will be found in our memoir of the Earl of St. Vincent, then Sir John Jervis, from whom Vice-Admiral Waldegrave received the following letter, in acknowledgment of the very essential services he had rendered[1]:
“Sir.– No language I am possessed of can convey the high sense I entertain of the exemplary conduct of the Flag-Officers, Captains, Officers, Seamen, Marines, and Soldiers, embarked on board every ship of the squadron I have the honour to command, present at the vigorous and successful attack made upon the fleet of Spain on the 14th instant. The signal advantage obtained by his Majesty’s arms on that day, is entirely to be attributed to their determined valour and discipline; and I desire you will accept my grateful thanks for your service on that occasion.
“Your most obedient humble servant,
“J. JERVIS.
“The Hon. Win. Waldegrave,
&c. &c. &c.”
Soon after the above glorious event, the subject of this memoir was nominated Governor of Newfoundland, and Commander-in-Chief of the squadron employed on that station. This appointment he held for several years, during which he devoted his whole attention to the welfare of that island, and obtained very particular approbation.
It was at that period the regulation for the Governor of Newfoundland to return to England at the fall of the year, and remain there during the winter months. In consequence of this custom Vice-Admiral Waldegrave had the gratification of assisting in the solemn ceremonies of a day devoted to thanksgiving for the splendid triumphs that the Almighty had vouchsafed to the fleets of Britain; On the 10th Dec. 1797, their late Majesties and all the royal family, attended by the great Officers of State, and the Members of both Houses of Parliament, went in procession to St. Paul’s Cathedral, to return thanks for the glorious naval victories obtained by Lord Howe, June 1, 1794; by Admiral Hotham, Mar. 13, 1795; by Lord Bridport, June 23, 1795; by Sir John Jervis,
- ↑ we should have added, that he also received a note from the heroic Nelson, accompanied by the sword of the second Captain of the St. Nicholas, as a proof of his esteem for the noble manner in which he conducted himself. See p. 814.
