JOHN DILKES, Esq
Vice-Admiral of the Red.
This officer was made a Commander during the war with our trans-atlantic colonies; subsequent to which, in consequence of some temporary disgust, he entered into the Portugueze service, and obtained the rank of Rear-Admiral; but brighter prospects opening, he returned to that of his native country, and became a Post-Captain, Sept. 21, 1790.
In 1795, Captain Dilkes commanded the Madras, of 54 guns, stationed in the North Sea. He afterwards proceeded to the West Indies, and was present at the reduction of St. Lucia by the forces under Sir Hugh Christian and Sir Ralph Abercromby[1]. The Madras continued about two years on the Leeward Island station, and on her arrival in England was again ordered to join the North Sea fleet.
About the latter end of 1799, Captain Dilkes sailed with the trade for the Cape of Good Hope and the East Indies. Previous to his return, he became involved in an affair of the most unpleasant nature with the Chinese government, of which the following account is given in Schomberg’s Naval Chronology.
“Early in 1800, the Providence schooner, commanded by Lieutenant Mayo, whilst lying at Whampoo, had her cables cut two or three times during the night. Her commander, irritated at these repeated robberies, gave orders that the first boat that approached near the vessel, with the supposed intention of cutting the cables, should be fired upon.
“On the 11th Feb. this order was unfortunately executed, and a young Chinese, fifteen years of age, wounded in the shoulder.
“The Viceroy of the Provinces of Canton and Quangsi, ordered the Collector of the Customs to publish on the 14th, an edict, by which the English were accused of having drowned one man and wounded another. It was enjoined the presi-
