the Leander 50, bearing the flag of the late Sir Andrew Mitchell, on the coast of America. His next appointment was to the Guerriere frigate, in which he captured the Malvina and Peraty, French privateers, the former of 14 guns and 60 men, the latter (formerly H.M. cutter Barbara) of 12 guns and 90 men. The Peraty was discovered cruising in the track of a valuable Jamaica fleet, of which she had obtained most correct information, as to their strength, number, and situation, from the master of an American brig, who had himself claimed and received the protection of that convoy, which he betrayed to the enemy in twenty-four hours after parting company.
Captain Skene was afterwards appointed in succession to the Hussar frigate, and several line-of-battle ships, on various stations. Towards the close of the late contest with America he served as Flag-Captain to the Hon. Sir Alexander Cochrane; as also during part of that officer’s recent command at Plymouth. He married, Mar. 30, 1814, Miss Charlotte Fordyce, niece to the Marquis of Huntley; and died at Edinburgh, Sept. 14, 1823. His brother John, a Lieutenant of the 42d regiment, fell a victim to the Walcheren fever, Oct. 3, 1810
A miniature of Captain Skene, by A. Robertson, was exhibited at the Royal Academy, in 1805.
HON. WILLIAM LE POER TRENCH.
Secretary to the Board of Customs and Port Duties in Ireland.
[Post-Captain of 1802.]
This officer is a brother of Richard, Earl of Clancarty, G.C.B., his Majesty’s Ambassador to the King of the Netherlands; also of the Right Rev. Dr. Trench, Archbishop of Tuam; and of the gallant Colonel Sir Robert Trench, K.C.B. K.T.S. He was born in July 1771; made a Lieutenant in 1793; promoted to the rank of Post-Captain, April 29, 1802; and appointed to his present situation in 1819.
EDWARD SNEYD CLAY, Esq
[Post-Captain of 1802.]
In Sept. 1793 we find this officer serving on board the Alcide, a third rate, forming part of the squadron under Com-
