1784 to 1793.
Captain Saumarez returns to Guernsey.--His exemplary
Conduct.--Visits Cherbourg.--Is introduced to the French
King.--Returns.--Changes at Guernsey.--Prince William Henry
visits the Island twice.--His Reception.--Appearance of
Hostilities in 1787.--Captain Saumarez is appointed to the
Ambuscade, and pays her off.--His Letter on his
Marriage.--Remarks thereon.--Armament of 1790.--Saumarez
commissions and pays off the Raisonable.--War of
1793.--Appointed to command the Crescent.--First Cruise; takes a
prize and saves Alderney.--Second Cruise; captures a
cutter.--Third Cruise.--Return.--Crescent docked and refitted.
Captain Saumarez having paid off the Russell, and distributed his crew
into different ships according to the final orders he had received
from the Admiralty, repaired to London, and after paying his respects
to Earl Howe, proceeded to Guernsey to receive the congratulations of
his numerous friends; but these were far from altering "the natural
bent of his disposition to do good." Instead of becoming elevated by
prosperity, his sincere and unaffected piety induced him to take a
leading part in the establishment of charitable institutions, and in
his own person to give "a striking and useful example of moral and
religious life." But his noble mind was never diverted from the
service and the good of his country; he was constantly attentive to
every circumstance that concerned the duties of his profession, and an
event occurred about this time that peculiarly interested him.
Although this was a period of profound peace, the ambition of France
was constantly awake. It had long been the object of the French
government to form a naval port in the British Channel, for the
evident, if not avowed, purpose of annoying our trade in time of war,
and disputing with us the dominion of the British seas. No labour
however arduous, and no expense however great, could check this
favourite design. The port of Cherbourg, which had long been fixed
upon as being immediately adjacent to our great arsenal at Portsmouth,
became the point of attraction. The unfortunate Louis XVI. had
determined to stimulate this grand undertaking by his presence, when
the first _cone_ was submerged.
The assemblage of the French court opposite our own coast naturally
attracted a number of our countrymen, among whom was Captain Saumarez,
who was induced to cross the Channel probably by a secret wish to
examine the nautical projects of our rivals, to counteract which,
might at some future period become his duty. This was eventually the
case in 1793, when he captured the French frigate Reunion off that
very harbour, from which she had sailed only a few hours before the
action.
Captain Saumarez was present at the above imposing ceremony, and had
the honour of being introduced to the French king, by whom he was
treated with the greatest attention. It is worthy of remark, that this
was the only time during his long life that he ever set his foot in
France, and he returned directly to Guernsey much gratified by his
excursion.
Between the period of Captain Saumarez' departure from Guernsey in
1776, and his return in 1782, the island of Guernsey had undergone
great and important changes. The war with America had brought an
influx of strangers; wealth and its attendant luxuries had superseded
the simple mode of living of its inhabitants; society had extended;
and when the peace took place, at the close of 1782, no spot of its
size could display a greater appearance of prosperity, civilization,
and beauty.
Between the years 1785 and 1787, the island was twice honoured with a
visit from Prince William Henry, our present most gracious sovereign;
and, however great the change had been in men and manners since it had
beheld a prince of the blood on its shores, the loyalty of the
islanders had sustained no diminution, and the arrival of the prince,
then a lieutenant of the Hebe, Captain Thornborough, excited the most
unbounded joy. Every one's heart glowed at seeing the son of a monarch
whom they were accustomed to regard with veneration and love; and as
people who lived in the habitual belief that to "fear God and honour
the King" is a "united precept," every mark of respect and attachment
was exhibited on both occasions. When his Royal Highness came the
second time, as captain of the Pegasus, the homage, which had been
paid to him at the first visit, as son of their sovereign, was mingled
with respect to himself. Some there are who yet remember, and still
delight to relate, the account of the elegant _dejeune_ with which the
illustrious prince entertained a party on board the Pegasus; after
which his Royal Highness honoured Captain Saumarez and his brothers
with his company at dinner, and attended a ball in the evening at the
assembly-rooms.
In 1787, when Captain Saumarez had nearly attained his thirtieth year,
peace seemed to be completely established. At an early age he had
attained, by his own merit, the highest rank to which an officer could
be advanced: he had fully established a character equally exalted for
courage and professional talent; and having been, wherever Fortune had
placed him, always in the best society, his manners as a gentleman
were no less elegant than his person, which was tall and graceful,
while his handsome features denoted a heart susceptible of the
dictates both of humanity and love. It is not then to be wondered at,
when he returned to his native island, that he still cherished an
attachment which he had long formed; especially when he found her on
whom he had fixed his affections, possessed of every quality which
could ensure mutual happiness; neither can it appear surprising that
on her part the regard should be equally warm and sincere.
