never knew a better officer, a better seaman, or a braver man, than he proved himself during six or seven years he served with me as first lieutenant. He is really a most valuable officer.”
Although so desirous of being employed afloat, Commander Gabriel did not obtain an appointment until June 1830, when he commissioned the Columbine, of 18 guns, fitting out for the West India station. His promotion to the rank of captain took place July 2d, 1831.
This officer’s eldest brother, Burd, was educated for the church; but preferring the army, and having a cornetcy given him by H.R.H. the Duke of York, he joined the Queen’s Bays, and has risen by his merit alone to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. Me was aide-de-camp in the late war to Lieutenant-General Stewart. John, the second son of Dr. Gabriel, was a major in the Hon. East India Company’s service, and died in the year 1815, aged 35. Vere, the fourth son of the same worthy divine, received his education at the Royal Naval College, and died whilst serving as first lieutenant of the Active frigate, in the beginning of 1824, Mrs. Gabriel’s brother, Thomas Holbrook, Esq. is a commander in the royal navy.
Agents.– Messrs. Stilwell.
