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INTRODUCTION
On the 1st of May, 1707, the legislative union of England and Scotland was
consummated ; and the Scots and English navies were united, and became known
as the British navy. In actual fact the result was small. The flag was
changed. The white cross of Saint Andrew on the blue banner of Scotland no
longer indicated a Scots man-of-war. Its place was taken by the Union Jack
and the red, white, or blue ensign, from the canton of which the St.
George's Cross was removed, to be replaced by the combined crosses as in the
Union Jack, In effect the small Scots naval force of three ships was, during
the ensuing few months, quietly absorbed by its all-powerful neighbour. The
Royal William and the Royal Mary, which were stationed on the east coast of
Scotland, were placed on the new establishment as fifth and sixth rates
early in August. As there were men-of-war in the English navy of the same
name, the Scots ships were renamed the Edinburgh and Glascow respectively ;
and were at once employed as a standing convoy to the trade between Scotland
and the Nore. Their absorption in the English navy was unpopular with the
Scots seamen. Early in October one hundred of Captain Gordon's men mutinied
at Leith, having got into their heads ' a notion of being sent to the West
Indies which frightens them mightily.' Earlier in August Captain Gordon of
the Edinburgh, commodore of the Scots navy, and Captain Hamilton of the
Glascow had their commissions renewed ; but for long there were difficulties
with the British Admiralty as to the dates their rank as captains in the
British navy counted from. In August, 1707, they represented to the
Admiralty that they should rank in the navy according to the dates of their
commissions from the Queen as captains,—Captain Gordon from 17th July, 1703,
and Captain Hamilton from 7th November, 1705 ; but there was considerable
delay and official obstruction before service in the Scots navy was allowed
to count. On 9th February, 1708, Captain Gordon wrote to the Secretary of
the Admiralty as follows[Admiralty, I, vol. 1824, P.R.O.]
:—
' The kind part you have always had in my affairs, since I
had the honor to be known to you, makes me now take the liberty to pray you
to give some signification of what you were pleased to tell me at Windsor
both from the Prince and Mr. Churchill, that I was to have rank from the
date of my commission in the Edinburgh, the then Royal William, which is 7th
November, 1705. This is only in case of mortality in the squadron; I am
going to prevent any dispute that may arise between me and other gentlemen,
younger officers than myself, who possibly on such an occasion may pretend
to command me. I am persuaded from the goodness of your own temper you will
forgive this trouble, and if you will add to the favor the honor of your
commands, it will be the greatest obligation in the world.'
Gordon's rank continued to give him trouble even after this, for on 14th
Feb. 1709, he forwarded the following memorial to Lord Pembroke, Lord High
Admiral of Great Britain:—
' From the beginning of the present war I have had the honour
to command her Majesty's ships of war in Scotland till after the
commencement of the Union. Then I was commanded by his late Royal Highness
as Lord High Admiral of Great Britain to renew my commission, before which I
desired to know my rank in the Royal Navy, and after a survey and report
from the Navy Board of the dimension and rates of the two ships I had
commanded, there was objection made against my taking rank from my first
commission, being that the ship was rated as a sixth rate, but was assured
from her Majesty and his Royal Highness that I should have rank in the Navy
from her Majesty's to me for the Royal William, now the Edinburgh, bearing
date the 7th November, 1705—which I accepted of as being agreeable to the
rules of the Navy of England, tho' it was four years short of her Majesty's
commission to me giving me rank as captain from the Royal Navy. Now I find
in the list of captains I am only ranked from the commencement of the Union,
which obliges me to give your excellency this trouble, humbly begging you
would be pleased to do me justice in this affair, and to signify the same to
prevent mistakes that may arise betwixt other gentlemen and me who are
younger officers. This will render me more capable to do her Majesty further
service under your excellency's direction
'
On 3rd February, 1708, Captain Gordon was posted to the Leopard, 50 guns,
and distinguished himself off Montrose in the running sea fight between the
British under Byng and the French under Forbin, when he captured from the
French the sole trophy of the fight, the Salisbury man-of-war. [Seafield
Correspondence (Scottish History Society), pp. 460,462.] Records in the
Admiralty Library, Whitehall, show that the Edinburgh, a fifth rate 2 decker
of 364J tons and 32 guns, length (gun deck) 99 feet, breadth 28 feet 8
inches and depth 11 feet 2 inches, with an establishment of 145 men, was
sunk at Harwich for a breakwater on 10th August, 1709. On 5th November,
1711, Captain Gordon was posted to the Moor; and on 6th May took over the
command of the Advice. In February, 1716, it is said that after declining to
take the oath of allegiance to George I he resigned his commission. On 1st
June, 1717, he took service under Czar Peter the Great in the
Russian Navy, in which he reached the rank of Admiral, and Governor of
Kronstadt. He died on 18th March, 1741. Much information is given about him
in the Stirling - Home - Drummond - Moray papers, Historical Manuscripts
Commission, 1885; Sir Cyprian Bridge's ' History of the Russian Fleet,' Navy
Records Society, vol. xv.; in a brilliant monograph upon him, by J. M.
