In the spring of 1777, we find the Surprise assisting in the defence of Quebec, and annoying the American army in its retreat from before that important place, which it had besieged for about five months. Soon after this event Mr. Domett was appointed acting Lieutenant of the Romney, a 50-gun ship, bearing the flag of Admiral John Montagu, Commander-in-Chief at Newfoundland, with whom he retured to England in the fall of the year; and on his arrival, was commissioned to the Robust, of 74 guns, in which ship he was present in the action between Keppel and d’Orvilliers, July 27, 1778[1]; and the battle which took place off Cape Henry, March 16, 1781[2]. In the latter affair the Robust sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded than any other ship in the British squadron; and by having at one time three of the enemy’s vessels to contend with, her masts, sails, rigging, and boats, were cut to pieces. The following complimentary letter, addressed by Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot to Captain Cosby, is a sufficient proof of the high estimation in which the conduct of her officers and crew was held by the Commander-in-Chief on that occasion.
“Dear Sir.– You have, since the time that we left Gardiner’s Bay, conducted yourself like an experienced, diligent officer, particularly on the 16th inst., in which you have approved yourself a gallant Naval Commander, that has done honour to yourself and country; and both yourself, officers, and ship’s company, have my warmest thanks for your spirited conduct. * * * * * * * *
“Captain Cosby, Robust.”
In the ensuing autumn, Lieutenant Domett was removed to the Invincible, of 74 guns, commanded by the late Sir Charles Saxton, Bart., and was on board that ship in Rear-Admiral Graves’s action with the French fleet, off the Chesapeake, on the 5th Sept. in the same year[3]. Soon after this he was taken into the Barfleur, and had the honor of serving as signal-officer to Sir Samuel Hood, during the memorable and masterly manoeuvres of that distinguished Admiral at St.-
