Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/458

 exertions in protecting our trade during the time you were on that station, and for jour uncommon attention to a rich fleet of merchantmen, during a protracted and boisterous passage, being the last which sailed from thence, previous to the shutting the ports of Portugal against the shipping of Great Britain. We flatter ourselves, Sir, that you will receive this trifling mark of our esteem, which we offer as a tribute to your public conduct and private merit. We have the honor to be, Sir, your most faithful humble servants,

In January 1808, the Lively conveyed Rear-Admiral W. A. Otway to the squadron employed in the blockade of Lisbon; and then went on a cruise off the Western Islands. After the convention of Cintra, Captain M‘Kinley was sent into the Tagus, with orders to take charge of the naval arsenal, where he continued until it was delivered up to the Portuguese authorities. He subsequently cruised off Oporto, and received the thanks of the merchants there for his exertions in clearing the Douro of all the British shipping previous to the French entering that city. In March 1809, his assistance being solicited by the inhabitants of Galicia, he proceeded to the coast of that province, and took an active part in the operations which led to the capture of Vigo and Santiago.

In July following, Captain M‘Kinley convoyed a fleet from Lisbon to England; and on the 18th Sept. in the same year he assisted at the capture of l’Aurore French lugger privateer, of 16 guns and 69 men.

After lying for some time in the Downs as flag-ship to the late Sir George Campbell, the Lively refitted at Portsmouth; and in April 1810, conveyed Sir Charles Cotton to Cadiz. On her return from thence she was ordered to escort the outward bound trade to Portugal and the Mediterranean. After executing that service she was unfortunately wrecked on a reef of rocks near Point Coura, in the Island of Malta.

