From the Archives - Professional Courtesy

At the onset of the War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1714), British Admiral Sir John Benbow (1653-1702) was sent with a fleet to prevent the French from occupying certain Spanish-owned islands in the Caribbean.  Unfortunately, although himself an able officer, Benbow was ill-served by his subordinates.  As a result, when Benbow's fleet encountered the French in a series of running battles off Santa Marta in Colombia (19-24 August 1702), several of them refused to bring their ships into action.  Their pusillanimous conduct caused the British to suffer a reverse, and Benbow was so severely wounded that despite the amputation of his leg he died several months later.

Mindful of the fact that his victory was due in large measure to the disgraceful behavior of Benbow's captains, after the battle the French admiral, Jean du Casse (1646-1715), penned a message to his dying foeman.

Sir,

I had little hope on Monday last but to have [been taken prisoner and] supped in your cabin; but it pleased God to order it otherwise, and I am thankful for it.  As for those cowardly captains who deserted you, hang them up; for By God, they deserve it.

                                                            du Casse

Although Benbow was slowly dying, when his squadron returned to Jamaica, he ordered all of his principal subordinates court martialed, perhaps as a result of du Casse's suggestion.  Although he succumbed to his wounds on November 4^th, the cowardly captains were all convicted by the courts martial.  Naturally, they appealed.  Perhaps someone in the Admiralty was apprised of du Casse's letter, for in 1703 the decisions of the courts martial were confirmed, with the result that two of the captains were shot, one was imprisoned, and the other two suspended from duty.  So Benbow's loss was avenged, perhaps at the urging of a gallant foe.