Nelson & His World

If they defeated the entire Combined Fleet, even the humblest sailor might become the equivalent of a millionaire.

that to a seaman at the time it might seem like being a millionaire!

I might have a go at the online game later, when I have time!

Might have another go on Wednesday afternoon if things get particularly dire - if you get my drift!!

MB

January 27, at Kingston, in the Island of Jamaica, John Perkins, Esq. a captain in the R.N. We have no account at what period he entered the service; but about the time of the American war he obtained the rank of lieutenant, and then commanded the Punch schooner. During his command of that vessel, and several others, he annoyed the enemy more than any other officer, by his repeated feats of gallantry, and the immense number of prizes he took. His know ledge of the different ports, &r. in the West Indies was, perhaps, seldom equalled, and never surpassed; and that he exerted this to the great advantage of himself and Jamaica, by the capture of the enemy's privateers and merchantmen, is universally known. During a long series of gallant actions, in the command of small vessels, it may be supposed that he ran many risks of being captured by the enemy ; hut his good fortune never forsook him, and was particularly exemplified at Santo Domingo ; for during a peace he went to that island, and, whilst on shore at Jeremie, was detained, and cruelly confined, on the pretence that he had supplied arms to the blacks, but, in fact, through malice for his activity against the trade of that island. An idea may be formed of the annoyance he gave by the circumstance of their condemning him to death, contrary to all law and justice, as soon as they had him in their power. He was most providentially saved, on the very day he was to have been executed, by Captain (now Admiral) T.M. Russel. This circumstance is fully detailed in the NAVAL CHRONICLE, Vol. XVII. page 458, in the life of that officer. He was posted in 1800; and commanded, at the commencement of the present war, the Tartar frigate, of 32 guns, on the Jamaica station. In this vessel, whilst cruising off Santo Domingo, with the Vanguard and Bellerophon, in July 1803, he felt in with the Duquesne, a French 74, and two brigs of 16 guns each ; and had it not been for the superior sailing of the Tartar, and Captain Perkins's bravery, the Duquesne would have escaped ; he kept her engaged, by raking her, until the Vanguard and Bellerophon came up, when she instantly struck, as also the two brigs. The Tartar was ordered home shortly after; and Captain Perkins quitted the command to remain in the island, as, being afflicted with an asthmatic complaint, a cold climate would not have agreed with his constitution. He continued till about 1806 or 7, and then came home, to solicit employment. Their lordships, we have been informed, offered him a command either in the Channel or Mediterranean, which he declined, for the reason above Given, and soon after returned to Jamaica, where he resided until his death.