the 28th May, 1797, Captains Hallowell and Cockburn, of the Lively and Minerve, having discovered a French brig of war lying close to the town, ordered their boats, under the command of Lieutenant Hardy, to proceed into the bay and attempt the daring enterprise of cutting her out. Accordingly, about 2h 30' P.M., our officer proceeded on this service; and being gallantly supported by Lieutenant (now Rear-Admiral) Gage, and his other companions, he boarded and carried the enemy, notwithstanding a steady fire of musketry from the brig) and a heavy discharge of artillery and small arms from the shore, to which he was for a long time exposed, as also to the fire of a large ship at anchor in the road. The prize proved to be la Mutine, mounting 12 long 6-pounders and 2 brass 36-pr. carronades, having on board about 120 men.
In this dashing affair the British had not a man killed, and only 15 wounded, including Lieutenant Hardy, who was immediately advanced for his bravery to the rank of Commander, and appointed to la Mutine, in which vessel he afterwards became more nearly associated with the services of Nelson, who had already borne public testimony to his merit, and immediately after his late achievement had exerted his influence with the commander-in-chief to obtain him the reward his gallant conduct merited. The following is a copy of the letter written by Sir John Jervis to Sir Horatio Nelson, in reply to his recommendation:
“My dear Admiral. The capture of la Mutine was so desperate an enterprise, that I should certainly have promoted Lieutenant Hardy, so that neither you, Hallowell, nor Cockburn, have any debtor account to me upon this occasion. He has got it by his own bat, and I hope will prosper.”
We next find Captain Hardy accompanying Nelson in pursuit of the powerful armament which had sailed from Toulon, and proceeded to Egypt, under the command of General Buonaparte. Immediately after the defeat of the French fleet in Aboukir Bay, he was made post into the Vanguard 74, bearing the flag of his heroic chief, which ship had become vacant by the selection of Captain Berry, to convey the official account of the victory to Earl St. Vincent[1]. His commission was confirmed by the Admiralty, Oct. 2, 1798.
