by John Marshall

“ A few weeks after the commencement of hostilities against the French Republic [4] , our officer commissioned the Daedalus, of 32 guns, in which frigate he proceeded to North America. In the early part of 1794, the Daedalus, on her passage to Halifax, received considerable damage, and sprung her main and mizen-masts, which obliged Sir Charles to put into Norfolk, in Virginia, where he took in new masts, and was about to sail, when a French squadron arrived, and blocked him up. ”

“ Spain therefore judged the opportunity favourable to offer her mediation, proposing such an arrangement as she must be assured would not be agreeable to the principal belligerent powers. Great Britain had no sooner refused her acquiescence, than the Court of Madrid espoused the cause of France ”

“ At 10h 10’, another action began between the Porcupine and her former antagonists, which lasted until 11h 3’, at which time they again hauled off, and did not afterwards attempt to renew the fight. In this unequal conflict the British ship had only four men wounded, and received but little damage.
Towards the conclusion of the American war, we find Sir Charles commanding the San Miguel, of 72 guns [2] , and employed as senior officer of the naval force stationed at Gibraltar ”