My Life > The Mediterranean and Corsica, 1793-1796

The Mediterranean and Corsica, 1793-1796

On the 30th of January 1793, I was commissioned in the very handsomest way for the Agamemnon, 64; and was put under the command of that great man and excellent officer, Lord Hood, appointed to command in the Mediterranean. The unbounded confidence on all occasions placed in me by his Lordship, will show his opinion of my abilities; having served in command of the seamen landed for the sieges of Bastia and Calvi. His Lordship, in October 1794, left the Mediterranean to Admiral Hotham, who also honoured me with the same confidence.

I was in the actions of the 13th and 14th of March 1795, and 13th of July of the same year. For my share in them, I refer to my private letters, to my wife (for 13/14 March), and His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence (for 13 July).

In November Admiral Hotham was superseded by Sir John Jervis (now Earl St Vincent) and he so approved my conduct that in April 1796 he directed me to wear a Commodore's Pendant. In June I was removed from the Agamemnon to the Captain.

Between April and October 1796 I was employed in the blockade of Leghorn, taking Porto Ferraio in Elba, capturing the island of Capraia, and finally in the evacuation of Bastia. In December I was sent in La Minerve frigate, Captain George Cockburn, to Port Ferraio to bring down our naval stores &c. On the passage we captured a Spanish frigate La Sabina, of 40 guns, 28 eighteen pounders on her main deck, as will appear by my official letter.