gain a large accession of nautical knowledge. Though there happened not,
on this occasion, to be any opportunity offer for evincing the heroism
and bravery of his mind, sufficient instances presented themselves of
his unusual proficiency in seamanship, and of his mild and amiable
manners, to conciliate the esteem not only of all with whom he more
immediately acted, either as superiors, equals, or inferiors, but to
attract the notice, and fix the friendly regards, of the commander in
chief. From Sir Edward Hughes, he received many pleasing proofs of
friendly attention, which he never forgot. He had, indeed, considerable
claims to indulgence from his humane and generous superiors. The climate
proved too powerfully relaxing for his delicate frame; and, braced as it
had recently been, by the frozen atmosphere of the north, the sultry
airs of these torrid regions were now rapidly undermining his
constitution. Alarmed for the danger of a youth thus distant from his
friends, whose life was ever precious, even from his tenderest infancy,
to all who had opportunities of once knowing the goodness of his heart,
Captain Farmer and Sir Edward Hughes united in recommending his return
to England, as the only chance that remained for restoring him to
health.

Captain James Pigot, now Admiral of the White, was at that time coming
home with the Dolphin of twenty guns. To this gentleman's care, Horatio
was particularly recommended by Sir Edward Hughes; and such were the
tender and humane attentions of the worthy commander, that he may be
considered as having been greatly instrumental in the preservation of a
life which has since proved so substantially beneficial to the country.
Such, indeed, were the salutary effects of Admiral Pigot's soothing
kindness, and generous aids, added to the gradual change of air
experienced on the passage to England, that his young charge arrived
almost entirely restored to health, and again visited his beloved uncle.