at the capture of Amboyna, and afterwards his capturing the Recruteur Dutch sloop of war, of 12 guns, and the fort and island of Pulo Ay, single-handed, in the Samarang.
“Captain Tucker, in his private letters, speaks with as much warmth in approbation of Captain Spencer’s gallant and active exertions, as his public letters bear testimony of; to which I can only add, that I consider Captain Spencer to be an officer of high promise, and well worthy of your lordship’s notice. I have the honor to be, &c.
On the evening previous to his leaving the Samarang, Captain Spencer was presented with a letter, written by one of his boatswain’s-mates, which we shall here copy verbatim:
“Sir,– The Petty officers and Ship’s company of H.M. sloop Samarang under your command, being Senciable that you are on Eve of leaving them. Have to Request your Acceptance of a Sword value 100 Guineas – as a Testimony of their Esteem For your Fatherly Conduct and Universal attention To every thing Conducive to their health and Comfort During the time they Had the honour of being under your Command – And in Commemoration of the Gallant Exploit at Amboyna, And the Events of the last Cruise in General, and Particularly the Circumstance of Pulo Way – But being at a loss how to write to Mr. Bromley our Agent to put the same into Execution, have to request your Advice relative to the same.
“We have the Honour Sir, of Subscribing Ourselves Your Truly Sincere and Obedient Servts.
“To Capt. R. Spencer.”
Captain Spencer continued to command the Blanche until April, 1811, when, being in a sinking state, she was hauled on shore at Trincomalee, and put out of commission. His promotion to post rank took place Feb. 7, 1812; from which period he remained unemployed till his appointment to the Eurydice 24, on the Irish station, in June, 1815. On the 6th Sept. following, he removed to the Erne 20, fitting for the Mediterranean; from whence he returned home, to be paid off, at the close of 1817. He was nominated a C.B. Dec. 8, 1815.
In 1825, Captain Spencer presented the public with an easy plan to render any common boat buoyant and manageable when full of water, in a high sea, so that she may be used as a temporary life-boat in cases of shipwreck, of several air-tight cases, made of the thinnest sheet cop-
