man on board the Romney, a 50-gun ship, bearing the broad pendant of Commodore Johnstone, Jan. 6, 1781; and was badly wounded in the leg during the action with M. de Suffrein, in Porto Praya bay[1]. He subsequently served under Captains J. W. Payne Carnegie (now Earl of Northesk), Adam (afterwards Viscount) Duncan, Benjamin Caldwell, John Knight, and William Domett; in the Enterprise of 28 guns, on the West India and American stations; Edgar 74; Phoenix frigate; Alcide a third rate, and Barfleur of 98 guns, fitted for home service; Salisbury 50, at Newfoundland; and Victory, a first rate, in the Channel.
During a cruise off the Havannah, the Enterprize assisted at the capture of two valuable Spanish polacres; a privateer of 16 guns and 70 men, under American colours; and six other armed vessels: also at the destruction of the Count de Grasse, carrying 20 guns and 110 men. She subsequently sent her boats, one of which was commanded by Mr. Mackellar, up a river, to destroy the store-houses belonging to two plantations; a service which was effectually performed, after defeating a party of native militia, who opposed their landing. They returned to the ship in safety, bringing with them a considerable quantity of sugar. Whilst on the coast of America, she drove on shore a brig privateer, of 16 guns; and captured the Mohawk of 22 guns and 125 men. Mr. Mackellar was employed in one of the two boats sent to des-
- ↑ See Vol. I. note at p. 268, et seq .
hands of the French, when they afterwards attacked it; when, by the advice of your father, battle was given by General Murray, and the enemy were completely defeated, and put to the rout. In this engagement Mackellar was dangerously wounded, being shot through the body*. He served as Chief Engineer at the taking of Martinique, Guadaloupe, and at the siege of the Havannah; and closed a most honorable life when Chief Engineer at Minorca, (in 1779). It must afford you great pleasure to recollect and reflect upon the character and virtues of such a father. * * * *
(Signed)“Alex. Mercer.”
P.S. I forgot to mention, that he was of very great service in General Braddock’s unfortunate engagement; and that he was wounded at Oswego.”
* General Mackellar was badly wounded in six places.
