don. Captain Sayer’s promotion to post rank took place twelve days previous to the capture of the above schooner; from which period we find no mention of him, until his appointment to the Antelope, a 50-gun ship, fitting for the flag of Rear-Admiral John Harvey, August 22, 1815.
This officer married, in 1799, the daughter of Mr. Lawrence, Storekeeper at Keyham Point. Two of his sons died in the naval service.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.
JAMES ANDREW WORTH, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1810.]
Son of the late Superannuated Rear-Admiral James Worth. This officer was made a Lieutenant in 1794; and we first find him commanding the Stag armed cutter, in which vessel he captured la Zelie privateer, Jan. 5, 1798. He was subsequently appointed to the Telegraph hired brig, mounting 14 eighteen-pounder carronades, and 2 long sixes, with a complement of 60 officers, men and boys. The following is a copy of his official letter, to the late Admiral Sir Richard King, reporting the capture of another French cruiser:–
“Sir,– I have the honor to inform you, I arrived here at 7 o’clock this evening, with l’Hirondelle brig corvette, mounting 16 guns, long nines and six-pounders, and 89 men, when she sailed from St. Maloes three days since, but having captured an American schooner, and an English sloop, reduced her complement to 72. I discovered l’Hirondelle on Monday morning, at day-light, on the lee bow, the Isle de Bas S.E. 9 leagues: she immediately tacked and stood towards me. At half-past 7, being close alongside, an action commenced, which continued for three hours and a half; and after several attempts to board on both sides, she being totally unrigged, she struck, and proved to be the vessel above described. Five of her crew were killed and 14 wounded: the Telegraph bad 5 wounded. I am proud to say, the company of the Telegraph behaved as English sailors always do on such occasions; and to acknowledge the very able assistance I received from Mr. George Gibbs, the master. I shall return to Plymouth the moment the wind will allow me[1].
For this service. Lieutenant Worth was promoted, March
- ↑ Mr. James calls l’Hirondelle a privateer; and we are inclined to believe that he is right, particularly as the name and rank of her commander is not stated in the above letter.
