Captain Frederick Lewis Maitland
Issue Date: 14/5/2006
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FREDRICK LEWIS MAITLAND
AM9/01 (9FLB-3X)
"of Rankeillor,"
It had been thought that John Maitland, father for Francis 1, was the
son of Frederick Maitland: this has not proved to be the case. For
general interest, FLM's history is retained on file.
There is a lot of history available on Frederick Maitland, much of it
from naval ships records of the time.
In this paper, after brief biographical details, there follow:
1. Jamaica Family History
2. Scottish Family Summary
3. Naval Career Description
4. Naval Records Summary
5. Naval Career - Original Full Extracts
6. Naval Records
7. Combined Muster Books & Captain's Logs.
8. Extracts from Books etc.
9. Ships associated with Maitlands
10. Scottish Family in Detail
11. Wedderburn/Jamaica Connection
Biographical Details:
Born: 19/1/30,
Chr.: 20/1/1730, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Parents: Charles (6th Earl of Lauderdale) & Elizabeth (Ogilvy)
(AM10/1&2), their 6th son. For their details see Clan
In the Parish Record of his birth:
Edinburgh OPR, daily (685.1/17 FR4760) and fair (685.1/17 FR4906)
entries:
Tuesday, 20 Jan 1730.
The Right Hon'ble Charles Earl of Lauderdale and Lady Elizabeth Ogilvie
his Countess, a son Fredrick Lewis, so named after his Royal Highness,
the Prince of Wales. (Witnesses) The Hon'ble Patrick Ogilvie of
Inchmartin and The Hon'ble George Ogilvie. Born 19th.
Died: at Rankeillor, Fife, 16th of December, 1786.
(before he became entitled to his flag).
His will reveals little and is summarised with details of his Scottish
Family (section 10).
Rankeillor Park
2 miles west of Cupar on the A91. Incorporating the Scottish Deer Centre
with, deer herds, ranger led tours, falconry displays and exhibitions
FLM had two families, one in Jamaica from his time stationed there, the
other in Scotland:
LETTER FROM FLM from RENOWN 28 September 1762
Letter in the possession of A3Maitland, bought Feb 2005 £46
1762 Wrapper containing the original Letter inside headed HMS RENOWN at SPITHEAD and written by FREDERICK MAITLAND addressed to the EARL OF LAUDERDALE at HATTON Near EDINBURGH, endorsed with large 'P' (= FREE PRIVILEGE) but franked by a third party G DEMPSTER and thus an ABUSE of the FREE mail, small violet archive handstamp top left and also inside on Letter sheet. There is a readable but under-inked 2/line PORTS/MOUTH postmark over the fold on Reverse with a good LONDON BISHOPMARK 15-16mm diam. on opposite side, small area removed when seal opened not affecting postmarks, a little grubby on outer sheet. Good readable content for the Maritime or Naval enthusiast.....
Letter to The Right Hon'ble The Earl of Lauderdale
At Halton, Near Edinburgh.
Renown at Spithead Sept 28 1762.
My Lord,
As I wrot your Lordship just before I Left Plymouth expect a Letter at the Post houses but dont ???? lose this opportunity which will make three days difference in your receiving my letter. I arrived hence this morning with a convoy from Oporto and things are in a very bad way in that country. The Spaniards was very near the heart of the country, and in a fair way of going on without Countless .....their progress soon, and the Spaniards are much more numerous than the Portuguese but I think we talk of nothing but a peece in this part of the world, I should be glad it was a good one when it dus happen, I have not taken one prize this cruize but indeed I have been with a convoy most of the time, and hope I shall make up for it the next cruize. I hope my Lady and all your family are well. Pray make my compliments to my Lady, and the?? Of my friends. Dus your Lordship think of coming to London this winter. I hope Jock? Has got ????? I would say much more but have just time to seal any letter to send to the post and have the honour to be your lordships
Most Obedient servt Fredk Maitland
Shall write again before I sail.
1. JAMAICA FAMILY:
Frederick Maitland served in the Navy in the 7 years war, stationed at
Port Royal, Jamaica, in the 1750's and early 1760's. During this time,
he had a mistress, Mary Arnot (a mulatto, see Jamaica Maitlands for a
few details). He had children by her, probably 4, which were described
as "reputed child of Capt Hon Frederick Maitland" in the parish
records. They were:
Issue By Mary Arnot (AM9/02):
1/1. James Maitland (b 21/10/1758, ch 6/11/1758, d18/8/1760),
1/2. Elizabeth Maitland (b 30/11/1763, ch 1/1/1764),
1/3. John Maitland (b 19/3/1765, bapt 20/7/1765): See Subject AM8/01
1/4. Sarah Maitland (abt 1755) - a possibility, see below.
This arrangement was common at this time; there were no European women
around. Mary Arnot's sister, Ann, was in a similar arrangement with
the Hon William Cornwallis at the same time.
FLM appears to have made no provision for this, his first family,
although they were acknowledged in the parish records. His son, John
from whom the writer's family descend, seems to have made good and so
perhaps they were setup by their father before he left Jamaica. John
must have been conceived just before Frederick left Jamaica in Renown
for England: was he back for John's baptism in July 1765?
It is not known whether he had any further contact with his Jamaica
family after last being in Port Royal in September 1780, but his
Scottish daughter, Mary Turner Maitland married Henry Scrymgeour-
Wedderburn who had been in Jamaica from about October 1773 to about
1790/1, and whose family had extensive interests in Westmoreland Parish.
Wedderburn Continues Here
No further details of Mary Arnot have been found, but the name Arnot
appears several times in connection with the Maitlands, see under Mary
Arnot in the Jamaica Maitland file.
MARY ARNOT
AM9/02
The mulatto mother of John Maitland
and Mistress of Frederick Lewis Maitland
Ref Jamaica PR.
No record of birth. A mulatto in children's baptismal entries.
Buried at Palisades 27/11/1782 by Mary O'Niel (spelling doubtful).
She had a sister, Ann, some details of whom are given below.
Issue (surnamed Maitland) (see under Captain Fred):
All recorded in Port Royal PR.
1/1. James Maitland (21/10/1758),
1/2. Elizabeth Maitland, (30/11/1763),
1/3. John Maitland (19/3/1765).
Nothing more is known of her, but the name figures in several entries in the Scottish parish records:
Mrs. Anna Arnot appears in OPR's in Scotland in Edinburgh
of the marriage of Mr James Ogilvie 6/2/1688 (FLM's grandfather),
and at the christening of Sir James Ogilvie's daughter, Anna (FLM's
Aunt) 22/4/1691.
Mrs Anna Arnot was wife of James Ogilvie.
It is possible that FLM's mother and Mary Arnot's father were 1st
cousins.
A Frederick Maitland Arnott was stationed in India in the East India
Company army, and later was in Bengal, district of Kistnagur, as an
Indigo Merchant, in the East India Register, 1803.
PRO 29/2/2000: from reference in search computer, found a collection
of correspondence in the Cornwallis papers, between one Frederick
Maitland Arnott and Rt Hon Charles, Earl Cornwallis, Governor General
in Council about:
(a) staying on in India (Calcutta), for commercial reasons, after his
c/o had returned to England, Dec 1787.
(b) about a long property dispute in Lucknow. He referred to having
served in the military for 10 years in India
Ann Arnot
Almost certainly the sister of Mary, Mistress of the Hon William
Cornwallis at the same time.
Sir William Cornwallis.
From: Sea Officers List by Pitcairn-Jones
4th son of Charles, 5th Lord & 1st Earl Cornwallis.
B. 20/2/1744, Lt 5/4/1761, CR 12/7/1762, CA 20/4/1765, RAW
1/2/1793, VAR 1/2/1795: much decorated, D 5/7/1819.
Played cards with Horatio Hornblower in the novels by CS Forrester!
Issue: children surnamed Cornwallis (see Jamaica PR).
Also found on same page as John Maitland:
William Cornwallis, born 26/12/1765, bapt 14/3/1766, son of Hon
William Cornwallis and Ann Arnot, mulatto.
Other Cornwallis offspring in the index were: James (V1/21),
Charlotte (V1/28), James (V1/30), Priscilla (V1/39), Marcella
(V1/50).
Charlotte Cornwallis buried 10/8/1783, by Tho' Little @ Palisades.
Ann Arnot buried at Palisades 8/10/1777 by Mary Arnot at Palisades:
she was described as a free mulatto.
ARNOTS
Scottish Church Records - Version 2.00
10 JUN 1998
Anna Arnot (F)........................ M: 9 Feb 1688
Spouse: James Baron Boyne Ogilvie Edinburgh Parish,
Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Ann Arnot (F)......................... M: 7 Jul 1730
Spouse: James Watson Edinburgh Parish,
Edinburgh,
Midlothian, Scotland
Anna Arnot (F)........................ M: 23 Aug 1709
Spouse: James Anderson Edinburgh Parish,
Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
Anna Arnott (F)....................... C: 5 Mar 1656
Father: James Arnott Abdie, Fife, Scotland
Anna Arnot (F)........................ C: 17 Jul 1659
Father: Robert Arnot South Leith,
Midlothian , Scotland FR612
Mother: Margaret Rentoun
Anna Arnot (F)........................ C: 2 1 May 1665
Father: William Major Arnot Edinburgh Parish,
Mother: Margaret Wood Midlothian, Scotland
Anna Arnot (F)........................ C: 22 Jul 1670
Father: David Arnot Canongate, Edinburgh,
Midlothian, Mother: Margaret Heppell Scotland
Anna Arnott (F)....................... C: 4 May 1676
Father: James Arnott Abdie, Fife, Scotland
Anna Arnot (F)........................ C: 22 Jul 1678
Father: William Arnot Newburgh, Fife, Scotland
Mother: Jean Shape
Ancestral File (TM) - ver 4.18
DESCENDANCY CHART 12 AUG 1998
Page 1 Robert Arnot (9HH0-VC) Born: Abt 1551 Of, Newton, ,
1-- Robert Arnot (9HH0-VC) Born: Abt 1551 Of, Newton, ,
sp-Margaret Averie (9HH0-WJ) Born: Abt 1555 Of, Falkland, ,
2-- Robert Arnot Balfour SIR 2ND B (848Q-RC)
Born: Abt 1574 Of Newton, & Star
sp-Margaret Balfour [Baroness Balfour] (9HH0-T6)
Born: Abt 1585 Of Burleigh, Kinross, Scotland
3-- Margaret Balfour (B29B-WF)
Born: Abt 1582 Of Burleigh Castle, In Orwell, Co. Kinross,
sp-Robert Arnot (B29B-V8)
Born: Abt 1578 Of Fernie, Co., Fife, Scotland
4-- Jean Arnot (B29B-XL) Born: Abt 1610 Of Fernie, Fife,
sp-David Wemyss (B29C-4L) Born: 1608 Of Fernie, Fife,
4-- Margaret Arnot (B29B-ZR)
Born: Abt 1612 Of Fernie, Fife, Scotland
sp-James Crawford (B29C-5R) Born: 1610 Of Fernie, Fife,
4-- Isobel Arnot (B29C-0W) Born: Abt 1614 Of Fernie,
Fife, Scotland
sp-Thomas Ruthven (B29C-6X) Born: 1612 Of Fernie,
Fife, Scotland
4-- John Balfour (B29B-SW) Born: Abt 1616 Fernie, Fife,
sp-Isabel Balfour Baroness (848Q-Q6) Born: 1625 Of
Pitcullo, Fife, Scotland
4-- Daug Arnot (B29C-13) Born: Abt 1616 Of Fernie, Fife,
sp- Arnot (B29C-74) Born: 1614 Of Fernie, Fife,
3-- Isabel Balfour (848R-6K)
Born: Abt 1607 Of, Freeland, Perthshire, Scotland
sp-Thomas Ruthven (Baron) (FBLM-5G) Born: Abt 1603 Of,
Freeland, Perthshire, Scotland
4-- Elizabeth Ruthven (15C7-RHJ) Born: Abt 1623 Of,
Freeland, Perthshire, Scotland
sp-Francis Ruthven [Sir Knight] (15C7-RF4) Born: Abt
1630 Of Freeland, Redcastle, Angusshire, Scotland
5-- Isabel Ruthven [Baroness] (9XL2-1J) Born: Abt 1663
Of, Graitney, Dumfries, Scotland
sp-James Johnstone (Ruthven) [COLONEL] (9XL2-0C)
Born: Abt 1660 Of, Graitney, Dumfries, Scotland
4-- David Ruthven [Baron Ruthven] (15C7-RJQ) Born: Abt
1629 Of, Freeland, Perthshire, Scotland
4-- Anne Ruthven (15C7-SLB) Born: Abt 1631 Of, Freeland,
Perthshire, Scotland
sp-William Cuninghame [Sir Knight] (15C7-SQ5)
Born: Abt 1625 Of, Cuninghamhead
5-- William Cuninghame or Ruthven (15C7-SRC)
Born: Abt 1665 Of, Cuninghamhead, Perthshire, Scotland
sp-Ann Stewart (15C7-SW6) Born: Abt 1667 Of,
Castlemilk, Lanarkshire, Scotland
sp-William Cuninghame (18JZ-DPM) Born: Abt 1631 Of
Craigends,, Renfrewshire, Scotland
4-- Jean Ruthven [Baroness] (15C7-RL5) Born: Abt 1635
Of, Freeland, Perthshire, Scotland
3-- Anne Balfour (9HGL-VQ) Born: Abt 1611 Of, Burleigh,,
sp-David Wemyss [Earl of Wemyss] (9FBZ-1D)
Born: 6 Sep 1610 Of, Wemyss, Fifeshire, Scotland
4-- John Wemyss (9HGL-WW) Born: 22 Nov 1627 Chapel Of,
Wemyss, Fifeshire, Scotland
4-- Jean Wemyss [Countess ofAngus] (9HGL-X3) Born: 19 Jun
1629 Of, Wemyss, Fifeshire, Scotland
sp-George Gordon [EarlofSutherland] (9HGL-Q2) Born: 2
Nov 1633 Dornoch
5-- John (Gordon) Sutherland [EarlofSutherland] (9HGL-K6)
Born: 1655 Of Darnoch Castle, Sutherland, Scot
sp-Helen Cochrane (9FN9-RG) Born: Abt 1665 Of
Dundonald, Sutherland, Scot sp-Catherine Tollemache
(9R93-LB) Born: 1663 Of Helmingham, Suffolk, Eng
sp-Francis Hodgson (9R93-MH) Born: 1663 Of Bramwith
Hall In Barnby Dun, York, Eng
5-- Anna Gordon-Sutherland (9R92-XW) Born: Abt 1662
Of, Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, Scotland
sp-Robert Arbuthnott (Viscount Arbuthnott) (B1QW-H0)
Chr.: 8 Oct 1661 , Arbuthnott, Kincardineshire,
5-- John Gordon-Sutherland (9R92-Z3)
Born: 24 Apr 1665 Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, Scotland
5-- Child Gordon-Sutherland (9R93-07) Born: Abt 1666
Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, Scotland
5-- Child Gordon-Sutherland (9R93-1D) Born: Abt 1668
5-- Mary Balfour (9FKG-QN) Born: 1684 <, Orwell,
Kinrosshire, Scotland>
sp-Alexander Bruce [BrigadierGeneral] (9FKH-3J)
Born: 1682 Of, Kennet, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
4-- John Balfour (848Q-MN) Born: Abt 1654 Of Ferny,
Forfar, Scotland
sp-Barbara Ross (848Q-NT) Born: 1664 St Andrews ,
Fifeshire, Scotland
5-- Arthur Balfour (848Q-TP) Born: 1686 Of Ferny,
Forfar,
sp-Dorothy Sandfoord (FBLL-SL) Born: 1700 Of, Ferny,
Forfar, Angusshire, Scotland
sp-Janet Paterson (FBLL-TR)
Born: 1685
4-- Henry Balfour (848Q-W2) Born: Abt 1656 Of Dunbog,
Fife, Scotland
4-- Emilia Balfour (848R-0J) Born: Abt 1658 Scotland
sp-John Malcolm Sir (FBLL-X9) Born: 1654
4-- Margaret Balfour (848Q-X7) Born: Abt 1660 Scotland
sp-Andrew Rollo 3RD Baron (FBLL-W4)
Born: 1656
4-- Isabel Balfour (848Q-ZD) Born: Abt 1662 Scotland
4--Jean Balfour (848R-1P) Born: Abt 1664 Scotland
sp-George Oliphant (FBLL-ZG) Born: 1660
sp-Robert Douglas Sir (FBLM-0L) Born: 1660
4-- Susan Balfour (848R-2V) Born: Abt 1666 Scotland
sp-Robert Douglas (93PJ-DX) Born: Jan 1666 Dunfermline,
Fife, Scotland
4-- Anne Balfour (848R-32) Born: 10 Mar 1670 Scotland
sp-Robert Sinclair (CAPT) (FBLM-2X) Born: 1666
3-- Margaret Balfour (848R-5D) Born: Abt 1623 Scotland
sp-John Crawford SIR (FBLM-49) Born: 1619
3-- Jean Balfour (848R-7Q) Born: Abt 1627 Scotland
sp-James Arnot (FBLM-6M) Born: 1623
Robert Arnot (B29C-28) Born: Abt 1543 Of Newtown, Scot
1-- Robert Arnot (B29C-28) Born: Abt 1543 Of Newtown, Scot
sp-Unknown (00)
2-- James Or Balfour Arnot (B29C-9G) Born: Abt 1574 Of
Newton, Scot
2-- Mungo Arnot (B29C-BM) Born: Abt 1576 Of Newton, Scot 2--
Robert Arnot (B29B-V8) Born: Abt 1578 Of Fernie, Co.,
Fife, Scotland
sp-Margaret Balfour (B29B-WF) Born: Abt 1582 Of Burleigh
Castle, In Orwell, Co. Kinross, Scotland
3-- Jean Arnot (B29B-XL) Born: Abt 1610 Of Fernie, Fife,
sp-David Wemyss (B29C-4L) Born: 1608 Of Fernie, Fife,
3-- Margaret Arnot (B29B-ZR) Born: Abt 1612 Of Fernie,
Fife, Scotland
sp-James CRAWFORD (B29C-5R) Born: 1610 Of Fernie,
Fife, Scotland
3-- Isobel Arnot (B29C-0W) Born: Abt 1614 Of Fernie, Fife,
sp-Thomas Ruthven (B29C-6X) Born: 1612 Of Fernie,
3-- John Balfour (B29B-SW) Born: Abt 1616 Fernie, Fife,
sp-Isabel Balfour BARONESS (848Q-Q6) Born: 1625 Of
Pitcullo, Fife, Scotland
3-- Daug Arnot (B29C-13) Born: Abt 1616 Of Fernie, Fife,
sp- Arnot (B29C-74) Born: 1614 Of Fernie, Fife,
2-- Henry Arnot (B29C-CS) Born: Abt 1580 Of Newton, Scot
Sarah Maitland - Possible details - Parchement.
