the convoys bound to the last named port might be intercepted. For this service, which, from the nature of the coast, was attended with many difficulties and much risk, and which he undertook without orders to do so, he received the thanks of the Admiralty Board, as also those of Earl Spencer, who then presided over that department.
On the 22d Jan. 1802, Captain D’Urban sailed from Plymouth, for the Mediterranean, with despatches relative to the peace of Amiens[1]; and during the agitation of the question respecting the surrender of Malta, he was employed by the Governor to ascertain the capability of Lampadosa, as a naval station.
It was likewise through his negociation with the Grand Master and Knights of Malta, assembled at Messina (to whom he was sent by Sir Alexander J. Ball, on account of his diplomatic skill and knowledge of the Italian language) that the island was not surrendered to the Order, agreeably to the treaty with France. The importance of this service induced his friend, the Governor, to represent the ability which he had displayed, and recommend him to the notice of his Majesty’s ministers. He was subsequently sent on several delicate missions to Tripoli, Tunis, and Algiers, the whole of which he executed in a manner highly creditable to his talents, and beneficial to the commerce of his country.
Captain D’Urban’s services having gained him the esteem of Nelson, his Lordship gave him a post-commission for the Ambuscade of 32 guns, which he received but a few hours previous to the arrival of an official despatch from England announcing his promotion, and appointment to the very same frigate by Earl St. Vincent, on the IJth Jan. 1804.
A renewal of hostilities with Spain being some time after expected by our great hero, he sent Captain D’Urban to Barcelona, for the purpose of obtaining information as to the general state of Europe, giving him authority to open any public despatches that might be forwarded from the British Ambassador at Madrid for his Lordship. This service he managed with such address, as not only to avoid giving rise to any suspicions on the part of the Spanish authorities, but also
- ↑ The Weazle touched at Gibraltar and reached Malta after a passage of only fourteen days.
