foregoing details are committed to the profound considera- tion and anxious regard to the future of the High Commissioner and his colleagues, that they may so ettectually settle matters as to do away with every incii)ient cause of war. They must not allow themselves to turn iuTOany path of vagueness and obscurity, propos'ng things \^^ for the present only, and so still leaving a field of interminable discus- sion. Be they careful, most attentively careful. Let these orders be conveyed with extra speed by a six hundred le a-day express. " Respect this ! "The Grand Council, in obedience hereto, forward this note to the High Commissioner, &c." " To the Earl of Haddington. '" Cornwallis,' off Nanking, 30th August, 1842. " I have so fully detailed the proceedings of the combined forces in this river in my official communications, that it is scarcely necessary to trouble your Lordship with a separate letter, but I cannot deny my.self the gratification of offering my congratidations on the termina- tion of hostilities with the (.'liinese in a manner that I flatter myself will be satisfactory to your Lordship and Her Majesty's Government." '"To Lieutenant-General Lord Fitzroy Somerset, Horse Guards. "'Cornwallis,' off Nanking, :iOth August, 1842. " By the June mail, which we have just received, I have had the .Hatisfaction of learning from Lady Parker the flattering kindness of the General (,'ommanding-in-C1iief in appointing my son, Mr. William Parker, to a Second Lieutenancy, williout purchase, in the OOtli Foot. " I cannot adequately express the gratification wliieh this intelii- 1842J THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 353 gence has imparted to me, but beg to assure your Lordship that the compliment is fully aud deeply appreciated, and I request you will have the goodness to present my grateful acknowledgment to the Commander-in-Chief." " To Lord Ellenborough, Governor-General of India. " ' Cornwallis,' off Nanking, 31st August, 1842. " Although I have scarcely a communication to make which is not stated in my official letters, I cannot deny myself the gratification of offering my cordial congratulations to your Lordship on the happy termination of hostilities in this quarter, flattering myself that the terms will be found alike honourable to Her Majesty's arms and the best interests of our country, and it will be no small satisfaction to your Lordship to know that this result has been produced by following out the plan of ojjerations so strongly enjoined by your Lordship. "The interruptions to the Chusan trade by the blockade of the Grand Canal, and indeed at all otlier points of their water communica- tions, have doubtless ha^l the best effects ; and tlie deva.stations committed by the native Ladrones on every cit^^ and place from which the inhabitants retired for safety on the approach of the combined forces, has materially accelerated the peace, which I trust will be secure, for it seems to have been most devoutly wished for by their jiopulations generally, and quite requisite for the restoration of order and legiti- mate authority. " We have been wonderfully favoured in our operations, and in reaching this locality, for the winds have been very frequently adverse, and the stream so much increased in strength against the advance of the shipjting since ovir arrival, that the delay of a few days would have exceedingly augmented our difiiculty in getting here. We have, moreover, felt the baneful effects of the season throughout the Army and Navy ; the sickness is considerable, and the whole a])pear to suffer from a degree of hissitude that can scaicely be described. I trust, however, that we may .safely withdraw a portion of the force very soon, and the whole will move out of the river as soon as the first instalment of dollars is ji.iid. " My greatest anxii^ty will soon bt; in getting down the l;irge ships safely. I cannot but calculate on some loss among the shijiping, l)ut everything shall be done that I can devise to guard against such disaster ; and the surveying ollii-ers of the sii are now persevi-r- iiigly occupied in surveying the channels, and adoj)ting every pracitio able measure for retracing our movements. "The cordial eo-ojieration which has invariably sulmisted between the Army and Navy throughout the expedition is .i Ur TIJK LIFL; of SIK W. I'AKKEU. [1842 Ih'oh luaintjuiiftl oii all occasions between Sir Henry Tottinger, Sir H. (.Joujih, and myself lias, I trust, established a bund of union that can never be disturbed." "To Sir Henry Pottinger. "Tornwallis,' ofl" Woosung, lltli October, 1842. " 1 do myself the honour of anjuainting your Excellency, in reply to your letters of the 15th Sejjtember and 14th Inst., that, after con- ferring with Sir Hugh Gough, I consider it will be necessary to ai)i)ro- l)riate tlie following naval forces for the protection of the garrisons which occuj)y the positions to be retained by H.M.'s forces until tlie stipulations of the Treaty with the Chinese Government are fulfilled. " For Chusan : — 1 frigate of the fifth rate. 1 sloop of 16 or 18 guns. l steam vessel. 1 or 2 troop ships of the smaller class, as circum- stances may render expedient. " For KoolvMigsoo : — 1 frigate of the fifth rate. 1 slooj) of 16 or 18 guns. 1 troop s]ii[) of the smaller class, " For Hong Kong :— 1 of the line-of -battle ships, during the winter, but not permanently. 1 small frigate. 1 sloop, or corvette, of 16 gnus. 1 steam vessel. " A ship to be also employed to keep up the communication between Hong Kong, Koolongsoo, and Chusan. " I do not think, for many reasons, that a smaller force would be desirable ; but that which I have named may of course fluctuate occa- sionally, according to circumstances and the means at my disposal." From the Earl of Auckland. " Kensington Gore, 2nd December, 1842. "I must write these lines to you for joy, though I am neither in the Admimlty nor Governor-Generalship of India, but I have joy myself in all your successes, and in the successes of the Navy, and would have vou know that I fully share in ilu' liappiness which you and all your friends must feel in the happy leruiiuation of your labours. You have indeed done well, and 1 may say that you have been ably seconded ; and the harmony which has subsisted between you and Sir Hugh Gough, and with Sir Henry Pottinger is to the credit of all. I hope 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR ^V. PARKER. . 355 the time is not very distant when I may personally congratulate you on the new honours which this mail will bring out to you ; and on your return to England, you will have no warmer welcome than that which I will offer vou." From the Earl of Haddington. Extract. " Admiralty, 4th December, 1842. " Feeling that on occasions like this it is due to an officer in your situation that nothing should be neglected that can give eclat to any honour awarded to him for distinguished service, I have requested that an authority should be sent out to your colleague, Sir Hugh (:iougii, to invest you with the G.C. of the Order of the Bath immediately, and it is my wish that — if you approve of it — you should receive it on the quarter-deck of the ' Cornwallis.' I understand that the necessary authority to invest you goes out by this mail, addressed to Sir Hugh, or in his absence to Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary." From Admiral the Right Honourable Sir George Cockhurn. "Admiralty, December 4th, 1P42. " I cannot permit the returning mail to India to be dispatched without availing myself of this, the earliest op])ortunitv, to convey to you my most sincere and hearty congratulations on the unvarying success which your aljle, gallant, and imreniitting exertions have com- manded, and thereby achieved an honourable and gratifying termina- tion to our difficult and embarrassing conflict with such a distant and extraordinary nation as that of China. The lesson you have now tjuight to tho.se of that iHijndons empire who came within your reach, its well as to tiie ' Cousin of the Sun and Moon,' and those in authority under him, will i trust tend to bring them into a more rational rom- munion with other nations, and particularly with ours, which will, I have no doubt, be jtrcjiluctive of nuich inqirovement in tiieir own liabitH and characters, whilst it must at the .same time prove most beneficial to our commerce, the latter being an imjiortant considera- tion at this inoni)-nt. "1 am al.so delighted to have to congratulate you on lieing a biutln r (jrand Cro«.s of the liath, which you have so deservedly won for yoin - .self, and whiili 1 most aincerely hope yon ni.iy long, very long, liv«' to enjoy. "The Duke of Wellington, ;is ( 'onitn.'inder-in-CIiief of tin' Army, and the Admiralty have decided f»n poMt|)oning any decision .us (o tin- promotions \m bf awarded to thosr who li;i\i' so well .ind ho gallantly served under you and Sir Hugh (Jough throughout your able opera- 2 A 2 356 THE LII'F, OK Sin W. PARKEK. [1842 turns, until tlic arrival of tlie officers yon have each of you dispatched to liriiig to Eiif^daiid tlic full particulars relating thereto, when I trust all \vli(» have distiiijfuislK'd tlicnist'lves under you will receive some favourable uutioo in so far as our re<,nilati(ins may reasonably permit." From the Earl of Haddington. "Admiralty, 5th December, 1842. " It is with no ordinary feelings of pride and satisfaction that 1 sit down to otVer you luy very warmest congratulations on the successful termination cf the war in China, and upon the eminently distinguished jjart you have had in producing the most desirable result. " Yours was a well established reputation before you entered on your present command. In adiling to that reputation, as you have done in the course of this singular warfare, which it h;is been your fortune to conduct, you have the gratification of reflecting that you have at the same time conferred great and essential benefits on your country, your skill, talent, and energy having so mainly contributed to the opening a mart for her productive industry, the future extent of which it is difficult to calculate, while its importance at the present moment is duly appreciated by the Government and by the public at home. I lost no time in recommending, in my own name and that of the Board of Admiralty, that you should receive the Grand Cross of the Bath. " ily repre.'^entation was anticipated by the anxious desire of Her Majesty to do honour to those who have served with so much distinc- tion both in China and in India, and your name appeared as a Knight Crand Cross in Friday's ' Gazette.' '"The highest military decoration so won and bestowed, will, I trust, be acceptable to you as a strong mark of your Sovereign's approbation and an acknowledgment of your distinguished merit. "This mail will convey to you and to the officers and men .serving under your command the expression of the high approbation of the Board of Admiralty. " I could not rest satisfied witht)ut assuring you how warmly I par- ticipate in the feelings of the Board. " I have nuich pleasure in making this communication to you, and I liave the honour to be with high esteem." From the Viscount Palmerston. " Brock ett, 15th December, 1842. " I cannot let the despatches go out on this occasion to China, with- out writing you a few lines to congi atulate you most heartily upon 1842] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. , 357 the glorious termination of those operations in China, in which you have borne so distinguished a part, and which have still further raised the high reputation which you already enjoyed in our naval service. " It has been most gratifying to the members of the late Govern- ment to see this great and important result accomplished by the chiefs whom we selected for this arduous and responsible service, and the cordiality and zeal with which Army, Navy, and Diplomacy appear to have co-operated in conducting these mixed operations to so trium- phant an issue must afford the liveliest satisfaction to every man in the country, and reflects high honour upon all the parties concerned." The ceremony of investiture took place at Hong Kong, on board the " Coruwallis " (which displayed the Royal Standard for the occasion), and Sir William Parker replied as follows, to Sir Henry Pottinger's eulogistic address : — " Sir Henry Pottinger, — Permit me to assure your Excellency that I receive this distinguished mark of Her Majesty's approbation and favour with becoming pride and gratitude. " I can truly say tliat, for upwards of fifty years since I entered the navy, it luis been my undeviating desire to fulfil my duties with zeal and fidelity. " With an honest ambition for the honour and succe>;s of my profes- sion, I have never ceased to contemplate, with admiration and delight, the glorious deeds of the sister service, nor have they failed to inspire a firm belief that, hand in hand, we shall, in every quarter of th»' globe, continue the triunipliant defenders of the honour -and dignity leasure of cordially congratulating you on the brilliant success and triumphant close of the operations in which you have been engaged. " The cordial union of the two services, and great discretion and temper on the part of the Commanders alone could have jiroduced a result, which is honourable to our arms, and most beneficial to the nation. "My former connection with the Navy keeps alive the deepest interest in all which concerns its welfare ; and I consider this opera- tion a noble example of discipline and skill. In an unknown sea, and in tide ways neither surveyed nor fathomed, you have led a fleet of transports and men-of-war, without a single disaster, into the heart of the Cliinese Empire, antl have truly been enabled to dictate a peace. " Great skill and gieat powers of command have been evinced by you in the midst of difficulties ; and the Captain of the ' Amazon,' and the favourite of Nelson, ha.s proved himself capable of leading a fleet to \ ictory. "Our official intercourse during your command at Lisbon inspired me with great confidence in your character and merits. I sincerely rejoice in this new pro(jf of your capacity for command ; and if the iiece.ssity arise, and if your life be spared, it is not the last service wiiich you will render to your country. " No friend can rejoice in your success more sincerely than I do ; and I am with great regard, &c." Then Secretary of State for the Home Department. 1.843] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 359 From the Earl of Minto. " Minto, 1st January, 1843. " I write a line merely to wish you my very hearty good wishes for the season and my sincere hojie that the new year on which we are enter- ing may pass as prosjjerously with you as the last has done. You have indeed done your work capitally, and it has gi'atified me not a little to tind your zeal and ability in conducting a very difficult service univers- ally acknowledged and admired, wliilst it is almcst impossible to over- estimate the important results to wliich we may reasonably look from your success. One thing I confess disturbs me a good deal, and I cannot feel satisfied in seeing you passed over when hereditary honours are bestowed on the General. I am far from grudjfinij Sir H. Goutrh the rewai"d of his services. But the expedition w;is essentially naval. The only real difficulties to be encountered were jiurely naval. The whole of the com|)licated arrangements for the supply and transport of the force rested with the Naval Commander-in Chief. Unknown seas and rivei-s were to be explored, and even on those rare occasions in which an opportunity of acting was aflbrded to the troops, the batteries were first silenced, and the way for their a])proach had been cleared for them by the Navy. Such being the case, I cannot patiently bear to see that you are not admitted to at least a parity of honours with the General. I know very well that he, having already received the G.C.B. for Canton, a baronetcy very properly follows on the jjresent occasion. Bvit looking to the whole amount of service per- formed by the Army since the General first assumed his command, and the services of tlie Navy, showing a shorter period certainly, under your direction, the latter will be found greatly to preponderate, and there can be no fair excuse for withholding. from you what is freely bestowed upon your soldier colleague." From llie Knrl aj Hadilmijlun. "Admiralty, March 4th, 1843. "The la«t mail brought us your .statement of the force you thought it necessary to keep at J long Kong and the two places we are to occujiy till the Chinese have performed their eiig.igementK. " 1 have no remark to make — contiiling entirely in your judgment as to the force it is necessary to keep on that coast until the Treaty is fulfilled, or at le;i.st for the present. " Tile thanks of I'arliarneiit to yourself— Sir Hugh (Jough, and all under you3' command, those in the service of the ('ompany, Kumpean and native, included — go out by this mail. This well-merited ex|)reH- sion of the sense of i'arliament of the great and im|i 360 THE LIKE OF Slli W, I'AIMCKR. [1843 the Duke on the subject of tlie naval branch of the joint service. I bsteneil to it witli inli'iise jih'iiMU'e — feeling as I ho])e I do towards the Navy in ^^'oneral, and those enga^^eil in the China War especially, for tl»e adniiral)le performance of difficult ;uid peculiar duties. He necessarily shortened the discussion, for, after his praise, what value could be attached to any other eulogy ? " CJenoral Sir Hugh Goiigh left China after the peace was coiK'liuled, to assume tlie command of Her Majesty's forces in India, where he attained still greater honours and fame. His relations with Sir William Parker had been as friendly and cordial as possible, and the example thus set had been followed by every person belonging to the expedition in both services. There were no complaints, jealousies, or dissatis- factions between Navy and Army in the Queen's or East India Company's services ; and Generals Lord Saltoun and Sir James Schoedde fully maintained the friendly relations of their predecessor. The Admiral's labours were very great. The discharge and convoy of transports, disposal of stores, arrangements for the ports to be opened by Treaty, and the support to be given to the Consular authorities and our own subjects, engaged his full attention. His forbearance, prudence, and sound judgment were subjected to very severe trials, but he came forth from the ordeal with his reputation for all the ([ualities of a prudent chief more conspicuous than ever. His chief difficulty arose from the peculiar views as to the position of the Koyal Navy held by the Plenipotentiary ; partly from misconceiving, or (as Sir George Cockburn deli- cately put it) overstraining, the spirit of his instructions, partly perliaps from tlie manner in which these instructions were framed, but doubtless, also, from liis anxiety for tiie success of the new Treaty with China, which made him wish to control every detail connected with it, and, as far as he could, to invest the Consuls with ample powers for the punisliment of offenders. The correspondence on this sub- ject is given at some length. It will be found, it is l^elieved, to be full of interest and instruction. Such, indeed, was the opinion of Sir William Parker himself, wlio, on one occasion 1813] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 361 bade his Biographer read the letters carefully, remarking that their eonteuts ought to be known to naval officers, in case they should be siniilarly employed, and added this advice : — " Be careful not to entrench on matters beyond your pro- vince, but at the same time be mindful of the dignity and proper position of your profession." This correspondence cost the Admiral mucli anxiety. Few men could have so conducted the duties which devolved upon him under such difficulties that the Queen's service should never once suffer. It will be seen, however, that in no instance was any assist- ance which the Plenipotentiary required for the public service witliheld. The Plenipotentiary, an able and firm man, who, though he had attained the rank of ]\Iajor-General in the East India Company's service in 1841, had, from having been always politically employed, never been much in contact with nuvid or military officers, and was totally ignorant of the Orders in Council and liegulations by which the former were jifoverned. He claimed a ris-of-war on people not liable to martial law, uL the bidding of his Consular Agents. "To the Secretary of the Ailmiralty. " '(.'..niwaliis,' at Hong Kong, 29th Marcli, 184.3. " I beg to acknowledge the receipt of their Lordshipa' orders of the fJtli .Taiiuaiy last, transmitting the copy of a despatch addii'sscd by Lord .Stanh;y to Major-Cjcnerai Lord Saltonn, for tlie gtiid.imc of his conduct in the enii)ioynient of the forces iindcr his cihimiliikI in China, or the adjacent inlanda, or seas, and intimating Her JMaji'Hty's ])icaHnrf' th.it T attend to any n-fpilHition from Sir Henry I'nttinger for tlie employment of tlie naval force under my cnmni.ind in any manner which he may think necessary or advisable, in furtherance of the objects of the civil appointments with whirli II. r Maj Ihc sole res|ion.Hibihty which is thereby devolveil on me, iis intimaltd by Lord Aberdeen's despatch, of the 4th January last, in wliiih His Lordshi[> says, ' I have to state to yo\i in the first place, that it is ihe intention of H.M.'h Government that ho long as you remain in China, the entire control of alFairs should rest exclusively on you : ' also 3(54 TllK LIKE OF SIU W. J'ARKER. [1843 advertiiij^ to (lu- Ijueeu'a gracious comniaiKls to the same effect, con- veyed to tlie Lorils C^oumiissionois of the Aihiiiralty, and to Major- (it'iK>ral Lord S.iltomi, cDiiniiainliiiLr Her Majesty's troops in China, ill Lord Staideys letter of the olli January, i liave the lionour to say, that it appears to me to be necessary that I should make myself more fully acipiaiiited than I am at present with the present stations of all 11. M."s Naval and Land forces in C'liiua, as well as the orders with which tliey have been fui iiished ; and which is not only required by me to enable me to juilrovide, if jjossilile, a sufficient available force for keeping up the communications with the squadron, and affording the necessary reliefs, as well as to meet the possible contingency of any considerable force of foreign ships-of-war ajipearing in the vicinity of the positions occupied by H.M.'s ships or land forces, and over which it may be my duty to keep a vigilant watch. 1843] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 365 " I further beg the favour of your Excellency to inform me whether there is likely to be any political objection to the appearance of any of Her Majesty's ships-of-war on particular parts of the coast of China, that I may guard against any reasonable cause of umbrage to the Chinese Government in" the orders which I may see occasion to give, from time to time, to the ships under niy command. " At CImsan and its vicinity. " ' Thalia ' 42 guns Senior Officer. 'Wolf 18 „ 'Pelican' .... 16 „ 'Driver'.... .... Steam vessel of the 2nd chiss. ' Minden ' .... Hospital ship. 'Sapphire' .... Troopship .... Stationed at Sinkeamoon. ' Rattlesnake ' .... Ditto .... Stationed at Siukong. 'Childers' .... IGguns ") Surveying the islands to Algerine ' .... 10 „ ,... .... r the northward and east- ' Medusa' .... Small steam vessel j ward of Chusan. " The ships at Chnsan are under the orders of Captain Hope, who is directed to station them in the most advantageous manner for the general protection of the persons and projierty of H.M.'s subjects, and for supporting the garrisons and detachments of troops on that island. " He id to keep in communication with the officer commanding the troops, and endeavour, as much as jmssible, with a due regard to British interests, to pursue sucli a conciliatDiy course with the natives as may preserve the good understanding and harmony which at present subsists, and which it is so de.sirable to establish, wiili a view to the future commercial intorcounse with Groat Britain. "To co-operate with Maj<)r-( Jeneral Sclioeiidf, in checking acts of piracy, either in Chu.san or tlie adjacent islands of the Cliinese grouji, against the peacealile iiiliabitants. " If an ;ict of tliis nature is committed or attemptfd, within sight of H.M.'s squadron, it will be incumbent on them to succour the jiarty attacked by those marauders, and to secure their j)erson8, or any jiro- perty whidi tlu-y may h.ive illegally .seized, in onh^r that it may be restored to tlie prcper owners. Tliey are to avoid, if possible, the use of fire-arms, unless fired uiM)n, or otJierwise attacked, or st-riously threatened, and not to join in tlie destruction or despoliation of ('iiinese houses on jir»'tence of tlu-ir belonging tf) j>iratt's, sucli acts being, in the present position of (ireut I'.iitjiin wi'.li China, warrant.iblc only i»y the authorities of the country. "They are, however, to consider themselves at full liberty to .-itfack, fire u|>oii, ami seize any vessels whicli may make any jiiratical attemjit .'igainst the persons or projierty of British 8ul)jectH. aGG TllK LU'E 01' Slli \V. TAUKEU. [1843 "Tho • Mindon ' is ordeiiMl to repair to Hong Kong. "Till' ' Sapiihirc ' and ' K'attlcsnaki' ' an' stationed at Sinkoamoon and Sinkung, (o victual and siipiKul the dftai'linient.sof troojis at these jiorta ; but 1 have had it in oontenij>lati8 in India, which are ordered home. " J< Hong Kong. Comwallis' 72 iruus. ' Agincourt ' 7i ' Wolverene ' 16 l>''ll«i-^l<' ' Troopship. <( ( )> 'A|)ollo' 'Jupiter' 1843] THE LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. 367 'Akbar' 1st class steam vessel. ' A'ixeii ' 2nd class „ 'Plilegethoii' Small steam vessel. ' Proserpine ' „ „ "The movements of the flagshij) will be regulated as the com- mander-in-chief may find it expedient, and will probably go to India in the course of the summer. "The 'Agincourt' will .shortly go to Manila and the northward, to visit the different stations, and return to Hong Kou""- in a few months. •'The 'Apollo' will return immediately to England, with the supernumerary marines and invalids. " The ' Belleisle " anil 'Jupiter,' if not wanted for the conveyance of troops, will return to England, taking such surplus provisions beyond the wants of the forces in the China seas as they can carry, leaving at the Cape of Good Hoj)e, St. Helena, or Ascension any proportion that may be required. "The 'Vixen' and 'Druid' will interchange stations occasionally between Hong Kong and Chusan in the conveyance of communica- tions, &c. "The 'Phlegethon ' must go to Calcutta very shortly, as the period for which the crew are engaged will expire on the 30th June, 1843. " The ' Proserpine ' is intended to be sent to Calcutta, if not required in the China .se;i.s. "The ' Akbar,' if not required for the conveyance of H.M.'s Pleni- potentiary to the northwaril, will be sent to Bonibay, presuming that of large steamers the 'Vixen' and ' iJruid ' will sufhee for the duties required in the China seas." From Sir Henry Pottincjer. "Macao, 22n(l March, 1843. " I have the lionour to request that your Excellency will be so godd as to issue the necessary instructions for the Himourable < '(.ni|iaMv"s stcanitTH ' Akl)ai-,' ' I'ruserpinc,' and ' I'Idcgctlion,' remaining in Cliina until further orders shall be rc(;cived from England. "Of the.se three vessels, the ' AkJ»ar' only could, I iinagiiic, be of tlie least use in India, especially with reference to the nunilier of steamer.s of all classes that are now availalde foJ any Hervi<'e that may be re(|uirnd of them by the dilb-rent (»overnnu;ntM of India ; and a.s I have Ijeen directed by il.M.'s (lovernment to send Lt. -Col. Malcolm b.'ick to Flnglaml with replies to despatches that have just reaeheij nie by that olticer, an you by Sir Henry Pottinger ; and also that you should not direct any incre:u the remaining consideration of tin- amount of naval force which shall be maintained in ('hina, and to the opinion which the I>oard of Arlrnirally entert.iin (hat the re(|uisitionM of Sir Henry Pottinger, if strictly comjilied with, niit^dii lead ejdier (o the neglect of other impoi-tant points f>f the Ka.sl India Station, or to ifie neces-sitv "f reinforcing the H(|iiadron in tlioHe seas. It ajipeaix to be the oi»inion of the Board of Ailmiralty that both these aiternativcM li H 'J ;572 TIIK LIFK OK Slli W. PARKER.' [1843 mi^ht be avoideil by dealing with the requisitions of Sir H. Pottinger in spirit ratlu-r tliaii in letter. ''Sir II. Pottinufer lias .stiiteil that, in his opinion, a ship-of-war should be permanently assitjned to each of the five ports opened to British trade. The Board of Admiralty conceive that the object which Sir II. Pottiui^er has in view, nvmoly, the pj'oteetion of British com- merce and the control over Biitish .seamen, mii,dit as effectually be pro- vided for by a more limited degree of superintendence on the part of II. M. naval forces. And they conceive that a general intimation, on the jiart fif Sir H. Pottinger to the Admiral of his views as to the extent to which such protection and control would be necessary, would ensure the objects which Sir Henry Pottinger might have in view, while, at the same time, it would leave the Admiral free to make his own arnmnements for giving effect to Sir H. Pottinger's wishes, and would admit of his doing so by appro]iriating to the service a less amount of force than would otherwise be required. " Tn the ignorance under which I necessarily labour of the details of naval matters, I readily defer to the opinion of the Admiralty on matters so peculiarly within their province." " To Sir Henry Pottinger. " ' Cornwallis,' at Hong Kong, 15th July, 1843. " Captain Pepper shall be instructed to confer with Lieutenant- Colonel Malcolm on this point, and to follow any orders from Her Majesty's Government, or from the Government of Bombay by desire of H.M. Government, which may be communicated to him by the Lieutenant-Colonel, and the spirit of your Excellency's wishes will, I trust, be most promptly carried out ; but I entreat Y.E. to excuse me for observing that it would be altogether contrary to the regulations and customs of Her Majesty's naval service to direct any officer under my eomiiiand to oh>ni the orders of Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm. I should not be justified in doing so to one of the Queen's officers, and I feel that the same rule applies to those of the Indian Navy who are temporarily placed under my command. I am sure your Excellency would not desire it unrler such circumstances ; and you may rest assured that on this, a-s on all other occasions, it will be my earnest wish to forward your views for the public service to the utmost of my power." From, Sir Henry Pottinger. "Government House, Victoria, Hong Kong, 18th July, 184.3. " I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letter of the 1.5th instant. " In replying to the concluding part of it, I beg in all sincerity to 1843] THE LIFE OF SIR "W. TAEKER. 373 assure your Excellency that I not only have perused your remarks in the best official spirit, but that I am exceedingly glad you have made them, because they will become the means of clearing up the impres- sions which I have formed as to the position in which I am intended by Her Majesty's gracious pleasure and instructions to stand with regard to the Commanders of H.M. naval and land forces in China, and regarding which impressions, if they are erroneous, it is highly desirable and proper I should be undeceived at the earliest possible period. " With respect to the request I made in my letter of the 15th instant, that Captain Pepper might be dri-ected to obey any orders he might receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm, connected with Her Majesty's Service, I can see no reason to doubt but I would have been, in my situation, under any circumstances, justihetl in making that request from the moment the ' Akbar ' quitted this harbour ; and when I recall to mind that that vessel has been for months past detained in China, on my sole responsibility and requisition, for the special duty of conveying Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm, as Secretary of Legation to Her Majesty's Mission, on his route to England, with the ratified Treaty, I have frequently cuiisideied it c|uestiunal>le whether she even properly belonged to the squadron in the China seas, or was in any shape under your Excellency's command. ' I have, however, had no occasion previously to record my opinion on this i>oint, aa I am aware tiiat the ship was always re;idy at my disposal, and I had no wish to go out of ray way to seek for such topics of discussion ; Ijut what I now say will explain to yoiir Excellency the feelings under which 1 made my request above adverted to, and how fully competent I consider Lieutenant-Colunel Malcolm (as my repre- sentative) to give Ca])tain Pepjjcr, on his i)ending voyage, any orders he may consider to l)e for the good and furtherance of Her Majesty's Service. " 111 my letter to your Excellency, of the 18th March last, 1 adverted to, and quoted the instructions with which Her Majesty iiad been graciously ])lea.sed to honour me. In addition to that ({notation, I read in the ccjpy of the despatcli addressed by Lord Staidey to Major- General Lord Saltoun, on the .0th January, 1843, the following paasage : — '' ' But Hit long .'iH the force iukUi' your Lordship's conuuanil .sliall remain in China, or any of the adjacent islands or seas, it is the Queen's jiIeaHure that your Lordship should carry into eUcct any instnHtirms which you may receive froiu Sir Henry I'ottingcr, for (he employuK-nt of that ff.icc in any manner in whiih In- may lliink necesHary or adviwible, ca:.' " I also jierceive that, on the same day, Lord Stanley wrote to the Lords CommiHsionerfl of the Afliniralty, to the effect that: 'I have received the (.Queen's commands to desire tiiat your Lordships would •"574 'iiiK i.ii'F. Ill' s[i{ "w. rAiiKEu; [1843 addivss correspomling instructions to the Commander of Her Majesty's naval forces in those sejis.' " I |uvsniin' tliat tlidse instiiictions readied your Excfcllency ; and it appeai-s to nie there can he no j)osaible (Uiubt as to their meaning. They seem to me to })rovide for every intended movement of H.M. shijis being communicated to me, in order that 1 may jud^'e whether tliere are political objections to such movement or not. They also seem to me to convey authority to me to call for the services of any of H.M. ships that I may deem it proper to employ ; and this authority is distinctly intimated in the inclosed extract from Lord Aberdeen's despatch to me of the 4th January, agreeable to which I consider tliat it is my peculiar province to name the ports to which H.M. ships may or may not proceed, and to give their commanders such instructions, either direct, or throui;h the consids at these ports, as I may conceive to be required, and of the propriety of which 1 alone am su]jposed to be the judge. " It is not for me to inquire whether the instructions I have cited are contrary to the regulations and customs of H.M. Naval Service or not. They have been sent to me for my guidance, and I have perhaps been remiss in not earlier recording the interpretation I put on them ; V)ut my motive for not doing so will, I dare say, plead my excuse. " With these instructions in my possession, it may seem strange and unaccountable for me to say that I do not happen officially to know where a single ship (except your Excellency's flagship) of H.M. vessels in the China seas is at this moment. I have twice had to beg that H.M. .shij) ' Agincourt,' bearing Rear-Admiral Sir Tlumias Cochrane's Hag, might not be allowed to proceed to any of the northern ports, after the day for her sailing had been, unknown to me, fixed. Numbers of H.M. shij)s have rejieatedly sailed from Hong Kong without my even hearing of it till they were gone. In a very recent instance, the ' Childers,' sloop-of-war, went to Chusan ; and the first and only inti- mation I had of the proposed dispatch was through a verbal message, communicated after my public otfice was shut in the evening, that she wa« to sail next morning. Some time ago, your Excellency officially intimated to me, in answer to one of my letters, that the ' Phlegethon,' steamer, must gf what 1 assert : but as it is due both to you and myself to liave all iloubts distinctly removed, I propose to send copies of my two letteiN (that of tlie Iftth and this one), with one of your Excellency's in reply, to II.M.'s Ministers, and to ask for more defined instructions being sent out.'' " To Sir Henry Pottinger. " ' t'oniwallis,' at Hong Kong, 23rd July, 1843. " I can conscientiously avow that it has been my undeviating and earnest desire to meet your Excellency's wishes for the public service, not only with a scrupulous observance of my instructions, but with becoming courtesy and cheerfulness er, of the Indian Navy, to obey any orders he may receive from Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm, both with regard to certain contingencies stated in your Ititter, or ani/ other unforeseeH point connected with Her Maiesty's Sei-vice, I distinctly expressed my readiness to provide for every case which your Excellency specified ; and to direct Captain Pepper to confer with the Lieutenant-Colonel, to meet, as far as it was IKJbsible, any unlooked-for event. But I here repeat I should not be justified in giving him the orders proposed by your Excellency, which I fear would tend to sap the very foundation of naval discipline. "Such a result was, I am sure, very far from your Excellency's thoughts ; it is therefore Mith additional pain that I find myself arraigned before Her Majesty's Government on a variety of trans- actions, which I was not before aware couM have caused vou either dissatisfaction or embarrassment. " Satisfied that the decision of H.M.'s Government will be impartial and just, I sliall, if I have erred, submissively bow to it. 1843] THE LIFE OF SIR ^V. PARKER. 