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  that immense ship in flames, Lieutenant Cathcart very prudently gave orders to cut the Bellerophon’s cable, and after drifting some miles from the scene of action, he had the good fortune to bring her up with the kedge, her only remaining anchor. So great were the subsequent exertions of himself and the surviving officers and men, that the ship, although totally dismasted, was again ready for service, and at anchor near Nelson, on the third day after she had withdrawn from the line of battle.

The gallantry, good judgment, and zeal displayed by Lieutenant Cathcart, being reported to Earl St. Vincent at a time when he was about to address the Admiralty on another subject connected with Nelson’s victory, his lordship was pleased to recommend him to the Board for promotion, in the following terms:

The Earl’s despatch was dated Nov. 25, 1798, at which period the Bellerophon was refitting in the mole of Gibraltar, where Lieutenant Cathcart continued until the arrival of his commission as a Commander, it having been signed and sent out immediately after the receipt of his lordship’s recommendation;

From this period we lose sight of Captain Cathcart until his