Captain de Starck is likewise the author of a monody on the late Lord Nelson, which was publicly recited on the stage of the Richmond theatre, Dec. 3, 1805, and very much applauded, the news of the great victory off Trafalgar, and of the hero’s death, having only arrived a few days before. Thia little poem concludes with the following patriotic invocation and very just prediction:–
“Then, O my countrymen! whose griefs deplore
“Your dear, illustrious Nelson, now no more ;
“Cherish the precept his example gave,–
“Let honor prompt, and virtue make you brave;
“And when your country’s wrongs your swords demand,
“Serve with a willing heart and ready hand:
“Oh! give your utmost aid – your latest breath,
“And, true ‘to England’s glory, smile in death.’
“So shall renown adorn your storied page,
“And humbled France no more your arms engage;
“And golden eras iron years subdue,
“The world breathe peace, and owe that peace to you[1].”
The subject of this memoir married, 1st, Miss Houghton, of Bramerton, co. Norfolk; in right of whom, during her life, he was possessed of a considerable estate in that county: 2ndly, Aug. 30, 1807, Miss Kent, niece to the late Sir Thomas Kent, which lady had the honor to be given away by his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, by whom Captain de Starck has recently been appointed one of H.R.H.’s equerries, a distinction the more flattering as it was conferred by that illustrious personage without any solicitation on the part of our gallant and deserving officer.
Agents.– Messrs. Clementson.
WILLIAM COOK, Esq.
[Post-Captain of 1806.]
Was made a Commander May 8, 1801 ; and promoted to post rank Sept. 25, 1806.
- ↑ See Orme’s Graphic History of the Life, Exploits, and Death of Nelson, p. 66 et seq.
