COURAGE. 195 



yond the power of the crew to subdue 

 the flames ; and, a signal of distress being 

 made, boats were sent from the flagship. 

 My brother in command of one proposed 

 scuttling the ship, which was immedi- 

 ately adopted, and this fine 1200 ton 

 ship gradually went down, giving time 

 for all on board, including many la'dies, 

 being safely sent away in the boats 

 my brother remaining till the last, 

 when, jumping from the taffrail, he suc- 

 ceeded, after being some time in the 

 water, (for he was an excellent swimmer,) 

 in reaching the nearest boat. 



For this act of disinterested zeal in 

 preserving the lives of so many of his 

 fellow-creatures, arid the cool and deli- 

 berate courage he displayed, Sir Samuel 

 Hood than whom no admiral in com- 

 mand was ever more ready to distinguish 

 or reward merit granted him his com- 

 mission as lieutenant. 



02 



