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 enabled them to sail again previous to the arrival of Rear-Admiral Cochrane, who had proceeded thither from Carlisle bay, in consequence of Captain Maurice’s representation.

Soon after this event. Sir Samuel Hood visited the Diamond Rock, in company with his lady; and Captain Maurice had the gratification of receiving the highest praise from that distinguished officer, for his continued zeal and activity, together with an assurance of the Commodore’s sincere friendship, and his readiness to serve him on any future occasion that might offer.

The official details not having been published in the London Gazette, very little has hitherto been known in this country relative to the loss of the Diamond Rock, which would no doubt have proved impregnable to an enemy, whilst in the hands of the British, had it not been for the unfortunate shortness of ammunition, and the absolute want of water, under which its brave defenders laboured, when attacked by a French squadron in May, 1805. It will be obvious on a perusal of the following correspondence, and sentence of a court-martial by which he was tried, that Captain Maurice, though not able to command, fully deserved success:

“Barbadoes, June 6, 1805.

“My Lord,– It is with the greatest sorrow I have to inform you of the loss of the Diamond Rock, under my command, which was obliged to surrender on the 2d instant, after three days’ attack from a squadron of two sail of the line, one frigate, one brig, a schooner, eleven gun-boats, and, from the nearest calculation, 1500 troops. The want of ammunition and water was the sole occasion of its unfortunate loss. Although I shall never cease to regret the accident, yet it is some consolation to think so many