377 " During a fair share of active professional service with which I have been honoured, it will not, I think, appear that I have either been prone to make difficulties, or evinced an unnecessary sensitiveness on •[uestions of tritling imjiort connected with the public service. "I shaU await patiently the construction which H.M.'s Government may put on my proceedings herein referred to ; and your Excellency may rest assured that, in the meantime, and whatever the result may he, you will find me ready to support every measure which you may l)ropose for the public service, within the compass of my duty, with undiminished zeal and ardour." From the Secretary to the Admiralty. "Admiralty, 1st November, 1843. "Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 26th July last, and the enclosed correspondence which has taken place between H.E. Sir Henry Pottinger and yourself, relative to the powers with w'hich he luisbeen invested for the supreme direction of affairs in China, and to your position as the Naval Commander-in-Chief, I am commanded to acquaint you that their Lordships consider their letter to you, of the 29th August last, enclos- ing copies of a letter from the Earl of Aberdeen to the Earl of Haddington, and of a letter from Lord Aberdeen to Sir Henry Pottinger, as satisfactory replies to your said letter of the 26th July. And that it is therefore now only necessary to refer you to these explanatory documents. "But my Lords consider it due to you to place on record, that, after an attentive perusal of your letter of the 26th July, and its enclosures, tliey consider you to have acted with great discretion and ])ropriety througliout the unpleasant discussion and corre6])oudence pressed upon you by Sir Henry Pottinger's extraordinary claims generally, and more particularly his claim to give, not only by himself, but also through consuls, his secretary of legation, (S:c., such detailed orders t<» the captains of Her Majesty's bhij)s as he may from time to time think profHjr for the good of Her Majesty's Service. It cannot require any statement to show the danger to which the ships and crews of Her Majesty's Navy would be exposed, if such a claim had now, for the first time, been allowed. " Their L^jrdshiim deem tlie exj)lanation already sent to yourself and Sir Henry Pottinger to be so clear and satisfactory that it is not, in tlieir opinion, necessary to go further into the subject ; ex hold. " I'.H. To prevent tin- jiossibility of niisa|)picliciision, I beg their Lordships distinctly to undersUmd that, with the exception of the in- structioiiH which Sir Henry Pottinger requested to have given to Captain Pepper of the 'Akbar,' to obey all orders from Lieut.-Col. Malcolm for II.M.'h Service (and even the spirit of this has bet'ii conceded), not only ha.s every rcrjumtioii niapi'arf(l to nic so irregular, illegal, and tending to convjironiise the dignity of the service, that I cautioned Ca])tain Kepi)el, in a private K'tt+T, agjiinst any repetition of it, observing that I was unwilling to notice further what hail passed, except it was hrought hefore me in an ollicial shape. I repeated my former directions to him to atl'ord all l)ossil)le ;u the river, giving cover to one from Mr. St. Crnix, the Consular Agent al Whanqma, and of wlijili Idler 1 have the honour to inclose a copy. "Altliough it in not expressly so stated, I can only infrr dial (hr Hoiioural»le Cajjtain Keppel's declining to assist Mr. St. Ooix in the manner ivfjuesteil has emanated in sonn'thing contained in instiiirtions from Y.F>., a.s Captain Kep|>el ;i)>peared to me, w Iwn he wailed upon me previous to his leaving Hong Kong to go to Wlianqma, \t, lie jier- fectly aware that one of the main objeets of his bcnng stationed there wa.s 'to aid ILM. consular otfieers in carrying on their liutics, by enforcing the regulation.s under which those otticei"H will act, as well o84 THE LIFE OF SIR ^V. PAKKF.R. [184o :is prosi'iving tlu> jK'iice amongst the crews of Biitish merchant shijxs.' " Till' procodiiiLt (juotation is from tlie letter which I addressed to vour Exoi'lleiuy on the :22nd Marcli last ; and I beg to say that transcripts of that letter and of No. 128 were forwarded on the same (lav to H.M. Government, whose approval of my proposed arrange- ments readied me on the 7th of last month, in a despatch from the Earl of Aberdeen. " In my letter to your Excellency's address of the 18th July, I observed that I considered it to be ray peculiar province to name the port.s to which H.M. shijis may, or may not, jiroceed, and to give their commandei-s such instructions, either direct or through the consuls at those places, as I may conceive to be required, and of the propriety of wliich I alone am supposed to be the judge.' And in a communication to Lord Aberdeen, which went by Col. Malcolm, I repeated that opinion, and added that I did not see, whatever the chief superin- tendent might do, with the Admiral or senior officer at hand, how tlie consular otticei's were to carry on their duties at a distance without the jwwer to request the commanders of H.M. ships to sujiport them in their civil jurisdiction, and which cannot, in any way that occurs to me, interfere with the obedience which is due to Y.E. as Naval Commander-in-Chief. " I need hardly recall to your Excellency's recollection the serious and manifold evils which sprung up during the war, from the absence of any acknowledged legal authority over the masters and crews of trans])orts, as well as my recorded readiness, even situated as I then was, to a-ssurae powers which did not perhaps at that time belong to me, to correct them. Those powers I now conceive to be fully vested in me ; and I have not only been preparing the general instructions U) H.M. Consular officers in China under that conviction ; but have provided in the supplementary Treat}', as will be seen by the accom- jiaiiying coiiy of the 10(h Article, for the very assistance, to which I allude above, being given by H.M. shijis to those consular officers, 'on receiving an official application in writing to that effect.' " The greater part of the consular instructions have been already printed at Macao and at Victoria ; and, as soon after my return to the lattt-r place as jio.ssible, I shall furnish a copy of them to Y.E. , and also promulgate such portions of them as may seem expedient for the infor- mation and obedience of H.M. subjects. " In the meantime, this letter and its accompaniments will explain to Y.E. my views, and the grounds of them ; and I will only add that, unless H.M. ships can be stationed at the ports on the terms which I (Ktint out — that is, their commanders having orders from your Excellency to attffiid to all requisitions of a civil nature they may receive from the consular officers in icriting, the latter of course being dii^tinctly understood to be responsible to J/er Majesty's Government and myself for the legality 1843] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 385 and propriety of such requisitions — it is my opinion that their presence will do more harm than good, by giving the semblance of arrangements and precautions that do not in reality exist, and thereby augmenting to a great extent the difficulties and delicacy of the consul's etficient discharge of his duties.'" " To Sir Henry Pottinger. " 'Cornwallis,' at Hong Kong, 13th October, 1843. "I trust your Excellency cannot imagine that I have ever ques- tioned the power of the consular officers to request the commanders of Her Majesty's ships to support them in their civil jurisdictions ; and I unhesitatingly declare that it is not only my own desire, but I believe that of every officer under my command, to comply with such ajipli- cations as far as may be compatible with their duties as naval officers ; and I shall most readily give orders to the commanders of H.M. ships which may be stationed at the ports of trade, to attend to all requests of a civil nature that they may receive from the consular officers, pro- vided they are consonant to the laws of England, and not at variance with the Queen's, or Admiralty, Eegulations ; but I cannot direct them to follow the unrestricted requisitions of any civil functionary, or other officer to whose authority they are not professionally amenable. " I am well aware of the difficulties which the civil officers have to contend with iji repressing the turbulence of the merchant seamen, and regret that the authority of H.M. ships, in this res])ect, is so limited. I flatter myself they will do all that is legitimately in their power to assist the civil officers, but I consider the infliction of corporal punishment on merchant seamen, by the officers or men of the Roval Navy, to be not only illegal, but derogatory to the dignity of tlie service ; nor could any officer be exempt, by any authority derived from your Excellency, from the penalties wliich may attach to such illegality, if prosecuted for the same, on his return to England. "The act of impri.soning men on board the Queen's ships is also objectionable, except in extreme ca-ses. " It pains me to differ, on any point of the ])ublic service, from your Excellency, but I sliould Ijc unworthy of tlie command with wliich I have been honoured if I were, by any act, wilfully to compromise a question involving the established Regulations of the Royal Navy, witliout the ruitliority of the liords Cummissioners of tlic Ailiiiir.illy." "To the Secretary of tlie Admiralty. "'Coniwallis,' at Hong Kong, 27th October, 1813. " T sincerely Iiopc tliaf no furtluir (entiary and the Senior Naval Olliccr in 2 (• 386 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PArxKER, [1843 these seas, until tin- instructions of Her Majesty's Government are ri-ceiveil on the points of our dissent, which may be briefly resolved into two main (luestions : — " Wliotlior his Kxcrllency is empowered to require, and the Naval Commandor-in-rliief justilied on such authority in directing, the CJiptains and commanders of H.M. ships to obey orders for the public servile, either ilirect from the Plenipotentiary or the consular officers deputed by him ; and " Wliether it is legal and becoming the position of the officers and men of H.M. slnps to flog the offending seamen of merchant ships at the i-e(iuisition of tlie consular officers, and without having the power of even judging of the pro})riety and justice of the puni.shment they may be required to inflict ? " I cannot, however, conclude without drawing their Lordships' attention to the style of Sir Henry Pottinger's letter of the 17th October, to the animadversions which he passes, by inq)lication, on H.M. naval officers, bu more particularly to the extract of his demi- official letter to the Earl of Aberdeen : — " 'I cannot decide, until I give the matter full consideration, what I shall do, but my first impression is, that I shall be obliged to altogether dispense with the presence of Her Majesty's ships at the different ports, pending a decision of the question from home, and to authorise the consuls to form the best marine police they can. To this plan there are obvious objections, both on the scale of expense and ineffi- ciency ; but if Her Majesty's ships cannot, or will not, interfere in such urgent ca.ses as are spoken of in Messrs. Lay's and St. Croix's letters, I cannot see the use of placing them at the ports.' " " To Sir Henry Pottinger. " ' Cornwallis,' at Hong Kong, 19th October, 1843. " Your Excellency has correctly interpreted my opinion that the captains and commanders of Her Majesty's ships cannot properly be ordered to carry into execution any request or requisition which they may receive from the consular officers at the ports of trade, which they may rind contrary to the laws of their country, and you justly observe that the infliction of corporal punishment on the refractory seamen of the merchant service did not appear in any of your com- munications to myself, or in the instructions and regulations which your Excellency framed for the Consuls. " It was truly in the confidence that your Excellency would have no such intention that I forbore to allude to the subject before the departure of the ' Dido ' for Whampoa. There was, indeed, nothing in those papers that appeared incompatible with the duties of the naval officers under my command ; but as I could not help feeling 184-i] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 387 anxious that H.M. ships should not, under any circumstances, dege- nerate into the semblance of gaols, by the reception of numerous prisoners from the merchant ships, your Excellency will recollect that the expediency of providing places of confinement on shore, as soon as possible, was early suggested ; and I was glad to find, by your letter of the 25th July last, that such an arrangement was intended, nor was it until two men were severely flogged (one of them on board the ' Dido') at the request of Mr, Lay, and that more requisitions of a similar nature were expected, that I felt it necessary to call Captain Keppel's attention to the illegality of such proceedings on the part of Her Majesty's naval officers or men ; but when I received your Excellency's letter, transmitting one from Mr. St. Croix, a subordinate consular officer, who strongly urged the necessity of corporal punishment, although he appears to have doubts of the legality of it, it became my duty explicitly to declare that the officers and men of the squadron could not become the executionei-s. " It is, undoubtedly, their duty to assist the civil authorities in preserving the peace and in apprehending and bringing offenders to punishment, as the law directs ; but I think your Excellency will hereafter find that naval officers are not justified in administering corporal punishment, either on board the ships-of-war, or in any other place, to persona not belonging to H.M. fleet." Lord Aberdeen, to Sir H^ Pottihger. " Foreign Office, 6th February, 1844. " The objections stated by Sir William Parker, to allowing corporal punishment to be inflicted by the naval powers, are deserving of great consideration, as are likewise his reasons against confining merchant seamen as jn-Lsoners on board .slii]is-of-war. The latter difficulty may at once be obviated by the consul maintaining, as is the practice in the Levant, a prison on shore, to which riotous or dis- orderly seamen may be committed, either for punishment by im- prisonment or for safe keeping, until they can be sent, if necessary, for trial at Hong Kong. And I ajiprehend that the assistance of the naval force in arre.sting such persons and in tianstViring them into the custody of thf consul will not only be very u.seful in the particular iiiHtince to which reccjurse may be had to it, but that it will also have a salutary effect in deterring others from exposing theni- selves to l>e ho dealt with. *' H.M. (;f)vernmeiit would think it inc.\|)fdient to call upon the naval service to act in such matters beyond the limits jircscrilicd by the usages of that service ; and tiiough it may be perfectly true that this objection might be removed by the employment of a maritime police, independent of the Navy, H.M. Govemnu-nt Wf)nl(l not feel 2 L -1 388 THE LIFE OF SlU W. TAKKEU. [1844 themselves justitied in estn rules of its owi\. 'Plioy have the fullest reliance upon the zeal and activity of the naval service, and they feel confident that you will experience no diHicnUy in framing regulations which shall be etleetnal for the maintenance of good oixler among British seamen, and which the naval service may aid in carrying into effect without any departure from the principles by which that service is regulated." 389 CHAPTER XL 1844 Commander-in-Chief of the East Indian and China Seas. "Armis exposcere pacem." (Motto on the medals granted for ser\'ices in China.) Sir William Parker, avIio had sailed from Hong Kong on the 4th of December for ^lanila, left that place on January the 1st, and arrived at Singapore on the 11th; from thence he vi.sited Malacca and Penang. From Sir George Cockhurn. " Admiralty, 6th February, 1844. " We have deemed it best to direct you (as you will see) to carry into effect the ordered reductions and changes, and then return to England yourself in the 'Coinwallis,' which will, I trust, expedite your Baronet's patent, and enal)le us to welcome you again in England well in lieaith to enjoy the lioiiours you have so justly gained by your bniliant tour of service. " 1 sincerely hope the explanations we sent to you relative to your jKjsitioa in regard to Sir Henry I'ottinger, will have reuioveil niucli of the naturally unsatisfactory feelings entertained by you owing to the overstrained and unconciiiating construction of his powers over tlie fleet, under the instructions which had Ix-cn sent to him by tlie Goveni- nient ; l)nt wliich he h;i.s sincf l)rcii iiifotiiit'd l)y tlie Secretary of (State were not inten enipowti lnni i<> interfere further with the ships under your coniniaml, than by rej)r(sti)ting to you the naval aid he retpiired for tin- objects he w;us directed to edfct, and to leave it to you to afford such as-sistance in the way you might deem j)ro|>er and suffi- cient under the circunistanceH. The firm and steady maiim i m wliie a Hkilful navigator and a clever seamjui, but ji ^^nai ofBcer you never can be with that narrow iniml." While at Penang the Admiral detached the " TTarlcfiuin '" 392 THE LIFE OF SIII W. PARKER. [1844 nml •• Wnndorer," with the East India Company's steam- vessi'l ■' 1 )iana," under the orders of Commander the Honour- abk> it. F. lIasLin«fS, to puiiisli certain pirates from Sumatra, will) liad jtillaged and destroyed a small English vessel near Acheen lleail. IJajah l^rooke accompanied the expedition, and he and Lieutenant Chads,* first lieutenant of the " Harlequin," were wounded in the attack. The Admiral left I'enang on February 25th for Moulmein, Calcutta, Ma(h-as, and Trincomalee. From the Earl of Haddington. Kxtract. " Admiralty, May 5th, 1844. " I have to inform yon that a Flag Officer's Good Service Pension li.i\ iiig berome vacant by the lamented death of tliat distinguished officer Sir Jaldeel Brenton, 1 have availed myself of the opjjortunity this offered to me of marking the sense entertained by this Board of your able and judicious conduct, and of your valuable service, and have apjiointed you to the vacant pension. I have oidy to regret tl)at its aniouiit is su .small — only worth ,£'300 a year — but it is not the less sought for by officers considered of good service ; and deeming it the most decided mark that the Admiralty has the independent means of giving that these services are duly appreciated. From the Right lion. Sir Robert Peel, Bart., First Lord of tlie Treasury, dee. " Whitehall, 15th October, 1844. " My de.\r Sir William, " A.S y(nir return to this country may, I believe, be expected at a very early period, I am desirous of informing you that I shall have great j)leasure in humbly recommending to Her Majesty that the rank of Haronet be conferreil on you, a^ a mark of Her Majesty's gracious apinobalion of the public services rendered by you as Commander of Her Majesty's naval forces in the eastern seas. I propose to reserve the conferring of this honour until your actual return, from the im- jire-ssion that the circumstances of its being so conferred marks more emphatically that it is the reward of public service on the successful termination of a naval command. " I have, &c., " ROBERT PEEL." ♦ The present Admiral Sir Henry Chads. 1844] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 393 The " Cornwallis " left Trincomalee for England on the 28th of July. She touched at the Cape of Good Hope, and, as it was blowing hard, with every appearance of a gale, the lower yards and topmasts were struck on anchoring. Years afterwards. Captain John M'Neil Boyd, the senior lieuten- ant of the flagship at the Cape, described the manner of her entry and the lesson in seamanship he then learnt, from this the only tune in his life he ever saw a ship enter Simon's Bay with such wise precautions. At Ascension, Sir William Parker minutely inspected the naval establishment, and appointed an acting second master to the " Styx " sloop, then destitute of any navigating officer. The " Cornwallis " met an easterly gale in the Channel, which increased the length of her passage from Trincomalee (stoppages included) to 112 days.* Sir William Parker struck his flag at Spithead on the 5th of November, and obtained the promotion of Lieutenant Edward Codd to the rank of commander. The Admiral's welcome home after his brilliant service, from Her Majesty herself to the most humble individual who had watched his career, was most gratifying. The consummate skill and seamanship which had enabled him to conduct a hostile expedition up an unknown river, and bring back every vessel " without even the loss of a boat," struck all professional men with admiration. The temper and judgment he had displayed throughout every part of his correspondence with the Plenipotentiary in China, and the manner in which he liad taken care that no diver- gence of views should ever cause an hour's delay to the Queen's service;, was all that a Government could wish. Tho warm cordiality of feeling maintained with every braiuli >>( the Army, joined to his previous conduct at Eisbon, and liis administrative experience at the Admiralty, combined lo * A bottle with an account of the arrival in tlif Channel of the *' ('ornwallis," tlirown overhoard at the comnuMKcnicnt of the ti'.iU', readied t}ie nliore, ami w;i« transmitted to Ijomlon tw(j dayM hcfuic the arrival of the " CornwalliH " at Sj)ithe:vd. 304 THE LIFE OF Rli; \V. r.VKKER. [1844 ])i\>vo liini the most distiuguislicil Aduiiiul of the day. Tt is not, therefore, surprisinj,' that the Cabinet selected him for the chief command in the IMediterranean, and subsequent events showed thai a wiser selection could not have been maile. The appointment was hailed with delight and confidence by the naval service and the country at large ; and, as Sir William Parker had served as a Lord of the Admiralty under the Opposition, it was evident that Sir Kobert Teel and the Admiralty had not been influenced by political partiality. Though the list of Flag Officers was numerically large, the number of those considered efficient was so limited that four captains were elected in the following year as Commodores First Class for Admirals' duties. Sir Charles Napier, in his motion before the House of Commons, stated that, out of 211 (active and retired) Admirals on the list, only 25 Eear- Admirals were under 65 years of age, and 15 under 60. The entente cordiale was at its height, and the English Government, relying implicitly on the good faith and friend- ship of Louis Philippe and M. Guizot, had agreed to reduce the Naval P2stimates, and keep only one line-of-battle ship in the Mediterranean ; and it was with some difficulty, and after consulting the French Foreign Office, that the Admi- ralty obtained Lord Aberdeen's sanction that the flagship of the Commander-in-Chief should be a three- instead of a two- decked ship ; 395 PART III. CHAPTEPt I. 1845. "As fame ought constantly to attend on virtue, so, without doubt, it ought to follow in a particular manner that kind of virtue which is of greatest use to society ; I mean sincere, active, and well-conducted public spirit." — Memoir of Vice-Admiral Benbow. The "Hiberuia" was commissioned on February 27, 1845, by Captain Peter Ptichards, for the flagship of the Mediter- ranean. The original intention of the builders of this ship, in 1790, was to make her of the same tonnage as the " Ville de Paris,'" but she was afterwards lengthened 11 feet. She was com- menced in November, 1792, and launched in 1804. Between that date and 1815 she had carried the flags of several Admirals, among others, that of Earl St. Mncent, Sir Sydney Smith, and Sir Charles Cotton. At the end of the war she was laid up in ordinary, and her hull had not been examined for thirty years. On her being docked in 1845, a careful e.xaminatiou jiroved that, with the exception of two places, where the timljer was easily replaced, she was perfectly sound ; and she still exists as the receiving sliip at Malta, to testify to the excellence and v Malta, 398 THE LIFE OF SIR W. TAKKER. [1845 wluMv, on i\\v 41 h (if September, lie ivlieved Sir Edward Owen, whose depiirtine liad been delayed four days in eon- sequence of a Court-martial on a seaman of the " Amazon " for mutiny. Our relations with France were getting unsatisfactory, and the bonds of the imtente cordialc had been strained until they liad almost snapped. Lord Palmerston, in writing to his brother at Naples, on the subject of Tahiti, on August 29, 1844, says : — " France every (lay becomes more encroaching, more overbearing, more insulting, and more liostile ; even the quietest and most peaceful among us are beginning to look forward to a war with France as an event which no prudence on our part can long pi-event." And on the 6th September, 1845 — " ' Fidarsi e bene, ma non fidarsi e meglio,' ought to be our maxim in regard to France. She is preparing most assiduously the means of invading us, and it is not enough for us to rely upon her assurances that she has no present intention of making use of those means." From the Earl of Haddington. " As the ' Warspite ' may be coming home shortly, pray warn Cap- tain Wallis* to look after ' the boy Jones.'t We must not have that fellow haunting the palace again, and the moment the ship is paid oflF she is out of the hands of the Naval authorities ; the Home Secretary will have to be informed thoroughly of his whereabouts and his doings. Captain "Wallis, without appearing to suspect him, might prevent his leaving the ship till the last moment." On the 5th of December, Sir Robert Peel being unable to persuade his colleagues to move for an immediate repeal of the duties on corn, resigned office. Lord John PtusseU was sent for ; but, after fifteen days' trial, found that he could not form a Government, and Sir Robert remained in power. ♦ Now Admiral of the Fleet Sir Provo Wallis, G.C.B. t March 15th, 1841. "Annual Register," vol. Ixxxiii. "Third ap- pearance of the boy Jones at Buckingham Palace. The boy Jones, who on two former occasions effected such a mysterious entrance into Buckingham Palace, again achieved a similar unenviable exploit. He was committed to the House of Correction as a rogue and vagabond for three mouths." 18-45] THE UFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 399 From Sir William Gage. Extract. "Admiralty, 19th December, 1845. " I really believe that (excepting Lord Haddington) there is not a person connected with this office acquainted with the cause of the udden dissolution of the Government, only we know it is at an end, and I expect to take my leave of the Admiralty about Christmas Day next." From Colonel Rose. Extract. " Beyrout, 24th December, 1845. " I am glad to say that another knotty point was settled to-day — the appointment of a Secretary to the Druse Commission. "The Druses are divided into two parties, the ' Dyonbelets ' and the ' Yezbecks.' The Chairman was chosen from the ' Dyonbelets,' which excited the jealousy of the 'Yezbecks.' " I suggested an arrangement, which provides that, when the Cliair- man belongs to one party, the ' Rishia,' or Secretary, is to be aj)pointed from the other party. "The result of events has shown that the French support the pre- tensions of the family of to return to power, and that the Russians secretly favour the design of the Turks to introduce their direct rule, partial or general, over the Lebanon. The English sup- port the Government of 1842, which wjis proposed by the Powers to the Porte and accepted by it at that time." From tlie Earl of Haddington. Extract. "Admiralty, 24th December, 1845. " When I wrote to you the other day, though I firmly believerl myself out of offire, I felt tongue-tied (pen-tied) and could not tell you so. " Before you get this, you will have known the strange events that have f)ccurred, and this mail will tell you that Sir Robert Peel's stiir is again in the; .xscondant. After a long dfliberation and anxious con- sultation with his friends, Loi-d .Jolm acccjitcd the commission to form a Government, and on Saturday nioruiiig I felt certain tiiat about Mf>nday next my succeHsor w.iuld take his seat at the Board. An hour or two let out the fact that he wa.s gone down to Winrlsor to recall his acceptance. Sir Ro]>ert went down at three o'clock, and returned charged again with the Government." Lord KII(!nl)orouj,'li was appointed Fii.st I.i»j(| of (hu Admiralty, on which Lord I'alnierston wrote: — 400 THE LIFK OF 81 Iv \V. TAHKER. [1845 " I am fjlatl of Ellonborougfli'a appointment ; it will be doubly advan- t;v!»oou9. First, it will give us an efficient Navy ; and, secondly, it will ivndiT tho (Jovi'nnnont iiiipnpnlar." From the Earl of Ellenborough. Extract. " 29th December, 1845. " I do not think you will be very sorry to hear that I am going to the Admiralty. 1 assure you that I prefer that otRce to any under the Crown in England. " It will bo a great pleasure to me to be again in official connection with you. I suppose you prefer your present appointment to that you once iield at tlie Admiralty ; but let me know in order that in the event of a vacancy occurring here, I may be accpiainted with your wishes. Of course, whenever there may be a prospect of active ser- vice, Vdur place is on the quarter-deck." 401 CHAPTER II. January to July, 1846. Commander-in-Chief of Mediterranean and Evolutionary Squadrons. Removal from Budrnu of tlie Marbles of the Aucieiit Temple of Hulicariiassus — Visits Athens, Constantinople, and Smvrna — Leaves the Mediterranean, and assumes the command of the Squadron of Evolution — Change of Ministry. " . . . Micat inter omnes . . . Velut inter ignes Lnna minores." The year 1S4G was an eventful year; Sir Robert Peel quitted office, which lie was never destined to resume. Louis Napoleon escaped from Ham. The Revolution In-oke out in I'ortugal ; and Louis Phili])pe, acting* en bon pdrc dc faviille, succeeded in Ininging about the "Spanish mar- riages" wlii'cli caused so much misery to Spain, thereby accelerating liis own downfall and that of his race. Before tlie change of ]\Iinistry Sir AVilliani Parker had been retpiested to assume the command of tlu; S(iuadron of Evolution in addition to his other (hitic.s. The didiculty in fiiKb'ng any otlier ellicient Admiral to instruct the ollicei's of tliat scpiadron in tactics i)roved tlie discernment of Lord Minto when he challenged Sir William I'arkcr in 1S44 In name " any other Vice-Admiral on the list \\\\\\ cijn.il \ i-nm * The Earl (*f ('larL-iiduii to Viscount I'almcrston, Scptcuilu r l.'Uli, 1846 : — " Both he (Jarnac) aud I)unif)nt over and over again said (hat the King had only acted e» /x>?i ^j^}re r/c /«/«///<;; aiili. "To Sir K.limiiul Lyons, Athens. " We onteivil the. Daiilanellos on the 18tli, and i)assucl the inner tiustles with a <,'k)rious breeze, going eleven knots, but as I then dis- covered tliat tlie Treaty was strong against large ships passing up to Constantinople, and might create jealousy or eniban-assnient with regard to other Powers (although the Sultan fully consented), I anchored ' Old Ireland' off Gallipoli, and came ou the next day. We have met with the kindest possible welcome from all parties ; nothing can exceed the civility of the Turks, and, in fact, of all the foreign functionaries. I have been presented to the Sultan. We have seen everything we desired, and our time has included a successioa of feasts and hospitable attention, so that I almost sigh for a little quiet." '• To the Earl of Ellenborough, " ' Virago,' Constantinople, 2nd May, 1846. " The authorities of the Porte expected, and rather wished, to see the ' Hibernia ' at Constantinople, in which case I suspect the Sultan would have visited the ship. I have had the honour of being presented to him by the Ambassador, and His Majesty has since presented me with a sabre set with diamonds, accompanied with a letter from Pe-schid Pasha, the Minister for Foreign AflFairs, of which, and my answer, I think it right to enclose a copy for your Lortlship's informa- tion. This generous act was, I assure you, quite unexpected by me, iind as I do not find any intei'diction to such a compliment iu our instructions, I hope I have not done wrong in accepting it, having ]ireviously consulted Sir Stratford Canning on the propriety of my doing so. The utmost courtesy and attention has indeed been mani- fested towards me iu every direction." On the 8th of May, the Admiral received at Smyrna instructions from the Admiralty to repair to a rendezvous west of Ushant, and assume command of the evolutionary squadron. He showed his usual energy ; sailed without delay ; and, as a Court-martial was necessary for the trial of an officer of the " Amazon," he ordered the ships by signal to heave-to, in order that it mioht Ijo licid at sea, while the squadron continued its course, and made his flag-ship com- l»lete with provisions off Malta without anchoring. 18-46] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKKH. 407 From Colonel Rose. "Beyrout, 16th May, 1846. " I beg to congratulate your Excellency on the pacification of the Lebanon, which now is in perfect quiet, and on the success of tlie con- sistent, honourable, and humane action of Her Majesty's Government, who have only sought the completion of a measure recommended by Great Britain and the four European Powers to the Porte. " I take this opportunity of thanking your Excellency most expli- citly and respectfully for your kind consideration and zealous assistance. I shall have the honour to do so officially, but to-day I have only time to write in a private form. " I cannot suthciently express my sense of gratitude to the officers of the Navy who have co-opei'ated with me, and who have always given me the benefit of theLr opinions, and zealous support." From General Sir Robert Wilson. " Gibraltar, 22nd May, 1846. " You will receive the details of the ' Fantome's ' conflict. Certainly, on abstract right, and in conformity with maritime laws and usage, the attack to repossess the wreck was justitiable, but 1 wish, fur reasons you will apprehend, that, having discovered the lay of the wreck, ' Fautome ' had opened negotiations through our V.C., and friend Ashush at Tetuan, for recovery and reparation. It by no means follows that the Moor.s, who resisted apjjroach to their coast and shore, were implicated in tiie original attack on the vessel, or interested in its protection. " The Keifites are a wild, warlike — almost independent peojjle, like the Keebyles — jealous, with good reason, of intercourse with neigh- bours, not probably well versed in the distinction of fiags, and having bought, to my knowledge, their experience that friendly flags are sometimes used as snares, for the Spauiaids at Melilla and the other stations have <>flen, \)y these deceptive means, enticed Moorish boats into their power, and tlien enforced their objects by keeping the crews as prisoners, until they wore ransomed by concessions. Tliis was here- tofore the practice, Ijut latterly tlie eni|)]oyment of Moorish agents, called confideiites in .Si)anisli, has been fouml to be mt)re advantageous, aiiursued." From the Earl of Elleit,hor»iiijh. "Admiralty, 2Jiid .lune, 184(5. " I hope tliis will find you with the squadron, i am very mm li 408 Till'. MIK OF SIR W. I'ARKER. [1846 |>leased with the alacrity you have evinced in meeting our wish that you should take the temporary command of it. " I suppose my otHeial eommunio^itioiis with j'ou will soon be at an end. I expect tiiat we shall be well beaten on Friday next, the 26th, and that we shall immediately resign. However, no one can exactly tell what may hai)i)en. To tell you the truth, I have for many reasons n<> wish to remain here, and I do not think that anything would in- duce me to return to this oilice without uuich more power to do what I think right than I have had. " I think the whole system on which the duties of the Board are carried on requires a thorough change, and there must be given to the First Lord a more extensive power of rewarding merit than he now h;is. Our means in seamen and marines are also too limited ; and our dockyards are almost without defence. I do not like being responsible for the consequence of the state of destitution in which l)artly financial difficulties, and partly the chanicter of some minds, place the Naval Service. I have received much pleasure from my intercourse with Naval ofiicers, and I have li;ul the satisfaction of jjromoting and employing some good deserving men, but I s company like a frigate, under canvas only. ' Polyphemus ' also does well with her floats M?