Swiftsure

Posted by Jon Miller on Monday 1st of June 2026 18:47

The Court-Martial for trying Capt B Hallowell, of his Majesty’s late ship Swiftsure, was held on board his Majesty’s ship Genereux, at Mahon, on the 18th of August, 1801, for quitting his convoy, put under his charge by Lord Keith; and also for the loss of the ship when, after a minute investigation into all the circumstances, the Court passed the following sentence on Capt Hallowell, and his ship’s company.
The Court were of opinion, and it appeared to them, from the narrative of Capt Hallowell, supported by the best possible evidence to be obtained, that the convoy, under Capt Hallowell’s charge, was of very little importance in any point of view; that his determination to leave the said convoy, and join Sir John Warren, was dictated by sound judgment and zeal for the service of his King and country: and the Court was farther of opinion that the loss of his Majesty’s ship Swiftsure, was unavoidable, and that the conduct of Capt Hallowell his officers and ship’s company, in defence of the Swiftsure, was highly meritorious, and that Capt Hallowell displayed great judgment in the mode he adopted, to avoid so superior a force, and equal gallantry in the execution of the plan so formed; they did therefore adjudge, that they be honourably acquitted, and they were honourably acquitted accordingly. [Kentish Post, 1 January 1802]

Posted by Jon Miller on Monday 1st of June 2026 18:46

The Court-Martial for trying Capt B Hallowell, of his Majesty’s late ship Swiftsure, was held on board his Majesty’s ship Genereux, at Mahon, on the 18th of August, 1801, for quitting his convoy, put under his charge by Lord Keith; and also for the loss of the ship when, after a minute investigation into all the circumstances, the Court passed the following sentence on Capt Hallowell, and his ship’s company.
The Court were of opinion, and it appeared to them, from the narrative of Capt Hallowell, supported by the best possible evidence to be obtained, that the convoy, under Capt Hallowell’s charge, was of very little importance in any point of view; that his determination to leave the said convoy, and join Sir John Warren, was dictated by sound judgment and zeal for the service of his King and country: and the Court was farther of opinion that the loss of his Majesty’s ship Swiftsure, was unavoidable, and that the conduct of Capt Hallowell his officers and ship’s company, in defence of the Swiftsure, was highly meritorious, and that Capt Hallowell displayed great judgment in the mode he adopted, to avoid so superior a force, and equal gallantry in the execution of the plan so formed; they did therefore adjudge, that they be honourably acquitted, and they were honourably acquitted accordingly. [Kentish Post, 1 January 1802]