had been shot away in the action, and that she had not surrendered; as a proof of which he said her pendant still remained flying. But this argument had been effectually removed, and Captain Otway replied, ‘I believe. Sir, you are even mistaken on that point.’ With the utmost confidence the commodore requested him to walk to the stern-gallery, saying, ‘I will soon convince you that it is you who are mistaken, and not I.’ On seeing that the pennant was actually down, he expressed the utmost astonishment, but was constrained to acknowledge that she was a lawful prize, and sent an order by the Danish officer who had accompanied Captain Otway for her delivery! Captain Otway then hailed the Eling, and desired her commander to take possession of the Holstein, to cut her cable (the wind being off the land), and to make the signal for immediate assistance. The Harpy gun-brig instantly slipped her cable, and towed the prize out to the British fleet. During this transaction. Lord Nelson, who was rowing round the prizes, learned that Captain Otway was on board the Danish commodore, and seized the opportunity of following him, in order, as he said, to look round him, in the event of a renewal of hostilities. The arrival of a flag of truce was reported to the commodore, whilst himself and Captain Otway were taking some refreshment (the latter not having had any since the preceding day), and Captain Otway was informed that the officer in the boat wished to speak to him. On going upon deck he was equally pleased and surprised to find that the officer was Lord Nelson; he was immediately invited on board, when the chiefs recognized each other, having both commanded frigates in the West Indies at the same time. An interesting conversation immediately ensued, and the parties afterwards separated, mutually pleased and satisfied. Such are the particulars of Captain Otway’s conduct on that memorable occasion, and will for ever stamp his name as an active, brave, and judicious officer.”[1]
The following are extracts of letters from the late Admiral the Hon. Sir William Cornwallis, respecting the attack made on the Brest fleet, Aug. 22d, 1805:–[2]
“Dear Holloway,[3] – It was a pleasing struggle the other day between Otway and Strachan; you will believe I was not in a hurry to put an end to such honorable zeal, happy, if we could have done any thing, to have had two such men at hand.”
“Dear Otway, – I remember with much pleasure your services when under my command, and most particularly your anxious zeal and struggle- ↑ Ralfe, Vol. IV. p. 12, et seq.
- ↑ See Vol. I. Part II. p. 698, and Suppl. Part IV. p. 411, et seq.
- ↑ Lady Otway’s father, the late Admiral John Holloway.
