arrival, he was ushered into the presence of the governor, R.T. Farquhar, Esq., who without delay summoned a Council, whereat it was first proposed and decided on, in consequence of the annihilation of nearly the whole British naval force off the Isles of France and Bourbon, to equip the Windham as an auxiliary ship of war, and to place her under the command of Lieutenant Watling, who, as was observed at the time, had merited such an appointment by his gallantry in recapturing her. On a farther consultation, however, it was decided that he would render a more essential service by proceeding direct to India, and giving such information as might probably prevent many other valuable ships from being captured. An American prize-schooner was instantly assigned for this purpose; and after receiving a present of £200 from the Government of Bourbon, he sailed for Madras with despatches, and the following recommendatory letter:–
“Sir,– Permit me to recommend to your Excellency’s notice and consideration, Lieutenant Watling, late first of the Sirius, a most gallant, active, and enterprising officer, who is now in command of the Egremont schooner, purchased by this Government, and manned by a party of the Sirius’s late ship’s-company. The vessel is copper-fastened, sails remarkably well, and is in every respect one of the completest ever built. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To H.E. Vice-Admiral Drury,
&c. &c. &c.”
On board the Egremont, Lieutenant Watling was subject to great privation, having quitted Isle Bourbon in such haste as not to admit of his obtaining either apparel, bedding, or any other article of comfort; but on his touching at Columbo, in Ceylon, he was most kindly furnished by the late Sir Thomas Maitland, with linen of every description, wine, and other necessaries, from the General’s own stock, and for which the latter would not accept any remuneration. On his arrival at Madras, he was presented by the Governor and Council of that presidency with another sum of £200, in testimony of their approbation of the services he had rendered to the Hon. East India Company.
After refitting his schooner. Lieutenant Watling sailed for
