JOHN TOWNSHEND, Esq.
[Commander.]
Eldest son of the late Lord John Townshend (second son of George first Marquis Townshend, and a godson of King George II.), a distinguished and respected nobleman, who accompanied Earl Howe, as a volunteer, to the relief of Gibraltar in 1782; subsequently filled the posts of a Lord of the Admiralty and Paymaster of the Forces; and at various periods represented in Parliament the university of Cambridge, the city of Westminster, and the borough of Knaresborough; who in political life early attached himself to the late Right Hon. Charles Fox, and by the grace of his manners, his genius, wit, and elegant literature, became remarkable amongst the associates of that celebrated statesman.
This officer was made lieutenant into the Rochfort 80, flag-ship of Sir Graham Moore, on the Mediterranean station, May 13th, 1822; and advanced to the rank of commander Jan. 26th, 1828. His commission as captain bears date Oct. 22d, 1834. His sister is the lady of Captain Sir Augustus W. J. Clifford, R.N., C.B., &c. &c.