that much execution was done by the Amelia’s emaciated crew; what then would have been the case, had not her powder suffered by the dampness of the magazine? This circumstance appears not to have struck any previous writer on the subject, as worthy of observation; but it is nevertheless indisputably true, that the larger portion thereof had become caked a considerable time previous to the action; and although it was sent on shore to be dried, the evil was but partially corrected.
The Amelia was paid off in May 1813; and Captain Irby’s health being much impaired, he did not join any other ship during the remainder of the war. We are happy to say, it has since been firmly re-established. The following letter and its enclosure, will shew the sense entertained of his services by the African Institution:
“Sir, I have the honor of transmitting to you the copy of a resolution unanimously passed by the Directors of this Institution, at a Board held on the 1st December last. I am, sir, &c.
“Hon. Commodore Irby.”
Enclosure.
“The Duke of Gloucester moved, and it was resolved, that the best thanks of the Board are eminently due, and shall be given to the Honorable Commodore Irby, for his able, persevering, and successful exertions for the abolition of the slave trade on the coast of Africa, and for the very important and interesting information afforded by his valuable letters, which have from time to time been communicated to the Board. That as Commodore Irby is expected in England in the course of a very short period, Mr. Harrison do communicate the foregoing resolution to him upon his arrival[1].”
Captain Irby married, 1st, Dec. 1, 1803, Emily Ives, youngest daughter and co-heiress of the late William Drake, Esq. of Amersham, co. Bucks.; 2dly, Jan. 23, 1816, Frances,
- ↑ Captain Irby sailed from the coast on his return to England in Dec. 1812; but having captured a slave ship, put back with her to Sierra Leone a most fortunate circumstance for the trade, as otherwise l’Aréthuse and la Rubis would have found a field open for their ravages, without the least probability of being encountered by any force able to cope with them.
