shipman on board the Flora frigate, commanded by Captain (now Commissioner) Middleton[1].
Mr. Proctor next joined the flag-ship of Lord Keith, on promotion; and in Sept. 1800, he was made a Lieutenant into la Diane prize frigate, recently taken by the blockading squadron off Malta, in which we subsequently find him serving on the coast of Egypt, where he received the Turkish gold medal, in common with numerous other officers. His commission as a Commander bears date April 29, 1802.
On the renewal of hostilities, May 1803, Captain Proctor’s early and stedfast patron. Earl St. Vincent, was pleased to appoint him to the Zebra bomb, in which vessel he was actively employed off Havre, under the orders of Captain (now Rear-Admiral) Oliver, who speaks highly of his conduct at the bombardment of that port, in July and Aug. 1804, as will be seen by reference to the official letters written on those occasions, both of which are given in our memoir of Captain John Sykes, at the commencement of this volume.
In the latter month, Captain Proctor was appointed to the Saracen, a new brig of the largest class, which vessel he commanded on the Channel station until Mar. 1805, when he joined the Hindostan 54, for a passage to India, being ordered thither on promotion.
In July, 1805, we find the subject of this sketch assuming the command of la Dedaigneuse frigate; but owing to the ministerial changes which took place before his appointment to her was known in England, he had the mortification not to be confirmed as a Post-Captain for nearly fourteen months from that period. His commission as such bears date Sept. 5, 1806.
Towards the latter end of 1808, an occurrence took place off the Isle of France, which we shall describe in the words of a contemporary writer, to whom we are indebted for part of our information on this subject.
After relating the movements of a French frigate, on her
- ↑ Whilst belonging to the Flora, Mr. Proctor was lent for short periods to the Alcmene and Minerve, two very active frigates, commanded by Captains Henry Digby and George Cockburn.
