on shore. From the shoal water and intricacy of the navigation, it was impossible to get close enough to the two ships nearest Frontignan, to attack them; for in attempting to do so, part of Rear-Admiral Martin’s squadron was in less than six fathoms water. On the 26th, he sent the boats to sound; meaning, if possible, to buoy the channel (if any had been found) by which the enemy’s ships could be attacked; but at night he had the satisfaction to see them set on fire. They were the Robuste, of 84 guns, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Boudain, and the Leon, a 74. The ship of the line that ran on shore under the protection of the batteries at Cette, was the Borée, also of 74 guns[1]. The remainder of the French squadron escaped into Marseilles; but the transports having taken shelter in the bay of Rosas, were attacked and destroyed by a detachment from the fleet under Captain B. Hallowell of the Tigre. The destruction of this convoy proved a severe blow to the enemy, and gave renewed spirit to the exertions of the Spanish patriots.
Subsequent to the above event, the subject of this memoir returned to his station at Sicily, where he continued until the latter end of 1810, when he resigned his command and came to England. He was promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral on the 31st July, in the same year; and during the latter part of the Peninsular war commanded the naval force employed at Lisbon. In the summer of 1814, when his present Majesty visited the fleet at Spithead, the Vice-Admiral received the honor of knighthood; and, on the 2d Jan. 1815, he was nominated a K.C.B. The Grand Cross of that Order, vacant by the death of Sir George Campbell, was conferred upon him, Feb. 20, 1821; and on the 21st July following he was made a full Admiral of the Blue.
Sir George Martin married, 1st, in April 1804, Miss Harriet Bentinck, a lady of considerable property, sister to Governor Bentinck, and the Rear-Admiral of that name; she died at Hampton Court, Oct. 15, 1806; 2dly, June 2, 1815, Miss Lock, daughter of the late ___ Lock, of Norbury Park, Esq.
Residence.– 8, Hertford-street, May-fair, London.
- ↑ The name of the frigate is not known.
