John Marshall

“ With the exception of his convoying two ships to the West Indies, and exchanging into the Port d’Espagne brig, we find no further mention of Captain Campbell until Sept. 1810, when he received a commission appointing him to the Rosamond sloop; in which vessel he was again employed affording protection to the trade of Trinidad, “the delicate state of matters, between the Spanish provinces on the Main and the parent state, rendering it necessary that an officer possessing temper and discretion should be sent to command upon that station [6] .” ”

“ I am sorry to find that an appointment has arrived for Lieutenant (now Captain) Shirreff, to supersede acting Captain Campbell, of the Lily. When I relieved Sir Samuel Flood, Lieutenant Campbell, then commanding the Tobago schooner, stood first in the Admiralty list to he mode a commander: I therefore appointed him to the Lily, upon the removal of Captain Morrison to the Northumberland. He has been nearly twelve months commanding on the Trinidad station, where he has been particularly active ”

“ To this application the First Lord of the Admiralty replied, that the documents of Lieutenant Campbell’s services were very satisfactory; that he was much inclined at all times to meet his Grace’s wishes, and that as the door was then shut to promotion, he would with pleasure appoint the young man senior Lieutenant of a frigate. Mr. Campbell was accordingly appointed first of the Carysfort 28, and he appears to have commanded the boats of that ship at the capture of a French letter of marque, mounting 6 guns, with a complement of 20 men, on the Norwegian coast, in 1803. ”

“ Campbell again joined Captain Hardy, then commanding the Ranger sloop of war; from which vessel our young officer was soon afterwards removed into Admiral Duncan’s flag-ship, the Venerable 74. We next find him acting as lieutenant on board the Russell, another third rate, commanded by Captain (now Sir Henry) Trollope, under whom he bore a part in the glorious battle off Camperdown, Oct. ”

“ Sir, will be added (if my recommendation is attended to) to those that will co-operate, under the auspices of Providence, to the execution of so humane and interesting an undertaking, for the glory of Great Britain and the happiness of mankind. I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem and high consideration, &c.
(Signed) “Fran. de Miranda.” The following is an extract of Sir Alexander Cochrane’s letter to Captain Campbell, acknowledging the receipt of his despatches from la Villa de Coro and Aruba:
“I am perfectly satisfied with your conduct during the expedition ”

“ When on a neighbouring station, you pdd particular attention to the interests of this colony, and during the short time you remained on this, though called to other duties, we have seen enough to occasion our regret at being deprived of that zeal which you have always manifested for the mercantile interest. ”

“ Government House, Trinidad, Jan. 21, 1807. “Sir,– It was with infinite concern I learnt that your appointment to the command of the Lily had not been confirmed at home; which is only to be attributed to your claims as an active, zealous and meritorious officer not having been brought timely forward before the First Lord of the Admiralty, on the late change of administration, but who I have understood since expressed himself to that effect to Sir Alexander Cochrane, in a letter which his lordship addressed to the Hon. ”

“ Campbell proceeded to the West Indies, in the Scorpion sloop. Captain Thomas Western. Between Aug. 2, 1794, and Aug. 7, 1795, that vessel captured la Guillotine French privateer, of 10 guns; la Victoire 18, and four others of inferior force. She was also very successful in recapturing British merchantmen.
Early in 1796 Mr. Campbell was removed to the Swiftsure 74, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral William Parker, commander-in-chief at Jamaica, in which ship he was present at the unsuccessful attack upon Leogane, St. Domingo, March 22, 1796 [1] . ”

“ Whilst in the command of the Rosamond, Captain Campbell received three commendatory letters from his superior officers, of which the following are copies:–
“Royal William, Spithead, Dec. 31, 1812. “Sir,– Captain Brisbane having reported to me the effectual assistance he received from the exertions of yourself, the officers, and ship’s company under your command, when the Pembroke was on shore under Dunnose, I have to express my satisfaction at the promptitude with which you proceeded on this service, as well as your conduct in the execution thereof. I am. ”

“ Campbell, and directed Sir Alexander Cochrane to give him the next admiralty vacancy, it not being in his lordship’s power to supersede Captain Shirreff’s appointment. The Lily’s proceedings in July and Aug. 1806, are thus described by her acting commander:
“La Vila de Coro bay (Spanish Main) 8th Aug. 1806. “Sir,– I have the honor to inform you that the vessels, composing the expedition attached to General Miranda, you did nme honor to place under my orders, sailed from Trinidad on the 24th July, having on board 220 officers and men of General Miranda’s corps ”