ginie received orders from the Admiralty to convey the present Queen of Wirtemberg from Harwich to Cuxhaven. When passing through the Downs, she was cheered by the flag-ship and a frigate; but still her crew continued steady, and only one solitary symptom of insubordination ever afterwards appeared amongst them.
On the evening after the royal passenger was landed at Cuxhaven, two men were put in irons for disorderly conduct, and the following morning Captain Hunt was proceeding to punish them, when, at the very first lash, a fellow standing behind him called out “Stop!” Lieutenant Evans instantly turned round, dragged him forward by the collar, and the punishment proceeded. It is almost needless to add, that the audacious offender was in his turn tied up. – by which prompt measure good order was permanently restored.
During la Virginie’s passage to the Elbe; Lieutenant Evans had the honor of being kindly noticed by his monarch’s eldest daughter, but although that Princess condescended to recommend him to the favorable consideration of thee Admiralty, the first Lieutenant of the senior officer’s ship alone obtained promotion[1].
On her return to the Downs, la Virginie assisted in quelling a mutiny on board the Beaulieu frigate, by warping close alongside of her, with the band playing “God save the King,” and every thing prepared for action, whilst 30 marines went on board and enabled the officers to disarm and secure the crew, who had already opened a fire upon them.
After this affair, la Virginie was sent to cruise between the Kentish Knock and the North Foreland, for the purpose of intercepting such of the delegates of the North Sea fleet as might attempt to escape from the Nore. We subsequently find Lieutenant Evans making a very judicious selection of persons to assist at the execution of several mutineers, by manning two boats with those who bad been in the habit of
- ↑ La Revolutionnaire conveyed the Duke of Wirtemberg to Cuxhaven, sailing in company with la Virginie, and the Melampus. The former frigate was commanded by Captain Francis Cole, the latter by Captain (now Sir Graham) Moore.
