THOMAS OLDACRES HEWES, Esq.
[Commander.]
Was made a lieutenant in Oct. 1800. We first find him serving in the Blanche frigate, Captain Zachary Mudge, with whom he had the misfortune to be captured by a French squadron, on the West India station, July 19th, 1805[1]. Respecting the defence of that ship, and the severe remarks thereon contained in James’s Naval History, he has written to the author of this work as follows:
“Mr. James’s observations are both scurrilous and unjust. I was first lieutenant of the Blanche in that action, and as I gave my evidence upon oath at Captain Mudge’s court-martial, I trust it will not be necessary for me to enter more into the subject here, than to say that he did every thing in his power for her defence; nor were her colours struck until she had for some time refused to answer her helm, and consequently become unmanageable. As to James referring to Captain Mudge’s statement of the number of men composing the crews of the enemy’s squadron, every naval man must be aware of the difficulty of getting correct information on such a subject from French officers, and Captain Mudge had no other means. I can only add, that it was understood to be correct at the time; as was also his statement respecting the Proselyte and her convoy. If the Illustrious had charge of that fleet, it was unknown to us, and I believe it was equally so to Mons. Baudin and his officers, who informed us that they were waiting for the Proselyte and her charge.
“I have very recently been informed, that Mr. James had his information from an officer who left the Blanche (not on the best of terms with his captain) more than a year prior to her capture. From whom he actually received it, I know not; but this I know, that I envy not that man his feelings who could thus, to gratify his malice, privately stab the character of an active, deserving officer, and through him wound the feelings of his subordinate officers and crew. And here, may I ask what becomes of Mr. James’s vaunted impartiality, when he thus dips his pen in gall, and prostitutes his pages to the purposes of private slander? But, Sir, Captain Mudge and his officers have the consolation of knowing, that their efforts were not only highly approved of by the distinguished characters who sat upon their court-martial, but also by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, who immediately appointed Captain Mudge, with his officers, and part of the Blanche’s crew, to the Phoenix, a more fortunate ship, she having just returned into port with her prize la Didon.
