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Auction: 16043 - Autographs, Historical Documents, Ephemera and Postal History
Lot: 22

(x) Documents
Admiral Sir Richard Rodney Bligh
1795 (19 June) autograph letter of reference.


"These are to certify the principal officers and Commissioners of His Majesty's Navy that Mr/Frederick David Schaw served as midshipman on board his Majesty's late ship the Alexander under my command from 19th April 1794 until the 6th November following when the said ship was taken by the enemy, during which time he behaved himself with great diligence, sobriety and was always obedient to command." and signed "R R Bligh". Photo

Admiral Sir Richard Rodney Bligh GCB (1737 – 1821) was an officer of the Royal Navy, who saw service during the American War of Independence, and the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, eventually rising to the rank of Admiral.



In 1794 he was transferred to command the Alexander. By late 1794 the Alexander and the Canada had been assigned to escort a convoy from England to Cape St Vincent. While the two warships were returning they were spotted by a French squadron under Joseph-Marie Nielly, consisting of five 74 gun ships of the line, three large frigates and a brig. Outnumbered the British ships attempted to escape, but began to be overhauled by the French. Bligh eventually turned and engaged the French, allowing Canada to escape. After an unequal engagement during which Alexander was reduced to a sinking condition, Bligh struck his colours. The French took possession of Alexander, but owing to the damage both they and their prize had sustained, were compelled to abandon their cruise and return to port, thus allowing several approaching British convoys to reach port unhindered.

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