Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/91

 Previous to his sailing he received the following letter of thanks from the merchants, &c., &c., of London:–

“London Marine Society’s Office, June 8, 1779.

“Sir.– I have the honour to convey the unanimous thanks of a very numerous and respectable meeting of merchants, ship-owners, insurers, and others, held on the Royal Exchange of London, to you, as commander, and to the officers and crew of H.M.S. the Clyde, for their spirited conduct in carrying your ship through the mutinous fleet.

“I beg you will accept of these thanks, and that you will also convey the same in such manner as may be most acceptable.

“It is with great satisfaction that, as chairman of so respectable a meeting, I have been directed to transmit the above resolution. I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c.

(Signed)“, Chairman.

“''To Captain Cunningham, H.M.S. Clyde, Sheerness.''”

During the ensuing season, Captain Cunningham had the honor of being placed in attendance upon his late Majesty at Weymouth, from whence he was sent to join the Channel fleet; but with the exception of his being for a length of time employed in the fatiguing duty of watching Brest harbour, we find nothing particularly worthy of record until Aug. 20, 1799; on which day, being off the Cordovan lighthouse, our officer discovered two sail in the S.W., to which he immediately gave chase, and soon perceived that they were standing towards him, which they continued to do till the Clyde had approached within two miles of them, when they bore up and made sail, going large on different tacks. Captain Cunningham pursued the largest, and soon brought her to close action, which was maintained on both sides with great spirit for nearly two hours; when the enemy’s ship being totally unmanageable, with several between wind and water, was obliged to strike, and proved to be La Vestale of 36 guns and 235 men, of whom 10 were killed and 22 wounded. Her consort, the Sagesse, of 28 guns and 175 men, availing herself of the vicinity of the Garonne, and the start she had obtained of the Clyde, succeeded in effecting her escape. The British frigate had only 2 men slain and 3 wounded.

The following is a copy of Lord Keith’s letter to the Admiralty on this occasion, but which was not published, in 