HMS BENBOW

[72-gun Battleship]

In July 1839 William joined Benbow at Leith Roads, Edinburgh. The ship was commanded by Captain Houston Stewart. The popular Captain kept up great style - had his own piper on board; the ship was noted for its discipline, the officers were 'an excellent set,' wrote William. Benbow sailed for the Mediterranean on 1st August and after spending most of September at Lisbon, arrived at Malta on the 10th October. The next five months were spent in Greek waters. In April 1840 Benbow returned to Malta and the next few months were spent in the central Mediterranean, mainly visiting Italian ports.

[LETTER FROM JAMES]

198 Buchanan Street

Glasgow. Decr 16th 1839

Mary Ann having told you all domestic news, I have now, my dear William, to exhort you in my usual way to pursue a steady course of conduct, and never allow impatience to dwell on your mind, as it would sour your feelings, embitter your enjoyment, roughen your temper and all combined might, as I often have witnessed in young Officers, offend those who are above you, on whose good opinion probably depends your promotion. And having, by a hasty expression springing from impatience and disappointed expectations, lost their good will, although not made sensible to you, promotion is retarded if not lost. Lieut. Vassal, I think his name, had the watch when Lord Nelson, then Rear-Admiral, was in search of the Nile fleet; the ship was close on a vessel, and the Admiral, full of anxiety to find the French, thought the Yards were not braced up enough; he said so to the Lieutenant, who unguardedly forgot himself, and in an impertinent manner called to the watch to come and spring the yard; - he never was promoted - So also Hill lost his promotion when in Andromache.

Now, my dear William, let these examples sink deep in your memory, and determine you never, never, never utter expressions of dislike to the Services, of contempt of any superior, impatience for promotion, because all these will keep it back; the opposite to these must as effect follows cause, advance it. When most distant to the mind, it may be at hand in reality. I am confident you will be promoted if you follow my counsel. It is never an act of wisdom to seem poor to the world - seem above its pity and its need, independent of each, and you will always have both ready for you.

I wish you, as I told you years ago, to make yourself a good linguist, as this alone will be powerful help to you in obtaining promotion, and a name at the Admiralty; also learn well the anchorages, etc., and let me know what you do in these matters; you may write in Italian or French. I abstain from all politics, as it is best to do so, and I advise you never to be of any party - always in reply to a question as to your politics, say, a Naval Officer's duty is to serve his country nobly, and know only one side, his duty!

Poor Mary Ann has begun to think seriously of her condition; two supposed Beaux have appeared, and have taken their departure, for in the present day, girls require to have a character or being in possession of a fortune. She consoles herself, as a good maiden ought, by reading her Bible, and amusing herself at the piano, on which she executes with style and spirit.

1840

THE EASTERN QUESTION

In August Benbow sailed for the Eastern Mediterranean. During the summer a crisis had been developing which might have led to war between Britain and France. The fundamental reason for this crisis was a clash of Great Power interests in the Levant, however the immediate cause was the activities and ambitions of Mehemet Ali, Viceroy of Egypt.

Mehemet Ali was an Albanian, born in 1769, who in 1801 had been sent by the Sultan to Egypt to defend the country from French invasion. Over the years he had slightly exceeded his duties by, while still nominally governing part of the Ottoman Empire, making himself effective ruler of Egypt, parts of the Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

In the 1830s Mehemet Ali decided to confirm his independence. In 1831 he invaded Syria and defeated the Sultan's army and was only persuaded from entering Asia Minor by concessions from the Sultan, that had been proposed by the European Powers. In 1839 the Sultan decided to regain his losses. Once again his army was defeated by the more efficient and disciplined forces of Mehemet Ali. Further disasters for the Turks followed. Sultan Mahmud died, to be succeeded by his 16 year old son and the Turkish Fleet defected to Mehemet Ali.