Bulloch in his ' Gordons under Arms,' New Spalding Club publications, 1912 ;
and in the present volume.[See also Charnock's
Biographia Navalis, vol. iii, pp. 309-10.]
A
portrait of Captain Gordon as an Admiral in the Russian Navy recently
identified by Mr. Bulloch and the Editor in Gordon Castle is, through the
courtesy of the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, reproduced for this volume.
Captain James Hamilton was on 26th December, 1707, appointed from the
Glascow captain of the Lark. He died in the West Indies on 22nd December,
1708.[Ibid., vol. iii, p. 392.] Records in the
Admiralty Library, Whitehall, show that the Glascow, a sixth rate of 2841
tons and 24 guns, length (gun deck) 92 feet 6 inches, breadth 26 feet 4
inches, depth 10 feet 10 inches, with an establishment of 115 men, served in
the Channel from 1708 to 1712 under Captains Thomas Egerton (January,
1708-February, 1708) and Walter Massay (February, 1708-June, 1712). She was
subsequently commanded by Thomas Dennitt (June, 1712-November, 1714), and by
William Lloyd (February, 1715-November, 1718). In 1715 her name appears as '
Glasgow ' at Portsmouth under orders for the Plantations (America). The
Glascow was sold on 20th August, 1719, for £115.
It was only on 22nd October, 1707, that Captain Mathew Campbell of the
Dumbarton Castle, who had been cruising in the western seas between Dublin
Bay and Tory Island, came into Port Glasgow, and reported himself to Prince
George of Denmark, Lord High Admiral of Great Britain. On 5th December next
his ship was put on the new establishment of the Royal Navy as a sixth rate
of 24 guns, with an establishment of 115 men, and was thereafter ordered
from Glasgow to Kinsale in Ireland to refit for Channel service. After a
spirited defence she was on 26th April, 1708, while engaged on convoy duty,
captured by a French privateer of 42 guns off Waterford. Captain Campbell,
who was taken prisoner, was confined for some time in St. Malo castle and
thereafter at Dinan in France. In June, 1709, he was in England, either
having escaped or having been exchanged. The capture of his ship was subject
of trial, and he was honourably acquitted after a court martial held on the
21st of next month. For a year thereafter he continued to press the
Admiralty unsuccessfully for payment of the victualling of the Dumbarton
Castle from 5th September, 1707, to 20th April, 1708. How it all ended the
Editor has not traced further. He does not appear to have received any other
command. According to Charnock he died at Leith on 27th April, 1723.
CHAPTER VI
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
Tuesday, 29th July, 1707.
Upon reading her Majesty's order in council of the 21st inst. directing what
colours shall be worn aboard the ships and vessels of the Royal Navy since
the union of the two kingdoms, resolved that a copy of the same be sent to
the Navy Board, and they directed to cause them to be supplied with colours
accordingly with all possible dispatch, and for the speedier and cheaper
doing the same, they are to order St. George's cross to be taken out of all
the ensigns and a Union Jack flag put into them in room thereof, or to alter
the said colours in such other manner as they shall judge best for the
service.
Ibidem.
Monday, 4th August, 1707.
Present Sir D. Mitchell. . . . The Secretary to be acquainted that Sir D.
Mitchell proposes the Royal William to be called the Edinburgh and
the Royal Mary the Glascow, two Scotch ships.
Ibidem.
Tuesday, 5th August, 1707.
Present Mr. Churchill and Mr. Paget. . . .
Captain Thomas Gordon, commander of the Royal William, and Captain James
Hamilton, commander of the Royal Mary, attended the Board, and
the Secretary's letters to them of the 18th July last were delivered to
them, and they produced their commissions and instructions which were
read. The Navy Board to be ordered to survey these two ships and report
their opinion what men and guns are proper to be established on them, and of
what rates they propose them, and to add them to the list of the Royal Navy
by the names of the Edinburgh and Glascow, and commissions to be made out
for these two captains. The Prince to be moved for giving these ships
orders to execute the remaining part of their instructions from Lord
Wemyss ; and then the Council propose to have them employed as a standing
convoy to the trade between Edinburgh and the Nore. ... Mr Warter to inform
himself of Mr. Elrick whether it is necessary for the Commissioners
for collecting the sixpence per man a month out of the seamen's wages to
have their commissions renewed upon the union of the two kingdoms.
Orders of Prince George of Denmark (Lord High Admiral) to the
Navy Board, from MS. in the Admiralty Library.
Admiralty Office. 5th August, 1707.
Genttl'—I do hereby desire and direct you, to
cause the two men-of-war of North Britain, . now at the buoy of the Nore
called the Royl William and Royl Mary, the former of
which I have named the Edinburgh, and the latter the Glascow, to be added to
the list of the Royl Navy by those names, and that they be
forthwith survey'd, sending me an account of their dimensions, what
condition they are in for the sea, and what tackle, apparel, furniture and
stores do belong to them respectively, together with your opinion what
rates, what numbers of men and numbers and natures of guns you judge proper
each of them should be established with.
I
am
Your affece. friend,
GEORGE.
Admiralty I, Vol. 1823. P.R.O.
