cation suitable to his early
propensities. At the age of sixteen, he began his maritime career, under
the deceased Captain Michael Everet of the navy, at the commencement of
hostilities, in 1755: and at the same time that he learned the rudiments
of his profession under that able officer, he partook with him in the early
misfortunes, and subsequent glories of the seven years war. Whatever
opulence Phillip acquired from the capture of the Havannah, certain it is,
that, at the age of twenty-three, he there was made a Lieutenant into the
Stirling-castle, on the 7th of June, 1761, by Sir George Pococke, an
excellent judge of naval accomplishments.

But of nautical exploits, however they may raise marine officers, there
must be an end. Peace, with its blessings, was restored in 1763. And Phillip
now found leisure to marry; and to settle at Lyndhurst, in the New Forest,
where he amused himself with farming, and like other country gentlemen,
discharged assiduously those provincial offices, which, however unimportant,
occupy respectably the owners of land, who, in this island, require no office
to make them important.

But sailors, like their own element, are seldom at rest. Those occupations,
which pleased Phillip while they were new, no longer pleased him when
they became familiar. And he hastened to offer his skill and his services to
Portugal when it engaged in warfare with Spain. His offer was readily
accepted, because such skill and services were necessary amidst an arduous
struggle with a too powerful opponent. And, such was his conduct and such
his success, that when the recent interference of France, in 1778, made
it his duty to fight for his king, and to defend his country, the Portugueze
court regretted his departure, but applauded his motive.

His return was doubtless approved by those who, knowing his value, could
advance his rank: For he was made master and commander into the Basilisk
fireship, on the 2d of September, 1779. But in her he had little opportunity
of displaying his zeal, or of adding to his fame. This step, however, led
him up to a higher situation; and he was made post-captain into the Ariadne
frigate, on the 13th of November, 1781, when he was upwards of three and
forty. This is the great epoch in the lives of our naval officers, because
it is from this that they date their rank. In the Ariadne, he had little
time for active adventures, or for gainful prizes, being appointed to the
Europe of sixty-