address in his favor, signed by all the principal merchants and inhabitants of the above rock, was presented to Lieutenant-Governor Sir Thomas Trigge:–
“We, the undersigned merchants and traders residing at Gibraltar, conceive, with sincere concern, that the late loss of H.M.S. Weazle, commanded by Captain Layman, will materially affect the security of our trade, unless early remedied. Having witnessed and felt the benefit resulting from the extraordinary and unremitted exertions of Captain Layman, in keeping the Straits free from French privateers, which have so long been destructive to the trade of this port; and as few or none of these cruisers have of late dared to venture into the Gut, it is beyond comparison a proof how fully the Weazle performed the service on which she was employed. We, therefore, sincerely lament that the late boisterous and thick foggy weather has for the present deprived us of Captain Layman’s exertions and skill, by the loss of the said vessel on the rocks off Cabritta Point. Being persuaded that no man is more capable of supporting and protecting the trade passing the Straits, and convoying the supplies to this place, from his constant study and knowledge of the different bays and inlets, as well on the neighbouring coasts of Spain as those of Barbary, we shall be exceedingly obliged, if your Excellency will do us the favor strongly to recommend to Lord Nelson, that Captain Layman, his officers, and crew, may be appointed to a vessel of force suitable to support and protect us, in the manner they have hitherto done, not only to our satisfaction, but to the benefit of the public in general. We shall feel highly gratified if your Excellency will second our wishes, by a statement to Lord Nelson of the advantages we have experienced during the time Captain Layman has been on this station, as well as of the necessity of having a suitable vessel stationed in the Gut; and we beg that, if necessary, his Lordship will have the goodness to represent this our petition to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.”
On the 2d of the following month, Nelson, then unaware of the disaster which had befallen his protége, wrote to a mutual friend as follows:–
“I hope the Admiralty will confirm Layman; for he is not only attached to me, but is indeed a very active officer. It was his venturing to know more about India than Troubridge did, that made them look shy upon him; – his tongue runs too fast. I often tell him neither to talk nor write so much.”
In the course of the same year, Commander Layman was appointed to the Raven sloop, of which vessel the following mention is made in a work entitled “Elements and Practice of Naval Architecture:” –
