Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v4p1.djvu/96

  this period and the time of his arrival in England, including passage-money, amounted to 250 guineas; but, although he produced the necessary documents, together with a certificate from the commander-in-chief in India, his applications for reimbursement all proved unavailing, and even his half-pay, for nearly fourteen months that elapsed before he reached home, was withheld upwards of ten years, and then only paid through the interference of a friend in office. After a continued illness of more than three years, his health began to improve; and, about May, 1810, he joined the flag-ship of Sir James (now Lord De) Saumarez, whose high opinion of him will be seen by the following testimonial:

“Admiralty House, Devonport, 10th June, 1826.

“Dear Sir,– I have great satisfaction in the opportunity you have afforded me of giving my testimony to your character and conduct during the two years you served as lieutenant of H.M.S. Victory, under my flag, upon the Baltic station, which was most strictly that of an officer and a gentleman; and, upon one occasion particularly, met my highest approbation – when you were detached with the boats of the Victory to attack two Danish privateers, between Anholt and Wingo Sound, and by capturing them prevented their further annoyance of our trade. “I shall he happy if this testimony can strengthen your claims for that promotion which I consider you so justly entitled to; and I remain, dear Sir, your’s very sincerely,

(Signed)“.”

“To Commander D. L. St. Clair.”

The privateers alluded to above were taken by boarding, at a distance of sixty miles from the Victory’s anchorage; six of their men were slain in the conflict, and several officers wounded: the British boats had only one man killed, and another shot through both arms. For this service, Lieutenant St. Clair had the honor of receiving his admiral’s thanks on the very spot where Nelson last fought, and fell. His promotion to the rank of commander took place Nov. 20th, 1812; on which occasion he was appointed to the Sheldrake sloop of war. He soon afterwards captured l’Aimable d’Hervilly, French privateer, in the vicinity of Möen island; and subsequently ran through the Malmo passage, without pilots; as did also, at the same time, the Aquilon frigate. Captain Thomas Bowles.