For differing reasons this state of affairs did not suit the four great Powers involved and in July 1839 they stated their intention to settle the Eastern Question. France, whose training was mainly responsible for the efficiency of the Egyptian army, supported Mehemet Ali in order to increase their influence in the Levant, Russia was in favour of a weak Turkey to ease its access to the Mediterranean and Britain and Austria Hungary generally supported any solution that was not too favourable to the ambitions of France and Russia. Following a complex series of negotiations, during which France was suspected of duplicity by the other powers, a quadruple treaty was signed in London on 15th July 1840, from which France was excluded [Prussia had joined the discussions]. The treaty offered favourable terms to Mehemet Ali, which included the retention of the south part of Syria. However Mehemet Ali, confident of French support, rejected these terms.

Despite warlike protests from Thiers, the French Minister and outraged French public opinion the Powers sent an Anglo-Austrian fleet to drive Mehemmet Ali out of Syria. Benbow was part of that force.

BEYROUT

August 25th

Charley Napier sailed in line right round the town and Bay, hoping someone would fire at him, but that not being the case, anchored very close in. It appears he has issued a proclamation calling on the Syrians to revolt and throw off their yoke, offering to assist them, and threatens to annihilate any Egyptian who shall dare to touch them. It is his own composition.

Soliman Bey, the Commander of the troops here, is a Frenchman and they say a very clever man. He has 15,000 troops about and round the town; 4,500 are Turkish which gave themselves up a year or two since.

All the Captains dined here; old Charley came in a coat without straps. We received him with a lieutenant's guard.

At 12 pm, happening to be in the stern walk, he observed some lightning to leeward; he immediately thought it was an action taking place and for a few moments was completely staggered. Although every one assured him it was lightning and had continued for 4 preceding hours, he ordered me on board to Captain Henderson of the Gorgon, to direct him to get his steam up and proceed in that direction until he found out what it was; I was in the boat and starting on my mission when I received a countermanding order

Friday, Sept. 4th

Very busy preparing haversacks and organizing a landing and field piece, also boat's crew, and nothing is heard about the deck but 'slip the thumb in the rear of the barrel, and wait for the word to,' but I think nothing can be decidedly done until the Admiral arrives. In my opinion however gallant a man our commodore is, there is a great want of foresight as well as decision and that he is not at all calculated to command a force. A steady man would be preferable.

Saturday Sept. 5th

This is the last day they leave it to Mehemet Ali to accept the terms they have offered. They have either given or are to give, a certain number of days between. Their first offer was to allow him to retain the government of Egypt, Acre and one or two other places, next Egypt only, and lastly to lose the whole.

5 pm arrived the Revenge from Malta; our force is becoming very creditable. She is commanded by a man rather notable in our Service for bullying. Billy Waldegrave is his Service name, but when she was commissioned in England, he could not get officers or men to join, so he has turned to an amiable character. This ship was so very long in getting manned that she went to Cork with three men on her f'castle in a watch and navigated by soldiers. The Commodore has declared the place in a state of blockade, and supposing that all communication will be cut off tonight, the stewards and flunkeys are laying in a large stock of woolly sheep with huge tails.

Sept. 6th

All the people are leaving the town; the Commodore has summoned the town. Soliman Pasha has said as long as we respect the town he will, but he will defend it to the utmost; a few thousand additional troops were marched down last night. The Commodore has sent to tell him to clear the hospitals out and remove the women and children; he has also sent to say "The first broadside, he will send him 60 shell." The Consul's family have gone to the Powerful.

They say at the first broadside, the Egyptians will blow up the forts, having undermined them. The Consul remains, until the last moment.

Tuesday, Sept. 8th

10 am, arrived the Phoenix with the mail from Malta, having touched at Alexandria on her way. The Admiral, with the Princess Charlotte - and Bellerophon - were under way for this place. Asia and Implacable - at anchor off Alexandria, Cyclops inside, expected to sail for this place hourly. Mehemet Ali and our chiefs are on the greatest terms of friendship; a little illness alone prevented our Admiral from dining with Mehemet Ali to-day before they started. Everything is peaceable in that part. Mehemet Ali has said his determination is fixed and that he is in hopes before long to settle it, as he has an embassy at Constantinople with some terms.

