Press gangs, HMS Hornet, and an acquittal in Jamaica

After fifteen years in the service, Collingwood became first lieutenant of the fourteen-gun HMS Hornet in 1776. He first had to lead a press gang before the ship sailed for Jamaica, where Hornet protected shipping from American privateers and enforced anti-smuggling rules. Collingwood accused Commander Haswell of lacking the courage to engage, and Haswell charged his executive officer with disobedience and neglect. A Port Royal court-martial acquitted Collingwood in September 1777. An unsuccessful prosecution of a first lieutenant also reflected badly on the captain who had brought it, making the verdict a consequential judgment on command rather than a minor personal quarrel.