A possible unrecorded sister of John Maitland.
One source (Carolle Mitchell) says she was a Yamasee Indian.
(Yamasee were an Indian tribe assimilated into the Seminole and Creek
tribes in Florida in the first half of the 18thC.)
Later information (1/2003) is that this Sarah was bapt St E 23/1/1748,
aged 15 months, father Richard Maitland. He could have been a sea
Captain, will dated 1763 in Virginia. (Louise Currie, Australia).
Later from Louise (22/3/2003) RM probably of Kensington, planter of
Jamaica, no firm evidence, but looks probable.(mlcurrie bigpond.com).
His will makes no mention of Sarah, but was proved London, 23 August, 1763.
St Elizabeth PR: V1/35
1773 August 1, baptised, Elizabeth M., reputed daughter of Richard
Parchment (?) by Sarah Maitland, born 18 August 1772.
Also: William 28/12/1775, John 12/2/1782, Richard 14/1/1779,
Nicholas 2/9/1785.
Richard Parchment born 1/11/1747, St Elizabeth, son of John & Ruth P.
The name Parchment appears in the St Elizabeth Indices several times. In
1802, this family owned land SE of Black River.
Information from David Bromfield, (5/2001):
I am descended from 'Andrew Bromfield & Rose Reynolds'. Andrew Bromfield had later married "Mary Parchment" daughter of John & Ruth
Parchment. John & Ruth had a son "Richard Parchment" who was "set" to
inherit his parents estate on the condition (stated in his father's
will) that he should marry only a "white" woman. Richard Parchment had
children with 'Sarah Maitland' who according to one 'researcher' was
'non-white'. Consequently the 'Parchment' estate passed to his sister
"Mary Parchment" who married my ancestor "Andrew Bromfield - Lt. Colonel
St. Elizabeth parish Militia, Jamaica".
Mary Bromfield, born 1785, St E, dau of Andrew & Rose (Reynolds)
Bromfield, married 29/1/1824, Richard Parchment son of Sarah Parchment
(above).
St Elizabeth PR from Jamaica Web site:
269 / 1846 February ?/ ? Isabella Bonniella - 15th November 1845/ Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell his wife/ Comfort/ Settler/ W. Forbes/
? / 1846 February 22nd/ Mary Maitland - 9th December 1845/ Henry Gale Parchment & Sarah Amelia his wife/ Providence/ Settler. W. Forbes/
290 / 1846 April 24th/ Henry - 1st February 1846/ Henry Gale & Rebecca his wife/ Greenvale/ Settler/ Thos. P. Williams/
155 / 1848 January 30th/ Thomas Ewell - 4th October 1847/ Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell his wife/ Comfort/ Settler/ Forbes/
468 / 1850 April 28th/ Ezekiel - 1st February 1850/ Nicholas Maitland Parchment & Sarah Ewell his wife/ Comfort/ Settler/ W. Forbes/
MANY other Parchments listed.
See Maitland Private more on Sarah Maitland
2.SCOTTISH FAMILY (Summary)
He married 27/8/1767, Margaret Dick, heiress of Rank and Lindores in
Fife, in right of her mother, sister of James Macgill of Rankeillor, who
claimed the title of Count of Oxford, by whom he had the following
issue, expanded details of whom are given later.
1/1. Charles Maitland Born: 26 Nov 1769, Married: Mary Johnston
1/2. James Maitland (9FLB-59) - some confusing dates:
(a) James Maitland C: 13 May 1771 Newburgh, Fife, Scotland
(b) James Herriot Maitland
Born: 11 Sep 1774 Married: Margaret Dalgleish.
1/3. Frederick Lewis Maitland of Rankeillour
Rear Admiral Sir, KCB. Born 7/9/1777, Received the surrender of
Napoleon in June 1815 while in command of HMS Bellerophon.
1/4. Robert Herriott William Maitland:
1/5. Mary Maitland C: 28 Oct 1768 Ratho, Midlothian,
Married 5/4/1793 Henry Scrimgeour of Fife & Westmoreland, Jamaica.
1/6. Elizabeth Maitland C: 24 Feb 1773 Newburgh, Fife,
1/7. Isabella Maitland, C: 1 May 1775 Collessie, Fife, Scotland
Married: William Roy.
3. NAVAL CAREER
Extracts From:
Peerage of Scotland, 1813 by John Phillip Wood.
Biographia Navales, Charnock, Vol VI, 1798 (P/C from PRO)
Lives and Characters of Naval Officers OF Great Britain.
With additions by A Maitland extracted from Muster Logs and Ships Log
Books.
He was a career naval officer, the first record of service being in
1748; he was stationed much of his early life in Jamaica (1748-64,
covering the period of the 7 Years War), for his middle life on half pay
(1765-78) and in later life commanding ships of the line in the early
part of the French wars of the latter half of the 18thC.
He entered the Navy at an early age, and passed through the subordinate
stations as well as midshipman (Tavistock & Speedwell) and lieutenant
(Otter & Port Mahon), he was, on the 17th of January, 1757, advanced to
be commander of the sloop Port Royal in Jamaica. On the 9th of March,
1759, he was made captain of the Wager, of twenty guns; but very soon
afterwards moved into the Lively, a ship of the same force - it is
interesting to see that the Captains of the two ships, Lively and Wager
made a direct swap. He remained in the West Indies in Lively till the
end of 1761.
Much of FLM's time in the Caribbean was on ships based loosely in Port
Royal and Barbados. They spent a proportion of their time in port and
ventured forth on cruises around the area, on some of these sailing as
far as the southern regions of America (before Independence) and Cuba.
They were in fairly frequent action with small ships, taking them as
Prizes; the descriptions make interesting reading (see details of
Lively, Wager and Elizabeth). A letter written by FLM to his brother,
the Earl of Lauderdale, in December 1757 requesting his brother to lobby
on his behalf for a more lucrative (Channel) posting shows his
frustration with his rather remote base. This was before the War had
made itself felt in the West Indies.
He played a leading part in a notable action against the French off Cuba
in Command of the Lively, of 20 guns and 160 men, in October 1760, when
he took the Valeur of equal force in a smart action, lasting an hour and
an half.
The prize was one of a squadron of five French frigates which had sailed
from Cape Francois, bound to France, valuably laden with sugar and
indigo, two of which were taken and as many destroyed by the activity
of Captain Maitland and his companions.
He was promoted to the Renown, of thirty guns. In this command he
remained some years, employed till the end of the war, on the home
station and the West Indies; and after peace had taken place, was
ordered in the same ship to North America. He returned from thence in
1764.
The Seven Years War started slowly in North America, one of the first
incidents involving the French, English and American Indians being at
Jumonville's Glen 28/5/1754. FLM did not seem to have been in the right
place at the right time to have been involved in any major fleet actions
in this War, the nearest he came was in Rochester off Newfoundland in
October 1755, when they would have been supporting the English Forces in
North America, at that time loosing against the French. The major
conquests of the West Indian Islands, including Cuba, happened while he
was in Home waters in late 1761 to late 1762. He was, however,
frequently in minor actions during the War against French ships in the
Caribbean. His voyages up to the American Coast would also have been in
support of the War effort on the American Mainland.
The Seven Years War ended with the Peace of Paris, 10/2/1763, giving
Britain all territories and claims in North America, East of the
Mississippi, except New Orleans and the West Indian Islands of St
Vincent, Dominica, Tobago, Grenada and the Grenadines. At the same time,
Louisiana was ceded to Spain under the Treaty of San Ildefonso
Cape Francois on Domingo.
Like many fellow officers, FLM joined the half-pay list in 1765,
remaining in that state until 1778. During his half-pay years, he must
have been in Scotland, where his legitimate offspring were born.
With the outbreak of hostilities with France in the late 1770's, he took
command of the Elizabeth, a 74 gun ship of the line at the beginning of
1778. In her, he was involved in several battles in the channel
(including the Battle of Ushant 27/7/1778). He had the command of a
line-of-battle ship at Keppel's engagement with D'Orvilliers, 1778. He
left Elizabeth December 1778 in Spithead for a short period, rejoining
near Anguilla in July 1779.
Still in Elizabeth, he was in the Caribbean and Jamaica in 1780: during
this period, he was in a major action, Rodney's battle with de Guichen,
16/4/1780 off Martinique.
Elizabeth was one of the fleet employed, under the orders of Sir George
Bridges Rodney, on the West-India station. In the action which took
place with the Count de Guichen on the 17th of April, 1780, the
Elizabeth was stationed in the line as one of the seconds to rear-
admiral Parker who commanded the van division, and was very
distinguishedly engaged, having had nine men killed and fifteen wounded.
In the two subsequent skirmishes which happened in the month of May,
captain Maitland does not appear to have been concerned, The Elizabeth
being in great want of repair, was ordered to Jamaica soon afterwards,
in order to return to England as part of the convoy sent with the
homeward-bound fleet of merchant-ships in the ensuing autumn of 1780,
paying off in early January 1781. Extracts from Elizabeth's Logs are
given later in this paper.
He commanded Queen in a battle 12/12/81 as part of the fleet of R.A.
Richard Kempenfelt against fleet of de Guichen (R.A.)
Captain Maitland was immediately on his arrival appointed to the
Queen, of ninety guns, in which he continued till the month of August
1782, always stationed in the main fleet, or employed on Channel
service. The most material transactions in which he was concerned were
the relief of Gibraltar, in 1781, in company with the fleet commanded
by vice-admiral Darby, and the capture of the Actionaire, a French ship
of war, pierced for sixty-four guns, but then armee en flute, being
bound to the East Indies with a cargo of stores, provisions, and masts
for the French king's service, having also on board eleven chests of
specie, and five hundred and fifty troops. Of this success the following
we believe a correct account. Captain Maitland having joined at sea the
squadron which sailed from Portsmouth, on the 13th of April, 1782, under
the orders of the admirals Barrington, Kempenfelt, and commodore Elliot,
he was ordered by signal from the latter, on the 21st of the same month,
to assist the Foudroyant in securing her prize, the Pegase, of seventy-
four guns, which had been taken just before. The wind was so extremely
violent, and of course produced so heavy a swell, that it was nine
o'clock the next morning before the captured ship was in any condition
to make sail. Captain Maitland had by that time received on board three
hundred prisoners, and sent an officer with forty British seamen on
board the Pegase to assist in navigating her. A large ship was about
this time discovered to the southward, standing to the south-west, upon
a wind; and being very soon perceived not to be an English man of war,
was pursued with all possible alacrity by the Queen. All the French
officers, prisoners on board that ship, concurred in assuring captain
Maitland, that the chace was the Protecteur, of seventy four guns, on
board which was commodore who commanded the French convoy. The Pegase
was consequently ordered to make the best of her way to the nearest
English port, attended by one of the cutters then in company, and the
Queen continued her pursuit. After a chace of fourteen hours captain
Maitland got up with the enemy in the night, and still continuing under
the delusion of its being the Protecteur, fired his broadside, by which
nine of the French crew were unfortunately killed, and twenty-five
wounded. The Actonaire discharged her guns, and immediately struck her
colours.
Captain Maitland, after his return to England, went to sea for a
short cruize with the main fleet, under the orders of earl Howe; but
having returned into port, quitted the Queen in the month of August,
previous to the departure of the fleet for the relief of Gibraltar, his
ship having been pitched upon to receive the flag of rear-admiral
Alexander Hood, who had a command in that expedition. Captain Maitland
was immediately appointed to the Grafton, of seventy-four guns, a ship
then in a state of equipment for service at Portsmouth; but quitted
that ship very soon afterwards without ever proceeding to sea; peace
taking place quickly afterwards,
His final command was the Royal Yacht, Princess Augusta, very much a
sine-cure. She was based at Deptford, and was not often at sea: Prince
William Henry was twice on board (The Prince had earlier been a
midshipman in "Royal George" under Captain Darby - see above).
He can be seen to weaken during this posting as his handwriting
deteriorated.
TAKING THE VENGEUR OCTOBER 1760
From Battles of the Royal Navy, Joseph Allen, 1852
Rear Admiral Holmes who commanded on the Jamaica station, having
received intelligence that five French frigates with other vessels were
at Cape Francois, getting ready to sail for France, despatched thither
the 50-gun frigate Hampshire, Captain Charles Norbury, with the 28-gun
frigate Boreas, Captain Samuel Uvedale, and 20-gun ship Lively, Captain
the Hon. Frederick Maitland, to cruise off that port, and endeavour to
intercept them. On the 17th October, being off Cape Nicholas, the
British ships discovered the expected squadron, and immediately crowded
all sail in chase; but owing to the variableness of the wind, little
progress was made until towards midnight. The Boreas, having outsailed
the other ships, at midnight arrived upwith and engaged the French 32-
gun frigate Sirenne, bearing Commodore M'Cartie's broad pendant; but
the Boreas being disabled in sails and rigging, the Sirenne got out of
gunshot. Having repaired damages, the Boreas, on the 18th, at 2h. P.M.,
again got alongside the Sirenne, and after two hours close action,
compelled her to surrender, with the loss of eighty, out of her crew of
280 men killed and wounded. The Boreas had one man killed and one
wounded.
The remaining four ships, having taken different courses, were
pursued by the Hampshire and Lively ; and on the 18th, at daylight, the
enemy's ships were six miles ahead, endeavouring to get into Port-au-
Paix. By sweeping, the Lively, at a little before eight, brought the
sternmost ship to action, and, after nearly two hour's hard fighting,
compelled her to surrender, with the loss of a lieutenant and thirty-
seven men killed, and her captain (Talbot), master, boatswain, and
twenty-two men wounded. The Hampshire pursued the remaining three
frigates, and, as the breeze freshened, neared them so fast, that at
3h. 30m. P.M. she got between the two headmost ships, and opened her
fire on the Duc de Choiseuil ; but the latter, having the advantage of
the wind, escaped into Port-au-Paix, leaving her companion, the Prince
Edward, unable to contend with her powerful adversary, ran aground about
two miles from Port-au-Paix, and the ship was set on fire so effectually
that she shortly afterwards blew up. On the 19th, the Hampshire, having
the Lively and her prize in her company, stood into Freshwater Bay, to
attack the Fleur-de-Lys, the fifth ship, which had taken refuge there.
The French, however, did not wait their arrival, but took to the boats,
having previously set the ship on fire. Thus were four out of the five
ships accounted for.
4. SUMMARY OF NAVAL POSTINGS
There follow condensed details derived from Muster books and log books,
the full versions of which are given later in this paper.
Lieutenant 11/6/1750,
Commander 17/1/1757,
Capt 9/3/1759.
Tavistock:
20/10/1748 - 14/5/1749 Midshipman.
4th rate 50 G 2 Decker 350 Men, Muster logs read, Capt available.
Some Personal logbooks seen at Greenwich.
Portsmouth & Spithead
20/10/1748: joined as midshipman.