From a memorial by Captain Thomas Gordon and Captain James Hamilton :—
Whereas Captain Thomas Gordon, commander of her Majesty's ship the Royal
William and Captain James Hamilton, commander of the Royal Mary, being
ordered to attend his Royal Highness in order to renew their commissions and
thereby be ranked on the Royal Navy of Great Britain, so it's humbly
expected by the two captains that his Royal Highness will give such orders
as he shall think fit, that they may take rank in the navy according to the
date of their commissions from her Majesty as captains, viz., Captain
Gordon's from the 17th July, 1703, and Captain Hamilton from the 7th
November, 17O5-
Ibidem, Vol. 1876 (resume).
On 14th August, 1707, Captain James Hamilton applies to the Admiralty for a
supply of provisions for the Glasgow ' as formerly.'
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
Admiralty Office. Saturday, 16th August, 1707.
Present Sir D. Mitchell, Mr..Walpole. . . . Upon reading a letter from the
Navy Board of the 14th with the surveys of the Edinburgh and Glascow,
resolved that orders be given to the Navy Board for establishing them with
the same number of men and guns as proposed by them, and established as 5
and 6 rates ; and since 'tis proposed to have them brought into a dry dock,
the Navy Board to be writ to, to know where they would propose to have them
brought for that purpose.
Orders of Prince George of Denmark {Lord High Admiral) to the Navy Board,
from MS. in the Admiralty Library.
Admiralty Office. 16th August, 1707.
Gentlm—You having by your letter of the 14 inst. transmitted to
my Secretary the surveys of her Maf's- ships the Edinburgh and
Glascow, and given it as your opinion that the following numbers of men and
guns are proper to be established on them, vizt-:—
|
EDINBURGH A
FIFTH RATE |
|
|
No. |
|
Number of
Men |
|
|
145 |
|
 Guns
Lower |
|
9 |
|
10 |
|
“ “
Upper |
Deck |
6 |
Pounders |
18 |
|
“ “
Quarter |
|
4 |
|
4 |
|
GLASCOW A
FIFTH RATE |
|
|
No. |
|
Number of
Men |
|
|
115 |
|
 Guns
Gun |
Deck |
6 |
Pounders |
20 |
|
“ “
Quarter |
4 |
4 |
I do hereby signify to you my approval thereof, and do desire
and direct you to cause them to be established with the said number of men
and numbers and natures of guns, and enter'd and register'd on the list of
the Royl Navy the Edinburgh as a fifth and the Glascow as a
sixth rate accordingly.
I am,
Your affect- friend,
GEORGE.
Ibidem.
19th August, 1707.
The Edinburgh and Glascow to be ordered to Chatham to be refitted for
Channel service, cleaned and graved and victualled for three months for the
complements of men established on them.
Admiralty, I, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
23rd August, 1707.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary, Westminster.
Be pleased to communicate to his Royal Highness Council that I am informed
that the masters of the ships bound for North Britain are to petition the
Prince for convoy. I thought it my duty to acquaint you that the ship the
Edinburgh which I command is every way in a condition to perform that
service with the assistance of a new foremast, if his Royal Highness pleases
to give such orders.
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
Admiralty Office. Saturday, 23rd August, 1707.
.
. . There being occasion for the Edinburgh to convoy the trade bound for
North Britain, she is to be ordered to set a new foremast at the Nore, which
the Navy Board are to cause to be done, and to complete her victualling to
three months for Channel service, and to furnish her with stores proper for
the same upon a letter from Captain Gordon giving an account that she is fit
for that service.
Upon reading the petition of John Spence master of the John of Leith on
behalf of himself and others bound for Scotland, resolved that orders be
sent to the commander of the Edinburgh that when she is ready for the sea he
takes under his care and protection the trade bound to North Britain, and
sees them safe into Leith where he is to continue till the ships he carries
with him shall be ready to return, and then come with them to the Nore; and
he is to bring along with him all the trade at Fraserburgh, Aberdeen and
Montrose.
Admiralty I, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
Westminster. 25th August, 1707.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary Depute to the Admiralty.
... I am informed at the Victualling Office that they have
orders for victualling the ship Edinburgh for three months, 145 men. That
number I have aboard of sailors, besides 50 soldiers of the Queen's
footguards of North Britain. So, Sir, I humbly desire you to communicate
this to his Royal Highness' Council, that they may give what further
directions they think fit.
Ibidem, Vol. 1876.
To Mr. Crawley, Secretary Depute to the Admiralty.
Sir,—I humbly desire you to acquaint the Prince's Council
that having notice from the Victualling Office of orders given to them
for victualling her Majesty's ship Glascow at the rate of one hundred and
fifteen men, I beg to know their pleasure anent the party of forty men of
Colonel Grant's[Alexander Grant of Grant, eldest son of Ludovick,
eighth of Freuchie and of Grant, afterwards Brigadier-General and Chief of
the Grants.] regiment as to their being victualled and quartered till
further orders. . . .
JAMES HAMILTON.
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
Admiralty Office. Monday, 25th August, 1707.
