JOHN HOLLOWAY, Esq
Admiral of the Red.
This officer was born at Wells, in Somersetshire, the present residence of his family. During the year 1760, when he was about 13, he was sent on board the Antelope, of 50 guns, Captain Webb; and in the following year, sailed in her to Newfoundland, with Captain (the late Lord) Graves, who had recently been appointed Governor of the island, and Commander-in-Chief of the naval force on that station. Mr. Holloway then served for two years under Sir Hugh Palliser, and also, with a view of promotion, embarked with Admiral Durell; but that officer dying soon after his arrival in America, our Midshipman was, in 1768, taken under the patronage of Commodore, afterwards Viscount, Hood, in the Romney.
Mr. Holloway was advanced to the rank of Lieutenant in the year 1771; and soon after appointed to the Marlborough, of 74 guns, stationed as a guard-ship at Portsmouth, and commanded by Captain Hood. On the breaking out of the colonial war, he removed into the Perseus frigate, Captain G. K. Elphinstone, now Viscount Keith. The Perseus was an active ship, and Lieutenant Holloway remained in her one year. He was afterwards received by Commodore (the late Lord) Hotham, on board the Preston, of 50 guns, and was First Lieutenant of that ship in 1778, when attached to Earl Howe’s squadron in America, at the time M. d’Estaing anchored with a powerful fleet, having on board a large body of troops, off Shrewsbury inlet, about four miles from Sandy Hook, where his Lordship had moored his ships in the best order for defence, should the French Admiral attempt to force his passage over the bar[1].
- ↑ Upon the appearance of the enemy, 1000 volunteers from the transports immediately offered their services to man the King’s ships; and such was the ardour among these brave fellows, that even many of those who it was necessary should remain to take care of their respective vessels, were found concealed in the boats which were employed to convey their fortunate companions on board the men of war. The zeal displayed by the masters and mates of the merchant vessels at New York,
