Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall sp4.djvu/467

  “No. 5, Whitaker’s Row, New Road, Chatham, July 26, 1803.

“My Lord, – Enclosed I have the honor to submit for your lordship’s inspection, two letters received by me from Captains Shivers and Saville, expressive of their readiness to serve me, had they influence ; other testimonials from Admiral M‘Douall and Sir Home Popham I could produce, but am aware it would be trespassing on your lordship’s patience and time; I therefore (having stated my services in a former letter) throw myself on your lordship’s clemency, and have the honor to be,

“Wickham, Fareham, Hants, July 13, 1803.

“Sir,– I have received your letter of the 10th, and am glad to find you have passed your examination for lieutenant. It would give me great pleasure to be instrumental in procuring you a commission, if it were in my power, but I have no interest at present, as you may see, by my being unemployed; however, you may depend on my services whenever an opportunity may offer, being very truly your well-wisher. I should recommend your endeavouring to get into a flag-ship, as the best way of getting forward, circumstanced as you are. I am. Sir, Yours very truly,

(Signed)“.”

“To Mr. Bartholomew.”

“Chalk, near Gravesend, 14th July, 1803.

“Sir,– In reply to your letter of the 10th instant, I am sorry to inform you, that it is utterly out of my power at present to promote your interest in the manner you point out, having no influence with the Admiralty; but rest assured, that I shall at all times feel a great deal of pleasure in being instrumental to your promotion.

“I was so well satisfied with your conduct and zeal for the service during the time that you served under my command, that if I had a ship, I would use my endeavours to get you appointed as lieutenant of her.

“I conceive that your claims on the service are such, that if you represent them to the Right Hon. Earl St. Vincent, I have little doubt but his lordship (who seldom suffers merit to go unrewarded) will promote you, &c.”

(Signed)“.”

“To Mr. Bartholomew.”

In reply to the foregoing letters, Mr. Bartholomew was informed, that Earl St. Vincent recommended him to offer his services “to the captain of one of the ships fitting for sea;” and that, there could “be no promotion while there were 1500 Lieutenants seeking employment.” On the 9th Sept., he again addressed his lordship, as follows:

