SHAKSPEAR

THE Man whose life has been devoted to the Service of his Country, is entitled to honourable mention by the Biographer, and must be regarded with respect and gratitude by his Compatriots at large.

Admiral Bazely, whose Naval progress we are now about to record, possesses a high and just claim to this attention. He has passed nearly half a century in performing the honourable duties of his Profession; and though, as a Commander in Chief, he has not been favoured with any opportunity of distinguishing himself on so extensive a scale as some of his Brother Officers, his exertions have been equally laudable. His Services have been permanently advantageous both to himself and to his Country.

Mr. Bazely, the Descendant of a respectable Family, was born at Dover, in the County of Kent, in March 1740–1. Having received an appropriate education, he commenced his Naval Career in the month of April 1755. He first embarked, under the auspices of Captain, afterwards Admiral, Sir Joshua Rowley, in the Ambuscade, of 40 guns; a Vessel which, we believe, had been put into Commission in consequence of a daily apprehended Rupture with France. Mr. Bazely continued in the Ambuscade as long as Captain Rowley retained the Command of that Ship, which was only till January 1756, he being then appointed to the Hampshire, of 50 guns.

From this period, until April 1760, Mr. Bazely served in different Ships, under the Command of the late Sir Edward Hughes.