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.
THOMAS SEARLE, Esq.
A Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath.
[Post-Captain of 1808.]
This officer was born in Devonshire, May 29, 1777. He entered the navy in 1790, and served as a midshipman on board the Mutine cutter, Sphynx of 20 guns. Active and Artois frigates, and Royal George, a first rate (bearing the flag of Lord Bridport), until his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, Aug. 12, 1796. His first commission was given to him by the Admiralty in consequence of that distinguished veteran and the Captain of the Royal George having strongly recommended him to the Board, for his exertions in saving the lives of 7 men who had been swamped in a boat alongside, during a heavy gale of wind. This favorable opportunity of display-
