On 1st October, 1780 Captain John Gore in the Resolution and Lieutenant James Burney in the Discovery were off Great Yarmouth obtaining a new cable for each ship good enough to hold them in case they were caught by a gale. 

The next day John Rickman, first lieutenant on the Resolution, wrote, “we weighed and sailed.”

On 4th “we came too at the Nore.”

On 5th Gore wrote from “near Graves End” that he was “on My way to Gallions [Reach] in Execution of Their Orders receiv’d from Admiral Roddam at the Nore.”

On 7th George Gilbert, midshipman on the Discovery, wrote “we lashed alongside the sheer hulk at Woolwich and the Resolution went up to Deptford.  Both ships were immediately cleared and their crews paid their full wages, as a sixth rate, and set at liberty from the service except the Marines who were sent to their Division.  The Capts. Gore, and King were made post[-captains], Mr. Burney and Mr Williamson masters and commanders; and every mate and midshipman that had served their time were made Lieutenants, and several of the men warrant officers.  Thus ended a long, tedious and disagreeable voyage, of four years, and three months, during which we lost only seven persons by sickness, who all belonged to the Resolution, and three by accident belonging to the Discovery, exclusive of those that were killed with our great and unfortunate Commander.” 

On 28th James Trevenen, midshipman on the Discovery, was appointed lieutenant, and wrote in a letter “Sing tarantarrara, drunk all! drunk all! Sing tarantarrara, drunk all!  I am now in a very good humour to sing, laugh, and dance, as well as yourselves… for I am now in fact 4th Lieutenant of H.M.S. Conquestador.  ’Tis true I have not yet taken up my commission, or sworn allegiance, but I have seen it made out and my name affixed to it in black and white, never to be recalled.  The white lapels are putting upon the old midshipman’s coat and tomorrow I go through the necessary ceremonies”.

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 16, volume 28, number 4 (2005).