Captain Campbell, and have no reason to approve of the conduct of the Genoa, from the time of the command of her having devolved on Captain Dickinson. As it is probable that the selection of Captain Dickinson for the distinction in question, may have arisen from Captain Bathurst having been reported, in the return signed by Captain Dickinson and the surgeon, as killed in the action, it is incumbent on me to inform their Lordships, that Captain Dickinson himself conducted me down to Captain Bathurst, in the cockpit of the Genoa, at eight o’clock in the evening of the 20th of October, several hours after the battle was over, and that both he and the surgeon must have heard Captain Bathurst calmly and collectedly describing to me what had passed upon deck before he was wounded. In fact, Captain Dickinson, when subsequently reproved by me for having made this false return, acknowledged his recollection of having so conducted me into the cockpit, and of Captain Bathurst not having expired until about three o’clock in the morning of the 21st. I have the honor to be, &c.
(Signed)“Edward Codrington.”
“To the Secretary of the Admiralty.”
In consequence of this letter, the Board of Admiralty directed Captain Dickinson to return the order of St. Wladimer, that the mistake of two honorary distinctions having been sent to him might be explained to the Russian ambassador. On the 17th of the following month, Sir Edward Codrington again wrote to their Lordships’ secretary as follows:
