and I need scarcely add, that his object is promotion to the rank of Post-Captain, &c. &c. &c.”
“The Right Hon. Viscount Melville.”
After commanding the San Juan about six months. Captain Thomas was at length advanced to post rank, by commission dated Dec. 8, 1813. He returned to England in the Eurotas frigate, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Linzee, early in the following year. It is worthy of remark, that, although he served longer at Cadiz than any other commander, he is the only one that has not received an honorary distinction. Captains Hall, Fellowes, and Carroll, were nominated Com panions of the Bath, at the enlargement of that Order; we rejoice that it has been in our power to prove that Captain Thomas was no less deserving.
Captain Thomas is the author of a work entitled “England’s Defence.” In 1818, he invented a life-boat, to pull and sail at the average rate, with three keels; the two outer support the bilge, and will prevent the vessel fmm upsetting or sinking. In 1820, he suggested plans for constructing a pier at Brighton, similar to that at Hyde, in the Isle of Wight, and for sheltering it by a breakwater, to be formed of forest timber. In 1821, he tendered a schedule to open a communication between the S.E. and S.W. parts of Sussex, by means of a bridge across the river Arun, which would obviate the necessity of passing through Arundel, and thereby cut off a circuitous route of several miles.
This gallant and meritorious officer married, Aug. 7, 1816, Susannah, daughter of the late Arthur Atherly, Esq., and sister to the then M.P. for Southampton. Mrs. Thomas died July, 23, 1828.
WILLIAM HOWE MULCASTER, Esq.
A Companion of the Most Honorable Military Order of the Bath, and a Knight of the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword.
[Post-Captain of 1813.]
This officer is a son of the late Major-General Mulcaster, R.E. He was made a lieutenant early in 1800: and we first find him