Here the prospect is all war; our Consul struck his flag and is on board the Powerful, and the English are nearly all off.

The Egyptian troops have been observed filling sand bags and every preparation is made for landing, and the Commodore has stated positively he lands the moment Admiral Walker arrives.

Upon looking at the town, found nothing but strong antique walls which you might have fired at for a month and caused little damage. The store had 4 walls to get through, and the idea of blowing it up appears quite impracticable. The Governor, having heard we were to attack him, sent for a reinforcement of cavalry; 70 were dismounted, 2 small field pieces sent in and 200 cavalry on each flank lying under cover ready to dash the moment we fairly got in. All these things having been considered and not having men to put in, even if we had it, everything is dropped for the present, and the Carysfort and Zebra lie quietly off there.

In the afternoon the barge returned and had seen no one.

The bombardment of Beyrout started on the 11th September and the city fell on 3rd October.

AT ANCHOR OFF TORTOSA (TORTUS)

Benbow with Carysfort and Zebra in company had sailed from Beyrout on the 13th September and arrived at Tortosa, a town 60 miles to the north, on the 22nd. The plan was to make an unopposed landing and occupy the town. Unfortunately, as is shown by the following diary extract, this plan was based on faulty information. A full report of the action was made by Captain Houston Stewart. This report was published in the London Gazette. [PAGE3410]

Friday, Sept 27th.

The Carysfort has sent us a deserter.

In the forenoon a landing party was told off consisting of about 50 men; a party of 14 were told off as pioneers, having hammers and axes with them, and at the same time a bursting bag of powder ready to blow up the corn magazine. This was determined upon in consequence of the information given by the man who came on board from Carysfort and described the doors and magazine so easy of access that he volunteered to go with a few men armed with masts and knock the door down; so much faith did I put into his statement that I asked permission to be sent with him in a small boat. This, thank God, was refused. The man said there was not a soul in the town. Previous to our starting for Carysfort, a boy who acts the part of a spy said 2,000 men were marched in; this appeared so incredible, no attention at all was paid to his statement.

At half past 12 pm, the boats in the following order left the Ship: barge with her crew (and part of the landing party) commanded by Day; pinnace with her crew and remainder of the landing party; Stanfell and West. The cutter with Lt. Charlewood, the gunner and pioneer party. The launch and 47 marines, commanded by the writer. The marines, of course, were to have landed. The whole force under the command of Maitland, the first Lt., accompanied by Ross, Mid.

After half an hour's pull, we arrived alongside the Carysfort, where we found the brig's boat with her marines. The two vessels opened their fire, and commenced battering various parts of the walls and buildings which began to crumble under the broadside.

We were lying so long on our oars that I anchored the launch by the stern; after remaining there a quarter of an hour longer, the Carysfort manned and armed her boats, and as Mr. Maitland passed by in the barge, ordered the boats to pull in.

The cutter was the headmost boat and candidly I never saw such a scene of confusion in my life. Boats pulling in without the slightest order. It reminded me much more of landing liberty men, than pulling in to attack a place. Harrison, the Marine Officer, pointed out to me the place they were to land, and we accordingly gave way in. Actually no orders had been given to land and it would have been a foolish thing to have kept 70 hands in a boat with loaded arms. After pulling two or three dozen strokes, and nearly out of hearing of the Carysfort, I heard them hailing from her, apparently with great energy, "Pull more to the left." This was repeated by all the boats and as the order without specifying the point, left it to each officer to pull as much to the left as he pleased, every boat pulled in a different direction.

I understood it to be the left of the buildings and clear of the town, on a sandy beach, which I exulted at, as the rocks were visible upon the point we were before steering, and having understood the marines were to be landed as fast as possible, thought I would land them dry. Upon looking round, found I was steering more to the left than any other boat, all were on my starb'd. bow and quarter; the Carysfort pinnace, with Stevens, the first Lieut. in, were within hail on the latter point. I hailed to ask where we were to go; he wanted to know where Mr. Maitland was. I said "Nearly in"; the conversation dropped and I altered course to steer with the other boats. I saw the rocky bottom and called as many marines as possible aft to enable me to give way over.

