and exertion were more requisite than in any other situation a ship could possibly be placed in. On hearing the evidence read over, the Rear-Admiral subscribed to thee just opinion of his colleagues, by whom it was allowed that the Pomone’s internal regulations, the appointment of her boats, and the discipline and happiness of her crew, were not to be excelled by any ship in the service. How must the heart of this brave and deserving officer swell with indignation when he contemplates the anxious moments he has passed, the perils he has contended with, and the wounds he has received in his country’s cause, to see boys without any extraordinary merit, and possessing no other claim than that afforded by the shadowy appellation of “honorable”, pass over his head with the velocity of meteors! If you analyse the pretensions of the latter, what do they too frequently end in but the visionary vacuum of exalted birth.
“Through the spirited and unceasing exertions of Captain Barrie, my friend Gabriel was made a commander in March 1812; since which he has made every effort in his power to obtain employment, but without success. On obtaining a pension for his wounds, ho immediately settled its amount, upon his mother for her life. As a husband, a father, or a master, his character is equally amiable and affectionate. He married Maria, eldest daughter of William Holbrook, Esq. an eminent solicitor of Ledbury, in Herefordshire, a lady possessing every qualification to make him supremely happy. By her he has one son and one daughter.”
The foregoing information was communicated to the author in Sept. 1824, at which period Commander Gabriel occupied a small farm at Newbury, in Worcestershire, and was “enjoying, in the highest degree, the otium cum dignitate, visited by many of the most respectable families in the neighbourhood, beloved and esteemed by all for his urbanity, his modesty, and his cheerfulness of temper, and bringing up his offspring in the paths of virtue, integrity, and honor.” He subsequently received a letter from Rear-Admiral the Hon. Thomas Bladen Capel, of which the following is an extract:–
“I can enter fully into your mortified feelings at the neglect of your very meritorious services, and be assured that whatever influence I may have shall be most cheerfully exerted in your behalf.”
In the ensuing month (Aug 1827) we find his friend Commodore Barrie addressing Sir George Cockburn as follows:–
