526 



successfully examined the coast of Karamania, and was about to 

 continue his operations down the shores of Syria, when they were 

 suddenly cut short by an attack of fanatical natives, by one of whom 

 Captain Beaufort was severely, almost fatally, wounded. Thus pre- 

 vented from continuing the interesting survey, he repaired to Malta, 

 and there, with exemplary fortitude, endured intense suffering from 

 his wound, which for several months endangered his very existence. 

 He was then ordered to England, in company with the ' Rodney,' 

 74, and his ship was paid off in October 1812, after which year he 

 went no more afloat. 



But the leisure of his half-pay time was not expended in idleness, 

 as evinced by the subsequent publication of his admirable survey 

 with its illustrative memoir ; and by his exertions in the Councils of 

 the Royal, the Astronomical, and the Geographical Societies. He 

 was, moreover, a member of the Board of Greenwich Visitors, and 

 one of the Committee of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful 

 Knowledge, wherein he originated and conducted the widely-circu- 

 lated series of cheap maps. Yet twenty years were permitted to pass 

 before he was selected to that post for which he was so obviously 

 and so eminently qualified; for it was not till 1832 that he was 

 installed Hydrographer to the Admiralty. This office had been 

 turned to but small account until Captain Beaufort took it in hand, 

 and manifested its value to the public, not only in the construction 

 of superior charts, but also in affording aid to the Commissions on 

 Tidal Harbours, Ports of Refuge, and Pilotage; and indeed to all 

 branches of naval scientific knowledge. 



In carrying out these duties, he was ever ready to advise and assist; 

 and he was a warm supporter of friendless merit, even in cases where 

 he was opposed by certain official obstructions. Through all he 

 conscientiously did his duty, although at times he felt it painful to 

 enjoin services without a prospect of reward, where it was deserved 

 and expected. 



Sir Francis Beaufort was appointed one of the Civil Knights 

 Commanders of the Bath ; and in 1845 he accepted the rank of 

 retired Rear-Admiral, with permission to retain his office of Hydro- 

 grapher, the daily duties of which he assiduously attended until he 

 was turned of fourscore. He married the daughter of his first 

 commander, Captain Lestock Wilson, shortly after his last return 



