to Bombay[1]; and from her he removed with his patron into the Phoenix 36, attached to the squadron under Commodore Cornwallis on the East India station, where he saw much active service during the war with Tippoo Saib, being employed for several months in boats sent up the different rivers toco-operate with the Malabar army under Sir Robert Abercrombie. He was also present in the action between the Phoenix and la Resolu, occasioned, as we have already stated, by the pertinacity of the French commander in refusing to allow some suspected vessels under his convoy to be examined for contraband stores[2].
On his return to England, in 1793, Mr. Richardson joined the Alexander 74, fitting at Chatham; from which ship he removed, after passing his examination, in the spring of 1794, to the Royal George, a first rate, bearing the flag of Sir Alexander Hood, under whom he served in the battles of May 29, and June 1, 1794[3]. On the 4th Aug. following, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and appointed to the Circe 28, of which frigate he was first Lieutenant during the general mutiny at the Nore, in 1797: on that occasion the rebellious seamen made strong efforts to obtain the command of the Circe, but were prevented by the firmness of her Captain and his officers, to whom the thanks of the Admiralty were afterwards given for their judicious conduct at that alarming juncture[4].
In our memoir of Vice-Admiral Halkett we have stated that the Circe formed part of the squadron left off the Texel under Sir Henry Trollope, to watch the Dutch fleet; and that she was one of Admiral Duncan’s repeaters in the battle off Camperdown. We have now to add, that her first Lieutenant was the officer who conveyed the Batavian commander-in-chief from his late flag-ship to the Venerable. – Observing the Vryheid dismasted and silenced, and thinking it probable that Admiral de Winter would endeavour to get on board some other ship of his fleet, then near him and still in action, Lieutenant Richardson volunteered to go on board in a boat
