Page:A biographical dictionary of eminent Scotsmen, vol 3.djvu/60

88 studied for some time, with the intention of entering the church of Scotland; but afterwards changing his design, he devoted himself principally to classical learning, for which his mind was unusually gifted. He also directed his attention to the study of mathematics, of ancient and modern geography, and of the modern languages, including most of those of northern Europe. He made the tour of the continent several times in the capacity of tutor and travelling companion. Afterwards he was private secretary to the learned general Melville; and ultimately he established himself in London, where he dedicated his life to literary pursuits. He was the author of Military Adventures, 8vo, The Modern Preceptor, 2 vols. 8vo, The Cabinet of Arts, including Arithmetic, Geometry, and Chemistry, 2 vols. 8vo.; and contributed besides to many scientific and literary works; particularly to the periodical publications of the day. He also engaged in the translation of works from the French and Italian languages. For many years he employed himself, under the patronage of the late duke of York, in preparing a new translation of Cæsar's Commentaries, with copious notes and illustrations. This work, however, he did not live to complete, which is much to be regretted, as from his classical knowledge he must have rendered it highly valuable. He had likewise intended to prepare an English translation of Strabo, as well as to clear up many doubtful passages in Polybius, for which he was eminently qualified; but the want of encouragement and the narrowness of his circumstances frustrated his wishes. Reduced, in the evening of his life, to all the miseries of indigence and neglect, he sunk, after a long and severe illness, into the grave, in the year 1822, leaving his aged widow utterly destitute and unprovided for; and affording in himself an instructive but painful example of the hardships to which, unless under very favourable circumstances, men even of extraordinary attainments, are apt to be reduced, when, forsaking the ordinary paths of professional industry, they yield to the cultivations of literature.

DOUGLAS,, a distinguished naval officer, was a native of Scotland; but we have not learned where he was born, nor to what family he belonged. His education must have been very good, as he could speak no fewer than six different European languages with perfect correctness. He was originally in the Dutch service, and it is said that he did not obtain rank in the British navy without great difficulty. In the seven years' war, which commenced in 1756, he was promoted through the various ranks of the service till he became post-captain. At the conclusion of the war in 1763, he went to St Petersburg, his majesty having previously conferred upon him the rank of baronet. On the war breaking out with America in 1775, Sir Charles had a broad pendant given him, and commanded the squadron employed in the Gulf of St Lawrence. His services on this station were, after his return to England, rewarded with very flattering honours, and he soon after obtained command of the Duke, 98 guns. Sir Charles was remarkable not only as a linguist, but also for his genius in mechanics. He suggested the substitution of locks for matches in naval gunnery; an improvement immediately adopted, and which proved of vast service to the British navy. On the 24th of November, 1781, he was appointed first captain to Sir George Rodney, then about to sail on his second expedition to the West Indies. Sir George, having hoisted his flag in the Formidable, Douglas assumed the command of that vessel, and they sailed on the 15th of January, 1782, from Torbay. On the 12th of April, took place the celebrated engagement with the French fleet, in which the British gained a most splendid victory, chiefly, it is supposed, in consequence of the Formidable having been directed across the enemy's line. In our memoir of Mr Clerk of Eldin, we have recorded part of the controversy which has been