18/2/49 - 13/4/49 Spithead to English Harbour (Antigua)
29/4/49 - 8/5/49 Antigua to Carlisle Bay, Barbados
14/5/1749: discharged to Speedwell, sloop with 2 others, in Barbados
Speedwell:
14/5/1749 - 3/1/1750 Lieutenant? Muster logs read, Capt available.
Sloop: "Swallow" Class 10 Guns 1743. 110 men,
22/5/49 - 23/6/49 Barbados to English Harbour
Cruising out of Antigua.
3/1/50 discharged
Tavistock
3/1/1750 - 11/6/1750. Midshipman
rejoined 3/1/1750 as mid,
29/11/49 - 14/3/1750 operating from Carlisle Bay
11/4/50 English Harbour
28/5/50 St John Rd
14/6/50 Carlisle Bay
disch 11/6/1750 to Otter (#643)
Otter:
14/6/1750 - 26/10/1751 Lieutenant, Muster logs read, Capt available.
A "Snow" 14 Guns, 80 men (1742-63)
joined as Lt ex Tavistock, 14/6/1750 @ Barbados.
13/6/1750-6/6/1751 operating in:
Barbados - Antigua - St Thomas - St Johns Porto(lio?) - St Thomas -
Barbados - Antigua - St Thomas - Barbados - Spices Roads, Barbados -
Trinidad - Barbados
6/6/51 - 6/7/51 Barbados to Downs & Deptford
26/10/51 end of commission
Port Mahon:
23/1/1753 - 13/8/1754 Lieutenant commissioned 23/1/1753 at the Hamouze.
20 Guns 150 men, Muster logs read, Capt not available.
19/4/1753 - 1/6/53 cruising from Spithead
10/6/53 - 13/8/53 to Boston Hbr
20/8/53 - 27/8/53 to St John's Newfoundland
11/9/53-13/10 @ sea to Lisbon River
14/11/53 - 24/11/53 at sea to Spithead - Plymouth - Spithead
13/4/54, FLM Discharged @ Spithead
Rochester:
21/3/1755 - 16/1/1757 2nd Lieutenant
50 Guns 350 men, Muster logs read, Capt available.
Some Personal logbooks seen at Greenwich.
Sailed the Channel, taking French Prisoners May 1756,
8/5/1755 - 24/9/1756: Shearness - Portsmouth - Portsmouth - Plymouth -
Plymouth - Docked - Plymouth - Deal - Portsmouth Hbr
30/9-30/11/56 @ Sea to Cadiz
30/12-16/1/57 @ Sea
16/1/-17/3/57 in Harbour - must be England - no time to sail to
Jamaica (Clerk I Fletcher).
FLM discharged: for Perfermt 16/1/1757 into Port Royal.
Transferred to Jamaica - how??
Prisoners: 15/9/55, 3.
17/10/55 - 17 ex la Beure Desdinger (?)
30/10/55 140 from other ships transported to Plymouth.
(41 from Vanguard, 55 from Windsor, 86 from Monmouth.
Port Royal:
17/1/57 -11/3/1759, Commander
Bermuda Sloop, Muster logs read, Capt available.
Commissioned 17/1/1757, FLM as Captain (discharged 11/3/59).
Began Sea Victualling 10/8/1757.
15/8/57 - 11/3/59 operating in & out of Port Royal.
22/2/58: carried 17 prisoners from the Jean Bapt, snow, and Un Petit Bon
Enfant, private schooner.
22/5/58: carried prisoners from Maria (sloop, 14), Petronell (schooner,
12), La Bonne Esther (15), Le Turene(?) Isaac (24), La Catherina
Isabella (snow, 21). All capt. 24 & 25/5/58.
30/11/58: carried prisoners from private schooner L'Esperance.
Wager:
11/3/1759 -14/9/1759 Captain
24 guns, 160 men, Muster logs read, some Capt logs seen.
Commission started Deptford 12/2/56
FLM 7/3/59 plus volunteers from Port Royal (schooner)
10 March 1759: Captain Hon Fredrick Maitland From Port Royal to Wager
(under reason) "In the room of Captain Shumer, resigned on acc of Bad
Health".
12/3/59 - 8/6/59 Port Royal and local cruising.
Sailed 8/6/1759 for
Charleston, South Carolina: 10/7-17/7
Sailed 20/7 for Port Royal: moored 6/8-14/9/59
Transferred to Lively 6/8/59, New Capt Wyatt 14/9/59.
Prisoners:
Ship Le Hardy - 91 - 27/4/59 disch to Greenwich Prison 2/5/59.
Sloop Sarriah - 9 - 6/5/59
Ship Gertrude - 6 - 24/5/59
Lively:
11/8/59 - 15/4/1761 Captain
20 Guns, Muster logs read, Capt available.
FLM succeeded Francis Wyatt 7/8/59 from Wager.
31/7/59 - 14/4/1759: Port Royal cruising in & out.
During these cruises, there were often "Chaces", mostly after innocent ships, but many under "Flag of truce". A number of small ships were taken.
FLM transferred to Renown 15/4/1761:
new Capt Richard Carter from "Glasgow".
Prisoners:
Ship Britannia - 10 - 8/9/59 Snow Heurens - 3 - 8/9/59
Sloop Jamaica - 31 - 1/10 Sloop Elizabeth - 9 -12/12/59
La Fortune - 6 - 27/1/60 Schooner 6 Brothers - 7 -16/3/60
Sloop Charming Sally - 27/4/60 Schooner Le Triponne -20/4/60
Sloop 2 Brothers Also 31 Rebell Negroes -26/4/60
Boat Flying Fish - 3 - 26/6/60 Sloop La Chatain - 10 -20/7/60
Le Valleur - 130 - 18/10/60, incl Capt Talbot, discharged to Greenwich
Prison, Jamaica.
Schooner Hope - 21 - 3/1/61 Privateer Solid Boy - 1 -12/1/61
St Joseph - 10 - 23/1/61 Polague L' Eclair - 22 - 30/1/61
Renown
16/4/1761 -25/8/1764 Captain
(returned Home waters 9/61 - 3/63)
Frigate 6th Rate 30 Guns, 220 men. Muster logs read, Capt seen.
15/4/61 Capt Geo. Mackenzie to Defiance,
FLM joined 16/4 from Lively, + several from Lively.
16/4/61: moored PR
@ sea: 16/4-8/5/61 off Guarnave
7/5 in action.
16/5/61 Port Royal and cruising..
19/7/61 Bluefield Bay, Jamaica
21/9/61 Deal Castle, the Downs.
Commissioned 1/11/1761, FLM Captain 31/1/1762 @ Woolwich
10/2/62 - 16/4/1761 Woolwich/ Spithead/Plymouth/Plymouth
7/3/62 took French cutter 6 guns from Morleaux
9/3 Took French privateer ship of twelve guns belonging to Dunkirk.
23/3/62: ... a French privateer snow of 8 guns belonging to H? Malos
19/4-23/6/62: convoy Plymouth/Cork/Lisbon/Plymouth
22/7-2/9/1762: convoy duty to & from Oporto
17/11-31/12/1762 sailed from Spithead to Port Royal
5/1/63 Port Royal/ Cape Francois,/ Tortuga/24/2/63 moored Port Royal
22/4/63 - 17/8 to Savanna/St Augustine/ Port Royal
1/9/63 -11/10 convoy to BocaChica Road Cartagena/Port Royal
12/1/64 -4/5 to Pensacola/ Mobile/Savanna/Port Royal/Port Morant/PR
20/6/64 - 31/7 PR to Spithead 25/8/64 end of commission @ Woolwich
Prisoners:
Schooner Neptune - 7 - 21/4/61
Blackbird? - 8
43 Prisoners from French Privateer La Saujon discharged 6/3/1762.
97 Prisoners from FP The Count d'Herronville
65 L' Domerville
13 American ship
12 a schooner
Half Pay: 1/1/1765 -30/6/1765, sample dates also checked and so
Probably until end 1777
Elizabeth
2/1778 - 18/12/1778, 31/7/1779-8/1/1781, Captain
74 Guns, 550/660 men, Muster logs read, Capt logs seen.
FLM Capt,
Charles & Peter Maitland as Capt Servants both joined Portsmouth 2/78
Began Wages 3/1/1778 & sea victualling 26/1/1778 in Portsmouth hbr.
31/1/1778-27/5/1778: Portsmouth & Spithead
8/6/1778 - 8/8/1778: St Helens (off Spithead) & 2 cruises
19/6/1778: in action off the Lizard.
27/7/78: Battle of Ushant.
8/8/78 - 22/10/1778: Plymouth Sound to Spithead:
22/9/1778: took Le Volant.
Spithead: 31/10-15/12/78
Taken during 1778:
Prisoners 48, French Brig Le Volant from Virginia with Tobacco for
Nantes.
FLM superceded 18/12/1778 ("This day was superceded by Capt Truscott,
after administering 12 lashes to several seamen for mutiny" from Capt
logbook: Was he up for inquiry or court martial for this event??).
William Truscott became Captain: Charles & Peter Maitland remustered as
his Servants.
22/12/1778 - 9/2/1779: Spithead/Torbay/Barbados
10/2/1779 - 31/7/1779: Barbados/St Lucia/Cruising Caribbean/
Basse Terre Road, St Kitts.
31/7/1779 William Truscott left for (unreadable)
FLM takes command again (CM & PM remain with him) ("Read commission and
superceded Capt Truscott").
Note: this appears to have taken place at sea in the region of Anguilla.
7/8/79 - 1/8/1780:
Barbados, Carlisle Bay/ Barbados/St Lucia/ Antigua, English Hbr/ St
Lucia/St Lucia/Gros Isle Bay (St Lucia)/St Lucia/ Carlisle Bay
Barbados/St Lucia/St Lucia/St Kitts/Port Royal
23/9/79: took several ships.
26/9/79: another prize.
18-19/12/79: at sea off St Lucia - in action off Gros Islet Bay.
13/2/80: took prize.
16/4-20/4/80: fleet action near Dominies/Guadaloupe.
12-21/5/80: action again with fleet.
4/9-16/11/80: Port Royal to Spithead:
8/1/1781: paid off.
Queen:
9/1/1781 -30/11/81 Captain
Battleship 90 Guns, Muster logs read.
Opening pages missing, but at Spithead 23/12/80
FLM commissioned Capt 9/1/81 (crew no 2556)
James Maitland as servant.
Chas Maitland: mustered 9/1 as AB, Mid 11/2/81
Peter Maitland: mustered mid 1/4/81
1/4/81-1/11/1781: Spithead/Torbay/Spithead/Torbay/Spithead
1/11-30/11/81 @ Spithead
30/11/81 FLM Discharged, with James M.
Mention of supernumary from Fireship? shown 28/4/1781.
Grafton:
19/9/1782 - 6/11/82 Captain
Muster logs read.
Capt from 19/9/82-6/11/82 when he was superceded.
Also James Maitland, same period as Servant.
Peter M was mid. 23/8/82 and remained.
Princess Augusta:
Royal Yacht. Muster logs read.
20/11/1782 - 30/6/1785 Captain
Commissioned with FLM as Capt 20/11/82, joined 22/11 (muster no 113)
22/11/82-30/6/1785: Deptford/St James's/Slade (?)/River
(?)/Deptford/Elbe/Slade/ Harwich/Deptford
18/7/83-31/8/83: FLM on leave
26/7/83 Prince William Henry & Staff joined @ St James and left @ Slade
8/8/83 (also mentioned Long(beach?)
4/5/85-11/6/85 FLM on leave
1/6/85 Prince William Henry & Staff joined @ Slade and left @ Deptford
11/6/85
FLM signature becomes shakier as time goes on: sickening?
James Maitland joins as Capt. Serv. 11/82, becomes Mid 27/1 and Ab
24/4/83.
Charles Maitland joins as Mid 13/12/82, disch. 26/1/83 (prefermnt).
FLM jnr. joins as Capt Serv. 27/1/83, req. Disch 17/7/83
5. NAVAL CAREER - ORIGINAL FULL EXTRACTS
Extract From Peerage of Scotland, 1813 by John Phillip Wood.
"of Rankeillor, born 19/6/1730, who went into the Royal Navy, of
which he had the rank of Lieutenant 1749, and Captain 9/3/1759. He
commanded the Lively, of 20 guns and 160 men on the Jamaica station,
October 1760, when he took the Valeur of equal force. He had the
command of a line-of-battle ship at Keppel's engagement with
D'Orvilliers, 1778; and died at Rankeillor in 1786 age 57. He married
27/8/1767, Margaret Dick, heiress of Rank and Lindores in Fife, in
right of her mother, sister of James Macgill of Rankeillor, who claimed
the title of Count of Oxford; He commanded the ELIZABETH 74 in Keppel
and Rodney's actions, and afterwards captured a French 64-gun ship.
Hon Fredrick Lewis Maitland Served in the following ships:
(From: Sea Officers List by Pitcairn-Jones)
Tavistock W. Indies 20/10/1748 - 14/5/1749 Mid
3/1/1750 - 11/6/1750 Mid
Speedwell W. Indies 14/5/1749 - 3/1/1750 Lt
Otter (sloop) W. Indies 14/6/1750 - 26/10/1751 Lt
Home
Port Mahon America 23/1/1753 - 13/8/1754 Lt
Rochester Europe? 21/3/1755 - 16/1/1757 2nd Lt
Transferred to Jamaica - how??
Port Royal sloop Jamaica 17/1/57 -11/3/1758 Cmdr
Wager Jamaica 11/3/1759 -14/9/1759 Capt
Lively Jamaica 11/8/59 - 15/4/1761 Capt
Renown Jamaica. 16/4/1761 -25/8/1764 Capt
(returned Home waters 9/61 - 3/63)
Half Pay 1/1/1765 -30/6/1765
Prob. Until end 1777
Elizabeth 2/1778 - 18/12/1778 Capt
Queen Home waters 9/1/1781 -30/11/81 Capt
Grafton Home waters 19/9/1782 - 6/11/82 Capt
Princess Augusta (Yacht) 20/11/1782 - 30/6/1785 Capt
Lt 11/6/1750, Commander 17/1/1757, Capt 9/3/1759 D 16/12/1786
More expanded details are given later in this section.
6.
NAVAL RECORDS
Commission & Warrant Books:
ADM/107/4: no trace of Lt passing Certs.
Gap in records of ADM6 1747-53
Index to Commissions:
8/5/51-10/5/53: FLM Lt page 10.56 ADM 6/18 pps 1-68
10/5/53-8/5/56: FLM Lt page 145 pps 68-263
8/5/56-12/5/57: FLM Cmdr page 345 pps 263-397
1/11/58-31/12/60: FLM Capt page 112 6/19
1/1/63-31/12/63: FLM Capt page 355 6/19
1/1/64-31/12/64: nil
1778 FLM Capt page 350
1779 FLM Capt page 509 6/22
1780 Nil
ADM6/22: f 221 FLM snr Commissioned Captain "Queen" 2/1/1781
ADM6/22: f 542 FLM snr commissioned Captain "Princess Augusta"
20/11/1783.
Commission & Warrants (West Indies)
ADM/1/5116/12: contains several books and loose sheets of lists of
commissions made in the West Indies.
Quote:
"A list of Commission & Warrant Officers appointed, removed and
exchanged by Thomas Cotes esq, Commander in Chief of His Hajesty's
Ships Vessels at Jamaica 17 May 1757 to 23 May 1760."
10 March 1759: Captain Hon Fredrick Maitland From Port Royal to Wager
(under reason) "In the room of Captain Shumer, resigned on acc of Bad
Health.
Half Pay
ADM/25/68: half pay register for 1 Jan 1765 - 30 June 65:
Captain Frederick Maitland 181 days, 4 shilling/day, Full: £36-4-0,
Neat: £35-15-0 to Jos Thomas, attn.
Also shown in this half year, William Maitland, sugeon.
/72: 1/1/67-30/6/67, as for /68 (to R Kee, Attns)
/76: 1/1/69-30/6/69, ditto
/80: 1/1/71-30/6/71, ditto
/84: 1/1/73-30/6/73, £54-6-0, £53-12-6
/88: 1/1/75-30/6/75, ditto.
Muster Books:
Ships muster books were kept by the ships clerk and recorded details of
the persons on board. They contained a list of those on board and the
dates of their arrival and departure. The position of the ship was
recorded every week or so.
Ship Data from "The Sailing Navy List" by David Lyon (1993)
Conway Maritime Press ISBN 0-85177-617-5 (limited Edn) 864-X (Std Edn)
Personal Logbooks
From Greenwich National Maritime Museum Library:
These logbooks were kept as part of the evidence of experience required
for promotion to command rank.
Extracts from those for Tavistock (ADM L/T 30) and Rochester (ADM L/R
182) are included below. The remaining ships on which FLM was Lieutenant
do not have Lt Logs extant.
The content of these logs reads somewhat like a diary where the writer
is required to find something to write each day: can be dull and
repetitive!
7.COMBINED MUSTER BOOK & CAPTAIN'S LOGS
Tavistock:
(Muster only)
4th rate 50 G 2 Decker 1745 Establishment
144', 117'8"x41'x17'8", 1052 tons.
