Page:Royal Naval Biography Marshall v2p2.djvu/191

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POST-CAPTAINS OF 1802.
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such a system, two vessels have been built, in a royal dockyard, on his projection: the first, a cutter of about one hundred and sixty tons, is said to embrace stability under canvas with little ballast, great buoyancy, better stowage, and swifter sailing qualities, than any model yet designed by known schools of naval architecture. The second, a sloop of war, is at present absent on her first experimental cruise, in company with two other vessels of the same class, one of which was designed by Sir Robert Seppings; and the other built by the students of Portsmouth dock-yard, under the superintendence of Professor Inman. Delicacy forbids us saying any thing more on this interesting subject at present; but our readers may rest assured that it will be renewed at a proper opportunity.




SAMUEL CAMPBELL ROWLEY, Esq
[Post-Captain of 1802.]

This officer, a brother of Rear-Admiral Sir Josias Rowley, Bart., K.C.B. M.P., was made a Commander April 6, 1799; commanded the Terror bomb, during the expedition against Copenhagen, in 1801; and obtained post rank, April 29, 1802; from which period we find no mention of him till his appointment to the Laurel frigate, which took place about Feb. 1811. On the 31st Jan. in the following year, he had the misfortune to be wrecked, in consequence of striking on a sunken rock, called the Govivas, when proceeding through the Teigneuse passage, in company with the Rota and Rhin. His behaviour on this disastrous occasion was highly praise-worthy, he having remained on the wreck, exposed to a heavy and well-directed fire from the French batteries and field pieces, till every officer, man, and boy, had been removed by the boats sent from other ships in the offing to their relief. A long account of the circumstances attending the Laurel’s loss will be found in the Naval Chronicle, v. 27, p. 228 et seq., by which it appears that two of her crew, inspired by gratitude, Captain Rowley having once pardoned them for attempting to go on shore without leave, expressed their determination of staying by him to the last, with the view of supporting him in the water, should the ship go to pieces before any