During the ensuing seven years, Lieutenant de Starck successively commanded the Suwarow armed lugger, Liberty brig, and Milbrook schooner; in which latter vessel he was frequently engaged with the enemy, both on the coasts of France and Spain[1]. In Sept. 1801, he captured the Baptista Spanish privateer, of 8 guns, with a cargo of prize butter; and shortly afterwards repelled a night attack made upon the Milbrook by some gun-boats, near Gibraltar, one of which opened her fire before she was discovered, but sheered off, on receiving a broadside, which was supposed to have proved fatal to her, as she disappeared in an instant, although then nearly alongside of the British schooner.
In Aug. 1802, Lieutenant de Starck paid off the Milbrook, but re-commissioned her for Channel service, on receiving a promise of early promotion from Earl St. Vincent, to whom our present most gracious monarch had condescended to write a letter in his favor, at the recommendation of H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex, with whose friendship and patronage he has been honored for many years.
Lieutenant de Starck’s zealous and energetic conduct on all occasions is noticed in a letter from Rear-Admiral Robert Montague to Lord Keith, dated Oct. 29, 1803, of which the following is a copy:
“My Lord,– Herewith I enclose a letter from Captain Brenton, of H.M. sloop Merlin, stating the destruction of the French lugger privateer les Sept Freres. The conduct of Lieutenant (Henry Clement) Thompson, and the people serving under him, merits approbation; and Lieutenant de Starck, of the Milbrook, appears to have exemplified the zeal and energy which invariably attach to his character. The Milbrook was struck several times by shot, but not damaged, and will proceed upon service this evening. I have the honor to be, &c.
Extract from Captain E. P. Brenton’s letter, dated off Dunkirk, Oct. 28, 1803.
- ↑ The Milbrook was a very fine vessel, mounting 16 18-pounder carronades.
