in consequence of not having sufficiently recovered from his wound, and the unhandsome treatment he experienced from the board.
Captain Bligh continued in the Pylades, actively employed on the Mediterranean station, upwards of three years. On the 2d May 1808, he captured the Grand Napoleon French privateer, pierced for 10 guns, but only four mounted, with a complement of 38 men. His promotion to post rank took place Dec. 27th following.
From the Pylades, Captain Bligh removed to the Glatton 56, in which ship he took charge of the homeward bound trade collected at Malta, in the spring of 1809. He subsequently commanded the Acorn, a post sloop, forming part of the naval force employed protecting Lissa, under the orders of Captain (now Sir Murray) Maxwell, who makes the following mention of him (in his official letter to their senior officer, reporting the capture of la Pomone French frigate) Dec. 1, 1810:–
“Captain Bligh, of the Acorn, to whom I have entrusted the defence of Lissa in our absence, has had an arduous duty to perform; but no difficulties arise, when all ara actuated by zeal for his Majesty’s service: and the little squadron you have done me the honor to entrust me with, possess it in an eminent degree.”
Captain Bligh’s last appointment was, July 25, 1814, to the Araxes frigate, fitting for the Jamaica station; from whence he returned to England, for the purpose of being paid off, in July 1810. He married, on the 2d Dec. in the following year, Miss Catherine Haynes, of Lonesome Lodge, near Dorking, co. Surrey.
Agent.– John Chippendale, Esq.
WILLIAM WILBRAHAM, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1808.]
Received his first commission in 1801; was made a Commander Aug. 12, 1807; and promoted to post rank Jan. 13, 1809. He died Nov. 29, 1824.
