and settled. Mr. Russell was born, we believe, about the year 1743, and at the early age of five years, he had the misfortune of losing his father; and, through either the fraud, or mismanagement of his guardians, all the fortune which had been left him was dissipated by the time that he reached fourteen.
Our officer entered the service at an early period of life, and after serving fourteen years as a Midshipman[1], was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. During the war with the colonies, he served on board the Albany, Diligent, and Raleigh, principally on the coast of America, and distinguished himself on several occasions. In the latter vessel, Lieutenant Russell served at the siege of Charlestown, in South Carolina; on the reduction of which, May 11, 1780[2], Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, the naval Commander-in-Chief, promoted him to the rank of Commander, in the Beaumont sloop.
From the Beaumont, Captain Russell was made Post, May 7, 1781, in the Bedford, of 74 guns, on board which ship Commodore Affleck hoisted his broad pendant. He soon after removed into the Hussar, of 20 guns 5 and cruised with considerable success against the enemy, taking and destroying a fine frigate near Boston, laden with masts and naval stores, for the French fleet; a large brig privateer, of 18 guns; a letter of marque, of nearly the same force; and several smaller prizes, beside la Sybille frigate, the capture of which demand-
- ↑ The late Lord Collingwood, the worthy and gallant successor of the immortal Nelson, served the same space of time without promotion; so little did his prospects at first setting out in life keep pace with his merit, or forbode the honours to which he afterwards arrived! The late venerable Vice-Admiral Hunter, of whom a memoir will be found in the “Annual Biography and Obituary for 1823,” was twenty years in the navy before he attained the rank of Lieutenant. This reflection will afford matter of consolation to modest merit, struggling under similar difficulties; and those who are inclined to despond after a few years trial, may here find instances of the rewards that attend diligence and perseverance.
“The Wise and Active conquer difficulties
By daring to attempt them; Sloth and Folly,
Shiver and shrink at sight of Toil and Hazard,
And make the impossibility they fear.”
Rowe. - ↑ See Retired Captain Sir Andrew S. Hamond.
