was sick at Jamaica) ia withheld; I beg you will be pleased to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that when I rejoined the Pelican, Lieutenant Ussher did his duty on board, although his wound was open and very troublesome; and I afterwards sent him on a similar service (to that on which he received his wound) in the boats of the Pelican, in the bight of Leogone, when he shewed his usual gallantry, and destroyed the French privateer. – I therefore beg leave to recommend his case to their Lordships, as that of a brave and deserving officer. I have the honor to be. Sir, &c.
“Evan Nepean, Esq.”
Contrary to the advice of his physicians, Lieutenant Ussher again solicited employment, in June 1801, and was immediately appointed to the Nox cutter; in which vessel he appears to have been employed attending upon the royal family during their usual visit to Weymouth; but although flattered with a promise of speedy advancement at that period, he had the mortification to be passed over when a very extensive promotion took place, in April 1802. His subsequent appointments were, Oct. 1803, to the Joseph cutter; and April 1804, to the Colpoys brig; the latter vessel mounting 14 twelve-pounder carronades, with a complement of 40 men. In Oct. 1804, Captain Peter Puget, of the Foudroyant 80, prepared a plan for the destruction of the Brest fleet, in the performance of which service he was to have been seconded by Lieutenant Ussher; but to their great chagrin the enterprise was abandoned through some misunderstanding, only two days before the time appointed for putting it into execution. The following copy of a letter from Captain Puget will shew what confidence he reposed in his intended companion:
“My dear Sir,– I beg leave to add my testimony to the many already in your possession, of your services, and how much I felt obliged for the readiness with which you came forward when I suggested to you the plaa for destroying the enemy’s fleet in Brest by fire-vessels. Had that plan been put into execution, you were to have followed in the next brig to me; and as I should have led in, I felt assured of extensive success with such support.
“I have likewise to acknowledge the assistance I received from you in reconnoitring the enemy’s fleet, during the time that plan was in contemplation; and nothing I assure you would afford me more heartfelt gratification than hearing of your promotion, on which I hope very shortly to con-
