BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SIR THOMAS PASLEY, BART. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE RED SQUADRON

Summary

The generous love of fame–the noble strife,

That grasps at honour at the risk of life,

To vulgar souls unknown–inspires the brave.

Crane.

Sir Thomas Pasley is the descendant of an ancient and honourable family in North Britain; and having from his earliest youth entertained a strong predilection for the naval service, he entered in 1752, as a midshipman, on board the Garland, a small frigate, at that time commanded by the late Captain Saltern Willet. He removed very soon afterward into the Weazle sloop of war, a vessel at that time under orders for the Jamaica station; and in which he served progressively under the Captains Cockburn, Webber, and Digby. The latter being in a short time raised to the rank of Post Captain, and appointed to the Biddeford frigate, took with him Mr. Pasley, for whom he had conceived a strong attachment, and promoted him to the rank of acting lieutenant. The frigate was almost immediately afterward ordered to England, having on board 300,000l. in bullion. As soon as the vessel arrived at Portsmouth, Mr. Pasley was dispatched to London with the treasure, having a serjeant and twelve marines assigned him for his guard. His valuable charge being lodged in the bank, he returned back to Portsmouth without delay, and embarked on board the Dunkirk, to which Captain Digby had been appointed during his absence, on the successless exepedition in the month of September 1757.