Phoebe, a convincing proof that his talents were viewed in no common light by that discerning commander, to whom his general conduct must also have given great satisfaction. The Admiralty, however, did not think proper to break through a regulation then in force, by which no officer under three years standing was considered eligible to be appointed senior Lieutenant of an 18-pounder frigate, although he was allowed to become first of the Aquilon, two other gentlemen being appointed to her who were both his juniors in rank.
Captain Barlow was succeeded in the command of the Aquilon by Captain W. E. Cracraft, with whom Lieutenant Hancock continued to serve until the summer of 1798, when he exchanged into the Valiant, a third rate, on the Jamaica station. Previous to her proceeding thither, the Aquilon had a skirmish with four French gun-boats, which, taking advantage of a calm, had rowed out from under the land near Harfleur, and having long 24-pounders were enabled to annoy her very considerably, as they fired with such extraordinary precision that every shut took effect either in the hull, the masts, or the rigging: fortunately, although much cut up, she had only one man killed, and a midshipman severely wounded.
Whilst in the Valiant, Lieutenant Hancock assisted at the capture of la Petite Magicienne, a very fine French ship privateer, carrying 20 guns and 120 men, 3 of whom being recognized by him as deserters from the Aquilon, and found in arms against their country, were afterwards tried and executed. The first batch of the Hermione’s mutineers, 5 in number, was also found on board the same vessel, one of whom was admitted as King’s evidence; the others were hanged, and subsequently gibbeted on a prominent part of St. Domingo. Previous to the final evacuation of that island by the British, Lieutenant Hancock volunteered to assist in dislodging a considerable body of brigands, who had established themselves at Jean Rabel, from whence by means of small vessels and row boats, they daily committed depredations against merchantmen of every description.
To effect this essential service, it had been arranged that a detachment from the army at Cape Nichola Mole should storm
