fail, in the strongest manner, to make known my sentiments of your good conduct to the Transport Board. I am, &c.
“To Lieutenant Debenham, Socoa.”
“Sir,– On re-perusing and considering your letter to me since the promotion of Lieutenant Delafons, and his appointment to other service, I have to inform yon, that notwithstanding you are become the senior officer of the transport service on this coast, I deem your experience and zeal, of both which I am fully sensible, will be more usefully directed in forwarding round to this place all vessels, &c. &c. &c. You will observe, that in the separate charge I have thus given you of two very important posts, I shew the reliance I have, both on your zeal and ability; and also, that as more responsibility naturally attaches to such a. distinct duty than if you were acting here under my immediate superintendence, you have the means of making your exertions more conspicuous, and probably your seniority of standing more efficacious. I am, &c.
“To Lieutenant Debenham, Socoa.”
The following notification was also transmitted to him by the Transport Board:
“Gentlemen, – Having laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your letter of yesterday’s date, transmitting an extract of a letter from Rear-Admiral Penrose, bearing testimony to the highly meritorious and unceasing exertions of your several agents on the north coast of Spain, therein named, and recommending those officers, and particularly Lieutenant Debenham, to their lordships’ favourable consideration, – I am commanded to acquaint you, that my Lords have been pleased to promote Lieutenant Debenham to the rank of commander. I am, &c.
“To the Commissioners for Transports, &c.”
Commander Debenham’s commission bears date Aug. 27th, 1814; since which period he has repeatedly solicited employment in any part of the world, but always without success. In 1816, a sum of money having been voted by Parliament, as a reward to a part of the navy employed on the north coast of Spain during a certain time, and presuming that his services there would without doubt entitle him to participate in the said reward, he gave in his name as a claimant to the
