by John Marshall

“ The Court cannot but express the highest approbation of the conduct of Lieutenant Villiers Francis Hatton, who, although most dangerously wounded, continued to give his support and encouragement to ihe last; as well as of the noble and steady behaviour of the other officers, and the crew of the Seagull, during so sanguinary and unequal a conflict, – a circumstance which, while it reflects the highest honor on them, does no less credit to the discipline of the King’s sloop; and the Court doth therefore most honorably acquit Lieutenant Hatton, the officers and crew ”

“ Lieutenant Hatton, having obtained leave of absence soon after his promotion, returned home in an Indiaman, and was next appointed to the Seagull brig, of 16 guns, on the North Sea station, where he displayed great zeal for the public service, often cruising in an open boat to intercept smugglers, and being repeatedly absent from his vessel for days together. ”

“ Captain Joseph Bingham; and Trident 64, flag-ship of Vice-Admiral Rainier, until 1805, when he was appointed lieutenant of the Grampus 50, on the East India station. His commission was confirmed by the Admiralty, Jan. ”