JOHN THOMPSON (b) Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1812.]
This This officer passed his examination for lieutenant previous to the Spanish armament, at which period we find him on board the Queen Charlotte a first rate, bearing the flag of Earl Howe, in consequence of whose recommendation he was promoted, by commission dated Nov. 22, 1790. During the French revolutionary war, he successively served, and principally as first lieutenant, under Captains Richard Lee, John William Spranger, William Luke, and William Bowen; in the Serpent sloop, Woolwich 44, and Blonde and Caroline, frigates; on the West India, Downs, Lisbon, and Mediterranean stations.
Soon after the renewal of hostilities, 1803, Lieutenant Thompson was appointed to the Venerable 74, at the particular request of her captain, the late Vice-Admiral Hunter; in which ship he continued until she was wrecked, in Torbay, Nov. 24, 1804. The following account of that disaster is given by one of his brother officers:–
“It was about 5 P.M. the wind blowing very fresh, and the evening dark and foggy, that she touched on a ridge of rocks, but at what part of the hay could not, at first, he exactly ascertained. Every exertion was instantly made to get her off, but to no purpose. The weather rather clearing, we soon perceived the danger of our situation. It was truly terrible, and scarcely left us the most distant prospect of life. Our brave and worthy captain, however, with the most undaunted fortitude I ever beheld, still continued to animate the crew to hope and further perseverance. This he did with as much collectedness and self-command as if conducting the ordinary duty of the ship; never in my life did I witness such utter disregard to death and danger. Not the least alteration took place in his looks, words, or manner, from the moment she struck, until, at our joint and earnest importunity, after all the crew were safe, he left the ship. Every thing was done that the most able and experienced seaman could suggest, but all in vain. Signals of distress were now made, and most fortunately reached the Impetueux and Goliah, which ships immediately stood back into the bay, and sent their boats to our assistance. All the rest of the fleet were beyond the hearing of our guns; and the people on shore did not attempt to give us any kind of help.
“Having tried every thing in vain for the safety of the ship, we now turned our thoughts to the lives of the crew, and as they could be of no further use, they were told to provide for their own safety in the boats of