... A letter read from Captain Gordon of the Edinburgh giving an account
that he has 50 soldiers aboard of the Queen's footguards of North Britain,
and another letter from Captain Hamilton of the Glascow advising that he has
40 more of the said guards: resolved that Captain Gordon be ordered to bear
them all supernumeraries for victuals during his passage to Leith, and when
he comes there to return them to their proper companies, and Captain
Hamilton to be ordered to put his soldiers on board the Edinburgh.
Admiralty I, Vol. 1876. P.R.O.
Sir,—I beg the favour of you to acquaint the Prince's Council
that, according to orders given me, I have brought up the Glascow under my
command to Chatham in order to docked. I find she cannot be put in until
next spring, at which time the Chatham comes out whose dock is appointed for
her. I have likewise put the marines formerly on board my ship on board the
seen on this coast of a long time. How soon I get the men back shall I
execute the rest of my orders.
Ibidem.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Admiralty.
Leith. 18th October, 1707.
... I got aboard twenty soldiers to guard what remained, upon
my application to her Majesty's Privy Council. They issued forth a
proclamation requiring the deserters to return to their duty betwixt that
time and the thirteenth of this month ; if not, upon my representing their
names, all magistrates were ordered to seize and secure their persons, that
they might be punished accordingly. The proclamation of the Privy Council
had a good effect for on the day prefixt 80 of them came aboad, so I have
now 130 in complement.
The wind has been at east-south-east ever since I wrote you,
till just now that it is come in to the south-west; so in compliance with
his Royal Highness' orders, I'm just weighing to go to the northwards. The
ships in this firth bound for London will be ready to sail towards the first
of November.
There's come to this road from Archangel one Capt. Liddell
belonging to Stockton, bound for London, loaded with naval stores. He parted
from the bar of Cork under convoy of three men-of-war, and was joined by the
Flamburg at the entry of the White Sea. He lost company with the convoys the
25th September, north-east from Shetland fifty leagues distance, wind at
east-south-east. He believes the convoys are put in to Shetland; which is
all I can be informed.
Ibidem, Vol. 1876. P.R.O.
To the Honourable Josiah Burchet, Admiralty Office.
Sir,—I presume to give you the trouble of this, begging you
would inform his Royal Highness that I humbly desire he would give an order
to the Navy Board bearing what time her Majesty's ship the Glasgow under my
command is to enter in pay and victuals, that I may thereby be enabled to
pass my accounts at the navy and victualling offices, and that his Highness
would be pleased to consider the supernumeraries I carried from the first of
May till his orders for recalling of them, being forty marines besides
supernumerary sailors, all which from the first of May to the tenth day of
August last I have victualled at my own proper cost and charge. I entreat
the favour of an answer . . .
JAMES HAMILTON.
London. October, 1707.
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
20th October, 1707.
The Navy Board to be directed to cause the Glascow and Edinburgh to be
entered into pay and victuals in the Royal Navy of England from the 1st of
May last, and the Navy Board are to allow of the supernumeraries born by
Captain Hamilton of the Glascow from the 1st of May to the time of the
Prince's orders for discharging them, which was the 10th August.
Admiralty I, Vol. 1593. P.R.O.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Honoured Sir,—Pursuant to the Earl of Wemyss,
Lord High Admiral of Scotland, his orders I have been cruising about the
Western Isles of Scotland since the month of March last; and two days ago I
came into Clyde, and having this day received a letter from Captain Gordon
of the Edinburgh telling me that the Earl of Wemyss' commission as Lord High
Admiral of Scotland was terminat by his Royal Highness being made Lord High
Admiral of Great Britain, according to my duty I humbly desire that you will
be pleased to send me his Royal Highness' orders lor my better government,
which shall be duly observed. I beg pardon to let you know that the
Dumbarton Castle which I command is much out of order for want of several
necessars, and that it will be very hard for any ship to cruise in the
winter where I have been this summer. I shall keep her in a sailing posture
and my men aboard undischarged till I have further orders, which I shall
long look for. Pray let me know if that I am to renew my commission being
formerly from her Majesty. I would have writ before now, but having my
frequent orders from my Lord Wemyss, and being a stranger to the methods of
the Admiralty of Great Britain, I beg pardon and am, Honoured Sir,
Your most humble servant,
MATHEW CAMPBELL.
Direct my orders for Mr. Alexander Campbell, merchant in
Edinburgh. Glasgow, 22nd October, 1707.
Ibidem, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
Leith. 30th October, 1707.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary.
Being informed there were no merchants ships in the Orcades,
I cruised to and against Buchanness. Sometimes I was put with bad gales
of wind ten leagues to the north of that. In all that way I could not
discover one ship, although sometimes I stood off to sea twelve leagues to
have looked for some of the straggling Russia ships. I was turning up to the
windward six leagues to the northward of Montrose on the 20th, in the
afternoon, I met her Majesty's ships the Folkstone and Penzance. They were
bound to the northward, wind at south-west. For the good of the service I
put aboard the Folkstone one of my mates for a pilot, they being altogether
strangers on that coast.
This morning I arrived in the road, and have received his
Royal Highness new orders, which I shall execute how soon the trade are
ready, which I expect in two or three days.