(shipped, and, with some additions in her rig, might be still improved." From the Earl of A uckiand. Extract. " Admiralty, August 24tli, 184(5. " I am jtarticularjy glad to see that you are convinced of the ad- vantage of our .ships acting together in large bodies, and having tin- experience of what is called evolutionary ]jractice, for I am led to think that we sliall keej) your fleet together rather longer than w;ui intended. It is strongly felt here that we ought not much longer to allow tiie French to assume the jiretension of an ahnost singh' pos- session of tlie Mediterranean Sea, and wc shall jirobalily insfruct you as soon as you can Ix; sjiared from the Tagus to jtidceed with the greater number of your Hhi])H within the Straits of (Jihraltar, and though we may order tlie guard ships home, we may enable you to keep together a respectable force rhiring the winter. If wc should do tlii.s, I am sure that you will not allow tlie shij)s, as ha.s been tno ciflen the case, to remain idle at Malta, but that you will give tlicin fn(|U(iit and active practice. What you say of the jierformances of the 'I'attier' is ve"y siitisfactory and imjxirtant. Iinnieiise sums have been expen. i5ulwer. Extract. " ' ITibernia,' Cape Trafalgar, eawt 12 le.ngues, 22nd Sept., jHJO. "Situated an we are at present, I am rather desirous that none of H.M. ships, except steam vesHula, should be anchored in any Spanish 410 TIIK UVK OF SIR W. PARKER. [1846 iiiti't, wlu'U tlu' luairia^t' of tiie Due di' Moiitpeiisior may bo cele- iiratod, as I should l)f unwilling to sanction a, participation in any display of rejoicing on any event which may not have the ajiprobation of our (Jovernment ; and it miglit be j)rudent to avoid any marked omission, before instructions are receivetl for our guidance." From Mr. Bulwer. "Madrid, 2nd October, 1846. "I received your letter by Colonel Fitcli, and found with great pleasure that we agree, and that consequently we can act as we think together. It will be also some satisfaction to you to learn that not onlv H.M. Government, but that ])ersons of all parties in England seem to share our o|)inions, and I have had very flattering letters from the head of 11. M i)resent Government, and also from Sir Robert Peel, as to my conduct. On the other hand, the French people do not seem at all riisjwsed to back the project of the French Court, while the Spanish people are most decidedly opposed to the views of their Court. The King of the French, indeed, seems to have been gathering up a character for jirudence all his life in order to spend the same witli wanton extravagance at the close of it. You are now acquainted with our protest here ; we have protested in Paris both against the marriage and against the sviccession in the event of the marriage, as indeed we have a right to do by the provisions of tlie Treaty of Utrecht. It seems even yet difficult to believe that Louis Philij)pe will go on, and these people are most anxious to go back. But every- thing de|)ends, as I said to you at first, upon our wearing a bold front upon the business." .... From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "Admiralty, 27th September, 1846. "'The ill-humour produced in the political world by the projected marriages at Madrid is greatly to be lamented. There has been dis- ingenuousness, luifriendliness, and dishonesty on one side, and re.sent- ment and jiermanent mistrust must be engendered on the other. I would hope that worse consequences may not follow, and the best ground for this liope is that up to this time the French and Spanish people do not think with their Courts." " Admiralty, 29th September, 1846. " We had scarcely sealed up our letters to you yesterday and sent them otf, before I received an intin\ation from Lord John Russell and lyjrd Palmerston of their wish that during the month of October you IS-IGJ THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 417 should cruise to the eastward and northward of Gibraltar, staying occasionally at the latter place, looking in at Cadiz, Carthagena, and other ports, and in case of commotion protecting British comraene and property. I confess I should be glad if you happened to be absent ■when the Prince de Joinville looks into Cadiz. Your meeting would probably be one only of an interchange of civility, but there is too much of ill-temper excited in the tJiree countries to admit of such meetings being altogether jileasant." "Admiralty, 7th October, 1846. " I am shocked at the report of the punishments on board of the ,' and have come to the resolution of superseding Captain in the command of her, and will send out another captain by the next mail. I rather repent the not having dune so some days sooner, but I had hoped that your first reproof would have done good. I am satistied that a captaiu who cannot maiutain discipline in his ship without such frequent and severe punishments has not the qualities which are essential to comm;uid." The marriage.s of the Queen of Spain and the Infanta took place on October the 10th. From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "Admiralty, IfJth October, 1846. " You may gather from the tone of my letters that I have less expectation than Mr. Bulwer of political excitement in Spain, and that I take a more moderate measure of the influence of your presence. It is nevertheless quite right that you should be in force wiicre you are, and tliat you should, with some exercise of your own discretion, endea- vour to follow his suggestions. Aljove all things, if there should be actual disturbance, it will Ije right that you receive and ^jrotect those who may fly to you for iirotuction." From the Earl of EUcnhorough. "8outhsc;^ 20th October, 1846. " I am greatly old iged to you for your interesting account of your fWjua«lroii. Upon the whole it is very .s;itisfactory. "Certjiinly tiiere should be a Hqua tlio Marines, and wisli tli.it you iii,i,\ have an opportunity of holil- inj; Heleiu Castle witli (luin. " It is thouj^ht «,'oo(l, if it can be so anan^jjed, and tlio Queen should lie ((bli;j;eil to take refuse on board any ship, that it should be on board her own ship, under her own Hay, and with your guns at hand to jirotect her." " To the Earl of Auckland. Extracts. " H.M.S. ' Hibernia,' in the Tagus, 6th Nov., 1846. " From contrary winds our passage from off Cadiz to the Tagus was longer than I anticipated, but we got within the Bar in the ' Hibernia,' on the evening of the 30th, and on the following day the whole of the squadron were moored off Lisbon, greatly to the joy of the Royal Family, and I believe of the contending ])arties on T)oth sides in the city, who consider us a point of refuge, should their lives be endangered from their ])olitical proceedings. " I do not, however, tliink that our countrymen are in the smallest danger of being molested by either faction, if they will only abstain from interfering in the disputes of the country, which they are always prone to do. Mr. Southern, the Charge d'Affaires, has, however, admonished them on this head, and I hope they will be prudent. " Portugal is again unhap])ily in a state of open civil warfare, lios- tilities having commenced some days ago at or near Evora, in an affair between the Queen's troops, under General Schmalbach, and (as it is here termed) the Popular Forces, under General Silestinas, with loss on lx>th sides, and I believe both claiming advantage, though the latter are supposed to have been worsted. "The members of the late Government, and all who have taken uj) arms against the Queen's authority, have been deprived of their titles and honoui-s by Royal Ordinance. " They are fortifying Oporto, and advancing on Lisbon under Das Antas, who reached Leiria several days ago with a force superior in nunJierx to any that the existing Government can assemble, but of an inferior character ; however, their ranks are thin on both sides. "Marshal Saldauha has declared his intention of marching from Lisbon to-day. I suspect he cannot be accompanied by more than 4,rXX) rerjulars, anrl very few will be left for the protection of Lisbon ; such little credit, however, is to be attached to the statements which are given that I scarcely venture to name them. "The lower orders are unfavourably disposed to the Queen, and many of them are armed in the neighbourhood of Cintra. "I paid my respects to their Majesties soon after my arrival, when the King proposed to honour me with a visit on board the ' Hibernia,' with his two sons, to show them the ship, and a day will be lixed for their reception a-s soon as we have completed a little refit of our 184:0] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 421 ritrging which had begun before His Majesty's wishes were intimated. The Marquis of Saldanha imagines that this visit will have a good eftect, and I shall be prepared to show His Majesty all due honour." From the Earl of Auckland. Extracts. " Admiralty, 7th November, 18-16. " Your determination to proceed at once to the ' Tagus,' with the greater part of your squadron, upon hearing of the disturbances in Portugal, has met here with warm and general approval. I sent off a messenger to Windsor on receiving your despatches, and Her Majesty in answer expressed her very great satisfaction with the judgment and decision which you had exhibited. " I can form no opinion ujjon what is passing around you, with the imperfect knowledge that we have, we may be endeavouring to save those who have neither well nor wisely drawn danger on themselves, l>ut the danger is not exclusively theirs, the failure of the present dynasty of Portugal might lead to great political inconvenience, and there is here in high quarters strong personal feeling in favour of its members. I greatly rejoice, therefore, at your presence at Lisbon. "The latest accounts seem to justify a hope that the Queen has gaineil an advantage, and this, with the imposing appearance of your fleet, may give confidence to her supporters, and the evil day with which she has been threatened may pass away from her. "You will perceive from the letters sent to vou, how strong a desire is entertained that you should do all that may prudently be done to nup])ort her, and to demonstrate the value of a British alliance, but I look with great anxiety for further accounts, for you may have to take luciLSures such as may awaken national feelings against us. The Queen may be driven to take refuge in the river, and I hope that if she Hhould do BO, she will go on board one of her own vessels rather than put herself in the disahi'uuis,' she \n:\y },'ive comfort to the nu'ich;uit.s in tliat city, t^lie nii^'lil otherwise do good, thouL;ii it seemed by the hist accounts tliat tlie popuhice there was too much excited for friendly nego- tiation. "All, however, will j)robably have been settled before you receive this letter. " I am .satisfied you will have done what is best, and you will find here the .strongest ilisposition to support you. I shall be glad when you are no longer required at Lisbon, and you find yourself again exercising your fieet. " Lord John Russell has expressed to me a wish that you may find it convenient occa.sionally to visit Athens, and to show the Greek Court that we are still a Naval Power." "Admiralty, 15th November, 1846. " You .seem as usual to have anticij)ated our instructions and to havo done all that we could have desired you to do, and your presence at Lisbon canrwt, even in the event of the worst contingencies, fail to liave a salutary effect upon those who might be disposed to commit excess : but I look for the success of the Duke of Saldanha, and con- sequently for that of the Queen in her late strange and inexjdicable ]jroceedings. But it can hardly be hoped that Portugal will at once fall back into peace after this very strong disturbance. " 1 find with some high authorities, and particularly witli Sir W. Symonds, a strong disj)usition to undervalue the screw steamers, and I am very slow in adopting their objections, I have no doubt that the jjaddle is the more powerful engine and the least liable to be out of order. But the screw is the safest from shot, and from- its facilities for disconnecting, if the vessels are good for sailing, may be in a great degree preferable for cruising. Let me hear from you on all this." From F. M. Visconde Sa da Banddra.* (Translation. — Original in French.) " Oporto, 28th November, 1846. " By Captain Robb I have had the pleasure of receiving the com- munication you liave addressed to me respecting the Duke of Terceira. * Sa da Bandeira, originally Bernardo de Sa, contributed greatly to placing Dofdia Maria on her throne. While carrying the colours of hi.-) regiment under D. I'edro, his right arm was shot through ; seizing the staff in his teeth he bore the colours out of the enemy's reach, an(l wa» created Visconde Sa da Bandeira (of the Flag). He was con- 1846] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 423 His friend for more than thirty -five years, assuredly no one can feel a greater interest in him than myself. If, therefore, it was in my power to restore him to liberty on parole of honour I should have already done so. But in the present circumstances 1 do not believe it practicable, and even the Junta could not do it without exposing the city to an insun-ection, for the popular party, who arrested him, consitler him as their prisoner. "Our triumph i.s cerLaiu if we have any perseverance, and we possess for our support a just cause. "Let H.M. the Queen name a Ministr}' which in its composition may offer some guarantee that the laws shall be observed, and that the election of the Deputies shall be entirely free, and that a Con- stitutional Reform shall be freely discussed, and we will obey tliat Administration." " To the Earl of Auckland. Extracts. " ' Hibemia,' Lisbon, 30th November, 1846. "Several events of interest, and some of importance, relative to the progress of affairs here, have occurred since I last wrote to your Lordship. "The moat material has been the defeat of Sa da Baiideira by General Casal at Val de Passos, on the 16th instant, when two of the regiments in the service of the insurgents went over to the Queen's forces. " Several Portuguese noblemen have taken refuge on board the 'Hibernia' (all bringing introductions from Mr. Southern), but with the excejttion of one individual, who was the leader of the armed force which was dispersed at Cintra, none of them ajJlJeared to have com- promised their lives. "Their object is to avoid being throwji into prison for not taking up anus in the Queen's service. " I w;iH, liowever, sur|)rised by tlie ai)pearance of ilie Duke of Palmeihi and two of his sons-in-law to seek security, on the evening of tlie liUth. He informed me tliat lie had Iteen summoned to the Palace that morning, and rjesinid by tlie Queen in person to cpiit the country, on the j)rett.'Xt that the (Joveniment could not answer for his safety from the violence of the lower orders 1 Hiderearcy, and by his energy succeeded in having the National Guard disarmed. A new Ministry was foi^med under Bomfin, which Cabral joined, and in 1842, at his instigation, the Charter was restored and the Constitution of 1820 abolished. Terceira became Prime Minister, but Cabral was the leading spirit of the Cabinet, and was created Conde do Thoniar. " The Administration was exceedingly unpopular. The taxes were increased ostensibly for the purpose of making roads, but Cabral and liis brother Jos6 were suspected of peculation, and the discontent of tlie nation was at its height in 1846, when a woman of the name of Mari;i, belonging to the village of Fonte, near Braga, gave the signal for the revolt, and headed a guerrilla party in opposition to the taxa- tion. The Revolution spread with great rapidity ; Costa Cabral left tlie country ; the Ministry resigned and were succeeded by Palmella and Lavrailio (called at that time Septembristas), who were soon suc- ceeded by Saldanha, who, on the 6th of October, proclaimed again the Charter of Dom Pedro, and sent Terceira to Oporto to put down the insurrection ; but Terceira "was taken prisoner, and detained as a Jiostage by the 'Junta' in that city, composed of Sa da Bandeira, Das Anta.s, &c. The civil war began, and it was at this juncture that Admiral Sir William Parker, anticipating any orders that could be sent to him, arrived in the Tagus." 429 CHAPTEE IV. January to June, 1847. Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Ships in the Mediterranean and Coast of Portugal. L'outimiance of the Civil AVar in Portugal— Intervention ; Surrender of the Insurgents. Peace followed by a general Amnesty. " Whether to settle peace, or to unfold The drift of hollow States, hard to be spell'd." The beginning of 1847 found the British Squadron still in the Tagus. In answers to questions in the House of Lords on this subject, Lord Lansdowne described Sir William as " well known to be not only one of the ablest and most gallant of officers in Her Majesty's Navy, but a person remarkable for the care, the discretion and judgment, with which, in all parts of the globe, he had uniforndy adminis- tered the most important affairs," and in May he informed the House that the squadron " had inspired our merchants with a feeling of security for their lives and property, and the whole country with respect." From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "Admiralty, fith .January, lR-47. "T confess that I take a far greater intere.st in your stpiadron tlian I rid in tlie affairn oi Poitugal, and I am very impatient of its long detention in tlie waters of the Tagus, and the more so as bad health Heems to be creeping in amongst your shipH. Lord Pahiicrsloii is out of town, but I have had conununications with Lonl .lolni Itusseli, and we are agreed that now the war is removed so far froiu Lisbon, tlie maintenance of so large a force in tlif Tagus cannot be necessary, and I trust you will find it cxpi-dicnt to dctaeh some sliijjs to the Mediter- ranean. ... I could Iiavo liked for vour own sake to have -K'O THE LIFE OF STl! W, PARKEH. [1.S47 jvleasod you, but I trust vour fuitlur continuance will not be of long thmition." , "To the Earl of Auckland. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 5th January, 1847. "The accidental opportunity of writing by the 'Achilles,' Oriental Packet, wiiich has put into the Tagus for coals, enables me to acknow- ledge the receipt on tlie 3rd instant of your Loi'dship's letter of the 22iid ultimo, communicating my appointment as the Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp to the Queen. " For this additional and unlooked-for mark of Her Majesty's gi-acious favoin-, I have not words to express my gratitude, but I shall endeavour to prove by unremitting devotion to Her service that it is deeply felt, and beg of your Lordship to convey to Her Majesty how highly and thankftdly I ajijjreciate the distinguished honour she has conferred on me. To the personal kindness f>f your Lordship, and the members of the Board of Admiralty, I am also well aware how much I am indebted. "With a family of eight children to provide for, I feel satisfied that it will never be imagined that I am insensible either to the advantage or convenience of the handsome increase of income that attaches to the post I am now honoured with, but as it may possibly be considered that I hold an undue share of the pecuniary benefits appertaining to my profession, I beg with great deference to assure your Lordship that I shall be quite ready to resign my Good Service Pension as a Flag Officer, if there is a question on that point. I shall always entertain a vivid recollection of the flattering manner in which it was bestowed on me, and the loss of it cannot diminish the gi-atitude with which I shall ever, remain, &c." From the Earl of Auckland. " Admiralty, 16th January, 1847. " I have great pleasure in transcribing for you a letter which I have received from Her Majesty after the perusal of your last letter upon Portugal, which I sent to her at the same time with the expression of your thanks for the ap])ointment of principal A.-D.-C. "'The Queen returns these letters to Lord Auckland which have interested her much. The Queen is much pleased with the mild and loyal tone of Sir William Parker's letters. She wishes Lord Auckland to mention to Sir William Parker that her cousins, the King and Queen of Portugal, always speak in liigh terms of him, and that her little cousin Louis* (the Queen of Portugal's second son) is extremely * The late King of Portugal. 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 4;U fond of Sir William Parker, and delighted to go ou boai'd the " Hibernia," which he has done several times.' " There is so much of deep interest and of simple and warm feeling in this letter that I am sure you will read it with much gi-atifieatlon. "I will say little or nothing upon that part of your letter in which you express your readiness to give up your Good Ser\ace Pension if such a proceeding on your j)art should be exjaected ; for this must be entirely matter for your own decision. It is, I believe, an established rule that a second lucrative appointment does not vacate a Good Service Pension, and least of all can I grudge to you an accumulation of well-earned rewards, more particularly as such rewards are each small in themselves.* But, as you know, in this critical world there will be some who think differently from me." " nth January, 1847. " This morning, at hall-past nine o'clock, Mr. Southern and nn.self received intimation that the Queen wishetl to speak to us at eleven. We repaired to the Necessidades Palace at the appointed hour, and were immediately ushered into the presence of Her Majesty, who received us alone. "She appeared in a state of angry excitement, and having abruptly obser\'ed that the Duke of Saldanha was marching to the attack of Oporto, H.M. inquired what ships we had in the Douro. On being informed that the 'Gladiator' was the oidy ship-of-war now there, but that tiie 'Nautilus' was on the point of proceeding to that river, she gave us to understand that it was desirable H.M. ships should all be withdrawn to prevent an unnecessary effusion of blood, as their pre- sence would probably induce greater resistance on the part of the insurgents, from the chance of their eventually taking refuge on board. " Mr. Southern respectfully sulmiitted that the pi-esence of the shi])s might produce a contrary effect, and prevent the state of desjieration which might ensue on their de])arture, from the ho|)el('ssn('ss of the position of the Ijiisieged. Jle also suggested wlictlicr it might not be a fitting occa.sion to offer some conciliatory terms which might induce the garrison at once to lay down their arms. Him- Majesty appeared to reject tliis iord, received a Speci.il I'l nsion nf X')00 a-year. 432 TIIH LIFE OF Slli W. PAHKER. [1 84T that such an offer was for the consideration of the Administration only. " I took occjusion to dltserve that TI.M. ships were in tlie Douro for the positive ohject of protectinjf tiie persons and ]iin|)crties of the numerous Hritish subjects resident at Oporto which lendered it essen- tial that the ships should remain sutHoiently long to enable them to eiuhaik oi- rt-move, if possible, to a place of safety, to avoid tlie danger of an assault ; that H.M. ships came here avowedly for the purpose of affording |)ers()nal protection to the Royal Family, as well as a security to our countrymen, and that it had been our undeviating desire to afford all the moral influence in our power, in support of the Throne. I hojted, likewise, that the presence of the British ships in the Douro would accelerate the submission of the insurgents, more esj)ecially when the additional means of escai)e wei-e afibrded by the rein- forcement which I ])roj)ose to send off the Bar, having it in contempla- tion to order the ' Nautilus,' ' Pha>nix,' 'Polyi)hcmus,' 'Bloodhound,' and even the 'America,' from Coruua, to that point, should it be necessjuy. " The King joined us a few minutesi after we were admitted to the Queen's presence, and entered on the subject with his usual urbanity and consideration, fully acquiescing in the ])i'opriety of due time being afforded for the safety of the British subjects, and expressing his entire conviction of our friendly inclinations. H.M. informed us that there was no lunger a doubt that the Pi'esident and other members of the Oporto Junta were in communication with the INliguelites, for the i)ur- pose of forming an union of interests, but H.M. was unwilling to believe that Sa da Bandeira, and some others of the leaders of the insurgents, were chargeable with this disgraceful proceeding. " It is not for me to offer a comment on this unusual pi'oceeding of the Sovereign unaccompanied by a single Minister of State. I must confes.s. Her Majesty did not give me the impression that any measure tending to conciliation was in her thoughts, but if there is any tiuth in a communication, which has been addressed to me by a confidential friend, it may account for the hasty bearing of H.M. throughout this audience." " To Colonel Wylde. "'Hibernia,' Monday morning, 12th January. " I yesterday informed the Queen that the ' Nautilus ' was going to Oporto, before she expressed her wish that the ships should all be withdrawn. " But it is very desirable this brig and steamers should actually enter the Douro, to receive the British residents who may be anxious to embark, because, as you very well know, there is at this time of the year great uncertfiinty and frequently danger in crossing the Bar. " Will you have the goodness to explain this to the King ?" 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TARKER. 433 From Mr. Henry Southern. " 29th January, 1847. "I return you the instructions to Robb. They are admirable, must say it is a real pleasure to have to co-opei-ate with you. With regard to the prisoners, who ai-e stowed in the hold of the brig ' Audaz,' like condeiu'.ied felon.s, and treated as such, I have thought it a duty to write a note on this barbarous measure, as to the etlect I know it will produce on our Government and on Englishmen in general. It is, besides, a direct breach of a promise made by the King to Wvlde. See what AYvlde says in his note to me." " To Henry Southern, Esq. " ' Hibernia,' Lisbon, 29th January, 1847. " I am very glad that you are going to address a note on the subject of this odious measure of sending the unfortunate prisonei-s to Angola as felons, and without a semblance of trial ! It cannot fail to excitt- great sympathy and indignation in a large portion of our countrymen." "To the Earl of Auckland. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 1st February, 1847. " A .strong sensation of regret has been excited throughout Lisbon the la-st four days by the sudden determination of the Goveinment to send the chiefs and officers of the insurgent forces taken at Torres Vedras, amounting to between forty and fifty, immediately into bani.shment, in the pestilential climate of Angola, or one of the penal settlements of Portugal on tlie coast of Afri(;a, in consequence, as it is a!lege K •> 43G TIIK T,IFE OF SIR AV. PAKKER. [1847 with ivfii^roos at (^ixtrto, niiil T kixnv that there are from 12 to 20 otlicers of various ranks wlio were serving viiider lionifini, at Torres Vedras, and, havins; eRea]>eil capture, are now in concealment at Lisbon, waiting an opportunity to get off." From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. " Admiralty, 26th January, 1847, " I consulted Lord Fahnerston n))on tlie manner in which the refugees should be treated. We are of opinion that ihere should be no limit as to receiving refugees on board our ships-of-war but the limit of space to hold them, and that the Government here should repay any fair and rea.sonable expenses of their entertainment when on board. And we are not desirous that yon shouhl be over scru])ulous in getting away from Lisbon any of those who are now concealed there. We greatly mistrust the disposition to mercy in the Court, and I wish we may be mistaken in this mistrust. Might not the refugees be sent for temporary shelter to Gibraltar ? " From the Earl of Haddington. Extract. " Tynninghame, 29th January, 1847. " I feel like a man off whose shoulders a load has been taken, and I deeply congratulate myself on being relieved from tiic necessity of hearing complaints that I coidd not silence, or witnessing heart- burninrivate reception by their Majesties, at the Nece-ssidades, with which he was much plea.sed. "Accounts have readied Lisbon that JJas A ntas has gained a con- siderable advantage over Casal, whom lie encountered at Punte de Lima, and compelled to retreat into Viana, where he will probably be attacked. The insurgents' forces are now interposed between Viana and Valentja. They liave also re-occupied St. Ubes, to which place I shall now dispatch the ' Phoenix,' for the jjrotection of the British residents." 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER. 437 " To Captain Eobb, H.M.S. ' Gladiator,' Oporto. " ' Hibernia,' Lisbon, 9th March, 1847. "You should prohibit any officer or man rowing about in shore boats after sunset, which is, in fact, what the Admiralty have suggested. I hope this will prevent a recnri-ence of any more disputes with the guards, &c., and in this persuasion I am unwilling to make the order more stringent than I have done ; but yourself, and the officers in command under you, must see that it is strictly earned out ; it will be my jiride to believe tliat no irregularity has occurred on the part of any officers or men of the British squadron, either in the Tagus or Douro." Following the example set by the Duke of Terceira iu the previous Civil War, Sa da Bandeira laiided with a small army in the Algarves, raised the standard of the Junta, and soon had pos::iession of all the south of Portugal, including Setubal. " To the Earl of Auckland. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 31st March, 1847. " Lisbon is thrown into a state of great excitement by the departure of Sa da Bandeira with a division of the insurgent forces from Oporto on the 2.th iust., in three steam vessels, which we have reason to believe pa.s.sed the entrance of the Tagus yesterday at 4 p.m., steering to the south. It is presumed that the troops will be disembarked at Sines, unless they have already landed to the north. "The Government on receiving intimation by the telegrai)h from Coimbra that this expedition liad left tlie JJouro, detached 1,000 troops (composed of 400 of the Municipal ( ui^inl, i^OO sappers, oO cavalry, 150 new h;vies, and -Z-IO of the prisoners taken at Torres Vedras, wlio iiave been received into the Queen's service) in llie direction of Feniclie, anl they marciied from hence ou the 2ytli, under the expectation that Sii da Bandeira would make liis debarkation at St. Martinho, endeavoui' to get possession of the fortress of I'eniciie, which is very weakly garri.soned, and then niaiaeh and the Baron de Foz iiave proved uneipial to kee|) the ex-('uiiMt ile Mello altogether in clieck in tlie Alemtejo, and nearly tiie whole of the Algarve is opposed to the (^ueen." 438 THE LIFE OF SIIJ W. P.VRKER. [1847 "To llio Earl of Aiu-klaiul. " H.M.S. ' llihcniia,' Lisbon, Gtli April, 1847. "The unoertaiiily in which we have been all kept for the last five (lays rospectiiig the exi)e(lition from Oporto under Sada Bandeira, was reliovfd last nii^dit by the return of the ' Pho-nix' from the south end of the Al_«,Mrve, whi;re it aj>])ears they liave all disembarked and con- centrated at Faro. I believe their force may be estimated at l,r)(i() nun, independently of abovit 800, by which they have been joined at Lagos and Faro. The troojts from Oporto, Commander Dennis says, are all tine young men, well clothed and armed ; those raised in Algarve all young, robust, and armed with muskets, but badly clothed. All a|>peared in high s|)irits ; Sa da Bandeira is to have the chief com- mand in the Alemtejo, and hoped to move in that direction in a few days from Faro. He stated that it was his intention to have landed at Peuiche, St. Ubes, or Sines, but the bad weather did not admit of any conmiunication with the shore until they reached Lagos. " The state of affairs here is lamentable. I understand the Govern- ment have now given uj) the idea of conquerhig by arms, and have apprised the Duke of Saldanha that they cannot send him any further supplies ; they rest their entire hopes on intervention, and it is sus- pected that they have intimation from France that it will by some means be afforded." From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "Admiralty, 4th April, 1847. " I received two days ago a letter from Lord John Russell, requesting that I would send you two hundred marines in addition to your pre- sent force, and I have ordered them to Portsmouth, and they will have a field officer with them, and embark on board the ' Sidon,' and will, I trust, sail to-morrow. This will be but a small addition to your present force, but it may tend to show that the British Government is in earnest in the attempt which is made to put an end to the unhappy differences prevailing in Portugal. It remains, however, to be seen if the Queen or insurgents will listen to counsels of moderation. I shall be anxious to learn your opinion of the 'Sidon.' I think that she has been unju.stly decried. She has cost, however, an immense deal of money, and there is for a man-of-war a mass of wood and machinery out of all proportion to the guns that are carried. She is immensely roomy, both for men and officers." W'liilc tlie Admiral was laljouriiig with lionest zeal and great prudence for the support of Donha Maria's throne, Her 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 439 Majesty, uafortunately, gave credence to a mischievous report of his having called her " vindictive," and this made her so angry that she deliberately turned her back on him and the P^nglish othcers who attended her Drawing Room. '• To the Earl of Aueklaml. "H.M.S. 'Hibeniia,' Lisbon, Gtli Ainil, 1847. " Yesterday, being the aimiversary of the Queen of Portugal's birth, the usual general and royal salutes were tired by the shi})piug, and tlie captains and couimauders of the sijuadron all accompanied me to pay our respects to H.M. at Court at one o'clock. " The King was, as he always is, gracious and courteous, but it was soon appar.ent that I was labouring under the Queen's dis])leasure, evinced by a .studied slight which could not be misiakeu, although 1 was unconscious of having given any cause for offence. Before I returned on board, however, I was, through the kindness of Count Meusdortf, informed that some ladies, who ai-e unknown to me, but who happened to be on a temporary visit to the Duchess of Palmella when I called there, about a fortnight or three weeks ago, had reported to H.^r. that I had spoken of her as vindictive, malignant, aiid cruel, with reference to the exile of the Torres V'edras prisoners to Angola, and contrasted her with the humane and amiable disposition of the King, who would have prevented (if he could) their deportation to Africa. "Now, my Lord, I j)ositively deny having uttered these expressions, although I freely admit when the subject was introduced that I depre- cated in strong terms that measure of the Government, which I certainlv considered as a most injurious one for the cause of the Queen, JUS well Hn of humanity. " I will not so decidedly aver that the words, or something like them, were not used by a lady piesent, whom, of course, 1 forbear to name, but foitunately my Flag Lieutenant w;us also tiiere, and he is as much .>^rcc(l U) atlojil llif advice of the J-Ji^lish ( Jovci-iiinciit, conveyed through Sir llHiiiilton Sej'iiiour, and Ikhii this time continued laithl'ul to it. " To Sir H. Seymour. "' HilM^niia,' I0.:50 A.M., nth May, 1847. " I comiluih' yf tlir .Inula. 'I'his niws wii« brouglit late last night by an Knglish merchant steainei-, five days fioiii M.idiiia." 444 TIIK LIFH OF Sli; W. I'AKKKi;. [1847 "'llibeniia,' Lisbon, 8th May, 1847. " I do not think that anything can be butter tlian your proposed letters to the Consuls at Math"iraanritish subject and one of her naval officers, moreover one of our Sovereign's aides-de-camp, you are bound alike by duti/ and courtesy not to offer your services to any foreign Power, before you have received permission from tiie Queen of England and Jler Goveinment ! ! "If you take this stej) witliotit leave, you can have no cause to complain if your name is finally removed from the list of our Navy." The insurgents in I'urtugal cuutiuued to increase in strength. Their squadron, under the command of Mr. Salter, captured the Government steamer " Eoyal Tar," and vwww oil' the bar of Li.sljon after hmding troops in the south. It was evident to Sir Ilaniillnn and the Admiral tlial only foreign interference could save the Portuguese dynasty. "To the Earl of .Xiickland. "H.M.S. 'Ilibcniia,' Lisbon, lOtli May, 1847. "The despatches by tlic 'Jackal,' fnmi Opdrto, will have doulitless communicated to your LonLship the failure of Colonel Wylde's nii.ssion to the ProviHif)iial Junta. " lialc ill the evening of the 17tli, a iiciiteiiant ui the ' i'lin'iii.x ' brought iin; iMtelli^^ence that Sa da JJandcira had given the formal notice agreed upon, that the temporary ariuLstice slinuld (^eaHe at nndu on tiie fiJIowing day, and it was believed that he coiitemplaled some movement as h ion ;is the stipulated time e.\i)ired. "Ah no communication had then been receivtd ;il Li.MJMiii, of tlif result ot the proffered niediat ion, at Oporto, Si i IJiiniliuii Sivniour fi-li, very diHiion.s to jiost |ioh<; the I'ccomnujnccmfiil ul IiohI ililics until the fact could be ascirl.iineil, a joint letter w.xs, therefoie, addressed 4ifi THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER.' [1847 liv Iiimself and the Ministors of Fi-aiu-e .■iml Spain, at Lisbon, to Sa da I iandi'ira, requesting that the arnustice might be extended until the lOtli of June, by wliich time it was imagined that full instructions on tlie (letermination of our Government woidd be leceived, to meet the cAse of rejection by the insurgents. "Your Lordship may be assured that I shall exert every means that I can devise, in acccn-dance with Sir Hamilton's wishes, to stay the jn-oceedings of the conteiuling parties, without committing ourselves, or H.M.'s Government, by any premature direct interference." " To Sir Hamilton Seymour. " ' Hibernia,' 20th May, 1 p.m. " I am now making the drafts of the orders for Commander McCleverty and Captain Robb, but they require some caution, which prevents my getting on with them as rapidly as I could wish ; as soon as they are ready I will send you a copy, from which you may make any extracts or precis that you deem advisable for the Spanisli Minister. " I will instruct Eobb not to deliver your letter to Das Antas until the Spanish officer is ready to present his. " I agree that, when the steamers are off the port, it is desirable that the insurgent armed vessels should not quit the Douro, if they are inside it ; but if we have only the Spanish steamer and English ' Polyphemus ' outside, they cannot ])revent three vessels con)ing out, as one would escape while they are communicating with the other two, if determined to do so. The ' Gladiator,' be it remembered, is at present under lod- and l-ey. Warning, however, can be given to the insurgents not to attempt it. " I will desire Captain Robb to give every assistance in his power to jrettinc out the ' Soberano ; ' but it will be touch and go with the ' Gladiator ' herself, from her great draught of water, and therefore, I fear, unsafe for her to tow out another vessel. " How many hours do you propose to give Das Antj^ for his answer to your first letter 1 " "'Hibernia,' 21st May, 11.30 a.m. " It occurs to me, that if the Junta refuse, as I conclude they will, to attend to our demands, and should still attem])t to send out their steamers, it will be necessarj' for the 'Polyphemus' to remain, to a-ssist the ' Gladiator' and ' America' (when she gets there) in stopping them." "1 h. :50 m., P.M. " Will it not be advisable that the ' Gladiator,' and all British and Spanish ships should be got out of the Douro before your letter No. 2 is delivered i 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. . 449 " On the receipt of the refusal of the Junta to agree to the armistice proposed in No. 1, I can send off the ' Sidon,' but if we begin to stop ships outside, they will assuredly retaliate within the river, and place us in a very bad position. " P.S. — The ' America ' shall at all events proceed off Oporto to- morrow." " To Captain Eobb, ' Gladiator,' Oporto. "'Hibernia,' at Lisbon, 20th May, 1847. " I cannot enjoin you more strongly than I have done in my official instructions to abstain as much as possible from being drawn into collision with any of the insurgent vessels — it would be viewed with the deepest regret, and eiubarrass our Government more than I can express. Our great desire is to have their instructions before any hostile act is committed ; our present object is to j>revent further bloodshed, and I am aware that this will l)e best enforced by the appearance of a strong squadron, but unfortunately I haA-e nothing left in the shape of a steamer except the ' Sidon.' " I have numbered Sir H. Seymour's letters for Das Antas, 1 and 2 in j>encil, and you should rub this out before you deliver it. Be ]jarticular on this point, or it will lead to suspicion that more is commg. " I also enclose with the official letters an authority from Sir H. Seymour for you to open any letter or communication addressed t(j him from Oporto, by which you will be in immediate possession of the nature of the reply of the Junta." . . . Sir Hamilton and Sir William demanded an immediate armistice. " To the Earl of Auckland. "'Hibernia,' Li.sbon, 21st May, 1847. "We have taken a step which, as it exceeds the letter of my instruc- tions, and savours of what may be termed direct interference, will perhaps startle, but I hope not embarrass you, for we have been urged by motives of liunianily ami a strong desin; to stop the fui'lhcr cfrusioii of Portuguese blood, to s on board under Das Antas himself, having surrendered themselves prisoners to the squadron under Sir Thomas Maitland's command otf Oporto on the 31st ultimo, upon certain conditions of not being given up to the Portuguese Government, or comj)elled to land in Portugal contrary to their inclinations, which were conceded without hesitation to avoid the risk of shetlding blood by resistance. *' The Spanish frigate and brig were present, but did not take any ]jart in the capture, not being able to close simultaneously with our steamers, and the Portuguese otHcers imploi'cd that they might not be subjected to the humiliation of submitting to the Spaniards." From the Earl of Auckland. "Admiralty, 5th June, 1847. "Thus far we are a little relieved from our anxiety, but must still 'nave hope that the Junta will become more reasonable without forcing the necessity of violent means against them. 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 455 "Your proceedings cannot but be highly approved, b it it is not to be disguised that public opinion in this country will be J^'reatly di%nded upon the line of policy which has been adopted, and will be adverse, ;is in all such cases, in a greater or less degree, as the course of events shall be favourable or unfavourable, or the contest shall be protracted. " Assuredly, no eflForts should be omitted on the part of the Court which can impress the people with confidence in the sincerity of the jxilicy which has dictated the offers of the Queen, and in the guarantee of the Allied Powers, as to be collected from the Protocol, that those offers will be honestly acted on. With this, and with a good show of force, I should look for a good i-esult. But up to a late period, the Junta seem to have thought that neither we, with our squadron, were to be depended on for action, nor the Queen for anything." "To Captain A. L. Corry, H.M.S. ' Superl).' "'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 10 p.m., 6th June, 1847. " I trust it will be finally arranged to-morrow that, the prisoners may see their relatives, for it causes much heart-burning, and I am very desirous to do all I can to amelioiute their po.sition, ajipreciating fully your humane exertions to this end ; it is a very responsible and troublesome charge, but we must make the best of it. " I have spoken to the Marquis of Fronteira to keep the Queen's troops at a distance from St. Julian's, but all manner of intrigue and mischief is at work." "To the Earl of Auckland. " ' Ilibernia,' at Lisluni, !)th .lune, 1S47. " My official letter will inform you of what is p;ussing here, and I am truly happy to .say that within the last twenty -four hours the atlairs of this country have assumed a brighter hue. .Since the arrival of Sa da Bandeira's A.D.C., who proceeded in the 'Polyphemus' to Oporto, a teli'"rai)liic me.sHa"e has been received at Lisbon, which leaves no doubt that the Juut^i are now ready to submit U) the terms of media- tion whi
