June 1, 1794[1], on which memorable day Mr. Donnelly particularly distinguished himself, as will be seen by the following extract from Earl Howe’s public letter relative to that important event:–
“Special notice is also due of the Captains Nicholls of the Royal Sovereign, and Hope of the Bellerophon, who became charged with, and well conducted those ships, when the wounded Flag-Officers under whom they respectively served therein, were no longer able to remain at their posts; and the Lieutenants Monkton of the Marlborough, and Donnelly of the Montagu, in similar situations.”
Previous to her breaking through the enemy’s line, the Montagu, then under the direction of Lieutenant Donnelly, was the next ship to the Royal George, bearing the flag of the late Lord Bridport, from whom our officer, shortly after his arrival at Plymouth, received the following kind letter:–
“Sir,– I acquaint you that I have transmitted to Lord Chatham your letter, and have given my opinion to his Lordship on your just claim to promotion, which I shall rejoice to see fulfilled. As Lord Chatham is expected here every day, and the King will certainly visit his fleet about the 29th, I have reason to suppose that some promotion will take place, in which I hope you will be included.
(Signed)“Alexr. Hood.”
That the claim alluded to by that distinguished commander would have been backed by the testimony of Captain Montagu, had he survived the combat, may be inferred from the contents of a letter written by the present Admiral of that name to Lieutenant Donnelly, dated the same day as the above:
“Dear Sir,– I have taken the liberty of begging your acceptance of a sword belonging to my late poor brother; it will remind you of a man who at all times spoke of you in the highest terms of regard and approbation.
(Signed)“Geo. Montagu[2].”
- ↑ See note at p. 77. Much has been said by various writers on naval subjects, of the manner in which the French fleet was manned; but no mention has been made of the ineffective state of the British ships, when they first put to sea to meet the republicans. An idea thereof may be formed from the circumstance of the Montagu having joined the grand fleet with only 13 men, including the quarter-masters, able to take the helm; 7 in one watch, 6 in the other. The captain of her fore-top had only been 15 months at sea. The Ramillies was equally destitute of able seamen; and many others nearly so.
- ↑ A memoir of this gallant officer will be found at p. 39.
