In Sept. 1796, Mr. Scriven was received, as midshipman, on board the Montagu 74, Captain (afterwards Sir John) Knight, to whom he had been recommended by Admiral Lord Bridport. During the mutiny at the Nore, he made an attempt to escape on shore in one of her boats, and had succeeded in passing five or six other ships, under a heavy fire of round and grape-shot, before he was overtaken. After remaining for some time with both legs in irons, he was tried by a court-martial composed of delegates (the chief ringleader, Parker, officiating as president), when, strange as it may appear, he obtained a sentence of honorable acquittal, “in consequence of the persevering gallantry evinced by himself and his companions, six in number, in their endeavour to reach Sheerness.”
The Montagu formed part of the fleet under Admiral Duncan, at the memorable battle of Camperdown, Oct. 11th, 1797[1]. We have only to add, that Mr. Scriven’s services in that ship comprised a period of nearly five years, during which “his general good conduct and enterprising spirit, particularly on various occasions of boat service,” obtained him the most flattering testimonials. In July, 1801, he was rated master’s-mate of the Goliath 74, Captain (afterwards Sir William) Essington; and in the course of the same year, the following letter respecting him was addressed to Earl St. Vincent, then at the head of the Admiralty:
“My Lord, – Having seen your secretary’s letter to Mr. Scriven, a supernumerary on board the Orion, under my command, saying it is necessary that the captains he has sailed with should pledge themselves for his good conduct, and fitness to serve as a lieutenant; I beg leave to inform your lordship, that during the time I commanded H.M. ship Montagu, Mr. Scriven was one amongst the very few of the petty-officers who conducted themselves to my satisfaction. He is a very correct, attentive, sober young man; therefore I beg leave to recommend him to your lordship’s attention. I have the honor to be, &c.
Mr, Scriven subsequently served as supernumerary on board the Sans Pareil 80, commanded by Captain Essington;
