British army at Corunna, in front of which place the gallant Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, after conducting a retreat unparalleled in modern history, was snatched from his country in the moment of victory. Among the emigrants of distinction who sought an asylum on board the Tonnant, on this occasion, was the Duke of Vera Aguas, the lineal descendant of the celebrated Christopher Columbus. On the 25th of the same month, the Houses of Lords and Commons passed a vote of thanks to the Rear-Admiral, the Captains, officers, and men of the squadron, for the assistance they had afforded the army.
The subject of this memoir was soon after appointed Commander-in-Chief at Brazil, and proceeded thither in the Diana frigate. On his arrival at Rio Janeiro, he hoisted his flag in the Foudroyant, of 80 guns, where it continued until his return to England, in 1812.
Our officer was advanced to the rank of Vice-Admiral, July 31, 1810; and became an Admiral of the Blue, July 19, 1821. He married, Oct. 24, 1786, Miss Blennerhasset, daughter of Conway Blennerhasset, of Castle Conway, co. Kerry, Esq. (descended from the ancient Cumberland family of that name) and sister of the present Dowager Baroness Kingsale. The Admiral’s daughter, Anne, married in June, 1812, Captain Sir John Gordon Sinclair, Bart. R.N. His eldest son is in Holy Orders.