Ibidem, Vol. 1876. P.R.O.
Captain James Hamilton to the Secretary.
Sir,—It having been very difficult of late to find sufficient
numbers of able seamen towards the manning her Majesty's fleet, I think it
my duty humbly to lay before his Royal Highness what help may be expected
from North Britain in that matter, and how far my endeavours may be useful
in it. Therefore I humbly beg the favour of you to communicate this to his
Highness and Council, first that the method of impressing may not be used
there except in cases of absolute necessity, but on the contrary that
encouragements be made to them by giving them their Majesty's bounty as
usual, and that as far as can be well done assurances be given them of being
discharged when the present exigencies of the service can allow it. It is
likewise proper that those employed in making these levies be
people acquainted with them and known to them. I have reason to believe
that if I were sent down myself I could undertake to make two hundred able
seamen, if not more, in the western parts of the country, besides what might
be had from the east. I hope his Royal Highness will pardon my boldness in
this, it proceeding from my devotion and zeal for the service of her
Majesty. . . .
JAMES HAMILTON.
London, 11th November, 1707.
Ibidem, Vol. 1593. P.R.O.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Honoured Sir,—My last of the 22nd October past which I am
hopeful has come safe to your hand to which refers. Having since considered
that my under officers such as lieutenant boswine, carpenter and gunner will
want their warrants or commission, I presume to beg the favour to send me
them blank, that I may fill them up with such men as I know to be
sufficiently qualified.
In my last establishment I had only eighty-nine seamen
allowed me and twenty-five soldiers. And now my soldiers being ordered from
me I hope you will take care there be more men allowed, for my complement is
too small, and that you will do me the favour as to send me the
establishment of pay as is on board such ships as I command, for I think it
will differ from what it was before. The ship will want a great many things,
if should be ordered out this winter. I do still keep my men on board
waiting orders, which I daily expect. Pray do me the favour that with
your instructions I may have a press warrant, and I am, Honoured Sir, Your
most humble servant,
MATHEW CAMPBELL.
Port Glasgow. 12th November, 1707.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to Prince George of Denmark.
May it please your Highness,—I have been since March last
a-cruising in my station from the Bay of Dublin to the Isle of Tory in the
north of Ireland. Having had my orders from my Lord Wemyss, and now knowing
that your Highness does give me further instructions, I make bold to let
your Highness know that I am here with the ship. I shall keep my men entire
on board to wait your Highness' commands. I beg your Highness' pardon, being
at sea in my station, that I could [not] write your Highness sooner, &c.
MATHEW CAMPBELL.
Portglasgow. 12 November, 1707. Annexed is given
Account of the Officers names on board her Majesty's Ship the
Dumbarton Castle.
Captain Mathew Campbell.
Robert Russell, Mr. and Lieutenant.
Michael Gogar, Gunner.
James Mcinnlay, Boston.[Boatswain].
John Gray, Cook.
John Campbell, Doctor.
Memorandum for Mr. Burchett to send commissions for the above officers and
direct them to Colin Campbell of Blythswood, provost of Renfrew, who will
take their oaths as you please to direct.
Ibidem, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
Captain Gordon sailed from Leith on 14th November in company with H.M.S.
Dreadnought and Leopard, and reached the Nore 19th November, 1707, from
which he wrote the same day to the Secretary :—
The weather beginning to turn surly, we came to an anchor in
Kirkcaldy road, where we lay until four o'clock next morning, wind then at
north west. At twelve that day we had a violent storm at north. At eight at
night I made the signal for lying at Frye, being the Coquet island, and lay
so until morning, but the merchant ships durst not bring to, the sea being
high. At day, I found myself to leeward of the Bar, [Tynemouth] and could
not see any of the trade. So I made sail to the southward. About four at
night I came up with Flamborough head and found my convoy in Burlington bay,
where we also joined the Russia ships. The 17th we came to an anchor at
Winterton, where I was forced to leave an anchor and cable, and at three
this afternoon I came to an anchor in this road, where I shall wait his
Royal Highness further orders. In the meantime be pleased to acquaint his
Royal Highness that the ship has suffered much in the bad weather we had to
the northward, and wants to be repaired.
Ibidem.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary.
The Nore. 23rd November, 1707.
I have received his Royal Highness' orders to join the
Faversham, and to go to the northward in her company, in pursuance of which
I have sent my purser express to London for dispatching my provisions down
with all expedition. The ship being judged unfit for going to sea, until
repaired, I ordered my officers to make demands only for what was absolutely
necessary for performing my voyage to North Britain. The bad weather I had
on said voyage did not only shatter the ship much, but wasted most of the
stores aboard. I entreat you to acquaint his Royal Highness with the ship's
circumstances, that there may be orders sent down to furnish me with what is
wanting.
