Lieutenant’s commission appointing James Mcnamara as sixth Lieutenant of HM ship VICTORY, 23 December 1790. Signed by members of the Admiralty Board (John Pitt, 2nd Earl of Chatham 1756 -1835; Samuel Hood, Ist Viscount Hood 1724- 1816; A.Gardener) and Philip Stephens, Bart 1726 - 1809, Secretary to the Admiralty.

Administrative / biographical background
James Mcnamara (1768 - 1826) became a lieutenant in 1788 and rose to Rear Admiral in 1814. He served in the East Indies in the American War of Independence as acting lieutenant, and served with Lord Hood aboard HMS VICTORY. He served with Nelson at the Battle of Cape Vincent (1797) as commander of the frigate HMS SOUTHAMPTON. He was Commander of HMS BOMBAY CASTLE, HMS SOUTHAMPTON, HMS CERBERUS, HMS DICTATOR, HMS EDGAR, and HMS BERWICK. In 1803 he fought Colonel Robert Montgomery in a duel after an incident in Hyde Park when their dogs began fighting. The Colonel died from his wounds and McNamara was charged with manslaughter. He argued he had received an affront and had to challenge it to maintain his position as a naval officer. At his trial he summoned several naval officers including Lord Hood and Nelson in his defence and was acquitted.