The 1st cutter had landed Mr. Charlewood and his party who were entering a breach made in the walls by the shot, and was employed landing Mr. Maitland and some few of his hands; we gave way, let go the anchor just before we touched (but unfortunately with too little scope) and ran her stern on and grounded her as far aft as the second front thwart, on the rocks. The same instant before the cable could be secured properly I heard the marines roar out "They are firing out of loopholes" and immediately they opened their fire before the boat was properly secured or the launchers had got clear of their oars to work the gun and thereby not only cut off all communication between the ends of the boat, but actually prevented any of the foremost end showing their heads above the gunwale, and for one or two minutes, although the gun was loaded, we could not train or fire it.

I could not believe or think for several minutes that any one was firing at us, until poor Samuel Squibb, a fine, quiet young fellow, one of my oldest launchers, was killed by my side. I did not see him for a minute afterwards, he was lying in the bottom of the boat dead; he had been shot right through the brain; his eyeballs were lying on his cheeks and quite cold and white. We fired the gun several times. I then saw the loopholes with the smallest cloud of smoke possible coming out of each. Immediately after, a marine, a young fellow named Earles, who was assisting me at the gun, was shot through the heart; he was alongside me; I did not see him hit either, but those who did, say he dropped his musket, staggered, put his hands out, spoke something and dropped dead on Squibb or very near him. "Another man hit, Sir" two or three said; they pointed him out to me.

A long, narrow and low loophole exactly opposite our boat kept up an incessant fire; whilst training the gun for this, another launcher Edward Hadaway, was hit in the leg, after passing through the boat's side near the water line, and at the same time I assisted a poor fellow, Jeffrey Wilson, one of my men, and said 'Jump up, you old beggar, you are but hit.' He showed me his arm, streaming with blood; he has since had it cut off below the shoulder.

In the meanwhile, the breeze had freshened, a little more rise to the ripple and by the firing of the gun, the boat tripped her anchor and swung her stern inshore into deep water, rendering the gun useless. Time after time I implored the marines to cease firing to allow my men to weigh the anchor and place the boat properly. At the same moment, heard Mr. Maitland hail for the men to land, told Harrison, roared to the first cutter, waved to the boats outside me; at last Harrison and nearly half the marines jumped overboard on the offside of the boat, thinking to be able to wade on shore; they jumped on the reef which was uneven. Some few were standing with the water up to their knees, whilst others had it up to their armpits, and nearly the whole with their cartridge boxes under water, rendering their powder useless; their leaning on the boat assisted to drift her stern in and take them into deeper water inside the reef.

Much to my astonishment the Zebra's boats were a little too far off and their shots dropped very close to us. Mr. Maitland of the Carysfort, and his party were standing close to the beach. The "Carysfort" and "Zebra" opened their fire on a building which was firing down on them. The marines began getting in the boat again. I hailed the barge upon her coming in, went into her and weighed my anchor, holding on the bow by the barge's cable. One or two marines went into her; as soon as my anchor was up I wished to lay it out seaward, but the confusion and variety of voices made all commands useless. I since hear that one of the Bargemen was passing it from their boat to ours when he was wounded and again dropped it, still inshore and among the rocks.

Upon going aft found two dead bodies, Captain Sadler and E. G. of the marines on my cable, beside Marines firing who would not move, so was compelled to cut. Boats all still keeping up their fire. Observed the Carysfort show a Blue Ensign at the Main; had some idea it was a recall. Saw the first cutter passing to the shore.

Jock Stewart came close, held up cartridges and asked if I wanted any assistance. He behaved gallantly in the cutter, pulling in through the thick of it. I admired him and felt proud of him as a friend. The Zebra's boat was too far out and was ordered closer in. They said they had no ammunition. Light boats were required to land men and embark them. Shortly after the Blue Ensign was hoisted, Capt. Stewart pulled in and hailed me as well as waving to all the boats to go and board Carysfort. . . . Jock Stewart came, took me in tow some men were still clinging to the sides of the launch. A bandsman, Miller, nearly drowning from exhaustion when he was hauled in the barge's anchor, which I had, was foul of a rock. Hawkins, a Launcher, acted very gallantly by jumping overboard, swimming astern, diving and tripping the anchor. All the Boats began pulling off. The party who were on shore came off with little loss, comparatively speaking.

