a junction with the ships in that port ready for sea. The enemy afterwards anchored in Basque Roads, where they were blockaded by Rear-Admiral Stopford’s squadron, of which the Theseus formed a part until the month of April following, at which period an attack was made upon them in Aix Road, to which they had retired, by a division of Lord Gambier’s fleet, preceded by some fire-vessels, under the command of Lord Cochrane, the result of which was the destruction of one 80-gun ship, two 74’s, and one of 56 guns. Several others, from getting on shore, if not rendered altogether unserviceable, were at least disabled for a considerable time.
Early in 1810, the subject of this sketch was appointed to the Poictiers, a new 74, in which ship he served for some time on the Lisbon station, and was then ordered to the coast of North America. He sailed from Portsmouth, in company with Sir John B. Warren and squadron, Aug. 14, 1812; previous to which he had acted as proxy for his brother, at an installation of the Knights of the Bath, and, as is usual on such occasions, received the honor of knighthood prior to the ceremony.
On the 18th of October following, Sir John P. Beresford captured the American ship Wasp, of 20 guns, and retook the British brig of war Frolic, which had been taken by the former a few hours before, after a gallant action of fifty minutes[1]. The Poictiers subsequently assisted at the capture of the Herald letter of marque, mounting 10 guns, with a complement of 50 men, from Bourdeaux bound to Baltimore, with a cargo; the Highflyer, American privateer, of 5 guns and 72 men; and the York-town, of 20 guns and 140 men.
Towards the latter end of 1813, the Poictiers returned to England, and was put out of commission. At the general promotion, June 4, 1814, Sir John P. Beresford, who had been raised to the dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain on the 7th of the preceding month, was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, and soon after hoisted his flag in the Bombay, of 74 guns, from which ship it was subsequently removed into the Duncan, of the same force. About the same period he had the honor of kissing hands on being appointed a naval aid-de-camp to H.R.H. the Prince Regent, then on a visit, in company with the allied sovereigns, to the fleet at Portsmouth.
- ↑ See Captain T. Whinyates, in our next volume.
