between skips and batteries; and before they shall have recovered from their surprise and confusion, I hope we may be able to escape. To effect this, I would request a good rowing boat, with stout fellows, well armed, and any vessel you may be pleased to appoint to pick us up, and to protect us from pursuers. But above all, I beg leave to observe, it will be absolutely necessary to have a good pilot, to enable us to go in with safety; our escape we can effect in any direction, unless very bad weather. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Admiral Duncan, &c.”
Although not permitted to attempt the destruction of the Gallo-Batavian transports, then collected for the invasion of Great Britain, Lieutenant O’Neill was warmly applauded for his zeal, and afterwards employed by the heroic Duncan in many services of a confidential nature. On the 10th July, 1797, he was sent with a flag of truce to Admiral De Winter, and it being found necessary for him to remain at the Texel until a message could be received from the Hague, he contrived to obtain some valuable information, which again obtained him official commendation. On the 30th April, 1798, he was appointed by Earl Spencer to command the Cobourg hired cutter, of 210 tons, 16 guns, and 60 men; and on the 1st Feb. in the ensuing year, he captured the Flushinger, Dutch privateer, commanded by the captain of a frigate.
Whilst serving in the Cobourg, which vessel was latterly brig-rigged, Lieutenant O’Neill paid frequent visits to the Texel, with messages from his commander-in-chief, and on every occasion acquitted himself so as to obtain general commendation. So highly pleased were the Dutch authorities with his gentlemanly and officer-like demeanour, that on one occasion, when very short of provisions, he received an abundant supply from those whom, in the performance of his public duty, he was strenuously exerting himself to annoy, and which present was accompanied by the following note:–
