Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/160

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156 FORBES. subsequent to the action, many of which are still ex tant, bear the same uniform testimony to the intrepidity and very distinguished conduct of this gentleman; and’ the tribute of popular applause appears to have been equally divided between himself and the very brave but unfortunate Captain Cornwall. Historians have fol lowed their honest example, and been equally grateful in the testimony they have borne to his merit. Captain Forbes remained in the Mediterranean during the continuance of hostilities, and was employed on the most important services, the torpid manner in which the caution and shyness of the enemy continued the war in that part of the world, would permit. On Nov. 29, 1746, he commanded the small vessels and pinnaces which sup ported the Austrian army under Count Brown, in forcing the passage of the War. The force under Mr. Forbes consisted of the Phoenix frigate, the Terrible sloop, a barcolongo, on board which a party of German soldiers were embarked, and eight armed pinnaces. These vessels were stationed along shore to the westward of the War, and at day-break on the 30th, commenced a very brisk fire on the French post to the left of the village of St. Laurent. General Brown bestowed the highest enco miums on the conduct of Captain Forbes, and declared in the warmest terms of gratitude, that the assistance he received from the English, had been the principal cause of his success. On the 15th of July, 1747, he was promoted to be rear admiral of the blue, and not long afterwards became, for a short time, as it is said, commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean. On May 12, 1748, he was, advanced to be rear-admiral of the white, as he was a few months after, to be rear of the red; but peace having succeeded, and Mr. Forbes not being appointed to any command, we have nothing to relate till the 4th of February, 1755, when he was advanced to be vice-admiral of the blue. On the 11th of December, 1756, he was nominated one of the commissioners for executing the office of lord high