for the conveyance of troops. In 1831, the following application was made in his favour to Lord Durham, and, we believe, transmitted by that nobleman to Sir James Graham:
“My Lord, – We, the undersigned merchants and ship-owners of the port of Sunderland, do most respectfully beg leave to solicit your Lordship’s recommendation of Commander J. C. Woollnough, R.N., to the favourable consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
“During the riots of the seamen at this port, in 1825, Commander Woollnough, then lieutenant, commanding H.M. cutter Surly, was stationed here, and by his very active and judicious conduct, not only restored and preserved the tranquillity of the port, but also by his prompt and obliging readiness in rendering assistance to our vessels on every occasion, gained the good will and esteem of all the respectable inhabitants. He has since been made a Commander, and is anxious to obtain employment: but although his services are before the Lords of the Admiralty, his personal character is unknown to Sir James Graham.
“He has been twenty-seven years in the navy, seventeen of which he was lieutenant, and during the war was in the battles of Trafalgar, St. Domingo, &c., &c., and otherwise frequently engaged with the enemy. He has several times been honoured with the thanks of the Admiralty, and of the commanders under whom he served, the details of which are now before the Admiralty; and he has also had conferred upon him the order of St. Vladimir, for services in Germany. We are given to understand some ships of war are about to be commissioned, suitable to his rank; and if your Lordship should deem it proper to intercede in his favour, and procure him an appointment, it would be conferring a great obligation on the inhabitants of this port generally: and we feel confident that Commander Woollnough would do honor to the appointment.
“Hoping your Lordship will pardon the liberty we have taken in this recommendation, we are, my Lord, &c.”
the most respectable merchants and ship-owners of the port.)
On the 18th Aug. in the same year. Sir Henry Blackwood wrote to Commander Woollnough as follows:–
“My dear Sir,– I have received your letter of the 16th, and beg to assure you that it always gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct of the officers who have served under my flag; and am happy to have it in my power on this occasion to testify my opinion of the talent and zeal displayed by you in the public service on all occasions when in command of his Majesty’s cutter Surly, under my orders in the North Sea; and I shall be at all times extremely happy to see you again under my flag. With best wishes for your success, I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully.
