make himself acquainted with the locality through Mr, Robertson’s previously acquired knowledge.
On the 8th Dec. following, Mr. Robertson was appointed by Sir Alexander Cochrane acting first lieutenant of the Hazard ship-sloop, Captain Hugh Cameron, under whom he assisted at the capture of the French frigate Topaze, lying under a battery in the island of Guadaloupe, Jan. 22d, 1809[1]. This fine and valuable prize was entrusted to his charge for some time, during the absence of the senior officer’s first lieutenant.
The Hazard was actively employed at the subsequent reduction of Martinique, by the forces under Lieutenant-Geueral Beckwith and Sir Alexander Cochrane[2]; after which, Captain Cameron commanded a light squadron employed in watching the harbour of the Saintes, where a French force, under Commodore Tronde, was waiting for an opportunity of getting over to Guadaloupe.
On the 14th April, 1809, a large body of troops having arrived from Martinique, and been landed, for the double purpose of driving the enemy’s ships to sea, and of reducing the Saintes, Mr. Robertson was sent to row guard during the night, close in with their anchorage. He accordingly entered the harbour, and having let go a grapnel close under Mons. Troude’s stern, soon perceived that he was getting under weigh. Of this, the attacking army and blockading squadron were immediately apprised by means of rockets and blue lights; and thus Sir Alexander Cochrane and his consorts came into almost immediate contact with the object of their solicitude. The Hazard having joined in the pursuit of this French squadron, fifty-three days elapsed before Mr. Robertson could rejoin her, during which time he hud nothing to wear but the dress in which he left her. His appointment as lieutenant was not confirmed by the Admiralty until July 21st following.
On the 16th Oct. 1809, the Hazard and Pelorus brig-sloop,
