them my thanks in the most public manner, and assure them, collectively and individually, that I shall be proud to take them by the hand, at any time, and in any place, and to tender them any service in the power of. Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
(Private.)
“Dear Sir,– I am quite transported with the noble exploit performed by your friend Coghlan. I have taken the liberty to enclose your private letter to Lord Spencer, and I desire you will acquaint Mr. Coghlan, that I have directed Mr. Makepeace, an eminent goldsmith, in Searle Street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, to prepare a sword of 100 guineas value, which I will beg of you to present to this gallant seaman, in the most appropriate manner. Your’s most truly,
On his arrival in port, Mr. Coghlan received, what his aspiring mind valued above all other gifts, a commission, promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant, and confirming him in the command of the Viper, although he had then served only four years and a half in the navy. On the 9th Nov. following, we find him addressing a note to H.R.H. the Duke of Kent, a copy of which we shall now lay before our readers:–
“Lieutenant J. Coghlan, commander of H.M. cutter Viper, in the most respectful and humble terms, entreats the liberty of approaching your Royal Highness, on having fortunately recaptured the Diamond transport, on board of which were your Royal Highness’s baggage and horses, from Halifax; and that he may mark the high respect he feels for your Royal Highness’s person, he has, on his return from sea yesterday, given directions to his agent at Falmouth to deliver the baggage and horses, free of salvage, to whoever may be sent to take charge of them; and he most earnestly implores your Royal Highness’s permission to lay this humble tribute of respect at your feet, as the only means he can ever flatter himself with having, to evince his lively gratitude and high veneration for the very singular and generous instance of his most gracious Sovereign’s goodness towards him, by granting him the honor and permission, by his gracious order in council, to bear the rank of a lieutenant in his navy, before he had completed his regular time of servitude.”
To this offer. Lieutenant Coghlan received the following answer:
