Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v1p1.djvu/95

Rh  On the 22d Nov., 1777, our officer was promoted to the rank of Post-Captain, by Lord Howe, for his conduct at the capture of Mud Island, in North America, which was considered at the time a most important service. In the early part of May, 1778, Captain Henry was detached by his Lordship, with a flotilla consisting of several gallies, schooners, and gun-boats, to co-operate with a detachment of light infantry, under the command of Major Maitland, who were embarked in eighteen flat boats, for the purpose of attacking the enemy’s ships which were lying in the Chesapeake, between Philadelphia and Trenton. On this occasion, the following American vessels were destroyed: Washington, pierced for 32 guns; Effingham, ditto for 28; three mounting 16 guns each; three of 10 guns each; nine large merchant ships; twenty-three brigs, and a number of schooners and sloops.

In Sept. and Oct. 1779, Captain Henry, who had previously been appointed to the Fowey, of 20 guns, greatly distinguished himself in the command of the naval force stationed at Savannah, consisting of three ships of 20 guns each, one brig of 12 guns, two armed ships, four gallies, and seven half gallies. On the 9th of the former month, the Count d’Estaing anchored with nineteen sail of the line, two ships of 54 guns each, seven frigates, a corvette, and a number of transports, off the bar, at the mouth of the river. This armament was intended for the reduction of Georgia.

As soon as the French troops were landed, and a junction formed with those of America from Charlestown, under 