taken prisoner on the occasion[1]. The loss sustained by the Montagu in this battle, amounted to 12 killed and 31 wounded.
A long interval of peace succeeded the above glorious event, and Captain Bowen remained unemployed until the commencement of the war with the French republic, in 1793, at which period he was appointed to the Belliqueux, of 64 guns, and afterwards removed into the Veteran, of the same force.
In the Autumn of 1795, he obtained the command of the Canada, of 74 guns; and early in the following year proceeded to the West Indies, under the orders of Sir Hugh C. Christian, with whom he served at the reduction of St. Lucia[2]; after the capture of which island the Canada was sent to Jamaica, the station where Captain Bowen continued to command her until 1797, when he removed into the Carnatic, another ship of the same rate. He was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, Feb. 14, 1799; Vice-Admiral, Nov. 9, 1805; and
- ↑ See p. 35, et seq.
- ↑ St. Lucia surrendered by capitulation, May 25, 1796; the garrison amounted to 2000 men. A great quantity of ordnance, ammunition, and military stores, were found in the different batteries. A ship, three brigs, and five schooners, were taken in the Careenage. Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, who commanded the troops employed in this expedition, bestowed the following tribute of praise to the support and co-operation which he derived from the navy;
“General Order.– Head Quarters, St. Lucia, May 27, 1794.
“During the services which have been carried on in the Island of St. Lucia, all the courage and every exertion of the army would have proved ineffectual, if Rear-Admiral Sir H. C. Christian, and the royal navy, had not stepped forward with the alacrity which has been so conspicuous, in forwarding the most arduous part of the public service; to their skill and unremitting labour, is in a great measure owing the success which has attended his Majesty’s arms. It will afford the Commander-in-Chief the greatest satisfaction, to be able to lay before his Majesty the eminent services which have on this occasion been performed by the royal navy, and Admiral Sir H. C. Christian will confer a particular obligation on Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, and the army at large, if he will be so obliging as to communicate to the royal navy, and in particular to Captains Lane, Ryves, and Stephenson, and the other officers who acted on shore, and to the corps of marines, the great obligation which they consider themselves under to them.
(Signed)“T. Busby, Ass. Adj.-Gen.”
