by the latter officer was a French privateer, the Grand Jean Bart., of 14 guns and 106 men. The Semiramis was paid off at Portsmouth, Aug. 29, 1814; and Captain Richardson was shortly after nominated a C.B. as a reward for his meritorious conduct during a period of more than twenty-six years, passed in active service at sea and co-operation with troops on shore in every quarter of the globe.
Captain Richardson’s next appointment was, July 29, 1819, to the Leander of 60 guns, fitting for the flag of Sir Henry Blackwood, commander-in-chief on the East India station. On the demise of Captain John R. Lumley, in July, 1821, he consented to take the command of the Topaze frigate; and proceeded in her from Pulo Penang to China, where 14 of his crew were dangerously wounded by the natives, while employed filling water at Lintin. The remainder of the watering party were fortunately preserved through the firmness and judgment of Lieutenant William Hamilton (b), the senior officer then present.
Two Chinese having been killed by the Topaze’s fire, disputes ensued with the authorities at Canton, which led to the suspension of all commercial intercourse, the embarkation of the British factory without passes, and the departure of all the Hon. Company’s ships then lying in the Tigris. At length, however, a Mandarin of high rank was sent on board the frigate to discuss this unpleasant affair; and he proving a sensible and moderate man, the business was satisfactorily adjusted, and matters restored to their former footing, in the spring of 1822. Captain Richardson then returned to India, and re-joined the Leander a short time previous to Sir Henry Blackwood being relieved by Commodore Grant; but his health being in a very dangerous state he was obliged to invalid at the Cape of Good Hope, Oct. 14 in the same year.
Agent.– Thomas Stilwell, Esq.
Ferris, D.D. Dean of Battle. He obtained the rank of Post-Captain when under 21 years of age. His career though short was brilliant, he having highly distinguished himself on many occasions in the West Indies, Dutch Guiana, the North Sea, and British Channel. He died at Chelsea, May 18, 1822, in his 40th year.
