tered the Hon. Company’s service, as junior mate of an Indiaman, in which capacity he continued until the spring of 1703; when we find him joining the Andromache frigate, commanded by Captain (now Admiral) Theophilus Jones.
Mr. Stoddart subsequently served on board the Valiant 74, and Queen Charlotte of 100 guns; the former ship attached to Earl Howe’s fleet in the glorious battle of June 1, 1794; and the latter bearing a part in the action off l’Orient, June 23, 1795[1]. His promotion to the rank of Lieutenant took place in Mar. 1796; on which occasion he was appointed to the Trident 64.
From that ship Mr. Stoddart was removed into the Tremendous 74, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Pringle, under whom he assisted at the capture of a Dutch squadron, in Saldanha bay, Aug. 18, 1796[2].
In Jan. 1798, Sir Hugh C. Christian succeeded Rear-Admiral Pringle as commander-in-chief at the Cape of Good Hope, and hoisted his flag on board the Tremendous, in which ship Mr. Stoddart continued as first Lieutenant until that officer’s demise, when he returned to England for the purpose of soliciting promotion.
Failing in his endeavours to attain superior rank. Lieutenant Stoddard next joined the Trusty of 50 guns, and accompanied the expedition sent against the Helder in Aug. 1799[3]; after which he removed into the Kent 74, and proceeded in her to Egypt; where he obtained “the most unequivocal praise of Sir Ralph Abercromby,” for his exertions when serving with the army on the memorable 8th Mar. 1801[4]. His zealous and gallant conduct in the succeeding battles, Mar. 13th and 21st, was also highly commended by Sir W. Sidney Smith[5]; and it is almost needless to add, that he is one of the officers who were presented with gold medals by the Turkish government, in commemoration of their brilliant services during the Egyptian campaign.
- ↑ See Vol. I. pp. 76 and 246'.
- ↑ See id. p. 51.
- ↑ See id. note at pp. 414–417.
- ↑ See Vol. II. p. 852.
- ↑ See id. p. 384 et seq.