The appearance of hostilities in the same year, however, occasioned a
suspension of his matrimonial arrangements, as he was then appointed
by Lord Howe to the command of the Ambuscade frigate, which he had
scarcely fitted before she was ordered to be paid off, the hostile
differences having been adjusted. He now returned to Guernsey, and, on
the 8th October 1788, was united to Miss Martha Le Marchant, only
daughter and heir of Thomas Le Marchant, Esq. by his marriage with
Miss Mary Dobree, to the entire satisfaction of the families and
relations on both sides.
The following extract of a private letter to his brother Richard,
written a few days after his marriage, will give the reader a just
idea of the feelings which occupied his mind on this happy occasion:
"It is needless," he says, "to attempt giving you any idea of my joy
on this occasion. The abundant blessings which Providence is pleased
to pour down on me, who am ever unworthy the least of its favours,
makes my heart glow with boundless gratitude and love, which I hope
ever to testify by a life strictly devoted to His service. To have the
power of making her happy who has ever been the joy and delight of my
soul, far surpasses all that I had ever formed of felicity in this
world. I must also acknowledge the affectionate kindness of her
relations, who have for ever attached me to them by the confidence
they have placed in me."
These self-congratulations were, indeed, fully confirmed in after
life; for few husbands have ever been blessed with such a devoted
wife, or children with such an affectionate mother. During their
younger days, and when their gallant father was at sea, Mrs. Saumarez
lived retired, giving up her whole time to their instruction; and we
can most fully testify that gratitude for her maternal anxiety, both
for their spiritual and temporal welfare, has been indelibly impressed
on all their hearts.
After passing some time at Guernsey, Captain Saumarez removed to the
neighbourhood of Exeter, where he resided two years. In 1790,
appearances of hostility took place. The Spanish armament was not to
be lightly regarded. Captain Saumarez was appointed to command the
Raisonable of 64 guns; but he never went to sea in this ship, the
differences between the two nations having been amicably settled. It
seemed to show, however, that, in the event of war, he was one of
those who were to be actively employed.
Captain Saumarez remained on shore until the war occasioned by the
French revolution broke out in 1793, when he was appointed to command
the Crescent of 36 guns. His commission was dated on the 24th January,
and he hoisted his pendant in her at Portsmouth on the 28th of the
same month, receiving, at the same time, orders to place himself under
the command of Commodore Sir Hyde Parker. No sooner was it known at
Guernsey, and in Devonshire, that the Crescent was commissioned by
Captain Saumarez, than a number equal to half the complement of seamen
volunteered for the Crescent; and, on the 1st of February, the
Tisiphone sloop was sent to bring the men from Guernsey, while the
rest, from Exeter, were sent by the way of Plymouth to join the ship.
It could not but be highly gratifying to his feelings when he found
that so many of his countrymen had chosen to devote themselves to his
service; and he was soon able to report his ship ready for sea.
On the 10th of February 1793, in common with other officers, he
received the following intelligence that war had been declared against
France.
By Sir Hyde Parker, Knt. &c.
Accounts having been received that war was declared at Paris, by
the National Convention of France, against Great Britain and
Holland; you are, in pursuance of the King's pleasure, signified
to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty by the Right
Honourable Henry Dundas, one of his Majesty's principal
secretaries of state, hereby required and directed to seize or
destroy all ships and vessels belonging to France that you may
happen to fall in with.
Given under my hand, on board the Victory,
this 10th day of February 1793.
H. PARKER.
To Captain Saumarez, R.N.
The Crescent having been reported ready for sea on the 1st of March,
Captain Saumarez received orders to proceed to Guernsey with his ship,
accompanied by the Liberty brig, and three transports under convoy, to
reinforce the garrisons of the Channel islands. He had also sealed
orders, which were to be put in execution when the troops were landed
at Guernsey and Jersey. The following account of this cruise was sent
to his brother, on the ship's return to Guernsey Road.
H.M.S. Crescent, Guernsey, 18th March 1793.
