Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p1.djvu/181

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POST-CAPTAINS OF 1798.
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amongst the strangers, who from motives of gain had sought that country, was of a far kindlier nature; and it was essentially owing to this circumstance, that his influence became so commanding and extensive. He was trusted everywhere, and enjoyed in a wonderful degree the confidence and esteem of all parties whatsoever: his advice, which was never obtruded, was never suspected; and a thousand bitter disputes were at once settled amicably, and to the advantage of all parties, by a mere word of his, instead of being driven into what are called national questions, to last for years, and lead to no useful end. When this respect and confidence had once become fully established, every thing went on so smoothly under his vigilant auspices, that it was those only who chanced to be placed near the scene, who could perceive the extent, or appreciate the importance, of the public good which he was silently dispensing – as in a well-steered ship, a stranger is unconscious how much he owes to the operation of the helm, or how much merit belongs to the hand which, unseen, guides the motions of the whole. It is on this account that we have dwelt so long on services which, unlike his former exploits in war, do not speak for themselves, but which are nevertheless in the highest degree entitled to public gratitude, and are most worthy of professional imitation.

Sir Thomas M. Hardy married Anne Louisa Emily, a daughter of the late Admiral Hon. Sir George C. Berkeley, G.C.B., niece of the late Duke of Richmond, and sister to the Countess of Euston.

Agents.– Messrs. Cooke, Halford, and Son.



WILLIAM CUMBERLAND, Esq
[Post-Captain of 1798.]

This officer is a son of Mr. Cumberland the celebrated dramatist, a memoir of whom will be found in the first volume of a work entitled “Public Characters.” He was made a Lieutenant in 1790; commanded the Fly sloop of war in 1797; and obtained the rank of Post-Captain Nov. 8, 1798. During the late war he commanded la Pique frigate, the Leyden and Stately 64’s, and Saturn, a third rate. La Pique, in company with the Pelican sloop of war, took possession of le Goelan, a French brig of 18 guns, and an armed