for your preservation. I have only time to say, every moment of my life shall be employed in being useful to you in all manner of ways. * * * * * *.”
In a preceding letter, alluding to the affair in Grand Camp bay, the worthy Commissioner says:
" Go on and trust in God. * * * *. I will try and find out an acting Master for you. You may think as you please, but your being able to take charge of the ship is a strong recommendation to you, and will please Admiral ___, as it does me. * * * *. You are much talked of at all the Boards; and indeed it makes me a most happy man. Take care of your health; and I am sure you will do your duty.”
Captain Wight subsequently received a note from Earl St. Vincent’s private secretary, acquainting him that his Lordship was very glad to find he had, through his meritorious conduct, procured the rank then enjoyed by him; and recommending him to persevere in his exertions, as the only path to obtain promotion. That this advice was not disregarded we shall soon have the pleasure of shewing.
On the 5th May, 1801, Captain Wight, being off Havre, discovered a large sloop coming down the Seine, and made sail towards her. The enemy having anchored just before dark, the Wolverene was brought up in an advantageous position to the eastward of the Trouville bank, and a boat under Lieutenant Gregory sent to attack the French vessel, which he boarded without resistance, her crew retreating to the shore as he advanced. She proved to be laden with merchandise; and strange as it may appear, although considerably up the river, the captors were allowed to bring her out unmolested. On the 15th of the following month, Captain Wight drove a similar vessel on shore, under the cover of three batteries at St. Vallery, where she was cannonaded by him; but owing to the strength of the tide, and a heavy sea, it was found impracticable to bring her off. A few days after, whilst cruising off the Seine, he discovered a division of the enemy’s flotilla on the southern shore, coming from the westward, and notwithstanding the great inferiority of his force, lost no time in offering them battle. They, however, crowded sail, and pushed into Havre, closely pursued by the Wolverene.
