Sir Piercy Brett

Posted by Brian Stephens on Wednesday 30th of April 2014 01:07

The Gentleman's magazine. v.51 1781.
The late Sir Piercy Brett first signalised himself in the expedition to the South Seas, etc. under Lord Anson, being commissioned as third lieutenant on board the Centurion, The late Sir Charles Saunders and Captain Saumarez were the first and second. In particular, Mr. Brett commanded the detachment that attacked and took Payta, Nov. 10, 1741 and the most valuable drawings referred to in Mr. Walters, or rather Mr. Robin's history of that voyage (etc...) When the Commodore determined to go to Canton on a visit to the Viceroy, he appointed Mr. Brett, then his first lieutenant, Captain of the Centurion under him Sept. 30, 1743 from which he took post. Lieut. Saunders had before been commissioned to the Tryal, and Lieut. Saumarez to the Centurion's prize. From this circumnavigation he returned June 15, 1744. Soon after he was appointed command of a sloop, and in April 1745 to that of the Lion, of 58 guns, in which, on July 9, he had the memorable engagement with the Elizabeth of 64 guns which was convoying the young Pretender in a small ship to Scotland, but was obliged to return to Brest totally disabled. Capt. Brett had 45 men killed, and 107 wounded, himself among them. The Elizabeth had her Captain and 64 men killed and 136 dangerously wounded. In the engagement with the French fleet off Cape Finisterre, May 3, 1747 Capt. Brett commanded the Yarmouth, of 64 guns in Ad. Anson's fleet. On Dec. 21 he was one of the court martial that tried and censured Capt. Fox. In Jan. 1753 he received the honour of knighthood; and was appointed commander of the Royal Caroline Yacht. In the succeeding year he was the Captain of the Cambridge, of 80 guns. In December of 1757 he was elected an Elder Brother of the Trinity House. On March 22, 1760 he was appointed Col. of the Portsmouth division of marines. etc.. In 1761 he was advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral and rose gradually to the rank of Admiral. He died at his seat at Beckenham, in Kent, Oct. 14, 1781. He left one daughter.