Sir Michael Seymour, 1st Baronet - Advancement

Advancement

Seymour returned to service with the outbreak of the French Revolutionary Wars in 1793, serving aboard HMS Marlborough under George Cranfield-Berkeley. The Marlborough formed part of the fleet under Lord Howe, and Seymour was thus present at the Glorious First of June, on 1 June 1794. During the battle, the Marlborough came under attack from three French warships, the 78-gun Impétueux, the 74-gun Mucius and the 120-gun Montagne. The Marlborough was heavily damaged but was able to defend herself and resist French attempts to capture her. During the battle Seymour had his left arm shot off.

Seymour recovered from his wound, and was promoted to commander. He received his first command in mid-1796, that of the sloop HMS Spitfire. He spent the next several years cruising in the Channel, and off the French coast, before being promoted to Post-Captain on 11 August 1800, after making representations to the First Lord of the Admiralty George Spencer. During his time in home waters he was able to capture a number of small French ships and privateers. He moved to take command of HMS Fisgard in 1801, at the instigation of Admiral William Cornwallis, but the Peace of Amiens later that year left him without a ship. The resumption of hostilities led to Seymour returning to sea, spending time as acting-captain of a number of ships, before finally being offered command of the 36-gun fifth rate HMS Amethyst in 1806. On 10 November 1808 he came across the 40-gun French frigate Thetis, and after a hard fought battle, captured her. In recognition of this act Seymour received a medal from King George III, a 100 guinea piece of plate from the Lloyd's Patriotic Fund, and the Freedom of the Cities of Cork and Limerick. On 6 April 1809 he engaged, and captured the 44-gun frigate Niemen. For this he was created a baronet the following month.