In point of fact, _he_ was a Jacobite: though no one was acquainted with the circumstance but his immediate commanding officer.
As a seaman, he was called on only to serve his country; and, as often happens to military men, he was willing to do this under any superior whom circumstances might place over his head, let his private sentiments be what they might.

During the civil war of 1715, he was too young in years, and too low in rank to render his opinions of much importance; and, kept on foreign stations, his services could only affect the general interests of the nation, without producing any influence on the contest at home.

Since that period, nothing had occurred to require one, whose duty kept him on the ocean, to come to a very positive decision between the two masters that claimed his allegiance.

Sir Gervaise had always been able to persuade him that he was sustaining the honour and interests of his country, and that ought to be sufficient to a patriot, let who would rule.

Notwithstanding this wide difference in political feeling between the two admirals--Sir Gervaise being as decided a whig, as his friend was a tory--their personal harmony had been without a shade.