influence, an order from Sir James Douglas, then commanding in chief at
Portsmouth, to act as lieutenant, in the Worcester of sixty-four guns,
under Captain Mark Robinson. This meritorious officer, who afterwards
distinguished himself in Admiral Keppel's memorable action of the 27th
of July 1778; as well as in that of Admiral Greaves, off the Chesapeak,
the 5th of September 1781, where he lost a leg; was then under sailing
orders for Gibraltar, with a convoy. He had too much merit of his own,
not soon to discover it in another; and was so well satisfied with his
young officer, as to place the utmost confidence in his skill and
prudence.
Under this able commander, he remained at sea, with various convoys,
till the 2d of April 1777; and Admiral Robinson--for this worthy man
was, in consequence of his misfortune, placed on the list of
superannuated rear-admirals--has often been heard to remark, that he
felt equally easy, during the night, when it was young Nelson's turn to
watch, as when the oldest officer on board had charge of the ship.
These flattering testimonials to the merits of his nephew, which never
failed to be obtained from every commander under whom he had yet served,
could not but prove highly gratifying to an uncle in whose estimation he
had always been held so dear: who had first nurtured him for the
profession; and who, as soon as he could wield a sword, had presented
him with an honourable and well-tried one of his own, which he charged
him never to relinquish but with life.
The pleasure thus received by his delighted uncle, was constantly
communicated to the venerable and worthy pastor of Burnham-Thorpe: and
the anxieties of the father, for the perils to which his son must
necessarily be exposed, were calmed by that pious resignation to the
will of Heaven, in every situation of duty, with which he had early
endeavoured to fortify the hearts of all his offspring; and which taught
himself to hope, that perseverance in good would always be likely to
receive the highest degree of requisite protection and safety. Nor did
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