me; the placing
a son in the navy being now a heavy tax instead of a relief, which we
know is felt severely by old naval officers on half-pay, who naturally
wish to employ a son in the service to which they belong.

With grateful remembrance, Saumarez has often been heard to say, that,
on his departure from home, his affectionate father put a purse
containing fifteen guineas in his hand; observing that, as he knew he
had a large family, he trusted that he would use it with economy, but
that when he wanted more he might draw on his banker. So strictly,
however, did he fulfil this recommendation, that his father said, the
sight of his drafts gave him pleasure.

His first journal is of the Winchelsea, Captain Samuel Cranston
Goodall, and commences on the 8th November 1770, at which time he was
first rated a midshipman: he remained in that ship until the 14th
February 1772. During these seventeen months he gained a valuable
friend in Captain Goodall, whose regard he preserved to the end of his
life. Saumarez had constant access to his cabin: he allowed him to
write there, and make extracts from the best authors in his
possession, which was of great service in improving his acquaintance
with modern literature. This ship had been cruising in the
Mediterranean, and visited most of the interesting ports there; and,
in February 1772, the Winchelsea was ordered to England,--an account
joyfully hailed by all on board, but by none more sincerely than by
Mr. Saumarez, whose heart panted to see his dearest friends. What,
then, must have been his feelings, on the arrival of the Levant to
relieve the Winchelsea, when he was sent for by Captain Goodall, and
apprised that Captain Thompson would receive him?--and as it was of
importance that he should finish his time before going home, he
strongly recommended his stay, especially as it was his father's wish.
Although it was as if a sword had pierced his heart, he calmly
submitted to the decision, and he saw the worthy Captain Goodall and
his messmates depart without a murmur.

This self-denial was not wholly unrewarded. The Levant was a larger
ship, affording much better accommodation to the midshipmen; and Mr.
Saumarez, having been nearly three years at sea, became of some
consequence with his messmates. The date of his joining the Levant was
the 15th February 1772, having been discharged on the preceding day
from the Winchelsea. He soon formed a close friendship with Mr. Samuel
Thom