350 Men, Guns: GD 22x24, UD 22x12, QD 4x6, Fc 2x6.
Blade of Hull Ord 19/10/45, K 11/46, L 26/8/1747
Muster: ADM 36/4195 9/47-10/52 Capt Logs: ADM 51/995
4198 4/49-8/51
4199 9/47-3/49
FLM joined 20/10/1748 as mid (#323) discharged to Speedwell, sloop with
2 others, 14/5/49.
rejoined 3/1/1750 as mid, disch 11/6/1750 to Otter (#643)
1/10/48 Portsmouth 25/11/48 Spithead
18/2/49 @ Sea 13/4/49 English Harbour (Antigua)
29/4/49 @ Sea 8/5/49 Carlisle Bay, Barbados
28/7/49 Grand Courland Bay 4/8/49 Tortugas Bay, Tobago
13/8/49 Carpa Bay of Main, Tortugas
30/8/49 @ Sea 30/9/49 English Harbour
21/10/49 @ Sea 29/10/49 Carlisle Bay
11/11/49 Martinico 20/11/49 @ Sea
29/11/49 Carlisle Bay 16/1/50 @ Sea
7/2/50 Carlisle Bay 7/3/50 @ sea
14/3/50 Carlisle Bay 11/4/50 English Harbour
28/5/50 St John Rd 7/6/50 @ Sea
14/6/50 Carlisle Bay
Personal logs:
11/6/1750: Landed Barbados
12/6/1750: to Carlisle Bay, Otter present.
1/7/1750: Otter sailed, ENE wind..
17/12/1749: Punished & Discharged Tho Davies for attempted sodomy.
Speedwell:
(Muster only)
Capt Logs: ADM 51/917 ADM/36/3658
Sloop: "Swallow" Class 10 Guns 1743. 91', 74'9"x26'x12', 268 & 77/94.
110 men, 10 x 6lbr (later 12 x 6lb) & 18 swivels
Ord 30/3/44, K 4/44, L 9/11/44 Sold 1750
Plans: Charnock Collection, Ch 166.
FLM commissioned Lt 14/5/50, disch 3/1/50 (one copy says 1749!).
15/5/49 Barbados 22/5/49 @ Sea
23/6/49 English Harbour 8/8/49 @ Sea
23/9/49 English Harbour 7/12/49 @ Sea
8/1/50 English Harbour
Otter:
(Muster only)
A "Snow" 14 Guns, 80 men (1742-63)
"Drake Group" 85', 68'8"x23'6"x9'6", 204T Guns 8x4, 12 Swivels
ADM 36/2339 : last entry 29/5/1751, FLM not present.
Capt Logs: ADM 51/662
Next book /6270: commissioned 16/5/1753 at Deptford, FLM not present.
FLM muster no 966: joined as Lt ex Tavistock, 14/6/1750 @ Barbados.
Musters @:
13/6/50 Barbados 12/7/50 Antigua
27/7/50 @ Sea 3/8/50 St Thomas
11/8/50 St Johns Porto(lio?) 7/10/50 St Thomas
15/10/50 @ Sea 30/10/50 Barbados
6/11/50 Antigua 18/12/50 @ Sea
26/12/50 St Thomas 2/1/51 @ Sea
17/1/51 Barbados 28/1/51 Spices Roads, Barbados
27/2/51 @ Sea 12/3/51 Trinidad
21/3/51 @ Sea 15/4/51 Barbados
6/6/51 @ Sea 6/7/51 Downs & Deptford
8/8/51 or 26/10/51 end of commission
Port Mahon:
(Muster only)
1733 Establishment 20, 20 Guns 150 men
106', 87'x30'6"x9'5", 442 4/94 Ton Guns UD 20x9
Buxton, Deptford, ord 4/9/1739, K 17/10/39 L 26/8/40 Sold 1763.
ADM/36/6325: Capt Logs: Nil extant?
23/1/1753: FLM Lt commissioned at the Hamouze.
to 19/4/1753 @ Spithead. 30/4/53 @ sea
6/5/53-1/6/53 @ Spithead 10/6/53-7/8/53 @ Sea
13/8/53 @ Boston Hbr 20/8/53 @ sea
27/8/53 @ St John's Newfoundland
11/9/53-13/10 @ sea 20/10/53-7/11 @ Lisbon River
14/11/53 @ sea 24/11-20/2/54 @ Spithead
28/2/54-7/3 @ sea 15/3-28/3/54 @ Plymouth
8/4/54-14/8/54 @ Spithead 13/4/54 FLM Discharged
Rochester:
(Muster & Lt only)
Bristol Class 1742, 50 Guns 350 men (Est 1741 but 6' longer)
Deptford Dyd, Ord 8/3/47, K 24/9/47, L 3/8/49, Sold 1770
146', 120X40X16'10", 1021 Tons.
Guns: GD 22x24, UD 22x12, QD 4x6, Fc 2X6.
ADM 36/6444 Capt Logs: ADM 51/792
Commissioned 11/3/1755, Chatham
Captain: Robert Duff, 1st: Jas Harmer, 2nd: Hon FLM
Sailed the Channel, taking French Prisoners May 1756,
FLM joined 21/3/55
FLM discharged: for Perfermt 16/1/1757 into Port Royal.
8/5-16/5/55 Sheerness 24/5-17/7/55 Portsmouth
23/7-7/9/55 @ Sea 17/9-7/10/55 Portsmouth
20/10-31/10/55 @ Sea 6/11/55 Plymouth
14/11-29/12/55 @ Sea 9/1-5/3/56 Plymouth
14/3-30/4/56 @ Sea 1/5-31/5/56 Docked.
Prisoners: 15/9/55, 3.
17/10/55 - 17 ex la Beure Desdinger (?)
30/10/55 140 from other ships transported to Plymouth.
(41 from Vanguard, 55 from Windsor, 86 from Monmouth.
ADM 26/6445:
7/5/56 @ Sea 24/5/56 Plymouth
7/6-21/7/56 @ Sea 30/7-27/8/56 Deal
9/9-24/9/56 Portsmouth Hbr 30/9-30/11/56 @ Sea
7/12-21/12/56 Cadiz 30/12-16/1/57 @ Sea
16/1/-17/3/57 Harbour - must be England - no time to sail to
Jamaica (Clerk I Fletcher).
7/4/-2/5/57 @ Sea 24/5/57 Plymouth
FLM 2nd Lt personal logs:
17/1/57: moored Plymouth
24/12/56: weighed Cadiz
4/12/56: moored Cadiz. (ADM L/R 181)
(ADM L/R 181)
11/3/55: @ Chatham - 10/3/56.
17/10/55: Chased French ship Newfoundland, 117 men, took prize.
15/9/55: Ran aground, tide floated off.
11/9/55: took prize.
Port Royal:
(Muster only)
Bermuda Sloop, 1757-63, purchased Jamaica 1757, registered & sold 1763.
no other data.
ADM/36/6416: Capt Logs: ADM 51/717
Commissioned 17/1/1757, FLM as Captain (discharged 11/3/59).
Began Sea Victualling 10/8/1757.
15/8-31/8/57 @ Port Royal Hbr (FLM not signed 31/8/57)
8/9-21/11/57 @ sea (carried men from the Marlborough)
28/11-14/1/58 @ Port Royal
21/1-22/2/58 @ Sea + 17 prisoners
28/2-7/3/58 @ Port Royal
14/3-8/4/58 @ sea
15/4-15/5/58 @ Port Royal
22/5-29/5/58 @ sea + prisoners
7/6/58 @ Port Royal
24/6-8/7/58 @ sea
15/7-31/8/58 @ port Royal
7/9-7/11/58 @ sea
14/11-29/12/58 @ Port Royal
1/1/59-13/1/59 @ sea
20/1-11/3/59 @ Port Royal.
22/2/58: carried prisoners from the Jean Bapt, snow, and Un Petit Bon
Enfant, private schooner.
22/5/58: carried prisoners from Maria (sloop, 14), Petronell (schooner,
12), La Bonne Esther (15), Le Turene(?) Isaac (24), La Catherina
Isabella (snow, 21). All capt. 24 & 25/5/58.
30/11/58: carried prisoners from private schooner L'Esperance.
10/9/57: took possession of PR in PR.
Cleaning and stores.
1/9 Sailed with convoy
5/9 W end of Jam 4L
8/9 Grand Caimains anchored
9/9 continued cruising.
19/10 punished Jno Thomas for mutiny.
23/10-28/10 anchiored Beata. Stopping leaks.
4/11/ anchored PR.
18/11/ sailed - fired 4 shot at a sloop to windward.
21/11 PR.
15/1/58 stores from Kingston:60 barrels Bread (9320 lbs)
4 Tierces Rice 1846 lbs, 4 barrels Flour 873 lbs, 7 casks butter, 446 lbs, 21 barrels beef 1176 lbs, 12 barrels pork 1344 lbs, Calavances 5 Tierces 38 bushels, Rum 3 puncheons 368 gals, Vinegar 2 ?? 120 gals.
22/1 SAILED from PR.with convoy.
4/2 Nr Cape Nicholo, gave chace.
5/2 took French Snow called St Jean Baptiste bound to Monty? Fored 4 shots.
12/2 Running fight with English privateer from New York.
24/2 PR
7/3 sailed
21/3 Cape Tiberoon 8L
31/3 Platform Bay.
13/4 Fired several shotr at chace which proved to be Fench Pirvateer "Bone John Jan" belonging to Porta Prince. Took 42 men on board Nr Island of Neuafora?
14/4/ PR
14/5 Sailed East from Jamaica, past Cape Rosa, Cape Maize, Cape Nichola & Tortuga. & Cape Francois.
1/6 PR.
3/6 ran aground in Harbour!
10/6 sailed
19/6 punished Mathew Mempriss and Thoms Borthick from mutiny.
6/7: Gave chace, fired 4 shots, proved to be a snow, Catrian Isabel from St Marks bound for Burdoa.
7/7 in coy with the Seaford and took prize in tow.
10/7 PR
23/8 to Kingston.
27/8 PR
5/9 sailed with snow in convoy.
23/9 PR.
27/9 sailed.
4/10 near Cape Nichola til 1/11
6/11 near Cape Roza and Cape Donameria
13/11 PR
22/11 Sailed
9/12 near Cape Francois
27/12 anchored at Mount Christo
28/12 sailed
31/12. Near Cape Francois.
12/1 The Platform, wooding and watering.
15/1 PR.
11/3/59 PR.
Wager:
1741 Establishment 24, 24 guns, 160 men
Quallet, Rotherhythe. Ord 30/4/43, K 19/5/43, L 2/6/44, Sold 1763
112, 91'6"x32'x11', 498 34/94 ton. Guns LD 2x9, UD 20x9, QD 2x3
ADM/36/7053, 7054 Capt Logs: ADM 51/1045
Commission started Deptford 12/2/56
Captains: William Preston died 11/3/57 @ sea
1st Lt became Capt 12/3/57 - 27/4/18
William Shumer 18/4/1757, resigned 11/3/59
FLM 7/3/59 plus volunteers from Port Royal (schooner)
Transferred to Lively 6/8/59
New Capt Wyatt 14/9/59.
Port Royal: 12/3/59-10/4 Sailed 11/4
@ sea: 17/4-10/5/59 moored 12/5
Port Royal: 17/5-3/6 Sailed 8/6
@ sea: 10/6-3/7/59 M'd Charleston 9/7
South Carolina: 10/7-17/7 Sailed 20/7
@ sea: 24/7-1/8/59 Moored 5/8
Port Royal: 6/8-14/9/59
Prisoners:
Ship Le Hardy - 91 - 27/4/59 disch to Greenwich Prison 2/5/59.
Sloop Sarriah - 9 - 6/5/59
Ship Gertrude - 6 - 24/5/59
Captain's Logs:
12/3/1759: moored at Port Royal until 10/4/1759.
Cruising around Jamaica sometime in company with Port Antonio and
Dreadnought.
26/4/1759: Cape Nicholas NbE 5-6 Leagues.
At 1 pm saw 2 sail in the NE quarter. Gave chace. At 3pm saw 4 more sail
in the same quarter standing to the westward. Perceived the first to be
Her Majesty's sloops Peregrine and Port Antonio in chace of the former
sail. At dark followed the sloop's light. At 10 the Peregrine and one of
the above sail engaged. The Peregrine dropped astern. At half past 11 we
came up and fired a broadside at the sail at which she struck, proved to
be the Gertrude Dutch ship. Sent the boat an officer and 12 men on board
her and left her to the care of the Peregrine. Made sail to the westward
after the other. At 5 saw the frigate in the NW quarter about 3 miles
distant which the Peregrine gave chace. The Dreadnought in chace of the
Harmony and we in chace of the Hardy. At 8 the Harmony and Port Antonio
exchanged several broadsides. At 9 she struck to the Dreadnought. Still
in chace of the Hardy.
27/4/1759: Still in chace of the Hardy. Got out the ship's oars and
rowed after her. At 6pm Cape Nicholas NNE and Cape Mayze NNWhW 7-8
Leagues. At 7 lost sight of the chace. At 6am saw the chace to the
Eastward standing to the Westwards, the Dreadnought to the Eastward.
Chace of her we in shore made short trips to prevent her going between
land and us. At 9am we tacked to the southward. She bore down upon us.
At 10 began to fire at her. She coming down across our bow. We continued
a brisk fire until 3/4 past 10 when the Hardy struck to us. Sent
lieutenant mate and midshipman and 20 men on board her.
13/5/1759 to 8/6/1759 at Port Royal.
8/6/1759, sailed with convoy.
12/6/59: 106 sail in sight (typical report for some time).
Sighting reports of Cuba and Florida on voyage.
9/7/1759: moored Charlestown.
19/7-4/8/59 returned to Port Royal in company with several other naval
ships.
6/8/1759: Port Antonio moored at Port Royal.
Lively:
6th Rate, 20 Guns Gibraltar Class 1753
Janvrin, Hamble. Ord 20/5/55, K 6/55, L 10/8/56.
107'8", 88'x30'4"x9'8", 430 64/94 tons. Guns UD 20x9.
Muster Book ADM/36/6002 (to 1/4/60) 6003 (from 7/4/60) - examined. (ML)
Capt Logs: ADM 5/545 - extracts copied. (CL)
Commissioned 4/8/1756 Portsmouth then Spithead.
Captains: John Bessell, 26/8/56 - 6/6/57
Francis Wyatt, 1/9/? - 6/8/59
FLM succeeded Francis Wyatt 7/8/59 from Wager.
FLM transferred to Renown 15/4/1761: new Capt Richard Carter from
"Glasgow".
Muster (ML) and Captain's (CL) Log extracts:
31/7/59-14/8/59 (ML): Port Royal.
6/8/59 PR Hbr. I resigned the command of ship to The Honourable FM. I
being appointed commander of HMS the Wager in his room, F Wyatt.
7/8/1759-14/8/59, (CL): anchored Port Royal.
21/8-26/9/59 (ML): at sea.
8/9/59 (CL): saw 2 sail to windward rowing after the chace.
9/9/59 (CL): 8pm came up with the chace which proved to be the Britannia
ship from London --- from New York bound to Jamaica loaded with
provisions, taken by a French privateer of Cape Mayze, put a mate, a Mid
and some men on board her and brought the prisoners on board here at 10
pm made sail to the N'ward, The ships in company at 6am.
10/9/59 (CL): saw 2 sails and, out all reefs, gave chace. At 9 brought
to the chace which proved to be a privateer schooner from Providence and
another schooner her prize.
17/9/59 (CL): saw a sail to the southward and gave chace. out oars and
rowed towards her. At 7 the chace stood close inshore Cape Donne Maria
South 3 leagues. Hoisted out the Barge and sent her off ahead to keep
sight of her in the night, at 11 pm came up with her and fired 2 shott
at her and found her to be at anchor. She proved to be a French Snow
from Martinico bound to Port as Prince sent the barge on board to bring
her off, sounded 15 fathoms water dist offshore half a mile at 2 am. The
Prize snow joined company with us.
4/10/59 (CL): moored PR
3/10-17/11/1759 (ML): Port Royal
20/11/59 (CL): sailed
24/11/1759 (ML): at sea.
1/12/59-31/1/60: ML missing, also a gap in the Captain's log which
covers the period when he was in action against Le Valleur.
12/12/59 (CL): At 2am saw a sail to windward and another to leeward Bore
down and hailed that to leeward which found to be sloop belonging to
Curacoe? From Cape Francois had been taken by HMS Edinburgh retaken by a
French privateer & bound for Port au Prince loaded with sugar and indigo
Sent a PO and 8 seamen on board to take charge of her and brought the
French prisoners on board.
20/12/59 (CL): in Chace, fired 2 guns brought to Flag of Truce Brig
belonging to Rhode Island loaded with sugar and indigo from Port au
Prince. Sent Petty Officer and 7 men to take charge of her.
