a disabled ship, (whose Captain, Graeme, had lost an arm) into port, was promoted to the rank of Commander, and appointed to the Tisiphone, a new fire-vessel, then fitting at Sherness.
On the 18th of the same month, his late Majesty, ever desirous of bestowing marks of approbation on his brave seamen, and highly gratified by the intrepidity they had so recently displayed, honoured Sir Hyde Parker’s squadron, then at the Nore, with a visit. After paying a just tribute of applause to the conduct of the Admiral, he desired the commanding officers of the different ships might be presented to him. When Captain Saumarez was introduced, the King immediately asked Sir Hyde, “Is he a relation of the Saumarez’ who went round the world with Lord Anson?” “Yes, please your Majesty," the Admiral replied; " he is their nephew, and as brave and as good an officer as either of his uncles[1].”
- ↑ Sir Hyde Parker was subsequently appointed to the chief command
those dreadful sea-fights between England and Holland, which were witnessed in the preceding century. Both squadrons had the charge of a fleet of merchantmen; notwithstanding which, they were equally determined to meet and fight it out to the last. The British being to windward, Sir Hyde Parker made the signal for the merchant ships to keep their wind, and with the men-of-war bore down on the enemy, who were lying to, formed in the line of battle. An awful silence prevailed; and not a single gun was fired on either side until within half musket shot. The Fortitude being then abreast of the Dutch Admiral, the action began, and continued with unceasing fury for three hours and forty minutes. By this time the combatants were unavoidably separated; and the British ships so disabled as to be quite unmanageable. Sir Hyde Parker made every effort to form the line, in order to renew the engagement; but found it impracticable. The enemy’s ships were equally cut to pieces. In this shattered situation both squadrons lay-to a considerable time near each other refitting; at last Admiral Zoutman, with his convoy, bore away for the Texel; nor was it in the power of Sir Hyde to pursue him.
The next day the English frigates discovered the Hollandia, a Dutch ship of 68 guns, sunk in deep water, her top-gallant masts only being above the surface, and her pendant flying, which Captain Patten, of the Belle Poule, struck, and brought on board to Sir Hyde Parker. In this dreadful battle Captain Macartney, five other officers, and 105 men were killed, and 24 officers and 294 men wounded. The most authentic accounts state the Dutch to have had 1100 killed, wounded, and drowned.
