interesting to observe how far the influence
of a great commander may extend. St. Vincent and Pownoll, who were
brought up under Boscawen, and received their lieutenant's commissions
from him, contributed materially to form a Nelson and an Exmouth; each
the founder of a school of officers, whose model is the character of
their chief, and their example his successes.

Active beyond his companions, and devoted to his profession, he soon
became a thorough seaman; while the buoyancy of youth, and his playful,
fearless spirit, prompted him continually to feats of extraordinary
daring. In the spring of 1775, General Burgoyne took his passage to
America in the _Blonde_, and when he came alongside, the yards were
manned to receive him. Looking up, he was surprised and alarmed to see a
midshipman on the yard-arm standing on his head. Captain Pownoll, who
was at his side, soon quieted his apprehensions, by assuring him that it
was only one of the frolics of young Pellew, and that the General might
make himself quite at ease for his safety, for if he should fall, he
would only go under the ship's bottom, and come up on the other side.
What on this occasion was probably spoken but in jest, was afterwards
more than realized; for he actually sprang from the fore-yard of the
_Blonde_, while she was going fast through the water, and saved a man
who had fallen overboard. Captain Pownoll reproached him for his
rashness, but he shed tears when he spoke of it to the officers, and
declared that Pellew was a noble fellow.

The revolt of the American colonies, which rose in this year to the
importance of a national war, was soon to furnish him with objects
worthy of his skill and courage. On the 10th of May the Americans
surprised Ticonderoga, and, having secured the command of Lake Champlain
by a strong squadron, were enabled to prosecute offensive operations
against Canada. Sir Guy Carleton, the governor and commander-in-chief of
that province, had very inadequate means to defend it. The enemy took
Montreal, and in the beginning of December laid siege to Quebec,
expecting an easy conquest; but their commander, General Montgomery, who
had summoned Sir Guy Carleton in the most arrogant and threatening
style, was killed on the 31st, in attempting to storm the place, and his
troops were repulsed. The siege, however, was continued by Arnold, till
Commodore Sir Charles Douglas, in the _Isis_, with two other ships under
his Orders, forced his way