project; and it was even intimated to Captain O’Neill, by a high naval personage, that to propose such a thing officially would appear like dictating to the army. In the ensuing summer he saved the crew and cargo of a vessel laden on Government account, which service was thus acknowledged:
“Sir,– We approve of the award you have made to the different persons employed in saving the stores out of the Mary sloop, and you may draw upon us for the amount. We very much approve of the zeal and exertions you have manifested, not only in saving the stores, but in making the award to the several persons concerned. We are, &c.
(Signed)“S. Gambier,
(Signed)“F. J. Hartwell.,
(Signed)“E. Bouverie.”
“To Captain O’Neill, Kinsale.”
This active and zealous officer was subsequently removed to the Bunowen district, county Galway, where he remained until the general breaking up of the Sea-Fencible establishments, in 1810. He married, first, in June 1799 a Miss Stuart, by whom he had three sons, viz. Charles Stuart O’Neill, the eldest, born on board the Tromp, off Madeira; served sixteen years as midshipman and master’s-mate; obtained most handsome certificates of superior talent and merit, from all his captains, together with strong recommendations for promotion, “as one who would do honor and credit to the service;” and died in command of the Cochin schooner, of 14 guns, tender to the flag-ship of Rear-Admiral Gage, on the East India station: the second son is married to a lady of fortune at Dublin; the youngest died at Scilly. Captain O’Neill married, secondly, Helena, eldest daughter of John Burke, of Derrymacloughney Castle, co. Galway, Esq. (one of the most ancient and respectable families in Ireland), and relict of Andrew French, of Rahoon, in the same county, Esq.
