species of bombardment was rendered peculiarly grand by the attendant echoes, and continued until 4 A.M. when, being nearly consumed to the water’s edge, her bow gradually drooped, the water rushed in through her ports, and she majestically glided to the bottom, contending, as she went, with the waves, which were unable, for some time, to quench the mighty mass of fire, and glorious, like the hero who once commanded her, in her exit[1]! The fire was first discovered in the galley; but how it originated cannot be ascertained. A part of the San Josef’s stores, with Captain Bourchier’s property, had been removed to the hulk; the remainder of the stores, and the luggage of the officers and crew, were to have been transferred the following day.”
Shortly after this disastrous occurrence, Captain Bourchier was superseded, in consequence of Rear-Admiral Foote having accepted the appointment of second in command at Portsmouth, and the San Josef being ordered to prepare for the reception of Sir Richard King, who had selected another officer to serve as his flag-captain. We subsequently find him commanding the Medina of 20 guns, and Athol 28: he was appointed superintendant of the quarantine establishment at Milford, in Jan. 1827.
Agent.– J. Copland, Esq.
JOHN STRUTT PEYTON, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1811.]
Third son of the late William Peyton, Esq. many years in the Navy Office, Somerset Place, by Phillis, daughter of Captain Lobb, who died in command of the Kingfisher sloop, on the American station, and sister to the late Commissioner William Granville Lobb. His paternal grandfather. Admiral Joseph Peyton (son of Commodore Edward Peyton) married a daughter of Commodore Strutt, and had issue four sons, viz. – William, above-mentioned, whose eldest son perished in the York 64, of which ship he was the third Lieutenant; Joseph, died a superannuated Rear-Admiral; John commanded the Defence 74, at the battle of the Nile, and afterwards obtained a flag[2]; and Thomas, died in command of
- ↑ We scarcely need remind our readers that Nelson had his broad pendant flying in the Captain when he boarded and captured the San Josef.
- ↑ See Vol. II. Part II. note † at p. 654.
