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As a naval commander he regarded the welfare and happiness of those acting under him with the solicitude of a parent. A British sailor is never deficient in gratitude; the kindness of his superior is always repaid with interest. Those sailors who had once served him never deserted him, whilst an option was left to follow their inclinations. On his appointment to the Brunswick, the numbers that flocked to his standard who had sailed with him before, must have afforded much gratification to his feelings. The enthusiasm and attachment of his ship’s company will best be estimated from the noble manner in which they seconded his efforts in the late glorious action. He had truly learnt to "command their lives through the medium of their affections". His courage, flowing from the purest principles of loyalty to his King and duty to his Country, was of a very exalted nature. On the memorable first of June, whilst he was sustaining the tremendous fire of three line-of-battle ships, and destruction seemed to menace him on every side, not the least agitation or confusion was visible in his deportment; but he gave his commands with the same serenity and composure as though he had been firing a royal salute on a day of public rejoicing. When the unfortunate shot which shattered his arm obliged him to quit the deck, he gave the strictest injunctions that his ship might not be given up whilst she floated upon the water. It is needless to add, that his orders were most religiously observed. When taken into the cockpit, his care for his own misfortune was instantly obliterated in his concern for those around him; a number of poor sailors, torn and mangled in the most shocking manner, were then under the hands of the surgeons, and others every moment bringing in; yet this worthy man would suffer no part of the attention which his fellow-sufferers stood in need of, to be diverted to himself, ‘till it was his regular turn. His arm was
amputated below the elbow, and there were hopes of his recovery; but, owing to the great effusion of blood, by his refusing, for a long time, to quit the quarter-deck, and partly to the fatigue of the action, and the wind of balls, his whole frame had received such a concussion, that it was soon apprehended to be a desperate case. When it is considered what a terrible conflict Capt. HARVEY sustained during this memorable engagement; that his ship singly, sunk one superior in force, and left two others absolute wrecks upon the water it will be admitted that his individual bravery and skill contributed very materially to that complete and decided victory, upon which the fate of this country in a great measure depended. His Sovereign was highly sensible of his meritorious services, and meant to have rewarded them in the most distinguished manner; but the laurels which were intended to decorate his triumph, must now cover his tomb. He has shewn what a British commander can accomplish; and we trust, the remembrance of his example, will have the most salutary effects in the British fleet. In this brave man the public has lost a meritorious officer, his family a warm and sincere friend, and the world a gentleman of unblemished character and strict honour. He has left a large number of very near relations to lament his loss, a wife, and several children. Captain HARVEY’s remains were interred at Eastry, near Sandwich, in the Kent; 5th of July, having been attended to the gates of Portsmouth [where he died June 28th] on the 2nd. by Earl HOWE, and the principal officers of the fleet, with every honourable solemnity". Gent. Mag. Vol. LXIV. p.673.
Source ,Kent Archeological Society.
