on board the annual presents for the Dey of Algiers, whose Ambassador she also conveyed to Barbary.
During the peace of Amiens, the Narcissus visited Gibraltar, Algiers, Malta, Toulon, Leghorn, Palermo, Messina, Syracuse, Smyrna, Athens, and most of the Greek islands; captured a large piratical galley[1], and assisted at the evacuation of Egypt. While engaged in the latter service, Mr. Duncan, who had previously received an order from Lord Keith to act as a Lieutenant, was nearly carried off by a disorder which proved fatal to many persons, both naval and military, then employed at Alexandria.
Being advised to try change of air, Mr. Duncan left Egypt in a transport, Jan. 18, 1803; and after performing full quarantine in the lazaretto at Malta, went on board the Kent 74, lying in Valette harbour, where he continued until an opportunity offered of rejoining his proper ship, in the month of April following; at which period his commission appears to have been confirmed by the Admiralty. The proceedings of the Narcissus, from that time till her departure for England, are sufficiently described in our memoir of her worthy commander[2].
Mr. Duncan continued to fill the station of Lieutenant on board the Narcissus until that ship was ordered home, in Sept. 1804. He then exchanged into the Royal Sovereign, a firstrate, bearing the flag of Sir Richard Bickerton, Bart., and was serving as junior Lieutenant of that ship when his excellent father’s death was communicated to him; on which melancholy occasion he received a letter from Lord Nelson, particularly characteristic of that great man, who was always peculiarly happy in choosing the moment proper for conferring his favors. The following is a copy:–
“My dear Sir, There is no man who more sincerely laments the heavy loss you have sustained than myself: but the name of Duncan will never be forgot by Britain, and in particular by its navy, in which service the remembrance of your worthy father will, I am sure, grow up in you.
“I am sorry not to have a good sloop to give you, but still an opening offers which I think will ensure your confirmation as a Commander: it is
