On the 30th Sept. following, two of the Glenmore’s crew were sentenced by a court-martial to suffer death, for mutiny, and taking an oath not to proceed to sea while the ship was commanded by Captain Talbot. One of these men was executed on the 8th, but the other obtained a respite during the royal pleasure.
In the autumn of 1804, our officer was appointed to the Leander, of 50 guns, and ordered to Halifax; on which station, Feb. 23, 1805, he captured la Ville de Milan, of 46 guns, pierced for 50, and retook her prize, the Cleopatra, a small English frigate[1]. By this fortunate event he had the option of commanding one of the finest and most desirable ships of her class in the service; but with that liberality of spirit which ever characterises the British officer, he waved his right in favor of his friend, Sir Robert Laurie, to whose bravery and perseverance he generously ascribed his success; as if the French frigate had not been so roughly handled by the Cleopatra, she certainly would not have proved so easy a prize to the Leander.
The following address was delivered to Captain Talbot, on his taking leave of the Leander’s officers, previous to his joining the Centaur, of 74 guns, Dec. 5, 1805:–
“Sir.– The ward-room officers of his Majesty’s ship Leander, who, while under your command, have so constantly seen the correct and steady conduct of the officer happily blended with the manners of the gentleman, anxious to testify their esteem and respect, and the unfeigned regret they feel at your departure, beg leave, as a small token of their regard, to present you with a sword, value one hundred guineas; well assured that it will always be drawn in the cause of honor, defending the rights of your King and Country.”
To which Captain Talbot returned the following reply;
“Gentlemen.– You have presented me with such a testimony of your regard as deserves my warmest acknowledgments. I shall wear that sword with pride. It is impossible for words to express my feelings on so flattering an occasion; and I have only to request you will believe I shall ever retain a due sense of the honor you have conferred on me.”
We next find Captain Talbot commanding the Thunderer, of 74 guns, in which ship he greatly distinguished himself at the destruction of a Turkish squadron lying within the forts of the Dardanelles, Feb. 19, 1807[2]. In this affair, and during the