  • iiisiiri^'i'uts attoniptod to cslmih' with (lu-ir luuskets, in wliich they have coni])k'tely succecdi'd ; fortunately our Lieutenant, who took my letter, agreed upon a night signal, by which he might advance by coming through the town, and we made it as soon as the officers returned — Sa da B., Mello, and several offioei's are here — some, T believe, were trying to escajje, bvit were ])icked u]) by our guard-boats, l)ut the generality, if not all, I ])reaunie, will come under the denomi- nation of refugees, but not culitlt'd lo the amnesty." '•To Captain Sir Thomas Maitland, H.M.S. ' America.' "'Sidon,' Setuval, 15th June, 1847. "We arrived yestei'day with a strong squadron, and entered this harbour without any resistance. " Although the division of Sa da Bandeira has escaped, it is satis- factory they went off without a shot from us. "We have prisoners, 130 officers, 215 men, and 130 from Fort of Antas, total 475." The Admiral returned to Lisbon with his sc^uadron on the 18th. The prisoners, who proved to be more numerous than he had at first supposed, were distributed among the English ships- of- war. From tlie Earl of Auckland. "Admiralty, 13th June, 1847. " Your letter of the 4th announced to us much that was satisfactory, in;i.smuch as great objects have been accomplished without bloodshed, and there was at the date of the last despatches from Oporto, some promise of general pacification to Portugal. But yet much was un- settled that may yet prove to be a source of great embarrassment. 1 am imjjatient to hear of strong and frank proclamations from the Queen, framed in the spirit of the conditions to which she has acceded, and promising amnesty and adhesion to sound piinci])les of Constitu- tional Government. If these were issued so as to inspire something of confidence, and with a .sincere .spirit, I think that there might yet be hojje of a removal of dissensions from the camp to the hall of the Cortes, and of some retracing of the many false steps that have been made. But parties are yet wide asunder, few signs have yet been given of good faith and of moderation, and I look forward with some aj>pi'ehension. "Any other course, however, than that wliich we have taken would probably have led to the dethronement of the Queen, and next to 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TARKER. 459 anarchy, and, subsequently, perhaps to the ascendancy of the Miguelite party, and, ultimately,. to a worse form of interference than that which is now taking place. But all this is idle speculation. We have pressed upon tlie insurgents to secure submission, and if necessary we must press ujion the Court to ensure the jierformance of the terms promised. "I cannot but be pleased with the manner in which the naval opei-ations have been conducted, and all your orders have been most judiciously given. "We have expressed this in a public despatch to you. " In this country, as I announced to you in ray last letter, there is much of opinion adverse to the (iovernment and the coui-se which has been pursued, and Friday gave us the beginning of an angry debate in the House of Commons, which will be continued to-morrow, and whicli will be taken up in the House of Lords on Tuesday. We have various speculations ujjon what the voting will be, but there is little doubt that Government will have a majority, though far from a large one. I have not time for other topics." In June Lord Stanley moved that tliere was no justifica- tion for our interference in Portugal ; but the Duke of Wel- lington supported the Government, and the motion was lost,* and when Mr. Hume mtide a similar motion in the House of Commons, the House was " counted out." Lord Tidmerston's policy was triumphant. Thanks to it, and to the judicious manner in which it was eidorced by Sir William Parker, Portugal ha.s since enjoyed peace and prosjterity ; to quote Lord Palmt;rston's own words, " the conflict was by interven- tion brought lo an end, on the Ijasis of an amnesty and the Constitution." From the Earl of AncHand. "Admiralty, IClli .Inn.-, ISIT. "Everybody nuist and d dial, and tht; ut Mons. Das Antas must not forget that when he surrendered him- self to the English, hu command ceased, and that he cannot exercise any control over the men who were lately under his authority beyond the influence which their attachment to him may inspire, and we are not bound to keep the force together unbroken, even without arms. They calculate too fast on the support of the opposition in our Parliament. "With regard to the provisions, pray explain to Count Das Antas, that if the Queen's body guards were embarked they would have no more provision!?, nor of any other quality than the rations allowed the insurgent troops, with the exception of spirits, which are never by our regulations issued to i)risouers, no altei-ation can be made in this respect, but I have no objection to their being paid for their savings, and having beans and oil instead, if they prefer it, to the extent of the savings. " Pray prevent the Count plaguing me with a useless letter about the allowance which I insist is excellent." From tlie Earl of AiLckland. "Anld only repeat to you what T said in my last letter, that if error is to be committeily, 1847. " Your letter of June 29th, and Sir Thomas Maitland's letter of June 30th, have given me nnicli pleasure. "They announce the conclusion of the odious civil war of Portugal without liloodHheil, and tlu-y proniise surh a hdl in the troubles uf that country as may enable uh to withdraw from active interfeicnce, and may restore you to your command in the Mediterranean, with a confirmed character for altih'ty, judgment, and discretion in the con- duct of diflieuJt atl'airs, and for wisdom and decision in tlie Jipplica- tioij of the force under your cf>minand. Assur<'lt it riijlit, as tlic fjnardiaii of our professional ]>osition, otlicially to mention wliat appeared to nie irregular in any attempt to arrange terms of suirender to Allied Foi'ces ■without consulting the officei-s commanding those of each Power, and T regret that all notice of the French and Portuguese Avas omitted. The arrangement by which the arms were to be delivered to the Spaniards only, a))])ears to to ha\'e been badly conceived and worse executed by tliem, fur oidy (i,tK)0 out of 15,000 have been given up. However, whether regular or contrary to establislied rules — authorised or undertaken by an assumed power — it has certainly brought the civil strife to a close — not only without bloodshed, and sooner than it would otherwise have been — but it settled the ])oint of a general and immediate amnesty without any reservation, and we shall consequently be released from our prisoners at once." "To Captain Sir Thomas Maitland, H.M.S. 'America.' "I entirely approve of your landing the guns for Concha, and occupying the Foz with the marines when these measures were pi'o- posed to you, but I do not think that it at all implicated you as a party to the treaty, and I can only consider it as a very kind act on your part to share the res])onsibility which our friend, the Colonel, certainly assumed, without due authority and, between ourselves, without that respect for yoin- position which should have been shown to you. I dare say he has acted with the best intentions for the public service, but vohmtary acts of assumed pi-ecedence are too frequent on the part of the sister service, and should be checked. Be assured I have no feeling of annoyance at your having signed the very irregular document, but very much to approve in all you have done." " To H.E. the Count Das Antas, &c., &c. " H.M.S. ' Hibernia,' at Lisbon, 9th July, 1847. " Monsieur le Comte, "I have much satisfaction in returning, by the hands of Captain Corry, your Excellency's sword, regretting that it has unavoidably been so long in my custody. " I have additional pleasure in being also able to inform your Excel- lency that the whole of the officers and men who have been detained in the fortress of St. Julian's are now released from further restraint. I have .sent a steam-vessel for their conveyance to Lisbon, where they will be lauded and at full liberty." 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 4Gj "To Sir Thomas Maitland, H.M.S. 'America,' off Oporto. " 'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 12tli July, 1847. " "We have just despatched a grand expedition to the Algarve, to summon the authorities at Faro, Lagos, &c., to lay down their arms and submit to the Queen's authority. It consists of ' Phoenix ' and ' Jackal ' on our part — French steamers ' Solon ' and ' Anacreon ' — - and Portuguese ' Oporto ' — the latter having on board a Eoyal Com- missioner as Governor of the Algarves, and a battalion of the Algarve Volunteers, about 400 strong. Count Vinhaes is expected to arrive in the vicinity of Faro to-day, so that I hope he will be there to co- operate and do all the hard work and fighting, if fighting there be, for I do not wish to have a Portuguese scratched by ourselves. " "We have another similar expedition on foot to the Azores, on which the ' Sidon,' ' Amazon,' and ' Recruit ' will be detached, and another of the Portuguese steamers with a detachment of troops. A third consisting of the ' Terrible ' and Portuguese corvette, with troops, will be sent to Madeira, where Codrington now is with the 'Thetis' — but, as they have at the last-named island, the 4i0 Ca^adores of the 4th regiment from Terceira, they may give a little more trouble, however, I trust the whole sea-coast of Portugal, as well as the islands, will soon be in submission to the Queen's authority, and that I may get back to the Mediterranean." "ToSir Cliarles Adam. "'Hibernia,' Lisbon, 19th July, 1847. " I had inexf)ressible joy in learning by your last letter that you are to succeed to Greenwich Hospital,* on which arrangement accept my most cordial congratulations." " To the Earl of Auckland. "'Hibernia,' Lislxm, IDth July, 1S47. ""We are winding-up our intervention concerns in Portugal, and at the islands as fast an po8.sibIe. For this object the ships of the Allies have been risouers. "Sir Hamilton Seyni.iur showed me the copy of the letter sent to the Admiralty from the Forei.i^ni OfVice on this snlijeut, and a private one subsetiuently written by Lord I'almerston, exjiressing so strong a desire to have these officers brought home by one of our large steamers, that I have not hesitated to assign the duty to Cai)tain Kamsay, who will be ordered to England after he has landed them in Portugal. It will not be a bad opportiniity for testing the ' Tenible ' on long voyages ; she will perform these quickly. Her capacity will accommodate the numerous individuals with comparative comfort, anil Captain Pamsay is well acquainted with the coast of Africa. " I amnot describe the overflowing joy with which some of the lelatives of the unfortunate exiles came to offer their thanks for this inilooked-for conveyance, which will tend to remove some of the bitter feelintr against the English caused by the intervention. " The tirst intimation of our intention to send the ' Terrible ' was by no means satisfactory at the Palace, where it was naturally apjire- hended that the em])loyment of an English ship on that errand would have a very bad efi'ect, and induce an unjust belief that there was an >inwillingness, on the part of the Queen, to facilitate the return of the prisoners. All, however, has been got over." From the Earl of Auckland. " Admiralty, 26th July, 1847. "Your letters of the 18th have just come in. I regaid them as very .sittisfactory, and you will, I trust, now very shortly leave the Tagus with the agreeable reflection that your able guidance of our naval affairs, under most difficult circumstances, will have been crowned with the successful and bloodless accomplishment of the objects with the furtherance of which you have been entrusted. " The Queen's speech on proroguing Parliament takes joy upon the pacification of Portugal, and I heartily wish that the cessation of the civil war may not be followed by a long series of troubles. It is not to be ex])ected that disi^onteiits so strongly pronounced as those of the insurgents, should at once and entirely subside." From Lord John Russdl to the Earl of Axickland. "July 26th, 1847. Sir W. Parker niay as well go on to the Mediterranean about the 15th August. He should keep a sharp look out towards Athens." 1.S47J THE LIFE OF SIU W. PARKER. 467 Rear- Admiral Deans Dundas succeeded Sir Charles Adam as Senior Naval Lord. As neither he nor the Second Naval Lord had ever had command of a sc^uadron, it was natural that they should look to Sir William Parker for counsel in any difficult professional matter, and this assistance was always readily given. " To Captain Robb, H.M.S. ' Gladiator.' Extract. " H.M.S. ' Hibernia,' 31st July, 1847. " I do not think that the writer of an obnoxious or slanderous observation, in a private letter, can be projjcrly charged with the cir- culation of it, unless he desired the party to whom it was addressed to make it public, or promulgate it himself in other quarters. Observa- tions are frequently made in the contidence of a private correspondence, which would not be used in a public one. A bad opinion of a person may be expressed to a friend — which could not be asserted openly, because, though undoubted, it perhaps could not be proved, and might subject the party to an indictment for a libel. It may therefore claiu) the sacredness of a private communication." Madeira followed the example of tlie rest of Portugal, as the Admiral had expected. A fire broke out in Lisbon on August 11th, which was extinguished by the crews of the English ships. Mr. Wilson, one of the midshipmen thus employed, was burnt to death. So admirable was the discipline maintained that, during the whole stay of the srpiadron in the Tagus, no complaint was made of any person l)eionging to it; nor was there a single police case, or drunken low, wliich could afford any opportunity for ill-natured renuirks from the Portuguese, either on the side of the Government or opposition ! ! Tlie intervention caused consi(hirabIe, though tem])()niry, unpopu- larity, but the mode of intervention, and tlie manner in which the orders of the English (lovernment were exccuteil, or anticipated, were exenipted from all blame. The Queen of I'ortugal had ;iii i!ii])etuous, but excellent disposition. Her open character did not ulluw of any dis- guise tf) her feelings; indeed, she might have avoided giving offence in many cases had she been able to practice the art of dissimulation. l>y this time she had learnt to appreciate 2 II 2 468 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAHKER. [1847 thoroughly tlie assistance she had received from the English forces in Portugal, iim\ was extremely anxious to nominate Sir William Parker a Knight (Jrand Cross of the Tower and Sw(»rd, as a mark of her gratitude. It was explained to her that Pritish officers are not allowed to accept any foreign order, except for services in action, and that, owing to the Admiral's great judgment, skill, and perseverance, no naval action had taken place, nor had the British squadron fired a single shot in anger. Her Majesty then wrote to Sir William Parker wnth her own hand the letter of thanks given below. From Sir Hamilton Seymour. "Lisbon, 15th August, 1847. " It is my very pleasing duty to enclose to you a letter from the Queen of Portugal, which has been sent me by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, with a request that it may be immediately delivered to you. " Her Most Faithful Majesty, having learned that you were about to leave the Tagus with the naval forces under your command, has been desirous of expressing to you under her royal hand her satisfac- tion for the services which you have rendered to her cause, and for the great zeal, activity, and prudence displayed by you in the direction of those operations which have been undertaken for the pacification of this country and the adjacent islands. " You will observe with pleasure that this honourable testimony to the value of your services has been extended by Her Most Faithful Majesty to those of the officers, sailors, and marines under your com- mand who took part in those operations. " The royal letter was conveyed to me in an official note." (Translation.) "To Vice- Admiral Sir William Parker. "I, the Queen, send to greet you much, as one whom I greatly esteem. " It having become known to me that you are about to sail in the course of a few days from the port of this capital with the greater part of the squadron under your command, in obedience to orders received from your Government, I hasten to communicate to you the declara- tion of the sentiments of my Royal approbation and gratitude for the services rendered with so much zeal, activity, and {)rudence by you, and by the officers under your direction, in the arduous and repeated naval expeditions which contributed to the pacification of this King- dom and adjacent islands. I have not failed to represent to my good 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKEK 4G9 sister and faithful all}', the Queen of Great Britain, the importance of those services ; and it not being possible to give any other public testi- monial of my gratitude, it has seemed meet to me to address to you in this letter, signed by my own hand, my praises and thanks, requesting that you will communicate its contents, so far as it regards themselves, to the commanded and crews of the ships of your squadron who took an active part in the operations, whence resulted the submission of the forces when different places were in arms against my Royal authority. This I have thought it right to communicate to you for your knowledge and satisfaction. "Given at the Court of Necessidades, on the 14th day of August, 1847. " THE QUEEN." 470 CHArTER VI. COMMANDER-IN-ClllEF, ]\rEI)ITEIJRANF.AN. Quits Lisbon for the Mediterranean — Assembles the ships of the sqvuuUon — Visits the West Coast of Italy — Lord Minto's Missiou " A thousand horrid prodigies foretold it : A feeble Government, eluded laws, A factious populace, luxurious nobles, And all the maladies of sinking states." —Johnson's "Irene." The Admiral sailed for the Mediterranean with tlic "Hibernia," "Superb," and "Trafalgar" on August the 19th. From Sir Hamilton Seymour. "Lisboh, 8th September, 1847. " Ever^-thing I could tell you from lience, you will hear from Captain Codi-ington, and from your various correspondents. I must, however, have the pleasure of writing you a few lines to say how sorry we all were to lose you, and what a hiatus your departure has caused here. As to English facts there are none to relate ; the only thing of the kind is the extraordinary drunkenness of the squadron. The men now come ashore in great numbers, and the results are what were easy to be foreseen — the streets full of fellows reeling about, rolling and disjjuting, with a iiinning accompaniment of men in the water, men stabbed, men ill, and so forth. It has got so bad that I suppose it will work its own remedy, and in the meantime it makes a very disagree- able topic of general conversation. Sir C. Napier and I get on very well, and it would Ije my fault if we did not, for he is very civil, and well disposed to act with me. He is very amusing with his blunt and oriffinal remarks. The other day some of the Chartists complained to liini of the misrejjresentations about Count Cabval and his undeserved unpopularity in England. 'Well,' said Sir Charles Napier, 'why don't you get him sent to Angola? that will soon make him popular in England!' " You will have heard, no doubt, of Bomfim having got up a revolt at Mascarenhas, and being about to make his escape in a Portuguese brig, when Captain Dyke, of the * Flying Fish,' stepped in, took the 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR \V, TARKEK. 471 Portuguese vessel, and carried off the prisoners to the Governor- General at Angola. I calculate this proceeding will not be approved of in Enossibiiit}' of an entry by her tioops upon Sardinian territory, &c. "To address the CiiKxnd Duke of Tuscany in a tone of encourage- ment, urging him to j)ersevere in liis indej)enilent course of enlightened jirogress. "To be at Rome, not as a Minister accredited to the Pope, but an authentic organ of the British Government to explain its views, and to tleclare its sentiments upon events which are now passing in Italy, wliicli, both fj'om their local importance and from tlieir bearing on the general interests of Europe, H.M. Government were watching with attention and anxiety."* Lord Minto's mission was to be supported by the presence of Sir William I'arker and his squadron on the Italian coast. "To H.E. R. More O'Feria":!, Avignon. " ' Hibernia,' Malta, 5th November, 1847. " I wish I was better able to give you useful information respecting tlie Civil DujKirtment and relative jnisitions of the different branches of the Government, but in truth 1 know little about them ; you may, however, be assured that I shall now, and at aU times, most gladly render any assistance in my power. "The Maltese naturally expect much of you, more prfibably than you can with propriety grant ; but 1 think you will find them a quiet, good people, easily governed by kind attention, but correspondingly oltstinate if forced agains^t their inclinations ; they are ciiarged by many, but I tliink unjustly, with a want of veracity, and tliat no dependence is to be placed on their statements, particularly where their personal interests are concerned ; it may be prudent to be wai-y, and a little acquaintance will soon enable you to form your own judgment. " You will he received by the Maltese with every demonstration of rejoicing, with arches of evergreens, wreaths, &c., and by the military with the customary salutes, guards of honour, &c. Colonel Fane, com- manding the forces, is a very mild, gentlemanlike person, and the whole garrison a very good set. I suppose they did not desire a civil governor, as the position has been filled by a general officer ever since tlie death of the first and only naval one, in the person of Sir Alex- ander Ball ; and as the blue jackets have no chance of getting their nose in again, you need not apprehend that we shall have any wish to flepose you. " On one point every one is agreed, namely, that the present garrison * " Life of Lord Palmerston," vol. iii. Lord Lansdowne's reply to Lord Stanley iu the Lords. Dec, 1847. 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER. 473 is very insufficiont for the defence of the island, and that 1,000 more British troops would be most desirable," " To the Earl of Minto. " ' Hibernia,' Leghorn, 1st November, 1847. " I am exceedingly obliged to you for your letter by the ' Bulldog,' and shall gladly attend to your hints in waiting on the Grand Duke, &c., when I go to Florence. " We have been well received here, and the popular feeling in favour of the English was strongly manifested on our landing. " I believe it is quite true that Napier has extracted a portion of the arrears of his Portuguese pension, for which he has been well shown up in the newspapers." The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was getting much dis- turbed, Ijut the first .symptoms were not of a lievohitionary nature. From Lord Napier. Extract. " Naples, 2nd December, 1847. " The arrival of the 'Odin ' on the way to you with despatches from Malta, gives me the opportunity of forwariling intelligence from Palermo, which is nut without its interest. The movement has gone, it is said, much farther. The upper clas.ses, the students, and some of the middle orders under the pretext of defending their property against the violence of the mob, are stated to have petitioned the Viceroy for liberty to form a national guard, and on receiving a hesitat- ing refu.sal, they enrolled and armed themselves at once to the number or about two tliousand. I cannot give you these views as positive, but tiiey obtain credit, and I think there must be some foundation of truth. " The other large towns of Sicily are believed to have exhibited himiiar symptoms of agitation. " At Naples tliere have been manifestations of ])opular feeling in the streets, and at one of the theatres, and though all seditious cries and crowds jiave been prohibited by Royal Proclamation, the state of elfervescence is such that somr explosion m.iy be shoitly expected, unless indewl llie (jovcrnnu-nt should follow vip the dismissal of the obnoxious Minister by some more imjtortant concession to the general desire for change." " Nai)leH, li;ili Dnciiilicr, 1H17. " With regard to tlie movements of your scpiailron, i must tell you, since you have done me the honour to awk my opinion, liiat I attach great importance to its. appearance here. 1 will even venture to ;wsert 4T4 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1847 tliat v(Mi (niijlit latlior to delay your rotnrn to Malta beyond the period vou ori'Miiallv nu'ditated, than deprive thin capital of the moral etlect of such a visit. The French were iiere, and stayed too long. Botli parties, if CJovernment can be saiil to have a party, beheld them wiih aversion. There was something dubious and euigniatic in their attitude and ol>ject, and their departure was a cause of general satis- faction. But the British Fleet have been expected by men of liberal synii)athies and sentiments with extr;iordiiiary solicitude. Being ignorant of your intentions, I have endeavoured to rej)ress this highly wrought anxiety, and the common impression now is that you will not be able to come. The disappointment is great. There is undoubtedly an inclination to discover advantages contingent on your j)resence and contact which they cannot yield, but would it be therefore just or politic to deny the Liberals that temporary, that comparative security which you could not fail to bestow 1 Granted that they be neither vei-y wise nor very valiant, yet they do contend against fx)rmidable obstacles in a condition of unhappy isolation. In opposition to a great military Power, in spite of repeated treachery, under the frown of Austria, the gloom of whose former invasion is not yet dispelled, notwithstanding a late defeat, in the absence of all hope of foreign succour or alliance, in an obscure and unequal struggle, yet for a noble aim, the Liberals of this kingdom have never suttered their hope to be extinguished, and they have exhibited in misfortune a passive fortitude which demands that admiration which must be refused to their conduct in the moment of resistance and revolt. To such men, and to those wi,o feci, if they do not conspire, with them, we cannot deny our symjtathy, and to them the spectacle of the liritish Hag is a consolation and a hi'di eiicoura^^ement, the single exhil)ition of undoubted, unsus])ectfd goodwill the world can atiord. And why withhold it? Surely m-t for fear of offending the Government of Naples ! It caTniot last, and if it could it is not worth conciliating.^ It hates us, and will not hate us less because you do not come. But if you do not come, the nation and the future Government of changed Najsles, will love England less ; and the men in authority will laugh at our complaisance, and sneer in jiresence of the oppressed and secret patriot over the discretion of the English Admiral." On the arrival of tlie .squadron in Leohorn Roads, the Admiral, whose presence was hailed everywhere with much satisfaction, left for Florence and waited on the Grand Duke, " To the Earl of Auckland. " Leghorn, 8tli December, 1847. " I was verj' graciously received by the Grand Duke at Florence. I had the honour of dining with him, and had personal communica- tions also with the Marquis llodolfi and Count Serostori, the Ministers of the Interior and Foreign Affairs. 1847] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 475 " The creneral feeling towards England is most favourable, and the French appear unpopular in a corresponding degree. The middle and lower classes doubtless calculate more on the support and assistance of Enoland in the progressing measures of reform than the Government desire, but I have distinctly explained that the British squadron had for its object evolutionary practice only, and to obtain at Leghorn refreshments for the crews. " A desire was expressed soon after I arrived at Florence to Mr. Scarlett, the Secretary of Legation, to invite me to a civic feast, but as it was evidently of a political character, in support of liberal opinions and the association of Great Britain in their sentiments, I was not sorry to have so good an excuse for declining as the necessity of my returning immediately to Leghorn, anxious to avoid any manifes- tation of interference in their atiairs, however much my privjite feelings might correNpond." " 'Hibernia,' Leghorn Roads, 17th December, 1847. " I returned on the 15th in the ' Bulldog,' from Civita Vecchia, having passed four days at Rome, where I was graciously received by the Pope, and Lord Minto is of opinion that the contemplated measure of reform will proceed without violence or distui'bance, although His Holiness is not sujiported by more than one or two of his Government, and somewhat shaken in his resolution by the opposition wliirh tin- Cardinals have manifested. The peo])le are (juiet and orderly. " In Naples 1 believe it is very ditierent, and I suspect the King will not see the British squadron within his dominions with satisfac- tion at present." " To Lord Napier. Extract. " H.M.S. ' Hibernia,' Port of Spezzia, " liGth December, 1847. " I lost no time in putting Lord ^linln in |)ossessitjn of your senti- mentM on the expediency of our sriuadron visiting Naples, and dis- cu.sHed this point with his Lonlship during my stay at Rome. Jle cons<-r|iicntly saw Count Ludolf on ilie suhject, who referred it to his (jovernmenl, and J have since rec.-ived a letter fidui Lord Minto, who informs me that tin- King of Naples, with many cxjiressions of gratitufle for the attention in coiisidling liim, lia.i ii.u limlarly re- quested that our visit iniglit be deferrelomati.st was the eldest son of Loril George Seymour, educated at Merton College, Oxford, Attache at the Hague, and Precis Writer in the i".0. in 1819, and Private Secretary in 1822. From 1822 to 1829 he was attached to the Embassies at Verona, Frankfoit, Berlin, and Constantinople, successively Minister at Florence (1830), Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Brus.sels (1836), ti-ansferr-ed to Lisbon, 1840, to St. Petersburgh, 1851 till 1854, and Envoy to Austria, 1855 to 1858, when he retired. His well-known despatches jnevious to the Russian War-, were reiHiblished in a pamphlet " The Czar Unmasked." He died in 1880. 477 CHAPTER Yir. January to June, 1848. commaxder-in-cliief of the mediterranean. Revolutions in Sicily and France — Effect in the Italian Statws — Abdication and Flight of the Grand Duke of Parma. " When some neglected fabrick nods beneath The weight of years, and totters to the tern pest, ]Must heaven dispatch the messeusrers of liglit, Or wake the dead, to warn us of its fall ? " — Johnson's "Irene." Among the many chancres, revolutions, and stirring events of the year 1848, the affairs of Sicily claim a prominent place in tliis biograpliy. In the year 1812, during the English occupation, under Lord William IJentinck, and owing to liis unremitting exer- tions, this island had been granted a constitution for hei-self, which was solemnly ratified by Ferdinand III, and England was considered by the Sicilians as their protector, and as having guaranteed the fulfilment df the royal prmuise. In 1815, the Congress ni N'irnna declared tliat King Ferdinand IV was restored to liie tlnone of Naples lur liim- self and his successors, mid recognised by llic I'nwL'.rs as King of ihe Kingdom of tlie Two Sicilies. ('I'lic .iiicirnt litli^ was King of the Two Kingdoms of Na])les and Sicily or (A' b(»tb the Sicilitjs, \'('. ) In virtue of Ibis article iIm' King abolished the Siciliiin I'nrliiinicnt iiihI .dlci'cd bis liilc* • " Article T'XIV. S. M. Kcniamlo IV' (• risl.iliiJKo per hu e siioi Hurce«Hori huI trono (\\ Napuji, c ricoiiosciiito (|;illc I'olcnzi' conin re dd regno dc'lle I)>ie Sicihe." The former title having Iteeii — Re dt i diH' Regni di .Sicilia v di Napoli. r;iliiii( li, "C'onMtituzione ili Sitilia," 282. 478 THE LIFE OF Sill W. TAUKER. [1848 liefore he iKd so, he referred to the Enghsh Cahiiiet, and Lord Castkn-eagh instructed Sir William A'Court to inlbrni the Neapolitan Ministers that the British Government did not consider themselves at liberty to interfere in the internal a Hairs of Sicily unless the individuals who had acted with the Kn'dish ({overnment in the recent difficult times of Sicily were exposed to ill-treatment and persecution ; or unless the privileges of the Sicilian nation were restricted in such a manner as to expose the Enolish Government to the reproach of having contributed to a change of system in Sicily. The Ku'dish Minister received from the Neapolitan Government the strongest assurances that the change ivoidd he strictly in accordance v:ith the co7ulitions required by the English Government. On the 8th of December, 1816, the King changed his title from Ferdinand IV, King of both the Sicilies, &c., &c., to that of Ferdinand the First, King of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, Jerusalem, «&c., Infanta of Spain, Duke of Parma, Piacenza Castro, &c., &c.. Hereditary Grand Prince of Tuscany, &c.,* and Sicily thus lost her separate nation- ality, parliament, and constitution. Disturbances broke out, particularly in 1820, which were put down by the Neapolitan sea and land forces, but general discontent prevailed through- out Sicily. The son of Ferdinand succeeded his father as Ferdinand II under the new style in 1825, and every remonstrance of his Sicilian subjects against the abolition of their parliament and constitution was ineffective. Strong garrisons occupied the citadels of Palermo, Messina, and Catania, which from their position were able to fire shot and shell down on these cities. Other military posts were held by the Neapolitan troops, and no Sicilians had any real influence or authority in Sicily. On the 1st of January, 1848, Sir William Parker received, from a private source, an intimation that on the 12th of tlie month an insurrection would take place at Palermo. He dispatched the "Gladiator" thither to ascertain tlie correct * " Storia Constituziouale della Sicilia." Palniieri. 1848] THE LIFE OF SIIJ W. FAUKEPi. 