ized liver, and the powerful medicines he had been compelled to take in order to subdue that disorder.
In May 1824, Captain Wight invented a rudder “for the more easy and safe conducting all classes of H.M. ships, and those in the merchants’ service” by the use of which he is of opinion they will be enabled to perform the evolutions of tacking and wearing with less helm, and require less manual force on the wheel or tiller. From the description we have seen of this invention, we have no doubt that it will be found to possess many advantages over the rudder now in use, particularly in cases where it may be necessary suddenly to alter the vessel’s course; and on the other hand to prevent her broaching to when scudding in a heavy gale of wind, a disaster which has too often caused the loss of ship and lives. We regret our inability to attempt a philosophical description of it.
Captain Wight is at present very actively employed as a Commissioner of Roads and Bridges at Teignmouth, in Devonshire. His lady died there in May, 1812, leaving issue three sons and one daughter, the survivors of whom are, by their late grandfather’s will, to take the name and arms of Schanck, on the demise of his respected widow[1]. The Admiral’s property is, we believe, left to Admiral Viscount Exmouth, in trust for those children, one of whom is now serving as a Midshipman under Commodore Grant, in the East Indies, and another studying the law. His daughter is also living; but the other child, a god-son of Lord Prudhoe, and intended for the naval profession, was drowned in the river Teign at twelve years of age.
Agent.– Thomas Stilwell, Esq.
HENRY FOLKES EDGELL, Esq
[Post-Captain of 1802.]
This officer was made a Lieutenant in 1790; commanded the Pluto sloop of war, principally employed on the Newfoundland station, from 1798 till his promotion to the rank
- ↑ Mrs. Schanck is the mother-in-law of the late Mrs. Wight, who was the Admiral’s only child by his first wife.
