Hugh Palliser

A model of the hull of HMS Captain after her 1708 rebuild

Depiction of the Battle of Ushant in 1778 by Théodore Gudin, c. 1848

James Cook's 1775 Chart of Newfoundland

Hugh Palliser (1723 – 1796) was a distinguished officer in the Royal Navy of Great Britain during the 18th century. His career spanned several decades, during which he served with distinction in a number of naval engagements and held various significant commands. Palliser is perhaps best known for his controversial role in the Battle of Ushant (1778) during the American Revolutionary War, which led to a highly publicized dispute with Admiral Augustus Keppel.

Early Life and Career

Hugh Palliser was born in 1723 in Kirk Deighton, Yorkshire, England. He entered the Royal Navy at a young age, quickly rising through the ranks due to his skill, bravery, and the patronage of influential figures. His early career saw him participating in operations in the West Indies and the Mediterranean Sea, where he demonstrated considerable naval prowess.

Command and the Seven Years' War

During the Seven Years' War, Palliser distinguished himself in several engagements. He was given command of the ship HMS Eagle, and later, he played a significant role in the capture of Québec City in 1759 under the command of General James Wolfe. His actions during this period earned him promotion and further commands.

Governor of Newfoundland

In 1764, Palliser was appointed Governor of Newfoundland, a position he held until 1768. In this role, he worked to regulate the fisheries and protect the interests of British fishermen against foreign competition, notably from the French. His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to improve the administration and economic development of Newfoundland.

The Battle of Ushant and Controversy

The most notable and controversial part of Palliser's career came during the Battle of Ushant in 1778, a naval engagement between the British and French fleets early in the American Revolutionary War. Palliser, serving as a rear admiral and second in command to Admiral Augustus Keppel, was accused of failing to properly support Keppel during the battle. The aftermath saw a bitter public dispute between Palliser and Keppel, culminating in a court-martial that acquitted Keppel and indirectly criticized Palliser's actions. This incident damaged Palliser's reputation and led to his withdrawal from active service.

Later Life and Legacy

Despite the controversy, Palliser continued to serve in administrative roles, including as Comptroller of the Navy. He was promoted to full admiral in 1787 but did not return to sea. Hugh Palliser died in 1796, leaving behind a complex legacy. He is remembered for his contributions to the Royal Navy and his administrative reforms, as well as the controversy that overshadowed his later career.

Palliser's impact on naval tactics and administration during a pivotal period in British naval history remains a subject of study and debate among historians. His efforts in Newfoundland have also been recognized for their importance to the development of the British fisheries in the North Atlantic.