479 state of affairs. She returned on the 8th, reporting that the Consul gave no credence to the rumour, but with a commu- nication from the merchants that they did. Sir William thereupon sent the " Bulldog " to Palermo, which vessel fortunately arrived on the i2th, when the revolt broke out. The royal troops were driven out of the city by the populace, who remained in possession Large bodies of people, armed in various ways, arrived from the country during the night ; on the following day, the people obtained possession of the Police Office and Porta Termini, but, repulsed in an attack on the Bank, barricaded the main street. Commander Key called a meeting of the liritish merchants, and made arrange- ments for their embarkation in the " Bulldog " and merchant vessels. On the 14tli the citadel (Castel a Mare) commenced bombarding the city. On Commander Key's remonstrating, tlie commandant promised to spare the English quarter, but shells were thrown throughout the night, and on a second remonstrance from Connuander Key, the Neapolitan com- mander promised not to fire unless the people attacked. The Palermitans established a Provisional Government, and another general attack was made on the Bank. The bombardment recommenced, the British residents embarked, and a squadron of Neapolitan steamers, under Prince Louis, with 5,000 troops, arrived from Naples. On the l(Uh the squadron bombarded llic town, but an attack by land nf the royal troops was re[)ulsed. All the i'oreign Consuls pro- tested against the bombardment, and an armistice was granted for twenty-four hours. The Admiral received these details at Malta on the 15tli, and sent the " Vengeance" to Palermo, and the "Gladiator" to Messina. Prince Dniis dispatclied a steamer to Najiles with the demand of the Sieihans for the CDnstitution nf 1 X 1 1'. ()ii the 20th a ])r()clani;it idii was received finin tlie I\ing, (illcring certain terms, which were rcjectiMl. On the 21'nd nimv attacks and anntlicr ltond)ardiii('iit, tuok phice. On tin- L'.'liil and 2oth the troops were wur."sted in two attacks. The lunn- bardment was renewed, but, on the 2Gth, the troops iil the 480 THK LITE OF SIU W. PA UK El?. [] 9.4-9, palace surv(Mi(U'ro(l, and on tlio same day tlie "Vengeance" arrived. An ouUtreak took place at ('atania, whence the tv(M)ps were driven, though the castle held out and fired into that city. Ou the 29th the revolt Uroko out in Messina. The King of Sardinia had, early in the year, promulgated a new constitution, beginning with an announcement that the times were ripe for greater changes. From Lord Napier. " Naples, 3rfl January, 184P. " I am afraid you and Lord Minto will think me a very fieiy diplomatist. I am sure that you and he are very prudent and dis- creet, and between you, I am like the meat and mustard in the sand- wich. If dry bread be the order of the day you will spit me cut. Your patience and toleration, however, seem to be so sincere that I will grant myself a perfect liberty of advice and speech, in the honest persuasion that my advice will not be taken. You are not like Reho- boam, who gave ear to the young men and their foolishness. "Lord Minto asked the King of Naples whether he would like the fleet, through his Minister at Rome. I believe he was quite right to do .so, but T know one or two crafty, wicked, mistaken Ambassador's, in whose crooked school I served my apprenticeship, who would per- haps have Iteen seduced into an op[)osite course. They are wrong I am well aware, Honesty is the best Policy, let it be written over the first door on the left hand of Downing Street. " Well, then, suppose you ask the Emperor of Austria whether he would like you at Trieste ! Now is the time ! They have occu])ic(l Modena and sent a patrol to Parma, and increased their forces in Lombardy by 40,000 men. " The Pope, the Duke of Tuscany, and the rising Liberals of Naples are shaking with dismay. The English squadron is at Palmas Bay. You are at a respectful distance, there is plenty of lime for the Au.strian Cabinet to acknowledge the proffered compliment in a gracious manner and invite you to Venice at a period of greater tran- quillity. "My malicious course would be to return to Malta as quick as possible, victual the ships, send two with a steamer back to the coast of Italy, and carry the rest, in ])er.son, to Corfu, from which I would detach one to the very end of the gulf as r precursor, with a couple of steamers. "Don't send this letter to Lord Minto. I shall write the same opinions to him in a more decorous and methodical mannei-, and I 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. .481 shall also broach the question of the squadron in connection with the public feelinq in this country to Lord Palmerstou, in a confidential despatch." " To Lord Napier, Naples. Extract. " ' Hibernia,' oflF Palmas Bay, 10th January, 1848. " If the squadron presented itself at Naples with a candid declara- tion that we had no authority to support the popular measures, it would, I imagine, weaken the preference now entertained for Great Britain, and by a few artful insinuations on the part of the Neapolitan Government, it would ])e soon reported that our aid would be in favour of the Kin(j and Government ! " I am, I acknowledge, personally disinclined to encourage any hopes for the Patriots which caimot be fulfilled, for it would be cruel to excite false expectations, under which many unfortunate creatures might be compromised. My impression therefore is unaltered, that, for the present, we are better away, until our Government may be disposed to take some decided course." The " Avenger," on her way to join the Admiral, struck on the Sorelle Rocks in the middle of the night, while steam- ing at full s]ieed, and was totally lost. Lieutenant Francis liooke and twelve of the crew got into a boat and made for the African shore, where the boat was capsized in the surf, and only four ultimately survived. In the excitement caused by the Italian troubles, some of the liigli authorities at different places addressed their demands for assistance in llie form of orders to the naval officers. Tliis the Admiral at once cliecked, and insisted tliat every such ai)peal should lie a iciniisition and not an order, and that naval officers shf)uld only receive orders i'rom their superiors in tlieir own sfrvicf, and to prevent any future mistakes, he requested I.oid Auckland to i)ro('ur(' fioni ihe Foreign and Colonial Olliccs precise in.sLructiuns un this subject. "To " TT.M.S. 'TTibcrnia,' Malta, 23rd January, 1818. " I re|.]y l<» your hust letter with some i)ain, because a sense of duty ha.s compellcfl nie to notice the authoritative tone of your pul)li<' com- munication to Captain , which I would gla() killed and 400 wounded. 2 I 2 484 THE LIFE OF SIR W. TAFJKER. [1848 Sir WilliaiH Parker sailed on tlic 12th, arrived off Catania on the I'Mh, was ofV Messina on the 14tli, and reached Palermo on the lOth. The state of that (Uty at the time of his arrival was very extraordinary. No i)ersons had any real legal authority ; the troops had left ; the police had been killed ; the Viceroy's ])alace had been gutted; and the crowds in the Citadel and in the streets were bewildered Mnth their success. A civic, or national, guard who had been hastily armed by the Comitato Generale, were marching through the streets ; some had muskets, some bayonets, some swords, and a few sticks. It was evident that the Eoyal troops had succumbed more to moral effect than to the physical forces brought against them. In the beautiful street of the Toledo, friars from temporary ]iulpits were constantly, and on the whole successfully, exhorting the people to moderation and the maintenance of jiood order ; while in the nunneries, which then extended along the upper stories of houses on both sides of the street, the white figures of the nuns (who had been terrified by the recent bombardments) might be indistinctly seen from below throuuh the lattice woodwork. •o' " To Captain Codrington. Extract. "'Hibernia,' Palermo, 19th February, 1848, midnight. " The armed mob which has hitherto been so orderly, are conmiitting dreadful atrocities by the massacre of the Sbirri, of whom, after two or three single assassinations, 36 were taken from their ))rison and shot. The leader and instigator of the massacre has been himself shot, and it is to be hoped, as the priests are active in endeavouring to suppress these outrages, that they will not be carried further. As the Poj)e's Nuncio, as well as the Ministers of Austria and Russia, as also Pru.ssia, T lielieve, have protested against the Constitution granted to the Neapolitans, it is to be feared they may be still more averse to the terms required by the Sicilians, and I dare say you willtind it difficult to restrain the popular feeling at Messina." The Admiral arrived at Naples on the 21st, with four ships-of-war, the number allowed by Treaty. " To the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "H.M S. ' Hibernia,' Naples Bay, 23rd February, 1848. "The Neapolitan Government are playing a very faithless game, I 1848J THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAUKER. 4S5 fear, and I am very sorry that they withhold tlie reasonable conces- sions necessary to satisfy the Sicilians. I am truly surry that the adjustment by mediation could not be carried out as we hoped for at Palermo but a few days ago, for there is no knowing when the contest will now end." On the 24th, King Ferdinand took the oath to the new Constitution in the Church of St. Francesco de Paola at Xaples, which was crowded for the ceremony. The King's demeanour was closely watched, many suspecting that he would evade the oath ; but he took it with great distinctness, and after kissing the Bible, said in a loud voice, " Lo Giuro." On the same day tlie national colours were changed, and the tricolor of green, red, and white was hoisted in all the Neapolitan ships-of-war, in conjunction with their white ensigns. The King, on this day, for the first and last time, appeared in ilic uiiitoiiu (if the National Guards. "To the Right Hon. Richard More O'Ferrall, Malta. " H.M.S. ' Iliberiiia,' Nay)Ies Bay, 24tli February, 1848. "Ibrahim Pasha, who is here, .seems much pleased by this attention, and almost hugged me when we met at the ceremony of swearing in tlie King tiiis morning to the new Con.stitution, and from what I have learnt from the said llirahim's Secretary, we have little doubt Imt that o|(l Meliemet Ali will come here. The expeiuse of his entertainment at Malta, if he goes U) St. Antonio, should, I think, be defrayed by the ( 'rowii. "1 am very glad that Mi. JIaipei's sentence against the youn^ midshipman* has been rever.sed, and thank you very much for the manner in which you have dealt with the cise, assuring you tlwit I have not the least wish lo have anything stated publicly beyond \vh;it you propose, and wliii.h I have embodied in my otlicial letter." On the 22nd, lln; Sicilians attacked the citaild nf .Messina without success. * This midshipm.Mi li;id i n fimii \>\ lln' si i)iiiicli;iry magistrate, because he had charge of the watch when a Maltese wa,s somewhat roughly ejedcd from i\\(' " Flarleijiiin,' for creating a disturbanic. Commander Moore jiaid tlur tine, hut the sentence was rev< i-^'d on a rej)resenlation fr(»m the Admiral. 486 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1848 "To the Earl of Auckland. "'Hiboriiia,' Naples Bay, 27th February, 1848. "Tlie Sicilians have carried all the outworks gallantly, and, with the exception of the citadel at Messina and Syracuse, have, I believe, full possession of the island. " Whenever tliey can be brought to a reasonable chance of adjust- ment, I believe Lord Minto will embark in the ' Hiberuia ' for Palermo, accomi)anied by the squadron, and if the poi)ulace are able to maintain their advantages at Messina, I hope a settlement may be effected before the enmity becomes too inveterate, for the savage bombaidment of the town has greatly exjispei'ated them." All notions of prudence in Italy were soon to be thrown away, for at the end of February the Revolution in Paris broke forth, which declared France to be a Eepublic till the National Assembly could be convened. The corruption of the Guizot Government, exposed in what were termed the Cubieres, Teste, and Petit scandals, and the conduct of Louis Philippe on the question of the Spanish marriages were among the principal causes of the downfall of himself and his dynasty. The slight co-operation which his Government gave to the pacification of Portugal formed another cause of attack from the Opposition : but the following circumstances, which were wholly unforeseen, brouglit on the Revolution itself. A reform banquet, at which the National Guard were invited to appear in uniform, on the 22nd of February, was prohibited by proclamation, on the night of the 21st, and the troops were called out. The Chamber of Deputies was adjourned, and on the 23rd M. Guizot and the Ministry resigned. Tunmltuous crowds poured into Paris. The officer in command of the troops near M. Guizot's hotel was shot, the troops fired on seeing their officer killed ; but even then it is probable that order might have been restored had it not been for a crazy man* and some desperate associates, who killed the officer in command of the troops to excite the military, and had bullock's blood poured on the pavement during the night to induce a credulous mob to believe in the * La Grange, who became a raving madman. — " Annual Register." 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 487 slaughter of the people. Barricades were erected in several streets. Louis Philippe refused to allow the troops to act, and abdicated in favour of his grandson, the Count of Paris, for whom the Duchess of Orleans pleaded in vain before the Assembly with undaunted courage. Armed mobs rushed into the Chamber of Deputies, and at the Hotel de Ville a Provisional Government of five men, at the head of which was M. de Lamartine, M'as declared supreme in Prance. These summoned a National Assembly for the 9th of April ; and promulgated manifestoes afiecting their own country and foreign States. The two parts of the circular to their Picpresentatives abroad which caused most mischief, particularly in Italy and Sicily, were that France would arm to defend foreign countries and nationalities that were oppressed in Europe ; and that the Treaties of 1815 were not Innding on the French liepublic. The latter was, however, qualitied by an assertion that the territorial arrangements made by those Treaties, were I'acts which must be admitted as the rule of nations. Tlie circular was accompanied with so much verbiage as to leave the meaning obscure, but allowance was made by all l(jreiun Powers for decrees and circulars issued liom the Hotel de Ville when surrounded by disorderly mobs. Lord Palraerston admitted that the circular despatcli of the French Provisional (iovernment gave ample materials for any foreign Government to i»i(;k a quarrel with it, but added with his characteristic good nature and good sense, " If you were to put the whole of it into a crucible, and evaporate the gaseous parts, and scum off the dro.ss, you would find the rcgulus to be peace and good-fellowship with other (ioverunients."* Tlie English funds fell to T'.t^. Foreign funds fell enor- mously, and all Europe saw the immediate necessity of pre- paring for war. Amid the tumults, riots, and disorders whieh followed the proceedings in Paris, Louis l'liilip]ii', in disguise and tinder the name of Smith, escaped \silh his (,>iieen to Englanil. * " Life of Lonl PalnierHton " (AhIiIcv). V-.l. i, pp. 80-7. 4S8 THE LIFE OF SIU W. TARI^ER. [1848 Such was the state of France, which had been completely taken by surprise, at the end of iH'bruary, 1848. Tlue sudden and complete fall of the Hous? of Orleans was wonderful. Lamartine, at the beginning of this month, described Louis I'hilippe as : " Happy in his family, surrounded by sons who would have been eminent citizens, had they not been princes ; seeniff in the third generation the grandchildren who looked up to his throne ; and pious, beautiful, well-educated princesses in his Court ; the future seemed assured to him by his happy star : and history seemed conquered by the success attached to his name. He was about to bequeath a restored and re-invigorated monarchy to France; peace to the world ; three thrones in Europe to his race."* Yet when he left France he left it almost unregretted ! The appear- ance of wisdom and strength was superficial, and Lord Palmerston, with his great sagacity, truly remarked that " this surrender of the King of the Barricades to the sum- mons of the National Guard is a curious example of political and poetical justice."t To revert to Sicily, which was immediately affected by these sudden and violent changes : The Sicilians had complete possession of the island, ex- cept at Messina, where the citadel and the city kept up a continuous fire on each other during the 6th and 7th of March, and the Messinese refused to listen to any overtures from the King, referring all proposals to Palermo. " To the Earl of Auckland. Extract. " ' Hibernia,' Naples Bay, 1st March, 1848. " The Government are firm in their determination not to yield the jiuwer of sending Neapolitan troops to Sicily whenever they please, considering it as a prerogative of the King which must not be in- fringed. The Sicilians are as obstinately bent on their being altogether excluded without the consent of the Sicilian Parliament. Lord Minto considers both parties wi-ong, but thinks that the Sicilians should give way, and I believe he has written to this eti'ect to Palermo. * "Revolution de 1848," par A. de Lamartine. + " Life of Lord Palmerston " (Ashley). Vol. i. 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR "W, PARKER. 489 " The Captains of the squadron and myself were yesterday presented to the King ; our reception was short but gracious, and I ventured to congratulate His Majesty on the happiness he appeared to have dif- fused by the Neapolitan Constitution confirmed on the 24th inst. The English certainly at present stand well with both parties here, not so the French, and the Austrians are evidently in bad odour." ♦ ■ " To Captain Codrington, ' Thetis,' Messina. " ' Hibernia,' Naples, 7th March, 1848. "After a discussion in Council with the King, which Lord Minto attended from 6 p.m. yesterday until -2 a.m., and under strong opposi- tion from Serra Capriola and Bozzelli, the convocation of the Sicilian Parliament about to assemble was legalized and adopted. A Sicilian Administration is named, Ruggiero Settimo Loi'd Lieutenant. They are anxious for Lord Minto's immediate departure that intelligence of this settlement should precede that of the French Revolution if possible." Lord Minto, when formally requested by the King to mediate between him and his Sicilian subjects, sailed for Palermo in the flagship, accompanied by the whole squadron, on the evening of the 7th. Rumours of the French Revolution had, however, preceded the squadron. The Sicilians refused to recognize King Ferdinand as their Sovereign, but on Lord Minto saying that his mission in that case was over, and declining to land, a compromise was eflected. The" Comitate Generale " agreed to a sus[)enHion of hostilities, not to be renewed under a week's notic^e, and stiinilaLcd, in accordance with the Con- stitution of 1812, that the Vicctroy of Sicily nmsi l)c eitiicr one of th(; lUnod Ijdviil or w Sn ilimi. Ldid Minto liicii landed, and tl:i'-i' ;iiiil oiIh r |iin|Hisals were discussed and forwarded on tiic 1 llh by a steamer-of-war to Naples, ''Td the Eari of Auckland. " ' llibririi.i,' I'ah'nuo, Nth M^iivh, 1H48. " The knowledge of llic I'imhIi I,'i\ uliil h.ii inakfs I lie Sicilianh rcHt confidently tliat they will be Mupportt-d by France in their wisli to expel tlie King of Naples from tin; throne of Sicily, but \.\\v.y an- willing to accept his 8on iw their Sovereign, this is, i believe, in 400 TlIK LIFE OF SIK W. PARKER. [1848 .-icconlaiice witli the Conatitution of 1812, wliicli tliey desire to have re-est-iil)lishcil. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Palermo, 14th Marcli, 1848. " The General Committee at Paleniio liave so far relaxed in their demands as to acknowledge the A'i»f/, but tliey stipulate that his ])owors shall not exceed the a])pointment of his Viceroy, who must be authorised to exercise the Veto as a Sovereign, and if not one of the Royal Family, he must be a Sicilian ; with this recognition of the King, Lord Minto consented to mediate for a pacification, and landed yt'sterday aftei'iioon amidst the acclamations of a vast concourse of the inhabitants, who all seemed rejoiced at the prospect of their differences terminating." o" In all parts of the Mediterranean the French Revolution produced unexpected results. In Naples the Jesuits felt themselves no longer safe, and fled to Malta. In Algeria the rrinces of the House of Orleans succumbed to the Pro- visional Government, and without waiting for the authority of the National Assembly left their important commands. A large proportion of the crews of the Austrian ships-of-war " Guerriero " and " Volcano " (Italians* by descent) rose against their officers, and an application to detain one of these ships as a pirate was made to the Captain of the " Superb ; " who prudently declined to interfere. From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. " Admiralty, 24th March, 1848. " France is affording a sad example of the power, the folly, and the consequences of a revolutionary spirit. 1 will not speculate upon the future, but you will see that the minority which would have lis dis- continue all jneparations for war is ridiculously small." The formal notification of the King's refusal to accept the terms of the Sicilians was brought by a Neapolitan war steamer on the 24th. The Sicilian Parliament met on the following day. * Principally Venetian : the ships were taken to Venice. IS-l-S] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. • .491 " To the Earl of Auckland. " H.M.S. ' Hiberuia,' Palermo, 25th March, 1848. "I have officially reported the positive rejection of the Sicilian ultimatum by the Neapolitan Government, which leaves me little to add privately. It appear.s an unwise measure very ungraciously carried out, as the answer was withheld many days unnecessarily and then abruptly sent, without affording Lord Minto the accommodation of writing a single line by the vessel which conveyed the despatch here. His Lordshijj Avill not probably make any further proposals to the Sicilians, who are much incensed by the manner in which the King's answer was sent, and the feeling seems to be general that they will at once declare a regency to the exclusion of His Majesty. " The ceremony of assembling the Parliament went off very well to- day. Lord Minto and myself were both formally invited to assist at it, but prudtULe fnrl)a(le our being present. "The batteries fired salutes of twenty guns, and altogether above a hundred were discharged, in which of course the scpiadron did not participate, or in any display of colours, &c. ; in short, nothing has been done that can in any way compromise our conduct as supporters of the Sicilian measures, though assuredly they have our sympathy. " An armed mob has overpowered the national guard at Marsala, and contributions have already been levied on the natives. I have, therefore, sent the 'Bulldog' to protect the British subjects, who, though not numerous, have a considerable amount of valuable property there in wines, &c." " To the Earl of Auckland. " 'Hibernia,' Palermo, SOth March, 1848. "I confess that I should not have felt myself at lil)erty to have interfered with the Austrian frigate had the c;ise been as strung as Lord Napier represented it to Captain Corry, who appears to have viewed it justly. Nothing short of acts of murder or great violence would, I imagine, justify us in seizing a foriMgn ship-of-war on account of mutiny, unless she was drti-itcd in actual piracy. Tiio (pu'stion has, however, been well disposed of."* The Admiral mid Lord Minto, after visitinf^ Messina, left Palermo with the .s(iua(h-on on the .'5lst for Nai)h's, where * This view is very itnportant, ami llic Hrizurcs of tin- Sp.iiiish iron- clads in the Mediterranean during lli«>ir civil war, aiiurs among others, that Captain Richards is the best man. Pray tell him so." " To the Earl of Auckland. " Malta, 4th May, 1848. " I learn with delight that you have selected my valuable Flag Captain for the superintendence of Pembroke Yard. I can aver from seventeen years' knowledge of his worth that you cannot place in Letter hands or a .sounder head any important post connected with our service, and I cannot helj) congratulating you on having such an acquisition, though sensibly alive to the loss I must necessarily feel by his removal." From Captain Henderson, R.N. "H.M.S. 'Sidon,' Naples, 5th May, 1848. "I have the honour to inform you that the Charge d'Affaires here last night received a letter from the British Consul at Leghorn, enclosing a letter from Sir George Hamilton, the Minister at Florence, ptating that the Duke of Parma has thrown himself on the protection of the British Government, and that he was on his way to Civita 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W, PARKER. 497 Vecchia, and entreated that one of H.M.'s steam-vessels might be in waiting to embark H.R.H. to convey him to Marseilles on his way to England. I have the honour to enclose copies of these letters, and Lord Napier's letter to me enclosing them ; and, as I conceive his Lordship's request sufficiently urgent to warrant me in detaching on this service the 'Porcupine,' which opportunely arrived tliis morning at 11 o'clock, she was completed with coal and water without delay, and sailed at 8 o'clock this evening for Civita Vecchia, with orders to receive on board H.E.H. and suite, and convey them to Marseilles, returning here with the least possible delay after performing this service. I hope this will meet with your ap])roval." " To the Earl of Auckland. "Malta, 14th May, 1848. " In the official despatches which accomjiany this, you will find that applications have been made for the conveyance of the Duke of Parma from Civita Vecchia to Marseilles by one of our steam-vessels — and also for that of Count Lutzou, the Austrian Ambassador at Rome, to Trieste. "Anxiety is likewise expressed for safe refuge for the Pope, should he finfl it necessary to quit the Roman territory. "The ' Porcupine' has been sent from Naples to be at the disposal of the Duke of Parma, and I have requested Lord Napier to otler the 'Locust' for the accommodation of Count Lutzou and liis family, if he is inclined to venture in so small a vessel, hoping at the same time that he may not desire to go further than Corfu, whence he can pro- ceed by one of the Austrian packets to Trieste if he chooses. "To provide refuge for His Holiness, the 'Sidon' will call at Civita Vecchia when rt-lieved by the 'Thetis' at Naples, and I have autho- rised (Japtain Henderson to go himself to Rome, should he deem it advisable. He will there see Mr. Petre and our Consular Agent, and consult with them as to the probability of the Pope desiring to embark. " I hope in these arrangements I Imve not exceedcil the wishes of your Lonlsliip. I have acted on the princijtle that such attentions can never do harm — even if rendered to parties taking oj)po8ite politics from our own, and although the Austrian Ministci- in.iy have no direct claim for the accommodation of an I'jiLdi.sli (Jovernnieiit steamer, even of the smallest size, the civility may be estimated sufH- ciently tf) f)V('i balance the expense and tempoiary inconvenience that we may jjcrhaps experience by the 'Locust'h' ab.seiice. "P.S., l.^.th M,iy. "Since writing my letter, the packet fmm .M.uscilK's ha,s ,m rived, by whi(;li I have received letters from the Duke of P;irni.i ;iiid his 2 K 40a THE LIFE OF STH W. PAHKEK. [1848 .•liamlioihiiii (1 l.oliovo), Baron War.l. You air probacy aware that ho was formerly an English jockey, and I nndfi-sland was first eni- ployod in the Duke of Tarnia's service as his master of the horse (or stud grixmi), afterwards becoming the comptroller of the household, and by good management and sharp wits succeeded in clearing ofl many debts and abuses, which has ])laced him in the entire confidence of H.K.H." "To Vice- Admiral Baudin, Commander-in-Chief of the Squadron of France, Naples. Extract. "Malta, 17th May. " I received with the greatest pleasure your friendly letter by the Neapolitan packet which arrived this morning, and fully intended to have anticipated you by a few lines from hence, but for the uncertainty where my letter might find you. "Be assured that I heard with real satisfaction that the Toulon Fleet was under your command, because I felt confident that, from your good judgment and prudence, no unnecessary embarrassments woidd be created in these eventful times. " Your patriotic sentiments do honour to your nature ; and I only hope that the present convulsed state of Europe will subside, with the security of peace and happiness to all its States. " I am not surprised at the scenes enacting at Naples, for it seems to have been the peculiar character of that Government to make every concession too late." From Sir George B. Hamilton, Her Majesty's Minister, Florence. Extract. " Florence, 22nd May, 1848. " I was very much obliged to you indeed for a]j})roving of the ' Porcupine ' going to Civita Vecchia. The Duke (of Parma) wrote to me in the highest teims of Lieutenant Eoberts's disinterested and generous conduct to him. He refused the present of a valuable watch and chain otre)en has been ecpially obc(lifnt. "The combined Italian mpuuhons were disposed to tlireaten the bonil)ardment of Trieste if the Austrian sfpiadron wax not given up to tlieni ; but, on a representation from Captain llamsay of tlie 'Terrible' '1 Iv 2 500 TIIK I.ll'K OF SIU \V. I'AHKEi;. [184K and the Consuls, the Sardini.ni Admiral dcclareil that he did not intend to cannonade the town, but only to take the s(]uadron, if he had an opportunity of doing so." " To Lord Napier. "Malta, 2r)th June, 1848. " The Neapolitan squadron have certainly slipped away from their late allies, and the Sardinians and Venetians have established and formally ainiounced the blockade of Trieste. I do not, however, think they will attafk the town, but they have summoned the Austrian squadron to surrender ! They have three good frigates and some smaller vessels there, which might be turned to account in the defence of the place ; but they are badly manned, and half the crews do not understand the language of their otHcers." " To Vice-Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis. " Malta, 26th June, 1848. " Your account of Cibraltar accords exactly with my own ideas. We must recover our naval jjvoperty from the Army, if possible, and get the present Mole repaired as fast as possible, afterwards carrying out the enlargement of it as far as the Government will permit." "To Sir George B. Hamilton. " Malta, 28th June, 1848. "Lord Napier has communicated to me, confidentially, your intelli- gence with regard to the acceptance of a high position by the son of the Grand Duke, should it be offered ; and I purpose putting to sea with the siiuadron to-morroAv, to show ourselves off the capital, but not to interfere in any way with the selection." The feeble state of the French Government had become still more apparent in the month of June. The request of the Procureur-General to prosecute M. Louis Blanc was refused. M. Lamartine, seeing the great popularity and increasing power of Louis Napoleon Buonaparte, brought forward a motion in the Assembly that, as France was in earnest in wishing for a Republic, the law of 1832, banishing from France all the Buonaparte family, must l)e enforced against Louis Napoleon. This was carried l)y acclamation ; 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. . 501 but all Paris was in a ferment, and the workmen were in arms. The question was again brought forwetrd, and the Assembly, by a large majority, refused to vote a decree of banishment. This was decisive of the fate of the Eepublic. Louis Xapoleon prudently retii-ed when told that his presence in France caused disturbances ; but wrote to the President, " If the people impose duties on me, I shall know liow to fulfil them." Civil war in Paris recommenced on the 22nd of June, liarricades were thrown up, and mobs attacked the National Guard. On the 23rd General Cavaignac was invested with full military powers, and on the following day with all civil powers, and Lamartine and his colleagues were compelled to resign by the vote of the National Assembly. On the 29tli Sir William Parker left Malta for Palermo with the " Hibeinia," " Queen," " Podney," " Superb," " Vau- u-^uard," " Vengeance," aud " Odin." 502 ("TTAPTEPt YIIT. July to December, 1848. Offer of the Tlirone of Sicily to tlie Duke of Genoa — Intei-vention oi the English and French Admirals in the Civil "War — Arniistic till reference could be made to London and Paris— Civil War in the Aiistrian States — J)isturbances at Leghorn and Eome — Murder of Rossi — Escape of the Pope to Gaeta — British Questions at Naples— Prince Louis Na])oleon elected President of the French Republic — Republic at Venice. "Tyranny must be ; Though to the Tyrant thereby no excuse. Yet sometimes nations will decline so low From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, But justice, and some fatal curse annexed. Deprives them of their outward liberty ; Their inward lost."— "Paradise Lost," xii, 95. On the 10th of July the Sicilian rarliainent offered the throiir of Sicily to the Duke of Genoa. On the 11th the French ship " Inflexible " and the " Bulldog " saluted the new Sicilian flag. The English squadron anchored at Palermo that night, and Sir William Parker also found himself obliged to salute the Sicilian flag the next day, or to disavow the proceedings of the two ships. He therefore saluted, and the President of Sicily received a Viceroy's salute of nineteen guns on liis returning the Admiral's visit. These formal acts of recognition of the Sicilian flag, whicli gave rise to an animated debate in the House of Lords,* only anticipated orders from England. Admiral Baudin, who had replaced the Prince de Joinville. in the connnand of the French squadron in the Mediter- ranean, arrived on tlie 13th. The following ships were at * " Parliamentary Debates," 1848. 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 503 this time under his orders, and joined his; flag at different periods : — Friedland" (Fla^ of Com- mander-in-Chief) .... Guus. Captain.s. 120 Serval ; on the Staff, Capitaines de Frogate , Maissin** et Maison- " Ocean" "Jemappes" "Hercule" "Inflexible" *'. Jupiter' " Souveraiu " (Fhig of Rear- Admiral Trehouart) "Jena"' " Ponione "' .... H.P. " Panama," steam frigate 450 " A.smoilee," .steam frigate 450 " DescartfS," steam frigate 540 "Vauban ' 540 " Piuton," .steam corvette 220 " Solon," aviso Ire classe neiive. 120 Odet Pellion. 100 Laguerre. 100 Nouay. 90 Guyet. 86 Jean Lugeol. 120 Le barbier de Tinan. 90 (Vicomte) Duquesne.f 40 Favin Loveque. .... Belveze. 12 De Ricaudy. 14 Bonet. 16 Gues. 6 De Kerouarts. .... Charles Jaures.J Both oiUcers and uu:ii, who were niueh attached to tlx; I'rince de Joinvillc, had been eoiupleteiy taken by suri>rise at the Kevohition, and had no synipatliy witli the Provisional Jtepublic.§ The French Xavy had ])een n(jticed with more * Died a-s (iovernor of French CayiiiDi-. t Died at Havana wlien < '(>iiirii:iii(lcr-iii-('liicf nf tlu' French squad- ron, 1853. J Subsequently commanded the French .s(|uadr()n in China. 5^ Ca|»tain Lugeol, of tliti " Ju])iter," told the Biographer that on tiic day after the licv<;hitiou the petty olliiers :iHkeI their otlicers, but he need not be uneiisy, ius they woidd all proteit him. One of the first acts of the Provisional (Soverntuenl \v;ix to iliange the po.sitiuge<y tli" r»06 THE LIFE OF RIK W. PATJKEn. [1848 ' Stroiuboli ' in capturiiijr (he unliK-ky Sicilians, everytliing will, in my opinion, depend on the exact poaition of the vessels when they were seized. " If tlu'V were taken itisi(h: the Island of Corfn, or within three miles of any of the Ionian Islands under our flag, I shall feel it right to demand the liberation of the vessels and prisoners, as a most auda- cious and oflensive violation of the British territory and the protection which all neutral Powers may claim of us, and if this is unequivocally established (wiiich I do not think it will be) I shall be ]»repared to seize any one Neapolitan steamer or more, or blockade them until we have redress, but this must not, of course, be thought of unless our case is quite clear. " I suspect the vessels were taken, as Lieutenant Salanzar says, to the »S'. W. of Corfu, and I must admit lliat his statement appears a very fair one, and am inclined to think that they were eight or ten miles from the shore at the time of the capture. The fact of using a neutral flag by a belligerent caiuiot be justified, though frequently practised, cntre notis, under the law of viig/it makes right, and I have often done it myself. "The bombardment of the Sicilian battery while answering the ' Gladiator's ' salute, we cannot complain of — / would have done so myself if placed in General Pronin's position. We had given them a severe blow by acknowledging the Sicilian flag on the occasion of their King Ferdinand being repudiated, and the Duke of Genoa elected, and they vented their spite to us in a blow at their adversaries." '■ To Lord Napier, Naples. '• ' Hibernia,' 40 miles south of Naples, 28th July, 1848. " I send on the ' Bulldog ' to apprise you of our near approach, and that it is my intention to anchor the whole of the squadron off" the city of Naples until we can get a satisfactory answer to our just grievances. " It Lsnot my wish to infringe the Treaty or agreement which limits our numbers to four ships-of-war, and when the Neapolitan Govern- ment conforms to the Treaty with I'nigland by desisting from imposing on our residents a compulsory loan, or cout)-ibution, contrary, as I bi'lieve, to our Treaty, the Government will find me quite ready to send the extra ships to Castel-^-Mare." " 1 believe the Nea|)olit;\ns are very sore that we saluted the Sicilian flag; but I have positive orders from the Admiralty for paying that compliment, and to do it 'as soon aa piussilde!' so the Neapolitan (ioverninent must vent their displeasure on Lord Palmerston and his colleagues." 1848] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAEKER. 