I 



1829.2 ^if^ ^'^^^ Services of Captain Philip Beaver. 37 



who persuaded with more conviction. His view of enterprise was generally 

 very bold^ for he never saw difficulty, and was a stranger to fear : but as a 

 flag officer, his soaring mind would have been more in its element than as 

 captain of a frigate. With a strong thirst after useful information, he studied 

 closely during every moment of official leisure, and was therefore not only a 

 scientific navigator, but appeared very conversant in general literature. He 

 was indifferent to the g-arb in which substantial knowledge was clothed : 

 and I have reason to think that this extraordinary man read the Encyclopedia 

 Britannica entirely through during a cruise — a curious instance of a habit of 

 perseverance." 



The life of such a man is not less useful to his country than honour- 

 able to humanity, and the history of it will be read witti admiration 

 by all who can be interested by the noblest and most exalted qualities 

 that dignify our species. The most painful part of the story remains to 

 be told ; — that notwithstanding his temperate habits, his excessively 

 laborious and almost uninterrupted service, he ■was unable to leave such 

 a provision for his family as placed them bej^ond the necessity of being 

 indebted to the compassion of others for their support : — 



"■ His family, at his death, consisted of Mrs. Beaver and six children ; and 

 as fortune had not favoured him in the acquisition of wealth, his widow was, 

 through the kindness of Lord Viscoiuit Melville, appointed matron of Green- 

 wich Hospital School — a situation which she could have little contemplated, 

 when her husband was so conspicuous on the high road to the brightest 

 honours. This nomination, however, afforded a refuge from pecuniary dis- 

 tress ; and procured her an unexpected. source of consolation, in the eager 

 desire with which the veteran sailors crowded her door, entreating to see the 

 children, those interesting portraits of^ their late revered commander. 



. Surely the widow and family of such a man ought to have been other- 

 wise provided for ! 



Among the documents which are collected at the end of the volume, 

 is a single ballad, written by Captain Beaver at the age of fifteen. It has 

 enough of lyrical ease to prove that, \^ he had cultivated the art, he 

 might have succeeded in it ; and, as a song of the sea, by a sailor, it is 

 a curiosity : — ■ 



On the Battle between the 'Mii.ior^ frigate and the Dieu de Coigny, fought on the 



loth May 1780. 



Up in the wind, three leagues or more. 

 We spied a lofty sail ; 

 '•' Let's hoist a Dutch flag for decoy, 

 And closely hug the gale." 



Nine knots the nimble Milford ran, 



" Thus — thus," the master cried ; 

 Hull up, she raised the chase in view. 



And soon was side by side. 



" Down the Dutch ensign, up St. George, 

 To quarters now all hands," — 

 With lighted match, beside his gun. 

 Each British warrior stands. 



" Give fire !" the gallant captain cries ; 



'Tis done — the cannons roar; 

 " Stand clear. Monsieur ! digest these pills. 



And then we'll send you more !" 



