It has been justly observed, that, “as it is not the fortune of every man to have that opportunity of distinguishing himself, which is necessary to the acquisition of high renown, there have been several commanders who have attained the most elevated rank in the service, and with the greatest intrinsic honour, without acquiring that fame which has indelibly established the characters of others; yet are these men not a tittle less entitled to the thanks and applause of their countrymen.”–This remark applies with considerable force to the late Admiral Allen; for, though his professional honours were, literally, the reward of professional merit, his services never appear to have been sufficiently brought forward to public notice.

This gentleman obtained a lieutenant's commission on the 14th of June, 1745, and was made commander, in the Grampas sloop, on the 5th of April, 1757. This proved to be a very fortunate appointment; as, in the course of the year, after a very gallant action in the Bay, he took the Duc d'Aumont, French privateer, of 16 guns and 100 men; for which, on the 21st of March, 1758, he was promoted to post rank, in the Experiment frigate, of 20 guns.–In the interim, however, he, for a short period, commanded, by order, a sixth rate, on the Mediterranean station.