and in that vessel we find him covering the debarkation of the British troops near the Helder, and witnessing the surrender of the Texel squadron[1]. He was also employed under the orders of Lord Nelson, during the period that that officer was invested with the chief command between Beachey Head and Orfordness, in 1801. His promotion to the rank of Commander took place April 29, 1802.
In March 1804, Captain James was appointed to the Sea Fencible service in Ireland; but he had only joined that corps six weeks before he received an appointment to the Meteor bomb. The admirable manner in which that vessel was placed before Havre pier, July 23d and Aug. 1, 1804, was highly spoken of by his senior officer, copies of whose reports are give at pp. 1–3 of Suppl. Part 1.
In Oct. 1805, Captain James removed to the Kite brig, mounting 14 twenty-four pounder carronades, and 2 long sixes, with a complement of 93 officers, men, and boys. In her, he made several recaptures, while serving under the orders of Commodore Owen, on the Dungeness station; and on the 7th Feb. 1807, we find him intercepting le Chasseur French lugger privateer, of 16 guns and 60 men, 18 of whom were absent.
It will be seen by reference to p. 239 of Suppl. Part I., that the Kite formed part of the light squadron engaged with the Danish praams, gun-boats, floating-batteries, &c. before Copenhagen, Aug. 22, 1807, and that “the bravery and energy of her commander, officers, and crew, during so long and heavy a contest” was highly praised by Admiral Gambier. Unfortunately, however, she then belonged to the Leith station, and was immediately afterwards ordered to return thither. Captain James consequently lost his chance of promotion, as well as the share of prize-money to which he would otherwise have been entitled. We should here remark, that the Kite received greater damage than any of her consorts on the above occasion; but fortunately sustained no loss, although she was several times hulled, and in one in-
