by John Marshall

“ Since writing the above we have been informed that Captain Collard, when a youngster on board the Shark, and endeavouring to outstrip other aspirants in the art of climbing, missed his hold of the main futtock-shrouds, fell overboard, and was saved by a marine jumping after him: two similar acts of humanity appear to have been performed by himself, when commanding the Vestal and Railleur, under circumstances of considerable difficulty and peril ”

“ Captain Collard commanded a small squadron of sloops and gun-brigs, employed affording protection to the trade passing up and down the Baltic. Early in 1807, he returned to the same station, and continued there as senior officer until the arrival of Admiral Gambier; to whose fleet he was attached during the operations against Copenhagen. His post commission bears date Oct. 13, 1807.
Captain Collard’s subsequent appointments were, Nov. 19, 1807, to the Majestic 74, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral T. M. Russell, commander-in-chief on the North Sea station ”

“ Mr. Collard entered the naval service as a midshipman on board the Shark sloop of war, commanded by his uncle Valentine, in which vessel he served on the N.E. coast of Scotland, from May 22, 1783, until Dec. ”