ing a trait of our officer’s conduct in this respect. He rewarded the seamen who so much distinguished themselves on the above occasion, by dividing amongst them no less a sum than 500l. of his own share of prize-money; thus setting a noble example of valor and liberality, which has ever its due influence on the minds and hearts of British seamen[1].
Captain Hamilton’s extraordinary gallantry and ability made a deep impression on the public mind. His late Majesty, as a token of approbation, was graciously pleased to create him a Knight, by letters patent under the Great Seal, and honored him with the naval gold medal of Merit. The House of Assembly voted him a sword value 300 guineas, and the Common Council of London the freedom of that city.
In the month of April, 1800, Sir Edward Hamilton, returning home in the Jamaica packet, for the cure of his wounds, was captured by a privateer, and carried into a French port; from whence he was sent to Paris, where he remained six weeks, and was taken particular notice of by Buonaparte, who at length agreed to his being exchanged for six Midshipmen.
On the 25th Oct. 1800, being the anniversary of the abovementioned exploit, Sir Edward, by special invitation, dined at the Mansion House; and the Chamberlain of London having delivered to him the freedom of the city in a gold box value 50 guineas, communicated to him in a very appropriate speech, the thanks of the Corporation for his conduct in an action which, to use the language of his Commander-in-Chief, Sir Hyde Parker, “must ever rank among the foremost of the gallant actions executed by our Navy.”
About this period, Earl Spencer, then at the head of the Admiralty, in consideration of the number and severity of Sir Edward Hamilton’s wounds, gave directions for a pension of 300l. per annum to be settled on him for life; but our officer’s near relative, the late Marquis of Abercorn, recommend-
- ↑ Soon after the above brilliant affair, and subsequent to Captain Hamilton’s departure for England, a seaman who had belonged to his boat’s crew was taken up as a deserter from the Swallow sloop of war, and tried by a Court-Martial. At his trial it appeared in evidence that he had saved his gallant leader’s life, when lying on the Hermione’s quarter-deck disarmed. The Court, considering the mitigating circumstance in his favor, thought proper to recommend him to mercy; and the sentence of three hundred lashes, ordered to he inflicted, was remitted.
