come to terms. As it appeared likely the negociations and final arrangements would occupy some days, the Commander-in-chief then dispersed his squadron, and left Captain Spencer to conclude the treaty with the Dey, which he performed to the perfect satisfaction of government.
The Naiad was subsequently employed in most of the active duties in the Archipelago, and other parts of the Mediterranean; and Captain Spencer had the charge of many of the negociations which the affairs then going on in Greece, &c. so frequently rendered necessary, and in some important communications with the commander of the Turkish forces in the Morea, and with the Greek chiefs, his exertions were crowned with a very satisfactory result; but, being of a secret nature, wc are unable to give the particulars.
On the Naiad being ordered home, Sir Harry Neale addressed the following letter to Captain Spencer.
“Revenge, Malta, 2d Aug. 1826.
“Sir,– In forwarding to you your orders for the Naiad’s immediate return to England, I cannot but accompany them with an expression of regret at the close of your services under my command; for I have been sensible of the zeal and judgment that you have shewn in the performance of the important duties that I have entrusted to your management; and I must add, that I have observed with pleasure, the good discipline of the Naiad (and particularly the attention which you have so successfully devoted to the exercise of the great guns); which, while it has ensured the efficiency of the ship, and done honor to her officers and ship’s company, has, at the same time, afforded a useful example to the sloops which have been from time to time employed under your orders. I am. Sir, &c.
(Signed)“H. Neale, Vice-Admiral.”
The Naiad was paid off at Portsmouth, in the autumn of 1826. The high state of perfection to which gunnery was carried, and the admirable system of discipline established on board that frigate during the period of Captain Spencer’s command, is said “never to have been exceeded.[1]”
In Aug. 1827, Captain Spencer was appointed Private Secretary to H.R.H. the Lord High Admiral; and he continued to fill that situation until the royal duke’s retirement from office, in Sept. 1828, with what credit to himself, and
