more painful, as every moment spent on shore, at the present situation of public affairs, is worse than death. I am, my dear Sir, with great truth, your most faithful humble servant,
“To Lieutenant Ussher, R.N.
“P.S. You may make use of me in any way I can further your promotion * * * * * *.”
These letters, together with many others of a similar nature, were forwarded to the Admiralty by Lieutenant Ussher, who immediately received a complimentary epistle from the first lord, of which the following is a copy;
“Sir,– The testimonials which you have enclosed to me from Earl St. Vincent and other officers high in the service, are naturally so valuable to you that I do not delay to return them; they mark such an honorable course of service that I am happy to take an early opportunity of promoting you: it is my intention to appoint you to the command of a sloop, which will be ready to receive men in a few days. I have the honor to be, Sir, your faithful and obedient servant,
“To Lieutenant Ussher.”
The sloop alluded to by Mr. Grenville was the Redwing of 18 guns, fitting for the Mediterranean station. The Committee of the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd’s had previously voted Lieutenant Ussher a sword value 60l. for his very gallant conduct at Avillas; and the crew of the Colpoys, also, requested his acceptance of a handsome sabre, “as a token of their respect and esteem.”
During the time that Captain Ussher commanded the Redwing, he was principally employed protecting our trade from the depredations of the Spanish gun-boats and privateers in the vicinity of Gibraltar, on which station he gave many additional proofs of his skill and intrepidity.
In Mar. 1807, Captain Ussher joined Lord Collingwood off Cadiz, and was ordered by him to convoy a fleet of merchantmen through the Straits. When passing Tariffa, the enemy’s flotilla came out; and as the Redwing was painted like a Portuguese merchantman, for the purpose of deception, her commander succeeded in decoying them within range of his carronnades, the fire of which was no sooner opened than they