MY DEAR RICHARD,
As the detail of our proceedings on our first cruise cannot but
be acceptable to you, I take up my pen to communicate them. We
anchored in this road on Sunday morning, the day after we had
sailed from Spithead. The independent companies and invalids for
this island were immediately disembarked. The wind being too
much to the southward for the transports to proceed to Jersey,
they remained till Thursday following, when I sent them under
convoy of the Liberty brig.
On Thursday morning, intelligence was brought to me that a
French brig was seen to the northward of the island, standing
for the Casketts. I immediately got under way, and directed the
Drake to do the same. We pushed through the Race of Alderney
during the night, and at day-break found ourselves close to the
brig, off Cherbourg. She is about 100 tons, from Vannes, loaded
with salt, for Havre. Seeing another brig and a galliot to the
N.W. from us, I ordered the Drake and Cockatrice to chase, and I
have hopes they are also prizes.
About three o'clock, it blowing very hard, I was much surprised
at an express joining me from Alderney, with a letter from the
governor, addressed to the commander of H.M. ships off
Alderney, mentioning that he had positive information that the
enemy meant to attack the island this or the following night;
and as there was no ship of force at Cherbourg but an old 64,
with frigate's masts, he was certain that the appearance of a
man-of-war off Cherbourg would preserve Alderney, and baffle the
expedition. Chance having thrown me off Cherbourg, within sight
the whole day, I was happy the purport of this letter was so
fully answered. Expecting further intelligence, I waited till a
cutter hailed us that he was going express to Plymouth. No other
vessel appearing, I made sail for this island, and anchored in
the road this morning. I have scarcely a doubt that what caused
your brother[6] to be alarmed was the appearance of this ship,
the Drake and Cockatrice, with another small vessel in the Race
of Alderney; and I am sorry it was not in my power to acquaint
him with it, as the vessel he sent me returned immediately.
[6] Governor Le Mesurier was brother to Mrs. Richard Saumarez.
Captain Saumarez, on his return to Guernsey, wrote to Governor Le
Mesurier, and, in reply to his letter, informed him that the
appearance of the Crescent and squadron off Cherbourg had the desired
effect of baffling the meditated attack on Alderney; nevertheless, the
Crescent was detained on that station until the 25th, in consequence
of other reports of the enemy's intentions to attack either Jersey or
Alderney, and his squadron therefore was reinforced. In the mean time
he succeeded in filling up the complement of his crew at Guernsey, and
at length returned to Spithead, when some alteration took place in the
armament of his ship: having there completed his stores and
provisions, Captain Saumarez' next employment was to take a convoy of
transports with troops to Cork, and bring from thence two regiments to
Guernsey. This service occupied his ship until the 4th of May, when
she arrived off the Lizard, and, having sent part of his convoy into
Falmouth, he anchored at Guernsey on the following day.
He left Guernsey on the 15th of May, having six transports with French
prisoners on board, and arrived at Spithead on the 17th.
On the 22nd Captain Saumarez received orders from the Admiralty to
take the Hind, Captain Cochrane, under his command, and proceed with
the Crescent and that ship to cruise between lat. 51 deg. and 47 deg. N. and
long. 10 deg. to 16 deg. W. for the protection of the trade, and continue on
that service for three weeks. The account of this cruise, in which
two prizes were taken, is given in the following letter to his
brother.
Crescent, Spithead, 26th June 1793.
MY DEAR RICHARD,
I have the pleasure to acquaint you with our return from a
cruise which has been rather unsuccessful, having only taken
(besides the brig I informed you of) a cutter called "Le Club de
Cherbourg," of ten guns. She sailed from Brest on the 20th
instant, and was found on the coast of Ireland, where she had
done much mischief on her former cruise, having taken four
vessels within a few days. I find by the prisoners that the
French have only eighteen sail from Brest in readiness for sea.
They rendezvous in Quiberon Bay as soon as they are equipped. I
hope Lord Howe will soon give a good account of all of them. I
anchored at Guernsey for a few hours, where I left the cutter
for my brother's disposal.
As we have been parted from the Hind since the 8th instant, I
hope to find she may have met with success. We are under
agreement to share till the expiration of our cruise. As I write
before we anchor, you cannot expect I should give you an account
of my further destination; but, from what they informed me in
the island, we are to go with Lord Howe, which hurried me from
there. All the family were in perfect health at six o'clock on
Tuesday evening, when I left them. We must now console ourselves
with the hope that we shall soon terminate the business. I think
this year will nearly do it. We anxiously sought for an
opportunity similar to the Nymphe. We traversed the bay (Biscay)
in every direction, without the appearance of a French ship; and
on Monday we were all day in sight of Ushant, but could never
meet with any but neutral vessels. Our next cruise may probably
prove more fortunate. With my affectionate love to my sister
and the children, I am, my dear Richard,
Yours truly,
JAMES SAUMAREZ.
