reduced to a mere wreck, and sustained a loss of nine men killed and twelve wounded. The Tamar also suflFered much in sails and rigging, but had not a man slain, and only two of her crew wounded. On board le Republicain were found about seventy slaves, taken out of English guineamen.
The Tamar subsequently cruised with considerable success, and, together with numerous other prizes, captured the French ship privateer General Massena, of 16 guns and 150 men. Mr. Canning, who had been rated master’s-mate immediately after the above action, continued in her until about June 1801 ; when he was received on board the Leviathan 74, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Duckworth, at Martinique. We next find him commanding a tender, and successively visiting Jamaica, Curaçoa, and Trinidad. His first commission (appointing him junior lieutenant of the Desirée frigate, Captain Charles B. H. Ross,) bears date Aug. 24th, 1802.
During the peace of Amiens, Lieutenant Canning was frequently despatched in the command of boats up Augusta River, many miles from the ship, to procure bullocks for the squadron of observation then cruising off Havannah. On those occasions he was sometimes absent several days and nights, his party sleeping either in the boats or in tents rigged on shore. On the renewal of hostilities, he was employed both day and night in pressing men from the shipping in harbour on the north side of Jamaica, while the frigate remained in the offing; and he succeeded in securing the services of many able fellows. During the subsequent blockade of Cape François, he commanded the boats of the Desirée at the capture of twelve merchant vessels, respecting which services the following official letters were written by Captain Ross:
“Sir,– Having fetched into this anchorage last evening, and seeing from the mast-head, over the land, several vessels at anchor in Monte Christe roads, I despatched the boats armed, under Lieutenant Canning, to bring them out, which service he performed with credit, under a heavy fire from the batteries, and returned at daylight this morning, with five schooners and a sloop. I have the honor to be, &c.
“To Captain Bligh, H.M.S. Theseus.”
