master, and, being coxswain of the pinnace, he had had frequent opportunities of deserting; but, as confidence wan reposed in him, he would not betray his trust. The first time Captain Spear had an interview with Sir Alexander Cochrane after the action, he made a point of relating the above circumstance, and the Admiral, with a very proper feeling, immediately ordered the worthy fellow to be discharged.
We cannot refrain from noticing another circumstance connected with this exploit, equally creditable to all the parties concerned.
While the Goree was shifting her lower-masts and bowsprit, in English harbour, Antigua, the Hon. George Alfred Crofton arrived there with an Admiralty commission appointing him to the command of that vessel; and Captain Spear, at the same time, received an appointment to the Fawn sloop, vacant by the recent demise of Captain Fasham Roby. Captain Crofton, in a very handsome manner, remarked to Sir Alexander Cochrane, that as a battle often caused officers and men to become more strongly attached to each other. Captain Spear would probably wish to continue in the Goree; in which case he himself had no objection whatever to take the Fawn. The Admiral, in an equally kind and accommodating mood, signed two commissions, leaving a blank for each ship’s name, to be filled up according to mutual agreement. It is almost unnecessary to add, that Captain Spear preferred remaining in the Goree.
Although the official account of the above action was not gazetted (Captain Spear’s gallant exertions having proved unsuccessful), the Admiralty signified their approbation of his spirited conduct by immediately confirming the gentleman who was acting as his second Lieutenant[1]. The first, Mr. James Locke, son of Captain (now Vice-Admiral) Locke, fell a sacrifice to the yellow fever, brought on by over exertion, and exposing himself too much in the sun, while forwarding the re-equipment of the sloop, at Antigua. In him the service lost a fine promising young officer, of whom Captain Spear entertained the highest opinion.
- ↑ Mr. Thomas Clack.
