the latter officer was employed on shore at Porto Rico, in the month of April following[1].
On the 16th Feb. 1798, Lieutenant Richards volunteered to head the Alfred’s boats in an attack upon a French corvette, which vessel had been sent to reconnoitre the Saintes, and when chased from thence succeeded in getting within range of the batteries at Basseterre, Guadaloupe, leaving the British ship becalmed some distance in the offing. His offer being accepted by Captain Totty, and observing that the greater part of the enemy’s crew were employed towing, Lieutenant Richards instantly shoved off in a fast-rowing gig, dashed alongside, and boarded her without waiting for any support. Fortunately, perhaps, for him, the Frenchmen who remained on board were so surprised at his audacity, and intimidated by the approach of the other boats, that they ran below, and were secured under hatches, without making any resistance. The prize proved to be le Scipio, of 20 guns!
We next find Lieutenant Richards joining the Queen Charlotte, a first rate, bearing the flag of his early patron. Sir Charles Thompson; after whose demise (Mar. 17, 1799), he proceeded with Rear-Admiral Whitshed to the Mediterranean station, and was there promoted into la Courageuse sloop, stationed as a receiving ship at Port Mahon. This appointment was confirmed by the Admiralty, Dec. 26, 1799.
On the 20th June, 1800, Captain Richards received an order to act as captain of the Culloden 74, which ship he brought home in a very leaky condition. His next appointment was to la Victorieuse of 12 guns, and in that vessel he went back to the Mediterranean with despatches for the commander-in-Chief, whom he rejoined in Marmorice bay, Jan. 7, 1801.
During the Egyptian campaign, la Victorieuse was principally employed blockading Alexandria, off which port she captured several vessels laden with supplies for the French army. Captain Richards likewise assisted at the reduction of Marabout castle, situated about seven or eight miles from that place, and protecting one of the entrances to the western
