MATTHEW SMITH, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1808.]
We first find this officer commanding the Milbrook schooner, of 16 guns and 45 men, in the expedition against Ferrol, under the orders of Sir John Borlase Warren; and he appears to have been mainly instrumental in saving the crew of the Stag 32, when that frigate was wrecked in Vigo bay, Sept. 6, 1800[1].
Early in the morning of Nov. 13 following, being close to the bar of Oporto, with two brigs of the Newfoundland fleet under his protection. Lieutenant Smith discovered a French frigate-built privateer, pierced for 36 guns, and apparently crowded with men; which formidable enemy he immediately resolved to engage, as the only means of preserving those vessels, and several other British merchantmen then standing in from the westward. An action accordingly took place about 8 A.M., and was kept up until nearly 10 o’clock, at which time the enemy’s colours were either hauled down or shot away; but the Milbrook having 10 guns disabled, her masts and spars much crippled, and the sails, rigging, boats and sweeps cut to pieces, Lieutenant Smith could not prevent him from taking advantage of a light breeze, by which ho was enabled to make his escape into Vigo, with the loss, it was afterwards said, of 20 killed and 47 wounded. The Milbrook had not a man slain, and only 10 or 12 persons wounded: her opponent’s name was la Bellone, of Bourdeaux.
On the 16th Feb. 1801, Lieutenant Smith was promoted to the rank of Commander, for his judicious and heroic conduct, by which much valuable property was preserved from capture: the British merchants at Oporto had previously voted him their thanks, and a piece of plate value fifty pounds!!! Captain Smith’s post commission bears date April 24, 1808: he subsequently commanded the Comus 22, and Nymphen 36, which latter ship was paid off in Aug. 1815.