CHAPTER VIII.. Sir Edward's Command in India.

SIR EDWARD'S COMMAND IN INDIA.

Character required for a Commander-in-chief--Hostility of the new Ministry--Sir T. Troubridge sent to take the more valuable part of the command--Oversight of the Admiralty--Dispute between the two admirals--Sir Edward confirmed in his command--Melancholy fate of the Blenheim, Sir T. Troubridge--Sir Edward sends Captain Troubridge in search of his father--Actions in the Indian Seas--San Fiorenzo and Psyche--Piedmontaise and Warren Hastings--Ferocity of the French first lieutenant, and Sir Edward's general order in consequence--San Fiorenzo and Piedmontaise--French privateers--Murderous contest between the Victor and Malay pirates--Attack on Batavia Roads, and destruction of the shipping--Captain Fleetwood Pellew at Samarang--Attack on Griessee, and destruction of the line-of battle ships--Sir Edward's protection of commerce--Convoy system--Resolutions of the Bombay merchants--His care of the fleet--Establishes a naval hospital at Madras--Punishment: Sir Edward's regulations--Encounters a hurricane on his homeward voyage. page 148