luable merchandise had been removed to the Heron; the other was towed safely into St. John’s harbour, Newfoundland.
At the latter period, Captain Edgcumbe’s health had become so much impaired through constant anxiety, fatigue, and exposure to bad weather, that on his return to England, he was advised to live on shore for a few weeks; and whilst doing so he succeeded in obtaining that rank which, two years before, he seemed certain of speedily enjoying. His post commission bears date May 11, 1807; at which time he was also appointed to the Blanche of 28 guns, on the East India station.
It will be seen by reference to our memoir of Sir Francis Laforey, that the subject of this memoir served in a tropical climate both as midshipman and lieutenant. On each of those occasions, as also when commanding the Heron, he suffered a severe attack of fever; but notwithstanding he had so little prospect of escaping disease in the East Indies, he immediately took up his appointment, and proceeded thither as a passenger on board the St. Albans 64.
Captain Edgcumbe joined the Blanche, at Bombay, early in 1808; and was soon afterwards appointed, by Sir Edward Pellew, to the Psyche 36, in which frigate he conveyed Brigadier-General (now Sir John) Malcolm and his suite to the Persian gulph, where he continued affording protection to the British embassy during four of the hottest months; and on his return from that service he received an official letter from Sir Edward Pellew’s Secretary, dated Oct. 15, 1808, of which the following is an extract:
“His Excellency has directed me to express his approbation of your proceedings in the gulph of Persia, especially in the co-operation you have afforded to Captain Pasley, as chargé-d’affaires at Abusheer.
- ↑ Brigadier-General Malcolm was sent on an embassy to the court of Persia at a critical period, Mons. Gardanne, one of Buonaparte’s Generals, having already arrived there to pave the way for his master’s intended attempt to conquer India; and so successful had he been, that the Hon. Company’s Ambassador did not proceed to the capital, but thought it necessary to leave Captain Pasley as chargé-d’affaires, at Abusheer, under Captain Edgcumbe’s protection; and to proceed himself in the Doris frigate,
