miral Chapman’s models,) until June 22, 1810, when he was superseded on being appointed one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty[1], on which occasion he vacated his seat in Parliament, but was immediately re-elected. Some time previous to this, when his brother the Earl of Hardwicke obtained the Blue Ribband while Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Captain Yorke, as his proxy, received the honor of knighthood[2].
On the 31st July, 1810, Sir Joseph was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Blue; and in the month of Jan. following, he hoisted his flag on board the Vengeur of 74 guns, and assumed the command of a strong squadron, with which, and a large body of troops intended to reinforce Lord Wellington’s army in Portugal, he arrived in the Tagus March 4; in consequence of this reinforcement the French army, under Marshal Massena, broke up from Santarem, and began its retreat into Spain. We next find the Rear-Admiral cruizing off the Western Isles, with a squadron consisting of three sail of the line and two frigates, for the protection of the homeward bound East India fleet, the whole of which reached England in safety.
At the general election in Oct. 1812, Sir Joseph Yorke was chosen M.P. for Sandwich[3]. And on the 4th June, 1814, obtained the rank of Vice-Admiral. He was nominated a K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815; and in the course of the same year presented with the freedom of the borough of Plymouth.
- ↑ Captain Yorke’s brother, the Right Hon. C. Yorke, formerly Secretary of War and Secretary of State, was about the same time nominated First Lord Commissioner, in which post he continued for two years. During the period of the two brothers sitting at the board, the Break-water in Plymouth Sound was decided upon and commenced; the dock-yard at Pembroke, and the improvements in Sheerness-yard, were also determined upon; the iron tanks, iron cables, and round bows of the ships of war, were generally introduced in the service, together with other essential improvements. Previous to Sir J. Sidney Yorke resigning his seat at the Admiralty, the round sterns were also brought forward, at the suggestion of Sir R. Seppings, and their utility strenuously supported by our officer.
- ↑ Philip, Earl of Hardwicke, was made. Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in 1801, where his administration was highly approved, and where he gave great satisfaction, by displaying, in very difficult times, much wisdom, firmness, judgment, and moderation. He is a K.G., and stands high in the political world; and as a private man, a father, and husband, his character ranks with the best.
- ↑ The borough of Sandwich generally returns a naval officer as one of its representatives.
