On the 16th Oct. 1813, the Countess Spencer thus wrote to the mother of Lieutenant Higgs:–
“Madam, – It is true that Captain Spencer has informed me of his intention of remaining on the Mediterranean station for some time longer. Consequently, we shall not see him yet awhile, I am sorry to say. But, although my son may remain absent, it does not follow that your’s should, for Captain Spencer tells us that, if l’Espoir should be ordered home, us she probably will, he hopes to be appointed to another vessel in the Mediterranean, thereby giving us to understand that, though l’Espoir may anchor any day at the Mother Bank, yet that it certainly will be commanded by some one besides him. That it may be commanded by your son, Madam, I heartily hope, although, by so hoping, I indulge a wish contrary to my son’s interest and advantage, since in the loss of Mr. Higgs’ advice and assistance he will experience a very considerable one, the abilities of his first lieutenant having been dwelt on by him with great praise, when writing to us about his ship’s company. I am. Madam, with sincerity, &c.
On the 10th Dec. 1813, Captain Spencer, then at Portsmouth, and still commanding l’Espoir, officially certified that Lieutenant Higgs had invariably “conducted himself as an able, zealous, and good officer, and much to his satisfaction.” At a subsequent period he invited him to become his first lieutenant in the Ganymede 26, but which offer was not accepted.
On the 25th July, 1814, the subject of this sketch was appointed to the Glasgow 50, Captain the Hon. Henry Duncan, in which fine frigate he served as first lieutenant until paid off at Chatham, Sept. 1st, 1815. His next appointment was, June 27th, 1818, to the Liffey 50, commanded by the same excellent officer, with whom he had been a messmate in the Maidstone, and whose favourable notice he had particularly attracted whilst serving in l’Espoir. On visiting the Liffey, in the autumn of 1819, his late Majesty, then Prince Regent, paid Captain Duncan and his officers the flattering compliment of saying that he did so “because he had never seen a ship that pleased him so much before[1];” and on the same
