Parry, with whom he served as a Midshipman, on board the Lynx, Lizard, and Actaeon, in the West Indies and British Channel. He subsequently joined the Vigilant of 64 guns, commanded by the late Admiral Sir Robert Kingsmill, Bart, which ship formed part of Admiral Keppel’s fleet, and was warmly engaged in the action with M. d’Orvilliers off Ushant, July 27, 1778.
Mr. Hollis’s promotion to a Lieutenancy took place Jan. 22, 1781; and from that period until July 27, 1793, we find him serving successively in the Seaford of 24 guns, Pégase 74, Narcissus 24, and Andromeda frigate, under the Captains Christian, Roberts, Marshall, Bligh, and Salisbury. At the latter period he was removed by Rear-Admiral Alan
quirement of influence. No! it was the reward for more than 100 years of undiminished zeal; a monarch’s tributary sacrifice at the altar of honor! The following are the terms in which it was conveyed to Lieutenant-General Souter Johnstone, Commandant in Chief, on the day of a grand promotion in the navy:
“Sir– The Earl of St. Vincent having signified to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that his Majesty, in order to mark his royal approbation of .the very meritorious .conduct of the corps of Marines, during the late war, has been graciously pleased to direct, that, in future, the corps shall be styled ‘The Royal Marines.’
“I have great satisfaction in obeying their Lordship’s commands to communicate this intelligence to you; and in offering their Lordships’ congratulations on this testimony of the opinion his Majesty entertains of the very distinguished services of that part of his forces to which you belong. I am, Sir, &c. &c.
“Lieut.-Gen. Souter Johnstone,
Commandant of the Marines.”
The Royal Marines have lately been clothed in a manner similar to the guards. They are under the immediate control of the Admiralty, and nominally commanded by three general officers, and four colonels belonging to the sea-service these are at present H.R.H. the Duke of Clarence, General; Admiral Sir Richard Bickerton, Lieutenant-General; Vice-Admiral Sir George Cockburn, 'Major-General'; and Captains Hollis, Sir E. W. C. R. Owen, George Scott, and Sir T. M. Hardy, Colonels.
The Royal Marine officers themselves never rise beyond the rank of colonel commandant in their own corps; but they attain the rank of general officer in the army. No commissions are bought or sold, but each officer rises according to his seniority. For further particulars see Vol. I note † at p. 132.
