skilful conduct in the action with la Belle Poule was so sensibly felt and truly represented by Captain Parker, that on the prize being manned by the squadron under Sir John Borlase Warren, he was appointed to command her as acting captain. This would have ensured his promotion to at least the rank of commander, but unfortunately for himself he was considered too able an assistant to be immediately parted with.
On the return of the squadron into port, Captain Parker received a roving commission from his uncle the Earl of St. Vincent, then commanding the Channel fleet; and he advised Lieutenant VVestphal not to push his claim until the end of a cruise from which so much was to be expected; assuring him that on their return he would take care to secure him, not only advancement, but also an active appointment. This there would have been no difficulty in his accomplishing had the Earl of St, Vincent continued afloat, and his political friends in power; but during the Amazon’s absence the former struck his flag, and the latter went out of office. Mr. Westphal consequently remained as first lieutenant of that ship until she was paid off in 1812. During this period of nearly six years, he repeatedly distinguished himself in action with the enemy, on the coasts of France and Spain, particularly in June 1811, when he commanded the boats of the Amazon at the capture and destruction of a French convoy near the Penmarks[1]. On the 21st Mar. 1812, he was appointed senior lieutenant of the Junon 46, Captain James Sanders; in which ship we find him very actively and successfully employed on the Halifax station[2]. On the 29th July, 1813, he commanded the boats of the Junon and Martin (sloop) at the capture of an American gun-vessel, mounting two long guns (one a 32-pounder), with a complement of 35 men. The circumstances under which this service was performed were most highly honorable to his zeal for the honor of the British flag, but it is not at present in our power to enter into any
