board, manned with 300 men, several of whom were found killed upon her decks; the rest of the crew escaped on shore. The corvette la Vesuve, of 20 guns, escaped; but the cutter was driven on shore and destroyed. This service was effected without any loss on hoard the English ships.
In 1799 and 1800, the Hydra was employed at the Leeward Islands. On his return from thence, Sir Francis removed into the Powerful of 74 guns, and proceeded to the Baltic to reinforce the fleet in that sea. He afterwards accompanied Sir Charles M. Pole to Cadiz Bay, where he continued until the termination of hostilities. The Powerful subsequently formed part of the squadron of observation sent from Gibraltar to Jamaica, under Captain (now Sir Henry) Darby.
Some time after the renewal of the war, our officer obtained the command of the Spartiate, another 74-gun ship, and again visited the West Indies, from whence he returned with Lord Nelson in pursuit of the combined fleets of France and Spain, and was thus afforded the happy opportunity of participating in the glories of the never-to-be-forgotten 21st Oct. 1805, on which day that great Commander expired in the arms of victory. The loss sustained by the Spartiate, in the battle of Trafalgar, was 3 killed and 20 wounded. Sir Francis Laforey afterwards assisted at the funeral of his heroic chief, and in the procession by water from Greenwich carried the standard in the first barge.
We next find the subject of this sketch employed in the Spartiate, guarding the coast of Sicily; on which service he continued until his advancement to the rank of Rear-Admiral, July 31, 1810. He was then nominated Commander-in-Chief at the Leeward Islands, and proceeded thither in the Dragon of 74 guns. Sir Francis remained on that station until the commencement of 1814. He was created a K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815; and became a Vice-Admiral, Aug. 12, 1819.
Country seat.– Whitby, co. Devon.
Town residence.– 62, George-street, Portman-square.