I wrote you formerly that several of our men had deserted
when in Leith roads, so that I now want seventy of my complement; and those
who are aboard are not to be trusted, for they have got a notion of being
sent to the West Indies, which frightens them mightily. In my humble opinion
the only way to prevent a further desertion is to change sixty or seventy of
the men I have on board with as many South Britons, for which I earnestly
desire an order to any of her Majesty's captains for making said exchange;
and if his Royal Highness think fit, I humbly desire seventy-five marines,
one sergeant, one corporal and a drum. Then I doubt not to recover the men
that deserted, but also to procure sixty or seventy more. I shall always
endeavour to advance her Majesty's service as far as I'm capable, which I
have faithfully done hitherto,
Admiralty, Secretary, Minutes. P.R.O.
28th November, 1707.
A
commission to be prepared for Captain Mathew Campbell to be master and
commander of the Dumbarton Castle, Mr. Robert Russell lieutenant, Michael
Gogar gunner, Jno. Read carpenter, James Mcinnlay boatswain, Jno. Gray cook,
and Jno. Campbell surgeon, the which commission and warrants except the
surgeon and cook (which the Navy Board are to appoint, and first the surgeon
is to be examined) to be sent to Colin Campbell of Blythswood Esq., provost
of Renfrew, with power to him to give them the oaths and test.
Resolved that it be considered what orders may be fit to give to the captain
of the Dumbarton Castle to come from Glasgow and a press warrant to be sent
to him, and he is to be acquainted that he is now to come upon the
establishment with other 6th rates.
29th November, 1707.
The Dumbarton frigate to go from Glasgow to Kinsale and refit and victual
for Channel service, and the Navy Board to send to the Commissioner at that
port to report his opinion what numbers of men and numbers and natures of
guns may be proper for her.
5th December, 1707.
The Navy Board to be directed in answer to their letter of the 4th inst. to
cause the Dumbarton frigate, one of the three ships of North Britain, to
enter into pay and victuals as a ship of the Royal Navy from the first of
May last.
Admiralty I, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
Sheerness. 27th November, 1707.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary.
I
have been with the officers of the guard, who gave their opinion to the Navy
Office the 12th that the ship required to be in a dry dock. They have this
day acquainted the Commissioners of Chatham of their opinion. For pursuance
of his Royal Highness' orders to join the Faversham I gave in my demands for
what was wanting, which Commissioner St. Loe ordered, there being one
boltsprit, new 'forshreds'[Foreshrouds.] and mizzen yard wanting. The new
ones were provided and in the ship put in order to be refitted in all haste,
so that the ship can't be in a condition to come in to-morrow. So I desire
you'll be pleased to communicate this to his Royal Highness and Council,
that there may be what further orders sent me as his Royal Highness shall
think fit.
Ibidem.
Chatham. 12th December, 1707.
Captain Thomas Gordon to the Secretary.
I have brought the ship under my command to Chatham, and have
put her in condition for the dock. All the docks here are full at present,
and the master builder can't as yet determine when any of them can be
cleared. In the meantime he is to haul her to the jetty, and do all to her
that can be done. Com. St. Loe is to order my men on board one of the great
ships, where there shall be such care taken that none of them shall desert.
My private affairs press me to be at London ; so I humbly
entreat that his Royal Highness would be pleased to give me liberty to come
up for some few days.
Ibidem, Vol. 1593. P.R.O.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—Yours of the 28th ultimo and the 1st instant I have
received, whose contents I do observe with his Royal Highness' orders for me
to proceed to Kinsale, which would have answered the receipt of all before
now, but I was ordered by the Council of Scotland to fit out in pursuit of a
privateer which was on the coast lately, and have been kept aboard by bad
weather these fifteen days past and could not get on shore. There are
several things I must have for the ship before I can proceed, which I shall
provide and give you account of next post, with what is already due me since
the government here left off paying me. I have made no alterations on my
colours, not having any orders. This night I have received my commission as
likewise my officers, and have taken the oaths.
I am, &c. . . .
Mathew Campbell.
Glasgow. 15th December, 1707.
Ibidem, Vol. 1876. P.R.O.
Captain James Hamilton to the Secretary.
Sir,—I have taken possession of her Majesty's ship the Lark
according to his Highness commission, and am now turning over the Glascow
men into her. ... I find the ship in a readiness to go to sea in eight days
at furthest. . . . All the officers of the Glascow are extremely desirous to
go along with me particularly the lieutenant and boatswain. ... If this can
be done, and the lieutenant of the Lark has no mind to go the voyage, it
will be the greatest favour in the world done me. . . .
James Hamilton.
[26th December, 1707 (?)]
Ibidem.
Captain James Hamilton to the Secretary.
Sir,—I just now have the honour of yours with the enclosed
order from his Royal Highness to proceed to the Downs and Spithead of the
date December 26. ... There are fifty-five of the Glascow's men that are
desirous to go, which I have discharged into the Lark, and ordered the like
number of the Lark's into the Glascow. In my last I mentioned my desire to
have my own lieutenant to go along with me whose inclination is the same. If
this can be done it will be a most particular favour to me. My former gunner
and boatswain entreat the same favour. The ship will be ready to sail in
eight days. . . .
James Hamilton.
Sheerness. 28th December, 1707.
Ibidem, Vol. 1824. P.R.O.
