Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 1.djvu/284

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BURROW ES. 279 to see every man in his station, and if we succeed to-day, you and I will go to sea no more." He died at Would- ham, near Rochester, in January 1816, at the advanced age of seventy-six. There is a good likeness of him to be found in West's picture of the death of Nelson, The unfortunate, but gallant Captain Burke, of the Seagull, with a younger brother (both of whom foundered in that ship) were his sons; and also Lieut. Burke, of the Mars, who was mortally wounded in cutting out La Ché- vrette, and succeeded by boarding her after receiving his mortal wound. JOHN BURNS Was born in the town of Monaghan, about the com mencement of the last century. He was deaf and dumb from his birth, but discovering a strong natural capacity, was taught to read and write, and speedily acquired a con- siderable knowledge of arithmetic, geography, history, and chronology. In the humblest circumstances, he com- menced life as a pedlar, with a few shillings, which he improved into a considerable sum, and became a shop- keeper. He was, however, unfortunate; he became a bankrupt, and was cast into prison. From hence he was liberated, and paid the full amount of his debts, by his literary talents. His misfortunes and abilities had attracted the notice of the eccentric and benevolent Philip Skelton, under whose patronage he composed, at an advaneed period of life, "An Historical and Chronological Remem- brancer," which was published by subscription in Dublin, by William Watson, in 1775. It contains five hundred pages of curious matter, and appears a surprising intel- lectual effort of a man born with his infirmities. ALEXANDER SAUNDERSON BURROWES WAs a brave naval officer, who fell gloriously in the arms of victory. He was the third son of Alexander Burrowes, VoL. 1.