Early in Oct. 1797, the Circe formed part of the squadron left off the Texel under Sir Henry Trollope, to watch the Dutch fleet; and at the battle off Camperdown, on the 11th of that month, she was one of Admiral Duncan’s repeaters.
Our officer’s next appointment was to the Apollo, a fine frigate, in which he had the misfortune to be wrecked, Jan. 7, 1799, on the Haak Sands, while in chase of a Dutch ship. The crew were saved by a Prussian vessel that went down to their assistance. On the 15th, Captain Halkett was tried by a Court Martial, for the loss of the Apollo; and nothing appearing to criminate him in the least, a verdict of acquittal was pronounced. The pilot, through whose neglect the unfortunate accident arose, was dismissed his Majesty’s service.
In the course of the same year, the subject of this sketch obtained the command of a new frigate of the same name, in which he was sent as convoy to the outward bound West India fleet. On his passage he captured the Aquilla, of 4 guns, pierced for 22, with a valuable cargo from Buenos Ayres, bound to Corunna. During his stay on the Jamaica station, he also took the following vessels; Cantabrian, Spanish corvette, of 18 guns and 100 men, with a cargo, off the Havannah; Resolution, (formerly a British cutter) 18 guns, 149 men; and Vigilante, French privateer, of 14 guns, in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Apollo arrived at Portsmouth, March 12, 1802. Captain Halkett subsequently commanded the Ganges, of 74 guns; and on the 12th Aug. 1812, was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral. In 1815, his flag was flying on board the Gladiator, in Portsmouth harbour. He attained his present rank at the last general promotion, July 19, 1821.
Our officer married, Oct. 14, 1802, Elizabeth, daughter of William Tod, of London, Esq. Mrs. Halkett died at Clifton in 1814.
WILLIAM BEDFORD, Esq
Vice-Admiral of the Blue.
During the Russian armament, in 1791, this officer served about three months as a Lieutenant in the Edgar, of 74 guns; and subsequently in the Formidable, a second rate. He was
