IT has frequently been observed, that one of the greatest advantages in biography is the opportunity it affords to display the formation and progress of character. This exhibition is perhaps still more useful in professional than in general subjects. The young naval officer and soldier may receive entertainment, information, and instruction, from the history of man in all conditions; but he will derive lessons more beneficial to him from viewing an officer in that state and circumstances which are likely to be his own.

Of all the employments which contribute to the safety, prosperity, and aggrandizement of the United Kingdom, none is more indispensably necessary than the naval. No characters are more deserving of being recorded, or more worthy of perusal by Englishmen, than those of the gallant heroes who have distinguished themselves in supporting the rights, and promoting the interests of their country on her own element.

The subject of our present memoir attained rank, eminence, and celebrity, by his naval exertions and undaunted spirit.