Chapter I: Family History

Birth and education--Anecdote of early daring--Enters the
Navy--Leaves his ship, with one of his companions, at
Marseilles--Joins the _Blonde_, Captain Pownoll--His
activity--Anecdote of General Burgoyne--Instance of extraordinary
boldness--Campaign on the Lakes of Canada--Distinguishes himself in
the actions, of October 11th and 13th, 1776--Complimented by Sir C.
Douglas, Lord Howe, and Earl Sandwich--Appointed to command the
_Carleton_--Nearly takes General Arnold--Narrowly escapes being
made prisoner--Commands a brigade of seamen in Burgoyne's
campaign--In danger of killing his brother--Events of the
campaign--Constructs a bridge, by which the army crosses to
Saratoga--His brother killed in action--Recaptures a provision
vessel from the enemy--Admitted to the Council of War, and pleads
that the sailors may be exempted from the capitulation--Sent home
with despatches in a transport--Defends her against a
privateer--Promoted to be a Lieutenant. page 1