12th April, 1809. By reference to his lordship’s official letter, which is inserted at p. 818 of our first volume, it will be seen that she then formed part of the advanced squadron under the orders of Captain (now Rear-Admiral) John Bligh, by whom it is stated that she anchored about three cables’ length within Lord Cochrane’s ship, and drew the fire of the batteries of Isle d’Aix from the frigates and smaller vessels to herself. This statement was made at the trial of Lord Gambler, on which occasion the following questions were put to Captain Bligh:
1st, “What number of guns appeared to command the anchorage of Aix Roads from the batteries of the island?“ A. “When at anchor in the road of Aix, I counted 60 guns; there may have been more, but I am certain there were not less.”
2nd, “Did the enemy throw shells from the island?” A. “They did.”
3rd, “What is your opinion of the position taken by Captain Kerr, of the Revenge; was it judicious?” A. “I think it impossible a ship could be better placed than the Revenge; and indeed the general conduct of the Revenge on that day reflects the highest credit on the zeal and bravery of her Captain.”
From the evidence given by Captain Kerr at the same trial, we find that the Revenge’s bowsprit was very much injured, great part of the running rigging and sails were cut to pieces, five planks of the quarter-deck cut through, and one of the beams was entirely carried away. She had also a number of large shot in different parts of the hull; and her loss consisted of 3 men killed and 15 wounded, 2 of whom mortally. On the following day, when returning to Basque Roads, she was struck between wind and water, under the main-chains, by a shot from Isle d’Aix, the shells from Oleron at the same time passing over her.
Captain Kerr’s next appointment was to the Ganymede of 26 guns, but he does not appear to have ever sailed in that ship. The Unicorn 32, to which frigate he was removed in Aug. 1809, captured, whilst under his command, le Gascon French privateer, of 16 guns and 113 men; and l’Esperance (formerly H.M. 22-gun ship Laurel) armed en flute, with a valuable cargo of East India produce.
In April, 1811, Captain Kerr assumed the command of a most desirable frigate, the Acasta, mounting 48 guns, with a
