Note 234 — JOURNAL OF ELIZABETH LADY HOLLAND (continued 4)

Jerome Bonaparte’s ship, the Veteran, was one of Admiral Villaumez’s fleet, now France’s sole hope on the high seas. Originally detailed for the Cape of Good Hope, Villaumez had crossed over to the West Indies on hearing of the capture of the African settlement by the English. He was unable to elude the vigilance of Sir Thomas Cochrane, and three squadrons under the command respectively of Sir John Borlase Warren, Sir Richard Strachan, and Admiral Louis were despatched to confront him. Villaumez seeing that his fleet could not hope to escape en masse, gave the order for his ships to separate. Only one however, was successful in regaining France safely, and Jerome was only able to save his crew and guns by running his ship ashore on the coast of France. Sir John Warren’s fleet was despatched with exemplary haste, but lost several days at Spithead owing to contrary winds. To this delay Mr. Allen, in the Annual Register for 1806, attributes the escape of Villaumez’s squadron.

Sir John Borlase Warren (1753–1822), son of John Borlase Warren, of Stapleford, Nottinghamshire. He entered the Navy in 1771, and saw much service. He became Rear Admiral in 1799, and was sent to Russia in 1802 to compliment Alexander on his accession.