men 28, Captain Sibly, and Windsor Castle 74, Captain (now Sir Charles) Dashwood, to which latter ship he was re-appointed on the 4th Jan. 1822. His promotion to the rank of commander took place June 3d, 1824, at the earnest request of King John of Portugal, by whom he had just before been presented with the above-mentioned order, with the insignia set in diamonds, on his resumption of the regal authority at Lisbon, after a temporary sojourn on board the Windsor Castle.
Commander Cook is the author of “Sketches in Spain, during the years 1829 – 32.” This work appears to be valuable for its historical details, and is thus noticed in the Naval and Military Gazette:–
“These sketches are the result of a three years’ residence in Spain, during which the author visited some of the most interesting portions of that country, and indeed places but little noticed by other travellers. The subjects to which he appears to have directed attention are, the government of Spain; the military and civil branches of administration; the ecclesiastical establishment; the manners of the people; the fine arts, and natural history. These are treated with much good sense; and though the language is not the most correct or polished, still the descriptions are full of interest, and we have no doubt that they are authentic.”
This officer married, in 1832, Dorothy, youngest daughter of the late Alexander Davison, Esq., of Swarland Park, co. Northumberland.
ROBERT CONTART M‘CREA, Esq.
[Commander.]
Served as midshipman under the flag of Sir James (now Lord De) Saumarez, on the Baltic station; passed his examination, at Portsmouth, in Feb. 1812; obtained his first commission on the 20th Nov. following; and was appointed to the Amphion frigate. Captain James P. Stewart, on the North Sea station. May 5th, 1813[1]. He commanded the Scourge revenue cruiser, and was very actively and successfully employed against the smugglers, in 1818, 1819, and
