Thus he became a good pilot for vessels of that description from Chatham to the Tower, and down the Swin Channel to the North Foreland, and acquired a confidence among rocks and sands of which he often felt the value.
Nelson had not been many months on board the TRIUMPH, when his love of enterprise was excited by hearing that two ships were fitting out for a voyage of discovery towards the North Pole.

In consequence of the difficulties which were expected on such a service, these vessels were to take out effective men instead of the usual number of boys.

This, however, did not deter him from soliciting to be received, and, by his uncle's interest, he was admitted as coxswain under Captain Lutwidge, second in command.

The voyage was undertaken in compliance with an application from the Royal Society.

The Hon.