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 At the age of 14 years, Mr. Thomas Stamp, junior, was bound apprentice to his father, in whose employ he continued, in the coal trade, for a period of three years, when he ran away in consequence of his having been refused the command of a vessel, to which he felt himself competent. He then entered on board a South Sea whaler, and in her made a voyage to the Pacific. On his return from thence, he again entered into his father’s service, it being agreed upon that he should very soon have the command of a large ship; but before this could be effected she was unfortunately wrecked at the upper part of the Swin, and there abandoned to the underwriters. This ship was afterwards raised out of the sand, into which she had sunk many feet, by a plan of his suggestion.

In Aug. 1790, Mr. Stamp joined the Egmont 74, commanded by the late Commissioner Charles Hope, to whom he was recommended by the Countess of Darlington, mother of the present peer. In the spring of 1791, we find him in the Otter sloop. Captain James Hardy, and from that period he appears to have been entrusted with the charge of a watch until he was made a lieutenant. In 1793, he removed to the Astrea 32, Captain Robert Moorsom, under whose successor. Lord Henry Paulet, he assisted at the capture of la Gloire French frigate, April 10, 1795.

Soon after this event, Mr. Stamp followed Lord Henry Paulet into the Thalia 36, which ship was attached to Lord Bridport’s fleet at the capture of three French two-deckers, near l’Orient, June 23, 1795. In Dec. 1796, he passed his examination, and, being strongly recommended by his captain, was immediately promoted.

On the 28th Dec. 1797, Lieutenant Stamp, then first of the Termagant sloop. Captain David Lloyd, assisted at the capture of la Victoire French schooner privateer, of 14 guns and 74 men, on the North Sea station. He subsequently served in the same vessel, under Captains R. Allen and William Skipsey, on the coast of North America.

