In Sept. 1807, Lieutenant Spencer sailed for the East Indies, as first of the Monmouth 64, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral William O’Brien Drury; with whom he removed to the Russell 74, at Madras, in Feb. 1808. He subsequently served, for about three months, in the Cornwallis frigate, successively commanded by Captains Fleetwood Pellew, and William A. Montague.
Captain Spencer’s commission as a Commander is dated April 8, 1808, but he did not join the Samarang, a 20-gun corvette to which he was then appointed, until Nov. 23d following. In that ship he assisted at the capture of Amboyna, Feb. 19, 1810; and afterwards took possession of the adjacent valuable islands of Saparoua, Harouka, and Naso-Laut[1]. On the 22d of the ensuing month, he was sent to reconnoitre Bauca; from whence he proceeded, in consequence of some intelligence obtained through a successful stratagem, to attack the neighbouring island of Pulo Ay, the garrison of which was so completely taken by surprise, that it surrendered without resistance.
After embarking the enemy’s troops, ordnance, and much valuable public property, Captain Spencer had the additional good fortune to capture the Dutch national brig Recruteur, with supplies of money, cloathing, and provisions for the said island; the governor of which, formerly a captain in the navy of Holland, was so much chagrined at being taken by such an insignificant force, that he destroyed himself very soon afterwards.
On his return to Madras, Captain Spencer was appointed, pro tempore, to the Blanche frigate; and at the same time the commander-in-chief strongly recommended him to the favorable notice of Lord Mulgrave, as will be seen by the following letter:–
