Whilst absent in the performance of the service alluded to in the foregoing letter, Captain Bowen captured two of the enemy’s letters of marque. Early in the following year, the British Factory at Madeira, of which island he had some time before taken possession, requested his acceptance of a sword, as a mark of their respect for his professional character. On this occasion, similar resolutions concerning him were passed, as in the case of Captain Thomas Wolley, now a Vice-Admiral[1]. He was afterwards appointed to the chief command on the coast of Africa; from whence he returned to England, and was put out of commission in 1802.
On the renewal of hostilities in 1803, Captain Bowen obtained the command of the Dreadnought, a new ship of 98 guns; and in the summer of the same year, was nominated a Commissioner of the Transport Board. In 1805, the late Viscount Melville directed him to prepare Falmouth harbour for the reception of the Western squadron; which service he
- ↑ “At a General Meeting of the British Consul aud Factory, held at the Consul’s house, on the 23 Jan., 1802–
“Resolved unanimously– That the thanks of this Factory be given to Thomas Wolley, Esq., Captain of H.M.S. Arethusa, for his very meritorious conduct in the discharge of his professional duties, during his command on this station; and for the exemplary discipline and regularity preserved on board the different vessels of his squadron. The Factory with pleasure avail themselves of this opportunity, to acknowledge the many obligations which the commerce of Madeira owes to Captain Wolley; who, very fortunately for the island, has, in the course of the war, had occasion frequently to visit this station; and he has uniformly shewn every attention to the British inhabitants, and given every protection to their property, which it was in his power to afford.
“The Consul and Factory, as a token of their gratitude for the services which he has rendered them, and as a mark of their respect for his professional character, request Captain Wolley’s acceptance of a sword. And it it is with singular satisfaction that while, as a public body, they offer this tribute to his professional conduct, each individual member of this Factory feels a private gratification in ah opportunity of testifying his personal attachment to the character of Captain Wolley.
“Resolved– That the Consul and Directors be a Committee to carry the preceding resolve into execution; and to have an authentic copy transmitted in the most respectful manner to Captain Wolley.
“Resolved– That the sword shall be of such a value and workmanship, as shall be worthy of the public body which presents, and of the respectable character who is to receive it.”
