by John Marshall

“ The Cleopatra, when assailed by a most furious hurricane, was commanded by Captain Penrose, whereas we have described her as having been under the command of Captain Pellew at that period. The Cleopatra brought Vice-Admiral Murray to England at the close of 1795, and subsequently formed part of the Western squadron, under Sir Edward Pellew, now Viscount Exmouth. ”

“ Mr. James H. Tait was born at Glasgow; and in 1783 we find him embarking as a Midshipman on board the Edgar of 74 guns, then commanded by his maternal uncle, and stationed at Spithead as a guard ship. During the Spanish armament (1790) he was placed under the protection of the Hon. George Murray, with whom he served for some time in the Defence, another third rate, and whose patronage he ever afterwards enjoyed. ”

“ In addition to this service, he appears to have captured about fifty sail of French and Dutch vessels of different classes, and conducted himself, on all occasions, in so exemplary a manner as to call forth the thanks of the magistrates and town councils of Dundee, Aberdeen, and Banff, by whom he was presented with the freedom of those burghs, at a public diimer given to him previous to his recall from that station, and also recommended in strong terms to the Admiralty for promotion. His advancement to the rank of Commander took place April 29, 1802. ”