He derives, probably, some advantages from making an early choice of his profession.

At the age of twelve, he went to the East Indies on board the Swallow frigate, Captain Shirley, by whom he was rated a midshipman.

From this station he returned to England, at the end of five years, with much knowledge of his business, and some acquaintance with the world.

In 1775, he entered upon real service; and has continued in active employment from that period to this great epoch of his life.

He went to Virginia with Captain Bellew, in the Liverpool, during the year 1775; with whom he continued till the shipwreck of that frigate in Delaware Bay.