BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SIR THOMAS GRAVES, K. B. REAR-ADMIRAL OF THE WHITE SQUADRON

Summary

Valiant and virtuous, full of haughty courage,

And grown to noble credit by the wars.

Not fearing death, nor shrinking from distress,

But always resolute in most extremes.

Shakespeare.

We have a peculiar satisfaction in recording the exploits of those heroes, who, as it were, have hereditarily been employed, and distinguished themselves, in the naval service of their country. Among these are branches of the families of Hood and Saumarez, on whose gallant actions we have often dwelt with national pride and satisfaction, happy in the feeling of belonging to a country, which has produced such defenders, and secure in the conviction, that should the hour of danger again arrive, some of these warriors, or their descendants, will appear in arms to avenge their country's wrongs, and vindicate her honour.

Among the names which hold a distinguished place in the annals of the British Navy, that of Graves will long be mentioned with admiration and respect. Sir Thomas Graves is the son of a clergyman who settled in the north of Ireland, and had an exceeding large family; four of whose sons, viz. Samuel, John, our present subject Thomas, and Richard, after a considerable length of services, were advanced to the rank of Post Captains in the Navy.