That worthy and gallant gentleman, who was now become Comptroller of the
Navy, having succeeded Sir Hugh Palliser in April 1775, received him
with his accustomed benignity. His tenderness was alarmed at the ravages
which he beheld in his nephew's countenance; and he resolved that, if he
could not instantly reinstate his vigour, he would at least endeavour to
recruit his spirits by the choicest of all professional cordials, an
immediate and merited promotion.

On the 24th of September 1776, the Dolphin was paid off at Woolwich;
and, on the 26th of the same month, three days before his nephew
completed his eighteenth year, he received, through the comptroller's
influence, an order from Sir James Douglas, then commanding in chief at
Portsmouth, to act as lieutenant, in the Worcester of sixty-four guns,
under Captain Mark Robinson. This meritorious officer, who afterwards
distinguished himself in Admiral Keppel's memorable action of the 27th
of July 1778; as well as in that of Admiral Greaves, off the Chesapeak,
the 5th of September 1781, where he lost a leg; was then under sailing
orders for Gibraltar, with a convoy. He had too much merit of his own,
not soon to discover it in another; and was so well satisfied with his
young officer, as to place the utmost confidence in his skill and
prudence.

Under this able commander, he remained at sea, with various convoys,
till the 2d of April 1777; and Admiral Robinson--for this worthy man
was, in consequence of his misfortune, placed on the list of
superannuated rear-admirals--has often been heard to remark, that he
felt equally easy, during the night, when it was young Nelson's turn to
watch, as when the oldest officer on board had charge of the ship.