part of the station.  It proved a most lucrative command, for in addition to its general advantages, some prizes of immense value were taken.  On the 20th of July, 1806, the Greyhound frigate and Harrier sloop of war fell in with two large armed Indiamen, richly laden with spices, and protected by a frigate and a corvette.  The British gallantly attacked them, and captured, with little loss, the frigate, and both the Indiamen.  To add to the gratification of the Admiral, it was his son, Captain Troubridge, who commanded the Harrier.

Sir Edward, as far as he was himself concerned, had eventually little reason for regret.  The position of true dignity, to be always ready to sacrifice to public duty personal feelings, and to surrender, when necessary, personal interests, but never to compromise any point of principle or character, is generally the course not less of prudence than of honour.  He obtained on this occasion all he could desire, and more than he had hoped for, a candid inquiry.  Before his letter reached England, there had been a change in the ministry, and Mr. Grey was at the head of the Admiralty.  Nothing could be more honourable than all his conduct.  It was at first believed that Sir Edward had committed an illegal and unprecedented act of resistance to that authority which, as an officer, he was bound implicitly to obey.  Yet, believing that he had acted hastily, Mr. Grey himself went to the Duke of Northumberland, as Sir Edward’s friend, to say, that the board would allow him to write a letter on service, recalling his ill-advised communication.  The Duke sent to Sir Edward’s brother, who was then in town, that he might write to India without delay; but Mr. Pellew at first thought the step unnecessary.  His brother, he said, was not in the habit of acting without due consideration, and he did not think it would be found that he had done so now.  But next day.  Earl St. Vincent called upon the Duke, and insisted more strongly on the necessity for the step.  Sir Edward’s letter, he said, was not a question of this or the other administration, but an act of insubordination which no ministry could overlook:  that his professional prospects would be entirely destroyed if the board took cognizance of it; and that extraordinary lenity was shown in allowing him to recall it.  A letter was accordingly written; but before a ship sailed, Mr. Grey came a second time to the Duke, and told him he had found, upon inquiry, that Sir Edward was right.  He did more; for he wrote to Sir Edward himself a very kind and handsome letter; and though opposed to him in political opinions, while Sir Thomas Troubridge was connected with his own friends, he recalled this officer, whom he appointed to the Cape, and continued to Sir Edward, as at first, the entire command in India.