On 20th January, 1707-8, Captain Gordon reported from Chatham that the
Edinburgh had been opened up in several places and found very defective :—
The master builder hath this day sent a report to the Navy
Board of the ship's circumstances, and there must be a great repair, or she
must be rebuilt, for which purpose he hath wrote to the Board for a
survey. There will be no necessity for my being here for some time ;
therefore I desire you will please communicate this to his Royal Highness
that I may have leave to come to town.
My officers and men are all on board the Britannia in good
order. I shall take care to leave such directions that there shall be
nothing done amiss during my absence.
Ibidem, Vol. 1593. P.R.O.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—My last was the 22nd past. Since, nothing here but very
bad weather, that I had much ado to keep the ship from going ashore. The
weather seems now to prove a little better, and with the first fair wind I
design to make the best of my way for Kinsale, where I do expect your
further orders about the refitting of the ship. I hope you will forward the
payments of my accounts being considerable in advance, and much more before
I can come to Kinsale, having not charged anything further than the 5th
January. I do expect to have orders when I come to Kinsale to draw for my
provisions on the Victualling Office as frequent as others do. If the wind
offer, I hope my next shall be from Kinsale.
I am, &c. . . .
Mathew Campbell.
Glasgow. 12th January, 1707-8.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—My last from Glasgow giving an account of the badness of
the weather, and that I was ready to sail. I parted from thence the
twenty-sixth past, and upon the twenty-eight I was put into Carrick-fergus
Lough with contrary winds. The second instant I came out, and upon the
fourth I arrived here, and yesterday I was mustered on board ninety-five men
by Joseph Benner, which with twenty-five marines I had f ormerry on board,
and was now obliged to put them on shore at Glasgow, made up my full
complement at my arrival here. I did see an order from the Commissioners of
the navy to establish the Dumbarton in the navy since May last. But, Sir,
know that I was paid by the government of Scotland until the fifth of
September last, and have only charged since that time in my accounts sent up
to the fifth of January. I do expect for the time to come full power to draw
for my provisions as others do. I have gotten the carpenters upon the ship,
and shall advise you from time to time. In my passage hither I did not see
one sail. The wind this day at north-north-east.
I am, . . .
Mathew Campbell.
Kinsale. 6th February, 1707-8.
Endorsed on margin.—To
be put upon the establishment of the navy from the time he is paid.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—I received yours with the Prince's order to follow such
as I should receive from my Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, or in absence the
Lord Chief Justices, which I have acquainted them, as also yours of the 26th
past, wherein you say that I must victual as I have occasion at Kinsale
from 'time to time. If should be ordered to the north station it will be a
great loss of time to come here ashore to clean or victual, but I suppose my
Lord Lieutenant will take care of that. Most ships on this station hath
power to carry supernumeraries. I do not question but it may fall in my way
to be as serviceable as another, which if I have your orders shall be
faithfully complied with. It will be April before I shall be clear here. I
am, &c,
Mathew Campbell.
Kinsale. 12th March, 1708.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—I received yours with the Prince's orders to bear
supernumeraries. I shall now in three days be clear to sail, having
according to your orders to me taken aboard three months provisions and
stores as near as possible. But last past I had an order from the Lord Chief
Justices to go to Cork, and take in some ordnances and stores of war to
carry to Dublin, which I am sorry I could not comply with, the ship being as
full as she can handsomely go to sea with provisions and stores, and was
obliged after I bought my provisions to send some on shore for want of room,
which I hope will excuse me for not complying with their Excellencies
order. The ship being very small and but one deck, it is as much as she can
carry three months provisions and stores. I must remain here until their
further orders.
I
am, . . .
Mathew Campbell.
Kinsale. 6th April, 1708.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—On the 26th past I came out of Kinsale bound for Dublin
according to my Lord Chief Justices' orders with six sail of merchant ships
that were bound to Dublin and Waterford. About four in the afternoon five
leagues from Waterford we saw a sail, and brought to for our small fleet
being a little astern, which came up with me ; but at the same time the
other which proved to be a privateer from Brest of forty-two guns, four
hundred and fifty-six men, came up with me. She was formerly belonging to
England called the Jersey a fourth-rate. By the small diversion I gave him
the merchant ships got all safe to Waterford. He shot away the head of my
main mast and top gallant mast. I was obliged to surrender, being impossible
to get away or defend myself, having but 92 men and boys aboard. On the 29th
we went for Dublin expecting to have found some of our men-of-war in the
bay, but none being there we came out again and cruised in the Channel for
six days in bad weather, and got only two small ships which he ransomed; and
on the 8th instant we came again the length of Waterford, and at four in the
morning we spied three ships which we gave chase to, but when we came pretty
near them found them to be the Shoram, Arundell, and Penzance. He haled the
wind, and they gave us chase, but in two watches time we almost run them out
of sight, and came the length of Scilly where we cruised for 3 days betwixt
that and Husant.[Ushant in Brittany.] On the tenth we met a
Dutch privateer of 38 guns about 15 leagues from Scilly, who fought for
about half an hour, and at last made his escape by his good sailing. On the
12th we came in here, having lost company with the Dumbarton at sea. I hear
she has got into Morles[Morlaix.] ten leagues from Brest.
