Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/202

  On the 11th April, 1794, Commodore Linzee was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral; and when, in consequence of his promotion, he hoisted his flag on board the Windsor Castle of 98 guns, Mr. Downman went with him into that ship, as second Lieutenant. He returned to England with Lord Hood in the Victory, a first rate, at the latter end of the same year.

In the ensuing spring, that distinguished nobleman, as we have stated in our memoir of Admiral Sir John Knight, had prepared to resume his command in the Mediterranean, when most unexpectedly, on the 2d May, he was ordered to strike his flag. The Victory, however, immediately proceeded to that station, as a private ship, and in December following received the flag of Sir John Jervis, under whom Lieutenant Downman served in the battle off Cape St. Vincent, Feb. 14, 1797 ; a few months after which he was promoted to the rank of Commander in the Speedy brig of 14 four-pounders and 80 men.

During the time Captain Downman commanded the Speedy, he took and destroyed several of the enemy’s privateers, and fought a very gallant action with a vessel of far superior force. The following is a copy of his official letter, addressed to Earl St. Vincent, on this occasion:

“Speedy, Tagus, Feb. 16, 1798.

“My Lord.– I have the honor to acquaint you, that on the 3rd instant, at day-light, being seventeen leagues west of Vigo, we discovered a brig bearing down on us with all sail set. At three P.M. being within half a mile of us, she hauled her wind, and opened her fire; on which we made all sail to close, engaging her until half past five, when she tacked and made sail from us. I immediately tacked, continuing to engage till half-past seven, when, from her advantage of sailing, and little wind, she got out of gun-shot. Owing to the great swell, we received little damage, having only our fore-topmast shot through, with some of the running rigging cut. It falling calm, and the vesseb separating, against all our efforts