the Admiralty satisfies his mind that there is no loss of character there; – and although the discipline of the navy demands that the authority of Courts-Martial should be upheld, still a feeling of deep regret is manifest there, both at the constitution of the Court, its proceedings and sentence.”
Captain O’Brien having, in his preface, at p. ii., called upon the officers of the British Army and Navy to mark their decided abhorrence of the conduct of the parties concerned, but without enabling them to judge fairly for themselves, we shall close this brief notice by subjoining a copy of a letter which he had previously received from the Admiralty in answer to one from himself requesting their Lordships to determine on the legality of the Court-Martial, as well as of the sentence which had had the effect of suspending his rank in the naval service:–
“Sir,– Having laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of the 13th inst. I have it in command to acquaint you in reply, that their Lordships having examined the minutes of the Court-Martial held upon you, and considered the sentence, see no reason to doubt the legality of the same. I am, Sir,– &c.
“Robert O’Brien, Esq.”
Agents.– Messrs. Maude.
KEITH MAXWELL, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1804.]
A brother of Captain Sir Murray Maxwell, C.B. whose services, as far as our information extends have been described at p. 797 et seq.
This officer was made a Lieutenant in 1794; and obtained the rank of Commander for his gallant conduct in cutting out la Chevrette, French national corvette, of 20 nine-pounders and 350 men, from under the batteries in Camaret bay, near Brest, in the, night of July 21, 1801. This daring exploit stands so high in point of credit to the British arms, and glory to those brave officers and men who so nobly achieved it, that we cannot refrain from entering most fully into the particulars.
