pointment on the peace establishment, and it having been intimated to him, by high authority, that the being so employed could not be considered as giving an officer any additional claim to promotion, Captain Arabin at length resolved to travel on the continent, with the view of gaining such local knowledge and information as would further qualify him for his country’s service, in the event of another war. He accordingly visited the most considerable parts of France and Italy, acquiring a practical knowledge of the languages of those countries, and passing his time with as much advantage, in a professional point of view, as if he had been serving in a sloop of war. Previous to his obtaining a command, he presented a statement of his services to Viscount Melville, accompanied by the following document:–
“In certifying the above statement of the meritorious and distinguished services of Captain Arabin, for the most part under my own direction and observation, I feel it but justice to him to remark, that his being constantly selected for services of difficulty and danger, where zeal and ability were required, and the development of those qualities having ensured the success of the operation, the best possible earnest for the future is afforded, and the acquirements consequent of such experience, with close application and study in the higher branches of professional knowledge, being proportionate thereto, I do not hesitate to say, that his promotion to the rank which can alone afford the probability of his rising to that of flag-officer, during the active time of life, promises advantage to the service, as well as to the individual whom I have it much at heart to see in his place in the profession to which he has devoted his youth so unremittingly.
On the 2d July, 1821, Captain Arabin was appointed to the Argus 18, intended for the Halifax station, where he received a post commission, from England, dated March 20th, 1823. His last appointment was, Dec. 23, 1825, to the North Star 28, fitting out for the African station, where he captured several slave vessels crowded with victims to the cupidity of Brazilian and Spanish traders. Previous to his return home, he visited Rio de Janeiro, and there received on board Viscount Strangford, Envoy[errata 1] Extraordinary to the Court of Brazil, whom he landed at Portsmouth, June 29, 1829. The North Star was soon afterwards put out of commission.
Errata:
- ↑ Correction: Envoy should be amended to late H.M. Envoy
