On the 19th Oct. in the same year, Sir Samuel Hood addressed the following letter to Sir A. S. Hamond, late Comptroller of the Navy:
“My dear Sir Andrew,– I know the interest you take for the welfare of young Walcott, and am therefore induced not to lose a moment in the pleasure of informing you of Sir James Saumarez, at my solicitation, having given him the appointment of Lieutenant, in the room of Captain Lawless, late first of this ship and promoted on our success. I had, from his very gallant conduct in the capture of a boat off Möen, when one of my lieutenants was killed, and the very excellent manner he conducted himself in the absence of my signal-officer, sent with the Swedish Admiral during the chase of the Russian squadron, and in that action, kept the vacancy open for him until he had passed his examination on the 16th instant. I can say no more to you in his favor than that I hope he will not quit me until he can gain another step. A more deserving, good young officer does not exist. I hope therefore, you may be induced to assist in his confirmation with Mr. Rose. Believe me always yours most truly,
Mr. Walcott’s commission was confirmed by the Admiralty, Nov. 25, 1808, from which period he served under Sir Samuel Hood, in the Centaur, Hibernia, and Minden, on the coast of Spain, in the Baltic, and on the Mediterranean and East India stations, until the demise of that great and lamented officer, who expired at Madras, literally worn out in the service of his country, Dec. 24, 1814.
Some time previous to his dissolution. Sir Samuel Hood, from having it in contemplation to return home overland, had addressed Viscount Melville in favor of Lieutenant Walcott, as follows:–