During these cruises, there were often "Chaces", mostly after innocent
ships, but many under "Flag of truce". A number of small ships were
taken.
23/12/59-26/12/1759: moored Port Royal.
16/1/1760 (CL): Rowed after brig belonging to Whitby from Cape Fear
bound to Jamaica but taken by a French Privateer and bound into Port au
Prince. Sent a Petty Officer and some seamen to take possession of her.
2/2/59: in action against 5 ships, taken with Cerberus helping.
7/2-14/2/60 (ML): Port Royal.
8/2-15/2/60 (CL): moored Port Royal.
21/2-14/3/60 (ML): at sea.
21/3-28/3/60 (ML): Port Royal. (end muster book 6002)
7/4-14/4/60 (ML): Port Royal (begin muster book 6003)
21/3-17/4/60 (CL): moored Port Royal.
21/4-14/5/60 (ML): at sea.
20/4/60: took schooner La Triponne of 2 carriage guns and 6 swivels.
Sent Petty Officer and 6 men to take charge.
27/4/60: 23 rebell negroes from the Port Antonio.
28/4/60: took another sloop.
30/4/60: Port Royal for one day.
3/5/1760:
Saw 3 sail to the Eastward at 2 (pm) discovered 1 of the sails to be HMS
Cerberus on chace of a sloop. At 3 the sloop put before the wind and the
chace fired several shott at her At 5 fired a shott at the sloop. She
fired a shott and hoisted the French colours. Continued firing at her
till half past 5 when she struck her colours and brought to, found her
to be a French privateer called La St Jean Baptista belonging to Port au
Prince. SE end of Jamaica NhE 5-6 leagues.
10/5/60: Took sloop "Two Brothers", originally taken by a French privateer.
21/5-28/5/60 (ML): Port Royal.
20/5-28/5/60 (CL): moored Port Royal.
7/6-28/7/60 (ML): at sea.
1/7/60: half past 6, The east end of the Isle of Vache NhW 3-4 Leagues,
also near Point Abacco. Saw a sail inshore, made sail and gave chace.
2/7/60: still in chace; at 6 (pm) Cape Tiberoon NWbN 4-5 Leagues. The
chace WNW distance 8-9 miles. At half past 7 (pm) lost sight of the
chace. At half past 10 saw the chace bearing NbW. Got the oars out and
rowed. At 2 (am?) anchored near the chace in a little bay to the north
of Irish Bay in 10 fathoms of water with a small bower. Irish Bay point
SSE 3 cables. Began to fire on her and sent the boats manned and armed
to board her. The enemy from on board the ship and on shore began to
fire at the boats. The enemy fired several cannon and several shott at
the boats from on shore and several volleys of small arms from different
parts of the bay. At 3 the boats the boats returned. Weighed the small
bower anchor warped further in and let go the small bower anchor again
and got a spring on the cable. Irish Bay Point South distance 1.5
cables. The northward most point of the Bay NbW. At half past 4 began to
fire at the ship and at the enemy on the shore. Sent the boats manned
and armed in order to board the ship. The boats boarded her, she being
aground and a great deal of water in the hold. Found her to be a French
ship of 10 carriage guns in her ballast. Continued to fire at the enemy
on shore in order to protect our people on board the ship from them and
sent the boats on shore with some men armed in order to destroy the
enemy and their cannon and swivel guns which they had planted there. The
people returned after having destroyed one 4 pdr and some swivels.
Employed endeavoring to warp the ship off but finding the flook of the
anchor through her bottom found it impossible to get her off. At 11 got
6 4 pdrs and carriages out of her. Received a musket shot from the shore
which wounded Philip boy seaman in the breast. At noon set her on fire.
The boats returned with a schooner rigged boat which they found laying
in the Bay.
3/8/1760: moored Port Royal.
7/8-29/9/60 (ML): moored Port Royal
7/10-21/10/60 (ML): at sea.
28/10-8/12/60 (ML): Port Royal.
3/9-7/12/1760: Captain's logs missing, unfortunately covering the period
of the Battle with "Le Valleur".
15/12-28/1/1761 (ML): at sea.
7/2-14/3/61 (ML): Port Royal.
21/3-14/4/61 (ML): at sea.
15/4/1761 (CL): At Cape Fear, Transferred to Renown.
Prisoners:
Ship Britannia - 10 - 8/9/59 Snow Heurens - 3 - 8/9/59
Sloop Jamaica - 31 - 1/10 Sloop Elizabeth - 9 -12/12/59
La Fortune - 6 - 27/1/60 Schooner 6 Brothers - 7 -16/3/60
Sloop Charming Sally - 27/4/60 Schooner Le Triponne -20/4/60
Sloop 2 Brothers Also 31 Rebell Negroes -26/4/60
Boat Flying Fish - 3 - 26/6/60 Sloop La Chatain - 10 -20/7/60
Le Valleur - 130 - 18/10/60, incl Capt Talbot, discharged to Greenwich
Prison, Jamaica.
Schooner Hope - 21 - 3/1/61 Privateer Solid Boy - 1 -12/1/61
St Joseph - 10 - 23/1/61 Polague L' Eclair - 22 - 30/1/61
Renown Muster Books & Captain's Log Transcripts
9 pdr Frigate 6th Rate (French La Renomee, 1744, Brest, taken by
"Dover" 27/9/1747) 30 Guns, 220 men. (ex "Fame")
Dims & Tons: 126'2" (Lower Deck), 103'7" (nominal keel), 34'10" (Beam),
11'8" (nominal hold depth), 694 (nominal) tons. Nominal dims used to
calculate nominal tonnage.
Guns: UD 24x9, QD 4x4.
Reclassed 5th Rate 22/4/1757 Broken Up 1771.
ADM/36/6018 Capt Logs: 51/3951
Commission started 17/5/1758
15/4/61 Capt Geo. Mackenzie to Defiance,
FLM joined 16/4 from Lively, + several from Lively.
(Captain's log dates change at noon)
Port Royal 31/1/61 - 3/2 or more - capt log pages msg 4/2 - 15/4
@ sea: 7/2/1761-15/4
@ sea: 16/4-8/5/61 off Guarnave
16/4/61: moored PR
7/5 chaced and took French sloop from Bordaeux to Port au Prince.
10/5: ... @ 9 am saw 3 sail and gave chace in company with sloop.
11/5: still in chace. @ 1 pm fired 3 shott at the chace. @ 1/2 past the
chace hoisted French colours and struck them immediately and brought
too, proved to be an English schooner from South Carolina for Jamaica
called the Black Jack taken by a French privateer the day before 'Do'
shifted the prisonners and sent a petty officer and some hands on board
to take charge of her and made sail at 1/2 past 5.
16/5-30 - 2/6: Port Royal.
3/6 - 6/6 at sea.
7/6-20/6 Port Royal
21/6 - 29/6 at sea
30/6-14/7: Port Royal & Kingston
15/7-16/6 at sea
17/7-19/7 Bluefield Bay
From 20/7, Next 2 months muster logs missing.
Capt Logs:
20/6/1761: Sailed Port Royal.
21/6-29/6 @ sea,
30/6-5/7 in Hbr,
19/7 Bluefield Bay, Jamaica
21/9/61 Deal Castle, the Downs.
10/2/62 to Woolwich and then Spithead.
3/3/62 sailed from Spithead to Plymouth
7/3/62 took French cutter 6 guns from Morleaux
9/3 6 am saw sail - gave chace with Lizard NebE 4L. Chace hoistd French
colours and began to fire her stern chace at us which we returned with
our bow chace. At 11 brought her too proved to be a French privateer
ship of twelve guns belonging to Dunkirk. Shifted the prisoners and sent
an officer and 20 men to take charge of her & his majestis ship Mermaid
in company and three sloops in sight.
14/3/62, sailed from Plymouth cruising til 3/4.
16/4: Left for Lisbon.
23/3/62: ... at 6 am got up main top gallant yard. Saw a sail in the NE
which made sail and gave chace. Let the reefs out of the top sail. At 10
'Do' got the fore migon?? Top gallant yard up. And sprit sail hyard out.
Tacked occasionally still in chace.
24/3: .. AT 1 pm got the ship's oars? Out and rowed after the chace. At
3 the chace hoisted French colours and fired a gun to leeward. At 4 she
struck her colours and bore down to us. 'Do' brought too and went on
board her, found her to be a French privateer snow of 8 guns belonging
to H? Malos 'Do' Shifted the prisoners and sent a petty officer and
twelve men to take charge of her...
3/4 - 18/4 Plymouth
19/4 at sea to Cork 24/3
26/4 sailed with 14 transport to Lisbon
5/5 Portugal
16/5 sailed from Lisbon with convoy
23/6 anchored Plymouth
22/7 sailed for Oporto
2/8 anchored Oporto with convoy
3/8 sailed Oporto
17/8 anchored Oporto
18/8 sailed Oporto
27/8-9/9 anchored Oporto
10/9 sailed with convoy
22/9 anchored Spithead
17/11 sailed from Spithead
31/12/1762 anchored Port Royal
5/1/63 sailed from Port Royal towards Cape Francois, passed Tortuga 16/2
24/2/63 moored Port Royal 22/4/63 sailed
6/5/63 moored Savanna 12/7/63 left Savanna
18/7/63 St Augustine 29/7 sailed
17/8 moored Port Royal 1/9/63 sailed with convoy
11/9 Boca Chica Road 9 56N 4/10 sailed
11/10 Port Royal 12/1/64 sailed
31/1/64 moored Pensacola 17/3/64 sailed
19/3 Arr Mobile 20/3 sailed
31/3 Savanna 3/4/64 sailed
18/4 anchored Port Royal 1/5-4/5 trip to Port Morant
20/6 sailed 31/7/64 Spithead
25/8/64 end of commission
Prisoners:
Schooner Neptune - 7 - 21/4/61
Blackbird? - 8
ADM 36/6519-21
Commissioned 1/11/1761, FLM Captain 31/1/1762 @ Woolwich
10/3/1762-14/4 @ Sea to: Plymouth to
24/4/1762-30/4 @ sea to: Lisbon to
17/5/1762-7/62 @ sea to: Plymouth to
7/8-7/9/62 @ sea to: Oporto to
15/9-25/9/62 @ sea to: Spithead to
23/11- 8/3/63 @ sea to; Port Royal to
30/4-7/5/63 @ sea to: Savannah to
7/6-23/7/63 @ sea to: St Augustine to
30/7-23/8/63 @ sea to: Port Royal to
7/9-15/9/1763 Bocachica Road, Cartagena to
8/10-15/10 @ sea to: Port Royal to
9/1-7/2/1764 @ sea to: Pensacola to
ADM/36/6521
23/2 -16/3/64 @ sea to: Port Royal to
31/5/64 to 3/8/1764, @ Sea to: Spithead
13/8/64 to: Woolwich
Paid off 25/8/64.
43 Prisoners from French Privateer La Saujon discharged 6/3/1762.
97 Prisoners from FP The Count d'Herronville
65 L' Domerville
13 American ship
12 a schooner
ADM/6/7485 FLM not Captain
Elizabeth Muster Books & Captain's Logs Transcripts
Class 1766, Slade Design, 74 Guns, 550/660 men.
Ord 6/11/65, K 6/5/66, L 17/10/69, BU 1797.
168'6", 138'3"x46'10"x19'9", 1612 tons
Guns: GD 28x32, UD 28x12, QD 14x9, Fc 4x9.
ADM/36/8017/8: Capt Logs: ADM 51/308
FLM Capt, Charles M & Peter M Capt Servants both joined Portsmouth 2/78
FLM superceded 18/12/1778.
Began Wages 3/1/1778
Muster Book, (ADM/36/8017):
Began wages 3rd & sea victualling 26/1/1778 in Portsmouth hbr.
Portsmouth: 31/1/78-18/5 Spithead: 27/5/1778
St Helens: 8/6/78 (spelling??) At sea 15 & 22/6/78
St Helens 30/6 7/7/78 At sea: 15/7/78-31/7
Plymouth Sound: 8/8/78-15/8 At sea: 22/8/78-30/9-22/10
Spithead: 31/10-15/12/78
St Helens near Spithead.
Captain's Logs:
26/1/78: commissioned @ Portsmouth
31/1 Mustered company
2/2 mustered company articles of war
5/2 recd provisions
7/2 Approved Lt De la Touch to go to a "Bend'r" at London, mustered
company.
10/2 Fresh breezes & snow
14/2 Mustered company.
22/2 Fresh gales & cloudy with rain
24/2 More moderate mustered company.
25/2/ Fresh breezes & cloudy Provision
28/2 Recd 10 men from Princess Amelia.
1/3 Cloudy with snow, latter part light breezes
2/3. Fresh breezes & cloudy
3/3 Fresh breezes & cloudy. Sent man to hospital. HMS ?? made signal for
Court Martial.
6/3 Mustered company.
8/3 Recd from the Sweep Stakes Tender the men and bags.
9/3 Recd 1 man from the rendezvous. Deserted 2 seamen.
10/3 Emp'd getting the rigging on deck. Went out of habr HMS Prince
George. Recd fresh provisions etc.
13/3/ Rigging ship etc
14/3 Recd 29 men from Leith. HMS Burford made the signal for Court
Martial.
16/3 Run from the ship 3 marines with the yawl. Emp'd as before. Recd 1
Lt & 6 men from HMS Terrible.
20/3 Hogged (Flogged?) & Pay'd the ships bottom. Recd 3 men from the
Terrible.
28/3 Recd from Leith Rendevoun? 40 men.
Rigging ship & receiving stores & water.
6/4. Recd from Leith Trader 60 volunteers.
7/4 Brought on board a sailor for straggling. Transported the ship down
to the 3rd moorings on the east shore.
11/4 100 men from HMS Burford.
29 & 30/4 loading guns.
1/5 loaded remainder of guns.
2/5 The standard hosted in the yard upon their majesties coming there.
Draft of water: Fwd 20'11", aft 22'3"
4/5. Gave their Majesties 3 cheers as passing by (ref Charlotte &
William & Mary yachts)
5/5 Getting sail on board
6/5 3 cheers for Majesties.
9/5 1 Lt of marines witrh 31 privates was drafted from the ship by order
of the Admiral. Hoisted the pendant at the fore top Gall't mast head.
Standard hauled down on the yard
10/5 at 6 attempted to get out of habour.
13/5 attempted as before.
14/5 Returned the Quarter, upper deck & fore castle guns.
15/5 Recd all the upper, quarter deck & forecastle guns.
Recd from HQ 1 major, 2 lt & 31 private marines.
16/5 warped into the stream. At noon hauled back.
17/5 AM, down T' Gall't Yarde
18/5 Made signal to go out. Secured the ship.
19/5 At 10 am warped the ship into the stream. Made the signal for
assistance.
20/5 Working out to Spithead. At 4pm sailed out of the harbour with the
Berwick, Cumberland and Sandwich; at 6pm worked into a berth and came to
with the Best Bower in 7 fathoms. At 8 moored ship St Helens Point,
South Southsea Castle.
29/5 PM the Clerk of the Cheque paid His Majesties Royal Bounty to the
Ships Company & the Commissioner paid the Burfords their wages & Ship's
company 2 months advance.
30/5 At 10 am Unmoored pr signal from the Victory at noon weighed pr
signal and came to sail. At 1/2 past, the tide being done, came to in 12
fathoms. Southsea Casdtle NEbE, St Helens Pt SbE Gulkiher NbW
Positions at Noon.
Excercising great guns etc. for days.
12/6 At 4pm weighed pr signal as did the fleet of 20 Ships of Line, 2
frigates, 1 fire ship & 3 cutters. Left the Romulus & convoy. At
Culver Cliffs NW1/2W 6 miles
13/6 St Catherines Point WbN1/2N
15/6 Marl Point (Portland area?) NE 5L
17/6 Course S63E, 26 miles, in Lat 49N30 made long 0E23. Lizard N36W 9L.
form line of battle. Chace strange sail.
18/6 S40E, 27M 49N20, 0E47, Liz N37n37W 17L. Still in chace. Arethusa
fired many guns. French ships engaged.
19/6 S53W, 60M 48N44, 0W26, Liz N12 38E 28L. Hoisted the signal for 5
strange sail in the SW. AT 6 the Victory made our signal to go a head &
keep sight of the chace. In sight 17 sail of the line & at 3 am made
sail and gave chace to a French frigate with the Foudroyant, Courageux &
2 frigates. At 10 am the Foudroyant bro't the Chace too. Shortened sail.
Left with the chace 2 ships of the line & 2 frigate
20/6 N41W, 42M 49N15, 1W07 Liz N44n10E 20 L.
21/6 S66E, 25M, 49N5, 0W34, Liz N22E 19L
22/6 N41W, 12M, 49N16, 0W40, Liz N30n57E 17L.
23/6 N39E, 27M, 49N37, W14, Liz N21n48E 9L. Made signal for Valiant & us
to chace to windward (NEbS). Made sail. At 11 made signal for seeing
strange sail to th NE.