507 " To Lord Napier. " ' Hibernia,' off Capri, 29tli July, 1848. " I am glad the Neapolitans have abandoned their intention of levy- ing a forced loan on the English, which, in my mind, according to the reading of the Trcatji, was unjustifiable. Also that they are disposed to give orders to prevent a repetition of the use of our flag. "I do not wish to perform the absurdity of attacking a post after it has been evacuated, but I do think it necessary that these con- temptible people should be made to understand that we are not dis- posed to submit to their offensive presumption. I therefore send you a letter (somewhat modified) which I had previously prepared, that you' may make Prince Cariati and his colleagues understand that we have hastened here to check their unjust proceedings. I hope I have no VjuUying proj)ensities, and am quite willing to submit to the customs of national relations, and to the letter of our Treaty. It is with the view of preventing /«roke into the armoury of lln- (iuardia Civile, thus possessing themselves of ],')()() muskets. "A Provisional (jovernment has been installed, by whom tlie (Governor w;is liberated, but he was given to understand that he w;uh not to exercise power. The mob, having po8.seh«ef foreigiu;i-8, tir attack ou their property." AppreliciLsioii <»f uny iimiit'cliato di.sturljiuicf ut Itomc 512 THE LIFF, OF Sli; \V. I'.VliKEK. [1.S48 passed ofl', and the " Bullduji; " returned on the 30th. On that day the Neapolitan expedition, consisting of one frigate, nine steainers-of-war, and 4,500 troojis, left Naples for the re-conquest of Sicily. The citadel of Messina was the only I)art of the island held by the Neapolitans. The proceedings of the English scpiadron in the Mediter- rcanean gave rise to questions in both Houses of Parliament, and in answer to one from Sir J. Walsh, Lord John Kussell gave an outline of the proceedings which have been described, and added : — " Sir "William Parker was an officer of the greatest prudence and discretion ; and he thought both the Government and Parliament might fairly trust him to take any future proceedings he might think right."* On this, no further remarks were made. " To the Earl of Auckland. " 'Hibemia,' Naples Bay, 30th August, 1848. " I am thankful and flattered by Lord Minto's observations in the House of Lords respecting our arrival and the position first taken up here. "Assuredly, I never contemplated any interruption of the move- ment of their expedition, or any of their armed vessels, unless some very gross insult was offered, demanding reparation which might be unjustly withheld, but this was not at all the case. The Court, on the contrary, have been very gracious." Uu the 1st September, 2,000 Neapolitan troops were landed at Messina, and 1,500 at the Citadel. The bombard- ment of the city commenced by sea and land at daylight on the 4th, and was cniit inued on the 5th, 6th and 7th, on which day, at 2 o'clock in the morning, the Sicilians felt that further contest was useless. They therefore requested the assistance of the Captains of the English and French ships- of-war, who each deputed an officer to arrange terms of capitulation with the Neapolitan General. A suspension of arms was promised directly tiic Sicilians ceased firing. The bombardment was continued, however, * "Parliamentary Debates," vol. clxvii. August 23rd, 1848. 1.S48] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. -51 3 till 1 P.M., eijjlit hours after tlie Sicilians had ceased to resist ! On the 9th, the Xeapolitan ships-of-war entered the harbour of Messina. " To Captain Eobb, H.M.S., 'Gladiator,' Messina. " 'Hibernia,' Naples Bay, 4th September, 1848. " I have approved of all your proceedings, save and except the very strong tone of your letter to the Genei'al, about firing into the town. But agreeing with you in your sentiments of indignation, I do not think our position as a neutral (juite warranted their being ad- dressed to the General of a Power with whom we are in amity, and who is answerable for his acts, cruel as they are, to his own Govern- ment only, unless British subjects are unfairly treated. Now T question whether he was bound to give notice, though I think humanity ought to have dictated such a course, before he fired." To Sir G. B. Hamilton, &c., &c., Florence. " ' Hibernia,' Nai)les Bay, 6th September, 1848. " I have just received Captain Codiington's private account, dated the 4th instant, of the late insurrection at Leghorn, and that a Republic has been proclaimed, and I .send off the 'Sidon' forthwith to his jLSsistance until tlic 'Porcupine' arrives from Marseilles, which I suspect she will do on Saturday evening or Sunday morning, the 10th in.stant. " I entirely approve of all (/odriiigton has done, and jiarticularly so that he has not been induced to land any men to interfere in any way with Tuscan quarrels. His duty niu.st be confined to the protection of British sulijectsand their property, but any further direct intervention without instructions from home may very seriously embarrass our own (iovernment and our present relations with France." •Serioii.s disturljancss di.stracted tlie Austrian Empire. On the 7tli September the llungariiin Diet scut n dcpiitnl iun lo the Emperor to uroc liis iiniinili;iic pi(;sence at r<:-tli; :inil on liis rcl'usal to come, the Jlmi'Miiaii ilolcf this rancorous cuntvst between the Neapolitans and Sicilians, intimating that we sh;dl lie j.repanrd to enfoice this .suspen- sion of hostilities, temporarily, if necessary." " To tne Earl <s taken to keep the pugnacious antagonists from getting into collision, I cannot understand where your heavy res])onsibility lies, though I am well aware that vour labours have been incessant." From the Earl of Auckland. Extract. "Admiralty, 12th October, 1848. " You will have received official information of the approval and support of your measure, and you may therefore be easy as to the past. I naturally look with anxious interest to the future, but though you liave unrea-sonable jiarties to deal with, I have good hopes that tii-mness and impartiality on your side may not only have stopped the extension of violence aiid civil war, but may ultimately lead to a satis- factorv accommodation." "To Captain Robb, H.M.S. 'Gladiator,' Messina. " 'Hibernia,' Naples, 23rd October, 1848. "Pray let me have an ofhcial copy of what the (Jeneral and the Sicilians have actually agi-eed to, without the whys and wherefores, which only tend to confuse. I have never seen one of the printed copies at Palermo, to whicli the General adverts. "The armistice must be maintained. Our Government and that of France will interpose to prevent any more fighting, so the opponents need not attempt it." Froin tlir Hurl iif A II, lU mil. " Admiralty, 3()th October, 1848. " I have returned to Lonoses of peace and humanity. Yet, alas, how much remains to be done ! what weakness, what passions, what confusion everywhere ! what gloomy j>rospects in the compass of your short letter ! and your horizon is bounded by Italy. To think of the boundless horrors l)eyond is too painfully terrible. Where is the principle of settlement to be found ? Where is the man, the j)ower to apjjly it when found \ " Providence will, no doubt, come to our aid in time ; but, mean- while, I would gladly shut my eyes and ears to everything but what immediately surrounds me. Among the contradictions of the hour is the singular tranquillity enjoyed by this empire, so jn-overbially turbu- lent and barbarous. Yet, the war of labour against property is not without its symptoms even here. The frequent fires, which have decimated Constantinoj)le, and nearly destroyed Pera, can hardly be the results of mere accident." ]848] THE LIFE OF SIK W. TAUKER. 523 "To Captain G. F. Eich, H.M.S. 'Vanguard,' Palermo. " 'Hibernia,' Naples, November 13tli, 1848. "We expect Mr. Temple will be here to-morrow. "He has instructions to mediate the adjustment of the Sicilian question in concert with the French Minister, and the ' Ardent ' is now sent to Falernio cti route for Messina, Catania, vSyracuse, and Malta, to prei)are the Sicilian Government for the terms on which the mediation will be undertaken by England and France. "The Constitution of 1812 to be restored to Sicily. " The Crown to remain on the head of Ferdinand. " The King to apjjoint a Sicilian Viceroy, unless he places one of the Royal family in that position. " The island to have an independent Sicilian Parliament. A Sicilian Administration. Sicilian troops only, except with the consent of their Parliament. "The conditions are, in fact, those which the Silicians consented to with Lord Minto in March last, but they were then considered inad- missible by His Majesty. How far the Neajjolitan Goverunient may now be disposed to accede to thtni remains to be seen ; but there can be no doubt that both the Neapolitan Envoys and the Sicilian Depu- tations in London and Paris have been made acquainted with the term.s, and the sentiments of the two Governments acting in concert." "To the Honourable C. Murray, Alexandria. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Naples, 14th November, 1848. " We have jusl itcard that Ibrahim Pacha was at the point of deatli, if not actually defunct ; and, fearing that this event may cause serious commotions with reference to his immediate succes-sor as President of the Council, and the future Viceroy, 1 sent the ' Sidon ' direct to Alexandria fur llie protection of the English residents." From, Sir .jlratford Canning. Extract. "Tlieiapia, l.'"itli Nlit;inH certainly will n»>t consent to Hcjiarate tli(; aimy, norani I pri|i.iird to wiy that they woulil in tlxir present lenipi-r with the eniiMlenaiice of Hussia, &c., agree If) a niidille eoiirMc, that of retaining Mes-ina with a limited Nfapf)litan garrison. ( 'ould rtur |»ropoHalM have been m.ijle two months earlier, I believe there would have been a better chance of hucccbh. 0..0 ,>3 TllK LIKK OK Sli; W. PARKKU. [IS-tS A cessation of diplomatic intercourse between England and ?^pain continued tlirou^hout the year 1848, after Sir Honry l>ul\vor had received his passport in May. The .great event of December was the election of I'rince Louis Xapoleon to the Presidency of the French Kepublic by an enormous majority. He was proclaimed on the 20th, and his Presidency was to last till ]\Iay, 1852. Lamartine and Cavaignac were also candidates, but though both had done good service to France since she h^id become a Republic, the latter polled 1,448,107 votes, the former only 17,910, against the 5,4:34,226 of Louis Napoleon. France wanted one strong ruler ami no liepublic. 527 CHAPTER IX. January to July, 1849. Death of Lord Auckland— Failure of the Mediation in Sicily ; Civil War Renewed — The Neapolitan Troo2is victoriovis— The French Expedition to Rome. "Cromwell told them that he came hither to jnit an end to their power and authority, which they had managed so ill that the nation could be no otherwise preserved than by their dissolution." — Claren- don's " History of the Rebellion." The "Annual Eegister" describes the year 1848 as the year of revohitions, and 1849 as that of reaction. The democratic wave, which threatened to destroy law, property, and religion in one ruin, spent its force, and there was a gradual resump- tion of constitutional authority; but these events did not take place till the year was well advan-^ed. On the l.'Uli v( January Sir William Parker heard of the death of the Earl of Auckland. His loss was well described in the Admiralty Minute announcing it as "irreparable." His knowledge, great experience, temper, tact, and judgment were all tlmt could be desired in ouv. filling sodifhculta post. Sir William Parker was, as has Ijceii made evident by his oorrespondciice, bound to him by no ordinary ties of friendshii), and gratitude for his thorough and full confidence, and had the highest o]»inion of his abilities, prudence, and rectitude. The same l)acket which brought the news of Lord Auckland's death brought also confidential orders f(n' the liritisb Miuadron not to u.se force to prevent hostilities in Sicily. The necessary intimations were given t<» ilw. senior ollicers at Palermo and Messina, and to Admiud I'.amlin. !)iirin^ tli(! niniitli of Jiinuary, a slight attempt at insurrection was made at Naples, Init the mobs were at once dispersed without blood- .")28 THE LIFE OF si I! W. PAHKER. [1.S49 sht'd. Tlioiisrh tlio bemnninu: of 1840 foniul France a Re- public in name, the President speedily asserted his intentions of not being considered a cypher. In a letter addressed to one of the Ministers, ^vlli^'h was immediately ja'inted, he expressed his displeasure at a delay having occurred in bringing him communications from Italy. He insisted on havinir the sixteen boxes, which contained the documents relative to his attempts at l)Oulogne and Strasburg, given over to him, and finished with — " I i^erceive that some Ministers wish to treat me as if the famous constitution of Sieyes was in vigour, hnt I will not suffer it." The loss of the " Mutine " sloop during a heavy gale of wind in the Gulf of Venice, at the end of 1848, was much felt by the Admiral, who did not consider that the request of the Consul-General was sufficient reason for her being sent to a dangerous coast at such a season. " To the Earl of Minto. Extracts. "H.ISI.S. 'Hibernia,' Naples, 21st January, 1849. "Admiral liamlin called on me two days ago, on the svdjject of the new orders respecting the Sicilian armistice ; he informed me that he liad not received any instructions or intimation on the subject from Ills Government, but agreed in thinking that it was a prudent and proper measure in the altered position in which we stood with regard to Russia, Austria, Spain, &c. ; and as there now appeared a general disj)osition amongst the greater Powers to resist the ])rogress of revolution, he seemed to think that a modification of the terms of the mediation would be desirable to secure a permanent adjustment of the ditferences between Sicily and Naples, and to obtain for the former any substantial benefit. "The Admiral then entered on the jjosition of the Pope, and the intrigues that were going on with regard to him. He informed me that several of the leading Cardinals, I think he said the majority of them, had recommended His Holiness to abdicate, and that this counsel, which had been kept as secret as possible, was sui)ported Ijy the Ministers of the Catholic Powers assembled, with the exception only of Mons. DHarcourt, the French Envoy to the Pojje, who felt witli the Ailmiral that whatever errors H.H. may have committed in j»ursuing Liberal measures too rapidly, he was better calculated than any otiier to allay tlie flame which he had kindled, and lliat in the event of Pio Nono retiring, he would ]jrobab]y be succeeded by a 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR "\V. PARKER. 529 violent Ultra Absolutist, who would produce a serious reaction throughout Italy ; therefore, Loth the Admiral and Mons. D'Harcourt had strongly advised the Pope not to abdicate." Parliament was opened on the 1st of February. The Queen's Speech contained the following paragraphs, which were sharply criticised : — "It is satisfactory to me to be able to state that, botli in the north and south of Europe, the contending Parties have consented to a sus- pension of arms for the purpose of negotiating terms of peace. "The hostilities carried on in the Island of Sicily were attended with circumstances so revolting, that the British and French Admirals were impelled by motives of humanity to interpose, and to stop the farther effusion of blood. " I have availed myself of the interval thus obtained to propose, in conjunction with France, to the King of Naples, an arrangement calculated to produce a permanent settlement of affairs in Sicily. The negotiation on these matters is still pending." Lord Brougham — " thought it perilous to allow military and naval officers to enter upon proceedings out of the four corners of their instructions." Lord Stanley — " heard with astonishment that the responsibility of intervention was to be laiil on the unauthori.sed acts of the Britisli and French Admirals, and hoped it wa.s not true that any British oflicer shoulil be so far forgetful of his duty as to aj)pear in public holding a tri-coloured flag." Lord Iicaumont urged the rights of the Sicilians to the Constitution of ])S12 ; Lord Lan.sdowne described the horrors of the attack on Messina, and said — "he lield himself respoiiHibif for all tlie acts of Sir Willi.nii I'aikcr, for, had he l»een placed in similar circumstances, lie Wdiild liave acted in the same way." The Duke of ^^^■llinglon— "moved for a retuiii of tin- dccl.-uation of the Kiiifj of tin- Tuo Sitilu-R when he accfdcd to the Treaty of Vicuna. He inade hi.s 'i'rcaty with (Jeorge tin- Third iindii- tliat title ; ami II. M. and ihis ctiuntry were a.s much bound l>y that acceptance, aH by ;iii_v >itlici |M.itii>n nf tlie Treaty of Vienna. The document was out of print, Imi ii \v;is nf con- siderable iin|»nriaMC(. to the debate.' 2 M 5,10 TllK LIFE OF Sll! W. TARKER. [1849 He deprecated, however, any amendiiient on the Speech r.^ferring to tlie foreign policy of the country, and voted with the Government. In spite of tlii.s, an anicndnient was moved, and the Government majority was only two. Tn the House of Commons, Sir Francis Baring's appoint- ment to the post of First Lord of the Admiralty was announced. The parts of the Speech relating to foreign affairs, particularly the affairs of Sicily, were attacked. Mr. Disraeli said : — " I have no idea who the ' Kin^ of Naples ' is. I should as soon have thought of hearing a speech from the Queen of London." Mr. Monckton Milnes said — " Sir William Parker's conduct was dictated l)y humanity, and a just and enlarged policy." Lord John Eussell stated that negotiations with regard to ^ Sicily were still going on, and reiterating his confidence in Sir William Parker, he added : — " He Avas not a man likely to be led away by passion ; he had none of that revolutionai-y mania by which some persons mitrht be misled in those circumstances * he was anxious for the honour of the British flag, and anxious in the cause of humanity ; and he took that pro- ceeding on his own responsibility." .... Lord Palmerston described the view taken by the Admirals, and asked : — " Was it fitting that civilians, sitting here in their comfortable houses, men who had never seen a .shot fired in anger, or blood shed in the field— was it fitting that they should be sterner than the.se Admirals, men accustomed to the horrors incident to ordinary war? Was it fitting we should say, let Palermo share the fate of Messina 1 . . , . No man need feel regret that the Admirals took upon themselves to interfere." The amendment to the Address v/as withdrawn. From Sir Edmund Lyons. " Athens, 26th February, 1849. " Lord Seaton (who is an old friend of mine) and I read together the debates on the Address in both House.s, and we very sincerely rejoice at the honourable mention made of you. I had no doubt 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 531 whatever of its being so, but still it was very, very satisfactory to read it." The affairs of Italy were also eagerly discussed in the French Chambers. M. Beaume asserted — " that England had no interest in Italy common with that of France, and called upon the Government to state whether the armistice was to cease and the destruction of Messina to continue." The questions about the intentions of tlie Frencli, with regard to Home, were put with much vehemence: but the French Government cautioned the Assemlily against sub- stituting a question of war for one of negotiation. Through- out France the continuance of the Xational Assembly caused great dissatisfaction. It was urged tliat the Constitution liaving been voted, and Louis Napoleon elected by six million votes, France must take a totally different position at home and abroad. At the beginning of the year the Pope had threatened tlie Koraans with excommunication. On the 8tli of February, the Romans in reply declared for a Republic* On the Dth the Republican flag was hoisted on the Cajjitol, and .saluted with 101 guns from the Castle of 8t. Angelo ; and jMazzini, Annellini, and Suffi, formed a triumvirate. Th(i Popt; ad- dressed, from (iaeta, a formal protest to all the Ponian Catholic States. Austria and .Spain also i.ssiu'd pnjte.sts. < )ii the IHth the Austrian General crossed the Pu. In February a Repul)lic was al.sf) proclaimed in Tiisciny. The benevolent and deservedly beloved Grand Duke esciiitrd from his dominion.s, took reluge with hi.s family and suite iu the " P>ulldog," and proceeded in her to Gaeta, where he wiis liospitably received by his I'oyal l)rotlier-in-la\v.t The town of Gaeta thus became the re.siHM iMarie Antoinette, born in ISll, daughter of FrauciH the FIi-hI, King of the Two Sicilies.— " Alnianadi de Viollia," lH-10. 532 Tiir, T,TFF. OF sii; av. rATtKEi?, [1849 •'To Capt. the Hon. F. Pelliain. 'Odin,' Palermo. Extract. " ' Hibernia,' Naj.lc's, 5th February, 1849. "The enclosure which 1 send, confiilcntially, will put you in ])ossc9- sion of what is passing here ; our English policy is, I fear, in an unpromising way, and the Sicilian mediation is certainly a failure. It now remains to be seen what expedients are likely to be successfully mooted, and Mr. Temple would be glad if yon could ascertain and inform me what concessions the Sicilians would be disposed to agree to for the adjustment of this business, bearing always in mind that England is not likely to plunge herself in war on account of Sicily, though sympathising as warmly as ever in her political position." '■To Ca])tain Codrington, H.M.S. 'Thetis,' San Stefano. " ' Hibernia,' Naples, 11 p.m., 11th February, 1849. " T am glad you .saluted and paid all honours to the Grand Duke ; it will have a good effect. The Grand Duchess's letter to King Ferdinand was delivered to him by Phillimore as soon as I received it, and I enclosed His Majesty's answer to his sister to Key, to be delivered on his arrival at San Stefano." " To His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke of Tuscany. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Naples, 12th February, 1849. "Sir, "Captain Codrington will have the honour of presenting this to your Imjjerial Highness to tender the services of Her Majesty's steam- vessel 'Bulldog,' for the accommodation and conveyance of your Impe- rial Highness and family in any direction you may desire, and to ensure you every protection which the British flag can afford during the time your Imperial Highness may deem it ex])edient to remain on board. " I beg to assure your Imperial Highness that I have learned with deep sorrow of the events which have impelled you to repair to the coast, and with the earnest hope that the affairs of your Imperial High- ness may soon assume a more favourable as])ect, I have the honour to be, with every sentiment of respect and homage, your Imjierial Highness's most obedient and devoted humble servant, "W. PARKER" Tlie Grand Ducliess's letter was taken late at night to the King, who was giving audience to his Officers of State, Generals, &c. He instantly came to the bearer, and on hear- 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 533 ing that his sister ami the Grand Duke wove safe in tlie Neapolitan dominions, expressed his joy ai.d relief from anxiety, and added, "They sliould have come away long before." Then checking himself said, with great courtesy (prolmhly in allusion to Captain Codrington's letter), " Pardon, Monsieur, such is my opinion; perhaps you think differently;" and sent messages of earnest thanks to Admiral Parker. "To the Eight Hon. Sir Francis Baring, Admiralty. "H.M.S. 'Hibernia,' Naples, 17th February, 1849. " Aware that your mind nmst be deeply engaged with the vaiions ramifications of your ])resent important and responsible office, I have been unwilling to add hastily to the overwhelming correspondence with which you nuist be jussailed, but that my silence may not be mis- interpi'eted, I will no longer delay the expression of my satisfaction, that the direction of our naval afiairs are consigned to your hands, assuring you that my humble services will be exerted to the utmost of my power in furtherance of your wishes as long as they may be and that I have health to execute my duties. You will doubtless be fully aware of tlie position in which I now stand with respect to any pro- longation of my term of service in the Mediterranean. I feel anxious to put you, lis soon as possible, quite at liberty on this point, and that yiiu may not feel the least endjarrassnu-nt with regard to the appoint- ment of any successor whom VdU ma\ havein view for this station, incon- sequence of any partial arrangements that have been entered into, for I .-hall be ready to continue, or cheerfully to resign, my trust whenever callef] uj)on to do .so, and without entertaining a feeling but of thank- fulness ami gratification for the confidence and aj)probation with which I have been so long honoured." "To Captiiin "'Hibernia,' Naj.les, 18th February, 1M9. "I have within tlnf last two (lays received yoin- Icttci- ot' llic ."{Oth January, ;ind am quite salislitMl th.it all your nu-asurcs have been adopted with the most /.ealous intentions, and, gi'iuM-.illy s|)eaking, very jmliciously ; but you have certainly taken a ditrerent view of your relative position with the (>)nsui-(jeneral lli.in I think consonant with the rules and eu?urpose, as the present one could not nullify their own acts, and moreover that they had already exceeded the time for which they were summoned ; such a measure would involve a delay of at least a 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKEK. 539 month, to say nothing of the irregularity of such a proceeding. How- ever, I could offer uo opinion without an official statement, and a con- sultation with Admiral Baudin, but I pointed out that the only question was whether the Government were disposed to recommend the acceptance of the terms, or resistance with all its ruinous conse- quences ; procrastination, however, is their object, and the Neapolitans are, on the other hand, disposed to push matters to an issue, they were laudinff 3,000 or 4,0ti0 men as reinforcements at Messina when the French packet passed the Faro from Malta on the 5th instant." On the 8tk the Admirals delivered to the Sicilian Government their despatches together with the King's Proclamation for regulating the allairs of Sicily. That Government expressed alarm at the S'^nsation that would he caused by tlie proposal to recognize the sovereignty of King Ferdinand. Though every day's delay was hurtful to the Sicilian cause, the liepublican spirit had unfortunately gained the upper hand at Palermo, and some ambitious men were determined to retain power. Don Puggiero Settimo was honest, and saw that resistance was hojjeless, but he was overborne by his violent colleagues. On the 9th, thf Sicilian Parliament ordered a levy of men. Sir William Parker informed I'rince Butera that, if the terms were re- jected, hostilities woidd Ije resumed in ten days. The Prince replied, on the 13th, that the Government could m.t lay terms so worded before Parliament. The Admirals rejoined that they would circulate the Kiug's Pr )clamiilith tlie strife of domestic politics was inces- sant, the National Assembly discussed the affairs of Italy tliroughout March. In Italy, the King of Sardinia joined liis Army of 7o,000 men on the 14th (jf March, and M. Eatazzi informed the Deputies at Turin that the armistice had expired, and "that the attitude of Austria had shown that no honourable peace could be hoped for unless won by arms." Marshal Kadetzky had only 55,000 men, but "he called on them to follow their own General once more to victory." Both armies crossed the Ticino on the 20th, and on the 24th the Austrians 1849] THE LIFE OF Sill AV. TArj-CER. 541 gained the decisive victory of Novtira. Charles Albert took refuge in France, and resigned his Crown to his son, Victor Emmanuel. On the Gth April, after a gallant resistance, Catania sur- rendered to tlie Neapolitan forces. It was given up to pillage. This produced such terror that Syracuse and Augusta capitulated without resistauce, and the mercenaries deserted the Sicilians. On the 12th of April, the Municipality of Florence pro- clainied, amid the acclamation of the whole city, the recall of the Grand Duke. All the peasants rose in his favour, and Guerazzi, the leader of the tumult, fled from Tuscany. On the same dav, Sir William Parker, after communicating wiih Messina and Svracuse, reached Malta, where be heard of the victory of Goojerat. "To His Excellency General Lord Gough, G.C.B. "Malta, i:JUi Ai)ril, 1849. "I have read with feeliiig.s of sincere delight 30111- despalcli of the brilliant and decisive action of Goojerat, on which I beg \ uu to accept my wannest congratulations. " It is the nio.'st tiiuuijiliaiit answer tliat could be otl'eivd tu all the vile filandeis and infamous abuse that you have been assailed with, and a glorious finale to your victorious career. You will now return with iiicreaHed rank and honoui-s, and I trust will long enjuy tlie fruits amiilst the blessings of peace." "To Captain the Karl ul ilaniwicke, ' Vengeance,' Genoa. -MalUi, loth April, 184.0. "'All'swell that ends wi-ll ; ' tin- ti'iinin.itinn nf tlic l.itc cornnio- tions at (leiioa, in pi-accfu! siiliniis.sic.n lo the King n aiil li. inly, and the i>re.servatioii of the city from KcriouH injury and pliimli r, willi nil the attendant atrocities, is very 8.iti«factf)ry. "I am linlv tliaiikful that no .'ict of hu.stility Wius actually coni- niiltid on onr part, and I hojx- and triiMt (hat your intentions com- municated to Mr. Aiiiiiiomliy, and thoMt! declared in your printed i)aper, liave not Im. n pinnnil;,'alriti«li subjects, but I cannot in any May sancdon vour co-ojieration with tlie Royal forces of Sardinia in a politicjil o42 THE LIFE OF KIU W. PARKER. [1849 question, and pray do not attempt it on any consideration without instructions." " To Sir Francis Baring. Extract. "Malta, 21st Ai)nl, 1849. "The struggle of the Sicilians may, I believe, be considered at an end. By the accompanying copy of a letter, which I have received from Cn])tain Dundas, of the 'Powerful,' it appears that llic Sicilian Parliament has accej)ted the good offices of Admiral Baudin to convey to the King any reasonable propositions originating with themselves for submitting to His Majesty's authority ere it become too late, and a French steamer has been dii^patched to Naples with this decision, and to announce the change of Ministers on its being carried." Tlie " Hibernia " sailed for England on the 2oth. Her Captain and most of her officers were to return in the " Queen," and until the arrival of the latter the Admiral's flag was transferred to the " Caledonia," Captain T. W. Carter. The leaders of the Sicilian Kevolution took refuge on board the " Powerful." In Eome, the Eepublicans stood firm in spite of the failure in Sicily, the success of the Austrians, and the reaction in Genoa and Florence. On the 25th of April, the French expedition, under General Oudinot and Admiral Trehouart, who had been detached from Sicily for the purpose, arrived at Civita Vecchia. The triumvirs issued their pro- clamation — "The people nmst prove to France and to the world that they are not children but men," and the Romans deterinined to defend themselves. On tlie 27th the French troops commenced their march : on the 29th they reached the neiglibourhood of the walls of Rome, were vigorously attacked, and compelled to fall back with con- siderable loss. The civil war between Austria and Hungary continued this montli, in wliirli tlie Hungarians were successful. On the 27th the Emperor of Russia announced liis intention of remaining inactive no hmger. 150,000 Russian troops 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAUKER. 54 entered Austria and Hungary, and the proclamation of Count Nesselrode concluded with : "In protecting his Polish and Damibian ])rovinces from the scourge of a propaganda which means to convulse them, and by granting the assistance which the Austrian Government claims at his hands, the Emperor flatters himself that he acts in his own interest, and also in the interests of European peace and tranquillity " " To Captain the Hon. R. S. Dundas, Palermo. " H.M.S. ' Caledonia,' Malta, 27th April, 1849. " There has certainly been an apjiarent want of frankness in the late transaction between the French and Sicilians with regard to our- selves. We are well out of the scrape, and I am very glad tkit you declined the request of the Marquis Spaccaforuo and invitation of the French Ca))tain for an officer to accomjiany the Sicilian dejiutation to the Prince Satriano, with which we liave nothing to do, and about which thfty appear to have kept you altogether uninformed until everything was decided." On the 7th of May the Neapolitan troops liad a])proached Palermo, wliere Prince Satriano's proclamation »if amnesty was publislied on th(^ 9th. On the 10th Hvt- leaders ol" llic " squadre," or armed bands of peasantry, can)e on board the " Powerful," and asked Captain Dundas to afford them tlic means of conferrin.t,' in safety with the Prince. Cnptain Dundas took them in the "Odin" to the oflicer commundin-; the blockading force, and arrangements were niiide for sur- rendering tlie town and forts. I'riiu-e Satriano enlcnd Palermo on the loth; the l)lockade was raised, t be W.vj, n\' the Two Sicilies restored; and on the ITtb lb.- "Odin" arrived at Malta with tlie intelligence of tlie teiminatinn of the Pievoluti(jn in Sicily. •'To Sir Francis Baring. , ,. "Malta, iTtl, M;.y. IftJn. "I have now very Hincere Hatisf.icl ion in H«Mnling ymi iIm- private cnmmunicationH of Captain Dundanand Captain I'.-lliam, (h-tailing ihr (pii.-t Hurrend<;r r.f I'al.niio to th« Neapolitan (S.incral and troopK, and it will be no less gratifying t-o yon to li-arn, that after th.- departure of thf iatp insnrrc'tionary IcadtTH, and that the town had falh-n into the hands of til.- chiefs of the armed bandM of the HuriMiniding country, 544 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1849 this iiui<'li ilt'siivtl i-fsult li.is litH'ii entirely effected by their confidence ill liritisli ortii'crs and the Knj,disli name. Too illiterate to read the rroclaniation of the amnesty which was ofi'ered, the chiefs and their followei-9 disbelieved it, except as a deceptive trick to entrap them. They averred that it had been jmmmlgated amongst them by the French, with whom they would have nothing to do, but, directed by Mr. l\t)se, a ])raisewortiiy English niercliaiit, they sought the 'Odin 'and * Powerful,' and being at once satisfied, everything was i)acifically and speedily settled." " To Sir Francis Baring. Extract. "Malta, 26th May, 1849. " Mr. Ward* arrived here in one of the French steam-packets on the night of the 24th, having made an interesting passage by Genoa, Leghorn, Civita Vecchia, Naples, and Messina. He informs us that the French have not obtained a footing within the walls of Rome, nor are likely to be admitted ; also that the Neapolitans have been beaten by Garibaldi, and obliged to retreat witliin their own frontier, and that King Ferdinand has returned to Gaeta with all possible speed ; Bologna taken and Floi'ence about to be entered by the Austrians." The French Assembly met, after tlie new election, on the 2njcl of June. The President's Message contained this para- <4raph : — "England and France interfered with their fleets to stop the hostilities in Sicily, which became still inore cruel Though England was more interested in the question than even France, the two Admirals united to obtain from the King Ferdinand an amnesty for the Sicilians, and a C!on.stitution which guaranteed their legislative and administrative independence. They were refused. The Admirals quitted Sicily, being forced to abandon their mediation, and the war began. The veiy peojjle which had refused to accept honourable conditions were forced to surrender at discretion." The story of the expediti(jn to Home was told, Ijut no words could conceal the fact of the French being in a false position there. On the lltli M. Ledru Rollin, after a violent speech, depo.sited on tlie table an Act of Accusation against the I'resident and his Mini.sters. The latter, however, had a majority of 158. The next step was to impeach the Pre- sident fur liis conduct towards foreign nationalities; this was * Aj>])ointed Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands. 18 i9] THE LIFE OF SIR W. TAIIKER. 545 rejected by 377 to 8, as the Left abstained from voting. Then the violent paity tried a coup de main, to establish themselves as a Committee of Permanence ; but General Changaruier and a large military force made the attempt at insuiTection abortive. Paris was declared in a state of siege. " To Sir Stratford Canning. " Malta, 5th June, 1849. " Our news by the packet steamer from Italy received to-day is not satisfactory. The French army has received order to bombard Kome and get possession of it, and I suspect they will effect this without much slaughter, notwithstanding the avowed determination of the utmost resistance. The order has been satisfactory to General Oudinot, not only to enable him to retaliate for the mortification of his first severe check, but his troops have been seriously attacked by malaria and could not have remained in the unwholesome quarters which they occupied outside the walls. He has been making due preparation for this operation. The French army is in high onler and most efficient for service. "The Spaniards have landed 4,000 troops at Gaeta to co-operate with the Neapolitans ; they have also 2 frigates, 3 sloops-of-war, and 7 steamers a.ssembled there, and 4,000 more troops are expected, but it is pretty evident that the French and Neapolitans are not likely to act in concert." 