HMS Seahorse and Nelson's first combat

Suckling sent Nelson beyond his guardship HMS Triumph, including service in the merchantman Mary Ann, so that the young officer would gain evidence of competence under other commanders. HMS Seahorse then carried East India Company money, cruised from Madras, and supported Company operations when the Anglo-Maratha War began. Although Seahorse was a small sixth-rate post ship, its 22 nine-pounders and two three-pounders made attacking it a poor choice for Hyder Ali's two small vessels. Nelson commanded a gun crew in the resulting action on 19 February 1775, his first known experience of battle. On returning home he faced a searching lieutenant's examination in front of three captains, including Suckling, whose own reputation would suffer if his nephew proved unfit. Passing the board turned family sponsorship into a career supported by practical service.