On the evening of May 28, when the Bellerophon’s main cap was upset by a shot, and she was consequently obliged to take in her main-top-sail, the Leviathan ran between her and the Revolutionnaire, which immense ship she engaged singly for about an hour before the Audacious came up, and obliged Lord Hugh to shoot a-head, and content himself with engaging a two-decker. The Leviathan continued close to the rear of the enemy’s line, occasionally shewing lights over her lee-quarter to the British fleet, during the whole of the ensuing night. On the following day. when passing close to the Queen Charlotte, she was cheered by Earl Howe and Sir Roger Curtis, his first captain, both of whom were standing in the stern gallery, waving their hats over their heads, when the Leviathan’s gallant crew manned the rigging in order to salute their veteran and noble chief.
On the glorious first of June, Lord Hugh Seymour engaged and effectually silenced l’Amerique 74, bearing a commodore’s broad pendant; but was prevented from taking possession of her in consequence of the signal being made “to close round the Queen Charlotte.” During the different actions, the Leviathan had 10 killed and 33 wounded. The names of the Lieutenants who fought under Lord Hugh Seymour, were Robert Larkan, now a Captain of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich; Samuel George Warner and John Seater, since deceased[1]; Cornelius Quinton, made a Post-Captain in 1802; and Francis John Nott, a Captain of 1810.
Lord Hugh Seymour was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, June 1, 1795; and on the 23rd of the same month, we find him assisting at the capture of three French line-of-battle ships near l’Orient. On that occasion the Sans Pareil, bearing his lordship’s flag, had 10 killed and 2 wounded; one of the latter was Lieutenant Nott, the other Mr. Richard Spencer, Midshipman, now a Captain, and C.B.
From this period Lord Hugh was almost constantly and actively employed afloat until his lamented demise, Sept. 11, 1801[2]. An officer who had long served under him says, that “his lordship possessed a suavity of manners to his inferiors that conciliated their esteem, but at the same time an air of dignity that precluded familiarity. His zeal for the service was unremitting; his attention to his men impartial and uniform; as a patron, his discernment raised many officers in the service, who must otherwise have been lost in obscure stations. He possessed not only the spirit of a seaman, but his mildness; and he was justly placed by professional men among the best officers in the navy.” Sir Charles V. Penrose informs us that “the noble Admiral’s heart was as humane as his professional skill was eminent; and that, although ardent in the feelings of honorable ambi-- ↑ Captain John Seater, of the Mediator 44, died in 1806. His meritorious conduct on different occasions obtained him post rank, although he commenced his naval career in the most subordinate capacity.
- ↑ See Vol. II. Part II., note at p. 503.