2 X 546 CHAPTER X. July to December, 1849. Debates on the Policy of the Government in Italy and Sicily— Fall of Rome — Surrender of Venice— Departure for the Ionian Islands — Insurrection in Cephalonia— Refusal of the Porte to surrender the Polish and Hungarian Refugees— Proceeds to the Dardanelles. " Let our minds be strongly impressed with the conviction that the fighting in a just and good cause ever promises a prosperous result." — Lord Fitzharris to Lord Malmesbury, November, 1800. Lord Brougham did not forgive M. de Lamartine or the French for foiling his eccentric whim of standing for the Presidency of the Eepublic* In the House of Lords he abused with bitterness of speech and curious invectives all who had acted in concert with the French, particularly Admiral Parker and the naval officers who, in very difficult circumstances, had laboured perseveringly and, where success was possible, successfully, to obey the orders of the Govern- ment, to mitigate the horrors of civil war, and to protect the British subjects in countries distracted by sudden revo- lutions. On the 20th July he moved a resolution — " That it is the right and was the duty of the Government to require and obtain from foreign Powers satisfactory explanations of the recent movements in the Italian States which tend to unsettle the existing distribution of territory, and to endanger the general peace." * " Foreign Office, 18th April, 1848. " Lamartine is really a wonderful fellow, and is endowed with great qualities. It is much to be desired that he should swim through the breakers and carry his country safe into port. I conclude that he has escaped one danger by the refusal to naturalise Brougham ; for it is evident that our ex-Chancellor meant, if he had got himself elected, to have put up for being President of the Republic. It is woful to see ;i man who is so near being a great man make himself so small." — " Life of Lord Palmerston," vol. iii. 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKEK. 547 He quoted the instructions to Lord Miuto — " With regard to Sicily, to give the strongest assurance of the earnest desire of the British Government to draw, if possible, still closer the bonds of friendship between Great Britain and the Two Sicilies," and declared that the ]\Iinisters, the authorities, and the troops of Xaples had been injuriously, inconsiderately, and unjustly attacked by the givers of these very instructions. Commenting on the conduct of Austria and Sardinia, and justly praising Marshal Eadetzky, he said — " Tuscany was a sort of family estate of the House of Austria in which she had a right to interfere by Treaty .... That he (lid not believe it possible that the Pope could exercise his spiritua functions beneficially without temporal power, and that he could not imagine a more imbecile judgment, or more mischievous spirit than perva1" bis measures, and the energy he had displayed, gave peculiar importance to the ceremony. • From Sir Stratford Cunninri. Kxtrart. "Th.'rai)ia, .'ith O.tober, I8t!>. "1 have only time to thank you, which 1 iln must ((.rdially, for your con.siderate attention \n my wislics. 'I'lie 'Udin' and its captain are all that I could desire for the ninni.-nt, in c.\|M'n in the Archipelago. Comi! what will, you may depend upon it that you have already rendered an cHsentia! service, and on my nide I will not trespass on your jLssistance further than I judge to be indispsusiilile fur the gieut ol>ject^ at stake." On the arrival of Sir Stratford Canning's (k'<«pfttc1ies in 554 THE LIFE OF SIR W. rAUKEIl. [1849 England, the Government determined to support the Sultan in his chivalrous refusal to deliver up the political refugees who had sought his protection. The orders for Sir William Parker to proceed to the Dardanelles, were received oil' Zante on the 17th ; in nine days he was off Tenedos, and connnuni- cated with Constantinople. On the 28th his fine and well- appointed squadron anchored in Besika Bay. The rapidity of his movements, the large force that he had collected, and the magnificent appearance of his ships produced such an effect that Sir Stratford Canning said the moral victory was already won. The two great military empires withdrew their demands. From the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. " Viscount Palmerston, Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having signified to us the Queen's commands tliat instructions should be given to you to j)roceed at once with the squadron under your command to the neighbourhood of the Darda- nelles to be ready to go up to Constantinople, if you should be invited by the Sultan, through H.M.'s Ambassador at Constantinojjle, to do so, either for the purpose of affording to the Sultan that moral support wliicli the presence of tlie British squadron in the Bosphorus might afford him, or for the purpose of assisting to defend Constantinople, or any other part of the Turkish territory from attack. " We send you herewith a copy of Lord Pahuerston's letter of the 7th instant conveying H.M.'s commands ; and, referring to the addi- tional instructions therein contained, we hereby require and direct you to carry Her Majesty's commands and the said instructions into full effect. "Given under our hands this 8th day of October, 1849." 11. M. Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. " Foreign Office, 6th October, 1849. "The Turkish Government having applied to the Government of Her Majesty for support and assistance in regard to the differences which have arisen between the Turkish Government and the Govern- ments of Austria and Russia, upon the subject of a demand made by tliose two Governments for the surrender of the Hungarians and Poles, who, upon the termination of the war in Hungary, have taken refuge in the Turkish lerritory ; and H.M. Government have deter mined to comply witli the request thus made, I have to signify Her 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PxVRKER. 555 Majesty's pleasure that instructions be sent to Sir William Parker to proceed at once with the squadron under his command to the neigh- bourhood of the Dardanelles, in order to be ready to take his squadron up to Constant inojile if he should be invited by the Sultan, through H.M. Ambassador at Constantinople, to do so, either for tlie purpose of affording to the Sultan that moral support which the presence of the British squadron in the Bosphorus might atfoi'd him, or for the purpose of assisting to defend Constantinople or any other part of the Turkish territory from attack. Sir W. Parker should, on arriving at the Dardanelles, lose no time in communicating with Sir Stratford Canning at Constantinople, It is probable that the French Govern- ment may order the Fiench squadron in the Mediterranean to proceed likewise to the Dardanelles for the same purpose. If that should be, Sir William Parker will consider the French squadron as the force of an allietl Power co-operating with H.M.'s Government for the attain- ment of the same objects, with a view to which Sir William Parker is thus instructed to act ; and he will, therefore, place himself in that ca.se in friendly and confidential communication with the French Admiral, so that the two Admirals may concert together, as far as may be possible, the movements and proceedings of the two squadrons. "If the Turkish Government should, through H.M. Ambassador, require the presence of Sir William Parker and Ids .squadron in the Black Sea to assist in the defence of any part of the Turkish territory, Sir William Parker will be at liberty to comply with such requisition if he should see no jtrofessional objections thereto, and if he should think the necessity to be real and urgent ; but he should bear in mind that the purposes for which he is to proceed up the Meiliterranean are defensive and not offensive, and that, consequently, wherever he may l>e, he should confine himself to tlie ilefence of Turkey, and shoulil not undertake any offensive operations against the Russian territory or fleet. " If the Turkish Gov(;runuiit .shnuiil express a wi.sh to have the a-HsiHtance of nonie BritiHJi naval ofhcer to aid in organizing or man- (fuvring tlie Turki.sli fleet. Sir William Parker sliould be authorised to comply with such i-equest, if he should have the means of doing so without impairing the efliciency of his own H(juadron. It is possiiile that the Turkish Government may wish to relieve itself from the eml)arra.s.sment occasionefl by its present discussion with Austria and llu.ssia by a.ssisting the chief men am leave the 'i'nrkish ti-rrilory, and pa.ss on to take np their resilience in some other part of Europe. The onlinary Hteam-packets whi<;h ply in the Meiliterranean would |)robalily alVord to HU<"h pei-sons the means of leaving Turkey ; liut if any erfectly at libeiiy to do so." 558 TIIK LIFE OK Sll! \V. PARKER. [1849 From Sir Stratford Canning. * Extract. " Tlu-rapiiv, 2n(I Novcml)er, 1849. " I hope you will not be dissatisfied with my arrangements, as stated in the official despatch. I have endeavoured to judge for the best, even to the .saving of coal, and beg your inibilgence if I have bhnidcred. "The Sultan sent me an officer of his household this inorning to express his thanks for the moral and material aid afforded to him at this juncture. Orders are forwarded for provisioning your sliips here, and for allowing des])atch vessels to come up without firmans. The Consul will communicate with you on these subjects. "I am in hopes indeed that your services will not be long required where you now are. There is nothing official, nothing positive, but I have this moment received a confiilential hint which has ver}^ much the air of knocking under, I mean on the part of the two Imperial bullies. " You are too good a Christian to feel any disa])])ointment should this appearance be realised, though it would be almost a i)ity to see your noble squadron return without a more complete opportunity of showing its powers. Depend upon' it, however, that an immense moral advantage is already gained, and it will be my business to help the Turks to keep it." " To Sir Francis Baring. " ' Queen,' without the Inner Castles of the Dai'danelles, Midnight, 3rd November, 1849. " I have this evening received a letter from Mr. Wyse, who does not feel himself at liberty, without further instructions from Lord Palmerston, to conmiunicate to the Greek Government my intention of ejecting their officers from the Islands of Cervi and Sa])ienza, by force, if they were not immediately quietly removed. Sir H. Ward and myself consider this the best course to pursue, and it appeared in accordance with your suggestions in a recent letter. We agreed that it would be advisable to intimate to the Greek Government the nature of my instructions before any steps were taken, and that such communi- cation could only be made by Mr. Wyse. I shall not of course act until I hear from Corfu, and it is jidssible that, in the meantime, Mr. Wyse, mav receive directions on the sul)ject, I am only anxious to do what 8 rif'ht, and satisfy you that I have not overlooked the order I have received, begging to assure you that my communications with Mr. Wyse are in the most friendly spirit, and that I have no desire to do anything contrary to his views." 1849] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKEK. 559 From Sir Stratford Canning. Extracts. "Therapia, Snl November, 1849. " I have thi.s moment received information of the .squadron being at anchor between the inner and outer castles of the Dardanelles. Had tlie intelligence, which has now readied me from Vienna, come to my knowledge sooner, I should have submitted to you the expediency of remaining at the station where you caused tlie squadron to be anchored at first. The intelligence to which I allude is the concession of the demand of extradition by the two Im])erial Cabinets, ar.d the prospect which, therefore, presents icself of an almost immeiliate adjustment of the whole question at issue. One or two minor jjoints, liowever, remain to be definitely settled, and I am of opinion, in concert with tlie Turkish i\riniste"S, that it would answer no good pur]tose to with- draw the squadron before the complete removal of all remaining grounds of difference between the Porte and its two allied neighbours." " The moral effect produced by its prompt appearance at the Darda- nelles will not be speedily effaced. The Porte, in her hour of land, has seen the British flag displayed peaceably within her waters, in earnest of that more active suj)port to which, in a just and geneious cau.se, her Sovereign and people would never look in vaiu. Tlie suc- cessful service which you have thereby performed deserves my warmest congratulations." Admiral Parker had scarcely moved his squadron to a safe anchorage inside the IJardanelles, on the 1st of November, before another gale of wind came on, which lasted some days. A skilful .seaman, gifted with unusual nerve, he nevi-r rnn unnecessary risks by placing his sliips in a dangerous or in- .secure anchorage. The winter sea.S'on had set in. The sf[uadron had experienced three days of heavy gales bi'fore i(?acliing Besika Bay. In that ]»iiilially .sheltered anchnrage two of the sbi])S drifted from ibi; l)a(hie.ss I(' whetlier a tinuan will or will not l»e gninted to allow them to ])roce».Hl further." Nothing more than this had been done, but Lord Pal- merston explained — " Tliat by the spirit of the Treaty, this clause referred only to snch shij)s ai! were afterwards allowed to go up ; or ' at all events, it is close shaving and nice steerage, and exposes us to disiigreeable discussion about words.' " He adds — a tribute to the Admiral's activity — " If Parker is blown away from Besika Bay, let him go to Enos, or Jaros, or anywhere else where he may find shelter, never mind how far off ; for wherever he goes, he can always be back in time," &c. From Sir Slrat/wd Canning. " Thera]>ia, 7th NovomT)er, 1849. "Under present circumstances I think it of real importance that you should take the squadron outside. My promise against its expo- sure to weather in a less sheltered situation suj)poses the prospect of a downright danger, which is probably more than you see reason to a])prehend at either of the two nearest stations. Anxiou.s for your comfort, I am sorry for the change. Present appearances, though far from certain, warrant a ho])e that it will not l)e for long. The Porte can hardly accei)t the Russian and Austrian proposals as they stand. Put forward insidiously, they may occasion much trouble, but other- wise there is no difficulty which may not be got over with a little firmness and management." " To Sir Stratford Canning. "H.M.S. 'Queen,' off Barber's Point, 7th November, 1849. " I cordially congi-atulate Y.E. on the honourable and satisfactory termination of the ditierences between the Porte and the Imperial Allies, which has doubtless been mainly effected by your firm and judicious counsels, and I cannot but feel gratified that the ajjpearance of the squadron has jn'oduced the desired moial effect. The bless- ings of a solid j»eace in my miny xolunlary compliance." it has been laid down on legal autbority, that llie real question of international law at i;..sue, was, " Wli.di.i- the state of liie (Jreek triluniaJH wa-s such as to warrant Lord I'almerston ijj insjstinij' on M. I'acili.o's demand lirin^ HjitiMtied by the Greek Government, before tliat )MMMon liad ••.xliauHted tin- ief^al rem(;di<-s which it must he presumfaid in time, form as sad a confirmation as possi- ble of the description given in it. 1850] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER, 567 and carry off public treasure of sufEcieut amount. Of course Pacifico's claim must be fully satisfied." On the 11th of January the squadron under Sir William Parker anchored in Salaniis Bay.* The " Odin " and " Dragon " were detached to the Pira?us, where the Ptussian corvette " Calypso " and the French steam- vessel " Vedette " were anchored. On receiving free pratique on the 15th, the Atlmiral pro- ceeded to Athens, and was presented, together with all the captains, to the King and Queen in the evening. He had asked Mr. Wyse to give a hint of their errand Itefore the presentation, but this was not done, and tliey were invited to dine with their Majesties on the 17th. On the 16th Mr. Wyse and the Admiral liad urgeil the immediate attention of Mr. Londos, Greek Minister n (a cargo of dye-wood), all the airgoeH belong to foreign merchants, chietty Greeks naturalized oh the subject* of liussiii, Turkey, &c., which we presiiine lannot with propriety be touched. "The re;usons assigned by M. Thuuvenel for opposing our |>iofeed- ingH, viz., that they operate to prevent the payment of the interewt of the loan to the three Allied Powers, tyinnot surely lie maintained, Imt the landing of an arnn-d force in any part of the Hellenie Kingdom woulil doubtless atlord a better pnile.xt for the prutestH of Kriin<-e and liuHsia, which might HeriouHJy enibarniMS the aim-. We have nut, therefore, contemjilated any iR:t of that nature. I believe, however, ♦ Lord Palmerston to M. Drouyn rlc LhnvK, 8th Kebrunrj', IRftO.— "Jeviens d'apprenrire cpie M. hiin. These detentions and the embargo on (Jreek com- merce are beginning to be sorely felt, and deputations will probably be sent to the Government from the merchants at different jioints to effect, if possible, some arrangement. H.M. is, however, too strenu- ously supported by the French and Russian Legations, favoured also by the Austrian, to yield in the slightest degree until answers aie i-eceived from Paris to ^L Thouvenel's representatituis of our first pi'oceedings. Every art has been practised to pervert the true state of our ca.se. The French and Eussian Ministers' notes, and those of the Greek Government have been put forth, while those of Mr. Wyse have been withlield ; but by a judicious publication of facts the public mind is becoming disabused, and l>lame in a corresponding degree attaches to the mismanagement of the Government which has brought the country to its i)re3ent stjite. I perceive in one of the Greek declara- tions that it is asserted that a boat's crew, in breach of their sanitary regulations, lamled with arms to obt^iin water. " Assuretlly no boat or person has set foot on shore who wa« not in full prat.viue, and if they were armed, it w.xs only in (.'(Mifoiinity with tiie orders of our Government on this heatl, emanating from llie olleii- sive conduct of the Greeks at Patras, two years ago, and duly announced to their Government ; Imt 1 doubt the fact, .-w we have not hitherto nn-t with any incivility from tlu; people of the Pineiis, and u < Jreek guariually been posteil to jnevenl any nidene.n.s iieing offered to our otticers anaiic(% arrived, and, on (he Ttli. Mr. \V\ ()sed to pay for the hist sixteen years." Mr. Wyse, in further interviews with I'>an)n (Jros, oflered on certain conditions to give up the detnined vessels, but declined to refer the matter again to their respective Govern- ments. " To Sir Francis Baring. " H.M.S. 'Queen,' Salamis Bay, 8th April, It^nO. T " Late la-st night Mr. Wyse received a note from Baron Gr«s, which ha-s extinguished our hojies of any immediate amicible settlement of the differences witli Greece, which were encouraged by Lis last con- ference with Mr. Wy.se on the Gth iii.st;uit. This sudden cliange from the sentiments the Baron then apparently entertained on the (piestions at issue has ca\ised us much disappointment, and will cancel tlio com- munications in my h.tter of yesterday >ondon." and we must and shall obtain the MatiMfacti«»n which we demand. Tlio amount of money is so small that the Ijottle-lioMerH of (Jr ouK'hl t*i be .'ushamerl of the rout they make alnMit it." -" Life of l>.rd Palmerston," vol. iii. 582 THE LIFE OF SIK W. I'AKKEK. [1850 From Sir Stratford Canning. " Const^nitiuople, inth April, 1850. '* Your letter of the S)tl» is not projjlietic of imieh good, and I am quite ]n'epareil to hear by the next jKicket that coercive measures are renewed. If such were the necessity of the case, the meiisures should be effective, for tl.e present awkward state of things can hardly be prolonged without the greatest iuconveiiieiioe to us, and serious danger to the i)eace of tliis j)art of the woi-ld. On the one side, our honour will be more immediately concerned ; on the other, there will be an increase of tension between us and Russia and France, perhaps also with ample room for comj^lications and contingencies of all kinds. France would not willingly quarrel with any one, and least of all with England, just now. I am still of opinion, too, that the Russian pre- parations point ratlier to Germany than to Turkey. But the Greeks, shut out from trade, will resort to piracy, and the Hellenists will do what they can to stir up an insurrection in Albjuiia, whei'e, as in Bosnia, there is much growing discontent. Should they succeed to any extent a strong temptation will be offered to Russia, and although the Porte has its eyes on the dangei', it may be gi-eally embarrassed by any unexpected drain on its iinances. Wiih respect to pirates, I have no doubt that you will do whatever you can to discourage and repress them." " To Sir Francis Baring. " H.M.S. ' Queen,' Salamis Bay, 18th April, 1850. " Mr. Wyse has had tive or six conferences wnth Baron Gros, from most of which he returned with the impression that the object of the Baron's mission was likely to be satisfactorily adjusted, but dis- appointment and uncertainty have always ensued, and the result of their last meeting was so unfavourable that there scarcely remains a hope of an arrangement by the good offices of France, which Mr. Wyse can accept. " The Baron's influence appears to be exerted entirely on the side of Greece, ami his sentiments vacillate so much that but little progress has been made on which we can contideutly rely. " It seems that his instructions differ from those which Lord Palmerston expected, and that he has been anxious for delay and further directions, assuming rather the position of an arbitrator than a friendly mediator for both ])arties. He has, I believe, expressed himself as yielding to necessity rather than concurring in several of the points demanded by our Government ; his greatest objection, however, is made to the amount claimed by Mr. Pacifico, for his loss in furniture and jewels when his house was plundered by the mob at Athens. Baron Gros estimates it at an uureasouabl)' low rate, and is 1850] THE LIFE OF SIR \V. PARKER. 58 o unwilling to recommend the Gi-eek Government to make any advance beyond the sum he proposes. " The discussions now seem to rest mainly on the total amount of cash to be paid down as the indemnification for the losses and injuries sustained, for which Baron Gros suggests about 2,880/. less than Mr. Wyse requires, and the Baron seems disposed to throw up his mission rather than adopt any middle course. He has not, however, hesitated to say that the Greek Government will pay our whole demand "when- ever we resume coercive mea.sures, but that it will be done under a protest of compulsion, and denial of the principle on which it is levied ; and, further, that the jiroceeding on our part is in oppcisition to the declared opinion of Bar.ni Gros, in the exercise of his good offices. The ultimatum is not yet given in, it is therefore possible that some practical expedient of accommodation maybe mooted, unless instructions are received by the ]>acket now coming in from Malta, which may at <»uce put the matter at rest. I confess I rather incline to tlie belief tiiat we shall have to resume the embargo, or other coercive measures, bcjfore the business can be brought to a conclusion." The Greek Chambers, having at last understood the nature of the claims of Great Britain, petitioned their (iuveriiment to grant them. The conduci of the Admiral towards the Greek vessels, and his public manifestation of respect for the Greek flag had removed all ill-feeling towards (ireat J5ritain, e.xcept in the immediate atmospliere of tlie Court. On the 20th, Mr. Wyse sent his idtliiuilani to Daron firos, in whirh, its a compliment to the good offices of France, he oll'ered Lc» accept 150,000 drachmas, proposed by ]>aron Gros at a i)re- vious conference, exclusive of raeitico's Portuguese claims, in.stead of 180,000 drachmas. After nine interviews l>aron Gros announced, on the 23rd, the suspension of Ids good (tllices. Mr. Wyse replied tluit coercive measures nmst reconniience, and re([uested tlie .\y tin' ' Vaiiliaii,' on llif :.'llh A|>ril, intimation of the Convention which wan then makini; in lA>n«ioii between Lord I'almerHton and M. Dronyn de IJiiiyM, and (hat it wome of the CorpM |)ipl..mati«|ue (ah il in nup- posed), to plea«e the King ami Camarilla, who appear to liave lia within fwenty-four hour.-*, whether just or unjust. Also that at Cephaloniaasupply of naval 'calw' were sent on shore from the sijii.idiiiii for the torture of the JHl.inderH, with a somewhat siitirical rcmaik tliat micIi implements were usuallv manufactured by the regiments wlii( h liad immuwIom to wms them, itc I am quite aware that every person filling a public situation in open to such attacks, diicctly or indirectly, although I cannot but feel Horiv that a distinguished nolileman who had ho long held the hi^^h position of a Secretary of State shoulil have felt it iiecoKwiry to intiixliice thoHc remarks in any deliate. I do not for a moment suppoxe that Iiim I/>nl- ship wished to give an unfavourable imprcHsion of my eror of Russia was, that you had been driven to take this measure by stress of weather, but that Lord Hardwicke, who commanded one of the line-of-battle ships in your fleet, had asserted, in his place in Parliament, that the wind was moderate and the water smooth, when the anchorage was shifted, and that the excuse, therefore, made by the Government to Eussia appeared to me hardlv consistent with the honour of England. I never entertained a thought, or even implied a censure inconsistent with the respect which I feel towards you ; on the contrary, where I dwelt on your conduct, I praised it ; and, with regard to Greece, and the Ionian Islands, and the detiiils to which you refer, I never once even alluded to them. I know well how faithfully you obey orders, and, at the same time, how 1850] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAliKEK. 595 wisely, and in exceptional cases with what prudence, you have the courage to depart from them ; and, consideriuj,' the difficult circum- stances in which you were placed, and the anj,'ry debates to wliich these transactions have given rise, it is wonderful lu.w little room for cavil your conduct has presented ; and I ascribe your exemjjtiou from all serious blame to the tidelity and caution with which you have carried your orders into execution. " This debate, however, here is almost sunk into oblivion by the sad event which immediately followed it. Tiie deatii of Sir Robert Peel has deprived me of my most intimate friend, and the nation of one of its greatest statesmen. I turn, with mourning, from the angry con- flict of opjiosite opinions, which I did not seek, but into which I wa.s driven, and, having so recently followed my friend to his ;,rrave, I wish all unpleasant recollections of this debate to be biiiied there. It was the last occasion on which he ever sjjoke in Parliament, and he has left us a memorable exam])le of moderation and forl)earance. He highly esteemed you, and I am certain you will ileeply regret his un- timely end. I am, with sincere regard, yours, &c." There was no security for peace in mir relations with the French Kepublic. The hostile spirit which iiianit'ested itself towards England on the Greek business spc'edily subsided after the debates; but it was deemed prudent to keep thu ships of the squadron united, witliin easy reacli ol' orders from England. The progress of cholera at Tunis was closcily watched, and it soon became evident that ]MaIta woidd not esea])i' the epidemic. "To Sir Francis Tiaring. "The cholera is I fear raging at Tunis, ami <>iie di.itli h'us ^\\t or juris- fJiction between the S]>aniards and ourst-Ives, or tlie li^jlit of di"i\vin<,' off Enghsli stranded vessels by EngUsh boats in our own watei-s, though stranded on a S[)ani8h beach, nor into any other jMjint wliich might possibly divert attention from the main point at issue. That is, whether Lieutenant Powell is justified, under any pretonee, in putting aside the responsibility of the (juvernor of tiiis CVdony, ami taking oi^ liimseif to arm and lead, without his knowledge and lUiwnt, a hostile force against the Spaiiisli tnnips immediately touehing the local jurisdiction of his oommanrl. That is the one sole point in my report to Lord Grey to which 1 wjus chiefly desirouH of obtaining Iiia Lordshij/s attention." "To Sir Robert fiardiner. " .Malta, 2!»th .Inly. 1850. "Be assured 1 fully ap|»reciated the friendly franknesN wilh which you have transmittefl to me yo.ii' H<'ntiMH'Mt« n-nprrting flu' atFair of the ' Ljidy Itowley,' and I am witiKtied you will vnw with ;ih m-ann-n foinii>d ports, and the latter very sjjacious ; but tliere is a scarcity of water there, and in- convenient to be procured for a squadron, not only fri»ni the ( '.intain n. t again to omit these necessary directions." On June 21st the Admiral sent all tlu^ ships, exce])t liis flagship, to cruize outside Valetta ; but rejoined ilic st|ua(h-(>n on the 25th, and on the 2nd July visited Tiniis, where he remained till the lOtli. No P^nglish stjuathon had vi.sitcd Tunis for several years, and he was received with every mark of attention and respect, boat-loads of ])ro\ isions, vegetables, and fruit were sent off as ])iesents from the Uey. On returning to Malta the shijts filled u|> with water ;iiid provisions, and the Admiral, after being si.\ days in Ijarbniir, left, with the intention of visiting all the ancliorages resorted to in former days, when every Mediterranean harbour, exc<*| 1, jVIalta, was closed U> ibe Knglisb, tbat the ollieers might Ikj acquainted wilh IIkj safest roadsteads and must convenient wateiing jdaces. Constant means of commiinicaLing wilh England was, liowever, necessary, owing In ibe conlinuni uncertainty of foreign affairs, jiarticularly ihoj-e of Kninee, where tbe Legi.'jiative Assembly had, <»n the 2Sth of May, entered on the third year of its cxislene*;, the time nnni<'«l by law for the revision of the Constitution, retilions for re- vision, eoiitainino n million signntuvf^ w.re pn-.ented, wliidi 606 TIIK LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1851 was voted by a majority of 1G8 (97 short of the three-fourths required by law), on July the Hth. Another change of Ministers took place on the 21st of July after a vote of censure. The feeling of the Assembly, the members of which were reminded liy M. Montalembert that they were the highest paid Assembly that ever sat in France, grew daily more hostile to the President, while the feeling of the masses grew more in his favour. His re-election depended on a rejieal of the electoral law, the restoration of universal suffrage, and the change of the clause which forbade the re- election of the President or an appeal to the country direct, without reference to the Assembly. In April and July, Mr. Gladstone published his two cele- brated letters to the Earl of Aberdeen, on the state of the political prisoners at Naples. Lord Palmers ton sent copies of these letters to the British Ministers, at all the Courts of Europe, in order that they might use their influence to obtain the release of the prisoners. The feeling against this pro- ceeding was so strong in Naples that the Admiral did not visit that part of the station. "To the Hon. Sir Ralph Abercromby. "H.M.S. 'Queen,' Majorca, 11th September, 1851. "I liave read Mr. Gladstone's exposure of Neapolitan cruelties with more disgust than surprise, for Sir W. Temple has constantly alluded to their odious proceedings. What a masterly pen ! It cannot fail to do good, and I suspect will eventually draw retributive justice on the heads of the perpetrators." " To Rear- Admiral Harvey. Extract. " 16th September, 1851. "The state of excitement is so great at Naples that Sir W. Temple is anxious to have the ' Dragon ' back again, or some other steamer ; they are furious (i.e., the new Government) at Mr. Gladstone's expo- sure of their cruelties ; T shall therefore probably send one of those now with me from Barcelona or Genoa." " To Sir William Temple. • Extract. " H.M.S. 'Queen,' Rosas Bay, 9th October, 1851. " I am now ^ending the ' Scourge ' to Leghorn, as other occasions of 1851] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 607 violent conduct to some English gentlemen have occurred, wliich have produced a serious correspondence between Mr. Sairlett and the Govemnient of Tuscany. I had intended to have gone to Sjjezzia as my letter which accompanies this will explain, but Sir F. Baling pre- fers our keeping to the westw;u-d, whicli is cerUxinly in tlie present excited state of Italy the most prudent course." " To Lord John Eussell. Extract. " ' Queen,' Bay of Ros;us, 10th October, 1851. "The Spaniards have everywhere received us with tl»e greatest cordiality, which we have endeavoured to reciprocate, and our ships have been crowded with visitors of all classes where we have appeared." " To Sir Henry Ward. " H.M.S. 'Queen,' Rosas, 9th October, 1851. "We must keep clear of Naples, Leghorn, Aloxamiria, and the Archipelago at present. The Egyptian railroad (pu-stion is a si-nsitivi.- one — full of combustion, but I hope it will be adjusteil." The Ailiiiiral on his return to Miilta, on tlu- liOth of November, received ollicial intelligence of Itear-Adniiral Deans Dundas having l)een nominated a.s hi.s .siicc'e.s8or in the ensuing spring. This announcement \va.s acconinanied by a well-merited tribute tu the extraordinary .si-rvices ren- dered by Sir William Parker during l\\v long j»eriod of his important command. "To the Honourable (J. A. Murray, Alexamiria. "MulU, 2f{th NovcnilKT, 1831. "I have indeed but little to wiy Iteyond the (pii'Htion of n Hritjuli naval force making their appearance at Aluxundria. 'I'l'- • ' t Iwut now been ai:liievud by tin- recent vi«it of tlie 'Vii, .tml 'Encounter,' an letU'tM which I received from Kngland do- ceed in that ilirection, hiwl it Iwen deemed exiMJilient at lii-iid«|UAn4'rN. I trust the presence of our two Hhi|m Ihu* net the Xu'i'tnty nt vam; niid I have l)ecn glad to learn tha( thr railway IniMinrim \u\n )wt'U tM'tlliHJ, though I fear not very cordially, and I ht-ar the Siil.lnno Vmlv aiv not much ple.'wed at their visit." 608 THE UVE OF Sli; W. TA'RKER. [1851 "Malta, 30tli November, 1851. " I lose no time in forwarding the enclosed copy of a letter from 'Mr. TurnbuU, our Consul at Marseilles, which I received last night l>v the ' Banshee.' Coupled with the intimation previously received from Sir S. Canning, little doubt reniaius that tlie Fiench scjuadroii, in strong force, is about to proceed from Tuidon to the Levant." Whatever the original destination of the French Fleet in Toulon may have been, there can be little doubt that these preparations for immediate departure and active service re- ported by the Consul ^vere part of the deep laid scheme of Louis Napoleon.* Another French IMinistry had been appointed on the 27th of October, and on the 4th of November the President urged the Assembly to revise the Constitution, and increase the number of voters by universal suffrage. The Assembly replied by endeavouring to get the command of the army into its own hands, and bringing in a Bill defining its powers for impeaching the President and his Ministers, one clause of whicli declared that the accused must immediately cease his functions. This was the last measure attempted ; for on the 2nd of December the President made his coup d'etat, dissolved the Assembly by force, and made an appeal to the nation and the army. The news reached London the day after. Lord Palmerston immediately cautioned our Ambassador at Paris a»ainst betraying any hostile feeling against the President, as the tone and substance of liis despatches made him seriously uneasy, directed that no change was to take place in his relations with France, and that nothing should be done which could wear the appearance of any kind of inter- ference in her internal affairs. Lord Normanby's reply led to the dismissal of Lord Palmerstont on the 22nd.' * " Annual Register." t Ostensibly, but from the "Life of the Prince Consort," vol. ii, p. 278, it appears that " Lord John Russell had become seriously alarmed at the anger exliiViited by foreign Powers at the iiide])endent position assumed by England in Turkey, Italy, and Greece, and with a view to Lord Palmerston's removal from office, wrote on the 18th May, ' that he felt strongly that the (^ueen ought not to be exposed to the enmity of Austria, France, and Russia on account of her Minister.' " 1851] THE LIFE OF SIU \\. PARKER. 609 " To Sir Henry Ward. "Afaltii, 30th December, 1851. "Our new Governor* seems a very sensible and amiable man, worthy of succeeding our friend, CFerrall, who notwithstanding his unpopularity, benefited the island more in three yeai-s than was previously effected in twenty I " On the last day of the year Louis Xapoleon received the official report of the result of his appeal to the people, which proved tlie accuracy of Lord Palmerston's judgment of the views then held by the French nation. Seven millions voted for, and half a million against, Louis Xapoleon. * General Sir William Reid, author of the "Law of Storms.'' 2 n GIO CHAPTER XIV. 1852—1853. Chancre of Government — Lord Derby Prime Minister — Eettirn of Sir AVilliam Parker to England— Chairman of Committee for Manning tlie Navv — Louis Napoleon Emperor — Second change of (iovern- ment— Lord Aberdeen Prime Minister. "The Government had, during the war, found great difficulty in pressing men for the service of the Navy. . . The Ministry, there- fore, had employed some of their agents to form a scheme for retaining in time of peace, by means of a certain allowance, a number of seamen, who should be registered for the ]iur])Ose, and be ready to man a s^quadrou upon any emergency. "• — Smollett's "Histoky of England." 1748. The commencement of 1852 found Louis Napoleon uncon- trolled master of France, with a numerous army at his dis- posal. The danger of this situation was apparent, and the dismissal of Lord Palmerston seemed most inopportune. M. Thiers' statement that Louis Napoleon had consulted him on the expediency of occupying the public mind of France on some foreign war, was not reassuring. A proof of the anxiety of the Englisli Government to avoid giving umbrage to France was the substitution of the "Britannia" as the flagship in the Mediterranean for the " Waterloo,"* though the latter had been completely fitted for that purpose ; but the English Press was under no re- straint. Sir William Parker kept his ships near Malta, sending them outside Valetta to make experiments in sailing, to exercise firing, &c., omitting nothing which was likely to make them more efficient. Like all our great naval com- * Now called the 'Warspite,' and lent to the Marine Society for training boys. 1852] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. Oil manders, he fully appreciated the value of the marines, and speedily checked a disposition manifested in one ship to treat them as if inferior to the rest of the ship's company,* "To Real'- Admiral Deans Diindas. "Malta, 6th Jamiaiy, 1852. " I flatter myself there wil' be but one o])inion, tliat tin- inaotioe of employing the marines as deck cleanei-s («^/sitioii in such case to be called home. I have cDmmissiuned, and shall st-iid out, a swift steamer, to be stationed at Gibraltar. It will In- |irii|H i that you should give such orders to Lord (J. Taulct that in ca.sc any French force of importance should pass Cil)niltar, he slmuld imme- diately disj)atch this steamer with tlie intulligeuce to England, and himself follow with the 'Terrible.' That he shouhl send ' .lanns ' with the infornwtiou to Jjislion, and that the Lisbon scpia'lmn should .ilso proceed to England. Li the present state (tf allairs 1 have tlionght it proper to inform the Duke of Noithuniberland of thewe intende.i..iiN which it (Contains, and for your uniform conrti-onM aH4'ntion uluii- \ou presided at tiie i'.oajd ; I fuke of Noiihun.lHiland. JN-ar-Atlniinil llvih- Parker, C.li., H.ar-.