The Morning Star, of 1 gun, 4 swivels, and 40 men; Polly, of similar force; Madison, Olive, and Spence, each mounting 2 guns; and Commodore Barry, a revenue cutter, pierced for 10, hut only mounting 6 guns.
Among numerous other prizes taken by Captain Brenton, but condemned as droits of Admiralty, were the Melanthe, a beautiful ship, from Valparaiso, with a cargo of hides and copper; and a brig laden with merino wool, opium, and wine; each having on board several thousands of dollars. The Spartan being found defective, was paid off about Sept. 1813.
Captain Brenton’s next appointment was, April 11, 1815, to the Royal Sovereign, a first rate, fitting for the flag of Rear-Admiral Hallowell, which ship he fully equipped in the short space of 18 days; part of his crew at the same time employed rigging and completing the stores of a brig, whose commander was thanked by the Admiralty for his diligence, although the active exertions of Captain Brenton and his first Lieutenant were not even acknowledged.
On the 31st of the following month. Captain Brenton was removed to the Tonnant 80; the command of which ship he resigned in Nov. 1815. His “Naval History” has been so long before the public as to render any remark of ours upon that work superfluous. Contemporaries are not always the most impartial judges – posterity will decide whether he has or has not been profitably employed. That he has made many enemies is certain; but we have no doubt that he has also gained some friends. His style will be seen by the preceding extracts.
Captain Brenton married, Mar. 20, 1803, a daughter of the late General Thomas Cox.
Agent.– J. Hinxman, Esq.
FRANCIS AUGUSTUS COLLIER, Esq.
A Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath; and a knight of the Persian Order of the Lion and Sun.
[Post-Captain of 1808.]
Second son of the late Vice-Admiral Sir George Collier, Knt. whose services are recorded in the Naval Chronicle, Vol. XXXII, p. 205 et seq. and at pp. 353-400.
