If ever any one deserved, that high character, without any fulsome compliment, it is the subject of the following memoir: who after having been placed in very delicate and arduous situations, has obtained the friendship of all who have served with him, and has kept up the discipline of the navy, without creating a single enemy.

Mr. John Holloway was born at Wells, in Somersetshire, the present residence of his family. During the year 1760, when he was about 13, he resolved to devote himself to the royal navy; and his intention being sanctioned by his father, and recommended by Mr. James Grenville, he was sent on board the Antelope, of 50 guns, Captain Webb, and afterwards, in 1761, sailed in her to Newfoundland, with Captain, the late Lord Graves; who had been appointed governor of the island, and commander in chief on that station. Mr. Holloway then served for two years under Sir Hugh Palliser; and also, with a view of promotion, embarked with Admiral Durell, appointed commander in chief at Halifax: but that officer dying soon after his arrival in America, Mr. Holloway was, in 1768, taken under the patronage of Commodore Samuel Hood, in the Romney.

During the period of Mr. Holloway's services as a midshipman, no opportunity offered to distinguish himself by any brilliant or daring exploit.