merits; and in the month of February, 1791, was promoted to the command of the Rattlesnake sloop of war, in which vessel he cruised in the Channel, until the commencement of the war with the French Republic, when he was made Post into the Circe of 28 guns, by commission dated Feb. 4, 1793, and placed under the orders of the late Admiral Earl Howe. The Circe was actively employed in the Channel Soundings, Bay of Biscay, &c; and Captain Yorke had the good fortune to capture several of the enemy’s large privateers, and a number of merchant vessels; he also took the Espiegle French corvette close to Brest harbour, and in sight of a very superior French squadron.
In the month of August, 1794, he removed into the Stag of 32 guns; and after serving some time on the above station, and the coast of Ireland, was ordered to join the North Sea fleet, at that period commanded by the late Lord Duncan. On the 22d Aug. 1795, our officer being in company with a light squadron under the orders of Captain James Alms, gave chace to two large ships and a cutter. At 4h 15’ P.M. the Stag brought the sternmost ship to close action, which continued with much spirit for about an hour, when the enemy struck, and proved to be the Alliance, Batavian frigate of 36 guns and 240 men; her consorts, the Argo of the same force, and Nelly[1] cutter of 16 guns, effected their escape, after sustaining a running fight with the other ships of the British squadron. In this spirited action, the Stag had 4 men slain and 13 wounded, and the enemy between 40 and 50 killed and wounded.
Captain Yorke continued to command the Stag, and cruized with considerable success against the armed and trading vessels of the enemy, until the month of March, 1800, when he was appointed to the Jason of 36 guns; and in the following year removed to the Canada, 74, which ship formed part of the western squadron during the continuance of the war. On the renewal of hostilities in 1803, our officer was again called into service, and commanded successively the Prince George, 98, Barfleur, 98, and Christian VII. of 80 guns, (the latter a Danish ship with round quarters built from one of Ad-
- ↑ Called the Vleigheld by James, but in the Gazette account described as above.
