Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp4.djvu/470

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ADDENDA, &c.
449

to the Admiralty, and told, that it was of no avail for him to continue writing to his lordship ; that he had already said to him every thing which he could say on the subject of promotion; that if he chose to embark in the service, he would take his chance of advancement with others; but that the Earl could not keep up that correspondence, and therefore begged that it might cease.” The following letter was consequently written to Mr. Bartholomew, by his lordship’s private secretary:–

Admiralty, 13th Dec. 1803.

“Sir,– I am directed by the Earl of St Vincent to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant, and to desire you will call on me at the Admiralty any morning, except to-morrow, after 11 o’clock. I am. Sir; your humble servant,

(Signed)Geo. Parker.”

Flattering himself that he was at length about to receive a commission, Mr. Bartholomew immediately obeyed this summons; but to his great disappointment he was told, that, although the Earl “highly applauded his conduct and zeal for the service, and the manner in which he had written his letters, he was displeased with his urging him so much on the subject of promotion; that there was none going on except for brilliant services; and that he had better join a ship going abroad; in which case,” Mr. Parker was inclined to think, “his lordship would not forget him.” Under the influence of severe mortification, he shortly afterwards addressed his filial letter to the noble Earl.

Golden Cross, Charing Cross, Dec. 16, 1803.

“My Lord, – In obedience to your directions I waited on Mr. Parker, for what purpose I have yet to learn; but my resolution is fixed to lay my services, and my various applications, before an impartial Public, who will then judge what they are to expect if they embark their children into the Navy without interest. I have the honor to be, with due respect, &c.

(Signed)D. E. Bartholomew.”

In consequence of this threat. Earl St. Vincent gave directions that Mr. Bartholomew should be impressed; and the following was accordingly written to the Regulating Captain at Tower Hill, by his lordship’s private secretary:

Admiralty, 16th December, 1803.
“Sir, – I transmit the last of eight letters from a person named D. E.