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The manner in which Mr. Edgcumbe passed his time as a Midshipman, and obtained the two first steps of his professional rank, will be seen by the following handsome testimonials, which were given to him by two officers of distinguished reputation, at a period when he was urging his claims to still further advancement.

“These are to certify, that Captain John Edgcumbe served with me as Midshipman on board the Carnatic, Trusty, and Fairy sloop, between the years 1789 and 1791; then on board the Carysfort in the years 1793 and 1794; afterwards as Lieutenant on board the Aimable, Beaulieu, and Ganges, in 1795 and 1796: and that in consequence of the gallant conduct which he displayed when serving on board the Carysfort, in an action with a French frigate captured by that ship, I did strongly recommend him to the Earl of Chatham for promotion as soon as he should have served his time; and that during the above mentioned periods he conducted himself as became an able and zealous officer. Given under my hand, Feb. 2, 1807.

(Signed)“Francis Laforet^[1].”

“Chandos Street, Cavendish Square, Feb. 4, 1807.

“Dear Sir,– I have great pleasure in complying with your request: it is indeed only an act of justice to certify, that you served with me in the Royal George, as one of the Lieutenants of that ship, from 1797 to 1800 – that you afterwards followed my fortune in the Agincourt, when I commanded at Newfoundland; – that you were embarked with me in the St. George, both whilst I commanded in the Baltic, and off Cadiz; and was at my request promoted on the peace taking place, being then first Lieute-

military men, that their destruction was absolutely necessary for the safety of Plymouth, and the defence of its important fortress, in case of any hostile attack. This patriotic nobleman obtained an earldom in Aug. 1789; and died, much regretted, Feb. 4, 1795. His successor, the present Earl, has uniformly behaved with the greatest kindness and friendship towards Captain Edgcumbe; and we cannot refrain from noticing his Lordship’s hospitality to naval officers in general, knowing, as we do, that in the years 1796, 1797, and 1798, the western squadron was called the “Mount Edgcumbe squadron,” from the circumstance of the different captains spending much of their time under the Earl’s roof whilst the ships they commanded were refitting at Plymouth. We have good authority for stating that the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, although of the most unobtrusive habits, is considered one of the best classical scholars in England.

1. The Carnatic was commanded by the Hon. Captain Peregrine Bertie; the Trusty bore the flag of Sir John Laforey, Bart.