sight of the enemy’s fleet until I came up, have been truly meritorious, and I trust will meet a just reward.”
On the 30th of the same month, his late Majesty, being anxious to visit his victorious fleet, embarked at Greenwich on board the Royal Charlotte yacht, commanded on the occasion by Captain Trollope; and his attendants having gone on board two other yachts, the whole got under weigh, but
The ships, however, which were secured, were seven sail of the line, two of 56 guns, and two large frigates; the Delft, of 56 guns, foundered; one of the frigates was also lost; the other was driven on the coast of Holland, and retaken.
A more bloody conflict than this is not recorded in the naval history of Britain since the famous Dutch wars. The loss sustained in killed and wounded on board nine ships only of Admiral Duncan’s fleet, was upwards of 700. The only officer of note killed was Captain Burgess, of the Ardent, who led his ship into action in the most gallant manner, and fell most nobly supporting his brave Admiral, one of whose seconds he was. [Captain Burgess, as an officer, was highly esteemed and respected; his death, though glorious, became a public loss. In private life he was beloved; so was his fate lamented by his friends.] The carnage on board of the Dutch ships must have been dreadful, if we are to judge from the destruction made on board the two which bore the Admirals’ flags, each having not less than 250 killed and wounded.
The Dutch Vice-Admiral Reintjies was severely wounded, and died soon after his arrival in England.
The wind continuing to blow strong, and in general on the enemy’s coast, it was with some difficulty that Admiral Duncan could keep off the land, and get over to the British coast; many of his own ships, particularly the Venerable and Monarch, as well as the prizes, being in so bad a condition. The gallant Admiral, however, arrived at the Nore on the 16th of the same month, with the trophies of his glorious victory, and on the following day was raised to the peerage, by the titles of Baron Duncan of Lundie, and Viscount Duncan of Camperdown. At the same time Vice-Admiral Onslow was created a Baronet; gold medals were struck to commemorate the victory, and presented to the several commanding officers, to be worn in the same manner as those given on Earl Howe’s victory. [ See p. 75, et seq. ]
The thanks of both Houses of Parliament were voted to the fleet. The city of London presented Lord Duncan with its freedom, and a sword of 200 guineas value; and to Sir Richard Onslow the freedom, and a sword valued at 100 guineas. [Admiral de Winter died at Paris, June 2, 1812; the Dutch Vice-Admiral died in London, of a chronic disease.]
