In Feb. 1804, Captain Mason joined the squadron under Sir W. Sidney Smith, off Flushing; and on the 16th May following we find him displaying great gallantry in an action with a formidable flotilla, the particulars of which have been given in our memoir of Captain John Hancock, C.B. The Rattler’s loss on that occasion consisted of only 2 men killed and 10 wounded; but her damages appear to have been very considerable, three shots having entered between wind and
briefly observe, that he was a man of cool, steady gallantry, great judgement, and most disinterested principles: the prevailing feature in his character, was mildness and good-will to all around him; he possessed an elegant taste for literature; his wit, though brilliant, was never severe; and his benevolence, though unbounded, was never exposed to the glare of the day. He was in his 50th year; and it is only a just tribute to his memory to say, that in his death the British navy sustained the loss of one of its most brave and accomplished officers.
The Rear-Admiral was greatly esteemed by our late monarch, and had long enjoyed the friendship and confidence of his august son, the present King, of whose household, as Prince of Wales, he was Comptroller. The following passages are extracted from the Rev. James Stainer Clarke’s preface to his valuable work, entitled “The Progress of Maritime Discovery,” published in 1803:
“A general idea of the plan may have been formed from the prospectus already circulated. It informed the public that the outline was projected under the auspices, and with the approbation, of Earl Spencer, who presided at the Board of Admiralty; but I did not then mention another patron, by whom the arrangement of the whole was formed, that zealous mariner. Admiral John Willet Payne. * * * * * *
“Under this eminent officer my attention was first directed to Naval Literature. His ardent mind pointed out whatever of novelty or of utility had hitherto been neglected; and whilst his genius cast new light on the desiderata thus presented, hia conversation cheered my fatigue, and his enthusiasm prolonged my industry. * * * * * *
“The labour which friendship thus urged me to attempt, has been greatly lessened by the suggestions and remarks, among many others, of the following gentlemen; to my good friend, Mr. Nicholas Pocock; to my brother. Captain George Clarke; Captain Francis Mason; and Lieutenant Gourly, of the Royal Navy; to Captain Burgess, of the East India Service; to Mr. Buley, Master of the Royal Academy at Portsmouth; and Mr. Whidbey, for whose acquaintance, and for many valuable hints, I am indebted to Captain W. Tremenbeere, of the Royal Marines;– my first thanks are deservedly due.”
