Chapter 7

BLOCKADE OF FERROL.--PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY.

Peace--Made Colonel of Marines--His popularity--Envy in consequence--Anecdote--Elected M.P. for Barnstaple--State of parties--Renewal of hostilities--Appointed to the _Tonnant_, 80--Pursues a Dutch squadron--Blockades a French squadron in Ferrol--His seamanship and exertions in maintaining the blockade--Difficulty of supplying the ships--His recall--Earl St. Vincent's naval reforms--Mr. Pitt's opposition--Naval inquiry, March 15, 1804--Sir Edward's speech--Its effect--Promoted to be a Rear-Admiral, and appointed to be Commander-in-chief in India. page 134