I felt rejoiced and thankful to see my shipmates, messmates and friends, untouched. Upon getting to the Carysfort sent the wounded in and with 4 dead shipmates below, who upon leaving the ship were in such good spirits not more than 3 hours before - pulled to the ship. The men on board were cutting the rigging down. They of course stopped to look who were hit when we came alongside - the nettings and ports of main and lower deck and as well as the chains, were crowded with our shipmates - Poop with Officers - and when the grating was lowered in the boat to place the dead on, our late companions in the launch, a tried, steady and trusty fellow was lashed on and "Poor Jass gone" was uttered by the shipmate who had pulled on the same thwart with him for more than a year, with tears in his eyes in memory of a poor man but honest sailor. "God rest his soul in peace."

The Marines were then sent up, and expressions such as the following were heard. "My poor chum gone." "Is old Sadler killed?" "What will Earles brother think of it?" (he young marine having his brother with Captain Searle's party). Then the spirit of revenge manifesting itself, "Oh, the cowardly scoundrels." "Let's catch them in the field." "I'll pay them for your sakes," pointing to the corpses.

The thing miscarried, but still the body of men behaved well under fire and the joy I feel at seeing my friends around me can scarcely be conceived. For Day and Stanfell I have the greatest affection - more especially the former, who is so foolish as to have a little regard for me.

Several occurrences which took place showed me we were novices in the art of war, and that the rising generation require more experience in these matters. I have come to the determination of being an opposer and hater of false keels, and shall after this have a small Buoy and rope on my anchor.

The Larboard side of Main Deck is screened off; and cots between each gun. Dined in Ward Room and an hour or two afterwards it all appeared as a dream.

After a thing has failed, numbers spring forth who say, 'You ought to have done this,' and Generals are common, but like the rest, before the disaster happens, know little.

Saturday, 26th Sept

This morning we buried our shipmates, about 2½ miles from the ship, and we also heard of the death of a Marine we left on board Carysfort. I am happy to find all the wounded are doing well. From a deserter who came this morning, we find they had 300 dismounted cavalry in the town, and that the rest were ready to attack us, if we came inside it. 2 or 3 mountaineers have come on board who state that there are numbers in the villages who will join us, if they get the opportunity and one states he was sent to know whether they could get arms if they came.

The small Fort on shore has been cleared out and the large one filled. This has taken place to prepare the small one for the soldiers. A man who came from the town, positively assured us that 1,000 cavalry can be quartered in the vaulted places underground in the town.

Disgusted at breakfast at seeing our detestable Second Master grab a Mutton Chop. He is a brute in every sense of the word and what is most despicable, a servant's spy.

ON PASSAGE NORTH

Oct. 1st

In the evening the ship passed. over one of our dead, which had risen - with two shots at his feet. We are 23 or 30 miles from the spot where they were buried, which proves the current is to the northward. A Boat was lowered down to sink it. It was one of those shot through the head as the base of the hammock was covered with blood. It was a melancholy sight for the shot allowed the body to be upright and showing nearly to the middle and as the waves thumped it, it rolled and bobbed as though it were alive and swimming.

AT ANCHOR OFF LATAKIA

October 30th

The successes as far as we have gone are unparalleled. Landing with a small force of 5,000 in the face of 15,000 - under Soliman Pasha at Beirut - and Shahim Pasha with 20,000 in the vicinity establishing ourselves there - being attacked by Shahim Pasha - beating him, and taking 300 prisoners. In our turn attacking and routing him, taking the Emir of the Mountains. Pimmer - and Shahim Pasha retreating with 10 men - Latakia, Tortosa - and the large and fortified town of Tripoli, declaring in our favour, in consequence of the Egyptians having been compelled to evacuate.

