The remarkable exchange of letters between Sir Edward Pellew and Lord Spencer, First Lord of the Admiralty, relating to Pellew's appointment to the Impetueux, has been published in whole and part in many places. It is reproduced in its entirety here as it stands as an eloquent testimony to Pellew's devotion to hms Indefatigable and her crew, the ‘faithful, and attached Companions, grown from boys to manhood under him’.

Sir Ed Pellew Bart.

Dear Sir

The extensive Promotion of Flag Officers which His Majesty has been pleased to authorize me to make brings you so high on the Captains List, that it is no longer consistent with the ordinary Practice of the Service that you should continue to serve in a Frigate: I have therefore given you an Appointment to the Impetueux as being the most active and desirable Line of Battle Ship which the Arrangement on this occasion enabled me to select for you, and I have no doubt but that you will in this new Line of Service continue to gain as much Credit as you have already, by the Acknowledgement of every one who knows you, obtained.

Believe me Dear Sir

your very faithful

humble Servant

Spencer

Pellew to Spencer, no date

My Lord,

I know not how to express my surprize on the receipt of your lordships’ very unexpected letter; and had I conceived the intended arrangement of Promotion could have affected my situation in the command of the Indefatigable I should have most earnestly entreated your forebearance, and shall now feel myself highly gratified if your lordship will permit me to continue in my present situation, amidst officers, and men who have served under thro’ the war and who look up to me for protection I cannot at the same time that I express my wishes, but feel very sensible of your Lordship's attention to me in the selection you have been pleased to make and if my request should not meet your approbation I indulge myself with the expectation of being permitted to remove with me such officers and young gentlemen as I shall point out and I confide in your lordships goodness for throwing me as much into active service as possible.