Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/219

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POST-CAPTAINS OF 1798.
207

Le Bourdelois having landed her prisoners at Barbadoes, proceeded to Martinique, and convoyed the trade from thence to Jamaica, where Captain Manby joined his noble friend Lord Hugh Seymour, by whom he was sent to cruise in the Mona passage, on which service he continued for several months. During the time he was thus employed, a Spaniard came on board from Porto Rico, and begged protection, as he had just murdered his officer. Captain Manby heard his story with indignation, and immediately put the wretch in irons. He then proceeded to the bay of Aquadilla, and sent his first Lieutenant on shore to the Governor, with the assassin, and a laconic epistle, of which the following is a copy:

“Sir. The British colours disdain to protect a murderer. I send you one, and hope he will meet the fate he merits. I am, &c. T. Manby.”

The Governor, much pleased with this act of British generosity, sent back a most complimentary letter, and forwarded a large supply of fruit, vegetables, and many other articles, for the use of le Bourdelois’ crew.

Some time after this event, Captain Manby chased a large privateer schooner, mounting 18 guns, into Aquadilla bay, where she anchored under a battery. An effort was made to destroy her, but did not succeed; and le Bourdelois having received much damage in her masts, yards, and rigging, was obliged to return to Jamaica to refit.

During his absence on a subsequent cruise in the Gulf of Mexico, Captain Manby had the misfortune to receive intelligence of Lord Lord Hugh Seymour’s demise, by which he was deprived of a most valuable friend. At the termination of the war, he assumed the command of the Juno frigate, and was employed with other ships to watch the motions of a considerable fleet and army sent from France to recover St. Domingo from the Blacks. The Juno being at length ordered to England, the merchants of Jamaica, who had often witnessed Captain Manby’s activity as a cruiser, collected a large sum of money for him to carry home, and which yielded him a welcome freight. He was put out of commission at Woolwich, in Aug. 1802.

Early in October following, Earl St. Vincent, who then presided at the Admiralty, sent for Captain Manby, and on his arrival said, “I don’t like to see an active officer idle on shore;