I found them very intelligent gentlemen; one of them spoke English remarkably well and gave a very interesting account of the revolution and of the leading characters then in power without any partiality. The opinion, he said, in France was that the nobles and the clergy were the instigators of anarchy and confusion, and the people did not know how to put a stop to it. I must here mention that one of our men who I had placed as a sentry, fell asleep at his post, which was observed by a French officer who, to his honour, informed me of the circumstance. I need not say how I thanked him. When they were sent to Mill Prison I went with them and did everything in my power in recommending them to the officers belonging to the prison, who promised to make them as comfortable as they possibly could. I had but little money, which I divided among them. We shook hands at parting and they gave me their address, saying how happy they should be to see me in France when the war was over. One of those gentlemen had been a prisoner before in England and had his quarters at Petersfield.
Richard Lee, Esq., Captain.
An admiral of the blue, K.C.B., Knight of the Tower and Sword. An excellent officer and seaman. He commanded the Courageux, 74, when Sir Richard Strahan captured Dumanoir’s squadron. [Died 1837.—Marshall, ii. 568.]
John Bazely, Esq., Captain.
Dead [1827]. A vice-admiral of the blue. He was one of the best officers in the navy, and much lamented by numerous friends and particularly by his old shipmates.
Frederick Hickey, 1st Lieutenant.
A post captain and magistrate at Swansea; an excellent officer. [Died 1839.—Marshall, vii. 227.]
Jas. A. Gardner, 2nd Lieutenant.
A commander.
John Coghlan, Master.