where he completed his time as midshipman[1]. Whilst serving under the latter excellent officer, a boat of which he had the command was upset in a heavy gale of wind, between Portsmouth and Spithead, and being unable to swim, he must have perished but for the generous heroism of a tar who hastened to his assistance, and kept him from sinking until the arrival of more effectual aid. As the accident happened close to the Latona, the whole of the ship’s company witnessed with admiration the exertions of the gallant sailor, and seeing him apparently exhausted, one man sang out “Let go your hold, or you will be drowned:” – to which he characteristically replied, “No – I’ll be d___d if I do! – if he goes to h___l, I will go with him.” We mention this circumstance merely to shew how assiduously Mr. Gabriel had then laboured to gain the esteem of his inferiors, and what an impression humane and kind conduct will make on the most rude and uncultivated minds. Unfortunately, the preserver of his young officer’s life was by no means qualified for any promotion, and therefore a handsome pecuniary reward, together with such little acts of kindness as a midshipman could confer, were all that he received for imminently hazarding his own life, in order to save that of another.
Mr. Gabriel’s first commission bears date Mar. 12th, 1800; from which we infer, that he had been borne on the books of some other ship previous to his joining the Romney. On his advancement to the rank of lieutenant, he was appointed to the Alecto fire-vessel. Captain Lenox Thompson, stationed at the Needles; and we afterwards find him serving successively under Captains the Hon. Thomas Bladen Capel and Robert Barrie, in the Phoebe, Brilliant, and Pomone, frigates. The following extract is taken from the “Hampshire Courier” of July 15th, 1811:–
