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41*

ADMIRALS OF THE RED.

must have suffered in the loss of your brother, who fell so nobly in the cause of his country.

“I am, Sir,
“Your most faithful humble Servant,
(Signed) “Chatham.

“Rear-Admiral Cornwallis is directed to proceed to Plymouth, to take upon him the command of the squadron.”
“Rear-Admiral G. Montagu"

“The Charlotte, at Spithead, June 16th, 1794.

“Sir.– I have received your letter of the 12th inst., by which I am informed of your late proceeding with, and arrival of the squadron under your command, that morning, in Plymouth Sound. And I am to signify, in consequence of your application to the same effect, that you are at liberty to strike your flag, and go on shore for the re-establishment of your health, which I sincerely hope you will be able thereby speedily and permanently to obtain. Having the honor to be, &c. &c.,

(Signed) “HOWE.”

“Rear-admiral Montagu.”

(Private.)

“The Charlotte, Spithead, 16th June, 1794.

“Sir. I condole with you most sincerely, on the great loss you and your family have sustained in consequence of the late action. Your respectable brother was stationed too far distant from me, for my being enabled to give the personal testimony you do me the honor to be anxious for obtaining of me; and which is totally unnecessary for confirming the respect you will naturally retain of him^[1]. “The permission for striking your flag for the reasons you have communicated to the Admiralty, is signified in my official letter the earlier, as I received authority to that effect from the Board yesterday; and so much time was saved of course, as would otherwise have been necessary for obtaining such approbation of your request. And I earnestly hope, for public as well as personal considerations, that the suspension from your professional avocations, will speedily contribute to the re-establishment of your health. Having the honor to be, Sir,

“Your most obedient humble servant,

(Signed) “Howe.”

“Rear-Admiral Montagu.”

From this period, with the exception of his being promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral, on the 1st June, 1795;

↑ Captain James Montagu commanded the Montagu, of 74 guns, and was the only officer of his rank who fell on the glorious 1st June, 1794. At the moment when slain, 9^h 45’ A.M. he was closely engaged with a

[1] Captain James Montagu commanded the Montagu, of 74 guns, and was the only officer of his rank who fell on the glorious 1st June, 1794. At the moment when slain, 9^h 45’ A.M. he was closely engaged with a

[1]