Military exploits often derive their chief merit from the bold ideas in which they originate. Such an application may well be advanced on the present occasion, for the immense superiority of the enemy, must have been early apparent to a seaman's eye. Captain Hood was not intimidated at the view of a two decker, but continued the chace, until he got close alongside. The Frenchman soon sustained damage, which was succeeded by a much greater on the part of the Minerva, in the serious loss of her bowsprit and foremast. These being quickly cleared away, this zealous Officer moved once more against the Warwick, and towards the close of day renewed the combat. His brave exertions were crowned with success and with honor; a share of which his modest recital, diffused amongst his Officers, his Seamen, and Marines.
Another instance endeared to their Country, Captains Faulkener and Logie, by a well fought engagement, which terminated in the capture of the Courageux of 74 guns. The Bellona and Brilliant putting into Lisbon to land the wounded, and to discharge their prisoners, these unfortunate men applied to the Consul of France for relief, but he would grant them none. The occasion called forth British humanity, and they were relieved by those who had conquered them.
It would not have been so with the Seamen of England, who kindly anticipates, and provides for the wants of those her valuable servants, in every port, and in every clime.
Our Commerce was also well protected, when we consider its vast extent in every quarter of the globe.
This year carried within it a happy event, by the espousal of our beloved Monarch to our most gracious Queen. It has fixed a long train of succession to his throne, in a numerous and amiable family, who yield to none of his Majesty's subjects in patriotism, and high talents for the mingled duties of the Cabinet, the Ocean, and the Camp.
France had shewn, apparently, a cordial wish for peace, but it appeared principally from a motive to distract our Councils, and to involve their Spanish Allies in the sad calamities of war. In both she succeeded, for the Country lost one of her most faithful and zealous servants in the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt, who resigned all his employments, and early in the following year we had to combat an additional foe.
At the close of 1761 the Field Officers upon the Marine Establishment were Lieutenant Colonels Theo. Drury, Richard Bendyshe, James Burleigh; Majors, Hector Boisrond, John Mackenzie, John Pincell Kempe, Samuel Boucher, Edward Rycaut, John Tufton Mason. There were also Majors by Brevet, John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, Thomas Weightwick, Arthur Tooker Collins.