The captain's name is Casart. He tells me that he is to go back again and
get another ship with him of 50 guns to meet our ships in the Channel. I am
kept prisoner in the castle in a very bad lodging since I came here, but
shall hope for some speedy relief. This is all the melancholy account I can
give you.
I am, &c. . . .
Mathew Campbell.
St. Malo Castle. 14th May, 1708.
To Josias Burchet, Secretary to his Royal Highness Lord High Admiral of
Great Britain. London.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—I have writ two sundry times to you since I came to St.
Malo of my misfortune of being taken by the Jersey privateer of forty-two
guns, four hundred and fifty-six men, which I hope may have come to hand. I
was sent to this place three days ago, and resolve to stay here till the
transport comes. The same privateer has gone back again with his consort of
fifty guns for the coast of Ireland as he told me—being the needful from,
Sir, your most humble
and most obedient servant,
Mathew Campbell,
Dinan. 28th May, 1708.
Ibidem, Vol. 1594. P.R.O.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—I have taken all the pains possible to see if any of my
officers were to be found, but all the account I have got of them is that
they are gone from North Britain to Russia, so that I beg the favour as to
have the benefit of the court martial that is now to be. My long confinement
in France requires me a little dispatch, which will singularly oblige,
Sir, your &c. . . .
Mathew Campbell.
22nd June, 1709:
Noted on Letter.—R. Admiral Baker to try the loss of the ship
he commanded.
Ibidem.
Captain Mathew Campbell to the Secretary.
Sir,—I acknowledge your favour in forwarding my court
martial, and think it my duty to acquaint you that since my attendance
yesterday I have been informed that some of my sailors on the Dumbarton are
now at Plymouth on board the Diamond, particularly Joseph Red
quartermaster. I am very desirous to be acquitted in the best manner,
and if it be better and more convenient to have witnesses of the fact I will
grudge no expence to bring him or more of them to the trial, if you please
to give me authority for that purpose. My being as yet much a stranger to
the rules of the Navy obligeth me to presume upon your goodness to which
this is humbly submitted by, Sir, &c. . . .
Mathew Campbell.
London. June 23rd, 1709.
Written on letter.—Captain
Walker to order the Captain of the Diamond to send up Joseph Ridge and any
two men that can best give an account of the loss of the Dumbarton, and to
do it immediately, R. Admiral Baker having orders to try the same.
Ibidem, Vol. 5267. P.R.O.
Court Martials—Mathew Campbell.
At a court martial held on board her Majesty's ship the Stirling Castle at
St. Hellens road the 21st of July, 1709.
Present :—
The Honourable John Baker Esq., Rear Admiral of the Red Squadron of her
Majesty's fleet &c. President.
 James
Littleton Rd. Hughes
Captains Rd. Haddock Robt. Bowler
Edw. Rumsey Henry Blinston
All duly sworn purst. to a late Act of Parliament. Enquiry was made by
this court into the occasion of the loss of her Majesty's late ship the
Dumbarton Castle, whereof Captain Mathew Campbell was commander,
which was taken by a French privateer of forty-four guns off Waterford 26th
of April, 1708, having under convoy several merchant ships bound thither;
and after having strictly examined the evidence upon oath, and considered
the whole matter, it appeared that the said Captain Campbell used his best
endeavour to preserve the said ship, and the occasion of her being taken
was the great inequality of the enemy's force. The court have
therefore acquitted him the said Captain Campbell as to the loss of the said
ship, and also the rest of the officers, nothing being objected against
them.
Signed by all the members of the court and the Judge Advocate.
Ibidem, Vol. 1594 (resume). P.R.O.
In November, 1709, Captain Campbell applied to the Lords of Admiralty for
payment of the victualling of the Dumbarton Castle from 5th September, 1707,
to 5th January, 1708, allowed at yd. a day per man by the Prince, and
from 5th January to 26th April when he and his ship were captured. He prays
them to order the Commissioners of the Navy and Victualling Office to pay
him his full debt. On 20th April, 1710, he again writes them desiring that
his victualling affair may be settled. On 6th July, 1710, writing from
London, he again applies for a settlement. He says that the Commissioners
make his account £197 while he makes it £420, the Commissioners having
charged him with the provisions on the ship when she was taken. He is
willing to take the bills with interest, but this they will not give. He
appeals that his case is different from ordinary pursers, as he was obliged
to be in advance after the Union before he could come to any victualling
office. He has been out of his money 30 months, and to take bills without
interest is very hard. He continues ' my affairs in North Britain being in
some disorder by my long absence, I beg their Lordships will allow me to go
there for some time.' The application was referred to the Commissioners and
he was granted leave to go to North Britain. On 13th July, 1710, he writes
their Lordships that he has been at the Victualling Office for his bills
with interest, but they have no orders. ' I shall be obliged, ' he
says, ' to discount their bill before I go away, which I cannot do under
fifty per cent, without it bears interest, which I hope [they] will consider
and not let me be too great a loser.' Though this letter was endorsed ' to
be allowed interest,' he again writes on the 20th of the same month from
London asking interest on the bills. |
