on the canal of Alkmaar, by means of these they protected the flanks of the Anglo-Russians, and so annoyed the advancing columns of the Gallo-Batavian army, as to be entitled to great credit: they were accordingly praised in the public dispatches, transmitted by the Commander-in-chief, for their spirited and judicious conduct.

It has already been hinted that to Sir Home the na tion is indebted for the idea of a corps of sea fencibles. Perceiving that a numerous, active, and healthy description of fishermen, although they tended greatly to the wealth, added but little to the defence of the kingdom, he conceived a plan of training and rendering them permanently serviceable. Accordingly, in the spring of 1798, this class, which had hitherto been liable to be impressed, received written protections, on certain conditions, viz. that in garrisons and land batteries they should learn to exercise the great guns; and where these did not exist, to handle the pike, in such an efficacious manner as to be able to oppose an invading enemy either afloat or on shore. A post-captain, with a certain number of commanders and lieutenants, were accordingly appointed for a certain portion of sea-coast, with a very liberal allowance; while the men were to receive one shilling each muster; which generally occurring on a Sunday, interfered but little with their usual occupations.

In consequence of the arrangements then made, England was divided into districts, and Sir Home

nominated

nominated to the command from Beachy Head to Deal, which he held until 1800*.*

The following is the total number of men then raised on each coast, but which may at any time be rendered more numerous, as well as more serviceable, by an extension of the original plan:

In 1800 we find Sir Home Popham employed in an important expedition, and on the 5th of December 1800 he sailed for the East Indies, accompanied by the following squadron:

His head quarters were established at Dover ; and while there he procured a row-galley to be built at the port, so constructed as to carry one heavy gun; at his instance, too, the Admiralty applied to the Treasury, to order three smuggling vessels lately taken by the custom-house cutters, to be delivered over to him for the purpose of being lengthened and fitted as galleys, with a view of preventing the French row-boats either reconnoitring the coast, or annoying the trade.

His services were now become so conspicuous, as to entitle him to a pension of five hundred pounds, which was accordingly conferred Dec. 26, 1799.

As it had been determined by the English cabinet to drive the French from Egypt, it was wisely resolved at the same time to make use of all the resources presented by our foreign dominions, on purpose to give every possible assistance to Sir Ralph Abercrombie, in an attempt at once so perilous and important. Asia accordingly poured forth her motley-coloured inhabitants; while a detachment of twelve hundred men was ordered from the Cape of Good Hope, which had been recently wrested from the Dutch.

On Sir Home's arrival at the latter place, the necessary preparations were made for the embarkation of the troops; and he sailed from thence on the 28th of February 1801, having on board the two flank companics and one battalion of the 61st, the dismounted troopers of the 8th regiment of cavalry, together with a detachment of artillery; the remainder of the forces having been prevented from accompanying him by the prevalence of an infectious disorder.

Before we proceed any further, it may not be improper to mention in this place, that no ship had ever been better fitted out than the Romney, in respect to every thing that could either facilitate the voyage, or prevent any possibility of mistake in regard to the reckoning. The chronometers and other instruments cost the Commodore more than

twelve hundred pounds. All the lieutenants and midshipmen were obliged to furnish themselves with quadrants provided with glasses, for the express purpose of taking the altitude of the stars and perhaps it is not too much to say, that so many latitudes were never before taken on board of any one ship, even including those of our modern circumnavigators. In addition to this, the Commodore took with him a draftsman, at his own expence, to whom he himself taught hydrography in his passage out, and by whose assistance he completed charts of the Red Sea, whither he was now bound."

On the 7th of May, this little squadron, after a very dilatory passage, had reached Mocha; and on its arrival at Juddah, the Commodore was happy to find the division of troops from India under the command of General Baird there. As it was of the utmost importance that this officer should arrive as soon as possible at the place of his destination, he was accordingly prevailed upon to accept of the accommodation of the Romney for himself and staff.

On the 7th of June, having reached Cosier, measures were immediately taken for disembarking the troops and stores. After this the subject of the present memoir, at the express instance of the Commander in Chief of the Indian army, intended to have accompanied the detachment across the Desert with a body of seamen, and even to have marched as far as Cairo; but he was prevented by orders from Admiral Blanket. He however proved eminently serviceable, by supplying small casks for the carriage

1805-1806.

E e

carriage of the water, in lieu of the mussacks which had been sent from India, and were now found defective. He also appears to have attended to the interests both of Government and the India Company by a reduction of the enormous expence of tonnage, in respect to such vessels as had become

unnecessary.

General Baird having marched for the Nile on the 30th of June, the Commodore left Cosier on the 2d of July, and revisited Juddah and Mocha; and as the Secret Committee of the East India Company, at the request of Mr. Dundas, who then presided at the Board of Control, had invested him with a political appointment, in order to enable him to treat with the Arabian Princes, he entered into a correspondence with the Sheriffe of Mecca and several of the country powers; while Mirza Mehendy Ally Khawn, the native political resident from the Bombay government at Juddah, proposed to dethrone his Holiness, under pretence of being an usurper.

Soon after this, instead of repairing to Bombay for stores and provisions, Captain Sir Home Popham deemed it more eligible to proceed to Calcutta, in

order to have an interview with the Governor-General in person; which was afterwards converted into a charge against him. Accordingly, after a passage of seventeen days from the Red Sea, the Romney arrived in Balasore Roads, and proceeded to Mayapour, where his ship was refitted.

- In consequence of an invitation from the Governor-General (the Marquis Wellesley) he immedi

ately