on board all the specie and bullion that had been captured from the Spaniards, amounting to near 5,000,000 dollars, with which she arrived at Spithead on the 15th April. This was probably the largest sum ever embarked on board one ship; and Captain Hamond’s anxiety for its safety was no doubt very great. A recent arrangement, however, by which the payment of freight-money had been suspended, precluded him from obtaining any remuneration for the immense responsibility he had been subjected to, and which, according to former regulations, would have amounted to at least 10,000l. sterling for the bare conveyance of such a sum from Gibraltar to Cadiz. The regulation alluded to was shortly after rescinded.
On the 29th May, Captain Hamond being off Cadiz, with the Surinam and Halcyon sloops of war under his orders, observed the Glorioso, a Spanish 74, get under weigh, and stand out towards him. About 4 P.M. when nearly five miles distant from the land, the enemy hauled to the wind, which at that time blew so strong as barely to allow him to carry his whole top-sails with top-gallant-sails furled. Captain Hamond, notwithstanding his consorts were hull down to leeward, immediately gave chase, and soon got within gun-shot, firing repeatedly, when passing on opposite tacks, for the space of two hours, and receiving the enemy’s broadsides in return, but without any damage to the Lively. At length the Spaniard’s main-tack and jib-stay being shot away, he appeared angry, and bore upsetting his top-gallant-sails. Captain Hamond not deeming it prudent to close with so superior a force, did the same, hoping to draw him down to the English sloops, both of which carried heavy metal. The enemy soon perceived his intentions, and at dark hauled up under all sail. The Lively followed his example, intending to keep sight of him during the night; thinking it probable that some other cruiser might have appeared to assist her at daylight. Unfortunately the night proved thick and squally, and the Spaniard was not seen again. Captain Hamond afterwards learned that the Glorioso was bound to the Havannah, with a new Governor and his suite on board as passengers, and that she was obliged to put into Teneriffe to secure her
