The observations with which we prefaced our Memoirs of the gallant Lord Hotham, apply also to this gentleman, concerning the early part of whose professional career, we have to state with regret, that our information is not sufficiently correct to be relied on. Mr. Elliot's commission as Post Captain is dated the 5th of April 1757, but whether he immediately received any command in consequence of being raised to that rank, is uncertain. In the course of the year 1758, he was appointed to the Æolus frigate, of 32 guns, a remarkably fine vessel of her class, and just off the stocks. In this ship, on the 15th of March the following year, he captured the Mignone, a small French frigate, of 20 guns, and 143 men; after a brisk, though short, engagement, in which the French Commander, the Chevalier de Transville, and a considerable number of men, were killed, and the Second Captain and twenty-five men were wounded: the loss sustained by the Æolus was no more than two or three men wounded.

Early in the year 1760, Captain Elliot was employed on the Irish station, and had the good fortune of an opportunity to distinguish himself in a most eminent manner.