lieve the important fortress of Gibraltar, which was then closely pressed on the land side by a very numerous Spanish army, while at the same time the combined armaments of France and Spain, amounting to nearly fifty ships of the line, attempted to block it up by sea. In the skirmish that took place outside the Gut, after the object of the expedition had been accomplished, the Foudroyant had 4 men killed and 8 wounded.
Respecting the relief of Gibraltar, it has been justly said, that “foreign nations acknowledge its glory, and every future age will confirm it. Not only the hopes, but the fears of his country, accompanied Lord Howe. The former rested upon his consummate abilities, and approved bravery; while the latter could not but look to the many obstacles he had to subdue, and the superior advantage of the fleet that was to oppose him. Nevertheless, he fulfilled the grand objects of the expedition; the garrison of Gibraltar was effectually relieved, the hostile fleet baffled and dared in vain to battle; and the different squadrons detached to their important destinations; while the ardent and certain hopes of his country’s foes were disappointed.”
Immediately on the return of the fleet to England, Sir John Jervis was chosen to command a small squadron destined on a secret expedition. He accordingly quitted the Foudroyant, and hoisted a broad pendant on board the Salisbury, of 50 guns; but it was soon after hauled down in consequence of the sudden cessation of hostilities[1].
About this period, our officer was chosen representative in Parliament for the borough of Launceston, in Cornwall; and at the general election in 1784, he was returned for the town of North Yarmouth, and soon distinguished himself by opposing an expensive plan, which was then in agitation, for fortifying the dock-yards; not only as a member of parliament, but as a member of the board of officers, which was convened for the purpose of investigating the propriety of the measure. He also gave a firm support to every proposal which was calculated to advance the good of the service, or the welfare of his brother officers.
- ↑ The preliminary articles of peace between Great Britain, France, Spain, and America, were signed at Versailles, Jan. 20, 1783.