24/6 SE, 23M, 49N44, 0W17, Liz NW 7L. Land in sight. Fired on and
boarded Dutch Frigate.
25/6. N74E, 37M, 49N51, 1W9, Liz N82W 15L.
27/6 St Helens Mark WbS 3M. Moored.
9/7 Unmoored with 23 ships of the line, 4 frigates, 2 fire ships & 6
cutters. At noon came to anchor in 10 fathoms. B.Bridge Buoy SWbW 3
miles.
10/7 Dunnore NWbW 4L.
11/7 Needles N72E 5L. Foggy.
12/7 Portland NbW 6L
13/7 Start EbN 5-6M.
14/7 49N55, Start NE 7-8L.
15/7 50N10, Eddystone NW 2L.
16/7 Eddystone NW 5-6M at 10 hoisted the boat to tow the ship clear very
calm weather. 40 fathoms at 11.
17/7 49N50, liz NE 41L.
18/7 S28W 44M, 49N21, 0W32. Liz N28E 14L, Ushant S29E 19L. Strange sail
to NW.
19/7 S12w 38m, 48n44, 0w48, Liz N20.21E 27L. Saw land Brg SEbS.
20/7 S61W 18m, 48N22, 0W22, Ushant N61E 6L.
21/7 S21W 81m, 47N2, 0W30, Ushant N13E 30L. AT 6am made sigal for 2
strange sail to NW. Brought too. At 9 the Exeter signal to chace.
22/7 N5E 34m, 47N36, 0W26, Ushant N17E 19L.
23/7 Wind SWbw - WSW - Calm - N. N25W 66m, 48N30, 1W23, Ushant E 18L.
Mod't breezes & cloudy. Later fresh gales & foggy with rain. At 1 pm the
Victory made the Frigates signal to look out a head. At 4 we made the
signal for seeing a strange sail in the NW. Shortened sail. At 8 am the
Victory made the signal to bring to with the Larb's Tacks. At 1/2 past
11 saw a Fleet bearing EbS Distance 5 or 6 miles. Saw several signals
made by them. Had 3 flags at their mast heads. I supposed them to be the
French Fleet. At noon sounded 23 fathoms brown sand. A heavy sea from
the Wesward.
24/7 NNE-W-WNW. N2E 43, 49N13, 1W21, Ushant S51E 23L. Modt & hazy,
middle rainy with strong squalls. Later Mod'e & hazy. At 1 pm the Fleet
in the NE of 42 sail. Made sail up Top Gall't Yards. The Victory made a
signal for the Line E & W & lead with the Larb'd Tacks. Cleared ship for
action. Stove the longboat & hove her overboard. At 6 the Victory made
the signal for the line NE & SW. At 1/2 past 7 the signal for the line
was hauled down. Shortened sail and brought too with the Larb'd Tacks on
Board. At 6am The Arethusa made a signal for seeing the French Fleet NW.
At 8 saw 40 sail of the Enemy NW. Up T.Gall yards & made sail. At 8 the
Victory made the signal to form EbN & WbS. 36 of our ships in sight. At
9 the Victory made the signal for a general chace to the NW. At 1/2 past
10 the Victory made signal for all cruizers to the NW. Shortened sail &
wore to join the fleet. At noon tacked pr signal for the fleet to ??.
25/7 NWbW-SSW-var-NWbW, s69W,23m, 49N5, 1W51 Ushant S64.29E 27L.
Modt & hazey. Middle parts Fresh gales with rain. Latter cloudy. At 1 pm
saw the French fleet form a line of battle Near N & S with 31 ships of
the line & 9 others. At 2 made sail. The rear of the enemy NW and van
WbS. 1/2 past 7 the Victory made signal to form the line SE & NW. Tacked
to gain our station. At 1/2 past 8 the signal was hauled down and he
signal made for all the fleet to Tack together to West. At 2 pm the
French Fleet westward 4 Leagues. Shortened sail. At 8 the enemy in sight
from the mast head only with their Starb'd tacks. Tacked pr signal to
all the fleet. At noon in company 36 sail of ours. The French Fleet WNW
3-4 L.
26/7 WNW-W-NbW, s8E 57m, 48N9, 1W39, Ushant N72.00E, 23 L.
Fresh gales and clear latter parts. At 7 am shortened sail for the
admiral. At 8 The French Fleet WSW. At 5am made sail. In company as
before. The French Fleet WSW 4L. At 10 the signal on board the Victory
for the Fleet to Tack together to NW & the signal for the Red Division
to chace at 1/2 past 11 Victory made signal to call in all Cruzers.
Shortened sail.
Battle of Ushant 27/7/1778
27/7/1778 WSW-SW-var, N71W 48m, 48N25 2W49 Ushant N87.16E? 35 leagues.
Fresh Breeze and cloudy at 1pm made sail per signal from Victory as did
the Egmont, Worcester Defiance and Terrible. At 7 the Victory made a
signal for the headmost ships to tack. We repeated it. The French fleet
SW dist 6 miles in company 30 sail of the line 4 frigates and 2 fire
ships. At 5am the Victory made the signal for the fleet to chace to
windward, made sail. At 10 tacked ship. Sprung the fore top mast in the
Cap Closs?? Reeft it. At 11 saw one of the red squadron in action. The
Victory made the signal to engage. The Vice Admiral repeated it. At ½
past 11 the van was engaged with the enemy's centre. At noon we began to
fire and pass under the lee of the French fleet as did the Egmont
Worcester and Terrible astern of us.
28/7 SWbW-W-WSW, S10E 25m, 48N17, 2W16W, Ushant N81.39E, 29L
Fresh breezes and squally with a swell from the westward. At half past
noon back'd the Miz'n Top Sail & engaged the French Admiral. At the same
time the main Clew Garnets & M'n Top S'l Sheets was shot away. At 1/4
past 1 ceas'd firing the Formidable being between us and the enemy. 1/2
past the Victory hoisted down the signal to engage. Observing many of
our ships disabled in the rigging. At 2 the Victory made signal for the
line NW & SE but the enemy wearing Bearing down & hawling towards us the
Victory made signal to wear & continue the line. We fell in to the
S'ward. At the same time Obs'd one of the enemy's line much disabled and
& anoth'r bearing down to her & then both made sail to the East'd. Mean
time our line bore down to protect 4 of our disabled ships to the SE. At
4 the Red Division coming into the van. We tacked & fell out to the
rear. At 5pm the Victory made several ships signals to fall into their
stations & the signal for the headmost ships to fall into his wake. At 6
got into our station in the Rear. Was obliged to reef M's Top S'l below
the wound. At this time the enemy formed in a line SSE & NNW on our lee
began with their starb'd tacke dist 2 or 3 miles. At 1/2 past 10 saw 3
Rockets from the French Fleet with several flashes of fire. Emp'd
filling powder etc. At 4 am the Formidale fell into the Line astern of
us & only 3 of the Enemy in sight to the NE & ENE. 1/2 past 4 the
Victory made signal to bear before the wind and form the line E & W. At
the same time made the Pce George, Benfisant & Elizabeth sig'l to chace
to the NE. At 5 am the above sig'ld to come within hail of him and
hawled down the chacing flag. Past too, spake the Admiral & brought too
to N'eward. At 6 saw the French Fleet to the SE, but soon lost sight of
them. At 1/2 past 6 the Victory made signal to repair & ?? the rigging.
Emp'd repairing ditto. At 10 the Victory & fleet filled the Top Sails.
29/7 WbS-WNW, N20E 61m, 49N12, 1W12, Ushant S85E 28L. Repairing ship.
30/7 NbE-Calm-WNW, N56E 29m, 40N30, 1W8, Ushant S36E 25L, Liz N50E 16L.
At 1/2 past noon saw Lands End NNE dist 10L
31/7 NW-SSE-WNW, Running for Plymouth Sound.
1/8 Moored Plymouth Sound.
22/8 SW-var-WSW, Eddystone WbS 2m, Weighed in company with 16 Sail of
the line & 1 frigate.
23/8 SW-NW, Eddystone NE 2L. At 10 joined The Victory, Admiral Keppel
and Division.
24/8 NW-N-NE, Liz W7N, 3L.
25/8 ESE-NE-C, Liz N7.2E, 3L
26/8 C, Liz NwbN 6-7L. (Cruising)
27/8 ESE-E, Liz NW 2L
28/8 E, S16E 78m, 48N42, oW33, Liz N16W 29L.
29/8 E-Var, S88W, 35, 48N41, 00W14, Liz N6.50E 25L.
30/8 E-var-NebE, S84W,12m, 48N40, 0W28, Liz N13.21E, 26L.
31/8 N-NNW-ENE, N12W 37m, 48N4, 0W39, Liz N12.47E 41L.
1/9 EN-C-SE, N85W 39m, 48N7, 1W24, Liz N26.33E 41L.
2/9. E, S14E 37m, 47N31, 1W11, Liz N47.41E 51L.
3/9 EbS-E, N6E 30m, 48N1, 1W7, Liz N20.44E 41L.
4/9 EbS-SE-SebE, N56W, 20m, 48N12 0W43, Liz N14.37E 37L.
5/9 EbS-E, N4E 61m, 49N13, 0W37, Liz N28-38£ 17L.
6/9 E-NE, S20E 16m, 49N8, 0W34, Liz N21E, 18L. Liz N26E 18L
7/9 N-NNW-ENE, S35W 7m, 49N3, 0W39, Liz N25.6E, 20L.
8/9 ENE-NebE, S37E 41, 48N30, 0W1/2. Liz NW 29L. Punished James Fletcher
& John Haffee (seamen) for desertion and Jas Taylor marine with Running
the Gauntlett for Theft.
9/9 NE-E-SE, N84E10, 49N29, 0E11, Liz N4.40W 30L.
10/9 SebS-SE-ESE, 48N47, St Agnes Lighthouse, Scilly, NbW 4-5L.
11/9 NbW-N-NW, 49N50, Liz NW 5-6L
12/9 NW-W-WbN, N22E 29m, 49N30, 0E17, Liz N22W 10L. Collision with
Defense! "The Defense came on Board us and carried away the Quarter and
poop Lanthorns
13/9 Patrolling
21/9 Liz N33.57E 40L. ... At 9 made the signal for 3 strange sail in the
NE. our signal to chace. At 10 spoke to a Dutch snow from Peterburgh to
Toulon. At 11 made sail & chaced to the NE. 1/2 past the chace tacked.
set Top Gall't Sails.
Took "Le Volant".
22/9 Liz n52-45E 23L,Am at 1 lost sight of the fleet. The Valiant
Arethusa and Shelford in chace with us. Fired 7 shot at the chace, who
hoisted French colours and ?ay 4 brought too. Sent on board the
(Oreze/Prize) La Volant from America bound to Natz. Received from the
Brigg 28 prisoners. Sent 1 midshipman with 9 men to take charge of her.
At 7 wore and made sail to join the fleet in company with the prize.
11/10 Liz N48E 83L, Ushant N61E 68L. Departed this life Mathew Dyer,
seaman.
13/10 Fell overboard from the mizen Top sail yard arm, Wm McNaughton.
26/10 Moored Spithead.
18/12/78 Spithead: punished Benj'n Eaves & Fred'k Connor for desertion,
Joseph Crosier & John'o Chas Webber for mutiny, all with dozen lashes
each. This day was superceded by Captain Truscott.
FLM superceded 18/12/1778 ("This day was superceded by Capt Truscott,
after administering 12 lashes to several seamen for mutiny" from Capt
logbook: Was he up for inquiry or court martial for this event??).
Taken during 1778:
Prisoners 48, French Brig Le Volant from Virginia with Tobacco for
Nantes.
Captain Truscott's Command:
ADM/36/8018 & 8019:
William Truscott became Captain: Charles & Peter Maitland remustered as
his Servants.
Spithead 22/12/78 Torbay 31/12/78
At Sea 8/1/1779 - 9/2/79
Barbados 10/2-11/2
St Lucia 13/2-
Cruising Caribbean
Bassse Terre Road, St Kitts 31/7/79.
FLM Recommissioned:
31/7/79, Saturday, ENE, Moderate & Fair, came on board, read my
commission & superceded Captain Truscott in the command of HMS
Elizabeth. At 12 am, weighed per signal as did the fleet. At 4 am Vice
Admiral Byron made the signal for the fleet to bear down in his wake.
Wore ship and brought too with the starb'd tacks. In company 27 sail.
31/7/1779 William Truscott left for (unreadable)
FLM takes command again (CM & PM remain with him) ("Read
commission and superceded Capt Truscott").
Note: this appears to have taken place at sea in the region of Anguilla.
At sea: 7/8-14/8/79
1/8 Anguilla ESE 4-5L
2/9 Anguilla S13E 75M
3/9 S7E 159M
4/9 S1W 112M
5/9 S9W, 64M
6/9 S14W 121M
7/9 S12W 196M
8/9 S23W 151M
23/8-8/9 anchored Carlisle Bay, Barbados
9/9 weighed anchor
At Sea: 16/9-8/10
21/9 Barbados S6W 124L. ... at 10 the signal for 5 sail to NW. Admiral
made signal for a general chace. Made sail. The Suffolk made a signal
for seeing a fleet.
22/9 Barbadoes S2W 139L. AM at 4 the chace N dist 5-6L. AM at 6 the
chace WSW 5L and could be about 10 or 11 sail of them.
23/9 B S13E 140L. One of the chace, a French Frigate struck to the
Magnificent. 1/2 past 5 another of the chace struck to us, made a signal
for one of the ships astern to take possession of her. At 1/2 past 7
brought too two more of the chace. They were from Burdeaux bound to Cape
Francois: sent an officer on board one and a midshipman on board the
other with 46 seaman to take charge of them. Received from both prizes
about 147 prisoners. At 10 bore away & made sail. The fleet EbN 4L. AM
at 7 left off chace. Joined the fleet as did the Magnificent and her
prize. Joined us two prizes.
24/9 misc
25/9 Barbados S8E 159L. Distributed the prisoners to several ships
except 22 on board. Signal to chace 2 sail to NE.
26/9 B SE 165L. ... At 6 brought too the chace, a French ship and snow
letter of Marg'r. Bound from Ciane? to St Domingo. Sent an officer & 10
men on board the ship and a mid with 10 men on board the snow to take
charge of them.
Cruising
Barbados: 15/10-8/11
16/10 Moored Carlisle bay
9/11 weighed
At Sea: 15/11
St Lucia: 8/12-22/12
6/12 St Lucia
18/12/79 Gros Islet Island, St Lucia. AM at 3 heeled ship and scrubbed
between wind and water. At 7 the signal was made for a court martial on
board the Sutton. At 1/2past 8, the Preston appeared off going before
the wind with the signal for a fleet flying and firing guns - at 3/4
past 8 the Admiral made the signal for a boat and officers to repair on
board. At 9 a signal from the Admiral to slip and chace to windward. At
10 we repeated the signal made by the Boreas for the Chace being
enemies. At 11 the Preston and Boreas began to fire at some of the
French Merch't ships. 1/2 past 11 we fired at several of them some of
whom brought too and others run ashore.
19/12/79 Gros Islet Island SSE 2-3 L. About noon we opened fort Royal
Bay, Martinice in chace of a French Frigate and several merchant
vessels, when a French 74 gun ship got under way and Bore Down within
Random? Of the Conqueror and us. She was soon thereafter followed by 2
other French Line of Battleships, who all hawled thir wind and turned
into the bay again. At 1/2 past noon, the Conqueror bagan to fire at the
French Admiral, who came first down, and the other 2 ships, a few
minutes after, we did the same, and continued firing, and running into
the bay - from that time, till 6 in the evening. About 5 The Albion and
Vigilant came up and fired at the enemy. At 6 the signal was made by our
different admirals to call in all cruizers. - Wore as did the other
ships that were in action, and joined the fleet. Brought too, at 8 made
sail per signals and tack'd occasionally. Am at 6 in company 15 sail of
the line, 2 Fiftys 1 Frigate 1 Tender and 9 prizes. At 7 the Admiral
made the signal for the Conquereor and us to go into port. Tacked and
stood for Gros Isles Bay, St Lucia.
20/12 Anchored. Funeral of Capain Griffiths of the Conqueror.
28/12 Weighed and parted company with Admiral Parker in Gros Isles Bay.
31/12/79 Moored Antigua.
Antigua, English Hbr: 31/12/79-31/1/80
At Sea: 8/2-22/2
7/2/1780 weighed
13/2 Barbados S54E 184m, At 4pm gave chace to a sail SSE. Fired 4 guns
at her she hoisted English colours. At 6 gave chace to a schooner to SE.
Fired 8 guns and brought her too. Bound from Guadaloupe to Salem, N
America. Received 5 prisoners sent 8 men to conduct her to Barbados. She
parted company for that port. Gave chace to 2 sail in the NW, one a
ship, the other a Brigg.
