that threatened Barbadoes, at the request of the Governor Lord Seaforth, and of the inhabitants of that island, you undertook to secure against the expected attempts of the enemy, a fleet of considerable value then lying in Carlisle bay, to remove them from the exposure of an open road, and to convoy them in safety to England.
“Your conduct was approved by the highest naval authority; but absence from your station, deprived you of the post rank for which you stood first on promotion with the commander-in-chief.
“To the confident expectation that you will speedily attain to that rank which will accelerate your advance to the highest honors of your profession, we add our wishes to every honorable enterprise of your future life, and continued health and happiness. To these expressions of the general sentiment, permit me to join my own of personal consideration and particular respect. I remain. Sir, your obedient humble servant,
“To Captain Edgcumbe, R.N.”
The fleet which sailed from Barbadoes under the Heron’s protection consisted of twenty-eight merchantmen and four transports; five of the former, being bound to Halifax and Newfoundland, parted company when in a proper latitude: the remainder, and the transports, arrived at their different ports in safety; those bound up St. George’s Channel being given in charge to the Argus sloop of war, off Cape Clear; and those for the Thames, &c. keeping company with Captain Edgcumbe, who anchored in the Downs, Aug. 2, 1805. A few days after his arrival he received an address which, according to chronological order, should have taken precedence of the one we have just copied:
“Sir,– Addresses of this nature having of late become more frequent, we should be sorry were this to be considered as one following of course, as we deem it a tribute, though small, which is justly due to your merit.
“When we reflect on the value of the convoy bound to England, committed to your charge at Barbadoes, the judicious arrangement which you made for its sailing, the unremitted attention you at all times paid to it, the inadequate force which you had for its protection, and its ultimate arrival in safety, we cannot refrain from offering you our best thanks for your conduct, which we now request you will have the goodness to accept.
“That every opportunity you can desire may be offered you of maintaining the honor of onr Sovereign, as well as protecting the interests of your fellow-subjects, is the sincere wish of, Sir, your most respectful, and very humble servants.”
