have the good fortune to fall in with a French frigate, I will be responsible for the issue being successful, when he will get promotion off his own bat. It is a lamentable thing that Lord Spencer, in all other respects an unexceptionable man, should have deprived commanders-in-chief on foreign stations of the means to reward merit. Your’s sincerely,
“To John Lemon, Esq.”
Captain Bowen’s official report to Sir John Jervis, of the subsequent capture of a Spanish frigate, the Mahonesa, has been given at full length in p. 411 et seq. of Vol. II. Part I. and will be found to contain the following eulogy on Lieutenant Devonshire’s conduct in and after that gallant action:–
“I am unwilling to speak of the particular conduct of any of the officers; but the talents displayed by my first-lieutenant, Devonshire, who was but just out of the sick list, added to his uncommon fatigue in taking care of the prise, and the very able manner in which he conducted and prepared to defend her, entitle him to this distinction, and prove him highly deserving of the recommendation you gave him with his appointment in the West Indies.”
The Mahonesa, though entirely dismantled, and otherwise much injured, was soon re-equipped at Gibraltar, and there commissioned by Lieutenant Devonshire, whose conspicuous bravery and zeal did not fail to procure him immediate promotion. After commanding her for four months, he was superseded by a post-captain, at Lisbon, from whence he returned home with despatches. His next appointment was, in July 1800, to the command of the Dart sloop, which vessel he commanded at the memorable battle of Copenhagen, April 2d, 1801.
On this glorious occasion, the Dart was selected by Nelson to board one of the Danish block-ships; but the grounding of the Bellona and Russell 74’s, rendered it necessary for her to join the ships opposed to the Crown batteries. Immediately after the battle, her commander was appointed acting captain of the Alcmene frigate; but on the 23d May, we find the great hero thus addressing him:–