To the northward Soliman Pasha evacuating Beirut, leaving his tents and upwards of 20 pieces of Artillery. Bondun - Hyebad - and Sidon taken. The latter stormed and taken by assault - capturing upwards of 2,000 prisoners. Tyre also having fallen with a loss on our side of about 15 killed and three times the number wounded.

A Marine Officer - 2 Midshipmen killed - and 2 mates wounded. When I can find time I shall relate the names, and the incision - but events come so fast it is hard to find time.

Ships are sickly - fever among them - 160 in Powerful's sick list. Edinburgh's men falling fast, but leave in view keeps up excitement.

BEYROUT

Nov. 10th

8.30 am Anchored at Beyrout, St. George's Bay.

Found here all the Squadron including Cyclops and Magicienne - The Turkish batteries firing 5 salutes a day, to commemorate Acre, and the birth of a Princess at Constantinople. We are engaged in landing Turkish Troops which are coming in every day. The weather is particularly fine and mild.

Colonel Schultz, the Polish Officer who was put into Acre to fortify and defend it, is ill at our Hospital on shore, and is the Lion of the day, from the Interesting information he gives of our attack and his plans of defence. His arm was broken in 4 places by stones from the first explosion.

In early December Benbow took part in the bombardment and capture of Acre. She suffered no casualties.

OFF MALTA

December

Ships lying 3 or 4 miles from Malta; and as in these peaceable times, a squadron or rather fleet of such magnitude is a rare sight, I will transcribe their names

Princess Charlotte (Flag) 110 guns Admiral Sir R. Stopford Captain A. Fanshawe, C.B. Powerful 84 guns Commodore C. Napier, C.B. Bellerophon 82 guns Capt. C. J. Austin, C.B. Calcutta 82 guns Sir Samuel Roberts, Kt., C.B. Ganges 82 guns Barrington Reynolds, C.B. Cambridge 78 guns E. Barnard Rodney 92 guns R. Maunsell, C.B. Implacable 74 guns E. Harvey Thunderer 84 guns M. F. F. Berkeley, C.B. Revenge 78 guns Hon. W. Waldegrave, C.B. Edinburgh 72 guns W. W. Henderson, C.B. Benbow 72 guns H. Stewart, C.B. Vanguard 78 guns Sir David Dunn, Kt., K.C.H. Dido 18 guns Lewis Davies, C.B. Gorgon 6 guns W. H. Henderson, C.B. Stromboli 4 guns W. J. Williams

Great jealousy, perhaps that is too hard a word, but at all events great envy, existed between the Acre ships and those who were not there. 2 parties appear to have sprung up in the fleet, the admirers of the Commodore and Admiral, for the other day, when the Commodore came into Malta, with his Alexandrian blockading squadron, the ships lying there manned the rigging and gave him 3 cheers. The Admiral arrived the following day but no such display of good feeling took place. Great speculation about promotion.

1841

[LETTER FROM JAMES]

22 Arundel Street,

Strand,

5th December, 1840.

My dear William,

Your silence for 3 months kept us alternately in anxiety and in anger. We wrote regularly every month and in vain we endeavoured to form pleas of excuse for you. At length our alarm for you became extreme, as one day I read in The Times that the Benbow had been unfortunate, having failed in an attack with her Boats and sustained great loss. I immediately hurried home, - my mind impressed with an apprehension that you had been killed - as I hurried through the streets, tears involuntarily came to complete my sorrow, and confirm my fears for you. Day after day we wondered at your silence and our alarm daily increased. Well, the fatal news seemed at last to have arrived; the Gazette appeared, I read on very greedily, devouring all that my eye scanned, till I came to the wind up of Capt. Stewart's narrative, and then your dear name stared on me and represented you to have been among the killed! - I read no more - the paper fell from my hand - Alas, poor boy ! I ejaculated as I hastened home, and on entering the room I told the dismal event -Your Mother and Mary Ann wept bitterly; and to me the World seemed a blank.

