THIS DAY 219 YEARS AGO- ON BOARD HMS CAESAR

                                    (Glorious First of June Fleet)

On the 28th of April 1795,a naval court-martial,which had created considerable excitement,and lasted for sixteen days,came to a conclusion.

                                        (HMS CAESER)

  (Court Martial held on board HMS Glory)

The officer tried was Captain Anthony James Pye Molloy,of His Majesty's Ship Caesar;and the charge brought against him was,that he did not bring his ship into action,and exert himself to the utmost of his power,in the memorable battle of the 1st of  June 1794.

The charge in effect was the disgraceful one of cowardice;yet Molloy had frequently proved himself to be a brave soldier.The court decided that the charge had been made good; but, having found that on many previous occasions Captain Molley's courage had been unimpeachable, he was simply sentenced to be dismissed his ship,instead of the severe penalty of death.

                                                            ( THE BATTLE OF 1st JUNE)

A very curious story is told to account for this example of the 'fears of the brave'.It is said that Molloy had behaved dishonourably to a young lady to whom he was betrothed.The friends of the lady wished to bring an action of breach of promise against the inconsistent captain,but she declined doing so,saying that God would punish him.

Some time afterwards,they accidentally met in a public room at Bath.She steadily confronted him,while he,drawing back,mumbled some incoherent apology.

The lady said,'Captain Molloy,you are a bad man.I wish you the greatest curse that can befall a British officer.When the day of battle comes,may your false heart fail you!'

His subsequent conduct and irremediable disgrace formed the fulfillment of her wish.

He later married daughter of an Admiral ,but it was imputed that he had become a ' henpecked ' & totally dominated husband.His weak nature had ,possibly, extended to his home.He died in 1814 at the age of 60 years,having never again served at sea.