14/2 Dessada N68W 53 miles. At 2 am brought too one of the chace, a
Brigg from London, bound for Antigua, at the same time saw and gave
chace to a fleet of 34 or 35 to NW. English. Info re French Fleet
St Lucia: 29/2-7/3
At Sea: 15/3
St Lucia: 23/3
Gos Isle Bay???: 31/3
5/4/80-15/4 - moored Gros Islet Bay. St Lucia.
15/4 AM at 4 signal to unmoore at 10 weighed ?? as did the fleet. Split
the fore top sail - Bent another.
St Lucia: 8/4-15/4 At Sea: 22/4-14/5
Sunday 16/4 Light Breezes & fair. 1/2 past noon Vinces? Made signal for
a fleet to NNW. All signal for the line ahead 2 cables distant at 5 ...
the fleet Commodore Collingwood, with 6 sail of the line & frigates
signld to bear down on the admirals wake at 8 tack'd and signal AM off
Sr Piers?? Mast... signal for all Flag officers on board the Admiral
Montague and ... signals to Chace to NW. Brought to.
17/4 Mod B & fair wx. 1/2 past meridien signal for a fleet to NW Signal
for a general chace to that quarter - at 4? To form the line a head -
the Chace proved to be the french fleet - 1/2 past 4 signal to bring the
Starbd Tacks. At 6 St Pierre East 6 leagues. Centre of the enemy NWByN
in ??? 30 sail standing to the northward - at 7 Dominies WbyN 9 or 10
leags. A signal to form the line abreast - 1/2 past 9 to form the line a
head - at 11 the fleet tacked pr signal to the southward - AM 1/2 past
the enemy tacked to north - 1/2 past we tackd in a line a head. 2 cables
distance - The MS Castle signal to make more sail - 1/2 past 7 signal
for the line ahead, 1 cables distance. A signal soon after that the
admiral intended to attack the enemy rear - 3/4 past 8 a signal to form
SbyE and NbyW, 2 cables distance - at 9 to bring too on the Larbd tacks
- 1/2 past 9 the Albions signal to get on her station - 20 minutes past
10, general signal to wear - thereafter to form the line a head - 2
cables Dist. 10 minutes past 11 sigl to prepare for battle. At noon
signal to alter course, lead down to the enemy - each ship to stear for
her opponent at the same time the signal for a general engagement.
Tues 18/4 Ditto wx. (is this a continuation of 17/4? Day must change at
noon)
Bearing down 15 minutes past. The ??? Castle, Ajax and us began to
engage. Our signal to make more sail - 25 minutes past 2 Lett the jib an
main sail - 50 minutes past 2 the enemy bore up, soon thereafter we
ceased firing, centre and part of our rear still i action - 1/2 past 3
Ajax signal to keep in her station. At 4 Admrl Parker hauled down the
signal for engaging, hoisted signal to tack, when tackd hoisted the
signal for engaging again - several of the enemy's ships much disabled
in their sails and rigging - 1/4 past 4 both fleets ceased firing - 3/4
past the signal for engaging was hauled down - at 6 middle of the
Dominies ENE 6 or 7 leagues - At 10 the enemy made sevl signals with
guns - AM at 6 signal to bear down in the Admiral's wake in sight 18
sail of the line and 4 frigates - Admiral Rodney shifted his flag to the
Terrible. Joined us the Montague, Intrepid and Centauoro?.
Admiral Rodney made the signal to call in all Cruizers as also for
weekly accounts. Employed in repairing rigging sails & shot holes etc.
Found the fore and mizzen yards wounded through - was shot away a
considerable part of the standing and running rigging, as shrouds,
stays, hawlyards, braces etc etc. A 32 pdr split and and 18 Dismounted -
killed in battle 9 men and 16 wounded.
19/4: Mod breezes and fair wx. Mn Top sail to the mast. Employed as
yesterday repairing damages. Departed this life David Belcher Seaman of
his wounds - The Intrepid's Ensign Half staff Fired Minute guns at
burial of the Honrble Capt St John killed in action - AM in company 20
sail of the line 1 Fifty and 4 frigates - at 6 tackd The Admiral hoisted
his flag on the Sandwich.
20/4: Light airs & clear. At 5pm Dominies NEBE 10-11 L. One of the
squadron made the signal for a fleet - made sail - AM at 6 signal for a
general chace to NE. Michl Dowyer died of his wounds. At 8 Gadaloupe NBE
10 L. At noon the enemy fleet of 27 sail under the land.
21/4 Friday: 1st part calm, latter light airs.
3/4 past meridian signal for the line ahead on the stardb tack - the
enemy NBE in a line ahead standing to the southward with a breeze from
the land for Basse Terre road. AM at 5 signal to tack in a line ahead
Gadaloupe NNE 9 L. Signal for a fleet - 1/2 past 8 signal for a General
chace to NE - 1/2 past 10 to chace to windward - at 11 the enemy bore
up their centre NNE.
22/4 Light Airs & fair Wx.
At 3pm the signal for the line ahead at 1 cable dist and chace to
windward - at 4 the Albion & Trident signals to get in their stations
and for all cruizers - Commodore Hotham made our signal to shorten sail
as the Vengeance was to lead, the Grafton being disabled. 3/4 past 4
signal for a general chace to NE - Gadaloupe NE 6 or 7 L. 1/2 past 7
fleet tackd. AM at 1 tackd also per signal - at 6 in company 20 sail of
the line 1 fifty - Guadaloup N 7 or 8 L. Signal for a fleet in the NW.
Dominoes East 5 or 6 L.
23/4 Sunday. PM Admrl Parker and Rowley made the siganl for all
Lieutenants of their respective divisions - am tacked occasionally.
24/4 Light airs, middle and later calm. Fleet tackd occasionally still
in company 20 sail of the line 1 fifty and 4 frigates.
Cruizing
2/5 Moored Choe Bay, St Lucia - 5/5.
6/5 warning of fleet.
12/5 enemy in sight. AM in company as before, centre of the enemy at 8
SWS dist 3 or 4 L. 1/2 past 10 tackd per signal.
13/5 at 11 pm signal for the line ahead 3/4 past 2 the enemy bore up and
stood towards us - at 3 signal to prepare for battle. Our signal to
make more sail; made accordingly - 25 mins past a signal for the rear to
close the centre, soon after for the van ??? to stow, mean time the
enemy hawled up to northd dist 5 or 6 miles - am at 2 ?? ?? of the
enemy, flashes, rockets etc - at 4 they bore up ENE 4 L in a line to
southrd. At 5 signal for the line ahead. At 8 the enemy bore up - signal
for the line a head, 2 cables dist. 1/2 past to reverse the line, made
sail a head. At 9 to form 1 cables dist - 10 enemy's van wore to the
north. Commodore Hotham's signal to close the van.
14/5 mod Breezes & fair. 1/2 past noon tacked to northrd. 40 mins past
11 signal that the admiral intended to attack the enemy rear. 50 mins
past for the van to close the centre - 1/4 past 2 the enemy bore up -
Our signal to get in our station, Suffolk ditto. 1/4 past to form NNW
and SSE - at 4 to form N and S. The enemy NE in a line ahead to the
Southd Dist or 5 miles. 40 mins past 4 signal for the line ahead 1
cable. Wore per signal towards the centre. The enemy tackd to the N in a
line. 1/2 past 6 St Lucia WbS dist 12 or 13 L. At 12 our fleet tackd -
AM in company as before. At 5 the enemy East dist 3 L - signal to keep
the same sail as the admiral - at 7 the enemy wore to the Northd - at 11
they tackd. At noon their center NbE Dist 9 or 10 miles.
15/5 at 2 pm the enemy bore up, 1/4 past 3 our fleet wore. 55 minutes
past signal for our van to close the centre of the enemy. Hawled up to
the north, bearing East 4 or 5 miles. 1/2 past 4 signal for the Albion
and Boyne to change stations. At 9 the Drake brigg hailed our division
with orders to make more sail & close the centre. At 2 the fleet tacked.
AM at 8 the body of the enemy SebS 4L. 1/2 past 10 they bore up - a
signal for our Rear to close the centre.
16/5 1/2 past noon a signal for the Blue division to make more sail.
Soon after for the centre to do the same. 50 mins past 3 the blue
division's signal to make more sail, as also to tack & gain the windward
of the enemy - at 4 a signal for the fleet to tack, soon after for the
leading ship to alter her course one point to starbd. 1/4 past 6 tackd.
Signal to prepare for battle - at 7 our van began to engage the enemy on
a contrary tack to southd. 45 mins past both fleets ceased firing - 1/2
past 11 tackd in a line per signal - at 12 the Fortune hailed us with
orders to make more sail & close the centre - AM at 2 tacked per signal,
at 6 the enemy out of sight - in company as before - the copper bottoms
& ships signals to chace to NE - at 9 one of the ships made a signal for
16 sail to NE - signal for a general chace.
17/5 enemy still 4-5L
18/5 chacing enemy.
19/4 St L WbS 22 L.
1/2 past 5 PM a signal for the van to close the center of the enmey's
rear dist 10 miles
20/4 Martinico West 24L
PM 5 minutes past 2 signal to prepare for battle & engage - 1/4 past for
the rear to close the centre - 1/4 past 3 our van began to engage the
enemy - they on a contrary tack - 45 mins past 3 our centre began to
fire - 10 past 4 we in the rear began to engage - 40 mins past 4 we
ceased firing, the enemy's van having hawled on a wind to the southd -
our van and centre still in action - a signal for the van or blue
division to tack and gain the wind of the enemy - 55 mins past 4 a
signal for the fleet to tack - 10 minutes past 5 the firing ceased on
both sides. Several of the blue or van having tackd, the signal for the
line was hawled down - 1/4 past 5 the signal for the line was again
hawled and a signal made for the rear to close the centre - 3/4 past 5
the signal for engaging was hawled down - at 6 our fleet tackd to the
south - the enemy tackd to the north - their van SebE 4 miles - 1/2
past 6 tacked to N - 3/4 past 7 signal for the fleet to make more sail
- AM at 1 the enemy tackd. at 2 we tackd soon after the enemy again
tackd and we tacked occasionally - at 5 in company as before, the enemy
ENE 4 L - at 11 a signal for weekly accounts - at noon body of the enemy
ENE Dist 3-4L
21/5 lost sight of enemy
22/5 Carlisle Bay, Barbadoes. Til 6/6
Carlisle Bay Barbados: 23/5-6/6/1780 At sea: 15/6
St Lucia: 16/6-23/6 At sea: 23/6-27/6
St Lucia: 28/6-9/7 At Sea: 10/7-20/7
St Kitts: 21/7-24/7 At Sea: 25/7-31/7
Port Royal: 1/8-3/9
At sea: 4/9-16/11/1780
4/9/80 Salthill Pt NNW 3L In convoy.
5/9 Saltpans N 4-5L, Portland W 17N53
6/9 Portland Pt NbW 6L 17N41
7/9 18N25, Point Negro N1/2E 5L
8/9 64 80m, 18N55 80W12, W end of Jam S64E 27L
9/9 62 81m, 19N22 81W27, W Jam S59E 53L
10/9 56 65M, 20N9, 82W36, Great Cayman S54E 23L
11/9/1780 54 90M, 21N8, 83W43, Cape St Anthony, Cuba N70W 33L.
12/9 N21 45 W84 21
13/9 22 8 85 34
14/9 23 30 85 34
15/9 23 06 Manatic ebs 5 l
18/9 24 16 84 0
19/9 23 23 79 55
20/9 25 6 80 10
21/9 26 6 80 20
22/9 28 6 80 20
23/9 30 45 79 25
24/9 31 50 78 53
25/9 32 38 77 00
26/9 33 38 76 13
27/9 33 30 75 25
28/9 34 30 73 34
29/9 34 18 72 52
30/9 34 21 73 01
1/10 35 14 72 58
2/10 34 58 71 23
3/10 34 44 71 06
16/11 Spithead 8/1/81 Paid Off.
BATTLE OF USHANT Notes:
http://www.gleaden.plus.com/landmarks/keppel.htm
Admiral Augustus Viscount Keppel was a close friend of Charles, the Marquis of Rockingham, and a strong supporter of the Whig party led by the Marquis. In 1778, sailing in the "Victory" Keppel led the British fleet against the French at the Battle of Ushant. Both fleets manoeuvred around each other for days but the battle only lasted a few minutes and only one broadside was fired.
Keppel was charged with cowardice following the battle, but he claimed that he had been betrayed by Sir Hugh Palliser, one of Keppel’s admirals, and a political opponent. Keppel believed that Sir Hugh had failed to carry out his orders which resulted in the failure of the battle. Both men were tried and eventually "honourably acquitted". Sir Hugh Palliser resigned following the court marshal but Admiral Keppel went on to be First Lord of the Admiralty. The Marquis of Rockingham had total faith in his friend and shortly after Keppel’s acquittal in 1778 started work on building a column, to honour the naval career of Admiral Keppel and the naval glories of England.
A fierce battle off Ushant, Fr., in July 1778 between the Channel fleet under Admiral Augustus Keppel and the Brest fleet under the Count d'Orvilliers proved inconclusive. Had Keppel won decisively, French aid to the Americans would have diminished and Rochambeau might never have been able to lead his expedition to America.
QUEEN:
Battleship 90 Guns
ADN 36/8700 Capt Logs ADM 51/752.
Opening pages missing, but at Spithead 23/12/80
FLM commissioned Capt 9/1/81 (crew no 2556)
also servant James Maitland
Chas Maitland: mustered 9/1 as AB, Mid 11/2/81
Peter Maitland: mustered mid 1/4/81
1/4/81-15/5/81 @ sea 22/5-8/6/81 @ Spithead
16/6-30/6/81 @ sea 7/7/81 @ Torbay
16/7/81 @ Spithead 24/7-22/8/81 @ sea
31/8-15/9/81 @ Torbay 22/9-30/10/81 @ sea
1/11-30/11/81 @ Spithead
30/11/81 FLM Discharged, with James M.
Mention of supernumary from Fireship? shown 28/4/1781.
Captain's Logs:
9/1/81: Spithead read in.
13/3/81: Sailed with squadron under Com. Johnston
31/3/81: Cape Clear N17E, 117Leagues. 45 42N 2-35W
6/4/81: Land sighted.
7/4/81: Cape St Vincent NEbN 7or8 Leagues.
9/4/81: Convoy of 20 sail of line, 6 frigates, 3 fireships, 3 cutters & convoy of merchantmen.
12/4/81: Gibraltar NNE 4 L
13-20/4/81 cruising round Gibraltar.
21/4/81 sailed for Home with convoy.
28/4/81: 3 men 12 lashes for fighting.
26/5/81: moored Spithead.
9/6/81: sailed with 5 Sail of Line, 1 Frigate, 1 Fireship.
12/6/81 32M 49 35N
13/6/81 60, 48 56, 1 50W
cruising western approaches
7/7/81 moored Torbay (weather?)
10/7/81 Spithead.
20/7/81 sailed with 17 Sail of Line, 3 frigates, 4 Fireships, 6 Cutters, under Commodore Elliot.
29/7/81 cruising western approaches with 24 Sail of Line, 4 Frigates, 4 Fireships, 6 Cutters.
1/8/81: condemned by survey 1390 gals beer, 193 lbs butter, 411 lbs cheese!
10/8/81 moving South to 42N
26/8/81: Moored Torbay.
14/9/81: sailed with 26 Sail of Line, 5 Frigates, 4 Fireships, 1 Brigg .
Cruising to West.
7/11/81 moored Spithead.
2/12/81: sailed with 12SoL, 3F
10/12/81: 48N14, 3W40, Lizard N54E59 Leagues
Light Breezes & Clear. 2pm signal to call in all Cruises. Etc.
11/12/81: Fresh Breezes & cloudy. At 2 sigl to Wear. At 3 wore sigl. got down. T.G. Yd . At 4 Edgar made the sigl for 30 strange sail in NE. Sigl to prepare for Battle. At 5 Sigl to Tack. At 6 Wore. At 10 Close reef'd the Topsails. Midnt fresh breezes & cloudy. At 7 am Modt Breezes and cloudy got up TG Yd . The sigl for each divisn in 2 Lines. At 9 Medway Le Prudent and Tartar's Signl to Chase NW. AT half past 10 the sigl for the line ahead 2 cables length Distance. Ad Kempfeld made the sigl for his Divsin to Tack. 1/2 past 11 Adml made the signal for his Divisn to Tack together &for our Divisn to keep in close order of sailing. Sigl for our Divns to make more sail.
12/12/81: Lizard N41E73.
