intrepidity of mind that would have led him on to the most daring enterprises.” Earl Spencer describes his death as “an event which at once deprived the country of a young officer so well qualified to do it distinguished service, and his family of one whose professional merit must have reflected on them so much honor.”
We cannot close this memoir without first stating that the ships commanded by Captain Shipley were always remarkable for their high state of discipline: the management of the great guns was a part of the service he particularly exercised his men in; and he expressed the highest satisfaction on hearing the manner in which the Comus, with a crew entirely of his own making, behaved at the capture of a Danish frigate, soon after he left her to join la Nymphe[1]. He never inflicted punishment until he had consulted his pillow; nor omitted any opportunity, if the weather was favorable, of reading prayers on the Sabbath to his people. He was himself an excellent practical sailor and navigator; he read and spoke French fluently, and was well versed in history. Such were his natural acquirements, that had he followed any other profession, he must have distinguished himself in it. What might not his country, have expected from Captain Conway Shipley?
On the day after the unfortunate enterprise near Belem, Mr. Charles Shipley wrote to General Junot, requesting he would order the remains of the deceased hero to be searched for, and sent on board la Nymphe, in order that those honors might be paid to them which were due to so much worth and excellence. No notice being taken of this letter, the unhappy brother then wrote to Admiral Siniavin, who immediately promised to meet his wishes if possible. The contrast between the conduct of the French and Russian commanders is great, and speaks for itself; the generous endeavours of the latter, however, were ineffectual.
Captain Shipley’s body floated ashore between Peiras and Passo d’Arcas, on the 30th of the same month. When picked up, the sword was still hanging to his wrist, and the white badge fast round his arm. A handsome monument,
