signals, but at such a distance that they could not be made out; we imagined it might have been the Admiral informing his consort that the land was discovered; and our ideas, I assure you, were very sanguine on the subject, more particularly when we arrived at St. Mary’s (Madagascar), where the inhabitants acquainted us that two ships answering their description had put into that harbour, and continued there about twenty days, during which time they watered and took on board a considerable number of bullocks. We imagined it was them, consequently made the best of our way to this place, but when off the Cape met with contrary winds and very tempestuous weather. Rear-Admiral Stirling is fitting us with all despatch, intending to send us back to India, although, from the state of the ship, and our captain’s probable loss, we hoped that he would have allowed us to go home, particularly as Captain Troubridge so much wishes it.”
Among others who perished with Sir Thomas Troubridge were Captain Charles Elphinstone and Lord Rosehill, the latter a son of the Earl of Northesk, and a very promising young officer. The Java was commanded by Captain George Pigot, and their joint crews amounted to at least 1000 persons. It is remarkable, that the Harrier also foundered in the vicinity of Madagascar, about Mar. 1809.
Sir Edward T. Troubridge’s commission as a Commander, was confirmed Sept. 5, 1806; and he obtained post-rank on the 28th Nov. in the following year. His last appointment was, Feb. 8, 1813, to the Armide frigate; and in Aug. 1814, we find him capturing the Herald, American privateer schooner, of 17 guns and 100 men; and the Invincible, French letter of marque, of 16 guns and 60 men. His conduct as senior officer of the naval brigade, landed to assist at the reduction of New Orleans, is highly spoken of in the naval and military despatches respecting that fortunate enterprise. He married, Oct, 19, 1810, Forrester, youngest daughter of Sir Alexander J. Cochrane, K.B.
CHARLES GORDON, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1807.]
Was made a Commander May 20, 1806; and advanced to post-rank, Dec. 21, 1807. In Nov. 1809, he commanded the Caroline frigate, and assisted at the destruction of more than eighty piratical vessels at Ras-al-Khyma and other ports si-
