St George’s Bank — Albemarle Shoals

Generated illustration. Not a historical photograph. Soundings work. Not St. George’s Bank, and not a portrait of Albemarle.

Overview

Albemarle at Elsinore already records the Elsinore reply. Deal Boatmen Fifteen Guineas — Downs Gale already records the Downs gale. This note covers the St. George’s Bank shoal escape only.1

The Escape

Southey says the Albemarle had a narrow escape upon this cruise. Four French sail of the line and a frigate, which had come out of Boston harbour, gave chase to her; and Nelson, perceiving that they beat him in sailing, boldly ran among the numerous shoals of St. George’s Bank, confiding in his own skill in pilotage. The frigate alone continued warily to pursue him; but as soon as he perceived that this enemy was unsupported, he shortened sail and hove to; upon which the Frenchman thought it advisable to give over the pursuit.2

The Elsinore reply stays on Albemarle at Elsinore. The fifteen-guinea passage stays on Deal Boatmen Fifteen Guineas — Downs Gale. This page does not invent names or rates for the French ships. The fishing-schooner restoration stays on Albemarle Fishing Schooner — Boston Bay.

Sources

Same Subject

Cross-Domain

Footnotes

  1. Elsinore reply only: Albemarle at Elsinore. Fifteen-guinea passage only: Deal Boatmen Fifteen Guineas — Downs Gale.

  2. “Four French sail of the line and a frigate, which had come out of Boston harbour, gave chase to her; and Nelson perceiving that they beat him in sailing, boldly ran among the numerous shoals of St. George’s Bank, confiding in his own skill in pilotage.” @southey1813nelson vol. 1, p. 43 (1813). Do not invent French ship names or rates.