sailed from England in the Sampson, of 64 guns, to escort the trade bound to the East Indies; and, in the autumn of the following year, returned from thence, with nineteen of the Hon. Company’s ships under his convoy, and in company with the Lion 64, having on board Lord Macartney and suite, returning from an embassy to China. Subsequent to his arrival in England, Captain Montagu had the satisfaction of receiving the thanks of the Court of Directors, together with a present of 350 guineas, for the care and protection which he had afforded to their property.
Our officer’s next appointment was to the Hector, of 74 guns, stationed for some time in the Mediterranean, but afterwards attached to the Channel Fleet. This ship formed part of the force under Admiral Hotham, in the partial action of July 13, 1795[1]. In 1797, he removed into the Cumberland, a ship of the same force, in which he continued on the Home station, until his promotion to the rank of Rear-Admiral, Feb. 14, 1799.
In the summer of 1801, he was ordered to hoist his flag in the Carnatic, of 74 guns, at Jamaica, and proceeded thither in the Garland frigate. On the 16th Sept., in the same year, he succeeded to the command on that station, vacant by the death of Lord Hugh Seymour, on which occasion he removed into the Sans Pareil, of 84 guns.
The Rear-Admiral returned to England in the course of the following year; and soon after the re-commencement of hostilities against France, was appointed to a command in the North Sea fleet, under the orders of Lord Keith. He was advanced to the rank of Vice-Admiral, Nov. 9, 1805; and became a full Admiral, July 31, 1810.
