Royal Naval Biography/Blennerhassett, Goddard
GODDARD BLENNERHASSETT, Esq.
[Commander.]
Was made a lieutenant in 1796; and served as first of the Amethyst frigate, at the capture of la Thetis, Nov. 10th, 1808[1]. The following is an extract of his captain’s official letter on that occasion:
“No language can convey an adequate idea of the cool and determined bravery shewn by every officer and man of this ship; and their truly noble behaviour has laid me under the greatest obligation. The assistance I received from my gallant friend the first lieutenant, Mr. Goddard Blennerhassett, an officer of great merit and ability, is beyond ail encomium.
(Signed)“Michael Seymour.”
This officer’s commission as commander bears date Nov. 11th, 1808. Towards the end of 1810, he was appointed to the Challenger brig-sloop; and on the 12th March, 1811, he had the misfortune to be captured by a French frigate and an armed store-ship, off the Seven Islands. In May, 1814, having then just returned from captivity, he was tried by a court-martial, honorably acquitted, and highly praised for his seamanlike endeavours to join the British squadron off St. Maloes.