also surveyed various parts of the Red Sea, particularly from Suez to Tor; and formed part of Sir Home Popham’s retinue during that officer’s political mission to the Arab States, in the course of which the embassy experienced many indignities, and was exposed to considerable danger, through the perfidy of the natives[1].
Mr. Mason was promoted to the rank of Commander in April 1802, but did not hear of his advancement until the Romney’s arrival at Bombay, in Nov. of the same year. Finding, on his return to England, that active preparations were making for the renewal of hostilities, he lost no time in soliciting employ; notwithstanding which he did not obtain an appointment till Jan. 1804, when he commissioned the Rattler, a ship sloop mounting 24 guns, and used every exertion to get her ready for sea. While on half-pay, he had the honor of being presented at court by Sir Home Popham, from whom he had always experienced great kindness and attention[2]. He had likewise the melancholy gratification of witnessing the last moments, and attending the funeral, of his amiable friend and patron, at whose demise there would have been an end to all his professional prospects, had not his present Majesty, out of respect to the memory of Rear-Admiral Payne, graciously condescended to interest himself most warmly in his behalf, and obtained for him the appointment already noticed. We should here observe that the subject of this memoir, whenever unemployed, either as a Midshipman, Lieutenant, or Commander, had always lived at the Rear-Admiral’s table, except when the latter was a guest at Carlton-house; and that he was in the carriage with him when that lamented officer was attacked with the paralytick stroke that caused his death[3].
- ↑ See Nav. Chron. v. 16, note at p. 284.
- ↑ Captain Mason, like many other officers, is indebted to Sir Home Popham for the knowledge he possesses of time-pieces, lunars, &c.
- ↑ Rear-Admiral Payne died at the Royal Hospital, Greenwich, Nov. 17, 1803, deeply regretted by all who had the honor of his friendship or acquaintance. For a full account of his naval services, we must refer our readers to the third volume of the Naval Chronicle, and shall here only
