620
POST-CAPTAINS OF 1802.
Paul’s, and the celebrated commentator on Shakespeare, and frequently mentioned by Malone and Steevens[1].
Mr. Richard Byron was born in 1769; and entered the naval service at the commencement of 1782, as a Midshipman, on board the Andromache frigate, commanded by his first cousin, the late Captain George Anson Byron, then about to sail for the West India station, where he arrived in time to witness the defeat and capture of Count de Grasse, by the fleet under Sir George B. Rodney[2]. He was also present at the relief of Gibraltar by Earl Howe, at the latter end of the same year[3].
- ↑ The Hon. and Rev. Richard Byron, third son of William, fourth Lord Byron, by Frances, second daughter of William, Lord Berkeley, of Stratton, was born at Newstead Abbey, Oct. 24, 1724. His brother, the late Hon. Vice-Admiral John Byron, served as a Midshipman under Commodore Anson, during his celebrated voyage round the world; and having had the misfortune to be cast away in the Wager, on a desolate island off the coast of Chili, suffered great hardships for more than five years. He was an able and gallant seaman; but, on the whole, an unfortunate commander, having always the elements to contend with rather than the enemy. His action with M. d’Estaing, July 6, 1779, though indecisive, was highly honorable to the British fleet; for it is evident that the French Admiral declined coming to a close engagement, though the force under his command was vastly superior to his opponents. Vice-Admiral Byron died April 10, 1786.
- ↑ Captain G. A. Byron was instrumental in bringing on the battles of April 9 and 12, 1782; for, being stationed off the Diamond Rock, he kept the strictest watch upon the enemy, by sailing into the mouth of the harbour where de Grasse lay, and gave Rodney such immediate notice of the French Admiral’s motions, that the British ships, by slipping their cables, were enabled to intercept and bring him to action. He also rendered an essential service in the midst of the conflict on the 12th, by putting fifty barrels of gunpowder on board the Monarch 74, without causing that ship to lose her station in the line for a moment. The Andromache was afterwards selected to carry home Lords Cranston and Robert Manners; the former charged with Rodney’s despatches relative to the victory, the latter returning to England on account of his wounds; and Captain Byron’s conduct was reported in the most honorable terras to the Admiralty. Unfortunately for his country, Lord Robert Manners only survived about a week after his removal from the ship he had so gallantly commanded, during which period he was closely attended by Mr. Richard Byron. When his Lordship’s death was announced at Court, the King told the Duke of Portland, he would rather have lost three of the best ships in his service.
- ↑ See Vol. I, pp. 17 and 106.
