way fall, the distant chance of saving a life so inexpressibly dear to him, was his first and paramount consideration – compared to this the whole world was then to him as nothing. If, therefore,he had not jumped back into the gig, the bargemen would have immediately boarded; and as they would have been seconded in good time by 30 more from la Nymphe’s launch, the issue could not have been doubtful.
Thus perished, in his 26th year, an officer of the most intrepid courage, united with superior talents, firmness, and the greatest presence of mind. The sincere regret evinced by every one for his untimely, though glorious fate, is a proof how much he was beloved. On hearing of his death, the whole of la Nymphe’s crew shed tears. Sir Charles Cotton, in a public letter to the Admiralty, says, “I feel extreme regret at the painful necessity of thus recording the death of Captain Shipley, who was a most excellent, brave, and highly meritorious officer.” Sir Samuel Hood wrote to Mr. Charles Shipley as follows:– “No one knew his worth as an officer better than myself; the friendship I held for him was unbounded, and his loss has filled me with the deepest regret. He appears to the last to have borne his truly gallant and amiable disposition.” Sir Robert Barlow says, “When I assure you, I have ever experienced much gratification in having contributed to form so excellent a public and private character as your departed brother, you will believe I sympathise most feelingly in the sorrows of his dearest relations; and in the public regret for the loss of an hero, who has fallen in the pursuit of a most glorious career.” Captain (now Sir George) Eyre endeavours to console Mr. Shipley by saying, “I do not indeed know a young man in our profession, whom we could have looked forward to with such fond hopes as to your poor brother. The concern I feel I cannot easily express; and I assure you that the same sentiment is more general than in any instance of the kind I can recollect, for he was universally beloved and respected.” Sir Thomas Williams expresses his belief that, “had it pleased the Almighty to spare his life, he would have added greatly to the laurels he had so early and so conspicuously won; for, with a feeling and an amiable disposition, he possessed an
