as well as from
Captain Phipps, that his nephew was in all respects worthy of every
encouragement that could be bestowed on him. There wanted not, however,
this stimulus, in the bosom of that worthy man, to excite his
affectionate regards for the promising son of his deceased sister. With
the honest and feeling heart of a true British naval commander, he ever
acted as a parent to all her children.

A squadron was, at this time, fitting out for the East Indies, under the
command of Admiral Sir Edward Hughes. Horatio, delighted with the
prospect of visiting regions so different from those which he had just
quitted, and anxious to enjoy all the professional advantages derivable
from so distant and interesting a voyage, earnestly solicited his
esteemed uncle to obtain him a situation in one of the ships intended
for this expedition. Captain Suckling, accordingly, procured him a birth
under that gallant and able officer, Captain Farmer: who, since, in the
year 1779, so nobly but unfortunately perished in the flames of the
Quebec of thirty-two guns, which had accidentally taken fire, during
it's engagement with La Surveillante of forty guns, off Ushant; which he
refused to quit, though severely wounded, and was blown up with his
ship, colours flying.

With this excellent commander, in the Sea-Horse of twenty guns, did the
adventurous and heroic youth sail to the East Indies. He was, at first,
stationed to watch in the fore-top; but Captain Farmer, who early
discovered how very superior his abilities were to his age and
appearance, soon placed him on the quarter-deck, and treated him with
the most indulgent kindness. It may readily be supposed that, under such
an officer, in the progress of a voyage to the East Indies, and the
subsequent visits of the Sea-Horse to almost every part of the East
Indies from Bengal to Bussorah, a youth of his talents must necessarily
gain a large accession of nautical knowledge. Though there happened not,
on this occasion, to be any opportunity offer for evincing the heroism
and bravery of his mind, sufficient instances presented themselves of
his unusual proficiency in seamanship, and of his mild and amiable
manners, to conciliate the esteem not only of all with whom he more
immediately acted, either as superiors, equals, or inferiors, but to
attract the notice, and fix the friendly regards, of the commander in
chief. From Sir Edward Hughes, he received many pleasing proofs of
friendly attent