distinguishing himself. In 1796 he was named
captain of the fleet by Sir John Jervis, and took part in the great battle
off Cape St Vincent (February 14, 1797). He was selected as bearer of the
despatches announcing the victory, and on that occasion was knighted by
George III. He also received the thanks of parliament, and in the following
year was created a baronet. In 1799 he became rear-admiral; and in 1801 he
was despatched with a small squadron in pursuit of a French force, under
Admiral Gantheaume, conveying supplies to the French in Egypt. In this
pursuit he was not successful, and returning home at the peace he struck
his flag. When the war again broke out he was recalled to service, was
promoted vice-admiral in 1804, and was employed in the following year in
the blockade of the ports of Ferrol and Corunna, in which (amongst other
ports) ships were preparing for the invasion of England by Napoleon I. He
held his position with a force greatly inferior to that of the enemy, and
refused to be enticed out to sea. On its becoming known that the first
movement directed by Napoleon was the raising of the blockade of Ferrol,
Rear-Admiral Stirling was ordered to join Sir R. Calder and cruise with him
to intercept the fleets of France and Spain on their passage to Brest. The
approach of the enemy was concealed by a fog; but on the 22nd of July 1805
their fleet came in sight. It still outnumbered the British force; but Sir
Robert entered into action. After a combat of four hours, during which he
captured two Spanish ships, he gave orders to discontinue the action. He
offered battle again on the two following days, but the challenge was not
accepted. The French admiral Villeneuve, however, did not pursue his
voyage, but took refuge in Ferrol. In the judgment of Napoleon, his scheme
of invasion was baffled by this day's action; but much indignation was felt
in England at the failure of Calder to win a complete victory. In
consequence of the strong feeling against him at home he demanded a
court-martial. This was held on the 23rd of December, and resulted in a
severe reprimand of the vice-admiral for not having done his utmost to
renew the engagement, at the same time acquitting him of both cowardice and
disaffection. False expectations had been raised in England by the
mutilation of his despatches, and of this he indignantly complained in his
defence. The tide of feeling, however, turned again; and in 1815, by way of
public te