- HMS Edgar (1779)
HMS "Edgar" was a 74-gun
third rate ship of the line of theRoyal Navy , launched on30 June 1779 atWoolwich . She was at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in1780 and took part in the Battle of Copenhagen in1801 , leading the van.The Edgar was involved in the squadron commanded by Admiral John Gell which escorted back to Portsmouth, a Spanish ship - the St Jago, which they had captured from the French. The ownership of the Spanish ship was a matter of some debate and was not settled until 4 February 1795 when the value of the cargo was put at £935,000. At this time all the crew, captains, officers and admirals could expect to share in this prize. Admiral Hood's share was £50,000. The ships that conveyed her to
Portsmouth were the HMS St George, HMS Egmont,HMS Edgar , HMS Ganges and HMS Phaeton. [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=C8kLAAAAYAAJ&lpg=RA1-PA8&ots=RPvxGeVdOO&dq=%22admiral%20john%20gell%22&pg=RA1-PA6&ci=498,560,428,512&source=bookclip Annual Register] , accessed6 October 2008 ]On
28 March 1808 , there was an attempted mutiny on board whilst "Edgar" was lying inCawsand Bay . The crew had all gathered on the quarter deck, but dispersed at the threat of a murderous volley from the ship's company of marines. The leaders of the attempt were tried aboard . [Ships of the Old Navy entry.]From 1813, she became a
prison hulk , and in 1835 she was broken up.Notes
References
*Lavery, Brian (2003) "The Ship of the Line - Volume 1: The development of the battlefleet 1650-1850." Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-252-8.
*Michael Phillips. [http://www.cronab.demon.co.uk/E.HTM Ships of the Old Navy, A History of Ships of the 18th Century Royal Navy] . Ships of the Old Navy. Retrieved2 June 2007.
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