ntly
engaged, he has been heard to declare it to have been one of the most
severe he ever witnessed. Captain Scott, of the Experiment, lost his
arm; and there were several death-vacancies for lieutenants.

Mr. Saumarez's conduct during the whole of this obstinate and bloody
contest was deemed so especially meritorious, that the commodore
expressed his highest approbation of it in the warmest and most
flattering terms, and soon after the battle he promoted him to the
rank of lieutenant. The following is a copy of his first acting
commission:

"By Sir Peter Parker, Commander-in-chief of a squadron of his
Majesty's ships to be employed on a particular service.

"Whereas I think it necessary for the good of his Majesty's
service to have an Acting-lieutenant on board his Majesty's ship
the Bristol, you are hereby required and directed to take upon
you the office of Acting-lieutenant of his Majesty's ship
Bristol; strictly charging and commanding all the officers and
company of the said ship to behave themselves jointly, and
severally, in their respective employments, with all due respect
and obedience unto you their said LIEUTENANT; and you are
likewise to observe and execute the GENERAL PRINTED
INSTRUCTIONS, and such orders and directions as you shall from
time to time receive from your captain, or any other your
superior officer, for his Majesty's service.

"For which this shall be your Order. Dated on board his
Majesty's ship Bristol, in Five-fathom Hole, off Charlestown,
the 11th day of July 1776.
P. PARKER

"To Mr. James Saumarez, hereby
appointed to act as Lieutenant on
board his Majesty's ship Bristol,
until further orders.
"By command of the Commodore.
JOHN READ."

In this ship Acting-lieutenant Saumarez remained until the 23rd
September; serving often with the army on shore, and on all occasions
taking a distinguished part. He was actively employed in the boats of
the Bristol on every landing that took place, from the first
disembarkation of the troops in Gravesend Bay, to the landing at
Rochelle from Frog's-neck. Lord Howe then commanded in person on this
expedition, and hoisted his flag in the Carysfort, the gallant Captain
Fanshawe. His lordship appointed Mr. Saumarez his aide-de-camp, and
selected him to convey General Clinton, commanding the troops, to the
vicinity of Rochelle, when he had the satisfaction of receiving the
than