Chapter 4

THE WESTERN SQUADRONS.

Presented to the King and knighted--His liberality to the widow of Captain Mullon--Use of carronades--He suggests the employment of independent squadrons in the western part of the Channel, to check the enemy's cruising frigates--Value of these squadrons--Appointed to the _Arethusa_, and joins Sir J.B. Warren's squadron--Action of April 23rd, 1794--Engages and captures _La Pomone_--Action of August 23rd, 1794 A second squadron fitted out, and placed under his orders--_Artois_ and _Revolutionaire_; chivalrous conduct of Sir Sidney Smith--Conveys important intelligence to the Admiralty--Appointed to the _Indefatigable_, 44--His dispute with the Navy board--Allowed to fit her according to his own plans--Success of them--Accuracy of his judgment on a ship's qualities--_Indefatigable_ strikes on a rock--Sir Edward nearly lost in attempting to save two of his people--His success on different occasions in saving lives--Wreck of the _Dutton_ at Plymouth--He boards her, and saves all the people--His report of the service--Honours and rewards; created a Baronet--Captain Cole, and _L'Unité_ French frigate--Sir Edward's letters on the occasion to Earls Chatham and Spencer--Notice of Captain Cole--His death, and Sir Edward's feeling--Action of _Indefatigable_ and _La Virginie_--Conduct and gallantry of her Captain, Bergeret. page 61