bour of Amsterdam, and the superior force contained in the different batteries opposed to the entrance of the frigates, I know not how sufficiently to admire the decision of Captain Brisbane in attempting the harbour, and the determined bravery and conduct displayed by himself the other three Captains, and all the officers and men under his command.”
Immediately after the capture, Captain Brisbane proceeded to disarm the militia – a most politic measure, considering the very slender state of the British force; and to administer to the inhabitants of the island, the oath of allegiance to his Britannic Majesty. The Dutch Governor having refused to take that oath, Captain Brisbane constituted himself his successor, pro tempore, and assumed the functions of government accordingly.
As a reward for their distinguished conduct, his late Majesty was graciously pleased to present each of the Captains engaged in the conquest of Curaçoa, with a gold medal; and to confer the honor of knighthood upon Captains Brisbane and Wood, to the former of whom, as an especial mark of his royal favor, he also granted an honorable augmentation to his armorial bearings, together with supporters[1].
In commemoration of his gallant behaviour, the House of Assembly of the island of Jamaica presented our officer with a handsome sword, accompanied by an appropriate address; and after his return to England, he had the pleasure of receiving a similar compliment from that admirable and truly praiseworthy institution, the Patriotic Fund at Lloyd’s.
On quitting the government of Curacoa, Sir Charles Brisbane rejoined his old ship the Arethusa, and remained in her until the autumn of 1808, when he was appointed to the Blake, of 74 guns. At the latter end of the same year he obtained the government of the island of St. Vincent, which post he still retains. He was nominated a K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815; and advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, Aug. 12, 1819.
Sir Charles married Sarah, one of the daughters and co-
- ↑ The privilege of bearing Supporters is limited to Peers of the Realm, the Knights of the several Orders, and the Proxies of Princes of the Blood at Installations, except in such cases wherein, under particular circumstances, especial license is granted for the use thereof, as in the case of Sir Charles Brisbane.