I went and got The Times, and your dear Sister, whilst her eyes were swimming in tears, eagerly gazed over the names of the Officers who commanded the Benbow's boats, and then, then only did we discover the mistake, - and one universal exclamation of joy burst from us - we all exclaimed, William has not been killed. O how great was our happiness! Your dashing exploit under the Batteries of Acre marked you as a good seaman, a cool and determined Veteran; and happy am I that the opportunity was afforded you of distinguishing yourself in the presence of the Fleet....

I have lately seen Captain King; he said he was delighted to see your name Gazetted, and when I read what Captain Stewart wrote about you, he was not at all surprised, for he added that he saw in your looks that you were a brave youth and a seaman.

James Hall

AT MALTA

March 12th

Blane heard from Maitland who says "Tell Hall, Jacko I mean, that his name stands very high at the Admiralty, and Captain Stewart has written much in his favour, therefore I think he will soon be made, and not to leave the ship on any account."

March 31st

No chance of my promotion, which is another misfortune to our family, my increase of pay would enable me to take Frank under my direction, added to which I have many debts around me.

PIRAEUS

May.

I have omitted to mention the kindness of the Captain, who told me at his talk "I have written to Lord Minto about you to say you are still a Mate, and have not mentioned my own Son." His kindness will never be forgotten by me.

June 19th

The Captain proposed my health and speedy promotion. "Nothing had been wanting on his part, if ever one had done his duty, fore and aft, at all times and situations, the person he was going to propose had - Mr. W K. Hall - and may he soon be a Lt. of this ship," 3 times 3 were given, and one cheer more. The Band struck up my favourite tune Mary 0'Mine and I almost fancied myself a Lt. and a devilish fine fellow. What an illusion!

[REFLECTIONS ON A DEAD FRIEND]

In the first watch memory recalled the most melancholy scene to my imagination. At the same time of year and place, with precisely the same wind and moon, in fact two nights made to resemble each other, I sat in the forecastle with the dearest friend I ever knew. None did I ever love or esteem so much. I fancy I could have lost my life to Save his and felt happy in doing so.

CANEA (KHANIA) BAY, CRETE

August 23rd

At 6 am a large ship was discovered Steering in for Canea with her number flying. No one could fancy what it could be until 5 p.m., when we were at dinner. The duty Commanding officer, Lt. West, came forward and shaking me by the hand said, "Allow me to congratulate you, you are made Lieutenant" and delivered into my hand the Captain's letter, directed Mr. W.K. Hall, Lieutenant.

Happiness is never complete here below. I wish there had been a commission for Benbow. [i.e. he wished he had been reappointed to her in his new rank] Enclosed was a private letter from Lord Minto to the Captain in the following words:

Minto. July 31st, 1841.

My dear Sir,

You will be glad to hear that I have had it in my power before retiring from office to promote Mr. W. K. Hall to the rank of Lieut., whose conduct and merit you have so earnestly represented.

Yours faithfully,

MINTO.

There was also a note dated July 28th from his private secretary to the Captain, also a public letter to me acquainting me officially. I can never be too grateful to the Captain for his kindness and exertion. He has behaved like a Father to me considering his son, my friend, is a Mate, using such exertions for me.

WRITTEN IN MALTA (Having joined the INDUS)

October 1st

On the 28th of August I left the good old_Benbow_with feelings of deep regret.

The Captain and everyone behaved so kindly to me, West [1st Lieutenant] and Smith [Surgeon] giving me money and Captain Stewart offering it. Blane made me a present of a neat gold breast pin. I left each of my launchers and George Wigley, who I have the greatest friendship for - some soap and tobacco and I believe I left with the good wishes of every soul. My messmates, particularly Day and Hay, I can never find their equal, so strictly honourable, liberal and fond of me. The Captain gave me a letter of introduction to his brother, the member for Renfrew, and what I prize most, a splendid certificate, concluding in these words 'during which time he conducted himself with such zeal, gallantry and ability as to merit my grateful approbation. On board the Vanguard I found a splendid set of officers and most comfortable mess, the mates all very civil and, what rather flattered me, was the universal wish I should join the ship

changed October 28, 2008