Formidable

Posted by Brian Stephens on Thursday 10th of April 2014 13:52

Edinburgh Advertiser, May 30, 1780
In the engagement off Ushant, on the memorably fatal July 27, a boy in the formidable, had his arm shot away, and of course he was taken to the cockpit. There he got himself dressed; but finding his heart glow with British courage, he stole up the very same gun where he had received the accident. Sir Hugh Palliser, perceiving him, called out and asked, "why he did not remain below" Damn my eyes, she han't struck yet, and I'll not quit my post while I can stand. At that moment a ball struck him on the belly, and tore him in a most shocking manner. He was then carried down, and contrary to the opinion of the surgeon, and all who saw his situation, has since recovered. Sir Hugh, when the fleet returned, made the young hero a present of ten guineas, and telling the story to Lord Sandwich, his Lordship settled on him an annuity of twenty pounds per annum, and he now lives in his native place, Shoreditch. What is very remarkable, he but a few days since presented a petition to the Admiralty, praying to be rated on board the grand fleet, alleging that though he wanted an arm and part of his belly, he was ten times better, and would be of more use on board, than any fresh water sailor that their Lordships might employ.