and to resume the active duties of his profession. He was immediately appointed to command the Victorious, and soon afterwards the Venerable, of 74 guns, attached to the Channel Fleet. From the latter he removed into the Prince George, a second rate, and continued in her until June 1, 1795, when he was promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral.
In the beginning of 1797, Sir John Orde assumed the command at Plymouth, during the absence of the Port Admiral, the late Sir Richard King. On this service he continued until the close of the disgraceful mutiny, in the month of May[1]; soon after which he hoisted his flag on board the Princess Royal of 98 guns, and joined the fleet under the orders of Earl St. Vincent on the Mediterranean station. In November following, the Rear-Admiral was sent by his Lordship with the command of a squadron of eight sail of the line, and a proportionate number of frigates and sloops, to blockade the port of Cadiz.
There he continued till relieved by Sir W. Parker, in January, 1778, and was sent back again on the same service, after that officer had been compelled to leave his station by a superior force. This service, though certainly not the most splendid, was not the least arduous, especially during the winter months, when Sir John principally conducted it. The position necessarily taken by the blockading squadron was embayed. In the port of Cadiz there were about twenty sail of the line, with some frigates, kept apparently in constant readiness to put to sea, which threatened on one side; whilst, on another, the squadron was liable to attack from the Toulon fleet, unchecked in its operations, and known to be preparing for some important expedition.
On Earl St. Vincent resuming the immediate command off Cadiz, the Rear-Admiral received his thanks in the following words; “You have shewn uncommon ability and exertion in preserving your position during the late unpleasant weather, and I very much approve every step you have taken.”
Not long after this, Sir Orde was much mortified at finding an officer[2] junior to himself, just arrived from England, se-
- ↑ See Memoirs of Admiral Sir John Knight, and Vice-Admiral E. Griffith Colpoys.
- ↑ Sir Horatio, afterwards Viscount Nelson.
