during the Spanish and Russian armaments, the Salisbury, of 50 guns; bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral Milbanke, on the Newfoundland station, where he twice saved the life of a fellow creature, by jumping overboard, whilst his ship was at sea; and in one of these instances his conduct appears the more praiseworthy, as he was still labouring under the effects of a severe illness.
The war with revolutionary France, afforded an admirable opportunity for able officers to exhibit their talents. Nor was it allowed to slip away by the subject of this memoir, who omitted no occasion for the display of his zeal and energy.
Having, early in the year 1793, obtained the command of the Nymphe, of 40 guns and 240 men, he cruised in the Channel until the 18th June; early on the morning of which day, being off the Start Point, he fell in with the French frigate Cleopatra, and bore up for her immediately. All was silent until the ships came within hail; Captain Pellew then ordered his crew to man the shrouds and give three cheers, with “Long live King George the Third!” The French Captain ordered his rigging, in the same manner, to be manned; and, coming forward on the gangway, waved his hat, exclaiming “Vive la Nation!” which his crew accompanied with three cheers. Captain Pellew’s putting on his hat was the signal for the Nymphe to begin the action. One more desperate was never fought; they were engaged, throughout, yard-arm and yard-arm. The sails and rigging were so much intermixed during the engagement, that the crew of the Nymphe actually went from their own yards to those of the Cleopatra, and cut the men from their quarters. At length a shot from the British frigate carried away the enemy’s mizen-mast, and another her wheel; so that she became ungovernable, and fell on board her opponent.
Captain Pellew, from the cloud of smoke in which both ships were enveloped, not knowing the real cause, concluded his adversary intended to board him, and prepared for his reception; but finding the Republicans did not advance, he imme-
off and carried into Ostend, where she was soon after brought to a sale, bought by the British government, and added to the royal navy by the name of the Proselyte; where she did excellent service, and was esteemed a remarkably quick sailing vessel.