Fresh Breezes and cloudy. Sigl for the line ahead SWbS & NWbN. Arethusa's Sigl to repeat Sigl made from the ships in Chace. 4 pm Britannia made the sigl for a strange sail in SE. 1/2 past Sigl for the van Divisn to tack together. The sigl for the order of sailing each Divisn in 1 Line and for the Centre to keep in Closer Order. Sigl for the Van Divisn to tack together. 1/2 past 11 call in all cruisers. Edgar
made the signl for being in 47 22 North. At 4 am mod Breezes and cloudy. 1/2 past 7 sigl for a fleet in the SW. h past 8 A frigate made the sigl for 5 Line of Battle ships in the strange fleet. 3/4 past 9 sigl for the line ahead 2 cables length Distance. At 10 sign to call in all the Alexander & Renown from Chace 1/4 past the La Prudente & Arethusas' sigl to reconitre the Enemy ships in he WSW. Edgar made the sigl for 15 Sail of Line in Direction of West 1/2 past sigl to prepare for Battle. 3/4 past sigl for the Line a head 2 cables length Distance, 50 mins past 11 A French Sail of Line fired sevl guns at Edgar. Noon the French fleet W 1/2 N Centre of their Convoy SW.
13/12/81:
1/4 past noon Arethusa and Tartar sigl to rake the enemy convoy. 3/4 past Agamemnon sigl to take her statn in the line one of the enemy ships began to fire at the Edgar. 10 mins before 1 the sigl for engaging soon after the Edgar began to fire At 1 sigl for engaging was hauled down. 1/4 past 1 La Prudentes sigl to attack the enemy convoy. 40 mins past 1 Monsieurs sigl to examine those in the South. At 2 Valiant signl to examine Do in NW & for the Alexander to do the same in SW. 4 mins past 2 Sigl for the order of sail each sqadn in 2 lines & the Sigl for all cruisers. 1/4 past3 the sigl to tack 1/2 past Tkd. At 4 La Prudente Sigl to go within hail of the Adml. 10 mins past Signl to keep in closer order of sail. Midnt? Reefed topsails. 4o ins past 7 the sigl for 2 strange sails in NW & 2 in SW. 3/4 past 7 for a fleet and for the line of battle a head 1 cables length distance. Lay too in comp 11 Sail of Line, 1 60 gun ship, 1 fifty, 4 frigates 1 fireship & 8 prizes.At 8 Body iof the French fleet NW. 15 mins past the sigl for the line WSW & ENE 1 cables length Distance. 20 mins past the signl for La Prudente to reconoitre the enemy sail. 45 mins past signl to make more sail. 30 mins past 9 Arethusa to examine strange sail brg S. 35 mins past 9 the sigl for rear divs to make more sail & to keep their statns in the line. 10 mins past 10 Arethusa signl to stay by the prizes. 1/2 past the Renown sigld to quit the line. 35 mins past her sigl to stay by the prizes. 3/4 pasty the sigl for the line a head 2 cables LD. 1/2 past the Monsieur Sigl to put men on board one of the prizes. 40 mins past Arethusa sigld to ... by the ships in distress. At 12 Renown sigl to do the same. Centre of the French NW. Fresh Gails & squally with rain.
14/12: French away.
21/12: Spithead.
20/1/82: Portsmouth.
7/4/82 Spithead.
14/4/82: sailed
cruising western approaches.
21/4/82 Minor action off Ushant with French convoy for West Indies.
At 1/2 past 10 brought too a Swedish snow the Villanova from Brest bound
For the Isle of France with provisions. Sent men on Board and searched her.
22/4/82:
Looked after prize of the Foudrant.
23/4/82: Fired Broadside at chace who returned 8 or 10 guns & struck. L'Actionnaire from Brest bound for IdF with 300 seamen 500 troops 11 chests of money & provisions.
6/5/82 Spithead.
13/5/82 sailed from the Downes towards Texel.
13/6/82: Spithead.
3/6/82: to Torbay.
12/7/82: tried to engage enemy fleet off Cape Cornwall.
6/8/82: Torbay.
14/8/82: Spithead.
Grafton:
(Muster only)
ADM 36/9586: (preceding muster book, 8071 not checked). FLM
Capt from 19/9/82-6/11/82 when he was superceded.
Also James Maitland, same period as Servant.
Peter M was mid. 23/8/82 and remained.
Capt Logs not present (poss 308)
GRAFT0N,74.
(1771 Deptford. BU 1816) In ordinary for five years. 1776 Capt. Sir John
HAMILT0N, guardship. 1777 Capt. Andrew WILKINS0N. To the North American
station with Ad. Byron the following year, suffering severely in the
gales which they encountered during the crossing. 1778 Capt. Capt.
Thomas CR0MWELL, Sandy Hook. 1779 Leeward Is. Suffered bad damage as the
lead ship of the British line in Byron`s battle with D`Estaing in the
West Indies in June 1779. She had 35 killed and 63 wounded. After Rodney
took over command she took part in his three battles with De Guichen, 17
April, 15 May and 19 May 1780. In the first she had 2 men killed and 30
wounded. Capt. C0LLINGW00D, who had been promoted commodore, died at sea
in June 1780 and she was detached to the Jamaica station. 1781 Returned
to England for repair. Recommissioned to join Ad. KINGSWILL`s squadron
sailing to reinforce Sir Edward HUGHES in the East Indies. The squadron
was badly damaged in the Bay of Biscay and returned to Spithead. The war
ended before GRAFT0N could be repaired so she was made a receiving ship
at Portsmouth. 0ut of list in 1814, broken up in 1816.
Princess Augusta: Royal Yacht.
(Muster only)
ADM 36/10208: Capt Logs ADM 51/4299?
Commissioned with FLM as Capt 20/11/82, joined 22/11 (muster no 113)
22/11/82-17/7/83 Deptford 26/7/83 St James's
31/7/83 @ Sea 7/8/-14/8/83 Slade (?)
21/8/83 @ Sea 28/8/83 River (?)
4/9/83-19/5/85 Deptford 26/5- Elbe
1/6/85 Slade 9/6/85 off Harwich
11/6/-30/6/85 Deptford
26/7/83 Prince William Henry & Staff joined @ St James and left @ Slade
8/8/83 (also mentioned Long(beach?)
1/6/85 Prince William Henry & Staff joined @ Slade and left @ Deptford
11/6/85
FLM signature becomes shakier as time goes on: sickening?
James Maitland joins as Capt. Serv. 11/82, becomes Mid 27/1 and Ab
24/4/83.
Charles Maitland joins as Mid 13/12/82, disch. 26/1/83 (prefermnt).
FLM jnr. joins as Capt Serv. 27/1/83, req. Disch 17/7/83
FLM on leave 18/7/83-31/8/83 & 4/5/85-11/6/85
8.
EXTRACTS FROM BOOKS etc:
A Letter written by FLM to his brother, the Earl of Lauderdale,
Found in the National Library (Jamaica) in the Manuscript Collection
(ref MS 1773). The letter (original, not a copy) was purchased by the
National Library at an auction held in London(?date) since the envelope
bears the earliest known handstamp used in Jamaica. This stamp is known
as the "Jamaica Stright Line" and is on permanent display at the
Institute of Jamaica. Found by Jackie Ranston May 1998.
Portroyal in Portroyal Harbour,
Jamaica, December 7th 1757.
Dear Brother,
I write to you by the Last Packet which havnot been Long Sailed,
but have Since Received two letters from you one Dated the 4th and the
other the 24th of August In which you are so Good as to Say if there is
any likeleyhood to be Delay, and I would Rather have a Ship at home, you
would Instantly aply to Lord anson - now I beg you ????? ???? a Minute
If it can be Dun at home, and I will Tell you my reasons. In the first
place I have very little Chance of Post here as the Capt's are all
??frond to the Countrey, and in the Next Place, a Man that has any
Interest to Gate a Station Now and then In the Channel Services in
Certain both to have an opportunity of Geting honour, and fortunes and
I find a man may Cruze Untill he is Grey headed upon this Station before
he Meet with ????? for the first Place a Man is at such Distance that
Realy if has Dun any?thing it cannot Taken notice of, and as for Riches
--
Page 2:
If the Adm'll is so Good as to Give a Man the best Cruze that Lays in
his Power, and that Man is very fortunate he may Gate a thousand Pound,
or some such thing. as there are no very Valuable Prizes In this
Countrey and then a Man Cannot Expect this chance above once or twice a
year, but at home If a man has a Good Cruze it is very Unluckey if he
Dusnot Gate four or five Thousand Pounds at least besides the Chance of
Gaining a Charictar. To tell you the truth this is recond the worst
Station Exept North America - and if a Man ??? a very particular?
Station here there is nothing to be got but a Little ???? Priveteer or
two - In my last I mentioned an? C?t???? answer to Lord Anson, but in
case the Letter shoud miscarey, I Don't think it unproper to mention it
again - he is so kinde as to say that I was very Deserving of a Post
ship and was Extreamly Sorry it wasnot in his Power at Present to Give
me one and no likeley of its being on his power soone, if at all when
upon the Station as the Capt'ns was all Sasoned? to the Countrey, and
sade the only method he could think of, would be to Give me a Shipp at
home as Digby had; or to send one out here as he had write to have some
of the new twenty Gun Ships Sent out, or to Lett him make a Post Ship of
the one I now command, She was a French Letter of mark, and may be made
to Carey twenty Guns, at Present I have only fourteen Nine Pounders, but
I believe shall Carry Ten more; but Mr Cater desired I would recommend
to push for a ship at home, or to have one sent out however I am pretty
well Convinced Mr Cater will do any thing that Laus in his Power to
Serve me in the meen Time, but he desired I would be Certain to write to
you, not to forget to Gate my commission made out at home as soon as
Possible if they send me a ship out, as it will make a great Dale of
Difference I shall say no more about as I make no doubt you will find it
very Necessary to Provide for one at Home from what I have sade, or only
??? any Man that Ever Served in this Countrey in so franck? ?? only -
our Admir'll sailed upon a Cruze yesterday with part of the Squadron,
and I shall follow as soon as I have fitted my ship which will be
sometime hence as I have a Great Dale to Do fitting here, and no
Carpenters, others being fitted first we have?? No fleet sails from this
Island untill may I can send nothing to your Lordship till than? at ??.
I bespoke some of the finest Rum in the Countrey some months ago and
hope before the fleet sails to have a ?nerzie to pay for all. I hope my
Lady and all your family are well, Prey Make my kinde Compilments to
then all you may lett Cleland know his son is in Extreme Good health,
and has had a Little Sasioning? to the Countrey Some time ago.
News? we have ??? in this Countrey but what you must have heard our
three Ships Engagement with the French fleet of seven Sails, was a very
fine thing, We have certain intelligence from Cape France, by the Flag
of Truce, that the French Lost above five hundred men killed, and died
of their wounds, one of their Ships of Sixty four Guns Lost all her
Masts and was towed into the Cape, by their Friggats.
I must now conclude with begging you wil not forget to write me as
you know there is a Packet Sails every month or Six weeks from Falmouth
and am your Lordships most obed't servant Fred'k Maitland
To the Earle of Lauderdale at London.
Dictionary of National Biography:
FLM in a battle 12/12/81: Queen in fleet of R.A. Richard Kempenfelt
against fleet of de Guichen (R.A.)
16/4/1780: Elizabeth off Martinique Rodney v. de Guichen.
Elizabeth in Battle of Ushant 27/7/1778
Extract from Dictionary of National Biography.
Sir William Cornwallis 20/2/1744 - 5/7/1819
Entered Navy 1755, 4th son of Charles, 1st Earl, became Admiral. C/o
Charlotte, Royal Yacht 3/83-10/87. CinC W. Indies 2/96. Brother of
Charles Cornwallis, 2nd Earl, 31/12/38-5/10/1805, who lost Yorktown.
Copied From:
Battles of the Royal Navy,
Joseph Allen, 1852 (Constable Burton Hall Library, Nov 1995):
(Copied From)
1760:
Rear Admiral Holmes who commanded on the Jamaica station, having
received intelligence that five French frigates with other vessels were
at Cape Francois, getting ready to sail for France, despatched thither
the 50-gun frigate Hampshire, Captain Charles Norbury, with the 28-gun
frigate Boreas, Captain Samuel Uvedale, and 20-gun ship Lively, Captain
the Hon. Frederick Maitland, to cruise off that port, and endeavour to
intercept them. On the 17th October, being off Cape Nicholas, the
British ships discovered the expected squadron, and immediately crowded
all sail in chase; but owing to the variableness of the wind, little
progress was made until towards midnight. The Boreas, having outsailed
the other ships, at midnight arrived upwith and engaged the French 32-
gun frigate Sirenne, bearing Commodore M'Cartie's broad pendant; but
the Boreas being disabled in sails and rigging, the Sirenne got out of
gunshot. Having repaired damages, the Boreas, on the 18th, at 2h. P.M.,
again got alongside the Sirenne, and after two hours close action,
compelled her to surrender, with the loss of eighty, out of her crew of
280 men killed and wounded. The Boreas had one man killed and one
wounded.
The remaining four ships, having taken different courses, were
pursued by the Hampshire and Lively ; and on the 18th, at daylight, the
enemy's ships were six miles ahead, endeavouring to get into Port-au-
Paix. By sweeping, the Lively, at a little before eight, brought the
sternmost ship to action, and, after nearly two hour's hard fighting,
compelled her to surrender, with the loss of a lieutenant and thirty-
seven men killed, and her captain (Talbot), master, boatswain, and
twenty-two men wounded. The Hampshire pursued the remaining three
frigates, and, as the breeze freshened, neared them so fast, that at
3h. 30m. P.M. she got between the two headmost ships, and opened her
fire on the Duc de Choiseuil ; but the latter, having the advantage of
the wind, escaped into Port-au-Paix, leaving her companion, the Prince
Edward, unable to contend with her powerful adversary, ran aground about
two miles from Port-au-Paix, and the ship was set on fire so effectually
that she shortly afterwards blew up. On the 19th, the Hampshire, having
the Lively and her prize in her company, stood into Freshwater Bay, to
attack the Fleur-de-Lys, the fifth ship, which had taken refuge there.
The French, however, did not wait their arrival, but took to the boats,
having previously set the ship on fire. Thus were four out of the five
ships accounted for.
BIOGRAPHIA NAVALES, Charnock, Vol VI, 1798
(P/C from PRO)
LIVES AND CHARACTERS of NAVAL OFFICERS OF GREAT BRITAIN.
P374 - 376
MAITLAND, Honourable Frederic, was the sixth son of Charles, the
sixth earl of Lauderdale, and the lady Elizabeth Ogilvy, daughter to
James, earl of Finlater and Seafield. Having entered at an early age
into the navy, and passed through the subordinate stations as well as
mid-shipman and lieutenant, he was, on the 17th of January, 1757,
advanced to be commander of a sloop, of war; but we are, as in many
other cases, unacquainted both with the name of the vessel itself, or
the stations on which he served. On the 9th of March, 1759, he was made
captain of the Wager, of twenty guns; but very soon afterwards removed
into the Lively, a ship of the same force; and was sent to the West
Indies, where, as also in the same ship, he continued, we believe, till
the end of the year 1761.
He distinguished himself in the month of October 1760, being then
under the command of rear-admiral Holmes, in the Capture of the Valeur,
a French ship of war of equal force with himself, with which he had a
smart action, lasting an hour and an half, off the island of Cuba. The
prize was one of a squadron of five French frigates which had sailed
from Cape Francois, bound to France, valuably laden with sugar and
indigo, two of which were taken and as many destroyed by the activity
of captain Maitland and his companions, as we have already briefly
related in our account of Mr. Holmes *. Captain Maitland having
returned to England at the time above stated, was promoted to the
Renown, of thirty guns. In this command he remained some years, em-
ployed till the end of the war, on the home station; and after peace
had taken place, was ordered in the same ship to North America. He
returned from thence in 1764, and appears to have had no farther
appointment till the year 1780, when we find him captain of the
Elizabeth, of seventy-four guns, one of the fleet employed, under the
orders of Sir George Bridges Rodney. on the West-India station. In the
action which took place with the Count de Guichen on the 17th of April,
1780, the Elizabeth was stationed in the line as one of the seconds to
rear-admiral Parker who commanded the van division, and was
* See vol. v. p. 202.
P375
was very distinguishedly engaged, having had nine men killed and
fifteen wounded. In the two subsequent skirmishes which happened in the
month of May, captain Maitland does not appear to have been concerned,
The Elizabeth being in great want of repair, was ordered to Jamaica
soon afterwards, in order to return to England as part of the convoy
sent with the homeward-bound fleet of merchant-ships in the ensuing
autumn.
Captain Maitland was immediately on his arrival appointed to the
Queen, of ninety guns, in which he continued till the month of August
1782, always stationed in the main fleet, or employed on Channel
service. The most material transactions in which he was concerned were
the relief of Gibralter, in 1781, in company with the fleet commanded
by vice-admiral Darby, and the capture of the Actionaire, a French ship
of war, pierced for sixty-four guns, but then armee en flute, being
bound to the East Indies with a cargo of stores, provisions, and masts
for the French king's service, having also on board eleven chests of
specie, and five hundred and fifty troops. Of this success the
following we believe a correct account. Captain Maitland having joined
at sea the squadron which sailed from Portsmouth, on the 13th of April,
1782, under the orders of the admirals Barrington, Kempenfelt, and
commodore Elliot, he was ordered by