Chapter VI: The Mutiny

Remarks on Sir Edward's character as a seaman and an officer--His
conduct when his ship was on fire--His consideration for his
officers and men--The Duke of Northumberland--Mutiny at
Spithead--Preparations for a second invasion of Ireland--General
Daendels--Proposed expedition baffled--Sir Edward off
Brest--Proposes to burn the French fleet--Success in capturing the
enemy's cruisers--_La Vaillante_--Royalist priests and Madame
Rovère--His liberality--Appointed to _L'Impetueux_, 78--Her
mutinous state--Observations on the mutinies in the Navy, from
1797--Sir Edward's opinions on the subject--His
precautions--Attempted mutiny in the _Indefatigable_--Conspiracy in
the Channel fleet--Mutiny on board the _Impetueux_--His firmness
and promptitude in suppressing it--Court-martial--Earl St.
Vincent's opinion of his conduct--His conduct at the execution--His
decision on the court-martial on a mutineer--Illustrative
anecdote--He commands an expedition to Quiberon--Proposes to attack
Belleisle--Cruises off Port Louis--Mr. Coghlan cuts out _La
Cerbère_--He directs the landing of the army at Ferrol. page 108

CHAPTER VII.

BLOCKADE OF FERROL.--PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY.

Peace--Made Colonel of Marines--His popularity--Envy in
consequence--Anecdote--Elected M.P. for Barnstaple--State of
parties--Renewal of hostilities--Appointed to the _Tonnant_,
80--Pursues a Dutch squadron--Blockades a French squadron in
Ferrol--His seamanship and exertions in maintaining the
blockade--Difficulty of supplying the ships--His recall--Earl St.
Vincent's naval reforms--Mr. Pitt's opposition--Naval inquiry,
March 15, 1804--Sir Edward's speech--Its effect--Promoted to be a
Rear-Admiral, and appointed to be Commander-in-chief in India.
page 134