Oct. 6, 1804; also at the detention of the San Miguel merchantman, from Omoa bound to Cadiz, having on board nearly 200,000 dollars, upwards of 2000 bales of indigo, four cases of wrought plate, and other valuable articles, Dec. 7, 1804; on which latter day, he likewise witnessed the capture of the Santa Gertruyda frigate, with a cargo of great value, by the Polyphemus 64, Captain John Lawford[1].
In Sept. 1806, Captain Hamond having previously resigned the command of the Lively, Mr. Walcott joined the Centaur 74, bearing the broad pendant of his friend, Sir Samuel Hood, under whom he served in the expeditions against Copenhagen and Madeira, in 1807, and subsequently on the Baltic station. The following is a copy of that officer’s official letter to Sir James Saumarez, reporting the capture of the Danish despatch-boat mentioned at p. 32:–
“Sir,– Last evening a boat was discovered rowing along shore, under the cliffs of Möen, and from a number of soldiers marching on the beach, as a guard, she appeared suspicious. The cutter of this ship, armed, was sent, with the hope of intercepting her, and gaining information. She was not closed with until run on shore on the S.E. point, beyond the cliff, where the enemy have a post and endeavoured to cover her by a body of troops with two field-pieces. Lieutenant James Shea, who commanded the cutter, gallantly pulled in under a heavy fire, and the boat was carried; but I have to regret this brave young officer was killed, just at the moment he got alongside. Messrs. Walcott, master’s-mate, and Price, midshipman, brought her off, after a warm contest of some minutes, without further loss. She proved to be from Copenhagen bound to Bornholm, and as there were proclamations, &c. addressed to the governor, I imagine she was employed as a packet-boat; but the crew had time to effect their escape, and carry off most of the packages and letters. I have the honor to be, &c.
Mr. Walcott was soon afterwards ordered to act as signal-lieutenant of the Centaur, and in that capacity he assisted at the capture and destruction of the Sewolod, Russian 74, in the upper part of the Baltic, Aug. 26, 1808[2].