\dmiral I'liij.pH Hornby, C.B., (^pt«in SirnM.m«« HerV)ert, K.CB., CKpt.'iin the Honoumble Arthur nun.-oiiiU, M ''. Cajitain Alexander Milne. 014 THE LIFE OF SIl! W. rAUKER. [1852 Secretaries : Augustas Stafford O'Brien Stafford, Esq., M.P., Cap- tain AVilliain A. B. Hamilton. Private Secretary to the Fii-at Loid, Captain Pelhani.* From Admiral the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., Ac. " Admiralty, 8th March, 1852. " In consequence of the resignation of Lord John llussell, Her Majesty has commanded Lord Derby to form an Administration, in which I have been ajjpointed First Lord of the Admiralty. I request that you will continue the same unreserved correspondence with me which you held with my j)redecessor, and that you will be guided by his last private letter as to your cruizing ground between Minorca and Gibraltar, always providing that a vessel shall be at Gibraltar to bring your letters every mail from England, and endeavouring to keep your squadron in the most etticient condition." " To the Duke of Northundjerkiud. " Private. " Malta, 14th March, 1852. " I am happy to say tliat every ship is now in a i)erfectly efficient state, and those ordered to the westward have all proceeded to their destinations under secret instructions in accordance with the direc- tions contained in Sir Francis Baring's pri\ate letter. I will arrange Avith Admiral Dundas that a steamer shall be placed as }^ou desire at (Gibraltar, to convey to Malta any despatches of importance which may be sent from England. " your Grace may be assured that I shall not hesitate to communi- cate frankly with you on any subject which I may consider advjuitage- ous to the service during the short period that may intervene before my arrival in England." I'rior to the Adiairars dei)arture from Malta a great dinner was given by the garrison and all the English residents to him and to General Ellice. Both these officers * The Honourable Frederick Thomas Pelham, second son of Thomas, second Eiirl of Chichester, entered the Navy, 1823 ; received the Cross of San Fernando for his services on the north coast of Sixain, appointed to tlie "Odin," 1847; subsequently Captain of the "Blenheim;" Captain of the Fleet in tlie Baltic under Sir R. S. Dundas, and commanded at the bombardment of Sweaborg ; a Lord of the Admiralty for a few months in 1857 and in 1859 ; died June 21st, iMijij, universally regretted, and by few more than the writer of this biography, who was indebted to him for much kiuduesa during many years. 1852] THE LIFE OF SIR AV. PARKER. 615 availed themselves of the opportunity to ur^e on the officei-s of the Navy and tlie Army the incalculable value to the country of perfect harmony between every bmnch of the public service. Eear-Admiral Deans Dundas arrived at ^lalta on the 10th of j\Iarch, where he first heard of the change of Ministry ; Sir William formally made over his command to him, and left Malta for England on the ISth, followed by the hearty good wishes of every one on the island. " To Sir Stratford Canning. "H.M.S. 'Queen,' off Sicily, li)th Mareli, IS'vL " Eear-Admiral Dundas reached Malta on the 10th instant, and I yesterday resigned the command to iiini, and s;iiled for Knglaml in the ' Queen.' " I cannot finally quit this (jiiarter witliDUt reiterating my thankful appreciation of your very obliging, friendly, and hospitable attcnlioaa during my long course of service here, and how sincerely you have my cordial wishes tliat health and all possible hajipiness may att«nil y(ju ; hoj)ing also that the rumour of your early return to till a high sitiui- tion in the (iovernment at home, and to it-ceive a peciaL'f, rt-sts nn good foundation.* "My late letter will, I believe, have infurmeil y<»u that Adnunil Dunda-s's force is, for the present, reduced to the ' Ihitannia," ' Tni- falgar,' and ' Bellerojdi«n,' at Malt;i, and the ' Vengeance ' at ( Jibraltar, exclusive of six war steamers in various directions. I trust, however, that the late threatening political clouds are «lispei-sijig, thougli tin- state of France docs not forebode a long ailm." On tlie 2iid of April the "Queen" firrived at (librultar and left on the 7th. During h(;r stay, Sir Kobeit (lardiiuT invited every licM oflicer and person nf position in I be for- tress to meet the Admiral at dinni-r in fb.' b.dl r » of the convent. "To John Drumraond Hay, Ksij.f " 'Queen,' StraiU of (jiil»niltrtr, 7th April, IKftl "I know not what may be iu coiiUMiipIatioii ngiiinHt llie pinit<n that his .style of Napoleon the Third was cau.sed by two of that name having been recognized as Emperors by the law of France, but that he was not Sovereign by hereditary right, but by the voice of the peoj)le.* The Ministry, being in a minority of 19 on the Budget, resigned. Lord Abi'rdcen bec4ime Prime Minister,! Lord Palmerston became Home Secretary, and the Board of Admiralty was — Tlie Right Honourable Sir .Jaine.s CJraliain, ^l.P. ; Vici'-A«linii-al Hyde Parker, C.B. ; Kear-Ale J{. S. DiukLus ; Captain Ale.xaiuler Milne ; the Honourable William F. Cowper, M.P. ; Fimt .Seeretflry, Halph Osborne, Esq., M.P. ; Second Secretary, Captain W. .\. I'.. Ilaniilton, R.N. The Committee for Manning the Navy continued tlifir arduous labours, unafrected by the changt! of (Jovcrnnicnt. The Chairman, urged by several naval oHicers to albidc In the mischief likely to occur oleon Buona|iart4 + "Annual Regi«ter," " Life of Prince Contort, an-i i'.n Iijuii. ntoy DebatcH." G18 TiiH LiFK OF su; W. rARKF.U. [1852 luaiient hasis ; anil that solid advantages to the Crown and to the sea- men would result therefrom. Their paramount object was to avoid the smlden fluctnations to which the lloyal Navy had heretofore been subject, greatly to the detriment of the service and to the prejudice of the seamen. They recommended that, exclusive of the Channel S(iuadron, 10,000 seamen and boy.s, exclusive of officers, and 1,000 additional marines should always be available in the United King- dom. That voluntary service should be the rule for all entries ; but that all the seafaring men, who were at present exemjjted from the imjn-ess by law, should be available as a reserve, that is, those employed in revenue vessels, Customs' boatmen, as tide waiters, in victualling hoys, dockyard, transport, and other craft, boatmen in dockyards, victualling offices, and hos]3itals, and should be liable to be embarked in the event of an emergency, under the same conditions as coast-guard men. They did not presume to offer any recommenda- tion as to the amount of force deemed necessary for the general service and interests of the British Empire ; this being a point which must remain for the consideration of H.M. Government acting under the authority of the Crown. They recommended the formation of the E.N. Coast Volunteers, and drew attention to the reports of the Par- liamentary Committees of 1828 and 1848, that the establishments of this country should be framed with reference to depending mainly on our Navy for protection against invasion, and for the means of attack- ing our enemies, a policy admitted to be the most congenial to the habits and feelings of our countrymen. They added that, though much had been done to reduce the punishment in the Navy, the whole system of minor punishment should be revised, and regulated, by the Admiralty." Xot one jDoint of detail was omitted in the report. E very- new rating that was recommended was explained, and the expense stated ; nearly all were adopted, and the few omis- sions have evidently heen from inadvertence.* Sufficient justice has never yet been done to the Duke of Northumberland's Administration of the Navy in 1852, in the appointment and selection of this Committee, to whom the service owes such a debt of gratitude. To understand the difficulty in estaljlishing a continuous term of service for * Among the ratings recommended, but omitted, are a Provost Marshal to every large fleet, to be selected from the masters-at-arms ; ship's sergeants, as well as ship's corporals, of police ; and a pro- portion of trained boat-builders in every carpenter's crew. — " Report of Committee." 1853] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 619 the Xavy it shouLl be borne in mind that the Bill of 174S, to register seamen and avoid impressment on the breaking out of war, was thrown out, partly because the shipowners thought it would interfere with fitting out their ships during peace; but principally because of the ditticulties it might cause in manning their privateers in time of war. The Bill, with every amendment suggested by tlie House introduced in it, was again rejected in 1749; and owing to the same erroneous and selfish views, the Crown was forced to impress seamen at the breaking out of every war. 103 years elapsed, and the Navigation Laws were entirely alMili.shed before any scheme for continuous service in the Navy was again seriously considered. All the principal recommendations of the Committee soon became law. An Order in Council of the Ist of April i)ro- vided for the new ratings, increase of pay, ami the other arrangements which did not require a special Act of I'urlia- ment, and the establishment of Naval Coast Vuinut^'ers passed both Houses without opposition. The success of these measures has been apparent ever since, and the services of the It«lf(«', l-i' lili' I'l. 'JikI S.|.t.iiilMT, l^.'t.'J. "The loiij; aiir«ril<'f liis naval career. He was captured at the conimencenient of tlie Kevolutionary War in 1793 when serving as niidsliipnian in the ' Ilya'na ' frigate, and carried into Port Fran§ois, in St. Domingo. After suilering great liardsliips wliile a jjrisoner there, he narrowly escaped being put to death during the insurrection of the French negroes. He was twice .sliipwrecked under circumstances of great jieril, and loss of his clothes antl the little property he j)0ssessed, but he mdwippily reached the climax of his ill-fate in belonging to the ' Hermione' frigate as a midsliipman in 1797 when the crew mutinied, and after diabolic-ally murdering their Captain and officers, delivered up the ship to the Spaniards at La Guayra. Casey's life was spared by the mutineers in consideration oidy of the cruel severity of Ca))tain Pigot, by whose orders he had but a few days previously been igno- minioiisly and most unjustly ])ul)licly flogged for a trifling alleged oiience which he had not in reality committed. He surrendered him- self as a prisoner of war to the Spanish Governor on the arrival of the 'Hermione' at La Guayra, and on being exchanged was retained for two or three years by the Admiralty as a ))rincipal witness against tlie mutineers who were detected and brought to trial. For his upright and othcer-like conduct he was promoted in 1799 to the rank ill which he died last year at Greenwich Hospital, for though he served unceasingly and creditably to the close of the war in 1814, when he held the position of First Lieutenant of the ' Clarence,' 74, he had not the good fortune to be included in the general promotion on that occa- sion. He subsequently held appointments during the peace in the ordinary, and at signal stations; and Lord Minto, when he i)resided at the Admiralty, on my representation of Casey's misfortunes, kindly soothed his latter years by appointing him one of the Lieutenants of Greenwich Hospital. I flatter myself, dear Sir James, that you will ])ardon my entering more into the details of this painful case than •>vould be justiflable under ordinary circumstances. I was accpiainted with poor Casey for flfty-seven years, and can vouch for the facts which I have recounted, and the high . character he uniformly main- tained. If you have the power of granting any ])ecuniary or other ;ussistance to the three hapless daughters, one of whom is too great an invalid to do much towards her own su]i])ort, I am sure you will give them the benefit of their father's claims on the seivice, and, at all events, enable me to show them that I have not been indifterent to his hard trials, and the forlorn state in which they are left, believing me, my dear Sir James, cS:c." Ill tliLs year the Kussiaiis uuide great preparations for attacking the Turkish Empire; and notwitlistanding tlie assurances of the Emperor of his respect for treaties and for the territorial arrangements of Europe, also that he held the 1853] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. G21 maintenance of the Turkish Empire as a gi*eat principle of European policy,* 74,000 Kussian troops seized the Princi- palities. Debates took place in I*arliament.t The de- spatches of Sir H. Seymour left no dtniht of the Emperor's %dews, and it was impossible for a statesman like Sir James Graham not to see that war could not be lonj^ delayed. Sir William Parker was asked whether in such a contingency he felt equal to the command of the Jialtic Fleet, and thoujjht that he was not. From Sir James Graham. " Admiralty, 22ii(l October, IBfiS. " I hope tliat you do not tln'iik tliat 'out of sii^'lit nut of niiiitl ' is the rule with me. Neither Lonl Aliei a jicculiar fitnfs.s in raisinj,' Sir James Oonlon to the head of that great e-stahlishment where he liad long with honour held the second jilacc, and it (h'lightfd Inith Lord Aberdeen and nu- t.i hear tliat you were the tti-st to recoijniHe tlie justice of this claim, and generously to rejoice in the suceesH of Sir James. " T never make promi.se.s which I cannot innnedintely fullil, and yuu know how j)recarious is the tenure of otlice in present circuniHtance« ; but T may ask you in (Ik; private confidence of an old frientl whcthiT the Plymouth command, which will 1m- va<'ant in spring, wtudd be acceptable to you/ If so, ami I am tli.u h.-re, y«iu are tliu Jiernon whom I should wish to place there. I write this in «tri<-t eonfub'iice ; but your knowledge of my wishes and inti-ntions may. perhapn. Im> useful to you in forming your futun- plans. It is for (Inn re^i'^on only tliat I have stated to you what I (K-sire to be enabled U> atTonipli»h." * "Annual Tlegister," "Life of Princo fon-.i, l.if" •■' '"•■' Palnierston," the " ( 'wir I'nmask.-d," " I'arliaiiienlary I»elm t Lf)rl> n pl.i« <•. (j22 TllK I-IFE OF SIR W. TAllKEIJ. [1853 " To Sir James Craham. "Sheustono Lo(l-,'e, near Liclilu'ld, 24tli ()ft..l)er, 1853. "Believe me, my dear Sir James, tliat I have for many yoars fcl'^ too vain of your friemliy feeling to apprehend that I should pass from your riH'nllection, and I had no other motive in my late call at the Admiralty than resi)ectful attention chii-ing my short stay in town, wliither I was called on a melancholy occasion. I indeed feel much flattered by your truly kind offer of the Plymouth command slioidd it fall to your disjiosal, and shall, in that case, thankfully endeavour to discharge the duties with unabated zeal, though the activity of earlier days is unavoidably now on the wane. I hope, however, that enough work will remain in me to enable me to acquit myself, as you have been heretofore jjleased to express, to your satisfaction." From Sir James Graham. "Admiralty, 5th November, 1853. " I have this day appointed Mr. Jackson, Assistant Master Attend- ant at Sheerness, vice Pope appointed to Chatham. This is the first appointment of the kind which has been at my disposal, and I have had peculiar pleasure in attending to your reconmiendation of the Master, who served under your orders for so many years, and who shared in that memorable operation of taking a British Fleet up an unknown river into the heart of China without the loss of a single transport or of a boat. It would be shameful indeed if such services were forgotten or overlooked." " Admiralty, 21st November, 1853. "Your anxiety for the promotion of your son is quite natui\al, and you are well entitled to urge on me his claims, which are both ])ersonal and hereditary. I cannot give any immediate promise. I always abstain from so doing. But I am glad of any opportunity of marking my respect for your services ; and when I am able to do anything agreeable to you, I confer a j)leasure on myself." On the 5th of October the Porte had issued a manifesto to Europe, and called on the Russian armies to evacuate the Principalities within fifteen days. On the 14th i,he combined fleets of England and France entered the Dardanelles at the request of tlie Sultan ; and on the 1st of November the Emperor of Russia issued his formal manifesto against 1853J THE LIFE OF SIT; W. PAKKER. G23 Turkey. Hostilities commenced immediately by land ; and Omar Pasha repulsed the first Paissian attack at Oltenitza. The Eussian Fleet, on the 30th, completely destroyed the Turkish Squadron inside the harbour of Sinope with frightful carnage. Lord Palmerston resigned on the loth of Decem- ber; but withdrew his resignation when Lord Clarendon informed the Britisli ]\Iinister at St. Petersburg, on the 27th, that the Allied Squadrons of France and England would assume the command of the lilaok Sea for the jiurpose of protecting the Turkish territory from attack. 624 CHArXEE XV. 1854-5-6-7. War with Russia — Commander-in-Chief at Plymouth — Termination of Active Service. " Now came still evening; on, and twilight grey Had in her sober liA-ery all things clad." At the commencement of 1854 the Admiralty made every exertion to meet war with Kussia. Sir James Graham, after deliberating with his principal naval adviser, accepted Sir Charles Napier's application to command the fleet destined for the Baltic. Many naval officers regretted that Sir William Parker luul not considered himself equal to the task, hut he felt that, after the age of seventy-two, he had not the strengtli requisite thoroughly to organize a new fleet and conduct an arduous campaign. Still Sir James naturally turned for advice to his experience and sound judgment, the value of which may in some degree be estimated by the following correspondence. From Sir James Graham. " Admiralty, 17th January, 1854. "I am going to ask you a question in strict confidence. In the l)resent state of affairs, every a|)))ointn»ent to a line-of-battle ship is tlie discharge of a very res])onsible duty, and a matter of no small importance. I am anxious to show no favour, and to make no mistakes, which I can avoid. Ca)>tain A. is a candidate for employ- ment. He is a gallant fellow, and distinguished himself much . . . He served also, if I mistake not, under your orders. I have heard that the discipline on Ijoard the was imperfect, and that, when she was paid oflf^ she was not in good order. Might I ask whether, on the whole, you think I should do well in placing Captain A. in the command of a large screw line-of-battle ship ? 1854] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKER. 625 Captain B. also presses me for employment, and makes reference to you, under whom he served. What do you sav in this case ? Tlie names are good ; the reputation does not come quite uj) to tluMi. You may rely on my not quoting you as an authority, except fur praise. I am afraid we shall have a war, and the pincii will be the want of men. I have got the o,nno voted J.y Parliament within the year, and this without bounty. The continuous service men already are 7,000 in number. This is an anxious post, when danger draws nigh, and the work is very heavy." " To Sir James Graham. "Shenstone Lodge, ISth January, 1834. "I have watched, with great interest, the publishe.l accounts of the progress of events in the East, and, apprehending that war will come, I have been delighted to see the energy with which our large shii s have been commissioned with an.xiliary .screws, and al.so tlie vt ly judicious selection of officers to command them. I now give my senti- ments about Captain A. : "He is a mo.st zealous, indefati'.,'altle, anvo mediocrity. " I fear that there are few inieni|>Ioyed Heanien in th) untry, Inil I think Hf)me may be obtained fNNe|i« to our northern mercantile port**, which are mddom viniii-*! by Khi|M-of- war, arnl the bounty will, [ imagine, produee never.d. m hen other inducements fail. 1 am very gl.ul they havi- entered mo freely f«ir con- tinuous service, which I have no doubt will be |Hipular, when tlwv are more familiar with its advantage!*. Your |Kmilion, my dear Sir JamoM, 026 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1854 is, I know, most reaponaiUle and onorons, but I am, therefore, very glad that you are at the Admiralty huhu." From Sir James Graham. " Admiralty, 2Gth January, 1854. " When you had the command in the Mediterranean, I observe that under certain regulations you permitted Rom.an Catholic sailors to attend mass at Malta on Sunday mornings. The rule of the Army was observed that officers sIkjuUI accompany them, and that they should go and return in order together. Allow me to ask you how this permis- sion worked, and whether you had reason to be satisfied with the result of this concession ? The circumstances at Malta, as I under- stand it, are somewhat peculiar. The ships-of-war lie close to the shore, and the chapel is in the iminediate neighbourhood of the ships. Might I ask, whether you think that this same permission could be safely extended to our harbours at home ? I am very much pressed to make some such concession. I am doubtful as to its effects ; but the refusal in Ireland will have a bad eflfect on voluntary enlistment, Reliofious discord has hitherto been excluded from the Navy ; but R.C.'s say, so far as their creed is concerned, so have religious obser- vances been also excluded. Admission of priests on board ship is out of the question ; and at Spithead, or in Plymouth Sound, the permis- sion to go on shore to mass on Sunday morning would not be con- sistent with the duties of the service. But my question is limited to nhips in harbour ; and I should be greatly obliged if you would favour me with your opinion, both as to the effect on discipline and as to the moral effect throughout the service, of a permission so restricted. The tendency of these concessions is to creep on, but the refusal of what is just an(l reasonable advances always the ultimate success of unreason- able demands, and it is better to concede with a good grace what you cannot long withhold, while you still have the power of regulation in your hand. " I suspect that the desire to obtain stipends for priests at the out- ports is connected with this ])ressure. Wheie soldiers attend, the Horse Guards pay the jiriests. If the Admiralty had their priests at the outjKirts connected with them by the golden tie, I know not that the real influence of authority would be diminished, and the clamour of a religious grievance would be silenced. The difficulty will be to prevent the rapid spread of similar claims ; right to visit the sick on ijoard ; right to go on shore t(t confession ; observance of Catholic festivals and holy-days ; nominal conversion to this favoured creed for the sake of the indulgences granted : these are .samples of the evils to be apprehended, against which precautions must be taken ; but the stern refu.sal of any conce.ssion may end in the extortion of all we wish 185-4] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 627 to avoid. I should be very much gratified if you would favour lue with your advice in this matter. It is delic-ate ground, aud I have great reliance on your sober judgment, in your knowledge of the sailor's character, and on your honest wish to see everything done which may conduce to his happiness and improvement. At the same time, the effective discipline and harmony of the .service must be upheld, to the exclusion of religious animosities.' " To Sir James Graham. "Shenstone Lodge, Lithtield, 27th January, 1S54. "The system we adopted at Malta to enable the H.C s;iilors and marines of the squadron to attend mass on Sundays a])|»earevinetion of the H">;ird or Fii>t l>>rd for this arrangement. At the commencement, the nundH-r of Catholics, or individuals calling them.selves so, wiis larger than Kubm- quently, and I suspect they diminished on finding that they weiv di.sappoii)ted in their hoj)e of being able to visit any of the gn»g KhojiH in the neighbourhood of the chapel ! I -oineide in every olHwrvatioii you make on the subject in connection with the exiMting regulation!* and discipline of the service, and it hiw always apin-ared to me but ju.st, after the Emancipation Bill parsed, to ntford the men of that I>erHuasion in ovir service, every facility for attending IHvim- \voi>liip aceording to their own creed, provided tin- HUpn-niaey of our Kntab lished Church and the Arlielesof War were not thereby infring.sl, n..r can I but think that your judicious and conHi.lemU- dwire of a. linx on this princijde may be easily enrried ..ut by providing a f1.«ling Catholic cha|)el. ..r liethel (.-w I believe it is U-rme.l). in e.wh of our arsenal ports, and thus obviate the ri^k of the men KettinK on iihore and committing irregularities. A small old Hliip ..f-war. ..r men hant vessel, might be apj.ropriated for thiM purp.me at a ti '• .-xihmiim', whether provi.ied by (Jovernment or a Catholie tv . but I should in. line to the former, and if |M,MMib|e put the vi^md in ilwrg" of a 8teay of these duuuments.'' No marked success having taken place in the Baltic, the 1854] THE LIFE OF SIR W. I'AKKER. Gol Earl of Dundonald suggested a plan of attack which was referred to Admiral Parker, and three other otticvrs. From Sir James Graham. " (Private.) " Admimlty, 2(>th J ulv, ly.J4. "Whenever I have a difficulty on naval questions of real im)K>rtiinoe, requiring solution, I turn to you. I send you copies of letters which have passed between Lord Dundonald and me ; and this mornin<; his Lordshijj has, in writing, accepteil my projxised lefcrcnce. Sir liyam Martin is at Portsmouth, and I have written to him to-day retpiesting him to come to London early next week, and to preside at tlie enquiry. Might I ask you al.so to come to town a-s soon as you can conveniently, and take part in the investigation I "It is necessary, as matters now stand, to bring Tjord Dundonald's plan to the test of an accurate eiKjuiry, before coni|M'iiiit judges. Tl»e honour of the .service and the interests of the country forbid the neglect of such an offer made, at this juncture, by an otHcer of I»ni Dundonald's reputation. On the other i»ainl, great cjiution and serious deliberation are necessjvry, before the rep\itution nf our arms ami tlie wisdom of our councils are risked in sucli an entei prise." From Sir James (Jraham to Admiral the Kurl of DunJonatd. Extract. "The Cabinet unaided can form no judgment in this matter, ami tlie tender of your services is most properly made by \<>u depend<-nt on the previous a|)proval of your plan. The (|uestioM is a naval one, into which professional considerations must .ui.i largely. Navnl oflicerM of ex|>erience and high clianicter are the ju-lges, t.. wlmm. in the first instance, this (piestion might to be submitted. I^-t me therefore iu»k you, before 1 take any further stej), whether you are willing, in Htrict confidence, to lay your whole plan U-foreSir liyam Martin. Sir Williiim Parker, and Admiral iJerkeley, who, from liis place at the l^-Minl, Ih my first naval advi.ser ( if you do not objeit to tliiN measure, or |.. any of the naval officers whom I have nai I, I Mlionid In- diM|M.M>pe that my labour of the last two yeai-s has not been thrown away. Let me thank you for your friendly co-operation and most useful assistance." 1856] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 633 " To Sir James Graham. "Admiralty House, 5th March, 1S55. " I feel very sensibly the kindness of your farewell letter, whieli does but renew my regret at yoar leaving the Admiralty, where the advantages of your administrative powers will be recorded, not only in many salutary i-egulations for the Navy, but in fitting out two strong rieets without resorting to compulsory service, or drawing any supplies of seamen, as heretofore, from the reduction of our com- mercial marine, on which we formerly relied for manning our ships. Be assured that I feel proud of your favourable (>|iiiii()n. and that I remain with the sincerest good wishes, &c." Sir Charles Wood became First Lord of the Admiralty, to whom Sir William wrote to ensitre Captain liichanls' imnit' being retained in the new patent. "To the Eight Honourable Sir Charles Wood, Admiralty. Extract. "Admiralty House, Devonport, r)th March, 18.'')r». "Finding you established in the position which I have always expected to see you some time fill, I cannot longer withhold the ex- pression of my hope that your efforts in administering the iin|MirtJint department over which you now presitle may be crowned witli llie fullest .success, and I may honestly congratulate y\ S.pt., IH.'iC. " I (;annot see the advantage of sliorteiiing by one year the |kti.m| of serviUuie now e.stalibsli.-d to qualify for the exannnutjoii for ft lieu- tenant, and I fear their incre^wed Hcienoe, denirable an it in, will iivml little in improving tl fli.i-n.y of th- Navy if n-t aeeoni|«nie.i with proper exp.-rien.e in pni..tical H«in.an«hip. The ,1^0 iH-tw-.-n tl.irt.H.ii and tiff. en for admission int^) tlic Merviw vMiwH, I think, U- U'ltvr, retaining my decideusition in connection with the atrocious mutiny in H.M.S. 'Hermione' in 1797 stiinds unparalleled. I feel assured Lord Palmei-ston's kindly feelings will induce him to give your case due consitleration, and I sincerely wish his Lordship may be enabled from the funds at the Prime Minister's disposal to give a favourable answer to your petition." When Sir William Parker quitted his command at Devon- port he distributed among several of his old friends and followers, his sword, telescopes, and similar articles. The following letter shows how lasting was his sense of kindness received in early youth. "To Captain W. H. Jervis, R.N. Extract. "Admiralty House, Devonport, 22nd April, 18fl7. "Nearly fifty-nine years ago your kind father, in returning to England from 'La Magicienne' frigate Cm which I had then the pleasure of serving with him as a Lieutenant in the West Imliesi pre- sented me with the accomjjanying spygla-ss, which w.-us indeed a valu- able token of regard. It has been ever since my constant comiumion afloat, and I have had the good fortune to preserve it to this day free from injury ! It has done me good service, ann). whenever he is old enough to t;ike charge of it, sincerely hoping lie will value it as highly as I have ever done." On the 1st of May, 1857, Sir William Tarki-r's fla<,' wa>. struck, for the last time, on the con(.'lu.sion of his thrtH; yfars' command at Devonj)ort. From Admiral ^'/r (ieorge Sfj/m >ur. " A<'Von- port. 1 should like to nee it uji again in the Mlia|»«>of the Union *l the main, if the country should again re<|uir« your nervj(H5H, Init wht'lhor you are afloat or on shore, accept from me every wplial wmh f Fleet Sir Provo WiilliM in now thi- only ...i.' Hiirviving. G38 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PAKKKU. [1857 Admiriils of ihe Red. Sir William Hall Gage, G.C.H. Sir Graham Eden Hamoml, Bart., G.C.B. Sir Edward Durnfortl King, K.C.H. Sir George Mundy, K.C.B. The Earl of Dundonald, G.C.B. Sir William Parker, Bart., G.C.B. Admirals of the White. Sir Lucius Curtis, Bart., C.B. Sir John Louis, Bart. John Ayscough. Sir Thomas Cochrane, K.C.B. The Honourable Sir Anthony Maitland, K.C.B. The Earl of Cadogan, C.B. Admirals of the Bltie. Sir Edward Chetham Strode, K.C.B. William Bowles, C.B. Sir James Deans Dundas, G.C.B. Sir Henry Hope, K.C.B. The Honourable Sir Fleetwood Pellew, C.B. Sir Charles Napier, K.C.B. Sir Phipps Hornby, K.C.B. In IMarch the misconception between England and France was supposed to have passed away, but the Naval Estimates excited much controversy, particularly the mistake made of reducing the number of continuous service seamen. The attitude of the French Government, and the announcement of a convention between the French and liussian Emperors soon proved that all the men so recently discharged were again urgently needed ; and the Government, before Parlia- ment met, offered a bounty of ten pounds for every able, and five for every ordinary, seaman from the merchant shi])s, a measure not adopted since 1815, and carefully avoided by Sir James Graham during the liussian War. Though this measure is now recognised as a mistake in naval administra- tion, it answered a temporary purpose, for the ships were manned ; and the grievance of the men who had previously enteied for continuous service witliout bounty was subse- 1860] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 639 quently remedied by giving them half of tlie above sums. Many merchant seamen entered only to desert, and re-enter under other names. As a rule they were so inferior to the continuous service men that few were permanently retained . The Admiralty, however, pleaded that their predecessors had discharged the continuous service men, and the vigour dis- played by the Board in having so many ships manned wa.s strongly urged in the debates in Parliament. Tlie increase of the naval forces was popular, and for this short administra- tion of the Navy Sir John Pakington received the Grand Cross of the Bath. On a vote of want of contitlence, on May 31st, Lord Palmerston again became Prime Minister, and the Board of Admiralty was thus formed : — The Duke of Somei-set, K.G. Rear- Admiral the Hon. Sir Ridianl Duiidxs K.C.B. Rear- Admiral the Hon. F. Pelham, C.B. Captain Charles Eden, C.B. Captain Charles Frederick. Sanniel Whithread, Esq., il.P. Secretary : Rear- Admiral Lord Clarence Paj^et, C.B., .Ml'. Admiral Hope, who had been appointed CommaiidtT-iii- Chief in the Indian and China Seas, arrived olf the Priho, June the 17th, 1859, to escort the Knglish and French Plenipotentiaries on their way to Pekin. The ("liine.se re- fusing to hit them land at the jilace they wislicd, Adiiiinil Hope, with a squadron of gunboats and i it her vefl.sel.s, at- tacked the forts on tlie 2lst; hi.n atlm k faih'd ; he was .severely wounded; three of his gunl>oal.s were sunk, and the attempt to land was also repulsed with nnicli Iohs d ()|iiniiiii, you may reHt wt-ll awiurtMl that the rtfoiptof your IctttT k«v«' nio nimli pleaHure." On the 20(li of May, lKf;2, Sir William I'aikrr wa-^ *.d Rear- Admiral of the United Kingdom. 640 THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. [1866 On the 2Vth of April, 18G3,he was promoted to be Admiral of the Fleet. On his name being submitted to the Queen, Her Majesty sent a special message to him by the Duke of Somerset that "it was a well-earned reward for brilliant services." From this time the infirmities of age increased more rapidly. Still he would talk occasionally with vividness of his earlier service, and the last conversation he had with the Biographer, not very long before his death, had reference to the events in the West Indies, of which an account has been given ; and, as he dwelt on those scenes, he denounced with energy and vigour the cruelties which he believed had con- tributed to the mutiny of the " Hermione." A sudden attack of bronchitis proved fatal on the 13th of November, 1866. His will contained express injunctions that no mourning pomp nor ceremony should take place at liis funeral ; but that he was to be buried in the churchyard quietly, without the attendance of hearse or mourning coach. These injunctions were obeyed. His family, a few of his old naval followers, and neighbours only attended the funeral. A description of his latter days was given in a sermon by the Eev. E. W. Essington : — " I may be allowed to refer to that which we all, you as well as I, have witnessed. Until he was prevented by the increasing infirmities of old age, no one came more i-egularly to this church, or worshipped there more reverently, than he did, ' meekly kneeling on his knees,' even when to kneel was very difficult to him. Nor was it the praying or the preaching only which attracted him. On the contrary, the offering of the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving at the Holy Table of the Lord, was felt by him to be a more bounden duty and a deeper joy. Who among us has not been touched to see the man, once so commanding and vigorous, but latterly scarce able to walk without assistance, draw near with feeble stej)s, though firm in faith, to receive that blessed .sacrament instituted by the (ireat Ca])tain of our .salva- tion ? It was indeed a lesson to many, and the recollection must be a comfort to those who loved him." He also described him : " Near to the organ, whose tones he loved so well, and with his face 1866] THE LIFE OF SIR W. PARKER. 641 towards those village schools which he had so often assisted by his bouuty and gladdened with his presence." A very handsome monument was erected to his memory in the Cathedral of Liclifiehl, by his naval friends. A letter from his old friend and brother officer may fitly conclude this biography. Admiral Sir George Seymour to Mist Parker. " I hope that you will not consider that J intrude unwarrantably on your sorrow when I venture to exjjre.ss my sincere conch •h-noe on the loss you have sustained, which I ho])e will be lightened to tlio.se who survive by every consideration. I have known your father for more than sixty years, and no one could value his friend.ship more, or hold his great qualities in higher respect or legard. He was (he first, a« he was the last, of Nelson's capt;iin.s. He had many opixnt unities of proving his gallantry, skill, and judgment in every circumstance of both his earlier and later career, in which ho stood inursp of seniority I may succeed to the vacancy among the Admirals of the Fleet, but age and ill-health have dc]irivc(l these distinctions of any \ahie, an