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employed in the reduction of Bastia, for the indefatigable zeal and exertions they have so cheerfully manifested, in the discharge of the very laborious duties committed to them, notwithstanding the various difficulties and disadvantages they have had to struggle with; which could not have been surmounted but by the uncommon spirit, and cordial unanimity, that have been so conspicuously displayed; and which must give a stamp of reputation to their characters not to be effaced, and will be remembered with gratitude by the Commander in chief to the end of his life."

Lord Hood, having appointed Lieutenant Colonel Villettes, Governor of Bastia, until his Majesty's pleasure was known, and made other necessary arrangements, next proceeded to co-operate with Lieutenant General Stewart in the reduction of Calvi; while Vice Admiral Hotham, with a squadron, blocked up seven sail of French line of battle ships in the Bay of Gourjean. Without entering into a detail of the transactions attending the siege of Calvi, it is only necessary for us briefly to state, that the garrison surrendered to his Majesty's arms on the 10th of August; and that Lord Hood gave a just tribute of applause to Captain Nelson*, and Captain Hallowell, for their unremitting zeal, and exertions, in taking by turns, for twenty hours at a time, the command of the advanced batteries on shore.

Thus the conquest of the whole Island of Corsica was completed by the skill, and perseverance, of a British admiral. Sir Gilbert Elliot, who had been an active spectator of the scenes going forward, since the evacuation of Toulon, was appointed by his Majesty viceroy of the island; his excellency having previously, on the 19th of June, in the character of commissary plenipotentiary, been specially authorised, accepted of the crown, and constitution of Corsica; as unanimously decreed in the general assembly of the Corsican nation, held at Corte, and signed in the assembly by all the members of which it was composed, consisting of upwards of 400 persons.

The gallant Lord Nelson lost the sight of his right eye at this siege, by a shot striking the battery near him, and driving some particles of sand with progious force into his eye.

Lord Hood's health being much impaired by the fatigue, and anxiety, attending such a continuance of duty, and such a variety of harrassing and perplexed service, returned to England for its re-establishment, in the month of December, 1794. In the month of May following, he had prepared to resume his command in the Mediterranean, with a reinforcement, when most unexpectedly, on the 2d of May, (1795), he was ordered to strike his flag, which has never been hoisted since.

This event is too recent to allow even the historian, much less an anonymous writer, to discuss it. We shrink not from our duty; but we respect the feelings, and the character, of our Superiors. Yet we contemplate with regret this distinguished veteran in his present retirement:—whilst the trumpet of a proud defiance thus continues to be sounded by a vindictive enemy, the energetic feelings of so brave a seaman, as the Governor of Greenwich Hospital, must have been difficult to repress, for

"Strong was the youth of Fingal, and strong is his arm of age!"

To the character of the Right Honourable Admiral Lord Viscount Hood, as developed in the above memoir, we have to add, that no one ever possessed in greater perfection, than himself, the art of preserving a strict authority when on board, with the talent of at the same time gaining the steady attachment of those, who were under his command. He displays the sternness of the Old School, and preserves a strict regard for implicit obedience; but then, the whole is tem→ pered by a tenderness, and urbanity, that prevents its ever being oppressive, or tyrannical.

Whether we consider Lord Hood in his professional character as a naval officer, or in his political one, as a member of the House of Lords, where he has gained considerable reputation, we shall equally find him deserving of his Country's gratitude, and praise; nor can the many virtues of his private character be better expressed, than in the words of Thomson :

"Of free access, and of engaging grace,

Such as a brother, to a brother owes,

He keeps an open judging ear for all,

And spreads an open countenance, where smiles
The fair effulgence of an open heart:

While on the rich, the poor, the high, the low,
With equal ray, his ready goodness shines,

For nothing human foreign is to him."

His Lordship married Miss Linzee of Portsmouth, whose father was for many years mayor of that place, and was much respected. By this marriage Lord Hood has a son and heir, the Honourable Henry Hood, of Catherington, in Hampshire, whose youngest son will succeed to the title of Lord Bridport. On the 25th of March, 1795, Lord Hood was elected an elder brother of the Trinity House, in the room of the Marquis of Downshire deceased. In April, 1796, he was appointed Governor of Greenwich Hospital; and in the month of May, in the same year, was raised to the dignity of a Viscount of Great Britain. The late Captain Vancouver called the inlet he explored from Port Discovery, on the coast of New Albion, out of compliment to his Lordship, after his name, Lady Hood was created a viscountess, in her own right, previous to Lord Hood's return from the Mediterranean. His Lordship was advanced Vice Admiral of the Red, February 1, 1793; Admiral of the Blue in April, 1794; and Admiral of the White, February 14, 1799.

ARMS;-Similar to Lord Bridports, except that the latter has a erescent for difference, as being younger brother. (Vide Nav. Chron. page 283.)

THIS

DESCRIPTION OF PLATE XIII.

HIS design represents the attack made by the Comte de Grasse, with the whole of the French fleet, on the Van Squadron, consisting at first of eight sail, under Sir Samuel Hood, (April 9, 1782), at forty-five minutes past nine, A. M. off Dominica, which brought on, and secured, the victory of the 12th.

The view is taken from the north west, in order to exhibit the position of the whole of the two fleets. In front, is a French line of battle ship in stays, having shot ahead, after engaging, to make way for the ships coming up, and engaging the British van, in succession; consisting at that time of seven sail, having brought to, with main top sails to the mast, to prevent a greater separation from the centre, and rear; to leeward of which is seen the Royal Oak having just got the sea breeze, coming up to join the centre, and rear, are seen in distance, becalmed under the land. To windward appear the French

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Engagement of the English & French Fleets, April 19.1782.

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