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Rh  Chapman’s models,) until June 22, 1810, when he was superseded on being appointed one of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, on which occasion he vacated his seat in Parliament, but was immediately re-elected. Some time previous to this, when his brother the Earl of Hardwicke obtained the Blue Ribband while Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Captain Yorke, as his proxy, received the honor of knighthood.

On the 31st July, 1810, Sir Joseph was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Blue; and in the month of Jan. following, he hoisted his flag on board the Vengeur of 74 guns, and assumed the command of a strong squadron, with which, and a large body of troops intended to reinforce Lord Wellington’s army in Portugal, he arrived in the Tagus March 4; in consequence of this reinforcement the French army, under Marshal Massena, broke up from Santarem, and began its retreat into Spain. We next find the Rear-Admiral cruizing off the Western Isles, with a squadron consisting of three sail of the line and two frigates, for the protection of the homeward bound East India fleet, the whole of which reached England in safety.

At the general election in Oct. 1812, Sir Joseph Yorke was chosen M.P. for Sandwich. And on the 4th June, 1814, obtained the rank of Vice-Admiral. He was nominated a K.C.B. Jan. 2, 1815; and in the course of the same year presented with the freedom of the borough of Plymouth.

