HMS Edgar (1779)

HMS "Edgar" was a 74-gun third rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, launched on 30 June 1779 at Woolwich. She was at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1780 and took part in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, 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] , accessed 6 October 2008]

On 28 March 1808, there was an attempted mutiny on board whilst "Edgar" was lying in Cawsand 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. Retrieved 2 June 2007.