The Vice-Admiral retained his seat at the Board of Admiralty until the month of April 1818, when he resigned it; since which he has been on half-pay. He is at present M.P. for Reygate, having been returned for that borough in the summer of 1818[1], and re-elected in 1820.
Sir Joseph Yorke married, first, in April 1795, Elizabeth, daughter of James Rattray, of Atherstone, in North Britain, Esq.; and by that lady, who died Jan. 29, 1812, has several children, one of whom, Charles Philip, a Commander in the Navy, born April 1799; served as a Midshipman of the Queen Charlotte in the battle of Algiers[2], and obtained the commendations of his Captain (Sir James Brisbane) for his conduct on that memorable occasion. Sir Joseph married, secondly, May 22, 1813, Urania, dowager Marchioness of Clanricarde, and daughter of George, twelfth Marquis of Winchester.
- ↑ The following lines were addressed to Sir Joseph Sydney Yorke, on his retirement from the Admiralty:
Hail to thee, friend of the storm-beaten tar,
Hail to thee, Yorke! ever faithful and brave;
In peace a consoler, undaunted in war,
Hail to thee, Yorke, from a son of the wave.
Though thy hand be withdrawn from directing the helm,
Though thy voice in the Board-room no longer be heard,
Not a heart of more worth throbs in Albion’s proud realm,
Not an Admiral more valued, more loved, and revered.
When old Neptune his Tritons may harness again,
When wild echoes awake that now slumbering lie,
Let thy standard be reared on the high-swelling main,
And with Yorke we’ll embark – to conquer or die.
The widow still sigh’d at misfortune’s decree,
The tears of the orphan fell frequent, though soft;
These, by some disregarded, were pitied by thee –
And for Yorke grateful wishes shall now soar aloft.
Then hail to the friend of a storm-beaten tar,
Hail to a Chief, ever faithful and brave;
In peace still beloved, and undaunted in war –
Hail to thee, Yorke! from a son of the wave.An Old Shipmate.
- ↑ See p. 225, et seq.