It will be seen by the date of this letter, that the Crescent had
arrived at Spithead on the 26th, which is the date of his official
letter to the Admiralty, giving an account of the capture of Le
Club, which, being the same as already given, need not be repeated.
The Crescent, being replenished with water and provisions, was
directed on the 4th July to take on board a quantity of specie for
Plymouth, to which he sailed on the 5th, and, having delivered it
there, took a convoy from thence to the Downs, where he arrived on the
18th July, and, according to further orders, returned with the trade
under convoy from thence to Spithead on the 20th.
The following order, which Captain Saumarez received from the Lords of
the Admiralty, will show the nature of the service on which he was now
employed.
By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High
Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.
CAPTAIN SAUMAREZ,
You are to take his Majesty's ships named on the margin
(Concorde and Thames) under your command, (their captains being
directed to follow your orders,) and putting to sea with them
and the Crescent, the moment the wind and weather will permit,
proceed and cruise between the latitudes of 49 deg. and 50 deg. 30'
north, and from sixty to one hundred leagues to the westward of
the Scilly Islands, for the protection of the trade of his
Majesty's subjects, and the annoyance of the enemy, taking all
possible care of the above-mentioned frigates; and diligently
looking out for, and using your best endeavours to fall in with,
the homeward-bound convoys from Jamaica and the Leeward Islands,
which are daily expected, and which are to be the principal
objects of your attention.
In case of falling in with either of the said convoys, you are
to see, or cause to be seen, such of the merchant ships or
vessels as may be bound to Ireland, or into the Bristol Channel,
as far as may be necessary for their security, and those bound
into the English Channel, as far as the Start; and, having so
done, return with the frigates under your command to the
above-mentioned station, to look out for the other convoy; and,
having met with it, to see, or cause to be seen, such of the
merchant vessels as may be bound to Ireland, and into the
Bristol Channel, as before directed, and to see those bound up
the English Channel off their respective ports, as high as
Spithead, where you are to remain until further orders, sending
to our secretary an account of your arrival and proceedings.
You are to continue on the above-mentioned service until the
20th of next month, unless you shall have fallen in with both
the said convoys sooner; when you are to make the best of your
way to Spithead, and remain there as above directed.
Given under our hands, this 18th day of July 1793.
CHATHAM,
J. SMYTH,
CHs. S. PYBUS.
To James Saumarez, Esq. &c.
By command of their lordships.
P. STEPHENS.
Captain Saumarez received at the same time information of the number
of ships expected from the different islands in both the convoys, took
the Concorde and Thames under his command, and sailed from Spithead on
the 26th of July 1793.
Next to the command of a fleet, that of a squadron of frigates was at
this period of the war considered the most important, and it could not
but be highly gratifying to Captain Saumarez to find himself selected
again for such a desirable command; but Fortune did not favour his
little detachment. The convoys, which they had been sent to look out
for and protect, had arrived safely at the respective ports before the
squadron reached their destination, and they continued to cruise in
vain within the prescribed limits of their station, till at length
they were assailed by a tremendous gale from the south-east on the
17th of August, in which the Concorde parted company, the Thames lost
her bowsprit and bore up for England, while the Crescent sprung her
main-yard, and by a sudden shift of wind to the northward carried away
her main-top-mast, and, her orders for returning into port having
expired, she arrived at Spithead after an unsuccessful cruise.
The Crescent had not been in dock since the year 1785, and required
much refitting: Captain Saumarez, therefore, on reporting his arrival
to the Secretary of the Admiralty, sent also a statement of the
ship's defects; in consequence of which, an order was sent for her to
be docked at Portsmouth, and refitted for Channel service, while one
hundred of her crew were lent to the Vanguard. As this process
required a considerable time, Captain Saumarez sent for his family;
and, having taken apartments at Ryde, had a few weeks of enjoyment in
their society, and of relaxation from the arduous duties of his
profession. The Crescent was received into dock on the 25th August,
and was again fit for sea on the 10th October, when he received orders
to hold himself ready to proceed at a moment's notice.