then lying off on her oars, to follow him:– this was done in the most quiet manner possible; and, when at some distance from the frigate, both boats gave way, for the purpose of boarding the enemy, one on each side.
The Dutch ship being of considerable tonnage, extremely light, and well armed, with about 100 men on board, the result of this attack would in all probability have proved fatal to the whole of the assailants, had not the captain of the Resistance fortunately perceived Lord Camelford’s unauthorized proceeding, and, trembling for the consequences, opened his fire upon the Constantia, which, although distant and harmless, gave the enemy an excuse for hauling down her colours. At this moment the two boats were close to their object, and they actually got alongside before the others had well left the Orpheus[1]!
- ↑ We have noticed the above circumstance, because it affords a proof how little Lord Camelford considered his personal safety when there was the least prospect of gaining fame; and also of the injustice that has been done to his memory by comparing him with the notorious George Robert Fitzgerald – a bully and a coward.
As Lord Camelford’s impetuous public career and untimely end are better known to the world than his private actions, we shall here transcribe a passage from “The Clubs,” a popular work recently published:–
“Though the latter fought several duels, it is well known that he generally ititd sufficient provocation, and that he received several insults which he never thought worthy of public notice; in short, his general deportment was mild, and he never sought a quarrel, for which Fitzgerald was on the constant look-out. Camelford, likewise, had a most generous heart; for whilst the fashionable world was taken up with his eccentricities, he was in the habit of performing many private charitable acts, amongst those of the poor who were ashamed to beg. His charities were invariably administered under an assumed name, and he never failed to threaten those whose curiosity he suspected, with a suspension of their salary, if they dared to follow him, or tried to find out who their benefactor was. He usually went out on such expeditions at night, and he has often left a crowded and brilliant assembly, to dress himself in an old brown coat and slouched hat, in order to visit some poor family in the crowded courts between Drury Lane and Charing Cross. In such deeds as these, and at the expence of several thousands a year, did this unaffected philanthropist pass the hours which he stole from the dissipation of high life; and his protegies were not aware of the name or quality of their benefactor, until his untimely fate put a period to hit munificent donations.”
